Championship

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      I was pulling pints behind a hotel bar and HATED football just 18 months ago… now I’m a Premier League star

      by

      JOE TAYLOR has gone from part-time non-league player and barman to Premier League footballer — in 18 months.And the Luton striker could not even break into King’s Lynn’s National League team so was loaned to Wroxham in the NINTH tier playing in front of 100 fans.
      Luton ace Joe Taylor was working as a bartender without a passion for football 18 months agoCredit: Getty
      Taylor then found himself in the Premier League with Luton just 18 months laterCredit: Rex
      Yet last month he climbed off the bench at Wembley before a crowd of 85,711 as the Hatters won promotion.
      Taylor, 20, was cruelly denied by VAR what everyone thought was the extra-time winner when he pounced on a mistake from Coventry defender Jonathan Panzo before drilling a shot past keeper Ben Wilson.
      The ball had ricocheted off his hand to rob him of his first goal in professional football.
      But he did score in a tense shootout as the Hatters won 6-5 on penalties.
      Read More on Football
      Yet his fairytale almost did not happen as he wanted to quit football to focus on rugby and cricket at 15.
      Taylor, in his first major interview, told SunSport: “I was more a cricket fan as a kid but got signed by Norwich aged nine.
      “But I didn’t get my scholarship and that was the worst feeling I’ve had in football, apart from my disallowed goal at Wembley!
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      “Myself and another lad who was released, Aaron Powell, got trials at Peterborough and were offered deals.
      Most read in Football
      “Aaron said ‘yes’ but I turned mine down because I hated football. I didn’t want to play anymore. I said, ‘Dad, this isn’t for me.’ He asked, ‘So what is?’ I told him, ‘Rugby.’
      “So I played for Swaffham as a full-back and did well so I’d play rugby in the winter and cricket for Bradenham in the summer where I was an all-rounder, I had county trials when I was younger.”
      Taylor then dabbled back in football by signing for King’s Lynn as a youth player.
      And after his 16th birthday, he broke into the reserves and scored more than 20 goals in his first season — prompting the club to give him a contract.
      He said: “I had fallen back in love with football because I was playing with mates.
      “I told the club’s director of football Rob Back, ‘If the gaffer isn’t going to give me a go in the first-team, I’d like to go out on loan’ so I went to Wroxham.
      “Former Norwich players Grant Holt, Adam Drury and Simon Lappin were there. Chris Sutton’s son Ollie was the keeper and Darren Huckerby’s boy, Tom, played in defence.
      I was working in a hotel as a barman, which I loved, but when the call came from Peterborough my mind was made.Joe Taylor
      “Wroxham manager Jordan Southgate was the best thing that happened to me as he gave me my chance. I scored 21 goals in 13 games.”
      With his exploits attracting EFL interest, King’s Lynn recalled him and he played his only game for the club against Solihull Moors. But within days he signed his first pro contract with Peterborough.
      He said: “I was working in a hotel as a barman, which I loved, but when the call came from Peterborough my mind was made.”
      At Posh he got off to a flier in the under-23s, was soon in and around the first-team and getting minutes off the bench in the Championship.
      Taylor was only there for 14 months and had not even started a game when Luton signed him in January.
      Hatters head of recruitment Mick Harford and scout Phil Chapple had been to watch him several times in the under-23s and clearly liked what they saw.
      And with Luton fighting for promotion to the Premier League, he walked into a top environment.
      He admitted: “It was daunting. I was unproven, hadn’t done much in the game and was walking into a dressing room with experienced players such as Henri Lansby, Cauley Woodrow, Carlton Morris, Tom Lockyer.
      “But I’ve always believed, given the right platform, I’ll perform.
      Taylor thought he scored the winner against Coventry in the play-off finalCredit: Getty
      Taylor still helped Luton gain promotion as he scored his penalty at WembleyCredit: AFP
      “I don’t get nervous but on the pitch before the warm-up I got butterflies.
      “And then when the teams walked out for kick-off, it was packed, they had the flames going and there was the national anthem. It was a wow moment.
      “The gaffer and his assistants Paul Trollope and Richie Kyle kept banging into me, ‘If you come on today, you’re going to score the winner.’”
      And when he did eventually come on, he thought he had.
      Taylor sighed: “It was my biggest 100 to zero moment. I thought I had fired the team into the Premier League.”
      However, he showed nerves of steel to net the second of Luton’s penalties and after Coventry’s Fankaty Dabo missed in sudden death to seal Luton’s promotion, Taylor collapsed to his knees and cried.
      He said: “I’m not an emotional person. As a young lad to be part of winning a huge game, it’s the stuff of dreams — especially at the home of football.”
      Read More On The Sun
      And because Taylor is not 21, he was not able to join the rest of his team-mates as they partied in Las Vegas because in the United States he is under-age to drink or enter casinos.
      He said: “The lads kept sending me pictures and videos — rubbing it in!” More

    • 188 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Luton complete first signing as Premier League club as speedy winger joins on free transfer

      by

      LUTON TOWN have completed their first signing as a Premier League club after Chiedozie Ogbene joined on a free transfer.The speedy winger is the first player to join Rob Edwards’ side so far this summer.
      Chiedozie Ogbene has become Luton Town’s first signing of the summerCredit: Prime Media
      Luton confirmed the signing of Ogbene on Tuesday, with the 26-year-old signing on a free transfer from Rotherham United.
      He will officially become a Luton player on Saturday after his Rotherham contract expires.
      Ogbene told the Hatters’ club website: “I’m just excited to be here.
      “To feature in the Premier League is everyone’s dream and I’m really happy for the opportunity.”
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The Nigerian-born winger has four goals in 15 caps for the Republic of Ireland.
      Having started his career with Cork City, he has also had spells with Brentford and Exeter City since moving to England in 2018.
      In four years at Rotherham, Ogbene scored 14 goals and provided 22 assists in 136 appearances.
      He also achieved two promotions from League One and won the EFL Trophy.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Ogbene finished as the Millers’ top scorer as they avoided relegation from the Championship last season.
      Luton are preparing to embark on their first ever Premier League season, having sealed a return to the top flight after a 31-year absence.
      The club secured a fourth promotion in nine years back in May, beating Coventry City on penalties in the play-off final.
      Chiedozie Ogbene has signed on a free transfer from Rotherham UnitedCredit: Prime Media
      Brighton & Hove Albion will host Luton in their opening match on August 12.
      Burnley are the visitors a week later in the first ever Premier League match at Kenilworth Road. More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Watford FC physio Phil Edwards ‘carried out horrifying sex attacks on 29 teen boys at club’, report claims

      by

      A WATFORD FC physio sexually abused 29 teenage boys while working at the club, a report has found.The Championship side investigated allegations against Phil Edwards, who is thought to have killed himself in 2019 while facing claims he had assaulted a boy.
      Watford’s investigation found 29 potential victims of football physio Phil EdwardsCredit: Getty
      Paedophile physio Edwards is believed to have killed himself in June 2019Credit: UPPA/Photoshot
      It has now been revealed that as many as 29 potential victims were contacted by Watford, as well as six members of staff.
      The inquiry heard how Edwards was known to some at the Hertfordshire club as “Paedo Phil” and “Feel me up Phil”.
      Some 18 of the survivors provided signed accounts of their alleged abuse by Edwards when they were aged between 13 and 15.
      Edwards was arrested in June 2019 on suspicion of sexual activity with a child at his Woodside physiotherapy clinic in Watford.
      Read More On Football Abuse Scandal
      A fortnight later the 60-year-old was found dead at the home where he lived alone, with police suggesting he killed himself.
      Another 18 police complaints were filed against him for alleged child sexual offences between 1998 and 2019.
      Edwards is believed to have abused players at Watford’s Vicarage Road ground as well as his private clinic and his home in the 1980s and 1990s.
      The details have been revealed in a newly-published addition to Clive Sheldon KC’s independent report into child sexual abuse in football.
      Most read in Football
      Some of the assaults are alleged to have happened at Watford’s Vicarage Road groundCredit: Getty
      The inquiry found English football did not do enough to protect children from predatory coaches from 1970 to 2005, cataloguing failings by eight clubs – including Chelsea and Manchester City – to act on concerns.
      Watford has now apologised to all victims they contacted, today’s addendum to the report says.
      Survivors told of Edwards carrying out unnecessary groin examinations, ordering them to strip naked and squat before he lay alongside them, given boys alcohol and showed them pornography, as well as encouraging them to “perform sexual acts”.
      Some also described how “Edwards appeared to enjoy inflicting pain on them and laughed or shouted at them if they cried”.
      Watford said they could find no payroll record nor personnel file to “show that Edwards was ever employed” by them, though acknowledged he provided physiotherapy services there and held “a position of influence and access within the club”.
      They also said the former members of staff they contacted “all denied any knowledge of the alleged abuse by Edwards”.
      One survivor alleged that club legend and former England manager Graham Taylor was told of the accusations against Edwards while he was Watford boss but “nothing was done”.
      Two members of staff who allegedly witnessed the conversation have denied doing so and Mr Sheldon accepted Watford’s insistence there was “no corroborating evidence to support that any staff member knew that the alleged abuse by Edwards was taking place”.
      He also highlighted the importance of Taylor, who died aged 72 in January 2017, being unable to contribute to the investigation.
      Lawyers representing the club reached out-of-court settlements in January with five former youth team players who said Edwards sexually abused them.
      In a statement, Watford said: “As a club, Watford FC wishes to apologise to all young people who experienced the behaviour perpetrated by the late Phil Edwards, while holding a position of influence and access within the club.
      “We thank the survivors for their courage and dignity in all of their dealings with Watford FC, their patience also which allowed us to both conduct a thorough internal investigation and work with Clive Sheldon KC and his team with regards to their own independent findings.
      “We are doing, and will continue to do, everything we can to ensure that the boys, girls, men and women who play for this club – and indeed anyone who works for or with the club – will not have to endure the experiences these young people did.
      “Watford FC will continue to champion best practice in relation to the safeguarding and welfare of the people in its charge.
      “Further, the input and observations of survivors, based on their experiences, will always be welcome in the future.
      “Support remains available for anyone who believes it would be beneficial to them.”
      Football’s abuse scandal was exposed in 2016 with allegations about former youth coach Barry Bennell, who is now serving a 34-year prison sentence for sex offences against young boys.
      Among the ex-players who came forward to reveal they had been abused by Bennell when youngsters were former Bury and Sheffield United footballer Andy Woodward, the first to speak out, and then ex-England, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool star Paul Stewart.
      Former Chelsea youth player Bennell worked for Crewe Alexandra in the 1980s and 1990s and also had links with Manchester City and Stoke City.
      The FA said in today’s statement: “We continue to offer support to anyone who has been impacted by non-recent child sexual abuse in football.
      Read More On The Sun
      “If anyone is ready to come forward at this time, they can do so without waiving their anonymity and there is support in place if they want to access it.
      “Abuse can be reported via the NSPCC Helpline on 0800 023 2642 or the police.”
      Football’s abuse scandal was exposed in 2016 with accusations against serial offender Barry Bennell, now serving a 34-year jail term for abusing young boysCredit: PA More

    • 300 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      I’m a Luton fan who got my head tattooed for a heartwarming reason – I’ll go even more extreme if we win the league

      by

      A LUTON TOWN superfan has fulfilled a promise to his late dad following the club’s promotion to the Premier League.The Hatters were promoted to England’s top flight for the first time in their history after a penalty shootout win against Coventry in the Championship play-off final in May.
      Micky Hyde got a Luton Town tattoo on the back of his headCredit: SWNS
      He got it following the club’s promotion to the Premier LeagueCredit: SWNS
      Micky’s father Terry died aged 49Credit: SWNS
      He promised his dad [in the hat] to get the tattoo when he was just 16Credit: SWNS
      Mike Hyde, 37, has been a fan of the club since his childhood and would to the pub to watch the matches with his father, Terry.
      During one trip to the local pub in 2002, Micky told his dad that he would get the club’s badge “tattooed on his head” when they make it to the Premier League.
      To which his father claimed that he did not think it would happen in his lifetime.
      Micky told Luton Today: “He [Terry] died 10 years later at 49 from sudden death syndrome [SADS] and since then we’ve just been climbing and now we’re here.
      Read More Football
      “I just knew we were going to get to the Prem in my lifetime and that’s the tattoo I wanted to get in memory of my dad.
      “The day after the open-top bus parade, I brought a job forward doing a patio at a woman’s house and she told me she was a tattooist.”
      After learning that the woman would be able to do the tattoo, he said he could hear his dad’s voice in his head urging him to get the ink job.
      Trudi Woodward, the tattoo artist, agreed to ink his head with the Luton badge.
      Most read in Football
      Luton Town beat Coventry in the Championship play-off finalCredit: Getty
      Micky and fiance Lisa-Marie White are due to get married in AugustCredit: SWNS
      She told the BBC that she did try “putting him of having it done on his head” but insisted that he “took it like a champ”.
      The Hatters’ tattoo took two hours to ink onto the back of Micky’s head, but he insisted that this one was the most painful.
      However, he was able to get through the pain as he claimed he had his “dad in his head smiling down”.
      Micky’s dad was a football coach for 30 years in Luton and also worked as a steward at the club’s ground, Kenilworth Road.
      However Lisa does not want any pictures of the back of Micky’s head from the dayCredit: SWNS
      Micky, who has five children, is due to get married to partner Lisa-Marie White in August and she “didn’t fall out” with him as she understands why he got the tattoo.
      However, she has insisted that no photos are taken of them from behind during the wedding day.
      Luton’s rise to the Premier League has been remarkable considering only ten years ago they were in the National League.
      And Micky is confident that the club will continue to grow and improve as he promises to get another tattoo every time they “do something good”.
      Read More On The Sun
      He added: “I’ve already told my fiancee that I’m getting LTFC tattooed on my forehead if we win the Prem this year.
      “In my lifetime if they do win the Prem in the future I will get another tattoo but I’m not too sure it’ll be on my forehead.” More

    • 188 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Middlesbrough join transfer race for Everton striker with Sunderland and Stoke chasing ex-Man City ace

      by

      MIDDLESBROUGH have joined Sunderland and Stoke City in the race to sign Everton striker Ellis Simms.The former Manchester City starlet is in demand this summer as he enters the final year of his Toffees contract.
      Everton’s Ellis Simms could be on his way to the Championship this summerCredit: Getty
      According to TeamTalk, Boro are the latest Championship club to enquire about signing Simms.
      Sunderland, Stoke and Ipswich Town are said to have already made clear their interest in pursuing a deal for the forward.
      Middlesbrough’s interest comes as they fear losing last season’s Championship top scorer Chuba Akpom.
      As revealed by SunSport, Akpom is wanted by several Premier League clubs and is also into the final 12 months of his contract.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      His strike partner Cameron Archer has already departed the Riverside Stadium, returning to parent club Aston Villa following his loan spell.
      Simms appears set to leave Everton this summer after struggling for game time after being recalled from his loan at Sunderland in January.
      He scored once in 11 Premier League matches for the club but was limited to just two starts under Sean Dyche.
      The 22-year-old had scored seven times during his six-month stint at Sunderland prior to returning to Merseyside.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      A move to Middlesbrough would see Simms boost the club’s promotion push following last season’s fourth-placed finish in the Championship.
      Michael Carrick guided the club to the play-offs before losing over two legs to Coventry City at the end of the season. More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Aaron Ramsey teases sensational transfer as ex-Arsenal midfielder admits future is ‘still up in the air’

      by

      AARON RAMSEY would love to return to boyhood club Cardiff – one day.The Wales captain has an uncertain club future following 12 months with Ligue 1 side Nice.
      Aaron Ramsey opened the Cruyff Court Aaron Ramsey at the Trinity Fields SchoolCredit: Getty
      The Wales skipper showed off his skills for local kidsCredit: Getty
      Ex-Arsenal and Juventus star midfielder Ramsey is due to become a free agent at the end of this month after failing to agree a new deal in France.
      Rambo has been linked with Cardiff where he started his career before moving to the Gunners in 2008.
      Asked would he rejoin Cardiff, Ramsey said: “That’s where I grew up. I’ll be forever grateful for them for what they have done for my career because they gave me that opportunity and platform as a young boy to go and be a professional.
      “So for sure, one day I would love to go back there. It would mean a lot. Who knows when that time might be.
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      “My future is still up in the air. There’s a lot of discussions to be had and there’s a few things that need sorting out in the next few weeks. We will see what happens.
      “I’m happy to be at home at the moment. I’ve got three or weeks off now and I will enjoy that with my family.
      “My family is the most important thing in whatever decision we make. I’m excited. I still have a lot of football in me.”
      Ramsey made 34 Nice appearances after moving to the south of France following a spell with Juventus. The 32-year-old ended his season on Monday night as Wales lost 2-0 in Turkey.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
      The new facility is located near Ramsey’s hometown CaerphillyCredit: Getty
      While Ramsey’s future remains up in the air, West Ham midfielder Declan Rice is weighing up offers from the Welshman’s old club Arsenal and Manchester City.
      The ex-Gunners star, speaking at the opening of Cruyff Court Aaron Ramsey at the Trinity Fields School near his hometown of Caerphilly, added: “He’s a heck of a player. Whichever club he goes to they will be getting an unbelievable player.
      “Arsenal have done really good business over the last few transfer windows so I’m sure they will do the same again. He will definitely strengthen any team.” More

    • 200 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Leicester line up first signings since relegation as boss Enzo Maresca confirms Jamie Vardy transfer decision

      by

      NEW Leicester manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed his transfer strategy in the summer window.The Italian, 43, who was one of Pep Guardiola’s coaches at Manchester City during their Treble-winning season, was appointed as Dean Smith’s successor last week.
      Enzo Maresca was appointed Leicester manager earlier this monthCredit: Getty
      Maresca has spoken out about Jamie Vardy’s future at the clubCredit: Alamy
      He faces an uphill battle to stabilise the Foxes’ squad following their relegation to the Championship.
      Youri Tielemans and Caglar Soyuncu have already departed the King Power Stadium.
      James Maddison, Harvey Barnes, Wilfred Ndidi and Timothy Castagne are among the other stars linked with moves away.
      But Maresca has now revealed he is hoping to bring players in by utilising his Man City connections.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Speaking to The Telegraph about whether he will raid the Etihad for the champions’ young talent, he said: “One or two of them would do us nicely!
      “City really do have a lot of young players that I know very well, having worked with them at under-23 level and coached there this season.”
      It comes after Sheffield United took two Man City youngsters, James McAtee and Tommy Doyle, on loan last season as they secured promotion back to the Premier League.
      Meanwhile, one player whose future many Leicester fans have been unsure about is striker Jamie Vardy, 36.
      Most read in Championship
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      The 2016 Premier League winner, who has netted 136 top-flight goals for the Foxes, has been with the club for 11 years.
      And while he is preparing to enter the final 12 months of his deal, Maresca has confirmed he will be staying with them next season.
      That is some positive news for Leicester supporters, although they will be hoping he can turn his form around after a tough 2022/23 campaign.
      The ageing forward, who will be 37 in January, registered just six goals and five assists in 42 appearances last season. More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      European giants ‘enter £25m transfer battle for Coventry star Viktor Gyokeres as four Premier League sides circle’

      by

      EUROPEAN giants Sporting Lisbon have entered the race for Coventry’s £25million-rated striker Viktor Gyokeres.Gyokeres, 25, enjoyed a stellar Championship season, where he scored 21 goals and bagged 12 assists as Coventry made their way to the play-off final.
      Gyokeres was on fire in the Championship this seasonCredit: PA
      Coventry would have been hoping to hold onto Gyokeres if they gained promotion but lost the final on penalties.
      And according to the Daily Mail, they will struggle to hold onto the Swedish striker amid interest from four Premier League clubs.
      West Ham, Fulham, Wolves and Brentford are all pushing to land the forward this summer.
      Despite the forward only having 12 months remaining on his deal, Coventry are determined to get £25m for his signature.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      If he were to transfer it would not be his first time at a Premier League club.
      Gyokeres joined Brighton from Swedish side Brommapojkarna in 2018 but found game time limited.
      He experienced underwhelming loans at St Pauli and Swansea before joining Coventry permanently after an initial loan spell in 2021.
      Gyokeres has come into his own since making the transfer permanent and now looks set to make the step up back to the Premier League.
      Most read in Football
      Speaking to BBC CWR, Coventry owner Doug King said: “The reality is that it’s early in the window.
      “There is quite a lot of interest in Viktor.
      “He’s clearly made his comments to the press and we’ll see how it unfolds.
      “Sporting Lisbon have been all over the pages, they have been in touch with the club.
      “It isn’t up to Viktor Gyokeres to tell the club he’s going somewhere for 50p. That is not how it works and won’t happen in this situation.
      “When a player moves, they have to agree their terms with a different club and the selling club have to agree a compensation package. If both of those don’t work, then nothing will happen.
      Coventry are not willing to sell Gyokeres below what they perceive to be his value and King said: “I’m feeling quite calm – and Viktor is still contracted to Coventry City.” More