Championship

Subterms

    More stories

    • 288 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      I was offered £300k to go on Celebrity Big Brother but it cost me a job at a Championship club, reveals Jamie O’Hara

      by

      FORMER Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara has revealed he turned down Championship side Burton to go on Celebrity Big Brother.The 36-year-old agreed to appear on the reality show six years ago when he was without a club as he recovered from an injury.
      Jamie O’Hara has revealed he turned down Burton to go into Celebrity Big BrotherCredit: Talksport
      🧿 “I was injured at the time.. they offered £150k! Then I started training at Burton..”😅 “I phoned Big Brother & said I couldn’t do it. They said ‘You’re going in in 2 days!’”Jamie O’Hara shares how he ended up on Celebrity Big Brother, whilst he was playing. pic.twitter.com/blQk1tnOmA— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) July 25, 2023

      O’Hara appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2017Credit: PA:Press Association
      But after accepting the opportunity, he was then approached by Burton – who were in the second tier at the time and managed by Nigel Clough.
      This led to a series of events which ultimately resulted in O’Hara’s fee for going into Celebrity Big Brother being DOUBLED.
      Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: “I was injured at the time, I was actually still playing football. I’d left Gillingham and I wasn’t allowed to sign for anyone until the 2nd of January when the transfer window opened.
      “Around November I’m sat around and I’m doing nothing. Money’s running out, I’d gone through a divorce and I needed a few quid.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “I got offered this show, Big Brother. They offered me £150,000 grand – that was a lot of money at the time. And I was like ‘you know what, big money, can’t turn that down, I’ll do it’.
      “It got to December 28th. Nigel Clough phones me, Burton Albion. They was in the Championship. [Clough] says ‘I’m really interested in signing you, I know you can’t sign for anyone until January, would you come up for a couple of days and train with the team?’
      “I was still struggling with an injury but I said ‘Yeah, you know what, I’ll go up there, I’ll see if I can get through it’.”
      He continued: “I’ve gone up there and I’ve trained really well. I’ve kept myself fit, I’ve turned up and I’m training well, I’m flying.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
      “So Nigel pulls me into his office after a couple of days and says ‘Look, I need you. I want to sign you, I need a midfielder, Championship football, I’ll give you £1500 a week until the end of the season’.
      “So I was looking at it going ‘It’s Championship football, decent club, Burton, I can’t really turn this down’.
      “So I’ve gone back and he’s said ‘I’ve heard you’re going in Big Brother’. I was like ‘No, no, Nigel I’m not. I’ve got to go back and speak to my agent’.
      “So I’ve got straight in the car and I’m driving back to my house in London. Phoned my agent and my agent obviously didn’t know I’d done this deal with Big Brother.
      “I said ‘Look, I’m doing Big Brother, they’re paying me £150,000 grand’. He went ‘You can’t, it’s football, you want to get back playing football, this is your opportunity’. I went ‘Yeah, you’re right’.
      “I phoned Big Brother and said ‘I can’t do it, I’m sorry’. They said ‘Are you winding us up? You’re going in in two days, everything’s done, there’s no way we can replace that, you are going in the show. You can’t do it, you’ve signed the contract’.
      “I went ‘No, I’m not going, there’s no way I’m doing the show, football’s more important’.
      “They went ‘How much are they paying you?’ I went ‘£1500 a week’ and they said ‘It’s not even as much as you’re getting, we’re offering you £150,000’. I went ‘No, football’s more important’.
      “They said ‘What can we do to entice you to turn down Burton Albion?’ I went ‘Nothing’. They went ‘What about another £150,000 grand?’
      “I went ‘Yeah go on then’. £300,000 grand, I’m in Big Brother, see you later.”
      Read More on The Sun
      After coming out of Celebrity Big Brother – where he was evicted with five days to go – O’Hara went on to spend three years at non-league Billericay Town.
      He eventually retired in 2020 and is now a regular talkSPORT pundit. More

    • 175 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Cash-strapped Championship club ask players to book their OWN flights home from pre-season tour

      by

      BLACKBURN Rovers asked their players to pay for their OWN flights to come back from a pre-season tour.The Championship side are currently facing huge financial problems, according to reports.
      Cash-strapped Blackburn Rovers asked their players to pay for their own flights home from a pre-season tourCredit: Rex
      Last week, Jon Dahl Tomasson’s side were in Austria as they began their preparations for the new season.
      But, on their return home they could not get a direct flight back and landed in Frankfurt and stayed overnight.
      A small amount of seats were available at a premium price the following day.
      That forced Blackburn chiefs into giving the players the option of arranging their own return to the UK.
      Read more football news
      However, they were told that any cost would have to come out of their own pockets.
      Some senior players took the club up on their offer and bought their own flights home.
      However, younger staff members remained in Frankfurt for one more night.
      Blackburn are believed to be facing legal action from agents over overdue fees.
      Most read in Football
      However, their coffers could be swelled by the sale of wonderkid, Ashley Phillips.
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      The 18-year-old centre-back is a target for Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou.
      But, Rovers have slapped a £9,45million price tag on their star asset.
      They already lost a hefty sum – losing star man Ben Brereton Diaz to Villarreal when his contract expired this summer. More

    • 188 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Manchester United starlet in talks to leave Old Trafford and sign for League One Reading

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED starlet Charlie Savage is in talks over a permanent move to Reading.But the Royals face competition with several Championship and League One clubs also interested.
      Charlie Savage has trained with United’s senior squad including star midfielder Bruno FernandesCredit: Getty
      Savage is the son of ex-Prem star Robbie, who played in the top-flight for Leicester, Blackburn, Birmingham and DerbyCredit: Getty
      New Reading boss Ruben Selles is looking to rebuild after the Berkshire club suffered relegation to the third tier of English football.
      SunSport understands Championship duo Cardiff and Rotherham have also eyed up Savage.
      And Reading’s League One rivals Portsmouth are keen on the United starlet, 20, as well.
      Savage, son of ex-Wales and Leicester midfielder Robbie, spent last season on loan at Forest Green Rovers.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      Despite relegation for Forest Green to League Two, Wales Under-21 international Savage impressed on his first spell away from the Red Devils.
      He returned to Old Trafford this summer and was made captain for the second half of United’s pre-season 2-0 win over Leeds in Oslo last Wednesday.
      But Savage was not in Erik ten Hag’s squad for today’s 1-0 friendly win against Lyon in Edinburgh.
      He was also not selected in the 31-man senior squad to go on tour to the United States.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
      United welcomed back seasoned internationals and fellow midfielders Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay for the tour, leaving limited space for younger players.
      Cardiff, who recently signed Wales captain Aaron Ramsey on a free transfer, cannot pay fees for players until January so a loan would suit the Welsh club’s needs. More

    • 213 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League flop brutally trolled at the darts after fans chanted ‘you fat b*****d’ in final-day defeat

      by

      A FORMER Premier League player was brutally trolled at the darts with a savage sign shown on live TV.The Leeds man struggled to make an impact at Elland Road last season.
      This sign hit out at Weston McKennie at the dartsCredit: SKYSPORTS
      And on the final day of the season, as Leeds were relegated to the Championship, fans harshly chanted “you fat b*****d” at him.
      Now Weston McKennie has been subject to further abuse – this time at Winter Gardens in Blackpool for Monday’s PDC World Matchplay darts action.
      As Andrew Gilding walked on to face Peter Wright on Monday, a sign was held out in front of the Sky Sports camera which read: “Weston McKennie loves a takeaway.”
      And the Leeds fan had also added “MOT” on the side – which stands for Leeds’ motto, ‘Marching On Together’.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      The brutal dig was lauded by a selection of Leeds supporters.
      One said: “What a fanbase.”
      Another wrote: “Hahahaha 10/10.”
      And a third added: “Tweet of the day.”
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      McKennie, 24, joined Leeds on loan from Juventus for the second half of the season in January.
      However, the American could not make his mark in his 20 appearances and was unable to keep the Whites in the top flight.
      McKennie’s dad John hit out at Leeds supporters on Twitter following his son’s exit, writing: “All the best to LUFC! For those who supported Weston in a hostile environment, you have my respect!
      “For those who failed to remember it’s a team sport, you live to fight another day!”
      McKennie now looks set to be sold by his Italian parent club, with Borussia Dortmund linked with a transfer.
      Meanwhile, his former club have brought in Daniel Farke as their new boss and Ethan Ampadu to bolster the squad for the Championship.
      The American endured a torrid time at Elland RoadCredit: Getty More

    • 213 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Charlie Savage lined up for Man Utd exit as three clubs target Robbie’s son in summer transfer

      by

      CHARLIE SAVAGE is being eyed up by Championship duo Cardiff and Rotherham.And the Manchester United starlet, 20, has also attracted interest from League One outfit Portsmouth.
      Cardiff, Portsmouth and Rotherham want to sign SavageCredit: Getty
      Savage, son of ex-Wales and Leicester midfielder Robbie, is wanted by clubs on loan or possibly a permanent move.
      The Wales Under-21 international spent last season on loan at Forest Green Rovers.
      Despite relegation for Forest Green to League Two, highly-rated Savage impressed on his first spell away from the Red Devils.
      He returned to Old Trafford this summer and was made captain for the second half of United’s pre-season 2-0 win over Leeds in Oslo last Wednesday.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      But Savage is not in Erik ten Hag’s squad for today’s friendly against Lyon in Edinburgh and is unlikely to go on tour to the United States as clubs circle.
      United have also welcomed back seasoned internationals and fellow midfielders Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay for the tour which will leave limited space for younger players.
      Cardiff, who recently signed Wales captain Aaron Ramsey on a free transfer, cannot pay fees for players until January so a loan would suit the Welsh club’s needs.
      Savage joined Man Utd’s academy as a youngster before rising through the ranks to sign his first professional contract in April 2021.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      He made his first-team debut eight months later, but he is yet to establish himself as a regular name in Ten Hag’s squad.
      The 20-year-old scored one goal in 15 appearances during his six-month loan at Forest Green Rovers last season. More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Leeds takeover completed as 49ers team up with Olympic legend and Masters winner to take leaf out of Wrexham’s book

      by

      LEEDS have announced their takeover by the 49ers Enterprises and sporting legends is complete – as they take a leaf out of Wrexham’s book.Swimmer Michael Phelps, who won 23 Olympic golds, and golf superstar Jordan Spieth are among the names joining in the buy-out.
      Leeds say they have been taken over with ‘immediate effect’Credit: Rex
      49ers president Paraag Marathe is promoted from Leeds vice-chairman to chairman and is eyeing an instant Premier League return.
      The American group – the business arm of NFL team the San Francisco 49ers – have gradually increased investment in the Elland Road club since 2018.
      Marathe said: “This is an important moment for Leeds United and we are already hard at work.
      “This transition is a necessary reset to chart a new course for the Club.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      “We have already appointed a highly-respected First Team Manager with a track record of success, and we are confident Leeds will field a competitive squad to contend for promotion next season.
      “It’s a privilege to carry this torch as I know we have a responsibility to ensure this Club makes our staff, players, supporters, and the Leeds and Yorkshire communities proud.”
      Marathe takes over from Andrea Radrizzani, who had been Leeds’ majority owner since 2017.
      Club CEO Angus Kinnear is staying put, leading day-to-day operations. 
      Most read in Championship
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Minority Leeds owner Michael Schwimer tweeted he was “thrilled” to reveal the “athletes partnering with @BigLeagueAdv to invest in @LUFC”.
      He named Phelps, golfers Spieth and Justin Thomas, basketball’s Larry Nance and TJ McConnell and gridiron free agent Myles Jack, plus ice hockey pair Erik Johnson and Gabriel Landeskog.
      It follows Wrexham’s transformation – and return to the EFL – after Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took over in February 2021. More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans ‘pack their bags’ after discovering amazing city where streets are named after football teams – is yours included?

      by

      FOOTBALL fans have unearthed an incredible place where the streets are named after English football teams.This amazing area can be found in the city of McKinney, located in Collin County, TX, USA – roughly 32 miles north of Texas capital Dallas.
      The city in America has an uncanny amount of names belonging to football clubs
      Mckinney in Texas is one of the fastest-growing cities in the USA.
      After the astonishing find, fans have been declaring their intention to cross the pond and live on a road named after their team.
      Exactly why the streets have been named after the English clubs is unclear – but more importantly – has your side been included?
      Kicking things off in the Premier League, Fulham are one team to get a mention with the street name Fulham Lane.
      Newly-promoted Sheffield United and local rivals Sheffield Wednesday get a feature with their own Sheffield Drive, while Burnley Drive can also be found right off Fulham.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Another set of local rivals, Bristol City and Rovers also have a place in the City with Bristol Drive.
      Championship sides Southampton, Millwall and Preston are named too, with Southampton Drive, Millwall Drive and Preston Lane respectively.
      Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough are there too, though a misspelling of the road – Middlesborough Drive – being spelt like the location rather than the club left a couple of fans fuming.
      One fan wrote: “And OBVIOUSLY they spelled Middlesbrough incorrectly.”
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      The city has names from all across the English football pyramid
      As of 2020 it had a population just shy of 200,000
      While a second typed: “Aaaand they f***ed up and spelt Middlesbrough wrong 😬.”
      Relegated Championship sides Reading and Blackpool are in the City too with Reading Drive and Blackpool Parkway.
      From League One, Barnsley, Portsmouth, Port Vale, Leyton Orient and Shrewsbury can also be found.
      There is even a property currently for sale on Port Vale Drive, with houses in the area selling for around £400,000.
      League Two sides also have some resident street names, namely Crawley and Gillingham.
      In Non-League there is even a mention of Dagenham and Redbridge with Redbridge Lane.
      One fan added on Twitter: “All I want in life is to live on Port Vale Drive.”
      While another wrote: “Packing my bags.”
      Read More on The Sun
      In 2017 McKinney was named the third fastest-growing city in the States, and as of 2020 has a population of 195,308.
      That number may swell even more with a flood of football fans now plotting a move over. More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Three Championship clubs queuing up to sign Sunderland star Ross Stewart with former boss ready to make hefty bid

      by

      THREE Championship clubs head the queue to sign Sunderland striker Ross Stewart — Middlesbrough, Southampton and Stoke City.Boro are ready to raid their neighbours for the Scottish hitman, 27, who is out of contract at the end of next season and may have to be sold.
      Ross Stewart is wanted by three Championship clubsCredit: Getty
      But Saints will move for him if they sell any of their own forwards.
      And Stewart’s former boss Alex Neil at Stoke has been waiting for him to get fit — with a big cheque in his pocket to bid for him.
      Stewart is still recovering from a serious Achilles  injury and may not be ready for the start of the new campaign.
      The Scottish forward previously made 23 appearances for the Black Cats under Neil, scoring 11 goals in those matches.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Since joining from Ross County in January 2021, Stewart has become a key man for Sunderland.
      Overall, he has scored 40 goals in 80 appearances as well as chipping in with eight assists.
      He has also won the EFL Trophy and secured promotion to the Championship with Sunderland in 2022.
      Fans will be hoping the 26-year-old stays this summer as the club look to build on last season’s sixth place finish.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      However, Boro, Stoke and Southampton are all keen to bolster their own promotion bids with the addition of Stewart.
      As for incomings at the Stadium of Light, though, Tony Mowbray has signed several promising youngsters including Jobe Bellingham. More