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      Sky Sports hit by poor Championship viewing figures and could axe games in new broadcast deal

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      SKY TV are anxiously eyeing their viewing figures before sorting out a new contract with the EFL.And that could mean the broadcaster offers LESS money and wants FEWER live games when the next deal starts in 2024.
      Sky will hope Swansea vs Cardiff today can pull in big viewing figuresCredit: Getty
      Insiders reveal that numbers have been low this season, with the highest coming in the opening match between Huddersfield and Burnley.
      The exact audience sizes are kept quiet but sources claim the largest was only around 600,000.
      There will be rival bids for television rights when the next package starts, with that contract due to be sorted out next season.
      And the Sky appetite for spending big money on a lot of games may depend on the viewing figures over the coming months.
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      Sky have had a bad season to cover the flagship Championship as there are no huge clubs at that level with big fan bases.
      The days of Leeds, Villa, Fulham and Nottingham Forest swelling viewing figures have gone with their promotion to the top flight.
      And a general lowering of the standard and lack of ‘star’ quality players makes it a hard sell for the TV company.
      Sky also made a mistake by introducing 8pm midweek kick-offs and even Saturday nights for some games, tinkering that has not made any positive difference.
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      They will hope the South Wales derby between Swansea and Cardiff at 12pm today can draw in their biggest viewing figures of the season.
      There is also a derby between Watford and Luton taking place today. More

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      Crystal Palace eyeing transfer raid on Middlesbrough for right-back Isaiah Jones after missing out on him as kid

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      CRYSTAL PALACE have been checking up on the one who got away — Middlesbrough’s Isaiah Jones.The Eagles are interested in the right wing-back as they look to strengthen in that area.
      Isaiah Jones is wanted by Crystal Palace in the transfer windowCredit: Reuters
      London-born Jones, 23, is a player they might have landed as a kid.
      He made his name on their doorstep at Tooting & Mitcham.
      But instead he was picked up by Boro.
      Palace are also considering a return for their former defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, 24.
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      But Manchester United will want a fee and his wages are hefty, so Jones could be a better alternative.
      Jones came through at Tooting & Mitcham United in South London – just five miles west of Selhurst Park – but made the move to the North East in 2019.
      After two loans in Scotland, he became a first-team regular last season and has now racked up 62 appearances for Boro – sparking links with Manchester United.
      However, he moved into a more advanced attacking role in Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Huddersfield.
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      Joel Ward, 33 next week, is currently the right-back in Patrick Vieira’s Palace starting XI.
      Nathaniel Clyne, 31, is the other option.
      But with both men in the latter stages of their career, the chance to bring in Jones as a long-term successor could prove a masterstroke. More

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      Alex Bruce ready to snub coaching job at Middlesbrough as he hopes to follow dad Steve into management

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      ALEX BRUCE hopes to become a boss — and is prepared to start in the bottom tier.Bruce, who left West Brom with dad Steve, has been linked with a  backroom post at Middlesbrough but would prefer to be No 1.
      Alex Bruce is willing to start at the bottom in managementCredit: Getty
      Dad Steve was given the boot by the Baggies after winning just one game in the Championship.
      The poor form had West Brom stuck in the relegation zone.
      West Brom’s fortunes haven’t changed since Bruce’s departure.
      They’ve won just one game while recording losses to Bristol City and Millwall.
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      They are yet to appoint a new manager, but SunSport revealed Liam Rosenior is in talks over the position.
      Rosenior, 38, left his interim gaffer role at Derby last month after Paul Warne’s appointment.
      He is keen to get back to the dugout and managerless Baggies would avoid having to pay compensation for him.
      Free agents Carlos Corberan and Carlos Carvalhal are also in the frame.
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      Steven Schumacher, Gary Rowett and Leam Richardson have also been linked but they would cost a settlement fee with their clubs.
      Rosenior – the son of former QPR and Fulham ace Leroy – was gutted to leave Pride Park but admits he’ll look back fondly on his time with the club. More

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      West Brom hold talks with Liam Rosenior after Derby exit with Baggies keen to avoid paying compensation for new boss

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      WEST BROM have held talks with Liam Rosenior about a swift return to management.Rosenior, 38, left his interim gaffer role at Derby last month after Paul Warne’s appointment.
      Liam Rosenior left his role as interim Derby managerCredit: PA
      Paul Warne replaced Rosenior as Rams bossCredit: PA
      Rosenior is now in the running to take charge of managerless West BromCredit: REX
      He is keen to get back to the dugout and managerless Baggies would avoid having to pay compensation for him.
      Free agents Carlos Corberan and Carlos Carvalhal are also in the frame.
      Steven Schumacher, Gary Rowett and Leam Richardson have also been linked but they would cost a settlement fee with their clubs.
      Rosenior – the son of former QPR and Fulham ace Leroy – was gutted to leave Pride Park but admits he’ll look back fondly on his time with the club.
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      He said: “Whilst it is a hugely sad day to leave Derby County, I do so with so much pride and gratitude of being part of this journey with you all at such a critical point in the club’s history.
      “I want to thank every supporter, member of staff and the players I came into contact with, for giving me so much joy to come in to work every day and also for the incredible memories we have shared together over the past three years.
      “I thank David Clowes for entrusting in me the huge responsibility in leading the rebuilding process of the footballing side of the club in this period but more importantly than that, his role in saving this club from extinction.
      “I know how important Derby County is in terms of its history, tradition, outstanding work in the community and the pride it brings to every single person in the city and surrounding area and it is with huge pleasure that I know it will continue for years to come.
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      “Derby County is more than a football club.
      “On a personal level, I will never forget the joy, honour and pride in building and leading this team out to start this exciting new era and now is the right time for me to continue the next stage of my career development as a manager in my own right.”
      Rosenior is confident his successor will guide Derby back to the Championship.
      He said: “I have no doubts that the club is in safe hands on the pitch with Paul Warne and his staff working with an outstanding group of players and professionals, who it was an absolute pleasure working with every day.
      “I hope and I’m sure they will all be successful and I wish them all the very best in the future.
      “I wish I could individually thank every member of staff and supporter I had the privilege of meeting and working with but there are too many to mention in this message.
      “You all know who you are and I’m sure our paths will cross at some point in the future! Thank you for everything.”
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      Derby will be back in action on Tuesday, welcoming Exeter City to Pride Park.
      West Brom, meanwhile, face Sheffield United at the Hawthorns Saturday.
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      West Brom ‘hold talks with Jody Morris about becoming new manager with ex-Chelsea assistant in line for first boss job’

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      FORMER Chelsea assistant Jody Morris has reportedly held talks about becoming West Brom’s new boss.TalkSport claims the former Blues midfielder, 43, is high on the Baggies’ list as they search for Steve Bruce’s successor.
      Former Chelsea No2 Jody Morris has held talks over the vacant West Brom jobCredit: Getty
      He was axed earlier this month after winning just one of 13 games in the Championship.
      SunSport exclusively revealed West Brom were initially hoping to land Gary Rowett from Millwall.
      And the Baggies have also been keeping an eye on Pymouth’s Steven Schumacher.
      However, Morris could now get the nod despite having never managed a senior team in his career.
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      The tactician made his name as a coach with Chelsea’s youth sides, leading the U18s to the treble in 2017 before winning the quadruple a year later.
      Morris’ first taste proper came at Derby County when he became Frank Lampard’s assistant.
      And he made the return to Stamford Bridge as No2 when Lampard was chosen as Maurizio Sarri’s replacement in 2019.
      Morris left his role after Lampard was sacked in January 2021.
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      But the pair ended up splitting months later, with Morris left out when Lampard eventually took charge at Everton.
      However, Morris could now be the main man for the first time ever as West Brom look to revive their season.
      It’s reckoned he came close to getting the Sunderland job earlier this year before the Black Cats opted for Alex Neil – now at Stoke City.
      But Morris faces a tough task should he take charge at the Hawthorns.
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      West Brom have collected just 14 points from 15 matches this season and find themselves in the drop zone.
      Things don’t get any easier for the Baggies either, with tough games against Millwall and Sheffield United on the horizon. More

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      Crystal Palace to launch Ben Brereton Diaz transfer swoop as forward rejects Blackburn contract amid European interest

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      CRYSTAL PALACE are considering a January move for Blackburn forward Ben Brereton Diaz.The Chile international, 23, is a free agent in the summer and is being monitored by a number of clubs at home and in Europe.
      Ben Brereton Diaz has impressed regularly in his three years at Edwood ParkCredit: Reuters
      Fulham, Leeds and Everton all failed with late bids during the summer window as the Championship side managed to hold onto their star man.
      Brereton Diaz has shown no sign of a failed move hurting his form, with eight goals in the second tier so far – including one stunner against Sunderland on Tuesday night.
      He is the joint top scorer in the Championship.
      Blackburn have offered the former Nottingham Forest star a new deal and are still attempting to agree new terms but have been knocked back each time.
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      That stance has put clubs on alert ahead of January. Premier League teams may not be able to wait until the end of the season to take the forward on a free transfer.
      Talks have been held with a number of clubs in La Liga who are prepared to offer Brereton Diaz a pre-contract in the New Year.
      And now the Eagles are considering a swoop. Patrick Vieira was keen to add further bite to his attacking line in the summer but could not get a move over the line.
      Christian Benteke was sold without being replaced while both Odsonne Edouard and Jean-Philippe Mateta have struggled for goals.
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      Edouard has two goals in 10 Premier League appearances this season while Mateta has one in nine.
      Everton continue to monitor Brereton Diaz ahead of the window, while Leeds remain interested.
      Last month reports emerged that Blackburn were set to turn their attention to Sunderland’s Ross Stewart if they lost Brereton Diaz.
      Meanwhile, Palace legend Julian Speroni has returned to the club to join the academy coaching staff.
      The former keeper, who made 405 Palace appearances, said: “It’s an honour to be back. Palace is a club that is close to my heart and I am so pleased to be involved once again.” More

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      Wolves ‘set to trigger Michael Beale’s QPR release clause and appoint him as next manager’

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      WOLVES are reportedly set to trigger Michael Beale’s QPR release clause and make him their next boss.The Molineux club had made Beale their top candidate to take over, as exclusively revealed by SunSport.
      Michael Beale is reportedly set to take over at WolvesCredit: PA
      And now the Premier League strugglers are poised to trigger the release clause in his QPR contract, according to talkSPORT.
      Beale, 42, only joined the Hoops in June on a three-year deal but has impressed by guiding them to sixth in the Championship table.
      He also speaks Portuguese — like 11 of the club’s first-team squad — thanks to a spell coaching Brazilian giants Sao Paulo.
      Wolves see him as the progressive, hands-on coach they need.
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      Beale himself is reported to be keen on making the move to Molineux.
      As a result, they are prepared to pay the hefty compensation needed to prise him away from Loftus Road.
      Former Spain boss Julen Lopetegui snubbed the chance to take over at Wolves earlier this month.
      Ex-Wolves gaffer Nuno Espirito Santo emerged as another potential candidate, before Wolves made the decision to swoop for Beale.
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      He left his position as Steven Gerrard’s assistant manager at Aston Villa in June to become a boss himself.
      He has quickly made his mark in his short time as a gaffer.
      QPR are just three points off the top of the Championship, having played two games less than current league leaders Blackburn.
      Steve Davis has been in caretaker charge at Wolves for the last three games, including the 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace last night. More

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      Middlesbrough confident of appointing Man Utd legend Michael Carrick as new boss before weekend clash with Huddersfield

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      MIDDLESBROUGH are confident of appointing Michael Carrick as manager before the weekend.Carrick has been in advanced talks with the Teessiders all week and is set to replace Chris Wilder.
      Middlesbrough hope to name Michael Carrick as boss by the weekendCredit: PA
      Negotiations stalled last week over the make-up of the ex-Manchester United star’s backroom team, which could include Steve Bruce’s son Alex.
      But those issues have been resolved with the 41-year-old agreeing to take the Riverside reins and land his first manager’s job.
      It is unclear yet whether he will be in the dugout for Saturday’s crunch home clash with fellow Championship bottom three side Huddersfield or watch from the stands.
      Middlesbrough have only won three of their 14 games and travel to Wigan on Wednesday.
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      Leo Percovich, a coach at the club under Aitor Karanka, Jonathan Woodgate, Neil Warnock and then Wilder, was placed in temporary charge following Wilder’s dismissal.
      He guided Boro to a 1-0 win over Birmingham but defeats to Millwall and Blackburn have left them deep in the mire.
      Former England international Carrick won the Premier League five times and the Champions League during his Old Trafford playing career.
      He initially joined United’s coaching staff under Jose Mourinho.
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      He was then part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s backroom team before then getting a brief taste of management himself after the Norwegian was axed in November 2021.
      Newcastle-born Carrick had a three-game stint as caretaker.
      He led United to two wins and then a draw against Chelsea but left after Ralf Rangnick’s arrival. More