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      Norwich consider shock move for Watford manager Tom Cleverley, 35, after sacking Johannes Hoff Thorup

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      WATFORD boss Tom Cleverley is a shock name on the Norwich shortlist to fill their managerial vacancy.Cleverley, 35, has made a good start to his career as a gaffer after his surprise call to take charge of the Hornets last year.Tom Cleverley is being eyed by Norwich bosses for the vacant managerial roleCredit: RexJohannes Hoff Thorup was sacked by the Canaries earlier this monthCredit: AlamyJack Wilshere was put in interim charge until the end of the seasonCredit: GettyThe former Manchester United and England midfielder has stepped up comfortably and caught the eye of the Canaries.Norwich could offer Cleverley a more stable environment and a long-term plan to work on.And they may appeal if they decide he is their first choice.Cleverley was appointed Watford boss last year and has led the Hornets to 13th in the table. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe was given a stay of execution in January after speculation the club would pull the trigger with a playoff push fizzling out. Johannes Hoff Thorup was axed by the Canaries following a 3-1 Easter Monday defeat to Millwall. The Dane failed to launch a promotion bid at Carrow Road with Norwich 12 points off the playoffs. Former Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere was put in interim charge by sporting director Ben Knapper.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKWilshere admitted: “He was my first coach and he lost his job.” “It’s never a nice feeling when that happens, and actually it was my first time experiencing it as a coach.Jack Wilshere in race against time as he faces huge 350-mile commute from managerial debut to run London Marathon”We’ve had a few bad results, and you get a feeling about the atmosphere not being great and the environment.”But listen, I was behind the manager, we were all behind the manager. “We were all trying to help him get some results and get some performances, and then all of a sudden you get a phone call and things change really quickly.”I got a phone call on Tuesday morning after our game on Monday, maybe at 10am. “I made my way to the training ground and I’ve been there ever since!”Wilshere’s side earned a point on the road at Middlesbrough on Saturday afternoon.The 0-0 stalemate put a big dent in Boro’s own playoff hopes, setting up a showdown with 6th-placed Coventry on the final day. More

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      Premier League history made as Ipswich RELEGATED to Championship… but Newcastle tighten grip on Champions League

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      IPSWICH’S relegation to the Championship was confirmed as Newcastle ensured a perfect return for Eddie Howe after his health scare.Goals from Alexander Isak, his 26th of the season, Dan Burn and Will Osula secured a 3-0 victory on their manager’s comeback after his pneumonia battle.Ipswich confirmed Premier League history with their relegationCredit: ReutersAlexander Isak saw Newcastle strengthen their Champions League hopes as he kickstarted a 3-0 drubbingCredit: PADan Burn rose highest to nod home Toon’s secondCredit: AlamyWilliam Osula added his first Premier League goal for the MagpiesCredit: AFPWith Ipswich’s relegation, it is the earliest ever that all three relegated teams have been confirmedCredit: ReutersWhile that moved them third and bolstered their Champions League hopes, Kieran McKenna’s Tractor Boys were condemned to the second tier after ill-discipline caused their implosion.Despite all the odds being stacked against them, Ipswich looked anything but overawed and took the game straight to Newcastle.Dan Burn escaped lightly after his loose pass was pounced on by Jack Clarke, whose resulting shot just took a nick of Fabian Schar to divert it an inch the wrong side of the far post.Liam Delap, perhaps auditioning for a potential summer switch to the North East, had a strike blocked before he latched onto a Schar error only for the Swiss star’s recovery block. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNewcastle were flat and just could not get going, but a harshly disallowed goal on 22 minutes finally got a bee in their bonnet.Harvey Barnes knocked a cross towards the back post where the Brazilian stood his ground and turned his back as Alex Palmer darted out, only for the keeper to bounce off the Toon captain and fall to the ground after the slightest nudge.Frustration was growing around St James’ both in the stands and on the pitch as another VAR check was needed to clear both Town skipper Sam Morsy and Joe Willock after a coming together. The visitors were sitting deep, not allowing Isak to get behind.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIn fact, the hotshot Swede had to wait until after half hour for a sniff, firstly heading over Harvey Barnes’ cross and within a minute there were more groans as he volleyed high off target from Jacob Murphy’s knock in.Up the other end, Johnson had just gone into the book for simulation after diving over the legs of Dan Burn 20 yards out and seven minutes later he was off after tugging at Isak.Gary Neville tells Eddie Howe clear reason why he should QUIT Newcastle for ‘next step up’ in his careerKieran McKenna was furious as he was forced to sacrifice ex-Sunderland winger Clarke to bring on defender Ben Godfrey.The atmosphere was white hot now but his brave Tractor Boys refused to buckle as Luke Woolfenden denied Guimaraes the opener on the line and Sandro Tonali crashed an effort off the crossbar.Ipswich were on the ropes and desperate for the break but their hard work was further undone by another lack of discipline.Murphy got the wrong side of Julio Enciso and was sent flying after a pull, allowing Isak to send the resulting penalty kick past Palmer.Chants of “Premier League, corrupt as f***” rang out from the away end and at least their second half collapse ensured they won’t have to endure any more apparent injustice next term.Already facing a mountain to climb, things got even worse for Ipswich as their top-flight status was swept away in a Toon tidal wave.A short corner routine resulted in Kieran Trippier floating a cross towards the back post for giant Burn to nod in and double the advantage.Murphy’s long-ranger curled just wide as it turned into one-way traffic and the third eventually arrived.Osula, only on the bench for a matter of minutes, rose highest to head home Trippier’s corner for his first top-flight goal for the club.It should have been four, but Bruno Guimaraes hooked the ball high over the crossbar with the goal-gaping.Anthony Gordon also forced Palmer into a diving stop in the dying seconds but they were forced to settle for three as their focus switches to next week’s trip to Brighton.Read More on The SunAlthough the one downside for Newcastle and Howe was a booking for his assistant Jason Tindall during the second half.The man dubbed ‘Mad Dog’ had been on best behaviour while covering for Howe during his sickness, but this third caution of the campaign means he will be banned from the touchline against the Seagulls. More

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      ‘I know what club I signed for’ – Daniel Farke breaks silence on sack rumours as Leeds boss says ‘it’s not surprising’

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      DANIEL FARKE is unsurprised by claims Leeds  are considering sacking him — despite securing Premier League promotion.The Whites sealed their top-flight return after two years out when they thumped Stoke 6-0 last Monday.Daniel Farke says someone is linked with his job ‘on a weekly basis’Credit: PALeeds players celebrated their Prem return at Elland RoadCredit: AlamyYet despite his success, Leeds reportedly doubt boss Farke is the right man to lead them into the big time.The German’s critics point to his record  with Norwich — two Prem promotions and two immediate returns to the second tier.Asked if he felt disrespected, Farke said: “Not at all, it’s not surprising.“I knew for which club I signed, I’m not sure how many managers Leeds had in the last 20 years, but it’s a good effort if you last for three months.READ MORE LEEDS UNITED NEWS“Once you sign a contract, there’s lots of pressure, noise, expectations.“On a weekly basis someone is linked. It’s nothing new.”Leeds’ US-based owners 49s Enterprises are not convinced the ex-Borussia Monchengladbach chief is the right man for 2025-26..Supporters sang the 48-year-old’s name amid promotion celebrations outside Elland Road on Monday night. Most read in FootballFarke took Leeds to the play-offs this year and promotion this timeCredit: GettyBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut Farke has failed to win over at least one section of Leeds fans.They were unhappy with his playing style, use of substitutes and, until recently, his faith in keeper Illan Meslier.Inside Leeds’ wild promotion celebrations with thousands of fans greeting team and former Man Utd star on the micFarke took the reins at Leeds last term following relegation and only missed out on a Prem spot when Southampton won the play-off final. Now he’s not just ensured a return to the elite, his team top the Championship on goal difference.And victory in their final two games would mean 100 points.Leeds host Bristol City on Monday then travel to bottom side Plymouth on May 3.However, Farke’s win record in the Prem stands at only 12%.And if Leeds did take the controversial decision to replace him, there could be an attempt to lure back Carlos Corberan.Read More on The SunThe Spaniard was assistant boss at Elland Road under Marcelo Bielsa and had decent spells in charge of Huddersfield and West Brom.Three huge names have also been mentioned – Steven Gerrard, Patrick Vieira and Jose Mourinho. More

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      Fire brigade rush to Championship stadium as blaze erupts in laundry room ahead of huge clash

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      FIRE CREWS were called to tackle a fire at Luton Town football club.Pictures and videos shared on social media showed the home of the Championship football club, Kenilworth Road, on fire on Friday evening.Fire crews were seen tackling a fire at Luton Town’s Kenilworth Road on Friday eveningCredit: https://x.com/dawkinscov1980/status/1915863364422586613The source of the incident was from a small appliance that had caught fire in the stadium’s laundry roomCredit: AlamyFirefighters were seen battling the blaze as black smoke billowed from the stadium.Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to the scene at 8:08pm, with crews from Luton, Stopsley, Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard stations all responding.The fire brigade said firefighters wore breathing apparatus and tackled the blaze from an aerial platform and a 9-metre ladder using two hose reels during the incident.A thermal imaging camera was also used to check for hotspots in the operation.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe fire brought was under control and extinguished within two hours.A Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service statement confirmed crews remained on the scene and a full road closure was still in place on Hatters Way hours later.The shocking scenes came hours before the Championship outfit’s match against Coventry.The clash, which could be pivotal in the Hatters’ battle against relegation, was due to start at 12:30pm.Most read in FootballAnd a statement released by the club at 10:39pm confirmed there would be “no disruption” to the fixture with Coventry.The full statement read “We would like to advise supporters that following reports of an incident at Kenilworth Road this evening, there is no disruption to tomorrow’s fixture with Coventry City taking place.”Smoke was found to be coming from a small appliance that had caught fire in the stadium’s laundry room, which was contained within that area and has been dealt with swiftly to prevent any substantial damage.”We would like to offer a huge thank you to Beds Fire & Rescue for their quick intervention, along with club partners and staff who are also on site to help resolve the issue and ensure that everything is now safe.” More

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      I’ve been relegated and promoted from the Premier League – here’s how Leeds and Burnley can escape ‘yo-yo’ curse

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      SO now we know four  of the six clubs who will be promoted to or relegated from the Premier League.And we need to make sure this magnificent competition remains a meritocracy.Burnley have bounced back to the Prem under Scott ParkerCredit: RexLeeds are also returning to the top flight with two games to spareCredit: RexKarren Brady has seen relegation and promotion during her time as West Ham vice-chairmanCredit: GettyI’ve heard some supporters say: “It’s the same clubs going up and down” — but that’s  just not true. While this season the ‘three-up, three down’ did happen — or is about to — over the years that has not been a regular trend.There have been some yo-yo clubs, but remember in 2021-22 all the promoted clubs stayed in the Premier League and flourished.Just look where they are now. Fulham, Bournemouth and Champions League-chasing Nottingham Forest are all in the top half.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSo, it can be done and we want to make sure that remains the case, in order to uphold the Prem as world football’s most vibrant and exciting domestic competition.Heck, we must be doing something right as the average top-flight  attendance this season is more than 40,000 and the full-house signs are up everywhere. A decade ago that figure was 36,000 and 20 years ago it was 33,000.If you analyse the stats, relegated clubs from the Prem finish on average ninth in their first  season in the Championship, then 12th in their second season.Most read in FootballThriving Nottingham Forest are fourth in the Prem after beating SpursCredit: RexBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThat does not suggest there is a long-term trend for teams  bouncing between the two leagues but it does mean we must keep a very close eye on the situation as the Prem should reward success, as well as punish failure.What we have to ensure is that on any given day any side can beat anyone else in the Prem.Scott Parker sheds tears in emotional celebration with family as Burnley boss retains hundred per cent promotion recordForest won at Liverpool in  September, just as Fulham beat the champions-elect this month.Ditto Arsenal, who lost at home to West Ham in February.Also, Forest, Bournemouth,  Fulham and Brighton are all in the top half, with Brentford 11th and Crystal Palace 12th. That suggests merit is alive and kicking.To those clubs chasing the Prem dream . . . good luck.So far Sheffield United and Sunderland have booked themselves two of the four play-off  places and both clubs will know that promotion to the top flight will bring unbridled joy to fans.It is the Willy Wonka golden ticket and the financial windfall can change the future.You are then in the big league, performing in front of a global audience of billions.There is increased revenue from TV money, sponsorships, attendances and countless other commercial opportunities which come knocking, whereas for those clubs who get relegated from the Prem it is a tough world out there.Cost-cutting is the name of the game as revenue drops by millions in one hit. I know, I’ve been there.Without parachute payments, the tough task of remaining in the Prem gets even tougher and relegation is ArmageddonI’ve lived with the pain of relegation and  joy of promotion and, believe me, you never forget either.The challenge for whichever club joins Burnley and Leeds in the Prem next season is sustainability.Spend wisely and don’t go overboard in the transfer market.There are examples of clubs who have managed the leap into the Prem after showing resilience and building strong foundations.They have spent on the right players, appointed the right manager and have treated survival as a starting point, not the finishing line.Promotion to the Prem can make or break you and if the powers-that-be abolish parachute payments — which they have threatened to — I predict a very bleak future for some clubs.Without parachute payments, the tough task of remaining in the Prem gets even tougher and relegation is Armageddon.Read More on The SunAs we near the last few hurdles in the campaign, some will dream and some will turn to despair.And that’s why it remains the game we all love. More

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      Leeds star Patrick Bamford in awkward phone call with Chris Wilder after leading X-rated chants about Sheff Utd boss

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      PATRICK BAMFORD made an awkward call to Chris Wilder after leading an X-rated chant about Sheffield United’s boss at Leeds’ promotion party.The Blades’ 2-1 defeat at Burnley on Easter Monday ensured both the Clarets and their Yorkshire rivals Premier League football next term.Leeds star Patrick Bamford was seen leading a chant referencing Blades boss Chris WilderCredit: AlamyWilder revealed he received a call from Bamford after video of the chant went viralCredit: AlamyWilder’s side, who travel to Stoke on Friday, are now consigned to third and the play-offs.Leeds’ players and supporters showed little mercy as they celebrated with fans.Striker Bamford was caught on camera starting a less-than-complimentary chant about Wilder that ended with supporters calling him “a w****r”.Former Blades ace Jayden Bogle was also spotted dancing as supporters chanted along to the song.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut Bramall Lane chief Wilder revealed on Thursday: “I had a conversation with Pat yesterday and I’ve no issue at all with it.”I’m not sure about the words from a fellow pro, but I appreciate and respected him giving me a call and we had 20 minutes. “I spoke to Daniel [Farke] as well and had a half-hour chat with him. He’s a top guy.”They’re a top team and a top football club. I’m a big boy.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”I would in a heartbeat have swapped our position for theirs but it isn’t the case. “Ninety-four points for both of those teams is an incredible achievement.Frank Lampard tipped for England job as former Premier League manager Chris Wilder says ‘it just shines through’ “It was a tough campaign from the off for us and we’ve kept it alive to the 44th game. “But ultimately we’ve finished in the position we will.”Wilder has been no stranger himself to celebrations after being spotted revelling in his team’s Steel City derby win over Sheffield Wednesday in a boozer this term.And he also infuriated the Whites six years ago with his infamous “muppets from Leeds” speech after United beat Leeds to promotion.He said: “I’m a big boy, you give it you take it. “You give it out locally, you take it locally as I’ve always done. We have our moments, other teams have their moments.”I’d have done the same in terms of enjoying themselves, because promotion is an incredible achievement and you have to do a lot of things right.Chris WilderWilder also added that he believes that football would be a lot more boring without the extra spice.He added: “One hundred per cent. You know from my character, I don’t just sit here and roll out the boring things. “You want to dig deep into what this club’s about and my thought process, and it’s a big boys game.“When I was playing, we used to give it and take it and it’s part and parcel of the game, even on a Sunday morning. “It’s part of the interesting bit of the game. “Local rivalries, rivalries between teams and everything that goes with it. So I have no issue. “You have to take it and get on with it and I’m absolutely cool with it, and I said that to Pat.”We had our moment in 2018/19, possibly off the back of an incredible afternoon against Ipswich and a long night and an early start and they’ve possibly done the same. Read More on The Sun”I’d have done the same in terms of enjoying themselves, because promotion is an incredible achievement and you have to do a lot of things right.“We did a lot of things right and went close, and we’re going to have to do a lot of things right between now and the end of the season.” More

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      Three-time English title winners set to construct one of UK’s biggest stadiums after historic approval

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      LEEDS UNITED have been given the green light to expand their iconic Elland Road stadium.Leeds City Council, who own the land around the stadium, have agreed for the newly promoted Premier League side to increase their home to 56,500.Leeds United have been given the green light to redevelop their iconic Elland Road stadiumCredit: PAThe outlined increase in capacity would place Elland Road into the top 10 biggest football stadia in EnglandToday’s unanimous in-favour vote from the council marks a giant step forward towards the expansion plans coming to fruition.Elland Road, which currently holds 37,645 seats, will therefore become one of the UK’s biggest football stadiums.Once complete, Leeds’ cauldron will jump eight places from the 13th largest English ground to leapfrog Manchester City in fifth. But the Etihad is set to undergo an expansion of their own from 56,000 to 62,000 by January 2026.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe project also includes wider regeneration plans for south Leeds, with the thought that Elland Road can become a year-round destination with significant economic benefits.It outlined plans for new transport links and businesses, with future public consultation regarding these plans in the pipeline.But no detailed outline plans or sketches of the proposed development have been publicly released as of the latest updates.The redevelopment will focus on expanding the North and West Stands, with construction planned in phases to minimise seating disruption.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWork could potentially start on the West stand within the next year with the second phase of the redevelopment at a later date.Leeds have hired specialist firms, including architects KSS, structural engineers Buro Happold, and project management team RISE, to develop the plans.Championship club could be left without a stadium as EFL deadline loomsSpecialist acoustic consultants are also involved to preserve the stadium’s unique atmosphere.While the West Yorkshire club has confirmed that a formal planning application is expected to be submitted in 2025.Confirming the vote on Wednesday afternoon, a council spokesperson said: “Elland Road and Leeds United are part of the heart and soul of the city, and the club deserves a stadium befitting of its special status and incredible fans.“Naturally we’re keen to support this however we can, and to work closely with the club to ensure they are in the best possible position to achieve their ambitions and build a bigger, brighter future for the club, their supporters and sport in the city.”The Council is currently in discussions with the club over a bus parade for next month.Leeds were promoted back to the Premier League after two years in the Championship on Easter Monday.The Whites secured promotion with two games to spare after Sheffield United lost at second-placed Burnley, a result which meant the Clarets also confirmed their return to the top flight.Leeds were promoted back to the Premier League on Easter Monday More

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      QPR boss Marti Cifuentes considering quitting as manager after breakdown in relationship with CEO

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      QPR boss Marti Cifuentes could quit the club this summer after a breakdown in his relationship with chief executive Christian Nourry.Spaniard Cifuentes, who joined Rangers from Swedish side Hammerby in November 2023, has grown frustrated with the direction the club is heading under Nourry – who was brought in to oversee the club’s recruitment in January last year.QPR boss Marti Cifuentes could quit the club this summerCredit: RexCifuentes wants re-assurances the club want to progress to the next levelCredit: GettyCifuentes, who signed a new contract in September, was linked with the Sunderland job last summer.The Loftus Road manager’s potential availability could interest Norwich and West Brom, who sacked Johannes Hoff Thorup and Tony Mowbray respectively on Easter Monday.The highly-rated 42-year-old is hugely popular with the QPR fans after keeping the club in the Championship last season.But he has grown frustrated with the huge number of injuries his squad encountered this season, which ended their flickering play-off hopes and will result in a lower-mid-table finish.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSCifuentes is unhappy at the club’s decision to allow director of performance Ben Williams to oversee the club’s sports science, medical, physio and nutrition departments remotely from Dubai.QPR chiefs also vetoed a move from 27-year-old Nourry to appoint a set-piece coach earlier this season.Headline summer arrivals Zan Celar and Nicolas Madsen have struggled since signing for a combined fee of over £5million.And Cifuentes said after Monday’s 2-1 home defeat by Swansea he wanted assurances the club want to progress to the next level having dropped out of the Premier League ten years ago.Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Spaniard said: “The supporters since I first came here have been amazing.“But I would like to give them something else and not just celebrate another season in the Championship.”Ruud Van Nistelrooy speaks after Leicester relegated to the ChampionshipQPR play already-promoted Burnley at home on Saturday before a trip to play-off bound Sunderland on the final day.Cifuentes had previously targeted surpassing last season’s points total of 56 and the Rs are one win away from matching that.QPR are 15th in the Championship after losing to Swansea on Easter MondayCredit: Rex More