The Liverpool Alabama Yee-Haws ensured that the Premier League title race will go to the final day of the season after Divock Origi's late winner saw them beat this blogger's beloved (though, tragically, still unsellable) Magpies in a twenty four carat five-goal thriller at St James' Park. The Reds looked on course for a ruinous blow to their title hopes after Salomón Rondón's sublime volley made it two-two midway through the second-half. But Origi rose to head in fellow substitute Xherdan Shaqiri's free-kick - dubiously awarded by the referee's assistant after a clearly non-existent 'foul' on Fabinho by Matt Ritchie - on eighty four minutes. (Subsequent television replays appeared to show the final touch actually came from United's Jamie Lascalles.) Liverpool moved back to the top, two points clear of Sheikh Yer Man City. The Sky Blues can (and will) retake the lead with victory over Leicester City on Monday and would then take a one-point advantage going into the final fixtures next Sunday. Liverpool went ahead after when Virgil van Dijk arrived unmarked on the end of Trent Alexander-Arnold's free-kick. Newcastle were quickly level when Christian Atsu scored from close range after Alexander-Arnold handled Rondón's goal-bound shot on the line but Mo Salah took advantage of poor marking to volley home another fine delivery from the young defender. Rondón, a handful from the Liverpool defence all night, drew Newcastle level once more nine minutes after the break when Liverpool failed to clear a corner and Herr Klopp's side suffered another blow when Salah was taken off with a head injury after a lengthy delay. The Reds forward was left clutching his head after an aerial collision with Magpies keeper Martin Dúbravka. Origi was introduced and made the decisive contribution that keeps the title race alive - though Salah's injury is a worry with Liverpool attempting to claw back a three goal deficit against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final second leg at Anfield on Tuesday. Herr Klopp's side are showing drive and resilience, illustrated by the manner in which they have won so many games in the closing stages. Here, in an unforgiving Tyneside atmosphere, they overcame adversity and a Newcastle side who were in no mood to stand meekly aside despite Premier League safety already being assured. Rafa Benitez spent the entire night taking the acclaim of Th' Toon Army, from before kick-off to a post-match lap of honour when the supporters chanted for the Spaniard to agree a new deal to stay at St James' Park. The messages are still mixed - some much more positives noises than of late from Rafa's Friday's press conference notwithstanding - but not among Newcastle's fanbase. There is only one outcome these fans, who idolise Rafa The Gaffer, want. Whether Benitez gives them what they desire remains to be seen but, once again, he has kept a workmanlike squad in the Premier League with room to spare and now wants the investment to send them into the top ten. Ironically, on this night, some of the Benitez trademarks were missing as poor defensive organisation allowed Liverpool to cash in on each of their goals. But, as he led the players around Gallowgate to take the supporters' applause it was clear that those fans now want the final line of this season's story to be written with Benitez's name on a new deal.
Luton Town sealed the League One title while Plymouth Argyle, Scunthorpe and Walsall were relegated in a dramatic finale to the season on Saturday. The Hatters needed only to match Barnsley's result to clinch top spot and, with The Tykes losing two-one at Bristol Rovers, Luton ended the season three points clear at the top thanks to a three-one victory over Oxford. Plymouth were relegated on goal difference after a rip-roaring rollercoaster of a day at the foot of the table which ended with three teams all on fifty points. Southend survived courtesy of a two-one home win over Blunderland and AFC Wimbledon clung on for a point at Bradford, which meant that Argyle's highly controversial three-two at Home Park win over Scunthorpe was not enough to save either team. Scunthorpe also return to League Two, while results elsewhere meant that Walsall, who drew at Shrewsbury, would have been relegated whatever the outcome. Doncaster sealed the fourth and final promotion play-off place with a two-nil win over Coventry City. They will join The Mackem Filth, Portsmouth and Charlton Not-Very-Athletic in the play-offs. Peterborough narrowly missed out despite a three-one win over Burton Albinos.
In League Two, Notts County's one hundred and thirty one-year stay in the Football League is over after they were beaten three-one at Swindon. Goals from Kaiyne Woolery and two from Theo Robinson helped Swindon end County's hopes of a last-day escape. County needed to win and hope that rivals Macclesfield lost to Cambridge to stand any chance - and Kane Hemmings gave the two thousand plus travelling County fans hope when he scored from the spot. However, Woolery equalised and, as County frantically pushed men forward, they were punished twice on the counter attack. Relegation means County, who have won only nine league matches all season, lose their status as the oldest Football League club, having been formed in 1862. That mantle now passes across the River Trent to Nottingham Forest, who were founded in 1865. County's misery meant elation for Sol Campbell's Macclesfield as they survived thanks to a draw with Cambridge. At the other end of the table, MK Dons were victorious in the winner-takes-all shootout against promotion rivals Mansfield. The Stags went into the game at Stadium MK behind the Dons on goal difference and had to win to climb above them into third place, but David Wheeler's second-minute header gave the hosts victory. It put Mansfield into the play-offs, where they will be joined by Newport after Jamille Matt's eighty seventh-minute equaliser at Morecambe saw County claim seventh spot. That was at the expense of Colchester, who missed out despite a three-nil win at champions Lincoln. Elsewhere, Tranmere will be in the play-offs although they lost to Crawley. Joe Martin and Jordan Gibson scored in Stevenage's two-nil win against Cheltenham while Grimsby were also two-nil winners against Crewe. Northampton rounded off their season in style with a five-two success at Oldham, who led through Johan Branger's strike. However, Sam Hoskins, Aaron Pierre and an Andy Williams double turned the game in The Cobblers' favour. Callum Lang hit another for Oldham before substitute Junior Morias scored Northampton's fifth. Promoted Bury drew at home against Port Vale as Jordan Rossiter cancelled out Tom Pope's opening goal, while it finished goalless between Forest Green and Exeter and relegated Yeovil against Carlisle United.
Norwich City won the Championship title on Sunday as Derby County claimed a final play-off spot to set up a 'spygate' rematch against Dirty Leeds. Teemu Pukki had put Norwich ahead in the seventh minute and though Jonathan Kodjia levelled for Aston Villains, Mario Vrancic ensured The Canaries left the second tier in style. The result at Villa Park mattered little though as, in the event, Sheffield United were unable to win at Dirty Stoke. Sam Vokes and Ryan Shawcross twice put The Potters ahead but second-half substitute Kieran Dowell and Enda Stevens guaranteed a share of the spoils for the already-promoted Blades. Derby seemed set to miss out on a top-six finish when Martyn Waghorn's header was cancelled out by West Bromwich Albino midfielder Stefan Johansen's curling effort moments after the interval. With The Middlesbrough Smog Monsters leading already-relegated Rotherham at the time, Derby could not afford to drop points but substitute Mason Bennett's goal and Harry Wilson's penalty soon afterwards gave them a three-one win. The Baggies spurned a number of opportunities throughout to miss out on the chance to finish third and their misery was compounded when substitute Hal Robson-Kanu was sent off for a senseless kick at Bradley Johnson. Derby maintaining their one-point advantage over Boro - to set up a play-off semi-final with Dirty Leeds - meant Tony Pulis' side finished in the undesired position of seventh.
Dirty Leeds striker Patrick Bamford has been extremely banned for two matches by the Football Association after being found very guilty of 'successful deception of a match official' in the draw with Aston Villains. Bamford went down like a sack of shite as though he had been hit in the face with a hammer by Anwar El Ghazi after Leeds' controversial opening goal in the match last week. Replays showed that Villa's Dutch winger never touched Bamford and had made absolutely no contact whatsoever with the head of the twenty five-year-old. El Ghazi was sent off but had the red card rescinded on Tuesday. Bamford missed Dirty Leeds' final Championship trip to Ipswich and, somewhat more importantly, will also miss the first leg of Leeds' play-off semi-final tie against Derby. Dirty Leeds said in a statement that although Bamford 'did not deny' the charge they had 'requested a hearing' to 'contest the penalty imposed on the player.' They added: 'The club felt that given the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the extraordinary act of sportsmanship which saw our head coach Marcelo Bielsa demand our team to allow Aston Villa to score an uncontested equaliser, we could have a sensible discussion around the sanction. We acknowledge that the FA panel did not feel that to be reasonable and the club therefore joins Patrick in accepting the two-match ban.' The melee, in which the Bamford incident occurred, was sparked after Mateusz Klich scored for Dirty Leeds with the Villains players appealing for the ball to be played out after Jonathan Kodjia had gone down injured in the centre circle. After clashes between the players and an exchange between the two benches, Dirty Leeds boss Bielsa ordered his team to allow the Villains to score an equaliser from kick-off, which was converted by winger Albert Adomah. Sunday's game finished one-all. On Tuesday both clubs were charged with 'failing to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion' in the aftermath of Leeds' goal. Dirty Leeds' failure to win saw Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United promoted to the Premier League and they will now feature alongside the Villains in the play-offs.
Football League clubs have voted to introduce different deadlines for the summer transfer window for sides in the Championship and those in League One and League Two. Championship clubs will have until the Thursday before the start of the Premier League season to complete any loan or permanent signings. Third and fourth tier sides will still have until the end of August. This season all seventy two EFL sides had until 31 August to sign players on loan. However, all permanent signings had to be completed by 9 August in line with the closure of the window for top-flight teams. Next season Championship clubs will have until 5pm on Thursday, 8 August to complete their transfer business. 'It is right that clubs were given the opportunity to come to a decision that benefited their own individual transfer policies,' EFL chief executive Shaun Harvey said. The 2019-20 EFL season is scheduled to start on Saturday 3 August - although one fixture is expected to be moved to 2 August in order to be televised.
Most teams would be sipping cocktails on the beach in quiet satisfaction, having posted a ninth-placed finish and been on the cusp of the play-offs with the lowest budget in the division. But not Gatesheed. Even before the Tyneside club had completed their forty six-game National League campaign, things were starting to unravel. With just one contracted player on the books, the owners announcing plans to move to a new home and fans plotting to form a new club, Gatesheed's future remains uncertain. The final game of the season, Saturday's two-nil defeat by Barrow, was the end of an era at Gatesheed. Manager Ben Clark and his players applauded the fans - it proved to be an emotional goodbye, with the squad all out of contract this summer. Until the end of June when his deal expires, Scott Barrow remains the only player contracted to the club, while off-field members of staff were also released, including the football management team. At one stage, midfielder JJ O'Donnell was out of contract as a player but still employed as kitman before the club also severed those ties. 'The game felt like a funeral,' former general manager Alisha Henry told BBC Newcastle. 'The players came off the pitch crying, it was such an anti-climax to such a terrific season on the pitch. I had a missed call on my phone from Hong Kong and I texted the owner [Doctor Ranjan Varghese] saying "did you try to ring me?" He said "yes," I said "was it important?" and he said "a little bit." He then proceeded to tell me my services were not needed. My reply was that this was a really unprofessional way of doing things and I'll be seeking advice. The whole season has been erratic. You don't know what's happening day-to-day.' Amid the chaos, Varghese, advisor Joe Cala and board members Trevor Clark and Nigel Harrop are planning to continue running the club into next season. Varghese completed his takeover in July 2018 and, under the terms of his deal, maintained that he was required to lodge a two hundred thousand knicker bond with the National League as 'an insurance against financial issues.' The first cracks in the ranks began to emerge when it was revealed that The Heed were under a transfer embargo in December and then boss former Newcastle legend Steve Watson left in January, dropping down a division to move to York City. This preceded a string of off-the-field events which were in stark contrast to the on-field performance. Players Fraser Kerr and Scott Boden were sold in March, against the wishes of new manager Clark and general manager Mike Coulson also departed.
Varghese put Gatesheed up for sale, claiming that he would sell the club for a quid once the season had been completed and his two hundred grand bond was reimbursed. Gatesheed were evicted from their office space at the International Stadium, following unpaid debt to Gatesheed Cooncil. They were, however, still allowed to play games there. Varghese also said that an 'agreement in principle' had been completed with ex-Rochdale chairman Chris Dunphy to take over the club. Players threatened strike action after wages for March were not paid, which was aborted once the payments were received, albeit later than scheduled. In a statement, Varghese has 'outlined' his aims for the club's future, despite his unpopularity with fans, as shown by supporter protests and their decision to set up a new breakaway side. 'Over the past ten months, we have had to make some very tough decisions that weren't always popular and weren't made lightly, but they were crucial to ensuring the club's survival,' the statement read. 'These past few days in particular have been very difficult as we have said goodbye to several people who have played their own part in last season's success. But our sport has always been a fluid business with personnel moving in, sometimes during the season and, especially in our case in the fifth tier of the football pyramid, at the end of the annual campaign. On a regular basis, we read about football clubs facing uncertain futures due to mounting seven-figure debts and this is why, from the outset, I insisted on a plan to ultimately ensure that our operational costs never exceeded revenue. I am pleased to report that, going forward, we are close to being able to reveal that we will be able to roll out an operational budget for next season that meets this criteria.' One of the first challenges for the Gatesheed ownership group would be to recruit a new squad, given the mass exodus of players. There is also the concern about where the club might relocate to, after the issues in the relationship with the cooncil this term. 'In order to deliver this strategy we will be committed to developing local talent and taking exciting young prospects on loan from our English Football League and Premier League neighbours,' the statement said. 'I firmly believe we will deliver an attractive and successful brand of football with young, talented and local players hungry to grab their opportunity to prove themselves at the start of their professional careers. It has become more and more apparent to fans, players, officials, staff and sponsors that the International Stadium is not ideal and we have been working hard behind the scenes to identify an appropriate venue that could become our new home.' Fans group 'Gatesheed Soul' have already done their bit to help the situation, paying to feed players for their away trips and making donations. With all hopes of a sale seemingly quashed, the fans have taken steps towards creating their own club, with a fundraising mission. It would be a case of following in the footsteps of other groups, such as those at AFC Wimbledon, Chester, AFC Telford United and fellow North-East club Darlington, in establishing a fan-led proposition on the back of off-field issues.'As previously mentioned, our only option as a group of fans that will ensure football survives in Gatesheed under the Gatesheed name is to form a new club together,' the group's statement reads. 'During Saturday's match, we received an overwhelming reaction from fans which supported the need of a new club being created; this was before the situation became even more urgent when Gatesheed FC dispensed of all of its players and staff. Establishing a new club will be a tough project, however with the full backing of the community we will make this work.' The aim of the new group is to accrue fifty grand through crowdfunding, similar to the way other groups such as at Hartlepool have sought investment. 'Gatesheed Soul has raised and will continue to raise money that would help fund a new club which will allow fans to be part owners,' they continued. 'Anyone who becomes a member of Gatesheed Soul will play a huge part of a new fan-run club - our club. A number of key stakeholders in the community have already offered their support which would allow things to develop very quickly. Gatesheed Cooncil backs the people of Gatesheed and to that aim they see the fans as the people of Gatesheed. New clubs will be considered for step seven of the non-league pyramid [the eleventh tier of English football], but can get special dispensation to start as high as step five [the ninth tier] in Northern League Division One. We would look to have a competitive budget which can be achieved through various income streams and sponsorship.'
Meanwhile, the Football Association says that it 'is aware' of an incident at Gatesheed where 'comments' were broadcast over the public address system. The comments, alleged to be directed toward fourth official Helen Conley on Saturday, were flagged up to the FA who are reported to be 'looking into the situation.' Gatesheed released an apology on social media after the game against Barrow. However, club announcer Peter Grant maintained that it was 'a private conversation' which was 'inadvertently broadcast in error.' Grant, who says he was 'forced to shut the windows of the PA box' following 'crowd abuse' directed to him and his partner Sarah-Jane, maintains that there was 'a problem' with an 'intermittently faulty on-off switch' on the microphone, which was 'not the usual supplied equipment.' The radio and television broadcaster - a former BBC colleague of this blogger - has written to the FA to outline his case. 'At worst it was a private conversation between two people that was overheard, courtesy of a counter-supplied faulty microphone,' Grant told the BBC Sport website. 'The incident in question was as a result of a double Barrow substitution, where with no team sheet and only the back of the match-day programme to refer to, coupled with the short window of opportunity to see the first two squad numbers, I elected to keep my eye on the fourth official's board and asked my partner to write down the numbers as I called them out to her. Once I knew the two substitutions I could refer to the squad the number and make the required announcement. The problem arose when Sarah-Jane couldn't find her pen and, with the sudden thought of missing the two squad numbers, if at that point the board had swung around to me and I'd called out the numbers Sarah-Jane wouldn't have been in a position to take the numbers down. The fourth official would have changed to the next two numbers. It was Sarah-Jane that I half-jokingly told to hurry up. Neither the referee nor stadium safety officer detailed any concerns in their subsequent reports. The witnesses who were in the PA box with me at the time have both testified that my description of events is correct. I've been a football PA announcer since 1993, in charge of stadium announcements during Euro '96 fixtures at Hillsborough, worked on the stadium PA system at Wembley twice, I know to never say anything provocative or say anything that would place the club officials or governing body author in a difficult situation. As an experienced broadcaster, I am acutely embarrassed the incident happened at all. In my defence I would have noticed the faulty on-off switch much earlier if the window had remained open, but given the climate of hatred towards me and my family at the time, I couldn't subject my daughter to the abuse Sarah-Jane and my daughter were subjected to on Good Friday. I am gravely upset that the club released an online apology, without speaking to me or the stadium safety officer first. An apology by its very nature is regarded as an admission of guilt.'
Spain's World Cup-winning goalkeeper Iker Casillas says 'everything is controlled' after he suffered a heart attack during training with his club Porto. The thirty seven-year-old is reported to be 'stable' in hospital and remains under observation. Casillas, regarded as one of Real Madrid's greatest keepers, says that he had 'a big scare' but added that his 'strength was intact.' A Porto statement said that he 'suffered an acute myocardial infarction' on Wednesday morning. 'The work session was promptly interrupted to provide assistance to the Porto goalkeeper, who is currently at the Hospital CUF Porto. Casillas is well, stable and his heart problem [is] solved,' it added. Casillas made seven hundred and twenty five appearances for Real during a sixteen-year career at the Bernabeu, helping them to win three Champions Leagues and five La Liga titles. He was also part of the Spain squad as they won two successive European Championships, in 2008 and 2012 and the World Cup in 2010. Madrid said that they were sending their former keeper 'all the courage of the world.' Real 'wants to transmit all their support to their beloved captain Casillas,' the statement read. 'Casillas has taught us throughout his professional career to overcome the most incredible challenges to enhance the glory of our club. It has taught us that giving up does not fit into our philosophy of life and has shown us countless times that being stronger, the harder the challenge, is the way to achieve victory. Real Madrid want to see their eternal captain recovered as soon as possible and send him all the courage of the world.' Casillas is held in high esteem at the Bernabeu, with the thirteen-time European champions describing him as 'the best goalkeeper in our history' on their official website. Born a short distance from the stadium, he graduated from the youth ranks and the C and B teams, to establish himself as a regular first-team player, winning ten major titles during a isxteen-year career with Los Blancos. The former club captain, who moved to Porto on a free transfer in 2015, holds the distinction of having made the most Champions League appearances of any player - one hundred and seventy six - and became the first player to appear in twenty consecutive seasons of the competition. Casillas is also the most-capped Spain player, having made one hundred and sixty seven appearances. He helped Porto win the Portuguese title last season.
In League Two, Notts County's one hundred and thirty one-year stay in the Football League is over after they were beaten three-one at Swindon. Goals from Kaiyne Woolery and two from Theo Robinson helped Swindon end County's hopes of a last-day escape. County needed to win and hope that rivals Macclesfield lost to Cambridge to stand any chance - and Kane Hemmings gave the two thousand plus travelling County fans hope when he scored from the spot. However, Woolery equalised and, as County frantically pushed men forward, they were punished twice on the counter attack. Relegation means County, who have won only nine league matches all season, lose their status as the oldest Football League club, having been formed in 1862. That mantle now passes across the River Trent to Nottingham Forest, who were founded in 1865. County's misery meant elation for Sol Campbell's Macclesfield as they survived thanks to a draw with Cambridge. At the other end of the table, MK Dons were victorious in the winner-takes-all shootout against promotion rivals Mansfield. The Stags went into the game at Stadium MK behind the Dons on goal difference and had to win to climb above them into third place, but David Wheeler's second-minute header gave the hosts victory. It put Mansfield into the play-offs, where they will be joined by Newport after Jamille Matt's eighty seventh-minute equaliser at Morecambe saw County claim seventh spot. That was at the expense of Colchester, who missed out despite a three-nil win at champions Lincoln. Elsewhere, Tranmere will be in the play-offs although they lost to Crawley. Joe Martin and Jordan Gibson scored in Stevenage's two-nil win against Cheltenham while Grimsby were also two-nil winners against Crewe. Northampton rounded off their season in style with a five-two success at Oldham, who led through Johan Branger's strike. However, Sam Hoskins, Aaron Pierre and an Andy Williams double turned the game in The Cobblers' favour. Callum Lang hit another for Oldham before substitute Junior Morias scored Northampton's fifth. Promoted Bury drew at home against Port Vale as Jordan Rossiter cancelled out Tom Pope's opening goal, while it finished goalless between Forest Green and Exeter and relegated Yeovil against Carlisle United.
