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      EFL set for streaming revolution as Swedish giant ViaPlay set to end Sky Sports monopoly with more games on offer

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      SWEDISH streaming giant Viaplay is emerging as the leading player in the next EFL TV deal.The company boasts major cash to take some of the many packages going.
      EFL football could be set to appear on streaming servicesCredit: PA
      There is growing talk that future coverage — starting in the 2024-25 season — will be split between several TV stations and opens the door to streaming.
      Sky enjoyed the lion’s share of coverage for years but it is now under threat in the bidding process.
      And lower-division clubs are open to the idea of a separate deal for them, meaning more live games.
      The EFL’s commercial team will present some of the options at a meeting later this month.
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      But Viaplay is the new name on the lips of those doing the deals.
      And the Viaplay group has been picking up sports contracts all the time.
      It snapped up the UK-based Premier Sports for more than £30million last year.
      Viaplay also plans to launch in America soon and a football package would help its cause.
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      Back in October, SunSport revealed Sky Sports had been hit by poor Championship viewing figures and reported they may axe games in their new broadcast deal.
      Insiders said that numbers were low in the first part of the season, with the highest coming in the opening match between Huddersfield and Vincent Kompany’s Burnley.
      The exact audience sizes are kept quiet but sources claim the largest was only around 600,000. More

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      Watch Man Utd loanee Hannibal Mejbri send cheeky message to Erik ten Hag in brilliant post-match interview after scoring

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      HANNIBAL MEJBRI sent a cheeky message to Erik ten Hag after scoring against West Brom.The midfielder is on loan at Birmingham and is eager to impress the United boss.
      Hannibal Mejbri scored his first goal for Birmingham against West BromCredit: Getty
      And he did exactly that on Friday as he caught out Baggies goalkeeper David Button with a genius free-kick.
      Hannibal, 20, lined up a wide free-kick as if he was going to cross the ball, even raising his arms to communicate with his team-mates.
      But the Frenchman noticed Button was positioned to one side of his goal so he whipped the ball around the wall and into the bottom corner, catching out the keeper in spectacular fashion.
      Hannibal was named Man of the Match with the Blues beating West Brom 2-0.
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      After the game the midfielder was asked if he was expecting a text from Ten Hag.
      He replied saying: “I just need to stay focused.
      “I’m sure he has Sky but I still need to focus until the end of the season and we will see what happens in the summer.”
      Hannibal then received his Man of the Match trophy and pointed to the camera as he delivered a message to Ten Hag.
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      He added: “Thanks, nice trophy. Thank you very much. It was on Sky.”
      Hannibal’s goal against West Brom was his first for Birmingham, though he has produced five assists for the club since arriving on loan – including one last night. More

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      Man Utd fans go wild as loanee Hannibal Mejbri catches West Brom goalie out to score cheeky free kick for Birmingham

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      MANCHESTER UNITED loanee Hannibal Mejbri wowed fans of his parent club after scoring a superb free-kick for Birmingham.The 20-year-old joined the Midlands club on a season-long loan back in the summer and has featured in every Championship game since his arrival.
      Hannibal Mejbri’s free-kick was his first goal of the seasonCredit: Rex

      Man Utd fans were impressed by Hannibal’s strikeCredit: Getty
      But, while he had contributed five assists heading into their clash with West Brom on Friday night, he was yet to score for the Blues.
      That changed after just 10 minutes at St Mary’s as he executed a superb free-kick.
      Hannibal looked set to whip the set-piece into the penalty area as his team-mates waited to attack the six-yard box.
      But he then stepped up and whipped the ball around the wall and into the unguarded corner, catching Albion keeper David Button out in brilliant fashion.
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      And his first goal of the campaign attracted the attention of Man Utd fans.
      Reacting on social media, one person said: “HANNIBAL MEJBRI, THAT IS BRILLIANT! ❤️”.
      Another added: “People keep doubting his future, I think he’ll be class for us as back-up to Bruno. My boy is killing it!!! 😍😍”.
      Referencing former Man Utd man Tahith Chong, a third responded: “Standing there with Chong as well, my boys 😭♥️”.
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      And a fourth replied: “Only few players try this and accomplish it by the way”.
      John Eustace’s Birmingham went into the clash with West Brom in 18th place, seven points above the relegation zone and nine adrift of the play-offs.
      Carlos Corberan’s West Brom sat sixth knowing a win would move them above Watford and three points clear of seventh-placed Blackburn.
      Hannibal has received plenty of game time at BirminghamCredit: Getty More

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      Burnley star scoops Championship player of the month as Chelsea fans demand club ‘flip Cucurella’

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      BURNLEY star Ian Maatsen has scooped the Championship player of the month award – leaving Chelsea fans desperate to bring him back. The attacking right-back, on loan from Stamford Bridge, has made a name for himself at Burnley this season.
      Maatsen has combined a flair for going forward with a sharp defensive mind at Burnley this seasonCredit: Getty
      Ian Maatsen is having a breakthrough season at Burnley
      The table-toppers are running away with the Championship this season and Maatsen has been among the club’s outstanding performers.
      His player of the month award has sparked further excitement among Chelsea fans that the 20-year-old could replace Marc Cucurella, who is yet to convince supporters after last summer’s move from Brighton.
      One said on Twitter: “Left footed Reece James in the making.”
      Another said: “Reminded me of Reece James’ time at loan with Wigan.
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      In response to a compilation video showing off Maatsen’s highlights, another frustrated Chelsea fan said: “This comp is literally better than what both Cucurella + [Ben] Chilwell have produced together this season.
      Another said: “I’m all for giving players time more than anyone. But Matseen has to force a debate on which other LB stays next season especially Cucurella.”
      A slightly more unforgiving fan simply said: “I would flip Cucu and give him a chance.”
      Maatsen’s player of the month award comes after he scored twice in the space of nine minutes to give the Clarets a two goal lead at Swansea.
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      The full-back is gaining a reputation for roaming forward and being a consistent attacking threat for Burnley.
      He now has four goals and five assists across the season, with Vincent Kompany’s side seven clear at the top and 17 points above 3rd-place Middlesbrough.
      They are also on a nine-game winning run in the league with their last loss back in early November at Sheffield United. More

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      Huddersfield Town SACK manager Mark Fotheringham with Championship club languishing in relegation zone

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      HUDDERSFIELD have sacked manager Mark Fotheringham.The club confirmed the news in a statement on their website.
      Mark Fotheringham has been sacked by HuddersfieldCredit: Rex
      The statement read: “Huddersfield Town can confirm that it has terminated the contract of Head Coach Mark Fotheringham with immediate effect.
      “His assistant, Kenny Miller, has also left the Club.
      “Narcís Pèlach will take control of the team for Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship game at Wigan Athletic as Interim Head Coach.”
      The Terriers currently sit in 22nd in the Championship having won just two league games since November.
      It is a far cry from where they were situated in 2018/19, when they were relegated from the Premier League.
      Fotheringham’s sacking comes after he launched an astonishing rant against his players after a late collapse against Blackpool.
      He blasted his players showing as “unacceptable” against a fellow relegation contender.
      He said: “We are absolutely gutted and devastated in there. There has been a lot of angry, harsh words that have been said and rightly so.
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      “Because we got ourselves in a situation where we in pole position and surrendered three points was unacceptable. I am lost for words.
      “There is a real collective anger in there and a lot of harsh words said collectively as a group and we have let the club down there.
      “We started really well and there was real character there and we faced the challenge head on.
      “We knew Blackpool were very direct and we played on the front foot and caused them problems, especially in the first half-hour and we were in a comfortable position and then the red card came.
      “But with the second half, we made clear that Blackpool would throw everything at it.
      “They are a very determined side under Mick [McCarthy]. But it was an unacceptable performance.
      “We should not have come away with anything other than three points.”
      Fotheringham was only appointed into the role of head coach in late September.
      But with a record boasting just five wins in 21 matches, Huddersfield felt compelled to oust him before the club’s season became unsalvageable. More

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      Supercomputer reveals final Championship table with Watford and Norwich facing heartbreak… but who makes play-offs?

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      A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted the final Championship table and it is bad news for Watford and Norwich.Both teams suffered Premier League relegation last season and have struggled in their efforts to secure an immediate return.
      Supercomputer BESTSiE has predicted the final Championship table
      Norwich hired David Wagner to try and boost their promotion chancesCredit: Getty
      Carlos Corberan agreed a new West Brom contract amid Leeds interestCredit: Reuters
      In fact, both teams have sacked their respective managers mid-campaign in a bid to boost their promotion chances.
      Yet a supercomputer still believes both clubs will miss out on the play-offs – by the slimmest of margins.
      The number-crunching BETSiE, run by betting expert, tip Watford to miss out on sixth place to rivals Luton by just one point.
      The Hatters made the play-offs last year but lost to Huddersfield in the semi-final.
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      However they are on course to repeat that achievement despite losing manager Nathan Jones to Southampton in November.
      Luton could be joined by three teams who failed to make the play-offs last season – West Brom, Millwall and Middlesbrough, who are predicted to finish third.
      The current top two, Burnley and Sheffield United, are expected to finish first and second respectively.
      West Brom have been resurgent under Carlos Corberan and were boosted yesterday after he penned a new contract amid speculation he was favourite for the Leeds job.
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      At the other end of the table Rotherham are predicted to finish bottom, despite not being in the relegation zone currently.
      Joining them in the drop zone are Wigan, Blackpool and Huddersfield. More

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      ‘Is it supposed to be raw?’ – Fans fume at anaemic £5.50 hot dog at Sheffield United that doesn’t even fill the bun up

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      FANS were fuming last night after a snap of an anaemic hot dog costing £5.50 at Sheffield United was shared online.The Blades advanced to the FA Cup fifth round after defeating Wrexham 3-1 in a replay.
      It was a snap of the Bramall Lane hot dogs that had most fans talkingCredit: Twitter @FootyScran
      Billy Sharp helped fire Sheffield united to victory over WrexhamCredit: Alamy
      However, it was not only the footy that had supporters talking.
      Popular Twitter account “Footy Scran” shared an image of a large hot dog bun containing a skinny weiner, minus any onions, sauce or other filling, which was allegedly bought at the Championship side’s Bramall Lane ground.
      They claimed that it had cost a hefty £5.50 – and their followers instantly gave it a big thumbs down.
      One responded: “Looks like it tested positive for Covid.”
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      Another response asked: “Cook it on a radiator?”
      A fellow fan queried: “Is it supposed to be raw?”
      Another tweeter wrote: “How much does it cost to have it cooked?”
      One commented: “Yes hello, I’d like to report a crime.”
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      A fellow fan said: “Used a lighter to ‘cook’ it I see.”
      As another added: “Bit dry that, the cardboard looks more appealing.”
      While a fellow follower hilariously wrote: “A good vet would get that back on it’s feet!” More

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      Man City’s last Championship team and where they are now including Premier League winner amid relegation threat

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      MANCHESTER CITY are at risk of being relegated from the Premier League if found guilty of alleged financial breaches.The club has been accused of more than one hundred breaches between 2009-2018.
      Manchester City won the Championship in 2001-02 with 99 points
      They face possible punishments including a points deduction, transfer bans, spending limits and and stripping of previous titles.
      Another potential punishment is expulsion from the league, meaning relegation and a drop into the Championship.
      City have been in the top flight since the 2002-03 season, having won the Championship in 2002 with an impressive 99 points.
      That team included Erling Haaland’s dad Alfe-Inge, though he was a bit-part player with the likes of Stuart Pearce, Shaun Goater, and Shaun Wright-Phillips firing the Citizens to the Prem.
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      With Man City at real threat of a return to the second tier, SunSport takes a look at that Championship winning side of 2001-02 and where they are now.
      Nicky Weaver
      The former No1, 43, hung up his gloves in 2014 and has since worked at Sheffield Wednesday in various coaching capacities.
      He is now Head of Academy Goalkeeping at the Owls having once been a first-team coach at the club.
      Nicky Weaver works with Sheffield Wednesday’s academyCredit: PA:Press Association
      Richard Dunne
      The former Republic of Ireland international made 352 appearances for City before leaving in 2009.
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      Since retiring Dunne, 43, has worked as a pundit for ITV, BT Sport and TV3 and set-up his own football academy in Monaco, FMC Elite, where he also works as a coach.
      Richard Dunne runs his own academy in MonacoCredit: Getty
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      Steve Howey
      Howey, 51, moved into broadcasting at the end of his career and has worked as a presenter for Total Sport and BBC Radio Newcastle.
      He now works for the Premier League and Sky Sports and can be booked for after-dinner speaking.
      The ex-defender works as a presenter and a punditCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Gerard Wiekens
      The Dutchman, 49, moved back to the Netherlands after leaving Eastlands and had coaching spells at Veendam, FC Groningen and VV Noordsten.
      He is now assistant manager at FC Emmen.
      Gerard Wiekens is FC Emmen assistant managerCredit: EPA
      Stuart Pearce
      The former England international, 60, has had a lengthy coaching career and left his role as West Ham assistant last summer.
      He now features regularly on talkSPORT and amongst his other media work he also gives motivational talks on leadership.
      Stuart Pearce is a regular on talkSPORT after leaving West Ham last summerCredit: Getty
      Kevin Horlock
      Horlock, 50, also moved into coaching at the end of his playing career and is manager of Needham Market.
      He has also managed Maldon & Tiptree and Colchester Under-23s.
      Kevin Horlock is manager of Needham MarketCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Eyal Berkovic
      The former midfielder, 50, is now manager of Israeli second-division side Hapoel Petah Tikva.
      In 2015 Berkovic purchased another Israeli club, Hapoel Rishon, for £320,000.
      Ali Benarbia
      The “Algerian Magician”, 54, works as a pundit for Al Jazeera but is remembered fondly for his time at The Etihad.
      Ali Benarbia made 78 appearances for CityCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Shaun Wright-Phillips
      The former Premier League winner with Chelsea often appears as a pundit and is a director of Mayfair-based jewellery manufacturer Maison d’IF.
      The 41-year-old’s son D’Margio plays for Northampton, on loan from Stoke City.
      Shaun Wright-Phillips has kept busy with different jobs since retiringCredit: Getty
      Darren Huckerby
      Huckerby, 46, works as an ambassador for Norwich and hosts the corporate entertainment on matchday.
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      Darren Huckerby works as an ambassador for NorwichCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Shaun Goater
      Goater, 52, is back at City working with the academy, a position he has held since October 2021.
      He also appears as a pundit on the Sky Sports News show Premier League Daily and works as an analyst for BBC Radio Manchester on City games.
      Shaun Goater works with Manchester City’s academyCredit: Getty More