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      Ex-Liverpool star who partnered Carragher in defence left unemployed at 32 after release by Championship club

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      FORMER Liverpool ace Daniel Ayala will be left unemployed after his contract expires with Blackburn.The Spanish defender is set to be released by the Championship club following three years at Ewood Park.
      Daniel Ayala will be released by BlackburnCredit: Getty
      He made five Premier League appearances for LiverpoolCredit: Getty
      Ayala joined the Lancashire club in 2020 after seven years with Middlesbrough.
      But before joining Boro, he had spells at Nottingham Forest, Norwich, Derby, Hull and Liverpool.
      He played five times in the Premier League for the Reds, making his debut as a substitute in a 2-1 defeat to Tottenham in 2009.
      He played a full 90 minutes for the club on two occasions, with both games ending in 4-0 wins.
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      During this time he played alongside club legends such as Jamie Carragher, Fernando Torres, Javier Mascherano, and Steven Gerrard.
      Ayala had joined the Anfield side as a youth prospect from the Sevilla academy but failed to hit his potential at the club, leading to his exit.
      Now 32 years old, the defender will be looking for a new club following his release from Blackburn.
      Speaking of his time at the Rovers, he told club media: “It’s a bitter-sweet moment really.
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      “I’ve been really happy here for the last three years and part of me wanted to stay, because it’s a great club, with great fans and great staff, but I know that it’s part of football and I have to move on.
      “I’ve had some really happy times here, but also some down moments as well, especially with a few injuries, which prevented me from playing as many games as I wanted and perhaps showing a bit more what I can do.
      “Missing out on the play-offs in the last two seasons has been really frustrating, because I can see that the team has got enough to get there.
      “For one reason or another we just fell short, but the club is in a great position to challenge again, with a great manager, a great group of players and real togetherness, and I firmly believe that they can get there.”
      Blackburn missed out on a spot in the playoffs this season despite a thrilling 4-3 win over Millwall at The Den on the final day of the season. More

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      Middlesbrough 0 Coventry 1 (0-1): Sky Blues edge closer to Premier League return as Hamer’s strike downs Carrick’s side

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      GUSTAVO HAMER produced a moment of Premier League quality that took Coventry within 90 minutes of ending their 22-year exile from the top flight.The Sky Blues had not even registered a single shot on target but they were ruthless when their first one finally arrived.
      Coventry will play against Luton in the Championship play-off finalCredit: PA
      Gustavo Hamer scored the only goal of the two-legged semi-final against MiddlesbroughCredit: Reuters

      Swedish ace Viktor Gyokeres broke free and lobbed the ball over the advancing keeper Zack Steffen.
      It broke to Hamer but three Boro players had managed to position themselves between him and the goal.
      But the Coventry midfielder smashed a brilliant shot into the top right corner.
      Just like on Tuesday night when Luton booked their place in the final after beating Sunderland just nine years after they were playing in non-league, the Sky Blues making next Saturday’s Championship showpiece is a great story.
      Just five years ago, Coventry were playing in League Two… and their rise under boss Mark Robins has been nothing short of remarkable.
      And they deserved it tonight. It is fair to say they did not set things alight in the first half — but then again neither did Boro.
      But they upped the gears after the break and should have won by a more comfortable margin — with Hamer also striking the crossbar.
      Alex Crooks thought he had levelled at the death but had his header rightly ruled out for offside.
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      Boro almost had a good early opportunity when Ryan Giles teed up Cameron Archer — but rather than shoot he tried to take the ball on to his left foot and the ball was cleared.
      But — although Boro had started on the front foot — Coventry were almost gifted an opener.
      Tommy Smith attempted to pass the ball back to Steffen — but Gyokeres was alert and nipped in and almost rolled the ball past the keeper, who just managed to block.
      Middlesbrough kept pushing forward and Riley McGree saw a driven effort deflect wide for a corner.
      A shooting chance opened up for Jamie Allen but just as he was about to fire goalwards Giles pick-pocketed him and cleared.
      Gyokeres dummied the ball to allow the ball to go beyond Paddy McNair but just as the Coventry ace was about to break clear he was hauled to the floor by his opponent. Ref David Coote duly booked the Boro man.
      And just before the break, Boro registered the first effort on target when Darragh Lenihan got on the end of a corner but his header was straight at Ben Wilson.
      Alex Crooks headed in but the goal was ruled out for offsideCredit: Rex
      Middlesbrough were unable to score in either legCredit: PA
      Coventry came out of the blocks quickly after the break.
      And after pressing the ball and winning possession, Ben Sheaf broke into the Boro box but failed to make decent contact as he shot across goal.
      Because the ball was so badly struck, it fell to Allen and he also mishit his effort. It was a huge chance missed.
      But the Sky Blues moved in front.
      Gyokeres broke through and lobbed the ball over the onrushing Steffen.
      Three Boro players managed to get back between the ball and the goal.
      Hamer picked it up and thrashed a superb shot into the top right corner.
      Allen almost doubled the advantage as he broke free down the right after being put through by Gyokeres.
      But he struck his effort awfully and Lenihan was just able to scramble the ball clear.

      Michael Carrick had seen enough and opted to make a treble change as he looked to roll the die.
      Alex Mowatt, Marcus Forss and Tommy Smith were all hooked, with Dan Barlaser, Isaiah Jones and Anfernee Dijksteel all coming on.
      But it was Coventry who were looking more fresh and lively — and they were denied a second by the paintwork.
      After Lenihan hacked down Gyokeres just outside the box, Hamer superbly struck the resulting free-kick over the wall but it crashed back off the crossbar.
      Mowatt thought he had sprung the offside trap when he headed home but the assistant ref rightly flagged as he was at least a yard off.
      To add more drama, the fourth official held up the board to indicate EIGHT MINUTES of stoppage time.
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      And Archer slammed the bar from just three yards after a Crooks flick on — although the assistant once again raised his flag.
      Coventry clung on — sparking jubilant scenes as the players celebrated with their fans.
      The season ended in disappointment for Michael CarrickCredit: Reuters
      Ben Wilson made a key save to keep the scores level at 0-0Credit: Reuters More

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      Ex-Everton defender who boss Carlo Ancelotti FORGOT about left unemployed at 29 after release from Championship side

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      FORMER Everton star Luke Garbutt who Carlo Ancelotti FORGOT about is now without a club.That’s after being released by relegated Championship side Blackpool.
      Former Everton ace Luke Garbutt is without a club after his latest contract expiredCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The defender was once forgotten about by then-boss Carlo AncelottiCredit: Alamy
      Garbutt has been released by Blackpool after three seasonsCredit: Alamy
      Garbutt, 29, spent 11 years at Everton after coming up through their academy.
      He played just 12 times for the Toffees while taking in multiple loans.
      Garbutt was let go in 2020 when his Goodison Park contract expired.
      At the time, then-Everton boss Ancelotti was left red-faced during a press conference when asked about Garbutt’s exit.
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      The Italian looked confused before claiming he’d never heard of the defender before.
      Ancelotti said: “Who? I am surprised about this question, I don’t know.”
      Luckily for the four-time Champions League winner, Garbutt took it in his stride.
      The left-back said: “Don’t get it twisted, I chose to find the funny side. Other players would feel disrespected by the club and manager.
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      “It’s not Ancelotti’s fault, it’s the club. However, it’s a belter though.”
      Following his Everton exit, Garbutt was quickly snapped up for free by Blackpool.
      He helped them achieve promotion to the Championship in 2021.
      But after four goals in 63 games, it has now been confirmed that Garbutt will leave following Blackpool’s relegation to League One.
      He’s not the only name let go, with former Chelsea youngster and Leeds star Liam Bridcutt also released.
      Blackpool are also on the hunt for a new manager following Mick McCarthy’s brief stint.
      Stephen Dobbie is currently interim boss.
      And Man United coach Eric Ramsay, who recently landed a new gig as Wales assistant, is in the frame to take charge. More

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      Shocking moment Man Utd star Amad Diallo is manhandled by Luton fan while taking throw-in for Sunderland

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      MANCHESTER UNITED loanee Amad Diallo was manhandled by a fan in the Luton section of supporters while he played in the second leg of their Championship play-off semi-final.The Red Devils loanee, 20, has spent this season with the Black Cats and racked up 42 appearances for the second-tier side.
      Amad Diallo tried to get the ball back from the Luton fansCredit: Twitter

      He received a punch in the back from someone in the crowdCredit: Twitter
      He contributed 14 goals and four assists for Tony Mowbray’s men, including a first-leg equaliser in Sunderland’s 2-1 win over Luton.
      But it was not enough to help the North East outfit back into the Premier League as they were beaten 2-0 in the return leg at Kenilworth Road on Tuesday evening – with Sunderland losing 3-2 on aggregate.

      And Diallo’s evening was made even more difficult when he received physical abuse from someone in the crowd.
      After the ball went off for a throw-in, the young forward attempted to retrieve the ball.
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      But the Luton fans kept hold of it to stall him.
      He then received forceful contact in the back from one individual who had launched himself forward to attack the Sunderland man.
      Luton have been approached for comment.
      Reacting to the clip on social media, one person said: “Lifetime ban.”
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      Another added: “Shouldn’t be too hard to identify and ban the mug tbh.”
      And a third replied: “Why would you do that?”
      Diallo is set to return to Man Utd in the summer.
      He has not featured for the club since December 2021, with a disappointing loan spell at Rangers preceding his time at Sunderland.
      Diallo scored 14 goals for Sunderland this seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray ‘fighting for job’ hours after play-off loss with three managers lined up to replace him

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      TONY MOWBRAY is reportedly fighting to save his Sunderland job.The Black Cats – who were bidding for back-to-back promotions – crashed out of the Championship play-offs on Tuesday night.
      Tony Mowbray’s Sunderland job is in danger after crashing out of the play-offsCredit: Getty
      Mowbray led his side to sixth place in the table on the final day, setting up a semi-final tie against Luton.
      Sunderland stunned the visitors with a 2-1 win in the first leg at the Stadium of Light.
      But the Black Cats crashed to a 2-0 defeat at Kenilworth Road last night, exiting the playoffs 3-2 on aggregate.
      And talkSPORT claims Sunderland chiefs are now preparing to wield the axe after missing out on a place at Wembley against either Middlesbrough or Coventry.
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      Just 12 hours after their play-offs exit, Sunderland already have three names lined up to replace Mowbray – who is out of contract next month.
      RB Salzburg’s Matthias Jaissle leads the way to take charge at the Stadium of Light.
      Joining him on the shortlist are former Alanyaspor boss Francesco Farioli.
      And the third man is ex-Barnsley manager Gerhard Struber, who left MLS side New York Red Bull earlier this month.
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      Mowbray – who joined in the summer after Alex Neil led Sunderland to promotion from League One – admitted after last night’s result that he was unsure of his future in the north east.
      The former West Brom and Blackburn boss said: “I’ve enjoyed it, but who knows what my future holds. Let’s wait and see.

      “Do I want to be here next season? I do, yes. But let’s wait and see how it goes, and what the summer brings.
      “I don’t know what will happen next. I’ll just get on with it. I’ve got a contract so I’ll just keep going. I only mention that off the speculation off recent weeks. Let’s wait and see.
      “Do I feel insecure? Not at all. Modern-day football clubs can do what they want. I’m pretty relaxed.
      “I feel like I’ve come in here and managed to work with these young players, create a team environment that has done alright despite huge losses of some very important footballers.” More

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      Luton 2 Sunderland 0 (agg 3-2): Hatters step closer to reaching Premier League for first time after incredible comeback

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      NINE years ago Luton were in the National League — but they are now just one game away from the Premier League.The Hatters blew apart Sunderland on a memorable night at Kenilworth Road which saw fans pour on to the pitch to celebrate at the end.
      Tom Lockyer celebrates scoring his Luton’s second goalCredit: Rex
      Trailing 2-1 from their semi first leg, the Hatters turned this tie on its head with first-half headers by Gabe Osho and Tom Lockyer, both from corners.
      This was incredibly the first time Luton had won a play-off game . . . at their eighth attempt.
      The Black Cats struggled every time Luton won a corner or swung a ball into their box — and froze in the Hatters’ intimidating cauldron.
      It is incredible to think the next competitive game this old ground will host could be in the top flight.
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      This performance epitomised everything Luton have been about — showing a hunger, desire and workrate that so many teams fail to match.
      And they chewed up their opponents with two almost identical goals that will have had Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray tearing his hair out.
      First they wiped out Sunderland’s slender first-leg advantage within 10 minutes.
      Jordan Clark’s corner was fired in. Alex Pritchard got out-jumped by Tom Lockyer and the ball fell to Osho, who fired home with keeper Anthony Patterson all over the shop.
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      Boss Rob Edwards gave a fist pump before turning to the crowd and giving the fans a waving gesture to pump up the volume even louder.
      Yet the Hatters had scored first in all three of their previous games against Sunderland but had failed to win.
      And Sunderland were appealing for a penalty from a corner of their own.
      Amad Diallo’s cross fell deep to Pierre Ekwah — but as he sent the ball across goal it struck Amari’i Bell on the arm. It would have been harsh had it been given.
      Luton almost grabbed a second when Alfie Doughty found space down the left. His cross was fumbled by Patterson and Elijah Adebayo and then Carlton Morris saw their efforts cleared off the line by Luke O’Nien.
      The Hatters were causing chaos in the Sunderland backline.
      Morris saw a header saved by Patterson and then the ball eventually was worked left to Adebayor and his cross was nodded just wide by Lockyer.
      The hosts continued to pour forward. Adebayor cut the ball back to Morris, who fired wide.
      Gabriel Osho opening the scoringCredit: Reuters
      Gabriel Osho celebrates opening the scoreCredit: Getty
      And the Hatters were 2-0 up and ahead in the tie for the first time three minutes before the break.
      Doughty’s inswinging corner was headed clear but he picked it up to send in another peach of a delivery for Lockyer to nod home from eight yard.
      From the kick-off, Luton missed a sitter after a howler from Patterson.
      With the ball rolled back to his keeper, he somehow contrived to give the ball away to the Luton ace, who had time to take a couple of touches and pick his spot. But he hit it first-time horribly wide.
      It was a huge let-off for the Black Cats.
      Sunderland finally registered a shot on target when Clark cut in but his drilled shot was comfortably kept out by Ethan Horvath.
      Luton won two corners in quick succession. First Doughty’s cross was met by Clark’s header and it was cleared off the line and away for a corner — and then Osho nodded over.
      Adebayor had a great chance to add a third when he was put through but just as he was about to pull the trigger Aji Alese managed to get in a last-ditch tackle.
      Patrick Roberts tried to get things going with a solo run down the other end but he ended up shooting wastefully wide from the edge of the box.
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      Cody Drameh had a great chance to add a late third as he broke down the right after a late Sunderland attack — but he rolled the ball wide with keeper Patterson scampering back.
      Luton are going to Wembley — and whoever gets through tonight between Boro and Coventry, they will have their work cut out against this lot.
      Tom Lockyer doubling Luton’s leadCredit: Rex
      The Hatters blew apart Sunderland on a memorable night at Kenilworth RoadCredit: PA More

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      Luton 2 Sunderland 0 LIVE RESULT: Luton ONE game away from Premier League after play-off win – updates

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      LUTON have reached the Championship play-off final after overcoming Sunderland.The Hatters won 3-2 on aggregate and 2-0 at the night in front of a wild Kenilworth Road.
      They will now face Middlesbrough or Coventry in the final at Wembley on May 27.

      Result: Luton 2-0 Sunderland (3-2)
      Luton XI: Horvath, Drameh, Lockyer, Morris, Adebayo, Nakamba, Mpanzu, Clark, Bell, Osho, Doughty
      Sunderland XI: Patterson, Hume, O’Nien, Gooch, Roberts, Neil, Ekwah, Clarke, Amad, Pritchard, Gelhardt

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      Fans celebrate monumental victory
      If you had told the Luton fans they would be heading to Wembley for the play-off final, most would not have believed you.
      However, Rob Edwards came in as manager during the season and was able to get this side to kick on from their early season form to put them one game away from the unthinkable.
      The fans celebrated as if they had already secured promotion, it is a carnival atmosphere at Kenilworth Road.
      Credit: Getty
      Credit: Getty
      The Hatters are off to Wembley
      Rob Edwards’ side are one game away from Premier League football.
      They have worked so hard this season to finish third in the Championship table but more often than not, league positions mean nothing when it comes to the play-offs.
      On this occasion, Luton have kept the dream alive and will be waiting to see whether it is Middlesbrough or Coventry that they face at Wembley.
      Credit: @LutonTown
      Play off drama continues at Luton
      One thing you can guarantee from the EFL play-offs is drama and tonight was no different.
      It was a cagey start to the game as both sets of players showed passion, commitment and grit.
      Luton got the first goal and the roof came off the stadium but once they got their second goal, their fans knew the dream was on.
      They will be partying long into the night and there will be some sore heads tomorrow no doubt.
      Hatters mad for shot at promotion
      Luton Town’s fans are all on the pitch as they celebrate their first ever play off victory in EFL competition.
      They await to see who they will face in the final but they do not care as they have booked their place at Wembley.
      From the first minute to the last, you could see how much every single one of their players wanted this tonight.
      FT: Luton 2-0 Sunderland
      Unbelievable scenes at Kenilworth Road.
      You can see how much this means to these Luton fans.
      They are going to Wembley for the play-off final and after tonight’s performance, completely deserve it.

      FT: Luton 2-0 Sunderland (Agg: 3-2)
      The referee blows his whistle to bring an end to the game.
      Kenilworth Road erupts as Luton make it through to the play-off final.
      Absolute scenes.
      Luton Town are going to Wembley.
      Luton 2-0 Sunderland
      90+4. Even the goalkeeper has come up now for the corner.
      It is headed clear and Luton break with four players onto one defender.
      There is not even a keeper in the goal and he tries to do it all himself instead of squaring the ball for a certain goal.
      What a waste.
      Luton 2-0 Sunderland
      90+2. As Sunderland look to work the ball into the box, Luton put in some timely tackles to block the shots.
      Eventually hoofing the ball clear downfield.
      They know all they need to do now is to keep the visitors out.
      Luton 2-0 Sunderland
      90. All it will take for Sunderland is to score one goal and they will take this tie to extra time.
      Michut looks to shoot from about 25 yards out but the ball goes sailing over the crossbar.
      We are going to have four minutes of added time here.
      Credit: PA
      Luton 2-0 Sunderland
      88. Diallo twists and turns on the edge of the Luton box.
      He steps over the ball and looks to take it passed the defender but his route to goal is blocked.
      There just seems to be no way through for the visitors.
      Luton 2-0 Sunderland
      86. Time is starting to run out for Sunderland.
      Tony Mowbray looks like a man with the weight of the world on his shoulders, stood on the touchline.
      The home fans are making this a cauldron of noise in these final minutes.
      Luton 2-0 Sunderland
      84. Morris receives the ball from a throw in and looks to feed it into the path of Adebayo.
      He drops his shoulder and cuts inside but the Sunderland defender gets an important touch to take the ball away from him.
      Immediately, Sunderland go up the other end of the pitch, searching for a goal.
      Luton 2-0 Sunderland
      82. This game is end to end stuff now.
      Sunderland desperate to find the goal that will draw the tie level.
      Luton know, a goal now would all but put this game to bed.
      Luton 2-0 Sunderland
      80. Tony Mowbray’s side seem tonight as if they are lacking ideas of how to break down this Luton defence.
      Eventually the ball is swept into the box but there are no attackers to get on the end of it.
      Alastair Cook is spotted in the home end cheering Luton on.
      Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Luton 2-0 Sunderland
      78. Luton are camped out in their own half currently.
      Happy to absorb the Sunderland advances keeping them from having shots at goal.
      Tony Mowbray is looking to make some more changes.
      Luton 2-0 Sunderland
      76. Sunderland have a free kick in a wide position.
      The ball is drilled in but immediately cleared.
      As Luton clear the ball upfield, there is no players there to do anything with it.
      Luton 2-0 Sunderland
      74. Luton are standing up to the visitors as they manage to get the ball into the final third.
      Not pressing, but ensuring that Sunderland have no options to thread the ball through at all.
      Sunderland are starting to get frustrated.
      Luton 2-0 Sunderland
      72. Morris comes charging forward down the left flank.
      Looking to beat his man and get into the penalty area.
      Sunderland get numbers over to give him no option to get the cross in.
      Luton 2-0 Sunderland
      70. Sunderland are desperately trying to get forward themselves.
      They just cannot seem to manufacture anything in front of goal.
      Luton are getting numbers behind the ball and crowding them out.
      Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Luton 2-0 Sunderland
      68. Luton’s players are getting stuck into every challenge.
      Even when Sunderland are looking to hack the ball clear, they are managing to block it and prevent them getting out of their half.
      It is looking difficult for the visitors to find the goal they need when all they are doing is defending.,
      Luton 2-0 Sunderland
      66. Luton win a free kick deep in Sunderland territory.
      The ball is clipped into the box but the visitors half clear the ball.
      Kenilworth Road is bouncing whenever The Hatters attack now.
      Luton 2-0 Sunderland
      64. Luton are getting the sense that there is a chance for them to kill this game off with another goal.
      Sunderland are feeling the pressure under wave after wave of attack.
      Crosses seem to be hurting the visitors as Luton dominate in the air.
      Luton 2-0 Sunderland
      62. Another corner is swung in by Luton and is met by the head of Adebayo but on this occasion his effort is headed off the line.
      Almost a third goal for Rob Edwards’ side.
      Important clearance for Sunderland to keep them in this tie.
      Luton 2-0 Sunderland
      60. Sunderland are still looking to pass the ball around.
      They have not got to the point yet where they are getting desperate.
      Luton are defending well, keeping them a long way from Horvath’s goal.
      Credit: PA
      Luton 2-0 Sunderland
      58. Alese comes on for Pritchard for Sunderland.
      Tony Mowbray looking to make something happen for the visitors.
      Luton are not sitting back by any stretch of the imagination.
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      Do away goals count in Championship play-offs?

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      THE away goals rule had for decades been the most common way to decide a two-legged tie in football.It was introduced by Uefa in 1965 and was a feature of competitions until 2021. But is the rule used in the EFL play-offs?
      Luton are in the Championship play-offsCredit: Getty
      Do away goals count in the EFL play-offs?
      Away goals do not count double in the EFL play-offs.
      The Football League did use the rule but chose to abolish it in 1999.
      This decision was made after an initiative by then-Ipswich Town chairman David Sheepshanks.
      Sheepshanks’ Tractor Boys lost via the rule in 1997 and 1999 despite finishing higher than their opponents in the league on both occasions.
      What is the away goals rule?
      The away goals rule is the most commonly used way of deciding football matches played over two legs.
      If the scores are level after 90 minutes at home and 90 minutes away then, rather than go to penalties, the team that scored most goals in the away game goes through.
      The idea is to reward away teams who choose to play attacking football.
      Do away goals really count double?
      That expression is supposed to be the law, but it’s really more of a figure of speech.
      It simply means that away goals are the first decider for a tied two-leg match.
      If anything, it is like an extra half a goal for the team that scored more away from home.
      Which competitions use the away goals rule?
      The Champions League and the Europa League, as well as all South American competitions abolished the away goals rule in 2021.
      The League Cup did use away goals after extra time in the semi-finals but abolished the rule in 2018, with teams playing penalties after 90 minutes. More