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      in Soccer

      Bournemouth and Fulham chasing loan transfer for Dean Henderson but Man Utd will still pay large chunk of keeper’s wages

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      BOURNEMOUTH will step up their bid to take Manchester United’s Dean Henderson on loan after confirming their return to the Premier League.Sunsport revealed that United are willing to pay half or more of Henderson’s £120,000-per-week wages in order to set up a temporary move for next season.
      Dean Henderson has been stuck behind David de Gea this season but could go on loan next seasonCredit: EPA
      And the Cherries are ready to take the initiative ahead of the England goalkeeper’s other suitors.
      But they will face a fight with fellow promoted side Fulham who are also keen.
      Henderson, 25, briefly took over as United’s first-choice keeper last season.
      But he has been limited to just three first-team appearances this season after David de Gea’s brilliant return to form.
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UTD.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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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;}United news .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;}Man Utd LOSE 4-0 to Brighton, Richarlison interest, Man City ‘discuss’ Pogba
      His limited opportunities have resulted in him dropping out of Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad and he is keen to secure more first-team football from the start of next season, ahead of the winter World Cup in Qatar.
      United are considering whether to bring in new No 2 and No 3 ‘keepers behind De Gea but are not ready to sell Academy product Henderson outright.
      He enjoyed two successful seasons on loan at Sheffield United from 2018-20, before returning to Old Trafford and making 26 appearances last season.
      But De Gea’s form and fitness have been solid in this campaign.
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      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Another positive loan spell at Premier League level would put Henderson in the shop window and allow United to demand a good transfer fee for a player whose current deal has more than three years still to run.
      And if Henderson produced a brilliant campaign, Old Trafford chiefs could always reconsider his future. More

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      in Soccer

      Justin Allen: Dominic Solanke has been in Mitrovic’s shadow this season… but he can keep Bournemouth up with Prem goals

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      EVERYONE rightly has been raving about Aleksandar Mitrovic’s stunning goalscoring exploits for Fulham in the Championship this season.But what about Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke?
      Bournemouth star Dominic Solanke could keep his team in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
      He has also had a superb campaign for the Cherries and in the majority of previous seasons his 29 goals would have landed him the Golden Boot.
      Under Scott Parker, I have been so impressed by how his game has come on in leaps and bounds since an underwhelming Championship season last time out.
      Any player who caught the attention of a manager like Jurgen Klopp so much that he actually signed him for Liverpool clearly has something about them.
      But he never really got going at Anfield and his 14 goals for the Cherries last season was OK but not exactly what you would expect from a striker that was so highly rated by one of the world’s best coaches when you consider he was playing in the second tier.
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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 on 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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;}MITRO’S ON FIRE .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;}Mitrovic smashes goal record with 43rd strike of season in Luton hammering
      His consistency, work rate, high-intensity pressing, dribbling, goals and assists have been standout qualities.
      And when he has played as a traditional No10 in matches, the striker still remains the club’s main finisher.
      What is also incredible about Solanke is his fitness levels.
      He has managed to defy Bournemouth’s very own medical staff, who doubted a player who tops the club’s running charts and other metrics of physical data, can play in every single match.
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      But that is exactly what he has done — starting all 46 of Bournemouth’s Championship games this season — and still managed to keep his numbers high when you would expect him to be fatigued.
      In fact, he managed five goals in the club’s last six games of the season — so he actually finished the season stronger.
      But the burning question is: Can Solanke do it where it really matters — in the Premier League?
      It is fair to say, just like Mitrovic at both Fulham and Newcastle, the Cherries striker hasn’t yet produced the goods at the top level.
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      Fulham star Aleksandar Mitrovic smashed the Championship goalscoring recordCredit: Getty
      I believe his move to Liverpool was actually the wrong choice. He signed for them when he was just 19 and did not have a cat in hell’s chance of breaking into a star-studded team.
      His career would have been far better served then by either playing for a lesser-profile Premier League side or dropping into the Championship.
      In the end, he moved to Bournemouth during the season they were relegated and has managed to play week in, week out, getting loads of games under his belt and maturing while playing at a decent level.
      You would expect him to go into the Premier League and do something similar to what Ivan Toney has done with Brentford.
      Bournemouth ace Dominic Solanke has stood out in the Championship this seasonCredit: Alamy
      I believe Toney is a better player but he can definitely deliver some healthy numbers next season.
      Solanke already has one England cap to his name. He was clearly nowhere near good enough when Gareth Southgate bizarrely picked him almost five years ago for a friendly against Brazil but would be an option if he can replicate his Championship form in the top flight.
      But the gap between the top two divisions is getting wider and wider so Solanke is going to have to show he can make that huge jump.
      If he does, then the Cherries will definitely be staying up next season and another England cap could be in the offing.
      CHAMPIONSHIP PLAY-OFF PREDICTIONS
      THE LAST day of the Championship season on Saturday was one of the most boring I’ve ever experienced — with no twists and turns anywhere.
      With the relegation and automatic promotion places already decided, attention switched to the play-offs but it all ended up being straightforward with no jittery moments for any of the clubs holding on to their positions.
      So let’s have a quick look at the four clubs in the play-offs and how I think it will play out.
      LUTON v HUDDERSFIELD
      The Hatters have been the story of the season with Nathan Jones performing almost a miracle in getting the club into the top-six.
      Elijah Adebayo has been a standout player up top and his 16 goals, along with Harry Cornick’s useful 12, have been useful and with players like Kal Naismith and Amari’i Bell have been outstanding.
      The Bedfordshire club have pretty much got a free hit in these play-offs as massive underdogs.
      Carlos Corberan has slowly but surely got the Terriers motoring again since taking over last season and have found consistency in their performances that saw them finish third.
      Fulham were promoted to the Premier League after winning the ChampionshipCredit: Reuters
      Danny Ward is decent up front with Sorba Thomas being one hell of a find for them. He has been superb and it’s incredible to think that he was playing for Boreham Wood in non-league just 16 months ago. Harry Toffolo has had yet another fine season too.
      VERDICT: Huddersfield should win this on paper — but I am backing Luton.
      I think they can beat the Terriers at Kenilworth Road in the first leg and do enough to get across the line in the return.
      NOTTINGHAM FOREST v SHEFFIELD UNITED
      This clash pits two clubs who had stinking starts to the season before getting their act together and becoming two of the best Championship clubs.
      Steve Cooper took over with Forest bottom and they nearly pinched an automatic spot but just fell short at Bournemouth last Tuesday.
      In Brennan Johnson, Djed Spence, Jack Colback and Sam Surridge, they have the most fearsom front four in the league.
      But Paul Heckingbottom has also performed wonders with the Blades since he replaced Slavisa Jokanovic. Frankly, he should have been given the job in the summer — he knew the club inside out, is a great coach and man-manager and a proud Yorkshireman to boot.
      If Billy Sharp returns for the play-offs, which is the plan, then they are even more dangerous. But they have so much quality across the field
      VERDICT: Although Forest have been the form team, I think Cooper might fall short for a third year in a row after two seasons at Swansea with the Blades having that know how to get across the line in this one.
      BRAVE OSCAR
      WHAT a lovely moment it must have been for five-year-old Oscar Cridge to lead his Bristol Rovers heroes out ahead of that stunning 7-0 win against Scunthorpe that clinched promotion to League One.
      It came just weeks after the little boy, who suffers from cerebral palsy, had a life-changing operation to allow him to walk unaided. His condition caused him to suffer from tightness in his legs which meant he could not walk without the help of a special frame.
      He also struggled to sit down properly and suffered agonising cramps which distrubed his sleep.
      Well done to the Rovers fans who helped raise £35,000 to meet the cost of the operation.
      Yet another wonderful example of how football brings a community together and means brave Oscar can now live a more normal life.
      ANGER AT NORTHAMPTON
      KEITH HILL angered Northampton after he fielded a 17-year-old keeper for Scunthorpe in their 7-0 defeat to Bristol Rovers — a result which saw the latter pip the Cobblers to automatic promotion to League One on goals scored.
      It is true Owen Foster also played in their 1-1 draw with Hartlepool the previous week in what was a dead rubber.
      But the game at Rovers was anything but that and the Cobblers are right to feel aggrieved that the Scunthorpe boss did not field his strongest team in a match that had massive implications at the top of the division. More

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      in Soccer

      Derby back in financial crisis as old owner Mel Morris refuses to lower £20million Pride Park asking price

      by

      DERBY are in back crisis with former owner Mel Morris holding out for £20million to sell Pride Park.Morris is refusing to drop his asking price, which is more than the local council are willing to pay, and puts a rescue package by American Chris Kirchner in severe doubt.
      Wayne Rooney’s Derby County could be embroiled in more financial turmoilCredit: Getty
      Kirchner has agreed a deal to take the Rams out of administration for around £25million and been given the green light by the EFL subject to finding a home ground.
      Morris has to sign up for that agreement with the council who would lease Pride Park to Kirchner.
      But there is nothing close to being sorted as the money runs out at Wayne Rooney’s club.
      And in a further twist Morris will not agree to write off personal loans he has in the club without an agreement on the stadium.
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      So that stops Kirchner buying the club and hunting for a new place to play.
      Morris is worried that Kirchner takes Derby to another ground, with Stoke and Leicester potential homes he is exploring.
      That would leave him with an empty Pride Park and a debt of around £20 million to pay to American financiers MSD Holdings which is attached to the ground.
      It is even more alarming for the club as they may not have the cash to pay the wages this month and that could lead to far worse difficulties.
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      Mike Ashley is waiting in the wings but is also unlikely to pick up the tab to come out of administration AND buy the ground at Morris’ valuation, leaving a dire danger of liquidation.
      Player sales could raise cash to cover wages with Tottenham and Leeds said to be keen on Rams youngster Malcolm Ebiowei. More

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      in Soccer

      Coventry show the way by putting faith in Mark Robins while competing in most screwball league in country

      by

      THEY won’t finish the season with silverware, were always big outsiders to gatecrash the play-offs and will never be one of the sexy names.But in the maddest, most screwball league in the country, Coventry City are setting the sanest, most sensible example of all.
      Mark Robins has done a terrific job at Coventry CityCredit: Getty
      When the dust settles on another Championship season, no fewer than HALF the 24 clubs will have changed their manager at some stage.
      Never mind Premier League owners being trigger happy, it’s the ones a tier below who have been firing bullets like western gunslingers.
      While the prizes for two or three — the Holy Land of untold top-flight riches — are unbelievable, it is financial misery for the rest.
      For the bulk of the bosses in charge of clubs who fall short, the price is a P45 and a reputation in tatters.
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      And the knock-on of that means a league which was once a breeding ground for up-and-coming managers has now become a burial ground.
      It may be a finishing school for players en route to the top but for bosses it is simply the finish.
      Yet this week, amid the mayhem, came a ray of common sense when Coventry handed manager Mark Robins a new contract. It got barely a mention on a national scale, just as the Sky Blues themselves rarely trouble headline writers.
      But extending Robins’ deal for another couple of years beyond 2024 was a throwback to the days when owners realised it didn’t need a trophy to prove a job was being done well.
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      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Having been in charge since 2017, he was already the longest-serving manager at that level, now Tony Mowbray is leaving Blackburn.
      And the reward for chairman Tim Fisher and chief executive Dave Boddy has been a club that has got better every year under the former striker.
      Robins took over a club heading into League Two, yet within three years he had them back in the Championship.
      And this year, despite working on a shoestring budget, he has them 12th, their highest position in 16 seasons. Indeed, they held hopes of sneaking into the play-offs going into the last month of games.
      He has transformed them from a club without a home into one on the rise — and the board have had the foresight to reward it.
      What a contrast to so many others, who want instant success and are changing the managerial nameplate as soon as it fails to materialise.
      Now, though, plenty of them are running into another problem… namely where the next generation of gaffers is coming from?
      It’s become the most common question in Championship boardrooms — which way do we turn now for our next boss?
      The fact is the well is running dry. There isn’t an endless supply. They are paying the price for knee-jerk reactions.
      It is further proof of what a madcap division the Championship really is — although one which almost encourages clubs to run up debts is always asking for trouble.
      Under FFP rules, clubs are allowed to go £13million into the red every season. It has almost become like a football speed limit.
      If you can drive at 60mph most people will go that fast, plus a touch more.
      So it is with the money. Many are scared they’ll be at a disadvantage if they stay within their means and go as far as possible the other way.
      For the ones who have dropped from the Prem, the parachute payments merely mask the issue, and for most the gamble of stretching themselves too far doesn’t pay off.
      That’s when they get twitchy — and we know what comes next. That’s why so many bosses find themselves out of work. And that’s why Coventry are such a beacon of hope.
      The only problem is with so many clubs constantly looking for a new gaffer, it’s only a matter of time before one of them comes calling for Robins.
      BIG SPUR FOR GERS
      RANGERS have an even greater incentive to win the Europa League, after Uefa’s decision to ban Russian clubs.
      Their ruling means title winners Celtic will go straight into the Champions League group stages, as Scotland’s coefficient has risen enough to make them the beneficiaries.
      Ironically Rangers’ own European exploits played a key role in that, thus opening the door to riches for the Hoops.
      Yet lifting the Europa League will guarantee their own ticket — and at least stop Celtic from getting a massive financial leg-up on their Old Firm rivals.
      Now for Giovanni van Bronckhorst, it’s just the little matter of beating Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday week.
      DRUMMER BOY DAVID
      THE misting over in David Moyes’ eyes when he lost the plot and volleyed one back at the ball boy during West Ham’s Europa League defeat proved one thing.
      You can take the boy out of Drumchapel but…
      BETTER TO BE LUCKY
      IN 2018 a  wrongly disallowed Gabriel Jesus goal against Liverpool wrecked Manchester City’s Champions League hopes.
      The following year Fernando Llorente got away with handball for the decisive goal that sent Spurs through, after Raheem Sterling was inches offside when scoring at the other end.
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      And against Real Madrid, City led for 178 minutes over the two legs of their semi-final and once more had their hearts broken.
      It is indeed better to be lucky than good. More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Watch 26 Middlesbrough fans hitch a ride to the pub in POLICE VAN in hilarious video before season-ending Preston defeat

      by

      MIDDLESBROUGH fans hitched a ride to the pub in a POLICE VAN ahead of their final day clash with Preston this afternoon.Loyal Boro supporters made the journey west hoping their team could snatch a play-off place from Luton on the Championship’s final day.
      A police van pulls up outside the pub
      Boro fans pile out of the police van
      Chris Wilder’s side dramatically failed to produce on the pitch, going down 4-1 at Deepdale.
      But 26 supporters were at least handed a memorable moment before the game.
      After arriving in Preston this morning, a number of travelling fans wanted to make their way to the pub before taking in the game.
      Amazing video footage shows a select group hitching an unusual ride.
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      A clip circulating online shows a police van parking outside the pub.
      Officers open the door, with 26 excited Boro fans piling out the back.
      A number of social media users couldn’t believe how many fans had managed to cram onboard.
      One wrote: “That van is the tardis!”
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      Another commented: “Give these coppers a knighthood lol.”
      Boro’s players couldn’t conjure anything as miraculous on the pitch.
      They went into the final day trailing sixth-placed Luton by two points.
      But Wilder’s side couldn’t put any pressure on the Hatters at all, being thumped by Preston.
      Alan Browne struck Ryan Lowe’s side into a 24th minute lead, before a Dael Fry own goal made it 2-0 on 35 minutes.
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      Marcus Tavernier pulled one back for Boro shortly after half-time, but an Emil Riis Jakobsen double either side of Paddy McNair’s red card completed a thumping.
      As it turned out a Boro win wouldn’t have been enough anyway, as the Hatters beat Reading 1-0 – after Harry Cornick mischievously caught out goalkeeper Orjan Nyland to score.
      Middlesbrough missed out on a play-off placeCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      When are EFL play-offs 2021/22? Championship semi-finals CONFIRMED, League One and League Two dates

      by

      THE EFL has reached its business end as teams look to secure those promotion places.And as every year, in each of the three divisions, four teams will compete in the play-offs with only one earning promotion in the Wembley finals.
      Brentford were last year’s Championship play-off final winnersCredit: Getty
      Brentford were last year’s play-off winners after a comfortable 2-0 victory over Swansea at Wembley.
      When are the EFL play-off finals?
      The dates for each of the EFL play-off finals have been confirmed and will take place across two weeks.
      The League One final will be played a week before the League Two and Championship finals as Wembley is unavailable on the Bank Holiday Monday of May 30.
      The reason for this is the Uefa-Conmebol Finalissima, which will see European Champions Italy take on Copa America winners Argentina at the national stadium on Wednesday, June 1.
      Confirmed EFL play-off final dates:

      League One play-off final – Saturday, May 21
      League Two play-off final – Saturday, May 28
      Championship play-off final – Sunday, May 29

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      When are the EFL play-off semi-finals?
      Dates for the EFL play-off semi-finals are as follows:
      Championship

      Luton vs Huddersfield Town (7.45pm) – Friday, May 13
      Huddersfield Town vs Luton (7.45pm) – Monday, May 16

      Sheffield United vs Nottingham Forest (3pm) – Saturday, May 14
      Nottingham Forest vs Sheffield United (7.45pm) – Tuesday, May 17

      League One

      Wycombe vs MK Dons (7.45pm) – Thursday, May 5
      MK Dons vs Wycombe (6.30pm) – Sunday, May 8

      Sunderland vs Sheffield Wednesday (7.45pm) – Friday, May 6
      Sheffield Wednesday vs Sunderland (7.45pm) – Monday, May 9

      League Two

      7th vs 4th (7.45pm) – Saturday, May 14
      4th vs 7th (7.45pm) – Wednesday, May 18

      6th vs 5th (12pm) – Sunday, May 15
      5th vs 6th (7.45pm) – Thursday, May 19

      Do the EFL play-offs have away goals?
      The EFL play-offs do NOT have away goals.
      The rule was scrapped in 1999 after third placed side Ipswich were beaten by sixth placed Bolton on away goals.
      .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The 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);}Most read in Sport.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);} More

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      in Soccer

      Horror Reading keeper howler gifts Luton Championship play-offs place as Middlesbrough miss out after final-day thumping

      by

      READING goalkeeper Orjan Nyland’s nightmare moment gifted Luton the final Championship play-off spot.But Middlesbrough and Millwall will have another season in the second tier after missing out on the top six.
      Orjan Nyland rolled the ball out thinking there was no pressureCredit: Sky Sports
      Harry Cornick picked his pocket by stealing the ball awayCredit: Sky Sports
      He rolled the ball into the empty net to open the scoring for LutonCredit: Sky Sports
      😳 “EXTRAORDINARY SCENES!” Look away Ørjan Nyland…It’s a gift for #LTFC and Harry Cornick gives his side the lead just before half-time! 💥 pic.twitter.com/6daqgMPnCh— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 7, 2022

      Royal stopper Norland looked pretty comfortable on the stroke of half-time with the ball safely in his hands.
      But rather than kicking it upfield directly, he rolled it out in front before going to clear it long.
      However, Nyland was completely unaware of Luton striker Harry Cornick sneakily waiting behind him.
      And the Hatters forward ran in front to nick the ball off the Norwegian stopper.
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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;}all to play for .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;}When are the EFL play-offs 2021/22? Championship, League One and Two dates
      His first touch failed to get the ball out of his feet but he recovered to knock it across the edge of the area at the second attempt.
      With his third touch, Cornick rolled into an empty net for his 12th goal of his Championship season – and one of his most important ever.
      Nyland did recover with a flying save to tip the ball on to the bar just after the break – but fans on social media would not let him forget the hilarious gaffe.
      One fan joked: “Taxi for Nyland.”
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      Another added: “An absolute classic.”
      And a final user quipped: “Orjan Nyland, pull your pants up!”
      Nyland’s blunder brought back flashbacks to Shay Given’s howler in 1998 that saw him dubbed “the only Irishman who doesn’t know where Dublin is”.
      In similar fashion, then-Newcastle stopper Given rolled the ball out – only for Coventry striker Dion Dublin to dispossess him and slide the ball in with one touch.
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Cheeky Carlisle striker Hallam Hope did the same against Notts County in 2019.
      The Cornick goal put Luton 1-0 up at Kenilworth Road, and they held on after seven minutes of injury time to book their spot in the play-offs.
      Nathan Jones’ side started the day in sixth with Sheffield United fifth and Middlesbrough and Millwall both hoping to pounce if either slipped up.
      The Blades stuffed champions Fulham 4-0 at home to stay fifth.
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      But ten-man Boro, who would have sneaked in with a win if Reading equalised, were thumped 4-1 at Preston.
      And Millwall struggled to break the deadlock against promoted Bournemouth, who grabbed a late winner through Kieffer Moore.
      Cornick sent Kenilworth Road wild in bizarre scenes as Luton finished sixthCredit: PA More

    • 263 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Troy Deeney: Nottingham Forest have been best team in Championship under Steve Cooper… but I think Sheff Utd will go up

      by

      NOTTINGHAM FOREST have been the best team in the Championship since Steve Cooper took over — but I fancy Sheffield United to get promoted in the play-offs.The stats show that had the season started on September 21 — the day the Welshman got the City Ground job — Forest would this morning be sitting pretty at the top of the table on 75 points, with Fulham on 74 and Bournemouth third on 67 points.
      Steve Cooper has turned Nottingham Forest into the Championship’s best side… but Sheffield Utd will win playoffsCredit: Rex
      They are the best coached team and I would go as far as saying Cooper has been the best manager in the entire EFL, such is the impact he has had on a team that was bottom when he took over.
      Forest now have a clear identity and you can see what they’re trying to do.
      When you look at the four clubs currently occupying the play-off positions, Luton have been the biggest surprise of all, so fair play to them.
      While the other three are all big clubs. Huddersfield have been in and out of the Premier League over the past few seasons.

      Then you have Forest and Sheffield United, who both had stinking starts to the season.
      But Paul Heckingbottom has done a fantastic job at Bramall Lane.
      I remember watching them in the FA Cup against Chelsea towards the end of last season when Heckingbottom was in caretaker charge.
      They looked like a good outfit who created a lot of chances and you could see what he was trying to do.
      .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The 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);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      I just have this feeling Sheffield United are going up.
      If you were to ask me which team you’d not want to play, I’d say Nottingham Forest because they’re so well drilled and coached.
      But I just think the Blades have the know-how — and when you throw their talisman Billy Sharp into the mix, you absolutely cannot write them off.
      He may be missing with injury today but can still play a vital role in the play-offs.
      And also you have to take into consideration the fact that Forest have to overcome the disappointment of not quite managing to get over the line to grab that  second automatic promotion spot, after their 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Tuesday night.
      Over these past few months, they have been quietly going about their business with no real pressure on their shoulders.
      Whereas now, they go into the play-offs as the clear favourites, with a reputation and expectations on their shoulders.
      Nottingham Forest remind me a little of Manchester United in terms of a club that have not been the same since losing a legendary long-term manager.
      FOREST STILL DREAMING
      There are still people at Forest who can reference the glory days of Brian Clough, just like Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.
      Luton — if they keep their play-off position — will have a free hit.
      Sometimes it works for managers at certain clubs and that is what has happened with Nathan Jones, who won them promotion from League Two.
      Although he left for Stoke, it was his team that got promoted from League One.
      He then returned to save them from relegation and now has them competing for a place in the Premier League.
      And he has achieved that on a modest budget — getting his players performing to the best of their abilities, producing eight-out-of-ten performances consistently all season.
      It’s crazy when you think my club, Birmingham, have turned them over 5-0 and 3-0 this season. 
      Carlos Corberan has done a good job with Huddersfield but I don’t think they’re as strong as Forest and Sheffield United.
      But Paul Heckingbottom has done a fantastic job at Bramall Lane and Troy thinks Sheffield United will go upCredit: PA
      ALL TO PLAY FOR
      Middlesbrough and Millwall are two other clubs we must keep an eye out for on Saturday as both could possibly gatecrash the play-off spots if they win and other results go their way.
      I like Boro, their manager Chris Wilder and what they’re all about. I know quite a few of the lads there, too.
      But they probably need another transfer window, so even if they do get into the play-offs, I don’t think they would be ready.
      Their ex-manager Neil Warnock had brought in his people but they’re not going to be in the position to help Wilder and the way his teams play.
      He’ll need to get  rid of five or six in the summer and bring in three or four of  his own.
      Millwall, meanwhile, have been defying the odds under manager Gary Rowett and  his assistant Paul  Robinson, who I know really well.
      Rowett is someone who really is squeezing every last bit of juice out of the orange at The Den.
      There are not many in the side who would walk into a top-six Championship club but they are getting eight-out-of-ten performances by having a structure, having an organisation.
      In the game, there are so  many managers who change  players to fit their style rather than ones who change their style to the players they have available to them.
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      They are also getting the best out of Benik Afobe because they’re playing to his strengths, like they also do with Oliver Burke and Tom Bradshaw.
      Playing at Millwall is a hard task at the best of times but  when they get that place jumping like they’re currently doing, no  one will want to go there in  the play-offs. More