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    Luton 1 Huddersfield 1 LIVE REACTION: Bradley’s well-timed volley sets ups perfectly poised second leg – updates

    LUTON TOWN failed to take home advantage as Huddersfield held them to a draw at Kenilworth Road.The visitors took the lead inside the opening 15 minutes courtesy of a sensational strike by Daniel Sinani.
    But captain fantastic Sonny Bradley was on hand to set up a mouth-watering second leg on Monday.

    RESULT: Luton 1-1 Huddersfield
    TV/Live Stream: Sky Sports Main Event
    Luton XI: Ingram, Bree, Naismith, Bradley, Cornick, Burke, Clarke, Campbell, Lansbury, Bell, Jerome
    Huddersfield XI: Nicholls, Toffolo, Hogg, O’Brien, Holmes, Turton, Sarr, Sinani, Ward, Lees, Russell

    Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
    That’s all from Kenilworth Road
    It’s all level as the two sides head into the second leg at The John Smith’s Stadium on Monday.
    This semi-final could still go either way.
    A place in the play-off final at Wembley is at stake.
    Thank you for reading, and goodnight!
    Nathan Jones reacts
    When speaking to Sky Sports, Jones said:
    “As I said pre-match the margins between the sides have been really tight and really small.
    “I thought first half we were outstanding, really excellent.
    “We should’ve had a penalty which is a possible red card there because he’s denied an absolute goalscoring opportunity.
    “I know they had half of one in terms of that little… but it’s very difficult. Obviously I see it from orange eyes, but I thought we were excellent first half.
    “We needed to capitalise properly on that. Second half they caused us problems, we just packed in the midfield and until we changed we didn’t get to grips with that. But, real tactical game, real cagey game, nothing in it.
    “Keeper had one shot to save really and it’s gone in but they’re a good side, they’re a fantastic side and it’s going to be difficult but it’s all to play for.”
    Credit: Getty
    Carlos Corberan reacts
    “I thought the draw was the fair result today. Luton were a little better than us in the first half, but I thought the team was excellent in the second half.”
    “Duane Holmes played wide on the pitch during the first half, so we switched his position to a more central one. I thought we controlled the ball in the second half, which is exactly what we wanted to do.”
    “The second half makes me feel like this was a positive performance. Now we must focus on recovery, and being ready for another really tough game on Monday night.”
    Credit: Getty
    Duane Homes reacts
    When speaking to Sky Sports, Holmes said:
    “It’s a game of two legs and we’re going back to our place now.
    “We’re still in the tie, obviously we’re disappointed to concede that kind of goal when we’ve been so good at defending set plays all year.
    “That’s football so we’ll dust ourselves off and go again Monday.”
    On the penalty incident: “On first look it definitely looked like a pen. The kick-off is something we have worked on all week and then it nearly worked.
    “Probably a penalty, but saying that, they probably should’ve had a penalty when Cameron Jerome got brought down. I think the ref might not have given that one because he didn’t give ours.
    “We had 90 minutes to win the game, but like I said we’re still in the tie.”
    Credit: Getty
    Full Time – Luton 1-1 Huddersfield
    Huddersfield felt hard done by in the early stages of the game after their penalty appeals were controversially denied in the opening minute.
    But The Terriers quickly picked themselves back up as Sinani opened the scoring.
    A possible lack of awareness from the defence led to the equalising goal, but Carlos Corberan’s side made few errors after that.
    It could be argued that Huddersfield have the advantage going into the second leg as they are set to play at home, but this game could still go wither way.
    Full Time – Luton 1-1 Huddersfield
    Luton got off to a fantastic start this evening and were unlucky to concede against the run of play.
    Bradley was in the right place at the right time to put The Hatters back level at the half-hour mark.
    Nathan Jones’ side were forced onto the back foot by Huddersfield during the second half which meant they struggled to create many effective chances.
    However, they will still hold high hopes going into the second leg on Monday.
    Full Time – Luton 1-1 Huddersfield
    It’s still all level as we reach the halfway mark of this play-off semi-final.
    Nothing could separate the two sides today.
    Credit: Richard Washbrooke/News Images
    90+2. Luton 1-1 Huddersfield
    Rhodes is booked for a bizarre challenge on Bree.
    The pair were battling for the ball until the Huddersfield striker appeared to trip and fall on his opponent.
    90. Luton 1-1 Huddersfield
    Luton make their final substitution.
    Jerome is replaced by Snodgrass.
    There will be four minutes added on…
    87. Luton 1-1 Huddersfield
    Huddersfield are pushing for the winner.
    The ball has barely left Luton’s half.
    Holmes sends a corner into the box, but his cross curls and heads out for a goal kick.
    84. Luton 1-1 Huddersfield
    Huddersfield make another substitution.
    Thomas comes on to replace Sinani.
    82. Luton 1-1 Huddersfield
    Luton make another change.
    Hylton comes on to replace Burke.
    78. Luton 1-1 Huddersfield
    Holmes drives towards the Luton penalty area before sending a perfectly placed pass towards O’Brien.
    The midfielder’s shot is on target, but the effort is blocked.
    74. Luton 1-1 Huddersfield
    The fourth corner is sent into the box but Luton can clear their lines.
    73. Luton 1-1 Huddersfield
    Huddersfield are on their fourth consecutive corner.
    They have failed to make the most of them so far…
    71. Luton 1-1 Huddersfield
    Huddersfield make another change.
    Ward is replaced by Rhodes.
    68. Luton 1-1 Huddersfield
    Huge blow for Luton as Lansbury is forced off with an injury.
    He has been replaced by Lockyer.
    65. Luton 1-1 Huddersfield
    Sinani attempts to cross the ball to Ward in the box, but Bradley manages to get a foot on it to deflect the danger.
    The captain has been outstanding this evening.
    57. Luton 1-1 Huddersfield
    Naismith is shown a yellow for a pull on Holmes.
    Huddersfield have a free kick just inside Luton’s half and the ball is sent into the box.
    Sarr is brought down as he attempts to run onto the cross, but the referee denies the penalty claims once again.
    53. Luton 1-1 Huddersfield
    Ward finds the ball on the edge of Luton’s penalty area.
    He quickly makes a turn before getting the shot away, but Bradley is there to make the block.
    48. Luton 1-1 Huddersfield
    Luton have a free kick on the right after Cornick is brought down by Toffolo.
    The ball is crossed into Cornick at the front post, the striker attempts to flick it into the back of the net, but his effort is off-target.
    46. Luton 1-1 Huddersfield
    Huddersfield have made their first change.
    Turton has been replaced by Pipa.
    Kick Off – Luton 1-1 Huddersfield
    We’re back underway!
    Half Time – Luton 1-1 Huddersfield
    Luton also had a penalty shout in the latter stages of the half.
    What about this one? Penalty or no penalty?

    Half Time – Luton 1-1 Huddersfield
    Huddersfield appealed for a penalty less than 10 seconds into the game as Toffolo went to ground in the box.
    Penalty or no penalty?

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    Luton 1 Huddersfield 1: Play-off semi on a knife edge as Bradley cancels out Sinani’s opener at raucous Kenilworth Road

    SKIPPER Sonny Bradley kept Luton’s Wembley dream alive – but they have a mountain to climb now.Defender Bradley struck a 31st-minute volley to cancel out Danel Sinani’s 12th-minute opener in a gripping semi-final first leg that had Kenilworth Road rocking.
    Danel Sinani broke the deadlock for Huddersfield away at Luton at Kenilworth RoadCredit: Getty
    Sonny Bradley equalised for the hosts in the Championship semi-final play-off first legCredit: Rex
    It was a miracle that the low-budget Hatters, hit by a string of late-season injuries, reached the play-offs in the first place.
    Now they need to produce something really special to go to Huddersfield on Monday and win – although Luton had enough chances to take a lead into the second leg.
    Terriers boss Carlos Corberan was boosted by the return of midfielder Lewis O’Brien, who was back in the side along with keeper Lee Nicholls and defender Tom Lees, who was making the 550th appearance of his domestic career.
    But Luton’s hopes of a return by 17-goal leading scorer Elijah Adebayo were dashed, with the striker missing a third match with hamstring trouble.
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    There was drama in the opening 20 seconds as Huddersfield’s Harry Toffolo demanded a penalty after going down under James Bree’s tackle. But ref Robert Jones was unimpressed.
    Then Bree almost made the visitors suffer as he unleashed a right-foot rocket from outside the box that Nicholls had to stretch to push over the bar.
    Huddersfield had been on the back foot early on – but stood the match on its head by taking a 12th-minute lead.
    Danny Ward led the breakout from deep inside the visitors’ half, fed Toffolo, who then laid on a great pass for Sinani.
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    The winger raced into the box and kept cool under pressure from Bradley before slotting a low shot past Matt Ingram, squeezing the ball inside the keeper’s near post for his seventh goal of the season.
    Luton had been caught napping, but they were soon hammering away in search of an equaliser, with veteran striker Cameron Jerome’s header deflected for a corner.
    The leveller arrived just after the half-hour mark. Kal Naismith’s free-kick from the left dropped perfectly for Bradley, who gave Nicholls no chance with a close-range volley.
    There was uproar soon after – this time it was Luton’s turn to appeal for a penalty as Jerome was bundled over by 6ft 6in Naby Sarr’s challenge.
    Sinani wheeled away in delight after putting the Terriers ahead in the 12th minuteCredit: Rex
    Bradley was mobbed by his team-mates after scoring on the half-hour markCredit: PA
    But Huddersfield-born Jerome was giving his home-town club the runaround, and in the 37th minute he fired just over the bar from 20 yards out.
    The Yorkshire side were under the cosh but always a threat on the break, and five minutes before the break Ingram was forced to save Ward’s goalbound header with his feet.
    The big question at the start of the second half was whether both sides could keep up the pace.
    The answer was yes as Luton’s Harry Cornick tried for goal with a cheeky backheel which was way off target.
    Then Ward’s right-foot shot went out for a corner off Bradley’s block.
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    Corberan had sent on full-back Pipa at half-time in place of Ollie Turton and the Spaniard worked well with Duane Holmes down the right – so well that Naismith was booked in the 56th minute for fouling Holmes.
    Only one Championship side – QPR – had won at Luton in 2022 and as the match entered its final quarter, Huddersfield were bidding strongly to become the second with Luton looking jaded. More

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    Premier League is getting richer and stronger while Championship is weaker and poorer… the gap is now HUGE

    THE gulf is getting deeper and wider every season.The Premier League is getting richer and stronger, the Championship weaker and poorer.
    Fulham have been promoted back to the Premier League after winning the Championship title but they will find it tougher than ever to stay upCredit: Getty
    Fulham have now yo-yoed between the two divisions for five successive seasons, Norwich for four and my old club Watford, three times.
    It’s little wonder, given the extreme difference in speed, intensity, quality and tactics between the top flight and the second tier.
    I was telling some of my team-mates at Birmingham recently that the biggest difference I felt is that if you make a mistake in a Championship match, it’s only really noticed by those inside the stadium.
    Make the same mistake in the Premier League and it will be analysed to death for days on end, in every corner of the globe.
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    And you really do feel that. You barely have time to come to terms with it before the next weekend.
    I’m currently on a foreign break after the end of the Championship season.
    There were four Premier League matches on the other night and you could watch all four in every bar. It’s the same everywhere you go on Earth.
    And all of those television deals mean more and more money for established top-flight clubs.
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    Even mid-table Premier League clubs are so wealthy now, they can attract world-class players and it’s harder than ever for promoted sides to avoid immediate relegation.
    The step up is certainly so much bigger than when I was promoted with the Hornets seven years ago, when we managed to establish ourselves for five seasons.
    Fulham won the Championship in some style this year, scoring 106 goals.
    They have really impressed me but will they find it easy to survive in the Premier League next season?
    Of course not.
    The Championship was weak this year.
    Clubs like Derby and Reading, who might have been expected to compete for promotion, suffered points deductions and other clubs were feeling the after-effects of the pandemic too.
    Norwich have been relegated back to the Championship after winning just five Premier League gamesCredit: Reuters
    Watford, like Nowrich, have yo-yoed between the the top two divisions in recent yearsCredit: Getty
    My old boss Marco Silva clearly realised his Fulham squad — especially their attacking players — were simply too good for the division.
    They played expansively and it worked far more often than not.
    Silva will be a manager under immediate pressure next season.
    He is fighting for his reputation in English football after being relegated with Hull, then leaving Watford quickly after some short-term success, then failing at Everton.
    Silva needs to lead Fulham to safety to fully restore that reputation.
    I’m sure he will attempt to play with an attacking 4-3-3 again and a lot will depend on the quality of his wingers.
    But Fulham won the Championship with 90 points, seven less than  Norwich did last year — and the Canaries have never looked like  staying up.
    However, Fulham do look better-equipped to stay up this time and they have more time to prepare, having avoided the play-offs.
    Aleksandar Mitrovic fired in a whopping 43 Championship goals for the CottagersCredit: Getty
    There will be a lot of focus on Aleksandar Mitrovic, who scored a ridiculous 43 goals in the Championship this season.
    I’m a fan of Mitro but I don’t think he will score as many in the top flight as the 12 goals Brentford’s Ivan Toney has managed this term.
    As a striker, you miss in the Championship and another chance will always come along.
    In the Premier League, you might only get one decent scoring opportunity in a match.
    I’ve got huge respect for Brentford managing to make the leap.
    They are a club with a proper long-term vision.
    But Sheffield United also had a great first season, then were relegated in their second season and Leeds may end up the same.
    Watford and Norwich have been  relegated again — and these are two very different clubs.
    Watford have appointed Rob Edwards as their next boss to replace Roy HodgsonCredit: PA
    I’m intrigued that my old club have appointed Rob Edwards, from Forest Green.
    During the whole time the Pozzo family have owned Watford they have never gone for a progressive, young British manager.
    Does that mean they will change their entire approach, perhaps concentrate more on youth? Because this season they signed players without enough Premier League experience.
    They would benefit from an overhaul of the playing staff and will hopefully give Edwards more input into player signings than other Watford managers have had in recent years.
    I’ll always be a big Watford fan and hope they will be competing with  Birmingham at the top of the table next season.
    Despite being bottom of the Premier League, Norwich are my favourites to win the Championship again next term.
    They will not lose many players and they have a manager, Dean Smith, who knows what it takes to win  promotion.
    Norwich don’t pay massive wages and on the previous two occasions they’ve been promoted, they haven’t had a real go.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-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-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}VILLA SECRETS .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;}I was on Love Island and there are four HUGE things the show BANS from TV
    So if I’m right and Norwich do continue to yo-yo, would they then have a more serious stab at the top flight next time?
    It is a huge dilemma — because as soon as a club are promoted from the Championship, you are immediately confronted by a bloody great chasm. More

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    Spare a thought for fans of Norwich, Derby and Oldham in the flurry of end-of-season jubilation and relief

    AMID the end-of-season jubilation, disappointment and relief, there are clubs that fall in my gone-but-not-forgotten category.I have to start with Norwich, who mounted the old up-and-down seesaw on the downward path into the Championship.
    Dean Smith was unable to help Norwich beat the drop into the ChampionshipCredit: PA
    Joint owner Delia Smith and her Canaries are going down for the third time in five seasons, a journey she must enjoy about as much as three helpings of soggy bottom sponge cake.
    Then there’s Derby County who tried manfully to avoid relegation to League One.
    There’s no way anyone short of Jurgen Klopp or Sam Allardyce who might have overcome a penalty of 21 points — but Wayne Rooney and his players fought til they dropped.
    The third team in this doleful bunch are Oldham Athletic, managed by John Sheridan.
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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 IN FOOTBALL.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;}HAMMER TIME .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;}West Ham in talks with UK Athletics over £15m deal to modify London Stadium
    Wayne Rooney’s Derby have been relegated to League One after being docked 21 pointsCredit: The Times
    The Latics dropped from the Premier League into the National League in 30 years, the first club to do so.
    Naturally, the lamenting fans blame owner Abdallah Lemsagam. It goes a lot deeper than that.
    Oldham fans will miss a journey to Dover unless they are long-distance lorry drivers with a queue fetish.
    Dover notched another depressing record, by the way, with just one point to show for their season’s work after having 12 deducted.
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    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Points deduction is a questionable punishment. First, players are being blamed generally for sins they did not know they had committed.
    Second, points earned on the field should stay on the field and, third, because blameless supporters are also being penalised.
    Derby suffered two heavy fines and were docked 21 points, a number that left not so much a mountain to climb as trying to clamber up it blindfold wearing carpet slippers.
    The quarter of a million citizens of Derby have a lot to be proud of — Rolls Royce factories, a cathedral, a county cricket club and it was the first place in England to have a public park, which inspired New York’s Central Park.
    Yet the love for Derby County FC ranges above these.
    Former owner Mel Morris tried his best and went close to ruining himself. But, instead of longed-for promotion to the Premier League, it’s off to League One.
    There are many matters to settle, not least the new ownership. And will Rooney stay or leave?
    England’s all-time top scorer’s appointment to the Pride Park job looked to be a gamble on a famous past rather than on the promise of a football thinker.
    John Sheridan’s Oldham side will be playing in the National League next campaignCredit: Alamy
    Yet patronising opinions have been shoved down pundits’ throats.
    The lad has done good, driving a team of bits and pieces so well that for a few weeks it seemed relegation might be avoided.
    The players earned their lap of appreciation. Like being cheered on the way to prison.
    Mind you, Rooney’s football task might be a doddle compared with living through his wife’s never-ending ‘Wagatha Christie’ libel tangle.
    There are numerous players who will not be forgotten — including our own inestimable captain Mark Noble.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-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-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}HAIR ME OUT .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;}I’m a hairstylist and the curls you put in your hair says SO much about you
    Championship clubs will try to forget promoted Fulham’s 43-goal Serbian slayer Aleksandar Mitrovic.
    Also gone is the Champions League title for Man City. Across the city itself there are fewer farewell tears for Paul Pogba. More

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    Do away goals count in EFL Championship play-offs?

    THE away goals rule has for decades been the most common way to decide a two-legged tie in football.It was introduced by Uefa in 1965 and was a feature of competitions until 2021. But is the rule used in the EFL play-offs?
    Sheffield United are among the teams seeking EFL play-off gloryCredit: PA
    Do away goals count in the EFL play-offs?
    Away goals do not count double in the EFL play-offs.
    The Football League did use the rule but chose to abolish it in 1999.
    This decision was made after an initiative by then-Ipswich Town chairman David Sheepshanks.
    Sheepshanks’ Tractor Boys lost via the rule in 1997 and 1999 despite finishing higher than their opponents in the league on both occasions.
    What is the away goals rule?
    The away goals rule is the most commonly used way of deciding football matches played over two legs.
    If the scores are level after 90 minutes at home and 90 minutes away then, rather than go to penalties, the team that scored most goals in the away game goes through.
    The idea is to reward away teams who choose to play attacking football.
    Do away goals really count double?
    That expression is supposed to be the law, but it’s really more of a figure of speech.
    It simply means that away goals are the first decider for a tied two-leg match.
    If anything, it is like an extra half a goal for the team that scored more away from home.
    Which competitions use the away goals rule?
    The Champions League and the Europa League, as well as all South American competitions abolished the away goals rule in 2021.
    The League Cup did use away goals after extra time in the semi-finals but abolished the rule in 2018, with teams playing penalties after 90 minutes.
    For the time being, Africa still uses the rule for World Cup play-offs, with Nigeria being knocked out by Ghana on away goals. More

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    Chelsea icon Diego Costa ‘could make shock BIRMINGHAM transfer if ex-Barcelona star Maxi Lopez succeeds in takeover bid’

    BIRMINGHAM CITY could make a shock move for Diego Costa, according to reports.Former Barcelona forward Maxi Lopez is keen to invest in the Blues.
    Costa could be making a shock move to BirminghamCredit: AFP
    He is reportedly part of a consortium, alongside Christian Codoma and Paul Richardson, looking to purchase a stake in the club.
    And if the takeover attempt is successful, it could open the door for some huge transfers.
    Lopez, Codoma and Richardson are keen to revamp the current squad by creating a team with an effective blend of youth and experienced players.
    According to The Mirror, Lopez has already created a list of potential targets, with Costa included.
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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 Chelsea.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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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-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-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}CHELSEA 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;}Rudiger’s Real Madrid move done, Kounde keen on Blues move
    The former Chelsea striker is currently a free agent.
    He terminated his contract with Atletico Mineiro at the beginning of the year, despite winning the domestic double.
    Prior to his spell with the Brazilian side, he spent three years with Atletico Madrid.
    And before he moved back to Spain, he enjoyed a successful stint at Stamford Bridge.
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    During his time at Chelsea he netted 58 goals in 120 appearances across four seasons.
    He also won two Premier League titles.
    Lopez is also set to employ new coaches across the club if the takeover bid is successful. More

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    Watford in shock talks with little-known Forest Green Rovers boss Rob Edwards to take over from Hodgson as next manager

    WATFORD are in shock talks with little-known Forest Green Rovers boss Rob Edwards to take over as their next manager, according to reports.Roy Hodgson will leave Vicarage Road at the end of the season as he is retiring after a 46-year coaching career.
    Rob Edwards could leave Forest Green Rovers to take over at WatfordCredit: Getty
    And that means the relegated Hornets are on the hunt for yet another new manager.
    According to The Athletic, Edwards is the surprise candidate being lined up.
    Advanced talks are said to be underway already between the Hertfordshire club and the 39-year-old.
    Edwards would become Watford’s ninth permanent manager in five years – with Xisco Munoz, Claudio Ranieri and Hodgson all having spells this season alone.
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FOOTBALL.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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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-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-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}WAT ON EARTH .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;}Hodgson says Watford fans were ‘too far away’ after not applauding supporters
    The Hornets are keen to recruit a young, homegrown manager to lead their charge back into the Premier League.
    And former Premier League midfielder Edwards, who started out with Aston Villa before joining with Wolves, Blackpool and Barnsley, fits the criteria.
    He retired from playing in 2013 and had a brief time in interim charge at Wolves before managing Telford United, Wolves Under-23s, England U16s and then joined Forest Green in 2021.
    The 15-cap former Wales international has just led the West Country side to the League Two title, earning them promotion into League One for the first time in their 133-year history.

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    However, he could be making an immediate jump up to the Championship with Watford.
    QPR assistant John Eustace was the previous favourite for the gig – however, the report adds talks broke down.
    Former manager Sean Dyche, recently sacked by Burnley, is also in the running as well as Diego Martinez Penas, Liam Manning, Paulo Fonseca, Nuno Espirito Santo and Rafa Benitez.
    Legends Fabio Cannavaro, Wayne Rooney, John Terry and Andrea Pirlo are outside bets for the club owned by the Italian Pozzo family.
    Hodgson’s Watford host Everton tonight aiming to end a wretched run of 11 consecutive home defeats. More

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    Cost of every Championship play-offs team’s squad as they target Premier League promotion with Luton’s worth just £3.5m

    A BREAKDOWN of the top six Championship squads shows Luton have punched well above their weight this season, ahead of the play-offsNathan Jones’ side confirmed their place in the play-offs after beating Reading 1-0 thanks to Orjan Nyland’s howler at Kenilworth Road.
    Fulham and Bournemouth outspent the play-off teams considerably
    Manager Nathan Jones has Luton punching above their weightCredit: Getty
    Rhian Brewster is Sheffield United’s record signing at £23.5millionCredit: PA
    Luton finished sixth despite spending just £3.5million on their squad according to football finance expert Kieran Maguire – some £230m less than champions Fulham.
    Remarkably, the Hatters also spent £142m less than Stoke yet finished eight places higher than Michael O’Neill’s team.
    Their budget would suggest Luton are underdogs for the play-offs but in Huddersfield they have a semi-final opponent who have also performed well on a relative shoestring.
    The Terriers finished third and have arguably gone under the radar in recent weeks amid talk of Nottingham Forest achieving automatic promotion – Steve Cooper’s side instead finished fourth.
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    Yet Huddersfield have lost just two of their last 26 league games and have won four on the bounce.
    Carlos Corberan built his team mainly using the loan market and free transfers.
    The highest fee they have spent on a player is £700,000 on Pipa, according to Football Transfers – quite a contrast to Sheffield United splashing £43.5m on Oli McBurnie and Rhian Brewster alone.
    The Blades have reportedly spent an eye-watering £114m assembling their squad – benefitting from two years in the Premier League as well as parachute payments.
    Jordan Rhodes was one of several free agent signings for Huddersfield last summerCredit: Getty
    Nottingham Forest’s £37m squad is still considerably less expensive than what Sheffield United have spentCredit: Ritchie Sumpter/News Images
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    In fact, Sheffield United have spent more than double the other three clubs combined, with Forest splashing out £31m on their in-form team.
    Only four players have arrived at the City Ground for fees this season with Braian Ojeda’s reported £2.1m price tag the highest amount spent on one player.
    The fact that is almost as much as Luton’s entire budget shows how big an achievement it would be for them to reach the Premier League.
    Luton have spent within their means since promotion from the National League in 2014, with high profile sales of the likes of Andre Gray and James Justin funding their rise up the EFL.
    CHAMPIONSHIP PLAY-OFF FIXTURES
    Friday May 13 – Luton v Huddersfield (7.45pm)
    Saturday May 14 – Sheff Utd v Nottm Forest (3pm)
    Monday May 16 – Huddersfield v Luton (7.45pm)
    Tuesday May 17 – Nottm Forest v Sheff Utd (7.45pm)
    Final – Sunday May 29 (Wembley, 4.30pm) More