Latest news with #EFL
Daily Mirror
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
EFL told to 'restore credibility' by furious club denied promotion
York City's co-owner has written to the EFL and National League to complain about current format after finishing second only to lose out in play-offs to team that finished 23 points behind YORK CITY have lodged a furious complaint with the EFL and National League over the "glaring imbalance" of the promotion system. The Minstermen missed out on a League return for the first time since 2016 after finishing second to winners Barnet before losing in the play-offs to Oldham, who were 23 points and three places behind in the table. York were also 13 points clear of third-placed Forest Green only to lose 3-0 in a one-off game against the fifth-placed Latics. Oldham then went on to beat Southend United in Sunday's final. Earlier this season National League clubs began the 3UP campaign to call for three clubs to win promotion every season. And York co-owner Julie-Anne Uggla has now asked the governing bodies to 'reward merit and restore credibility to the system' by introducing immediate reform. 'Such a glaring imbalance not only undermines sporting merit but erodes the very foundations of fair competition,' Uggla wrote in a letter to both leagues. 'I urge both governing bodies to urgently consider transitional reform, whether via immediate review, temporary relief measures, or an accelerated implementation of the '3UP' model. 'At the very least, this season's outcome should provoke an honest re-evaluation of what fairness in football truly means. "For clubs, fans, and the integrity of the English football pyramid, it is time to reward merit and restore credibility to the system." The 3UP proposal has previously been discussed by the EFL board but any changes to promotion and relegation will require the backing of a majority of its 72 clubs in a vote. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
North Wales Chronicle
11 hours ago
- Sport
- North Wales Chronicle
York co-owner calls for immediate reform of National League promotion structure
The Minstermen missed out on a return to the Football League as they lost in the play-off semi-finals to Oldham, having finished second in the league table behind champions Barnet, 28 points clear of the final play-off position. In February, the National League launched the '3UP campaign' with the aim of securing three promotion places to League Two for the 2025/26 season. Unjust Promotion Rules – A Call for Immediate Reform An open letter from Julie-Anne Uggla addressed to the National League & the EFL ⤵️#YCFC🔴🔵 — York City FC (@YorkCityFC) June 2, 2025 But Uggla has called for 'an immediate review, temporary relief measures, or an accelerated implementation of the '3UP' model' with the intention of York earning instant promotion to League Two. In an open letter to the National League and the EFL chief executive Trevor Birch, she said: 'I am writing to express my deep concern and disappointment at the current promotion system between the National League and League Two, following a season where York City FC, despite finishing 28 points clear of seventh place and winning 12 more matches, were denied promotion. 'Such a glaring imbalance not only undermines sporting merit but erodes the very foundations of fair competition. 'To dominate a league campaign so comprehensively (Barnet the only exception), only to be forced into a play-off lottery, is structurally unjust. 'It penalises excellence and rewards inferiority in a way no professional league system should condone. 'While I am aware of the historical basis for the two-up structure, it is no longer fit for purpose. 'The gap between the top National League clubs and the lower EFL clubs has narrowed, and in many cases reversed, making the case for three-up promotion beyond compelling. 'The '3UP' campaign rightly reflects the sentiment of every National League club and countless supporters. 'But waiting until 2025–26 only deepens the injustice for clubs like York City, who have already paid the price for a system built on outdated assumptions. 'I urge both governing bodies to urgently consider transitional reform, whether via immediate review, temporary relief measures, or an accelerated implementation of the '3UP' model. 🗣️ 'You've got to give these teams in the National League a chance. Things have to change." Micky Mellon watched his team win promotion – and then joined the call for the 3UP#TheVanarama | 📸 @thomasleestacey — The National League (@TheVanaramaNL) June 2, 2025 'At the very least, this season's outcome should provoke an honest re-evaluation of what fairness in football truly means. 'For clubs, fans, and the integrity of the English football pyramid, it is time to reward merit and restore credibility to the system.' Oldham returned to the Football League after they beat Southend 3-2 after extra time in the play-off final at Wembley on Sunday. Uggla added: 'I would also like to point out that writing this letter should not undermine the achievements of Oldham Atletic from their victory at Wembley yesterday, and to Southend United for making the final. Their accomplishments should not go unnoticed. 'Too many great clubs, including Oldham and Southend, have fallen into this league with little chance of redemption due to the lack of promotion places. 'The current system is simply not sustainable anymore.' The EFL declined to comment. The change would require a change of league regulations via a vote of EFL clubs, and would require a majority among all clubs and a majority among Championship clubs. It is understood the matter was discussed by the EFL board earlier this year but no clubs vote is currently planned. Clubs have previously indicated they would consider changes to the current position on promotion and relegation from the National League to EFL as part of a complete package of measures and reforms across the pyramid from bottom to top.
Leader Live
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Leader Live
York co-owner calls for immediate reform of National League promotion structure
The Minstermen missed out on a return to the Football League as they lost in the play-off semi-finals to Oldham, having finished second in the league table behind champions Barnet, 28 points clear of the final play-off position. In February, the National League launched the '3UP campaign' with the aim of securing three promotion places to League Two for the 2025/26 season. Unjust Promotion Rules – A Call for Immediate Reform An open letter from Julie-Anne Uggla addressed to the National League & the EFL ⤵️#YCFC🔴🔵 — York City FC (@YorkCityFC) June 2, 2025 But Uggla has called for 'an immediate review, temporary relief measures, or an accelerated implementation of the '3UP' model' with the intention of York earning instant promotion to League Two. In an open letter to the National League and the EFL chief executive Trevor Birch, she said: 'I am writing to express my deep concern and disappointment at the current promotion system between the National League and League Two, following a season where York City FC, despite finishing 28 points clear of seventh place and winning 12 more matches, were denied promotion. 'Such a glaring imbalance not only undermines sporting merit but erodes the very foundations of fair competition. 'To dominate a league campaign so comprehensively (Barnet the only exception), only to be forced into a play-off lottery, is structurally unjust. 'It penalises excellence and rewards inferiority in a way no professional league system should condone. 'While I am aware of the historical basis for the two-up structure, it is no longer fit for purpose. 'The gap between the top National League clubs and the lower EFL clubs has narrowed, and in many cases reversed, making the case for three-up promotion beyond compelling. 'The '3UP' campaign rightly reflects the sentiment of every National League club and countless supporters. 'But waiting until 2025–26 only deepens the injustice for clubs like York City, who have already paid the price for a system built on outdated assumptions. 'I urge both governing bodies to urgently consider transitional reform, whether via immediate review, temporary relief measures, or an accelerated implementation of the '3UP' model. 🗣️ 'You've got to give these teams in the National League a chance. Things have to change." Micky Mellon watched his team win promotion – and then joined the call for the 3UP#TheVanarama | 📸 @thomasleestacey — The National League (@TheVanaramaNL) June 2, 2025 'At the very least, this season's outcome should provoke an honest re-evaluation of what fairness in football truly means. 'For clubs, fans, and the integrity of the English football pyramid, it is time to reward merit and restore credibility to the system.' Oldham returned to the Football League after they beat Southend 3-2 after extra time in the play-off final at Wembley on Sunday. Uggla added: 'I would also like to point out that writing this letter should not undermine the achievements of Oldham Atletic from their victory at Wembley yesterday, and to Southend United for making the final. Their accomplishments should not go unnoticed. 'Too many great clubs, including Oldham and Southend, have fallen into this league with little chance of redemption due to the lack of promotion places. 'The current system is simply not sustainable anymore.' The EFL declined to comment. The change would require a change of league regulations via a vote of EFL clubs, and would require a majority among all clubs and a majority among Championship clubs. It is understood the matter was discussed by the EFL board earlier this year but no clubs vote is currently planned. Clubs have previously indicated they would consider changes to the current position on promotion and relegation from the National League to EFL as part of a complete package of measures and reforms across the pyramid from bottom to top.
Scottish Sun
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Coventry sleep coach says it is ‘bonkers' that Prem clubs don't take his work seriously after helping Frank Lampard
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) COVENTRY CITY are just the latest club in English football to reap the benefits of a sleep expert as they aim for marginal gains at the elite level. And "The Sleep Geek" James Wilson admits it is 'bonkers' that Premier League sides wanting to win titles are still reluctant to fully embrace his unique and successful methods. 4 Frank Lampard embraced a sleep coach in Coventry's play-off run Credit: Getty 4 James Wilson worked with Jarrod Bowen before his Conference League-winning goal Credit: Getty 4 Wilson has worked with a variety of EFL clubs including Rotherham Wilson has built a sound reputation in the world of football, helping players and coaching staff to perfect the art of sleeping and recovery at the likes of Rotherham United, Sheffield United, Lincoln City, West Ham and now Coventry. His influence is telling, and appears to have the golden touch, involved in promotion success tales with Rotherham, Lincoln and Sheffield United, while also playing his part in West Ham's Europa Conference League triumph of 2023. Frank Lampard's Coventry are the latest club on Wilson's list of honours, the Sky Blues coming within seconds of the Championship play-off final only to concede in injury-time to Sunderland in the semi-finals. Having also worked with F1, NBA and NFL stars, Wilson's knowledge in the sleep field currently sees him approached by top footballers in the Prem and the EFL. read more football MATCH MAKER Gary Lineker reunites with brother Wayne amid 17-year feud at son's wedding But other than Brentford having sleep coach Anna West in their ranks, Wilson's dream of his field being taken more seriously by the country's biggest clubs is still falling on deaf ears. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS Wilson told SunSport: 'It's bonkers to me, it really is. There's me and Anna and that's it. 'It's not me making the decisions, but is it that they don't see sleep as that important? Is it that they feel they've already got the resource internally? 'One of my worries is you see more and more clubs working with brands that have some connection to sleep, maybe like a sleep supplement company or a piece of sleep technology. 'That's not sleep advice. It is worse now than when I started because those pieces of technology are so inaccurate. They are driving a sense of fear and despair in players. Doctor reveals the dangerous effects going to sleep after midnight has on our brain 'It needs people who are properly trained. Some of the advice given by members of the medical team is not taken from reliable sources, like Jake Humphrey and Steven Bartlett podcasts, that can be troubling. And even if the stuff is right, it is not right for that individual. 'We've got to a point where bringing me in means you may upset a commercial brand paying for that relationship. I don't understand why every club hasn't got [a sleep coach]. 'You might not get as much commercial benefit, but you're going to get a team into the play-offs. You're going to get promoted. You're going to win European trophies. 'That's what happens when you get proper sleep expertise. People responsible for the performance and wellbeing should have some sort of proper sleep knowledge. 'You can see how well Bentford have done can't you? You can see how well Rotherham did when I was there, Sheffield United, West Ham, Coventry. 'It's not hard, is it? If clubs invest properly, it really, really does work.' Wilson began working with Coventry at the end of last season, giving the squad advice on how to prepare for their FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United – one that they agonisingly lost on penalties under former boss Mark Robins. 4 Wilson helped Coventry prepare for last season's FA Cup semi defeat to Man United Credit: The Times Wilson explained: 'We did this little tweak before the United game where we suggested watching the other semi-final with Manchester City the day before might not be the best thing to prepare for sleep before you go and play.' At other clubs, Wilson dealt with players who struggled with sleep paralysis. Parasomnia sufferer Richard Wood would sleep walk and head balls in his sleep, but the former Rotherham defender's career was prolonged with Wilson's help. Wilson is now also sponsoring his local non-league side Nostell Miners Welfare from Wakefield in the Northern Counties East League. It is undecided whether Wilson will continue working with Coventry next season, but he is highly rated by performance director Claire Marie and head of sports science Adam Hearn and worked alongside sports psychologists. Wilson continued: 'The culture at Coventry was really good – they were doing a lot around the players, supporting them emotionally. Frank was really open to what we were doing. 'I started with a few seminars. I went in every four or five weeks from pre-season to February and I was then available from then for players who needed it. 'It's not snazzy. It's not wham-bam, thank you ma'am. It's conversations. 'You can see improvements within about three months. Give them the simple signs behind sleep and an understanding of themselves. You need to drop your heart rate, drop your core temperature. 'We did an education on sleep posture. It's scary how little a professional footballer spends on a mattress. 'You're going to earn more money if you do this stuff because you're going to have a longer career.'
The Irish Sun
12 hours ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Coventry sleep coach says it is ‘bonkers' that Prem clubs don't take his work seriously after helping Frank Lampard
COVENTRY CITY are just the latest club in English football to reap the benefits of a sleep expert as they aim for marginal gains at the elite level. And "The Sleep Geek" James Wilson admits it is 'bonkers' that Premier League sides wanting to win titles are still reluctant to fully embrace his unique and successful methods. 4 Frank Lampard embraced a sleep coach in Coventry's play-off run Credit: Getty 4 James Wilson worked with Jarrod Bowen before his Conference League-winning goal Credit: Getty 4 Wilson has worked with a variety of EFL clubs including Rotherham Wilson has built a sound reputation in the world of football, helping players and coaching staff to perfect the art of sleeping and recovery at the likes of Rotherham United, Sheffield United, Lincoln City, His influence is telling, and appears to have the golden touch, involved in promotion success tales with Rotherham, Lincoln and Sheffield United, while also playing his part in West Ham's Europa Conference League triumph of 2023. Frank Lampard's Coventry are the latest club on Wilson's list of honours, the Sky Blues coming within seconds of the Championship play-off final only to concede in injury-time to Sunderland in the semi-finals. Having also worked with F1, NBA and NFL stars, Wilson's knowledge in the sleep field currently sees him approached by top footballers in the Prem and the EFL. read more football But other than Brentford having sleep coach Anna West in their ranks, Wilson's dream of his field being taken more seriously by the country's biggest clubs is still falling on deaf ears. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS Wilson told SunSport: 'It's bonkers to me, it really is. There's me and Anna and that's it. 'It's not me making the decisions, but is it that they don't see sleep as that important? Is it that they feel they've already got the resource internally? Most read in Football 'One of my worries is you see more and more clubs working with brands that have some connection to sleep, maybe like a sleep supplement company or a piece of sleep technology. 'That's not sleep advice. It is worse now than when I started because those pieces of technology are so inaccurate. They are driving a sense of fear and despair in players. Doctor reveals the dangerous effects going to sleep after midnight has on our brain 'It needs people who are properly trained. Some of the advice given by members of the medical team is not taken from reliable sources, like Jake Humphrey and Steven Bartlett podcasts, that can be troubling. And even if the stuff is right, it is not right for that individual. 'We've got to a point where bringing me in means you may upset a commercial brand paying for that relationship. I don't understand why every club hasn't got [a sleep coach]. 'You might not get as much commercial benefit, but you're going to get a team into the play-offs. You're going to get promoted. You're going to win European trophies. 'That's what happens when you get proper sleep expertise. People responsible for the performance and wellbeing should have some sort of proper sleep knowledge. 'You can see how well Bentford have done can't you? You can see how well Rotherham did when I was there, Sheffield United, West Ham, Coventry. 'It's not hard, is it? If clubs invest properly, it really, really does work.' Wilson began working with Coventry at the end of last season, giving the squad advice on how to prepare for their FA Cup semi-final against 4 Wilson helped Coventry prepare for last season's FA Cup semi defeat to Man United Credit: The Times Wilson explained: 'We did this little tweak before the United game where we suggested watching the other semi-final with Manchester City the day before might not be the best thing to prepare for sleep before you go and play.' At other clubs, Wilson dealt with players who struggled with sleep paralysis. Parasomnia sufferer Richard Wood would sleep walk and head balls in his sleep, but the former Rotherham defender's career was prolonged with Wilson's help. Wilson is now also sponsoring his local non-league side Nostell Miners Welfare from Wakefield in the Northern Counties East League. It is undecided whether Wilson will continue working with Coventry next season, but he is highly rated by performance director Claire Marie and head of sports science Adam Hearn and worked alongside sports psychologists. Wilson continued: 'The culture at Coventry was really good – they were doing a lot around the players, supporting them emotionally. Frank was really open to what we were doing. 'I started with a few seminars. I went in every four or five weeks from pre-season to February and I was then available from then for players who needed it. 'It's not snazzy. It's not wham-bam, thank you ma'am. It's conversations. 'You can see improvements within about three months. Give them the simple signs behind sleep and an understanding of themselves. You need to drop your heart rate, drop your core temperature. 'We did an education on sleep posture. It's scary how little a professional footballer spends on a mattress. 'You're going to earn more money if you do this stuff because you're going to have a longer career.'
