Championship

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Former England U20 star who’s dating Coronation Street actress wakes up unemployed after release from EFL club

      by

      FORMER England U20 ace and Everton academy graduate Ryan Ledson has been released by Preston North End. Ledson, who is dating Coronation Street star Lucy Fallon, leaves Deepdale after seven years following the expiration of his contract.Ryan Ledson has been released by Preston North EndCredit: GettyLedson is dating Lucy FallonCredit: SplashFallon stars as Bethany Platt in ITV soap Coronation StreetCredit: Instagram/@lucyfallonxThe 27-year-old midfielder joined Preston back in 2018, having spent time at Cambridge United and Oxford United after graduating from Everton’s academy.And now he will be searching for the next step in his career after being included on Preston’s 2025 retained list as an “out of contract and released” player.It’s not a surprise to Preston fans, who were made aware of Ledson’s imminent exit earlier in the week.In a statement, the Liverpool-born star said: “I’ve had the best seven years that I could have asked for. This club means so much to me.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I want to thank everyone at the club, from the staff behind the scenes to the owner and Peter.“Thank you to the fans too for all the support you’ve given me over the years. I’m glad my last game for the club went as well as it did and I could have that moment with the fans at the end.“I’ve absolutely loved my time here and I wish everyone at the club nothing but the best for the future.”Ledson’s final game for the club was a 2-2 draw against Bristol City, a result that was just enough to keep the Lilywhites afloat in the Championship.Most read in FootballPreston North End full retained listHere’s a look at who is staying and going for Preston North End…Contracted ProfessionalsAli McCannAndrew HughesBen WhitemanBrad PottsDai CornellFelipe Rodriguez-GentileJack WhatmoughJames PradicJeppe OkkelsJordan StoreyKitt NelsonLewis GibsonLiam LindsayMads FrøkjærMax WilsonMilutin OsmajićNoah MaweneStefán ThórdarsonWill KeaneIn NegotiationsChed Evans (coaching role)Josh SearyKacper PasiekRobbie BradyOut of Contract and ReleasedEmil RiisFreddie WoodmanKian BestKian TaylorPatrick BauerRyan LedsonLoan Players Returning To Parent ClubsKaine Kesler-HaydenJayden MeghomaRyan PorteousSam GreenwoodCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe leaves PNE having played 215 games, scoring seven goals and registering 14 assists.Ledson’s partner Lucy Fallon, who plays Bethany Platt on ITV soap Coronation Street, supported him by re-sharing his exit announcement on her Instagram.Former England star Trevor Sinclair facing bankruptcy battle over £36k unpaid tax bill after ‘hiding head in the sand’The pair, who have been dating since the Covid-19 lockdown, share two children together – a son named Sonny and a daughter called Nancy.Clubs up and down the country are now announcing their retained lists as the season comes to a close, meaning top stars are being released all over the place.Former Chelsea, Manchester City and Celtic star Scott Sinclair was another big name to wake up unemployed this week after his release from Bristol Rovers.Club captain Sinclair, who shares three children with his former Corrie star ex Helen Flanagan, was let go by Rovers following their relegation into League Two.Scott Sinclair has been released by Bristol RoversCredit: GettySinclair’s ex is former Corrie star Helen FlanaganCredit: Instagram More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Luton release five players after relegation including Chelsea title winner and club legend who played in every division

      by

      LUTON have confirmed the release of five senior players at the end of this season.It comes after the Hatters, who were still a Premier League club 12 months ago, were relegated to League One.Luton have confirmed Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu will leave the club at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyPrem title winner Victor Moses will join him out the doorCredit: GettyTim Krul will also leave when his contract expiresCredit: RexAfter being banished from the top flight a year ago, Luton were simply unable to shake the habit of losing in the Championship.And despite replacing popular former boss Rob Edwards in January with Matt Bloomfield, a run of nine games without a win under him left them with a lot to do before a 5-3 defeat to West Brom on the final day confirmed relegation for the second season in a row.Following that disappointment, the club have now confirmed who will be leaving them when their contracts expire.Chief among these is history-making midfielder Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 31-year-old came up with Luton from non-league and throuhgh every single division of the EFL to get into the Premier League, becoming the first player to win four promotions and play in five divisions with the same club.He has made 412 appearances and scored 23 goals throughout his Luton career.But having spent the second half of the season on loan at Rotherham, the club legend will now depart to end a 12-year career with them after originally signing as a teenager from West Ham in 2013.The club added a further tribute to him would follow.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKOther departures include Prem cult heroes Tim Krul and Victor Moses, four-year Luton veteran Amari’i Bell and on-loan reserve goalkeeper Jameson Horlick.Krul, 37, and Moses, 34, have more than 440 Premier League appearances between them, with the latter also winning the title with Chelsea.Fire brigade rush to Championship stadium as blaze erupts in laundry room ahead of huge clashLuton’s statement said: “We would like to thank Kal, Tim, Victor, Jameson and Josh immensely for their contribution to the club this season and wish them well for their future careers.”Club captain Tom Lockyer is out of contract but will continue his rehabilitation at The Brache, completing his return to football programme after his recovery from ankle surgery.Liam Walsh and Jack Walton, who is on loan at Dundee, have seen one-year contract extensions triggered.Elsewhere, the loan deals of Josh Bowler and Kal Naismith are expiring which will see them return to parent clubs Nottingham Forest and Bristol City, respectively.Players currently out on loan; Cauley Woodrow, Tom Holmes, Jayden Luker and Aribim Pepple, will return to the fold this summer. However, returning loanee Dion Pereira will not be continuing at Kenilworth Road.In the Under-21 ranks, Claude Kayibanda and Jack Lorentzen-Jones have had their contracts extended while discussions are ongoing with Joshua Phillips.Unfortunately, Jack Bateson, Dominic Dos Santos Martins, Tyrell Giwa and Axel Piesold will all be released from their respective deals.For the Under-18s, Sam Anderson, Zach Ioannides, Jamie Odegah, Oliver Pipa, Dylan Stitt, Lucas Thomas, Charlie Trustram and Tate Xavier-Jones have all been handed professional contracts.Luton have offered first-year scholarships to Rufus Barnes, Excel Ed-Okungbowa, Nassim El Gourja, Finley Evans, Luca Knote-Reed, Jerome Passley-James and Luke Takawira.Read More on The SunThey will also add Dawid Gawel as a scholar from Everton.On the other hand, Charlie Emery, Isaiah Harvey, Cai Hockey and Matthew Takawira will be leaving the academy at the end of the season. More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Norwich City rule Jack Wilshere OUT of manager’s job with Arsenal legend set to leave Championship side

      by

      JACK WILSHERE has been told he will not be kept on as the next permanent Norwich City manager.Wilshere, 33, was made interim boss of the Canaries following Johannes Hoff Thorup’s dismissal on April 22, stepping up from his role as a first team coach.Jack Wilshere will not be kept on as Norwich City managerCredit: GettyNorwich sporting director Ben Knapper has revealed that the club’s search for a new manager will be ‘focused externally’Credit: AlamyThe former Arsenal and England star, whose career was cut short by injuries, had impressed during his short spell as boss.He led the team to a 0-0 away draw against Middlesbrough and a 4-2 home victory over Cardiff City on the final day of the season.Wilshere’s Bluebirds thrashing was against his former Gunners midfield partner Aaron Ramsey, who had been given the Cardiff job on a temporary basis too.But despite Wilshere impressing in the technical area, Norwich sporting director Ben Knapper has revealed that the club’s search for a new manager will be “focused externally”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe told BBC Radio Norfolk: “Jack is a fantastic person, he and I have a big history together.”He’s a great coach and will be a fantastic head coach, but that’s not going to be here at this particular moment in time.”Knapper and Wilshere know each other well, having crossed paths during his time at Arsenal.Knapper previously worked as Arsenal’s loans manager from 2019 to 2023.Most read in FootballWilshere impressed during his two-game stint as bossCredit: AlamyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSNow the retired midfielder is set to leave Norwich completely, with the BBC reporting that he is taking time to consider his options.It’s thought that Wilshere is leaning towards becoming a head coach or manager elsewhere following his exit.Footballers are great role models… but they need to be able to go partying, like I did, says Jack WilshereWilshere was previously linked with making a huge leap into senior management last year.The Arsenal legend reportedly held talks with MLS side Colorado Rapids about becoming their head coach, but a switch never materialised.Wilshere was forced to retire at the age of 30 after battling with injuries throughout his career.After bursting on the scene at Arsenal as a teenager, Wilshere went on to have spells playing at West Ham, Bournemouth and Danish outfit Aarhus GF, before deciding his injuries had got the better of him.It was the same summer as his retirement that the former rising star began his role as head coach of the Gunners’ U18s.During his first season as boss of the youth team he managed to guide the youngsters to the FA Youth Cup final, ultimately losing to West Ham.Read More on The SunWhile he also helped nurture talent such as Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly.Since the season ended for Norwich, Wilshere returned to punditry as he joined TNT Sports’ in Paris to watch former club Arsenal take on Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.Wilshere joined Mikel Arteta for an interview ahead of PSG vs ArsenalCredit: Getty More

    • 275 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Frank Lampard reveals he listens to same song on every dog walk as he bids to guide Coventry back to Premier League

      by

      FRANK LAMPARD has revealed that he listens to a Coventry anthem on every dog walk.The 46-year-old was appointed manager of the Sky Blues in November and quickly became popular among fans.Frank Lampard has revealed that he listens to a fan-favourite Coventry anthem while walking the dogCredit: GettyAt the first time of asking he led Coventry to the Championship playoffs, where they will face Sunderland in the semi-finals.Ahead of the first leg on Friday evening, Lampard has opened up about his love for the club.The Chelsea legend even revealed that he listens to the club’s unnofficial anthem, ‘We’ll Live and Die in These Towns’ by The Enemy, on every dog walk.Speaking to The Telegraph, Lampard explained: “From my part, I’ve loved it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It gets the tingles going pre-game every time I hear it. I play it in the car and on my dog walks.”And my two youngest have really taken to it as well. My wife Christine, sent me a voice note of my daughter singing it before a game.””I can’t speak for them, but I’m sure that, like me, they will have a lot of affection and feeling for it and how the fans react to it pre-game.”‘We’ll Live and Die in These Towns’ recently became adopted by Coventry fans and the song is now sung before every match.Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA rendition of the tune prior to the club’s FA Cup semi-final meeting with Manchester United at Wembley Stadium went viral last year.It is now considered one of the best club anthems in England.’One of the best things I’ve ever seen’ – Frank Lampard stunned as Coventry star hits 180 with first-ever three dartsLampard admitted it would mean “a great deal” to earn promotion to the Premier League with Coventry prior to the club’s playoff meeting with Sunderland.In his pre-match press conference, he said: “I think the reality for this club and for us as a group this year is what it would mean considering where we were in November/December and the early parts of the season.”From the work done and for the players who have owned it and shown really consistent performances and have managed to move up the table, it  would mean a great deal because of where we’ve come from and also for this club, the history of the club and it has a great history of FA Cup finals and playing top tier football and it’s been a long while.”I understand the responsibility of that, and those are things that we can deal with if they come, but we have to absolutely focus on three games hopefully, but right now specifically one and then the away leg to see what we can do, because it’s what we do on the pitch that will get us there or not.” More

    • 275 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Leeds fan fighting for his life in coma after falling from tree in title celebrations as NBA star donates £2,000 to help

      by

      A LEEDS supporter is fighting for his life in hospital after falling from a tree during their title celebrations.Thousands of fans lined the streets on Monday for an open-top bus parade following the club’s promotion back to the Premier League.Ed O’Brien is fighting for his life after falling from a treeCredit: JustgivingThousands of supporters filled the city centre to celebrate promotionCredit: PABut disaster struck when supporter Ed O’Brien fell from a tree in Millennium Square.The 23-year-old was rushed to hospital and is now in a coma.A JustGiving page was launched in support Ed’s brave fight and a whopping £10,000 has so far been raised, smashing the £750 target.Basketball star Larry Nance Jr has contributed, donating £2,000 to the cause.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAlong with the cash, he wrote: “Thinking of you. Strength and love!”The Atlanta Hawks ace is a huge Leeds supporter and an investor in the 49ers Enterprises group that own the club.Ed’s mum Stacey Barker wrote online: “As far as I am aware, he had consumed alcohol but I am confident he wasn’t paralytic as some posts are suggesting. “I am also as confident as a mother can be that no other substance was involved.”Most read in FootballShe added that his recovery is set to be a “slow and lengthy process” and “unlikely to be without implications”.The JustGiving page reads: “To support Ed O’Brien and his family after Ed sadly fell out of a tree when celebrating Leeds winning the league on Monday and now is sadly fighting for his life in hospital.”His mum and dad both live in York and at this time it will be costing them both a lot in travel and time off work.”I am just hoping we can all raise some money to take that stress away from them. MOT stay strong Ed.”Larry Nance Jr has donated £2,000 to the fundraiserCredit: Getty More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Sheffield United have worst play-off record in English football history – but Blades cult hero backs them to break curse

      by

      SHEFFIELD UNITED legend Chris Basham believes Chris Wilder will break the club’s play-off curse and lead them back into the Premier League.Four losses in five games towards the end of the season wrecked the Blades’ chances of going up automatically as Leeds and Burnley took the top two spots.Sheffield United lost the play-off semi-final in 2022 to Nottingham Forest on penaltiesCredit: GettyKenny Miller celebrates scoring for Wolves in the 2003 Division One play-off final – one of FOUR Blades play-off final defeatsCredit: GettyKyle Walker was part of the United team that lost the 2009 Championship play-off final to BurnleyCredit: GettyBlades legend Chris Basham has backed his old side to triumph this timeCredit: GettyUnited have been involved in NINE play-offs, either in League One or the Championship, and lost the lot — the worst record of any team in EFL history.Only Huddersfield, Brentford and Preston (ten) have played more but they have all tasted success at least once.The Blades have also reached four finals and failed to score in any.They face Bristol City in the semi-finals this time – with the first leg at Ashton Gate on Thursday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Basham, 36, said: “Records are there to be broken and if anyone can do that it’s Chris and this group.“The manager has set some records already this season. “Wilder has broken records here before, whether it is winning streaks or leading us to ninth in the Premier League, our highest finish. So he’ll not be daunted, neither will the team.“They have had a great season when you consider this is very much a new team. He’s gone about his business well and the fans love him.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“They just had that crazy week where they lost three matches. But they now have a great opportunity in the play-offs.”Wilder agrees and is adamant history counts for nothing.Former Premier League boss in centre of huge tunnel brawl as tempers flare following dramatic Championship clashHe said: “There’s negativity in football right the way through, isn’t there? In everything, whatever club you’re at. “So everybody has to deal with that, but there’s no negativity in this group.“I’d rather be sat on the beach having achieved something, but I had a taste of it in 2010 and people always talk about it being the best way to go up“But we’ve got two unbelievably tough games before we can even start to think about that.“I’ve got too much respect for the game and the opposition to think that this is going to be straightforward, because it isn’t.“We’ve got to deal with two difficult games against a talented group of players who we’ve seen here at Bramall Lane, and played two tight games against this season. And I am expecting this to be no different over the next four or five days.“We’re going there to try and get a win and if they need a win coming up the road, then they’ll be trying to do that as well. There’ll be no negative approach.“We believe we can compete with any team in the division, and our away record has been outstanding.”Basham had a fantastic Blades career, making 394 appearances, before his career was ended when he  dislocated an ankle at Fulham in 2023.During that decade he won promotion to the Championship and twice to the Premier League.Basham’s testimonial was at Bramall Lane on Sunday between a Blades legends team and Sky Sports select side.Read More on The SunProceeds went to Weston Park as part of the charity’s attempts to secure a breakthrough MRI simulator cancer scanning machine.The former defender admitted: “It was an awful injury and such a shame to have my career ended like that.”BRISTOL CITY v SHEFFIELD UNITED VERDICTJUSTIN ALLEN’S guide to the Championship semi-final…United have had a good season. They finished the season averaging two points per game — before their points deduction — but have missed out to Leeds and Burnley, who both amassed ONE HUNDRED!BLADES fans were gutted not to get promoted automatically  after they lost four of their last six games — crucially three in a row to Oxford, Millwall and Plymouth.I always fear for a club that misses out on automatic promotion but they have had the time  to mentally reset.They are up against a Bristol City side that just about clung on to their play-off spot after just one win in their last five games.Sheff U won 2-1  in October at Ashton Gate but the Robins were brilliant in the March return, although they needed a late leveller.The Blades should edge this over two legs. A big performance from Championship player-of-the-season Gus Hamer will be needed — but City carry a threat through Nahki Wells and Anis Mehmeti.(First leg, Thursday May 8, 8pm; second leg Monday, May 12, 8pm) More

    • 238 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Bristol City boss using videos of star CROWD SURFING on pitch to inspire them against Sheffield United in play-offs

      by

      LIAM MANNING wants Ashton Gate to become a cauldron as Bristol City target promotion to the Premier League.And Robins gaffer Manning knows the fans have a crucial role to play against Sheffield United in the Championship semi-final first leg on Thursday night.Bristol City fans invaded the pitch after they clinched a play-off placeCredit: RexFans congratulate Bristol City boss Liam Manning on the pitch after the final dayCredit: RexManning has been using images of Robins fans celebrating the end of a 17-year wait for a  play-off place last weekend as he plots a route to Wembley glory.And he also eased the mounting pressure by sharing videos of City’s Japanese star Yu Hirakawa crowd surfing with delirious supporters after sixth spot was secured.It is all part of a bold left-field strategy as he bids to spring an upset when he pits his wits against Chris Wilder’s Blades.Manning said: “Our media department capture a lot of images and videos and we use a lot of them in all our team meetings.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“We use them as title pages and graphics and we were spoilt for choice at the weekend. “That’s because there were so many incredible images of people on the pitch and ones of pure emotion.“And it’s fair to say that they just showed that’s what the game does to you with those incredible highs.“But elsewhere we also saw the scenes of some unfortunate fans at clubs who experienced incredible lows as well.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“We’ve just tried to capture those images because you want the lads to be emotionally invested in the club.“And, for me, one of the best ways to achieve that is for them to see the impact that they can have on people.Former Premier League boss in centre of huge tunnel brawl as tempers flare following dramatic Championship clash“We showed them a couple of images of the fans and a video of Yu crowd surfing and that got a right good laugh as well among  the lads.”City must upset the odds to find a way past the Blades when their two-legged stress-fest gets under way at Ashton Gate on Thursday night.And while there is a feel-good factor among his players, Manning insists they are not just in the play-offs to make up the numbers.He said: “We should be proud of what we’ve achieved because a  play-off place has been a long time coming for this club.“I really enjoyed seeing how happy the fans were after the  Preston game when I walked round with my son Isaac because it really was special.“I’ve told the players to savour the experience of reaching the play-offs and I had a celebratory beer with my No 2, Chris Hogg, and a Chinese with our families.“We’ve also drawn on recent high-pressure games like the defeat  last week at Leeds because that’s  an important experience we can learn from.“But my players, my staff and myself are driven and ambitious, and we don’t want to just be part of the play-off, we want to compete and progress.“The play-off place is the accumulation of many people’s efforts behind the scenes over the course of the season.Read More on The Sun“It’s such a collective effort and, by way of example, our kitchen staff are phenomenal with all the care that goes into food for the players.“It’s my job to put out a side that equips itself well.”    BRISTOL CITY v SHEFFIELD UNITED VERDICTJUSTIN ALLEN’S guide to the Championship semi-finalUnited have had a good season. They finished the season averaging two points per game — before their points deduction — but have missed out to Leeds and Burnley, who both amassed ONE HUNDRED!BLADES fans were gutted not to get promoted automatically  after they lost four of their last six games — crucially three in a row to Oxford, Millwall and Plymouth.I always fear for a club that misses out on automatic promotion but they have had the time  to mentally reset.They are up against a Bristol City side that just about clung on to their play-off spot after just one win in their last five games.Sheff U won 2-1  in October at Ashton Gate but the Robins were brilliant in the March return, although they needed a late leveller.The Blades should edge this over two legs. A big performance from Championship player-of-the-season Gus Hamer will be needed — but City carry a threat through Nahki Wells and Anis Mehmeti.(First leg, Thursday May 8, 8pm; second leg Monday, May 12, 8pm) More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Leeds United legend issues fan warning and urges owners to back boss Daniel Farke for Premier League return

      by

      BRIAN DEANE warned Daniel Farke that fans “will have you” if Leeds United make a poor start to life back in the Premier League.And the legendary ex-Elland Road striker believes there’s still “work to be done” between the German coach and chairman Paraag Marathe.GCA6JX BRIAN DEANE [L] OF LEEDS UNITED LEADS THE CELEBRATION WITH CAPTAIN GARY MCALLISTER AFTER HE SCORED THE GOAL WHICH DEFEATED MANCHESTER UNITED 2-1 AT ELLAND ROAD.Credit: AlamyDaniel Farke has just guided Leeds United back to the Premier LeagueCredit: PAThe boss has been publicly backed by chairman Paraag Marathe after promotionCredit: GettyFarke and his title-winning side celebrated their club record 100-point haul with an open top bus parade in front of an estimated 150,000 fans on Monday in the city centre.Marathe “ended speculation” over the future of the manager by confirming he is “my man” amid reports of concerns over his ability to keep them up and then vowed to turn the Whites into “one of the best in Europe”.Deane, who enjoyed two spells as a Leeds player, speaking exclusively to The Sun via BetSelect said: “Farke deserves the chance to prove himself in the Premier League.“I was a big fan of his even when they didn’t get promoted last year. He’s definitely the man for the job. They came up short last year, but he’s done a fantastic job at Leeds and has been rewarded with promotion this season. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“If you look at the Premier League, it’s hard to say if any manager will be given a full season because if you’re underperforming, the fans will have you. You have to take it one step at a time.”Though he was the toast of the town over Bank Holiday, Farke knows first-hand how quickly things can change.Especially after being sacked by Norwich in 2021 despite months earlier guiding them to a second promotion.And, even though Marathe has publicly backed him, Deane insists they must show their faith in him on the transfer front also.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe 57-year-old added: “The recruitment is key. He’ll coach the team as best he can, but if you don’t have players good enough for the Premier League, or if your budget’s not high enough, that’s when you’ve got a problem.“I’m sure he’ll already have his ideas on how to manage the club in the Premier League. It’ll be down to him to sell his ideas to the club.Daniel Farke turns into DJ for Leeds’ bus parade as 150,000 fans cheer on their promotion heroes“The club will be looking at their budget and thinking, ‘What are you going to do with our money?’“And, also, asking how they are going to have a solid platform to move forward. So there’s work to be done between them both.”Who are these famous footballers? More