Championship

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Blackburn training ground up for sale as Venky’s try and bank club £20m during troubling financial year

      by

      BLACKBURN’S owners are hoping to sell the club’s training ground in a £20million deal to balance the books.
      The Venky’s have submitted plans to the local council to build 170 houses at their Brockhall HQ.

      Tony Mowbray’s Blackburn side currently sit 12th in the Championship tableCredit: PA:Press Association

      It would bring in cash for the Lancashire club who have been making heavy losses in recent years as they learn to live outside the top-flight.
      Venky’s have just written a £7m cheque to bolster Rovers during the current troubling financial crisis and expect to have to find more to cover wages this year.
      Selling Brockhall, their base since the Jack Walker era, will not go down well with fans but there are few options when it comes to raising cash.
      Rovers have their ‘old’ training ground in the area which is still being used and could accommodate both the first team and academy.

      The plans may also meet resistance from local residents as there will be extra traffic in the area. 
      However the area has already been established as a popular spot for upmarket housing.
      It’s not just off the pitch where Blackburn have been struggling as the club sit 12th in the Championship table.
      The 1995 Premier League champions lost 1-0 to Nottingham Forest on Saturday – their fourth consecutive league defeat.

      BETS OF THE DAY: DON’T MISS TODAY’S BEST ODDS BOOSTS

      Commenting on the result, boss Tony Mowbray said: “I felt we played pretty well today, I quite enjoyed watching the team.
      “I think it’s a harsh result on us but there you go, you have to take it on the chin. We had some opportunities but missed them.”
      Before adding: “I felt we were in the ascendancy for most of the game.
      “That’s the nature of this league. Teams are well coached, they can get bodies behind the ball.
      “In the final third we fell a bit short. We got into some amazing positions to score some goals but we couldn’t finish them.”

      Look back at all 103 goals Rangers have scored so far in their incredible season More

    • 200 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Leicester lining up £25m Ivan Toney transfer as Brendan Rodgers prepares for life after Jamie Vardy

      by

      LEICESTER are tracking Brentford star Ivan Toney as they look towards life without Jamie Vardy.
      Vardy continues to be the main goalscoring threat at the King Power and shows little sign of slowing up despite turning 34 last month.

      Brentford striker Ivan Toney is attracting interest from Leicester after a fantastic seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But boss Brendan Rodgers is realistic the Foxes have to find another regular goalscorer to lead their attack going forward – and Championship hotshot Toney is a major option on their list of targets.
      The 24-year-old has been outstanding in his first season since making the step up from League One Peterborough, scoring 24 goals in 30 league games.
      The Bees are hoping his goals can lead them to promotion to the Premier League.
      But if they miss out they are well aware they would face a battle to keep him in West London.

      There has been plenty of interest from the top flight clubs in the striker, with Newcastle and West Ham both monitoring his progress closely.
      One of the reasons the Hammers did not sign a forward in January was because they would be keen to make a move for Toney in the summer if a deal was available.
      But should Leicester firm up their interest with a bid, there is every chance they could offer the added incentive of Champions League football, which would be a trump card to play.
      Brentford have preferred to concentrate on their promotion push having lost out in the play-offs last season – and if they make the top flight they would want to go into the season with Toney as their main man.

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      But another year in the Championship would see them with little option but to sell, with a price-tag of around £25million likely to be what they would look for.
      Toney revealed to SunSport in November that he compares himself to AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
      He said: “I’ve always liked Zlatan. I just love his confidence. Some people see it as arrogance but you must be like that to succeed. 
      “I’m similar to Zlatan in both my confidence and the way I play. When he wants to do something, he just does it.
      “I have some of that in my game and personality. And I believe I’ll be a Premier League striker.”

      Fast Clube player Emerson Bacas nutmegs rival to score 70-yard goal in Amazonas state league More

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Rangers boss Steven Gerrard set to beat English clubs to free transfer for Zambia striker Fashion Sakala

      by

      STEVEN GERRARD hopes to beat a number of English rivals to sign striker Fashion Sakala from Belgian side Oostende.
      The Zambia forward can agree a pre-contract with Rangers — who are red-hot favourites to be crowned Scottish Premiership champions in the coming few weeks.

      Fashion Sakala (right) could be joining Rangers in the summer on a free transferCredit: AFP – Getty

      Several Championship sides have watched Sakala, 23.
      But Gers chief Gerrard looks set to win the race for his services and will be able to offer him Champions League football.
      It was reported last month that the Ibrox outfit were keeping tabs on the forward – who has also attracted interest from clubs in the Middle East.
      Ligue 1 side Lille are another team understood to be eyeing up a move for the forward having scouted him extensively in recent weeks.

      And Sakala – who has chipped in with 13 goals and three assists in 25 games this term – has confirmed he is being tracked by a number of clubs.
      Speaking in January, he said: “Yes, there is interest from other teams. At the same time, talks are ongoing with KV Oostende about a new contract and we will see where we end up.
      Before adding: “If I could choose which league I would want to play in I would pick La Liga or the English Premier League.
      “But I don’t want to be too busy thinking about the future, because then you lose sight of the present.

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      “My focus is on Oostende and I want to help the team. If you are not focused, you risk playing badly and losing points.”
      Commenting on Rangers’ interest in the player, Oostende chief Gauthier Ganaye stated: “We have been keen to try and get Fashion to sign a new contract since we took over at the club.
      “We know there is a lot of interest in Fashion but we have had no approach from Rangers to the club with regards to a pre-contract.
      “We are hoping we can convince Fashion to remain at KV Oostende and continue his development with us.”

      Look back at all 103 goals Rangers have scored so far in their incredible season More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Ryan Shawcross completes free transfer to David Beckham’s Inter Miami after ending 14-year stint with Stoke City

      by

      RYAN SHAWCROSS has joined Phil Neville at David Beckham’s Inter Miami after ending his 14-year stint at Stoke.
      The 33-year-old Potters captain was out of contract but has terminated his deal early to head Stateside.

      Ryan Shawcross has left Stoke to join Inter MiamiCredit: Alamy Live News

      Centre-half Shawcross, who arrived at Stoke from Manchester United in 2007, had made just two Championship appearances from the bench this season.
      Now he has secured his exit and will arrive in America ready to begin pre-season training at Inter on February 22, as reported by Sun Sport earlier this month.
      He is the latest signing under owner Becks – who has ploughed another £11.2million of his own cash into the US franchise.
      Shawcross is joining superstars like Gonzalo Higuain and Blaise Matuidi as Neville attempts to improve on last season’s disappointing 10th-placed finish in the Eastern Conference.

      The Florida-based side have also added Rodolfo Pizarro and draft pick Josh Penn this month.

      There’s so many things going for the Club and for such a young club, a new club to have all these things going for it, it’s just a fantastic opportunity for me.”
      Ryan Shawcross

      Shawcross said: “It’s really exciting. It’s a great opportunity. I’ve read loads about Inter Miami and seen loads of videos from last year, I’m really excited to be part of the team and looking forward to helping out.
      “Originally, I had seen the press about it when the Club first started, and you see the owners and the vision they have, and you can’t help but want to be involved with it.
      “It’s a fantastic setup…The fantastic facilities are something to be really excited about, and then you hear about the fans and how enthusiastic and passionate they are. 

      “There’s so many things going for the Club and for such a young club, a new club to have all these things going for it, it’s just a fantastic opportunity for me. I can’t wait to get started and hopefully contribute in a good way.
      “I’m just looking to be myself, the only thing I can do is do what I’ve done throughout my career and that’s try hard, do my best, and try to set the standards and contribute to the team.
      “I’m going to be coming into a new squad and try to improve myself, improve the people around me, and try to help out as much as I can.”
      ONLINE CASINO OFFERS: CLAIM OVER £800 IN BONUS CASH

      Inter Miami chief soccer officer and sporting director Chris Henderson said: “Ryan fits the Inter Miami DNA because of his experience and his longevity at a club.
      “He’s going to be able to come here and be a leader, not only on the field, but his leadership will be seen with the young players and players coming through.
      “He’s physically dominant, his feet are good, his range of passing is good and we think he’s going to be a great addition to our backline.
      “Adding another central defender was important for our group and we want to create competition at every position.
      “That’s the goal, to be able to go out everyday and the players are fighting for their spot.
      “That will help the team as a whole. That’s Phil’s vision to have competition.”
      Stoke had already confirmed his departure to ‘pursue new playing opportunities in the United States’.

      Phil Neville was recently appointed Inter’s new boss by owner and pal David BeckhamCredit: Instagram

      Chief executive Tony Scholes said: “Ryan’s contribution to the club over the last 14 years simply cannot be overestimated.
      “His outstanding leadership and the consistency of his displays made him a talismanic figure for us.
      “He has been an outstanding role model, both on and off the pitch, and the way he applied himself in training and matches epitomised the city of Stoke-on-Trent – hard-working, committed and loyal.
      “He feels the time is right to explore new opportunities and leaves with our very best wishes.
      “I would like to take this opportunity to wish Ryan, his wife Kath and their family every success for the future – they will always be welcome at the bet365 Stadium.”
      Shawcross, who won one England cap, took over the captaincy in 2009 and led Stoke out in the 2011 FA Cup Final.
      He had remained a regular in the defence until he suffered a fractured leg in pre-season 2019.
      Despite the transfer window in England being closed, American clubs are still able to buy players from Europe.
      Neville recently left his role as England Women’s boss to go and work for his former Old Trafford and Class of 92 pal Becks.
      And now he is wasting no time in bringing in reinforcements ahead of his first season at the helm.
      Inter are preparing for their second MLS campaign – which kicks off on April 17.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Ryan Shawcross dives into training More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Huddersfield confirm they are considering Ravel Morrison transfer with ex-Man Utd wonderkid and free agent ‘an option’

      by

      HUDDERSFIELD TOWN have confirmed that they are considering signing Ravel Morrison on a free transfer.
      The former Manchester United starlet is currently searching for his twelfth club after leaving Dutch side ADO Den Haag in January.

      Huddersfield are in talks over signing Ravel Morrison on a free transfer

      Morrison was touted as a huge prospect at Old Trafford, having played in the same FA Youth Cup-winning side as Paul Pogba.
      But he made just two more appearances for the Red Devils before he joined West Ham in January 2012.
      The 28-year-old has since had several short-lived stints at a variety of clubs during his career, including spells in Italy, Sweden and Mexico.
      And just days after Morrison revealed he was in talks with a Championship club over a move, Huddersfield confirmed the playmaker was an option.

      Right now I know he is one option we are allowed to consider.
      Huddersfield boss Carlos Corberan on Ravel Morrison

      Terriers boss Carlos Corberan told BBC West Yorkshire: “Right now I know he is one option we are allowed to consider.
      “With the new Brexit rules everything changed because you don’t have the same option of player. 
      “We are analysing if these players can help the team and improve the squad.”
      Huddersfield will not face competition from Morrison’s former team-mate Wayne Rooney, now boss at Derby County, however.

      ONLINE CASINO OFFERS: CLAIM OVER £800 IN BONUS CASH

      He said: “Obviously I know Ravel because I played with him, but I am happy with the squad I’ve got, it’s a good squad of players.
      “I hope Ravel can find a club which he deserves, because he’s a fantastic player, and I wish him all the best.
      “I can’t recall him taking my boots, so he can have them.”

      Ravel Morrison in talks with Championship and LaLiga clubs over free transfer More

    • 300 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Ivan Toney slams ‘we are being used as puppets’ over taking knee in support of BLM as Brentford refuse to do it any more

      by

      BRENTFORD star Ivan Toney claims players are being ‘used as puppets’ as he explained why the club’s squad are no longer making the anti-racism gesture before games.
      The Championship’s 24-goal top scorer believes the gesture is allowing ‘people at the top’ to just rest on the subject and as a result it has not changed anything.

      Ivan Toney has opened up on why Brentford are no longer taking the knee pre-matchCredit: Rex Features

      The striker says players are being ‘used like puppets’ in the taking the knee gestureCredit: PA:Press Association

      The promotion-chasing Bees announced last Saturday their players would not be taking the knee any longer and they failed to do it before last Sunday’s home defeat to Barnsley.
      The 24-year-old striker told Sky Sports: “We have had a long discussion about that; why we are not taking a knee.
      “Everyone has had their say, and everyone agrees [that] we have been taking the knee for however long now and still nothing has changed.
      “We are kind of being used as puppets, in my eyes; take the knee and the people at the top can rest for a while now, which is pretty silly and pretty pointless. Nothing is changing.”

      The ex-Peterborough star continued: “The punishments need to be stronger. You’re going to do so much and, in a way, you have to get that helping hand, but it doesn’t look like it’s coming at the moment.
      “So you have to push for that and hopefully things change.
      “You have to try and educate people more but the question is, do people want to be educated? That’s another topic.
      “You can only do so much, you can only try and help certain people. You can lead a horse to water but you can’t force him to drink.

      Brentford decided not to take the knee before last week’s clash with BarnsleyCredit: Getty

      “The club is working extremely hard behind the scenes to try and make the extra impact. I think that’s big because the diversity in our team is massive.
      “You have people from different backgrounds and we are all working together towards the same goal. That’s key to have really.
      “We are focusing on things behind the scenes at the moment.
      “But come Saturday we won’t be taking the knee. If we come up with something else to do in future then we know we are going to do that.”
      Toney’s comments come just days after Wilfried Zaha said it was ‘degrading’ for black people to have to take part in football’s symbolic attempts to eradicate racism.
      The Crystal Palace ace is fed up that people of colour still have to go the extra mile to prove they matter as much as everybody else.
      And he also accused social media giants of a charade in their claims to be tackling race abuse online.
      Toney himself was subjected to online abuse last month and reported it to police.

      Ivan Toney was subjected to online abuse last month and reported it to policeCredit: Rex Features
      But he believes those committing such acts are being allowed to hide behind anonymity – although Facebook have announced stricter punishments for violations on their platforms, which includes Instagram.
      However, Toney has called for harsher punishments for racists from law enforcement.
      He told Sky Sports: “You should have your identification taken before you sign up to any network like Twitter or Facebook. People will be in charge of their own actions.
      “If anything goes out there, you know this person has done it, know where to locate them; short and sharp.
      “Now someone can say something online, the account will get blocked for a bit, give it 24 hours and they’re back online, back at it again.
      “I feel like they’re not going to learn. Or within seconds they can just make another account. So it is very easy for people to do something like that.
      “People can hide behind a screen. No one is going to do it at a match, in front of you, like throw a banana at a black player or something. They are very happy hiding behind a screen and being comfortable.”
      The hotshot added: “There was an incident recently, I put it out there. The media’s been saying I don’t want to take it further.
      “They made it seem like I’m not really bothered. But it’s far from that. It’s because I don’t really think it’s going to go any further.
      “They might get a slap on the wrist but, come next week, they can just do it again. So I feel like the punishment has to be harder.

      Wilfried Zaha feels taking the knee in the fight against racism is degradingCredit: PA:Press Association
      “We are actually looking through our mentions for racist abuse. That should never be the case.
      “Okay people might say you’re rubbish but colour shouldn’t come into the situation. I feel like that is very frequent at the moment.
      “People feel comfortable just throwing things out there not realising people’s feelings.
      “Personally, the way things are going at the moment, I think instead of taking the knee they will probably think of something else to do and just cover up for another year or so, and it will just be a continuous thing like that. Whereas there needs to be harsher punishment.”
      Twitter banned an account which sent racist abuse to Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah.
      The Gunners striker, 21, was racially abused on social media after posting a picture of himself at training.
      A response to Nketiah’s photo captioned ‘working with a smile’ told him to leave the club along with a racist message.

      Eddie Nketiah was racially abused on Twitter this weekCredit: Getty
      And a spokesperson for Twitter told Sky Sports News: “Racist behaviour has no place on our service and when we identify accounts that violate any of the Twitter Rules, we take enforcement action.
      “The account referenced has been permanently suspended.”
      Top pros have demanded action from social media giants after vile abuse from trolls.
      Manchester United’s Axel Tuanzebe and Anthony Martial are among those to have suffered racist hate.
      Chelsea’s Antonio Rudiger also revealed he was targeted with racist abuse.
      Managers Mikel Arteta and Steve Bruce along with referee Mike Dean have all received death threats on social media.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Top 10 biggest transfer value rises of 2020 including Man Utd star Bruno Fernandes and Arsenal ace Bukayo Saka More

    • 275 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Ryan Shawcross set to join Inter Miami on free transfer after ripping up Stoke deal to move to David Beckham’s MLS side

      by

      RYAN SHAWCROSS has ended his 14-year stint at Stoke City to sign for Phil Neville at David Beckham’s Inter Miami.
      The 33-year-old Potters captain was out of contract but has terminated his deal early to head Stateside.

      Ryan Shawcross has left Stoke to join Inter MiamiCredit: Alamy Live News

      The veteran defender is heading Stateside to sign for David Beckham’s MLS clubCredit: Alamy Live News

      Centre-half Shawcross, who arrived at Stoke from Manchester United in 2007, had made just two Championship appearances from the bench this season.
      Now he has secured his exit and will arrive in America ready to begin pre-season training at Inter on February 22, as reported by Sun Sport earlier this month.
      Stoke confirmed his departure earlier to ‘pursue new playing opportunities in the United States’.
      Chief executive Tony Scholes said: “Ryan’s contribution to the club over the last 14 years simply cannot be overestimated.

      “His outstanding leadership and the consistency of his displays made him a talismanic figure for us.
      “He has been an outstanding role model, both on and off the pitch, and the way he applied himself in training and matches epitomised the city of Stoke-on-Trent – hard-working, committed and loyal.
      “He feels the time is right to explore new opportunities and leaves with our very best wishes.
      “I would like to take this opportunity to wish Ryan, his wife Kath and their family every success for the future – they will always be welcome at the bet365 Stadium.”

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      Stoke manager Michael O’Neill added: “It’s very rare these days for a player to stay at one club for 14 years. I’m sure Ryan has had opportunities to go elsewhere down the years but he clearly felt settled and valued here.
      “He hasn’t figured as often as he would have liked over the past couple of years but his professionalism and the way he has conducted himself, both on the training ground and around the club, since I joined simply cannot be questioned.
      “Ryan has an exciting opportunity ahead of him which I know he’s keen to grasp and I wish him nothing but success for the future.”
      Shawcross, who won one England cap, took over the captaincy in 2009 and led Stoke out in the 2011 FA Cup Final.
      He had remained a regular in the defence until he suffered a fractured leg in pre-season 2019.
      Despite the transfer window in England being closed, American clubs are still able to buy players from Europe.

      Phil Neville was recently appointed Inter’s new boss by owner and pal David BeckhamCredit: Instagram
      Neville recently left his role as England Women’s boss to go and work for his former Old Trafford and Class of 92 pal Becks.
      And now he is wasting no time in bringing in reinforcements ahead of his first season at the helm.
      Inter are preparing for their second MLS campaign – which kicks off on April 17.
      Shawcross is joining superstars like Gonzalo Higuain and Blaise Matuidi as Neville attempts to improve on last season’s disappointing 10th-placed finish in the Eastern Conference.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Some clubs still splashed out despite Covid-19 More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Delia Smith would rather flog star asset Max Aarons than sell Norwich to ‘an Arab Sheikh or Russian oligarch’

      by

      DELIA SMITH has claimed she would rather flog a star asset then sell out Norwich ‘to an Arab Sheikh or a Russian oligarch’.
      Supercook Delia and her husband Michael Wynne Jones are on the verge of another Prem return with the Canaries four points clear at the top of the Championship.

      Delia Smith would rather sell a star player than flog the club to ‘an Arab Sheikh or a Russian Oligarch’Credit: Reuters

      Max Aarons has been catching the eye of Bayern MunichCredit: Rex Features

      Last summer Norwich resisted Barcelona’s attempts to land right-back Max Aarons, persuading the talented youngster to stay at Carrow Road, although Bayern Munich are still keen.
      But they did sell Ben Godfrey to Everton for £20m, while Jamal Lewis joined Newcastle for a similar fee.
      And Smith conceded the club’s business model meant they would be willing to let others go for the right price rather than passing over the club to a new owner with a short-term vision and no personal interest in the Canaries.
      She told the FT Business of Football Summit: “We really love the club and see our role as caretakers. And caretakers have to take care. 

      “This club is a precious thing, a community thing and if  somebody made an offer we would ask the supporters. 
      “We really would like, if we could, to have a really healthy club that is going well in the Premier League without having to sell it, because it might go to someone who doesn’t care about it.
      “Our formula is to bring through our youth players, under a manager who believes in youth players.
      “We want to do it differently from an Arab Sheikh or a Russian oligarch. If you say that’s being Utopian, I will take that – I am Utopian.

      BETS OF THE DAY: GET MAN UTD AT 11/1 TO WIN TONIGHT – PLUS HUGE EUROPA LEAGUE BOOSTS

      Several success stories have come from January transfers

      “We’re really proud of James Maddison and Ben Godfrey. Their success is lovely for us. It’s what we do.
      In the same way, Max is one of the best. He is going to be a tp player and not at Norwich. We know that we will lose him and he knows it.
      “So of course we know we will have to sell and we would rather have £40m for Max than the money from a Sheikh or oligarch.
      “And when he goes, you just need to have another one read. You might say it’s a case of ’here’s one I made earlier’.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Delia Smith asks for a twelfth man during rousing half time speech to lift Norwich fans against Man City in 2005 More