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      Southampton ANNOUNCE Will Still as new manager one hour before final game of the season vs Arsenal

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      SOUTHAMPTON have tasked Will Still with leading them back to the Premier League.Saints have confirmed their appointment of the Belgian-born English coach, 32, on a three-year deal and the young boss has already targeted promotion.Southampton confirmed Will Still as their new managerCredit: GettySaints put the announcement on the big screen at St Mary’s before facing ArsenalCredit: GettyThe announcement – which included a woman at a bar putting sparkling water away to keep the still out – came just an hour before kick-off in their final game of the dismal season at home to Arsenal. Russell Martin led the south coast side up through the play-offs last year but was dismissed in December, with Southampton going on to be relegated earlier than any club in Premier League history.Southampton had been targeting their former assistant Danny Rohl, who will leave Sheffield Wednesday this summer.But there is competition for the German who is taking time to make a decision on his future, causing Saints to move elsewhere as SunSport revealed the move for Still.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLStill, who wanted to become a coach after playing the videogame Football Manager in his youth, recently announced his decision to leave Lens in France where he also managed Stade de Reims as the youngest manager in Europe’s top five leagues.He said: “I’m extremely proud and excited to have joined Southampton.”There is huge potential here and we have a great opportunity to do something special.“The project that has been laid out to me is very impressive and, all together, I believe we can build a clear identity and a very positive future for the team.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“I can’t wait to meet you, the fans. I look forward to hearing you in voice, and feeling the energy and belief at St Mary’s and beyond.“I’m eager to get to work this summer and start building a close-knit group that can make everyone proud and ultimately get us back to where we belong; in the Premier League.”Will Still goes public with Sky Sports girlfriend Emma SaundersStill will be in attendance at St Mary’s for the home clash with the Gunners alongside Sky Sports presenter girlfriend Emma Saunders.Saints’ new technical director, Johannes Spors, said: “Will is a young, innovative manager who has already gained significant experience throughout his career, and we have been extremely impressed both by his track record and our conversations with him.“What was very apparent in our discussions was the clarity of his philosophy and the identity he wants his teams to have, but also his willingness and ability to adapt to different situations as they present themselves, which will be an important quality in the Championship next season.“We were very impressed by his personality and his values, and we feel he will be an excellent fit for the culture we are looking to build at Staplewood.”Still went public with Saunders during Euro 2024 after watching an England game together.But he wanted to move to England to be closer to his girlfriend following her cancer diagnosis.Read More on The SunSaunders was treated for thyroid cancer at the start of the season and also overcame brain infection encephalitis.Still revealed she was in a coma and had to leave her hospital room to manage his team in France. Simon Ruskhas been in interim charge assisted by Adam LallanaCredit: PAStill is dating Sky Sports presenter Emma SaundersCredit: Instagram / @wrstillThe couple were in attendance for the Arsenal match togetherCredit: GettyWill Still’s managerial recordLierse 6 October 2017 to 2 December 2017 – P9 W7 D1 L1 GD+7 Win % 78Beerschot 19 January 2021 to 30 June 2021 – P15 W6 D2 L7 GD+2 Win % 40Reims 13 October 2022 to 2 May 2024 – P65 W25 D19 L21 GD+11 Win % 38Lens 10 June 2024 to 18 May 2025 – P38 W17 D8 L13 GD+6 Win % 45TOTAL P127 W55 D30 L42 GD+26 Win % 43 More

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      Wrexham’s millionaire Hollywood owners set to be hit hard in the pocket as they try and build Championship squad

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      WREXHAM are learning there is a financial downside to their dramatic rise up the divisions.Phil Parkinson’s Championship new-boys are offering huge deals to new players — but they are also stuck with older ones who have just picked up hefty pay rises for being promoted.Wrexham finished second in League One this termCredit: APRob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have now inspired Wrexham to three promotionsCredit: GettyThe likes of striker Paul Mullin are on even larger salaries than before,  making exits difficult so that Dragons may have to pay some to leave the Racecourse on loans or frees.Wrexham finished second in League One on 92 points, five above Stockport and 19 behind runaway champions Birmingham.Upon the end of the season, the Red Dragons announced exits for eight players.Steven Fletcher, Mark Howard, Josh Adam, Jordan Davies, Harry Dean, Brad Foster and Liam Hall were all released.READ MORE FOOTBALLWhile Sam Dalby snubbed a new deal in January and will also be leaving.Wrexham have offered Callum Edwards a new deal.While an option to extend Aaron James’ deal by a further year has been triggered.Wrexham have already been linked with several players since earning promotion.Most read in ChampionshipBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe Red Dragons are reportedly in talks with Fulham captain Tom Cairney.Cairney, 34, is out of contract and available on a free transfer.Wrexham stars celebrate in iconic Las Vegas casino and hijack luggage cart after Hollywood owners splash £500k on partyBut the former Scotland international would command hefty wages.Wrexham are believed to be in the market for experienced players, with Cairney fitting the bill.Tom Cairney has been linked with a move to WrexhamCredit: Shutterstock Editorial More

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      Jobe Bellingham takes swipe at Sky Sports pundits in live TV interview before awkward moment with panel at Wembley

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      JOBE BELLINGHAM took a swipe at the Sky Sports pundits who doubted if Sunderland’s youngsters had the minerals for promotion.The Black Cats came into the Wembley showdown off the back of horror league form losing five on the bounce. Jobe Bellingham took a swipe at the Sky Sports punditsThey saw off Frank Lampard’s Coventry in the semis to face Sheffield United the play-off final.And Bellingham & Co had to come from behind to win 2-1 with academy graduate Tom Watson scoring a 95th minute winner. Regis Le Bris has put trust in his youthful squad this season, with Bellingham only 19, Chris Rigg, just 17 and Eliezer Mayenda, 20.It had led to questions over their experience – but the players did their talking on the pitch. READ MORE IN football And Bellingham said: “I always believed, you have to believe. “When you’ve got supporters like this and a group of lads like that, you always have to believe.”I always believed and I know people doubted us and that’s understandable, we lost a few games, people talk about momentum.”But I think we did enough, we showed enough throughout the season for people to at least give us some credit going into the play-offs.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”The typical “inexperienced” by all the ex-pros that speak on Sky but we’ve just proved that don’t matter.”You need experience, of course, with youth like at Sunderland you play loads of games you get that experience. Sky Sports forced to apologise as Sunderland star swears on live TV after last touch for club earns them promotion”You get experience by failing and we failed together so many times and in the end we come good.”Sky pundits Curtis Davies and Jobi McAnuff then probed Bellingham on what ex-pro criticised them. But he said with a smile: “I didn’t say criticising!”Sunderland are now back in the Premier League for the first time since 2017. And Bellingham said: “I’ve been part of this great team so every player has made a name for themselves here. So really proud.”Bellingham celebrates with the play-off trophyCredit: Getty More

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      Sky Sports forced to apologise as Sunderland star swears on live TV after last touch for club earns them promotion

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      SKY SPORTS were forced to apologise after Sunderland’s play-off hero Tom Watson accidentally swore live on air. Winger Watson – set for a £10million move to Brighton – sealed an incredible comeback for the Black Cats at Wembley. Tom Watson accidentally swore live on airHis finish in the 95th MINUTE sent Sunderland up to the Premier League – signing off in style. And emotions were running high in his post-match interview as he accidentally swore – with Sky forced to apologise. He said: “I think my celebration said it all, I can’t really put it into words to be honest, just look around it’s f***ing unbelievable.” Sky’s Jonathan Oakes said: “We must apologise for the language! We understand that you’re emotional.” READ MORE IN football Watson has come through Sunderland’s academy and spent three seasons as a first-team player. And after 30 games and ten goals this season, it earned him a Premier League move to Brighton after the two clubs agreed a £10m deal.He said: “We’ll see each other in the Premier League next year in the big time.” Sunderland have not been in England’s top flight since 2017 and found themselves in League One by 2018.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt then took four seasons until they were back up to the Championship – having beaten Wycombe in the play-off final. And after another three seasons in the second-tier, coming fourth this season, Sunderland were back at Wembley. It looked as though it would be heartache after Tyrese Campbell gave Sheffield United the lead. But Eliezer Mayenda and Watson turned the game on its head in a dramatic 15-minute period – sending the Black Cats back to the Prem.And Watson, who came off the bench on the 73rd minute, said: “I’ve been thinking about it for weeks, that story was written when I came off the bench.” Watson celebrates his winnerCredit: Getty More

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      Sheffield Utd 1 Sunderland 2: Black Cats back in Prem for first time in 8 YEARS as controversial star nets £200m winner

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      TOMMY WATSON was the hero as he came off the bench to book Sunderland’s place in the Premier League.The winger intercepted a loose pass before bending a shot into the bottom corner in the fourth minute of stoppage time.Substitute Tommy Watson scored a stoppage time winnerCredit: PAEliezer Mayenda equalised for Sunderland with a brilliant finishCredit: ReutersTyrese Campbell finished off a devastating counter attack to open the scoringCredit: GettyTyrese Campbell opened the scoring as he finished off a devastating counter-attack from the Blades.Chris Wilder’s side had the better of the play from that moment and almost doubled their lead through Andre Brooks in the second half.That miss came back to bite them when Patrick Roberts fed Eliezer Mayenda, who took one touch before firing clinically into the roof of the net. More

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      Sheffield Utd vs Sunderland LIVE SCORE: Mayenda slams home after Campbell goal to set up thrilling finish to £200m game

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      ELIEZER MAYENDER slammed home a stunning eqauliser to set up a TENSE finale to the £200MILLION Championship play-off final at Wembley!Sheffield United striker Kieffer Moore forced Sunderland keeper Anthony Patterson into a STUNNING low save within two minutes after a bullet header into the corner.That same towering header from the Welshman also saw Black Cats star Luke O’Nien crash to the floor, with the defender forced off with a horror dislocated shoulder.Tyrese Campbell then gave the Blades the lead after a SUPERB sweeping move saw him dink past Patterson to open the scoring and Chris WIlder’s team should have had another before Mayenda’s brilliant finish brought Sunderland level.Kick off time: 3.01pm BSTTV channel: Sky Sports Main Event / FootballLive stream: NOW / Sky Sports appSheffield Utd team: Cooper, Brewster, Hamer, Moore, Burrows, Ahmedhodzic, Robinson, Souza, Campbell, Choudhury, PeckSunderland team: Patterson, Hume, Ballard, O’Nien, Cirkin, Neil, Jobe, Le Fee, Mundle, Rigg, MayendaCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Sheffield United 1-2 Sunderland100 – Le Fee wins a much-needed free-kick deep into the Blades half and offers respite. Former Sunderland player Jordan Henderson is amongst the stunned crowd. Copy linkCopiedSheffield United 1-2 Sunderland98 – The Black Cats bury down the hatches with defender Hjelde on for Mayenda.Copy linkCopiedSheffield United 1-2 Sunderland95 – Unbridled joy at Wembley from the Sunderland fans. In the minutes of wait, Sunderland restart with intent. Kieffer Moore is lax in his play and substitute Watson picks it up before caressing his finish into the bottom right corner. One of their own, who will be off in the summer to Brighton, has seemingly done it.Copy linkCopiedGOAL – Tom Watson (Sunderland) Copy linkCopiedSheffield United 1-1 Sunderland93 – Whilst Cannon jumped back on his feet straight away, Ahmedhodzic took his time as he was assessed by medical staff. Copy linkCopiedSheffield United 1-1 Sunderland90 – Seven minutes added on here. More will be played as Cannon and Ahmedhodzic clash heads in the Sunderland box. Copy linkCopiedSheffield United 1-1 Sunderland90 – Brereton Diaz comes of worse for wear from that Hume challenge as he exits down the tunnel. Tom Cannon replaces him. Peck also leaves play for Tom Davies. Copy linkCopiedSheffield United 1-1 Sunderland86 – The sense of revival has clearly spread across the Sunderland team as Hume wipes out Brereton Diaz, who requires treatment.Copy linkCopiedSheffield United 1-1 Sunderland85 – Brooks picks up a O’Hare’s pass out on the right wing, skips past Ballard but a renewed Le Fee is there to intercept to restart Sunderland’s momentum charge. Roberts is cynically stopped by Brereton Diaz who earns a yellow. Copy linkCopiedSheffield United 1-1 Sunderland80 – The power of a goal. Momentum has quite literally shifted as Bellingham lets off a shot from 20-plus yards out but no trouble.O’Nien’s shoulder seemed fine in the celebrations as he came rushing out of the bench. Copy linkCopiedSheffield United 1-1 Sunderland 76 – And just like that, we’ve got a game. Roberts who has added some more purpose to the Black Cats play, picks out Mayenda in a quick transition move initially constructed by Le Fee and Watson, who buries his finish past Cooper.Copy linkCopiedGOAL – Eliezer Mayenda (Sunderland) Copy linkCopiedSheffield United 1-0 Sunderland75 – A bouncing ball once again causes all sorts of panic for the Sunderland backline. Brooks alerts to the defensive mishap but is unable to play it back to his fellow attackers. Copy linkCopiedSheffield United 1-0 Sunderland72 – Hamer is forced to make way for Brereton Diaz. Whislt, a double substitution is ensued for Sunderland: Watson and Isidor for Neil and Mundle. Copy linkCopiedSheffield United 1-0 Sunderland69 – GOLDEN CHANCE! Sheffield born substitute Brooks latches on a Hamer long ball to pickpocket Crikin on the edge of the area, but can’t slide past an alert Patterson. Sunderland go rushing down the field to win a free-kick. Copy linkCopiedSheffield United 1-0 Sunderland67 – Sunderland’s corner is once again underwhelming as the result comes out to Roberts who flicks it behind his back and sees the ball land on top of Cooper’s goal. Copy linkCopiedSheffield United 1-0 Sunderland65 – The Bruno Fernandes comparison I used for Hamer earlier shown in a passage.The Dutchman harries around to reclaim the ball in the middle of the park, skips past a man before receiving a one-two back, his attempted punch pass meets no one. Brooks and O’Hare come on for Brewster and Campbell. Copy linkCopiedSheffield United 1-0 Sunderland62 – Roberts has clearly been brought on to force the initiative as he once again goes for a pass that’s not on. Cooper remains untested as he comes out to take under control and release some tension. Copy linkCopiedSheffield United 1-0 Sunderland60 – Roberts gets his first touches as he peels off the right wing but sees his lofted ball fall short of its intended target. United pick up the lax pieces and gain some yardage into Sunderland’s half. Copy linkCopiedSheffield United 1-0 Sunderland58 – Hume slides the ball into Le Fee in yards of space around the centre-circle. The Frenchemn drives a strike into a United body instead of crafting a more favourable attacking move with those supporting him.Roberts enters the game as Rigg makes way. Whilst Brewster receives a yellow for a late challenge. Copy linkCopiedSheffield United 1-0 Sunderland54 – Space is growing out on the Wembley pitch. Sunderland’s pushed-up approach leaves them thin at the back as Moore’s movement proves beneficial to create a two-vs-two counter-attack situation but fails to get off a threatening effort as Mepham hurries back to block. The chance is deflected to the path of Brewster, who is denied by the sliding Rigg on the edge of the box. Copy linkCopiedSheffield United 1-0 Sunderland51 – The Sunderland crowd are not beaten by their side’s unsuccessful efforts as they egg them on with every foray. United’s adopted deep block means the Black Cats play is ushered out to the wide areas which Mundle receives again, cuts inside, but balloons a strike high and wide. Copy linkCopiedSheffield United 1-0 Sunderland48 – A proactive start from the Black Cats.United’s attempted one-two with Moore and Campbell is cut out as defence is turned straight into attack with Mundle. Quality remains sparse though as nothing comes from the earned corner. Copy linkCopiedSECOND HALFSunderland restart play – with their Premier League hopes on the line. No changes from either side. Copy linkCopiedElsewhere We’ve got coverage on the Dutch Darts ChampionshipCopy linkCopied More

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      Championship play-off final history made as referee speaks to crowd to explain why goal was controversially ruled out

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      FOOTBALL fans saw history made in the Championship play-off final.Sheffield United took on Sunderland at Wembley for a place in next season’s Premier League. Harrison Burrows shot through the crowd as Sheffield United thought they were 2-0 upCredit: Shutterstock EditorialChris Kavanagh announced the goal was chalked off over the PA systemCredit: Sky SportsTyrese Campbell gave the Blades the lead on 25 minutes, expertly dinking in to round off a superb counter attack. Less than ten minutes later, Harrison Burrows thought he had made it 2-0.Burrows let fly from outside the area as the ball flew into the back of the net.But replays showed Vini Souza was impeding Anthony Patterson’s vision and ability to save the shot.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThat saw VAR intervene – the technology in force for the play-off final despite not being used during the regular season. But rather than overturn the decision, the VAR sent referee Chris Kavanagh over to the pitchside monitor to watch the incident and make a call on the subjective offside.Kavanagh decided Souza was interfering and therefore ruled the goal out.That led to the referee announcing over the tannoy that the goal was ruled out because United’s No21 was offside. Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd it became the first time in a Championship play-off final that a VAR decision was explained to the crowd over the PA system inside the stadium by the ref.Fans at the Carabao Cup final saw similar scenes at Wembley in March.’Absolutely disgusting’ – Sunderland fans blasted after footage of how Trafalgar Square was left following party emergesFederico Chiesa’s consolation goal for Liverpool against Newcastle was initially chalked off by the assistant’s flag.But the referee announced over the tannoy that it was in fact allowed to stand – much to Chiesa’s bemusement. The play-off final saw eight minutes of injury time added on at the end of the first half.As well as the stopagge for the disallowed goal, there was also a lengthy delay right at the start when Sunderland’s Luke O’Nien dislocated his shoulder. Premier League clubs went into the final hoping to see a United win – because that would mean an extra £39million windfall cash bonus for top-flight teams. Referee Kavanagh watched the replay on the pitchside monitorCredit: PAReplays clearly showed Anthony Patterson was impeded in the Sunderland goalCredit: Sky Sports More

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      Championship play-off final delayed by sickening injury as Sunderland ace forced off before calling Wag down from stands

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      THE Championship play-off final has been delayed because of an injury to Sunderland club captain Luke O’Nien.The defender dislocated his shoulder in the second minute.Sunderland captain Luke O’Nien was forced off with injuryCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe defender received treatment on the pitch for several minutesCredit: GettyO’Nien appeared to be in pain as he left the pitchCredit: PAThe match was delayed for around six minutesCredit: PAO’Nien injured his shoulder in an aerial challenge with Kieffer MooreCredit: PAThe club captain later joined in with the celebrations after Sunderland equalisedHis arm was held in a slingFollow the Championship play-off final with SunSport’s live blogThe incident occurred as he went to challenge Sheffield United ace Kieffer Moore for a header, with the striker almost scoring.O’Nien fell to the ground and immediately required treatment from the physios.He was attended to for several minutes and received oxygen.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA stretcher was brought out onto the pitch but was not required, with O’Nien walking off.However the Black Cats skipper did appear to be in a lot of pain as he trudged off.He grimaced as he clutched his injured arm – play only resumed six minutes later. O’Nien was applauded off by the Sunderland faithful and was replaced by Chris Mepham.Most read in EFLBefore making his way down the tunnel O’Nien beckoned to his partner Georgia to join him.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSShe walked down the Wembley steps and greeted the Sunderland star, before escorting him down the tunnel alongside the medical staff.O’Nien later returned to the Sunderland bench and was spotted in tears.Sheffield United star targets a hat-trick of promotions ahead of £200m play-off final against Sunderland at WembleyBut his game was not finished as he rushed to the corner flag to join in with the celebrations after Eliezer Mayenda equalised for Sunderland after Tyrese Campbell’s first half opener. More