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      ‘This isn’t restarting is it…’ moan fans as EFL clash SUSPENDED for an hour as heavy fogs smothers pitch

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      DENSE fog has caused havoc during the EFL clash between Swindon Town and Crewe Alexandra. The League Two game was suspended after just four minutes due to poor visibility at the County Ground.Ian Holloway’s Swindon had to leave the field during Saturday’s clash with CreweCredit: RexDense mist accumulated at the County Ground, resulting in a lengthy stoppageCredit: RexPlay was halted for almost an hourCredit: RexPlayers from both sides were taken to the dressing rooms as thick fog rolled in.The game had initially been under threat of postponement after temperatures plunged to -8 degrees Celsius overnight. Despite several FA Cup and EFL games falling victim to the weather, referee Lee Swabey declared the pitch playable in a midday inspection.But just minutes into the contest, Swabey was forced to remove both teams as the fog worsened. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLOne fan gasped on X: “The fog is intense—safety comes first. Hopefully, conditions improve soon for a restart!”Another joked: “The best way to view Swindon Town v Crewe is through a blanket of thick fog. Why else would you bother?”While a third added: “Can someone playing in the Swindon v Crewe match tweet and let people know you’re still out there?”And a fourth predicted: “This isn’t restarting is it..”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe players remained in the dressing rooms for almost an hour, but conditions began to ease.Referee Swabey gave the green light to carry on following a 3.30pm inspection. Bizarre moment SEAGULL helps EFL club with ‘great flick on’ after being hit by ball in League Two clashPlay restarted at 4pm, with the scores level at 0-0. Holloway joined the Robins in October, his first managerial role in four years.The ex-Blackpool boss said: “I’m delighted to be back working in football after a period out of the game.”I wanted to get back into it if the right opportunity arose which, with this opportunity, I feel is the perfect fit for me.”Conversations happened very quickly and both sides were very keen to get the deal done and of course, I was delighted to engage with a club like Swindon Town.”They are a club of whom I know a lot about due to my location and knowledge of the local area.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSince taking over, Holloway has helped Swindon climb out of the League Two relegation zone. They currently sit 20th, five points clear of second-bottom Morecambe. More

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      Football postponed LIVE: Latest with many FA Cup third round ties under threat as multiple EFL clashes are called OFF

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      IT’S FA Cup weekend – but fixtures are under threat as the big freeze continues across the UK.Preston’s third round clash with Charlton has been postponed after the pitch was deemed unplayable.Multiple matches across the EFL and non-league have been called off because of frozen pitches all around the UK.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFind out about all of the latest postponements through our live blog below…More non-league OFFAn FA Vase game between Walsham Le Willows and Whitstable Town is the latest to be called off.Copy linkCopiedSnow watchHeavy snow in West Yorkshire has led to the cancellation of Frickley Athletic’s game against Bottesford Town.Copy linkCopiedScottish game offAnnan Athletic have confirmed their fixture with Inverness Caledonian Thistle has been postponed due to a frozen pitch.Copy linkCopiedDropping like fliesNon-league games in the north are also being heavily affected with several clubs announcing postponements.The following are now off:Darlington vs ChorleyHereford vs WarringtonCurzon Ashton vs Scarborough AthleticBury vs Isle of ManStockbridge Park Steels vs Grimsby BoroughCopy linkCopiedEFL’s bottom side forced to postponeCarlisle were set to host MK Dons tomorrow but a frozen pitch means the match has been called off.Copy linkCopiedNon-league mayhemFour National League fixtures have been called off early.Southend vs HalifaxBarnet vs HartlepoolSutton vs FyldeMaidenhead vs YorkCopy linkCopiedEFL clash offBarrow have confirmed their match against Port Vale has been postponed.A frozen pitch again the cause.Copy linkCopiedPreston vs Charlton offA pitch inspection at Deepdale has deemed the pitch unplayable.The tie has also been re-scheduled for Tuesday, kick-off time 7:45pm.Copy linkCopiedCup clash bites the dustMansfield have called off their third-round clash with Wigan due to a frozen pitch.The match has been re-scheduled for Tuesday, which means the Stags’ League One clash with Exeter has also been moved.Copy linkCopiedHello and welcomeWelcome to SunSport’s football weather tracker, keeping you up to date with all the fixture cancellations ahead of the FA Cup third round.Two EFL games have already been called off due to the frosty conditions, with many more under threat.Northampton vs Barnsley and Shrewsbury vs Huddersfield in League One have been postponed.Copy linkCopied More

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      Several EFL clashes CALLED OFF just hours before kick-offs as freezing weather wreaks havoc on English football

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      SEVERAL EFL clashes have been called off this Saturday with freezing conditions wreaking havoc upon English football.Earlier today, Shrewsbury Town’s League One clash against Huddersfield Town was postponed due to a frozen pitch.Shrewsbury’s clash against Huddersfield has been postponedVale Park is surrounded by snowCredit: GettyThe decision was made despite the game being scheduled for 3pm on Saturday.The pitch was judged to be “unplayable” due to the cold weather throughout the UK.A statement read: “Shrewsbury Town can confirm our League One clash against Huddersfield has been postponed due to a frozen pitch.”Scheduled to take place at the Croud Meadow tomorrow, the surface has been deemed unplayable due to the freezing temperatures across the country.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Our ground staff have been working throughout the week to try and get the game on, with covers placed over the pitch earlier in the week.”But following a pitch inspection this morning, the decision has been made with officials from the EFL to postpone the fixture.”Updates regarding a rescheduled date will be shared with supporters in due course.”All tickets for the postponed fixture will be valid for the re-arranged date.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPlenty of other games soon followed in being KO’d.Tonight’s Premier League 2 clash between Leeds and Manchester United has also been postponed.Watch bizarre moment non-league chairman KAYAKS on his club’s pitch as flooding wreaks havoc againWhile several postponements have struck the EFL.Saturday’s FA Cup clashes between Mansfield Town and Bolton has fallen foul of the freezing weather, as well as Preston vs Charlton.In League One, Northampton vs Barnsley has also been called off.The fourth tier has also been affected; with Carlisle vs MK Dons and Port Vale vs Barrow having been postponed.Meanwhile, three National League games have so far had to be called off.Saturday football postponementsFA CupMansfield P-P BoltonPreston P-P CharltonLeague OneShrewsbury P-P HuddersfieldNorthampton P-P BarnsleyLeague TwoCarlisle P-P MK DonsPort Vale P-P BarrowNational LeagueAltrincham P-P WealdstoneBarnet P-P HartlepoolAFC Fylde P-P SuttonGatehead P-P BraintreeMaidenhead P-P York CityOldham P-P Eastleigh More

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      FA Cup third round clashes postponed with two-time winners given new date for tie after freezing weather wreaks havoc

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      TWO FA Cup clashes have already been postponed due to freezing weather sweeping across the nation.Former two-time winners Preston were due to host Charlton at Deepdale but the game has been called off due to a frozen pitch.The Deepdale pitch was frozen on Friday afternoonCredit: Preston North End FCPreston’s FA Cup tie has been postponedCredit: Preston North End FCThe game will now be played on Tuesday night, kicking off at 7:45pm.A Preston statement read: “A pitch inspection took place at Deepdale on Friday by match referee Ruebyn Ricardo and the surface was deemed unplayable.”Despite the tireless work of the club’s grounds staff to prepare the pitch for this fixture, the sub-zero temperatures throughout the week and overnight on Thursday mean the surface remains frozen.”With similar conditions expected again on Friday evening into Saturday morning, a decision has been made early in consideration of travel plans for supporters, and the players and staff of Charlton Athletic.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPreston vs Charlton isn’t the only FA Cup game to have been affected.Mansfield’s all-League One tie with Wigan has also been called off.The clash will too take place on Tuesday, kicking off at 7:45pm.In addition to the FA Cup, EFL fixtures across Leagues 1 and 2 have also been called off.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSaturday football postponementsFA CupMansfield P-P WiganPreston P-P CharltonLeague OneShrewsbury P-P HuddersfieldNorthampton P-P BarnsleyLeague TwoCarlisle P-P MK DonsPort Vale P-P BarrowNational LeagueAltrincham P-P WealdstoneBarnet P-P HartlepoolAFC Fylde P-P SuttonGatehead P-P BraintreeMaidenhead P-P York CityOldham P-P EastleighIn the third tier, Northampton vs Barnsley and Shrewsbury vs Huddersfield have been called off.While League Two has also been affected; with Carlisle vs MK Dons and Port Vale vs Barrow having been postponed.Watch bizarre moment non-league chairman KAYAKS on his club’s pitch as flooding wreaks havoc againMeanwhile, six National League games have so far had to be called off.And tonight’s Premier League 2 clash between Leeds and Manchester United has also been postponed.Shrewsbury’s clash against Huddersfield has been postponedVale Park is surrounded by snowCredit: Getty More

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      Leeds back in Premier League and Wrexham promoted AGAIN? Full predictions for EFL ahead of business end of the season

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      WE are into the second half of the season and now have a good idea which teams look likely to stick with the pace.Here are my predictions on who will win promotion automatically and via the play-offs, as well as those who should be in the mix come the end of the season . . . Leeds look good for automatic promotion to the Premier LeagueCredit: RexCHAMPIONSHIPAUTOMATIC PROMOTIONLEEDSThe Elland Road club won’t fall apart again. Their 3-3 draw at Hull was a blow but Leeds are scoring for fun and I tend to think teams who score bag-loads get out of this division.Daniel Farke lost Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville, Georginio Rutter, Luis Sinisterra and Glen Kamara.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the likes of Brenden Aaronson, Joel Piroe and Dan James have stepped up to the plate.BURNLEYScott Parker is promotion king in the Championship and bids for three out of three at the Clarets after taking Fulham and Bournemouth up.They don’t let many goals in and Josh Brownhill is a big goal threat. Burnley should squeeze just enough results out to make the top two.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSPLAY-OFFSIt’s like pinning a tail on a donkey predicting play-offs but I have a sneaky feeling for SUNDERLAND.Football icons’ strange hobbiesRegis Le Bris has made the Stadium of Light a fortress and on-loan Wilson Isidor’s nine goals so far have been very handy.But keep an eye out for Danny Rohl’s SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY and you cannot rule out SHEFFIELD UNITED under Chris Wilder.MIDDLESBROUGH will be there and WEST BROM surely will have a puncher’s chance.Wrexham will be there or thereabouts in League OneCredit: PALEAGUE ONEAUTOMATIC PROMOTIONBIRMINGHAMIt’s a disgrace the Blues are even in the third tier after a relegation that should never have happened.But the American owners poured millions into the club in the summer in a bid to make it a one-season stay — and it will be.Jay Stansfield, a £15million buy from Fulham, has 12 league goals.But, getting striker Alfie May in from Cheltenham was the best bit of business. His ten league goals, including two in Saturday’s 3-0 win at Wigan, are a big reason why they are in the title race.WREXHAMPhil Parkinson had to do things a bit differently this season from the two previous campaigns in the National League and League Two.With Birmingham buying almost everyone that he wanted in the summer, he brought in potential.Keeper Arthur Okonkwo, 23, from Arsenal was great business, while striker Steven Fletcher is still doing it up top at the age of 37. I expect them to nab second.PLAY-OFFSHUDDERSFIELD are another club that should never have gone down last season. It was madness to get rid of Neil Warnock, who miraculously kept them up the campaign before.But Michael Duff has a great shot at going up in the play-offs.WYCOMBE are punching above their weight with Matt Bloomfield and will be in the promotion chat — along with BARNSLEY, READING and STOCKPORT.Walsall have shown their class this termCredit: AlamyLEAGUE TWOAUTOMATIC PROMOTIONWALSALLThe Saddlers are nailed on to go up under Mat Sadler. Nathan Lowe and Jamille Matt have netted 14 and seven goals respectively — and their defence is frighteningly stingy.AFC WIMBLEDONThe Dons have made steady progress under Johnnie Jackson and I reckon he has found the right formula to lead them up.Matty Stevens has been excellent up front with 12 goals — while defensively they are sound. I see them breaking into the top three.NOTTS COUNTYDavid McGoldrick is rolling back the years at the age of 37 with his beloved Magpies.The ex-Sheffield United, Ipswich and Southampton man is on a mission to shoot them into League One under Stuart Maynard. And his deadly double in the 2-0 victory against Swindon on Saturday meant he has netted ten this season in the league.PLAY-OFFSI like the look of CREWE. Lee Bell was so close to taking the club up last season before their painful loss to Crawley in the play-off final.They are hard to beat — only four losses so far. My only worry would be they don’t have an out-and-out goalscorer who can provide the firepower.But the experience of Mickey Demetriou, 34, fused with the  talent of 20-year-old Zac Williams and James Connolly, 23, have made for a great defensive base.I can see PORT VALE slipping out of the automatic spots under Darren Moore and Grant McCann should steer DONCASTER to make the top seven.If Paul Cook cannot get CHESTERFIELD into the play-offs it will be a massive failure for the Scouser who has a huge budget.READ MORE SUN STORIESSALFORD should also be in the argument but I fancy eighth-placed BRADFORD under Graham Alexander making a strong push.And I wouldn’t be surprised if Scott Lindsey can conjure another miracle — after taking Crawley up last season — to get MK DONS gatecrashing the play-off spots. More

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      Three games OFF as heavy snow hits football fixtures but Liverpool v Man Utd clear to go ahead after safety inspection

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      THREE of this afternoon’s EFL matches have been postponed as the freezing weather causes havoc.But Liverpool’s home clash with Manchester United WILL go ahead as planned.Three EFL matches were called off due to heavy snow and the risk of freezing rainCredit: X @ftfcFleetwood’s Highbury Stadium was covered after the snow stormCredit: X @AFCWimbledonLiverpool vs Manchester United will be played as plannedCredit: ReutersChesterfield were due to host Gillingham in League Two at 3pm.And in the same division, Fleetwood planned to take on promotion-chasing AFC Wimbledon.However, the heavy snow storms and adverse weather meant both games had to be called off this morning before a late call was also made to cancel Newport vs Morecambe. Fleetwood, in the North West, is under a yellow weather warning from the Met Office for snow and ice. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut it was even more severe in Chesterfield with the same warning – plus an additional amber warning for snow.Freezing rain is also expected during the sub-zero temperatures, sparking further headaches for the authorities. And therefore the decisions were made early on Sunday morning to cancel the two games. Fleetwood put out a statement to confirm the postponement – along with pictures of the Highbury pitch covered in snow.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Cod Army wrote: “Due to the fitness of the pitch and surrounding area due to heavy snowfall on the Fylde Coast during Saturday night into Sunday morning a call was made in consultation with the EFL and PGMOL.”A new date will be communicated with supporters as soon as practicable and tickets for the fixture will remain valid for the rearranged game.”‘Spending my night watching fog on Prime Video’ – Fans slam ‘unwatchable’ Liverpool vs Leicester matchChesterfield also had to tell fans their game was off following a 7.45am pitch inspection amid the heavy snowfall and safety concerns for fans travelling to the stadium.Newport took until 12.25pm to make the announcement on the relegation six-pointer following a 12pm pitch inspection.The referee deemed “small areas of the pitch unplayable despite the best efforts of the ground staff to get the game on”. As things stand, the other two EFL matches today – Crewe vs Bromley in League Two plus Sunderland vs Portsmouth in the Championship – are still on.And the eagerly-anticipated Premier League blockbuster fixture between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield got the green light.Liverpool City Council’s Ground Safety Advisory Group met at 9am and then again at 11.45am to discuss whether the match could go ahead.At the latter meeting, it was decided the game could still go ahead as scheduled.REDS’ RELIEFLiverpool tweeted at 11.56am: “Today’s fixture against Manchester United will go ahead as planned. “Two safety meetings were held earlier to assess the weather and travel conditions. “We thank everyone involved in helping us to get this game on today. “If you’re travelling to Anfield then please take extra care. “We look forward to seeing you there.”Had this afternoon’s clash been cancelled, it would have become the second Liverpool match of the season to fall victim to the weather.Their Merseyside derby with Everton at Goodison Park was called off in December due to Storm Darragh and is yet to be rearranged.READ MORE SUN STORIESThen there were fears that the Boxing Day clash with Leicester may have to be cancelled as heavy fog hit the North West. However, that game got the green light – although the conditions made it difficult viewing for fans watching on TV.Parts of the Anfield pitch were covered in snow on Sunday morningCredit: Sky Sports NewsThe biggest concern was the safety of fans travelling to and from the gameCredit: AFPAn initial safety meeting took place at 9am before a second at 11.45amCredit: AFPNewport’s game was cancelled by the referee after a failed pitch inspectionCredit: X @NewportCountyWeather chaos hit large parts of the North West including LiverpoolCredit: PAYorkshire’s major roads needed clearing by snow ploughsCredit: Alamy More

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      Man City planning transfer raid for England U20 wonderkid after string of impressive clean-sheets

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      MANCHESTER CITY are interested in Sunderland goalkeeper Matty Young.City were keen on the 18-year-old stopper before he made his first-team breakthrough on loan at Salford.Man City are tracking goalkeeper Matty YoungCredit: GettyYoung had to wait for a regular start in League Two before finally making the No1 shirt his after 18 games.Since coming into the side, he has conceded just one goal in eight matches.And he is in the midst of reeling off a stunning run of six clean sheets in a row.Salford now have the joint-best defence in the league with AFC Wimbledon and are second in the table.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYoung incredibly now has the chance to audition in front of Pep Guardiola on Saturday night as Salford face City in the third round of the FA Cup.The wonderkid joined Sunderland at the age of seven and has risen through the youth ranks, winning their Young Player of the Year award.He spent last season on loan at non-league club Darlington.Young has been capped by England at Under-18, 19 and 20 levels.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe teenager’s Under-20 debut came in a 1-1 draw against Poland in November.January could be busy for City as the champions are reportedly eyeing a double raid for Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush and Atalanta midfielder Ederson to reignite their season.Beleaguered Man City boss Pep Guardiola involved in bizarre interview when discussing Rico Lewis red card More

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      I achieved England glory with Gomez & Solanke… but here’s the harsh reality of what the transfer window is really like

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      THE WINDOW is officially open with the top clubs ready to splash the cash – but it is a much “harsher reality” for many unemployed lower league footballers.And for an England European Championship winner it could lead to a potentially huge life-changing career.Callum Cooke has nearly 200 EFL appearances to his name but is currently unemployedCredit: RexCallum Cooke, 27, was part of an Under-17 squad that included future senior internationals Joe Gomez, Dominic Solanke and Lewis Cook when they lifted the trophy back in 2014.But while they and the likes of Adam Armstrong are still in the Premier League bubble, Cooke is now one of the hundreds of players that find themselves out of work.For two straight seasons he produced some of the top goal involvement numbers in the fourth tier playing for Bradford.But a move back to his native North East with Pools ended up with them suffering relegation into the National League, and despite 35 appearances last term, he departed in June.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAfter a host of false promises led to him being unable to secure a club in August, the Middlesbrough academy graduate is now fighting to continue doing his dream job.Cooke, who is just four games shy of reaching 200 in the EFL having also played for Crewe, Blackpool and Peterborough United previously, said: “It’s been tough mentally.“I’ve had training opportunities with several clubs, one where I trained for five days and played in a game for them to prove my fitness, but the problem I’ve had is that once the August window shut, most clubs had their squads full and no budget until January.“I knew then I was going to be in this difficult situation and I’ve had to make big changes in my life financially and to make sure I stay fit, getting myself a watt bike and treadmill which I use each day.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“It has been a massive life experience because I’ve never dealt with this type of thing before. “I’m just hopeful that I can find something in January. It was my dream job growing up and to potentially have that taken away from me is very difficult, but you’ve got to remain positive.I’m unemployed ex-Arsenal star training with little-known squad to find new club “Also, being in the job, you’ve got to have thick skin. You have a lot of setbacks with injuries and other things and hoping this is just one of them setbacks but hopefully that’ll change.”Cooke is keen to stress that this is no sob story and has a career he can look back on with pride, especially his days as an England youth international alongside some now household names.He recalled: “I knew a lot of them really well, and you’ve also got Patrick Roberts at Sunderland who I was close with.These lads obviously got their chance at the top and took it. For whatever reason, I never got mine.Callum Cooke“It was a brilliant time playing with England and these lads and it’s great to see so many push on.“These lads obviously got their chance at the top and took it. For whatever reason, I never got mine at Middlesbrough and that’s why I took the jump to leave.“But I’ll always remember the sliding doors conversation at Boro for the rest of my life because I think about it daily and how life could have been different.”After impressing on loan at Crewe and with Boro just suffering relegation from the Premier League, Cooke was told by Steve Agnew that he would get his chance the following pre-season.The midfielder, pictured No.16 top right, helped England win the U17s EurosCredit: Bongarts – GettyCooke was one of the top dogs when it came to attacking stats while at BradfordCredit: PABut Garry Monk ended up taking charge and, without having a serious look at him, told the ace to get back out on loan and it was the same 12 months later under Tony Pulis even though he had impressed at Blackpool on loan.That led to him taking the plunge and leaving the Riverside now he is fit, raring to go and willing to take another big one in order to kickstart his career.He said: “I don’t have any children yet and I’m really starting to think about moving abroad to try and experience that.Being in the job, you’ve got to have thick skin. Callum Cooke“It could be a good time to do that but it’s another big decision that I’ve got to weigh up as some of the money and contracts being mentioned are just not worth it. I still know my worth.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Everybody always thinks that it’s all rosy being a professional footballer and when you’re a kid, you never see this side or even think it exists. However, the situation I’m in is becoming the harsh reality for a lot of other players.“You are relying on the opinions of other people so much at the end of the day, such as managers and club recruiters. It just takes one person to watch you and take that chance and show confidence in you for things to change.”Who are these famous footballers? More