Play-Offs - Blackpool win promotion
Evans quits Boston
LA issue Beckham warning
For the first time since 1978, Blackpool are back up to the second tier after comfortably beating Yeovil Town 2-0 in the League One Play-Off Final at Wembley. In reviving the memories of the famous Matthews FA Cup Final at the old Wembley in 1953, the Tangerines clinch promotion with a club record tenth consecutive win. Their previous record had stood since January 1937. Blackpool were in the bottom four after their first ten league games of the season. Manager Simon Grayson survived the dreadful start to the season to relish a day to remember:
“From the first whistle to the last we were outstanding and I’m very proud of this group of players. It’s a fantastic achievement. We’ll never take the history away but now there are players here who want to go and make names for themselves.”
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Manager Steve Evans and his assistant Paul Raynor quit crisis club Boston United. The Pilgrims went into administration during their final game of the season when relegation from the Football League became inevitable. Last week chairman Jim Rodwell ordered the debt-ridden club’s ten office staff to stay at home as they - as well as the players - have not been paid for three months. United are not yet guaranteed a place in the newly named Blue Square Conference Premier as they have yet to release details of their entry into a CVA. Officially, league standings remain in place until 7 June when Boston and Torquay United are due to be replaced by Dagenham & Redbridge and Morecambe in League Two. The Pilgrims’ return to non-league’s top division will not be confirmed until the relevant documents from the club or their administrators are handed to the Conference.
LA Galaxy warn England coach Steve McClaren that they do not intend to release David Beckham if he is chosen for insignificant friendly matches. The 32-year-old’s surprise recall has increased the possibility of still playing in internationals when he moves to the United States from Real Madrid next month. General manager Alexi Lalas tells BBC Radio:
“From a business perspective, it is not the greatest news as we are selling a team with David Beckham in it and a lot of people are excited about seeing him play with the Galaxy. He has a responsibility on and off the field to our organisation and our sport and he recognises that.”