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      Matija Sarkic dead aged 26: Millwall and Montenegro goalkeeper tragically dies after ‘short illness’

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      MILLWALL goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has tragically passed away aged just 26.The nine-cap Montenegro star reportedly fell ill while on international duty in the town of Budva.Matija Sarkic was Millwall’s No1 keeperCredit: PAThe Montenegro star had a bright future for club and countryCredit: GettySarkic was named man of the match in his final two gamesCredit: GettyMontenegrin state-owned TV station RTCG report that Sarkic went for a walk with pals, had dinner in a restaurant and returned to his apartment early.He is believed to have told friends he felt ill after waking up at around 6am this morning and they called an ambulance but it was too late.Millwall confirmed the sad news in a statement, which read: “Millwall football club is completely devastated to announce that Matija Sarkic has passed away at the age of 26.”Sarkic, The Lions’ No1 goalkeeper, made 33 appearances for the club since joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers in August 2023.read more football news”A Montenegro international, Matija proudly represented his country on numerous occasions.”Everyone at the club sends their love and condolences to Matija’s family and friends at this immensely sad time.”The club will make no further comment at this time and asks that the privacy of Matija’s family is respected.”Millwall Supporters’ Club posted on X: “What horrendous news to wake up to this morning that our goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has died at the young age of 26. Devastating news for his friends and family and for all of us associated with Millwall. Once a lion, always a lion.”Most read in Football”Awful news RIP Matij,” commented one fan.Another added: “Absolutely shocking news, and so young what a huge loss to his family and the football family.”A third posted: “RIP Matija from a Birmingham fan. Great keeper, great bloke. Such awful news.”Sarkic was named man of the match in his last outing for Montenegro as he made nine saves in a 2-0 defeat to Euro 2024 hopefuls Belgium.The talented No1 was also handed the honour in Millwall’s final game of the season – a 1-0 win over Swansea.His father Bojan Sarkic is a Montenegrin diplomat and his twin brother Oliver is also a footballer.The attacking midfielder plays for Montenegro outfit Decic having come through Anderlecht and Benfica’s academies.R.I.P Matija Sarkic was only with us for a season but was a great player and got to speak to him at the player awards that season and he was a great guy, loved the fact we turned up with about 10 Montenegro flags behind his goal at cov away. always a blue 🔵#BCFC #MFC pic.twitter.com/We48PqnqKd— Jack 🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@jackil3s) June 15, 2024

      Matija Sarkic played for several clubs in EnglandCredit: GettyThe keeper was a popular figureCredit: GettyMatija also began his career in Anderlecht’s academy before being snapped up by Aston Villa in 2015.The Grimsby-born stopper joined Wolves in 2020 and found form in loan spells with Shrewsbury, Birmingham – where he was named Player of the Season in 2022 – and Stoke.That convinced Millwall to make a permanent move last summer and Sarkic made 33 appearances for the Lions, who won five games in a row to end the season 13th in the Championship.Tributes have flooded in for Sarkic from the football world.Aston Villa posted on X: “Everyone at Aston Villa is deeply saddened by news of the passing of our former goalkeeper Matija Sarkic. “Matija joined our academy in 2015 and spent five years with the club, during which time he made his full international debut for Montenegro, before departing in the summer of 2020. “The thoughts and condolences of all at the club are with his family and friends at this incredibly sad time.”The Premier League’s official account added: “Our thoughts and condolences are with Matija’s family and friends, and everyone associated with the club.”Matija Sarkic career stats
      Millwall: 33 games, 12 clean sheets
      Shrewsbury: 29 games, 11 clean sheets
      Birmingham: 23 games, 10 clean sheets
      Livingston: 18 games, nine clean sheets
      Stoke: Eight games, three clean sheets
      Wigan: Three games
      Havant & Waterlooville: One game

      Gillingham posted on X: “Everyone at Gillingham football club would like to send their thoughts and condolences to the friends and family of Matija Sarkic, who has suddenly passed away at the age of 26.”We extend our thoughts and condolences to everyone associated with Millwall FC at this very difficult time.”Gills goalkeeping coach Deren Ibrahim added: Heartbreaking news to wake up to this morning. Thoughts with everyone associated with Millwall FC . From one goalkeeping department to another Matija will be a huge loss.”Fabrizio Romano posted: “Heartbreaking news that Millwall and Montenegro goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has tragically passed away, aged 26. Thoughts with family… rest in peace, Matija.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd former club Birmingham wrote: “Everyone at Birmingham City is shocked and saddened to learn of the news that our former goalkeeper, Matija Sarkic, has passed away at the age of 26.”Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and all those that knew him.”MATIJA SARKICAll you need to know about his career:
      Clubs:
      Aston Villa (2015-2020)
      Wigan (Loan 2017/2018)
      Stratford Town (Loan 2018/2019)
      Havant & Waterlooville (Loan 2019)
      Livingston (Loan 2019/2020)
      Wolves (2020-2023)
      Shrewsbury (Loan 2020/21)
      Birmingham (Loan 2021/22)
      Stoke (Loan 2023)
      Millwall (2023/24)
      Honours:
      Birmingham City Player of the Season 2022
      International:Montenegro (9 caps) More

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      Oxford announce forgotten Chelsea wonderkid’s new deal and aim sly dig at John Terry in stunning announcement

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      OXFORD took aim at Chelsea legend John Terry in their announcement video of ex-Blues man Josh McEachran’s contract extension.Midfielder McEachran, 31, played 22 times for the two-time European champions after coming through their academy set-up.Josh McEachran’s face was mocked up into his contract extension announcement videoCredit: X / @OUFCOfficialOxford aimed a sly dig at Chelsea legend John Terry in the clipCredit: X / @OUFCOfficialHe has since gone on to play for the likes of Brentford, Birmingham and MK Dons, before he joined Oxford on a free transfer last summer.His deal expired at the end of this season, but the newly-promoted Championship outfit have now confirmed a one-year contract extension with a hilarious video on X.It showed McEachran’s face photo-shopped into the scene of a film where a passenger is checking into a flight.The character mocked up to be McEachran proceeds to receive a complimentary entrance to the first-class lounge.READ MORE ON CHELSEAIt then cuts to a clip of former Chelsea defender Terry, 43, saying: “And I’m sitting in economy, Josh McEachran… all in first class.”The footage came from an interview Terry gave back in April when he claimed ex-Blues manager Andre Villas-Boas made senior players fly economy while the younger members of the squad went first class.And fans on social media were loving the mash-up announcement by Oxford.One said: “This is outstanding 🤣.”Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMcEachran played 26 League One games for Oxford this seasonAnother added: “Unreal announcement vid.”While a third replied: “Okay that’s class.”Forgotten Chelsea flop Hakim Ziyech lashes out and throws boots away after being subbed in World Cup qualifierTerry said on Up Front with Up Front with Simon Jordan: “I’ll give you a little story. We went to Hong Kong, I think when he was first manager.”We get on the plane, we get on and I’m sitting in economy on a 13-hour flight and we’ve got Josh McEachran, Nathaniel Chalobah, couple of other young players in first class.”And this was part of AVB’s going, ‘No, no. No player’s bigger than me. Everyone’s the same.'”So, I get on the plane and it turns out that Lamps is flying out first class and I’m flying back in first class.”If you fly out in first, you come back business or economy, premium economy, whatever it was. But basically it wasn’t good enough.”So I’m on the plane going, ‘No, no, we’re not going anywhere until these young players go back in economy and the first-team players that have built this club to where it is today go back in first.”And we’re on the plane and people are up and down, AVB comes up and goes, ‘What’s the problem?'”I’m going, ‘Well, we’re not going anywhere till the young players move.’ And to be fair to the young players they’re going, ‘JT, it’s really uncomfortable we’re going back.'”And I’m going, ‘No, no, it’s not your decision he has to own it as AVB.'”This was one of his first things in front of everyone, in the end it spins so all first-team players fly first, younger players go back in economy.READ MORE SUN STORIES”That’s how it should be, these younger players are striving to be where we’ve got and he tried to make a statement on day one and he failed instantly because I promise you, the plane wasn’t going.”And, it would have gone without myself, Frank and Didier.” More

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      Man City to sell homegrown star who’s the son of Premier League cult hero to help with their PSR issues

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      MANCHESTER CITY will sell striker Liam Delap to a Premier League club to help their PSR issues.Delap, 21, is back from a loan at Hull and because he is home-grown, that helps the calculations before City spends again.Manchester City are set to sell Liam Delap to help with PSR issues at the clubCredit: GettyDelap has just returned from a season on loan at HullCredit: GettyPep Guardiola’s side will need to get rid of the England U21 forward to avoid breaking Profit and Sustainability Regulations.City want around £10million for the Delap and may include a ‘buy-back’ clause in any deal.While the star has attracted interest from Hull, newly promoted Southampton are also keen to sign the youngster.The forward is the son of former Premier League star Rory Delap.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis dad, now 47, starred for Stoke City among others – and became renowned in the Potteries for his incredible long throw.Liam joined the Prem champions’ academy from Derby in 2019.He has played six times for City’s first team, scoring once – during a League Cup victory over Bournemouth in September 2020.Delap followed in his father’s footsteps by playing for Stoke during the 2022-23 season – scoring three goals in 23 appearances.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIn January 2023 he was recalled by City and sent to Preston, where he netted once in 15 games.His best loan spell has come at Hull this season, where he helped Liam Rosenior’s side to a seventh-placed finish.Home Wins – Alex FergusonThe Tigers missed out on a play-off place on the final day, losing 1-0 at Plymouth Argyle.He scored eight goals in 31 Championship appearances in total for Hull.Liam is the son of Premier League hero Rory Delap who was well-known for his incredible long throwsCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Unemployed ex-Premier League star eyed by Championship side Watford with newly-promoted Derby also keen on transfer

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      WATFORD are keen on Ben Osborn after Sheffield United let him go.Osborn was released alongside nine other stars last month as the Yorkshire club announced their retained list.Watford and Derby are interested in signing Ben OsbornCredit: GettyThe Hornets like the midfielder’s experience and want him to sign in case the Blades come back for him when their takeover bid is settled.Osborn, 29, made 24 Premier League appearances for Sheffield United last season, registering two assists in the process.He left Bramall Lane having represented the club some 230 times over the course of five years.Watford aren’t the only club interested in swooping in for Osborn though.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNewly promoted Championship outfit Derby are also keen on Osborn who was born in Derby himself.However the Rams also have other midfield targets on their list.Another ex-Blade is also looking to earn themselves a spot in the Championship next term too.Midfielder John Fleck is training through the summer in a bid to win a new deal at Blackburn.Most read in FootballEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSThe 32-year-old joined Rovers on a short-term contract in February and picked up a shin injury on his debut. He now hopes to prove he is fit enough for a longer stay after playing just 17 minutes of football for the side last season.Dream Team’s Nick Elliott previews this summer’s Euros fantasy gamePLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament. More

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      Harry Redknapp’s grandson, 18, signs for his former club after completing transfer from Premier League side

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      HARRY REDKNAPP’S grandson, Harry Redknapp Jr, has signed for non-league side Dorchester Town.The former AFC Bournemouth youth team player was one of 14 stars released by the club this summer.Harry Redknapp Jr has signed for Dorchester TownCredit: DORCHESTER TOWN FCIt comes after he was released by Bournemouth this summerCredit: InstagramHe is the grandson of Harry RedknappCredit: PARedknapp, 18, joined Bournemouth at the age of seven after being born in nearby Poole.The centre-back spent time at Dorchester on loan last season, and made two appearances for QPR Under-18s in the FA Youth Cup.The Southern League Premier Division South side have opted to make the move permanent this summer following his release from Bournemouth.He follows in the footsteps of his father Mark and grandfather Harry in signing for Dorchester – with all three of them playing for the Magpies at some point in their career.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAfter signing the youngster, boss Tom Killick said: “I’m really pleased to announce that Harry Redknapp Jr has signed a contract with the club.”Harry made a great impression in the brief time he was with us at the end of the season and we feel he is a player with huge ability and the potential to get back into full time football. “He will be a real asset and we are very happy to have him with us.”Redknapp Jr is the nephew of former Liverpool and Tottenham star Jamie Redknapp.Most read in FootballHarry is the nephew of Sky Sports pundit Jamie RedknappCredit: GettyEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSHe is the second signing the Magpies have made this week.That’s after the club added Tom Bragg to their squad on Wednesday.Harry Redknapp celebrates his win at Cheltenham racesRedknapp Jr is Dorchester’s tenth new recruit this summer.He joins Shaq Gwengwe, Jordan Ngalo, Jack Dickson, Corby Moore, Will Spetch, Olaf Koszela, Luke Pardoe and Luke Roberts in signing for the club.PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament. More

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      Ange Postecoglou loses right-hand man as Tottenham assistant boss lands manager’s job with former Premier League club

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      BIRMINGHAM have announced Tottenham assistant coach Chris Davies as their new boss.It comes after the Midlanders were relegated to the third tier for the third time since 1995.Spurs coach Chris Davies has landed the Birmingham boss jobCredit: RexFrank Lampard was reportedly interviewed for the job – following a disastrous spell in charge earlier in the season for his former England team-mate Wayne Rooney. Birmingham said in a statement: “Davies has signed a four-year contract and joins the Club with immediate effect from Tottenham Hotspur after the two parties agreed compensation.”He brings more than 15 years of coaching experience working at a number of leading Premier League teams, including Spurs, Liverpool and Swansea City, and Celtic in Scotland, operating alongside leading managers such as Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers.”The 39-year-old is a highly regarded coach, recognised for being tactically astute, and an excellent communicator. READ MORE TOP STORIES”He is also known for working with and developing exciting young talent.”His appointment ends a robust search by the Club which saw close to 1,000 coaches being evaluated and more than 40 being spoken to directly or through their representatives. Davies has signed a four-year contract and joins the Club with immediate effect from Tottenham Hotspur after the two parties agreed compensation.
      He brings more than 15 years of coaching experience working at a number of leading Premier League teams, including Spurs, Liverpool and Swansea City, and Celtic in Scotland, operating alongside leading managers such as Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers.The 39-year-old is a highly regarded coach, recognised for being tactically astute, and an excellent communicator. He is also known for working with and developing exciting young talent.His appointment ends a robust search by the Club which saw close to 1,000 coaches being evaluated and more than 40 being spoken to directly or through their representatives.Most read in ChampionshipTHIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY…The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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      Major change to be introduced to EFL from next season… and fans will not be pleased with it

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      FANS of lower-division clubs can stand by for Thursday night football next term.Sky Sports’ new £895million EFL contract includes 248 matches from Leagues One and Two.EFL fixture broadcasting is set to undergo a major changeCredit: REXSome League One and League Two matches will be broadcast on a Thusday nightCredit: REXAnd the broadcasters agreed on a stand-alone Thursday night slot, bringing weekend games forward when no midweek action is scheduled.Championship matches will be mainly screened on Friday evenings and Saturday lunchtimes.The proposed Thursday night fixtures won’t be received well by some fans.Fans wanting to see their team in action on the road now face daunting and late midweek trips.READ MORE EFL NEWSSome may even be forced to take time off work in order to attend the matches.Those who do travel to the evening fixtures may likely also be forced to get hotels for the night due to train schedules.It’s unclear when EFL chiefs will officially announce the implementation of Thursday night fixtures.They have, however, already announced that all three leagues will kick-off over the same weekend.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEFL clubs will learn their fixtures for the 2024/25 season on June 26Credit: RexThe weekend of August 10/11 will play host to the return of the Championship, League One and League Two.The season will end on May 5, 2025, for teams not involved in the play-offs.EFL club supported by sporting legend set to be saved by mystery US group as buyers scramble to reach agreement in timeThe 46 Championship matches are currently slated to take place over 33 weekends, nine midweeks and four Bank Holidays.Leagues One and Two, meanwhile, will be played over 36 weekends, six midweeks and four Bank Holidays.The play-offs are tentatively slated to take place over the 2025 May Bank Holiday, which will fall on May 24-26.Fans of EFL clubs are patiently awaiting the release of their fixtures for the 2024/25 season.They’ll learn how their seasons will pan out at 9 am on June 26. More

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      Premier League club could be be handed TWO points deductions next season with never-before-seen step ready to be taken

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      LEICESTER’S charges for breaching FFP rules are set to drag on beyond the start of the new season.The promoted Foxes could be docked points twice on their Prem return — and it is likely to rumble on beyond the August kick-off.Leicester were crowned Championship winners last seasonCredit: PALeicester were charged with breaking Prem spending limits in March.And the EFL intend to hit them with a separate charge for overspending on their way to winning the Championship.The 2016 Prem champions pushed for the first case to be heard this summer so they know any points handicap by the start of the season.But SunSport understands the case will not be fast-tracked — with the independent commission, which  decides the hearing date, still to be set up.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSLeicester are managerless after Enzo Maresca left for Chelsea but the game’s rulers look set to offer little sympathy.Prem and EFL officials told SunSport Leicester are to blame for a delay due to their aggressive approach to fighting the charges, which involved launching legal action against both of the leagues.The Foxes are understood to have changed their strategy repeatedly last season in response to their fluctuating form.Having co-operated with the Prem when Maresca’s side were running away with the Championship, the club then sought to delay matters when poor results put promotion at risk.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Premier League charges relate to their top-flight seasons between 2020 and 2023 when they lost £215.3m, more than £110m over the limit.Based on punishments handed out to Nottingham Forest and Everton, the Foxes face a significant points decision — possibly as many as 12 points.Meet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo MarescaThey are also being investigated by the EFL for possible breaches in the Championship and are under a transfer embargo.The Premier League said they would take up the EFL’s case and impose any penalties next season.Leicester and the ­Premier League were approached for comment.Enzo Maresca guided the Foxes to the title beforeCredit: GettyPremier League sides deducted points and others at risk

      Nottingham Forest
      Deducted four points during the 2023-24 season for breaching Premier League spending limit by £34.563m. Failed in their appeal with decision upheld.
      Everton
      Initial 10-point deduction for 2021-22 Premier League breaches reduced to six points on appeal. Were deducted a further two points later in the 2023-24 season. Appealed, but since withdrawn following Prem survival.
      Sheffield United
      Hit with a two-point deduction for their finances during the 2022-23 EFL season. Will begin the 2024-25 Championship season on -2 points following their relegation from the Prem.
      OTHERS WHO COULD FACE PUNISHMENT…
      Manchester City
      Etihad club emphatically denies the 115 allegations laid against them in February 2023. The lengthy Commission case has been scheduled to start in October or November but a final decision is not expected until March or April 2025.
      Chelsea
      Blues chiefs flagged up illicit payments made to agents and others during the Roman Abramovich era. Fined £8.6m by Uefa but still to be formally charged by the Prem despite an ongoing investigation.
      Leicester
      Foxes breached Prem PSR loss limits last season but did not have to report their 2022-23 accounts until this month because of their relegation. That puts the timetable back and means that they will probably face a Prem points deduction for the 2024-25 season following their return to the top flight.
      Everton (again)
      The Toffees are again at risk of breaking PSR rules and are in a race against time to raise funds and balance the books. Not only could that lead to another charge but also administration. That would lead to an automatic nine-point deduction for the 2024/25 season. More