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      ‘They don’t care enough’ – Matt Le Tissier tears into Southampton flops & moans watching them get outclassed is ‘chore’

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      MATT LE TISSIER has accused Southampton players of lacking the fight to stay in the Premier League.And the Saints legend confessed to SunSport that it has been “a chore” watching his beloved team slump to a record low this season.Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier has torn into Saints’ flopsCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe Saints are battling to avoid the humiliation of the Prem’s worst points totalCredit: GettyThe South Coast flops became the quickest Premier League outfit to be relegated when they lost to Spurs last Sunday week with SEVEN games to go.Southampton have picked up just ten points from 32 games and need TWO more to beat Derby’s dismal lowest Prem total of 11 set in 2008-09.And Le Tissier, who spent his entire career with the Saints —  scoring 161 goals in 443 appearances — has not enjoyed what he’s seen from his own Suite at the club.The 56-year-old said: “This has been a tough season to watch.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“We’ve had relegations before but never quite on this scale.“It’s hard to watch a team which is so far away from the rest of the division. That was probably the toughest season that I have had to watch us play football — it’s been a real chore.“It’s not been enjoyable seeing our team get outclassed on a ­regular basis.“It’s not something I’m used to seeing even when we were close to getting ­relegated when I was playing.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK“We were reasonably competitive and had a go.“We might have suffered a bit in a lack of quality but never in terms of having a real fight for it.I hated playing against Arsenal Invincible, he’d pinch me and stand on my toes, I only spoke to him to abuse him“But there just didn’t seem to be that amount of fight in this team and that’s symptomatic of a lot of footballers this day and age.“There doesn’t seem to be the same connection between the players and the fans on the terrace like we had.“I was in at least five relegation scraps. We never got relegated — and definitely four went to the last day of the season.”The poor form cost Ivan Juric his job as manager. But Channel Islander Le Tissier, nicknamed Le God, does not think all Saints fans will be upset seeing their team back in the second tier one year after Adam Armstrong’s goal saw them beat Leeds 1-0 in the play-off final.He said: “When we went to the play-offs last season I would say there was a 50-50 split with Saints fans who didn’t want to go up because of exactly what has happened.We are still fighting not to become the worst Premier League team ever with the number of points we’ve got.Matt Le Tissier“I was speaking to a lot of them a year ago and they were saying they didn’t mind if they lose the final.“That’s not a great position to be in as a football club where you know if you go up you are going to get battered every week.“I’m quite happy to interact with people and talk about football all day long but their frustration is palpable.“Most of that frustration is at the presence given out by the players that they don’t care enough about the football club.“Clubs do have their ups and downs throughout the seasons-but this is a pretty big downer.“And it shows just how low we’ve got to by the fact we are still fighting not to become the worst Premier League team ever with the number of points we’ve got.”The former Sky Sports Soccer ­Saturday pundit is revered by Saints supporters – having devoted all his professional days to the club.Back in the day he was renowned for scoring spectacular goals and in his prime became the midfielder to reach a century fastest in the Prem era.Le Tiss, who is never afraid to speak his mind, would like to see a young manager with local connections replace Juric, who was sacked earlier this month.But he feels Russell Martin, who was axed in December, might have kept his job had he not stuck to the passing game that had earned his side such plaudits in the Championship.Most of that frustration is at the presence given out by the players that they don’t care enough about the football club.Matt Le TissierLe Tissier added: “To be honest I would like to see a young, progressive manager, ­somebody who is not afraid to change his tactics when the need arises.“Had Russell Martin been more pragmatic in his approach he would still be in the job. They liked him down here and it wouldn’t have taken much for him to have stayed had he swallowed his pride a bit.“He was so stubborn about passing out from the back and giving goals away from defensive errors each week.“He had taken us out of the league we are heading back to with his style of football – which you can get away with in the Championship but not in the Premier League.Read More on The Sun“If the new manager had a connection with the club that would go a long way with the fans and that is ­something I would like to see.“But that, I guess, is different from the business perspective of the owners and the CEO making the decisions they think is going to be the best chance to get back up.” More

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      Sportswear brand part-owned by England legend Harry Kane lands marquee deal to sponsor ex-Premier League club’s kit

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      A SPORTSWEAR brand co-owned by Harry Kane has landed a huge deal to sponsor Luton Town.England and Bayern Munich ace Kane joined Reflo in February 2024 as an investor and brand ambassador, with the former Tottenham star wearing its golf attire at The Icons Series in 2022.Harry Kane’s Reflo brand has announced a teamwear deal with a former Premier League clubCredit: Instagram @refloofficialReflo have announced a deal with Championship side LutonCredit: RexKane joined the brand as an investor and ambassador in 2024Credit: RefloThe brand, founded in 2021, already have a partnership with Forest Green as their travelwear supplier.The brand say they “specialise in sustainable, premium and technical sportswear for athletes at all levels in an array of sports, from golf and padel, to training and running”.And they have now added Championship outfit Luton to their roster of clients as a new partner from the 2025/26 season.The new teamwear is a world first that will see Luton’s kits made of recycled materials designed to be mechanically recycled at the end of their lifespan to avoid products going into landfill.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt is estimated that the sportswear industry is a big part of the one million tonnes of discarded textiles the UK produces every year, with about a third ending up in landfill or incineration.The deal was announced the day before the Hatters’ crunch relegation clash with Derby on Good Friday.A club statement said: “We pride ourselves on doing the right thing for you, our fans – and the environment in which you live and support us.”That is why we are delighted to introduce Reflo as our new official teamwear partner, heralding the start of a new era in our history as we look ahead to our final seasons at Kenilworth Road and our future at Power Court.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”An industry-changing force in the sportswear world, Reflo will work with us to deliver not just eye-catching designs – in collaboration with the Luton Town Supporters’ Trust – but also the most sustainable set of kits in our history.”Club CEO Gary Sweet said: “Luton Town is built on passion, resilience and an incredible fanbase that deserves a kit as bold as the club itself.Harry Kane leaves fans stunned by his German and fans are convinced it is a major hint over transfer future “With Reflo, we’re bringing supporters kits that embody performance, innovation and sustainability.“As we look ahead to an exciting future, both on the pitch and in our new stadium, we’re committed to making Luton Town a club that entertains, competes at the highest level, and leads the way in protecting our planet.”The deal also sees the end of Luton’s tie-up with Umbro, who have worked with the club for the past five seasons.According to Sportcal, Luton’s deal with the supplier saw them land around £330,000 the year they were promoted to the top flight.Rory MacFadyen, co-founder of Reflo, added: “We’re on a journey to becoming the most responsible sportswear brand in the world and that’s why we’ve partnered with Luton Town, a team that shares our commitment to sustainability, innovation and performance.”As well as football and golf, Reflo also have brand deals with Andretti Formula E Team, NISSAN FORMULA E and The Padel Club.Luton are facing the prospect of back-to-back relegations after being dropping out of the Premier League and now finding themselves in the bottom three of the second tier. More

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      Ex-Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey launches brand new side hustle as Cardiff midfielder follows in Gareth Bale’s footsteps

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      AARON RAMSEY is launching his own Vodka brand called ‘Tens’.The Wales captain, 34, has teamed up with chef Tom Simmons in a new business venture.Aaron Ramsey has launched his own vodka brandCredit: GettyThe Wales star has teamed up with Tom Simmons for his new ventureCredit: Instagram @aaronramsey“Tens Spirits”, which will go live on Easter Sunday, is a new brand of premium vodka made in Ramsey’s homeland.Cardiff midfielder Ramsey, who wears the number ten shirt for the Dragons, is out for the rest of the season after undergoing hamstring surgery.But the ex-Arsenal and Juventus star posted on his Instagram a picture of himself all smiles at the launch of his new drink earlier this week.Ramsey’s ex-Wales team-mate Gareth Bale launched his own sports bar called “Elevens” in Cardiff back in May 2017.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe then fronted a pint of Bale Ale in collaboration with the Vale of Glamorgan brewery.Ramsey and Simmons’ new vodka was described at the launch as “perfection for moments that matter.”Simmons’ restaurant, ‘Thomas by Tom Simmons’, was named the AA’s Restaurant of the Year in Wales this year.After appearing on MasterChef the Professionals back in 2011, he has since become one of the top chefs in the country.Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRamsey has been capped 86 times by the Wales national team so far in his career.He also made 369 appearances for Arsenal and 70 for Juventus. ‘Love this for him’ – Arsenal fans go wild as Aaron Ramsey, 34, goads Stoke supporters 15 years after injury horror More

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      Championship set for bonkers final four games with every club still able to get either promoted or relegated – or both

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      THE Championship season is set for a stunning finale as every club can either go up or down with just four games remaining.Leeds, Burnley and Sheffield United are battling it out for automatic promotion and the title.Leeds look set to earn promotion back to the Premier LeagueCredit: GettySunderland have booked their spot in the play-offsCredit: GettyLuton are in danger of suffering back-to-back relegationsCredit: GettyAnd at the other end of the table, Plymouth Argyle and Luton need to pull off a great escape to avoid relegation.But all could change come the end of the season on May 3 as every team still has something to play for.The top three and Sunderland can all still mathematically win the league and secure automatic promotion.The Black Cats need top two Leeds and Burnley, who are both level on 88 points, to lose all their remaining games by a huge margin to secure the miracle.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Sheffield United’s run of three defeats on the bounce has seen them also needing results to go their way as Daniel Farke and Scott Parker’s sides look set for first and second finishes.Two more play-off places are up for grabs below Sunderland in fourth and a whopping ten teams can still qualify, as far down as Sheffield Wednesday in 14th.Bristol City, Coventry, West Brom, Middlesbrough and Millwall are in the best positions to complete the top six.The Robins and the Sky Blues are most likely to make the play-offs with 74 and 65 per cent chances respectively, according to Opta. Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSTowards the bottom, Argyle are on 40 points and are staring at relegation to League One with just a 4.5 per cent chance at survival.Luton are also on 40 points but have an 11.4 per cent hope of staying up due to their better goal difference.Former Premier League boss in centre of huge tunnel brawl as tempers flare following dramatic Championship clashThey could join Swindon, Wolves and Sunderland in becoming clubs to have suffered back-to-back relegations from the Premier League to the third tier.Cardiff are set to complete the three heading down, but Derby and nine other clubs remain in the mix and are not mathematically safe yet.Mid-table trio Swansea, Norwich and Sheffield Wednesday can all incredibly still earn promotion or be relegated this season despite the chances of that happening being under 0.1 per cent. Fans are gearing up for a thrilling end, with one saying: “Best league this season by far. Premier League got nothing on this.”Another added: “It’s the best league in world football and it’s not even close.” More

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      Premier League closes PSR loophole that saw former champions escape points deduction

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      PREM chiefs have moved to close the rules loophole that saw Leicester escape a PSR sanction.League bosses were left furious and embarrassed in September when an appeal board ruled the Prem did not have the right to charge them for losses in excess of the permitted limit of £105m in the three seasons up to 2022-23.Prem bosses have closed a loophole used by Leicester to escape a PSR chargeCredit: GettyRuud van Nistelrooy’s men are on the cusp of an instant return to the ChampionshipCredit: GettyThe Foxes had been facing a six-point deduction this term after returning to the Prem as Championship winners last season.But the panel upheld Leicester’s claim that the Prem could not sanction them when the club had become a member of the EFL following their relegation that season.The appeal board accepted that Leicester were not subject to Prem rules because the club’s accounting period ended on 30 June 2023, “after the point the club had ceased to be a member of the League”.Prem bosses promised to rewrite the rulebook to prevent other relegated clubs taking advantage of similar situations in future.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd in a series of changes introduced into the rulebook only on Friday, but which will take immediate effect, League chiefs have now tightened the regulations.That includes ending the flaw that meant new clubs were able to claim the full £35m allowance for their promotion season, rather than have losses for that campaign in the EFL capped at £13m.Crucially, the new Rule E.49 states that relegated clubs “remain bound” by Prem regulations, effectively aligning the top flight with the EFL in enforcing financial rules.Leicester were able to successfully argue their two successive seasons of changed membership meant they were not subject to the regulations of either league.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHowever, the new rules, agreed by the clubs and enacted last week, state that any punishments recommended by an EFL disciplinary panel can now be imposed by the Prem board in the top flight.Leicester are destined for an immediate return to the Championship next season.Leicester fans spotted streaming out just 35 minutes into Newcastle clash as hopeless Foxes hurtle towards relegationRuud van Nistelrooy’s appointment in November has failed to spark the Foxes’ season into life.The ex-Manchester United striker has won just 3 out of 21 games at the King Power. Leicester have earned only four points in total from their last 17 games. After Wolves’ 4-2 win over Tottenham last weekend, the Foxes’ fate could be sealed as early as next week. If they fail to win their next match, at home to leaders Liverpool on April 20, their relegation will be confirmed. More

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      Wayne Rooney lined up for managerial return and ‘is contender to replace under-fire Championship boss’

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      WAYNE ROONEY is in line for a shock return to management just four months after being sacked by Plymouth Argyle.Blackburn are reportedly considering him as pressure mounts on boss Valerien Ismael.Wayne Rooney is a candidate for the Blackburn jobCredit: GettyValerien Ismael is under pressure after a poor run of formCredit: RexIsmael took over at Ewood Park after John Eustace surprisingly left the club to join Derby in February.But Blackburn have won just one of the Frenchman’s eight games in charge and they have slipped out the race for the play-offs.talkSPORT claim Ismael is under mounting pressure despite him signing a three-year contract just months ago.The Rovers are already weighing up his replacement and Rooney is supposedly on the list of possible candidates for the job.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRooney, who has swapped dugout for punditry so far this year, was axed on New Year’s Eve by Argyle.The Manchester United and England legend guided the club to just four victories from 23 games in the Championship.At the time of his departure, they had conceded more goals (51) and scored the fewest (22) in the division.Rooney started his managerial career at Derby, miraculously saving them from Championship relegation in the 2020/21 season.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBut he was unable to do the same the following campaign after they were hit with a huge 21-point deduction for going into administration.Rooney then moved to the States and took charge of DC United before returning home to be Birmingham’s boss.I get the same text from Sir Alex Ferguson every time I get sacked from a job, admits Wayne Rooney But he lasted just 15 games, winning just two, in a nightmare reign.Despite his struggles in the dug-out, Rooney has said he’d be keen to give it another go.He told the Stick to Football podcast that he would open the door to a return – with the right club.And he even admitted he would accept a role as assistant manager.He said: “I’d have no problem dropping into an Under-21 team or going in as a coach.”I’m still young enough to learn and develop. Just having a good group of players who were at a [good] level.”Blackburn strugglesBlackburn are currently tenth in the Championship, seven points off the all-important top six with four games to go.Ismael has blamed injuries for his tough start to life in Lancashire, saying: “When you see the injury, we lost key players, massive players are missing for us. “Ten players are missing. 10 players are missing. It’s just too much.”It was really difficult for us to deal with that. At the same time, you are playing and need to get results and you’re losing players every game, every time. Read More on The Sun”We are not a dead team. We were a team with issues. We tried to deal with our issues. We tried to give our best. “But as I say, you have to stay calm. Focus on your job. Try to find the solution, ride the storm. At some point, you know it will come back. But some ingredients have to be right.” More

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      Tom Brady and Tom Wagner branded ’embarrassment’ for Wembley antics after Birmingham’s cup final defeat to Peterborough

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      TOM BRADY and Birmingham City owner Tom Wagner have come under fire for their actions after Peterborough beat their side at Wembley. Birmingham were denied a historic league and cup double as Darren Ferguson’s Posh upset the odds to lift the EFL Trophy with a 2-0 win on Sunday.Birmingham City were denied a League One double after losing to Peterborough at WembleyClub owner Tom Wagner and minority co-owner Tom Brady watched onBut the directors have been criticised for giving a bizarre team-talk to the Birmingham City players who were collecting their runners up medalsThe squad were forced to take directions from Wagner and Brady at full-timeThe Blues were promoted back to the Championship on Tuesday night – ironically after a 2-1 win against Peterborough – and won the League One title without kicking a ball on Saturday when Wrexham drew at Wigan.Minority owner and NFL legend Brady was at Wembley to congratulate the team on their immediate promotion at the first time of asking, and was hoping to see them add another trophy to an impressive season.With 47 points separating the sides in the League One table and Birmingham having already beaten Peterborough twice this season, the odds seemed stacked against the Posh.But Birmingham were shocked to find themselves 2-0 down after first half goals from Harley Mills and Hector Kyprianou.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut, while most of their 50,000 travelling fans clapped the players as they climbed the steps to get their runners-up medals, viewers at home called out Wagner for his “cringeworthy” actions.Wagner and Brady were spotted giving a lengthy team-talk to the Birmingham squad up in the stands before they collected their medals, while the winners were waiting to grab theirs.Many thought it wasn’t their place to get involved and that player instructions should always come from the manager.Reacting to a video on X, one fan raged: “What an embarrassment he (Wagner) is.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile another said: “Can you imagine getting smashed and then having to listen to these two about football?”A third noted: “Do it in the dressing room. Only doing this because Tom Brady is there and the camera’s are out.”Birmingham become first EFL club to win promotion as Tom Brady’s club bounce back to Championship at first attemptWhile another said: “It’s so self indulgent to hold them up there whilst the winners are waiting.”One more wrote: “Show respect to the winners. Let them have their moment of glory. So cringey to watch.”Peterborough – who have never lost at Wembley and became the first club to retain the EFL Trophy – were indeed waiting to collect lift the trophy.And for a team that has scored 100 goals in all competitions, Chris Davies’ Blues side offered little going forward and were limp in attack. Peterborough became the first club to retain the EFL TrophyBut others thought Wagner and Brady were only supporting the team and giving them a morale boost after a fantastic campaign.One fan said: “I would imagine he’s saying something along the lines of ‘we’ve won the league, probably going to break the points record’.”While Troy Deeney said on comms: “Brady and Wagner know they’ve lost because they’ve not put the best foot forward.”And I think that’s what Wagner is saying to them now. He’s just saying ‘remember this feeling of losing because that’s going to carry you forward’.”Spending big last summer, Birmingham revamped almost their entire playing squad for a first season in the third tier since 1995.Read More on The SunThe Blues are on course to beat Wolves’ record League One points tally of 103.The club’s emphatic season will be the subject of a new Amazon Prime documentary. More

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      Luka Modric, 39, set to become new owner of Championship club in ‘extremely random’ career move

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      LUKA MODRIC is set to become a minority owner of Championship side Swansea.A deal has reportedly been agreed that sees the 39-year-old Real Madrid legend acquire a stake in the Welsh club.Luka Modric is buying a stake in Swansea CityCredit: GettyThe club are currently 12th in the ChampionshipCredit: RexThe amount of the Swans he is buying and the cost of the investment is currently unclear.But the move will not impact his ongoing playing career and he is not ready to hang up his boots just yet.The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner’s Real Madrid contract expires this summer and the club are still weighing up whether to offer him a new deal. Modric is set to join Andy Coleman, Brett Cravatt, Nigel Morris and Jason Cohen as part-owners of Swansea.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe club changed hands in November after Jason Levien and Steve Kaplan sold their 74.95 per cent share to end their eight years at the helm.American businessman Coleman promised a “new era” when he took over the club.He said his dream was to return Swansea, who have been out of the top-flight since their relegation in 2018, to the Premier League.Coleman claimed they need to be a “Championship club not doing Championship things” to boost income.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe explained: “The new partners that I have inside of Swansea City are as fully committed as I am to helping every single day to take this club where it deserves to be.”We hopefully have the ability to reach out across the aisle to our supporters and to rebuild their trust and to work together on this fresh start here.Josh hitting the right Key for Swansea”We want to build a sustainable football club that eliminates a lot of the risks of the ever-changing economics of football.”And obviously I’m a dreamer by nature, we all want to get back to the Premier League, but we want to get there in the right way so that we can sustain that when we get there.”I for one am terribly excited about what the future holds for us. I can’t wait to see where we go.”Swansea currently sit 12th in the Championship table, eight points off the play-offs, with four games of the season to go.They are currently without a permanent manager following the sacking of Luke Williams in March, with Alan Sheehan in caretaker charge. Ex-Tottenham star Modric is one of the most decorated players this century, having won six Champions League and four LaLiga titles at Real Madrid.And fans have been left baffled by the Croatian’s unusual move of investing in Swansea.One supporter said: “This is extremely random.”Read More on The SunAnother added: “One of the weirdest things I have ever seen. Completely out of the blue.”A third wrote: “This is crazy.” More