Starlets from Premier League clubs could be set for moves to EFL clubs outside the transfer windows.
A situation which would see freedom of movement for youngsters from top-flight stables to the three divisions below was discussed at a recent meeting of academy managers, insiders have told Inside Sport.
There may, however, be a couple of obstacles. Some in EFL academies harbour concerns that such a move could block pathways for their own players while it remains to be seen what FIFA, who run the transfer system, would make of such a suggestion.
Sources have highlighted how since the emergency loan system was removed, Premier League clubs have looked for other ways to get youngsters out on the pitch, for example in the EFL Trophy or through the creation of the National League Cup.
The emergency loan system used to be a beneficial one, particularly for lower-league clubs with smaller budgets, but that was scrapped by FIFA in 2016.
Premier League starlets could be allowed to exit on loan to EFL clubs out of the transfer window
However, sources in EFL academies fear it could block pathways for their own youngsters
Saints’ shake-up
Southampton head of recruitment Darren Mowbray is to leave the club as part of a major shake-up at St Mary’s ahead of life back in the Championship.
Mowbray, brother of West Brom manager Tony, is one of the changes being overseen by Group Technical Director Johannes Spors who was appointed in February amidst what has been a dreadful season for the Saints.
Spors also has responsibilities for Valenciennes and Goztepe, the other clubs under the umbrella of the relegation certainties’ owners Sports Republic.
Mowbray joined Southampton from Aberdeen in 2023. The club won promotion in his first season but an outlay of £120million on players last summer has failed to prevent them falling to the bottom of the Premier League and in grave danger of finishing with all-time points low of nine.
They also lost director of football Jason Wilcox when he joined Manchester United in 2024.
Major call for 2036 Olympics
With the dust settling on the IOC Presidential election, all eyes are now on whether the outgoing President Thomas Bach allows India’s bid for the 2036 Olympics to be fast-tracked at the expense of Qatar and others in what appears to be an opaque, murky process.
Inside Sport asked Bach’s successor, Kirsty Coventry, if such a fast-tracking would be appropriate, hot on the heels of her election success. ‘There is a process in place,’ she said. ‘That process has been ongoing and as far as I know will continue for the next few months.’ Watch this space.
Kirsty Coventry kept her cards close to her chest when asked about India’s potential fast-tracking in their bid for the 2036 Olympics
Taste of the Masters
The Masters, which starts in a fortnight, is known for its iconic holes, green jackets and legendary moments etched into golf’s rich history under Augusta’s famous pine trees.
However, the culinary experience served up to patrons is also noteworthy, with its food offerings attracting a fanbase of its own.
In what is perhaps a smart bid to cash in by officials, those who cannot make it to the Georgia landmark can now order ‘Taste of the Masters’ hosting kits which include concession stand favourites such as pimiento cheese sandwiches and chocolate chip cookies.
This year, Augusta National is introducing a ‘limited edition Azalea Cocktail Kit’ so buyers ‘can make the tournament’s signature cocktail in your own kitchen’.
Dan Burn’s atmospheric light show
A decent March for Dan Burn was capped on Saturday night when his profile rose to a sky-high level.
The Newcastle defender scored the opening goal in his side’s Carabao Cup win over Liverpool and subsequently made his England bow under Thomas Tuchel.
At Saturday night’s celebratory ‘Geordie Glastonbury’ Burn watched along with 300,000 others as club sponsors Sela launched a light show, which recreated the Blyth man’s header via 500 drones.
‘Unreal,’ said the 32-year-old, who may well have been commenting on the last two weeks of his life.
Dan Burn called the drone show displaying his likeness ‘unreal’ on Saturday night
Formidable cricketer passes away
A West Indies cricketer who retired at 85 after taking an estimated 7,000 wickets the Lancashire Leagues has finally ended his long innings.
Once a formidable fast bowler Cecil ‘Cec’ Wright, who swapped Jamaica for the Pennines in 1959, passed away surrounded by his family on Sunday nine short of his century.
Wright was still regularly among the wickets off a 12-pace run-up when he finally hung up his spikes in 2019 and, in 2018, hit a six for Uppermill CC off the final ball to win a game at 84-years-old.
An honorary Lancastrian and season ticket holder at Oldham Athletic, Cec was once asked about his incredible longevity. ‘He’s always been strong,’ his wife, Edith, told The Times. ‘There’s not two penn’orth of meat on him.’