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      Everyone thought Jose Mourinho had taken over and my name was a typo – I’m making my own way as Portsmouth’s Special One

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      JOHN MOUSINHO got ridiculed when he was announced as Portsmouth boss.Stunned fans joked there was a typo on the club’s website and Jose Mourinho had taken over.John Mousinho guided Portsmouth to promotionCredit: GettySome have mistaken the Portsmouth manager with Jose Mourinho (above)Credit: GettySpecsavers even got in on the act, claiming anyone wearing their glasses would have correctly read Mousinho.But after taking Pompey back into the Championship after a 12-year absence — in his first full season in charge — Mousinho has become their own Special One.As he heads to Elland Road to face title favourites Leeds, the Portsmouth boss admitted: “Unless you were an EFL anorak, I’m not a name you would have been familiar with.“I didn’t mind having a laugh with all that amusing stuff.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“It wasn’t only on social media with the fans but also on my family WhatsApp group. I got a proper ribbing.”Mousinho, whose dad is Portuguese, spent most of his playing career as  a defender in the lower divisions.And at the time of his Fratton Park appointment in January 2023, he was combining life as a 36-year-old Oxford player with a role as chairman of the PFA.So it is no wonder Mousinho’s appointment at such a big club raised eyebrows.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe told SunSport: “I had always wanted to be a head coach or manager.“I was lucky in the final couple of years of my playing career to work under Karl Robinson, who gave me access to coaching, selection and recruitment meetings.Portsmouth star Colby Bishop to undergo heart surgery“I had a big influence on the connection between the players and coaching staff and was doing set-piece coaching.“Every aspect of coaching suited me and I had completed my pro licence six months before taking this job.”Pompey were 15th and had not won for ten League One games when Mousinho walked in but they finished eighth — before winning the title last season.He said: “The only way to stop people laughing and joking about me was to win football matches.“I came in with the aim to consolidate and get to the summer first.“We then recruited 14 players and went for promotion.”Mousinho’s work on the South Coast has many similarities with Kieran McKenna’s success at Ipswich.Also in his first managerial job, he stopped the rot when he first went in before lifting them out of the third tier.But can Pompey emulate the Tractor Boys by clinching back-to-back promotions to the Premier League?Mousinho said: “Ipswich have given us a blueprint to work off. Kieran is an exciting coach touted to take on bigger roles. “We’re not setting sights low but, if we don’t ­replicate Ipswich it won’t be a failure.“The most important thing, having not been in the Championship for 12 years, is at a minimum to still be in this division this time next year.”Mousinho may not claim to be like Mourinho (right), but the 38-year-old understands the hunger in the famous naval city to join south coast rivals Southampton, Brighton and Bournemouth in the Prem.And expectations are high at a club bought  by ex-Walt Disney chief executive Michael Eisner in 2017.Mousinho cautioned: “Portsmouth were last at the top table 14 years ago.“The club was mixing it with the big boys and won the FA Cup in 2008.“We must be sensible in how we consolidate the gains we’ve made from this promotion so we can attack the league in the coming  seasons.”This promotion has reinvigorated the city. But we must remember this club almost went into liquidation before the supporters bought and saved it.“Then the Eisner family came in and transformed the club. We must make sure all that hard work doesn’t go to waste.”Pompey’s Irish defender Conor Shaughnessy returns to the club where he made his pro debut.The 28-year-old made 15 appearances for Leeds but then did the lower league hard yards with Mansfield, Rochdale and Burton before Pompey snapped him up last summer.Shaughnessy, who ended up starting 45 of the 46 league games, said: “I enjoyed my time at Leeds — I was signed as an under-21 and managed to get into the team. I got injured and it made it  difficult from there.“It’s going to be great going back. Elland Road has such a great atmosphere. It will be rocking for the first game. I had to drop into the lower leagues so it’s great to be back here again.”Meanwhile, lifelong Pompey fan Marlon Pack will be prouder than anyone when he captains the side on such a big stage.The midfielder — who grew up on the Buckland council estate in the city — was 16 when he watched Kanu score the  winner for Pompey at Wembley to beat Cardiff 1-0 in the 2008 FA Cup Final.Pack — who made his Championship debut for Pompey two  years later aged 19 — returned to his home city after stints with Cheltenham, Bristol City and Cardiff.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “There was no prouder moment than lifting the League One title trophy for my boyhood club and hopefully we can get back to the Premier League.“Two other south coast clubs I can mention — Brighton and Bournemouth — have shown how to do it. We’ve put building blocks in place and hopefully this is the start of something special.” More

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      Wayne Rooney wooing Plymouth squad already as hometown hero reveals how Man Utd legend has transformed area within weeks

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      WAYNE ROONEY has always had superstar quality — but his common touch will make him a huge success at Plymouth.That is the view of lifelong Argyle fan and midfielder Adam Randell.Wayne Rooney is back in the Championship with Plymouth after disappointment at BirminghamCredit: GettyAdam Randell has been impressed by his new bossCredit: RexThe 23-year-old’s jaw almost hit the ground when the England and Manchester United legend was appointed boss this summer.And Randell — along with the rest of the Pilgrims squad — were starstruck when Rooney, 38, walked into Home Park.But having worked with him during pre-season, it has been his down-to-earth persona that has wooed the squad.That has also been reflected off the field where Rooney is embracing life on the Devon coast, wandering into pubs and chatting to locals.READ MORE ON WAYNE ROONEYHe even gatecrashed a quiz evening at one bar — listening intently to the questions in a Euro round, although not taking part himself.And ahead of Sunday’s Championship opener at Sheffield Wednesday, Randell said: “I was surprised when he was announced. I couldn’t believe it.“I had been reading the speculation and thinking, ‘No way’.“When he was named, it was surreal knowing that someone you’ve grown up watching and admiring is going to be in and around you in your daily life. It was strange but very exciting, too.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“You have to give yourself a reality check in a moment like that — knowing who he is and what he’s done in his career, but also understanding he’s now your boss!“And since Rooney has come in, he’s been great. All the lads speak highly of him.Wayne Rooney reveals gruelling weight loss technique he would do after turning up at Man Utd pre-season 7lbs too heavy “He’ll have a conversation with people every single day — which is nice for us.“It’s nice to have that interest in us, whether it’s football based or non-football based. To have that connection is good.“The fact he walked into that pub on quiz night and chatted with everyone is exactly how he’s been here with the players, staff and fans. I’ve actually done that quiz myself.“He’s just a normal, everyday guy who comes across as genuine, likeable and approachable, which is huge for us as players.“We want to be able to talk to the manager and have conversations. There are no heirs and graces about him.”But despite that, just Rooney being the manager has raised the profile of Argyle through the roof.’HE BRINGS SO MANY EYES TO THE CLUB’Randell — born and bred in the city — knows more than anyone how Plymouth is often seen as a football outpost because of its location on the Devon-Cornwall border.He said: “Because he’s such a big name himself, he brings so many eyes to the club.“It was massive for everyone at the club and gave us all a huge boost.“We often get forgotten down this part of the world — that is certainly not going to be the case this season.”The midfielder has already been getting pearls of wisdom from Rooney, who played in his position towards the end of his career.’HE’S ALWAYS HONEST’And Randell said: “I’ve learned a lot directly from him. He has had that experience in my position so has been able to give me certain pointers of what he expects of me.“The things he has been telling other players I’ve listened to — making sure if it’s not directly based towards me I can pick up on that and learn from that as well.“He’s always honest and told us that from the start that’s how he is.“He’s clear in what he expects of people and that is to work hard and be a complete team to win games. We’re fully focused on performing well and getting results.”Randell has been an “obsessed Argyle fan” since he was taken to a home game on his sixth birthday as a treat.And he was thrilled that when he was signed to the club’s academy, he was able to pick up free tickets for Home Park and went most weeks with his dad.He said: “There have been so many fond memories but the one that pops in my head most is Peter Hartley’s late League Two play-off semi-final winner against Portsmouth in 2016.“I was sitting in block two with my family and was tempted to go on the pitch but my dad said ‘No’ because I was in the academy and it wouldn’t have looked good.“That one when I went away to Liverpool in the FA Cup in 2017 was another one. The play-off final in 2016.“So, it’s great to now pull on the green jersey and run out in front of my family and friends, who are all season-ticket holders.“Looking up and seeing smiling Plymouth fans and people I recognise is brilliant.”Randell played for the Pilgrims when they were in League Two and passionately believes the club can aim for Premier League football in the not-too-distant future.Plymouth celebrated staying up by a point in their first campaign after promotion from League One and he wants to be more greedy with his expectations this season.He said: “Our main goal has to be to stay in the division but, ultimately, we want to build for something special to happen here.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’ve spoken about it multiple times and said where we want the club to be in future years.“We’ve said although the Premier League seems a long way away, it’s achievable. There’s nothing that can stop us achieving that.”Rooney is set for his first game in charge of the Pilgrims this SundayCredit: RexRandell is already learning from his new bossCredit: Rex More

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      What is Sky Sports+? How can I watch it, what does it mean for iFollow and how many EFL matches are shown?

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      SKY SPORTS have launched a brand new service – and fans of the EFL are in for a treat!Every Carabao Cup game plus four times the amount of EFL games will be available this season on Sky Sports+.Championship games are live on Sky Sports+Credit: PAWhat is Sky Sports+?Sky Sports+ provides Sky Sports subscribers with 50 per cent more sport at no extra cost, according to Sky.This includes EFL coverage, with more than 1,000 live matches and every Carabao Cup fixture, as well as all games from the men’s rugby Super League.Meanwhile, tennis fans will have access to more than 100 tournaments across the US Open, ATP, and WTA tours.What is on Sky Sports+?Watch your EFL team over 20 times a season, liveEnjoy over 1,000 live EFL games, including every Carabao Cup fixtureWatch every match from the men’s Rugby Super LeagueOver 100 tournaments across the US Open, ATP and WTA tours Offers the capability to show up to 100 events concurrentlyHow can I watch Sky Sports+?Sky Sports+ is now available on Sky TV and on the Sky Sports mobile app for full Sky Sports subscribers.Just select the game you want to watch on the Sky TV homepage, which will show all current live matches to to stream.You can also press the microphone button on your Sky remote, and then say the name of your club and it will show what games are available.Additionally, non-Sky TV subscribers can purchase a NOW.TV subscription which will provide access to all of the Sky Sports+ streams.What does it mean for iFollow?Sky Sports have said in a statement that Sky Sports+ has replaced iFollow in the UK.Most read in EFLSky said: “iFollow and club streams will cease to offer coverage of EFL matches in the UK & Ireland.”Instead, all televised matches will be live on Sky Sports via Sky and streaming service NOW each season. All 72 teams will be featured over 20 times a season on Sky Sports.” More

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      West Brom star Jayson Molumby slapped with five-match ban from FRIENDLIES after wildly punching opponent in face

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      JAYSON MOLUMBY has been hit with a five-match ban from FRIENDLIES following his pre-season punch up against Real Mallorca.The West Brom star, 25, was also fined £16,000 after being involved in a furious bust up with opponent Samu Costa during the match on July 27.Jayson Molumby was involved in a pre-season bust-upMolumby, 25, threw a punch at Samu CostaThe midfielder was furious with a heavy tackle made on himMolumby raged after a hefty challenge made on him, subsequently squaring up to Costa before the pair went head-to-head.Costa then pushed Molumby’s neck, with the Irish international responding by punching him in the face and wrestling him to the ground.Following the Baggies’ 1-0 defeat, which took place at Walsall’s training ground, Molumby was charged with violent conduct by the FA.With the midfielder having accepted the charge, the FA confirmed in a statement: “West Bromwich Albion’s Jayson Molumby has been fined £16,000 and suspended from the club’s next five friendly matches for misconduct during their pre-season match against Real Mallorca on Saturday 27 July.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The midfielder accepted that his behaviour during the fixture constitutes violent conduct, and an independent Regulatory Commission imposed his sanctions at a hearing.”West Brom have played two further friendly matches since facing Mallorca, with Molumby continuing to be involved.His five-match friendly ban will only come into effect for matches involving West Brom.Molumby will be in contention for West Brom’s first league game this weekend.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCarlos Corberan’s men kick off their Championship campaign with a trip to Queens Park Rangers tomorrow lunchtime.Molumby will be hoping to make his first competitive appearance since January in the Loftus Road clash.Man City CAN be relegated next season | Here’s how and the latest on their 115 financial chargesThe 24-cap star suffered a foot injury which required surgery – ruling him out for four months.Prior to his injury he had featured in 24 of West Brom’s first 26 league matches last term.Molumby has continued to be involved in West Brom’s pre-season matchesCredit: Getty More

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      Watch moment Championship club interrupt press conference for ‘most awkward new signing announcement you’ll ever see’

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      SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY have found a new way of announcing a signing which has split opinion.It had some on social media saying it was “The most awkward new signing announcement you’ll see”.Rohl had apparently been taking a regular pre-match press conferenceCredit: X @secondtierpodHe was then ‘interrupted’ by UgboCredit: X @SWFCThe announcement saw Danny Rohl apparently taking a pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday’s Championship season opener against Plymouth.But the manager was then interrupted by a knock at the door, which turned out to be new forward Ike Ugbo.Ugbo spent the second half of last season on loan at Sheffield Wednesday from French side Troyes.While on loan at the Owls, he scored seven goals in 25 appearances.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe spent the first half of last season on loan at Cardiff, but was recalled by Troyes and re-sent on loan to Wednesday to gain more first-team opportunities.He has now signed permanently for Wednesday for an undisclosed fee.The announcement saw Rohl’s acting abilities pushed to the limits, with the manager pretending to be shocked and saying: “Hey, how are you?” to Ugbo.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRohl then left the press conference to allow Ugbo to take questions from the media.Most read in FootballOne fan on X said: “It’s a nice idea, but horrendously executed 😂”Football teams that controversially changed their badgeAnother replied: “It’s like something out of The Office.”Another who didn’t like the announcement said: “Truly abysmal 😂😭”But reaction to the announcement wasn’t all negative.One fan replied: “This is class, wdym hahaha”Another said: “Yeah Röhl isn’t winning an Oscar anytime soon but frankly I couldn’t care less.” More

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      Heartbroken Millwall stars and staff pay emotional tribute to tragic Matija Sarkic after goalkeeper, 26, passed away

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      HEARTBROKEN Millwall players, staff and fans will pay a touching tribute to their much-loved keeper Matija Sarkic this weekend.The 26-year-old tragically passed away after suffering heart failure in June while on holiday with partner Phoebe in his dad’s native Montenegro.Matija Sarkic died earlier this yearCredit: GettyAndy Marshall worked with the goalkeeper at Millwall and Aston VillaCredit: RexJoe Bryan hailed Sarkic as an ‘incredible person’Credit: RexHis untimely death left the whole Millwall community stunned — just one year after their American owner John Berylson died in a car crash and two years since lifelong fan and SunSport journalist Paul Jiggins passed away suddenly, aged 50.Ahead of their Championship opener against Watford, the club will unveil a mural in Sarkic’s honour, funded by the Millwall Supporters’ Club.The Lions are also retiring his No 20 shirt and a new gong called the Matija Sarkic Save of the Season Award will be competed for across the first team, academy and Lionesses.A memorial tree is being planted at the players’ entrance at the request of the squad and Sarkic’s family will be welcomed pitchside pre-match.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLGoalkeeper coach Andy Marshall, 49, worked closely with Grimsby-born Sarkic, first at Aston Villa nine years ago, before linking up again at The Den.Marshall told SunSport: “I met Mati when he was 17 and brought him over to the UK from Belgium.“He was a smart young man and that was the first thing that hit me about him — always eager to learn. He was desperate to absorb all the information you could give him.“And it was that, along with his work-rate and determination to succeed that made me think, ‘this lad is going all the way to the very top’.Most read in Football“He had everything you wanted. The size of the lad, determination but the best thing about him was that he had the ability to have a fun side towards it.“He enjoyed what he was doing. He realised how to become successful and what was needed to become successful plus he could enjoy himself at the same time.”Emotional moment Millwall manager Neil Harris chokes back tears as he reveals heartbreak over death of Matija SarkicMatija Sarkic career statsMillwall: 33 games, 12 clean sheetsShrewsbury: 29 games, 11 clean sheetsBirmingham: 23 games, 10 clean sheetsLivingston: 18 games, nine clean sheetsStoke: Eight games, three clean sheetsWigan: Three gamesHavant & Waterlooville: One gameMarshall will never forget the early morning phone call that broke his heart, from Sarkic’s grieving father Bojan.The Lions coach said: “There are poignant moments in people’s lives when certain things happen and people remember. I was laying at home in bed and at exactly 6.57am my phone rang and I saw it was Bojan.“I didn’t quite get to the phone in time to answer but text to ask him if everything was OK, because when someone calls you just before 7am you know something’s not right.“He called straight back and as I picked the phone up, I knew Mati had died and that was tough. It was awful.“I’ll forever remember the conversation, what he said to me, that Mati had died and that was very, very tough to hear. I had to take ten to 15 minutes to try to absorb it, which was impossible.“I was thinking he was a 26-year-old man who four weeks earlier I had been in Turkey and also in Spain training him.“I also drove over to Belgium to watch him play for Montenegro just ten days before his death.“Matija was like a son to me. I was close to his family, too.“So when I found out this after all the years I have spent with him, it hit me like a juggernaut. I was extremely emotional for a long time after.“It’s hard to accept someone so young has passed away.”Lions defender Joe Bryan, 30, was close friends with Sarkic.He said: “As is often the case in tragic circumstances, you hear people talking about a wonderful, incredible person — and with Mati that is true. He was a happy, smiley, wonderful person.“He was always the first one in to the training ground every morning and had a big smile on his face.  He loved his coffee. I’m also into coffee and he was telling me about all the places that he and Phoebe were going to visit.“He loved his cortado. He always said, ‘The shorter the coffee, the more sophisticated the man’. We’d always laugh about that.“Mati had this Pilates machine in the canteen that he used to always be sitting on doing his hamstring stretches.“Whenever I think about it, it makes me laugh. It looked so out of place in the canteen under the darts board.“It’s been so difficult for us all. We’re just used to seeing him wandering around here with a coffee in his hand smiling. That’s the Mati I remember and it’s difficult moving forward to come to terms with the fact we’ll not see him again.”Millwall boss Neil Harris believes Sarkic had all the talent to reach the very highest level and would have played a key role this season.But he said Sarkic’s sad passing has brought everyone even closer together in what was already a tight-knit dressing room.He said: “When we came back into the building, the first couple of days we started to use it as a mourning period for Mati.“It gave us a chance to laugh, shed a tear, to remember, to talk.“We had a group meeting, which I led, and then had a minute’s silence out on the pitch in the goal area. It felt right to do it in the goal area rather than anywhere else — that helped, it gave us a chance to reflect.“This isn’t about being a professional footballer, this is about being a human being and how you deal with adversity and difficult moments in your life.“We’re here to help, the club have been hugely supportive to everybody but the players have also been exceptional and continue to be exceptional.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s been a difficult couple of years with Jiggo, who was a good friend of mine, passing and then John, who was also a mate as well as my boss.“We will always remember these great people and it’s fitting that the club are doing so much to pay tribute to Mati. He deserves that.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Anthony Knockaert lashes out at ‘clown’ fans of ‘unstable club’ in bizarre rant 11 years after his part in playoff drama

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      FORMER Leicester winger Anthony Knockaert slammed the fans of “unstable” Watford after being bombarded with references to his penalty miss in the 2013 Championship Play-Off semi-final.Knockaert, 32, started for Leicester against the Hornets at Vicarage Road 11 years ago.“Here’s Hogg… DEENEY!!!!!” 🤩Enjoy one of football’s most memorable moments, from on this day in 2013! 📅 pic.twitter.com/L0uc9IeUcs— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) May 12, 2024

      Anthony Knockaert went on a furious social media rantThe winger missed a penalty in the 2013 Championship Play-Off semi-finalCredit: GettyWith the score 2-2 on aggregate, he stepped up to take a penalty in the 97th minute but his effort was saved by Manuel Almunia.Watford then went straight to the other end where Jonathan Hogg set up Troy Deeney for a dramatic late winner.Over a decade on from that iconic match, Knockaert has bizarrely hit out at Watford fans by calling them “clowns” in a social media rant.On his Instagram story, the ex-winger wrote: “Ok just to make it clear… You guys keep writing “Here’s Hogg” whatever!Read More in Football”Listen your clowns. Without me you would of never experienced a playoff final in Wembley that you lost… Kevin Phillips you remember???”You all that stupid that you are even writing this like you made it..”How to describe Watford Football Club??? Unstable club that has 6 different manager per season…”So please enjoy your life and leave me alone for once…”Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFans took to social media to react to the bizarre rant, with one person writing: “Anthony Knockaert has completely lost it… the blokes put a statement out about the Deeney goal that happened 11 years ago 🤣.”Another said: “Someone should probably explain to Anthony Knockaert that saying this on social media is only going to ensure that the exact reply he’s hoping to stop is going to up tenfold from now on.”Where the Soccer Saturday stars are nowA third commented: “Anthony Knockaert has had it with Watford fans bringing up his penalty miss from 11 years ago…”While a fourth wrote: “Anthony Knockaert’s lost his head 🤣.”After leaving Leicester in 2015, Knockaert went on to play for Standard Liege, Brighton, Fulham, Nottingham Forest, Volos, Huddersfield and Valenciennes.He announced his retirement from professional football last month.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Tom Lockyer hopes to resume career after rehabbing with heart specialists in Amsterdam having ‘literally died’ on pitch

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      TOM LOCKYER hopes to resume his Luton career after rehabbing with heart specialists in Amsterdam.The Hatters captain, 29, had said he was “at peace” with retirement at the end of last season.Tom Lockyer hopes to return to football after rehabbing with heart specialistsCredit: GettyThe defender suffered a cardiac arrest during a game against Bournemouth last seasonCredit: GettyHe has yet to resume training at Luton since returning home from the Netherlands, with Rob Edwards’ side kicking off their Championship season at home to Burnley a week tonight.Centre-back Lockyer remains under the care of Luton’s medical team after having an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) fitted to regulate his abnormal heart rhythm.The Wales international suffered a cardiac arrest during the Prem game against Bournemouth in December and admitted he “literally died” when his heart stopped for 2min 40sec.He also collapsed during the Championship play- off final against Coventry at Wembley in May last year with an irregular heartbeat.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLockyer has seen Professor Sanjay Shah, a London-based cardiologist who helped Christian Eriksen return to action following his cardiac arrest during Denmark’s Euro 2020 opener in June 2021.Eriksen had an ICD fitted and spent nine months on the sidelines.He was unable to resume his career at Inter Milan as he could not get insured, so joined Brentford in January 2022 before moving to Manchester United that summer.Last year, midfielder Eriksen, 32, said: “You just have to let it heal for a few months and after you can do whatever you’re capable of.”Most read in EFLCarlisle United striker Charlie Wyke also returned to football after being fitted with an ICD in 2022.Wyke suffered a cardiac arrest in training while at Wigan, with the 31-year-old revealing he was inspired to return to football by Eriksen’s comeback.Tom Lockyer destroys Micah Richards with brutal putdown leaving Shearer and Lineker in stitches More