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    Alex Bruce ready to snub coaching job at Middlesbrough as he hopes to follow dad Steve into management

    ALEX BRUCE hopes to become a boss — and is prepared to start in the bottom tier.Bruce, who left West Brom with dad Steve, has been linked with a  backroom post at Middlesbrough but would prefer to be No 1.
    Alex Bruce is willing to start at the bottom in managementCredit: Getty
    Dad Steve was given the boot by the Baggies after winning just one game in the Championship.
    The poor form had West Brom stuck in the relegation zone.
    West Brom’s fortunes haven’t changed since Bruce’s departure.
    They’ve won just one game while recording losses to Bristol City and Millwall.
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    They are yet to appoint a new manager, but SunSport revealed Liam Rosenior is in talks over the position.
    Rosenior, 38, left his interim gaffer role at Derby last month after Paul Warne’s appointment.
    He is keen to get back to the dugout and managerless Baggies would avoid having to pay compensation for him.
    Free agents Carlos Corberan and Carlos Carvalhal are also in the frame.
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    Steven Schumacher, Gary Rowett and Leam Richardson have also been linked but they would cost a settlement fee with their clubs.
    Rosenior – the son of former QPR and Fulham ace Leroy – was gutted to leave Pride Park but admits he’ll look back fondly on his time with the club. More

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    West Brom hold talks with Liam Rosenior after Derby exit with Baggies keen to avoid paying compensation for new boss

    WEST BROM have held talks with Liam Rosenior about a swift return to management.Rosenior, 38, left his interim gaffer role at Derby last month after Paul Warne’s appointment.
    Liam Rosenior left his role as interim Derby managerCredit: PA
    Paul Warne replaced Rosenior as Rams bossCredit: PA
    Rosenior is now in the running to take charge of managerless West BromCredit: REX
    He is keen to get back to the dugout and managerless Baggies would avoid having to pay compensation for him.
    Free agents Carlos Corberan and Carlos Carvalhal are also in the frame.
    Steven Schumacher, Gary Rowett and Leam Richardson have also been linked but they would cost a settlement fee with their clubs.
    Rosenior – the son of former QPR and Fulham ace Leroy – was gutted to leave Pride Park but admits he’ll look back fondly on his time with the club.
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    He said: “Whilst it is a hugely sad day to leave Derby County, I do so with so much pride and gratitude of being part of this journey with you all at such a critical point in the club’s history.
    “I want to thank every supporter, member of staff and the players I came into contact with, for giving me so much joy to come in to work every day and also for the incredible memories we have shared together over the past three years.
    “I thank David Clowes for entrusting in me the huge responsibility in leading the rebuilding process of the footballing side of the club in this period but more importantly than that, his role in saving this club from extinction.
    “I know how important Derby County is in terms of its history, tradition, outstanding work in the community and the pride it brings to every single person in the city and surrounding area and it is with huge pleasure that I know it will continue for years to come.
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    “Derby County is more than a football club.
    “On a personal level, I will never forget the joy, honour and pride in building and leading this team out to start this exciting new era and now is the right time for me to continue the next stage of my career development as a manager in my own right.”
    Rosenior is confident his successor will guide Derby back to the Championship.
    He said: “I have no doubts that the club is in safe hands on the pitch with Paul Warne and his staff working with an outstanding group of players and professionals, who it was an absolute pleasure working with every day.
    “I hope and I’m sure they will all be successful and I wish them all the very best in the future.
    “I wish I could individually thank every member of staff and supporter I had the privilege of meeting and working with but there are too many to mention in this message.
    “You all know who you are and I’m sure our paths will cross at some point in the future! Thank you for everything.”
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    Derby will be back in action on Tuesday, welcoming Exeter City to Pride Park.
    West Brom, meanwhile, face Sheffield United at the Hawthorns Saturday.
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    West Brom ‘hold talks with Jody Morris about becoming new manager with ex-Chelsea assistant in line for first boss job’

    FORMER Chelsea assistant Jody Morris has reportedly held talks about becoming West Brom’s new boss.TalkSport claims the former Blues midfielder, 43, is high on the Baggies’ list as they search for Steve Bruce’s successor.
    Former Chelsea No2 Jody Morris has held talks over the vacant West Brom jobCredit: Getty
    He was axed earlier this month after winning just one of 13 games in the Championship.
    SunSport exclusively revealed West Brom were initially hoping to land Gary Rowett from Millwall.
    And the Baggies have also been keeping an eye on Pymouth’s Steven Schumacher.
    However, Morris could now get the nod despite having never managed a senior team in his career.
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    The tactician made his name as a coach with Chelsea’s youth sides, leading the U18s to the treble in 2017 before winning the quadruple a year later.
    Morris’ first taste proper came at Derby County when he became Frank Lampard’s assistant.
    And he made the return to Stamford Bridge as No2 when Lampard was chosen as Maurizio Sarri’s replacement in 2019.
    Morris left his role after Lampard was sacked in January 2021.
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    But the pair ended up splitting months later, with Morris left out when Lampard eventually took charge at Everton.
    However, Morris could now be the main man for the first time ever as West Brom look to revive their season.
    It’s reckoned he came close to getting the Sunderland job earlier this year before the Black Cats opted for Alex Neil – now at Stoke City.
    But Morris faces a tough task should he take charge at the Hawthorns.
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    West Brom have collected just 14 points from 15 matches this season and find themselves in the drop zone.
    Things don’t get any easier for the Baggies either, with tough games against Millwall and Sheffield United on the horizon. More

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    Crystal Palace to launch Ben Brereton Diaz transfer swoop as forward rejects Blackburn contract amid European interest

    CRYSTAL PALACE are considering a January move for Blackburn forward Ben Brereton Diaz.The Chile international, 23, is a free agent in the summer and is being monitored by a number of clubs at home and in Europe.
    Ben Brereton Diaz has impressed regularly in his three years at Edwood ParkCredit: Reuters
    Fulham, Leeds and Everton all failed with late bids during the summer window as the Championship side managed to hold onto their star man.
    Brereton Diaz has shown no sign of a failed move hurting his form, with eight goals in the second tier so far – including one stunner against Sunderland on Tuesday night.
    He is the joint top scorer in the Championship.
    Blackburn have offered the former Nottingham Forest star a new deal and are still attempting to agree new terms but have been knocked back each time.
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    That stance has put clubs on alert ahead of January. Premier League teams may not be able to wait until the end of the season to take the forward on a free transfer.
    Talks have been held with a number of clubs in La Liga who are prepared to offer Brereton Diaz a pre-contract in the New Year.
    And now the Eagles are considering a swoop. Patrick Vieira was keen to add further bite to his attacking line in the summer but could not get a move over the line.
    Christian Benteke was sold without being replaced while both Odsonne Edouard and Jean-Philippe Mateta have struggled for goals.
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    Edouard has two goals in 10 Premier League appearances this season while Mateta has one in nine.
    Everton continue to monitor Brereton Diaz ahead of the window, while Leeds remain interested.
    Last month reports emerged that Blackburn were set to turn their attention to Sunderland’s Ross Stewart if they lost Brereton Diaz.
    Meanwhile, Palace legend Julian Speroni has returned to the club to join the academy coaching staff.
    The former keeper, who made 405 Palace appearances, said: “It’s an honour to be back. Palace is a club that is close to my heart and I am so pleased to be involved once again.” More

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    Wolves ‘set to trigger Michael Beale’s QPR release clause and appoint him as next manager’

    WOLVES are reportedly set to trigger Michael Beale’s QPR release clause and make him their next boss.The Molineux club had made Beale their top candidate to take over, as exclusively revealed by SunSport.
    Michael Beale is reportedly set to take over at WolvesCredit: PA
    And now the Premier League strugglers are poised to trigger the release clause in his QPR contract, according to talkSPORT.
    Beale, 42, only joined the Hoops in June on a three-year deal but has impressed by guiding them to sixth in the Championship table.
    He also speaks Portuguese — like 11 of the club’s first-team squad — thanks to a spell coaching Brazilian giants Sao Paulo.
    Wolves see him as the progressive, hands-on coach they need.
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    Beale himself is reported to be keen on making the move to Molineux.
    As a result, they are prepared to pay the hefty compensation needed to prise him away from Loftus Road.
    Former Spain boss Julen Lopetegui snubbed the chance to take over at Wolves earlier this month.
    Ex-Wolves gaffer Nuno Espirito Santo emerged as another potential candidate, before Wolves made the decision to swoop for Beale.
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    He left his position as Steven Gerrard’s assistant manager at Aston Villa in June to become a boss himself.
    He has quickly made his mark in his short time as a gaffer.
    QPR are just three points off the top of the Championship, having played two games less than current league leaders Blackburn.
    Steve Davis has been in caretaker charge at Wolves for the last three games, including the 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace last night. More

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    Middlesbrough confident of appointing Man Utd legend Michael Carrick as new boss before weekend clash with Huddersfield

    MIDDLESBROUGH are confident of appointing Michael Carrick as manager before the weekend.Carrick has been in advanced talks with the Teessiders all week and is set to replace Chris Wilder.
    Middlesbrough hope to name Michael Carrick as boss by the weekendCredit: PA
    Negotiations stalled last week over the make-up of the ex-Manchester United star’s backroom team, which could include Steve Bruce’s son Alex.
    But those issues have been resolved with the 41-year-old agreeing to take the Riverside reins and land his first manager’s job.
    It is unclear yet whether he will be in the dugout for Saturday’s crunch home clash with fellow Championship bottom three side Huddersfield or watch from the stands.
    Middlesbrough have only won three of their 14 games and travel to Wigan on Wednesday.
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    Leo Percovich, a coach at the club under Aitor Karanka, Jonathan Woodgate, Neil Warnock and then Wilder, was placed in temporary charge following Wilder’s dismissal.
    He guided Boro to a 1-0 win over Birmingham but defeats to Millwall and Blackburn have left them deep in the mire.
    Former England international Carrick won the Premier League five times and the Champions League during his Old Trafford playing career.
    He initially joined United’s coaching staff under Jose Mourinho.
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    He was then part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s backroom team before then getting a brief taste of management himself after the Norwegian was axed in November 2021.
    Newcastle-born Carrick had a three-game stint as caretaker.
    He led United to two wins and then a draw against Chelsea but left after Ralf Rangnick’s arrival. More

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    Michael Carrick set to be appointed Middlesbrough manager as Man Utd legend ‘changes mind after fresh talks’

    MICHAEL CARRICK is back in line to become Middlesbrough’s new manager.The ex-Manchester United midfielder appeared to rule himself out after talks stalled last week.
    Talks are back on for Michael Carrick to take charge at MiddlesbroughCredit: Getty
    But he remained owner Steve Gibson’s No 1 choice to replace Chris Wilder.
    And fresh discussions have taken place over the last 24 hours.
    Carrick, 41, is desperate to land a first job in frontline management.
    And he could be in charge of Boro against Huddersfield on Saturday.
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    The Geordie was caretaker manager at Man United following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking.
    He then took a break from the game after Ralf Rangnick’s appointment.
    United legend Carrick played 464 times for the club after a move from Spurs in 2006.
    He won five titles and the 2008 Champions League to become a fan favourite.
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    And Carrick showed he’s still a supporter at heart as he joined fans in the away end at Everton earlier this month.
    Meanwhile, Boro face Wigan tomorrow but interim Leo Percovich looks set to take charge against the Latics.
    The Teessiders moved back into the bottom three of the Championship after losing 2-1 to Blackburn on Saturday. More

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    Derby boss Paul Warne eyeing transfer for Middlesbrough’s Darnell Fisher after pair worked together at Rotherham

    DERBY boss Paul Warne is looking into a loan deal for Darnell Fisher.The right-back, 28, has had a long-term injury at Middlesbrough and could be allowed out to get game-time.
    Middlesbrough right-back Darnell Fisher might be handed the chance to work his way back to match sharpness with DerbyCredit: Getty
    Warne knows Fisher from their time at Rotherham and would like his attacking flair at his disposal.
    Ex-Preston star Fisher’s Boro contact expires next summer.
    And a chance to shine in League One with promotion-seeking Derby could be just what he needs if he wants a new deal with Championship side Middlesbrough.
    Rams’ chief Warne was briefly in charge of Fisher when he took over as Rotherham manager in Aril 2017.
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    But he failed to save the Millers from becoming the first team in English football’s top six tiers to be relegated.
    Fisher left for Preston that summer, before joining Middlesbrough in January 2021.
    Boro, meanwhile, could hand their permanent boss job to local lad Lee Cattermole, 34.
    But Uruguayan Leo Percovich expects to stay in control for Wednesday’s trip to Wigan despite Saturday’s 2-1 home loss to Blackburn leaving Boro third bottom of the Championship.
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    Former Middlesbrough, Wigan and Sunderland midfielder Cattermole is part of temporary chief’s Percovich’s team of coaches.
    But Percovich said after the weekend loss: “I am in charge and responsible for everything.
    “I will be leading the group for what happens this week, and will be preparing the team for Wednesday.
    “We can’t just wait to see if the club is going to make a decision, then switch on again.
    “Then, we will see what the decision of the club is.”
    Manchester United legend Michael Carrick also held talks over the permanent Boro position, following Chris Wilder’s departure. More