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      Man Utd legend John O’Shea ‘in running for first managerial job with EFL club’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend John O’Shea is allegedly in the running to take over at relegated Reading.The Royals, who suffered a six-point deduction, axed Paul Ince last month and named Noel Hunt as interim boss until the end of the campaign.
      John O’Shea is allegedly ‘in the running’ for the vacant Reading jobCredit: Getty
      However, the former Reading striker was unable to stop them from slipping into League One and they are now searching for a new man to try and lead an instant return.
      Meanwhile, the 42-year-old O’Shea this week left his role as coach at Stoke City after just one year.
      He said that was in order to focus on his job as assistant manager to Stephen Kenny with the Republic of Ireland national team.
      But now journalist Darren Witcoop claims that the former defender, who finished his career after a one-season stint at Reading in 2019, could make a surprise return to his old club.
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      He tweeted: “John O’Shea, believed to be among the contenders for the managerial vacancy at Reading, has left his coaching role at Stoke.
      “O’Shea plans to focus on his Republic of Ireland coaching commitments.”
      Although he did also state that another man is ahead of him in the race for the job.
      He added: “Chris Wilder remains favourite to land the Royals job.”
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      Wilder has just left Watford after a short stint ended in him failing to secure a play-off spot in the Championship.
      O’Shea was promoted to the Ireland senior set-up by Kenny in February 2022.
      That was after previously serving as assistant to Jim Crawford with the Ireland U21 squad.
      He told Stoke’s official website this week: “I would like to thank everyone at Stoke City for their help and guidance last season and wish the club good luck for the future.” More

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      Birmingham slapped with points deduction just days after finishing Championship season and dodging relegation

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      BIRMINGHAM CITY have been hit with a points deduction just days after avoiding relegation from the Championship.The Blues will be deducted two points, suspended until the end of the 2023/24 season, after admitting to a breach of EFL regulations.
      Birmingham have been slapped with a suspended points deductionCredit: Rex
      It comes after an EFL investigation into a breach of the Owners and Directors’ TestCredit: Getty
      The club were charged in February with a breach of the Owners and Directors’ Test after allowing a number of individuals to be defined as a Relevant Person and acquire control of the club without the prior approval of the EFL.
      Following sanctions against those individuals – Paul Richardson, Maxi Lopez and Matt Southall – issued last month, the club have entered an agreement with the EFL for a reprimand.
      A statement from Birmingham City said: “Birmingham City Football Club has entered into an Agreed Decision with the English Football League (EFL) in relation to charges issued on Monday 20 February 2023 concerning the Owners’ and Directors’ Test (OADT).
      “This follows an investigation by the EFL into the proposed acquisition of control of the Club by Maxco Capital Co Ltd.
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      “The Club has cooperated fully with the EFL throughout the investigation and has accepted a two-point deduction, suspended until the end of the 2023/24 season.
      “The suspended deduction will only come into effect upon any future breach of the OADT before the end of next season.
      “In addition, the Club will make a contribution to the EFL’s costs of the investigation.”
      Birmingham finished 17th in the Championship this season.
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      An EFL statement also confirmed that Birmingham’s owner, Vong Pech, has been issued with a warning and a reprimand after permitting the individuals to acquire control of the club.
      The club added: “Whilst the Club has accepted the charges, the EFL has acknowledged a number of relevant circumstances in this particular matter and has recognised that the Club took extensive steps during the potential takeover to avoid any potential breach of the OADT.
      “The Club is satisfied that a prompt resolution has been reached during the season.” More

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      Joey Barton claims QPR were the ‘least favourite’ of his ex-clubs and he left Newcastle because he was a ‘mercenary’

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      JOEY BARTON has admitted QPR were the ‘least favourite’ of his old clubs and claims he only joined them as he was a ‘mercenary’ and took the highest wage on offer.The 40-year-old is currently managing Bristol Rovers after leaving Fleetwood Town in 2021.
      Joey Barton has revealed QPR are the ‘least favourite’ of his old clubsCredit: Getty
      The one-capped England international appeared on Robbie Fowler’s podcast to discuss his rollercoaster career, including his infamous training ground bust-up with former City team-mate Ousmane Dabo.
      And in an open and frank interview with the Liverpool legend, the controversial ex-midfielder held nothing back as he discussed his time at QPR.
      And he openly admits the 2011 switch from Newcastle to the capital was purely “a financial decision” rather than a playing one.
      Barton said: “QPR is probably my least favourite (of my ex-clubs). I didn’t really enjoy it, I shouldn’t have gone in hindsight.
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      “I left Newcastle and I fell out with Mike Ashley and I was looking for a new home and I was about to start a new family and it became, ‘Who is the highest bidder’.
      “I knew I was a mercenary at that point in terms of I wasn’t moving to push on and push up the table, I knew I was moving as a financial decision.
      He added: “So QPR was tough, the fans didn’t particularly like me and I’ve still got 80 per cent of the fanbase who don’t like me because I earned a lot of money even though I turned it around in the end and captained them to promotion.
      “Probably for me Newcastle is the closest connection to the fans I had.”
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      Barton left QPR to join Marseille on loan in 2012 but returned to the club and helped them win promotion to the Premier League in 2014.
      He made 99 appearances for them in total before leaving permanently to join Burnley in 2015.
      Barton had a brief spell at Rangers in 2016 before heading back to Turf Moor to finish his playing career under Sean Dyche. More

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      Vincent Kompany described as ‘beautiful girl’ in bizarre analogy by Burnley chairman

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      VINCENT KOMPANY has been compared to a ‘beautiful girl’ in a wacky comparison from his team chairman.The Burnley manager has been linked to jobs at Chelsea and Tottenham, but recently signed a five-year contract with the Clarets to end the speculation.
      Vincent Kompany recently signed a deal to keep him at Burnley for the next five yearsCredit: Rex
      The Burnley manager led the team to the top of the Championship this yearCredit: Getty
      But, his own club chairman described having him as manager being like dating “the most beautiful girl in town”.
      The bizarre comparison was made by Alan Pace, who was talking about how long the Clarets can hold onto Kompany as manager.
      Kompany managed to lead the team back to the Premier League on his first attempt, but Pace knows he wont be able to keep him at Burnley forever.
      Speaking to BBC Lancashire, Pace said: “My worry, as I tried to explain to him… it’s like dating the most beautiful girl in town and knowing there’s probably no chance she’s ever going marry you.
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      “But, everyone else wants to marry her. So how long can you date, how long can you stay together as a couple?
      “I hope it’s for a very very long time. But that’s kind of up to her.”
      Kompany has dismissed speculation that he might leave Burnley, saying he is “completely dedicated” to his role as manager.
      He has been a massive hit at the team since taking the reins last summer.
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      Burnley owner and chairman Alan Pace will want to keep Kompany as long as possibleCredit: Getty
      After completely rebuilding the playing squad and reinventing their playing style, Kompany managed to lead Burnley to the top of the Championship.
      With the team finishing with 101 points, it made it one of the division’s best sides ever.
      But the current rising star in management will have his work cut out trying to survive next year’s Premier League.
      The top flight will be a much harder test for Burnley, Pace and Kompany compared to the Championship.
      The team will know they can’t rest on their laurels after such a strong season, so the upcoming transfer window will be an important one.
      Kompany will be in high demand by other teams after his huge successCredit: Reuters More

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      Forgotten ex-Man Utd star signed by Sir Alex Ferguson wakes up unemployed at 29 after Championship club release him

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      FORMER Manchester United man Nick Powell is without a club after being released by Stoke.The forward, 29, was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson in 2012 in a deal worth up to £6million.
      Stoke released Nick Powell at the end of his contractCredit: Getty
      Powell, right, was signed by Manchester United in 2012Credit: Getty – Contributor
      And he featured six times in Fergie’s final season in charge of the Red Devils.
      But over the course of the following three years he played just three games for Man Utd as he was farmed out on loan to Wigan, Leicester and Hull.
      He left Old Trafford on a free transfer in 2016 and signed a permanent deal with Wigan – who were in the second tier at the time but suffered relegation down to League One the following year.
      After helping The Latics return to the Championship, he joined Stoke in 2019 and would rack up 119 appearances for the club.
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      But now he has been released after his contract expired at the end of the season.
      Powell was among a host of players axed by Stoke.
      They included former England centre-back Phil Jagielka, Morgan Fox, Aden Flint, Demeaco Duhaney, Sam Clucas and Tashan Oakley-Boothe.
      Stoke’s technical director, Ricky Martin, said: “It is well documented that we are looking to execute a significant reset within our squad ahead of the new season.
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      “The result of players leaving the club is that it provides additional scope for us to recruit in the transfer market, as we look to put building blocks in place that help us progress towards a successful future.”
      The Potters finished 16th in the Championship, 16 points adrift of a play-off place and nine clear of the relegation zone.
      Stoke have not finished in the top half of the second tier since being relegated from the Premier League in 2018.
      Powell scored one goal in nine games for Man UtdCredit: AFP More

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      Former England star left unemployed at 40 after being released by Championship club

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      FORMER England international Phil Jagielka has been released by Stoke.Jagielka, 40, is one of eight players the Potters have let go following the conclusion of the Championship.
      Phil Jagielka has been released by Stoke alongside eight other playersCredit: Getty
      Jagielka rose to prominence at Everton in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Jagielka also made England’s squad for Euro 2012 and the 2014 World CupCredit: Getty
      Jagielka is now a free agent at the age of 40 years oldCredit: Getty
      According to the BBC, Morgan Fox, Aden Flint, Demeaco Duhaney, Nick Powell, Sam Clucas and Tashan Oakley-Boothe are also leaving the Bet365 Stadium.
      Mario Vrancic has also joined Rijeka on a permanent basis after spending this season with the Croatian outfit on loan.
      Those departures have signalled at an imminent reboot by Stoke, who finished 16th in the Championship table.
      Technical director Ricky Martin said: “It is well documented that we are looking to execute a significant reset within our squad ahead of the new season.
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      “The result of players leaving the club is that it provides additional scope for us to recruit in the transfer market, as we look to put building blocks in place that help us progress towards a successful future.”
      Jagielka finds himself a free agent at a senior age without any indication he is set to retire.
      The centre-back recently hinted he has more left in the tank after a cryptic post on social media.
      Jagielka posted: “New chapter, pending.”
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      The experienced defender rose to prominence at Everton after his move from Sheffield United in 2007.
      The Toffees’ hero amassed a total of 19 goals and 11 assists in 385 appearances across 12 years with the Merseysiders.
      Jagielka’s convincing performances at Goodison Park led to an England call-up in 2008 and 40 caps down the road.
      He also made the Three Lions’ squad for Euro 2012 and the 2014 World Cup.
      The centre-half left Everton in 2019 and returned to Sheffield United before moving to Derby two years later.
      Jagielka then joined Stoke last year and registered a total of 50 appearances. More

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      Watford announce former Bayern Munich star as new manager but fans all ask: ‘Will he last until pre-season?’

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      WATFORD have confirmed the appointment of Valerien Ismael as their new manager.The former Barnsley and West Brom boss replaces Chris Wilder in the Vicarage Road hotseat.
      Valerien Ismael has been confirmed as Watford’s new bossCredit: Getty
      Ismael, 47, is the Hornets’ SEVENTH manager of the last two years.
      In this period, Watford have been managed Xisco Munoz, Claudio Ranieri, Roy Hodgson, Rob Edwards, Slaven Bilic and Wilder.
      Upon confirming their latest appointment, Hornets technical director Ben Manga told their official website: “Being able to appoint a new coach so soon in May means we can prepare very well together for next season.
      “To be able to welcome someone of Valerien’s experience to Watford is good news for our club. We are all looking forward to working with him.”
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      Former Bayern Munich defender Ismael began his senior managerial career in Germany with Nurnberg and Wolfsburg.
      He later managed Apollon Smyrnis and LASK before landing the Barnsley job in 2020.
      Ismael guided the Oakwell men into the Championship play-offs, before departing for West Brom.
      He lasted just 31 games in charge of the Baggies, and was sacked in February 2022 following a four-match losing streak.
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      The Frenchman then moved to Besiktas, where he managed Dele Alli, but was sacked in October after winning eight of his 19 matches in charge.
      Upon Ismael’s appointment, fans pondered how long Watford’s latest boss will get at the helm.
      One joked: “Will he last until pre season is the question.”
      While a second wrote: “Odds on him being sacked before the season starts.”
      Another joked: “Very clever to get him 3 months before our season starts to make him one of our longest serving managers. Respect.” More

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      Man Utd loanee Amad Diallo has ‘special FA Cup final suit reserved’ as fans ask ‘who will he bench?’

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      AMAD DIALLO will be invited to attend the FA CUP final ahead of a possible role in the Manchester United squad next season.According to the Manchester Evening News, Diallo has had a suit reserved in his measurements for the showdown against rivals Manchester City next month.
      Diallo is preparing for a possible role in the United squad next seasonCredit: Getty
      The Ivory Coast international has scored 13 league goals for Sunderland this seasonCredit: PA
      Although he can’t play in the final, United are understood to want Diallo to feel involved as he prepares to return to the club ahead of their pre-season tour of the United States.
      The 20-year-old joined the Red Devils from Serie A side Atalanta in 2019 for a fee that could rise to £37million.
      The Ivory Coast international has only made nine appearances for the Old Trafford outfit and joined Rangers on loan midway through last season.
      However, Diallo has enjoyed a very successful loan spell at Sunderland this season scoring 13 goals in 37 appearances as the Black Cats secured a Championship play-off spot.
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      If Sunderland overcome Luton in the play-off semi final then Diallo will be returning to Wembley a week after the FA Cup final for Tony Mowbray’s side.
      After their 3-0 win against Preston on Monday in which he scored a screamer, Diallo hinted he could stay at Sunderland beyond this season.
      He said: “Playing against Luton is very hard but I hope we’ll be in the Premier League next season and maybe I’ll come back, I don’t know.”
      United fans took to social media reacting to the news with a lot of clamour for Diallo to return.
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      One user said: ” Give him the right wing position next season, have to make Antony feel some threat.”
      A second commented: “Nice touch, definitely feels there is a better organized pathway for Amad and other young players under this management team.”
      A third replied: “Question is who is he going to bench? Rashford on the left, antony on the right.. and we might be shopping for a centre forward.?”
      United manager Erik ten Hag opted against recalling Diallo from Sunderland in January as he did not want to halt his development.
      He said: “We consider everything but I have a little bit of reservation about [recalling Amad] because I don’t want to stop the process.
      “He has made really good progress there so I’m happy with that.
      “But young players need experiences and when we decide for him to come back, he has to be a player who can compete for the starting XI or minimum to come on for a lot of games and make an impact.
      “I didn’t see him in the starting XI or a player who had already had an impact [in pre-season]. But I see and value his potential and capabilities.
      “What I saw is that he needs experience in men’s football, senior football. I think there are many aspects of football to get strong physically and mentally, and also skills-wise, to improve and develop that so he can have value for us.” More