Championship

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Forgotten Premier League star who was discovered by Hoddle wakes up unemployed aged 33 despite scoring goal of season

      by

      SAM CLUCAS has been released just days after winning Rotherham’s goal of the season award.The former Premier League midfielder was presented with the award on Saturday before the match against Cardiff.Sam Clucas has been released by RotherhamCredit: GettyThe midfielder won the Millers’ goal of the season award for his strike against SunderlandCredit: GettyHowever, he will be without a club this summer following Rotherham’s relegation from the Championship.Clucas is one of 11 players to have been released by the Millers, including ex-Manchester United defender Tyler Blackett.The 33-year-old only joined the club in September, having been released by Stoke last summer.He went on to score once in 32 league appearances as Rotherham ended the season 24 points from safety.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis only strike came against Sunderland in December, with the first-time volley voted as the club’s goal of the season.Clucas previously made 66 Premier League appearances across spells with Hull and Swansea, scoring six goals.His jump to the Premier League came after he had spent time in non-league earlier in his career.After being let go by Leicester as a teenager in 2009, Clucas juggled his part-time playing career with working in Debenhams.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe was then picked up by Glenn Hoddle’s academy, which aims to get former Premier League and Championship scholars back into professional football.Following spells with Hereford, Mansfield and Chesterfield, Clucas completed a £14million move to the Tigers in 2015 to complete his journey to the Premier League.Most dramatic Premier League’s final daysReflecting on his route to the top in 2017, he told ESPN: “I had worked at Debenhams and they were long days.”I lost all my confidence in football and did a sports development course in the hope of becoming a PE teacher.”But when you get picked up by someone of Glenn Hoddle’s stature, from maybe a thousand players to go to his academy, it’s a huge boost.”Ever since then I’ve kicked on and gone up the levels.”Clucas made 66 Premier League appearances for Swansea and HullCredit: Getty – Contributor More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Man Utd star tipped to become a ‘great’ wakes up unemployed aged 30 after his Championship club are relegated

      by

      TYLER BLACKETT will be without a club this summer less than a decade after making his Manchester United debut.The left-back, 30, has been released by Rotherham following their relegation to League One.Former Manchester United defender Tyler Blackett has been released by RotherhamCredit: RexBlackett was tipped for greatness by Louis van Gaal at Old TraffordCredit: PA:Empics SportBlackett is one of 11 players leaving the Millers at the end of their contract, the club have confirmed.Rotherham’s two-year stay in the Championship ended with the club finishing bottom of the table this season.After just five league wins all season, the club finished 24 points from safety.Blackett, who arrived at the New York Stadium in March 2023, played in each of their first 10 league matches, scoring once.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHowever, he failed to make a single appearance from October 4 onwards and was named on the bench just once in that time.The former United starlet posted a message to Instagram on Monday, writing: “A frustrating and difficult season on and off the pitch.”So much to say and many frustrations…but STILL I enjoyed every minute I played in front of you millers! Thank you @rotherhamunited and the support throughout.”His Rotherham exit comes eight years after he made his Premier League debut aged 20 under Louis van Gaal.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Dutchman also tipped Blackett for greatness at United, where he spent 14 years after coming through the academy at Old Trafford.After the defender signed a new deal in 2015, Van Gaal said: “Tyler has great potential and I believe he is at the right club to continue his development and progression to become a great defender.”Ten Hag’s six worst defeats as Man Utd managerHowever, Blackett instead left the Red Devils for Reading the following year after a loan spell at Celtic.Reflecting on his exit in 2017, he told The Times: “I wouldn’t say it was the hardest decision. It was a selfish decision.”We all have our own aspirations and we have to make decisions not for the team, but for personal reasons.”Blackett, who is a former England under-21 international, has since had spells with Nottingham Forest and FC Cincinnati. More

    • 238 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Now that’s a manager’, say fans as Kieran McKenna joins Ipswich fans cleaning park after Premier League promotion party

      by

      IPSWICH manager Kieran McKenna received mass praise as he joined fans who cleaned up after their recent Premier League promotion party.The Tractor Boys sealed their Prem return after 22 years by finishing second in the Championship, marking McKenna’s second consecutive promotion after leading his team out of League One last season.Now that’s a manager a team. Should be proud off!Too many football managers just care about figures and fame.Ours ain’t even from Ipswich but he’s out looking after the town who’s football club he manages. Serious respect for Kieran Mckenna!#ITFC #kieranmckenna pic.twitter.com/pLPdK6gplC— 𝕜ΐო𝒃𝓮𝖗𝖑ΐ𝖓𝓪89 (@xkimberlina89x) May 7, 2024

      Kieran McKenna joined Ipswich’s open bus celebration after their Premier League promotionCredit: PAMcKenna then joined Ipswich fans cleaning up the morning after the partyCredit: AlamyThe Blues went around town to party in an open bus on Bank Holiday Monday and the whole town joined them for a boozy evening that went until the early hours of Tuesday.McKenna, 37, was at the centre of all of it as he joined the team and fans in jubilation.But that didn’t stop the ex-Manchester United coach from showing up the next day at 8am to link up with the cleaning crew.And a smiling fan shared a selfie of himself with the Northern Irish tactician bright and early.Read More on FootballHero Site Solutions Ltd posted on Facebook: “The morning after the night before, 8:00am – Tuesday”Amazing that Super Kieran McKenna came and said hi this morning whilst we were tidying up the park.”He truly is a Legend.”Ipswich fans were left in awe as they stormed the comments’ section to praise McKenna.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne fan posted: “The guy is a machine!”Another commented: “What a top bloke.”EXCLUSIVE: Kieran McKenna addresses his Ipswich future, what he learned from Jose Mourinho and wanting Premier League footballA third wrote: “Now you won’t get many Premier League managers going litter picking!”This fan said: “Man of the year.”That one stated: “What a guy! That’s awesome.”And finally another Ipswich fan shared the following comment: “Now that’s a manager a team should be proud off!”Too many football managers just care about figures and fame. Ours ain’t even from Ipswich but he’s out looking after the town who’s football club he manages. Serious respect for Kieran Mckenna!” More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Leicester manager Enzo Maresca ‘being monitored by English clubs’ after winning promotion back to Premier League

      by

      ENZO MARESCA is being linked with Sevilla and a string of English clubs after taking Leicester back to the Premier League in his first season.The ex-Parma chief’s suitors will be encouraged by the Italian asking to sit down with the Foxes to discuss things he “didn’t like”.Enzo Maresca, seen rejoicing with Leicester chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, is being eyed by other clubsCredit: GettyMaresca has also admitted some “problems” over not being able to splash out in the January transfer window.Sevilla have been mentioned in connection with their former midfielder for several months.The LaLiga club’s current boss Quique Sanchez Flores is due to leave when his contract runs out this summerAnd journalist Guillem Balague, a friend of Maresca, says a handful of English teams have also shown interest in the 44-year-old.READ MORE TOP STORIESLeicester’s flowing style, as they pipped Ipswich to the Championship title by a point, has won many admirers.And the Foxes are expected to hold talks with Maresca soon.It’s understood he’s unhappy with the club’s communication over Financial Fairplay issues – which led to an allegation of  breaching profitability and sustainability spending rules.And star midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is tipped to be a summer transfer target for Prem rivals.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFor now, though, Maresca is departing with his jubilant squad for a three-day break.And although Balague revealed some sticking points, he also confirmed the ex-Manchester City academy coach IS keen to stay with Leicester.It comes after striker Jamie Vardy and wife Rebekah led wild street celebrations of Championship glory.Poignantly, however, Leicester’s players also displayed a picture of former owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, who died in a helicopter crash outside the King Power Stadium six years ago. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Ipswich stars brilliantly troll Sky Sports pundit and Leeds on boozy parade to celebrate promotion to Premier League

      by

      SKY SPORTS pundit Don Goodman was on the receiving end of a brutal trolling during Ipswich Town’s promotion parade.The Tractor Boys celebrated promotion back to the Premier League – which they secured with a second-place Championship finish – with a boozy parade on Monday afternoon.Ipswich Town held an open-top bus parade to celebrate their promotion back to the Premier LeagueCredit: PAHundreds of Tractor Boys fans turned up at Christchurch Park to celebrateCredit: PADefender Luke Woolfenden opted to take aim at Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman live on airCredit: SKYKieran Mckenna’s troops were, understandably, in a joyous mood as they were cheered on by hordes of their supporters as they rode an open tour bus.But Luke Woolfenden made sure to take the time to hit out at Goodman, who had previously rubbished the East Anglia club’s chances of returning to the Prem.He told Sky: “I have to sit for six weeks now and listen to Don Goodman telling us we’re not good enough to do anything in the Premier League.”Apparently we’re still going to finish mid-table [in the Championship], Don, but don’t worry about it.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIpswich fans were loving the ribbing Goodman was given, with one saying: “F***ing love you, Luke Woolfenden.”Another said: “I love this bloke.”One remarked: “What a boy.”Another chimed in: “Superb to hear someone call Don Goodman out. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSScores of Ipswich fans braved the cold and wet condition to celebrate with their heroesCredit: PAThere was a real party atmosphere at Christchurch ParkCredit: REUTERSThe players loved every second of the paradeCredit: REUTERSIpswich will compete in their first Premier League campaign in over 20 years next seasonCredit: REUTERS”Always has a fascination/bias towards one team.”Woolfenden wasn’t the only Ipswich star to take aim at Goodman, with an unknown player shouting: “Don Goodman says we’ll still bottle it!”Ipswich fans invade pitch after sealing Premier League promotionKayden Jackson even got in on the act, shouting: “Leeds are falling apart again.”Hundreds of fans at Christchurch Park then erupted into a chorus of: “Leeds, Leeds are falling apart again!”Ipswich gaffer McKenna opted against calling out his team’s detractors, instead of reflecting on the team’s momentous return to the Prem – which they were relegated from in the 2001-2 season.He told Sky Sports: “It’s an incredible turnout, amazing seeing so much joy.”Everyone deserves it, the whole town deserves it, the players … for how hard they’ve worked.”And the supporters, who’ve followed so loyally for years and have been waiting for a day like this.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We just set out to be as good as we could possibly be.”The closer you get to the end you know you’re within reach of an amazing achievement and we’re so glad we were able to finish off well.”Kieran Mckenna guided Ipswich back to the Premier League nearly 22 years after their relegationCredit: PAFormer Manchester United coach McKenna was the toast of the townCredit: PAIpswich will face a difficult time staying in the Premier League next seasonCredit: PADon Goodman doubted Ipswich’s chances of securing promotionCredit: GETTY More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans tell Jamie Vardy ‘never change’ as footage emerges of Leicester star slide tackling a KID during title celebrations

      by

      JAMIE VARDY left football fans in stitches after slide tackling a CHILD during Leicester City’s promotion party on Saturday.The Foxes celebrated promotion to the Premier League following a 2-0 win over Blackburn at the King Power Stadium.Jamie Vardy slide tackled a child during Leicester’s promotion partyCredit: RedditThe striker jumped in to make the challengeCredit: RedditHe then kicked the ball awayCredit: RedditAfter the match, Enzo Maresca and his players did a lap of honour around the pitch with friends and family.Three children took the opportunity to have a kickabout, but they were interrupted by club legend Vardy.The striker sprinted over to them before jumping in for a slide tackle, kicking the ball away.Fans took to social media to react, with one person writing: “Never change, Jamie, never change.”Read More on FootballAnother wrote: “No foul. Good process.”While a third commented: “Can Leicester just go ahead and replace their crest with a picture of Jamie Vardy’s face?”Leicester secured the Championship title last week following a 3-0 win over Preston on Monday.Speaking after Saturday’s match, Foxes boss Maresca revealed he and the team have been treated to a holiday by the club’s chairman.Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “Now we have a holiday with the chairman, he invited us for three days.”Then I will be with the family for two or three weeks of holiday. Now we have three days off and then we can switch off for a bit.Fans in stitches as Vardy’s ‘Klinsmann dive’ almost goes badly wrong after his goals earn Leicester Championship title”Then we’ll start again. After everything is finished, we can think about the future.”Vardy’s contract is set to expire next month, but Maresca claims he is now in talks over a new deal.The former Manchester City coach said: “Jamie is already discussing his new contract with the club so hopefully we can have a solution.”Leicester were crowned Championship winners at the weekendCredit: PA More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      How Leeds could line up in Premier League after Will Ferrell investment with Phillips returning and cult hero’s son

      by

      LEEDS UNITED could be bolstered by a series of new signings if they get promoted and have Will Ferrell backing them.Daniel Farke’s side are currently preparing to face Norwich in the Championship play-off semi-final after missing out on second place to Ipswich.Leeds fans are dreaming after Will Ferrell’s investment in the clubCredit: AlamyKalvin Phillips has been linked with a return to Elland Road from Man CityCredit: GettyHowever, Leeds fans received a boost when The Sun revealed that Hollywood star Ferrell has bought a “large” stake in the club after falling in love with English football.The film legend pumped a “large” stake into US owners 49ers Enterprises.Sources close to the Anchorman actor say he is now a proud Leeds supporter after falling in love with English football and he cannot wait to cheer them on at Elland Road.That has now got Leeds fans dreaming about what signings could be brought in to bolster the squad if they manage to secure a return to promised land at Wembley on Sunday 26 May.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWe have already revealed how Leeds were plotting to take Kalvin Phillips back to Elland Road if they clinched an immediate top-flight return.Phillips spent 12 years at his hometown club before a £42m switch to Manchester City in 2022, a dream move that became a nightmare.He spent 18 months on the bench before being loaned to West Ham in January, where he has endured some miserable displays.Now Leeds want to offer the 28-year-old a chance to rebuild his career and reckon City would do business for around £30m to get him off the books.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe is not the only former favourite that could return amid reports Barcelona “could sacrifice” Raphinha in order to bolster their transfer kitty.The 27-year-old enjoyed a great two seasons at Elland Road from 2020 and his form led to an international call-up.Leicester brutally troll Leeds with iconic song after winning promotion as Whites left ‘well and truly rattled’The winger has been in good form of late but he has been linked with an exit for months, and with new financial backing, that could see Leeds join the likes of Manchester United in the hunt for the Samba ace.Meanwhile, The Shields Gazette has claimed that Farke’s men are keen on Newcastle’s Sean Longstaff.The 26-year-old has impressed for the Magpies, but any money made from the academy graduate’s sale would go towards new recruits.The Yorkshire Evening Post also threw several names into the mix for potential new recruits – and these ones would not cost a thing.Leeds allegedly failed with a loan swoop for West Ham left-back Ben Johnson, 24.He is believed to have snubbed an extension at the London Stadium and the Elland Road outfit could launch another move when he becomes a free agent in June.The 38-year-old James Milner came through the Leeds academy and made his first-team debut for his hometown club in 2002.He has since gone on to enjoy a brilliant career elsewhere but he is coming to the end of his one-year contract at Brighton.That means that a potential return to his hometown team could be on the cards.Another hometown boy whose name has been mentioned is Oli McBurnie.The big striker has scored six times for relegated Sheffield United and will be a free agent next month.He was previously at Leeds as a schoolboy, and he may jump at the chance to come back and try to keep them in the Premier League.Another player could be Liam Delap – the son of Premier League cult icon Roy Delap.Man City will sell striker Delap to the highest bidder.READ MORE SUN STORIESDelap, 21, has been on loan at Hull after stints at Stoke and Preston and is clearly unlikely to figure in Pep Guardiola’s first-team squad any time in the near future.City will want around £10m for the England Under-21 forward and may include a ‘buy-back’ clause in any deal.Can you name the famous fathers? More

    • 200 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Jamie and Rebekah Vardy lead Leicester celebrations as thousands flood onto streets for Championship title parade

      by

      JAMIE VARDY and wife Rebekah led the way as thousands flooded the streets to celebrate Leicester’s Championship title win.The Foxes pipped Ipswich to top spot by one single point as they booked an automatic return to the Premier League.Jamie Vardy led the way as Leicester celebrated their Championship title winCredit: GettyRebekah Vardy was also in town for the epic partyCredit: ReutersShe toasted the occasion with a drinkThousands flooded the streets to toast Leicester’s successCredit: ReutersAn open-top bus took players and their families through the town centreCredit: ReutersEnzo Maresca’s men stayed strong after a late wobble to ensure Leeds and Southampton will be in the play-offs.And thousands of supporters took to Leicester’s city centre on Sunday as Foxes players paraded the trophy on an open-top bus.The good weather and Bank Holiday vibes were on full display as gleeful supporters cheered and chanted.Leicester’s players were equally gleeful as they toasted their success on board the open top bus.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLVardy, who scored 18 league goals this term, led the way at the front as he wore a pair of sunglasses while waving to the crowd.Wife Rebekah and their children were also present as they too soaked up the wonderful atmosphere.The likes of Wout Faes and Conor Coady were all smiles to as they posed with the trophy.Chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha was hailed by fans as he took centre stage at one point.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd Leicester’s players also displayed a picture of former owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, who tragically died in a helicopter crash outside the King Power Stadium in 2018.But for some Foxes, it could be their last time appearing in Leicester colours.Leicester star heard shouting ‘you’ve done f*** all all season’ to team-mate during dressing room celebrationsEnzo Maresca’s men pipped Ipswich Town to top spot by a pointCredit: PAA tribute was paid to late former owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, with son Aiyawatt presentCredit: PALeicester’s players were thrilled with their amazing achievementCredit: GettyThe party is sure to continue into the nightCredit: PAVardy, Wilfried Ndidi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Dennis Praet, Jannik Vestergaard and Marc Albrighton are all out of contract next month.Callum Doyle, Yunus Akgun and Issahaku Fatawu’s loans are also coming to an end.And with FFP problems over their heads, Leicester’s hands could be tied to an extent in the transfer market.Vardy was at the heart of the title celebrationsCredit: GettyConor Coady and Marc Albrighton kissed the trophyCredit: GettyPatson Daka posed coolly with sunglassesCredit: GettyLeicester will be hoping they can make big strides when they return to the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty More