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    Man Utd star Bruno Fernandes prepared for Coventry FA Cup clash thanks to secret interest in Championship club

    MANCHESTER UNITED captain Bruno Fernandes has a surprise interest in the Championship.The Red Devils booked their place in the FA Cup semi-final yesterday with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Liverpool in extra-time.Bruno Fernandes has an unlikely interest in the ChampionshipCredit: MUTVThe United skipper says the team are determined to lift the FA Cup this seasonCredit: GettyAmad Diallo scored the winner in the 122nd minute to spark wild celebrations at Old Trafford.After the game, Ian Wright did the draw as Man Utd got Coventry, with some fans convinced it was rigged due to the “unprofessional” format.Fernandes was thrilled to get the Championship side and he admitted to having an unexpected interest in the second tier.He told MUTV: “It is a tough game. I see some some of their games because my chef at home is a Sunderland fan.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”I get to see some Championship games sometimes with him at home.”They have good players on the ball. They are really difficult to play against physically. We saw it against Wolves.”Coventry beat Gary O’Neil’s men 3-2 as they found the back of the net twice in stoppage time.Sky Blues boss Mark Robins, who celebrated in a ball boy’s face after the winner, is a former Man Utd player. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHe scored two famous FA Cup goals for the club en route to Sir Alex Ferguson lifting his first trophy in 1990.Glory supposedly prevented the Scot being sacked and with similar pressure mounting on Erik ten Hag, the competition could save another United boss.Heartwarming moment Bruno Fernandes carries young Man Utd mascot who was crying in tunnel before huge Liverpool clashOn aims for the rest of the season, Fernandes said: “Our goal is getting into the top four and trying to win the FA Cup.”We’ve got to do everything we can to get the two goals that we have.”The FA Cup is a big trophy for this club, for this country. We want to get into the final.”We know it’s going to be tough, there are good teams into the semi-final, but we’ve got to do everything we can [to win it].” More

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    On-loan Championship star Isaak Davies attracting transfer interest in Europe after being wanted by Premier League clubs

    ISAAK DAVIES is attracting interest from across Europe with clubs in France, Germany and Belgium all keen to sign him.The Welsh forward, 22, is on a season-long loan at Belgian side Kortrijk from Cardiff and has scored eight goals in 20 Jupiler Pro League starts.Davies has been in great form for KortrijkCredit: RexDavies’ impressive displays on the continent have alerted Euro suitors with Monaco, Freiburg and Genk all leading the chase for his signature.Davies is under contract with the Bluebirds until the summer of 2025 but his rise is likely to see the attacker move on this summer.Kortrijk are second bottom in the table but Davies’ winner on Saturday at second-placed Anderlecht inflicted their first home defeat of the season.Davies was a youth team product of Cardiff and previously was the subject of a £2.5million bid from Burnley.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWhile highly-rated Davies, who joined the Championship club at the age of seven, had also caught the eye of Brentford and Southampton.Uncapped Davies has not been included in Robert Page’s Wales squad for the Euro 2024 play-off semi-final with Finland in Cardiff on Thursday.But the versatile forward has represented Wales at all levels between U17s and U21s and if he continues to keep up his form in Europe then Page will have to take notice.Cardiff could do with Davies’ goals and assists currently, with the side sitting 11th in the Championship.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThey are currently eight points off a play-off spot, with the season at risk of petering out into nothing.Adding to the misery is the fact they lost the South Wales derby this weekend 2-0 to Swansea City.Young stars set to shine at Euro 2024In more positive news, Aaron Ramsey returned for the Blue Birds this weekend after appearing from the bench.His fitness will be of huge importance for Wales as they look to qualify for the Euros. More

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    Everton line up Sunderland wonderkid Oli Bainbridge, 18, as Sean Dyche prepares for summer transfer window

    EVERTON are keeping an eye on Sunderland’s left-back Oli Bainbridge.The powerful 18-year-old prospect is tipped to get into the Black Cats side before the end of the season.Oli Bainbridge could be set to move from Sunderland to Everton in the summerCredit: AlamyBainbridge signed a deal with Sunderland last summer.The contract, penned in June, keeps the youngster tied down to the club until 2025.Sunderland also have the option to extend it by a further 12 months.Academy manager Robin Nicholls was over the moon after confirming Bainbridge’s new deal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe told the club website: “It is great news that Ollie has committed his future to the club for the next few seasons.”He is someone who has displayed strong performance and potential throughout last season and is always looking to develop himself as a player.”This contract is a reflection of the hard work that he and his family have put in for several years now.”Bainbridge was included in Sunderland’s squad for the first time on Saturday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe was an unused substitute in their goalless draw with QPR at the Stadium of Light.The result ended a run of six straight defeats for Sunderland – who have not won since a 3-1 victory over Plymouth on February 10.Fans have incredible theory that sacked Sunderland boss Michael Beale of set up Twitter burner account to defend recordThey have dropped from play-off contention to mid-table obscurity in the Championship, 13 points adrift of the top six. More

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    Blackburn owners make sale decision with unpopular Venky’s only ready to leave club on one condition

    OWNERS Venky’s say they are not looking to sell Blackburn — despite problems getting cash out of India.The family from Pune have had recent inquiries but would only consider a buyer if Rovers got promoted to the Premier League.Venky’s will not sell unless Blackburn are promoted to the Premier LeagueCredit: PA:Empics SportVenky’s took over Blackburn in 2010, five months after the club finished 10th in the top flight.Two years later, they were relegated down to the Championship.They spent five seasons in the second tier, before dropping down to League One.Rovers earned promotion back to the Championship at the first time of asking.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut they have failed to secure a play-off place in the five seasons that have followed.Three mid-table campaigns were followed by eighth and seventh-place finishes over the last two years – missing out on the play-offs last season by virtue of goal difference.But this year they are well off the pace, embroiled in a relegation battle.Under new boss John Eustace, who replaced Jon Dahl Tomasson in February, Blackburn sit 17th in the Championship, three points above the drop zone.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThey are on a nine-game winless run, drawing their last three.On Saturday, they played out a goalless draw with Middlesbrough.Reading fans are angry as owner sells training ground to EFL rivals Wycombe And they now head into a hugely tricky set of fixtures against Ipswich, Sunderland and Southampton. More

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    Neil Warnock, 75, ready to take Championship job after ill-fated 34-day Aberdeen spell

    NEIL WARNOCK is on standby for yet another return to management.The 75-year-old has already had a couple of enquiries since ending his 34-DAY stay at Aberdeen a week ago.Neil Warnock is ready for a Championship return just weeks after leaving AberdeenCredit: GettyWarnock would be up for a crack with a struggling outfit looking for a survival boost — a repeat of what he did keeping Huddersfield in the Championship a year ago.The iconic gaffer only took charge of eight games at Aberdeen.He joined on February 5 as the replacement for Barry Robson.And Warnock left just over a month later on March 9 after guiding Aberdeen to the Scottish Cup semis.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt was only his second win as the club’s boss, with Warnock losing four matches and drawing the other two.He said: “I was honoured to lead Aberdeen for a short period to help Dave and the Board get themselves into a position where they could get closer to making a permanent appointment.“It goes without saying that I had hoped I could’ve collected a few more league wins along the way, but I am also delighted to have helped the club into the Scottish Cup Semi Final.”I hope they can now go on and lift the trophy.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER“Ronnie and I can’t thank the fans enough for their support while we’ve been here and we wish the club and the supporters all the very best for the remainder of the season and for the future.”Warnock’s shock exit came as he was lining up a potential swoop for Junior Hoilett.Neil Warnock loses it with Rangers BALL BOYS after losing first match in charge of AberdeenThe pair previously worked together at QPR and Cardiff.And should Warnock make a stunning Championship return, he could yet continue his interest. More

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    Fulham join Sammy Szmodics transfer race as London rivals do battle for 21-goal Blackburn star

    FULHAM have joined the Sammie Szmodics fan club as the 28-year-old Blackburn hitman keeps on scoring.Last week scout Brian Talbot saw Szmodics make it 21 this term.Sammie Szmodics is attracting interest from Fulham ahead of the summerCredit: RexBrentford are also keen and Rovers hope to stay in the Championship and bag a huge fee if clubs come calling — but relegation may change the picture.John Eustace’s side are currently 17th in the second tier with eight matches remaining.Saturday’s goalless draw at Middlesbrough leaves Blackburn three points above the drop zone.Despite failing to find the target this weekend, though, Szmodics remains top of the scoring charts.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe 28-year-old has 21 goals in 36 league appearances this term as well as three assists.He also scored six goals in three FA Cup matches for Blackburn as they reached the fifth round of the competition.Fulham’s interest comes amid an upturn in form for striker Rodrigo Muniz.The Brazilian has scored seven goals in his last seven Premier League matches after his brace against Tottenham on Saturday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSzmodics’ form has also seen him earn a maiden Republic of Ireland call-up for their upcoming friendlies.Interim boss John O’Shea has included Szmodics for this month’s matches against Belgium and Switzerland.Martin Lipton reacts to the Champions League draw as Arsenal face old foesThe former Peterborough man is also eligible to play for Hungary through his grandfather. More

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    Everton tried to sign me but I was already on their books – now I’m making my way in the EFL in a different position

    MARK ROBINS will have to choose between two excellent goalkeepers when he selects his team to face Wolves in the FA Cup.Bradley Collins has been handed the gloves for the Sky Blues’ last two Championship victories over Watford and Rotherham.Jake Bidwell offers Coventry options in more than one positionCredit: RexHowever, Ben Wilson has been boss Robins’ go-to goalie in the FA Cup so far this season, starring in Coventry’s victories over Oxford, Sheffield Wednesday and Maidstone.Yet there is one other option Robins could turn to in an emergency.His experienced left-back Jake Bidwell was more than useful between the sticks as a kid.In fact, it was touch-and-go whether he would pursue a career as a No 1 or as a No 3 — after Everton offered him a contract in BOTH positions!The 30-year-old Sky Blues defender said: “I was an Everton goalkeeper from the age of 11 to 13.“It’s a bit of a strange story to be honest. I had always played outfield as a kid. But my Sunday League goalkeeper had family in Australia and he went to visit them for six weeks.“That left us without a goalkeeper so I volunteered and took over in goal for six weeks.“I must have done all right because during that time I was scouted by Everton — then fluked the trial!Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“I ended up being at Goodison Park for two years but I wasn’t enjoying it after a while.“I suppose I never really felt goalkeeper was my position.”Former EFL club slapped with 10 points deduction and hit whole new low as iconic club face dropping into seventh tierEverton told Southport-born Bidwell to take a break from goalkeeping to revive his interest in the position.He added: “They told me to go away for six months and see how I felt.“They wanted me to take a break and then come back.“So, in those six months I went back to playing outfield and I got picked for my regional team and then an Everton scout saw me play.“He didn’t know who I was so he invited me in for a trial match at Anfield and the rest is history.“Everton liked what they saw of me as a left-back and the scout asked me if I’d like to sign for the Toffees.“I told them he didn’t need to bother with the forms — because I was already on their books as their Academy goalie!”It is a well known football quirk that most goalkeepers love to play outfield whenever they get the chance in training. So does the former Brentford, QPR and Swansea full-back ever pester Robins and ask to go between the sticks in training?He confessed: “Definitely not! I was a big kid to be fair but I haven’t grown since I was about 13 — my goalkeeping days are long gone!“To be fair we’ve got three top  keepers at the club so I won’t be making a comeback anytime soon.”That means Bidwell will be in his usual left-back berth at Molineux as Coventry try to make it to Wembley for the semi-finals.He says he cannot believe some  people see the Midlands side’s FA Cup run as a distraction from their main goal of qualifying for the Championship play-offs.He said: “To get to Wembley would be massive. Personally, I love the FA Cup and the chance to play against different sides.“We’ve played Oxford and Maidstone who were below us in the pyramid — now we face Wolves.“It’s great to experience something different and this run has been great for the fans.“When you’re successful the fixtures can pile up but we’re all relishing the challenge. It’s a big game, a Midlands derby, and it will be live on TV — it’s going to be a great occasion.READ MORE SUN STORIES“This is the furthest I’ve been in 13 years of trying.“I love playing in the FA Cup and I can’t understand why anyone else wouldn’t.”Bidwell was a promising goalkeeper as a youngsterCredit: GettyBidwell was already on Everton’s books as a goalkeeper when they tried to sign him as a full-backCredit: Rex More

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    Man Utd legend Dwight Yorke offers himself for vacant EFL manager’s job and says ‘I’ve handed my CV in’

    DWIGHT YORKE has revealed that he has applied for the vacant Sunderland job.Yorke played for the Black Cats during the twilight of his career, signing for them when he was 35 in 2006.Dwight Yorke has applied for the Sunderland jobCredit: GettyThe former forward had been playing in Australia at the time and only signed after a phone call from then Sunderland manager Roy Keane.On concincing Yorke to sign for Sunderland, Keane said: “Towards the end of his career, Yorke had the reputation as a bit of a party animal but I knew Yorke loved the game.”He was over in Sydney and obviously he was their franchise player. I remember ringing him from the training ground – I’m not sure on the time difference but I rang him and it was pretty bleak.”I rang him, I said ‘Yorkey do you fancy coming to Sunderland?’ He said ‘Are you serious?’ and I said yeah.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”He had a penthouse on Sydney Harbour but I said that would always be there, you can always go back to that.”I said we’ve got a big challenge here but I knew deep down he loved the game and I knew he fancied the challenge.”After swapping Sydney for Sunderland, Yorke spent three years with the Black Cats, and he told Ladbrokes Fanzone it left a special mark on him.Yorke said: “I’ve always kept my eye on Sunderland, simply because I had a successful time there. Even though I was at the end of my career, getting them promoted and playing a part in things, it was probably one of my greatest achievements, in the sense that my role as a player had changed.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL “I was surprised at how big a club it was when I got there, but the fanbase is terrific. It’s a great stadium, it’s a great set-up and I can only assume things have improved further over the last few years in terms of the facilities.”He also confirmed in the interview that he has handed his CV in to the club, with the hotseat being vacant since Michael Beale was sacked.’I have a real sneaky feeling,’ says smiling Man Utd legend as he tips Klopp for stunning Liverpool return in two years”It’s a club that I’ve actually handed my CV into recently, if I’m honest, because I want the job. I know enough of Sunderland; I lived in the area for nearly three years, and so I understand the culture up there, and what the supporters want and expect from that team.”It’s very difficult to assess what’s going on behind the scenes when you’re not in it. You can only assume things, and that can sometimes be a dangerous thought process. “The important thing would be to go in there and stabilise things. Most importantly, I’m a football fan through and through, and so the football aspect is my biggest concern. “You’ve got to get the players to buy into whatever you’re doing, you don’t know what the relationship is like between board and management, and exactly what is going on.”But, watching from the outside, you can only look at what’s going on on the pitch, and they’re underachieving, in my opinion. Yorke said he enjoyed his time at Sunderland and would like to live there againCredit: AFP”They should be far closer to the play-off spots, if not threatening the automatic spots.”That should be the expectation at a club like Sunderland. You know you’ve got a terrific fanbase and a fantastic stadium and that Sunderland is – or should be – a very difficult place to go and get a result if you’re the opposition. READ MORE SUN STORIES”There’s a strong base to build from, and a club with a good record of winning promotion. “Sunderland are currently 12th in the Championship, 11 points off Norwich in sixth. More