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    Wilfried Gnonto ready to complete Leeds redemption by firing them back into Premier League against Southampton

    WILFRIED GNONTO angered Leeds fans when he handed in a transfer request in August.The Italy midfielder, 20, was advised by his representatives to jump ship following relegation.Wilfried Gnonto has been one of Leeds’ best players this seasonBut the Leeds ace was ridiculed by fans after handing in a transfer request in AugustAnd he faced a backlash from the Elland Road faithful as he tried to force a move to Everton by asking to leave.Just hours after putting in a written request, fans held a banner of a doctored image of Gnonto wearing a nappy — branding him a cry baby for not wanting to play in the Championship.But he soon withdrew his request and has won back the hearts of the fans for knuckling down and producing some brilliant hardworking performances on the right wing.He told SunSport: “In a relationship of love there are many ups and downs and I look at this period as a down.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“From that point I’ve worked hard in training and games to get into the situation I am in now and the fans can see that. I’m getting what I earned.”Gnonto, signed from Zurich for £4million in September 2022, had a promising first season at Elland Road but it was not enough to stop the club crashing out of the Premier League.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe winger — who has won 13 caps for the Azzurri — said: “It was difficult for me because if I judge last season on a personal level it was positive.“Yet I wanted to achieve the goal of staying in the Premier League and didn’t expect to go down. So the summer was difficult. I found myself in a new situation.Most read in Sport“But I’ve played a season in the Championship, hopefully we’ll win this weekend and be back after just one season away.”Gnonto admits the adaptation from the Premier League to Championship football is not an easy one — and many people underestimate just how good the second tier is.Leicester PROMOTED to the Premier League as Leeds suffer shock defeat at QPR to leave door open for IpswichWilfried Gnonto has won over the fans with some hard-working displaysHis pace and energy on the flanks has been vital to Leeds challenging for promotionAnd the 46 league games, compared to just 38 in the Premier League, can take its toll on any team — which was seen by the top four clubs Leicester, Ipswich, Leeds and Southampton all suffering blips at various stages of the season.Gnonto said: “I feel like I’m not going to find myself in this sort of season ever again.“Playing this number of games it’s almost impossible to play every single match because you’re going to have periods of the season where you feel better physically and periods where you feel you cannot play football anymore!“But we’re lucky in having so many quality players.“When we were relegated, I didn’t really know what sort of games I was going to find myself in.“In Italy I didn’t know much about it apart from of course that it’s a big competition and that there are lots of good teams.“But I didn’t expect it to be as hard as it has been. If I’m honest, all the teams are capable of embarrassing you. If you don’t go into the game with the right mindset, you can lose 4-0 like we have against QPR.“In 46 games it’s impossible to win them all — but we’ve been quite consistent throughout the season.”Playing in the Championship has contributed to Gnonto losing his place in recent Italy squads — having won two caps at the start of the season. And he is unlikely to be named in the squad for Euro 2024.But the youngster has had no problem dropping down to the national team’s under-21s.And he said: “My biggest goal is to get back into the national team. This is a players’ biggest dream: to play in the biggest competitions.Wilfried Gnonto has won 13 caps for the Italy national team but only had two this season following Leeds’ relegation from the Premier LeagueBoss Daniel Farke has regained his trust in Wilfried Gnonto“Going back to the Premier League will help me. I knew it in the summer and before I came here.“Growing up I’ve always seen the national team as my main goal – but of course even playing in the under-21s is a huge honour for me.”Gnonto hit some of his best form in a Leeds shirt during February and March — scoring seven goals in 11 games.That run of form helped them even go top of the Championship.And the Italian said: “That form coincided with when I started games and getting more time on the pitch.“I was playing my best football this season and the team were as well.“But we had a period after the international break which was difficult and we lost four of our last seven games and only won once — but it’s normal in this type of long season so we didn’t need to overreact.“We must stay calm so we can overturn the season. It didn’t end how we wanted but we’re still going to play a final and have a chance to go up.”Gnonto — who says the atmosphere at Elland Road during their 4-0 play-off second-leg trouncing of Norwich was the best he has experienced — believes winning at Wembley will provide some redemption for the fans after relegation last summer.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd, having experienced playing for Italy against England under the arch, he is excited to be getting another chance to tread the hallowed turf.He said: “Hopefully we can do it for the fans. Leeds should be in the Premier League. So we’re all excited to get this opportunity to get the club back there.” More

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    Southampton star Will Smallbone relishing return to Wembley against Leeds – 14 years after cheering Saints as kid

    WILL SMALLBONE was at Wembley as a 10-year-old fan when Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and Michail Antonio starred for Southampton.And on Sunday he is hoping to write his own piece of Saints history under the arch by helping shoot his boyhood club back into the Premier League.Will Smallbone is back at Wembley 14 years after going as a 10-year-old Saints fanRickie Lambert celebrates winning the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy in 2010Michail Antonio, Adam Lallana, Papa Waigo and Rickie Lambert with the trophySmallbone, 24, remembers fondly watching Saints win the EFL Trophy after beating Carlisle in 2010.And he was there again aged 17 when the Saints were beaten 3-2 in a thriller against Manchester United in the 2017 League Cup final.He said: “The 2010 final is my earliest prominent memory. It was a special day going with my dad and sister. And I was there again seven years later for the United game.“It’s a big occasion when you get to Wembley, the fans gathering hours before kick off. I did it. The tension is building and everyone is nervous, itching for the game to start.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“It’ll be different for me as a player this time but understanding the fans’ point of view of where they’ve been will help spur me on to have a good game and help with the other players.”Smallbone’s happiest moment as a fan was watching the team under Nigel Adkins achieve back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League in 2011 and 2012.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd he added: “It’s something that has driven me this season and to get over the line on Sunday. I remember how big a celebration it was for everybody getting back to the Premier League.“So to do it at the first time of asking would be an unbelievably proud moment for me and everyone connected.Most read in Sport“If you’d have offered us at the start of the season that we’d have one game to win to get there we’d have snapped your hand off.Southampton fans celebrate Wembley trip with puppets and a FALSE LEG as club come up with perfect captionSaints last went to Wembley for the 2017 League Cup final against Man United“Especially with the amount of change the club has gone through, players leaving, players coming in, new style of football. It will be an exciting occasion for anyone.”Smallbone has enjoyed facing Leeds this season — having done the double over them with the midfielder scoring in both games.And their 3-1 victory over Daniel Farke’s men at St Mary’s in September sparked an astonishing 25-match unbeaten run — 23 in the league.Completing a hat-trick of wins over Leeds at Wembley, though, will top the lot.Smallbone said: “That home win was massive for us. We’d just lost four games in a row at that point and beating Leeds put down a big marker for us doing well for the rest of the season.“We beat them in the last game of the season but that was a strange one — because our fate had already been settled. We were in the play-offs whereas they were in the unknown of possibly going up.“But when news came that Ipswich had scored early against Huddersfield and maybe they were resigned to not going up automatically. Whereas we wanted a good result going into the play-offs.”Will Smallbone celebrates scoring against West Brom in the play-off semi at St Mary’sSaints star Will Smallbone is relishing going to Wembley for the play off finalBut those two wins will count for nothing at Wembley. Both Oxford in League One and Crawley in League Two had failed to beat Bolton and Crewe in the regular season respectively but prevailed in their finals last weekend.And Smallbone said: “It’s a huge final and a completely different game. All the form goes out of the window with so much at stake.”The midfielder spent last season on loan in the Championship at Stoke — but has flourished under Martin back in Hampshire.Martin’s style suits Smallbone’s deep-lying playmaking game.And he said: “Russ has been brilliant. Since the first day he came in, he’s been clear with our identity, style and how he wants us to play.“When we lost the four games in a row, he told us we’ll look back on it and be thankful.“For us players, it showed a lot about Russ and the staff, that during that tough period of four defeats he didn’t change one bit. He stuck to his style. He’ll fall on his sword in the way we play.“But that showed us that if he believes in it, why shouldn’t we. And from the day we beat Leeds, we didn’t look back“In possession he wants everyone to be brave on the ball. If you’re doing that, he can live with the mistakes. “As a player we can live with each other making mistakes if we’re doing it with the right intentions. That is a major thing for him.”Smallbone is so glad to be back at the club he loves — and having had two full Championship seasons under his belt is chomping at the bit to add to his 16 Premier League appearances.He said: “The gaffer was good at bringing me back in and playing me as much as he has.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’ve enjoyed the season and it’s something I’ve wanted to do since coming through the academy. It’s been my dream to play as much as I could for Southampton and to have a real taste of it this year just wants me to have more. “So winning on Sunday will mean a lot to get this club back where it belongs.” More

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    Luton release 14 PLAYERS including long-serving star in ruthless squad cull after relegation from Premier League

    LUTON TOWN have put together a brutal clearout following their Premier League relegation that has seen a total of 14 players leaving Kenilworth Road.Luton finished 18th in the Prem table with six points separating them from safety and will be returning to the Championship just a year after their stunning promotion.Long-serving star Dan Potts has left Luton Town after the club’s relegationCredit: GettyLuke Berry will be leaving Luton Town after his contract runs outCredit: AlamyThe Hatters’ manager Rob Edwards will have to do it all over again but will be without long-serving duo Dan Potts and Luke Berry this time around.Potts, 30, has been with the club since 2015 while Berry, 31, joined in 2017Both veterans will be leaving once their contracts expire on June 30.They will be joined by Fred Onyedinma, Elliot Thorpe and Admiral Muskwe, whose deals also run out next month.Read More on FootballMeanwhile, Josh Allen, Tobias Braney, Oliver Camis, Archie Heron, Millar Matthews-Lewis and Ben Tompkins have been released.And Will Houghton, Max Scott and Marcus Warren will be leaving the club’s academy.Issa Kabore and Albert Sambi Lokonga will be returning to their parent clubs at Manchester City and Arsenal respectively at the end of their loan stints. Meanwhile, Allan Campbell, Ryan Giles, Tom Holmes, John McAtee, Aribim Pepple, Dion Pereira, Joe Taylor, Jack Walton and Louie Watson’s loan deals away will expire next month.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLuton continue talks over a new contract with Gabe Osho, whose deal runs out next month, after the relegated club exercised its option to extend James Shea’s stint.Extended terms have been accepted by Under-21 stars Jack Bateson, Josh Odell-Bature, Jacob Pinnington and Dominic Dos Santos Martins.Huge pitch invasion as Man City win title despite players begging supporters not to and Gary Neville calls it a ‘shame’And from the Under-18s, Claude Kayibanda and Jack Lorentzen-Jones have accepted their offers of professional contracts, while Tyrell Giwa’s scholarship has been extended for a third year.Under-16 aces Archie Shepherd, Benedict Benagr, Charlie Booth, Christian Chigozie, Harry Fox, Kyron Roberts-Edema, Leon Routh, Lucas Thomas and Samuel Hincapie Alfonso have been offered first-year scholarships.Luton Town’s released listHere’s who Luton Town have released after their Premier League relegation:

    Dan Potts
    Luke Berry
    Fred Onyedinma
    Elliot Thorpe
    Admiral Muskwe
    Josh Allen
    Tobias Braney
    Oliver Camis
    Archie Heron
    Millar Matthews-Lewis
    Ben Tompkins
    Will Houghton
    Max Scott
    Marcus Warren More

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    Will Still in shock talks with Championship club as he targets first manager job in England

    WILL STILL is in talks with Norwich City as he targets his first managerial role in England.The Championship club are looking for a new manager after axing David Wagner following the crushing 4-0 play-off loss to Leeds.Norwich has been in talks with former Reims manager Will StillCredit: GettyThe former Reims boss visited Norwich’s training ground earlier this week.But SunSport understands four other candidates are expected to be consulted.The targets include former AZ Alkmaar boss Pascal Jansen and Arsenal assistant Carlos Cuesta.Norwich’s sporting director Ben Knapper has previously dealt with Still, when he was Arsenal’s loans manager.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 31-year-old took charge of Reims, where he was previously assistant to Oscar Garcia, in October 2022 with the side in a desperate Ligue 1 relegation fight.However, he led them to a 19-game unbeaten run and 11th-placed finish.But shortly before the end of the season, the French side announced his departure having won two of their last 14 games.Still was born in Belgium to English parents and admitted that his love of coaching was born through playing the much-loved Football Manager game.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHis first gig was at Preston’s Myerscough College where he got the chance to coach North End’s Under-14 side.He then got in touch with Belgian contacts football asking if there were any opportunities.Jack Grealish lined up for sensational Bayern Munich transferSint-Truiden came up trumps – offering him work as an opposition analyst.Still took various jobs from 2017 – including roles at Standard Liege and second division Lierse.At 24, Liege promoted him to be their head coach – but he was forced to leave when they fell into financial difficulty.A short stint at Beerschot was followed by talk of him teaming up with Vincent Kompany at Anderlecht.But he then made his way to France to be Garcia’s right-hand man on a short-term deal.Earlier this season, he was spotted watching his beloved West Ham in action at the London Stadium – leading to fans calling him a “dream” replacement for David Moyes. More

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    Championship play-off final 2024 prize money: How much are Leeds and Southampton battling for at Wembley?

    LEEDS and Southampton are set to battle it out in what will be a thrilling Championship play-off final – and there’s a lot more to gain than just Premier League promotion.Daniel Farke inflicted pain on his old side by leading his current team to a 4-0 thrashing against Norwich in the semis.Leeds booked their spot in the Championship play-off finalCredit: RexSouthampton are hoping to reclaim their spot in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyWhile Southampton held their nerve to beat West Brom in the other play-off semifinal.And both teams will be desperate to secure promotion to England’s top division by winning the Wembley showpiece.But there is also a huge prize pot up for grabs for whoever is victorious in the ‘richest game in football’.What is the Championship play-off final 2024 prize money?Clubs don’t earn money directly for winning the Championship play-off final, but the winning team will receive a lot of financial benefits in the upcoming season.Read more on ChampionshipSports financial analysts revealed that promotion will mean an increase in revenue of approximately £135million over the next three seasons.However, that could rise £265m over five years if the club avoids relegation in their first season.A majority of that money is accumulated through TV commercial payments as each club receives an equal payment of £31m just for being in the league.Furthermore, the successful team will likely get around £60m from international agreements as well as £1.2m for every game shown live on TV.Most read in ChampionshipWhen is the Championship play-off final 2024?
    Leeds vs Southampton will take place on Sunday, May 26.
    Kick-off will be at 3pm BST.
    Wembley Stadium will host and it can host approximately 90,000 passionate fans.
    Luton secured promotion to the Premier League with a 2-1 play-off final win against Coventry. More

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    Biggest shake up to football ownership in years is SHELVED by Tories as PM has just 1 week to get key bills through

    FOOTBALL fans have been dealt a huge blow as the sweeping crackdown on dodgy owners won’t see the light of day before the general election. The Football Governance Bill, which would have set up an independent regulator for the sport, has been ditched as there is not enough time to push it through the House of Lords before Parliament dissolves. Football fans have been dealt a huge blow (stock)Credit: RexRishi Sunak called a snap general election on WednesdayCredit: Rex More

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    Kieran McKenna would be mad to take Chelsea job and would think twice about Brighton – but couldn’t turn down dream role

    KIERAN McKENNA is the hottest managerial property but I would be gobsmacked if he quits Ipswich this summer.UNLESS  … Manchester United come knocking.Kieran McKenna might resist anything except Man UtdCredit: GettyThere is a gut feeling around Portman Road he would be unable to turn them down.I’ve met and spoken to McKenna on a number of occasions, talked to his players, some of those who work alongside him and watched his team’s incredible journey from League One mid-table fodder to the Premier League.And it is no surprise he is being linked with the current vacancies at Chelsea and Brighton. He was already getting touted for top-flight jobs LAST SUMMER such is the high regard he is held in elite football circles.Crystal Palace approached him before opting for Oliver Glasner when Roy Hodgson left.READ MORE TOP STORIESYet — knowing the way McKenna operates and works — he would think twice about making what is effectively a side-step move to the Sussex coast after everything he has built in Suffolk.Yes, Brighton are more advanced in their journey and now an established Premier League club that has just had a season in the Europa League — but McKenna firmly believes Ipswich can reach that level too.And he would be stark raving mad to walk into what is effectively a snake pit at Stamford Bridge. Talk of him suddenly pitching up at Chelsea — especially after what happened to Graham Potter — is for the birds.A few defeats there and he would be out of a job and his reputation could be tarnished.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever keeping Ipswich up would only enhance his standing in the game — while going down would not harm it at all. Although Ipswich are already a better side than the likes of Luton and Nottingham Forest.McKenna has a long-term strategy of where he wants to head. That is to manage in the Champions League and competing for trophies. Clearly that is something that is unlikely to happen at Ipswich.How Man Utd could line up under Pochettino But, he understands that he is only two-and-a-half years into his own frontline management journey.McKenna is genuinely excited to be leading Ipswich into the Premier League and has no desire to walk away at this moment.He has completely invested himself into Ipswich and when I spoke to him a couple of weeks ago he was adamant he wanted to write another glorious chapter in his Portman Road story.And that is what he is most likely to do before inevitably leaving for one of the big guns.But I understand Manchester United would be too huge an opportunity and personally special for him to turn down if they decide to give Erik ten Hag the tin tat after this Saturday’s FA Cup final against Manchester City.McKenna understands United inside out — running their academy and working as an assistant and first-team coach under the likes of Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solsksjaer.He always speaks highly of his time there and his fondness for United as a club and is still popular and in touch with many of the backroom staff he worked with during his five years there.It was apt he received his LMA manager of the year award from Sir Alex Ferguson and there is a gut instinct at Ipswich that they would struggle to keep him if SIr Jim Ratcliffe did call him up.Ipswich CEO Mark Ashton, who was with McKenna, certainly is not worried about losing McKenna and is confident that quadrupling his annual salary to £5million-a-year in a new four-year deal is proof they mean business and are not just going into the top flight to make up the numbers.Having worked at United, he knows how to handle big-name players. You will struggle to find a single one who has anything but the highest praise.McKenna’s biggest assets are his calmness under pressure, his meticulous attention to detail, attacking mindset and loyalty to those he has enjoyed working with.When Ipswich won promotion to the Championship, players at Portman Road were openly talking at the start of the season about having a tilt for Premier League football.Leif Davis — who McKenna signed from Leeds two years ago and has helped make him the best left-back in the Championship last season — told me the manager spoke only about going for promotion rather than consolidating.And that is typical of McKenna — he doesn’t see any point in setting the bar low. His bar is always raised high. Anyone who has played for him or worked with him will tell you exactly that.He is always bold when making substitutes. The amount of games that have been won thanks to McKenna switches usually around the hour mark has been nothing short of remarkable.Just when teams feel they have had Ipswich’s measure he has brought on impact players such as Omari Hutchinson and Jeremy Sarmiento in particular to power to victory.Having worked at United, he knows how to handle big-name players and egos. You will struggle to find a single one of them who has anything but the highest praise for McKenna.Even Solskjaer believes McKenna is destined for the top – and he is. But not right now.Another manager being touted for a switch this summer after leading his club to promotion is Leicester’s Enzo Maresca.Oliver Glasner, seen with England call-up Eberechi Eze, landed the Crystal Palace job despite McKenna being approached for the jobCredit: GettyThe Foxes boss, who worked as Pep Guardiola’s assistant, won the Championship title, pipping Ipswich by a point.Chelsea are said to have spoken with him.There is little doubt that the Spaniard has transformed the way Leicester play — and at times this season were the Man City of the Championship.But Leicester fans started to get restless with him for what they perceived as painstakingly slow football at times. Maresca was unhappy when details came out that Leicester could face a points deduction in the Premier League for breaking profit and sustainability rules.When I spoke with him after they wrapped up the Championship title at Preston, he was seeking assurances going forward that the club were not in any danger of being punished this coming season.Although he did a pretty good job at the King Power, he surely needs to earn his stripes in the top-flight before he can be seriously considered for the Stamford Bridge job.READ MORE SUN STORIESAs good as he has been, he is not as strong a candidate at McKenna.The Ipswich boss is destined for a top job soon — but the jury is still out on Maresca. 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    Leeds vs Southampton – Championship play-off final: Whites and Saints go head-to-head for spot in Premier League

    LEEDS take on Southampton in the Championship play-off final on Sunday afternoon.Both sides will be looking to secure an instant return to the Premier League.Leeds booked their spot in the Championship play-off final after beating Norwich over two legsCredit: GETTYSouthampton beat West Brom in the semi-finalsCredit: GETTYLeeds thrashed Norwich 4-0 in their semi-final home leg to book their spot at Wembley.While Adam Armstrong’s double helped Southampton to a 3-1 triumph against West Brom over two legs.The Saints have got the better of Leeds in both of their meetings during the regular season as Russell Martin’s men eye a hat-trick of wins against the Whites – topped off with the richest prize in football.When is the Championship play-off final?
    Leeds vs Southampton will take place on Sunday, May 26.
    Kick off will be at 3pm BST.
    Wembley Stadium will host.
    READ MORE IN EFLWhat TV channel is the Championship play-off final on and can it be live streamed?
    Leeds vs Southampton will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event.
    Sky Sports customers can live stream the match on the NOW/Sky Sports app.
    Alternatively, you can follow SunSport’s live blog to keep up to date with all the action from Wembley.
    Team newsFor Leeds, Patrick Bamford could return to the squad after missing the last four games, including the play-off semi-finals, with injury.Pascal Struijk will be out for the final as he continues to recover from groin surgery.Sam Byram could return for the Whites after missing the semi-final second leg with an injury.Most read in FootballSaints goalkeeper Gavin Bazuno will remain unavailable with an Achilles injury he sustained in April.Scottish playmaker Stuart Armstrong is out after he suffered a serious problem late on in the season.Strikers Che Adams and Ross Stewart are both in a race to be fit for the play-off final.What are the odds?Match result
    Leeds – 13/10
    Draw – 11/5
    Southampton – 2/1
    To be promoted
    Leeds – 4/6
    Southampton – 23/20
    *Odds courtesy of Paddy Power and are correct at the time of publication. More