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      Watford appoint little-known Uruguayan, 42, as new manager after controversial Tom Cleverley axe

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      WATFORD have named a little-known Uruguayan as their new manager.Former Real Valladolid boss Paulo Pezzolano, 42 comes in just a week after the mid-table Championship side sacked Tom Cleverley.Paulo Pezzolano arrives having been axed by Real Valladolid in NovemberCredit: GettyWatford sacked Tom Cleverley last week after 19 months in chargeCredit: PAIncredibly, Pezzolano is the Hornets’ 22nd manager since Gino Pozzo became club owner in 2012.Cleverley’s axing angered many fans after he arrived as interim chief in March 2024 and landed the permanent job a month later.But the ex-Manchester United midfielder paid the price for Watford slipping out of play-off contention in the second half of this season.The Hornets picked up just five wins in 2025.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSCleverley departed after Watford finished the campaign with a 1-1 home draw against Sheffield Wednesday on May 3.However, appointing Pezzolano appears something of a gamble.The ex-midfielder’s only previous managerial role in Europe was his last job.He was in charge of LaLiga team Valladolid from April 2023 until his sacking in November last year.Most read in ChampionshipBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKValladolid went on to finish bottom this term, with just 17 points – meaning relegation.Before that spell, Pezzolano bossed home-country clubs Liverpool Montevideo and Montevideo City, then Mexicans Pachuca and Brazilian team Cruzeiro.Pezzolano has landed his second managerial post in EuropeCredit: GettyWatford’s sporting director Gian Luca Nani said in a statement: “Paulo has a hugely impressive track record working with young players, which is essential when you look at the age profile of our squad.“He has had success at virtually every club, including league titles and promotions, but it is his work on the training ground that impressed the most when we undertook our research.“He has innovative ideas and processes which he transmits passionately to the players. “We believe Paulo is the leader we need as we refocus ahead of the new season. He is fully aware of our ambitions and determination to push for promotion and embraces that challenge.”Nani added: “The club achieved great success when making similar appointments in Slavisa Jokanovic, Javi Gracia and Xisco Munoz.”And we hope our fans welcome Paulo and wish him every success as we try to achieve the owner’s clear aim of challenging for a return to the Premier League.” More

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      Portsmouth release FIVE players including former Arsenal star after securing Championship survival

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      PORTSMOUTH have announced the departures of five players after securing Championship survival.Cohen Bramall, Tom Lowery, Alexander Milošević, Anthony Scully and Kusini Yengi are all set to leave Fratton Park.Five players are set to depart Portsmouth – including former Arsenal star Cohen BramallCredit: RexBramall previously spent two years at Arsenal before leaving in 2019Credit: Getty – ContributorMeanwhile, loan stars Adil Aouchiche, Rob Atkinson, Kaide Gordon, Isaac Hayden, Freddie Potts and Mark O’Mahony will return to their parent clubs.On the exits, Portsmouth head coach John Mousinho said: “We would like to thank all those players leaving the club for their service and wish them nothing but the best for the next stage of their careers.”Kusini played a massive part in our memorable League One title success just over a year ago, while Anthony and Tom are both model professionals who I enjoyed working with greatly.”Cohen provided genuine competition at left-back after arriving in January, while Alexander offered vital defensive cover at a time we really needed it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I would also like to thank Sunderland, Bristol City, Liverpool, Newcastle, West Ham and Brighton for loaning us their players, all of whom had a role to play in securing our Championship status.”Bramall joined Portsmouth for an undisclosed fee in January and signed a six-month deal.But the 29-year-old’s contract has not been extended beyond this summer.Following spells with several non-league clubs, Bramall was signed by Arsenal in 2017 and went on to make 21 appearances for the club’s Under-23s.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe did not earn a senior appearance for the Gunners.The defender spent a season on loan at Birmingham before joining Colchester United in a permanent transfer in 2019.Portsmouth vs Millwall delayed after power cut as entire 21,000-capacity stadium is plunged into darknessBramall has since played for Lincoln, Rotherham and Pompey.Meanwhile, Lowery joined Portsmouth from Crewe Alexandra in 2022 but spent the last five months on loan at his former club.Milošević completed a short-term move to Fratton Park in March and now already finds himself without a club again.Scully, who spent the 2024-25 season at Colchester, is also among the players set to be released at the end of their contracts.And Yengi will also depart after two years at Portsmouth.John Mousinho has thanked the players for their contributionsCredit: Alamy More

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      Championship club announce decision to change badge after overwhelming fan support for new design

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      MIDDLESBROUGH have announced plans to change their badge ahead of the club’s 150th anniversary next year.Boro initially proposed a badge change last March and subsequently held a consultation period with a group of supporters.Middlesbrough have announced plans for a badge changeCredit: PAClub officials conducted a survey with fans, held face-to-face conversations along with workshops both at the Riverside Stadium and online and even discussed the matter casually with individuals on match days.And now they have officially notified the FA of their intention to alter the badge.The survey from the club found that 57 per cent of supporters are in favour of the change, with 19 per cent against the idea.Middlesbrough have revealed that the change will take place from the start of the 2026-27 season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe new badge will then remain permanent.An update from the club read: “As well as providing extensive feedback across a cross-section of our fans; Season Ticket holders, match-going fans and long-distance supporters, based locally and further afield, young and old, there is a clear and consistent consensus among that feedback which can now be used to drive the design process.”The club would like to take this opportunity to thank all supporters who have engaged with the club on this project so far, and we look forward to sharing further developments in due course.”Middlesbrough ended the 2024-25 season 10th in the Championship table with 64 points from 46 games.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSFollowing the final match of the campaign, head coach Michael Carrick revealed he expects to stay on despite failing to reach the play-offs.He told the BBC: “I’m carrying on. We’ve got a good squad.”My focus is carrying on to what I can say to the boys today, tomorrow, moving forward to get ready for another good season.”Ben Doak gives hilarious answers at Middlesbrough Q&A More

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      Norwich City release FOURTEEN players including Euro 2024 star following Jack Wilshere manager announcement

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      NORWICH CITY have brutally wielded the axe following the end of the Championship season, releasing a whopping 14 players. The Canaries have even let a star of last summer’s European Championships depart.Jack Wilshere is Norwich interim boss but won’t land the permanent jobCredit: RexThe Carrow Road cull comes just days after interim manager Jack Wilshere was ruled out of the running to become the next permanent boss.The ex-Arsenal and England midfielder stepped up from his role as first-team coach in April to take charge following the sacking of Johannes Hoff Thorup.Norwich finished a disappointing 13th in the Championship and their list of freed players includes three senior stars.That’s goalkeeper Angus Gunn, long-serving Cuban winger Oriel Hernandez and Danish midfielder Jacob Sorensen.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSNorwich-born Gunn, 29, played for England Under-21s but switched allegiance to Scotland and started all their three Euro 2024 games. A club statement read: “As previously announced, first-team players Angus Gunn, Jacob Sorensen and Oriel Hernandez will leave the club at the end of their contracts this summer.”Archie Mair and Jonathan Tomkinson will also depart the club upon expiry of their contracts, while Callum Doyle will return to parent club Manchester City following his season-long loan spell at Carrow Road.”Discussions remain ongoing with Aston Villa and Lewis Dobbin over a potential extension to his loan deal.Most read in FootballReleased keeper Angus Gunn has 15 Scotland capsCredit: RexJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”Discussions are also ongoing with Manchester City and Jacob Wright over triggering an option to make the midfielder’s move to Carrow Road permanent.”Caleb Ansen and Ken Aboh both return from their loan spells, while Brad Hills and Emmanuel Adegboyega remain at their loan clubs until the end of their respective campaigns.”The club have also triggered a one-year extension option in Adegboyega’s contract.”Jonathan Rowe’s loan to Marseille will become a permanent deal, following the obligation to buy in the agreement between the two clubs.”Academy players Lewis Shipley, Tom Finch, Adian Manning, Ellis Craven, Daniel Ogwuru, Alfie Doy, Alex Roberts, Kingston Simbai and Gabriel Keita will also be leaving the club.”Henry Bullen, Hugo Valencia Gomez and Lloyd Ofori-Manteaw will all sign professional deals with the club on July 1, whilst Harmony Okwumo will sign a contract extension.”The club would like to thank all departing players for their contribution and wish them well for the future.”Stand-in chief Wilshere oversaw a 0-0 against Middlesbrough and a win over Cardiff City on the final day of the season. But his brief stint in charge wasn’t enough to convince the club’s top brass to give him the job on a full-time basis.Canaries Sporting Director said of Wilshere’s departure in an interview with the BBC: “Jack is a fantastic person, he and I have a big history together.”He’s a great coach and will be a fantastic head coach, but that’s not going to be here at this particular moment in time. Read More on The Sun”Naturally, he’s disappointed. He’s super-ambitious, and he should be, but for where we are right now and the context, we’re focussing externally. “The emotional part, the romantic part of me would love to make that decision but my job is to not get wrapped up in emotion and to make cool, objective decisions.”Arsenal legend Wilshere oversaw a a draw and a win for NorwichCredit: Rex More

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      Sunderland make major stadium change to combat Coventry’s secret weapon before Championship playoff

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      SUNDERLAND have gone to drastic measures to stop Coventry’s secret weapon ahead of their Championship play-off tie.The Sky Blues travel to the Stadium of Light for the second leg of their semi-final clash this evening.Coventry’s long throw tactic could be stopped by the advertising board moveCredit: Shutterstock EditorialMilan Van Ewijk usually launches the ball into the box with his throw-insCredit: GettySunderland lead 2-1 after victory in the first game and have gone to unusual lengths to prevent a comeback.A picture has emerged online that suggest the advertising hoardings around the pitch have been moved closer to the sidelines.It is thought to be to prevent Coventry’s long throw-in tactic.Right-back Milan van Ewijk has wreaked havoc under Frank Lampard with his direct deliveries.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLtalkSPORT claim the advertising boards has been moved “two metres” nearer.Sunderland fans have found the unique ploy hilarious, with one saying: “The games so back.”Another added: “No more woke nonsense.”A third joked: “He’s a great hurdler I heard.”Most read in ChampionshipJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSEither Sunderland or Coventry will meet Sheffield United in the play-off final at Wembley on May 24.They winner will join Leeds and Burnley in the Premier League next season.’One of the best things I’ve ever seen’ – Frank Lampard stunned as Coventry star hits 180 with first-ever three darts More

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      Sheffield United pay incredible tribute to late George Baldock during play-off clash after tragic death aged just 31

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      SHEFFIELD UNITED paid an emotional tribute to late club legend George Baldock after they booked their place in the play-off final.Baldock’s name echoed around Bramall Lane after the Blades saw off a 6-0 aggregate semi-final win over Bristol City on Monday night.Sheffield United paid an emotional tribute to late club legend George BaldockCredit: AlamySheffield United players held up a Greek Flag with ‘Star Man’ written on itCredit: Shutterstock EditorialBefore kick-off a huge Tifo was placed over the home section with his face alongside with the words: ‘Once a Blade, always a Blade.’Credit: Shutterstock EditorialBaldock was found dead at his home in Athens in October 2024 after joining Greek team Panathinaikos FC last summer.The right wing-back drowned in his swimming pool before medics failed to resuscitate him.And after booking their place at Wembley on May 24, Baldock’s former club organised a touching tribute in his honour.All sections of the ground rose to sing “Starman” in unison, which was a chant created about Baldock to the tune of David Bowie’s iconic song during his playing days.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd Chris Wilder’s side paraded the Greek flag around the pitch at full-time to pay their own tribute.The flag had “Star Man” and Baldock’s shirt number, which was No2, written in bold. Before kick-off a huge Tifo was placed over the home section with Baldock’s picture alongside with the words: “Once a Blade, always a Blade.”And former Everton star Tom Davies was spotted walking with the Greek flag draped around him.Most read in FootballTom Davies was spotted walking with the Greek flag around him at full-timeCredit: PAGoals from Kieffer Moore, Gustavo Hamer and Callum O’Hare saw the home side enjoy a 3-0 win in the second leg, adding to the comprehensive victory by the same scoreline at Ashton Gate.The Blades will face either Sunderland or Coventry in the final in two weeks time, with the Black Cats leading that tie 2-1 heading into Tuesday night’s second leg.Baldock made more than 400 appearances in English football and spent seven seasons at Bramall Lane last summer.He made 219 appearances in all competitions for the Blades, helping them to promotion to the Premier League in 2019 – and again in 2023.Baldock was found unresponsive in his pool after his partner, who was in the UK, reportedly raised the alarm because he was not answering his phone. Paying tribute, his family said: “You were the most special father, fiancé, son, brother, uncle, friend, teammate and person.’Your enthusiasm and infectious personality brought so much love to those that were fortunate enough to know you and those that adored you from the stands.” More

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      Transfer deadline given shock new time as Premier League and EFL strike landmark agreement

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      THE summer transfer window will close four hours earlier than usual.But fears that Prem clubs could be exposed to losing players after incoming business ends appear to have been eased.Dominic Solanke joined Tottenham on deadline day last yearCredit: RexRaheem Sterling was a very late loan addition for ArsenalCredit: GettyPrem and EFL chiefs, with the agreement of clubs in both leagues, have agreed that signings or paperwork will have to be lodged by 7pm on September 1.Clubs who send a notice to register players will still have two hours to complete any deals between English clubs and allow them to play for their new sides.For signing from overseas, there will be an additional two hours to complete all the paperwork.The move from the 11pm closure is viewed as a way of preventing club staff and administrators having to burn the midnight oil well into the early hours when late-agreed deals are pushed through.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSome clubs voiced concerns that it could leave them open to the risk of losing players to major European clubs in the time frame between the English window shutting and the closure of the markets elsewhere.But it is understood that discussion about “harmonisation” across major leagues has been productive.The European Leagues umbrella group, which represents the majority of domestic competitions throughout the continent, is keen to get alignment.European Leagues would ideally see the markets close BEFORE the start of the season.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAlthough it is accepted that such an agreement, while preferable in the future,  is not feasible at this stage.Another argument in favour of the early closure is that Fifa have already allowed the window to open early.Eight of the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or despite their incredible careersThere is a 10-day transfer opportunity between June 1 and June 10 ahead of this summer’s Club World Cup.The formal window will then close again until it reopens on June 16, shutting on September 1, while the winter window will run from January 1 to February 2. More

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      Harry Maguire gets over Man Utd woes with trip to watch former club in Championship play-off clash

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      HARRY MAGUIRE took some time away from his Manchester United problems with a trip to watch former club Sheffield United.The Blades booked a place in the play-off final after taking a 3-0 lead over Bristol City back to Bramall Lane before winning 6-0 on aggregate.Harry Maguire took some time away from Man UtdThe defender was spotted at his former ground Bramall LaneMaguire looked in high spirits before watching Sheffield United take on Bristol City in the Championship play-offsAnd Maguire returned back to his roots for some much needed downtime to cheer on his beloved childhood club.The United star looked in high spirits while walking through the rows leading to the director’s box, with Chris Kamara also present. After playing the last 40 minutes of United’s embarrassing 2-0 defeat to West Ham, the defender took the chance to unwind.Sunday marked another humiliating day for Maguire as United suffered a 17th Premier League defeat of the season and slipped to 16th in the table.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSMaguire was initially rested and benched for West Ham’s visit ahead of United’s Europa League final against fellow strugglers Tottenham next Wednesday.But the 32-year-old was forced on to replace Leny Yoro, who limped off in tears with a foot injury.Jarrod Bowen doubled West Ham’s lead within minutes of Maguire coming on, as Mohammed Kudus breezed past him to feed Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s assist.The England international has personally endured topsy-turvy season, after saving United’s skin with several late goals – including the incredible last-gasp header in the comeback against Lyon.Most read in FootballBut Thursday’s Europa League semi-final second leg at Old Trafford showed Maguire’s still prone to defensive mistakes, as his wayward pass saw Athletic Bilbao go 1-0 up in the first half.Maguire played the last 40 minutes of United’s embarrassing 2-0 defeat to West HamCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMaguire came through the ranks at Sheffield United and broke into their first team when the club was relegated to League One in 2011.The then 18-year-old was thrown in at the deep end against uncompromising, physical forwards and thrived.Harry Kane finally gets his hands on first career trophy as Bayern Munich win Bundesliga in styleMaguire had played over 100 times for the Blades before his 20th birthday.And League One proved the launchpad that took him into the Prem with Hull City, on to Leicester City and then Man United.Maguire was spotted in the crowd at Bramall Lane More