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    Birmingham announce EIGHT players released in summer cull including Kristian Pedersen but hand out three new contracts

    BIRMINGHAM CITY have announced the release of EIGHT players but also handed out new contracts.The Blues have decided to go ahead with a summer cull following the conclusion of their Championship campaign.
    Birmingham City ace Kristian Pedersen is among eight players released from the clubCredit: PA
    Among the players departing is Kristian Pedersen, who has been with the club since 2018 when he joined from Union Berlin and made a total of 161 appearances.
    However, Pedersen will be released at the end of his contract, which runs out on June 30.
    The same goes for Jeremie Bela, who’s also set to become a free agent this month after three years with Birmingham.
    Yoane Zohore, Renedi Masampu, Archie Matthews, Oriol Soldevila, Kane Thompson-Sommers and Connal Trueman are also set to leave.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}CHANGE AT CITY .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Bristol City announce released players and four stars in contract talks
    However, the St Andrew’s chiefs have also handed new contracts to Josh Andrews, Odin Bailey and Ryan Stirk.
    Tate Campbell and Adan George have also been given new deals ahead of the summer transfer window.
    Manchester United youngsters Tahith Chong and Teden Mengi spent the season on loan with Lee Bowyer’s side but have returned to Old Trafford.
    The same goes for Onel Hernandez, Taylor Richards and Lyle Taylor, who went back to Norwich, Brighton and Nottingham Forest.
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    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    A club statement read: “Eight players have been released following the expiration of their contracts:
    “Jeremie Bela, Renedi Masampu, Archie Matthews, Kristian Pedersen, Oriol Soldevila, Kane Thompson-Sommers, Connal Trueman, Yoane Zohore.
    “Five players have returned to their parent clubs:
    “Tahith Chong, Onel Hernandez, Teden Mengi, Taylor Richards, Lyle Taylor.
    “The Club gives its thanks to the departing players for their contributions across their time with us and wishes them all the best for the future.” More

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    Nottingham Forest owner Marinakis plotting major transfer investment with plan to target Cooper’s preferred signings

    NOTTINGHAM FOREST owner Evangelos Marinakis’ summer transfer policy will be based on manager Steve Cooper and CEO Dane Murphy’s needs.SunSport understand Marinakis is planning a major investment – on and off the pitch – after Forest sealed promotion to the Premier League by beating Huddersfield 1-0 on Sunday’s play-off final at Wembley.
    Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is set for major investmentCredit: PA
    Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper will play a major part on transfer plansCredit: Rex
    The Greek businessman is going to be working closely with Cooper and Murphy during the summer transfer window and will rely heavily on their advice when determining preferred targets.
    SunSport understand the 54-year-old and his son Miltiadis, who has been involved in the day-to-day running of the club since the start of the season, recently met with the team’s CEO and manager at the training ground in Wilford Lane.
    They held a meeting to discuss what players are needed to give them the best chance of survival ahead of the club’s Premier League return.
    Marinakis is also expected to splash over £2million on the club’s training pitches, which will be renovated “from scratch” before next season.
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    The Olympiacos owner will be pumping over £3.5m into the academy’s facilities too.
    SunSport understand those plans were actually decided before Forest sealed promotion from the Championship last week.
    Marinakis has placed plenty of faith in Cooper, who masterminded an incredible run after taking over in September to end Forest’s 23-year exile from the top tier.

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    He is used to giving freedom to talented managers, doing the same at Olympiacos with Ernesto Valverde, Michel and current boss Pedro Martins.
    That has proven to be a successful recipe as it’s helped Olympiacos win 10 titles during his 12-year reign in charge of the Piraeus giants.
    The Greek champions have also made it out of the group stage of a major European competition 10 times in 11 attempts under Marinakis. More

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    VAR controversy mars Championship play-off final as Huddersfield are denied two penalties as Nottingham Forest go up

    VAR controversy marred the Championship play-off final as Huddersfield were denied two penalties in their defeat to Nottingham Forest.Steve Cooper guided his team back to the big time on Sunday thanks to Levi Colwill’s own goal in the 43rd minute.
    Huddersfield were denied a penalty by the ref and VAR for an apparent foul on Harry ToffoloCredit: Reuters
    Nottingham Forest then appeared to get away with a second penalty claim by Lewis O’BrienCredit: Sky Sports
    Forest will now be playing Premier League football for the first time in 23 years.
    But Huddersfield were left feeling hard done by at the final whistle.
    That’s because the Terriers believe they should have been given two clear penalties in the second half.
    The first one came in the 73rd minute when Harry Toffolo appeared to be brought down in the box by Jack Colback.
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Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}READ MORE SUN 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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}FOREST 1 HUDDERSFIELD 0 .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Reds return to Premier League for first time in 23 years
    But referee Jon Moss immediately booked the Huddersfield man for diving.
    And despite replays suggesting there had been contact, a brief check by VAR chief Paul Tierney backed Moss’ decision.
    Huddersfield fans couldn’t believe it, with many wondering why VAR didn’t take a closer look.
    However, things didn’t improve for the Terriers with just six minutes left on the clock.
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    Lewis O’Brien was bundled over in the box by Max Lowe, prompting teammates to flood Moss for a penalty.
    However, he refused to play along with their protests, and instead ordered the game to get underway again.
    This time, Moss didn’t even bother talking with VAR about the incident.
    And fans were quick to react on social media to both decisions.
    In regards to Toffolo’s booking, one said: “Got to be a penalty.”
    Another noted: “Daylight robbery.”
    A third declared: “One of the clearest pens in the history of the sport.”
    Regarding the second controversial decision, one fan wrote: “That’s a clear penalty.”
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}COULDN’T MAKE IT UP .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}I’m a makeup artist, here’s 5 things we want to tell you but don’t
    Another said: “Even more than the first one… and that was nailed on.”
    A third added: “Another clean pen. What is the point of VAR?” More

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    ‘We’ve been s***e’ – Sky Sports forced to apologise after Joe Worrall’s hilarious on-air gaffe after Prem promotion

    SKY SPORTS were forced to apologise as an emotional Joe Worrall swore live on-air after Nottingham Forest were promoted to the Premier League. An own goal from Chelsea loanee Levi Colwill was enough for Forest to seal a return to the Prem for the first time in 23 years.
    A Joe Worrall slip of the tongue live on Sky Sports forced the broadcaster into an apologyCredit: SKY SPORTS
    Forest skipper Worrall has been superb throughout the season and the centre-back helped his side to another shutout victory today.
    Sky were quick to grab the 25-year-old for an interview after Jon Moss blew the final whistle.
    And perhaps a little too caught up in the emotion of promotion, a slip of the tongue from Worrall forced Sky into an apology.
    He said: “Like I keep saying we’ve been really good, not just this season.
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    “I’m not saying we’ve been good in the past seasons because we haven’t.
    “We’ve been s***e but it’s been a long time coming at this club.”
    The Sky reporter then light-heartedly apologised and said with a chuckle: “Joe it’s understandable with your emotions but we must apologise for your language there.”
    Worrall himself said “sorry” as he fought off tears following Forest’s historic victory.
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    The defender spoke with a lump in his throat and tears in his eyes as he called representing the two-times Champions of Europe an “honour”.
    In a bizarre analogy Worrall referred to Forest as a “whipped dog” after years of mistreatment in the second-tier.
    Describing his team, the skipper said: “I keep using the expression of ‘like a whipped dog’.
    “If you treat any dog with kindness then they become a nice dog.
    “If you mistreat one then they are aggressive, we were, we’ve been a mistreated team.” More

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    Huddersfield 0 Nottingham Forest 1: Colwill own goal sends Reds back to Prem for first time since 1999 in £200m play-off

    CARRIED by a wave of emotion and propelled by unstoppable momentum, Nottingham Forest are back in the Premier League after a 23-year absence. One of English football’s grandest clubs have been away from the top flight since the last century – yet under the enlightened management of Steve Cooper, Forest have surged from the bottom of the Championship to the promised land in the space of eight months. 
    Nottingham Forest are back in the Premier League for the first time in 23 yearsCredit: Reuters
    A first-half own goal by Levi Colwill settled the gameCredit: Getty
    Forest survived two second-half penalty shouts from the TerriersCredit: Getty
    A first-half own-goal from Huddersfield defender Levi Colwill was enough to settle the richest football match on Earth – and the Terriers were fuming at being denied a second-half penalty. 
    But the Tricky Trees will be back next season – at the Etihad, the Emirates and White Hart Lane, taunting the high and mighty with cries of “Champions of Europe, you’ll never sing that!”.
    Cooper, the Welshman who guided England’s Under-17s to World Cup glory five years ago, has transformed fortunes at the City Ground since replacing Chris Hughton in September.
    FA Cup victories over Arsenal and Leicester, as well as a near-miss in the quarter-final against Liverpool, had suggested that something special was stirring on the banks of the Trent. 
    .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1546w7m{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}WHY SO SAD? .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Sadio Mane looks glum at Liverpool trophy parade ‘with winger now set to leave’
    And a stunning late surge of league form, which almost won Forest automatic promotion, ended with Cooper’s men snatching play-off glory at Wembley.
    Forest celebrate the 43rd anniversary of the first of their two European Cup victories tomorrow, knowing that they are back where they belong after an entire generation in the second and third tiers of the English game. 
    Huddersfield, who had finished third under Carlos Corberan, have enjoyed an outstanding season but they couldn’t repeat their play-off victory of 2017. 
    For Forest’s supporters, this was a first Wembley appearance in 30 years and it felt as if they were making up for lost time. 
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    They were noisy enough on the tube. Inside Wembley, the din from the red end was cacophonous. 
    While Cooper’s side made most of the early running, as Huddersfield defended with shape and conviction, it was a cautious, edgy affair. 
    You could almost see the thought bubbles above each head – “one slip and it’s £180million down the pan”. 
    Ryan Yates headed wide from a free-kick and then blazed over from the edge of the box.
    Djed Spence was lively on the right but without an end product.
    Sorba Thomas was Huddersfield’s attacking outlet but aside from one cross-shot, pushed out by Brice Samba, the Terriers produced nothing in the first half.
    When the goal arrived, three minutes from half-time, it was suitably scruffy.
    Colwill diverted into his own net for the only goal of the gameCredit: PA
    James Garner attempted a shot from range, Jack Colback ducked out of the way and Colwill, a teenaged Chelsea loanee, diverted it in off his knee under pressure from Yates.
    With containment no longer an option, Huddersfield were far more urgent and purposeful after the break. 
    Jonathan Hogg headed wide at the near post from a corner and Thomas was always threatening to ignite something.
    And 17 minutes from time, Carlos Corberan’s side thought they had a penalty when Colback stuck a leg out and clipped Harry Toffolo. 
    Yet ref Jon Moss, on his swansong appearance, made the bold decision to book Toffolo for diving. 
    The Terriers man was certainly looking for it, yet there was contact.

    Either way, VAR Paul Tierney backed his colleague and Forest had got away with one. 
    It was the same story when Max Lowe brought down Lewis O’Brien in the box with what appeared to be a clumsy challenge.
    Again the on-field decision was no penalty, and again VAR Tierney agreed.
    Forest had to dig in, long and hard, after that.
    They lost keeper Samba to injury in the final minutes but his replacement Ethan Horvath avoided any late scares.
    Dejected Huddersfield Town players react to defeatCredit: Getty
    Sorba Thomas summing up the agony of losing a play-off finalCredit: Getty
    Semi-final shootout hero Brice Samba was forced off late in the game through injuryCredit: PA More

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    Nottingham Forest 0-0 Huddersfield LIVE: Stream, TV channel, score, teams – Championship play-off final latest

    NOTTINGHAM FOREST are taking a trip to Wembley as they face Huddersfield Town in the Championship play-off final.Forest have not tasted top flight football since 1999 and are looking to end more than two decades in the wilderness.
    But Huddersfield have plenty of play-off experience having got promoted at Wembley in 2017.
    And Carlos Corberan has recalled the more attacking option of Sorba Thomas to the starting line-up after he started both play-off semi-final legs against Luton on the bench.

    TV channel: Sky Sports Football
    Live stream: Sky Go/Now TV
    Huddersfield XI: Nicholls, Pipa, Toffolo, Hogg, O’Brien, Thomas, Sinani, Sarr, Ward, Colwill, Lees.
    Nottingham Forest XI: Samba, Spence, Worrall, Colback, Davies, Zinckernagel, Johnson, Yates, McKenna, Cook, Garner.

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    Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
    34. Huddersfield 0-0 Nottingham Forest
    Chance for Huddersfield!
    Sarr sends the ball through to Thomas on the left.
    The midfielder skips past Worrall and cuts inside before driving into the box and unleashing a low driven shot, but Samba can get down to make the save.
    31 Huddersfield 0-0 Nottingham Forest
    Both sides are struggling to create any meaningful chances.
    Forest have had the upper hand so far, but Huddersfield have started to look threatening in their attempts at a counter attack.
    28. Huddersfield 0-0 Nottingham Forest
    Huddersfield are starting to grow in confidence.
    Sinani attempts to play the ball through, but Samba is there to claim it.
    21. Huddersfield 0-0 Nottingham Forest
    Yates finds the ball on the edge of the box.
    He attempts to strike before Sarr can get in position to make the block, but his effort flies over the bar.
    17. Huddersfield 0-0 Nottingham Forest
    Nottingham Forest are starting to take control of this game.
    Huddersfield are struggling to gain possession, and when they do see the ball the Reds are quick to close down.
    12. Huddersfield 0-0 Nottingham Forest
    Chance for Forest!
    The ball is sent into the box from a free kick and finds Yates on the penalty spot.
    The midfielder goes to flick the ball into the far corner, but his effort heads inches wide of the post.
    11. Huddersfield 0-0 Nottingham Forest
    Nottingham Forest have a free kick as Zinckernagel is brought down by a tactical challenge from Sarr.
    The defender was lucky to get away without a booking there.
    9. Huddersfield 0-0 Nottingham Forest
    The ball is sent long to Johnson who looks to have a clean run through on goal, but Colwill does well to get back to break down the attack.
    4. Huddersfield 0-0 Nottingham Forest
    Spence breaks down the right before crossing the ball into the box, but Sarr is there to clear the danger.
    A positive start from both sides.
    1. Huddersfield 0-0 Nottingham Forest
    Huddersfield have an early free kick as Thomas is brought down.
    The midfielder steps up to take it, but his cross heads behind for a goal kick.
    Kick Off
    We’re underway at Wembley!
    The stage is set
    The teams are out!
    Kick off is just a few minutes away!
    ‘It’s a credit to the club’
    When speaking to Sky Sports ahead of kick off, Huddersfield midfielder Jonathan Hogg said:
    “From where we were at the start of the season, it’s a credit to the club, the players and everyone involved to put us in the position where we can play one game for the Premier League.”
    ‘It’s not a coincidence’
    When speaking to Sky Sports ahead of kick off, Nottingham Forest defender Joe Worrall said:
    “It’s massive. There has been a lot of work that has gone on behind the scenes for many years now.
    “It’s not a coincidence that we’re here. Bottom of the league at the start of the season so we’ve got a massive opportunity here today.
    “I just hope the players and fans enjoy it and we really take the opportunity.”
    Credit: Alamy
    Rags to riches
    Huddersfield Town’s Sorba Thomas has experienced an incredible turnaround over the past two years.
    16 months ago, he was working 13-hour shifts on scaffolding sites while also turning out for non-league side Boreham Wood.
    But in January 2021 he signed his first professional deal with Huddersfield.
    He has likened the sensational transition to a blockbuster movie, and believes his rags to riches tale could earn a place on the big screen.
    He joked: “I feel like I’m living in a movie right now and If they ever make a film of this story then I’d like Will Smith to play me!
     “I worked for a year at a sports shop in Oxford Circus selling footy boots and then moved into the scaffolding trade with regular 6am starts in freezing conditions. I didn’t enjoy it at all and it doubled my determination to make it as a footballer but I wouldn’t change a thing because it’s all part of my journey.”
    Thomas starts for the Terriers this afternoon.
    Credit: PA
    Huddersfield’s road to Wembley
    The Terriers kicked off their 2021/22 campaign with a 1-1 draw with now-relegated Derby County on the opening day of the season.
    A week later they were subject to a 5-1 defeat to Fulham which sparked a resurgence as Corberan’s side went on to win their next three consecutive games.
    By the end of 2021, the Terriers were in the play-off positions but faced fierce competition from the likes of Middlesbrough, West Brom and Nottingham Forest.
    Then 2022 arrived – and so did a consistent run of form.
    Huddersfield only lost two of the 20 Championship games they played in 2022. This superb feat saw them finish third in the table.
    Things only got better as the play-offs came around.
    The Terriers were put up against underdogs Luton Town. The Hatters put up an impressive fight, but ultimately Corberan’s team were too much to handle, and Huddersfield scraped through with a 2-1 win on aggregate.
    Nottingham Forest’s road to Wembley
    It would be fair to say that Steve Cooper’s turnaround of Nottingham Forest this season has been nothing short of remarkable.
    In September he took over a team that was rock bottom of the Championship table and put them in seventh place by the time Christmas came around.
    Cooper instilled a new level of confidence into the squad and encouraged better possession-based play.
    His efforts led the side to finish fourth in the Championship table, comfortably in the play-off places.
    Forest narrowly edged past Sheffield United in the semi-finals to earn a deserved place in the final at Wembley.
    Along the way, Cooper and his team stunned Arsenal, Leicester City and Huddersfield Town to progress to the FA Cup quarter-final where they were narrowly defeated by Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
    It has been a season to remember for the Reds, and earning that all-important place in the Premier League would be the icing on the cake.
    Steve Cooper on today’s game
    When speaking to NottinghamshireLive ahead of the game, Cooper said:
    “If there was one way of playing well and winning at Wembley, we’d all be doing it. But unfortunately nobody has found that way yet.
    “What I do know is, we are the club and the team that we are. We are very proud of it and we believe in what we’re doing, so let’s take it to Wembley and try to do our thing.
    “We are at this final, in this magnificent stadium, in this high-pressured game because we have done things a certain way.
    “We have to continue as much as we can with that, while understanding the context of the game.
    “But it’s really important for the players to realise we are in this position because of doing what we’ve done, and that’s committing to a way of playing and a way of working.
    “Let’s try to be the best version of that possible, because that will give us the best chance of winning.
    “The mood in training has been really good. We’ve stuck to the schedule we planned a while ago, and we’ve stuck to the work-load.
    “You’re always tweaking some stuff from a day to day basis – that’s just normal operational stuff. But there’s been no real surprises for the players.
    “Within that, there’s been a really positive attitude and atmosphere. But also very focused.”
    Credit: Getty
    Carlos Corberan on today’s game
    “The first game we played against them they were under another coach and they played 4-3-3, but they’ve since gone to a line of three.
    “Last time we played in the league we both played a back four, and now the game on Sunday I think is going to be more similar to the game we played in the cup.
    “But you can predict the first XI and it doesn’t mean anything.
    “Both coaches can more or less predict the first XI of the teams and we’ve seen which players we use in important games, but the most important thing is how we adapt to the different contexts of the game, reduce their strengths and put our strengths forward.”
    “It’s a big game and I’m looking forward to it, but I’m not proud of just getting there. I can give you that answer after the game.
    “When you play a final you want to win the final and we want to beat Nottingham Forest and achieve something unbelievable.
    “I’ve found a good balance between spending time being calm and spending time working towards the final.”
    Credit: Getty
    Nottingham Forest substitutes
    Ethan Horvath, Tobias Figueiredo, Max Lowe, Sam Surridge, Alex Mighten, Cafu, Joe Lolley.
    The Reds are expected to start in a 3-4-1-2 formation.
    Huddersfield substitutes
    Jamal Blackman, Matty Pearson, Tino Anjorin, Jordan Rhodes, Duane Holmes, Ollie Turton, Jon Russell.
    The Terriers are expected to start in a 3-5-2 formation.
    Nottingham Forest starting line-up
    Brice Samba, Djed Spence, Joe Worrall, Jack Colback, Keinan Davis, Philip Zinckernagel, Brennan Johnson, Ryan Yates, Scott Mckenna, Steve Cook and James Garner.

    Huddersfield starting line-up
    Lee Nicholls, Pipa, Harry Toffolo, Jonathan Hogg, Lewis O’Brien, Sorba Thomas, Naby Sarr, Danel Sinani, Danny Ward, Levi Colwill and Tom Lees.

    One hour until Kick Off!
    The teams have arrived at Wembley.
    There is just over an hour until kick off.
    Team news coming up shortly!

    Fans arrive at Wembley
    Credit: Reuters
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    Huddersfield and Nottingham Forest do battle in ‘richest game in football’ with £170m and Premier League on the line

    ONE match, winner takes all. The prize? A spot in the Premier League.. oh, and £170million.The Championship play-off final is often dubbed “the richest game in football” – with good reason.
    Nottingham Forest are fighting to break back into the Premier League for the first time since the late 90sCredit: Rex
    For both Huddersfield and Nottingham Forest there’s a staggering £170m up for grabs – and a spot in the Premier League – in Sunday’s Championship play-off finalCredit: Getty
    Where else can you bag close to £200m just for one match?
    Even the winner of the Champions League final only pockets around £100m this season.
    But we’re not dealing with the world’s richest clubs backed by billionaire owners who splash out on a football team as a side hustle here.
    Huddersfield and Nottingham Forest have both tasted promotion to the Premier League.. they’ve also suffered relegation.
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    They’ve both needed parachute payments to help stay afloat after the otherwise crippling drop to the second tier of English football.
    Fulham and Bournemouth have already booked their place back at the top table for 2022-23.
    And, so rarely the case, the third and fourth-placed teams in this season’s Championship will fight it out to join them in the Premier League.
    Huddersfield had the edge over 46 league games – by just two points.
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    But Forest scored more AND conceded fewer goals across the whole season.
    Huddersfield scraped past Luton 2-1 on aggregate in the play-offs semi-final, while Nottingham Forest needed penalties to finally overcome Sheffield United.
    The Terriers played in the Premier League as recently as the 2019-20 season and have featured in SIX play-off finals – most recently in the 2016-17 season when they snuck past Reading on penalties to reach the top-flight for the first time in their history.
    But for Forest, this will feel like unchartered territory.
    The Midlands giants – who won the European Cup as recently as 1980 – have NEVER played in a play-off final.
    They haven’t been in the Premier League this millennium, either – last enduring a horror, one-season spell in the top-flight in 1998-99.
    Forest have even sunk has low as League One – playing in the third tier between 2005 and 2008.
    Since then, they’ve been languishing in the Championship for 14 years.
    Incredibly, Nottingham Forest haven’t played at Wembley since their 1992 League Cup final defeat at the hands of Manchester United.

    Forest have NEVER played at the new Wembley.
    But while Huddersfield have racked up the points in the Championship, Forest enjoyed a better domestic cup season.
    In fact, Nottingham Forest KO’d the Terriers in the fifth round of their impressive FA Cup run, in which they beat Arsenal AND Leicester, before losing to eventual champions Liverpool in the quarter-finals.
    But how will they cope with the pressure?
    With at least £170m up for grabs, as well as that all-important Premier League place, it really is anyone’s game.
    Neither team will underestimate the importance of the match – not just for the squad or the manager’s sake, but for the that of the future of the club as a whole.
    But who will come out on top?
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    Will it be the team with more recent experience, Huddersfield, or the young, hungry, new-look Forest who turned so many heads in the FA Cup?
    We’ll find out on Sunday afternoon at Wembley… More

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    Brennan Johnson has unfinished family business as he bids to fire Forest into Prem… after legend dad David failed to

    BRENNAN JOHNSON hopes to make dad David proud today by finishing some unfinished family business.Nottingham Forest legend David Johnson, 45, has always been gutted he could not shoot the club back into the Premier League when they lost in the play-off semi-finals to Sheffield United back in 2003.
    Brennan Johnson celebrates Forest’s shootout triumph with keeper Brice Samba
    David Johnson with his son Brennan who has followed in his Forest footsteps
    Johnson snr scored twice but they got edged out 5-4 on aggregate.
    But 19 years later his boy also netted twice against the Blades — only this time they prevailed after winning a thrilling tie on penalties — and today only Huddersfield stand in their way of returning to the top flight after 23 years.
    And Johnson snr told SunSport: “Wembley is the mecca of world football and I’m going to be so nervous watching Brennan playing there in front of almost 90,000.
    “It’s been tough watching him play because I can’t control anything. I just tell him, ‘Express yourself and enjoy it.’ Then everything is down to him.
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    “If it’s anything to go by last Tuesday night at the City Ground against Sheffield United it’s going to be an horrendous 90 minutes to watch.
    “When you’re in such a huge arena at such a young age in a big occasion, it’s tough. But Brennan can’t wait and this could be a defining moment in his career.”
    Johnson Jr netted in the first leg in a 2-1 win over the Blades and put Forest 3-1 up on aggregate early on in the second leg but a stunning comeback brought the scores back to 3-3 before keeper Brice Samba saved three penalties in the shootout.
    And his dad, who came through the Manchester United ranks with the likes of David Beckham, said: “Brennan has never been nervous before but he told me that the second half and extra-time was the worst experience he has had.
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    Young Brennan Johnson (second left) with his dad as one of the Forest mascots
    Brennan Johnson and his proud dad and Forest legend David Johnson
    David Johnson and the SkyBet Championship play-off trophy
    “That just shows you that the occasion at times can take over you.”
    Johnson Sr believes Forest will prevail against a Huddersfield team who will try to spoil their opponents’ attacking football.
    He said: “I think we’ll do it. We’ll play on the front foot and play exciting football. Hopefully the big pitch will exploit the gaps behind Huddersfield. Forest have the goals in their team and I’m predicting a 2-1 win.”
    Whatever happens today, it’s been an excellent breakthrough season for his son. 

    After spending last season on loan at Lincoln, where he lost at Wembley in the League One play-off final to Blackpool, Johnson jnr has been one of the stars of a stunning campaign which has seen the team rise from bottom of the table to today’s final since Steve Cooper took charge in September.
    And his dad explained: “Steve worked out Brennan’s personality quickly. He’s quiet and laid back — and you don’t really have to say much to him
    “They have their one-on-ones and he wants to learn. But sometimes when he hasn’t been playing well, he has to give Brennan a look to say, ‘come on, up your game’.
    “Brennan has virtually played every game and they have that trust between them. So if his level drops, the manager will let him know.”
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    For a local boy like Johnson, promotion will be huge and his dad added: “It’s a club defining moment. It’ll literally change the face of Nottingham to be back in the Premier League.
    “It’s make-or-break. It’s that big and this is an opportunity they can’t miss — but the desire of Brennan and all the players to make history will be there.”DAVID JOHNSON was speaking on behalf of EFL sponsor Sky Bet as part of their Step Up campaign. More