Championship

TODAY’s early kick-off in The Championship between Blackburn and Leicester was halted for five minutes after Aynsley Pears suffered a nasty injury in a horror collision.The Blackburn keeper rushed at the feet of Jamie Vardy as he bore down on goal in the 59th minute.
Pears received treatment for five minutes while the game was pausedCredit: PA
He was eventually forced to hobble offCredit: PA
The injury came in a collision with Jamie Vardy, who had scored in the first halfCredit: Getty
But the England man trod on his boot and injured Pears, leading to a lengthy delay in play.
After five minutes of treatment, Pears was replaced by back-up Rovers goalkeeper Leo Wahlstedt.
As he left the field, Pears was unable to support himself and needed to be carried by medics.
Pears has come under criticism from Rovers fans this season, with many saying that Wahlstedt, who arrived from second division Norwegian side Odds Ballklubb in the summer, should have been first-choice.
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Blackburn were 2-1 down at the time of the substitution, after netting a quick reply in reponse to Wout Faes’ fourth minute opener through a goal by Sammie Szmodcics in the ninth minute.
Leicester re-took the lead through a Jamie Vardy goal in the 28th minute, who characteristically celebrated in front of the Rovers fans.
Leicester were then able to put Blackburn to the sword late in the game through an 82nd minute penalty by Kelechi Iheanacho and a Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall strike in the 88th minute.
The convincing win puts Leicester back at the top of the table with eight wins and one loss from their nine games played so far this season.
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The Foxes, who were relegated from the Premier League last season, look revitalised and set to bounce straight back to English football’s top-flight under Pep Guardiola’s former no2 Enzo Maresca.
Rovers meanwhile have continued a miserable start to the campaign.
The defeat was their fourth in their last five games.
They sit in 18th place now on 10 points, two points above the drop zone. More

AARON CONNOLLY believes Hull are showing the qualities that got Brighton promoted to the Premier League.The striker was a rookie on the Sussex coast when they went up under Chris Hughton in 2017.
Aaron Connolly and Hull are flying in the Championship so far this season
And it was back then that he got to properly know Hull boss Liam Rosenior, who was playing for the Seagulls.
And Connolly — who scored his fifth goal of the season in the 3-1 win at Stoke last weekend — firmly believes the Tigers can join his old club in the top flight next season.
They go into today’s Championship clash with Plymouth among the early pace-setters with just one loss from their opening eight games.
Connolly, 23, told SunSport: “There are so many similarities to Brighton. 
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“You look at the talent we’ve got in the squad, the way we work for one another and bounce back from going behind to winning games as well as scoring late on.
“People throw their bodies on the line for each other. I remember Shane Duffy and Lewis Dunk used to be the best at that.
“As an academy player we’d watch all the games at home and I just remember those two always throwing their bodies on the line to block a shot.
“Here at Hull, we’ve got lads such as Jacob Greaves, Sean McLoughlin, Lewis Coyle, Alfie Jones who can do that. Even the likes of Jean Seri too — everyone will do anything to win a game. 
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“Another thing that is exactly the same as Brighton is the fact we’re a close group and everyone looks forward to coming to training every day.
“There aren’t any cliques. On different days, different players will be sitting with a different team-mate having their food together. 
“It’s a positive place to be — even after we lost our first two games, to Norwich in the league and Doncaster in the Carabao Cup, there was still a good vibe at the place.
“That’s so important because football isn’t all about winning or getting last-minute equalisers. We need to be positive and strong all year round.”
That was brought into sharp focus when Connolly and Seri had a row as they walked off for half-time at Stoke. The Hull striker was frustrated his team-mate gave away a sloppy free-kick at 2-0 up. 
They hugged and made up in the dressing room almost immediately afterwards — but Rosenior said he was pleased they fell out for a short while because it showed their passion to win.
Liam Rosenior celebrates promotion to the Premier League with Brighton
Connolly spent six years at Brighton
The Hull boss has known Connolly since he was 15.
And it was their relationship that played a major part on the striker moving to the Humberside club — first on loan in January before making the move permanent in the summer.
He said: “Liam was the main reason I came. I didn’t have lots of options but the minute Hull came in I wanted to come with the gaffer.
“I’ve known him since I was 15 and he has looked after me throughout my career. 
“Even while he was working at Derby, he has always been in touch.
“Back then he was playing. I trained a little bit for the first team, and Liam was not only a big help to me but a huge voice in that changing room. 
“That can only help the team now because it was a promotion- winning squad he was part of.
“He knows exactly what it takes and from being around that squad then I’ve seen what you need to do to get promoted.
“It can only be a positive thing.  It couldn’t be better time to be working with Liam here. I’m loving my football and in the summer I knew everybody, knew the players and the rest of the staff.”
Another parallel Connolly draws with Brighton is how Hull are doing things off the pitch.
The striker has not only been impressed with the way Rosenior has changed the whole culture at Hull but how the club are growing under the ownership of Acun Ilicali.
Promotion is definitely the target. We’re a top-six teamAaron Connolly
He believes it is similar to what Seagulls chairman Tony Bloom and director of football have been doing.
Connolly can speak with some insight as he played for Brighton in the Premier League while Graham Potter was also changing the playing culture after taking over from Hughton.
He said: “Potter implemented the style that the gaffer is doing here.
“Liam has implemented it in seven or eight months and I can’t believe how well everyone has taken to it.
“Potter managed to do it at Brighton and his legacy is how well they’re doing now. I can’t pick a team that can go to the Amex and beat them because they’re such a force.
“I know they lost their first Europa League game against AEK Athens but you must remember that is the first game they’ve played on that stage against different teams, playing styles and managers.
“I’ve seen that club evolve over the last eight years because of all the work Tony Bloom and Paul Barber have done there. They are always going to be a successful club based on the way they work.
Connolly has scored five goals this season, including this one in the win at StokeCredit: Reuters
“Then you look at our owner and gaffer. Off the pitch they seem to be getting so much right and on the pitch we’ve got momentum. 
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“We had 24,000-plus in the stadium against Leeds so full credit to everyone working day in, day out off the pitch. It makes it easier on the field.
“Promotion is definitely the target. We’re a top-six team.” More

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY’S controversial owner Dejphon Chansiri has vowed to put no more money into the club after facing a huge supporter backlash.And even rival fans were left fuming after his bombshell statement this morning.
Sheffield Wednesday owner Dejphon Chansiri has vowed to put no more money into the clubCredit: Getty
Chansiri bought the Owls from Milan Mandaric in 2015 but has come under fire over recent months.
Fed-up supporters have launched a number of protests against the Thai businessman ever since he axed Darren Moore in June just days after securing promotion back to the Championship.
They then blasted the season ticket pricing and a huge banner at Hillsborough which read ‘Thank You Dejphon Chansiri’ was defaced and removed ahead of their game with Ipswich.
Angry supporters then caused their recent clash with Middlesbrough to be temporarily halted as they threw tennis balls onto the pitch in another protest.
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And the troubles seem to be affecting displays on the pitch, with Wednesday currently sitting bottom of the second tier and winless under new manager Xisco Munoz.
Now tensions are set to escalate as the 55-year-old Chansiri issued a lengthy response that began: “Hello to all Sheffield Wednesday fans. I have thought about making this statement for some time and it is extremely difficult for me to do something that I never thought I would have to do. But in the end, I think it is the time to say some things that I feel I have to say before it is too late.
“First of all, I would like to thank all the fans who have supported the club so well over the past nine years or so since I came to Sheffield Wednesday.“There has been joy and sorrow, the joy we have shared together and in times of sorrow we have supported each other.
“Right now, we are not in a good situation in the table and I believe that supporters have every right to voice opinions, speak from the heart and say anything you wish about the football.
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“That is the nature of the game, which I always respect. But I also believe there are limits to balance for the benefits of the club and all other stakeholders as a whole.”
Chansiri continued: “Fans can complain, criticise, give strong opinions, balanced opinions, say anything you like. But no one has the right to cross the line or the right to try and cause damage, throw insults, or go to my family which has happened again, which I cannot accept.
“Right now, this is too much. I have always welcomed constructive debate and thought, which is fine, but to the people who have contacted me directly with insults, and to my family, I can tell you that I will never accept this.“The club has found ways to improve and make things better and develop as much as we can, in all areas. However, it is not possible for the club to do things alone.
“For example, some fans have said the ticket price is too high. I have explained this many times in forums. For example, the prices can be lower if we have enough guaranteed volume and that is a win-win situation, for the club and the fans.
“It is the same for the price of the shirts, exactly the same principle. The price can be lower if the sale volume is higher. We must look for solutions – it is no use thinking of just one side, we must think of and help each other.
“I lose a lot of money each year and we must try and balance as much as we can.
“We have launched the Community Engagement Scheme for any fans who struggle to attend games and a number of supporters have taken advantage of this scheme.
“Unfortunately, for some who have historically not attended games, they have used the pricing structures to attack the club without the intention to attend themselves, even when prices have been lower.”
Tennis balls on the pitch caused their recent clash with Boro to be haltedCredit: Getty
Then he started to hit back more strongly at his critics, saying: “Some fans say I am the custodian, not the owner. Who say they were born here and will die here.
“I may not have been born here and I will probably not die here but one thing I can say is that I will always try and do my best for Wednesday. Even though I have been involved for less than 10 years, that does not make my love for our club any higher or lower than anyone else.
“To those who are trying to create trouble damaging the club, I ask, what have you done that is good for your club, why are you trying to harm it? If I am such a bad owner, what are you doing on your side?”
Then he delivered the shock news that he will no longer be reaching into his pockets to help the struggling club.
Chansiri said: “We all love Sheffield Wednesday and I am a supporter as well as the owner who must love and care for the club more than anyone else because of the position I am in as chairman.
“I must take responsibility for everything at the club, including the financial support which is something I always do. But from now, I will not put additional money into the club.
“If you say you are the owner and I am the custodian, then show me how to be the good owner and help save your club. You want me to leave but you want me to spend money? If you want me to leave, then show me how to run the club and invest the money before I do that.
“You have no right to ask me to leave. I am the one who saved the club and spent the money for the club, I am the one who needs to pay around £2m on average every month. Some fans need to have more respect for owners of clubs and not be so selfish, thinking of their own benefit without doing anything good to the club.
“This is not acceptable and as a result I am not willing to inject more money while I am being treated unfairly by those fans.
“The club needs support from everyone during difficult times. In football, there are good times and not so good times. It is easy to celebrate good times but we must support each other in difficult times.”
Xisco Munoz has yet to win a league game in charge of WednesdayCredit: Alamy
Some of the protests could lead to Wednesday being hit with FA fines, something that the owner also took aim at.He said: “I think at the moment, it is too much, with some people crossing the line. For example, as a club we have made many statements about the conduct of supporters, and those who have broken the regulations could lead to us receiving fines from the FA.
“Some clubs have been fined up to £100,000 for breaking the regulations and of course this is something we do not wish to see at Sheffield Wednesday. Coming onto the pitch at the end of the game against Peterborough, throwing objects onto the pitch against Middlesbrough, these situations can cost clubs a lot of money which again is my responsibility.”
He then declared that their protests “are a waste of time” as he urged fans not to “damage” the club.
He added: “Regarding protests, I do not believe this can help our club. The people who are trying to organise these protests are not prepared to identify themselves, while they are happy to encourage other fans to show themselves, how can this help?
“Protests are a waste of time. I would like these fans to show me how much you love your club, do not damage it. I do not want to fight with anyone but to use your words – ‘enough is enough’.
“Please do not damage our own club, otherwise those fans need to take all responsibilities and liabilities.”Amid speculation that he has been looking to sell the club, he was adamant that he has not put a valuation on the club.
However, he did say he would “talk” if he received a bid that he felt would help take Wednesday forward.
Chansiri wrote: “I know there are people who wish for me to leave. I personally have never said a single word on my valuation of Sheffield Wednesday or how much I would want to sell Sheffield Wednesday for, because I have never considered selling.
Dejphon Chansiri says that he has never considered selling the clubCredit: PA:Press Association
“It is easy – someone come forward, and if I am satisfied that the club will better prosper, then we can talk. Some fans say there are many people wanting to buy football clubs but it is not just about money, it is about the right person or organisation who will take good care of the club.“There was speculation recently from an interested party but it was said I refused to talk about the sale of the club. This is not correct. It is simple, if you want to buy the club, show me the proof of funds and submit an offer in the professional way.
“I met this person as a sponsor and I did not know who he was representing but the same applies, show me the proof of funds and submit an offer. Neither of these two things happened and as a sponsor, his business was yet to pay the full amount for the sponsorship so how could I sell the club like this anyway?
“If anyone wants to buy the club, they should act professionally and follow the correct process. All the information required is published in the accounts every year, there is nothing to hide.
“When I bought Sheffield Wednesday, would Milan have sold it to me if he was not satisfied with my offer? All I want and all I have ever wanted is the best for Sheffield Wednesday and if anyone wishes to invest and come and do a better job, then we can talk.
“Until that happens I will continue to try my best and focus on trying to help us move up the Championship table.”
He then reiterated that he will no longer be using his money to help the club if he continues to be “treated unfairly”.
The statement finished with: “As I mentioned, I will not inject any more money into the club if I am being treated unfairly.
“Those fans who create trouble to the club and myself and believe that they are the real owner of the club need to be responsible for the financial matters of the club from now on.
“If they can take such financial responsibility to save the club and they believe that I am not the right owner, they may propose any buyer who I believe can operate the club for the benefit of all stakeholders going forward.”
The statement led to a fierce reaction from both Wednesday and rival supportersCredit: Rex Features
Naturally, Chansiri’s statement led to a huge reaction from both Wednesday and sympathetic rival supporters.
“You are not a clown, you’re the entire circus,” blasted one Owls fan.
He was told to “get gone” by another along with: “Jog on, Dejphon. Time to go!”
A Southampton fan tweeted: “Before anyone moans about our owners ever again just refer to this statement below, turning Sheff Wed into a comedy! This is a shocking read for someone unattached to SW, for their fans this must be infuriating.”
Another said: “Feel for all those fans. It’s like a circus.”
While an Ipswich supporter said: “One of the worst statements I’ve seen from an owner. If he remains in charge of your club, there’s one way it’s going.
“From an outside perspective, I hope it gets sorted. As an Ipswich fan, we had years of neglect/under investment. Hopefully he’s gone sooner rather than later.”
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And another worried Owls fan said: “This is about to get seriously toxic. I really do worry where this is going to end.
“I don’t want to see Sheffield Wednesday no longer existing when it’s a MASSIVE part of my life.” More

A NATIONAL LEAGUE side has been plunged into turmoil after its chairman withdrew ALL of its funding.Scunthorpe United are in dire straits after owner and CEO David Hilton withdrew all financial backing this week.
Scunthorpe United have been plunged into chaos. after their owner withdrew fundingCredit: Getty
The club is set to vacate its Glanford Park home due to a dispute with the landownersCredit: GETTY
Hilton – who bought the club in January – has decided to pull the plug due to a dispute with land owners Coolsilk.
And the dispute will have major implications for the club, which will vacate its Glanford Park home next month and play its fixtures at Gainsborough Trinity.
An excerpt of a club statement read: “The club owner and chairman has recently notified the Board of Directors of his decision to withdraw his funding from the club moving forward.
“He has also notified them that he feels his position at the club is untenable, and is actively seeking a way out.
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“Based on this information, both Ian Dawson and Tahina Akther have decided to resign from their positions with immediate affect.”
Hilton is looking to sell up shop but is being hampered by the ongoing land dispute, which has put off multiple suitors.

The club statement continued: “We can confirm that numerous parties have made contact with the club with a view to taking over.
“But faced with stadium issues, numerous litigation proceedings and winding up petitions no potential purchasers are looking to move forward.
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“This includes the consortium of local business people and supporters.
“The Chairman and remaining board members have now set out a plan in order to very quickly make the club sustainable.
“An outside company will be bought in to work closely with the club’s creditors to try and ensure all are paid in a timely and professional manner.
“The club will vacate Glanford Park after the Brackley Town fixture and fulfil the season’s fixtures across at Gainsborough Trinity.This is not a day-to-day cost-cutting exercise.
“This is due to Coolsilk refusing to engage with the club and demanding vacant possession before they will begin to do so.
‘This is also due to the risk the club faces of being liable for hundreds of thousands of pounds in legal fees and back-dated market rent, along with significant monthly legal costs of our own that will certainly impact any attempts to create sustainability.
“In any case, Coolsilk own the property and will undoubtedly get possession back at some point, and therefore it is no longer viable without the financial support of the Chairman to put the club at risk with such a gamble to merely guarantee a few extra months at the stadium.”
To make matters worse for Hilton, he’s currently being investigated by The FA after it emerged he’d previously been convicted of fraud.
“The club can confirm that Chairman David Hilton is under investigation by the FA for matters that were reported to them by The Athletic prior to releasing their article,” Scunthorpe said.
Scunthorpe owner David Hilton is under investigation by the FA
Dwindling attendances in recent years have well and truly hit the pockets of the club – which is anticipating more cost-cutting measures in the coming weeks and months.
“Moving forward, the club can progress and challenge for promotion as originally planned,” the club said.
“The playing side can be left relatively untouched and the debts cleared, but it will require supporters, sponsors and the community to be patient and continue to support the club the way they have done over the last few months.
“Falls in attendances will undoubtedly mean further cuts and this will inevitably impact the playing squad and promotion aims.
“We hope that the support continues regardless of how uncomfortable some of the decisions feel or the inconvenience those decisions will cause.”
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Scunthorpe currently sit in fourth place in the National League North with 18 points to their name after nine matches.
They’ll be back in action on Saturday afternoon, hosting Buxton for their penultimate fixture at Glanford Park. More