Championship

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Vincent Kompany will be feeling the pressure, but Burnley can fly up the table if they just beat Sheffield United

      by

      ANYONE going to Turf Moor on Saturday expecting a footballing spectacle between Burnley and  Sheffield United, think again.This will be an old-fashioned slogger of a match. It will be about grinding it out, however ugly.
      Burnley boss Vincent Kompany can turn things around if he beats Sheffield UnitedCredit: Getty
      It’s the old cliche of a six-pointer and this is the ultimate definition of one.
      To get a three-point gap over your rivals at the bottom is huge but I feel it’s bigger for Burnley.
      While they haven’t been great, we can see how they want to play and they have been close in a few games but the pressure will soon start to crank up on boss Vincent Kompany, especially if they lose this one.
      I don’t think he is going to be out of a job — he has achieved so much at that club in such a short space of time.
      Read More on Football
      But everyone expects Sheffield United and Luton to go down.
      Burnley’s owners will be thinking: “I thought we had a better team than them? We won the Championship. Why are we below both of them? Why are they winning and we’re not?”
      In those sorts of games, as a player, you should be really excited. For these clubs, they are always the underdogs. There aren’t many games where you go into matches thinking you should win in the Prem. This is one of them.
      All it takes is one victory. You would be surprised how just one good result can springboard your entire season, especially if it is against a rival or it comes at a pivotal time.
      Most read in Football
      In my first season up with Watford in the Prem in the 2015-2016 campaign, we drew our first three games and then lost away to Manchester City.
      Our next game at home to Swansea felt big. They were a good team but we needed a first home win and we got it — a scrappy 1-0 down to ten men for most of the second half.
      From our next 13 games, we picked up 23 points, which basically kept us up.
      I remember at training in the days that followed, there was a feeling of “We belong here. We’ve made it”. All that self-doubt and insecurity was gone.
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Troy Deeney doesn’t expect Kompany’s future as Burnley boss to be in dangerCredit: Getty
      Burnley haven’t had that feeling yet. Their only win came at Luton in October and it’s been an uphill struggle since.
      Beating the Blades could be season-defining. Kompany and those players will feel like their season has been kick-started.
      Don’t underestimate how this one result could also determine whether Burnley’s owners spend in January. A few more good results before Christmas and the mood changes. The trust in the current crop of young players returns. Lose, and desperation may creep in.
      The one question that will be going around Vinny’s head is: Can this team win at all costs? Win ugly. Burnley have their style of play, but there comes a time when results matter.
      They got so used to winning last year that they were never really under pressure.
      Turf Moor used to be the stage for so many niggly, gritty sort of games.
      That’s changed — they have made improvements to the stadium. The dressing rooms have been revamped.
      Read More on The Sun
      When Sean Dyche was there, they used to let the grass grow in the corners of the pitch to try and trap opponents there and so the ball would hold up more.
      Vinny has changed that and you have to respect it but the Clarets are definitely not as intimidating as they once were. More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      I got two red cards in two Premier League games under Roy Keane and smashed up the changing room afterwards

      by

      FORMER Sunderland star Greg Halford received two red cards in two Premier League games under Roy Keane.And the defender revealed he smashed up the changing room after he was sent off twice for the Black Cats in the 2007-08 season.
      Greg Halford spoke about the time he received two cards when he played for SunderlandCredit: youtube – Under The Cosh
      Halford said he smashed up the changing after being sent off when playing under Roy KeaneCredit: PA:Press Association
      Halford, 38, has spent his senior career at several clubs across many of England’s football leagues.
      But one unforgettable part of his journey was his short two-year stint at Sunderland for which half of it he played under Man Utd legend Keane.
      And the Essex-born star spoke about the time he was sent off in two Premier League games for the Black Cats.
      After the second red card incident the former Brighton player smashed up the dressing room.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      He said on the Under The Cosh podcast: “I got two red cards in two games. It wasn’t even aggression.
      “One was pulling a shirt against Fulham and the second was a handball against Luton – which wasn’t even a handball.
      “And I have just come into the changing room and I have demolished that changing room.
      “Like I put my studs through the doors and walls thinking this isn’t right.”
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Keane in his first season at the club during the 2006-07 term led them to promotion into the Premier League.
      And shortly after Halford made his debut for Sunderland in August 2007 in a 2–2 draw with Birmingham City at St Andrew’s.
      He played in the next three matches, but was sent off in the third game after a 3–0 defeat to Luton Town.
      Having returned from suspension he made three more appearances and was again sent off.
      In the 2008 new year Halford was sent on loan to Charlton followed by a season-long loan to Sheffield United before leaving for Wolves in 2009.
      Since then, Halford has played for numerous teams including Nottingham Forest, Brighton, Cardiff City, Southend United and Billericay. More

    • 200 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Unemployed Nathan Jones holds talks over return to management after almost ten months without a job

      by

      UNEMPLOYED Nathan Jones has held talks over a return to management after almost ten months out.The former Southampton boss was sacked in February but has recently interviewed for the head coach vacancy at Championship side Rotherham United.
      Nathan Jones has held talks over a return to managementCredit: PA
      The ex-Luton Town boss has interviewed for the head coach vacancy at RotherhamCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Jones, 50, is desperate to get back in the dugout after being booted out from Southampton earlier this year.
      The Welshman managed to snatch just one league win in eight matches, leaving the Saints at the bottom of the league. They were then relegated at the end of the term.
      But the ex-Luton Town boss has emerged as one of the leading contenders to replace Matt Taylor at Rotherham.
      The Rotherham Advertiser said: “He is one of the candidates to have held face-to-face talks with the club’s top brass”.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      During his unemployment, Jones has been an occasional pundit for BBC Radio 5 Live.
      The ex-Stoke City boss is hoping to recreate the success he had over two spells at Luton Town.

      He guided the Hatters from the bottom half of League Two to the cusp of the Premier League.
      Rotherham chairman Tony Stewart has confirmed he wants the next head coach to have managerial experience in the second tier.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      And another ex-Stoke chief Gary Rowett has also been linked to the new role, as well as ex-Wigan boss Leam Richardson.
      Interim manager Wayne Carlisle struggled on Tuesday as his Rotherham side lost 4-1 to Hull City.
      They face Wayne Rooney’s Birmingham City this Saturday and Carlisle remains keen to continue his role at the club.
      He said: “I haven’t been told anything. I dare say my phone will ring at some point tomorrow and I’ll find out what the next steps are.
      “I’m happy to do it, I’m really enjoying doing it. We’ve done our prep for Saturday today. We’re ready to go if needed.” More

    • 200 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Watford in incredible gesture to Elton John as they make major change to Vicarage Road area

      by

      WATFORD have unveiled a remarkable gesture to their lifetime president Sir Elton John.The club have renamed one of the streets adjacent to their Vicarage Road Stadium to Yellow Brick Road.
      Elton John poses alongside the road named in his honourCredit: instagram @watfordofficial
      It is one of the main roads next to their stadiumCredit: instagram @watfordofficial
      The tribute relates to Elton’s iconic 1973 track ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’ and album of the same name.
      The street sign has changed colour to yellow as part of the tribute to their former chairman.
      Elton is a lifelong supporter of Watford and has spent two separate spells as chairman.
      In 1976, three years after the release of Yellow Brick Road, he bought the club with the earnings from his music career.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      At the time, the club were plagued by financial issues.
      When Elton took over, Watford were rooted to the bottom of the Football League and placed 92nd out of the 92 English Football League clubs.
      After appointing Graham Taylor the following year, Watford soon flew up the leagues and arrived in the first division in 1982.
      In their first season in England’s top league, they finished second and qualified for Europe.
      Most read in Football
      John bought the club in 1976Credit: Getty
      FREE BETS – BT BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      The following season Watford reached an FA Cup Final – the first of two in their history.
      Watford took to Instagram to unveil the Yellow Brick Road, and captioned their post: “@eltonjohn has given his blessing to the re-naming of Occupation Road in tribute to his stellar career as a musician & life-long love of Watford FC.
      “‘Using ‘Yellow Brick Road’ is a really fantastic, clever way for supporters to have played their part in recognising a time when I was here pretty much every day – on this amazing journey with Graham Taylor,’ said Elton.”
      “’As I’ve said many times before, Watford Football Club has done more for me in my lifetime than I ever did for it.’”
      Elton replied with a comment saying: “Thank you Watford and all the supporters of Watford FC for this great honour! 🐝🚀.”
      Elton would enjoy a second spell as Watford chairman in 1997 after re-purchasing the club from Jack Petchey.
      He stood down in 2002 after no longer being able to devote enough time to the club – but still retains shares in Watford.
      Watford fans were loving the news, with one commenting: “Need to pave it with yellow bricks 👍⚽️.”
      Another wrote: “Can he buy the club back?”
      John still attends games when he can and is the honorary lifetime presidentCredit: Getty More

    • 200 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Premier League star and sacked EFL boss will focus on music if football career stalls

      by

      FORMER Wycombe and QPR head coach Gareth Ainsworth has revealed his plans to focus on music if he fails to secure a managerial position.The 50-year-old was sacked by QPR last month after six defeats in a row left them 23rd in the Championship.
      Gareth Ainsworth, second from right, says he is a singer first and manager secondCredit: Ian Tuttle
      He is the singer of The Cold Blooded Hearts who released their debut album in JulyCredit: Ian Tuttle
      Three months before he was dismissed, he released his debut album with band Cold Blooded Hearts.
      And he has now revealed he will continue to focus on that part of his life while out of football.
      Speaking to the BBC, he said: “I’m a musician first, that’s what I always say to people.
      “Somebody told me, when you’ve got nothing, you’ve got to have some focus; that focus for me is getting better at the guitar.”
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Ainsworth enjoyed spells with a number of big clubs during his playing career including Preston, Port Vale, Wimbledon, QPR and Wycombe.
      He even played 10 games for Wimbledon in the Premier League in the late 1990s.
      After being appointed Wycombe manager in 2012, he spent 12 years with the club, taking them from League Two to the Championship after they won the League One play-offs in 2020.
      They were relegated at the end of their first season in the second tier, but Ainsworth stayed for the 2021/22 campaign, before he left for QPR in February.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BT BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      Ainsworth played 10 Premier League games for WimbledonCredit: Getty
      Ainsworth led Wycombe to the Championship in 2020Credit: Getty
      However, a difficult time at Loftus Road has left his stock lower than it was 12 months ago.
      It means he has turned to music as he prepares to give it a real go with Cold Blooded Hearts.
      And Ainsworth, a big fan of rock band Motorhead, has even hinted at a potential tour in the US.
      He added: “Football is so good to me and I’ve loved it throughout my career but you never know.”
      “I’ve been a football player, a football manager and then I could be touring with a rock band in America.
      “If that could come off, wow!” More

    • 188 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Footie ace Cameron Beckles in critical condition after collapsing mid-match and being rushed to hospital

      by

      FOOTBALL star Cameron Beckles is in critical condition after collapsing during a match.The Corinthian FC ace was taken ill during a match against Larkfield & New Hythe on Saturday.
      Corinthian FC released a statement about Cameron BecklesCredit: Twitter @CorinthianFC
      Beckles was quickly treated by physios from both teams before being taken to Maidstone Hospital.
      As a result of the incident, the match was abandoned at 1-1 midway through the second half.
      Beckles was transferred to a hospital in London and had surgery that evening before undergoing further surgery on Sunday.
      Corinthian have since confirmed that Beckles is stable but is in a critical condition on social media.
      READ MORE IN FOOBALL
      A club statement read: “In the 40th minute of our Kent Senior Trophy match at Larkfield and New Hyth, our player Cameron Beckles collapsed.
      “The management, players and in particular the physios of both sides acted swiftly and with complete professionalism and we offer our thanks to Larkfield for this.
      “Cam was taken by ambulance to Maidstone Hospital and then transferred to a London hospital for surgery on Saturday night.
      “He then required further surgery on Sunday afternoon and he is currently in a stable but critical condition and will continue to be monitored closely over the next 48 hours.
      Most read in Football
      The world of football has come together to pray for BecklesCredit: Twitter @CorinthianFC
      “All of our thoughts and prayers are with Cam and his family, and we as a football club continue to support them in any way we can.
      “The match, which was level at 1-1, was rightly abandoned and will be replayed at a later date.
      “Our league game with Stansfield this weekend has also been postponed.
      “We will provide further updates as and when his family wish for this information to be shared.”
      The Kent FA County Cups match between Corinthian and Larkfield & New Hythe will be replayed at a later date.
      Meanwhile, the match that Corinthian were due to play this weekend against Stansfield has also been postponed.
      Croydon FC have led messages on social media wishing the player a quick recovery.
      The club posted: ” All at Croydon FC would like to wish Cameron Beckles a speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family.”
      Cray Valley PM FC commented: “Our thoughts are with you all at this time! Best wishes for a full and speedy recovery Cam!”
      Royston Town FC wrote: “Sending the thoughts and prayers of everyone at Royston Town to Cameron and all concerned. Speedy recovery!”
      Faversham Town FC said: “The whole of Faversham Town FC are sending best wishes and prayers to Cameron 🙏💚.” More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Forgotten ex-Premier League ace Yannick Bolasie, 34, returns to English football on free transfer after Turkey spell

      by

      YANNICK BOLASIE has signed for Swansea on a short-term contract.The Swans confirmed the winger will wear the No 17 shirt after putting pen to paper.
      Yannick Bolasie has signed for Swansea on a short-term contractCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      His transfer is subject to EFL and international clearance.
      Bolasie, 34, returns to English football following a two-year spell in Turkey playing for Caykur Rizespor.
      He experienced relegation in his first season with the club before scoring 17 goals in 26 league games to help them return to the Super Lig at the first time of asking.
      However he was released at the end of the summer and was unable to find a new club – until now.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Bolasie previously had spells in the Championship with Bristol City, Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and most recently Middlesbrough.
      He helped Palace win promotion to the Premier League in 2013 and scored 13 goals in 144 games for the Eagles.
      Bolasie was also part of the side that finished as FA Cup runners-up in 2016.
      The Lyon-born star has also had spells at Plymouth, Barnet and once signed for Everton for £25million, but injuries limited his opportunities and he subsequently spent time on loan at Sporting Lisbon and Anderlecht.
      Most read in Championship
      FREE BETS – BT BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      Bolasie could be in line to make his first Swansea appearance against Leeds on Saturday.
      The Swans are 17th in the Championship with just five wins in 17 games, but they are only seven points off the play-offs. More

    • 175 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Liverpool could let wonderkid leave on January loan transfer with Championship side leading chase

      by

      YOUNG Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah will be on Preston’s wanted list if he goes out on loan.Quansah, 20, made his Kop debut against Newcastle in August.
      Jarell Quansah is on the radar of PrestonCredit: Getty
      He has played nine matches so far with four starts coming in the Europa League and Carabao Cup.
      And he may be allowed out in January to gain more experience.
      North End boss Ryan Lowe has watched the centre-back and is already on good terms with the Anfield chiefs after taking Calvin Ramsay on loan in the summer.
      The Scottish right-back is yet to make his debut due to a knee issue but did make the subs bench yesterday in Preston’s 2-1 loss to Cardiff.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Meanwhile, Quansah has also been checked out by Leicester, who are in the market for a defender.
      The Foxes are top of the Championship and the new signing could boost their squad as they aim for the title.
      Quansah has come through the ranks at Liverpool after joining the club aged five.
      He spent last season out on loan with Bristol Rovers in League One.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      The wonderkid has also been capped three times by the England Under-21s.
      Jurgen Klopp has heaped praise on Quansah and admitted he has been pleasantly surprised by how good he has been this season.
      His manager when at Bristol Rovers, Joey Barton said: “He has an enormous future in front of him.” More