suspended after the third-tier club failed to provide a viable plan to settle their debts, the English Football
League (EFL) has said. Bury, along with fellow League One side Bolton Wanderers who are in
administration, were given a deadline of earlier this week to provide the EFL with the necessary evidence.
Both clubs start the season with a 12-point deduction.
Bury opening fixture against MK Dons on Saturday had already been called off and their second match has
now been suspended. “The information provided is still not enough to demonstrate that the club (Bury) has
the ability to immediately settle all football debts, meet the obligations to unsecured creditors and ensure
the club has the appropriate financial resources for the 2019/20 season,” the EFL said in a statement.
Seagulls swoop for Webster
Brighton have strengthened their defence with the signing of Adam Webster from Bristol City as the
possible domino effect of Harry Maguire’s move to Manchester United is felt. The club would not comment
on the terms of the deal but reports suggest Brighton have paid what would be a club-record £20million fee
for the 24-year-old, who has signed a four-year deal.
Webster’s arrival comes as Lewis Dunk is being widely linked with a move to Leicester as a replacement for
Maguire, who is set to move to Old Trafford after United agreed a fee of £80million for the England man
on Friday. Brighton head coach Graham Potter, who faced Webster while managing in the Championship
last season, said: “He is a quality defender, comfortable on the ball, fits the profile of the type of player we
want to bring to the club, and he was very keen to join us.”
Japan rout Tonga to continue impressive World Cup build-up
A Yu Tamura-inspired Japan thrashed Tonga 41-7 in Osaka yesterday to make it two wins from two in the
Pacific Nations Cup as they continued their stellar preparations for next month's Rugby World Cup. The
result moved Japan to the top of the Pacific Nations Cup standings and sets up a competition decider
against the United States in Suva next weekend, following the Eagles 13-10 win over Samoa earlier on
Saturday.
Despite having winger Kotaro Matsushima sin-binned after four minutes, Japan dominated from the start in
defence and attack, running in three tries to hold a 21-0 half-time lead. Two Tongan-born players, number
eight Amanaki Mafi and prop Asaeli Ai Valu, were among the scorers, as the Japanese proved more physical
than their Pacific Island opponents.