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      Tony Mowbray closing in on return to management after EFL legend given all-clear following bowel cancer fight

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      TONY MOWBRAY is the front-runner to land the West Brom job.The popular manager, 61, has been out of work since having to step down as Birmingham boss last February after being diagnosed with bowel cancer.Tony Mowbray is the front-runner to land the West Brom jobCredit: PAMowbray, 61, was a hugely popular boss at The Hawthorns between 2006 and 2009Credit: PA:Press AssociationHaving now been cleared to return to work by doctors and the League Managers’ Association, Mowbray is closing in on an emotional return to West Brom.According to the Telegraph, the experienced boss held “detailed talks” with Baggies chiefs on Thursday.Mowbray previously managed West Brom between 2006 and 2009.During that spell he guided them to the Championship title, before leaving for Celtic.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe subsequently managed Middlesbrough, Coventry, Blackburn and Sunderland.On his desire to return to work, Mowbray said in November: “I do want to go back to work because football is in my blood, it’s what I do.”I still have issues, I’m still, at the moment, not 100 per cent ready for work, but somewhere down the line. My body’s telling me that I’m not ready yet.”West Brom had been in advanced talks with former Young Boys boss Raphael Wicky.Most read in ChampionshipMowbray won the Championship title with West Brom in 2008Credit: PA:Press AssociationBut talks broke down with the Swiss boss, with issues surrounding his backroom staff thought to be the main sticking point.West Brom have been without a manager since December 24.Premier League fathers and sonsFormer boss Carlos Corberan left to take charge of LaLiga strugglers Valencia.The Baggies are in promotion contention, currently sitting seventh in the Championship, one point behind the play-off places.They have lost just four games so far this season but have been draw specialists – with their tally of 13 more than any other team in the Championship.Carlos Corberan left for Valencia on Christmas EveCredit: Getty More

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      Wayne Rooney in classy gesture to Plymouth coach after FA Cup giant-killing just weeks after he’s axed

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      WAYNE ROONEY made a classy gesture after former side Plymouth Argyle’s 1-0 FA Cup upset of Brentford yesterday.The Pilgrims, who had not won away from home all season, stunned the Bees courtesy of Morgan Whittaker’s 82nd minute goal.Wayne Rooney was axed as Argyle boss last monthCredit: GettyKevin Nancekivell has been in caretaker chargeCredit: GettyMorgan Whittaker celebrates bagging Argyle’s brilliant winnerCredit: RexRooney was axed on New Year’s Eve with his side sitting bottom of the Championship.But the Manchester United legend clearly holds no hard feelings towards Argyle.Since Rooney’s departure, Kevin Nancekivell has been in caretaker charge alongside club captain Joe Edwards.Devon-born Nancekivell, 53, briefly represented Argyle during his playing days and has worked in a variety of different coaching roles at Home Park since landing a job in the club’s academy 20 years ago.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNancekivell made up part of Rooney’s coaching staff during the first half of the season.And while Mike Phelan and Simon Ireland departed alongside Rooney, Nancekivell stayed put.After masterminding yesterday’s result, the Argyle caretaker was encouraged to soak up the adulation of the fans by midfielder Darko Gyabi.Nancekivell duly obliged, fist pumping towards the travelling supporters and screaming in delight.Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWayne Rooney congratulated Nancekivell and ArgyleCredit: Instagram @waynerooneyArgyle subsequently posted a video clip of Nancekivell’s celebration.And Rooney reposted it to his own Instagram Story, writing: “So happy for this man. Legend.”Inside Wayne Rooney’s woeful spell at Plymouth as Manchester United legend AXEDThe 39-year-old’s gesture did not go unnoticed by Argyle supporters online.One wrote on X: “Fair play to him for that touch of class.”While a second commented: “Very classy from WR.”A third said: “Just shows he did care about the club.”And another added: “What a guy Rooney is isn’t he.”A FRESH STARTYesterday’s game was Nancekivell’s last in caretaker charge, having also earned draws with Bristol City and Stoke.On Friday, Argyle confirmed the appointment of Miron Muslic as Rooney’s successor.The Austrian-Bosnian boss, 42, last managed Belgian side Cercle Brugge, and watched on at the Gtech Community Stadium alongside owner Simon Hallett.READ MORE SUN STORIESArgyle have confirmed that Nancekivell will remain as part of Muslic’s first team staff.Rooney, meanwhile, is set to take training sessions in Dubai after teaming up with holiday company Football Escapes.Miron Muslic watched on at the Gtech Community StadiumCredit: Getty More

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      Plymouth announce Wayne Rooney successor as little-known Austrian boss, 42, is named new manager

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      PLYMOUTH have announced little-known Austrian Miron Muslic as successor to sacked boss Wayne Rooney.Muslic, 42, is taking over the Championship’s bottom side after he himself was AXED a month ago – by Belgian top-flight side Cercle Brugge.Miron Muslic arrives in the Championship after a month out of workWayne Rooney departed with Plymouth bottom of the second tierCredit: RexManchester United legend Rooney only arrived at Argyle in the summer but paid the price for an alarming dip in form following a mini-revival. And Plymouth unveiled his replacement on the eve of Saturday’s FA Cup third-round trip to Prem side Brentford.Muslic played for a string of Austrian clubs below the top level before becoming caretaker chief at the last of them, Ried, in the second tier.He then bossed Ried youths, Austrian 2 rivals Floridsdorfer and Ried’s first team in the same division, before Cercle pounced in September 2022.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe steered them away from relegation trouble for a sixth-placed finish but was sacked on December 2 last year.It followed a 3-2 loss against bottom side Beerschot after Cercle led 2-0.A statement from the Pilgrims read: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Miron Muslic as Argyle’s new Head Coach. Welcome to Argyle, Miron!”Plymouth appointed former England skipper Rooney, 39, despite his poor spell in charge of Birmingham. Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd after the ex-Derby boss was axed, Argyle chairman Simon Hallett denied his arrival had been a publicity stunt.Hallett told the club website: “Raising our profile was not one of the considerations in hiring Wayne Rooney.Rooney has bagged a new role for 2025 as house husband – after blowing the final whistle on his manager job with failing Plymouth Argyle”We thought that he would be able to help us win football matches. “During Wayne’s tenure as Head Coach, we saw glimpses of what was possible, but clearly both results and underlying performances were showing few signs of being at the level we need.”But Hallett added: “We thank Wayne for what he did achieve in his months at the Club. “He united the players, helped restore a positive attitude at the Club and won over the fans whose support had been tested for a few months in 2024. “His approachable nature and down to earth personality made him a popular figure and we will miss him.”Wayne Rooney’s record-breaking careerWAYNE Rooney took the football world by storm when he made his debut for 2002 with Everton.He quickly became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer aged 16 years and 342 days and was named the BBC’s Young Sports Personality of the Year.The striker joined Manchester United in 2004 and spent 13 years at Old Trafford. He went on to make 559 appearances for the Red Devils and scored 253 goals. To this day he is still the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.Following his spell with United, Rooney returned to Everton for a season. He also spent one-season stints with D.C. United and Derby County at the end of his career.As well as his impressive club career, Rooney is also England’s second-highest goalscorer with 53 goals in 120 appearances, behind only Harry Kane.After hanging up his boots, the England icon turned to a career in management.He took charge of Derby County in 2020 and managed to just about save the club from relegation from the Championship at the end of his first season.However, with Derby handed a 21-point deduction the following campaign, he was unable to keep them up again and subsequently left.Then came a 15-month spell in charge of MLS side D.C. United. He failed to impress during his time in Washington and parted ways with the club at the end of the 2023 regular season.Rooney was controversially handed the Birmingham job in October 2023, replacing John Eustace with the club doing well and sixth in the Championship table.However, in 15 games he suffered nine defeats and managed just two wins. He was sacked in January 2024 with Birmingham down in 20th. The club were relegated to League One at the end of the campaign.He returned to management in May with Plymouth Argyle but managed just five wins in 25 games. The United legend now finds himself out of work once again. More

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      Several EFL clashes CALLED OFF just hours before kick-offs as freezing weather wreaks havoc on English football

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      SEVERAL EFL clashes have been called off this Saturday with freezing conditions wreaking havoc upon English football.Earlier today, Shrewsbury Town’s League One clash against Huddersfield Town was postponed due to a frozen pitch.Shrewsbury’s clash against Huddersfield has been postponedVale Park is surrounded by snowCredit: GettyThe decision was made despite the game being scheduled for 3pm on Saturday.The pitch was judged to be “unplayable” due to the cold weather throughout the UK.A statement read: “Shrewsbury Town can confirm our League One clash against Huddersfield has been postponed due to a frozen pitch.”Scheduled to take place at the Croud Meadow tomorrow, the surface has been deemed unplayable due to the freezing temperatures across the country.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Our ground staff have been working throughout the week to try and get the game on, with covers placed over the pitch earlier in the week.”But following a pitch inspection this morning, the decision has been made with officials from the EFL to postpone the fixture.”Updates regarding a rescheduled date will be shared with supporters in due course.”All tickets for the postponed fixture will be valid for the re-arranged date.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPlenty of other games soon followed in being KO’d.Tonight’s Premier League 2 clash between Leeds and Manchester United has also been postponed.Watch bizarre moment non-league chairman KAYAKS on his club’s pitch as flooding wreaks havoc againWhile several postponements have struck the EFL.Saturday’s FA Cup clashes between Mansfield Town and Bolton has fallen foul of the freezing weather, as well as Preston vs Charlton.In League One, Northampton vs Barnsley has also been called off.The fourth tier has also been affected; with Carlisle vs MK Dons and Port Vale vs Barrow having been postponed.Meanwhile, three National League games have so far had to be called off.Saturday football postponementsFA CupMansfield P-P BoltonPreston P-P CharltonLeague OneShrewsbury P-P HuddersfieldNorthampton P-P BarnsleyLeague TwoCarlisle P-P MK DonsPort Vale P-P BarrowNational LeagueAltrincham P-P WealdstoneBarnet P-P HartlepoolAFC Fylde P-P SuttonGatehead P-P BraintreeMaidenhead P-P York CityOldham P-P Eastleigh More

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      FA Cup third round clashes postponed with two-time winners given new date for tie after freezing weather wreaks havoc

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      TWO FA Cup clashes have already been postponed due to freezing weather sweeping across the nation.Former two-time winners Preston were due to host Charlton at Deepdale but the game has been called off due to a frozen pitch.The Deepdale pitch was frozen on Friday afternoonCredit: Preston North End FCPreston’s FA Cup tie has been postponedCredit: Preston North End FCThe game will now be played on Tuesday night, kicking off at 7:45pm.A Preston statement read: “A pitch inspection took place at Deepdale on Friday by match referee Ruebyn Ricardo and the surface was deemed unplayable.”Despite the tireless work of the club’s grounds staff to prepare the pitch for this fixture, the sub-zero temperatures throughout the week and overnight on Thursday mean the surface remains frozen.”With similar conditions expected again on Friday evening into Saturday morning, a decision has been made early in consideration of travel plans for supporters, and the players and staff of Charlton Athletic.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPreston vs Charlton isn’t the only FA Cup game to have been affected.Mansfield’s all-League One tie with Wigan has also been called off.The clash will too take place on Tuesday, kicking off at 7:45pm.In addition to the FA Cup, EFL fixtures across Leagues 1 and 2 have also been called off.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSaturday football postponementsFA CupMansfield P-P WiganPreston P-P CharltonLeague OneShrewsbury P-P HuddersfieldNorthampton P-P BarnsleyLeague TwoCarlisle P-P MK DonsPort Vale P-P BarrowNational LeagueAltrincham P-P WealdstoneBarnet P-P HartlepoolAFC Fylde P-P SuttonGatehead P-P BraintreeMaidenhead P-P York CityOldham P-P EastleighIn the third tier, Northampton vs Barnsley and Shrewsbury vs Huddersfield have been called off.While League Two has also been affected; with Carlisle vs MK Dons and Port Vale vs Barrow having been postponed.Watch bizarre moment non-league chairman KAYAKS on his club’s pitch as flooding wreaks havoc againMeanwhile, six National League games have so far had to be called off.And tonight’s Premier League 2 clash between Leeds and Manchester United has also been postponed.Shrewsbury’s clash against Huddersfield has been postponedVale Park is surrounded by snowCredit: Getty More

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      Norwich star Borja Sainz slapped with six-match ban after SPITTING at Sunderland rival as he issues grovelling apology

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      NORWICH star Borja Sainz has been banned for SIX matches and fined £12,000 for a spitting at a player. The incident took place in the Canaries’ 2-1 loss to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on December 21.Borja Sainz has been banned for six matches and fined for a spitting at a playerCredit: PASpaniard Sainz – the Championship top scorer with 15 league goals this season – admitted the charge at an FA independent disciplinary commission.Sainz said: “Following today’s announcement from the FA, I want to take this opportunity to issue a sincere and public apology for my actions during our game against Sunderland. “Spitting at an opponent is completely out of character for me, and my reaction in that moment was unacceptable. I deeply regret my actions and take full responsibility.”I want to apologise directly to the opposing player, Chris Mepham, for my behaviour. READ MORE IN football “Additionally, I extend my apologies to my team mates, our coaching staff and our fans. “I am deeply disappointed in myself and for letting all of you down through my conduct.”While I am saddened to miss the upcoming games, I will use this time to reflect, learn and refocus, so that I can return stronger and continue contributing to the team for the rest of the season. “Thank you for your understanding and support. Borja.”Most read in FootballSainz got away with the incident at the time after it was missed by the match officials and played in Norwich’s following four league matches. The FA had launched an investigation and confirmed the forward breached FA Rule E1.1 and determined he “committed the sending off offence”.Philippe Clement reacts after angry Rangers fans call for him to quit after Dundee clashA statement read: “Norwich City’s Borja Sainz has been suspended for six matches and fined £12,000 following a breach of FA Rule E1.1 that took place during their EFL Championship match against Sunderland on Saturday 21 December 2024.”It was alleged that the forward committed the sending off offence of spitting at an opponent, during the 74th minute of the fixture. “Borja Sainz admitted the charge and his sanctions were subsequently imposed by an independent Regulatory Commission. “Full written reasons for this case will be published in due course.” More

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      Rob Edwards AXED by Luton with Hatters staring back-to-back relegations in the face amid dismal run of form

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      LUTON TOWN have axed manager Rob Edwards amid the threat of back-to-back relegations.Edwards, 42, led the Hatters to the Premier League during his first season in charge.Rob Edwards has been axed by Championship strugglers Luton TownCredit: GettyEdwards led Luton to the Premier League in 2023Credit: PAThey dropped back to the Championship this term despite a brave battle.But Luton have been unable to build on their recent success and are now at risk of ending up back in League One.Confirming the manager’s departure, a statement read: “Luton Town Football Club can confirm that Rob Edwards has left his role as manager by mutual agreement.”It continued: “We could have not wished for a better man to understand what it takes to be manager of Luton Town, one who acted as an ambassador for the club and community in the glare of the world’s media spotlight.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We enjoyed the highs of Goodison Park and that maiden Premier League win, the demolition of Brighton under the Kenilworth Road lights and the part the Town played in the 4-4 classic at Newcastle after also taking a point, and so very nearly all three, off Liverpool as the battle against relegation went right to the final day.”The current campaign back in the Championship has clearly not progressed as anticipated, and after holding amicable talks following Monday’s defeat at QPR, the board and Rob have agreed to part with immediate effect.”While the process to appoint a new manager is already underway, Paul Trollope and Richie Kyle, aided by Mick Harford, will take charge of the squad for Saturday’s FA Cup third round tie at Nottingham Forest.”Edwards has won just seven of his 26 matches in the current campaign, leaving the Hatters 20th in the table and just two points above the drop zone.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLuton are now at risk of relegation from the ChampionshipCredit: PAMonday’s 2-1 defeat at QPR was their fourth loss on the bounce.And Luton have now parted ways with Edwards just 26 months after bringing him to Kenilworth Road.Sunderland fans in hysterics as captain Luke O’Nien ‘auditions for WWE’ in post-match brawl at Luton Speaking after Luton’s defeat to QPR this week, Edwards admitted he was feeling the pressure in the dugout.He said: “Every week on the road we seem to be getting hit and hit and hit.“Things have gone against us recently.“It just seems the footballing gods are against us.“But results are not good enough.“The players are giving everything but we are in a results business.”Reflecting on Edwards’ time at the club, Luton CEO Gary Sweet said: “As with all decisions to part company with a manager, this has been a tough decision to arrive at, together with Rob, who has conducted himself with great professionalism and dignity throughout his two years at the Club, and again this week as we have genuinely come to a mutual conclusion.”Rob has given us some of our greatest days to celebrate as Hatters. Those two barnstorming derby victories at Kenilworth Road, the play-off final at Wembley and our season in the Premier League will live with us forever and in doing so Rob has earned himself a legendary status.”Results this season, especially away from home, have clearly not been acceptable and while we have supported Rob and his team in every possible way, we all felt that action was required to rectify this with 20 league matches still to play.”It is typical of Rob’s humility that he also recognised this himself and leaves not just as a former manager, but as a trusted friend who has left his mark on every player and member of staff.”Rob and his family will always be welcome visitors to Kenilworth Road. The door is always open. On behalf of the board, I would like to give him our heartfelt thanks for two years of tireless work and so many memories, wishing him every success for his future career.”On his departure, Edwards himself said: “It’s been a privilege to manage Luton Town Football Club, but now is the right time for me to move on, for the club and me.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I would like to thank Gary Sweet and the board for giving me the opportunity and for their support. To all the amazing staff in the offices, at the stadium and at the training ground, thank you, you’ve been incredible and I will miss you.”Steve Cooper, Gary O’Neil, Russell Martin and ex-Hatters are among the bookies’ favourites for the job. More

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      Former Man Utd coach who was axed with Erik ten Hag lined up for return to football with Championship club

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      RENE HAKE is being linked with a surprise return to English football with West Brom. The former Man Utd coach has been out of work since leaving the Red Devils in November. Rene Hake has emerged as a contender for the vacant West Brom manager jobCredit: GettyThe Dutchman was most recently assistant to Erik ten Hag (left) at Man UtdCredit: ReutersHake was a part of Erik ten Hag’s backroom staff at Old Trafford and joined the club last July. The 53-year-old left his job as Go Ahead Eagles boss to help out his fellow Dutchman. But he was left unemployed after Ten Hag got the boot following a dismal run of form, with Ruben Amorim taking over. Hake has never managed a team outside of the Netherlands.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe has previously taken charge of Emmen, Utrecht, and FC Twente. Accordint to BBC Sport, Hake is now in the running to replace Carlos Corberan at the Hawthorns. Corberan left the Baggies before the festive period to take over at boyhood club Valencia.The 41-year-old Spaniard helped lead West Brom to a 9th placed finish last season and had them in playoff contention again. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAlbion currently have Chris Brunt, Damia Abella and Boaz Myhill in temporary charge.The trio are expected to be in the dugout for Saturday’s FA Cup third-round tie at Bournemouth. Sir Alex Ferguson hails late Man Utd secretary Kath Phipps after her funeralWest Brom’s next Championship game is at home against Stoke on January 18. Baggies bosses are keen for the new manager to be in post by then as the club attempt to keep up their top-six push. Blackburn head coach John Eustace and Swiss manager Raphael Wicky have also been linked. Under Brunt, Abella, and Myhill, the Baggies have won just one of their last four games.Carlos Corberan left West Brom before Christmas to join ValenciaCredit: GettyBrunt said: “Whatever the football club decide to do, I’ll keep preparing as much as I can with Abella and the coaching staff, Boaz [Myhill], sports science, medical.”It’s been a real team effort and the lads deserve a couple of days off, especially at this time of year. READ MORE SUN STORIES”They’ll have those, recharge themselves, and we’ve got a really tough cup tie coming up so if we’re still here, we’ll prepare as best we can. “But first and foremost, I think the boys need a few days off to go and recharge, then we’ll regroup and see what happens.” More