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    Record-breaking Hollywood director joins board of Championship club as they target long-term stay in Premier League

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    HOLLYWOOD director Joe Russo has invested in Championship side Sheffield United.New American owners COH Sports bought the club from Saudi Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad Al Saud last month.Joe Russo has invested in Sheffield UnitedCredit: GettyThe club were recently taken over by an American consortiumCredit: AlamyRusso, 53, has now joined consortium and will have a place on the board at Brammal Lane.Alongside his brother Anthony, the duo have directed four Marvel films including Avengers: Endgame.The movie took £2.2billion at the box office worldwide and broke the record for highest-grossing film of all-time in 2019.Russo also directed Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe is currently working on his third Avengers film, which is set to be released in 2026.Russo joins Sheffield United alongside Len Komoroski, who was a chief at basketball side the Cleveland Cavaliers, and real estate businessman Terry Ahern.Co-chairmen Steven Rosen and Helmy Eltoukhy welcomed the trio to the Blades, saying: “We are delighted to welcome Joe, Len and Terry to the board of directors of Sheffield United Football Club.”We want to see the Blades competing in the top-flight of English football consistently, not just on a one-off basis. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”An important element of this is ensuring Sheffield United has the highest quality team not just on the pitch but in the boardroom as well.”Each of Joe, Len and Terry bring outstanding capabilities and decades of experience to the table as we plan for the long-term, develop the brand and ensure we have the best infrastructure in place. Biggest football kit fails after controversy over new England shirt”As prospective board members and investors we know all Blades fans will give them a warm welcome at Bramall Lane.”Russo has previously been spotted watching Wrexham alongside their Hollywood star owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.Sheffield United are currently second in the Championship table, one point off league leaders Leeds. More

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      Tottenham recall club’s youngest ever debutant from Championship loan as Postecoglou faces mammoth injury crisis

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      TOTTENHAM have recalled young striker Dane Scarlett from Oxford – but plan to loan him out again.Spurs’ first team are painfully short of attacking options after Dominic Solanke and Brennan Johnson joined their massive list of injuries.Tottenham have recalled striker Dane Scartlett from his loan at Oxford UnitedCredit: AlamyThe forward scored four times for the Championship sideCredit: GettyBut rather than Scarlett being brought back to bolster numbers, the 20-year-old has been recalled due to a lack of game-time at Championship side United.The N17 academy product made just seven league starts for the Yellows, netting four times.Spurs are looking to farm him back out in this window to boost his experience.The North Londoners remain on the lookout for a new forward this window, having brought in only goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky so far.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThey missed out on Randal Kolo Muani, who is joining Juventus on loan from Paris Saint-Germain.Boss Ange Postecoglou said after Sunday’s defeat to Everton that the club were doing everything in their power to add new faces, but that nothing was “imminent”.The Aussie, whose job remains safe despite recording a 12th league loss of the season at Goodison Park, added: “The club’s well aware of our situation and they’re doing their utmost.”As far as I know at the moment there’s nothing imminent.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”But you know, I assume between now and we’re getting to the end of the window that hopefully something comes up.”Spurs were without ten players at the Toffees, including four attacking players.SunSports’ Tom Barclay speaks on Tottenham’s current poor form which has led the club to the cup of a relegation battle Solanke is set to miss the next few weeks with a knee problem, while Johnson faces a month out with a knock.Timo Werner is still three weeks away with a hamstring injury – which is the same issue that has ruled summer signing Wilson Odobert for most of the campaign.Scarlett became Tottenham’s youngest-ever debutant in 2021 and drew praise from then-manager Jose Mourinho. The Special One said: “He is a diamond, a kid with incredible potential.Tottenham’s top 10 biggest signings: Hit or miss?1) Tanguy Ndombele – £52.7mNdombele joined from Lyon in 2019 with huge expectations after shattering Tottenham’s transfer record.But he would go on to play just 91 times for the club, scoring 10 goals and is now set to leave one year before the end of his contract.2) Richarlison – £49.3mRicharlison almost broke the £50m mark when he arrived from Everton in 2022 as Harry Kane’s back-up.And while his tally of 12 goals this season was a significant increase on the three from his opening Spurs campaign, he is being linked with a departure this summer.3) Brennan Johnson – £46.8mJohnson was signed by Ange Postecoglou last summer and has impressed in patches during his first season in North London.He scored five goals and 10 assists in 38 games and will look to build on that in the 2024/25 campaign.4) Cristian Romero – £44.2mRomero initially joined on loan from Atalanta in 2021, before his impressive displays saw him secure a permanent deal the following year.He is two games shy of 100 for Spurs and, while he can be reckless with his tackling at times, is beginning to form a promising partnership with Micky van de Ven.5) James Maddison – £39.4mMaddison was handed Kane’s No10 shirt after arriving at Spurs and hit the ground running with three goals and five assists in his opening 11 matches.But after getting injured against Chelsea in October, he failed to return with the same sharpness – managing just five goal contributions in 15 league matches as he missed out on England’s final 26-man squad for the Euros.6) Davinson Sanchez – £35.7mSanchez joined Spurs from Ajax in 2017 and played more than 200 games across a six-year spell.But he was always considered a somewhat erratic defender who did not play more than 20 games in a Premier League season from 2020 onwards.7) Pedro Porro – £34mPorro was another signing who originally arrived on loan in January 2023, before he signed permanently last summer.He has 54 appearances for Spurs under his belt, scoring seven goals and impressing under Postecoglou this season.8) Micky van de Ven – £34mRapid Dutch centre-back Van de Ven was named Spurs Player of the Season in his first campaign at the club.His pace, athleticism, and technical ability on the ball have made him arguably Postecoglou’s best signing to date.9) Moussa Sissoko – £29.8mSissoko came to North London for a substantial fee after being relegated with Newcastle and went on to enjoy five years at Tottenham, playing more than 200 games.Unfortunately for the French midfielder, he is best-known for giving away a controversial penalty for handball in the first minute of Spurs’ 2-0 Champions League final defeat to Liverpool in 2019.10) Giovani Lo Celso – £27.2mLo Celso joined on loan from Real Betis in 2019 – a deal that was made permanent the following season.He has 10 goals and eight assists in 108 games, with some Spurs fans still unsure about the Argentine.”He is going to be a fantastic player and I hope everything around him goes well. “He is a striker, a number nine, I have been playing him from the sides similar to Marcus Rashford and he is very clever.”READ MORE SUN STORIESScarlett, now 20, has played for England at five different age levels.He has previously been on loan to Portsmouth and Ipswich Town. 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      Leeds vs Sheffield Wednesday live stream FREE: How to watch huge EFL clash today

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      LEEDS welcome fierce Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Wednesday to Elland Road TODAY!Daniel Farke is looking to lead the Whites back to the Premier League after his side failed to make an immediate return to the top flight last season.Leeds’ Yorkshire derby with Sheffield Wednesday will be free to watchCredit: GettyLeeds were on the receiving end of play-off final heartbreak last May, with Adam Armstrong’s strike firing Southampton to the big time.Now, the Whites are on a nine-match unbeaten run and will remain top of the Championship with a win over their Yorkshire rivals this afternoon.But Sheffield Wednesday arrive at Elland Road in decent form themselves, and the Owls will be looking to secure three points to push towards the play-off spots.It promises to be a blockbuster Yorkshire derby – and you can catch all the action for FREE!READ MORE IN EFLWhen is Leeds vs Sheffield Wednesday?Leeds vs Sheffield Wednesday will take place on Sunday, January 19.Kick off is scheduled for 12pm GMT.Elland Road will host.How to watch Leeds vs Sheffield Wednesday for FREELeeds vs Sheffield Wednesday will be broadcast LIVE on ITV1 You can live stream the match for FREE on the ITVX app/website.The Championship fixture is available on free-to-air TV after Sky Sports, ITV, and the EFL reached an agreement to give fans the chance to watch the EFL and EFL Cup for absolutely nothing. Most read in EFLITV’s coverage of the second tier continues with the Tees-Wear derby between Middlesbrough and Sunderland on Monday, February 4. More

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      ‘Classless’ – Fans fume as EFL star’s ‘disgusting’ behaviour sparks row that sees manager sent off days after dad died

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      FANS fumed at a Swansea star’s “disgusting” behaviour after Cardiff manager Omer Riza was sent off days after his dad died.Riza travelled to London on Thursday to see his father Josh before he passed away.Omer Riza clashed with Gonçalo FrancoCredit: RexHe had to be held back by his own playersCredit: GettyThe Cardiff boss was sent off for his reactionCredit: GettyRiza lost his dad this weekCredit: ColorsportBut he was back in Cardiff a day later to help his team prepare for the derby, which his side won 3-0.The Bluebirds boss also took to the touchline but was sent to the stands mid-way through the match following an altercation with Swansea star Gonçalo Franco.The Swans star tried to stop a loose pass from going out of play and bundled into Riza in an aggressive manner.Riza fumed after regaining his balance and ran onto the pitch to confront Franco.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe pair went head to head before the Cardiff boss was held back by his players.The referee then brandished a red card to send off Riza as Franco went unpunished, much to the fury of fans.One reacted saying: “Disgusting behaviour from Franco here in any circumstances, but on a man who’s just lost his father it’s just despicable. “The red card went to the wrong man and if ever a team deserved to be hammered out of sight, it’s Franco’s.”Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnother added: “Swansea player kicking out at a man who’s just lost his father. Absolutely classless.”A third wrote: “Passion from the gaffer, love it.”Cardiff & Leeds fans unite for moving Sol Bamba tribute after star’s deathHowever, Swansea fans unsurprisingly had a different opinion.One wrote: “In what world is that Franco’s fault?”And another posted: “That’s why there’s a technical area” More

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      Major broadcasting change as massive EFL derby to be shown on free-to-air TV after landmark deal

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      A HUGE EFL derby is the next match to be shown on free-to-air TV as part of a landmark deal.Leeds’ clash at Elland Road against Sheffield Wednesday will be shown on ITV on Sunday.Leeds vs Sheffield Wednesday will be shown free-to-air on ITVCredit: RexSky and ITV announced they had reached an agreement to show Championship and Carabao Cup fixtures free-to-air earlier in the season. The deal started in January with the first leg of the Carabao Cup tie between Arsenal and Newcastle. Now Championship football will follow on ITV with top of the table Leeds kicking it off against Wednesday. Middlesbrough’s derby with Sunderland will then follow on ITV on Monday, February 3. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFive Championship games are scheduled to be broadcast for free over the second half of this season. And the second leg of Liverpool’s Carabao Cup semi-final against Tottenham is also going to be on ITV on February 6.The Premier League leaders are currently trailing 1-0. EFL Chief Executive Trevor Birch said: “The EFL is home to some of the most popular and exciting competitions in world football.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”And the competition for promotion places is already shaping up to be as competitive as ever across the three divisions as we head into the second half of the season.”We are delighted that this agreement between the League, ITV and Sky Sports will open them up to an even wider audience, and would like to extend our thanks to both partners for making this possible.”Wayne Rooney Eyes Pundit Spot on BBC’s Match of the Day More

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      Championship clash delayed due to medical emergency after three seconds with players sent back to the dressing room

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      A CHAMPIONSHIP clash was stopped just three seconds after kick-off due to a major medical emergency.Portsmouth’s match against Middlesbrough was stopped seconds after the start.Portsmouth’s game was stopped due to a medical emergencyCredit: Focus ImagesA spectator had fallen ill in the standsCredit: Focus ImagesPompey players immediately alerted the referee, calling for help from their physios when they saw that a spectator had fallen ill.Medical staff immediately rushed into the Fratton Park crowd, and one of them was seen pumping the chest of the stricken spectator.Both sets of players kept warm by kicking the ball between each other.That was until referee Gavin Ward told them to return to the dressing room when the seriousness of the situation was known.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMedical staff spent many minutes pumping the home fan’s chest as stewards shielded the incident in the north stand with white sheets.Pompey confirmed the stoppage on social media with a brief statement.It read: “There’s been a delay to kick-off at Fratton Park due to a medical emergency in the crowd.”After over 20 minutes, the fan was lifted onto the side of the pitch on a stretcher.Most read in FootballThe fans immediately applauded as an ambulance arrived in the corner of the Fratton Park end.Both sets of fans applauded again when the stretcher, surrounded by staff with sheets, made its way to the ambulance.The players returned for their warm-ups when it was announced the kick-off would be 3.35pm.Both clubs sent their best wishes to the person involved.Pompey posted: “Our thoughts are with the supporter who is receiving medical attention.”Boro wrote: “Sending all of our thoughts and best wishes to the individual concerned.”Fans also reacted to the incident by sending their well wishes.One posted: “Hope whoever is involved is okay.”A second wrote: “Hope they’re ok.”A third commented: “Can only hope and pray that the fan at the Portsmouth game who is receiving medical treatment is ok.”A fourth said: “Wishing all the best to those involved.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother added: “Hope the person in question is going to be ok.”It was not the only game to be delayed due to a fan emergency, as Blackpool’s draw against Huddersfield was also disrupted. More

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      I’m Championship star who played with Harry Kane and Steven Gerrard before being sacked for paying fine in PENNIES

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      LAWRENCE VIGOUROUX has spoken for the first time about being sacked by Swindon for paying a £50 fine in PENNIES.The Swansea goalkeeper built such a notorious reputation regarding his attitude that no club on these shores would touch him.Lawrence Vigouroux is a changed man at SwanseaCredit: GettyThe attitude and ‘extras’ of Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane when he was a Tottenham youngster inspired VigourouxCredit: GettyThe keeper is looking forward to a huge derby clash with CardiffCredit: RexBut Vigouroux has since learned the error of his ways and hopes to continue producing top performances to help the Welsh side return to the Premier League.The 31-year-old is relishing playing in Saturday lunchtime’s South Wales derby at Cardiff.The London-born former Chile Under-20 international used to be Harry Kane’s shooting training partner at Tottenham and rubbed shoulders with the likes of Steven Gerrard while a youngster at Liverpool. But    he caused a stink in Swindon when the Anfield giants loaned them the then 21-year-old stopper in 2015.READ MORE SWANSEA NEWSVigouroux explained: “I was late to training after being delayed by a visit to the dentist. “I had bad toothache and felt I shouldn’t have been fined because you cannot train when your teeth are hurting. But they insisted I pay.“Because I felt hard done by, I decided to make it ­difficult for them so I visited the bank and asked for £50 in one pennies.“The woman behind the counter thought I was a shopkeeper who needed change — but she only had £20 in one pennies. So in the end I settled for them plus another £20 of 2ps and a tenner of 5ps.Most read in ChampionshipVigouroux has reunited with ex-Swindon chief Luke Williams at SwanseaCredit: RexThe stopper has been called up for Chile’s senior squadCredit: AlamyJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“I dropped them off to the fines collector — captain Nathan Thompson, who now plays for Stevenage — who wasn’t happy.“Our manager Mark Cooper told me to leave and never come back.Lincoln’s Ethan Erhahon reveals players STOLE the physio’s car and he was offered a ‘scrap’ with a fan – What the EFL“I felt bad and took the pennies back and paid it in notes.“But when I returned to Liverpool, they weren’t happy.“I had a frosty couple of days training from 8am to 6pm.“Eventually Cooper invited me to Doncaster where Swindon were playing. I swallowed my pride, apologised and he took me back.”Vigouroux concedes it was situations like that and often being late for training that made his name mud across the EFL.And his advice to any youngster is: Be professional every day because nothing happens by luck. You can be in the right place at the right time to get an opportunity but if your attitude is not right you will not maintain it.He said: “The easiest thing is making your debut, staying in the team is the hardest. You see lots of players from top clubs who drop down the leagues and find it hard to come back.”One player he uses as a model pro is ex-Spurs team-mate Kane — now at Bayern Munich. Vigouroux, who initially came through the youth ranks at Brentford, spent two seasons in North London. He said: “Tottenham needed a training keeper for the Under-18s so I went there and they ended up signing me.“The one thing I learned was how important the extras were. After training Harry would be on his own or I’d be with him in goal for an hour doing finishing.Jurgen Klopp wanted to take a look at Vigouroux after becoming Liverpool bossCredit: APVigouroux will always remember Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard congratulating him on winning a new contract at AnfieldCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The Times“It was good for me because I was working with someone who was unbelievable at finishing and seeing how his brain worked with angles and where he was more likely to score from. That helped me and him.“That’s the main reason he is where he is now.“It’s that attitude of it’s never enough and do those extras to hone your skills.”Vigouroux was snapped up by Liverpool after a successful trial, following his Spurs coach and now Anfield academy director Alex Inglethorpe to Merseyside.He said: “It’s a mental city. Everyone is football crazy, they support the team like it’s everything.“Even though I was only playing in the Under-21s, I’d got spotted in the streets and stopped by fans.“I didn’t even know how they knew me — but they did, perhaps from watching the Under-21s on Liverpool TV.”And the keeper will never forget how,  after agreeing a new contract at Anfield, Kop legend Gerrard came over at the training ground to congratulate him.He said: “It’s something that has stuck with me my whole career.“It doesn’t matter how big you are in the game, you should always be there to help and inspire youngsters.”The penny-gate saga was not the only time Vigouroux was recalled to Liverpool from Swindon.When Jurgen Klopp took over from Brendan Rodgers in 2015, the German wanted to take a look at the keeper in training.Vigouroux recalled: “It didn’t matter who you were or where you were, he got everyone in for a week to take a look. He wanted to know what he had.”Swansea was once a Premier League club. We’re working as hard as we can and see where it takes us.Lawrene VigourouxVigouroux went on to sign for Swindon permanently where he spent three years — including playing for current Swans boss Luke Williams — before spending six months in his dad’s home nation Chile playing for Everton de Vina del Mar.He soon missed England but found it difficult to find a club before eventually Leyton Orient gave him a chance.He said: “No one here would take me because of my reputation for attitude and being late for training.“I got offered a contract, which was nowhere near the money I’d been earning before, but it was my last chance.”Vigouroux took it with both hands and spent 3½ years there, winning the League Two title under boss Richie Wellens, who had earlier released him from Swindon.He spent last season as a back-up keeper at Burnley during their doomed Premier League campaign before joining Swansea in the summer.And his form has seen him called up for the last few Chile squads as they bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.Vigouroux is happy to be reunited with Williams and said: “I knew he was a great coach at Swindon but he’s in a different stratosphere now.“He’s a huge key to our success so far. Swansea was once a Premier League club. We’re working as hard as we can and see where it takes us.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Cardiff is going to be a hostile ­atmosphere but we mustn’t let the occasion get to us.”Vigouroux must be dreaming of going to the 2026 World CupCredit: Getty More

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      Watch England U21 goalkeeper save TWO penalties after ‘incredible s***housery’ as opponent is left in tears

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      JAMES TRAFFORD saved TWO penalties to deny Sunderland a crucial win in the race for the Premier League. The Burnley goalkeeper twice saved from Wilson Isidor during a chaotic 0-0 draw at Turf Moor. James Trafford was the Burnley hero after saving two penalties against SunderlandCredit: ReutersThe Clarets keeper twice leapt to his right to keep out Wilson IsidorCredit: ReutersTrafford hit the deck prior to the second penalty as a fracas broke out on the fieldCredit: ReutersIsidor was consoled by teammates and in tears after the second missCredit: ReutersTrafford was the hero after keeping out Isidor’s first spot-kick with just five minutes remaining of normal time.The England Under-21 keeper was animated on his line, jumping around and slapping the crossbar as Isidor began his run-up.He dived to his right and was able to successfully palm the penalty away.Scott Parker’s men didn’t learn their lesson though, with Oliver Sonne adjudged to have brought down Dennis Cirkin in the box four minutes into stoppage time.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA fracas broke out as players from both sides piled in.And Trafford was hailed by Burnley fans for his “incredible s***housery” as he hit the deck in the melee, eventually earning himself a yellow card. Isidor was given a chance to appease his earlier miss by Black Cats boss Regis Le Bris – but was made to wait for almost two minutes before tempers calmed down.The 24-year-old went for the same spot as his first attempt, slamming the ball towards the bottom right corner.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut Trafford guessed correctly again, palming the ball behind for a corner before being mobbed by his teammates.A gutted Isidor was spotted in tears, as one fan wrote on X in response to the madness: “Two poor penalty decisions by the ref, two poor penalties.”Behind the scenes with Burnley goalkeeper James TraffordAnother said: “Why on earth would you let him hit the 2nd after missing the 1st? Baffling decision.”And a third argued: “Embarrassing giving him MoM after the gamesmanship.”While one Newcastle fan laughed: “Sign him up right now hahahaha.”The goalless draw leaves Burnley sitting second in the Championship, level on points with leaders Leeds who now have a game in hand.Trafford’s heroics ensure Burnley stay in the Championship promotion spotsCredit: ReutersSunderland are back in fourth, just two points off the automatic spots.Midfielder Enzo Le Fee made his debut for the Black Cats at Turf Moor after a high-profile loan switch from Roma.Le Fee joined the Serie A club last summer in a £19.4million deal from French club Rennes.READ MORE SUN STORIESLe Bris said: “It’s a good statement for the club because it shows that we are attractive.”The environment is positive to grow, to live big emotions and to improve.” More

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      Tony Mowbray closing in on return to management after EFL legend given all-clear following bowel cancer fight

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      TONY MOWBRAY is the front-runner to land the West Brom job.The popular manager, 61, has been out of work since having to step down as Birmingham boss last February after being diagnosed with bowel cancer.Tony Mowbray is the front-runner to land the West Brom jobCredit: PAMowbray, 61, was a hugely popular boss at The Hawthorns between 2006 and 2009Credit: PA:Press AssociationHaving now been cleared to return to work by doctors and the League Managers’ Association, Mowbray is closing in on an emotional return to West Brom.According to the Telegraph, the experienced boss held “detailed talks” with Baggies chiefs on Thursday.Mowbray previously managed West Brom between 2006 and 2009.During that spell he guided them to the Championship title, before leaving for Celtic.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe subsequently managed Middlesbrough, Coventry, Blackburn and Sunderland.On his desire to return to work, Mowbray said in November: “I do want to go back to work because football is in my blood, it’s what I do.”I still have issues, I’m still, at the moment, not 100 per cent ready for work, but somewhere down the line. My body’s telling me that I’m not ready yet.”West Brom had been in advanced talks with former Young Boys boss Raphael Wicky.Most read in ChampionshipMowbray won the Championship title with West Brom in 2008Credit: PA:Press AssociationBut talks broke down with the Swiss boss, with issues surrounding his backroom staff thought to be the main sticking point.West Brom have been without a manager since December 24.Premier League fathers and sonsFormer boss Carlos Corberan left to take charge of LaLiga strugglers Valencia.The Baggies are in promotion contention, currently sitting seventh in the Championship, one point behind the play-off places.They have lost just four games so far this season but have been draw specialists – with their tally of 13 more than any other team in the Championship.Carlos Corberan left for Valencia on Christmas EveCredit: Getty More