Championship

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      It’s grim down south as London’s so-called football elite lose out again and keep the capital a trophy-free zone

      by

      FROM Hackney Marshes to Wembley Stadium, London is a city which eats, sleeps and breathes football.Forget the supposed heartlands and  hotbeds of the north, England’s capital boasts more professional clubs than any metropolis outside South America — 16 of them in the top five tiers, with seven in the Premier League.Arteta’s hopes of domestic silverware look to have gone againCredit: RexMaresca has a long way to go to make Chelsea top boys once againCredit: GettyAnge’s hopes of a trophy rest with the Europa LeagueCredit: GettyYet Erik ten Hag won more silverware during his dismal Manchester United reign than the whole of London put together.And after a major February meltdown, it’s highly likely that no London club  will lift a domestic trophy for a fifth  consecutive season.Arsenal have blown another title, the Gunners and Spurs lost the League Cup semi-finals, while only Fulham, Crystal Palace and Millwall remain in  the FA Cup — with none of them having previously lifted the trophy.Arsenal don’t have a striker and don’t have any discipline, Chelsea’s owners have spent a billion and don’t have any senior players, while Tottenham don’t even want to be referred to as Tottenham any more.READ MORE FOOTBALLWest Ham are the worst Premier League team in the capital after sacking their best manager in decades — and David Moyes is the only boss to have won a major trophy for a London club in front of a full stadium since 2018. If Uefa’s Conference League even counts.Chelsea won the Champions League in front of a post-pandemic sprinkling of supporters in 2021 but the Blues have lost six successive Wembley finals, while Arsenal haven’t  won the title since 2004 and Spurs have won nothing since 2008.So with London such a des res for footballers, and with more than a third  of the Premier League based in the  capital, why do all major domestic  trophies head north?The winner of next month’s Carabao Cup final between Liverpool and Newcastle will be the 14th consecutive English trophy-winner from north of Watford.Most read in FootballOne common factor, a perennial  problem for all of the capital’s clubs, is the sheer weight of derby fixtures.How Mo Salah bamboozled Man City with genius ‘backpedal trick’Derbies tend to be levellers which take their toll — and while Arsenal are top of this season’s London derby table, they have lost at home to West Ham twice in succession and failed to beat Fulham this term or last.Since the exits of Arsene Wenger and Roman Abramovich — the two most  influential figures in London football over the previous half-century — the city is becoming a trophy-free zone.Wenger took the Premier League by storm with his genius during his early years at Arsenal — and kept winning FA Cups even in his dog days.By then, Vladimir Putin’s pal  Abramovich had arrived at Stamford Bridge and, as Arsenal director David Dein put it, “parked his Russian tank in our front garden and fired £50 notes at us” — before we’d even heard of FFP or PSR.With Manchester City in meltdown, this ought to have been Arsenal’s time for a first title since Wenger’s heyday. Yet five red cards have cost them up to ten points and the lack of a fit striker, or any authentic No 9, means their chances of catching Liverpool were always remote.Under Abramovich, Chelsea collected five Premier League titles and the only two European Cups ever won by any London club.Since he scarpered into exile, the Blues have become prisoners of their own dogmatic business model — signing young players on extremely long contracts, with no senior pros to guide them.Now Cole Palmer, the 22-year-old who has carried the club for 18 months, faces another season without Champions League football.And with six years to run on his Blues deal, a player who sees himself as Ballon d’Or material might soon be getting itchy feet. A Conference League title won’t cut it.Then there’s the football club formerly known as Tottenham who, in a bizarre missive, requested broadcasters no longer refer to them as “Tottenham”, only as “Spurs” or by their full name, Tottenham Hotspur.We knew Ange Postecoglou’s men were having a poor season but we didn’t realise they needed to seek a new identity under the witness  protection programme.All in all, it’s grim down south.Pep Guardiola made the north football’s dominant region – and Arne Slot is making sure things stay that wayCredit: RexEven Erik ten Hag lifted two trophies as Man Utd bossCredit: ReutersDIFFERENT LEAGUELAST season, the clubs promoted to the Premier League all went back down.While two of those relegated to the Championship came straight up and the third, Leeds, lost the play-off final.This term, the three promoted clubs look relegation certs.And all three were  hammered at home this weekend by an aggregate scoreline of 12-1.Opposition players aren’t even properly  celebrating their goals against Southampton or Leicester any more.Meanwhile two of last season’s relegated clubs — Sheffield United  and Burnley — sit in  the Championship’s top three, along with Leeds.If it seems the gap between the top two divisions is widening again, then how on Earth do you explain the plight of Luton Town?The Hatters  made a decent stab at top-flight survival last year but are rock-bottom of the Championship right now.Luton could be set for two drops in a rowCredit: RexASH CLOUDOVERTURNING the injury-time penalty awarded to Everton’s Ashley Young against Manchester United proves the supposed VAR ‘high bar’ has been forgotten and matches are again being re-refereed from Stockley Park.And, after ref Andy Madley had made an honest, instinctive on-field decision on a 50-50 call in awarding the spot-kick, it’s also possible his VAR might have had time to take into account Young’s previous for taking a tumble.Which wouldn’t be right.Ashley Young thought Everton had won a penalty against his old sideCredit: GettyLEAKY BUM TIMEIF you thought Manchester United were bad on the pitch, consider the mess behind the scenes.Chief executive Omar Berrada is threatening to sack any United employees who turn whistle-blower and leak news of plans to axe even more staff.These job cuts will help pay for billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s disastrous decision to offer a new contract to Erik ten Hag, then sack him, and to poach sporting director  Dan Ashworth from Newcastle, only to fall out with him and pay him off five months later.Ratcliffe’s chum Sir Dave Brailsford is apparently sick of hearing about the Sir Alex Ferguson era.Brailsford reckons it puts unfair pressure on the Ratcliffe regime to mention that, under Fergie, United dominated the English game, winning 13 Prem titles and two European Cups.In which case, why didn’t Ratcliffe buy a club which had never won so much as a raffle prize, and run that one into the ground instead?Ratcliffe and Berrada are trying to stop the leaksCredit: GettyHOME RULE?YOU’VE got to turn your home stadium into a fortress because it’s always tough to win  on the road in the Premier League, isn’t it?Well, hardly any tougher than winning  at home, actually.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere were seven away wins in the top flight this weekend, meaning a total of 101 home victories and 95 away successes this season.With plenty of teams enjoying success on the counter-attack, with defensive ‘low blocks’ difficult to break down and away ends invariably out-singing home fans, home advantage is a thing of the past. More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Sheffield United 1 Leeds 3: Farke’s side dreaming of Premier League promotion as epic comeback sends them 5 clear at top

      by

      THERE is no Leeds falling apart again after they brilliantly came from behind for a second Monday in a row to beat a promotion rival.Daniel Farke’s side moved five points clear after Junior Firpo, Ao Tanaka and Joel Piroe all scored late to secure a famous Yorkshire derby victory at Bramall Lane.Leeds moved five points clear in the Championship with a 3-1 win at Sheffield UnitedCredit: GettyLeeds were 1-0 down before scoring three late goalsCredit: RexLeeds are now five points in front of Sheffield United, who had bossed most of the game until the final 25 minutes but failed to add to an unfortunate 14th-minute Illan Meslier own goal.That is now 19 games since Leeds lost a Yorkshire derby – to United’s bitter rivals Sheffield Wednesday at Elland Road in January 2020.Leeds are now unbeaten in 16 Championship games – with 11 wins and five draws — having not lost since Blackburn turned them over in November.Pascal Struijk returned to the team after coming off the bench to score twice in a 2-1 comeback win over Sunderland at Elland Road last Monday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIllan Meslier had Leeds’ hearts in mouths twice in the opening 10 minutes.First a long throw was lofted in and the keeper dropped the ball before managing to collect at the second attempt.But then he claimed to have been clattered as he came out to punch the ball and Ilia Gruev superbly headed the ball off the line.Yet there was no stopping the Blades from moving in front.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBen Brereton Diaz’s cross was superb and Callum O’Hare’s flicked header was outrageous, sending it over the top of Meslier.He made a stunning save to push the ball on to the bar. The ball bounced down and Tyrese Campbell headed the ball on to the right post but the ball hit the back of Meslier to deflect it over the line.Tottenham star Archie Gray’s younger brother Harry scores ton of wondergoals for Leeds academy as he looks to be latest star in Elland Road family dynastyAnd the hosts should have doubled the lead when O’Hare just failed to reach another quality cross into the box — this time from Harrison Burrows.Firpo then made a crucial interception just before O’Hare was set to pounce on a Campbell cross.But James wasted a good opening when Brenden Aaronson fed the winger. He cut inside but shot wildly off target.Leeds made their best move of the game and should have levelled seven minutes before the break.The hosts took the lead after just 14 minutesCredit: GettyAn own-goal from Illan Meslier put Leeds on the back footCredit: ReutersManor Solomon took down a perfect long pass from Struijk on the left side of the box and with Harry Clarke and Burrows at sixes and seven he shot straight at the keeper. He had a simple squared pass to Firpo, who was fuming with his team-mate.Chris Wilder brought on Hamza Choudhury for Harry Clarke at the break.And the Blades regained control of proceedings.Leeds powered back 20 minutes from time through Junior FirpoCredit: PAAo Tanaka then put the visitors ahead in the 89th minuteCredit: RexCampbell was sent clear past Joe Rodon but Meslier managed to get to the ball first and keep it in the area as he slide in.Leeds brought on Mateo Joseph and Joe Rothwell for Aaronson and Gruev.Souza had a dig from 25-yards but it was straight down Meslier’s throat.The visitors twice appealed for penalties.Joel Piroe made sure of the result a minute laterCredit: PAIt was heartache for the Blades as Leeds pulled clearCredit: GettyJames went down under a challenge from Jack Robinson but it was fanciful to think they would get a spot kick.Then ex-Blades Jayden Bogle’s cross struck the arm of Burrows — but ref David Webb ruled it was not in an unnatural position.Leeds had a glorious chance to level when Solomon from 16 yards half volleyed over the bar.And, against the run of play, they got it.READ MORE SUN STORIESJames provided the cross and Firo powered a header past Cooper to spark wild scenes in the away end.Piroe then forced Cooper into a fine low save to his right and kept out a powerful Wilfried Gnonto. More

    • 288 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Sheffield Utd 1 Leeds 3 LIVE RESULT: Visitors score late double via Tanaka and Piroe to extend lead at the top – updates

      by

      LEEDS UNITED extend their lead at the top of the Championship summit to five points. Both Sheffield United and Leeds United entered the Yorkshire blockbuster to secure top spot as they gun for automatic promotion back into the Premier League. Just before the 15-minute mark, the Blades made good on their fast start as Tyrese Campbell capitalise on indecisive defensive work from the visitors following a reactive stop onto the bar from Illan Meslier to head the ball off the keeper and into the net. After back-and-forth action, Leeds’ left back Junior Firpo rose highest in a crowded box to met a dinked-in Dan James cross and bury his header from six yards out. A quick-fire double in the space of a minute ensured Daniel Farke’s side their lead. First from Ao Tanaka who nodded at the back post from a corner on the 89th minute and followed by Joel Piroe’s pile-driver around the edge of the box that whizzed into the top corner. Sheffield Utd XI: Cooper; Clarke, Ahmedhodzic, Robinson, Burrows; Peck, Souza; Rak-Sakyi, O’Hare, Brereton-Diaz; CampbellLeeds XI: Cooper; Clarke, Ahmedhodzic, Robinson, Burrows; Peck, Souza; Rak-Sakyi, O’Hare, Brereton-Diaz; CampbellBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSFollow our live blog below…Leeds marching onThat’s all from us tonight. A decisive day in the Championship promotion race ends with Leeds well clear at the top.They faded away from the top two last season but are on course to right the wrongs from last season.As for Sheffield United, they have Burnley breathing down their necks with Scott Parker’s side looking imperious in defence.It promises to be some race over the last 12 matches.Copy linkCopiedFarke shares his thoughtsLeeds boss Daniel Farke said after the match: “You have to say we played a strong opponent and it was a tight game.”For the first 25 minutes they were by far the better side and we were a bit too nervous, not brave and how we conceded the goal was not us.”But from minute 25 we started to play football and gained more control.”When you win against the top sides in this league it’s good for confidence but it’s just three points and if we stop winning points now we won’t finish where we want to finish so we have to stay humble, grounded and disciplined.”Copy linkCopiedHow the table shapes upLeeds’ win means they are now seven points above third place Burnley, who are chasing down Sheffield United.Copy linkCopiedSheff Utd 1-3 Leeds – FTLeeds goalscorers Piroe and Firpo shared their thoughts at full-time and revealed they had faith they could pull off a comeback.Copy linkCopiedCopy linkCopiedSheff Utd 1-3 LeedsPiroe finished the match off in style with a rocket from distance.Copy linkCopiedSheff Utd 1-3 LeedsFT. A valuable three points for Leeds who move five points clear at the top of the Championship.A massive win for Daniel Farke’s side who are well on course for a return to the Premier League.Credit: RexCopy linkCopiedSheff Utd 1-3 Leeds90. A brilliant finish to the game as Leeds finally get the reward their performance deserves.Sheff Utd took their foot off the gas after the half-hour mark and have been made to pay.Copy linkCopiedSheff Utd 1-3 Leeds90. Leeds break through James once again. He finds Piroe who has time and space to let fly from the edge of the box.It is a fantastic hit from Piroe and Cooper gets a glove on the ball but there is no way he was going to stop that rocket.Copy linkCopiedGoal! Sheff Utd 1-3 Leeds90. And that seals it! Piroe with an absolute thunderbolt.Copy linkCopiedSheff Utd 1-2 Leeds89. Incredible scenes. Rothwell’s corner causes problems.Firpo again wins it in the air and flicks it to the back post where Tanaka is on hand to head the ball into the back of the net.Copy linkCopiedGoal!!! Sheff Utd 1-2 Leeds89. Tanaka gets it! Surely the winner!!Copy linkCopiedSheff Utd 1-1 Leeds88. What.a.save.Cooper leaps to his left and just about gets his finger tips to keep out Gnonto’s curling effort. Superb play from both.Credit: AlamyCopy linkCopiedSheff Utd 1-1 Leeds87. This game is very end to end now but the Blades need to be careful as Leeds look very dangerous on the counter attack.Copy linkCopiedSheff Utd 1-1 Leeds84. Fantastic one touch football from Leeds allows Piroe to break.He bears down on goal and unleashes a powerful shot that Cooper does well to save down to his left.Copy linkCopiedSheff Utd 1-1 Leeds83. Leeds go down the other end, Firpo’s low cross is dangerous and ends up at Piroe, whose shot finds Cooper.Copy linkCopiedSheff Utd 1-1 Leeds81. Great save from Meslier to deny Cannon’s header from the corner!Copy linkCopiedSheff Utd 1-1 Leeds80. Sheff Utd finally get their foot on the ball again and are starting to re-assert themselves in this match.They are being patient for an opening but keeping the ball well and win a corner.Copy linkCopiedSheff Utd 1-1 Leeds77. Hamer almost gets in behind the Leeds defence but Rodon gets across brilliantly to snuff out the danger.Copy linkCopiedSheff Utd 1-1 Leeds75. Leeds look well up for this now and without changes Sheffield United are facing the prospect of hanging on for a point.Copy linkCopiedSheff Utd 1-1 Leeds72. Firpo earned the Blades a few minutes ago with a header that went over.This time he makes no mistake as he makes a run into the box unmarked, meets James’ cross and heads beyond Cooper.Game on!Copy linkCopiedGoal! Sheff Utd 1-1 Leeds72. Firpo heads in to equalise!Copy linkCopiedSheff Utd 1-0 Leeds71. Leeds have three goes and eventually Joseph fires over.Solomon first cuts inside and his shot is headed out brilliantly, Rodon follows up and his effort is blocked.The ball falls to Joseph who has the easiest chance of the lot but he smashes well over.Copy linkCopiedSheff Utd 1-0 Leeds70. Leeds attack three on two but James can’t find a team-mate with his cross, but wins a corner instead.Copy linkCopiedSheff Utd 1-0 Leeds69. Leeds beginning to pile the pressure on.Solomon puts in a teasing cross that is begging to be turned in but there are no attackers there to meet it.Copy linkCopied More

    • 188 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Sheffield United vs Leeds: Get up to £40 in football free bets with talkSPORT BET

      by

      THE Championship’s top two meet in a blockbuster clash tonight when second place Sheffield United host leaders Leeds.The Blades are two points clear of third place Burnley but also sit a couple of points behind Leeds heading into the game, knowing a win takes them top.And brand new talkSPORT BET customers can claim up to £40 in free bets when they register an account and stake at least £20 on the Bramall Lane showdown under the lights.Sheffield United vs Leeds: Get up to £40 in free bets – Claim here*Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim talkSPORT BET offertalkSPORT BETVisit the talkSPORT website HERE*Create an account and Opt In to this promotion via the OFFERS tabMake a depositPlace your first bet up to £40, minimum £20, on any football market, at odds of Evens or greaterYou must do this within 7 days of registrationOnce that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with up to £40 free bets based on your first betFor example, if you stake £20, you will receive 4 x £5 free betsIf you stake £40 you would receive the full 4 x £10 free betstalkSPORT BET: Get up to £40 in free bets – Claim Here*Sheffield United vs Leeds: Get up to £40 in free bets – Claim here*What’s the offer?Brand new talkSPORT BET customers can claim a welcome bonus of up to £40 when they register an account.How to claim?Simply visit the talkSPORT BET website on your mobile device and create an account. Opt in to this promotion via the OFFERS tab and then make a deposit via debit card or Apple Pay.Stake £20 or more on any football market at odds of at least Evens. Remember, you must do this within 7 days of opening your account.What happens next?Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with up to £40 free bets based on your first bet bet.For example, if you stake £20, you will receive 4 x £5 free bets. If you stake £40 you would receive the full 4 x £10 free bets:On settlement of your qualifying bet, your account will be credited with the following:£10 free bet – Bet Builder (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)£10 free bet – Correct Score (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)And the following free bets, which will be credited 24 hours after the first bonus funds:£10 free bet – To Win and Both Team to Score – 90 mins (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)£10 free bet – Acca 4+ selection (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)You can read the full breakdown of free bets and more on how to claim talkSPORT BET’s welcome offer here**18+ New customers only. Opt in via mobile device, bet up to £40 (min. £20) on any football market at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. Get up to £40 in free bets on selected markets. Bonuses expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsiblyRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – www.gambleaware.orgFor help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More

    • 213 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Brenden Aaronson so at home at Leeds after getting engaged to high-school sweetheart and winning over doubters

      by

      YORKSHIRE will forever have a special place in Brenden Aaronson’s heart.Not only is he enjoying the best season of his career with Leeds but it is the county where he got engaged to his high-school sweetheart Milana D’Ambra.Brenden Aaronson has enjoyed a redemption season with LeedsCredit: GettyThe American has been an ever-present for Daniel Farke’s Championship leadersCredit: PAAaronson has even found time to get engaged to partner Milana D’AmbraCredit: Instagram @baaronson7The USA international, 24, got down on one knee in the famous Harrogate park, The Stray, and the happy couple are due to “march up the aisle together” next year.He told SunSport: “It was so nerve-racking. It was the whole build-up to asking the question but thankfully she said, ‘Yes.’”Getting ready for the wedding will be more stressful than any game of football. “But Milana has helped me a ton in my life so it’s really great we’re getting married.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt is an exciting time for Aaronson and he hopes to make this season one to remember by helping to shoot Leeds back into the big time.And next year is set to be his greatest yet – playing in the top flight again then almost immediately after the nuptials across the pond he hopes to appear for USA at the World Cup on home soil.Top-of-the-table Leeds travel 36 miles south down the M1 on Monday to take on second-placed Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United.It’s a far cry from the 5,500 miles-plus journey and a six-hour time difference he negotiated when the two sides last met at Elland Road in October.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAaronson had played a full 90 minutes for USA in Mexico, playing at high altitude in Guadalajara, in a game that did not finish until just before 6am UK time on the Wednesday.Yet he remarkably started against the Blades on the Friday night in a 2-0 win.Leeds manager Daniel Farke gives his reaction to draw with Burnley And the midfielder has so far played in all 33 Championship games this season, which is testament to his remarkable stamina.He said: “It’s always tough with the national team, going all the way to the US and back, but I’ve done it for the last four and a half years playing club football in Europe so I’m used to it.”We played that game at high altitude in Mexico and it was so difficult.”Then that night I got on a private jet with a bunch of European-based Americans, flying either to London or Amsterdam.”It’s a good little system where all the clubs from Europe and the US football federation chip in to charter the planes to allow us to get back home a day earlier.”I got back for Thursday and was available to play Friday.”Afterwards I felt dead! But I knew if I could get through the game and play at my level then get through to the next week and have some days to relax and sleep I could do it.”And that’s what I’ve been doing all season. I’ve been able to keep confidence in what I’m doing.”World Cup qualifying draw in fullGroup A: Winner GER/ITA, Slovakia, Northern Ireland, LuxembourgGroup B: Switzerland, Sweden, Slovenia, KosovoGroup C: Loser POR/DEN, Greece, Scotland, BelarusGroup D: Winner FRA/CRO, Ukraine, Iceland, AzerbaijanGroup E: Winner SPA/NED, Turkey, Georgia, BulgariaGroup F: Winner POR/DEN, Hungary, Ireland, ArmeniaGroup G: Loser SPA/NED, Poland, Finland, Lithuania, MaltaGroup H: Austria, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, San MarinoGroup I: Loser GER/ITA, Norway, Israel, Estonia, MoldovaGroup J: Belgium, Wales, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, LiechensteinGroup K: England, Serbia, Albania, Latvia, AndorraGroup L: Loser FRA/CRO, Czechia, Montenegro, Faroe Islands, GibraltarAaronson has turned around fan opinion this season. Having played 36 games in the Premier League after joining from Red Bull Salzburg in May 2022 in a £24.7million deal, he activated a relegation-release loan clause to spend last season with Bundesliga club Union Berlin to anger supporters.And there was a hostile response on social media when it was announced Aaronson had decided to come back this season.He said: “It’s tough when you see people are doubting you but I stayed away from the internet and focussed on myself. “I’m a people pleaser and care about other people’s feelings. I like to make people happy and prove to them how good I am.”I learned from the Prem season when I was first here and when I came back I learned a ton on focusing on myself and believing in myself. “I’ve let myself work over the fans and continue being like that.”Aaronson has scored eight times this season for LeedsCredit: GettyAaronson – nicknamed the Metford Messi back home – bucked the trend in the small New Jersey town by taking up “soccer” while most of his friends were into baseball and American Football. While his younger brother Paxten, 21, also has become a professional footballer and got a senior USA cap to his name, currently on loan at Dutch club Utrecht from Eintracht FrankfurtAnd although he is half-decent at basketball, and has played Lacrosse, football has always been his passion.He grew up supporting Liverpool while idolising the likes of Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Philippe Coutinho. He also had a soft spot for Tottenham when Luka Modric was strutting his stuff in North London.Aaronson – whose dad Rusty is a football coach – progressed through the ranks of MLS side Philadelphia Union and has gone on to win 47 caps for his country.The 24-year-old has already earned 47 caps for the United StatesCredit: APThe Leeds star is so excited that the World Cup will be co-hosted by his homeland alongside Canada and Mexico – and has enjoyed working under new coach and former Chelsea, Tottenham and Southampton coach Mauricio Pochettino, who took over in September.He said: “I cannot speak highly enough about Poch. I’ve only had him for two camps now and each one I’ve learned new things.”The formation, the way he wants to play, suits me. That’s what I like about it. Learning new things.”Although Aaronson was not even born when the USA staged their last World Cup in 1994, he has read, watched and listened to many stories about that tournament.He said: “It’s crazy England didn’t even qualify for that one. Dad always tells me how amazing the vibe was.”It kickstarted soccer in America. It made everything boom a lot more. This one will make it even bigger. “We’ve got some great stadiums and the whole atmosphere is going to be amazing.”But Aaronson hopes his home nation does not repeat part of the opening ceremony of that tournament .. when Diana Ross famously shot at an open goal and missed!He laughed:”“We should definitely avoid that this time around!READ MORE SUN STORIES”But it’s hopefully going to be a great year for me – playing in the Premier League, getting married and playing at a home World Cup.”It’s going to be awesome.” More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      All this week’s transfer exclusives from SunSport’s man in the know with England pair set to switch Premier League clubs

      by

      ALAN NIXON is Sunsport’s Boss of Goss. Check out this week’s red-hot transfer whispers from our man in the know…Taylor Harwood-Bellis looks set to move on from Southampton in the summerCredit: AlamySAINT EASY SOUTHAMPTON pair Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Aaron Ramsdale are in line for Premier League rescue moves.England cap Harwood-Bellis is fancied by West Ham and could escape from the drop at the end of this season as Saints head back to the Championship.The centre-half, 23, has just changed agent and will be up for a move after signing from Manchester City last year.Classy Harwood-Bellis would cost about £15million and the Hammers are in the market for new faces at the back. Three Lions keeper Ramsdale, 26,  is another who should beat Saints’  slide into the second tier – with his former club Bournemouth on alert.Rambo impressed at Cherries and Sheffield United before his surprise move to Arsenal in 2021.He jumped at a switch to Saints to play but will not fancy the Championship.Bournemouth have goalkeeper Kepa, 30, on loan from Chelsea but should be in the market for a new No 1 and Ramsdale still has fans within the club.ANFIELD ROADLewis Koumas is being eyed by Crystal Palace for a summer swoopCredit: AlamyLIVERPOOL babe Lewis Koumas has joined fellow Red Ben Doak on  Crystal Palace’s wanted list.The Eagles are looking at a handful of new faces in a busy summer and Welsh international Koumas, 19, is on their radar.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSKoumas, currently impressing on loan at Stoke, could be ready for the step up to the Premier League next season.Palace are already jostling with Bournemouth for Scottish winger Doak, also 19, and considering a big offer for him.But Koumas could also be brought in after catching the eye in the second tier. Aaron Ramsdale COMPLETES £25m Southampton transfer as England goalkeeper’s Arsenal career comes to an endNEY BOTHERWATFORD head the race to sign young Colombian strike sensation Neyser Villarreal.The Hornets hope to agree a £5million deal with the 19-year-old’s club Millionarios.Villarreal shone for his country in the recent Under- 20 championship in South America, scoring a hat-trick against Paraguay.Watford want to move quickly as Palmeiras are also tracking him.MARC’D MANMarcus Edwards is a summer target for Sunderland – if they reach the PremCredit: ReutersSUNDERLAND are watching how Marcus Edwards does at Burnley – in case they have a second stab at signing him.The winger, 26, joined the Clarets on loan from Sporting Lisbon in the January window but they only just beat the Black Cats to his signature.But if Sunderland make the Premier League and Burnley fail, they will be back in again.WHICH Championship manager is fuming with his director of football after hearing he had been bidding for players the boss knew nothing about?The experienced coach was stunned to discover some of the targets the club had in the last window.Most were ones he had never been consulted on and fortunately did not sign — but the damage is done between the manager and transfer guru.IN DEMANDInigo Perez is being eyed by Premier League clubsCredit: GettyINIGO PEREZ, the talk of Spain, is ready to come to England at the second attempt.The Rayo Vallecano coach, 37, has been superb this season — and Prem clubs are watching.Perez missed out on a move to Bournemouth because of post-Brexit rules which stopped him from joining boss Andoni Iraola.Now he is a coach in his own right and would qualify.HARD PRESTTHE FA will face a chunky bill for fitting new VAR cameras at Preston’s fifth-round tie against Burnley on Saturday.North End – bossed by Paul Heckingbottom – have never used the system so the FA must find a way of installing all of the tech needed.ROVERS RETURNBLACKBURN are after a new gaffer  — but their pay deal is putting many off.Rovers are offering about £600,000-per-year plus bonuses but it is not attracting targets like Steve Cooper and Gary O’Neil.There is a potential promotion jackpot too but the deal is not attractive to some, even if they are out of work.Meanwhile, Blackburn technical director Adam Owen, 44,  has been taking a bigger part in team affairs behind the scenes.Owen will work closely with the next coach and that boosts interim David Lowe’s chances of staying in charge. More

    • 200 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      England’s best goalkeeper stands at 6ft 6in but reveals grandfather wanted him to be a JOCKEY

      by

      JAMES TRAFFORD has emerged as one of the best young goalkeepers in England.However, his grandfather wanted him to take a different path.James Trafford has revealed his grandfather wanted him to become a jockeyCredit: GettyThe 22-year-old, who is one of the most talked-about players in the EFL right now, was raised on a North Cumbrian family-run farm in the Lake District.Having also worked on the farm growing up, his duties included lambing and mucking out.His grandfather, Bill, wanted him to stay in the farming business if he did not go on to become a professional sportsman.But he was happy to make an exception if Trafford wanted to become a jockey.Read More in FootballTrafford told SunSport: “Grandpa Bill, god bless his soul. I have two cousins then my sister and I. “Grandpa always said, ‘he has to be a farmer’ but he really wanted one of us to be a jockey — but we were all too tall!”The Burnley star neglected the racing route and instead pursued a career in football.He signed for Manchester City at the age of 12 in 2015 and went on to spend eight years with the club before joining Burnley, where he established himself as a regular first team starter.Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTrafford has since made 60 appearances for the Clarets and is currently enjoying an incredible run of form.The ex-City star has only let in NINE goals all season, keeping 23 clean sheets. Video emerges of Cole Palmer losing his mind over England starlet James Trafford after Newcastle ‘agree personal terms’Trafford has not conceded a goal in 1000 minutes and is aiming to record his 12th successive shutout when Burnley face Sheffield Wednesday on Friday evening.Despite his growing reputation as one of Europe’s finest talents, with a host of Premier League clubs hoping to snap him up, the youngster still loves getting his hands dirty on the farm.He said: “I enjoy it. I do it to spend more time with dad because I always go out for lunch with my mum when I go home and he’s always working.”When I was with dad last month, I was bedding up all the sheep and putting hay out for the ones outside.”We’ve always done that. I remember as a kid on the tractor where he’d sit on the seat and I’d be on the arm-rest, and our dog would be down there.” More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘When we go down…oh God’ – Red-faced Plymouth owner accidentally admits club are getting relegated with 15 games left

      by

      PLYMOUTH ARGYLE owner Simon Hallett made a “Freudian slip” during last night’s fans’ forum by inadvertently admitting that his club are getting relegated.Chairman Hallett took questions from supporters alongside Argyle CEO Andrew Parkinson.Plymouth Argyle owner Simon Hallett spoke at a fans’ forum last nightCredit: YouTube/Plymouth ArgyleArgyle drew 1-1 at Luton on Wednesday nightCredit: ReutersDuring the event, Hallett and Parkinson were asked about the club spending money on infrastructure, “rather than the playing squad”.Parkinson revealed that increased revenue generated via improved infrastructure is used to fund the playing squad – pointing to the fact that the club’s wage expenditure has gone up from around £2.5million annually 4-5 years ago to being “just under £15million” now.After building on his colleague’s point, Hallett then made an unfortunate slip of the tongue.”It’s generating revenues that can go into the football squad for many, many years,” the Argyle owner said.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”This is why when we go down to League One… if we go down to League One – oh God.”Host Charlie Price interjected calling Hallett’s gaffe a “Freudian slip”, before the chairman added: “Oh God… get it right. If we go down to League One, we will be one of the strongest clubs in League One, financially.”The last time we got promoted from League One we were in the middle of the pack.”Suggesting inevitable relegation again, Hallett added: “When we go back we’ll be at the top.”Most read in ChampionshipJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe Pilgrims sacked Wayne Rooney on New Year’s EveCredit: GettyArgyle have had four permanent managers in the last 15 months.League One title-winner Steven Schumacher left for Stoke City in December 2023, with the Pilgrims opting for former England youth coach Ian Foster as his successor.Wayne Rooney Eyes Pundit Spot on BBC’s Match of the DayFoster was sacked after just three months at the helm, with Wayne Rooney eventually appointed as his successor.After a promising start Rooney’s tenure soured, with the Manchester United legend sacked on New Year’s Eve as Argyle sat bottom of the Championship.Argyle subsequently pivoted to new boss Miron Muslic, who guided them to a famous FA Cup victory over Liverpool earlier this month.The Pilgrims opted for a style change in Muslic, who favours a direct style of football, rather than reappointing title-winner Schumacher.’WE WERE SO BAD’On the decision, Hallett said: “Clearly Steven was in consideration during the process that Andrew described.”At the end of the day we decided, among the people on the shortlist, which is not to say that Steven was on the shortlist at all, we ended up going with Miron because we felt we had to do something different.”Coming with any manager, not just Steven, with a similar style to what we had… we were so bad both in attack and defence, that trying to do the same thing but a bit better would be inadequate to increase the probability of survival.”So one of the attractions of Miron was that he was very different. I mean all the other attractions are obvious.”The guy is a fantastic communicator, he’s a wonderful human being, he has that emotional intelligence to be able to deal very well with the players, they all love his clarity of thinking, his ability to communicate, all of that stuff is fantastic.”But in some ways, the core issue is that we were trying something different.”READ MORE SUN STORIESArgyle drew 1-1 with bottom side Luton Town at Kenilworth Road on Wednesday night.They are 23rd in the Championship table with 15 games remaining.Argyle opted against bringing back Steven SchumacherCredit: RexMiron Muslic was appointed Argyle manager last monthCredit: PA More