Championship

THE Canaries were helped by a SQUIRREL in a bizarre turn of events in Norwich’s match against Hull.The visitors were trailing the East Yorkshire side 1-0 when an unplanned secret squirrel attack unlocked The Tigers’ defence.A squirrel made a darting run down the wing before Norwich City’s equaliser at HullIn what was a secret squirrel attack, the rodent offered the perfect overlap for his new teammatesMoments after the squirrel’s run, Josh Sargent headed homeCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskAs the playoff hopefuls worked the ball forward in search of an equaliser, the speedy rodent was seen running down the wing on the MKM Stadium pitch.Norwich’s Borja Sainz spotted the squirrel making the perfect overlap, but opted to play in Kellen Fisher instead.Fisher’s cross was then met by the head of US striker Josh Sargent who notched his ninth goal of the season.However, it would be amiss not to credit his new furry team-mate for creating the goalscoring opportunity.Read more football newsNeedless to say, football fans online were full of puns and praise for the mammal – mostly referencing nuts.One wrote: “That’s nuts.”A second posted: “They squirrelled the ball away.”A third shared: “Decent overlapping run that to draw out the full back.”Most read in FootballHe was later seen running past the Hull benchCredit: GettyThe rodent showed an incredible turn of paceCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile a fourth joked: “It was onside so no issues.”Animals on the pitch in the EFL are nothing new, though.Shocking moment fans throw pig’s head on to the pitch during bitter derby clash before player kicks it away Only last month, a DOG had to be chased off the pitch moments before kick-off at Bristol Rovers vs Leyton Orient.The League One clash was in danger of being delayed as the hosts tried to chase down the four-legged pitch invader.The dog entered the pitch from one corner and managed to sprint all the way across to the opposite corner flag, all while being chased by a hapless club official.The hound was cheered all the way and greeted to cries of: “Sign him up! Sign him up! Sign him up!” More

OXFORD’S clash with Portsmouth was delayed by around half an hour due to a medical emergency in the crowd.The match was halted in the 15th minute as the supporter received medical assistance after suffering a cardiac arrest.Oxford’s clash with Portsmouth was delayed after around 15 minutesCredit: RexPlayers were then taken off the pitch around six minutes later.The match was still goalless when both teams left the field of play.Having kicked off in the early 12:30pm slot, the Championship match was being broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports+.Twelve minutes after players were taken off the pitch, Portsmouth confirmed that the game would resume at 1:15pm.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA brief statement on social media confirmed: “Play is due to restart at 1.15pm at the Kassam Stadium.”We send our very best wishes.”Oxford then gave an encouraging update, posting: “Thank you for your patience.”We can confirm that the fan is breathing and receiving medical care, they will be transferred to hospital for further monitoring. Play will resume at 1:15PM.”Most read in ChampionshipAfter the game, which was won 2-0 by Pompey, Oxford posted a further update on the situation.It read: “Following a medical emergency which took place during today’s game, Oxford United can confirm a supporter suffered a cardiac arrest during the first half.’I’m the only one that knows’ – Benjani lifts lid on what happened when Harry Redknapp sold him on Deadline Day”We are pleased to report they are now in a stable condition and receiving further treatment in hospital.”Oxford went into the match 16th in the table, with Pompey five points behind in 18th.Pompey were left devastated last month when avid fan Alec Lumb, 63, died during their game with Middlesbrough at Fratton Park.His partner of 15 years Sharon said she noticed Alec was slumped in his seat when the players came out on to the pitch.She quickly performed CPR on him and alerted paramedics to the incident.Players stopped the game and signalled to the referee and medical staff who treated Alec in the stand.But despite everyone’s best efforts Alec tragically passed away soon after.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe left behind Sharon, his daughters Hannah and Rebecca, step-daughters Lauren and Shannon – and brother and sister, Ian and Sue.Sue said the family were incredibly touched by the support they’ve received, which has included a whopping £8,900 in donations. More

DERBY COUNTY have announced John Eustace as their new manager.The gaffer has linked up with his former playing club after leaving Championship rivals Blackburn Rovers.John Eustace has quit Blackburn for Championship rivals DerbyCredit: PAThe ace enjoyed two spells with Derby as a playerCredit: Action Images – ReutersEustace, who only replaced Jon Dahl Tomasson at Ewood Park a year ago, shocked the play-off hopefuls when he activated a shock release clause in his contract to hold talks with Derby.The Rams targeted Eustace, who made 62 appearances across two spells as a player for them, after sacking Paul Warne last week.And Rovers were forced to release a statement clarifying the situation while also slamming Eustace for forcing through an exit.But a deal taking him to Pride Park has now gone through.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe former Rams midfielder, who is tasked with saving his new side from relegation, has penned a contract until 2028.And Eustace, who leaves Rovers fifth in the Championship, will be joined in the dugout by assistant boss Matt Gardiner and first-team coach Keith Downing.Derby owner David Clowes said: “I’m excited to welcome John back to Derby County. Fans will remember him for his craft, commitment and intelligence. He was a real leader.“I’ve followed his managerial career with interest, and it’s clear he has the qualities we need to maintain our progress.Most read in ChampionshipJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“He helped both Queens Park Rangers and Birmingham City avoid relegation, before taking Birmingham to sixth place prior to his departure. He has repeated that achievement at Blackburn Rovers, leaving behind a team in the play-off places.”I am thrilled that he shares our belief in the potential of Derby County and that he wants to play a leading role in our plans.Boy Wonders: Blackburn star Harvey Higgins dubbed the ‘next Vardy'”When we bought the club, I was moved by the passion, solidarity and shared belief that bonded all of us who cared about Derby County. From the players, to the staff and to every single fan, we shared a determination to save the club and drive it forward.”It’s the same bond we need now as we get behind John and the players for these final 14 games. That bond was clear at Norwich last Saturday, a team fighting and refusing to be beaten, urged on by our magnificent support.”This is now a season within a season and it’s time for that passion, solidarity and shared belief again, to show what the Rams mean to us all.”Rovers had initially slammed Eustace’s push to quit for Derby earlier in the week.But a classy statement released in the wake of his exit revealed an apparent change of heart, with Eustace seemingly wanting the move to be closer to his family.And Rovers are now thought to be targeting a move for ex-Wolves boss Gary O’Neil as Eustace’s replacement.Eustace replaces Paul Warne who was sacked last weekCredit: PAGary O’Neill is now being lined up for the Wolves jobCredit: APBlackburn’s message to fans read: “Blackburn Rovers can confirm that John Eustace has left his role as Head Coach to take up a position with another Championship club.“While we are disappointed by his decision to leave at this crucial stage of the season, we fully understand that the opportunity to move closer to his family and return to a former club played a significant role in his choice.“The club had hoped that John would see out the season and continue the fantastic work he has done, particularly after strengthening the squad in January and guiding us into a strong position in the league.“However, with 14 games remaining and a real chance to push for a play-off place, the focus remains on achieving our ambitions.“Football is always evolving, and while we part ways with John Eustace, this also presents an exciting opportunity for the new head coach to build on our current positive position.“We remain in a good place in the league and the togetherness of the players, staff and supporters can all play a huge role in making it a successful end to the season.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We would like to thank John Eustace, along with his assistants Matt Gardiner and Keith Downing, for their dedication and hard work over the past year. We wish them all the best in their future endeavours.“David Lowe will continue to take temporary charge of first-team affairs, supported by Damien Johnson, Ben Benson, Mike Sheron and Paul Butler, until a permanent successor is appointed.” More

BLACKBURN are “extremely disappointed” with manager John Eustace after he prepared to leave them for rivals Derby CountyEustace has activated a shock release clause in his contract to hold talks with the fellow Championship side.Blackburn Rovers have slammed manager John Eustace after he activated a release clause in his contract to allow him to speak to DerbyCredit: GettyEustace played for Derby, who sacked manager Paul Warne on Friday, for two full seasons at the end of his careerCredit: GettyEustace, 45, has been in charge of Rovers for a year, with the stunning news coming to light one year and one day following his original appointment.The clause in his deal has allowed him to open negotiations over a possible move to the Rams, who he played for for two years.A damning statement from the Championship promotion hopefuls said: “Blackburn Rovers can confirm that head coach John Eustace has requested permission to speak with another Championship club, following the activation of a clause in his contract.”The club is extremely disappointed by John Eustace’s request to hold discussions with another club at such a crucial stage of the season, but this has now been reluctantly granted.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”With significant investment being made during the January transfer window, with six new additions, several of whom impressed during yesterday’s FA Cup fourth round tie against Wolves, the board and ownership feel the club are in a good position to challenge for one of the play-off places this season.”With the squad bolstered, key players returning from injury and Rovers currently in a strong position in the Championship, the club and players remain focused on achieving the best possible outcome this season.”The club will make no further comment at this time.”According to talkSPORT, Eustace has felt a lack of support from the Ewood Park outfit’s owners, prompting him to seek a move away.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThis has led him to Pride Park, where Eustace – who was sacked at Birmingham before being replaced by Wayne Rooney – is reported to have already accepted the Derby job, although the Championship side is not named in the club statement.The release clause in his contract is said to be valued between £500,000 and £700,000.Former Championship star now a train driver in ‘new career to last the rest of my life’ A win for Derby – who sacked Paul Warne on Friday – in their next match against Oxford United is likely to take them out of the relegation zone.Eustace had insisted he was “happy” at Blackburn, but admitted he would need to speak to the owners if an official approach had been made.He said: “I’ve heard rumours that there’s been an official approach, so that’s something I will have to discuss with the owners.”I’ve been linked with other teams throughout the season so we’ll have to wait and see.”Blackburn sit in sixth place in the Championship with a two-point cushion to dropping out of the play-offs. A run of one win in their last five has threatened to derail their season.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More