More stories

  • in

    Tyson Fury’s beloved Morecambe slapped with points deduction just three games before end of League Two season

    MORECAMBE have been hit with a three-point deduction with just three games remaining of the season.The League Two club, loved by heavyweight boxing hero Tyson Fury, has been punished by the FA for “failing to adhere to the terms of an agreed decision”.Morecambe have been deducted three pointsCredit: GettyMorecambe had previously received a suspended three-point deduction last season following failure to pay its player wages in March 2023.And that suspended punishment has now been activated after the club failed to keep an account with 125 per cent of the forecast monthly wage bill for its players at a required pre-agreed level.The FA released a statement detailing the punishment which has also seen the club’s owner Jason Whittingham handed a £10,000 fine.The statement read: “An independent Disciplinary Commission (IDC) has determined that Morecambe Football Club are to be deducted three points from the 2023/24 League Two table for failing to adhere to the terms of an Agreed Decision.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The Club had previously received a three-point deduction, to be suspended until 30 June 2024, after admitting a breach of EFL Regulations for failing to pay its player wages on or around 28 March 2023. “The Club’s ultimate beneficial owner was also required to deposit an amount equal to 125% of the forecast monthly wage bill in a designated Club account.”Following the failure to keep the account at the required levels, the suspended three-point deduction has now been activated.”Owner Mr Jason Whittingham has also been fined £10,000, payable immediately, whilst a suspended fine of £20,000 has also been imposed, to be activated on 31 May 2024.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSClub owner Jason Whittingham (left) has been fined £10,000Credit: WORCESTER WARRIORS”Unless he complies in full with his obligation to replenish the Deposit Account under the terms of the Agreed Decision dated 17 August 2023.”Morecambe reiterated the disciplinary action on their own website and added a short one-line statement that read: “The Club’s Board express their significant disappointment at the outcome of the hearing.”Tyson Fury reveals TEN-FIGHT plan including Usyk and Joshua – but looks scared at thought of facing ‘British Mike Tyson’The Shrimps’ deduction sees them drop from 12th place on 60 points down to 14th on 57 points.It means they slip eight points away from the play-off places putting a late surge for an immediate return to League One virtually out of the question.However relegation isn’t a concern with Morecambe already mathematically safe from the drop.The financial mismanagement of the club may peak the interest of Tyson Fury, who has previously expressed an interest in buying the historic outfit.The Gypsy King, who lives by Morecambe Bay, is known to love the club and once revealed his desire to purchase The Shrimps when speaking to TalkSPORT.Back in 2023, before the club’s relegation to League Two, he said: “I’m thinking about buying Morecambe Football Club. “They’re in League One at the moment. So I was thinking I invest X amount of millions in them. Basically, throw it at them and keep them going up.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’ve been offered to buy Morecambe Football Club. I own all the training facilities anyway and the training gym. So, who knows? You might be looking at a football club owner.”For now Fury will have his attention locked on his undisputed heavyweight bout with Oleksandr Usyk next month.Tyson Fury has previously expressed interest in buying MorecambeCredit: GettyTYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE UNDISPUTED HEAVYWEIGHT BOUT More

  • in

    Man Utd star Harry Maguire snubs Arsenal and Man City’s epic Champions League clashes to go to League Two match

    HARRY MAGUIRE swerved a brilliant night of Champions League action last night to watch a game in League Two.The Manchester United star dropped into Hollywood-owned Wrexham to watch their clash against Crawley Town.Harry Maguire watched Crawley Town’s trip to Wrexham yesterdayCredit: RexThe defender posted that he was at the match on his InstagramCredit: Instagram / @harrymaguire93The defender was there to support his brother Laurence, 27, who plays for Crawley.Like Harry, Laurence is also a centre-back.Laurence moved to Crawley last summer on a six month loan and has proved to be a crucial player at the heart of their defence.His loan was extended until the summer in January and he has gone on to play 30 times for the Reds, scoring three times as a defender.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHis parent club is Chesterfield, where he is a product of the National League side’s academy.Unfortunately Laurence was unable to stop the Welsh side from taking a 4-1 win yesterday.A brace from talisman Paul Mullin and goals from Ryan Barnett and Andy Cannon helped the Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney owned side on their way to victory.Reynolds was able to watch his side’s victory on a giant screen from one of his Hollywood sets.Most read in FootballLaurence is a key part of the Crawley defenceCredit: RexRyan Reynolds watched the game from a Hollywood setCredit: Instagram / @sophiatravaglia via vancityreynoldsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe was pictured watching Mullin’s brace and declared it the “coolest way to watch football”.Maguire’s Crawley are currently seventh in League Two, two points off Barrow in a play-off place.Luke Littler takes on Harry Maguire in incredible darts challenge as fans say Man Utd star should ‘switch careers’United’s Harry will be hoping his side can build on their 2-2 draw with Liverpool last weekend when they face Bournemouth.Last month, SunSport exclusively revealed last month that Maguire could make a £15million move to West Ham this summer as he enters the last year of his United contract. More

  • in

    I was released by Ryan Reynolds and am fighting to stay in the EFL while my brother battles to win the Premier League

    LIVERPOOL goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher is playing an unexpectedly pivotal part in the Reds’ title charge this season.The keeper, 25, has been called upon to deputise for injured Liverpool No1 Alisson.Fiacre Kelleher spent one year at WrexhamCredit: RexFiacre is the older brother of Caoiminh KelleherCredit: ReutersThe Irishman has started Liverpool’s last 13 games with a return date not initially put on Alisson’s injury.Alisson is expected to return to first-team training next week but will be eased in cautiously.That will see the keeper play a vital role in The Reds’ run-in with just seven Premier League games remaining.But Caoimhin’s brother is involved in an altogether different challenge as the end of the season draws closer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFiacre Kelleher, 28, is a centre-back that currently plays for Colchester United.The Essex club are second bottom of League Two and struggling for survival.They are five points off 21st placed Grimsby Town – albeit with three games in hand.Fiacre came through the academy at Celtic before moving to Oxford United in 2017.Most read in FootballFiacre Kelleher was released by Wrexham’s owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenneyCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNotably, he joined Hollywood-owned Wrexham in 2020, making 42 appearances for the club.But Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney opted not to renew his one year contract at the end of their first season at the helm, leaving him to join Bradford as a free agent.Biggest football kit fails after controversy over new England shirtAn injury hit campaign has seen Fiacre make just 10 appearances this season, but he has recently returned from a torn thigh muscle.The defender has been slowly eased back into first-team football since the end of March.Fiacre Kelleher came through the academy at CelticCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow More

  • in

    EFL clash postponed AGAIN as Storm Kathleen batters Britain with strong winds and rain

    BARROW have announced their clash with Bradford has been called off AGAIN due to a waterlogged pitch.The League Two game was originally scheduled to take place on February 24 but was axed just one hour before kick-off due to the state of the pitch.Barrow have confirmed the fixture has been postponed for a second timeCredit: GettyStorm Kathleen has caused dangerously strong winds and flooding in BritainCredit: The SunIt was rescheduled for 7.45pm on Tuesday evening, but has succumbed to the weather again as Storm Kathleen wreaks havoc. The postponement was confirmed following an 11am pitch inspection.A statement from Barrow read: “Unfortunately following a pitch inspection at the SO Legal Stadium, tonight’s match against Bradford City has been called off due to a waterlogged pitch.”We will update fans as soon as possible about the rearrangement of this fixture.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBradford also revealed referee Ross Joyce had deemed the pitch “unplayable”.Reacting to the latest postponement, one social media user said: “If only the previous fixture hadn’t been abandoned unexpectedly and completely unnecessarily.”Still can’t believe that official is allowed a decision!”While another added: “If only it was played the first time when the pitch was playable…”Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBarrow, who sit fifth in League Two, are seven points adrift of third-place MK Dons but with two games in hand as they chase an automatic promotion place.Stockport sit top of the table, four points clear of Wrexham having played one game fewer.I’m a storms reporter for the BBC – fans are terrified for my life but there are secret rules that keep me safeMeanwhile, Bradford are languishing down in 14th and look set to finish mid-table. More

  • in

    Iconic former EFL club likely to go PART-TIME as they fight to avoid dropping into seventh tier after points deduction

    TORQUAY UNITED face the prospect of losing their status as a professional football club.The former EFL stalwarts are fighting to keep their spot in the National League South, England’s sixth tier of football.Torquay United could stop being a professional clubCredit: RexTorquay were in League Two as recently as 2014 before being relegated to the National League.Following Monday’s 3-3 draw with Weston-super-Mare, the club sit just five points above the NLS relegation zone.This happened after the Gulls were handed a ten-point deduction following owner Clarke Osborne’s admission that he could no longer fund the club.The deduction came after his intentions to appoint administrators.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThere are multiple parties keen on buying the club, from local businesses and supporters.However, prospective owner Michael Westcott has insisted that the club may have to take a step back before returning to the Football League.This could also include seeing the club stop having a “full-time professional squad”.He told BBC Radio Devon: “We have to get realistic.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”This is a club that is losing a lot of money and that’s why we’re on the brink of administration.”There isn’t this enormous gulf in class between part-time and full-time football at our level – we’ve sat here in horror all season and seen how we’ve been played off the park by well-organised, well-marshalled part-time teams.Dean Scoggins travels to FC Koln in Germany to find Europe’s best Away Day”Our long-term goal is to get us back into the Football League as a competitive, full-time professional outfit that potentially yo-yo’s between League One and League Two.”But we need to establish a firm and solid foundation from which we can build on a different model.”No options are off the table as far as we’re concerned and if part of that model dictates that in our first year under new fan ownership that we need to take a step back from being a full-time professional squad in total, then we need to consider that.”As we progress we can then move to a hybrid model then ultimately to a full-time professional model that we think is required to get back into the English Football League.”Last season the club reported losses of almost £100,000 as they were relegated from the National League.Former Soccer AM presenter Helen Chamberlain is Torquay’s most well-known supporter and she took every opportunity to mention her beloved team on the classic  Sky Sports show.She even has the club’s crest tattooed on her bum.Helen Chamberlain is a famous fan of the GullsCredit: PA:Press Association More

  • in

    EFL clash POSTPONED just 90 minutes before kick-off as fuming fans rage ‘surely this is an April Fool’s joke’

    MANSFIELD’S League Two clash with Accrington Stanley has been postponed.Fans were left furious when the match was called off just 90 minutes before it had been set to go ahead at 3pm.Mansfield’s pitch was deemed unplayableCredit: – pic by : Richard ParkesThe match was postponed 90 minutes before kick-offCredit: PARefs waited until afternoon to call the game offCredit: PAFans had already congregated at Field MillCredit: PATravelling Stanley supporters will have already been well on their way to the game when news filtered through at 1:30pm.Accrington to Mansfield takes a minimum two hours to drive.Confirming the decision, Mansfield wrote on social media: “Mansfield Town expresses its disappointment in announcing that today’s Sky Bet League Two encounter at home to Accrington Stanley has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.”The match referee deemed the pitch unplayable following a routine inspection of the playing surface.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccrington added in their own statement: “Having conducted a pitch inspection, the match referee has deemed that the One Call Stadium playing surface is unplayable.”One disbelieving Stanley fan wrote on social media: “Good one.. April Fools’ day ends at 12….”Although a second joked: “Oh well… at least we won’t get beaten today!”Other were furious, with a third commenting: “90 mins before kick off? Absolute joke.”Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnd a fourth reasonably suggested: “Could have said something this morning about possible pitch inspection and let people make a decision on whether to travel or not…”Another blasted: “Should be deducted points for that.”Mansfield went into the day second in the table, a point behind leaders Stockport.Stanley, meanwhile, are having a miserable campaign, sitting 18th in League Two.The postponement came hours before a non-league clash between Weymouth and Yeovil was abandoned because of a fan emergency in the crowd.An air ambulance landed on the pitch to assist the supporter. More

  • in

    Rivals fans offer EFL club ‘condolences’ after two horror blunders that made supporters ‘squirm’ lead to goals

    FANS have offered their “condolences” to Notts County after they made two embarrassing blunders leading to goals.It was not a Good Friday for the Magpies as they slipped to a 2-1 defeat against Swindon.A poor pass back from Scott Robinson hit his own post and set up Swindon for the openerKeeper Sam Slocombe made a horror error and gifted Swindon another goalPaul Glatzel chipped it into an empty net to make it 2-0Notts County gave their League Two rivals the opening goal via a shocking pass back.Scott Robertson tried to give it to No1 Sam Slocombe and his awful ball hit his own post.It rolled out to Aaron Drinan, who converted the easy chance.Trailing by a goal Notts County gave Swindon another Easter gift with Slocombe at fault this time.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs the goalkeeper tried to play out from the back, he dallied in possession on the edge of his box and was closed down by attackers.He ended up passing the ball straight to Swindon’s Paul Glatzel, who had the simple task of chipping the ball into an empty net.The horror gaffes left fans with their heads in their hands, one said: “If you don’t laugh you’ll cry.”Another added: “My condolences, that’s hard to watch.”Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA third commented: “Comical.”Slocombe made an infamous blunder in last season’s play-off final, conceding a penalty for a rash tackle on Andrew Dallas.Biggest football kit fails after controversy over new England shirtNotts County went on to win the game and secure promotion but fans were reminded of the error today.One supporter reacted: “It’s laughable for sure. Reoccurring mistakes. Almost makes me squirm as much as the Wembley final.”The loss to Swindon leaves Notts County 16th in the table amid pressure mounting on manager Stuart Maynard. More

  • in

    Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney owed huge sum by Wrexham as League Two high-flyers announce latest losses

    WREXHAM owe owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney a huge sum according to their latest financial statement.The League Two high-flyers announced losses of £5.113million for the year ending June 30 2023.Wrexham have announced losses of £5.113million for the previous financial yearCredit: GettyThose losses are an increase from £2.913million the previous year.Meanwhile, The R.R. McReynolds Company, LLC are now owed £8.977million.That figure has increased from £3.714million following promotion to the Football League during the 2022/23 season.Their National League triumph secured a return to League Two after 15 seasons in non-league.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe latest financial statement comes after executive director Humphrey Ker claimed in December that Reynolds and McElhenney were “losing a tonne of money”.The Hollywood actors had recently installed a new £250,000 temporary stand at the Racecourse Ground.Opened just before Christmas, the temporary stand holds 2,289 fans and was added to the Town End.As well as the losses, Wrexham have also announced an increased turnover to £10.478million from £5.972million in 2022.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThis comes after increases in retail, sponsorship and revenue from the club’s 2022/23 FA Cup run.Wrexham reached the fourth round of the competition for the first time since 2000, taking then Championship side Sheffield United to a replay.Prince William visits Wrexham’s The Turf pub made famous by Ryan Reynolds after Palace gives update on Kate’s recoveryThe financial statement also outlined an increase in payroll to just under £7million.A club statement explained: “The financial losses suffered by the Club since the takeover shouldn’t be repeated, with income generated by the Club now sufficient to meet the operational costs of the Club going forward.”Wrexham are currently on course for a second consecutive promotion this season.Phil Parkinson’s side sit third in League Two with seven matches remaining, three points ahead of fourth placed MK Dons.They could even move level on points with league leaders Mansfield when they meet at the Racecourse Ground on Friday.Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElnenney have owned the club since 2020Credit: Getty More