Championship

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Toon-mad Leif Davis dreaming of facing Newcastle in the big time as he eyes Premier League promotion with Ipswich

      by

      LEIF DAVIS always dreamed of playing in the Premier League when he went to St James’ Park to watch his Newcastle heroes.And the Ipswich left-back would further get starry-eyed as he played FIFA on his console as his beloved Magpies against the likes of Manchester City.
      Leif Davis played a huge part in Ipswich’s promotion and now wants to fire them to the Premier League
      Davis was in dreamland when he made his Leeds Premier League debut against Manchester City
      So he was pinching himself when he was locking horns with Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez and Co on his Premier League debut for Leeds for real at Elland Road three years ago.
      Now Davis, 23, is eyeing a return to the big time with Ipswich after joining from the Yorkshire club last summer.
      He said: “I went to warm up but got called back to the technical area right away and got told I was going on.
      “And when I ran out I was thinking, ‘Wow, this is a dream.’ I was playing against the likes of De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Mahrez, Foden, Raheem Sterling — some of the world’s best players.
      Read more football news
      “Just a few years earlier I was playing on FIFA against these guys, thinking, ‘I’d like to play on the same field as you one day’ and it was actually happening.”
      Davis was destined to become a professional footballer, given that he played for a season at the famous Wallsend Boys Club in Newcastle.
      The club is famed for producing the likes of Alan Shearer, Peter Beardsley,  Steve Bruce, Michael Carrick and Fraser Forster just to name a few.
      Lifelong Toon fan Davis was inspired by his heroes to make it to the top.
      Most read in EFL
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      He said: “I’ve always been a huge fan and had a season ticket at St James’ Park for years.
      “When I first went to watch them there was Ryan Taylor and Fabricio Coloccini. Then there was Yohan Cabaye and Gabriel Obertan.
      “My favourite games were the European nights when I went up there with my dad and brother. Hopefully a chance might present itself to get a few Champions League games this season.”
      Davis never got picked up by Newcastle as a kid — playing local Sunday morning football — and instead his big break came when MORECAMBE snapped him up instead, aged 16, giving him a scholarship.
      He said: “I had it in my head that I had been rejected a few times by different clubs who I went on trial to. I said to my parents, ‘This might be it for me. I might not get a chance to play professionally.’
      “Then a trial came up at Morecambe. I played 45 minutes and they called me on the way home offering me a two-year scholarship.
      “I took my chance there. It is hard moving away from home at such a young age. I thought it was going to be the only opportunity, a real stepping stone in my career. It was one I had to take. You have to work from the bottom to the top.”
      Davis got spotted by Leeds and they took him to Elland Road when he was 18 where he played for West Brom boss Carlos Corberan, then in charge of the under-21s.
      But it did not take long until he impressed coach Marcelo Bielsa, who got him training with the first team.
      And the Geordie ace remembers: “It was so demanding as everyone knows.
      “Biesla has developed so many players. Kalvin Phillips always says he wouldn’t be where he is today if it wasn’t for him.
      “And he did the same with me. When I first went there, I wouldn’t attack as much and would always be sitting back and trying to create a play from further back. 
      Fabricio Coloccini was one of Leif Davis’ heroes as he was growing up as a Newcastle fan watching from the terraces at St James’ Park
      Kieran McKenna celebrates promotion with his team
      “But then he told us to start running and told me I was a good athlete and passer of the ball. He wanted me to push on high and that helped me massively in my game last season.”
      The left-back was a key player as the Tractor Boys won promotion back to the Championship after four seasons stuck in League One.
      Davis, himself, was able to directly enjoy making an impact having only been in and around the Leeds side that got promoted and being a bit-part player on loan when Bournemouth went up in 2022.
      And he said: “Last season was unbelievable. I know it’s not my first time being promoted but playing a big part in the team was a wonderful feeling.
      “It’s what I needed. I know it’s good being at a Premier League team but you don’t want to be sitting on the bench all the time. You want to get playing and that’s why I came here. I wanted to develop as a player.”
      Ipswich have got off to a flying start — beating Sunderland and Stoke — to be the early Championship leaders.
      And Davis says the talk at Portman Road has not been about consolidating in the second tier but getting into the Premier League.
      He said: “We spoke about it in the week leading up to the new season. We said, ‘We’re not coming here to have a jolly up.’ As a team, we want to make a statement, go for it again and try to get promoted.
      “You want to keep pushing and pushing and take the team into the Premier League. That’s what we need to do. That is where our focus should be.”
      Boss Kieran McKenna, 37, continues to impress in only his second full season as a manager — having taken over in December 2002 after serving as an assistant at Manchester United under Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick.
      The former Northern Ireland Under-21 international is seeing his reputation grow in the game and if he continues this upward curve this season there will be top-flight clubs looking in his direction.
      Davis said: “He’s an unbelievable manager. When I first came down, he made me feel so welcome straight away. I played at the weekend when I came down. I hadn’t really trained with the lads. I got thrown in the deep end.
      “He has done so much for us. Everyone can say they have come on in massive amounts. 
      “If you asked anyone in the changing room or backroom staff, people will tell you he is up there with the best coaches they’ve played with.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I think he possibly can coach even higher. There has been a bit of interest. A few managers when they got sacked in the Premier League, a few eyes turned to him straight away.
      “But he is sticking with us and signed a new contract. He just wants to help the lads kick on even more.” More

    • 200 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League ball-in-play figures revealed after major rule change was introduced to crack down on time-wasting

      by

      PREMIER LEAGUE games have seen an increase in the amount of ball-in-play time following new rules designed to crack down on timewasting.Ifab have introduced rules which has seen officials add on extra time for goal celebrations, substitutions, injuries, penalties and red cards.
      New rules have seen an increase in added time in the Premier League and EFL this seasonCredit: Rex
      The Premier League has seen the amount of ball in play time increase by almost four minutes
      This has had a significant effect on matches across the EFL and in the top tier, with few games lasting less than 100 minutes as a result of the changes.
      It has also increased the amount of time the ball is in play, with an average rise of almost four minutes so far this season.
      That is a big improvement, particularly as matches have only lasted, on average, three minutes longer than they did last season.
      Last season saw the most average game time [98.27] but the least average ball-in-play time [54.52] of any Prem season in the last 10 years.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Now ball-in-play time is at an average of 58.42 and is likely to improve further as fewer players attempt to waste time – as they know it will be added on at the end of the match.
      There has also been an improvement in ball-in-play time in all three EFL divisions, with League Two seeing the highest increase at eight minutes.
      However it remains the division with the least amount of ball-in-play time, though is now only half a minute behind League One, with 56.04 minutes of ball time compared to 56.56.
      New disciplinary rules have also been introduced to clamp down on “unacceptable conduct on the pitch, on the sidelines and in the stands”.
      Most read in Football
      There has also been a clamp down on player and manager disciplineCredit: Getty
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      The Premier League and EFL are keen to give match officials greater protection – to prevent managers and players trying to intimidate and influence decisions.
      Under the new regulations, all club technical staff, including managers and assistants, must sign up to a “code of conduct” – which has been approved by the League Managers Association.
      The rules have already seen players in the Championship and League One sent off for dissent.
      While Bolton boss Ian Evatt and Leyton Orient gaffer Richie Wellens were also red-carded in mid-week after confronting the referee. More

    • 175 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Arsenal star, 32, retires from football after announcing start of shock new business

      by

      FORMER Arsenal star Henri Lansbury has retired from football aged 32.The midfielder made eight appearances for the Gunners after coming through the club’s academy.
      Henri Lansbury has retired aged 32Credit: Getty
      The midfielder helped Luton achieve promotion to the Premier League last seasonCredit: Getty
      Lansbury rose through the ranks at ArsenalCredit: Getty
      He now owns lawn fertiliser company Grass GainsCredit: Instagram @thelawnlad
      He played in the Premier League for Aston Villa but spent the majority of his career in the Championship, featuring for the likes of West Ham, Nottingham Forest, Norwich and Watford.
      Most recently he played for Luton and made 12 appearances as the Hatters won promotion to the Prem.
      But following his release Lansbury has, as expected, decided to hang up his boots to focus on a different career path.
      He released a statement announcing his retirement, which reads: “I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone who I have had the pleasure of working within the football world.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      “From managers, coaches to teammates and to opponents – it’s been one hell of a ride!
      “I’m so grateful for the amazing experiences – from the clubs that I have represented, being part of four promotions, to representing England at youth level and for the support I received whilst overcoming testicular cancer.

      “The highs and the lows, I’ve loved every minute of it.
      “Peace out and catch you all on the grass soon.”
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
      Lansbury owns a grass fertiliser company called Grass Gains, and he has worked on pitches at Fulham and Genk.
      He is now set to join Monaco to work on the French side’s pitch, while Grass Gains’ ‘Lawn Bulk’ fertiliser has received glowing reviews from the likes of Micah Richards, Luton star Tom Lockyer and former Wales international James Chester.
      Speaking about his new career, Lansbury said: “We’ve done Fulham, we’ve done Genk and we’re in at Monaco soon.
      “We’re going in the right direction, a few local clubs have asked for it and we’ve put it down on their pitches as well.
      “I want to give back to the local clubs really, I want them to have a nice pitch to play on, there’s nothing better than a kid running on a pitch with stripes on it and that’s what it does, it helps stripe it off.” More

    • 225 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Everton tell Preston that Tom Cannon can join on loan transfer – but rivals looking at £8m deal

      by

      EVERTON have told Preston that striker Tom Cannon can join them on loan on Wednesday — but rivals are looking at an £8million buy.North End hoped to get Cannon, 20, last week after agreeing to a massive six-figure loan fee on top of his wages.
      Cannon is set to join Preston next weekCredit: Getty
      But the Toffees needed him to be available for yesterday’s clash with Fulham and for midweek Under-21s action.  
      Italian side Sampdoria also want to take Cannon permanently, while Sunderland and Stoke have asked about the price for a full-time buy.
      Leeds have also been keeping an eye on developments.
      Cannon may be up for leaving following the Toffees’ signing of £12.9m striker Youssef Chermiti, 19, from Sporting Lisbon this week.
      Read More on Football
      Everton beat the likes of Wolves and Bournemouth to sign the teenager, who has penned a four-year deal with the club.
      The Toffees are also monitoring 31-year-old midfielder Pajtim Kasami, who has been a free agent since June.
      The ex-Switzerland international rejected an approach from Slaven Bilic’s Al-Fateh earlier this summer in favour of a return to the Premier League.
      Kasami also opted against moving to Al-Riyadh and joining some of the biggest names, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante, who now play in the Saudi Pro League.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
      Everton opened their 2023-24 Premier League campaign with a 1-0 home defeat to Fulham.
      Fans were left furious with manager Sean Dyche as a result. More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea starlet dubbed the ‘Italian Ballack’ completes loan transfer to Leicester after failing to convince Pochettino

      by

      CHELSEA’S starlet Cesare Casadei is said to be closing in on a loan move to Leicester City.The agreement is at its final stages despite interest from Serie A side Genoa.
      Leicester are closing in on loan deal for U20 World Cup Golden Boot winner Cesare CasadeiCredit: Getty
      Leicester have been working on a loan deal for the Italian midfielder after new boss Enzo Maresca made him his “top target”.
      Chelsea would rather loan Casadei as the prospect of him staying in English football is better all round for the Blues.
      The talented 20-year-old featured for Chelsea in pre-season.
      But the Premier League giants were always expected to let him depart on loan this summer.
      Read More in Football
      The Foxes got their first win under new management last weekend in a thrilling 2-1 victory against Midlands rivals Coventry City.
      Leicester’s bench was named a “joke” by fans across the country for how strong it was.
      The likes of Patson Daka, Dennis Praet, James Justin and more were present.

      DREAM TEAM IS LIVE – JOIN NOW TO BATTLE FOR THE £50k TOP PRIZE
      However, midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall took the spotlight for his emphatic brace to get them over the line.
      Most read in Championship
      Casadei would bring a new level into the ex-Premier League champions’ team, adding flair and determination in that advanced playmaker role.
      The ex-Inter Milan youngster showed his prowess in the recent Under-20’s World Cup.
      Chelsea fans were calling him the “Italian Ballack” after their former German hero as he was crowned the player of the tournament and also won the Golden Boot. More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Leeds release new kit but fans fume that it reminds them of MR BLOBBY and Fruit Salads

      by

      LEEDS fans have fumed that their new kit reminds them of Mr Blobby and Fruit Salads.The Championship club released their third kit for the 2023/24 season on Tuesday.
      Leeds have released their new third kitCredit: Instagram @Leedsunited
      Fans have fumed at the kit’s designCredit: Instagram @Leedsunited
      Featuring a bright pink and yellow design with black trim, the shirt is said to be a nod to the club’s association with the peacock.
      It is understood that the link, which is represented by a colourful peacock print, stems from The Old Peacock pub close to Elland Road.
      The Adidas strip was modelled by players including Liam Cooper, Ethan Ampadu and Luke Ayling for the launch.
      However, Leeds fans have been left unimpressed by the kit and have slammed the design on social media.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      One supporter even compared it to 90s TV icon Mr Blobby’s pink and yellow spots.
      The character is famous of appearing alongside Noel Edmonds on Noel’s House Party.
      Others highlighted the similarities between the kit and Fruit Salad sweets.
      Sharing a picture of Mr Blobby, one fan tweeted: “Knew I had seen the new third kit somewhere else before.”
      Most read in Championship

      DREAM TEAM IS LIVE – JOIN NOW TO BATTLE FOR THE £50k TOP PRIZE
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
      Another wrote: “Horrendous. Look like Fruit Salads lads.”
      A third added: “Looks like someone has scoffed a packet of refreshers and then vomited all over a shirt.”
      One more also commented: “Sorry, but it literally looks like vomit.”
      Leeds could debut the new third kit away to Birmingham on Saturday.
      Daniel Farke’s side began their Championship campaign on Sunday following relegation from the Premier League.
      A stoppage time equaliser at home to Cardiff rescued a point after Leeds had been two goals down.
      One fan compared the kit to Mr Blobby’s pink and yellow spotsCredit: Rex
      Another claimed the kit looks like Fruit Salad sweetsCredit: Alamy More

    • 300 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      I’m Britain’s most loyal football fan… I haven’t missed a game in 50 years & it ended my marriage – I have no regrets

      by

      BRITAIN’S most loyal football fan who hasn’t missed a match for 50 years says he has no regrets – despite his obsession costing him his marriage.Birmingham City supporter Rob Shannon has watched his side more than 2,300 times in a row – first going to see them beat Derby County in 1974.
      Dedicated Birmingham City fan Rob Shannon has not missed a match since 1974Credit: SWNS
      But he admits the Championship football club could be to blame for his divorce from his ex-wife, who was a fan of their West Midlands arch rivals Aston Villa.
      Rob said: “She used to say, ‘You love Blues more than me’.
      “I always joked, ‘I love Villa more than you’.”
      The dad-of-two, 64, loyally follows the Blues both home and away – having attended his first game as a four-year-old boy during the 1962-1963 season.
      Read More On Birmingham City
      He has seen them play in all four league divisions – including several stints in the Premier League – as well as all League Cup and FA Cup games over the past half a century.
      Only the Covid-19 pandemic kept him away from their St Andrew’s home ground, when lockdown restrictions forced football clubs to play behind closed doors.
      He said: “My mum and dad took me down when I was a boy around the 62-63 season and I’ve loved going ever since.
      “It’s become a bit of an obsession – I just follow them through thick and thin, although it’s been more like thin and thin.
      Most read in Football
      “People say you must have seen all the ups and downs and I joke it’s mostly downs for Blues.”
      Stand-up comedian Jasper Carrott, another Birmingham City fan, has previously joked: “You lose some, you draw some.”
      Yet Rob, from Sheldon in Birmingham, did get to enjoy a day of glory at Wembley for the match he says is his most cherished.
      City, then managed by ex-Scotland international Alex McLeish, clinched a surprise last-minute 2-1 victory over Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal in the 2011 Carling Cup final.
      Rob said: “My favourite game was without a doubt the Carling Cup final – it was the best day of my life, and the European games that followed were really special too.
      “But any game that we beat the Villa is also my favourite.
      “I’ve also seen a couple of wins at Anfield and Old Trafford, which doesn’t happy very often for us.”
      His favourite player was former Birmingham and England striker Trevor Francis, who became Britain’s first £1million footballer when moving to Nottingham Forest in 1979.
      Rob was saddened by Francis’s death last month at the age of 69 at his home near Marbella in Spain.
      Rob said: “I was devastated when Trevor Francis passed away.
      “I got to know him and his sons – he is still my favourite player.
      “I’m proud to now volunteer at the club as part of their Former Players Association – I get to arrange for ex-players to come back to the club for games.”
      He is also an admirer of ex-City star and England international Jude Bellingham, who came through Birmingham’s youth ranks and this summer joined La Liga giants Real Madrid for £115million from Germany’s Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund.
      Rob named his son Andrew, 32, after the club’s St Andrew’s stadium – and even once discharged himself from hospital to attend an away game at Swansea City.
      He now hopes the club can return to the Premier League having been away since relegation in 2011.
      American NFL legend Tom Brady sprang a surprise last week by revealing he has become one of the club’s joint owners.
      Brady, recently rumoured to be dating Kim Kardashian, has “entered into a partnership” with Birmingham’s new owners Knighthead Capital Management LLC.
      Rob said: “There have been some good times really but it has been a bad few years – although the new owners sound like they really mean business and are very ambitious.
      “Getting the likes of Tom Brady on board can only be a good thing so I think the future is bright and I certainly have no intentions of stopping.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I’d resigned myself to the fact I would probably never see Blues in the Premier League again but hopefully we can get back there under these new owners.
      “It’s the hope and anticipation that kills you, though – but I guess that’s what being a football fan is all about.”
      Rob’s most cherished memory is of Birmingham winning the Carling Cup in 2011Credit: SWNS
      He was club mascot for a match as a seven-year-old, leading the team on to the fieldCredit: SWNS
      Rob’s home in Birmingham’s Sheldon district is packed with Blues memorabiliaCredit: SWNS
      Rob got on well with Birmingham legend Trevor Francis, who died last monthCredit: SWNS
      A more recent favourite has been England international midfielder Jude BellinghamCredit: SWNS More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Hilarious moment Championship star forgets which club he plays for as he leaves team-mates in hysterics

      by

      DUNCAN WATMORE forgot which club he plays for during Millwall’s win over Middlesbrough on Saturday.The hilarious moment was caught on camera during the match, with his team-mates left in hysterics by his blunder.
      Duncan Watmore left his team-mates in hysterics with his blunder

      Watmore’s unfortunate mistake came after he was substituted off in the 73rd minute.
      As he left the pitch he wrongly started to walk towards the Boro dugout.
      Fortunately, he realised his error before taking a seat on the bench, shaking his head and smiling as he headed for the away dugout.
      His team-mates were left in stitches as they shook his hands and made space for him amongst the substitutes.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      It was an easy mistake to make for Watmore, who was making his first return to the Riverside Stadium since leaving the club.
      He spent three years on Teesside, making 97 appearances for Boro.
      During that time, he became accustomed to sitting in the home dugout when he was not on the pitch.
      However, he is now a Millwall player after completing a move in January and started in central midfield for their season opener.
      Most read in Football

      DREAM TEAM IS LIVE – JOIN NOW TO BATTLE FOR THE £50k TOP PRIZE
      It was the Lions who came away victorious as well, with Watmore’s replacement Romain Esse grabbing the winner in the 79th minute.
      The 18-year-old came off the bench to score his first senior goal and claim all three points for Gary Rowett’s side.
      Duncan Watmore mistakenly walked towards the Middlesbrough bench More