Articles by Ryan Whelan
Five Free Agents Your League One Club Could Still Sign
The EFL transfer window slammed shut yesterday, putting an end to a summer of speculation, rumours and desperate deals. However, many clubs in League One will not have been able to secure all the targets they had hoped for to fill the gaps in their squad. Injuries and poor form of some players in the first few games may have also forced clubs to look at alternative options.
Sunderland to Face £14million+ Transfer Offers for In-Demand Forward
Sunderland are expected to face a host of transfer offers from Ipswich Town, Hull City and Championship side West Ham United for striker Wilson Isidor as they all compete for his signature this summer window. The 25-year-old has been with Sunderland since 2024, initially joining on loan from Zenit Saint Petersburg before signing a permanent deal in February 2025.
Manchester United Could Battle Liverpool for World Cup Hero
Manchester United have been offered the opportunity to sign one of this year’s shining stars of the World Cup, Djed Spence from Tottenham Hotspur, in a move that could benefit all parties. However, they could face competition from Premier League rivals Liverpool for his signature. Michael Carrick’s side have been quiet in the Premier League transfer window so far, with many of their high-profile pursuits failing to get over the line.
Charlton Athletic Can “Do a Lot Better†than Lyndon Dykes – Pundit Claims
Nathan Jones’ preparation for the 2026/27 Championship season with Charlton Athletic is kicking into gear as they look to avoid the drop into League One. Many of the bookmakers have the Addicks as one of the favourites to go down alongside the promoted trio of Lincoln City, Cardiff City and Bolton Wanderers.
Leicester City Attempt Raid of Newly Promoted League One Side
Recently relegated Leicester City are set to test the resolve of fellow League One side MK Dons, as Russell Martin attempts to plot the Foxes’ immediate return to the Championship. The summer transfer window is kicking into gear; however, the Foxes are yet to make any additions to their first team. Whilst the focus will naturally be on the line-up of players that will take the field next season, the off-field additions could be just as important to the club’s potential promotion push.
Leicester City Identify “Exciting†New Manager Target
Championship side Leicester City have identified a potential replacement for their soon-to-be outgoing boss Gary Rowett following their relegation to League One. A decade on from their memorable Premier League title win. The Foxes‘ season went from bad to worse, with a points deduction followed by a campaign that failed to get started. The club last tasted victory on the 10th of March 2026, a 2-0 win over Bristol City which allowed them to briefly move out of the relegation spots.
Outgoing Boston United Boss Blasts Board
Boston United’s decision to part company with Graham Coughlan has quickly escalated from a routine managerial change into a public dispute, with the outgoing head coach openly questioning the ambition of the club’s board in the aftermath of his departure. Coughlan’s exit followed a run of five league games without a win, leaving the Pilgrims three points above the relegation places.
Arsenal Confirm Midfield Departure 11 Months After Emirates Goal
Premier League Arsenal have confirmed the departure of a young midfielder, just 11 months after he scored against Manchester United in the FA Youth Cup at the Emirates Stadium. The January transfer window is well under way and the Gunners are leading the way in the top flight. Whilst much of the attention will be placed on the club’s big name stars in the first team, several of their academy and youth players have been the subject of interest from the EFL.
Five Potential Clubs For Wrexham's Paul Mullin
Wrexham AFC confirmed today that striker Paul Mullin’s loan spell at Wigan Athletic has come to a premature end. The 31-year-old made 26 appearances for the Latics during the first half of the League One campaign, and despite five goals during his time at the Brick Community Stadium, the striker was omitted from the previous four matchday squads, leading Ryan Lowe to call time on his loan move.
The Deck Football Creator Awards 2025
Voting is now open for The Deck’s annual Football Creator Awards. Finalists have been picked by compiling nominations submitted by the public.
Cardiff City Reportedly Interested In Peterborough United Attacker
Cardiff City are looking to bolster their squad with the aim of securing promotion back to the Championship and are reportedly interested in a League One attacker. The current League One leaders are in a good position to secure promotion to the second tier, sitting five points clear of third-place Bradford City. Nevertheless, it has not stopped Brian Barry-Murphy from looking for further additions to his lineup.
Rotherham United Boss Puts End To Rumours
Rotherham United manager Matt Hamshaw has put to bed rumours about one of his key players after he was left out on New Year’s Day. Hamshaw’s side started 2026 with a 2-0 defeat to Peterborough United. The defeat was their sixth straight loss, leaving them three points off safety, having played a game more than Burton Albion in 20th place. Aside from another poor display, Millers fans were concerned when they saw Manchester United loanee Dan Gore wasn’t part of the squad.
Five National League Players Who Could Make EFL Moves This January
With the January transfer window open, a number of clubs in League One and Two will be looking to add to their squads for the second half of the season. A number of sides may look to the National League to support their recruitment. There is an abundance of talent in the fifth tier that clubs could take advantage of. This article, using statistics from Sofascore and Fotmob, will look at five players who have impressed so far this season and could make the step up to the EFL.
Lincoln City Loan Set to End as Championship Club Cuts Short Stay
Ipswich Town midfielder Finley Barbrook is set to have his season-long loan to League One side Lincoln City cut short. The 21-year-old will return to Portman Road after a fairly unsuccessful loan spell with the Imps. Having made his senior debut for Ipswich in the EFL Cup in August, the midfielder has since struggled for game time at the LNER Stadium. After a disappointing mid-table finish last season, Skubala’s side are currently 3rd and looking to secure promotion to the Championship.
The emerging threat lurking within the holiday shopping rush: ghost tapping Original
We’ve all been in this situation: Running around during the holidays, grabbing gifts at the first stores you find with the shortest lines. Amid the rush, you run up a list of credit card charges from places you don’t recall visiting and things you don’t remember buying.
UEFA Conference League: Matchday 3 Preview
g in aMatchday 3 of the UEFA Conference League has arrived, with plenty of excitement expected to occur as always. There were quite a few shockers in the opening rounds, but now the pressure intensifies. Six clubs enter this round with two wins from two, while another half a dozen are looking to get on the board. Here is The Deck’s preview ahead of the third round of league phase play.
UEFA Europa League: Matchday 4 Preview
Another Thursday night of UEFA Europa League football is on the horizon. Matchday 4 will transpire this week, with the pressure intensifying for the 36 clubs. Three clubs have a perfect record thus far, while another four are looking for their first point. Ahead of the day’s football, The Deck previews all 18 games to occur. UEFA Europa League: Matchday 4 Among the early games sees FC Basel host FCSB. Both clubs are on three points, meaning a result will be key.
UEFA Champions League: Matchday 4 Preview
The UEFA Champions League is nearing the midway point of the league phase campaign. Tuesday and Wednesday will see the fourth round of action, where the pressure truly begins to mount. A dozen sides are awaiting a first win of this season’s competition, with two of those clubs yet to even pick up a point. Meanwhile, eight teams are unbeaten, five of which claimed maximum points after three rounds. Ahead of the round of play, here is The Deck’s preview for each clash.
UEFA Coefficient Analysis: League Phase Week 4
It is UEFA coefficient analysis time once again. As we near the fifth week of league phase football across the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and UEFA Conference League, it is worth looking back at how things are shaping up in the coefficient rankings. Some battles became a lot more interesting after the last round of action. Here is The Deck’s latest UEFA coefficient analysis after the fourth week of league phase play.
UEFA Conference League: Matchday 2 Preview
The second matchday of the UEFA Conference League takes centre stage on Thursday, with another 18 matches to occur. There were 16 winners and losers in the opening round three weeks ago, as well as a pair of draws. This round provides an opening for all 36 sides to take a closer step towards the knockout stages. Here is The Deck’s preview of everything to come in the UECL second round. UEFA Conference League: Matchday 2 One of the early kickoffs sees AEK Athens play host to Aberdeen.
UEFA Europa League: Matchday 3 Preview
A week on from the international break, the UEFA Europa League continues with matchday 3 play. October concludes with the 36 sides in this season’s competition continue their push to make it beyond this stage. Seven clubs have a perfect record so far, while another six are still awaiting their first point. Here is The Deck’s preview ahead of the round action. UEFA Europa League: Matchday 3 One of Thursday’s early kickoffs comes from Portugal as Sporting Braga faces Crvena zvezda.
UEFA Champions League: Matchday 3 Preview
A week on from the international break, the UEFA Champions League continues. Matchday 3 is now here, as the 36 sides look to strengthen their chances of playing European football beyond January. Ahead of the round of play, here is a preview of each match to take place this Tuesday and Wednesday. UEFA Champions League: Matchday 3 One of Tuesday’s early kickoffs will occur in Spain, as Barcelona faces Olympiakos Piraeus. Both clubs are looking for a positive response to their matchday 2 losses.
UEFA Coefficient Analysis: League Phase Week 3
Before the international break, the first full week of league phase place occurred, giving us many conclusions from a UEFA coefficient perspective. Some nations continued their strong start, while others struggled to impress. Here is The Deck’s latest UEFA coefficient analysis after the third week of league phase play. Before starting, it is important to note that the access list for the 2027/28 season is not yet confirmed, as it is the first of a new three-year cycle.
Huddersfield Town: Update Emerges on Potential Lee Grant Sacking
The rumour mill surrounding League One Huddersfield Town has been in full swing over the last week. Social media sites such as X have been awash with fans speculating that manager Lee Grant could be sacked after a disappointing start to the season. However, an update has now emerged giving a clear indication on the club’s stance. Grant took over the club in May 2025 and has taken charge of 16 games to date.
Luton Town Sack Struggling Manager Matt Bloomfield
League One side Luton Town have made the decision to part company with struggling boss Matt Bloomfield just weeks into the new season, after relegation from the Championship. Bloomfield joined Luton from then high flying Wycombe Wanderers but failed to save the club from their second relegation in two years. The club were tipped to be one of the sides competing for a promotion spot in League One this year, but they find themselves in 11th after 11 games.
5 Manager Options Blackpool Must Look At to Replace Steve Bruce
League One Blackpool made the decision to part company with former Premier League boss Steve Bruce following a dismal start to the 2025/26 campaign. The Seasiders sit in the relegation zone with only the struggling Peterborough United below them in the table. The former Newcastle United boss’ final game was a defeat to Bolton Wanderers, his seventh of the season so far.
League One Blackpool have sacked Head Coach Steve Bruce, assistant head coach Steve Agnew and First-Team Coach Stephen Clemence, after their defeat to Bolton Wanderers. Bruce took over at the Seasiders in September 2024 from former boss Neil Critchley. In his first season at the club he somewhat steadied the ship, but missed out on the play-offs with a ninth placed finish.
Ange Postecoglou Facing the Sack After Just Six Games for Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest manager Ange Postecoglou is facing the sack, just six games into his tenure at the Premier League club. The former Tottenham Hotspur boss took over the club following the sacking of the popular Nuno Espirito Santo earlier in the season. Whilst results were not as favourable as last season for the now West Ham boss, it was ultimately the deteriorating relationship between him and owner Evangelos Marinakis that became his downfall. They were quick to appoint Postecoglou to the role.
Manchester United - Update Emerges on Ruben Amorim Sack
Manchester United face a make-or-break Premier League fixture against Sunderland before October’s international break. However, the attention of the fans and much of the media is firmly on the future of boss Ruben Amorim. The former Sporting manager has been in situ less than a year. Having taken over from Erik ten Hag following a poor start to the season. The club’s form did not improve, with Amorim recording just seven wins in the Premier League in his first season with 14 defeats.
What If the England Squad Was Entirely Made Up of EFL Players?
Following on from Thomas Tuchel’s recent England squad announcement, we look at what the team would look like if it were entirely made up of EFL players. It has been a thrilling start to the 2025-26 EFL campaign, with standout performers in every side. In light of this, this highly subjective, hypothetical squad considers performers in their relative divisions, while also following a strict ruling of one player per club to shed light on the Football League as a whole.
Rochdale Set To Land League Two Promotion Winner
Rochdale are closing in on the permanent signing of League Two promotion winner Tyler Smith on a free transfer. Jimmy McNulty’s side are currently competing at the top end of the National League standings and have striker Mani Dieseruvwe largely to thank for his outstanding start to the campaign. However, it appears as though Rochdale aren’t happy with their squad depth at present and have opted to make their team even stronger moving forward.
Previews and Predictions: Three EFL Fixtures to Look Out for
The EFL returns this weekend with an exciting line-up of fixtures as the tables begin to take shape. With the tone of the 2025-26 EFL’s tone beginning to set, here’s a look at the most exciting fixtures across the Championship, League One, and League Two. Ipswich Town vs Norwich City The East Anglia derby returns this weekend, with both sides having made less than ideal starts to the campaign.
Iconic Italian Stadium Officially Set for Demolition
The San Siro demolition is now confirmed after Italian giants AC Milan and Inter Milan secured approval to purchase the stadium for nearly €200 million. San Siro Demolition: How the Plans Unfolded For almost a century, San Siro has been the beating heart of Milan. However, according to Euro News, after a heated 12-hour debate on Tuesday, city council members voted 24–20 in favour of the sale. This decision paves the way for the stadium’s demolition.
UEFA Europa League: Matchday 2 Preview
The second matchday of the UEFA Europa League is here, with 14 sides looking to make it two wins from two. Another 14 are aiming for their first point, while the other eight will want to get a win to put themselves in a better position. Ahead of Thursday’s play, The Deck previews each match that will occur in Europe’s second-tier club competition. UEFA Europa League: Matchday 2 Following matchday 1 success versus French opposition, AS Roma will take on another Ligue 1 club in LOSC Lille.
Leicester City to Decide Future of Highly-Rated Prospect
Leicester City are set to decide on the future of highly-rated defender Ben Nelson in the near future, with a sale looking unlikely to be part of that decision. Nelson has been tipped to become one of the next big things to emerge from Leicester City’s academy. After being handed the number four shirt for the coming season, fans expected to see his name on the team sheet regularly.
Manchester United Target Not for Sale in January
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite is not for sale in January as David Moyes’ side looks to build for the future by holding onto the English star. The 23-year-old was a regular in the Everton side last season but has not featured for the Toffees this campaign after picking up a hamstring injury. His return date from that injury is still unknown. That injury was suffered in the final game of pre-season, and Moyes recently stated they expect the defender back shortly.
UEFA Champions League: Matchday 2 Preview
The second matchweek of the UEFA Champions League is here, as the 36 teams look to get a foothold in the competition’s league phase. Fourteen teams are looking to remain perfect after two rounds of football, while another 14 are hoping to avoid another defeat. As for the other eight, they will want three points to put themselves in a decent position heading into the international break. Here is The Deck’s matchday 2 preview for the Champions League.
Gareth Southgate as Manchester United Manager? An Analysis
Sir Gareth Southgate has emerged as a contender for the Manchester United job. Questions are mounting over whether his pragmatic style would suit Old Trafford. Manchester United currently sit 14th in the Premier League with a goal difference of -4 points. Following a dismal display against Brentford on Saturday, pressure mounts on manager Ruben Amorim. Southgate is no stranger to Manchester United links. The club previously considered him for the manager role before ultimately hiring Amorim.
Hull City Amongst Clubs Monitoring £10 Million Forward
Hull City have joined two other Championship sides in monitoring the ongoing situation regarding Brighton Hove Albion winger Tommy Watson, with a potential loan move on the cards. The Tigers are believed to be closely monitoring his future at the Seagulls, despite only joining the football club officially during the summer – just weeks shy of his play-off final heroics for Sunderland last season.
Liverpool Among Premier League Teams Watching European Wonderkid
Reigning champions Liverpool are one of five Premier League sides battling it out for Greek teenage sensation Konstantinos Karetsas. The 17-year-old attacking midfielder has risen to international level in the past 18 months and is attracting interest from the Reds, as well as four of their top-flight rivals.
UEFA Coefficient Analysis: League Phase Week 2
Almost two dozen countries saw action in the UEFA Europa League‘s exclusive matchweek this week, giving us more to talk about in our latest UEFA coefficient analysis. Last week, much of the talk would have been on the European Performance Spots (EPS), but now with more nations involved, there are more conclusions to be made. Here is The Deck’s latest UEFA coefficient analysis after the second week of league phase play.
Former Huddersfield Town Man Set For League Two Switch
Former Huddersfield Town defender Josh Ruffels is closing in on a move to League Two side Shrewsbury Town on a free transfer. The 31-year-old is currently without a club following the expiry of his contract with Huddersfield and spent a period of the summer with the PFA, but now it seems as though his next club is getting ever closer.
West Ham Sack Manager and Immediately Appoint New One
Premier League side West Ham United have sacked manager Graham Potter after a dreadful start to the season and immediately appointed former Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo. Pressure has been building on the former Chelsea boss this season, with the Hammers currently sitting 19th in the table with only one win from five. There had been several reports that he would be given until the international break to turn around the club’s form.
Hearts Star Leads Top Five Scottish Premiership Players So Far
Five games into the Scottish Premiership season, the table is starting to take shape. Let’s take a look at the five standout players so far, according to Sofascore. Celtic and Hearts are currently the top two teams in the league, each with 13 points. The rest of the top five is made up by Dundee United, Hibernian, and St Mirren heading into the sixth round of fixtures. Unsurprisingly, Sofascore’s top five performing players all come from these teams. 5.
Colchester United Player Tops League Two Player Ratings
There have been some standout players in League Two this season, with five catching the eye in particular. We’ve used Sofascore to rank the top five players in League Two based on average rating. Gillingham sit pretty at the top of the League Two table with no defeats in nine games and a total of 21 points. Even with their impressive start, none of their players are ranked in the top five based on average rating according to Sofascore.
Will Andy Cook Make His First Start Of The Season Vs Blackpool?
In the sixth minute of the League Two clash between Barrow and Bradford City on January 1st 2025, Bantams talisman Andy Cook broke his anterior cruciate ligament, thus ending his season. Many thought that Graham Alexander’s side would struggle without their number nine, but Bradford managed to earn a historic promotion from the fourth tier. Now, the best part of 10 months after the Barrow game, could Cook be ready to return to the starting XI against Blackpool in League One? Why May Cook Start?
Reading Man Tops Sofascore League One Player Ratings
Nine games into the League One campaign, and the league is starting to take shape. We’ve looked into who leads the League One player ratings according to Sofascore. Recently promoted Bradford City have been the surprise package in League One this season. Nine games in, and they are top of the table on 20 points, having lost just one game. Despite their impressive start, none of their players make the top five average-rated players according to Sofascore.
Tom Cleverley Faces Plymouth Argyle Goalkeeper Conundrum
For the second weekend running, Plymouth Argyle are preparing to face League One’s bottom side, after they slipped to a frustrating 1-0 defeat at home to Peterborough United last time out. They travel to the Pirelli Stadium to take on Burton Albion, who slipped to the foot of the table last Saturday after drawing 0-0 at Huddersfield, and Posh’s win in Devon. Pilgrims’ head coach Tom Cleverley now has a big decision to make over who to start in goal for the match against the Brewers.
West Ham United Linked to Former Premier League Midfielder
According to EPL Index, citing reports from CaughtOffside, Premier League side West Ham United are considering a January transfer move for former Premier League midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek. The midfielder left Chelsea in June 2023 for AC Milan. Now a return to the Premier League is on the cards as West Ham Manager Graham Potter is keen to address their midfield issues.
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