Championship

Subterms

    More stories

    • 200 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Will Vaulks scores outrageous goal from well inside his own half in Cardiff’s defeat to Brentford

      by

      CARDIFF midfielder Will Vaulks scored an outrageous goal from a ludicrous distance against Brentford.
      With four minutes added on in first-half stoppage time of the Championship clash, many thought the whistle may blow when the ball broke from from a Bees attack.

      Will Vaulks hit a first-time effort from 60 yards out in Saturday’s matchCredit: Sky Sports

      Brentford’s David Raya was powerless to stop the stunning shotCredit: Sky Sports

      However, Vaulks, who was yet to score this season, had other ideas.
      The 27-year-old flicked the ball around an opponent and played a speedy one-two with Robert Glatzel.
      From around 60 yards out, Vaulks launched a stunning effort into the stratosphere – that looped into the Brentford goal.
      Bees goalkeeper David Raya was well outside his box when the shot was taken and was utterly helpless as it took one bounce into the top corner.

      Sky Sports pundit Ally McCoist could not hide his delight at the audacious effort as he recounted it to viewers.
      He told Soccer Saturday: “I was gonna destroy the first half – it was worth the wait.
      “A wee give and go with the big centre forward… and have some of this!”
      If the finish was spectacular, so was the celebration as Vaulks pulled off a neat cartwheel-and-somersault.

      Vaulks teamed up his spectacular goal with an acrobatic celebrationCredit: Alamy Live News

      Cardiff’s players revelled in the midfielder’s first strike of the seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      It was the first shot on target of Saturday’s meeting between the promotion-chasing sides, but far from the last.
      Determined not to be outdone, Sergi Canos brought the visitors level after 50 minutes in the Welsh capital.
      The Spaniard took charge of a looping clearance from 30 yards out and sent in his own magnificent lob that beat the goalkeeper.
      McCoist was again left stunned by the quality of goal on display, and said: “Wait until you see this, what a goal from Sergi Canos. It’s unbelievable.”

      Sergi Canos scored the first of his two goals from distance

      A stunning lob made it 1-1 in the Championship match-up

      Canos continued his work with a fine finish to put Brentford ahead before beating Alex Smithies again to bag a hat-trick.
      Still not content with his own day’s efforts, Vaulks bagged once more – albeit from close-range.
      But Brentford claimed the 3-2 win to round off a fantastic week for the West London club.

      Man Utd given derby clash with Guardiola’s City in Carabao Cup semis as Tottenham face Brentford More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Sky Sports forced to apologise to Millwall for way they covered QPR clash and players not taking knee before match

      by

      MILLWALL will allow Sky Sports cameras into the Den after the TV giant apologised for the way it covered their clash with QPR this month.
      The Lions complained it was unfair and unbalanced and threatened to ban the broadcaster – which in turn vowed to take legal action against the club.

      Sky Sports have apologised to Millwall for way they covered both their and QPR’s players not taking knee before their game earlier this monthCredit: Alamy Live News

      But the club says the row has been resolved after two meetings with the channel, mediated by the EFL.
      The Lions were unhappy with some of the Sky coverage of their home clash with the Hoops.
      It came days after their Den defeat by Derby – when some fans booed players taking the knee before kick-off.
      Sky reported in the build up that Millwall stars would be taking the knee again against QPR.

      That was despite both clubs announcing they would link arms in an alternative protest.
      The Lions told the EFL it did not want Sky to televise its match against Watford – which was due to take place next week before it was postponed due to Covid.
      But in a statement last night, the South Londoners said: “Millwall Football Club can confirm that it has held positive and progressive talks with Sky Sports following a comprehensive and detailed complaint regarding the broadcaster’s coverage of its fixture against QPR earlier this month.
      “In meetings mediated by The EFL, Sky Sports have acknowledged that certain elements of the coverage on the day, during their on-air discussion pre-match and the following day were not as fair and balanced as they should have been and have apologised.

      “The club has accepted that apology and considers this issue now closed.
      “Millwall hopes for a more mutually beneficial relationship with Sky Sports moving forward.”
      The Lions are next in action on January 2 when they welcome Coventry to the capital.

      Troy Deeney says he and Watford will walk off the pitch if booed by Millwall fans More

    • 213 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Liverpool ‘have £500,000 Calum Scanlon transfer bid accepted with 15-year-old lad set to join academy from Birmingham’

      by

      LIVERPOOL have reportedly had a bid accepted for 15-year-old star Calum Scanlon.
      The Reds are said to be keen on adding the versatile left-back to their academy and Birmingham have reportedly given the deal the green light.

      Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have had a bid accepted for Birmingham teenager Calum ScanlonCredit: EPA

      Blues have accepted an undisclosed offer believed to be around the £500k mark, according to the Times.
      The England youth international could follow in the footsteps of former Birmingham ace Jude Bellingham, 17, who signed for Borussia Dortmund in a £25million deal in July.
      Birmingham are said to be considering restructuring their academy.
      But the Reds’ interest in Scanlon is said to have emerged before such plans.

      Scanlon – who can also play in midfield – is said to be thought of in similar terms to Bellingham, who made his senior England debut earlier this year.
      The 15-year-old got his first Three Lions call-up last year when he was selected for the Under-15s to play Republic of Ireland in a friendly in December 2019.
      The move is said to depend on Scanlon’s family who are weighing up a potential move to the Premier League champions.
      Jurgen Klopp has proved his willingness to promote youngsters already this season.

      Curtis Jones, Rhys Williams and Neco Williams have all appeared in the Premier League.
      And Caoimhin Kelleher was also given a go in goal ahead of Adrian when Alisson was injured.
      On Monday, it emerged Liverppol will NOT sell Mo Salah despite claims the Egyptian is ‘unhappy’ at Anfield.

      Barcelona legend Lionel Messi collects record 7th Pichichi Award More

    • 213 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd legend Wayne Rooney’s foundation donates £30,000 to Childline to help fight ‘devastating impact’ of coronavirus

      by

      WAYNE ROONEY’S foundation have made an incredible £30,000 donation to Childline.
      The Manchester United legend is also backing the NSPCC’S Here for Children Christmas appeal.

      Wayne Rooney is now the interim manager of Derby CountyCredit: PA:Press Association

      The Wayne Rooney Foundation have now donated £75,000 to Childline – which is a counselling service for children and young people.
      Red Devils legend Rooney said: “It’s very upsetting to know that there are children out there who are really suffering and might be dreading Christmas.
      “The pandemic has had a devastating impact on many young lives and it’s so important that Childline is there for young people when they need it most.
      “I’m backing the NSPCC’s Here for Children Christmas appeal as the pandemic has shown that we need the NSPCC and Childline now, more than ever, to be there for children and give them somewhere to turn.”

      Childline founder Dame Esther Rantzen said: “I remember one survivor of abuse telling me, ‘When I was a child, hearing other children talking about their happy Christmas was like looking through a window to see warmth and love and happiness, when I was outside, alone in the cold.’
      “That is why it is so crucial that Childline is available throughout the holiday period for the children and young people who need us desperately.
      “Our volunteers and staff will be giving up their time to comfort and protect young people throughout Christmas and the New Year, but we couldn’t help a single child without the support of generous donors like Wayne and his Foundation.
      “We are so grateful, we know that this is a tough time for everyone, especially children who are suffering abuse, neglect, depression or anxiety, and we are deeply grateful to Wayne for sponsoring our vital Childline service on Christmas Day.”

      According to the latest reports, Rooney’s foundation have donated £2.3 million to charity since 2016.
      The 35-year-old – who is now the interim boss at Derby – is among a long list of footballers and former players that are keen to make a difference.
      Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has launched a new child poverty project this month.
      He campaigned for free school meal vouchers this year and has teamed up with Child Food Poverty Taskforce to stop kids going hungry over Christmas.
      Meanwhile, Roy Keane made one young lad’s dream come true as he paid a surprise visit to him at school.

      Inside Coleen and Wayne Rooney’s incredible £6m Cheshire mansion More

    • 188 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Derby’s clash with Rotherham postponed due to coronavirus outbreak less than TWO HOURS before kick-off

      by

      DERBY’S game against Rotherham has been postponed following a coronavirus outbreak.
      It was confirmed just hours before kick-off that a member of Rotherham’s squad had tested positive.

      Wayne Rooney’s Derby side were set to face Rotherham at the AESSEAL New York StadiumCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      A number of players in their first-team bubble are also said to be showing symptoms of Covid-19.
      A statement from Rotherham read: “Rotherham United can confirm that this afternoon’s Sky Bet fixture against Derby County has been postponed following a positive test of Covid-19 for a member of Paul Warne’s squad, with further players within the first-team bubble showing symptoms of the virus at present.
      “Following conversations with the EFL and the subsequent medical advice provided by them and that of our own club doctors, the club have taken the decision to request a postponement to the fixture which has been approved by EFL.
      “The game which was set to take place at AESSEAL New York Stadium on Saturday 19th December 2020 will now be rearranged.

      “The EFL have sanctioned the postponement of the fixture as a matter of player safety, which of course remains paramount to both ourselves and Derby County.”
      Rotherham’s players and staff will now be required to self-isolate.
      Derby had hoped to continue their unbeaten run when they faced The Millers.
      Wayne Rooney’s side, who are 22nd in the table, are unbeaten in their last six games.

      The Rams will return to action on Boxing Day against Preston at Pride Park Stadium.
      At this week’s pre-match press conference, Rooney outlined his intentions to become Derby’s permanent boss.
      The former Manchester United forward said: “I believe in my own ability to manage this club, I want to manage this club.”

      This afternoon’s @SkyBetChamp fixture between the Rams and @OfficialRUFC has been postponed due to an outbreak of COVID-19 in the Rotherham squad, with players and first-team staff required to self-isolate in line with EFL and Government guidance.#DCFC
      — Derby County (@dcfcofficial) December 19, 2020

      Wayne Rooney reveals he is ready to retire aged 35 if Derby offer him manager job amid Championship struggles More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      EFL wage cap threatens to turn yo-yo clubs into boomerangs – the repercussions for promotion and relegation are immense

      by

      IT IS certainly no accident that Norwich, Bournemouth and Watford fill the three top spots in the Championship.
      It is mainly down to the quality of the players they managed to hang on to after all three were relegated from the Premier League last season.

      It’s no surprise Norwich are top of the ChampionshipCredit: Rex Features

      Plenty of clubs have squandered their top-flight legacy, from Blackpool to Wigan, Bolton — poor battered old Bolton — to Sunderland, once known as ‘the Bank of England club’.
      Increasingly, though, clubs have yo-yo’d between the top two divisions. Now proposals from the EFL inadvertently threaten to weaponise the yo-yo into a boomerang.
      I can see the day when the same three clubs perennially fly back and forth from the Championship.
      The reason? That Championship clubs are being asked to consider annual total player salaries to be set at £18million-a-season, with a £720,000-a-year limit on each player.

      That includes tax, agents’ fees, signing-on fees and loyalty bonuses.
      This is about £12k-a-week and the repercussions are immense.
      Your team go down and you will need to sell some of your players to survive, but will only be able to replace them with players on £12k-a-week.
      This is a real leveller and leads to massive inequalities in a squad.

      Clubs like Watford could soon be boomeranging to and from the Championship Credit: Rex Features

      Your team goes up and you now have to play in the Premier League with players on £12k-a-week.
      Even after television payments, the financial problems for promoted teams will be huge.
      Imagine Bournemouth (home attendance 11k) with all of their highest-paid players on a weekly maximum of £12k, promoted to a league where the average might well be £60k.
      What kind of contribution can these teams make to the greatest league in the world?
      Even brilliant financial balancing cannot overcome the twin obstacles of rising with a team made up of pay-capped staff, followed by the instant shock of the cost of the irresistible uplift in wages and the exposure to some of the best sides in the world.
      So, I can offer one certainty — life, already tenuous for past promoted trios, would be a tightrope walk above a relative Niagara Falls.
      Without a balance pole.
      The EFL also has plans to monitor wage bills in real time, which will give them a veto to stop you signing someone if they think you are outside the wage cap.
      WISHFUL THINKING
      If you do fall foul of it they will be able to apply in-season sanctions, a fine of £3 for each £1 overspend and potential deductions of between three and 12 points.
      In case this last line reads like something Comrade Xi Jinping would impose, it does to me too. That points deduction is wishful thinking.
      There would be less than no chance of it being applied in the Premier League to a promoted club.
      There is also a danger that in the long run the Championship will drop in quality and therefore value, making it less attractive to top clubs to loan young players.
      In coronavirus times, it is proper that the EFL should be trying to protect the future of their clubs. But they must be careful not to squeeze out ambition.
      If you have an owner with £100m who wants to invest it in a Championship team, to get promoted to the Premier League, they won’t be able to as their money counts for nothing more than £12k-a-week players.
      Promotion and relegation are the oxygen of our game. It may be that the Rich Six wish to be involved in higher realms, but wherever they go one thing is for certain.
      It won’t be to the Championship, as was comically proposed in the doomed Project Big Picture, as none of their players will take 12k-a-week!

      Man Utd star Marcus Rashford takes on child food poverty in new BBC documentary Feeding Britain’s Children More

    • 250 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Alex Mowatt and Barnsley are eyeing a shock return to the Premier League months after beating relegation to League One

      by

      ALEX MOWATT has had a whirlwind three years at Barnsley. And the skipper insists you can never accuse the Tykes of being boring.Since joining the club they have been promoted twice, won promotion and survived on the final game of last season. And Barnsley have had five different managers Mowatt, 25, told SunSport: “There’s never […] More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Chuba Akpom ends 13-match goal drought as Middlesbrough defeat Luton 1-0 after controversial James Collins penalty drama

      by

      CHUBA AKPOM ended his 13-match barren run – but it was the assistant referee who left Luton fuming after penalty drama in their defeat at Middlesbrough.
      The former Arsenal striker stroked home Marvin Johnson’s cross from close-range shortly after half time for the only goal of the game.

      Chuba Akpom ended his 13-match drought to fire Boro to victory over LutonCredit: Getty

      Assistant referee decided after furious protests James Collins had double kicked the ball on his penaltyCredit: Getty

      But the main talking point occurred in the 66th minute when Glen Rea’s shot was spilled by Marcus Bettinelli with the follow up from James Collins blocked by the arm of Boro’s Sam Morsy.
      Collins stepped up and slotted home the spot-kick – only for Neil Warnock’s furious players to go racing towards the referee Andy Davies and his assistant Akil Howson.
      The whistleblower had awarded the goal, but after strong pressure and a lengthy consultation with Howson, he changed his mind and gave a free-kick to the home side due to Collins taking a double touch when converting.
      It was deja vu for Boro after they suffered a similar fate just three weeks ago when Marcus Tavernier did the same in their loss to Norwich.

      But the Luton bench went ballistic, with several screams of ‘You’ve s*** your pants’ ringing around the fanless Riverside.
      Luton boss Nathan Jones said: “The assistant didn’t give it until they appealed. As soon as they, and I chose my words carefully, remonstrated with them he changed his mind.
      “At no point did he flag. He’d given it and was on his way back, both of them were, and then they persuaded him to change his mind.
      “If it’s the right decision then fine, but he hadn’t done that so that’s what I was angry with.”

      Dael Fry produced a brilliant block to deny Sonny Bradley moments later as the angry Hatters huffed and puffed but failed to find a way through.
      And Tavernier almost made things worse for them in additional time but his strike was deflected over following a counter.
      Bettinelli then redeemed himself with a brilliant save to deny Luke Berry in the dying seconds.
      The explosive end came after a first half that could not have been any further from a Christmas cracker.
      Luton arrived fresh on the back of dishing out a 3-0 pasting to Preston on Saturday, with Boro also buzzing after firing three past Millwall inside the first 20 minutes last time out.
      Unfortunately, this opening was a lot more low-key, with chances few and far between until Akpom found the net for the first time since a 2-1 win over Barnsley on October 3.

      Sam Morsy was sent off for blocking this shot with his armCredit: Getty

      James Collins had his spot-kick ruled out after he double kicked the ball while convertingCredit: Getty
      Warnock said: “I’m delighted for Chuba. Our strikers are going to get goals if they make the runs and we get the crosses in.
      “They are the ones I love. Then what happened after the sending-off. I’m really proud.”
      And on the penalty furore, he added: “The referee, he’d given it, it was only when Marcus and them went to the linesman.
      “But Marcus came to me and said the linesman told him he’d touched it twice so I knew then it would be disallowed. I think the linesman was excellent.”

      Neil Warnock leaves fans in hysterics as Cardiff boss stares into TV camera More