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      Leeds could bring back fans’ favourite Kalvin Phillips in cut price transfer three years after £42m Man City move

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      LEEDS’ promotion to the top flight may spark an emotional Elland Road return for Kalvin Phillips.And his home town club could land their former skipper for half the £42million Manchester City paid to sign him three years ago.Kalvin Phillips has had a fruitless loan spell at Ipswich this seasonCredit: RexThe former England star is a legend at Leeds UnitedCredit: GettyPhillips left Leeds in 2022 after 12 years at the club, with fans dubbing him the Yorkshire Pirlo.But his first two seasons at City brought just six starts, while boss Pep Guardiola called him overweight on returning from the 2022 World Cup.Guardiola apologised, but the midfielder remained an Etihad outcast and spent the second half of last season on loan at West Ham.He joined newly promoted Ipswich in August, but there have been just 16 starts and one goal in a Portman Road switch that never took off.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIt has been a stunning fall from grace for the midfielder, who helped lead Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds into the top flight in 2020, after a 16-year absence.Current Elland Road boss Daniel Farke knows he needs to strengthen for their Prem return.A move for Phillips  — with the added incentive of proving he can still cut it in the top flight  — is a no brainer for both Leeds and the player.SunSport first exclusively suggested Leeds’ interest in Phillips last month.Most read in SportAnd in February he “liked” a post that highlighted the flying form of Elland Road winger Dan James.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKNow momentum for a possible move is building.It comes as Farke shrugged off speculation over his own future.Patrick Bamford leads fans in X-rated chant about Chris Wilder as Leeds celebrate promotionThere’s been talk that Leeds’ US-based owners 49s Enterprises are not convinced he’s the right person to oversee the club at top-flight level.But asked if he felt disrespected, Farke said: “Not at all, it’s not surprising.“I knew for which club I signed, I’m not sure how many managers Leeds had in the last 20 years, but it’s a good effort if you last for three months.“Once you sign a contract, there’s lots of pressure, noise, expectations.“On a weekly basis someone is linked. It’s nothing new.” More

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      Man Utd legend, 61, set to take charge of National League side as he says ‘it wouldn’t be beneath me’

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      MARK HUGHES is preparing to take another step down to help Carlisle back up into the Football League.The Manchester United legend racked up 569 games as a Premier League boss after five years in charge of Wales.Mark Hughes was unable to steer Carlisle United away from relegation to the National LeagueHughes did everything he could to save the Cumbrians after being hired in FebruaryCredit: PANow he looks certain to remain in charge of the Cumbrians in next season’s National League after they were relegated with defeat at Cheltenham.Hughes, who also spent 20 months as Bradford City chief, sees no problem in finding himself in the fifth tier of English football, declaring: “I have no ego.“Just because I played for United and managed clubs like Manchester City, or led my country, doesn’t mean being in charge of a National League team would somehow be beneath me.“Maybe other people might feel that but not me, even if I recognise  it would be pretty unique for someone with some of the high spots I’ve had in my career.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS“I showed how much I still love being a manager by going to Bradford — when you’ve been a manager as long as I have you just miss that buzz of standing on the touchline at three o’clock on  a Saturday afternoon.”The 61-year-old — who won two Prem titles and enjoyed a clutch of cup  successes at Old Trafford — also bossed Blackburn Rovers, Stoke, Fulham, QPR and Southampton.After being sacked by the Saints in 2018, he spent more than three years out of the game before shocking the football world by turning up at the Bantams.Hughes then replaced Mike Williamson in February with Carlisle five points adrift at the bottom of League Two and had won five and drawn five of 16 games before the near–inevitable happened on Saturday.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordRelegation or not, the indications are that he will stay after signing a rolling contract three months ago.Hughes added: “The owners are good people and they still have some big plans.Danny Devito celebrates Wrexham’s last-gasp win over Barnsley as he watches from virtual stadium in LA“Discussions have taken place about me staying and plans for the future. This has been a tough challenge but one I’d still be up for, so we’ll see.“We have around 18 players under contract for next season. “The core of the side is already there and we’ve seen how well they’ve responded over the last couple of months against all the odds.”Americans Tom and Patty Piatak bought Carlisle 17 months ago, announcing ambitious plans to reach the Championship. Instead, the logistics millionaires from Florida have overseen successive relegations.And the owners said they were “deeply sorry for putting the fans through so much pain”.But there was also a huge hint that Hughes will be staying on, with their statement declaring: “Planning for next season is already in motion. “Discussions with Mark Hughes are ongoing and positive.“In recent weeks, Mark has helped rebuild the connection between the team and supporters.Read More on The Sun“It’s a small but important step.“It shows what this football club can still become — and underlines how far we still have to go.” More

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      ‘What I love about this place…’ Inside Wrexham’s wild celebrations as Ryan Reynolds issues emotional statement

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      RYAN REYNOLDS released an emotional statement amid wild celebrations as Wrexham climbed into the Championship.The Welsh side beat Charlton 3-0 yesterday to land their third promotion in as many years.Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds celebrated promotion to the ChampionshipCredit: RexIt is the Dragons’ third promotion in as many seasonsCredit: ReutersFans invaded the pitch in celebrationCredit: Instagram/Ryan ReynoldsReynolds and his actress wife Blake Lively were at the Racecourse Ground yesterdayCredit: Instagram @vancityreynoldsThey covered the club chief in GatoradeCredit: Instagram @wrexham_afcThere were wild celebrations in the dressing roomCredit: Instagram @wrexham_afcActors-turned-club owners Reynolds and Rob McElhenney were both at the Racecourse Ground to join in with the party.As the final whistle went, fans invaded the pitch in celebration and the Hollywood duo shared a lengthy hug. Reynolds, who was joined by his actress wife Blake Lively, posed for a snap in the stands before they then headed down to the pitch.The Deadpool star got his hands on a medal and was seen congratulating his players and manager Phil Parkinson.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReynolds and McElhenney then brought an American tradition to English football by pouring a huge bucket of sports drink Gatorade over club chief Michael Williamson.The party carried onto long into the night as champagne was sprayed around the dressing room.Wrexham stars downed booze and poured beer over boss Parkinson, who has overseen an incredible rise from the National League to the Championship.The win over Charlton was his 181st league match in charge of the club and his 112th victory.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBooze was thrown around the dressing room as the party went long into the nightCredit: Instagram @wrexham_afcThey purchased the club for £2m and it now worth over £100mCredit: Instagram @vancityreynoldsCEO Michael Williamson was left drenchedCredit: Instagram @wrexham_afcThey have scored 361 goals and average a stunning 2.08 points per game.Wrexham have made climbing the football pyramid look simple and an emotional Reynolds said in a statement: “We’ve been with Wrexham for what seems like the blink of an eye, but so much has happened. Ryan Reynolds tells Liverpool star Mo Salah to ‘think about’ stunning Wrexham transfer in brilliant video”I remember the first press conference, we were asked what our goals were… and I think Rob jumped in with, ‘The Premier League.'”People laughed. They had every right to. It seemed insane… but we weren’t kidding.”I feel at home here. It’s a place that values community, decency and history. “From the respect it pays to the Gresford Disaster, to the feeling of hope and miracles created by Mickey Thomas. These are big reasons Wrexham is growing into what it always was. “It isn’t just a place with a history of ups and downs, it’s also a FEELING. And a feeling is sometimes as good or better than a memory.”We made history. We’ve been promoted for a record third time in a row. “That doesn’t happen without the wisdom of Phil Parkinson and his coaching staff, or the talent of Paul Mullin. It doesn’t happen without Max Cleworth and Arthur Okonkwo. “Or Mark Howard who may have one of the hardest jobs there is. I watched Sam Smith create a frightening blend between football and martial arts, scoring our second goal yesterday.”The Stadium feels like a church. I know so many of you now. Since February, 2021, I’ve watched babies become regulars. And some regulars depart us for good. “We’ve had the honour to scatter ashes of loved ones across that field. I’ve even watched every available hand shovel snow off the pitch to keep a match from cancellation.”Somebody said the Welsh have the ‘heart of a poet and the fist of a fighter.’ That’s what I love about this place. I wish the whole world could visit Wrexham.”Lively added: “Back-to-back-to-back. History was made. I will never forget the love and elation in that town today. Thank you for sharing it with us.”Read More on The SunReynolds and McElhenney bought the club in February 2021 for £2m and it now worth over £100m.Being in the second tier is expected to see the club make at least £13m more per year.Reynolds and McElhenney hugged as the final whistle wentCredit: Instagram @vancityreynoldsBlake Lively posed with the players including skipper Ollie PalmerCredit: Instagram @vancityreynoldsReynolds expressed his love for Wrexham in an emotional statementCredit: RexThe promotion will see the club pocket an extra £13m-a-year at leastCredit: AP More

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      Norwich consider shock move for Watford manager Tom Cleverley, 35, after sacking Johannes Hoff Thorup

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      WATFORD boss Tom Cleverley is a shock name on the Norwich shortlist to fill their managerial vacancy.Cleverley, 35, has made a good start to his career as a gaffer after his surprise call to take charge of the Hornets last year.Tom Cleverley is being eyed by Norwich bosses for the vacant managerial roleCredit: RexJohannes Hoff Thorup was sacked by the Canaries earlier this monthCredit: AlamyJack Wilshere was put in interim charge until the end of the seasonCredit: GettyThe former Manchester United and England midfielder has stepped up comfortably and caught the eye of the Canaries.Norwich could offer Cleverley a more stable environment and a long-term plan to work on.And they may appeal if they decide he is their first choice.Cleverley was appointed Watford boss last year and has led the Hornets to 13th in the table. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe was given a stay of execution in January after speculation the club would pull the trigger with a playoff push fizzling out. Johannes Hoff Thorup was axed by the Canaries following a 3-1 Easter Monday defeat to Millwall. The Dane failed to launch a promotion bid at Carrow Road with Norwich 12 points off the playoffs. Former Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere was put in interim charge by sporting director Ben Knapper.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKWilshere admitted: “He was my first coach and he lost his job.” “It’s never a nice feeling when that happens, and actually it was my first time experiencing it as a coach.Jack Wilshere in race against time as he faces huge 350-mile commute from managerial debut to run London Marathon”We’ve had a few bad results, and you get a feeling about the atmosphere not being great and the environment.”But listen, I was behind the manager, we were all behind the manager. “We were all trying to help him get some results and get some performances, and then all of a sudden you get a phone call and things change really quickly.”I got a phone call on Tuesday morning after our game on Monday, maybe at 10am. “I made my way to the training ground and I’ve been there ever since!”Wilshere’s side earned a point on the road at Middlesbrough on Saturday afternoon.The 0-0 stalemate put a big dent in Boro’s own playoff hopes, setting up a showdown with 6th-placed Coventry on the final day. More

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      Premier League history made as Ipswich RELEGATED to Championship… but Newcastle tighten grip on Champions League

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      IPSWICH’S relegation to the Championship was confirmed as Newcastle ensured a perfect return for Eddie Howe after his health scare.Goals from Alexander Isak, his 26th of the season, Dan Burn and Will Osula secured a 3-0 victory on their manager’s comeback after his pneumonia battle.Ipswich confirmed Premier League history with their relegationCredit: ReutersAlexander Isak saw Newcastle strengthen their Champions League hopes as he kickstarted a 3-0 drubbingCredit: PADan Burn rose highest to nod home Toon’s secondCredit: AlamyWilliam Osula added his first Premier League goal for the MagpiesCredit: AFPWith Ipswich’s relegation, it is the earliest ever that all three relegated teams have been confirmedCredit: ReutersWhile that moved them third and bolstered their Champions League hopes, Kieran McKenna’s Tractor Boys were condemned to the second tier after ill-discipline caused their implosion.Despite all the odds being stacked against them, Ipswich looked anything but overawed and took the game straight to Newcastle.Dan Burn escaped lightly after his loose pass was pounced on by Jack Clarke, whose resulting shot just took a nick of Fabian Schar to divert it an inch the wrong side of the far post.Liam Delap, perhaps auditioning for a potential summer switch to the North East, had a strike blocked before he latched onto a Schar error only for the Swiss star’s recovery block. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNewcastle were flat and just could not get going, but a harshly disallowed goal on 22 minutes finally got a bee in their bonnet.Harvey Barnes knocked a cross towards the back post where the Brazilian stood his ground and turned his back as Alex Palmer darted out, only for the keeper to bounce off the Toon captain and fall to the ground after the slightest nudge.Frustration was growing around St James’ both in the stands and on the pitch as another VAR check was needed to clear both Town skipper Sam Morsy and Joe Willock after a coming together. The visitors were sitting deep, not allowing Isak to get behind.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIn fact, the hotshot Swede had to wait until after half hour for a sniff, firstly heading over Harvey Barnes’ cross and within a minute there were more groans as he volleyed high off target from Jacob Murphy’s knock in.Up the other end, Johnson had just gone into the book for simulation after diving over the legs of Dan Burn 20 yards out and seven minutes later he was off after tugging at Isak.Gary Neville tells Eddie Howe clear reason why he should QUIT Newcastle for ‘next step up’ in his careerKieran McKenna was furious as he was forced to sacrifice ex-Sunderland winger Clarke to bring on defender Ben Godfrey.The atmosphere was white hot now but his brave Tractor Boys refused to buckle as Luke Woolfenden denied Guimaraes the opener on the line and Sandro Tonali crashed an effort off the crossbar.Ipswich were on the ropes and desperate for the break but their hard work was further undone by another lack of discipline.Murphy got the wrong side of Julio Enciso and was sent flying after a pull, allowing Isak to send the resulting penalty kick past Palmer.Chants of “Premier League, corrupt as f***” rang out from the away end and at least their second half collapse ensured they won’t have to endure any more apparent injustice next term.Already facing a mountain to climb, things got even worse for Ipswich as their top-flight status was swept away in a Toon tidal wave.A short corner routine resulted in Kieran Trippier floating a cross towards the back post for giant Burn to nod in and double the advantage.Murphy’s long-ranger curled just wide as it turned into one-way traffic and the third eventually arrived.Osula, only on the bench for a matter of minutes, rose highest to head home Trippier’s corner for his first top-flight goal for the club.It should have been four, but Bruno Guimaraes hooked the ball high over the crossbar with the goal-gaping.Anthony Gordon also forced Palmer into a diving stop in the dying seconds but they were forced to settle for three as their focus switches to next week’s trip to Brighton.Read More on The SunAlthough the one downside for Newcastle and Howe was a booking for his assistant Jason Tindall during the second half.The man dubbed ‘Mad Dog’ had been on best behaviour while covering for Howe during his sickness, but this third caution of the campaign means he will be banned from the touchline against the Seagulls. More

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      ‘I know what club I signed for’ – Daniel Farke breaks silence on sack rumours as Leeds boss says ‘it’s not surprising’

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      DANIEL FARKE is unsurprised by claims Leeds  are considering sacking him — despite securing Premier League promotion.The Whites sealed their top-flight return after two years out when they thumped Stoke 6-0 last Monday.Daniel Farke says someone is linked with his job ‘on a weekly basis’Credit: PALeeds players celebrated their Prem return at Elland RoadCredit: AlamyYet despite his success, Leeds reportedly doubt boss Farke is the right man to lead them into the big time.The German’s critics point to his record  with Norwich — two Prem promotions and two immediate returns to the second tier.Asked if he felt disrespected, Farke said: “Not at all, it’s not surprising.“I knew for which club I signed, I’m not sure how many managers Leeds had in the last 20 years, but it’s a good effort if you last for three months.READ MORE LEEDS UNITED NEWS“Once you sign a contract, there’s lots of pressure, noise, expectations.“On a weekly basis someone is linked. It’s nothing new.”Leeds’ US-based owners 49s Enterprises are not convinced the ex-Borussia Monchengladbach chief is the right man for 2025-26..Supporters sang the 48-year-old’s name amid promotion celebrations outside Elland Road on Monday night. Most read in FootballFarke took Leeds to the play-offs this year and promotion this timeCredit: GettyBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut Farke has failed to win over at least one section of Leeds fans.They were unhappy with his playing style, use of substitutes and, until recently, his faith in keeper Illan Meslier.Inside Leeds’ wild promotion celebrations with thousands of fans greeting team and former Man Utd star on the micFarke took the reins at Leeds last term following relegation and only missed out on a Prem spot when Southampton won the play-off final. Now he’s not just ensured a return to the elite, his team top the Championship on goal difference.And victory in their final two games would mean 100 points.Leeds host Bristol City on Monday then travel to bottom side Plymouth on May 3.However, Farke’s win record in the Prem stands at only 12%.And if Leeds did take the controversial decision to replace him, there could be an attempt to lure back Carlos Corberan.Read More on The SunThe Spaniard was assistant boss at Elland Road under Marcelo Bielsa and had decent spells in charge of Huddersfield and West Brom.Three huge names have also been mentioned – Steven Gerrard, Patrick Vieira and Jose Mourinho. More

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      Fire brigade rush to Championship stadium as blaze erupts in laundry room ahead of huge clash

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      FIRE CREWS were called to tackle a fire at Luton Town football club.Pictures and videos shared on social media showed the home of the Championship football club, Kenilworth Road, on fire on Friday evening.Fire crews were seen tackling a fire at Luton Town’s Kenilworth Road on Friday eveningCredit: https://x.com/dawkinscov1980/status/1915863364422586613The source of the incident was from a small appliance that had caught fire in the stadium’s laundry roomCredit: AlamyFirefighters were seen battling the blaze as black smoke billowed from the stadium.Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to the scene at 8:08pm, with crews from Luton, Stopsley, Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard stations all responding.The fire brigade said firefighters wore breathing apparatus and tackled the blaze from an aerial platform and a 9-metre ladder using two hose reels during the incident.A thermal imaging camera was also used to check for hotspots in the operation.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe fire brought was under control and extinguished within two hours.A Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service statement confirmed crews remained on the scene and a full road closure was still in place on Hatters Way hours later.The shocking scenes came hours before the Championship outfit’s match against Coventry.The clash, which could be pivotal in the Hatters’ battle against relegation, was due to start at 12:30pm.Most read in FootballAnd a statement released by the club at 10:39pm confirmed there would be “no disruption” to the fixture with Coventry.The full statement read “We would like to advise supporters that following reports of an incident at Kenilworth Road this evening, there is no disruption to tomorrow’s fixture with Coventry City taking place.”Smoke was found to be coming from a small appliance that had caught fire in the stadium’s laundry room, which was contained within that area and has been dealt with swiftly to prevent any substantial damage.”We would like to offer a huge thank you to Beds Fire & Rescue for their quick intervention, along with club partners and staff who are also on site to help resolve the issue and ensure that everything is now safe.” More

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      I’ve been relegated and promoted from the Premier League – here’s how Leeds and Burnley can escape ‘yo-yo’ curse

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      SO now we know four  of the six clubs who will be promoted to or relegated from the Premier League.And we need to make sure this magnificent competition remains a meritocracy.Burnley have bounced back to the Prem under Scott ParkerCredit: RexLeeds are also returning to the top flight with two games to spareCredit: RexKarren Brady has seen relegation and promotion during her time as West Ham vice-chairmanCredit: GettyI’ve heard some supporters say: “It’s the same clubs going up and down” — but that’s  just not true. While this season the ‘three-up, three down’ did happen — or is about to — over the years that has not been a regular trend.There have been some yo-yo clubs, but remember in 2021-22 all the promoted clubs stayed in the Premier League and flourished.Just look where they are now. Fulham, Bournemouth and Champions League-chasing Nottingham Forest are all in the top half.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSo, it can be done and we want to make sure that remains the case, in order to uphold the Prem as world football’s most vibrant and exciting domestic competition.Heck, we must be doing something right as the average top-flight  attendance this season is more than 40,000 and the full-house signs are up everywhere. A decade ago that figure was 36,000 and 20 years ago it was 33,000.If you analyse the stats, relegated clubs from the Prem finish on average ninth in their first  season in the Championship, then 12th in their second season.Most read in FootballThriving Nottingham Forest are fourth in the Prem after beating SpursCredit: RexBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThat does not suggest there is a long-term trend for teams  bouncing between the two leagues but it does mean we must keep a very close eye on the situation as the Prem should reward success, as well as punish failure.What we have to ensure is that on any given day any side can beat anyone else in the Prem.Scott Parker sheds tears in emotional celebration with family as Burnley boss retains hundred per cent promotion recordForest won at Liverpool in  September, just as Fulham beat the champions-elect this month.Ditto Arsenal, who lost at home to West Ham in February.Also, Forest, Bournemouth,  Fulham and Brighton are all in the top half, with Brentford 11th and Crystal Palace 12th. That suggests merit is alive and kicking.To those clubs chasing the Prem dream . . . good luck.So far Sheffield United and Sunderland have booked themselves two of the four play-off  places and both clubs will know that promotion to the top flight will bring unbridled joy to fans.It is the Willy Wonka golden ticket and the financial windfall can change the future.You are then in the big league, performing in front of a global audience of billions.There is increased revenue from TV money, sponsorships, attendances and countless other commercial opportunities which come knocking, whereas for those clubs who get relegated from the Prem it is a tough world out there.Cost-cutting is the name of the game as revenue drops by millions in one hit. I know, I’ve been there.Without parachute payments, the tough task of remaining in the Prem gets even tougher and relegation is ArmageddonI’ve lived with the pain of relegation and  joy of promotion and, believe me, you never forget either.The challenge for whichever club joins Burnley and Leeds in the Prem next season is sustainability.Spend wisely and don’t go overboard in the transfer market.There are examples of clubs who have managed the leap into the Prem after showing resilience and building strong foundations.They have spent on the right players, appointed the right manager and have treated survival as a starting point, not the finishing line.Promotion to the Prem can make or break you and if the powers-that-be abolish parachute payments — which they have threatened to — I predict a very bleak future for some clubs.Without parachute payments, the tough task of remaining in the Prem gets even tougher and relegation is Armageddon.Read More on The SunAs we near the last few hurdles in the campaign, some will dream and some will turn to despair.And that’s why it remains the game we all love. More