Championship

STEVE COOPER tops the list of managerial targets Middlesbrough want to replace Michael Carrick.The Championship side announced on Wednesday that the ex-Manchester United and England midfielder had been axed.Steve Cooper has been linked with a shock return to management with MiddlesbroughMichael Carrick was sacked by Boro this weekCarrick, 43, and his assistants Jonathan Woodgate and Graeme Carrick – his younger brother – have also departed the club.That decision was made by chairman Steve Gibson following a four-week end-of-season review by the club’s hierarchy after their dismal second half of the campaign.Carrick, who was the division’s longest-serving manager, led Boro from the 21st in the table in October 2022 to the play-offs.That was followed by an eighth-placed finish and a run to the League Cup semi-finals but, despite a positive first half of this season, they eventually ended a disappointing tenth.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThat has been enough to convince the club to look elsewhere.SunSport understands that Cooper, out of work since he was sacked following a brief and ill-fated stint at Leicester in November, is among the top candidates Boro want to speak with.He shone in the Championship at Swansea City by leading them to consecutive play-off finishes.And he surpassed that at Nottingham Forest, achieving legendary status by guiding them back to the Premier League via the play-offs in 2022.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCooper was axed in December 2023 and replaced by Nuno Espirito Santo.Ex-Bournemouth and Wolves manager Gary O’Neil, who spent four years as a player at the Riverside, is another name among the favourites along with former Luton man Rob Edwards.Middlesbrough fans will agree with Carrick sacking and there’s a perfect man ready to replace him Expert’s viewBY GARY STONEHOUSE (North East Football Reporter and Boro season ticket holder)FINALLY the inevitable has happened – but what took Middlesbrough so long?The decision to sack Michael Carrick now – four weeks after the season finished – does feel a bit too little, too late.The ex-Manchester United man’s time at the Riverside should have been done back in February after a dire run of six defeats in seven games.At that point the prospect of going up through the play-offs was still a real possibility.Instead, Steve Gibson kept faith and, despite a brief little false dawn of results, we’ve allowed rivals Sunderland to take advantage of what was probably the best chance of achieving promotion out of this league that there will be for a while.For all of those pointing to the fact that he lost “his best player” Emmanuel Latte Lath in January – the striker’s exit was supposed to be last summer.That’s why they got Tommy Conway in early and, fair play, when Boro failed to get the money they wanted for Latte Lath they held on to him until the window.The loss of Ben Doak was also critical, and that coupled with the above sale meant all the pace was taken out of Carrick’s team.But that was his biggest problem, his stubbornness to have a Plan B. Pretty, boring, pass, pass, tip, tip – Middlesbrough became far too easy to play against.The panic stations started to ring when the Riverside was empty long before the final whistle in several home games – fans were seemingly even past the point of caring enough to boo at the final whistle following several disappointing displays and results.This is a move best for everybody – especially Carrick himself.He has done well, and the loss of experienced Aaron Danks as coach to Bayern Munich has maybe had a bigger impact than any of us thought.But once rumours of fall-outs over transfer targets etc began to surface in January there was only going to be one-way this ended if promotion wasn’t achieved.He can still leave with his reputation intact and will be in the running for plenty of other jobs – hopefully after a PR class or two.You always got the impression he didn’t think much of the media – except until the pressure was on in his final weeks and we finally got to see a little of his funny and warm character.But the place, and Carrick himself probably, needed something new. And for my money, the man to provide that lift that the whole club needs would be Steve Cooper. More

MICHAEL CARRICK has been sacked by Middlesbrough.The Manchester United legend was relieved of his duties having failed to deliver promotion in three attempts.Michael Carrick has been axed by MiddlesbroughCredit: GettyCarrick, 43, replaced Chris Wilder in October 2022 and guided Boro to fourth place in his first full season at the helm.In the two years that followed, however, poor finishes to each campaign cost Middlesbrough a play-off berth.The former England international had two years remaining on his contract, but has been sacked following a meeting with club chief Steve Gibson.In a brief 60-word statement, Boro confirmed that Carrick, as well as his assistants, had been axed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt read: “Middlesbrough Football Club has today parted company with head coach Michael Carrick.”Michael’s assistants Jonathan Woodgate and Graeme Carrick have also departed the club.”We’d like thank Michael, Jonathan, and Graeme for all their hard work and unwavering commitment. We wish them all the very best for the future.”The club will be making no further comment at this stage.”Most read in ChampionshipBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMichael Carrick’s managerial recordMan Utd (caretaker), Nov-Dec 2021: P3 W2 D1 L0 (W%: 66.67)Middlesbrough, October 2022-Present: P136 W63 D24 L49 (W%: 46.32)Hometown hero and eight-cap England international Woodgate, 45, managed Boro between 2019 and 2020.While Graeme Carrick, Michael’s brother, previously worked at Newcastle.Michael Carrick is disappointed about Middlesbrough’s defeat to Watford Expert viewBY GARY STONEHOUSE (North East Football Reporter and Boro season ticket holder)FINALLY the inevitable has happened – but what took Middlesbrough so long?The decision to sack Michael Carrick now – four weeks after the season finished – does feel a bit too little, too late.The ex-Manchester United man’s time at the Riverside should have been done back in February after a dire run of six defeats in seven games.At that point the prospect of going up through the play-offs was still a real possibility.Instead, Steve Gibson kept faith and, despite a brief little false dawn of results, we’ve allowed rivals Sunderland to take advantage of what was probably the best chance of achieving promotion out of this league that there will be for a while.For all of those pointing to the fact that he lost “his best player” Emmanuel Latte Lath in January – the striker’s exit was supposed to be last summer.That’s why they got Tommy Conway in early and, fair play, when Boro failed to get the money they wanted for Latte Lath they held on to him until the window.The loss of Ben Doak was also critical, and that coupled with the above sale meant all the pace was taken out of Carrick’s team.But that was his biggest problem, his stubbornness to have a Plan B. Pretty, boring, pass, pass, tip, tip – Middlesbrough became far too easy to play against.The panic stations started to ring when the Riverside was empty long before the final whistle in several home games – fans were seemingly even past the point of caring enough to boo at the final whistle following several disappointing displays and results.This is a move best for everybody – especially Carrick himself.He has done well, and the loss of experienced Aaron Danks as coach to Bayern Munich has maybe had a bigger impact than any of us thought.But once rumours of fall-outs over transfer targets etc began to surface in January there was only going to be one-way this ended if promotion wasn’t achieved.He can still leave with his reputation intact and will be in the running for plenty of other jobs – hopefully after a PR class or two.You always got the impression he didn’t think much of the media – except until the pressure was on in his final weeks and we finally got to see a little of his funny and warm character.But the place, and Carrick himself probably, needed something new. And for my money, the man to provide that lift that the whole club needs would be Steve Cooper.Just yesterday, TNT Sports pundit Joe Cole tipped Carrick for a move to former club Tottenham .Cole told Paddy Power: “At Tottenham, Daniel Levy is running out of managerial candidates for the job. He’s gone big, he’s gone bold, and he’s gone off the beaten track, but none of them seem to have worked.“Michael Carrick could be a good option for the manager’s job. An ex-Spurs player, who understands the club, would be quite nice.“Also, I’d like to see Glenn Hoddle back at the club in some capacity. I know Tottenham fans would love to see him back and he’s got the best football brain I know.“I’d love to see Glenn back, maybe supporting Michael Carrick. The club needs bringing together because it was really torn at times last season.”Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl is the early favourite to take over at Boro, with Carrick’s former Man Utd team-mate Tom Cleverley and Sean Dyche close behind.Next Boro manager oddsVia talkSPORT oddsDanny Rohl2/1Tom Cleverley6/1Sean Dyche8/1Russell Martin10/1Nathan Jones10/1Rob Edwards12/1Steve Cooper12/1Gary O’Neil16/1John Mousinho16/1Steven Gerrard16/1Des Buckingham16/1Wayne Rooney16/1Liam Rosenior16/1David Wagner16/1Ruben Selles20/1Carrick played for Tottenham during his illustrious careerCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

SUNDERLAND have confirmed Enzo Le Fee will join them permanently for £20m after helping the club to promotion.The French star, 25, reunited with his former Lorient boss Regis Le Bris in January on a six-month loan from Roma that ended with Championship play-off glory.Sunderland have confirmed Enzo Le Fee will join them permanently for £20mThe 25-year-old helped the Black Cats to Premier League promotionWinger Le Fee has now penned a four-year contract to become the Black Cats’ first summer signing.He said: “I said before the play-off final that my heart was in Sunderland – I wanted to stay and this made it the most important game of my life.“Together we did it. From the moment I arrived, I have enjoyed my football, my team-mates, and our supporters. “We shared an incredible experience, and now we get to take the next step.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“There are greater challenges ahead, but we must face them together. “And I can’t wait to play for Sunderland in the Premier League.”After triggering the clause to make the switch permanent, sporting director Kristjaan Speakman added: “In Enzo, we knew we were acquiring a very high-level player who could be influential in critical moments – the moments that change the outcome of games and seasons.“He’s been a big part of our success, so we’re delighted that he’s signing permanently and joining us in the Premier League. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS “Above all else, he’s been a team player, and following our play-off final victory, I think everyone could see exactly what the club means to him.”Since January, Le Fee has scored one goal and provided three assists in 18 Championship appearances, starting 11 of them – including the play-offs.Bruno Fernandes reveals role his wife played in £200m Al-Hilal transfer snub even though Man Utd were ready to cash inMeanwhile, Sunderland are trying to keep hold of Jobe Bellingham after interest from Borussia Dortmund and Frankfurt.The Black Cats could hold out for £25m for Bellingham, 19, who won Championship Young Player of the Year this season.He is the brother of Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, who won the same award in 2020 while playing for Birmingham City.The midfielder could face his older brother in the Club World Club if he joins Jude’s former club Dortmund before June 10.Sunderland are trying to keep hold of Jobe Bellingham after interest from Borussia Dortmund More

OXFORD UNITED could cease to exist if it is not granted planning permission for a new stadium.The Championship outfit submitted plans for a 16,000-seater multi-purpose ground with a decision expected in July.Oxford’s lease at the Kassam Stadium expires in 2026Credit: GettyThe club wants to build a new 16,000-seater stadiumCredit: xTim Williams has claimed the club could disappear without the new groundCredit: OXFORD UNITEDAhead of the decision from the local authorities, Oxford CEO Tim Williams has issued a stark warning over the future of the club.The U’s currently play their football at the Kassam Stadium, but their lease is set to expire in 2026.He told Sky Sports: “When our lease at the Kassam Stadium runs out, we won’t have a home and a stadium to play in.”If we don’t have a stadium, there is a risk we won’t have a football club.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSOxford’s potential new development would feature an 18-bedroom hotel, an events centre as well as wellbeing and community spaces.It would also be the first all-electric stadium in the UK.Williams has claimed that Oxford are more in need of the ground than the likes of Manchester United and Everton.The two Premier League giants are due in new homes with the Toffees moving into their new ground this summer.Most read in ChampionshipJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe Red Devils are aiming to construct a new 100,000-seater stadium by the 2030/31 season.Williams added: “It doesn’t get more serious than that for a football club.Championship club could be left without a stadium as EFL deadline looms”We have seen headlines recently about a new Manchester United stadium, which with all due respect is a want and not a need.”If Manchester United don’t move out, they still have Old Trafford.”If Everton hadn’t moved into Bramley Moor-Dock, they’ve still got Goodison.”If we don’t move into a new stadium, we are homeless and we don’t exist and it’s an absolute travesty in my view.”It’s that important.”A decision on the new stadium is in less than five weeks and Williams believes that it would benefit the local community.He said: “We now have a Football Regulator, and we have a report by Tracey Crouch which talks about football assets.”We are a poster child for what good football governance and football clubs should be about.“It’s going to be a 16,000-seater stadium, on the outskirts of Oxford, and a real community asset, fully sustainable, in a brilliant location in the country. Read More on The Sun“We need support, but we also need to say, the point about the club potentially not existing is a real one. This needs to be moved up every headline.“We are entering a crucial period in the club’s history. The future of the club hinges on the new stadium, and I’d urge every supporter, every stakeholder, and every voice to get behind this project.” More

LEEDS UNITED are keen on Newcastle’s Nick Pope after missing out on Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher.Daniel Farke and Elland Road chiefs are already at work in their quest to strengthen following the Championship-winning promotion campaign.Leeds are eyeing a swoop for Newcastle keeper Nick PopeLeeds are looking to part ways with goalkeeper Illan Meslier this summerCredit: PAAnd a new goalkeeper has emerged as one of their top priorities given Illan Meslier’s drop in form at the back end of last season.They enquired about Irish ace Kelleher, 26, but he is poised to join Brentford for £18m.Now Leeds could turn to Pope, 33, and are one of several teams monitoring his situation at St James’ Park.The England international finished the season as Eddie Howe’s No.1 but Newcastle are expected to finally end their long pursuit of Burnley’s James Trafford over the coming weeks.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHis arrival could result in Pope heading elsewhere with a switch to Elland Road among those potentially on the cards.Pope, who won the Toon’s first trophy in 70 years this term, earned just 10 England caps before missing out on Euro 2024 through injury.Trafford, who beat Pope to Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad, had agreed to join Newcastle last August only for the deal not to happen.The 22-year-old played a key role in Burnley’s promotion to the Premier League, keeping an impressive 29 clean sheets in 45 appearances. Most read in FootballNewcastle are favourites to sign Burnley’s stopper James TraffordCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMeanwhile, Newcastle have checked on 19-year old Rennes centre back Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal who has starred for Morocco U20s.Boudlal is yet to make his senior debut for Rennes and spent the second half of the season on loan at Ligue 2 Amiens. Inside Leeds stars’ wild title celebrations as Bamford and Ampadu ‘leave Burnley fanbase in meltdown’ with karaoke songHowe’s side are also interested in Crystal Palace centre back Marc Guehi and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo.Leeds will face AC Milan in Dublin in a pre-season friendly on August 9. More

RYAN MASON has been confirmed as the new West Brom manager.The 33-year-old has signed a three-year contract at The Hawthorns after quitting his role as Ange Postecoglou’s No.2 at Tottenham.Ryan Mason has taken a huge step towards becoming West Brom’s new bossSpurs owner Daniel Levy has issued a heartwarming goodbye note for MasonMason informed Spurs on Sunday that he doesn’t want to renew his contract when it expires at the end of June.And that gave the green light for Championship side West Brom to end their six-week search to find a replacement for Tony Mowbray.He instantly became the club’s top target after Mowbray was sacked on April 21 following a poor run of form.Spurs chairman Daniel Levy issued a heartfelt statement after Mason’s seven-year coaching role in North London came to an end.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSLevy, 63, said: “Ryan has been an integral part of Tottenham Hotspur for a number of years, both as a player and a coach.“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Ryan for all his dedication and hard work over the years, and we wish him every success for the future.”Tottenham academy coach Stuart Lewis could follow Mason to West Brom, according to BBC Sport.Mason joined Spurs’ coaching team in April 2018, playing a key role in the club’s academy.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe later became interim first-team manager, leading them to a heartbreaking Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City, following the sacking of Jose Mourinho in 2021.He has been part of Tottenham’s senior set-up ever since, becoming acting head coach for a second time following the departure of Antonio Conte in 2023.Ange Postecoglou drops huge hint over Tottenham future with incredible mic-drop moment at Europa League paradeThe Enfield-born footballer also progressed through the club’s academy and made 70 appearances for his boyhood team.Mason was forced to cut short his playing career in 2018 at the age of 26, after fracturing his skull while playing for Hull against Chelsea a year earlier.Highly-rated coach Mason held talks with Belgian club Anderlecht in October before a mutual decision was made to remain at Spurs.Meanwhile, the future of Ange Postecoglou remains up in the air after his Europa League final triumph last month.And Daniel Levy’s executive director Donna Cullen announced her departure from the club this week. More