League Two

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League chiefs tell cash-strapped lower league clubs ‘we’ll help you survive with or without EFL blessing’

      by

      PREMIER LEAGUE chiefs have told cash-strapped lower-league clubs: ‘We will help you survive – whether the EFL gives its blessing or not.’
      The top-flight insists the initial £50million bailout offer for League One and Two, which was rejected last month, remains on the table.

      Premier League chiefs have told lower league clubs they are ready to help with or without EFL supportCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Lower-tier clubs have been told they can come to the PL for survival cash, even if the EFL does not give its approval.
      One Premier League source explained: “We would prefer to do this with the EFL’s blessing.
      “But we have made it clear that any club in League One or Two can come to us and ask for funding, as long as they can show they need it because of Covid.”
      And  in a new letter to the EFL, the top flight  promised Championship clubs who face Covid- enforced oblivion they can come to them for  help.

      Premier League bosses confirmed their initial offer to the lower tiers remains in place despite its rejection.
      It added: “We will also support any Championship club suffering from  Covid-19 distress, on a case-by-case basis.”
      The letter comes ahead of the next  EFL board meeting on Thursday — in which chairman Rick Parry will urge his 72 teams to hold the line over the cash issue.
      Parry, who says the EFL needs £250m by the end of the season, last week warned Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden he would “never be forgiven” if clubs went under as a result of the failure of Government to offer cash while grounds are shut.

      Parry also appeared to be backing away from a  conflict with the Premier League but admitted at the weekend that  EFL sides would be “struggling” to pay wages “around Christmas”.
      One club chief said:  “We have made it clear that any team that needs help because of Covid only has to come to us.
      “That applies to the Championship as well.”

      Premier League WILL continue despite second lockdown but fans now unlikely to set foot in grounds until 2021 More

    • 213 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-Towie star Mark Wright trains with Crawley Town… but Michelle Keegan won’t be League Two’s newest Wag

      by

      MARK WRIGHT trained with League Two side Crawley Town this week – but insists he’s not about to sign for the club.
      Pictures from the Red Devils’ workout showed the former TOWIE star, 33, getting stuck in with his new team-mates.

      Mark Wright is training with Crawley Town in a bid to maintain his fitnessCredit: BackGrid

      The presenter has enjoyed getting stuck into the workouts under old boss John YemsCredit: BackGrid

      One snap showed Wright head over heels on the turf as he enjoyed a runout under former manager John Yems.
      Yems, 61, coached the reality TV star and presenter during a loan spell at Broadfield Stadium in 2006-07.
      And Wright has stated that the link-up is purely to help spruce up his fitness levels.

      He told the club’s YouTube channel: “I love playing football, it’s my number one passion.
      “Obviously my career went in a different direction. The speculation is that I’m joining the Reds – it’s a bit far-fetched.
      “I’ve just been training with the boys, I know the gaffer, played nine games under the gaffer.
      “I’m just doing it for fitness, I love being around it, the camaraderie, the banter around the dressing room.”

      Wright, whose brother Josh plays for Leyton Orient, played youth football for West Ham and Arsenal before signing for Southend.

      Wright is not expected to sign a playing deal with CrawleyCredit: BackGrid

      Fans hoping to see Michelle Keegan on the Broadfield Stadium touchline will be disappointedCredit: Getty Images
      A career in league football was beyond the defender, however, and he focused his efforts on TOWIE – as an original cast member in the 2010 first series.
      Nowadays, Wright limits himself to exhibition appearances and is a regular in Soccer Aid, meaning Michelle Keegan is not about to become a League Two Wag.
      Yems remarked earlier in the week: “He’s a good player, so never say never.

      “The lads have taken to him and he just wants to play football.
      “Mark has played for us, don’t forget that. I don’t know if he wants to play for us again, you’d have to ask him.
      “I want to be like him and go and live in LA but I don’t think that is going to happen either!”

      Michelle Keegan returns to Coronation Street after six years away as cast film Christmas episodes More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-Towie star Mark Wright trains with side Crawley Town… but Michelle Keegan won’t become League Two’s newest Wag

      by

      MARK WRIGHT trained with League Two side Crawley Town this week – but insists he is not about to sign for the club.
      Pictures from the Red Devils’ workout showed the former TOWIE star, 33, getting stuck in with his new team-mates.

      Mark Wright is training with Crawley Town in a bid to maintain his fitnessCredit: BackGrid

      The presenter has enjoyed getting stuck into the workouts under old boss John YemsCredit: BackGrid

      One snap showed Wright head over heels on the turf as he enjoyed a runout under former manager John Yems.
      Yems, 61, coached the reality TV star and presenter during a loan spell at Broadfield Stadium in 2006-07.
      And Wright has stated that the link-up is purely to help spruce up his fitness levels.

      He told the club’s YouTube channel: “I love playing football, it’s my number one passion.
      “Obviously my career went in a different direction. The speculation is that I’m joining the Reds – it’s a bit far-fetched.
      “I’ve just been training with the boys, I know the gaffer, played nine games under the gaffer.
      “I’m just doing it for fitness, I love being around it, the camaraderie, the banter around the dressing room.”

      Wright, whose brother Josh plays for Leyton Orient, played youth football for West Ham and Arsenal before signing for Southend.

      Wright is not expected to sign a playing deal with CrawleyCredit: BackGrid

      Fans hoping to see Michelle Keegan on the Broadfield Stadium touchline will be disappointedCredit: Getty Images
      A career in league football was beyond the defender, however, and he focused his efforts on TOWIE – as an original cast member in the 2010 first series.
      Nowadays, Wright limits himself to exhibition appearances and is a regular in Soccer Aid, meaning Michelle Keegan is not about to become a League Two Wag.
      Yems remarked earlier in the week: “He’s a good player, so never say never.

      “The lads have taken to him and he just wants to play football.
      “Mark has played for us, don’t forget that. I don’t know if he wants to play for us again, you’d have to ask him.
      “I want to be like him and go and live in LA but I don’t think that is going to happen either!”

      Michelle Keegan returns to Coronation Street after six years away as cast film Christmas episodes More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Scunthorpe forced to call off next THREE League Two matches after coronavirus outbreak with 18 in isolation

      by

      SCUNTHORPE have been forced to call off their next THREE League Two matches after a coronavirus outbreak has put 18 players in isolation.
      Eight of their players have tested positive for Covid-19 and another ten will have to self-isolate due to being in close contact with the others.

      Scunthorpe’s next THREE games have been called off due to coronavirus fearsCredit: Rex Features

      That is effectively their whole match day squad, with the remaining players not training for a week.
      The club released a statement on it’s website earlier today detailing the reasons why the games was being postponed.
      The statement reads: “Scunthorpe United can confirm our next three Sky Bet League Two games have been postponed due to the rising number of Covid-19 cases among the playing and coaching staff.
      “Due to these cases, the club has advised the EFL it is unable to safely fulfil the fixtures against Salford City (Tuesday, October 27), Colchester United (Friday, October 30) and Port Vale (Tuesday, November 3) at present.

      “Following testing on Monday, a total of eight players have now tested positive for Covid-19, with a further ten having to self-isolate due to coming into close contact with those particular players, leaving just ten players available. As a precaution, training for the unaffected players and staff will also cease for seven days.
      “The club is following all of Public Health England and the EFL’s Covid-19 protocols and will not name the players in question. We ask that their request for privacy and confidentiality are respected at this time.

      “We wish those affected a swift and safe recovery, and look forward to welcoming them back to the club soon.”
      The three games in question are against Salford on tonight, Colchester on Friday and Port Vale on November 3.

      The EFL has indicated an investigation will be opened into the circumstances of the postponements while new dates for the fixtures will be arranged.
      Scunthorpe’s would-be opponents tonight, Salford, were understanding of the issue and wished the club well on social media.
      On their Twitter they wrote: ‘Tonight’s game at Scunthorpe United has regrettably been postponed due to a number of Covid cases at Scunthorpe.
      “A new date and time will be announced in due course but in the meantime our best wishes for a speedy recovery to those affected at @SUFCOfficial.”
      This is not the first time a club in the lower leagues has had to postpone a fixture due to coronavirus.
      Earlier this month, Crewe’s tie against Oxford was cancelled twice due to Covid-19.

      Salford have wish Scunthorpe players a speedy recovery ahead of tonight’s postponed clashCredit: PA:Press Association
      The League One clash had originally been due to go ahead on October 3, only for Crewe player Omar Beckles to return a positive result for coronavirus on the morning of the game.
      This prompted them to postpone the match just 32 minutes before kick-off, causing outrage and sparking a police investigation.
      Crewe then postponed the match again after two more players tested positive for Covid-19, while a third was already in self-isolation.

      Roy Hodgson confirms that Crystal Palace keeper Jack Butland has tested positive for coronavirus More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd legend Roy Keane looks far from impressed as he watches Salford draw with Crawley amid boss job rumours

      by

      ROY KEANE wore a familiar stone-cold expression as he watched Salford side draw 1-1 with Crawley.
      The Manchester United legend was in attendance at Moor Lane for the second time this month alongside former team-mate and Salford part-owner Nicky Butt.

      Roy Keane, linked with taking over as Salford manager, was in the stands for the 1-1 draw with CrawleyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Butt is part of the Project 92 Limited group, alongside David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary and Phil Neville, that part-owns Salford City.
      The United legends axed boss Graham Alexander earlier this month after a disappointing start to the League Two campaign.
      Scholes was put in charge temporarily but Keane’s continued presence at games has led to speculation he could take the full-time job.
      And Salford’s uninspiring form continued on Saturday as Crawley’s George Francomb cancelled out former United striker James Wilson’s second-half opener.

      The result leaves Salford eighth after eight games, with three wins, four draws and just one defeat.
      A fortnight ago the Irishman, 49, was in the stands with Scholes and Gary Neville.
      They watched Salford go 2-0 up early on but conceded twice – in the 86th and 93rd minutes – to draw 2-2 against Tranmere.

      Paul Scholes oversaw his third game in temporary charge but is way down at 25-1 to land the job permanentlyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      They lost 1-0 to Port Vale last Saturday but recovered to stuff Southend 3-0 in midweek.

      Richie Wellens and Paul Cook are the current favourites for the permanent job.
      But former Sunderland and Ipswich boss Keane is high on the list at 6-1, while Scholes is back at 25-1.

      Roy Keane says Man Utd players will cost Solskjaer his job More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Forest Green Rovers set to spark fan anger and ignore stadium name poll… as people voted for it to be called Kevin

      by

      FOREST GREEN Rovers have angered fans after ignoring a competition to name the new stadium – because the people’s choice was KEVIN. 
      The controversial decision comes despite widespread outrage when officials disregarded a poll to name a research ship Boaty McBoatface. 

      2

      Innocent New Lawn is set to become the new name of Forest Green Rovers stadium

      Fans of the club, who play Colchester on Tuesday, are likely to be left fuming after Innocent Smoothies revealed they won’t name their stadium Kevin.
      This is despite 65 per cent of the firm’s Twitter poll voters choosing one of the nation’s most popular names as their frontrunner. 
      The fruit drinks makers decided to opt for the more conventional choice of Innocent New Lawn as the ground’s name instead. 

      And it was a choice that caused bemusement amongst some Rovers followers with one describing the decision as ‘disappointing’ and another calling it ‘awful’. 
      Chairman Dale Vince took to Twitter to placate angry fans.
      Vince, 59, tweeted: “Sorry if you hoped the stadium would be called Kevin. Perhaps Forest Green and innocent will do a ‘Kevin’s Go Free’ game when fans are allowed back in?”
      The club’s fan poll for renaming the stadium came about after Innocent Smoothies won a ground naming rights contract with the League Two side 

      As part of the deal the company insisted their famous moniker be used as part of all new name suggestions.

      2

      Jeff Stelling backed Rovers’ fans choice of Kevin as the new name of their stadiumCredit: Sky Sports
      However, supporters of the League Two side decided to throw a spanner in the works and push for Kevin.
      Sky Sports icon Jeff Stelling was among those to throw their weight behind the popular fan choice. 
      And the Gillette Soccer Saturday said: “If it is Kevin, it is guaranteed a mention every week.”
      The decision to name Rovers stadium Innocent New Lawn arose after options were shortlisted to four choices including Innocent Sustadium and Innocent Fruit Bowl. 
      Forest Green are renowned for being the world’s first vegan football club. 
      Last season they made history by hiring Hannah Dingley to become the first woman to take charge of a football league club academy.

      From vegan pies to bamboo kits, Forest Green Rovers are the greenest football club in the world More

    • 275 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Forest Green Rovers set to spark fan anger and ignore stadium naming poll… as people voted for it to be called Kevin

      by

      FOREST GREEN Rovers have angered fans after ignoring a competition to name the new stadium – because the people’s choice was KEVIN. 
      The controversial decision comes despite widespread outrage when officials disregarded a poll to name a research ship Boaty McBoatface. 

      2

      Innocent New Lawn is set to become the new name of Forest Green Rovers stadium

      Fans of the club, who play Colchester on Tuesday, are likely to be left fuming after Innocent Smoothies revealed they won’t name their stadium Kevin.
      This is despite 65 per cent of the firm’s Twitter poll voters choosing one of the nation’s most popular names as their frontrunner. 
      The fruit drinks makers decided to opt for the more conventional choice of Innocent New Lawn as the ground’s name instead. 

      And it was a choice that caused bemusement amongst some Rovers followers with one describing the decision as ‘disappointing’ and another calling it ‘awful’. 
      Chairman Dale Vince took to Twitter to placate angry fans.
      Vince, 59, tweeted: “Sorry if you hoped the stadium would be called Kevin. Perhaps Forest Green and innocent will do a ‘Kevin’s Go Free’ game when fans are allowed back in?”
      The club’s fan poll for renaming the stadium came about after Innocent Smoothies won a ground naming rights contract with the League Two side 

      As part of the deal the company insisted their famous moniker be used as part of all new name suggestions.

      2

      Jeff Stelling backed Rovers’ fans choice of Kevin as the new name of their stadiumCredit: Sky Sports
      However, supporters of the League Two side decided to throw a spanner in the works and push for Kevin.
      Sky Sports icon Jeff Stelling was among those to throw their weight behind the popular fan choice. 
      And the Gillette Soccer Saturday said: “If it is Kevin, it is guaranteed a mention every week.”
      The decision to name Rovers stadium Innocent New Lawn arose after options were shortlisted to four choices including Innocent Sustadium and Innocent Fruit Bowl. 
      Forest Green are renowned for being the world’s first vegan football club. 
      Last season they made history by hiring Hannah Dingley to become the first woman to take charge of a football league club academy.

      From vegan pies to bamboo kits, Forest Green Rovers are the greenest football club in the world More

    • 200 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      EFL clubs threaten to withhold taxes in desperate attempt to secure Government bailout after coronavirus hell

      by

      EFL clubs are threatening to refuse to pay their taxes this week — unless the Government bails them out.
      The revolutionary plan to get emergency financial aid was discussed at a meeting between hard-up teams.

      1

      EFL clubs are threatening to refuse to pay their taxes this week unless the Government bails them outCredit: PA:Press Association

      A monthly PAYE tax payment is due by each of the EFL’s 72 clubs to HMRC on Thursday but there is a plot for ALL owners to band together and refuse.
      It has been brewing for weeks and was on the table at a ring-round of executives and chairmen last week.
      A hardcore band of Championship chiefs are behind the idea, however many clubs in League One and League Two are happy to join in.
      It will need teams to stick together — but the mood within the ranks is that they are now simply desperate for cash.

      The ultimate punishment for clubs who do not pay tax is a winding-up order.
      One leading mover in the plot said: “It is the nuclear option but we are at this stage if there is no help from the Government or Premier League.
      “If we all do not pay, the Government can dish out winding-up orders on each of us — and shut the industry if they want.“But that would not be a good look.”
      The EFL is enduring the biggest crisis in its history, with supporters banned from grounds due to Covid-19. Yet players and staff have been back on full salaries and the tax is due.

      Many clubs were using the furlough scheme to help — however now the game is up and running that has gone.
      Many are struggling to pay HMRC anyway, but others think this is a chance to make a stand and bring the Government back to the table.
      The Premier League were told to help out, yet offers so far have fallen well below the request for £250million.
      There is anger among the clubs and that was shown when League One and League Two rejected an immediate grant worth around £400,000 each last week.
      The solidarity shown with that decision — due to Championship teams being offered nothing — is now set to carry on to the looming showdown with the tax man.

      Frank Lampard says he is frustrated in Chelsea vs Southampton post-match press conference More