Championship

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Swansea and Hull in fight to sign Man Utd transfer target Malcolm Ebiowei on loan from Crystal Palace in January

      by

      SWANSEA are out to beat Hull to sign Crystal Palace winger Malcolm Ebiowei on loan in January.Ebiowei impressed Hull boss Liam Rosenior when he was in charge at Derby last term.
      Malcolm Ebiowei is being lined up for a loan deal by Swansea and HullCredit: Getty
      And the Eagles may send the 19-year-old out again to get some more game-time.
      But Swansea are also keen and Ebiowei could line up alongside Swansea’s 16-year-old Aimar Govea, who is caught in a tug of war between Spain and Ecuador.
      Both nations have called up the midfielder, who must decide which to play for.
      Meanwhile, Palace keeper Sam Johnstone is out for up to two months with a back injury.
      READ MORE IN football
      And that may halt Jack Butland’s loan exit plans.
      Butland is back from a broken hand and could have been allowed out.
      But is now likely to have to stay put to cover for Johnstone.
      Butland picked up the injury against Manchester United in a pre-season friendly.
      Most read in Football
      Bournemouth were lining up to sign him at the start of the window, but their interest cooled.
      The likes of Rangers and Middlesbrough were also linked with the ex-England international.
      Butland has not made a Premier League appearance since May, in a 3-2 defeat to Everton.
      Jack Butland is back from a broken handCredit: Rex More

    • 188 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      QPR appoint Neil Critchley as manager with ex-Liverpool coach replacing new Rangers boss Michael Beale

      by

      QUEENS PARK RANGERS have confirmed Neil Critchley as their new manager.The Championship club have been on the hunt for a new boss after Michael Beale quit for Rangers.
      QPR have appointed Neil Critchley as their new managerCredit: Getty
      That was just a month after he claimed “integrity and loyalty” meant he could not leave Loftus Road for Wolves.
      Now QPR they have turned to 44-year-old Critchley to continue their charge for promotion.
      After penning a three-and-a-half year deal, the new manager said: “I am very excited and can’t wait to get started.
      “It is a huge honour for me and I would like to thank the owners, Les Ferdinand and Lee Hoos for entrusting me to lead the club.
      READ MORE EFL NEWS
      “I would also like to thank Paul Hall and his staff for the hard work they have put in during the interim period.
      “Now I am looking forward to getting to work with the players and staff. I already know some of the players from working with them previously and I am aware of a number of them, having followed their careers from afar.
      “There have been some good foundations laid here and now it is my job to work as hard as I can to build on that.
      “We want to move the club forward and ensure we are competing at the top end of the Championship table.”
      Most read in Championship
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
      QPR chairman Amit Bhatia added: “We are absolutely delighted to bring Neil to the club.
      “Following the abrupt departure of Mick Beale it was important that we made a swift appointment, but also that we took the necessary steps to ensure it was the correct appointment. In announcing Neil today, we have achieved that. 
      “We have made a good start to the season and, in the same way Mick built on the strong work of his predecessor Mark Warburton, we wanted somebody who we felt certain could continue that progress for the club.
      “We also wanted to ensure we appointed someone who shares the footballing philosophy of our club, and in Neil and his team we also feel confident we have achieved that.
      “I’m excited for Neil to get started immediately and wish him the best of luck.” 
      Critchley is joined by Mike Garrity, who has left his role as assistant head coach at Lincoln City, and Ian Brunskill, who was previously Critchley’s assistant head coach at Blackpool.
      Having started his coaching career in Liverpool’s youth set-up, he took charge of Blackpool for his first senior job in 2020.
      He led the Tangerines to promotion via the League Two play-offs in his debut campaign.
      Critchley was rewarded with a new long-term deal and continued his success by guiding the Bloomfield Road outfit to a midtable finish upon their return to the Championship.
      However, he departed Blackpool in June to become Steven Gerrard’s assistant at Aston Villa.
      But that move did not last long as he was axed along with Gerrard in October after a miserable start to the Premier League campaign.
      Meanwhile, Beale left QPR after just six months in charge but had led the Rs to sixth-place in the second tier.
      Read More on The Sun
      But their promotion hopes suffered a blow earlier as they were thrashed 3-0 at home to Burnley.
      Now Critchley will be hoping to get off to a winning start when his new team head to Preston next Saturday. More

    • 275 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      EFL lift 3pm blackout and fixture times moved so England fans can cheer on Kane and Co against France in World Cup

      by

      TWO Championship games will be streamed live on Saturday as the EFL lift the 3pm blackout to enable fans to watch England’s World Cup quarter-final with France.English football’s second tier returned for the first time since the start of the World Cup last weekend as Sunderland beat Millwall.
      The country will come to a stand still for England’s clash with FranceCredit: Rex
      But the first full set of fixtures since mid-November takes place this Saturday, beginning with Blackburn’s home game against Preston at midday – one of three televised Championship matches.
      That clash and the 12.30pm game between Rotherham and Bristol City have both been moved to earlier in the day.
      As has Reading vs Coventry which will take place at 2pm.
      And according to BBC Sport, the nationwide televised blackout ordinarily put in place for football at 3pm will be temporarily lifted for two of the afternoon games.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      Huddersfield’s trip to Sheffield United and Stoke’s clash with Cardiff will be streamed by the EFL, the report states.
      This and the earlier kick-off times mean supporters do not need to worry about getting back in time for England’s crunch clash with France.
      Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions take on the reigning world champions in Qatar at 7pm.
      The huge match is being aired on ITV1, with coverage getting underway from 6pm.
      Most read in EFL

      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST WORLD CUP BETTING OFFERS AND FREE BETS
      Meanwhile, Burnley sit top of the Championship table as they get their domestic action back underway away at QPR.
      A defeat for Vincent Kompany’s men would see Sheffield United leapfrog them into top spot if they can beat rock bottom Huddersfield.
      Blackburn, Watford, Norwich and QPR currently make up the play-off places, while Wigan and Blackpool join Huddersfield in the relegation zone. More

    • 188 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Sheff Utd defender Rhys Norrington-Davies ruled out for 10 weeks after surgery on hamstring injury

      by

      RHYS NORRINGTON-DAVIES is out until February after undergoing surgery on his hamstring injury.The Sheffield United defender, 23, suffered the blow of missing the World Cup with Wales in Qatar.
      Norrington-Davies is out until February after surgery on his hamstringCredit: Getty
      But Norrington-Davies is now on the road to recovery from the cruel injury sustained against Coventry back in October.
      The 13-cap star would have certainly got minutes for Robert Page’s side, who were disappointing at the finals and finished bottom of Group B.
      Prior to the injury, Norrington-Davies had attracted interest from Premier League quartet West Ham, Crystal Palace, Leicester and Bournemouth following his impressive displays at Bramall Lane.
      Norrington-Davies faces at least another ten weeks on the sidelines with the aim of returning for the business end of the campaign for club and country.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      Sheffield United lie second behind leaders Burnley in the Championship after 21 matches and are bidding for promotion to the Prem.
      While versatile Norrington-Davies, who can play left-back, left wing-back or as a left-sided defender in a back three, will also aim to make a Wales comeback for the start of the Euro 2024 qualifiers.
      Page’s men kick-off their bid for a spot at the finals in Germany – a fourth tournament in their last five – against Croatia on March 25 in Split. 
      It’s unknown whether Gareth Bale will be in the squad for that game.
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
      The superstar has vowed to carry on playing for Wales after their heartbreaking World Cup KO. 
      The Dragons skipper limped off at half-time during the sobering 3-0 defeat to England with a hamstring injury. 
      The 33-year-old insists he WON’T retire – as long as coach Rob Page still wants him around. More

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Burnley boss Kompany set to launch transfer swoop for Coventry’s Gyokeres as he prepares to snub Belgium manager job

      by

      BURNLEY boss Vincent Kompany will be in the bidding for Coventry’s Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres in the January window.Kompany wants an extra forward for the promotion push and the hard-running, quick-shooting Gyokeres is top of his list.
      Burnley manager Vincent Kompany looks set to snub the Belgium jobCredit: Getty
      The 24-year-old was valued at around £15million in the last window, which put off Fulham and Middlesbrough.
      Burnley would not go in that high but they could splash out and hope that Coventry’s uncertainties off the field force a sensible sale.
      Burnley tried for Sky Blues midfielder Callum O’Hare in the last market but he was injured as they closed in on a fee.
      And new arrivals mean he is not a priority now.
      Read More on Football
      Kompany will get cash to spend after raising funds and also impressing with his instant improvement of the squad.
      Burnley almost expect Belgium will make an approach for Kompany to become the next national coach.
      But the former Belgian skipper is committed to the club who gave him his big chance in England — and having money to spend will help persuade him to stay.
      Belgium suffered a shock elimination from the 2022 World Cup group stage.
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
      Burnley manager Vincent Kompany is targeting Coventry ace Viktor GyokeresCredit: PA
      Roberto Martinez resigned after the national team’s embarrassing exit from Qatar.
      But Kompany appears fully focused on the task at hand as Burnley manager. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘We need to be respectful’ – Man Utd loanee Amad Diallo asks Sunderland fans to change chant about him

      by

      SUNDERLAND loan star Amad Diallo has asked fans at the Stadium of Light to change their chant about his manhood due it’s “lack of respect”. The Manchester United youngster, 20, has begun to flourish in the North East, becoming a fan favourite.

      Diallo asked Sunderland fans to be respectful and stop chanting their new song, which includes a line about his manhoodCredit: Getty
      But according to talkSPORT reports, a section of Black Cats supporters ignored his request against Millwall on Saturday.
      Early on during the game, the chant – which includes a line about the size of his manhood – could be heard from the stands.
      Diallo had previously stated: “Sunderland fans, I’ve had an amazing time so far and I love your energy.
      “Hearing you sing my name is incredible, but we need to be respectful.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      “Let’s change the song and keep the noise.”
      Sunderland went on to hammer the South London club 3-0 as they move into the Championship’s top half.
      Fans were pleased with the victory but had mixed emotions over the song.
      One fan tweeted: “Before the game: Sunderland urge fans to stop singing the Amad Diallo chant. 20 seconds in: it gets sung.”
      Most read in Championship
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
      The Man Utd star said he loves the energy from the Sunderland fans and hearing them singing his name is ‘incredible’Credit: Getty
      Another added: “Some of the comments on here are embarrassing. Lad has been class for us so far.
      “Asks for a tiny bit of open minded thinking and understanding and people are abusing him. Get a grip man.”
      Former Atalanta youngster Diallo cost the Old Trafford club £37million to sign nearly two years ago.
      The starlet scored just one goal in nine competitive games for United.
      And he also struggled during a loan spell at Rangers last term.
      But the Ivory Coast international is starting to find his feet at the Black Cats.
      And that can only bode well for Sunderland, Man Utd and Diallo. More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      From Ajax to Millwall, how Zian Flemming is bringing some Dutch courage to the Lions’ play-off push

      by

      ZIAN FLEMMING is adding some Dutch courage to Millwall’s attempt to finally make it to the promised land. Dubbed the ‘Bermondsey Bergkamp’, the 24 year old is already a fan favourite down at The Den since his £1.7m club-record move from Fortuna Sittard in the summer. 
      Flemming is raring to go again in the Championship after scoring a hat-trick against Preston before the World Cup breakCredit: Focus Images
      SunSport’s Frankie Christou speaking with Flemming at Millwall’s training ground ahead of their clash with SunderlandCredit: Startraks
      Flemming’s eight Championship goals – including a hat-trick away at Preston before the World Cup break – has Millwall in with a chance to move up to 4th tomorrow with a win at Sunderland. 
      And after snubbing European clubs to join the Lions, the Amsterdam-born attacker believes Gary Rowett’s side are ready to stay in the playoffs.
      He told SunSport: “Millwall are a club with authenticity with raw crowds. 
      “It is an old club with passionate fans and you can see it at the training ground and the stadium. 
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      “It is all just simple and I feel like it is a club built on passion and hard work.
      “I joined because there was a solid foundation of 8th- and 9th-placed finishes and the plan is to make that step into the top six and I am part of that plan. 
      “With my help and the other signings, as well as the rest of the team, I want to get in the top six.”
      The Amsterdam-born attacker was coached by Bergkamp alongside the likes of Matthijs de Ligt, Donny van de Beek and Donyell Malen in Ajax’s academy. 
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      The comparisons with Arsenal legend Denis Bergkamp come from Flemming also not being considered a traditional number 10.
      Yet, despite having a football education most other Championship players could only dream of, Flemming’s physical nature has seen him thrive in just five months in England. 
      Flemming explained: “When you leave Ajax you realise how special it was, but I was a kid just enjoying myself. 
      “Bergkamp was my gaffer at the U12s. I knew his name but I was too young to really know him. 
      “So when he became our gaffer our parents had to tell and show us how big he is. 
      “We needed some education because it was before our time. 
      “I have seen a lot of his goals because luckily we have YouTube.
      “He is a different kind of player who was extremely stylish and technical, whereas I am more physical and goal oriented.” 
      Flemming starred in Ajax’s academy before winning the second division with Jong AjaxCredit: Getty
      He was a fan favourite at Dutch side Fortuna Sittard before moving to Millwall in the summerCredit: Getty
      Despite a fast start to life at Millwall, it was not all plain sailing for Flemming after growing issues halted his progress as a teenager. 
      But after fighting his way back into Ajax’s second side, he adopted his famous arm flex goal celebration which sees him adopt Millwall’s ‘We Fear No Foe’ mantra by paying homage to UFC bruiser Nate Diaz. 
      He said: “I was not growing but at 17 I started growing quickly which caused problems with my body. 
      “In the end I was not able to train for some weeks. I was struggling for like two seasons in a row. 
      “I grew like 20cm and when I got back I tried to do what I was doing before but I could not do it. 
      “I had to learn how to use my body again. I worked hard on my coordination. I was ready to go again but they kept picking other players. 
      “When I finally got my chance and started scoring I started doing the celebration symbolising Nate Diaz in the UFC. 
      “I remember his face was all bloodied and he won. So I saw it as a metaphor and a symbol for me.” 
      Flemming’s fighter mentality was also moulded by his decision to leave Ajax’s prestigious academy to kickstart his career. 
      After excelling in Ajax’s second team, scoring 10 goals in 21 appearances as the side won the Dutch second league for the first time, he secured a free transfer to Eredivisie side PEC Zwolle in 2018.
      A tough start saw him loaned back down to the second division where he became NEC Nijmegen’s top scorer which secured a permanent move to Fortuna Sittard.
      He notched 12 goals and seven assists in his debut season, leading the club to an 11th-place finish before signing off last year with a final-day goal to keep them up. 
      Flemming said: “I could tell there was no space to move up to the first team at Ajax, so it was logical to make that step because otherwise you are just stuck in the second team. 
      “Being in the second division was a step up to the real world because it is very physical but I was still at Ajax. 
      Read More on The Sun
      “At my other clubs I had to think more defensively, because at Ajax you would always have possession.
      “But my mindset has not changed, I want to be the whole package. My main focus is scoring goals.” More

    • 138 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Why is the Championship returning when the World Cup hasn’t finished?

      by

      THE 2022/23 Championship season will soon be put on hold for the Qatar World Cup, but games will resume before the competition has reached it’s conclusion.England supporters will be hoping their side can go all the way this year, having fallen short at the semi-final in 2018, and then the final at the Euro’s.
      Ismaila Sarr was a part of Senegal’s team for the 2018 World CupCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The vast majority of footballers that play in the country who will feature at this year’s tournament will predominantly play in the Premier League.
      However, there will be a few representatives from England’s second division.
      Why is the Championship returning when the World Cup hasn’t finished?
      The English Football League has agreed that the Championship will have a break in matches lasting almost a month between November 13th and December 9th.
      This period will include the World Cup group stage along with the opening round of knockout games. But then, the Championship season will restart.
      Read More on World Cup
      An official statement from the EFL read: “Match round 16 in the Championship, set to take place on Saturday, November 12, will be the final round of fixtures played ahead of the call-up period for the tournament, which begins on Monday, 14.”
      “The Championship will resume on December 10 2022 following the culmination of the World Cup group stages, whist League One and League Two futures will continue as normal.”
      Tim Krul saves a penalty to win in a shootout during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Quarter FinalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      It is thought that players from the English second tier are less likely to be called up to their countries and have a lower chance of progressing further past the group stages.
      However, a number of Championship players could well be on show in Qatar this year, based on their involvement during the recent international breaks.
      These include Watford’s Ismaila Sarr, Netherlands goalkeeper Tim Krul and former Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen.
      Most read in Football More