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      Man Utd legend, 61, set to take charge of National League side as he says ‘it wouldn’t be beneath me’

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      MARK HUGHES is preparing to take another step down to help Carlisle back up into the Football League.The Manchester United legend racked up 569 games as a Premier League boss after five years in charge of Wales.Mark Hughes was unable to steer Carlisle United away from relegation to the National LeagueHughes did everything he could to save the Cumbrians after being hired in FebruaryCredit: PANow he looks certain to remain in charge of the Cumbrians in next season’s National League after they were relegated with defeat at Cheltenham.Hughes, who also spent 20 months as Bradford City chief, sees no problem in finding himself in the fifth tier of English football, declaring: “I have no ego.“Just because I played for United and managed clubs like Manchester City, or led my country, doesn’t mean being in charge of a National League team would somehow be beneath me.“Maybe other people might feel that but not me, even if I recognise  it would be pretty unique for someone with some of the high spots I’ve had in my career.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS“I showed how much I still love being a manager by going to Bradford — when you’ve been a manager as long as I have you just miss that buzz of standing on the touchline at three o’clock on  a Saturday afternoon.”The 61-year-old — who won two Prem titles and enjoyed a clutch of cup  successes at Old Trafford — also bossed Blackburn Rovers, Stoke, Fulham, QPR and Southampton.After being sacked by the Saints in 2018, he spent more than three years out of the game before shocking the football world by turning up at the Bantams.Hughes then replaced Mike Williamson in February with Carlisle five points adrift at the bottom of League Two and had won five and drawn five of 16 games before the near–inevitable happened on Saturday.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordRelegation or not, the indications are that he will stay after signing a rolling contract three months ago.Hughes added: “The owners are good people and they still have some big plans.Danny Devito celebrates Wrexham’s last-gasp win over Barnsley as he watches from virtual stadium in LA“Discussions have taken place about me staying and plans for the future. This has been a tough challenge but one I’d still be up for, so we’ll see.“We have around 18 players under contract for next season. “The core of the side is already there and we’ve seen how well they’ve responded over the last couple of months against all the odds.”Americans Tom and Patty Piatak bought Carlisle 17 months ago, announcing ambitious plans to reach the Championship. Instead, the logistics millionaires from Florida have overseen successive relegations.And the owners said they were “deeply sorry for putting the fans through so much pain”.But there was also a huge hint that Hughes will be staying on, with their statement declaring: “Planning for next season is already in motion. “Discussions with Mark Hughes are ongoing and positive.“In recent weeks, Mark has helped rebuild the connection between the team and supporters.Read More on The Sun“It’s a small but important step.“It shows what this football club can still become — and underlines how far we still have to go.” More

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      EFL club once sponsored by Tyson Fury relegated to non-league after 18 years as Gary Neville’s Salford deal final blow

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      TYSON FURY’S beloved Morecambe have officially been relegated from League Two.The Shrimps lost 3-1 to Salford City at the Globe Arena to confirm their drop to non-league football after 18 years.Morecambe have officially been relegated from League TwoTyson Fury used to be a sponsor for his beloved MorecambeThat result basically brings an end to a sorry season for Derek Adams’ side, who struggled both on and off the pitch.Earlier in the campaign, the cash-strapped team’s board collided with the ownership group.This term was blighted by financial problems as Morecambe were placed under a transfer embargo due to the non-payment of a VAT bill – the matter was ultimately settled with HMRC.The cub has been up for sale since September 2022 and it was around that time when Fury, 36, got involved.Read More on FootballThe Gypsy King partnered up with the club after they struck a sponsorship deal three years ago.The heavyweight’s ‘Gypsy King’ brand was embroidered on Morecambe’s home and away shorts for the 2022-23 season.The former world champion even claimed that same year that he was considering buying the club.Fury told talkSPORT at the time: “I’m thinking about buying Morecambe Football Club, they’re in League One at the moment.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”So I was thinking I invest X amount of millions in them. Basically throw it at them and keep them going up.”I’ve been offered to buy Morecambe Football Club. I own all the training facilities anyway and the training gym. ‘Definitely making a comeback’ – Tyson Fury, 36, sends fans into frenzy with latest retirement U-turn hint”So who knows? You might be looking at a football club owner.”But it wasn’t meant to be as Morecambe – currently bottom of table in the fourth division – couldn’t avoid relegation.And it was Salford – co-owned by Fury’s fellow celebrities in Manchester United legends Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Phil Neville and Nick Butt – who landed the killer blow.The Ammies are currently ninth in League Two with only two points separating them from the play-off spots. More

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      EFL side forced into unusual kit change despite being at home as fans slam ‘nonsense’ decision

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      GILLINGHAM were forced into an unusual kit change after being banned from wearing their home shirt versus AFC Wimbledon.The League Two clubs met today and the Kent-based side ran out 1-0 winners.Gillingham’s home kit is this blue jersey with white sleevesCredit: GettyAFC Wimbledon’s three strips were deemed too close in likeness to the Gills’ home shirtBut despite the match being played at Gillingham’s Priestfield Stadium, they were not allowed to wear their home shirt.That was because of an “EFL recommendation” over a kit clash that saw all three of Wimbledon’s strips deemed too similar to the Gills’ home look.The club usually wear a blue shirt with white sleeves when playing in front of their own supporters.But they were made to pull on their green third strip today.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEFL chiefs said Wimbledon’s kits were not distinguishable enough as their home kit is blue and their away has black and lighter blue stripes.The Dons’ third strip is white and therefore also clashed with Gillingham’s as their home shirt has white sleeves.It forced the hosts into an unusual change and enraged fans, with one saying: “We have no backbone, we are at home, it’s the other teams fault. We are being a soft touch.”Another added: “The fault is with AFC Wimbledon for not having an away kit which doesn’t clash with any team that wears blue.”Most read in EFLGillingham were forced into wearing their away green kit for their home clash against AFC WimbledonCredit: RexBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSA third wrote: “That’s absolutely pathetic to choose to play in green because of their kit issues, make them wear bibs.”More commented: “The fact we’re having to wear green is nonsense.”Football icons’ strange hobbiesGillingham’s official X account tweeted “up the greens” before the game and after the win wrote “doesn’t matter what colour shirt we’re in.”The victory sees new boss Gareth Ainsworth continue his unbeaten run to seven matches since taking charge in March. More

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      First EFL relegation of 2024-25 CONFIRMED as former Man Utd Class of 92 star-turned-boss guides team to drop

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      SHREWSBURY TOWN have been relegated to League Two – without kicking a ball on Good Friday. The Shrews’ ten-year stay in League One ended after Burton Albion drew 0-0 with Exeter City. Michael Appleton’s Shrewsbury are headed to League TwoCredit: GettyThe former Manchester United midfielder only joined the club last monthCredit: RexShrewsbury have been rooted to the foot of the third tier for much of the season. Even if Burton had lost, they knew they would have to win all four of their remaining matches to have any chance of staying up.Current boss Michael Appleton only took charge last month after the sudden departure of Gareth Ainsworth.Ex-Wycombe boss Ainsworth had stepped into the hot seat in November after Paul Hurst left the club. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut he has since joined League Two Gillingham, leaving the door open for Appleton to relaunch his managerial career. Shrewsbury are currently up for sale with several potential investors interested.Appleton told BBC Radio Shropshire: “Talks have been really positive.”I’m enjoying my time here and I’m enjoying the interactions I’ve had with all the staff and the players. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”I’m hoping that an agreement will happen over time.”We seem to have a good response from the fans, which is probably the most important thing, and I’m very encouraged by the talks we’ve had.”Birmingham become first EFL club to win promotion as Tom Brady’s club bounce back to Championship at first attemptAppleton, 49, had been out of work since January 2024 after leaving Charlton Athletic. The former midfielder played for Manchester United, Preston and West Bromwich Albion before going into coaching in 2011.Over a 14-year career in management, he has also been in the dugout at Portsmouth, Blackpool, Blackburn Rovers, Leicester City, Lincoln and Oxford. More

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      Former Premier League star, 39, sent off after 55 seconds for headbutting rival’s BACK in EFL clash

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      FORMER Premier League striker Billy Sharp has seen red after landing a headbutt on an opponent’s BACK – less than a minute after coming on.The former Sheffield United and Leeds striker currently plays for League Two side Doncaster Rovers.Billy Sharp was sent off just seconds into his cameo against Wimbledon on SaturdayCredit: Sky SportsThe former Sheffield United striker had only just come off the benchCredit: Sky SportsHe was involved in a confrontation with Dons’ defender Joe LewisCredit: Sky SportsSharp appeared to headbutt Lewis in the backCredit: X formerly TwitterSharp, 39, came on as a second-half substitute on Saturday as Rovers took on fellow promotion chasers AFC Wimbledon. Doncaster were looking for an equaliser after an early strike from Dons star Alistair Smith.But Sharp provided the opposite impact to the one envisaged by boss Grant McCann.Just 55 seconds after coming on, the striker got involved in a confrontation with Dons defender Joe Lewis.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSharp was spotted slamming his head into Lewis’ back before giving him a shove.Referee Neil Hair wasted no time in sending the 39-year-old for an early bath.One fan gasped in response to the footage: “League 2 Zidane!”Another said: “He should know better absolutely idiotic behaviour from Billy.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKWhile a third added: “I suppose it’s a red going by the rules. It’s really stupid from Sharp as he’d literally just come on the pitch.”And a fourth joked: “Still be some idiots saying he didn’t do anything.”Championship club could be left without a stadium as EFL deadline loomsDoncaster’s draw saw them miss out on a huge opportunity to reel in Bradford, who were top before Saturday’s games. The Bantams somehow managed to lose a thriller 5-4 against Swindon, netting an own goal deep into stoppage time. Just five points separate the top four in League Two.Doncaster have a game in hand over Walsall, Bradford and leaders Port Vale.Three points in that game would see them jump into second place. Sharp is enjoying a second spell with the club after two prolific seasons between 2010 and 2012.He re-joined last summer and so far has netted eight goals in 41 games. More

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      ‘He’s been s***housed so so hard’ – Moment EFL stars celebrate in face of devastated ace who scored last-minute own-goal

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      THIS is the devastating moment Bradford star Jack Shepherd scored a 95th minute OWN GOAL winner for a 5-4 scoreline – prompting rival Swindon players to celebrate in his face.The stunning moment occurred at the end of a brutal League Two clash between the rival sides.Bradford star Jack Shepherd scored a 95th minute own-goal against SwindonCredit: EFLThe goal handed Swindon a stunning 5-4 winCredit: EFLSwindon’s players celebrated in Shepherd’s faceCredit: Rob NoyesBradford had already shipped a 90th minute goal, sending Swindon back on level terms at a mind-boggling 4-4.But there was more drama to come as the game entered its final stages.As a loose ball went in, Bradford defender Shepherd got a foot in.However, the ball took a crazy deflection and ended up sailing into his own net.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShepherd collapsed to the floor in agony as Swindon’s players began celebrating.But instead of partying amongst themselves, a number of them ran over to Shepherd before screaming in his face while jumping up and down in jubilation.This then prompted a scuffle between players before the referee blew the final whistle.The devastating goal saw Bradford fall three points off League Two leaders Port Vale.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd fans were quick to react on social media.One said: “He’s been s***housed so hard.”Embarrassed KSI scores horror own goal before getting brutally mocked by opponent in Match for HopeAnother declared: “What did bro do.”One noted: “Game’s never been more back.”Another added: “This is so peak.” More

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      Zlatan Ibrahimovic tipped for shock Wrexham move to link up with Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney

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      ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC has been tipped to join Wrexham.The striker retired in 2023, ending his career at AC Milan.Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been tipped for a shock move to WrexhamCredit: GettyOwner Ryan Reynolds has not been afraid to spend big since buying WrexhamCredit: RexIt came months after he underwent surgery for an anterior cruciate ligament injury that kept him out for nine months.Ibrahimovic completed his recovery from the injury and became the Serie A’s oldest goalscorer, and he has kept himself fit ever since.So former Premier League star Matt Jansen believes he could be an option for Wrexham, who could be playing in the Championship next season.Jansen told Fruity King: “It would probably suit Zlatan Ibrahimovic, although he retired.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”But money talks and they’ve certainly got it. It would be Hollywood and he’d enjoy it, wouldn’t he?”It would certainly be that type, or a big target man like Chris Wood maybe, although he’s not going to leave Nottingham Forest.”Anything’s possible with Wrexham and they’ve got the backing. With the media around them, they’ve got the idea of what they want to do.”Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have not been afraid to spend big to lure players to the Racecourse since taking over.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSTheir astute transfer business has helped manager Phil Parkinson achieve back-to-back promotions from the National League, and now another looks likely.They occupy the second automatic promotion spot in League One and are six points ahead of their closes rivals Wycombe in third, having played one match more.Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham mercilessly trolled by Peterborough stars after Cup heartache More

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      ‘Get them to the Premier League’ – Darts legend Phil Taylor reveals he’d consider buying EFL club with Robbie Williams

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      DARTS legend Phil Taylor has revealed he would consider buying League Two club Port Vale with pop icon Robbie Williams.Taylor, 64, is a lifelong fan of his local club Port Vale and good friends with fellow Valiants fan Williams.Phil Taylor has revealed he is open to buying Port Vale with popstar Robbie WilliamsCredit: GettyTaylor grew up in the local area and is a lifelong Port Vale fanCredit: GettyRobbie Williams is an avid Port Vale supporter tooCredit: GettyThere has been a boom in recent seasons of famous faces from across the globe splashing out to buy football clubs throughout English game.Most notably these include Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds’ purchase of Wrexham, and also the likes of Tom Brady’s investment in Birmingham City and Michael B Jordan’s involvement with Bournemouth.Now Taylor and Williams could join that list with 16-time world darts champion ‘The Power’ explaining that he’s open to the idea of getting involved with Port Vale and taking them to new heights.Speaking to OLBG, he said: “Well, I was asked that by talkSPORT because me and Robbie are good friends.READ MORE IN SPORT”And his dad is like my second dad, Peter is, and talkSPORT mentioned that Robbie was interested in investing into Port Vale and, if he does would you be interested?”I said well, yeah I think so, but we’d have to see what it is and how much they want and stuff like that.”Although Port Vale fans can’t get too excited just yet, as Taylor explained that, for now, it’s all hypothetical.”But I’ve heard nothing from Robbie. So, no, I think it’s just a rumour”, he added.Most read in FootballBut should that dream become a reality, Taylor has big ambitions for where he could take his boyhood club.He said: “Get them to the Premier League!Amazing moment Stephen Bunting and Adrian Lewis belt out Robbie Williams’ Angels at darts exhibition “I don’t know in all seriousness to be honest with you, I haven’t got a clue. I’d probably give Barry Hearn a ring and ask his advice. “You know, Barry was my ex manager and because he owned Leyton Orient, he knows a lot more about running a football club than I do, so I’d ask him for a bit of advice.”For now, Port Vale might not need Taylor and Williams’ help.The club are currently third in League Two, just two points off top spot under the management of former West Brom and Huddersfield boss Darren Moore.Robbie Williams is actually already involved in the club, being named as the Club President in February last year.While the ‘Rock DJ’ singer also has a bar named after him at Vale Park.Williams was named Club President at Port Vale last yearCredit: TwitterHe even helped design one of their kits More