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      Fans baffled as Premier League club release new badge labelled ‘bland, boring and not needed’

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      FOOTBALL fans are far from impressed with Burnley’s new badge.Burnley updated their club crest earlier this week, changing the primary colours from blue, yellow and back to just claret and white.
      Burnley have changed their club badge
      The new version of the badge already features on all of the club’s social media pages as well as the website.
      However, fans have complained that it is too “boring”.
      One person tweeted: “As a designer, so much cleaner. As a football fan, soulless.”
      Another commented: “Downgrade, very dull.”
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      A third added: “I actually really like their old badge. Not a fan at all of this new one. Really boring and feels like a poor attempt at making it look modern.”
      While a fourth wrote: “Just like every other new football badge, it’s bland, boring and not needed.”
      Burnley will return to the Premier League next season following a successful campaign in the Championship.
      The Clarets earned promotion by winning the division under the management of Manchester City legend Vincent Kompany, who was appointed last summer.
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      Burnley are expected to make several new additions this summer.
      Out-of-favour Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga could make the switch to Turf Moor, with Kompany eyeing a reunion.
      The duo worked together at Anderlecht before Lokonga joined the Gunners in 2021.
      Burnley also want to sign Ian Maatsen from Chelsea, who is expected to cost £20million. More

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      Leicester set to name untried Man City coach as new manager after interviewing five ex-Premier League bosses

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      LEICESTER are reportedly set to appoint Manchester City coach Enzo Maresca as their new manager.The Foxes were relegated down to the Championship on the final day of the Premier League season.
      Man City coach Enzo Maresca, left, is set to take charge at LeicesterCredit: Getty
      Dean Smith took charge from Brendan Rodgers for the final eight games of the campaign.
      But he left at the end of the season and The Telegraph are now claiming Maresca is poised to take charge.
      The Italian, 43, was one of Pep Guardiola’s coaches during Man City’s Treble-winning triumph.
      He is understood to have impressed in conversations with Leicester chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha and director of football Jon Rudkin – where he “outlined his philosophy and vision” for the club’s future.
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      Leicester, who are said to have sought the view of ex-player Esteban Cambiasso during their hunt for a manager, interviewed a host of names.
      They included Smith, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Graham Potter, Steven Gerrard and Scott Parker.

      But they seem to have landed on Maresca – who was linked with the vacant job at Southampton during the 2022/23 season.
      His only past experience of being a head coach came at Parma where he was sacked after 14 games.
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      Leicester are in the midst of a huge squad overhaul.
      Youri Tielemans, Caglar Soyuncu, Daniel Amartey, Nampalys Mendy, Ayoze Perez and Ryan Bertrand all departed when their contracts expired at the end of the season.
      James Maddison, Harvey Barnes, Wilfred Ndidi and Timothy Castagne are also being linked with moves away from the King Power Stadium. More

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      Three A-list sports stars in running to invest in Leeds United amid takeover by NFL giants

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      SURPRISE sporting superstars have been revealed as potential investors in a multi-million-pound takeover of struggling football giants Leeds United.Rickie Fowler has revealed he is one of three top US golfers looking to get involved in Leeds as part of an imminent buy-out by 49ers Enterprises.
      Relegated Leeds United are on the verge of multi-million-pound US investmentCredit: PA
      The American investment group is set to take charge of the club after agreeing a deal to purchase chairman Andrea Radrizzani’s controlling stake.
      And Fowler has now told of being converted to the Elland Road cause – along with fellow golfers Jordan Spieth, a three-time major winner, and double PGA Championship title-holder Justin Thomas.
      The trio – thought to have a combined net worth of £175million – became fans of the West Yorkshire club thanks to another player Matt Fitzpatrick’s Leeds-supporting caddie Billy Foster.
      Sheffield-born Fitzpatrick won his first major, the US Open, in June last year.
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      The American threesome’s new-found enthusiasm comes despite Leeds being relegated last month from the Premier League to the Championship, having gone through three managers in the past season – Jesse Marsch, Javi Gracia and ex-England boss Sam Allardyce.
      Fowler told Sky Sports News: “There’s the group that’s moving forward with being involved with Leeds – myself, JT and Jordan, so potentially we’ll be a part of it.
      “It’s cool to have these opportunities. I know we’re looking into it, and it would be fun if we get to be a part of it, if not we’ll continue to root for Leeds.
      “Obviously they got relegated but to get to go to a Premier League game, a Champions League game – any of that.
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      “It’s called football over there, we call it soccer here but it’s a massive sport and I feel like it is continuing to get bigger in the States.
      “Since I haven’t been to a game, I don’t have the true appreciation until I’ve been actually able to go and be there and feel that energy.”
      Leeds confirmed that a deal had been reached with 49ers Enterprises last week, despite being forced back to the negotiating table in the wake of the team’s relegation to the Championship.
      The American group, also the owner of NFL side the San Francisco 49ers, has been a majority shareholder in Leeds since 2018.
      The firm increased its stake to 44 per cent in 2021, with the option of buying Radrizzani’s remaining 56 per cent before next January.
      But the club’s recent relegation has seen its buy-out price plunge – reportedly from £400million to £170million.
      Fowler said of caddie Foster’s influence: “We told him after knowing he is a huge Leeds United supporter.”
      Former England boss Sam Allardyce was unable to keep Leeds in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Outgoing Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani is selling up to 49ers EnterprisesCredit: PA
      Golfing star Rickie Fowler has gone public on plans to splash out on Leeds UnitedCredit: Getty
      Three-time major-winner Jordan Spieth could also invest in the Yorkshire clubCredit: Getty
      Fellow American Justin Thomas has similarly become a fan of the Elland Road sideCredit: Getty More

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      Huddersfield ‘set to announce new one-year deal for Neil Warnock, 74, after veteran boss’ Championship great escape’

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      NEIL WARNOCK is set to sign a new one-year deal with Huddersfield, reports suggest.According to The Mail, the Terriers wish to reward Warnock by offering him fresh terms that will see him staying at John Smith’s Stadium beyond his 75th birthday.
      Neil Warnock put together a “great escape” and saved Huddersfield from relegationCredit: Getty
      Huddersfield will reward Warnock with a new one-year dealCredit: Alamy
      The experienced tactician is expected to put pen to paper on Wednesday when he heads to Yorkshire from his home in Cornwall.
      Huddersfield fans have been urging club chiefs to keep Warnock in the dugout after saving the team from relegation.
      The Sheffield-born head coach came out of retirement in February when the West Yorkshire giants looked destined for League One.
      However, Warnock orchestrated a stunning turnaround and secured Championship football with a game to spare.
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      The ex-Crystal Palace boss looked set to go back to retirement after his work was done.
      However, he had a change of heart after talking to new owner Kevin Nagle.
      This also comes after the appointment of Huddersfield’s new chief executive Jake Edwards.
      Warnock is undergoing his second stint at the club, having first managed them between 1993 and 1995.
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      The English gaffer has since taken over a raft of different clubs, such as Queens Park Rangers, Sheffield United and Leeds.
      It looked like he was set to roll credits on a 41-year career as manager in 2021 when he left Middlesbrough.
      But he came back and extended his record of matches managed to 1,619.
      He has also won eight promotions throughout his career, which poses as another record. More

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      Leicester join transfer chase for Blackpool star Jerry Yates amid doubts over Jamie Vardy’s future

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      LEICESTER have joined the race for Blackpool striker Jerry Yates.The £4million-rated hotshot, 26, scored 14 goals for the relegated Championship outfit last season.
      Blackpool striker Jerry Yates scored 14 league goals but could not prevent the club from being relegated to League OneCredit: Getty
      Jamie Vardy’s Leicester future remains uncertain following relegation from the Premier LeagueCredit: Alamy
      Top-scorer Yates has attracted interest from Luton, West Brom, Coventry and Ipswich.
      While SunSport understands a £2.5million bid has already rejected by the Tangerines.
      But the Foxes are keen to snap up Yates with doubts over the futures of Jamie Vardy and  Kelechi Iheanacho following relegation from the Premier League.
      Yates has 12 months left on his contract at Bloomfield Road with the option of another year.
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      Blackpool, who will be playing in League One next season, are reluctant to sell.
      But the club are not planning to stand in the way of Yates playing at a higher level. 
      Yates claimed a hat-trick at Blackpool’s end-of-season awards after winning the Players’ Player of the Year, top scorer and goal of the season gongs.
      The forward ended the campaign in the top 10 goalscorers for the Championship.
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      Yates scored 15 in all competitions last season, 14 of which came in the second tier.
      His other goal coming in Blackpool’s FA Cup third round shock over Premier League outfit Nottingham Forest in January. More

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      Leeds star ‘BANNED from playing in Championship next season thanks to bizarre transfer clause’

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      LEEDS defender Robin Koch is BANNED from playing in the Championship next season, according to reports.The German centre-back, 26, has a clause in his contract that allows him to leave Elland Road on a free this summer following their relegation to the second tier.
      Robin Koch has spent three years with LeedsCredit: Getty
      But if that isn’t enough to ensure his exit, Bild understands his deal also contains a stipulation that he is not allowed to play in the Championship.
      Koch joined Leeds from Freiburg after their promotion to the Premier League in 2020.
      He has made 77 appearances for the Yorkshire side, helping them to a ninth-place finish in their first season back in the top flight.
      Manager Marcelo Bielsa, who guided Leeds to promotion, was sacked during the 2021/22 campaign, before they narrowly avoided relegation under Jesse Marsch.
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      But Sam Allardyce failed to achieve the same 12 months later as just one point from their last four games saw them drop into the bottom three and fail to climb to safety.
      And they are now managerless as they prepare for life back in the Championship.
      Former Norwich boss Daniel Farke and West Brom head coach Carlos Corberan have both been linked with the vacant position.
      After the shortest managerial stint in Premier League history came to an end, Allardyce said: “It has been an honour to manage Leeds United, a great club with an incredible fan base, who deserve to be in the Premier League.
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      “I have really enjoyed working with the staff and players at the club and I would like to thank Angus Kinnear for the opportunity.
      “I’d also like to highlight the outstanding work of Karl Robinson and Robbie Keane who have worked tirelessly over the past few weeks.
      “At this stage in my career I am not sure taking on this challenge, which is potentially a long-term project, is something I could commit to, but I wish the club every success for the future and hope the club returns to the Premier League, where they belong.” More

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      Bizarre new rule set to hit long-throw specialists next season as football chiefs try to get play started quicker

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      LONG-throw specialists in the EFL will be BANNED from using towels to dry the ball next term.Club chiefs agreed the rule amendment at their annual meeting, which also formally introduces “multiball” to get play started quicker.
      EFL will ban using towels to dry the ball next termCredit: Rex
      In a statement after the meeting, where club bosses gave chief executive Rick Parry a new three-year mandate, a spokesman said: “The EFL will introduce a multiball system in all its competitions for the 2023/24 season.
      “Match balls will be placed on cones in designated areas at pitch side to help increase the time of the ball being in play.
      “Meanwhile, Clubs will no longer be permitted to use towels or other articles, including items obtained from spectators to dry footballs during matches.”
      The EFL clubs agreed to mirror the Prem’s reformed and toughened Owners’ and Directors Test, a move aimed at preventing rogue executives becoming involved in the game.
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      Clubs will also be banned from any transfers for 18 MONTHS if they are routinely late with HMRC debt payments.
      Any breaches of payment dates will be added up and if a club “accumulates 30 days of late payments in a 12-month period” they will be unable to sign a player for a fee or any consideration for three full transfer windows.
      The meeting was addressed by Sports Minister Stuart Andrew, who again warned Prem clubs they face Government intervention if a new cash deal with the EFL is not swiftly agreed.
      Premier League and EFL bosses remain at daggers drawn over parachute payments and other issues, with Parry wanting 25 per cent of the top flight’s TV income to be given to his clubs.
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      The Minister said: “We want a thriving football pyramid, and more money must flow through the game to make this happen.
      “It remains our firm belief that the best solution is a football led one and I am hopeful that the resolution will be found soon.
      “I would urge both sides to reach a deal as soon as possible. It is in the game’s interests to avoid the risk of further financial uncertainty.
      “If one is not found the Regulator will have a backstop power to intervene and force a solution.” More

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      Birmingham set for huge transfer windfall once Jude Bellingham completes £115m Real Madrid move

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      BIRMINGHAM City are set for a huge transfer windfall once Jude Bellingham completes his £115million move to Real Madrid.The England international is set to sign for the Spanish giants after a deal was agreed with Borussia Dortmund.
      Jude Bellingham’s move to Real Madrid will land Birmingham City a huge transfer windfallCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Bellingham is on the verge of finalising the move, with a medical expected to take place in the comings days.
      The deal is worth a total of £115million, consisting of a £88million initial fee and £27million in add-ons.
      The Mirror report that this will see Bellingham’s former side Birmingham receive £10million as part of a clause included when he was sold to Dortmund in 2020.
      Although the exact percentage of the sell-on clause is unknown, it means the Championship side will have now banked £35million from the sale of Bellingham.
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      The teenage midfielder was sold to Dortmund for £25million after a breakthrough campaign at St. Andrew’s.
      During that campaign, a 16-year-old Bellingham became the Blues’ youngest ever player and scorer.
      His performances were rewarded upon his departure as Birmingham retired his number 22 shirt.
      He has since become a key man for Dortmund and England, captaining the former several times despite still being just 19.
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      Jude Bellingham enjoyed a breakthrough season with Birmingham City in 2019/20Credit: PA
      Bellingham was named their player of the year for the 2022/23 season after they narrowly missed out on the Bundesliga title.
      He has also won 24 caps for the Three Lions and scored at the World Cup in Qatar. More