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      Coventry want to sign Burnley defender Luke McNally in £2m transfer following successful loan

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      COVENTRY want to buy centre-half Luke McNally from Burnley following his impressive loan spell.The Irish defender, 23, joined Clarets last summer from Oxford but hardly played for them, resulting in a loan move to fellow Championship outfit Coventry in January.
      Coventry would like to buy £2million rated Luke McNallyCredit: Rex
      He would cost around £2million.
      McNally has played Coventry’s last eight league games.
      In those run of games, McNally and Co have seen defeat once, while drawing two and winning five.
      Coventry’s impressive run has them sat eighth in the Championship with 11 games left.
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      Mark Robins’ men are three points behind the last Championship play-off place.
      Norwich are currently occupying the last play-off spot.
      McNally’s parent club, Burnley, look certain to top the Championship.
      Vincent Kompany’s side are 13 points clear at the top, with Sheffield United chasing in second.
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      The Manchester City legend’s team have seen defeat just twice. More

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      EFL fans could face soaring TV bills in huge blow with split rights between Sky and Scandinavian group mooted

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      EFL chiefs want bids for TV rights delivered by March 23 with Sky and Scandinavian group Viaplay battling for the best packages.There is every chance of a split in coverage for the next telly deal, starting in 2024-25, which is sure to spark much debate before the contracts are sorted.
      There could soon be a new Tella-vision deal for the EFL but Nathan Tella and his Burnley team-mates seem set to return to the Premier LeagueCredit: Rex
      Blackburn congratulate Harry Pickering after he opened up the Championship promotion race by sinking second-placed Sheffield United on SaturdayCredit: Reuters
      Swedish streaming giant Viaplay is emerging as a frontrunner – capable financially of nabbing some of the many packages available.
      It puts Sky’s position as the leading provider for the EFL is under serious threat.
      They’ve held the live rights since 2002 but new competition means Sky might need to almost double its £119 million deal to keep exclusive coverage.
      Another twist is that lower-division clubs are happy to consider a separate deal, which would include more live games.
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      The EFL is looking for increased TV revenue for its clubs down the divisions.
      But it also wants to adjust to changing way viewing habits, which increases the chance of more streaming being brought in.
      Rights for the Championship, League One, League Two, EFL Cup, EFL Trophy and play-offs are available from 2024-25.
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      And the Viaplay group has been steadily picking up sports contracts.
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      It bought the UK-based Premier Sports for more than £30million last year and aims to launch in America soon.
      EFL Chief Commercial Officer Ben Wright said last week: “Our objective remains to find the right mix of maximising value, increasing volume and providing a great viewing experience through evolution and innovation.” More

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      England could face World Cup chaos thanks to Championship play-offs with a host of Under-20 stars facing fixture clash

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      ENGLAND’S Under-20 World Cup bid could be wrecked by the Lions cubs playing in promotion play-offs.Ian Foster’s squad heads to Indonesia for the tournament kicking off on May 20 — although some of the players will be needed by their clubs.
      Striker Joe Gelhardt, on loan at Sunderland from Leeds, is one of the starlets who could be involved in the play-offs for a Prem placeCredit: Rex
      Callum Doyle is boosting Coventry’s bid for a Championship play-off spotCredit: Getty
      Sunderland loanee Joe Gelhardt, Sheffield United striker Daniel Jebbison and Middlesbrough’s Aston Villa loanee Aaron Ramsey look sure to be picked.
      But all three are looking likely to be involved in the end-of-season Championship shootout for a Prem place.
      Bristol City midfielder Alex Scott could have a dilemma if his team makes a late charge.
      Coventry duo Callum Doyle and Brooke Norton-Cuffy may face a club-v-country clash.
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      The tournament will be Indonesia’s first ever senior Fifa event.
      England won the cup – held every two years – in 2017.
      Ukraine won the last tournament two years later.
      Covid then put paid to the 2021 event.
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      Of the Lion cubs’ celebrated squad from six years ago, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has proved the most successful.
      The Everton striker, 25, has won 11 senior caps amid links to major Prem rivals.
      Others include fellow full intentionals in AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori, Southampton full-back Kyle Walker-Peters and Bournemouth forward Doninic Solanke.
      Meanwhile, Atalanta goal machine Ademola Lookman graduated to England U-21s but switched allegiance to Nigeria last year. More

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      Burnley set to cause uproar at rivals Blackburn as Clarets plan cheeky guard of honour request for Ewood Park clash

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      BURNLEY are planning a cheeky request for a guard of honour from their bitter East Lancs rivals Blackburn.Vincent Kompany’s men could clinch the Championship title before their trip to Ewood Park on April 25.
      Vincent Kompany’s Burnley are planning a cheeky request at the home of bitter rivals Blackburn RoversCredit: PA
      The champions are entitled to ask for recognition from their opponents.
      And proud Burnley are keen to pursue the matter.
      However, it is likely to cause uproar in the Rovers ranks.
      The two sides are fierce rivals.
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      Burnley travel to Ewood Park three games before the end of the campaign.
      Kompany’s side are currently 13 points clear at the top of the Championship, and 17 points clear of the play-offs.
      The Manchester City legend has done a superb job since arriving from Anderlecht last summer.
      Burnley are well placed to bounce straight back up to the Premier League following relegation to the second tier last year.
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      The Clarets have lost just twice in the league all season.
      Their only league defeats have come against fellow automatic promotion contenders Sheffield United and play-off challengers Watford. More

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      Fans baffled as Fifa president Gianni Infantino turns up at English football match and they can’t believe which one

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      FOOTBALL fans are scratching their heads after Fifa president Gianni Infantino rocked up at a random Championship game.The 52-year-old Italian-Swiss is rarely seen at matches in England.
      Gianni Infantino was in the stands at The DenCredit: Getty
      Fans were baffled by the game he chose to watch while in EnglandCredit: Getty
      Norwich won the game 3-1 to boost their promotion hopesCredit: PA
      And no one could have predicted the fixture he chose to attend on Saturday afternoon.
      Infantino was spotted at The Den for Millwall’s home game against Norwich.
      The Championship clash finished 3-2 to the visitors as the Canaries moved above Millwall and into the play-off places.
      But it was the Fifa boss’ presence at the match which got fans talking online.
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      Reacting on social media, one fan said: “No way is that really him 😂”.
      Another added: “Clearly asked to see the best team in London 🤷‍♂️”.
      A third replied: “Is he lost!! 🤣”.
      And a baffled fourth fan responded: “🤣🤣 wtf is going on here lol”.
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      Infantino’s bizarre visit to Millwall comes after he hit the headlines back in January for another strange public appearance.
      The Fifa chief appeared to take a selfie while standing by Pele’s open casket during the Brazil legend’s funeral.
      And he was forced to take to Instagram to explain his actions.
      He posted: “I am dismayed after having been informed that I am apparently being criticized by some people for having taken a selfie and pictures at the ceremony yesterday.
      “I would like to clarify that I was both honoured and humbled that teammates and family members of the great Pelé asked me if I could take a few photos with them. And obviously I immediately agreed.
      “In the case of the selfie, Pelé’s teammates asked to do a selfie of all of us together but they didn’t know how to do it. So, to be helpful, I took the phone of one of them and took the photo of all of us for him.
      “If being helpful to a teammate of Pelé creates criticism I’m happy to take it and will continue to be helpful wherever I can to those having contributed to write legendary pages of football.
      “I have so much respect and admiration for Pelé and for that ceremony yesterday that I would never do anything that would be disrespectful in any way whatsoever.” More

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      We’ve proved we’re ready for the Premier League and we’re going to do well there, says Burnley star

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      JOHANN BERG GUDMUNDSSON reckons Burnley have proved they are Premier League ready.The Championship leaders sit 12 points in front of Sheffield United and an impressive NINETEEN ahead of third-placed Middlesbrough before a trip to Blackpool today.
      Johann Gudmundsson has been a tower of strength for Burnley
      Clarets and Iceland winger Gudmundsson, 32, said: “This team is improving every day.
      “But we know if we want to get into the Premier League and  stay there we’ve got to keep improving as there’s a big gap in quality between there and the Championship.
      “But I wouldn’t give it a second thought — we’re going to do well in the Premier League.”
      Burnley’s transformation under boss Vincent Kompany, who was appointed last summer, has been extraordinary.
      The Belgian has introduced a completely different style of play to ex-gaffer Sean Dyche.  
      Gudmundsson said: “It’s a lot more detailed as Vinnie goes into the opposition a lot and how we can exploit different weaknesses and how he wants us to play. We now try to play from the back and make angles for everybody and get everyone having the ball.
      “We’ve done really well and, of course, we’re playing in a different league, so that is a factor as well.
      “The Championship is not as hard as the Premier League, which everybody knows. It’s a big step to that.
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      Vincent Kompany has been a breath of fresh air at Turf Moor
      “We want to return to the Premier League and showcase our talents.”
      The Clarets are bossing possession and have scored 68 league goals already this season.
      They have also maintained the hard work-rate and organisation that made them successful under Dyche.
      Gudmundsson said: “When Vinnie came in, he told us that everything we do is about scoring goals.
      “We want to score as many goals as possible from every phase possible and we’ve shown that throughout this season. There have been so many different goalscorers. We look dangerous in every phase and, for the opponent, that is hard to play against.
      “We were able to adapt to the new styles because so much work and so many meetings took place.
       “There was a lot of time spent on the training pitch where the manager was getting across his ideas.
      “He’s shown a lot of videos of us, telling us what we can do better.
      “It’s been an incredible amount of work but it worked fantastically.”
      Experienced Gudmundsson believes his game has improved, too.
      He added: “It was a long time under Dyche so it was good to try something new  and Vinnie’s ideas have suited how I wanted to play.
      “For me, it’s a bit more on the ball and not as much running off the ball, which suits players like me.
      “Tactically, I think I’ve improved with the  different aspects that the manager  brings into the games. You can see he changes formation quite a lot in midfield and up front.
      “It’s being more tactically  aware on  how he wants us to play.
      “I just enjoy being on the pitch as much as I can.
      “I’m not getting any younger but as long as I can enjoy my football and stay on the pitch, that is good.”
      Kompany is just as demanding as Dyche when it comes to work-rate and mental toughness.
      Gudmundsson added: “Even though we keep the ball a lot, we work hard to get it back as quickly as possible.
      “The intensity and the running stats are high. We’ve kept it as high as we used to  as it’s the identity of the club — but we play a lot more football now.
      “The aggression, the pressing, everything is there — and we need to keep hold of that.
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      “That will take us far when you have that base of hard work  and football comes after that.”
      Blackpool boss Mick McCarthy reckons this is the worst possible fixture for his second-bottom strugglers, but added: “Out of adversity comes strength.” More

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      Marco Silva wasn’t great for my career and was too impatient for success, but he’s good enough to reach Champions League

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      I’M NOT surprised that Marco Silva is proving to be a huge success at Fulham — as  he is one of the most ­infectious personalities I’ve ever met.Normally when you use that phrase you mean that someone is a bubbly character, the life and soul of the party.  But I don’t mean that about Silva.
      Troy Deeney praised Fulham boss Marco Silva’s work in the Premier LeagueCredit: PA
      At Watford, it was his relentless desire for success, to win at all costs and improve players individually which rubbed off on everybody.
      As club captain, you’re involved in internal club discipline — setting down rules and issuing fines for lateness and the like.
      But when Silva was my boss at Vicarage Road for six months or so, standards were so high that I barely even remember anyone getting fined.
      That is rare and it says a lot about what an excellent manager he was.
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      He certainly wasn’t backwards in b******ing players.
      And if you were a 17-year-old kid or a seasoned veteran, he would treat you exactly the same.
      But Silva had an incredible attention to detail.
      After every match, your own individual stats would be left at your spot in the training ground dressing room on the next working day, which is very unusual.
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      He wouldn’t often challenge you about them. But when any professional footballer sees a stat saying he’d only won 30 per cent of their heading duels, he makes damned sure that doesn’t happen again the next week.
      Silva was an extremely demanding boss but in a good way, you wanted to go and work for him. He was interesting and challenging.
       And I am not saying this because he was good news for my own career — if anything the opposite was true.
      I was injured in pre-season when he came in and I didn’t start many matches.
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      Troy Deeney and Marco Silva previously worked together at WatfordCredit: Rex
      He told me that I wasn’t his type of striker, that he ­preferred Andre Gray and Richarlison.
      But that sort of honesty is rare and I respected it. Most managers are nowhere near as honest. As it happened, I played a decent part in a few wins for him.
      The problem with Silva then, and this was five years ago,  was that his drive for success was perhaps too powerful.
      We made a flying start to that Premier League season and, very soon, news got out that Everton were after him.
      That whole situation could have been handled better by Marco and by the owners and results tailed off because of it. Eventually he was sacked but ended up at Everton anyway.
      The Everton saga was the one thing he wasn’t honest about publicly or internally at the club.
      Troy Deeney claims Marcio Silva wasn’t great for his career at WatfordCredit: AFP
      So when he took the Fulham job at the start of last season, I wasn’t convinced that he was well suited temperamentally to managing in the Championship. I wasn’t sure how long he would stick around.
      I think he has learned and matured since his Watford days in that respect, though.
      His Fulham side won the second tier in style, playing some great attacking football and now they are making a genuine challenge for Europe, and have reached the FA Cup quarter-finals.
      Fulham recruited really well last summer — Marco’s excellent knowledge of the Portuguese game helped them get Joao Palhinha for just ­£17million and he is outstanding in midfield.
      Then there’s Willian, who everyone thought looked out of shape and past it at Arsenal a couple of years ago but has  a new lease of life at Fulham.
      I’m sure Silva’s fitness coach, Goncalo Pedro,  one of the very best in the business,  has had a great impact on Willian.
      Marco Silva is pushing for European qualification with FulhamCredit: PA
      A lot of fitness coaches are like drill sergeants and they treat everyone the same in terms of the work they do.
      Not Goncalo. He would  listen, he would treat you like an adult and he would tailor individual fitness programmes for each player. These details matter in professional football.
       I’m sure Goncalo is playing a huge part in their success.
      It’s not just the new signings who are going well for Fulham, though. Players like Tim Ream and Bobby Decordova-Reid, who haven’t truly cracked the Premier League before, have improved immeasurably.
      That doesn’t surprise me because that is what Silva and his team do. They challenge people and make them better.
      Etienne Capoue had been Watford’s best player the previous season and we were all shocked when Silva dropped him and demanded improvement but Etienne responded brilliantly.
      I hope Silva stays at Fulham for four or five years and gets them into Europe because I believe he is capable of that, especially as the club are giving him what he wants in terms of investment.
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      Beyond that, I think he will end up as an elite Champions League boss, he really is that good.
      And just imagine how complimentary I would be about him if he had actually selected me to start very often! More

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      Birmingham training ground shut down after blazing fire overnight with Wast Hills facility suffering damage

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      BIRMINGHAM CITY have announced that a fire broke out overnight at the club’s training facility.The Championship club confirmed their Wast Hills Training Ground has been closed until further notice after being damaged.
      Birmingham City have closed down their training ground after a fireCredit: PA:Press Association
      Birmingham have confirmed the club’s facility has been damagedCredit: Google street view
      In a club statement, Birmingham said nobody was injured in the blaze.
      Fire crews attended the scene in the early hours of Friday morning.
      Birmingham players, and staff who work at the facility, have been contacted by the club.
      A full statement said: “The Club can confirm that Wast Hills Training Ground has suffered damage as a result of a fire.
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      “Hereford and Worcester Fire Service attended the scene and remain on site following the discovery during the early hours of Friday 3 March. No one was injured.
      “Staff and players have been contacted and the facility remains closed until further notice.
      “The Club will continue to liaise with the emergency services and will make no further comment at this time.”
      The BBC claim over 40 firefighters were brought in to tackle the blaze, which is said to have broken out just before 2.30am.
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      Birmingham are next in action on Saturday, travelling to bottom-placed side Wigan Athletic.
      Blues are currently 19th in the table, seven points above the drop zone. More