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    Leicester PROMOTED to the Premier League as Foxes stars go wild after Leeds suffer shock hammering at QPR

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    LEICESTER CITY have been promoted to the Premier League.The Foxes’ promotion was sealed thanks to rivals Leeds losing 4-0 to QPR.Leicester have been promoted following Leeds’ defeat to QPRCredit: AlamyLeicester’s Twitter account celebrated with a stunning montageCredit: https://twitter.com/LCFCAnd just as in 2016 when Leicester won the Premier League, players gathered for a watchalong and jumped around in celebration following Leeds’ defeat.Leicester looked destined to return to the top flight at the first time of asking for much of the season.But their promotion was far from a foregone conclusion following a run of just three wins in ten games which saw Leeds and Ipswich close the gap.Leeds are now in danger of missing out on an automatic promotion spot as they are just one point ahead of Ipswich, having played two games more.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLeicester had to rebuild following relegation from the Prem with key stars James Maddison, Youri Tielemans and Harvey Barnes all leaving.Enzo joined as managed from Manchester City and won 15 of his first 17 games in charge.Leicester fans now have an opportunity to celebrate all weekend ahead of their trip to Preston on Monday.While there will be a promotion party at the King Power Stadium on May 4 when the Foxes take on Blackburn.Most read in EFLIpswich now have a great opportunity to seize on Leeds’ slip-up against Hull City on Saturday.Leicester stars celebrate being promoted back to the Premier LeagueCredit: https://twitter.com/LCFCKiernan Dewsbury-Hall could be seen leading celebrations with his teammatesCredit: https://twitter.com/LCFCThe team were watching the QPR game on SkyCredit: https://twitter.com/LCFCLeicester fans in the crowd during the QPR v Leeds game at Loftus RoadCredit: AlamyBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA win would move them above Leeds into second, leaving them needing just one win against Coventry or Huddersfield to secure promotion.That means Leeds could have to settle for the play-offs along with Southampton, West Brom and Norwich.Five EFL Championship stars destined for the Premier League More

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      I played for Arsenal and dreamed of El Clasico, now I’m looking to avoid relegation to League One

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      JULIO PLEGUEZUELO came through the youth systems of Atletico Madrid and Barcelona and has played for Arsenal.But this weekend the 27-year-old defender and Plymouth are fighting for their Championship lives at Millwall.Julio Pleguezuelo is excited by Plymouth’s survival bidCredit: RexThe Pilgrims are two points above the bottom three and know victory at The Den should be enough to secure them another season in the second tier after winning promotion last year.Pleguezuelo has had some glittering football heritage and was an eye-opening summer signing from Dutch side FC Twente.But now the equation is simple — win on Saturday or next week against Hull — or face life in League One.The defender said: “We definitely feel the pressure. We know what’s at stake but at the same time I wouldn’t trade our position with the likes of Sheffield Wednesday, Huddersfield or Birmingham. It’s in our own hands.READ MORE ON ARSENAL“It’s going to be two difficult games but the mood has been good, the lads have been training well so we have to approach the game as we always do and try to get the three points.“Millwall is going to be hostile, I expect probably not pretty football and it’ll be their last home game, so they’ll want to put on a show for their fans.“But we have got to stand up to that and get a positive result.”While Pleguezuelo would have come through at Barcelona as a kid dreaming of one day playing in El Clasico, the Spaniard says these games where Championship status is at stake are the ones that get the juices flowing.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOur beautiful game is broken, says Dave KidBy Dave Kidd
      WHEN Manchester United got lucky in their FA Cup semi-final, Antony’s first instinct was to goad heartbroken opponents Coventry. To rub their noses in the dirt.
      Antony seems to be a vile individual but this isn’t really about Antony. Because Antony is merely a symptom of the hideous sickness within England’s top flight.
      There is so much wrong.
      After our elite clubs persuaded the FA to completely scrap Cup replays — which gave us Ronnie Radford and Ricky Villa and Ryan Giggs — without due recompense or reasoning with the rest of English football.
      The previous day, after his Manchester City side had defeated Chelsea in the other FA Cup semi-final, Pep Guardiola whinged about the fixture scheduling of TV companies who effectively pay much of his £20m salary.
      Up at Wolves, Guardiola’s friend and rival Mikel Arteta was playing the same sad song about fixture congestion, despite his Arsenal side having played two fewer games this season than Coventry — who don’t have £50m squad players to rotate with.
      Chelsea, oh Chelsea. The one-time plaything of a Russian oligarch now owned by financially incontinent venture capitalists who have piddled £1billion on a squad of players who fight like weasels in a sack about who should bask in the personal glory of scoring the penalty that puts them 5-0 up against Everton.
      Read Dave Kidd’s full column as he takes aim at Nottingham Forest, Fulham’s ticket prices, the 39th game, VAR and much more…

      He said: “Where there is more at stake you kind of focus more and play better because if you play a match where you have nothing to play for, it’s not the same.“There’s pressure but it’s a good type, so hopefully we can get over the line.”EFL club reaches agreement to build stunning new stadium after 23 years at three-sided groundPleguezuelo was signed by Arsenal as a 16-year-old from Barcelona and at that time he was chased by many clubs, including Manchester City.But despite spending six years with the Gunners, he only made one senior appearance — playing the full 90 minutes in a 3-1 EFL Cup win against Blackpool in 2018.And after four years at FC Twente, this is his first full season in senior English football.He said: “For the first season in a league like the Championship, I’ve done well.“I’ve come from a completely different league after four years and I’ve adapted well to the game here.“The Championship is one of the best leagues in the world and Plymouth and myself have done well.“This division isn’t the same as it was before.“Teams have realised they have to adapt their style because probably long-ball doesn’t cut it any more.“But some things can still be useful in the Championship.“It’s definitely nice to see more teams trying to play attacking football.”Pleguezuelo holds the distinction of being Plymouth’s first and only Spanish player — and although he has spent most of his life in big cities, he is loving life on the Devon coast.He added: “I’ve lived in London since I was 16 and obviously Plymouth is different to London but it has been a good season for me in the South West. I love the city, the club, the fans and I am having a great time.“My family lives in London, so I go back to see them most of the time, so I get both lives.”One player who is destined to go on to bigger things is Pilgrims forward Morgan Whittaker, 23, who has attracted interest from Italians Lazio and Portuguese club Sporting.There are sure to be Premier League suitors this summer too for the 20-goal ace.Pleguezuelo said: “He’s a great player and has been massive for us.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We know it will be difficult to keep him but hopefully he can help us in these last two games get over the line.”Millwall have confirmed Polish keeper Bartosz Bialkowski, 36, will leave the club after five years this summer once his contract expires. More

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      ‘I might’ve chinned him’ – Neil Warnock labelled ‘actually unreal’ as ex-EFL boss takes issue with post-match interview

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      FANS are already missing “box office” Neil Warnock – after the newly-retired manager claimed he “might have chinned” an interviewer.Warnock was responding to Southampton boss Russell Martin facing questions after Tuesday’s 5-0 loss at Championship leaders Leicester.Neil Warnock would not have been amused to do an interview after a heavy lossSouthampton manager Russell Martin was quizzed after a costly drubbingCredit: PAThe ex-Leeds and Crystal Palace chief, 75, stepped down at Aberdeen last month and then announced he was quitting management altogether.And Warnock was labelled “actually unreal” by one viewer for his live TV verdict on Martin being quizzed so soon after a costly mauling.The former Huddersfield and Middlesbrough boss told Sky Sports: “You’ve picked a time when you don’t want to be interviewed.”When you’ve lost 5-0 and the questions he answered – I might have chinned him if it had been me, but I know you can’t do that.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHowever, Warnock also showed his lighter side with a tasty solution to how Martin can help the Saints overcome the low point of their season.The one-time Cardiff manager joked: “He’s got to take the players for a Chinese tomorrow or something!”But he insisted the only way Southampton can repay their travelling fans for such a terrible display was to get promotion.Realistically, though, the fourth-placed Saints can now only win an instant return to the Premier League via the play-offs.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFans loved Warnock’s blunt-talking – as they reckon football lacks such raw emotion.One viewer said: “Box office ain’t he” while another wanted him back “if only for the bants”.EFL fans in hysterics as ‘absolutely golden’ Neil Warnock returns to live TV with brutal dig at his former players A third reckoned Warnock should earn a summer call-up – in Germany.He posted: “Imagine him, Mourinho and Wenger as pundits for Euros games. Football will peak, all facets of the game represented.” More

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      When you’ve had a few punches in the face you have to fight back, says Leicester star on brink of Premier League return

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      WOUT FAES swapped tears of despair for joy after Leicester edged towards the brink of the Premier League.The Belgian defender was crestfallen when the Foxes’ relegation to the Championship was confirmed last May.Wout Faes (left) and his Leicester team-mates react as relegation was confirmedFaes in action in a thumping 5-0 win over Southampton at the King PowerFaes congratulates Tuesday’s hat-trick hero Abdul FatawuCredit: RexFaes, 26, scored the second goal when Leicester beat West Ham 2-1 on the final day of the season – but Everton’s win at Bournemouth condemned the Foxes.But Tuesday’s 5-0 thumping of Southampton means Faes & Co could be promoted as early as Friday without kicking a ball if Leeds lose at QPR.But regardless Enzo Maresca’s men can do it themselves by either drawing at Preston on Monday if Leeds also draw in West London or simply win.Faes said: “It was a huge win. You could see with the fans and players afterwards there was a lot of emotion.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“It’s normal because it hurts every player and person who was involved with Leicester City.“So if we can get back straight away, we have the team for it. This club is ready for it. We belong in the Premier League. Hopefully we can achieve that as soon as possible.”Faes admits he and his team-mates were feeling the mounting pressure after they tossed away a once SEVENTEEN-point cushion over third place.The found themselves recently outside the top two altogether after six defeats in ten league games.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut back-to-back home wins over West Brom and Southampton has them virtually racing towards the finish line with their arms held aloft.And Faes said: “When you’ve had a few punches in the face you have to fight back and that is what the squad is doing.What is FFP? How Financial Fair Play is affecting Man Utd and Arsenal in January transfer window“Of course, it was hard. I felt the pressure from other teams.“It’s a relentless league. You can see everyone is struggling. We’ve struggled for a moment but it’s then about bouncing back. It’s about then keeping faith in what you do and believe in.“There are of course voices in the dressing room – there is the gaffer and players. But you have to show it on the pitch.“And that’s what we’ve done and produced a great performance against a very good side.”Faes wants another crack at the Premier League as he believes there is unfinished business.He said: “We all have. This is a good team, has a good manager and if we can add a few players too, it’ll be nice!”READ MORE SUN STORIESEnzo Maresca was delighted with the performance on Tuesday against SouthamptonThe 13-cap defender hopes to be part of the Belgium squad going to Euro 2024 but has vowed he will allow himself to party at the end of the season regardless.He said: “We have a few days and I’ll most definitely be celebrating!” More

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      Former Man Utd title winner and England international bags first permanent manager role with Championship side

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      FORMER Manchester United star Tom Cleverley has been announced as Watford’s new permanent manager.Cleverley, 34, was forced to retire from professional football last summer due to injury.Tom Cleverley has been appointed as Waford’s new permanent managerCredit: AlamyHe subsequently took up a coaching role at the club’s academy, but was appointed first team interim manager following the dismissal of Valerien Ismael in March.The ex-England midfielder has since guided the club through seven Championship games, winning one and earning five draws.Watford’s run of form has prompted club officials to make Cleverley’s position permanent.The Hornets are yet to confirm a full list of staff for the 2024-25 campaign.Read More on Man UtdCleverley recently admitted that he has become more ambitious as a coach due to the way his playing career ended.He told BBC Sport: “There is a lot of unfinished business from my playing career.”That drives me forward with my coaching. It motivates me every day.”I didn’t achieve anything in the Champions League with Manchester United. The title we lost to City.Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I came to Watford when they were in the Premier League. I retired as a player with them in the Championship. None of it sits right.”I left a few out there as a player. I probably lacked ambition. But as a coach I am very ambitious.”Rasmus Hojlund names dream Man Utd five-a-side team but snubs Wayne Rooney and VidicBefore joining Watford, Cleverley spent two years with Everton.But a large part of his playing career was spent with Man Utd.He joined the club’s academy in July 2000 and left 15 years later.The midfielder made 79 first team appearances for the Red Devils and won the Premier League and the League Cup.Cleverley spent six years as a player at Watford before retiring.He made 181 appearances in total for the Hornets. More

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      EFL play-offs 2024: Dates, kick off times, schedule and fixtures for Championship, League One and League Two ties

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      THE EFL play-offs are almost upon us as four sides from each tier eye promotion to the division above.15 exhilarating ties will take place across the Championship, League One and League Two.Luton Town sealed promotion to the Premier League in last season’s Championship play-offsCredit: PAAll semi-final fixtures will be played over two legs, with 3rd playing 6th and 4th taking on 5th – the higher-ranking team will host the semi-final second leg.The two teams that are victorious in their respective last-4 ties will meet at Wembley Stadium in a one-off final for promotion to the division above.But what are the dates for this season’s EFL play-offs?EFL play-offs 2024 scheduleChampionshipREAD MORE IN FOOTBALLSemi-final first legs6th vs 3rd (12pm) – Sunday May 125th vs 4th (2.15pm) – Sunday May 12Semi-final second legsMost read in EFL3rd vs 6th (8pm) – Thursday May 164th vs 5th (8pm) – Friday May 17FinalSunday May 26 (4.30pm)League OneSemi-final first legs6th vs 3rd (8pm) – Friday May 35th vs 4th – (7.45pm) – Saturday May 4Semi-final second legs3rd vs 6th (8pm) – Tuesday May 74th vs 5th (8pm) – Wednesday May 8FinalSaturday May 18 (5.30pm)League TwoSemi-final first legs7th vs MK Dons (3pm) – Monday May 66th vs 5th (5.30pm) – Monday May 6Semi-final second legsMK Dons vs 7th (8pm) – Thursday May 95th vs 6th (8pm) – Friday May 10FinalSunday May 19 (1pm)READ MORE SUN STORIESHow to watch the EFL play-offsSky Sports will broadcast each semi-final leg from every division in the EFL.The broadcasting giant will also air the play-off final from each tier. More

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      Leicester 5 Southampton 0: Foxes just one win from immediate Premier League return after Fatawu’s stunning hat-trick

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      ABDUL FATAWU scored a stunning hat-trick and Leicester can surely start preparing for Premier League football now.The winger was scintillating and so were the Foxes who can be promoted as early as Friday.Abdul Fatuwu took home the match ballCredit: ReutersThe winger netted a stunning hat-trickCredit: GettyLeicester are now on the verge of securing promotion back to the top-flightCredit: ReutersFatawu’s 25th-minute opener and Wilfred Ndidi’s bullet 61st-minute header had already put Leicester firmly in charge.But then with 15 minutes left after picking up the ball on the right flank, he stepped inside to bypass two Saints defender before hammering an unstoppable effort into the top left corner.Then he laid the ball on a plate for Jamie Vardy to fire in his 16th goal of the season four minutes later.And it was raining goals as Fatawu smashed in the fifth.If Leeds lose at QPR on Friday they will go up before the weekend.But regardless of what Daniel Farke’s men do at Loftus Road, Leicester can wrap it up on Monday night at Preston.There have been so many butterflies in the stomach at the King Power after seeing a once SEVENTEEN point cushion in the automatic spots evaporate – and even slip out of the top two altogether.But when the chips are down, good teams pull their sleeves up and get the job done. And that is exactly what Enzo Maresca’s side did.Most read in SportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERTheir away form of late has been horrendous but the home wins against West Brom and now Southampton has them pretty much holding aloft their arms as they race towards the finishing line.This was last chance saloon for the Saints. They had to win to stand any realistic chance.Huge changes being made to English football schedule next seasonNdidi was not too far away with a curling effort that just fizzed past the right post. Saints though created a chance of their own as Joe Aribo released Adam Armstrong on the left and he teed up Che Adams, whose shot was blocked.Ndidi nodded wide at the far post from a James Justin cross.But the Foxes were not to be denied when Dewsbury-Hall threated a defence-splitting pass for Fatawu to run on and slot past Alex McCartney.It was a good job that the VAR spoilsports are not in the Championship – because Fatawu’s toenail, or at least half of it, may have been offside.Russell Martin then remonstrated with the fourth official after the assistant bizarrely flagged Che Adams offside despite the fact Fatawu had sliced the ball in the air and no Saints player had touched it as it looked like going out for a corner.After the break David Brooks raced through but just as he was about to pull the trigger James Justin bustled him off the ball.READ MORE SUN STORIESHearts were fluttering when Mads Hermansen flapped at a Brooks cross with minimal pressure from Adam Armstrong but was fortunate that Ricardo Pereira was there to clear.But Leicester grabbed the all-important second when Stephy Mavididi’s cross was met by a bullet header from Ndidi. And then came the late show. More

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      EFL fans in hysterics as ‘absolutely golden’ Neil Warnock returns to live TV with brutal dig at his former players

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      FANS were left in hysterics after Neil Warnock made a hilarious dig at his old players.The legendary manager was on punditry duty as Leicester took on Southampton in a mouthwatering Championship clash.Neil Warnock made a hilarious dig at his old playersCredit: Sky Sports Fans loved seeing him back on screensCredit: GettyRussell Martin is hoping to guide the Saints straight back to the Premier League with his possession-based approach.Talking tactics on Sky Sports, Warnock laughed he never had the players to implement passing out from the back.He said: “He [Martin] has that philosophy. That’s what he wants to do.”He’s fortunate because I have never had defenders that could pass water let alone a football.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It’s difficult, you have to adapt, you go to a club and you have to find a system that suits the players you’ve got. I have had to go in everywhere and put fires out.”Fans loved it, saying: “Warnock is absolutely golden man.”Another added: “Quality as always.”Warnock claims he has “categorically retired” and has a “bucket list” to get through after 1626 games and eight promotions as a manager.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHis last job was a month-long stint at Aberdeen in Scotland.Warnock said: “It’s a good time to stop when I look at VAR now.”Neil Warnock loses it with Rangers BALL BOYS after losing first match in charge of AberdeenHe was joined in the Sky Sports studio by fellow ex-Prem boss Nigel Pearson.And the 75-year-old had plenty of banter with the former Leicester manager.Warnock joked ten minutes before matches Pearson would “have a whiskey or glass of wine with his feet up”.Fans enjoyed the banter, with one commenting: “Lovely to see old school managers in Warnock and Pearson.”More reacted: “Pearson and Warnock on the same panel, this is going to be the best half-time ever.”Warnock’s promotions

      Scarborough: Conference League title 1987
      Notts County: Third Division play-offs 1990 and Second Division play-off 1991
      Huddersfield: Second Division play-off 1995
      Plymouth: Third Division play-off 1996
      Sheffield United: Championship runner-up 2006
      QPR: Championship title 2011
      Cardiff: Championship runner-up 2017 More

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      Championship play-off semi-final kick-off times CONFIRMED with last minute date switch ‘due to Premier League clash’

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      THE date for one of the first legs of the Championship play-off semi-finals has been CHANGED due to a Premier League clash.The fifth-vs-fourth place game was initially set to take place at 8pm on Monday, May 13.The dates for the Championship play-off semi-finals have been confirmedCredit: PABut the match will now take place on the SAME DAY as the sixth-vs-third place match on Sunday, May 12.The former will now kick off at 2:15pm, with the latter being staged a few hours earlier at 12:30pm.According to reports, a Premier League match is to blame for the rescheduling of the match.It’s claimed Aston Villa’s home game with Liverpool at Villa Park has resulted in the change of date.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat’s on account of the fact nearby West Brom are currently on course to finish the Championship season in fifth place.Hosting the fifth-vs-fourth-placed match the same day as Liverpool’s visit to Villa Park would put an incredible strain on local police and is likely why it has been moved to the day before.The reverse fixture will be held on Friday, May 17, with the match getting underway at 8pm.The second meeting of the fourth and fifth-place finishers will take place 24 hours earlier.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERLuton Town won last season’s Championship play-off finalThe play-off final – the richest game in all of football – will take place at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, May 26Ipswich Town, Southampton, West Brom and Norwich City are set to be the four teams vying for the third and final promotion spot. Thousands of fans flood onto Fratton Park pitch as Portsmouth return to Championship after 12 seasons away Last season’s final promotion spot was secured by Luton Town, who beat Coventry 6-5 on penalties to reach the Premier League for the first time in their history. More