Championship

SHEFFIELD UNITED defender Anel Ahmedhodzic has been exiled from the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team.The 25-year-old decided to step away from international duty amid several off-pitch disputes.Anel Ahmedhodzic has been exited from the Bosnia and Herzegovina national teamCredit: GettyHe stated there was “no longer any reason for him to play” but wished his former team-mates the best.Ahmedhodzic also cut ties with his father after accusing him of “manipulation, lies, scams and almost daily bullying.”Amid his ongoing family issues, the centre-back withdrew from international duty earlier this month.The Bosnian FA have now banished him indefinitely.Read More in FootballA statement from sporting director Emir Spahic read: “An invitation to the national team of a country is a noble act.”The crown of many years of hard work and sacrifice, the dream of every player who wants to achieve a respectable football career.”But also the dream of every boy and girl in love with a magic ball and the most important secondary thing in the world.”Experiencing just the call is an incredible feeling. And just running out in your favourite jersey – there are few such experiences that a professional can have in his life.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”We clearly and unequivocally say: our national team will not suffer because of those who do not want, cannot or simply do not give their best on the field.”Our association will not be a ‘hostage’ of the personal relationships of those who advertise themselves, name others and accuse others through the media, thus transferring the beautiful game from the most beautiful green field to the domain of mud, gossip and distorted truths.What’s new this season? “Everything they have to say, instead of using words, let them show it on the field, in the only place that has always been a measure of quality.”To those who are trying to involve us in their personal conflicts, I say to leave us alone to work and create new values ​​for the rise of our football.”Being a professional also means taking responsibility for your actions and communicating with others directly, without the interference of intermediaries and others who have no other role in the football community than to be supportive.”Born in Sweden to Bosnian parents, Ahmedhodzic made 24 appearances for the national team.He currently plays for Sheffield United in the Championship. More

PREMIER LEAGUE legends Frank Lampard, John Terry and Paul Ince are all in contention for the vacant role at Championship side Stoke City.That’s according to bookmakers Coral, who have named the top 10 most likely candidates to replace Steven Schumacher, who was sacked earlier today.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereCoral: Claim £20 in free bets*Next Stoke City manager oddsCoral oddsDave Challinor 2/1Tony Mowbray 3/1Ruben Selles 4/1Ryan Lowe 5/1Valerian Ismael 6/1Michael Beale 7/1Paul Ince 8/1Frank Lampard 12/1John Terry 14/1Mick McCarthy 16/1Schumacher left Plymouth last December to take the Potters’ role but his nine-month tenure came to an end following Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Oxford United.That was already Stoke’s third league defeat in just five games, leaving them down in 13th place after the weekend’s action.Former skipper Ryan Shawcross has been placed in a caretaker role alongside Alex Morris.Sporting director Jon Walters said the decision to axe Schumacher was in the ‘long term interests’ of the club.His attention now turns to finding a suitable successor and some huge names are believed to be in contention.Coral: Claim £20 in free bets*How to claim..Coral offerVisit the Coral website here*Register a new account and deposit £5Place a bet of £5 or more on the Coral sportsbookRemember, this bet must settle in seven days and must be at odds of 1/2 or greaterCoral will credit your account with £20 in free bets (1 x £20 free bet token)You will need to accept these whilst logged into your accountClaim £20 in free bets here*Stoke City next manager oddsIt’s Stockport County’s boss Dave Challinor who leads the betting with Coral.He’s the current 2/1 market leader having led Stockport to two promotions in three years, coming from the National League to League One where they currently sit fourth.Tony Mowbray revealed over the weekend he’s eyeing a return to management following a health battle, after he was forced to step down from Birmingham as a result.He admitted he was still a little ‘weak’ as his recuperation continues so this might come a little too early for him.Ruben Selles (4/1) and Ryan Lowe (5/1) appear more likely to be in contention, just ahead of Valerian Ismael at 6/1.Ex-Rangers and Sunderland manager Michael Beale remains on the lookout for his way back in and he’s a 7/1 shot with the bookies.Then there’s some HUGE names, with Paul Ince an 8/1 shot having been out of a job in management since his sacking from Reading just shy of 18 months ago.Then it’s Frank Lampard (12/1) who was last in charge at Chelsea on an interim basis at the end of 2022/23 – ending with a 9% win record.Former Blues hero John Terry returned to the club last year as part of the Academy set-up and he’s 14/1 to go it alone and have Stoke as his first job in charge.Mick McCarthy rounds off the betting at 16/1.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*18+ New UK & ROI Customers only. Min deposit £5. Min first £5 bet at minimum odds 1/2 to qualify for 1x 20 free bet. Certain deposit methods and bet types excl. Free bet valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions + T&Cs apply. More

STOKE CITY have sacked manager Steven Schumacher – with a Premier League icon now in caretaker charge.He has been axed following a 1-0 defeat to Oxford on Saturday that leaves the Potters 13th in the Championship. Stoke have axed boss Steven SchumacherCredit: RexClub legend Ryan Shawcross is now in temporary chargeCredit: PAThe club have started the season in decent form, winning two of their opening five league games.They also remain in the Carabao Cup after beating Carlisle and Middlesbrough.Schumacher’s shock sacking comes on the eve of Stoke’s third round cup tie against Fleetwood Town.They welcome the League Two side tomorrow with Alex Morris and Ryan Shawcross in temporary charge of the team.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShawcross, 36, is a Stoke legend, who played 453 times for the club from 2007 to 2020 and has one England cap.He came through the youth ranks at Manchester United and played twice for their first-team. Another Stoke cult hero, Jon Walters, is the club’s sporting director and he explained the decision to axe Schumacher.Walters said: “My role as is to make tough decisions that serve the long-term interests of Stoke City.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“After ongoing discussions with [chairman] John Coates, we feel the time is right for a change in direction to bring success to the club.“We have a young, dynamic squad that is eager to develop and a clear vision of how to achieve success, and we hope to announce a new appointment shortly.Bromley boss Andy Woodman shares craziest EFL memories including players’ full on fight in club shop I What the EFL?!”We will need the fans, staff, and players united in support to achieve our goals.“As always in football, these decisions are difficult, and we wish Steven and his staff all the best for the future.”Jon Walters decided to axe Steven SchumacherCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun More

SATURDAY’S Championship clash between QPR and Sheffield Wednesday produced a goalmouth scramble for the ages.The incredible drama wasn’t just entertaining, but also had a huge bearing on the result.Di’Shon Bernard cleared a header off the line from a last minute cornerCredit: x @itvfootballThe ball came back out and QPR tried to put it back towards goalCredit: x @itvfootballBodies were all over the place in the box trying to get hold of the ball, including QPR keeper Paul NardiCredit: x @itvfootballThe ball finally popped up to Alfie LloydCredit: x @itvfootballHe poked the ball home to grab a late equaliserCredit: x @itvfootballIt was bedlam as QPR’s players ran off to celebrateCredit: x @itvfootballThe match, being played at Hillsborough, had been goalless throughout until Sheffield Wednesday grabbed what they thought was a late winner through Barry Bannan in the 93rd minute.That should have been it but visiting side QPR had other ideas, sending up every single player into the Wednesday box for a 96th minute corner.The last roll of the dice included QPR keeper Paul Nardi who had made the decision to ditch his own box and head into the opposition’s.The in-swinging corner produced utter chaos with 21 players scrambling to get on the end of the ball.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAn initial header was cleared off the line by Wednesday defender Di’Shon Bernard before the ball returned into the heart of the box where bodies were diving in front of it to prevent a late equaliser.QPR captain Steve Cook had a couple bites at the cherry to try and poke home a goal for his side but saw a sea of limbs block each effort.Gloveman Nardi even tried to help by closing down a loose ball and trying to take a swing goalwards. After a few more seconds of pinball inside the box, the ball finally dropped into the path of QPR substitute Alfie Lloyd who poked home to grab his side a point at the death.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPure elation followed as all 11 QPR players ran off to celebrate their dramatic ending.Fans at home were absolutely loving the goalmouth scramble, chuffed that the Championship was offering up some vintage football.Bromley boss Andy Woodman shares craziest EFL memories including players’ full on fight in club shop I What the EFL?!On social media, one fan wrote: “This 96th minute equaliser from QPR might be the greatest goalmouth scramble I’ve ever seen. Magnificent.”While another added: “Looks like something that would happen in the playground at break”.A third joked: “That’s the Puskas Award sorted then”.A fourth posted: “That is a thing of beauty”.And a fifth teased: “It’s like when someone shouts ‘next goal wins’ in a game of Knock Out Wembley.”Alfie Lloyd may have been the happiest person out of them all though as the forward described his last gasp goal as the “best moment of my life”.Speaking to QPR’s official outlets after the game, he said: “That is the best moment of my life. That is the best moment of my life, factually. “When I came on I just thought ‘do what you can do and show what you can do’.”Then when the ball was scrambling I thought ‘maybe I can get something’.”It just came to me and I’ve quickly poked it and I was like ‘no way have I just scored!’READ MORE SUN STORIES”The celebration was crazy, there’s no better feeling than that. I’m just on top of the world right now.”It’s a shame we couldn’t get the win. If it was the winner it would have been even more perfect but a point away from home in a big stadium is a good feeling.”Alfie Lloyd was delighted with his late contributionCredit: PA More