Championship

Subterms

    More stories

    • 200 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Billy Sharp makes shock transfer return to England after the Championship’s record goalscorer’s LA Galaxy stint

      by

      BILLY SHARP has made a surprise transfer return to England. The former Sheffield United ace has been playing in Major League Soccer since August with LA Galaxy.
      Billy Sharp is returning to the Championship after his America stintCredit: Sunday Times
      However, he is now set to make a stunning return to the English football with Championship Hull.
      And this means the Championship’s record goalscorer will make his triumphant return to the division on when the transfer window opens on January 1.
      Tigers’ boss Liam Rosenior confirmed the transfer had been sealed on Tuesday.
      He said: “It’s done. He’s going to be a Hull City player on January 1.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “He’s got a real hunger to prove himself at this level.
      “I’ve spoken a lot about experience in big moments.
      “We’re going to have a lot of games with big pressure on it and Billy’s had five promotions, (some) as captain as well.
      “He scores crucial goals at crucial moments, and his goalscoring record at LA was top so were delighted to have him.”
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      Hull face Sheffield Wednesday on January, meaning the ex-Blades star could make his debut against his former club’s rivals.
      Sharp’s 130 goals in the Championship from 399 appearances has him already leading the all-time division scoring charts.
      He has appeared for different sides in that time, with Hull set to be the seventh outfit he has played for.
      His best season came in 2018/19 when he scored 23 goals in 40 games for Chris Wilder’s Blades side. More

    • 175 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Stoke City appoint Steven Schumacher as manager after missing out on former Chelsea boss

      by

      STOKE have poached Steven Schumacher from fellow Championship strugglers Plymouth as boss – after missing out on Graham Potter.Schumacher, 39, succeeds the sacked Alex Neil with a 3.5-year contract.
      Steven Schumacher has switched League One champs Plymouth for StokeCredit: Rex
      The former Bury and Bradford midfielder took Argyle up as League One champions last season with 101 points in his second campaign in charge.
      Stoke had been linked with former Chelsea chief Potter.
      But that always seemed optimistic, especially as incoming Manchester United investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe is a big fan of the ex- Brighton manager.
      Instead, Schumacher comes into the Potters, despite old club Plymouth sitting three points and three points above Stoke in the second tier.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      City are winless for eight games, which means they are also just three points and three positions above the drop zone.
      Schumacher said he was “attracted” to Stoke by “its history and everything it represents”.
      The Liverpudlian told the club’s website: “The values that resonate with me for a Stoke City team are bravery and hard work, coupled with a desire to play attacking football and be a team our supporters can connect with.
      “We have the players to do that and, if we can get back to a point where the Bet365 Stadium is thought of as a tough venue to visit, we can really get it rocking again.”
      Most read in Championship
      Stoke dismissed 42-year-old Neil last week after just six victories in 20 Championship games this term.
      The Scot left Sunderland to take over at the Bet365 in August 2022, with the Potters finishing 16th last season.
      Expectations were higher for this campaign – following a massive summer transfer shake-up.
      But Stoke were a dismal 20th when the axe fell on Neil. More

    • 213 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans ask ‘how’s he got away with that s***house celebration?’ after Leicester star Mavididi’s goal against Birmingham

      by

      STEPHY MAVIDIDI performed a “s***house celebration” after scoring for Leicester against Birmingham last night.Enzo Maresca’s side travelled to St Andrew’s looking to go three points clear at the top of the Championship table.
      Stephy Mavididi chipped the ball beyond John RuddyCredit: Rex
      The England youth international celebrated in front of home fansCredit: Getty
      The winger was quickly surrounded by his team-matesCredit: Getty
      Harry Winks appeared to try to diffuse the situationCredit: Getty
      The Foxes took a tenth minute lead in dramatic circumstances, hitting Blues on the counter-attack moments after James Justin had struck his own post.
      Teenager Abdul Fatawu played in Mavididi, who delicately chipped the ball over onrushing goalkeeper John Ruddy.
      The 25-year-old rubbed salt in the wounds of the home faithful by sitting on the advertising board and crossing his arms right in front of them.
      Birmingham supporters didn’t take kindly to the act, with many furiously shouting at the Leicester winger.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Fans watching at home couldn’t believe Mavididi’s audacity, with one writing: “How’s he got away with that celebration? Incredible s***housery.”
      While a second joked: “Sensational, can’t even complain about that.”
      A third moaned: “I hate these type of celebrations nowadays. Seems its all about winding up opposition fans in today’s footballing culture.”
      And another added: “Fairs even Jamie Vardy’s never done that much of a s***house celebration.”
      Most read in Championship
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      The match had initially been dubbed El Grassico due to the off-pitch drama between the wives of Vardy and Blues boss Wayne Rooney.
      Their meeting did not come to fruition, however, with Vardy missing the match due to a knee injury.
      Leicester fans did make their beloved striker’s presence felt, however, with many wearing masks of his face to the game.
      Birmingham equalised just four minutes after Mavididi’s opener through Jordan James, but Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored to put the Foxes 2-1 up shortly after.
      Mavididi, 25, struck again five minutes after half-time, this time performing a knee slide in front of his own supporters.
      James grabbed his second of the evening on 74 minutes to set up a grandstand finish, but Leicester held firm to secure the points.
      Foxes boss Maresca admitted after the game that he did not enjoy Mavididi’s celebration.
      The 43-year-old told the BBC: “Stephy was very good. It’s what we expected of him. And Abdul too.
      “But Stephy needs to improve his behaviour, which was not correct.”
      Read more on The Sun
      The result made it seven defeats and just two wins from Rooney’s 11 games in charge of Birmingham thus far.
      Blues have fallen to 17th in the table, having been sixth when the Manchester United legend replaced John Eustace 11 games into the season.
      Mavididi, 25, celebrated his second goal in front of his own team’s fansCredit: Rex
      Leicester fans wore Jamie Vardy masks into the gameCredit: Getty
      Wayne Rooney has so far struggled as Blues bossCredit: PA More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Leicester fans brutally taunt Birmingham boss Wayne Rooney with Jamie Vardy masks ahead of Wagatha Christie derby

      by

      CHEEKY Leicester City fans taunted Wayne Rooney by wearing Jamie Vardy masks at Birmingham tonight.The Foxes faithful headed to St Andrew’s to watch their table-topping side take on the Blues in the Championship.
      Leicester fans wore Jamie Vardy masks in the away end at BirminghamCredit: Getty
      Supporters were keen to taunt the home manager Wayne Rooney after the Wagatha Christie dramaCredit: Sky Sports
      Rooney insisted he has ‘no relationship’ with the Foxes strikerCredit: PA
      And that, of course, meant it was Vardy up against Rooney for the first time since their wives’ Wagatha Christie scandal.
      Veteran striker Vardy sat out “El Grassico” due to a knee injury.
      But that did not stop his supporters jumping at the chance to take a hilarious swipe at the new Birmingham boss.
      Sky Sports cameras showed a pair of travelling fans heading into the stadium with the card faces on.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      And the away supporters enjoyed renditions of “Rooney, Rooney what’s the score” and “Jamie Vardy, he’s won more than you” after taking the lead.
      Coleen Rooney alleged Rebekah Vardy had leaked stories about her private life to the press.
      Vardy’s wife then lost a libel lawsuit case in response.
      Rooney and Vardy were team-mates for England – and even played at Euro 2016 together – but were embroiled in the court trial.
      Most read in Championship
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFER
      And ahead of the game, the former Manchester United and Three Lions skipper insisted the pair have “no relationship” anymore.
      Rooney said: “The game is Birmingham City against Leicester.
      “In my opinion, Jamie Vardy’s a fantastic player and has been for many years.
      “I played with him for England, but I played with many players for England. It’s not someone who I’ve ever had a relationship with, outside of being in a training camp or games.
      “I respect Jamie Vardy a lot, he’s a fantastic player and still has a lot to offer Leicester.
      “What’s important is we don’t get dragged into a sideshow. Everything that’s happened in the past, which everyone is aware of, has been dealt with from a legal point of view. My job is to now focus on Birmingham trying to win the game.
      “He’s a great servant to Leicester and he’s a player we have to do a lot of work on to stop. He can really hurt you if you don’t.”
      Vardy and Rooney were England team-mates at Euro 2016Credit: Carl Recine
      The veteran forward sat out of the trip to St Andrew’s with injuryCredit: Getty
      Wayne supported wife Coleen at the trial in LondonCredit: Getty
      Rebekah lost her libel case in courtCredit: PA More

    • 275 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      I’m the ultimate Premier League journeyman… my old boss peed in the SINK in his office and it seeped into our showers

      by

      GREG HALFORD has revealed which of his former managers would pee in the sink at the training ground.The utility man, 39, has had an eclectic career, playing from the Premier League down to non-league.
      Greg Halford recalled his time at Rotherham UnitedCredit: YOUTUBE / undrthecosh
      Halford, now 39, played for the Millers between 2015 and 2017Credit: Reuters
      After representing Reading, Sunderland and Wolves in the Prem, he dropped down to spend many years in the Championship with the likes of Brighton and Portsmouth, among others..
      In 2015 he signed for Rotherham United, with the aim of playing up front and attracting the eyes of MLS clubs.
      Boss Steve Evans recruited him and made him captain, but within just a couple of months he moved him back to defence and stripped him of the armband.
      Halford, who now plays for Hashtag United, didn’t see eye-to-eye with Evans – who he quickly felt he’d have “outlast” at New York Stadium.
      Read More Football Stories
      Evans, 61, is a unique character in the EFL, and has managed Leeds, Peterborough, Gillingham and now Stevenage.
      While he has achieved success along the way, he hasn’t always gotten all of his players onside.
      Appearing on Under the Cosh, Halford recalled a vile anecdote from his time with Evans at Rotherham.
      He said: “At our training ground he has his office at the end of the building.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFER
      “Then the first changing room where we got changed, and then there was a second changing room.
      “He had no toilet in his office. But there was a sink, and the piping would filter into out showers.
      “Because he only drank Irn-Bru it was obviously bright orange. So he’d p*** in the sink and while we were showering it would come into the showers.
      “What the f*** is that? It’s bright orange! Disgusting.”
      That wasn’t the only story Halford told of Evans’ habits.
      He also recalled one away day during which Evans disgusted his players on the team bus.
      Halford said: “We were on an away trip… we were on the coach and he needed a s***.
      “He went to the toilet on the coach and there was s*** everywhere.
      “He just exploded, honestly it was horrific. You could hear everything.”
      Halford went on to add of Evans’ culinary choices: “His diet was just Irn-Bru and chips. That’s literally all he ate.”
      Read more on The Sun
      After falling out of favour at Rotherham, Halford spent the second half of the 2015-16 season on loan at Birmingham.
      He later returned to the Millers to play under Evans’ replacement Neil Warnock, before signing for Cardiff in 2017.
      Steve Evans managed Halford at RotherhamCredit: PA More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Norwich star Jon Rowe at centre of Premier League transfer battle with cash-strapped Canaries desperate to keep him

      by

      NORWICH are bracing themselves for more interest for winger Jon Rowe next month.Sunsport can reveal the Canaries turned down a £15million offer for the forward from Wolves just before the transfer window closed in August.
      Jon Rowe is being eyed by a number of Premier League clubsCredit: Rex
      Rowe, 20, scored two goals in Saturday’s 2-2 draw at rivals Ipswich to bring his total for the season to 11.
      The Englishman is the joint third top scorer in the Championship this term despite his young age.
      Although more clubs are likely to enter the scene – with Aston Villa another interested club – Norwich do not want to sell despite being strapped for cash.
      Despite a difficult spell under boss David Wagner, they are just five points off the play-offs so they will only listen to offers in the summer.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Rowe rose up the ranks in Norwich’s academy and has been with the club since he was 11 years old.
      The youngster has been called into England’s U21s since bursting onto the scene at the start of the campaign, having never previously started a game.
      Yet he scored five goals in as many games in August which is why Wolves came in with their offer which was immediately dismissed by Norwich.
      The Norfolk club are also fearing offers for Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Sara in January but like Rowe, they do not want to sell.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFER
      The 24-year-old joined the club from Sao Paulo last summer and has already managed five goals an eight assists in the league this season.
      Wagner’s side are preparing for the busy Christmas schedule and host relegation scrappers Huddersfield Town on Saturday to get the festive period underway.
      Gabriel Sara is also attracting interest from elsewhereCredit: Getty More

    • 200 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Leicester to resist loan transfer offers for £7.5m out-of favour striker labelled ‘top player’ by Maresca

      by

      LEICESTER plan to keep striker Tom Cannon despite a handful of clubs wanting him on loan.Cannon, 20, has struggled to make an impact since his big-money move from Everton after a back injury emerged.
      The Foxes insist fit-again frontman Tom Cannon won’t be departing in JanuaryCredit: Getty
      But Foxes’ boss Enzo Maresca still believes the “top player” can justify his £7.5million summer arrival on a five-year contract.
      Luton and Sunderland were said to be keen on the Republic of Ireland Under-21 star last summer.
      That followed his encouraging season on loan at Preston last term.
      Cannon scored eight goals in 20 matches for the Championship side.
      READ MORE TOP STORIES
      And ahead of that temporary switch he netted 12 times in 16 games for the Toffees’ U-21s.
      Leicester won the race for Cannon on transfer deadline day in September this year.
      But a back problem was revealed during his medical.
      And the Merseysider only made his debut this month.
      Most read in Championship
      However, Maresca is confident the starlet will still come good for his Championship leaders.
      The Italian said earlier in December: “He’s the youngest of the strikers we have, so for sure (he’s going to bring) energy. 
      “But not only energy. First of all, he scores goals. Last year, in six months, he scored eight goals. 
      “The problem now with Tom is very easy.
      “It’s the physical condition, and then it’s that we have strikers already there, so he needs to compete with them.” More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-Liverpool star, 33, sent off for second game running after needless handball as fans say ‘he doesn’t work Christmas’

      by

      DANIEL AYALA got himself sent off for the second game running as fans joked he “doesn’t work Christmas”.The former Liverpool defender, 33, joined Rotherham as a free agent in October.
      Daniel Ayala picked up his second red card in as many matchesCredit: Rex
      He handled a long ball while already on a yellow card
      In just his sixth game for his new club on December 9, he got yellow cards in the 12th and 17th minutes to be given his marching orders and Swansea ran out narrow 2-1 winners.
      Ayala served his one-match suspension against West Brom in midweek but returned to the Millers side for Saturday’s trip to Plymouth.
      Incredibly, though, the Spanish centre-back again found himself heading in for an early bath.
      Already on a cheap booking from the 25th minute and after being involved in a horror clash of heads, Ayala inexplicably tried to stop a long ball getting in behind the Rotherham defence by sticking up a stray arm and stopping it.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      The Plymouth players demanded a second yellow and the referee duly obliged.
      It made Ayala the first EFL player to be sent off in successive games this season.
      And following his red at Swansea in his previous appearance – making it two red cards in 55 minutes – he will now have to sit out for another ban.
      Ayala will miss next game, a trip to Championship leaders Leicester on December 23.
      Most read in Championship
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      And SunSport have asked the EFL for clarification on whether his suspension will last for two matches – in which case Ayala cannot face his old side Middlesbrough at the New York Stadium on Boxing Day.
      The red card proved critical as Plymouth came from behind and scored a 96th-minute winner to keep Rotherham bottom of the Championship table, nine points from safety.
      Millers manager Leam Richardson said: “Experienced players are still learning but Daniel got caught under the ball and he lost balance but with an experienced player you’d expect a better decision.
      “We will certainly look at that and speak to Daniel moving forward and go from there.”
      ‘LIKES HIS TURKEY’
      But fans piled in on the former Liverpool man, who made five appearances for the Reds in the 2009-10 season, and insisted this is not the first time he has managed to get Christmas off work.
      In 2012-13, then playing for Nottingham Forest, Ayala again got two yellows in a 2-0 defeat at Watford on December 22.
      Following his latest misdemeanour, one Twitter user said: “Got to love him. For those thinking to themselves, it’ll be blatant to get Christmas off, it’s more blatant than you can ever imagine haha.”
      A Boro supporter wrote: “You are definitely unfamiliar with Daniel Ayala. He doesn’t work Christmas.”
      Daniel Ayala – Matches Played in December
      2009-10 – 0
      2010-11 – 0
      2011-12 – 1
      2012-13 – 2 (red card on Dec 22)
      2013-14 – 6
      2014-15 – 4
      2015-16 – 6
      2016-17 – 0
      2017-18 – 3
      2018-19 – 5
      2019-20 – 6
      2020-21 – 6
      2021-22 – 1
      2022-23 – 3
      2023-24 – 3 (red cards on Dec 9 and Dec 16)

      A third added: “Up to his old antics again… winter off Ayala… same s*** every year, different club.”
      A fourth typed: “Done his best with two reds in two games.”
      A fifth joked: “Death. Taxes. Danny Ayala’s Christmas holiday.”
      A sixth quipped: “Must like his turkey.”
      A seventh wrote: “Daniel Ayala has more days off in the winter than an ice cream man, a chancer of the highest order. It’s a shame really as he’s a top player.”
      Read more on The Sun
      An eighth commented: “Another Daniel Ayala red. 2 in 2 games now. Must be Christmas.”
      And a final user replied: “At this time of year everyone else receives Christmas cards, Daniel Ayala meanwhile…”
      The former Liverpool defender joined the Millers in OctoberCredit: Alamy More