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      Former Tinder chief and host of MAFS and Celebs Go Dating takes over football club after picking out of a bowl

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      DATING expert Paul Carrick Brunson has swapped matchmaking for the terraces after taking over a football club.The former Tinder chief has announced he is a co-owner of Sutton United ahead of the new season.I’m proud to announce my new role as co-owner of Sutton United F.C. ⚽️As a passionate fan of this club, I have experienced firsthand the unity and sense of community this sport can bring. As one of only three Black co-owners of a professional English football team, I am… pic.twitter.com/P7EkuvSmRR— Paul Carrick Brunson (@PaulCBrunson) August 8, 2024

      Celebs Go Dating host Paul Carrick Brunson is the new co-owner of Sutton UnitedCredit: Celebs Go DatingThe dating expert became a fan after drawing Sutton’s name out of a bowlCredit: RexBrunson is best known for hosting Married at First Sight and Celebs Go Dating.However, the U’s are his new love after he picked their name out of a bowl.During an appearance on Sunday Brunch, Brunson chose a team to support having not had one five years after moving to England.He is now more than just a fan, though, after announcing his investment on social media.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn a video posted to X, Brunson explained: “This is how I became an owner of a football club.”I knew nothing about what I call ‘English football’ because I played American football. It wasn’t until I got to the UK that I realised this is real football.”We’re watching the second match. I was sitting next to a gentleman who was older than me. Different nationality, different ethnicity. But every time Sutton scored, we stood up and we hugged each other.”I was able to connect with someone who was entirely different from me, and it was football that provided that connection. And I fell in love with football in that moment.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe is now one of four shareholders in the South London club, who celebrated their 125th anniversary in 2023.Sutton are currently preparing for a return to non-league football following relegation from League Two last season.SunSport’s Latest Transfer HeadlinesIt ended a three-year stay in the Football League after promotion to the EFL for the first time in 2021.Managed by former Wales striker Steve Morison, Sutton begin their National League campaign away to Tamworth on Saturday.Sutton were relegated from League Two last season after a three-year stayCredit: Getty More

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      Footballer Alex Fletcher, 25, retires after terrifying collision with advertising hoarding left him in a coma

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      ALEX FLETCHER has retired from football at the age of 25.The footballer overcame being in a coma and a fractured skull after he crashed into an advertising hoarding in 2022.Alex Fletcher has retired from footballCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskHis last club was Batch CityCredit: Bath City FCThe forward suffered the horrific incident while playing for Bath City in a National League South clash against Dulwich Hamlet.Fletcher had to undergo emergency surgery before having to relearn to walk.After nine months, he returned to the pitch for the first time since the incident and joined Weston-super-Mare last October.However, he has now confirmed that he has called time on his career on social media.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe wrote: “For me, carrying on playing football would be one step too far, and I’m really gutted about it.”I think I owed it to myself to get back on the pitch, that really did drive my recovery.”I felt like if I had that opportunity to return to the pitch stripped away from me, I wouldn’t have been able to deal with that emotionally.”Since I’ve made my recovery back on the pitch there was something about my game that was missing.Most read in Football”All three of those components for football are the biggest part of what made me a good player.”Fletcher insisted that he has not “felt the same” as the collision left him with issues with his balance, timing and coordination.Premier League Fixtures released for 2024/25 seasonHe has also been having to deal with being permanently deaf in his left ear.Fletcher started his career at Plymouth Argyle and made 24 appearances for the club.He had two loan spells away from the Pilgrims at Torquay United and Aldershot Town.He then moved to Tiverton Town before signing for Bath in 2021.Weston-super-Mare manager Scott Bartlett hailed Fletcher after he announced his retirement.He added: “He is an intelligent person with a great family, who recently had a very important new addition.READ MORE SUN STORIES”That is obviously the most important thing.”I have not known Alex for long in the grand scheme of things but he had made an impression on me and the rest of our club.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Premier League clubs sniffing around 15-year-old EFL wonderkid who’s set to bag first-team role this season

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      STEVENAGE are fighting off Premier League interest in rising star Ryan Doherty — who is in their first team at just 15.The League One outfit gave the midfielder 45 minutes against Luton in a behind-closed-doors game last week.Ryan Doherty has drawn interest from a host of Premier League academiesCredit: Stevenage FCBoro do not want to lose the smooth-passing talent but may have to if a major offer comes in.Doherty, who plays primarily as a midfielder has progressed quickly and his development has alerted Premier League sides to his ability.The Prem clubs interested remain unnamed, but it is thought that a host of top flight outfits are keen to acquire his services for their academies.Doherty is set to feature regularly in the first team squad next season under new boss Alex Revell.read more football newsThe schoolboy also impressed in his 30 minutes against Watford on Saturday.Stevenage held Championship side Watford to a 2-2 draw at the Lamex Stadium.Stevenage often give opportunities to youngsters after playing 15-year-old goalkeeper Max Woodford against Crystal Palace U21s in the EFL trophy last season. And fans took to social media to praise the talented teenager.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne wrote: “Doherty is incredibly impressive. Hope he gets a chance to play in League One before the elites swoop in.”Another said: “Cracking little player – won’t be around for much longer, I wouldn’t have thought.”England’s Billion Pound Players: The Clash with SpainA third declared: “Great stuff, always fresh to see a young prodigy break through.”While another added: “Someone born in 2009 now playing for the Boro, seems like it was only yesterday!”Inside humble Ollie Watkins’ remarkable rise from non-league to England’s Euro 2024 heroNINE summers ago Ollie Watkins went on a lads’ holiday after helping to save Conference South side Weston-Super-Mare from relegation, writes Dan King.Now he’s just fired England into the Euro 2024 final with a sensational 90th-minute winner.And even helped Aston Villa qualify for the Champions League last season.Watkins arrived on the Somerset coast as a teenaged striker on loan from League Two Exeter in December 2014.His 10 goals in 24 league games were a big factor in stopping Weston from slipping into the sixth tier for the first time in their history – and in giving them something to celebrate on a post-season trip to Spain.But it was also his workrate and attitude that earned him the respect of the dressing room, and helped him take the first significant steps on the road to stardom.Ryan Northmore, boss of Weston at the time, said: “His goals saved the club from relegation. But he contributed much more than his goals, which is really important when you’re scrapping away for your lives.“He wasn’t just sat at the top of the pitch waiting for the ball to come. He would roll his sleeves up and get involved in all aspects of the game.”Days after joining, Watkins made an instant impact with an equaliser against Farnborough.Team-mate Tom Jordan said: “He always struck me as the kind of lad who had his eyes wide open to different aspects of the game.“Sometimes you would have loan lads come in from a League club to non-League and they would be looking at you like they were doing you a favour.“His attitude was very different. He was coming in thinking, ‘I’m going to learn from this experience’.”It was during Watkins’ spell at Weston that the then Walsall boss Dean Smith spotted him.Smith would later take the striker to Brentford and bring him to Villa, where he has reached new levels under current boss Unai Emery.But Watkins has never forgotten the part that Weston played in his rise to the top.One of his Villa shirts is on display there, he has spoken to young players coming through and happily tells the local press how important and enjoyable his time at the club was.And he even helped fund an end-of-season boys’ trip to Spain due to his fines for being late – although he was allowed to join the rest of the squad.Read all about Ollie Watkins’ incredible rise in full… More

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      League One announce never-before-seen opening day fixtures but supporters say ‘already not a fan of this’

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      THE EFL have announced that League One games will start at 5:30pm on the opening weekend in a broadcasting first – and fans are not happy.All EFL fixtures are set for live broadcast on Sky Sports during the first weekend – including matches scheduled for 3pm on Saturday.The Sky fixtures for the Championship, League One and League Two were all announced on WednesdayCredit: GettyBut League One fans have been left reeling with the late kick-offs on the opening weekendCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe 2024/2025 season will see the launch of a brand new five-year broadcast deal between the EFL and Sky Sports – with talkSPORT holding national radio rights for the next four years.This will replace the current iFollow service for UK based supporters.The new deal will allow League One fans to watch their teams on the telly over 20 times a season for the first time.In most cases, 3pm kick-offs on Saturday are not allowed to be shown by domestic broadcasters under Article 48 of Uefa’s statutes.read more football newsBut the new-look opening weekend will NOT be subjected to the 3pm blackout for the first time ever.Yet all League One first day fixtures will start at 5:30pm on August 10, with League Two being offered all 3pm slots.However blackout restrictions will remain in place for the rest of the season, meaning more games will be played outside the traditional time slot.Footie fans have a deep love for Saturday 3pm kick offs – there is a notion that something about football is lost if a game doesn’t kick off at that time.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe blackout idea came about to ensure football matches still attract large attendances despite some games beginning to be televised.And League One fans – particularly those with long away trips – are not impressed with the change to more evening kick-offs.Fans ask ‘did the Year 8s have the gym booked out’ as EFL star forced to do fitness induction in CANTEENOne fuming Leyton Orient fan wrote: “5:30 kick off on the first day? already not a massive fan of this new broadcast deal.”Another wrote: “Opening day kicks off at 5:30pm. Which is annoying!”A third commented: “Pardon? Oh no I don’t like this.”While another said: “Wow only League 2 have been given Saturday 3pm games – Sky Sports are well and truly ruining football!”A fourth chimed in: “Those EFL kick-off times across on the opening day are hideous, 11 games kicking off at 5.30 in the third division.”Another user wrote: “RIP traditional 3pm kick-offs on a Saturday.”The regular EFL season will begin on the weekend of 10-11 August and run until 3 May 2025.Who are these famous footballers?BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS More

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      Bizarre EFL Trophy draw sees two clubs from same city separated into Northern and Southern regions

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      THE EFL Trophy draw bizarrely saw two clubs from same city separated into Northern and Southern regions. Clubs from League One and League Two and some Under-21 sides from the Premier League join the 64-team tournament.EFL Trophy was won by Peterborough last yearCredit: GettyAll enter from round one and are split into 16 regional groups of four teams, half in the Northern and the remaining in the Southern. The 16 invited U21 teams are placed into their respective Northern and Southern regional groups. And the 48 EFL Clubs are also placed into pre-determined groups.But eyebrows were raised when Nottingham Forest’s U21s were put in the Northern group. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat is because Notts County were sectioned in the Southern side – despite the teams being just half a mile away from each other. One fan said: “EFL Trophy Group stage draw has #Notts County in the Southern draw It has Forest in the Northern draw. “The stadiums are 300 yards apart.”Another added: “And Notts are the more northernly club.” Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOne agreed: “And Notts County is the Northern of the two.”Another joked: “Just to make it even more ridiculous, Notts County are further north.” The EFL Trophy was won by Peterborough United, who beat Wycombe Wanderers 2-1 to scoop the £100,000 prize. Tartan Army begins mass exodus from Germany as thousands of Scotland fans head home after Euro 2024 heartbreak More

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      Major change to be introduced to EFL from next season… and fans will not be pleased with it

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      FANS of lower-division clubs can stand by for Thursday night football next term.Sky Sports’ new £895million EFL contract includes 248 matches from Leagues One and Two.EFL fixture broadcasting is set to undergo a major changeCredit: REXSome League One and League Two matches will be broadcast on a Thusday nightCredit: REXAnd the broadcasters agreed on a stand-alone Thursday night slot, bringing weekend games forward when no midweek action is scheduled.Championship matches will be mainly screened on Friday evenings and Saturday lunchtimes.The proposed Thursday night fixtures won’t be received well by some fans.Fans wanting to see their team in action on the road now face daunting and late midweek trips.READ MORE EFL NEWSSome may even be forced to take time off work in order to attend the matches.Those who do travel to the evening fixtures may likely also be forced to get hotels for the night due to train schedules.It’s unclear when EFL chiefs will officially announce the implementation of Thursday night fixtures.They have, however, already announced that all three leagues will kick-off over the same weekend.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEFL clubs will learn their fixtures for the 2024/25 season on June 26Credit: RexThe weekend of August 10/11 will play host to the return of the Championship, League One and League Two.The season will end on May 5, 2025, for teams not involved in the play-offs.EFL club supported by sporting legend set to be saved by mystery US group as buyers scramble to reach agreement in timeThe 46 Championship matches are currently slated to take place over 33 weekends, nine midweeks and four Bank Holidays.Leagues One and Two, meanwhile, will be played over 36 weekends, six midweeks and four Bank Holidays.The play-offs are tentatively slated to take place over the 2025 May Bank Holiday, which will fall on May 24-26.Fans of EFL clubs are patiently awaiting the release of their fixtures for the 2024/25 season.They’ll learn how their seasons will pan out at 9 am on June 26. More

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      Man Utd legend begs for help as EFL club left with no manager, only five players and facing expulsion from League Two

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Sammy McIlroy has insisted it would break his heart if troubled League Two club Morecambe went out of business.The fourth-tier side finished 15th this season but were deducted three points back in August for failing to pay their players on time.Morecambe were deducted points for failing to pay their players on time in AugustCredit: GettyManchester United legend Sammy McIlroy has called for someone to help MorecambeCredit: GettyFollowing the conclusion of the campaign, manager Ged Brannan, chief executive Ben Sadler, and 16 players left the Mazuma Stadium.It means Morecambe are without a head coach, chief exec. and have just FIVE players on their books.Directors on the board fear for the club’s future if owner Jason Whittingham does not sell to an interested US-based buyer.That is despite sponsorship from Morecambe resident Tyson Fury – who has chipped in to try and save the club.READ MORE IN SPORTAnd McIlroy, 69, is the latest to call for change at the Lancashire-based side.The ex-Man Utd midfielder was the last of Sir Matt Busby’s signings at Old Trafford.He went on to win the Second Division in 1975 and FA Cup in 1977, while he also scored in a 3-2 defeat to Arsenal in the 1979 FA Cup final.McIlroy, who played more than 400 times for Man Utd, retired in 1990 and became head coach of Morecambe for six years between 2005 and 2011 – his last managerial role.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHis stint in charge included helping them gain promotion to the Football League through the League Two play-offs in 2007.But their financial turmoil is now worrying McIlroy.Tyson Fury spotted filming series 2 of At Home With The Furys in Morecambe as Gypsy King takes break from Usyk training Speaking to The Mirror, he said: “It would break my heart to see Morecambe being chucked out of the League, having points deducted or, worst of all, going to the wall because it’s such a long way back.“It would be a terrible shame if nobody comes to the rescue.”I hope they are not just waiting for Tyson Fury to bail them out because he’s got other things on his mind at the minute, like trying to win his world title back.”Hopefully someone from the business community will step in and see the potential.”It’s a smashing little club and they may not have a big-city following in numbers, but the supporters are loyal and passionate about their club.”The board of directors penned an open letter to Whittingham advising him to do business with the “US-based potential buyer” to save the club from potential extinction.It read: “We are writing this open letter to reiterate what was said to you during the meeting we held with you today, during which you updated us on the critical matters of funding and the sale of the Football Club.”Sadly, your future funding assurances have now failed to come to fruition so often that, in the absence of substantial funds from Bond Group landing in the Morecambe Football Club account, they come across as meaningless, and we must take them as such in order to be responsible.”As for the Middle East-based potential buyer you first told us was interested in buying the Club approximately a year ago, you have provided no tangible evidence or introduction during this time to enable us to consider them serious or credible.READ MORE SUN STORIES”You have one apparently serious offer on the table from a US-based potential buyer which, based on what we know, is the most credible which has been made since you placed the Club up for sale over 20 months ago.”Please accept this second offer now, so that there is a chance that a sale might be completed, and a catastrophic outcome be avoided.”McIlroy played more than 400 games for Man UtdCredit: Getty More

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      Crawley 2-0 Crewe LIVE RESULT – League Two play-off final: Red Devils secure promotion to third tier after Wembley win

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      CRAWLEY TOWN have secured promotion to the third tier after beating Crewe Alexandra 2-0 in the League Two play-off final.Danilo Orsi gave the Red Devils the lead at Wembley with a smart finish after 40 minutes.Liam Kelly doubled Crawleys’ lead with five minutes left on the clock as they cruised towards promotion to League One.
      Match result: Crawley 2-0 Crewe
      Crawley Town team: Addai, Gordon, Maguire, Conroy, Wright, J. Kelly, Williams, L. Kelley, Lolos, Campbell, Orsi
      Crewe Alexandra team: Stryjek, Adebisi, Demetriou, Long, Thomas, Tracey, Tabiner, Turns, Nevitt, Rowe, Billington
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFollow all the reaction from Wembley with our live blog below…Red Devils promoted at Wembley
      Crawley Town and their fans will party well into the night.
      Nobody could have dreamed of such a perfect end to their season.
      As they lift the trophy in the capital, they can now celebrate the rewards of all their hard work.
      Credit: Getty
      Copy linkCopiedDream end to season for Crawley
      After finding themselves fifteenth in the table at one stage, the late run by Crawley Town in the league campaign has surprised many.
      Nobody could have envisaged that they would be lifting this trophy at Wembley today.
      Many felt they would be battling relegation this season, instead, they are going up to League One.
      Credit: PA
      Copy linkCopiedFT: Crawley 2-0 Crewe
      Crawley Town fully deserve this result.
      From start to finish, they were the better side.
      The second goal gave them the cushion they needed to see this game out.

      Copy linkCopiedFT: Crawley 2-0 Crewe
      The referee brings the game to a close.
      It is party time for Crawley Town, they are going up.
      League One beckons for the Red Devils.
      Copy linkCopiedCrawley 2-0 Crewe
      90+8. Crewe are starting to get frustrated now.
      The challenges are flying in as Crawley look to run the clock down.
      Time is almost up for Crewe’s promotion dreams.
      Copy linkCopiedCrawley 2-0 Crewe
      90+6. Wright goes down after a challenge.
      The referee can see through the time wasting and tells him to get to his feet.
      Turns tries his luck from distance but it is well over the target.
      Credit: PA
      Copy linkCopiedCrawley 2-0 Crewe
      90+4. Crawley’s owners came in with a two year plan to get them to League One.
      Providing they do not throw this lead away, the Red Devils will have delivered.
      They will look to get everyone behind the ball now and make themselves difficult to break down.
      Copy linkCopiedCrawley 2-0 Crewe
      90+2. All Crawley need to do now is hold on.
      Crewe get down the byline but the cross is poor as it goes straight out for a goal kick.
      Crawley opt to make some changes to get fresh legs on for the final eight minutes of the game.
      Copy linkCopiedCrawley 2-0 Crewe
      90. Crewe continue with long balls forward.
      It has all become a little more desperate now.
      There will be ten additional minutes.
      Copy linkCopiedCrawley 2-0 Crewe
      88. That was cushion Crawley needed in this game.
      It seemed a long way back for Crewe when they were a goal down, now it almost seems mission impossible.
      They will be hoping for a lot of added time when the fourth official raises his board.
      Copy linkCopiedCrawley 2-0 Crewe
      86. What a moment for Crawley Town.
      Kelly looks to square the ball and it is blocked by the sliding challenge of Demetriou.
      The ball comes back to Kelly and with the keeper out of position, trying to cut out the cross, he passes it into the back of the net.
      Copy linkCopiedGoal – Liam Kelly (Crawley Town)
      Copy linkCopiedCrawley 1-0 Crewe
      82. We are into the final ten minutes of the game now.
      Orsi’s strike is the difference between the two sides.
      Rowe tries his luck from distance but his effort is well blocked.
      Credit: Getty
      Copy linkCopiedCrawley 1-0 Crewe
      80. Once again the quality of the corner is poor.
      If they are to go up to League One, Crawley will need to work on their set piece delivery.
      They are wasting numerous chances with poor crosses.
      Copy linkCopiedCrawley 1-0 Crewe
      78. Kelly picks the ball up and looks to get a shot at goal.
      He catches it well but Stryjek saves as he puts it behind for a corner.
      The Red Devils have struggled to get some good delivery in from their set pieces.
      Copy linkCopiedCrawley 1-0 Crewe
      76. Crewe continue with their long ball tactics.
      Maguire is dealing well with the aerial threat.
      Crawley like to get the ball down and play some good football.
      Copy linkCopiedCrawley 1-0 Crewe
      74. Crawley could do with another goal to put this game to bed.
      Despite being the better of the two sides, with such a slender lead, Crewe are very much still in this game.
      Time is running out for Crewe Alexandra.
      Copy linkCopiedCrawley 1-0 Crewe
      72. Play stops for the second half drinks break.
      Last chance for the managers to get some instructions to their players for the final twenty minutes.
      Crawley just need to defend their lead and they will be a League One team.
      Copy linkCopiedCrawley 1-0 Crewe
      70. Crawley break as Kelly strides forward with it.
      He lays the ball off into the path of Darcy.
      As he looks to get a shot off at goal, Demetriou puts in a great challenge to deny him, at the expense of a corner.
      Credit: PA
      Copy linkCopiedCrawley 1-0 Crewe
      68. As it stands, Crewe can have no complaints with the scoreline.
      They have failed to test Addai in the Crawley goal.
      That will have to change if they are to find a way back into this game.
      Copy linkCopiedCrawley 1-0 Crewe
      66. Crewe have gone for a change of formation as they decide to play two strikers in search of a goal.
      Tabiner is penalised for a foul and shown a yellow card as a result.
      Big chance for Crawley to put a dangerous ball into the box.
      Copy linkCopiedCrawley 1-0 Crewe
      64. Both sides opt to make some changes.
      The surprising one is Crawley bringing off Gordon.
      He has been by far the best player on the pitch today.
      Copy linkCopiedCrawley 1-0 Crewe
      62. Adebisi is constantly having to deal with the threat of Gordon down the flank.
      With the Crewe defender already on a yellow card, he needs to be careful with these challenges.
      The last thing Crewe need is to go down to ten men.
      Copy linkCopiedCrawley 1-0 Crewe
      60. With half an hour left in the game, Crewe have it all to do.
      The longer this game goes on, the more desperate their cause will become.
      Bell is considering making some changes to try and change his side’s fortunes.
      Credit: PA
      Copy linkCopiedCrawley 1-0 Crewe
      58. Gordon manages to get aa shot away in the box.
      Stryjek makes a good save to deny him.
      Crawley are looking to turn the screw here.
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