Ex-Bradford City Player Tyrell Robinson Pleads Guilty to Child Sex Abuse Charges
Jun 17, 2020
BRADFORD, ENGLAND - JANUARY 13: Tyrell Robinson of Bradford City in action during the Sky Bet League One match between Bradford City and Northampton Town at Northern Commercials Stadium, Valley Parade on January 13, 2018 in Bradford, England. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)
Former Arsenal youth player and Bradford City winger Tyrell Robinson pled guilty to engaging in sexual activitywith a 14-year-old girl in August 2018, per BBC News on Tuesday.
Robinson also admitted to "making and distributing an indecent image of a child via Snapchat," according to BBC News.
The 22-year-old is out on bail and registered as a sex offender before leaving court. He will be sentenced at a to-be-determined date.
"You must not assume that the fact that I'm adjourning sentence and granting you bail is to mean that any particular sentence will be imposed upon you," Judge Jonathan Rose told Robinson in Bradford Crown Court. "All options will be open to the judge who deals with your case, and that will very much include the possibility of a prison sentence."
Robinson denied a charge of "distributing an indecent photograph of a child" in December 2017, per BBC, which also noted that prosecutors would not pursue that charge further.
Bradford City announced on February 24, 2020 it had parted with Robinson "on grounds of committing gross misconduct" following West Yorkshire Police's confirmation of charges against him after the initial August 2018 arrest.
Robinson made 21 appearances for then-League One side Bradford City in 2017-18 and two more in 2018-19 before the club suspended him indefinitely after the initial charges were brought against him, per PA Media (h/t The Guardian).
134-Year-Old Club Bury Expelled from English Football League
Aug 27, 2019
A general view of Gigg Lane stadium, home of Bury Football Club, as volunteers help clean up the stadium in Bury, England, Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019. Bury FC are almost certain to be expelled from the third tier of English soccer after a proposed takeover by C&N Sporting Risk fell through on Tuesday, just 90 minutes before a league-set deadline for the deal to be completed. The League One club's owner Steve Dale was originally given until midnight on Friday to prove he could pay off Bury's debts and fund the next two seasons or find someone who could. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
Bury were expelled by the English Football League on Tuesday, with the 134-year-old club losing its place after a failed takeover.
Per Sky Sports, the EFL issued a statement to explain why it had taken the decision:
"The EFL Board met earlier this evening and, after a long and detailed discussion, determined that Bury FC's membership of the English Football League be withdrawn after the deadline passed at 5pm today (Tuesday, August 27) without a successful resolution.
"Despite repeated requests to its owner Mr Dale over a sustained period of time, the necessary evidence in respect of how the club would meet its financial commitments, has simply not been provided and, as a result, attentions turned to securing new ownership at the club.
"At its meeting on 24 August 2019, the board agreed a short extension to 5pm today (Tuesday, August 27) to enable Mr Dale and the club to explore the possibility of a proposed sale with C&N Sporting Risk Limited, with Mr Dale having accepted their offer. Following due diligence, C&N Sporting Risk Limited opted not to pursue its interest."
Bury become the first club to drop out of the EFL in 27 years. A supporter appeared on Sky Sports News to encourage a new buyer to come forward and save the outfit.
"Please, please save this ground"
A Bury fan pleads for someone to save his club after they were expelled from the EFL. pic.twitter.com/6ehrKJ5sRH
Broadcaster James Pearce offered words of encouragement to stricken supporters:
This is desperately sad. Bury fans won’t be in mood to hear this now, but this won’t be end. The club can work it’s way back up pyramid, healthier and with ownership that cares about the club. Aldershot’s crest is Phoenix rising from flames. Bury must rise from this dark day too https://t.co/NvDBb7cOV2
Bolton Wanderers could soon follow Bury out of the EFL after suffering similar ownership issues that have financially crippled the infrastructure of the club, perBBC Sport.
Bury had a successful campaign last term, winning promotion to League One after finishing second in League Two.
Bury were also two-time winners of the FA Cup after success in 1900 and 1903.
Former Manchester City Midfielder Joey Barton Charged with Causing ABH
Jul 17, 2019
FLEETWOOD, ENGLAND - JULY 05: Joey Barton manager of Wrexham looks on prior to pre season friendly between Fleetwood Town and Wrexham on July 05, 2019 in Fleetwood, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
Fleetwood Town manager and former Manchester City midfielderJoey Barton has been charged with actual bodily harm in relation to an altercation in the tunnel at Barnsley's Oakwell Stadium on April 13.
Per BBC Sport, Barton has "emphatically denied" confronting Barnsley manager Daniel Stendel after his side's 4-2 League One defeat, but police have said a man suffered facial injuries.
Barton, 36, has been bailed until October 9, when he will appear in court:
36-year-old Joey Barton has been charged with assault and bailed to appear in court on Wednesday 9 October after a man was left with facial injuries in an incident in the club tunnel at Oakwell following the conclusion of Barnsley's League One match against Fleetwood Town
In the wake of the eventful match between Barnsley and Fleetwood, during which Fleetwood's Harry Souttar was sent off, Barnsleyconfirmedthey had filed a formal complaint to both the English Football League and the Football Association in relation to an "alleged incident" between Barton and Stendel.
Tykes forward Cauley Woodrow said Barton "left [Stendel] with blood pouring from his face":
"Cauley Woodrow alleges Joey Barton physically assaulted Barnsley manager Daniel Stendel and left him with blood pouring from his face"
Barton was jailed for six months for assault and affray in 2008 in Liverpool after leaving "a teenage boy with broken teeth," perBBC News.
In the same year, he wasgivena four-month suspended sentence for assaulting Ousmane Dabo when they were both at Manchester City.
The former England international has been in charge of Fleetwood, his first managerial role, since June 2018 following the expiration of his 18-month FA ban for breaching betting rules.
Ex-Manchester United Midfielder Paul Scholes Named Oldham Athletic Manager
Feb 11, 2019
In this photo taken on August 8, 2018, former England and Manchester United football player Paul Scholes poses during an interview with AFP in Hong Kong. - Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has dismissed their chances of challenging for the Premier League title in the coming season, citing a gulf in quality between his former club and defending champions Manchester City. Scholes was in Hong Kong to promote 433 Token, a blockchain-based system that will allow football fans to connect with football stars and help sponsor young talent in the sport. (Photo by Anthony WALLACE / AFP) (Photo credit should read ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP/Getty Images)
Scholes has signed a deal to keep him at Boundary Park until the end of next season.
BBC Radio Manchester's Mike Minay relayed Scholes' delight at taking charge:
“I want my team to be focused on winning, I know it’s not going to happen every week. I go into every game expecting to win, I go into every game expecting to be entertained... & I’ll be thinking of scoring goals... Joe Royle was exactly the same.”
"Paul has won everything there is to win in football. He is a man who will bring a lot of footballing knowledge and his hunger to succeed in management will be there for everyone to see.
"It's no secret how much he has wanted this job in the past and how much he loves this club, so I'm very happy to bring him into our family at Oldham Athletic.
"Paul will have my backing 100 per cent and hopefully we can work together to bring success back to this club."
Scholes, who owns a 10 per cent stake in National League outfit Salford City, wasgiven permissionto manage his boyhood club by the Football League.
Salford are fifth in the tier below League Two side Oldham, so the two could face one another next season, but the EFL decided there is not a conflict of interest.
ESPN's Alex Shaw is sceptical of Scholes' appointment but is eager to see how he fares in the role:
Fascinated to see how Scholes does as Oldham manager because on the face of it he has been appointed because he likes Oldham and is Paul Scholes.
The job will be the former England international's first in management, and his previous coaching experience is limited.
Scholes joined the coaching staff at United during his brief retirement in 2011 before he resumed playing the following year. He also worked under former team-mate Ryan Giggs when the Welshman took charge of the Red Devils for the final four games of the 2013-14 season following David Moyes' sacking.
Oldham are 14th in League Two, 14 points ahead of the drop with two games in hand over 23rd-place Macclesfield Town.
Relegation should therefore be of little worry for the Latics, but they're also nine points off a play-off place with a game in hand, so they'll need a strong finish to the season to be in contention for promotion.
Scholes' first match in charge will be at home to Yeovil Town, who have lost each of their last four, on Tuesday.
'Will Grigg's on Fire' Creator Rewarded with Free Wigan Athletic Season Ticket
May 17, 2016
WIGAN, ENGLAND - APRIL 23: Will Grigg of Wigan Athletic (C) shoots to score during the Sky Bet League One match between Wigan Athletic and Southend United at DW Stadium on April 23, 2016 in Wigan, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)
The internet has been taken by storm in recent weeks by an infectious chant, sung by Wigan Athletic fans for their hotshot striker Will Grigg.
The 24-year-old scored 25 goals as the Latics secured promotion to the Championship by winning League One, leading dedicated supporter Sean Kennedy to create an instantly memorable chant to the tune of Gala's Freed from Desire.
— Will Griggs on fire! (@WillGriggFire) May 16, 2016
Kennedy has since been rewarded for his ingenuity with a free Wigan season ticket for the 2016/17 Championship season, as confirmed by club chairman David Sharpe.
For inventing the best chant ever known to man, you've earned yourself a free season ticket for next season @KennoUTJ. Will Griggs on fire 🔥
Taking any animal to a noisy, crowded environment such as a football match is likely to be stressful.
This is particularly the case for hamsters which are nocturnal animals that spend most of the day sleeping and become active in the evening and at night. Being taken away from its home environment in the daytime and having its routine disturbed in this way, especially at the time of year when some hamsters hibernate, would be extremely stressful for this poor animal.
Rosie Ray of the National Hamster Council added, "a noisy football league match is no place for any pet."
People at the game told the newspaper the hamster, apparently called Hector, seemed to enjoy the experience.
However, maybe he is a particularly tough little guy, and hopefully a new trend of bringing small pets to games does not take off.
One unfortunate Southend United was left disappointed after he made a 10,207 mile journey from his home in Brisbane, only to discover his side's League One clash away to Bradford City had been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
Former Southend resident Andrew Urry made the cross-planet journey from Australia, only to be told by a steward at Valley Parade that the game had been called off.
"We were told as the coach pulled up outside the stadium," Mr Urry told BBC Sport. "I got off the coach to have a couple of pictures taken outside the away turnstile, and then we were straight back on the road again."
It shouldn't be a completely wasted trip, however, as he still hopes to make the Shrimpers' next three homes games, as well as the Boxing Day derby away to Colchester United.
It was a moment of great comedic appeal in Only Fools and Horses when it was revealed that Del Boy's younger brother had been christened Rodney Charlton Trotter.
Well, one parent has taken the south London football club naming convention to the next level by calling his newborn "Bermondsey Millwall Den."
The name references the area of south London in which Millwall play and their stadium, The New Den.
Lifelong Lions fan Mike Bloomfield registered his son's unique new name without even telling his wife. The Mirror reports:
He carried out the name change at the registry office without informing his wife, Kelly.
Mike told Southwark News: "If David Beckham can name his son Brooklyn, then I can name mine Bermondsey! I just love Millwall and this is a good way to get the next generation involved.
Despite receiving no consultation on the name, Bloomfield's wife was happy with the choice. "I think he looks a bit like a Bermondsey," she said.
As a result of this unusual naming, "Bermondsey Millwall Den" was trending on Twitter in the UK on Thursday.
A football fan who made the trip to watch Rochdale against Oldham Athletic on Saturday decided he'd try his hand at stewarding.
Senor Ballg, as he's known on Twitter, was at Spotland taking in the League One action when he donned the high-visibility jacket and made his way to the front.
The gentleman from Manchester, whose social media profile suggests he's a Manchester City fan, obviously decided to have some fun a day before the slightly bigger derby in the Premier League.
And if his tweet is anything to go by, he lasted five minutes pretending to be one of the men in yellow (or orange).
He also got to keep the jacket for his troubles and had a pretty decent story for the pub later that evening by all accounts.
League One Playoff Final 2015: Date, Start Time, Live Stream and Preview
May 24, 2015
PRESTON, ENGLAND - MAY 10: Joe Garner of Preston North End celebrates scoring their first goal during the Sky Bet League One Play Off Semi Final first leg match between Preston North End and Rotherham United at Deepdale on May 10, 2014 in Preston, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Getty Images)
Having suffered the agony of missing out on automatic promotion by just two points, Preston North End will look to finish the job against Swindon Town in the League One Playoff Final.
The match pits Preston against the team that finished fourth in English football's third tier. Yet 10 points actually separated Swindon from their rival.
Town's task could be tougher still considering Preston are likely to be at full strength for the big game.
Here are the schedule and viewing details, followed by a preview:
Swindon's biggest problem concerns the fitness of skipper Nathan Thompson. The influential right-back is battling to overcome a slight hamstring tear, per Sky Sports.
COLCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 28: Jacob Murphy of Colchester United battles with Nathan Thompson of Swindon Town during the Sky Bet League One match between Colchester United and Swindon Town at Colchester Community Stadium on April 28, 2015 in Colchester,
Manager Mark Cooper needs Thompson available. Not only is the 24-year-old vital for rallying the players on the pitch, he's also a key attacking outlet from the right flank.
Like most full-backs in the modern era, Thompson is blessed with a tireless engine. He simply never stops facilitating quick transitions from defence to attack.
But Cooper will really look to 22-year-old dynamic midfield Massimo Luongo to stamp his authority on the game. The Australian is a box-to-box battler with a real eye for goal.
In fact, Cooper thinks his team needs this win in order to keep star players such as Luongo in the fold. The gaffer made clear his desire to keep the core of his squad together during a recent interview with BBC Points West (h/t BBC Sport).
COLCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 28: Gavin Massey of Colchester United battles with Massimo Luongo of Swindon Town during the Sky Bet League One match between Colchester United and Swindon Town at Colchester Community Stadium on April 28, 2015 in Colchester,
Luongo, who is a former Tottenham Hotspur academy prospect, is already drawing interest from the Premier League. Leading the way is ex-Spurs boss, now current Aston Villa chief, Tim Sherwood, per the Daily Mail's Laurie Whitwell.
Luongo has previously admitted finding the transfer talk surrounding him a distraction, per an interview with Fox Sports Australia's David Weiner. Cooper needs his talisman in the middle to be fully focused on the task at Wembley.
The bigger distraction is likely to be among a Swindon defence trying to cope with a prolific Preston strikeforce. Complementary duo Jermaine Beckford and Joe Garner lead the way.
PRESTON, ENGLAND - MAY 10: Jermaine Beckford of Preston North End celebrates as he scores their third goal during the Sky Bet League One Playoff Semi-Final second leg match between Preston North End and Chesterfield at Deepdale on May 10, 2015 in Preston
The latter is the deadliest scorer in the division this season, according to the Sky Sports' stat pack. The same source details just how in-form this tandem is headed into Preston's biggest game of the season: "Preston’s last 11 goals have been scored by their in-form strikers. Garner has six goals in his last six games for Preston, while Beckford has five in five."
Beckford played for North End boss Neil Grayson with Leeds United and is certainly lethal at this level. He has the pace to stretch any defence.
By contrast, Garner is more of a bullish centre-forward who's a constant menace in the air, although his instincts in the box are excellent. Together, this partnership causes havoc.
Both strikers will hope Scottish schemer Paul Gallagher is on form. A talented, yet inconsistent creator, Gallagher has the technical quality to make a difference in a close game.
Along with Garner, he is bidding to end a nine-match failure to win promotion from the playoffs for Preston, per the Lancashire Telegraph.
Predicted Score: Preston 2-1 Swindon
Grayson's men just have too much power and pace in forward areas for Swindon to contain. If Gallagher provides the guile, the Lilywhites will finally snap their playoff jinx and win the right to play Championship football next season.
