Championship

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Derby lead race to sign red-hot Northern Irish striker Lee Bonis in bargain transfer.. even if they don’t get promoted

      by

      DERBY head the race to sign Northern Irish striker Lee Bonis.The Larne striker, 23, has 16 goals this season.
      Larne star Lee Bonis is being targeted by Derby ahead of the summer transfer windowCredit: Rex
      And Bonis could now move for about £200,000 in the summer.
      League One Rams are chasing promotion – currently sitting sixth in the third tier.
      But they may bid for him even if they do not go back up to the Championship.
      Dundee United have also been linked with a summer move for the centre-forward.
      Read More on Football
      Bonis’ impressive displays have helped fire Larne to the Irish Premiership title.
      The ex-Northern Ireland Under-21 international has been a revelation for the champions after moving from Portadown last year in a £100,000 deal.
      Larne manager Tiernan Lynch is braced for the forward’s departure but insists the Derby target will not be sold on the cheap.
      Lynch said: “My honest answer is that I think Lee has the capabilities to get across the water.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      “I think he has all the attributes that teams would be looking for — big, strong, physical, athletic and scores goals.
      “I don’t think you would get Lee for anything less than £300,000.
      “I think you need to flip that back and ask if potential clubs can afford not to look at someone like Lee?
      “In today’s market, £300,000 isn’t a huge amount of money.” More

    • 275 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Angry Wigan players in talks to go on STRIKE and refuse to play final Championship game of season over more unpaid wages

      by

      ANGRY Wigan players are in talks about going on STRIKE — and refusing to play the final Championship game of the season against Rotherham on Monday.The Latics squad, who did not train on Saturday, have been let down by the club’s Bahraini owners who failed to pay all the wages on time on Friday.
      Wigan players did not have their wages paid on FridayCredit: Rex
      They are now considering going on strikeCredit: Rex
      Some players have now been paid late — but those out of contract in the summer are still to see their money.
      And unless that missing cash arrives before the match with the Millers, relegated Wigan are openly discussing not playing.
      Chairman Talal Al Hammad revealed that the cash will not go in until AFTER the game — and that may not be enough to convince the players to turn out.
      Wigan could be forced to use their reserves or even youth-team players to make up numbers, although that would cause further trouble with the EFL — who are also fuming about the situation.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The Latics were hit with a three-point penalty by the league for previous offences of not paying players or staff on four occasions this season.
      They have other charges against their owners, who were ordered to put cash aside for salaries.
      But to field a weakened side — even in a meaningless game — would see further potential punishments that could include points penalties for next season.
      Al Hammad said “all available resources” had been used so far, raising huge questions about how they can fund the club in the long term.
      Most read in Championship
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      A Wigan statement read: “Staff wages were paid on Friday with the chairman Mr Talal Al Hammad making a decision to pay as many employees as possible within the organisation with the resources available.
      “All remaining playing and non-playing staff will be paid at the earliest opportunity following the Bank Holiday weekend.
      “The ownership group, Phoenix 2021 Limited, insist they are working hard to ensure that this is rectified as soon as possible and apologise again for the stress this has caused.
      “All first-team players have been given the day off from training today given the difficult circumstances.
      “The club will make no further comment until it has further clarification.” More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Leicester targeting ‘next Brendan Rodgers’ to replace Dean Smith with Foxes in Premier League relegation scrap

      by

      RUSSELL MARTIN will be top of Leicester’s wanted list this summer.But that’s only if the Foxes go down to the Championship.
      Leicester will target Swansea’s Russell Martin if they are relegatedCredit: Getty
      Caretaker Dean Smith is hoping to keep the Foxes in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
      Dean Smith is trying to keep Leicester in the top flight in a nail-biting relegation scrap.
      But his long-term future at the King Power is uncertain.
      And if Leicester have to start again, they have their eyes on the Swansea boss.
      Martin, 37, is seen as a “new Brendan Rodgers”, who was sacked last month.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      That is what the Foxes are looking for if they are in for a reset eight years after winning the title.
      Swansea will want compensation for their highly-rated manager.
      But Martin only has one year left on his deal, leaving the Welsh side with little room to manoeuvre.
      In the meantime, Smith will make his own case for the hot seat by attempting to keep Leicester in the Premier League.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      The ex-Aston Villa boss lost his first game to Man City.
      But he has since beaten Wolves while drawing against relegation rivals Leeds and Everton.
      Leicester’s next game sees them travel to Fulham on Monday.
      The Foxes still have tough fixtures against Liverpool, Newcastle and West Ham to follow.
      Leicester sacked Brendan Rodgers last month and have four games to save their seasonCredit: PA More

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Shocked fans are just realising which team King Charles supports as they say he’ll be home in time for the match

      by

      FANS are shocked to discover King Charles III is a Burnley fan on the day of his coronation.King Charles III was crowned at Westminster Abbey alongside Queen Camilla.
      King Charles was crowned at Westminster AbbeyCredit: Rex
      The King is a Burnley fan and received a shirt in 2012Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      And some viewers watching at home have been discussing the topic of his favourite football team – Burnley.
      Some have only just learned the King is a Clarets fan, while others joked he will be happy not to have missed Vincent Kompany’s side in action, with the last game of the season against Cardiff moved to Monday.
      One fan said: “I’m today years old when I’ve found out king Charles is a Burnley fan.”
      Another added: “King Charles is just happy Burnley play on Monday and he ay missing the match 🤣”
      READ MORE ON KING CHARLES
      A third said: “The most important thing to remember about this historic day is that King Charles is a Burnley fan. 😉
      “God save the King! #Coronation.”
      And another commented: “The reason King Charles hasn’t smiled is because he keeps remembering Ashley Barnes will play his last game for Burnley on Monday.”
      King Charles revealed he is a Burnley fan during a charity visit to the area in 2012.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      In a more recent visit he was even presented wth a shirt by the club with ‘HRH 1’ printed on the back.
      King Charles said of his support: “A consortium of my charities, including the British Asian Trust, has been working in Burnley.
      “Hence, some of you asked this evening whether I support a British football club and I said “yes – Burnley”. And people have responded “Burnley?”
      “Oh yes, because Burnley has been through some very challenging times and I’m trying to find ways of helping to regenerate and raise aspirations and self-esteem in that part of the world.
      “My charities have been working there together to demonstrate that an integrated approach can produce the best dividends.”
      The King follows in the footsteps of his great grandfather King George V, who also supported Burnley after watching them claim their only FA Cup title with a win over Liverpool in the 1914 final. More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans are just realising all the ‘spooky’ similarities between Ted Lasso’s AFC Richmond and a real life team

      by

      FANS have been left stunned after realising that Ted Lasso’s AFC Richmond and Burnley are remarkably similar. The hit comedy-drama show follows the story of an American coach taking over an English football team, with the third season underway on Apple TV.
      Ted Lasso’s AFC Richmond have been compared to BurnleyCredit: Apple TV
      The similarities between Burnley and the fictional club have been described as “spooky”Credit: PA
      And fans of the programme have drawn comparison between the storyline and what’s happening at Burnley, dubbing them the “real life AFC Richmond”.
      Ted Lasso first aired in 2020, the same year that American chairman Alan Pace took over Burnley.
      The similarities continue when, spoiler alert, AFC Richmond are relegated in their first campaign under him.
      Burnley were also demoted to the Championship in Pace’s opening term as chief.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      After relegation captain and legend Roy Kent then becomes manager as Burnley appoint former Manchester City skipper and hero Vincent Kompany as their gaffer.
      The coincidences don’t stop there as both teams begin the following season with a number of draws.
      The fictional club then signs Jamie Tartt on loan and the real side pen a deal for Tayor Harwood-Bellis until the end of the season, both players join from Man City.
      Things get weirder as AFC Richmond lose in the FA Cup 5-0 and Burnley lose 6-0 to Pep Guardiola’s side in the competition.
      Most read in Championship
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      Both teams then gain promotion back to the Premier League.
      Burnley chairman Pace shared the video of the comparisons on his social media with fans calling it “spooky”.
      Another joked the show’s writers should make them win the league next year. More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      EFL clubs agree £1BILLION TV deal with Sky Sports.. but fans will be devastated by key part of mega-money agreement

      by

      EFL clubs voted for a record new five-year live TV deal with Sky Sports worth almost a BILLION POUNDS.The £935million agreement will see more than 1,000 matches broadcast, starting in 2024-25.
      Fans will see a hefty increase in live EFL games from 2024-25Credit: Rex
      Club chiefs unanimously approved the new deal —  a 50 per cent increase on the current terms in place since 2018 — after being informed of Sky’s offer on Friday morning.
      The EFL were willing to consider ending the Saturday 3pm TV blackout but it WILL remain as part of the new  deal.
      In total, 1,059 league, EFL Cup — including all 93 ties — and EFL Trophy matches will be shown live on Sky or a streaming platform, replacing the iFollow service.
      Currently, Sky televises 138 EFL league games each season.
      READ MORE TOP STORIES
      The league entered into an exclusive  negotiating period with Sky  in April.
      The deal is made up of guaranteed payments of £895m — plus £40m in marketing benefits.
      EFL chief exec Trevor Birch called it a “landmark  deal for EFL clubs”.
      He said: “This  will showcase much more of our compelling match action to fans while delivering record rights values as we seek to make our clubs sustainable at all levels.”
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
      Birch added: “With some 20 million attending Sky Bet EFL matches each season and significant interest in the League at home and abroad, we look forward to growing our collective fanbase further.”
      Sky Sports Managing Director Jonathan Licht said: “This is a ground-breaking deal for Sky and our long-standing partners, the EFL.
      “This is the biggest deal in football, in terms of the number of matches being broadcast.”
      Licht also promised: “Between Sky and the league, we’re pleased to be able to make a commitment to fans that will ensure greater notice periods around the movement of matches for broadcast.
      “There’ll also be greater parity in the number of times clubs are selected to be live on Sky Sports.” More

    • 213 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Brighton complete £30m club-record transfer for Watford striker Joao Pedro with Liverpool’s James Milner lined up next

      by

      BRIGHTON have completed the club record signing of Joao Pedro from Championship side Watford.The Seagulls have forked out just shy of £30million for the Brazilian striker, with the deal having the potential to rise to £35m.
      Joao Pedro has completed a move to BrightonCredit: Getty
      Brighton announce the transfer earlier todayCredit: https://twitter.com/OfficialBHAFC/status/1654508753536835585
      The deal smashes Brighton’s previous transfer recordCredit: Getty
      Pedro, 21, has signed a five-year deal at The Amex and will join the club when the summer transfer window officially opens following this season.
      The deal breaks Brighton’s previous club record signing of £20m paid to Bristol City in 2019 to sign defender Adam Webster and is a huge fee for Watford.
      Pedro has 11 goals and four assists in 35 Championship appearances this season.
      Roberto De Zerbi’s side are also set to sign Liverpool midfielder James Milner on a free transfer.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Milner, 37, is out of contract at Anfield this summer and is expected to agree a one-year deal on the south coast, joining former Liverpool teammate Adam Lallana at The Amex.
      Following the Pedro announcement, Seagulls technical director, David Weir, said: “Joao has been a long-term target of ours, and he has also attracted a lot of interest from across Europe.
      “So, we are delighted to have reached an agreement with a key target for the club ahead of the summer window opening, and it is great for Joao that he can focus on the new season, with his immediate future settled.
      “He’s a brilliant young talent, technically very good, quick and with an eye for goal.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      “He will complement our existing forward line very well.
      “He also has settled well here, with good experience of both the Premier League and Championship and more than 100 games for Watford.”
      Here’s how the 21-year-old has performed this season More

    • 213 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      Fuming Reading fans tell Andy Carroll to ‘get CV updated’ after star’s X-rated apology following Championship relegation

      by

      ANDY CARROLL has shocked and divided Reading fans with a caring, swearing X-rated apology for relegation.The former England striker posted he was “so sorry” for the drop to League One and will be “Working My F***ing A**e Off” to get the “fantastic club” back up. 
      Former Newcaste, Liverpool, West Ham and England frontman Andy Carroll said sorry online to Reading fans in a what that split opinionCredit: Getty
      Some Royals supporters reckon this moment led to the drop as Carroll picks up a second yellow card against Luton in April and is sent offCredit: Getty
      One angry supporter urged the ex-Newcastle hero to “get your cv updated” and another suggested he stops thinking he is “playing volleyball”.
      A few also blamed Carroll for demotion following his red card in a 1-1 draw with Luton last month.
      But many fans were moved by the ex-Liverpool targetman speaking so bluntly from the heart and were delighted he’s keen to stay.
      Carroll, 34, shared snaps of his time at Reading, including with his family, in an emotional Instagram message.
      READ MORE TOP FOOTBALL
      He wrote: “The People The Place I Love You All. I’m So So Sorry We Weren’t Enough This Season. I Know I’ll Be Working My F****ing A**e Off This Summer To Get This Fantastic Club Back Up And Beyond. Thank You For Making This Club My Home.”
      Reading were well-placed for a play-off push earl;y in the season after Carroll returned on a four-month deal.
      But after he signed a  contract extension in January to 2024 they fell away, not helped by a six-point penalty in April.
      But some fans believe they would have stayed up had Carroll not gone from potential matchwinner to sinner at home to Luton last month.
      Most read in Championship
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
      The 6ft 4ins frontman headed the Royals in front but was then sent off for a second yellow card – when handling the ball as he nodded a second “goal”.
      Promotion hopefuls Luton suddenly burst into life, with Carlton Morris heading a later equaliser.
      Now Reading are doomed – five points from safety with just one game left.
      One fan replied to Carroll’s post with: “Sorry to say but genuinely think we get 3 points if you didn’t get red against Luton. You owe it to the fans to grind it out in L1.”
      Two others referred to his personal record, saying: “This don’t look good on the CV” and “Get your CV updated hey. You all let down ever single fan this season.”
      And a fourth anti-Carroll poster wrote: “So this means you’re staying” – following by sad-face emojis.
      But there was also plenty of backing for the controversial Tynesider.
      One fan said of his apology: “Spoken like a true leader – behind you all the way.”
      Similar sentiments included: “One player I’ll always defend” and “Believe in you Carroll… get us back up”.
      More support came with: “Class. We’re behind you Andy” and “Please stay”.
      Read More on The Sun
      And in a miserable year for the Royals – at least in the world of football – one even said of his Instagram outpouring: “One of the only highlights of this season! 
      “I can’t help but like the guy. He’s been nothing but 100% committed since the day he arrived. More