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    Brighton line up former star to replace De Zerbi after he was spotted in box days after being sacked by EFL side

    LIAM ROSENIOR has emerged as a contender in the race to become new Brighton manager.Albion are stepping up their search for a coach to take over from Roberto de Zerbi, who left after the final game defeat to Manchester United.Liam Rosenior has emerged as a contender for the Brighton jobCredit: GettyRoberto De Zerbi left Brighton after the final match of the Premier League seasonCredit: PARosenior was a guest of Brighton’s directors for last week’s home match against Chelsea.He was sacked by Championship side Hull earlier this month after the team failed to make the Play Offs – finishing seventh.But he is seen as an enterprising, young coach in much the same way as Graham Potter was when he was hired by Brighton after managing in in the EFL with Swansea City.Rosenior faces fierce competition for the job from promoted Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna who has been heavily linked with Brighton.Read More on FootballRosenior, 39, played for Albion and coached their under 23 sides early in his managerial career.He has also been linked to other Championship sides including Sunderland.Russell Martin, Francesco Farioli, Will Still, Thomas Frank and Steve Cooper are also among those that have been linked with the job.Potter has also been tipped for a sensational return to Sussex.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBrighton next manager oddstalkSPORT BET odds

    Kieran McKenna – 11/10
    Francesco Farioli – 4/1
    Russell Martin – 10/1
    Liam Rosenior – 14/1
    Graham Potter – 14/1
    Will Still – 20/1
    Thomas Frank – 25/1
    Thiago Motta – 25/1
    Steve Cooper – 25/1
    Simone Inzaghi – 25/1
    Ruben Amorim – 25/1

    talkSPORT BET: Get £20 in free bets – Claim here*

    Potter left the Amex Stadium to become Chelsea manager in September 2022, but he was sacked seven months later and is yet to find another job.Man Utd are also understood to be interested in the ex-Brighton boss.Hull City SACK Liam Rosenior in shock decision just weeks after Manager of the Year nominationOutgoing midfielder Adam Lallana has urged Brighton fans to be patient with whoever takes over from De Zerbi.He said: “I’m gutted we couldn’t give Roberto the send-off he deserves for everything he’s done at this football club.”It’s important that the fans stay patient with whoever the new manager is.”I think Brighton have extremely overachieved in the last couple of years. Roberto is a huge part of that.”It’s important as a football club that we say thanks to him because he was the gold-dust on top, in my opinion, that got us to Europe, that got us to creating history here.”Brighton fans must be patient, says LallanaBy Tom Barclay
    ADAM LALLANA has called for Brighton fans to be patient with Roberto De Zerbi’s successor – as the club have “extremely overachieved” in recent years.
    Sunday’s 2-0 home defeat to Manchester United was De Zerbi’s last game in charge after the Italian decided to call it quits after failing to agree on the club’s vision going forward.
    That was despite having no job offers lined up and still having two years remaining on his contract.
    It was also the final Seagulls appearance for Lallana, who has left after four years with the South-Coast side which saw the team play in Europe for the first time ever.
    The former Liverpool and England star, 36, said: “I’m gutted we couldn’t give Roberto the send-off he deserves for everything he’s done at this football club.
    “It’s important that the fans stay patient with whoever the new manager is.
    “I think Brighton have extremely overachieved in the last couple of years. Roberto is a huge part of that.
    “It’s important as a football club that we say thanks to him because he was the gold-dust on top, in my opinion, that got us to Europe, that got us to creating history here.
    “I’ve been extremely fortunate that our paths crossed in the last couple of years and I’m forever grateful for that.”
    Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna is among the names in the frame to take over from De Zerbi.
    Brighton finished 11th but have a number of exciting young players including Valentin Barco, Joao Pedro and Simon Adingra on their books.
    Asked what state the Seagulls are currently in, Lallana replied: “Extremely good.
    “You only have to look at the numbers, the turnover, the young talent that is out there. Of course they will have blips in the road but it’s an extremely well-run football club. They’ll bounce back next year for sure.
    “It’s such a wonderful job for whoever is fortunate enough to take it.” More

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    Former Liverpool and Wales wonderkid wakes up unemployed at 24 after being released by Championship side

    FORMER Liverpool and Wales wonderkid Ben Woodburn is searching for a new club after his contract with Preston North End expired.He is one of two players released from the club and is joined by veteran defender Greg Cunningham, 33, in being released.Ben Woodburn has been released by PrestonCredit: GettyHe came through the academy at LiverpoolCredit: GettyWoodburn, 24, joined Preston from Liverpool in July 2022.The midfielder made 21 appearances for the club in the Championship this season.He made 63 appearances for Preston in total, but only made 13 league starts for The Lilywhites during his time at the club.Woodburn came through the academy at Liverpool under former coach Jurgen Klopp.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe made 11 appearances during his time there, with one of these coming in the Premier League.Woodburn also has 11 caps for Wales and scored on his debut when he was just 17 against Austria.His most recent inclusion in a Wales squad came in 2021.Elsewhere in Preston’s retained list, the club have offered a new deal to captain Alan Browne.Most read in FootballWoodburn scored for Wales on his debutCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe 29-year-old Irishman has made 374 appearances for Preston since joining from Cork City.Midfielder Lewis Leigh, 20, has also been offered a new contract.Trent Alexander Arnold, Virgil Van Dijk and Jurgen Klopps wife tearful as Klopp leaves LiverpoolChed Evans, 35, has been offered a role as a player-coach.Preston finished tenth in the Championship but ended the season in awful form, losing their last five. More

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    Hull City release seven players including EFL legend and former Premier League starlet days after sacking Liam Rosenior

    HULL CITY have released seven players after missing out on a Championship Play-Off spot.The Tigers ended the 2023-24 campaign seventh in the Championship table, just three points adrift of the Play-Off places.Billy Sharp (L) has been released by HullCredit: RexAaron Connolly will also leaveCredit: GettyLiam Rosenior was subsequently sacked just days later despite being nominated for Manager of the Season.And club chiefs have green lit seven more departures ahead of the summer transfer window.EFL icon Billy Sharp, who signed a six-month contract upon his arrival in January, is set to leave at the end of June.The 38-year-old has made 410 Championship appearances, 172 League One appearances and 43 Premier League outings in his 20-year playing career.Read More on FootballBefore joining Hull he spent four months with LA Galaxy in the MLS.He also played for Sheffield United, Leeds, Doncaster Rovers, Reading, Nottingham Forest, Southampton and Scunthorpe United.Aaron Connolly, who was tipped to shine in the Premier League after graduating from Brighton’s academy, has also been released.The striker scored eight goals in 30 appearances for the Tigers after joining from Brighton in August.Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe remaining stars to leave the MKM Stadium are Greg Docherty, Adama Traoré, David Robson, Cyrus Christie and Vaughn Covil.Loan stars Ryan Giles, Tyler Morton, Fabio Carvalho, Noah Ohio, Liam Delap and Anass Zaroury will also return to their respective clubs.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersHull owner Acun Ilicali recently revealed he made the decision to sack Rosenior because he wasn’t a fan of the 39-year-old’s preferred style of play.He told the BBC: “Liam is a very good coach and will be very successful. There are so many positive things.”At the end of the day, me and my team are dreaming of something for this club and there is a football style that we want to see on the pitch.”Liam’s football philosophy is very good and may be successful but we didn’t see it suiting our character for the future.”Liam Rosenior was sacked by Hull earlier this monthCredit: Getty More

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    Huddersfield release EIGHTEEN players including former Premier League striker after disastrous relegation to League One

    HUDDERSFIELD TOWN have released 18 players following the club’s relegation to League One.The Terriers were demoted from the Championship earlier this month following a 2-0 defeat to Ipswich town.Jordan Rhodes has been released by HuddersfieldCredit: AlamyThe Terriers have been relegated to League OneCredit: GettyAhead of the club’s return to the third division, several players have been let go upon the end of their contracts.And among the group of stars is former Premier League striker Jordan Rhodes.The 34-year-old spent the 2023-24 season on loan at Blackpool where he scored 15 goals in 33 appearances.However, his performances failed to warrant a new deal at the John Smith’s Stadium.Read More on FootballPrior to his spell at Huddersfield, Rhodes spent time with the likes of Norwich, Sheffield Wednesday, Middlesbrough, Blackburn Rovers, Brentford and Ipswich.He also made six Premier League appearances.Brahima Diarra, Connor Mahoney, Yuta Nakayama, Aaron Rowe, Charles Ondo, Giosue Bellagambi, Mustapha Olagunju, Dylan Helliwell, Archie Sheppard, David Adewoju, Shane Maroodza, Michael Acquah, Myles Bright, Ben Midgley, Hazeem Bakre, Freddie Fletcher and Aaron Ojungu have also been let go by Huddersfield.Club officials are currently in talks with Jonathan Hogg, Michael Stoneand Donnell Garrick over new deals.Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd one-year contract extensions have been triggered for Neo Eccleston and Fope Deru.Huddersfield parted ways with head coach André Breitenreiter two weeks ago, marking the end of his three-month spell in charge. I’m a Premier League star and gave myself a stupid nickname after watching Cool Runnings… it’s still on back of my shirtBreitenreiter was appointed Huddersfield boss in February and signed a two-and-a-half year deal upon his arrival, but his time at the club was dramatically cut short.He was the FOURTH man to take charge of Huddersfield during the 2023-24 Championship campaign. More

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    Former England star to wake up unemployed as Premier League club confirm captain will be released on free transfer

    FORMER England star Jack Cork is set to join the free agents list.The Burnley captain will be released from the club at the end of his contract.Jack Cork is set to be released by BurnleyCredit: GettyJohann Gudmundsson will also leave Turf MoorCredit: PACork, 34, joined the Clarets from Swansea City in 2017 and has made 266 appearances for the club.The midfielder enjoyed some memorable times at Turf Moor which included scoring winning goals against Blackburn and Istanbul Basaksehir in the Europa League in 2018.Cork led the team back to the Premier League last season by winning the Championship with 101 points.Speaking about his exit, Cork said: “The club has been such a big part of my life for 14 years now.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Both my kids are Burnley fans. It will always be a club that we’re close to. It’s gone so fast it’s been some journey.”I just want to say a massive thank you to the fans. They’ve been amazing to me since I’ve been here.”They’ve made me feel at home, made me feel so welcome from the start. Everyone at the club has been amazing with us.”I’m looking forward to the next adventure but I don’t know how I’ll feel on Sunday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”It’ll be nice to get to say goodbye to everyone. Everyone has been so good to us on the journey.”During his career, Cork also enjoyed international football as he earned one cap for England in the 0-0 draw against Germany in 2017.Top 10 highest paid footballers in the world revealed with no Premier League players making the top fiveHe also featured for Team GB at the 2012 Olympics alongside the likes of Craig Bellamy and Micah Richards.Johann Gudmundsson will also leave Turf Moor at the end of the season.The Icelandic winger is the club’s current longest-serving player, having signed from Charlton in 2016.The Clarets are currently in talks over the contracts of Jay Rodriguez and Charlie Taylor.TYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK LIVE: ALL THE LATEST FROM HUGE UNDISPUTED WORLD TITLE FIGHT More

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    Every Premier League team to receive major cash windfall thanks to little-known rule after Southampton beat West Brom

    PREMIER LEAGUE football clubs are set to receive a cash windfall of £103milllion thanks to the Championship promotion battle.Leicester and Ipswich confirmed their spots in the top flight next season after finishing first and second in the table.Southampton’s win over West Brom will see the Premier League save £103mCredit: GettyPreviously relegated Leicester already secured their spot back in the top flight last seasonCredit: PALeeds or Southampton will be the third team to join them after securing their spots in the second tier’s play-off final following wins over Norwich and West Brom respectively.With the Foxes, Whites and Saints all being relegated from the Prem last season, it means England’s top flight will no longer need to hand parachute payments down to two of them.Football finance expert Kieran Maguire explained the Prem will save £103m by not having to pay two of the clubs.He said: “Leicester & one of Leeds/Southampton will be promoted to the Premier League. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”This will save Premier League £103m in parachute payments to two of those clubs.”Maguire explained the Prem won’t have to pay £35m to two of the teams for their second season after relegation and will also avoid needing to pay £16.5m to each of them in their third season after relegation.What are parachute payments?TEAMS take a hit in every area when they plunge out of the Premier League and into the Championship.
    Relegated clubs will receive less money from broadcasting rights, matchday income and commercial revenue.
    The Premier League offers each relegated team a parachute payment to ensure that they can cope in the lower leagues.
    Clubs receive these payments – first introduced in 2006 – when they are relegated from the Premier League.
    It aims to ensure that the club can manage with the reduced income from not playing in the top flight.
    For example, the funds will make up for the loss in television revenue and matchday revenue.
    Teams receive to 55 per cent of the broadcast revenues in the first year after relegation.
    It then goes down to 40 per cent in year two and to 20 per cent in year three.
    To read more about how parachute payments work click here.

    The 20 clubs, including returning Leicester and the team who wins the play-off final, will split the £103m between them – meaning a windfall of just over £5m each.However, Maguire was critical of the rules and accused the Premier League of self regulating in with their own interest.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe said: “That £103m will be split between Premier League clubs after a vote by Premier League clubs. Self regulation = self interest.”EFL chief Rick Parry described the widening gap between those with access to parachute payments compared to those without as a “major concern”.Southampton fans clash with West Brom supporters and stewards with ‘missiles’ thrown after pitch invasionParry wrote to MPs in 2023 to address his concerns, saying: “The impact of these payments on the competitive balance of the Championship, and on the sustainability of all other clubs, is a major concern for the EFL.”The issue of parachute payments remains one of the main reasons why so many football clubs are financially unsustainable and why the Premier League and EFL have not yet agreed the football-led solution that both the Fan Led Review and White Paper have called for.”In response to Maguire’s post, one social media user said: “Why isn’t this £103m fed into the rest of the pyramid as a windfall, where it would be a good purpose?”A second proposed: “Should be put in to Grass Roots or distributed into the lower leagues.”VAR: The great debate
    Martin Lipton’s pro VAR view
    FAST forward 12 months to May 18, 2025.
    After 89 minutes at Molineux, Wolves, needing to win their last game of the season to stay up, are beating Manchester United, who require a point for Champions League football.
    A ball over the top sends Rasmus Hojlund racing away. The flag stays down. Hojlund scores. Wolves are relegated.
    And on the way home, the dejected Wolves fans see the still image on their phones.
    Hojlund was 2ft offside. No question. A shocker.It means at least a year in the Championship, £100million income drop, a firesale of the squad. While United bank an extra £50m.
    But it’s OK. Every  one of those fans, plus smiling boss Gary O’Neil and the  Wolves board, will line up to say: “No worries. It’s what we voted for. Rough with the smooth.”
    Yes. And I’ve got a bridge to Ireland to sell you.
    Dan King’s anti VAR view
    THREE cheers and a hearty slap on the back for Wolves chairman Jeff Shi.
    For mentioning the unmentionable,  for speaking commonsense to deaf ears, for proposing that VAR should be scrapped.
    Shi is doomed to failure. His suggestion is unlikely to even go to a vote at next month’s Premier League AGM.
    And if it does get that far, it has a cat in hell’s chance of receiving the two-thirds majority required to carry such a radical proposal.But in one statement on Wednesday, Shi proved that he will be the brightest man in that meeting room.
    He claimed VAR ‘has led to numerous unintended negative consequences that are damaging the relationship between fans and football, and undermining the value of the Premier League brand’.
    And he is absolutely spot on.
    The argument against VAR is wide-ranging and yet completely basic.
    If you believe that football is a sport, to be enjoyed in all its spontaneous, high-tempo glory, then you are against VAR.
    If you believe that football is a business, that it is far more important than a mere game, that forensic evidence must be applied, that we must reach the closest point to ultimate justice at all costs — and if you also believe that match-going supporters are irrelevant — then you are in favour of VAR.

    A third user said: “It’s almost like it’s in the PLs interest for clubs to bounce straight back…”Leeds and Southampton will compete in the Wembley final on Sunday 26 May.Last night’s clash between Southampton and West Brom saw a major security breach as home fans clashed with away supporters and players following the 3-1 win.Footage filmed from the away end showed West Brom players trying to applaud their supporters get stranded in a tide of home fans invading the pitch.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd exclusive SunSport footage revealed a flare being thrown into the away end as stewards fought to separate the two sets of supporters.Police and security staff managed to restore order a couple of minutes before the pitch was cleared.TYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK LIVE: ALL THE LATEST FROM HUGE UNDISPUTED WORLD TITLE FIGHT More

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    Southampton fans celebrate Wembley trip with puppets and a FALSE LEG as club come up with perfect caption

    SOUTHAMPTON fans celebrated making the play-off final in hilariously unusual fashion.The Saints will play Leeds at Wembley on May 26 for a spot in next season’s Premier League.Fans were left baffled by one fan whipping out a puppet in celebrationOthers laughed as a supporter held a prosthetic limb aloftSouthampton will face Leeds in the play-off final at WembleyCredit: GettySouthampton were held to a goalless draw with West Brom in the first leg – but ran riot in the reverse fixture at St Mary’s as they won 3-1.Will Smallbone opened the scoring for Russell Martin’s side before Adam Armstrong found the back of the net twice.As the first goal went in, Sky Sports cameras panned to the stands erupting in celebration.And two fans were spotted enjoying the goal in brilliantly bizarre ways.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe first was seen using a puppet dressed in a red and white scarf.Before the second got so excited he held a prosthetic leg above his head and did a jig with it.Southampton posted the wild celebrations to their social media pages – with the upload cleverly captioned: “Limbs.”Fans loved it as one joked: “Well it was the second leg.”Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnother added: “Legs in the air like you just don’t care.”A third laughed: “There is so much going on.”Fans invade pitch and missiles thrown after Southampton reach play-off finalAnd more commented: “Scenes.”Prime Minister and Southampton fan Rishi Sunak was at the stadium last night cheering on his team.But he was, of course, not one of the supporters who celebrated with a pitch invasion at full-time while goading the West Brom end. More

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    Southampton 3-1 West Brom LIVE RESULT: Pitch invasion mars big Championship play-off win – updates

    SOUTHAMPTON have beaten West Brom 3-1 to charge into the Championship playoff final.Leeds United now await at Wembley on May 26 with the Premier League in sight.Though there were some scary scenes at the final whistle after Saints fans clashed with the visiting supporters.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat’s all from St Mary’s
    A night of jubilation on the south coast.
    But even the most optimistic of Southampton fans will know that the job is only half done.
    The Saints will head to Wembley in nine days to take on Leeds United for a place back in the top-flight – 12 months on from when both clubs dropped out of it.
    Only one can take the glory, and we’ll be there to follow every dramatic moment.
    Until then, thanks for joining us and goodnight.

    Copy linkCopiedRussell ready for Farke reunion
    Russell Martin is one game away from being a Premier League manager – and standing in his way is the man who almost called time on his playing days.
    Martin was an experienced right-back at Norwich when Daniel Farke – now at Leeds – arrived as the new Carrow Road boss in May 2017.
    And although the pair initially had a promising working relationship, it soon became clear that the German coach wanted to go in a different direction.
    Fans favourite Martin was shipped out to Rangers on loan, and then left for Walsall and MK Dons before announcing his retirement.
    And now the two will come face-to-face again – at Wembley on May 26 – when they meet in the game with the biggest prize of the lot.
    I didn’t envisage it happening five or six years ago when we worked together but it is what it is. I have a lot of respect for [Daniel Farke]. He has a great record in this division and it will be a tough game but it’s not about me or him, It’s about the two teams that step out on to the pitch.Russell MartinSky Sports

    Copy linkCopiedFan clashes at full time
    Southampton’s Championship play-off semi-final win over West Brom was marred by incidents that took place after the final whistle.
    Thousands of home supporters poured on to the pitch to celebrate victory, but a small minority headed in the direction of the stadium section housing the away fans.
    A number of ugly clashes took place with bottles and flares being thrown between the two sets of supporters, prompting a number of physical confrontations.
    Police and security staff managed to restore order soon after before the pitch was eventually cleared.
    Copy linkCopiedArmstrong: We have been brave
    Southampton’s two-goal hero Adam Armstrong praised his teammates for tonight’s performance, and then reiterated that they deserve their place at Wembley because of the football they have played this season.
    Southampton have been praised – and criticised – for the passing and possession approach they have adopted Russell Martin, who has encouraged his team to play out from tight positions.
    “Something we’ve been working on all year is to get back to the Premier League,” Armstrong told Sky Sports.
    “What a win. We know West Brom are a good side over the two legs. We needed to put a marker down for the final and we’ve done that.”
    I’m proud of everyone. The way we play is not easy. You’ve seen the way we keep the ball, it’s brave. Exciting at times. It paid off today.Adam ArmstrongSky Sports

    Copy linkCopiedMatch Stats from St Mary’s
    Southampton took their time, but eventually struck to sink West Brom – scoring with all three of the shots on target in the second half.

    Copy linkCopiedFull time – Southampton 3-1 West Brom (Agg: 3-1)
    Southampton are in the Championship play-off final!
    Russell Martin’s team found the attacking impetus to add to their first half domination of the ball, and were eventually too good for an Albion outfit that battled to the end.
    Will Smallbone’s classy finish, and a brace from Adam Armstrong – one from the penalty spot – ensures it is Saints that will face Leeds for a place in the Premier League.

    Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 3-1 West Brom (Agg: 3-1)
    90+7. Is this the least celebrated goal in the history of football? It has to be up there, surely.
    Cedric Kipre gets up to meet Mikey Johnston’s right-wing corner with a thumping header that loops in via the inside of the post.
    There’s barely a murmur as the ball nestles in the net save for some ironic cheers, and neither is there a reaction from the West Brom players as they jog back into position.
    It’s unlikely there will be time for them to touch the ball again.
    Copy linkCopiedConsolation

    Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 3-0 West Brom (Agg: 3-0)
    90+4. The songs are being belted out with incredible gusto inside St Mary’s. For football fans, moments don’t come much better than these final moments when you know you’ve got the job done.
    Que sera, sera…
    Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 3-0 West Brom (Agg: 3-0)
    90+2. Albion are throwing men forward but, in truth, their belief has long done.
    On professional vibes only, they force a corner, and then Andreas Weimann gets on the end of a cross to head straight at McCarthy.
    Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 3-0 West Brom (Agg: 3-0)
    90. The board goes up to signal seven minutes of stoppage time.
    The home fans don’t like it, but that’s only because it delays the party for a little longer.
    Patience, boys and girls. Patience.
    Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 3-0 West Brom (Agg: 3-0)
    88. St Mary’s is rocking. I dare say the fans are preparing for the now obligatory play-off pitch invasion.
    Odds on Sunak and Le Tissier being first on?
    Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 3-0 West Brom (Agg: 3-0)
    86. Adam Armstrong’s penalty was never in doubt!
    Standing over the ball, the Saints striker looks confident, composed and cool as ice.
    Right-footed, he pushes it into the right corner, and, although Alex Palmer dives the correct way, he is helpless to stop the spotkick.
    Armstrong is desperate to prove he’s a Premier League player. He’s 90 minutes away from doing just that.

    Copy linkCopiedIt’s three!

    Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 2-0 West Brom (Agg: 2-0)
    84. On the break, Manning bursts into the box to collect Stephen’s short pass and goes down under the challenge of two diving defenders.
    Again, Tim Robinson takes a lengthy stare…
    …and this time says penalty!
    It’s harsh on Albion, and nothing when compared to the previous shout that was turned away, but Southampton do not care.
    Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 2-0 West Brom (Agg: 2-0)
    81. West Brom almost pull one back in spectacular fashion.
    Mowatt’s raking pass over the top is watched all the way by Reach, whose delicate volley drops just wide of the far post.
    Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 2-0 West Brom (Agg: 2-0)
    78. Southampton are heading to Wembley – and their main man is leading the charge!
    Adam Armstrong has his goal in front of the home fans, and doesn’t he deserve it?!
    Flynn Downes breaks from midfield and feeds his striker on the left, at which points the Albion defence must feel they have the situation covered.
    But Armstrong puts his head down to come inside, switches back on to his left foot, then powers a shot through the legs of Darnell Furlong and into the bottom corner past Alex Palmer.
    The Saints go marching in…

    Copy linkCopiedSaints seal it!

    Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 1-0 West Brom (Agg: 1-0)
    75. FIfteen minutes remain.
    Southampton are 15 minutes from Wembley.
    Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 1-0 West Brom (Agg: 1-0) – Southampton substitute
    74. The home dugout returns in kind with a switch that sees Samuel Edozie on in place of David Brooks.
    Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 1-0 West Brom (Agg: 1-0) – West Brom substitution
    73. Adam Reach is on for the Albion. He can be good value for a spectacular goal out of nowhere.
    Conor Townsend makes way.
    Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 1-0 West Brom (Agg: 1-0)
    72. More substitutes are being prepared by the side of the pitch.
    But for now, it’s the players currently on the pitch trying to propel this semi-final in their favour.
    Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 1-0 West Brom (Agg: 1-0)
    70. There are a few signs that Albion are beginning to make their move.
    The visitors have started to trouble their opponents in the past few minutes, particularly from set plays.
    Swift swings a free-kick into the area from the right, and Kipre creeps in around the back to meet it with a shot into the side netting.
    Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 1-0 West Brom (Agg: 1-0)
    68. Adam Armstrong has the ball in the back of the net…
    …but the flag is up for offside.
    There’s no VAR in the Championship, remember, so this proper football match can continue without delay, confusion and frustration.
    Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 1-0 West Brom (Agg: 1-0) – Southampton substitution
    66. Southampton have the fourth official reaching for his electronic board again, but just to make one change.
    Ryan Manning is on to replace he man who replaced him in the starting line-up: Ryan Fraser.
    Copy linkCopied More