Championship

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Emi Buendia reveals Messi asked him whether he wants to play for Argentina or Spain after winning Norwich player of year

      by

      LIONEL MESSI asked Emi Buendia what country he wants to play for, the Norwich star has revealed.The midfielder has had a season to remember, scoring 14 goals and assisting 17 on the way to winning Norwich player of the year – with the Canaries also being crowned Championship winners on Saturday.
      Emi Buendia was presented with the Norwich player of the season trophy ahead of the Reading match – as the Canaries sealed the Championship title
      Lionel Messi seems to be keen for Buendia to play alongside him for Argentina
      And his form has captured the attention of Barcelona superstar Messi, who spoke to Buendia about his international commitment, the 24-year-old told The Guardian.
      He said: “I maybe did something good to impress him.
      “He [Messi] asked: ‘What do you want to do? Do you want to play for Spain or Argentina?’ Quickly I said: ‘Of course I want to play for Argentina. I want to play with you – it is a dream.’
      “The target this year was to be back in the Premier League, so that one is achieved, but everyone wants to play for his national team.
      “It would be something very special for me. I work every day to try to be better and to try to get this chance to represent my country.”
      Buendia has only been fortunate enough to represent Argentina at Under-20s level, despite first being called up by Spain U19s.
      It is not surprising that Messi is keen for Buendia to play for La Albiceleste, as he has had a brilliant season.
      He is the key creative spark for Norwich and has supplied so many goals for Teemu Pukki, who often grabs the headlines.
      Buendia was also named Championship player of the year this week
      An ecstatic Delia Smith embraced Buendia after he picked up the award
      Buendia was asked about the pair’s relationsip on the pitch, and whether he could pick out Pukki with his eyes closed:
      He added: “Yes, sometimes without looking at him, I try to know every time where he is.
      “I think we are playing for years, in my case, together with some players. I know how it works with everyone. For example my connection with Teemu is something special.
      “When I have the ball, I just know he is running in behind to get the ball. Also with Maxi [Max Aarons] on the right wing.
      “Those connections can make the difference in games.”
      Buendia is also confident that Norwich will make a better fist of the Premier League next season, after being relegated in 2019-20.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      He points out the greater experience in the side that exists now, explaining that the squad knows each other’s games really well after playing together for several years.
      He added: “The experience in this squad means a lot and now with this team and these players, we have played a few years together so everyone knows everyone.
      “This is very good. I think the structure and the project, looking forward it will be good to do it properly next year.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Everton ‘plot shock Philippe Coutinho transfer and hope to land Barcelona and ex-Liverpool star for just £35m’ More

    • 175 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Wayne Rooney reveals he ‘knows everything’ as Spanish businessman tries to buy struggling Rams

      by

      WAYNE ROONEY says he “knows everything” about the latest takeover bid for Derby County.Rooney takes relegation-threatened Rams into Saturday’s crucial clash at Swansea with uncertainty behind the scenes.
      Wayne Rooney is staying focused on Derby’s relegation battle amid talk of a takeoverCredit: PA
      Erik Alonso is said to be keen to keep Wayne Rooney as manager
      Owner Mel Morris has had to assure the players they are being paid this month, three weeks after Spanish businessman Erik Alonso announced his Pride Park buyout.
      The deal has not yet been officially approved by the EFL and there are doubts if Alonso is able to complete the takeover.
      Morris is said to be reluctant to fund salaries in future months.
      Derby are fighting for Championship survival amid the planned sell-off.
      Asked if he is in the loop on the deal, Rooney said: “I know everything.
      “I haven’t once spoken to the players about the takeover, the focus is very much on the football.
      “The players are getting paid for doing their jobs.
      “There was no worry that the players weren’t going to get paid.
      “We can’t focus on that — it’s not an issue.”
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      SunSport has revealed a major factor in Alonso’s desire to buy Derby was the chance to work alongside someone of Rooney’s legendary status, who can attract potential new signings.
      And in an earlier statement he said: “We are looking forward to working with Wayne Rooney and his team, and will do everything possible to support the club’s vision and ambition.
      “We are privileged to take ownership of one of the founding members of the Football League and to build a fresh future for the fans, staff and players of Derby County.
      “It has undoubtedly been a difficult period both on and off the pitch for the club over the last two seasons and we recognise that all of the staff have been dedicated and worked tirelessly behind the scenes.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Sir Alex Ferguson claims Wayne Rooney could not handle his booze and he was powerless to stop the player having affairs More

    • 275 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea in transfer talks to sell Ike Ugbo to Watford in £5m deal after 14 years at club following Cercle Brugge loan

      by

      CHELSEA are in talks over selling Ike Ugbo to Watford for £5million, according to reports.The forward has been on the books at Stamford Bridge for 14 years but looks to be on the way out permanently after impressing on loan at Cercle Brugge this season.
      Chelsea are considering selling Ike Ugbo (right) to Watford in a £5m dealCredit: Rex
      The forward has been on the books at Stamford Bridge for 14 yearsCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The 22-year-old is of Nigerian descent and was born in Lewisham, South London.
      He joined the Blues academy in 2007 and linked up with their Under-10s.
      And the forward has since spent time on loan at Barnsley, MK Dons, Scunthorpe and Roda JC before joining Brugge on a season long loan at the end of last season.
      Ugbo has scored 16 goals in 32 appearances this season as Brugge narrowly avoided relegation.
      And his performances have caught the eye of Watford who are in line to seal the deal, according to the Athletic.
      Brugge are said to have had an option to make the deal permanent but the player is keen on a move elsewhere.
      Ugbo has a year left on his contract which is why the Blues are in line to receive a fee.
      An initial discussion between the London clubs reportedly took place earlier this month with another meet is in the diary for the coming weeks.

      ⚽️ CHELSEA TRANSFER STORIES ⚽️
      🔵 BLUE-KAKU Chelsea plot £90m deal for Lukaku
      🔵 NEW HORIZONS Blues in talks over selling Ugbo 
      🔵 GIROUD NEWS Veteran striker stalls on deal

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      The deal is described as being in ‘the early stages’ with other European sides still keen.
      Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt, Belgium club Genk and Ligue 1’s Monaco are said to be keeping tabs.
      The £5m sum is also said to be negotiable with the payment structure of any deal still to be confirmed.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Thibaut Courtois caught joking with Chelsea star Olivier Giroud over Timo Werner miss by secret Real Madrid tunnel cam More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Harry Kane named London Footballer of the Year pipping Rice, Mount and Son while Bukayo Saka collects young award

      by

      HARRY KANE is the London Premier League Footballer of the Year – pipping Son Heung-min, Mason Mount and Declan Rice.And Arsenal teenager Bukayo Saka picked up the youngster award at tonight’s London Football Awards.
      Harry Kane was crowned Premier League player of the year at the London Football Awards
      Bukayo Saka picked up the gong for the best youngster of the 2020-21 campaignCredit: Subject to BAPLA Terms & Conditions & Premier League’s Licence Agreement. Copies available
      Tottenham striker Kane, 27, has racked up an impressive 31 goals and 16 assists in 44 appearances so far this term.
      And that saw the England captain voted the No1 Premier League player for the season.
      His Spurs team-mate Son, Chelsea star Mount, Mount’s best mate Rice and fellow West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek were all in contention for their respective campaigns.
      But while Rice and Soucek missed out, there was some cheer at the London Stadium this evening as David Moyes won the manager of the year award and Lukasz Fabianski the goalkeeper gong.
      The Hammers will be desperate to complete the campaign by finishing in the top four – especially at the expense of London rivals Chelsea.
      In what has been a turbulent season for Arsenal, versatile Saka has been a rare shining light.
      The wide man, 19, is one of the first names on the team sheet this term and chipped in with seven goals.
      Accepting his award after beating Rice, Mount, Reece James and close pal Emile Smith Rowe, the four-cap Three Lions international said: “I’m really happy to win this award.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      “I want to say a big thank you to everyone for your support and of course another big thank you to everyone who voted for me.
      “I promise to keep giving my all on the pitch to make you happy and keep you entertained.”
      Elsewhere, Brentford striker Ivan Toney – whose 29 goals have fired the Bees into the play-offs – collected the EFL award at the virtual ceremony hosted by Alex Scott and Harry Pinero.
      On the women’s side, it was a double for Chelsea as Fran Kirby and Niamh Charles were crowned the women’s player and young player of the year respectively.
      Erik Lamela’s outrageous rabona finish in the North London derby ensured the Argentine won the goal of the season.
      As revealed by SunSport, Roy Hodgson followed in the footsteps of Frank Lampard, Ian Wright and Glenn Hoddle with the outstanding achievement award.
      London Football Awards 2021 Winners

      Premier League Player of the Year (2020/21 Season)
      WINNER: Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur)
      Manager of the Year (2020/21 Season)
      WINNER: David Moyes (West Ham)
      EFL Player of the Year (2020/21 Season)
      WINNER: Ivan Toney (Brentford)
      Goalkeeper of the Year (2020/21 Season)
      WINNER: Lukasz Fabiański (West Ham)
      The FA Women’s Super League Player of the Year (2020/21 Season)
      WINNER: Fran Kirby (Chelsea)
      Women’s Young Player of Year (2020/21 Season)
      WINNER: Niamh Charles (Chelsea)
      Young Player of the Year (2020/21 Season)
      WINNER: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
      Outstanding Contribution to London Football Award
      Awarded to Roy Hodgson
      Goal of the Season (2020/21 Season)
      WINNER: Erik Lamela (Tottenham Hotspur) Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur (14th March 2021)
      Community Project of the Year (2020)
      WINNER: Dons Local Action Group (AFC Wimbledon Foundation)

      The Crystal Palace manager, 73, is now in his 46th season as a coach and the LFA panel recognised the longevity of his footballing career with this year’s lifetime achievement award.
      Finally, the AFC Wimbledon Dons Local Action Group picked up the community project award.
      Initially set up last March as a food donation project for older and vulnerable individuals in the local area, their 2,000-strong army of volunteers have delivered more than 160,000 one-week food boxes as well as 1,950 laptops and tablets across Wandsworth, Merton and Kingston.
      Funds from the seventh annual London Football Awards will support Willow, the only national charity working with seriously ill young adults aged 16 to 40.
      The foundation, set up by ex-Gunners goalkeeper Bob Wilson alongside his wife in 1999 in memory of their daughter Anna who died of rare cancer aged 31, has provided more than 17,000 Special Days to young adults with life-threatening conditions.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      West Ham picked up two awards with Lukasz Fabianski and David Moyes recognised for their seasonsCredit: The Sun

      Harry Kane gives a goal scoring masterclass in Tottenham training More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Watford back to the Premier League with yet another manager and model that should never work… but usually does

      by

      THE Watford blueprint for promotion, it’ll never catch on.Six years ago it was four different managers in a season, followed by a parting of ways with the manager who ultimately got the team promoted.
      Watford boss Xisco Munoz is thrown into the air after the Hornets secured promotion back to the Premier LeagueCredit: PA
      Owner Gino Pozzo celebrates at Vicarage Road on SaturdayCredit: Getty
      This time around, it was the appointment of a little-known coach with just eleven games’ experience in Georgian football.
      It shouldn’t work. It should never work. But at Watford under the Pozzo family, it normally does work.
      After relegation, the club approached the season with a confidence bordering on arrogance, as players repeatedly stated that Watford had the best squad in the league.
      But for the first time since the Pozzo family took over the club in 2012, that confidence was not completely shared by the supporters.
      They had seen a team that had been playing far below its ability for more than 18 months, following the 6-0 FA Cup final defeat to Man City in 2019.
      And where once the fans wore every change of head coach as a badge of honour, there was bafflement that despite the owners taking full responsibility for transfers at Watford, the head coach was the only person who ever seemed to get the blame for a squad that was underperforming on the pitch while certain players were repeatedly misbehaving off it.
      Javi Gracia – the manager who got Watford to the FA Cup final before being harshly sacked, Quique Sanchez Flores – a former Europa League winner, Nigel Pearson – mastermind of the famous 3-0 win over Liverpool and Vladimir Ivic – a successful coach at PAOK and Maccabi Tel Aviv, had all failed.
      So how was Xisco Munoz, a manager without a Uefa Pro License, who led Dinamo Tbilisi to a 6-1 defeat in the Faroe Islands, supposed to succeed?
      There were jubilant celebrations in Watford town centre over the weekendCredit: Reuters
      Ultimately, by proving what the club always believed – that the Watford squad the Pozzo family had assembled was simply too good to be in the Championship.
      A coach who was hardly ever seen without a smile on his face, Munoz removed the black cloud that had been hanging over the squad under defensively-minded disciplinarian Ivic and allowed the players to express themselves again.
      And in a perverse twist of fate, a long-term injury to captain Troy Deeney may have helped Munoz do this, as it proved the catalyst to a switch from a 4-4-2 to a 4-3-3, which gave the team extra mobility up front and allowed Ismaila Sarr, who very nearly joined Man Utd last summer, to attack more quickly down the right.
      Each home game, of which Watford won every single one after January 22, became almost an action replay of the last, with Sarr picking up the ball in the first 20 minutes and earning either a goal, an assist or a penalty.
      The defence and midfield would then be competent enough to play out a one or two-goal win while barely seeming to break a sweat.
      Xisco Munoz is rarely seen without a smile on his faceCredit: Reuters

      Watford 2 Derby 1
      Watford 2 Wycombe 0
      Watford 1 Nottingham Forest 0
      Watford 1 Sheffield Wednesday 0
      Watford 2 Reading 0
      Watford 1 Millwall 0
      The story was the same every time, with the opposition knowing exactly what was coming but being able to do nothing to stop it as the squad proved it was indeed one of the best in the league.
      As promotion was secured, the most meaningful words were spoken by Chairman and CEO Scott Duxbury, who seemed genuinely hurt that the club had not been as united during the pandemic as during the previous eight years of the Pozzo family’s ownership.
      He said: “There were moments where we weren’t perhaps achieving what we thought we would do and people were turning against us, and the fans were turning against us, but we believed in what we were doing.
      “We believed in the players, we believed in the vision and then people came with us.
      “I’ve always said from day one that together we can achieve great things and it’s not just rhetoric, it’s the truth. 
      CEO Scott Duxbury has called on the club to stick together during the new Premier League campaignCredit: PA

      “That’s been our biggest strength that, as a fan base, as an ownership, as a management, we’re all together. And if we stay together, we will continue to achieve great things.”
      Watford’s owners may be English football’s most unsentimental when it comes to hiring and firing managers, but they truly do want to be loved.
      And with the club back in the Premier League and ready to pick up where they left off after their last game at a full Vicarage Road – THAT 3-0 win over Liverpool – they will be once again.
      Watford promoted straight back to the Premier League at first time of asking as Sarr scores in 1-0 win over Millwall More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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.
      BETTING SPECIAL: GET 20/1 ON MAN CITY OR 60/1 ON TOTTENHAM
      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.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Liverpool boast the most-valuable squad in the Premier League More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Watford boss Xisco Munoz hails Rafa Benitez and Claudio Ranieri with Hornets on brink of Premier League return

      by

      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.
      BETTING SPECIAL: GET 20/1 ON MAN CITY OR 60/1 ON TOTTENHAM
      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
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      “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

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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.
      CASINO SIGN UP OFFER: CLAIM UP TO £800 IN CASINO BONUS CASH

      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.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Joey Barton says QPR were the least favourite of his ex-clubs More