Championship

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League under pressure again by MPs over why £50m Football League bailout not agreed amid coronavirus pandemic

      by

      PREM boss Richard Masters has again been asked by MPs to explain why the £50million lower division bail out has not been agreed.
      Masters and EFL chairman Rick Parry were both grilled by the DCMS all-party select committee last week over the continued stand-off.

      Richard Masters has come under pressure to solve the financial crisis that’s hit the football pyramidCredit: PA:Press Association

      Committee head and Tory MP Julian Knight said he would send out public letters to both men on a weekly basis until the situation was resolved.
      And now Knight has published the first batch of correspondence, telling both the Prem and EFL MPs are “disappointed that you have not yet come to an agreement that will ensure the survival of football clubs through the current pandemic.”
      Knight added: “There is enough money in the game to save football clubs but we are beginning to doubt whether there is enough leadership to make that happen. 
      “We urge you to stop squabbling and come to an agreement. 

      “Fans have been waiting too long. 
      “We expect, and the fans deserve, better.”
      SunSport revealed that Championship clubs gave the green light for the League One and Two sides to take advantage of the bail out after the Prem made a £200m loan offer for the EFL top flight.
      But Parry and his clubs are demanding the entire £50m is in the form of a grant, rather than just the first £20m with the rest on a loan, as the Prem proposed.

      EFL chairman Rick Parry was grilled by the digital, culture, media and sport committee Credit: PA:Press Association
      Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden and Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston both put extra pressure on Masters and Parry yesterday, insisting it was an obligation on football to sort out its Covid-19 problems.
      The Government is ready to green light a “fan-led review” of the game, and intends to use the Covid crisis stand-off as the starting point and justification for the process.
      Prem chiefs point out that by making 40 per cent of the money a grant, with the other 60 per cent a no-interest loan, they are actually offering Leagues One and Two better terms than the Government has in its new £300m sports “winter survival package”, which is demanding repayment of £250m at “low commercial rates”.
      But Knight warned: “We are losing patience. 
      “Fans have waited a long time for a solution that would safeguard their clubs but all they can see is squabbling at the top of the game. Football and its followers deserve better.
      “The current fiasco in reaching an agreement isn’t about the lack of money, but lack of leadership.

      “We’re putting the current leaders of the Premier League and the EFL on notice. We want to be kept in the loop about every discussion, every meeting, every call, every email, to save clubs at risk. 
      “Nothing should be withheld from the Committee, and so that fans can see what’s going on, we’ll make these updates public.
      “The predecessor DCMS Committee called for legislation to bring in an independent system of football licensing and regulation if the game wasn’t able to reform itself. That time may be fast approaching.” More

    • 200 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Wayne Rooney confirms he’s chasing full-time Derby job as ‘ambitious’ Man Utd legend moves into coaching

      by

      WAYNE ROONEY has confirmed he wants to become Derby’s next boss.
      The England and Manchester United legend, 35, claims he would lack ambition if he did not want to take over the rock-bottom Championship club.

      Wayne Rooney has stated his intentions to become the full-time Derby boss

      We revealed on October 15 that Rooney was in line to replace Phillip Cocu, who was axed on Saturday.
      Rooney, one of four interim Rams bosses, said: “I wouldn’t be an ambitious person if I didn’t want the job.
      “My ambition is to go into management, especially when you see the likes of Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Scott Parker all getting good jobs and doing really well.
      “We have to get the next two or three games out the way first.

      “But if they go well it puts us all in a better position to put our names forward for that role.”
      Rooney has addressed ways of how he can help Derby climb up the table with the club winning just once in 11 games this term.
      He added: “The big thing we need to bring back to the players and into our game is simplicity.
      “You can over-complicate things and that’s not always great for players in this position.

      “Different messages, different line-ups, different ways of playing.
      “When you’re struggling and not winning games of football you are always thinking of different ideas of how you get out of that run of bad form. But often the best way out of that is simplicity.
      “As a player you learn, as your career goes on, that if you give the ball away two or three times, the next time the ball comes to you, keep it simple and naturally your confidence grows.
      “Then you can start making more difficult passes again. I think it’s the same with players.
      “Make things simple, don’t overcomplicate by feeding them information which will frazzle their heads.
      “Just do the simple things right and everything will fall into place.”

      Eddie Hearn wants to stage Wayne Rooney vs Rio Ferdinand charity BOXING match at Man Utd’s Old Trafford More

    • 175 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Wayne Rooney jokes ‘I’ll give myself a three-year deal’ as player-boss outlines Derby vision

      by

      WAYNE ROONEY remained impressively poker-faced as he outlined his first priority as co-caretaker manager of Derby.
      “While I’m in this position I’ll be giving myself a new three-year-deal,” revealed the tracksuit-clad player-boss, before breaking into that familiar Rooney grin.

      Wayne Rooney has joked he will give himself a new deal after becoming part of the new Derby caretaker set-upCredit: Rex Features

      Yet even if he was serious about slipping on a set of golden-handcuffs tying him down to Derby for the foreseeable future, the 35-year-old made it clear . . . he would have to run it by his own Rams’ management committee first!
      Right now, Rooney only forms 25 per cent of Derby’s interim management team — the remaining 75 per cent consists of first-team coach Liam Rosenior, goalkeeper coach Shay Given and first-team development coach Justin Walker.
      Until current owner and chairman Mel Morris officially hands over the baton to  Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the Bin Zayed Group, that is how it will remain.
      Former boss Phillip Cocu, for all his experience, could not single-handedly prevent Derby’s slide to the foot of the Championship — now the Rams have decided four heads are better than one as they attempt to stop the rot.

      Preparing for tomorrow’s trip to face Covid-hit Bristol City, Rooney looked  at ease with the arrangement  while facing the media for the first time as a full-time part-boss.
      And Rosenior was rightly given equal prominence sitting beside him.
      The danger of such an arrangement is what the Derby players will make of  having FOUR right-hand men to turn to in the heat of battle, when one clear voice is required.
      However Rooney and Rosenior are convinced they can end the confusion which was evident in Cocu’s dismal  final days and introduce some much-needed clarity.

      Rooney, Liam Rosenior, Shay Given and Justin Walker are taking care of first-team affairsCredit: Rex Features

      Ex-Manchester United star Rooney said: “The big thing we need to bring back to the players and into our game is simplicity.
      “You can over-complicate things and that’s not always great for players in this position. Different messages, different line-ups, different ways of playing.
      “When you’re struggling and not winning games of football you are always thinking of different ideas of how you get out of that run of bad form. But often the best way out of that is simplicity.
      “As a player you learn, as your career goes on, that if you give the ball away two or three times, the next time the ball comes to you, keep it simple and naturally your confidence grows.
      “Then you can start making more difficult passes again. I think it’s the same with players. Make things simple, don’t overcomplicate by feeding them information which will frazzle their heads.
      “Just do the simple things right and everything will fall into place.”
      Rosenior was already reading off the same page and added: “Simplicity is genius sometimes.
      “The most important thing now is clear messaging.  Our skill as coaches isn’t knowing the most complex ideas — it’s about helping the players understand them.

      Derby sacked Phillip Cocu after a bad start to the seasonCredit: PA:Press Association/PA Images

      Rooney has been tipped to replace the Dutchman as Derby’s next bossCredit: Reuters
      “This week we have probably fitted two months worth of tactical work into three days without the players even knowing it. But judgment comes on Saturday.
      “It’s not about how enjoyable or clever your sessions are, it’s about how much knowledge and understanding the players have at the end of them.
      “Their response has been magnificent and now we have difficult decisions  to make.
      “Managers used to tell me the first XI was hard to pick but picking the subs’ bench was even harder — I’m finding that out now.”
      At 35, the big question is when Rooney stops being an automatic choice as a player and starts  spending more time in the technical area?
      When England’s greatest ever goalscorer was asked if he was playing at Bristol, Rosenior answered for his co-manager, saying: “He doesn’t know yet.”
      Before Rooney added: “You’ll have to wait and see. I know I’m in the twilight of my career.
      “Am I in the finest moment of my career? Of course I’m not, I’m 35 so we’ll have to see what happens.
      “But for now I’ve got my toes in both dressing rooms — one as a player — one trying to lead the team. We’ll see where it takes us and there will be a decision made from there.”

      Man Utd legend Wayne Rooney in line for Derby job as Rams chiefs lose patience with manager Phillip Cocu More

    • 200 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Angus Gunn suffers ankle ligament injury forcing Stoke to apply for emergency goalkeeper transfer amid crisis

      by

      ANGUS GUNN has given Stoke City a keeper crisis – with an ankle ligament injury. 
      On-loan Gunn faces a six week lay-off to leave the Potters looking to an emergency replacement. 

      Angus Gunn is set for six weeks out on the sidelines Credit: PA:Press Association

      Stoke are set to recall England under-21 prospect Josef Bursik from Doncaster Rovers where he is on loan for experience. 
      Bursik played for the Young Lions in midweek and could now step into the Championship for the first time. 
      Stoke lost their main goalkeeper Jack Butland at the end of the window when he signed for Crystal Palace.
      He left for only £500,000, despite Stoke demanding £23million for their star stopper just 15 months earlier.

      The Potters were forced to sell him on the cheap as Butland’s contract was due to expire next summer.
      Butland, 27, would have been able to negotiate pre-contract terms in January with other clubs ahead of a free transfer next summer.
      The ex-England star will now compete for a starting spot back in the Premier League under Roy Hodgson – who gave Butland his first four England caps.

      Stoke currently sit eighth in the Championship after an encouraging start to the season.

      Their inconsistency means they have won three and lost two of their last five.
      But one of their wins included a brilliant 3-0 victory over table-toppers Reading. More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Government’s £300m sport bailout revealed with £135m to rugby union, £40m to horse racing and £9m to Championship clubs

      by

      THE Government has announced the full details of its £300m sports bail out.
      Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston outlined the ‘winter survival package’ in a Commons statement that provides much-needed security for sports peering into the financial abyss as a result of the Covid crisis.

      Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston has outlined his ‘winter survival package’Credit: PA:Press Association

      As expected, rugby union was granted the biggest share of the loans made available, with a £135m fund.
      Of that, £44m will go straight to the RFU, facing a £120m shortfall with no fans allowed inside Twickenham since March.
      Premiership rugby clubs will get a share of £59m, with £9m available to clubs in the Championship and a further £23m to those clubs further down the pyramid.
      Horse racing gets the next biggest share, with courses splitting £40m between them.

      Football’s lowest reaches will receive £28m, including the pre-announced £10m Lottery funding for the National League.
      Steps 3-6 of the pyramid, from the tier below National Leagues North and South to regional leagues, will be able to claim part of the £14m on offer, with £3m available to the upper two levels of the women’s game.
      Other money will go to rugby league (£12m), motorsport – with Silverstone, Goodwood, the British Automobile Racing Club, and MotorSport Vision sharing £6 million – while the Lawn Tennis Association has been offered £5m.
      Netball, basketball and elite ice hockey will each get £4m, badminton £2m and greyhound racing £1m.

      Premiership rugby clubs will get a share of £59mCredit: Reuters

      Huddleston said: “Over the past few weeks we have worked tirelessly with sport governing bodies and clubs across the country to fully assess what support is needed, as a result of the decision to postpone the return of fans. 
      “We know the vast majority of sports – many of which operate on tight financial margins – have been making serious cost reductions, such as locking down grounds, taking up the furlough scheme for many staff and halting excess payments. 

      Sports clubs are the beating hearts of their communities, and this £300 million boost will help them survive this difficult winter period
      Oliver Dowden

      “It is absolutely right that we now intervene to protect entire sports, and the communities they support, as we navigate this pandemic.”
      Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden added: “Sports clubs are the beating hearts of their communities, and this £300 million boost will help them survive this difficult winter period.”
      And Sport England chief executive Tim Hollingsworth said: “These are unprecedented times for our sector, and those sports and leagues that rely so heavily on spectators for their income that have been especially impacted by the pandemic. 
      “The role they play in their local communities is vital and this package of support from Government will be hugely welcomed.”

      Nico Yennaris scores his first goal for Chinese team Beijing Sinobo Guoan More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside ex-QPR owner Fernandes’ stunning Ayrshire estate up for sale for £2.5m with wine cellar, sauna and tennis court

      by

      FORMER Queens Park Rangers chairman Tony Fernandes has put his stunning £2.5million Ayrshire estate up for sale.
      The Malaysian entrepreneur, like many, has felt the pinch of the coronavirus pandemic.

      Fernandes is selling the stunning estateCredit: Savills

      The property is nestled within 125 acres of landCredit: Savills

      The home features a modern gym and sauna areaCredit: Savills

      Fernandes stepped down as QPR chairman in 2018Credit: AFP – Getty

      And as he fights to save various business ventures, his stunning Scottish pad has had to go.
      Fernandes, 56, had resided at Skeldon House in Dalrymple, Ayr for seven years.
      But he’ll now sacrifice the beautiful property for his business empire.
      A stunning five-bedroom property, on 125 acres of land, the home offers privacy and class in abundance.

      The estate possesses a luxurious wine cellar for whenever the new owner fancies a tipple.
      A gym and sauna will also enable them to work out in style and comfort.
      And an all-weather outdoor tennis court features, nestled in the shadow of the surrounding forest.
      A games room surely kept Fernandes entertained.

      A spiral staircase binds the house togetherCredit: Savills

      Fernandes could cook up a storm in the modern kitchenCredit: Savills

      The new owner could serve up a storm on the all-weather tennis courtCredit: Savills

      The master bedroom doesn’t lack for spaceCredit: Savills

      And the dining room can accommodate guests aplentyCredit: Savills

      And, amid the carefully manicured lawns, feature two other impressive buildings – the coach house and castle cottage.
      The interior is equally opulent, blending traditional features with modern conveniences.
      A classy spiral staircase binds the home together, with four bathrooms, a large kitchen and cosy dining room.
      Fernandes may have owned QPR during two separate stints in the Premier League.
      But perhaps he’d have enjoyed life at Kilmarnock or Ayr United more… just to sample even more time at his gorgeous Dalrymple mansion.

      Another dining area doesn’t lack for natural lightCredit: Savills

      The new owner won’t be short for spaceCredit: Savills

      Inside Thiago Silva’s amazing house as wife pays professionals to put up Christmas decorations More

    • 175 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Mario Balotelli held talks with Barnsley over free transfer as Championship strugglers fight drop

      by

      MARIO BALOTELLI has been in talks with Barnsley about making a sensational move to the South Yorkshire side.
      The Italian bad boy was offered to the Tykes when contact between Balotelli’s agent and Oakwell co-chairmen Chien Lee and Paul Conway was made recently.

      Mario Balotelli is a free agent after being released by Italian outfit Brescia

      Both sides were initially interested in the move before Balotelli’s enthusiasm to play in the Championship cooled.
      And the 2012 Premier League winner is now believed to be considering other options.
      The 30-year-old is currently a free agent after having his contract with hometown team Brescia terminated because he repeatedly missed training in June and July.
      He has been training with Serie D minnows Franciacorta as he approaches the autumn of his controversial career.

      Trouble followed him throughout his time at both Milan clubs, Manchester City, Liverpool, Nice, Marseille and Brescia.
      But Barnsley believed the former Italy international could boost their chances of staying up.
      Balotelli – who hasn’t played in England since 2015 after leaving Anfield for AC Milan on loan – was even linked with a move to Watford last month.
      The 2009 Champions League winner was at the centre of controversy in October following a a sick rape joke he made on Italian TV.

      He appeared as a guest on Italy’s version of Celebrity Big Brother where his brother, Enock, is one of the contestants.
      During his interview, Balotelli was asked about Brazilian model Dayane Mello, who formerly claimed she had a fling with the forward – which he has denied.
      The host said: “Dayane wanted you in the house.”
      Balotelli then responded: “Yes, but then she’d go ‘stop, stop, it hurts.'”
      He then burst into laughter while other contestants on the show looked visibly shocked with his comment.

      Mario Balotelli walks off pitch following racist abuse by Verona supporters More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      John Terry could rival Wayne Rooney for Derby manager job with Aston Villa willing to let Chelsea legend go

      by

      JOHN TERRY could rival Wayne Rooney for the vacant Derby manager job, according to reports.
      The Rams sacked Phillip Cocu at the weekend with the club bottom of the Championship and winning just one of their first 11 league games of the season.

      John Terry could rival Wayne Rooney for the vacant managerial post at DerbyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Rooney, Liam Rosenior, Shay Given and Justin Walker have been left in charge of training and are on course to take Saturday’s game away at Bristol City.
      Rooney does not have his coaching badges yet, so respected coach Rosenior will be the senior qualified face in the Derby dug-out for the time being.
      According to the Daily Mail, Rooney, 35, will want to know the details of the new owner’s plans before committing.
      But with a £60million takeover by Sheikh Khaled Zayed Bin Saquer Zayed Al Nayhan close to completion, even an initial upturn in results may not guarantee the positions long term.

      Sheikh Khaled – a member of the Abu Dhabi royal family and a cousin of Manchester City bankroller Sheikh Mansour – is yet to decide on his first-choice manager and has made no contact with Rooney or his camp during their bid to buy the club.
      And the report suggests Rooney’s former England team-mate Terry could be in the running.
      The Chelsea hero, 39, has been part of Dean Smith’s backroom staff at Aston Villa for the last two years.
      But – like fellow ex-Three Lions skipper Rooney – he is keen to step into management just as Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard have.

      Rooney, right, has been taking training alongside Shay Given, left, Liam Rosenior and Justin WalkerCredit: Rex Features

      And should he be offered a role as head coach elsewhere, Villa would not block his departure.
      Rooney remains the bookies’ favourite to land the Pride Park post with Terry second.
      Rafa Benitez, Steve Cooper, Eddie Howe and Danny Cowley are also high in the running.
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      The former England captains both have eyes on taking on a managerial postCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Rooney remains the bookies’ favourite to replace Cocu at Pride ParkCredit: Reuters

      John Terry mocks Spurs-supporting pal in hilarious video as Chelsea legend shows off jam-packed trophy cabinet More