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    Boro 3 Sheff Wed 1: Bolasie, Watmore and teen Coburn leave Owls on brink of relegation as Lees suffers horror injury

    SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY are on the brink after a late collapse against Middlesbrough.The Owls must win their final two games to stay up after Yannick Bolasie, 18-year-old Josh Coburn and Duncan Watmore produced a hammer blow to their survival hopes.
    Teenager Josh Coburn’s first-ever goal left Wednesday on the brink of relegationCredit: PA
    Josh Windass is congraulated by his team-mates after drawing the Owls levelCredit: Alamy
    Yannick Bolasie celebrates after breaking the deadlock for MiddlesbroughCredit: Rex
    Yannick Bolasie had already squandered an early chance after a Tom Lees error when he broke the deadlock on 20 minutes via a deflected finish after punishing another defensive lapse.
    After a bright start, the Owls looked stunned as Boro threatened to run riot.
    Bolasie was slipped in again down the left and he squared for the waiting Chuba Akpom to tap home, but a brilliant sliding block from Julian Borner saved his side.
    Seconds later it was Wednesday keeper Kieren Westwood with the heroics, making a flying fingertip save to his top left to tip over Paddy McNair’s long-range screamer.
    Boro could have ran up a cricket score but some Lionel Messi-like magic from Andre Green helped get the Owls level as his jinking inside the box was stopped by a Marc Bola’s trip.
    Josh Windass placed the ball down and slammed it into the bottom left corner before tragedy struck for his team-mate Lees.
    The 30-year-old, out of contract in June, landed awkwardly after jumping for a header and screamed in agony as he clutched his knee, and after a lengthy delay, he was whisked away to a waiting ambulance.
    Windass wasted a golden opportunity with the goal-gaping for 14 yards after Green’s pull back.
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    Wednesday defender Tom Lees suffered a horror injury during the Championship clashCredit: Rex
    There are some quality players up for grabs for nothing

    Jordan Rhodes, a former Boro striker, arrived off the bench but it was another sub who would steal the headlines.
    Coburn, fresh from his debut in midweek, rose highest from Neeskens Kebano’s corner to head home.
    And Watmore sealed it by sliding home a third late on from a yard out after Bolasie’s knockdown.
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    Watford boss Xisco Munoz hails Rafa Benitez and Claudio Ranieri with Hornets on brink of Premier League return

    XISCO MUNOZ credits Rafa Benitez and Claudio Ranieri for teaching him how to become a winner.And he has used those skills to good use by turning Watford into a winning machine since taking over in December.
    Xisco Munoz (left) celebrates Watford’s win at Norwich which put them on the brink of promotion back to the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
    Munoz has transformed Watford
    The Hornets will be promoted on Saturday if they beat Millwall at Vicarage Road.
    And Spaniard Munoz – who has tasted victory in 16 of his 23 Championship games in charge – picked up his winning mentality at Valencia under the legendary managers.
    As a winger, he won a Uefa Cup and LaLiga double in 2004 under Benitez before going on to win the Uefa Super Cup under Ranieri the same year.
    Munoz, 40, said: “Rafa built a very good squad, the best I ever played in, and I’ve nothing but huge admiration for him and Claudio.
    “Playing for Rafa was a life-changing moment for me in football. He showed me a different way to play football and how to be a winner all the time.
    “What he did made me realise the process is the most important thing if you want to reach your goals.
    “You must work hard every day, to try and give the best. That is what he taught me.
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    Rafa Benitez was Munoz’s manager at ValenciaCredit: AFP
    Munoz says that Valencia side was the best he ever played inCredit: AFP
    “Both those managers have been consistent and successful in their careers as well as never once losing their ambitions.
    “They have big powerful work ethics, good communication skills and lots of other things.”
    Munoz keeps in touch with Benitez – who took Newcastle straight back into the Premier League in 2017.
    The Watford boss added: “We’ve spoken about three or four different things.
    Playing for Rafa was a life-changing moment for meXisco Munoz
    “Rafa has had good results here in England so he’s a perfect reference for me.”
    Munoz is a huge contrast from his predecessor at Vicarage Road – misery guts Vladimir Ivic.
    The Serbian coach received his marching orders with Watford sitting fifth and three points behind the top two.
    But Ivic’s highly-disciplined regime and downbeat demeanour, even after victories, did not rub off well on a hugely-talented squad.
    Munoz has a far more happy demeanour – always smiling, courteous and good humoured but at the same time demanding nothing but the highest of standards from his players.
    Claudio Ranieri is another huge influence on MunozCredit: Getty
    So how did he manage to build the momentum which has now seen Watford win 12 of their last 15 games – and win him the SkyBet Championship manager-of-the-month award for March?
    He said: “Simple. Allow the players to enjoy their football.
    “You are always going to have good or difficult moments in this game but the most important thing is to enjoy being with your team-mates as well as playing and working with each other.
    “I try to give the maximum ambition for our quality and prepare the players as best I can for all the games.
    “Of course, it’s good to show a sense of fun to the players. It’s important to have a good relationship with the group, all the staff and the fans.
    “Together we have more power. It’s amazing when everyone has the same goal and the same motivation, what can be achieved.”
    It is no secret that there are big personalities in the Vicarage Road changing room.
    Munoz was the SkyBet Championship manager of the month for MarchCredit: Alan Cozzi 07968336683
    And Munoz has praised SunSport columnist and club captain Troy Deeney for his help and contribution since he took charge.
    He said: “Troy has been great. He helps me and the players on and off the pitch.
    “Even when he doesn’t play, he’s amazing – coming to away games to give the team support.

    “We have a dressing room where no-one is selfish – and big professionals and we need this attitude to the end.”
    But how does Munoz command authority in the Watford dressing when he is the 14th manager in 10 years?
    He said: “My personality. When I was a player I was the same. You have to be honest. You know the situation. You don’t need anything special. This has been my style throughout my life
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    “I always try to give honest decisions and understand mistakes. I am young, sometimes I make mistakes and it doesn’t matter. This is my philosophy in life.”
    And being a winner of course?
    He laughed: “Always. Even when I play a game with my son or daughter, I try to win.
    “You must always give your best with a good spirit and high intensity. Only then are results possible.” More

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    Mark Warburton set for new QPR contract after brilliant revival with Rangers knocking on door of Championship play-offs

    MARK WARBURTON is close to agreeing an improved new deal as a reward for reviving QPR this season. Warburton has lifted Rangers into eighth place in the Championship on one of the division’s smallest budgets.
    Mark Warburton is close to agreeing a new contract at QPRCredit: Rex
    He is also credited with the development of players such as keeper Timothy Dieng, Lyndon Dykes and winger Eberichi Eze who was sold to Crystal Palace last year for £20 million.
    Talks have been ongoing between Warbuton and the club for some time.
    And he is expected to sign new terms shortly.
    He has been at QPR since May 2019 on a rolling one-year deal.
    Now the 58-year-old is set to pick up a pay rise as a sign of the club’s appreciation of his work and to cement his future there.
    Warburton had been linked with the vacant England Under-21 job recently.
    But he has declared he is happy at QPR.
    The Rs finished 13th last season and if they can top that in this campaign hope to push on and challenge for promotion back to the Premier League in the next 12 months.
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    They will complete a hat-trick of wins if they beat already promoted Norwich at home on Saturday.
    Dykes pounced at the death on Tuesday as they won 1-0 at promotion-chasing Swansea City.
    And that followed last weekend’s 2-1 success away to Middlesbrough that lifted them into the top ten.
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    Stoke want to KILL OFF long-throws with rule change despite icon Rory Delap’s efforts putting them on Premier League map

    LONG-THROW legends Stoke now claim the tactic WASTES time – and want rules changed to curb it.Rory Delap famously hurled throws into the box as Tony Pulis’ long-ball game from 2006-2013 earned Stoke promotion and for a while made them a Premier League force.
    Stoke midfield legend Rory Delap had possibly the most famous long throw in Premier League historyCredit: Action Images – Reuters
    Current Potters manager Michael O’Neill is fed up with time-wasted as teams prepare to take long throwsCredit: PA
    Delap is back at the club as a COACH – but current manager Michael O’Neill is urging rule-makers to bring back the offside rule for throw-ins.
    O’Neill’s main concern is time-wasting BEFORE the long throw is let loose.
    But if he gets his way it could end the days of the ploy being used as a similar set-piece to corners or free-kicks near the penalty area to create scoring chances.
    And one of his biggest supporters might be Arsene Wenger – who hated Stoke’s long throws when he managed Arsenal.
    Wenger took stick for his views on the Potters every time the two clubs met.
    Now he is Fifa’s head of global development, most recently coming out strongly against the European Super League.
    O’Neill said: “I accept that long throws are part of the game.
    “But I think they should change the rule and you should be offside from a throw-in. It would stop that time-wasting.”
    Long-serving then-Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger hated the long-throw tactics deployed by the Stoke side of Tony PulisCredit: Reuters
    Current rules state that a player can’t be offside from a throw.
    And Simon Lowe, a Stoke fan for 40 years from a family of Potters, believes curbing long throws would be especially sad given the club’s history.
    He said: “Wenger attempted to ridicule the long throw as ‘not football’ and then ‘Rugby’ and tried to persuade FIFA to change the rules.
    “Scoring goal after goal from one of Rory’s throws rekindled a proper old school rivalry to revel in. It was great.
    “Now we have a Stoke manager dissing the long throw as a legitimate tactic.
    “Even more remarkably, he employs Rory Delap on his first-team coaching staff.
    “What must the players and coaches be thinking?”
    The long throw had died out a bit since its halcyon Pulis days but has had a new lease of life this season.
    “We have situations where players come from right centre-back to the far left to take throws and the ref lets it happen at a very slow pace.Michael O’Neill
    But Birmingham boss Lee Bowyer has Marc Roberts’ strong arms launching the ball into the penalty area as Stoke’s Championship rivals battle to stay up.
    Meanwhile, the Potters have lost six out of their last 11 games to fall out of the play-off picture.
    They haven’t scored in their last two either, so perhaps O’Neill should get 44-year-old Delap, a javelin thrower in his youth, stripped, warmed-up, and back on the pitch.
    O’Neill argued: “Games are so fractured because it’s just throw-ins and free-kicks and the officials allow the game to be so slow. It’s the most frustrating thing.
    “Officials have a responsibility to keep the game flowing.”
    But he is unlikely to get sympathy from fans up and down the country.
    Long-time Birmingham fan Bob Kilby said: “How can O’Neill , manager of a club that fed its supporters a diet of long throws for years, criticise the Blues?
    “He avoided relegation last year by the skin of his teeth and suddenly he thinks he’s [Marcelo] Bielsa.”
    O’Neill complained to ref Geoff Eltringham during the Birmingham game but got no joy.
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    “We have situations where players are coming from right centre-back to the far left side to take throw-ins and the referee is letting that happen at a very slow pace,” recalls O’Neill.
    “From a spectacle point of view, it’s not a great watch.
    “Stoke possibly played like that in the past but not under me. We won’t play like that.”
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    Middlesbrough 1 QPR 2: Dickie screamer and Wallace fire ten-man Rs to victory at Boro and into the Championship top ten

    QPR held on for over half an hour with ten men to win 2-1 at Middlesbrough to climb above Neil Warnock’s side.Rob Dickie’s screamer and Lee Wallace’s header lifted Mark Warburton’s team into ninth and left Boro with just one point from their last five.
    Lee Wallace  is congratulated by his team-mates after firing QPR to victory at BoroCredit: Rex
    Warburton said: “I thought we looked good from the first whistle. 
    “It was frustrating before Christmas but when we play like that we are a very good team.”
    Warnock dropped stopper Marcus Bettinelli following his latest mishap last week at Barnsley but replacement Jordan Archer picked the ball out of the net twice inside the opening 18 minutes.
    Dickie’s 25-yard thunderbolt broke the deadlock and Wallace doubled the advantage moments later.
    Yannick Bolasie got Boro back into it with a header but blew a huge chance to level after being teed-up by Duncan Watmore.
    Watmore was denied twice by Seny Dieng before the keeper was sent-off for hacking down the Boro forward when clean through on the hour mark.
    Sub goalie Joe Lumley produced a fantastic fingertip save to deny George Saville an equaliser and repeated the feat at the death as the West Londoners held on.
    Warnock said: “I told Jordan about ten days ago I would give him a few games because he’s trained really hard.
    There are some quality players up for grabs for nothing

    “He deserved it.”
    He added: “I got a few answers out there today.
    “I think I know now who I need to get out and who I need to keep.”
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    Wycombe fan manages to sneak into Swansea’s Liberty Stadium before being marched out by stewards in Championship clash

    A WYCOMBE fan managed to enter the Liberty Stadium before being dragged away by stewards during Saturday’s Championship match.The man, dressed in a Chairboys shirt and black bobble hat but without a face mask, appeared to have rushed out of the concourse and towards the pitch.
    A steward wrestled back a Wycombe supporter just as he attempted to enter the pitchCredit: Rex
    The man was the led out of the Liberty StadiumCredit: Getty
    Just as he approached the gate to the playing area, he was intercepted by a steward and wrestled away from the barrier.
    A pair of stewards then walked him back up the stairs.
    The incident comes after the scenes from Manchester United’s trip to Granada earlier this month.
    Local Andalusian celebrity nudist Olmo Garcia waited under a tarpaulin sheet for nine hours before streaking across the pitch at Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes.
    It is not clear how the Wycombe fan managed to enter the Liberty on Saturday, with the game played behind closed doors.
    SunSport has contacted Swansea for comment.
    The man wore a Wycombe shirt as he snuck into the groundCredit: Rex
    It is not clear how the supporter managed to enter the stadiumCredit: Alamy

    Championship relegation-battlers Wycombe took a two-goal lead in the game.
    Admiral Muskwe and Garath McCleary scored early in the second-half to set the bottom club on their way to a huge win.
    However, Jamal Lowe and Liam Cullen hit back late on to secure a point for the Swans, who sit third in the table.
    The dropped points confirmed Norwich’s promotion to the Premier League after one year away.
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    Norwich promoted back to Premier League at first time of asking after Swansea and Brentford fail to win

    NORWICH have been promoted back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.The Canaries’ return to the top flight was confirmed after Swansea were held at home by Wycombe and Brentford drew with Millwall.
    Norwich will be back in the Premier League next season after just one year in the ChampionshipCredit: Getty
    The Swans came from 2-0 down to level things up with two goals in three minutes, but could not complete the turnaround.
    And Brentford failed to find a way past Millwall as they played out a goalless draw, much to the delight of Daniel Farke’s men.
    Norwich were relegated from the Premier League last season but have kept their faith in the German coach.
    They are not yet able to celebrate being crowned champions, but do hold an eight-point lead over Watford in second place.
    And they will take a massive step towards the Championship title if they can beat fifth place Bournemouth at Carrow Road on Saturday evening.
    A win over Bournemouth would mean Norwich need just a draw at home to Watford on Tuesday to clinch the league crown.
    Their final three league games of the season then come against QPR, Reading and Barnsley.
    Norwich finished bottom of the top flight last season, finishing on just 21 points.

    Farke’s side managed just five victories in the 2019-20 campaign but will be hoping they can be more competitive next season.
    It is the fourth time in a decade that the Norfolk club have gained promotion to the Premier League.
    Watford are in pole position to join Norwich in the top flight next season as they sit six points above third place Swansea.
    And the other play-off positions are filled by Brentford, Bournemouth and Barnsley.
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    Barnsley’s USA superkid Daryl Dike has Championship defences for breakfast and is destined for Premier League top table

    DARYL DIKE grew up falling in love with the Premier League and Didier Drogba while eating his mum’s pancakes for breakfast.The 20-year-old American striker is on the brink of getting there himself after a staggering two-and-a-half months having Championship defences for breakfast.
    Daryl Dike is loving life at Oakwell since joining on loan from Orlando City in February
    Dike has scored eight goals already for Barnsley as they chase Premier League football
    Little was known about this incredible talent when Barnsley boss Valerien Ismael signed him on loan until the end of the season with an option to make the move permanent.
    But his eight goals in 14 games since moving from MLS club Orlando City has attracted huge interest from Premier League clubs including Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, West Ham, Tottenham, Everton and Leeds.
    Yet, with the Tykes sitting sixth, he could be playing top-flight football at Oakwell next season instead.
    It is some story for a kid who heralds from Oklahoma – hardly a hotbed for footballers.
    But Dike comes from a soccer-mad family who persuaded him to shun playing American Football.
    His brother Bright, sister Courtney and cousin Emmanuel Emenike all played for Nigeria.
    I watched the Premier League, Championship, even League One and Two. It was a big deal for me to reach the level of playing in England.
    The striker – whose parents Jacinta and Vincent are Nigerian – said: “Football was always all around me.
    “With the time difference, all the weekend English games would start early in the morning.
    “I’d wake up every Saturday and Sunday and the first thing I’d do was watch a match live on TV. Sometimes I’d have to get up earlier than usual so not to miss the game.
    “Mum would always be making breakfast – it would be pancakes, biscuits, eggs or cereal – and I’d eat while watching the football.
    “I grew up thinking, ‘One day I’d love to get the opportunity to be a professional footballer.’
    “I watched a lot of football – Premier League, Championship, even League One and Two. It was a big deal for me to reach the level of playing in England.”
    Young Daryl (far right) with his three sisters, brother and parents back in Oklahoma, USA
    Chelsea legend Didier Drogba was Dike’s idol while he was growing up in the States
    Dike started supporting Chelsea because of Drogba and standing at 6ft 1in tall with a powerful physique he has striking similarities with his childhood idol.
    He admitted: “I loved Drogba, I enjoyed watching him. He was someone I’ve always looked up to and Chelsea was my team.”
    It was ironic Dike made his debut this side of the pond against the Blues in the FA Cup in February – coming on as a second-half sub.
    He said: “It was crazy. There I was on the field against players I had only seen on TV. I’m warming up and thinking, ‘Oh Olivier Giroud is right here!’
    “Just to make my debut in English football was crazy but to do it against Chelsea, a top European team I supported, was surreal.
    “I managed to get Callum Hudson-Odoi’s shirt and will keep that as a momento. It’s something I’ll never forget.”
    Dike only turned pro with Orlando just over a year ago.
    But in that time he scored eight goals in 17 games in the MLS and has been capped twice for the USA – coming on as a sub in a 7-0 win against Trinidad & Tobago and the 2-1 victory against Northern Ireland.
    So the burning question is why did a footballer swap the glamorous and warm surroundings of Orlando – the home of Disney World – for the chilly Yorkshire market town of Barnsley?
    Dike said: “I was on national team camp and the day before one of our games, my agent said Barnsley wanted to sign me.
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    Dike won his second USA cap against Northern Ireland last month
    “I told him I’d focus on the national team and talk after. I was able to get my first USA cap and that was a phenomenal.
    “To be able to come to Barnsley I had to have won a cap. I spoke with my agent and family and felt it was a great opportunity.
    “I knew about the team as I had often watched the Championship and other leagues below the Premier League.
    “So the next day I was on the plane to London and got driven up to Barnsley.
    “I was amazed when I arrived because in Orlando it had been blistering hot – but in Barnsley it was freezing cold and snowing! I thought, ‘Wow, this is a bit different!’”
    Dike has been unable to familiarise himself with the town and surrounding area because of lockdown restrictions – and has been holed up mostly in his apartment studying a finance degree.
    He said: “I’ve been watching TV, playing video games and catching up with friends back home – but I’ve also been doing schooling.
    Dike has loved the close-knit family feel at Barnsley which has helped him settle
    “I’m trying to get into green finance and have been attending university lectures online. I’ve always been a numbers guy and interested in math.
    “Education has been a big thing in my family so I’ve kept up with that.
    “I’d love to play until I’m 75 but I don’t think the body will allow me so after football I want to pursue a career I enjoy and a degree will help me.”
    However, Dike – although he is yet to play in front of fans at Oakwell – has been bowled over by the reception he gets when walking around the town.
    Hardly a day passes without a Barnsley fan stopping for a chat or sending him a letter via the club or social media.
    The offer to come to Barnsley came out of the blue while Dike was on international duty
    Dike holds aloft his No10 Barnsley shirt when he was unveiled in February
    He said: “I’ll go to a grocery store and people will stop me and ask, ‘Are you Daryl Dike?’ and then we’ll talk a little.
    “The people here are super friendly. Every time I go on social media I can see the kind of close-knit family culture of Barnsley and also see that through my team-mates and the staff.
    “It makes me feel good to know I’ve fans here and that I’m impacting on someone else’s life in a positive way.”
    Dike is one of seven Americans currently playing in the Championship – joining Swansea’s Jordon Morris (loan), Duane Holmes of Huddersfield, QPR’S Charlie Kelman and Geoff Cameron, Rotherham ace Matthew Olosunde and Bournemouth’s Cameron Carter-Vickers (loan).
    And Dike believes that this will only increase in both the Premier League and EFL because the talent pool in the US is growing fast.
    He said: “You’ll see more opportunities arise because of what people like Christian Pulisic are doing at Chelsea. That has given more trust in American players this side of the Atlantic.”
    Dike has revealed that one of the biggest pieces of advice he was given when moving across to the Mother Country was to try Nando’s as it is so much better than in the States.
    It makes me feel good to know I’ve fans here and that I’m impacting on someone else’s life in a positive way.
    He said: “One of my Orlando team-mates Dom Dwyer is from the UK and went through what food to try. He recommended Nando’s. I managed one trip and had butterfly chicken, peri-peri sauce and fries! It was nice.”
    Former Manchester United star Nani is also at Orlando and Dike said: “He told me it was going to be difficult but was confident in what I could do.”
    Dike admits he had to adjust to a more physical and direct style of football than he had been used to.
    Surely he would not have bargained on things going as perfectly as it has on the field with his goals tally, performances and Barnsley challenging for promotion?
    He said: “I can see myself growing as a player and getting better.
    “I don’t know if I’ve exceeded expectations because I went into this with an open mind.
    “I wanted to challenge myself and live the experience day by day. I couldn’t ask for a better beginning to English football.”
    Dike has zoned out of all the speculation regarding his future but confirmed to SunSport he will sit down to discuss playing for Barnsley next season in the Premier League if the club are promoted.

    He said: “We believe we can achieve something special. Everyone has the same belief.”
    But what is his ultimate ambition?
    “I want to be the greatest player I can. I want to play in World Cups and the Champions League. I want to reach the highest of heights.
    “I’ve a long way to go to continue to grow and reach that level.”
    But he has not made a bad start.
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