Championship

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Neil Warnock to stay on as Middlesbrough manager after working for FREE as he saved club from relegation

      by

      NEIL WARNOCK has agreed to stay on as Middlesbrough boss next season after keeping them in the Championship.
      The veteran boss answered chairman Steve Gibson’s SOS call one game into Project Restart with Boro sliding towards League One under Jonathan Woodgate.

      1

      Neil Warnock has agreed to stay on as Middlesbrough managerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But with four wins from his eight games Warnock kept the Teesiders up by five points.
      He confirmed he did not take a penny from the club while he was battling for survival.
      And the 71-year-old insisted there had been no conversations about whether he would stay to ignite a promotion charge next season.
      But having met Gibson after they Boro beat Sheffield Wednesday, he has agreed to stay on at The Riverside. 

      Warnock said: “I’ve really enjoyed myself since I’ve come up here.

      “The people in the area have made me and my family really welcome. 
      “It’s been hard work, make no mistake. But this is a great club, and I’d like to take it towards the other end of the table.
      “I just felt it was the right thing to do, to continue to shape the squad and take it forward. That’s what I’m going to try and do.”

      He also revealed that positive talks with Gibson gave him further encouragement to stay on.

      Warnock added: “Steve asked me for a true appraisal of everything and that’s what I did.
      “He was very helpful, he wants to improve the things I want improving and take the club forward.
      “He’s always supportive of his managers isn’t he.
      “I probably should have worked for him 20 years ago, 15, 10, five – but it is how it is and I’m going to enjoy it.
      “I must have retired about five times now, but there’s always something that’s brought me back, a challenge, helping somebody out, and this is a similar situation.”

      Neil Warnock refusing to accept any money from Middlesbrough for managing team as he focuses on escaping relegation More

    • 238 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Cardiff 0 Fulham 2: Cottagers put one foot in play-off final after Kebano’s stunning free-kick and Onomah’s solo strike

      by

      FULHAM have one foot in the Championship play-off final after a 2-0 win against Cardiff in the first leg of their semi-final clash.
      Goals from Josh Onomah and Neeskens Kebano saw the Cottagers take total control in Wales.

      3

      Fulham have one foot in the Championship play-off final after beating Cardiff 2-0Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      And a place in the final against either Swansea or Brentford awaits as the two sides now prepare for the second leg at Craven Cottage.
      Cardiff and Fulham were drawing 0-0 at half-time in the first leg of their Championship play-off semi.
      Fulham were without 26-goal top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic, with manager Scott Parker saying he had taken a “calculated decision” not to risk the Serbian after a knock.

      3

      Josh Onomah put Fulham ahead with a fine solo strike ahead of the second legCredit: PA:Press Association
      Cardiff had the early chances with Fulham goalkeeper Marek Rodak pushing out a vicious Leandro Bacuna effort and twice saving from Robert Glatzel.

      Fulham finished the first half well and Onomah forced Alex Smithies into a fine save before Tom Cairney shaved a post from 20 yards.
      Fulham took a 49th-minute lead through a brilliant solo effort from Onomah.

      The former Tottenham player had his back to goal 18 yards out but he turned Marlon Pack and then rounded Sean Morrison and Curtis Nelson before slotting the ball past Smithies.
      Fulham doubled their lead when Kebano curled home a brilliant free-kick from 20 yards in the first minute of stoppage time.

      And not many will bet against the Cottagers doing the business at home to reach the Wembley final as they go in search of an immediate return to England’s top flight.

      3

      Neeksens Kebano made sure of the result with a free-kick as Swansea or Brentford await in the finalCredit: PA:Press Association

      Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa shows off his football talents in Fulham training More

    • 200 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      West Ham, Leeds and Crystal Palace told Eberechi Eze will cost at least £20m by QPR

      by

      QUEENS PARK RANGERS have told clubs tracking Eberechi Eze not to waste their time with offers unless they are at least £20million.
      West Ham, Leeds and Crsytal Palace are all locked in a battle to sign the dazzling 22-year-old who is regarded as the most naturally gifted player outside the Premier League.

      1

      QPR have told clubs tracking Eberechi Eze not to waste their time with offers under £20m
      Tottenham have also been tracking Eze, who scored 14 and recorded a further 14 assists last season in a QPR side which struggled without him in the Championship.
      Bosses at the Kieyan Prince Stadium are resigned to the fact Eze – who scored a stunning goal against West Brom on Tuesday – has played his last game for the club and know they will not be able to stop him playing Premier League football.
      But they also know he has a market value and are not prepared to even entertain offers from top flight clubs which are realistic.
      When West Ham signed Jarrod Bowen from Hull in January they paid £20m – and given his success at the London Stadium since then they feel that kind of figure is where bidding should start.

      And QPR now hope there is enough competition for their star player to help spark a bidding war which would drive up the fee.
      Championship king Leeds want playmaker Eze to lead their return to the Premier League.

      Marcelo Bielsa has identified the exciting England Under-21 international as the creative spark his team will need next season.
      Sunsport revealed Leeds first declared their interest in Eze in January and told QPR that they would come in with a firm bid if they were promoted.

      Now they are preparing to fulfil that promise when the transfer window officially opens next Monday.

      West Ham boss Moyes confirms Tomas Soucek transfer More

    • 175 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Sheffield United and Swansea battle to secure Liverpool whizkid Rhian Brewster in loan transfer

      by

      YOUNG Liverpool star Rhian Brewster is wanted on loan by Sheffield United in a three-way fight.
      The forward has been sensational for Swansea — his six goals since the restart have fired them into the Championship play-offs.

      1

      Rhian Brewster is wanted on loan by Sheffield UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Swans are hoping Brewster, 20, could yet take them back to the Premier League — in which case they would ask for him to return for next season.
      But Blades manager Chris Wilder wants to take him to Bramall Lane to add fresh legs and threat to his forward line.
      United would have to convince Liverpool that Brewster will play often enough to justify the move.

      However, the biggest threat to the loan switch is that Jurgen Klopp may opt to keep the England Under-21 ace and use him as cover for his attack.

      Liverpool are yet to decide what to do with rising star Brewster next season but the youngster seems sure to be playing in the top flight.
      Wilder has a chance of landing his man although Swansea missing out on promotion would be a bonus for his cause in the coming weeks.

      Meanwhile, Sheffield United’s French forward Lys Mousset on his way to create a vacancy for Brewster.
      And Blades keeper Jake Eastwood could move on loan by Bolton.

      Wilder is looking for a new No 1 and may try his luck with an offer for Bournemouth’s Aaron Ramsdale if he cannot get Dean Henderson back from Manchester United on loan.

      Premier League 2020-21 season to start on September 12 but fixtures will be released just three weeks before kick-off More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Leeds TV presenter Emma Louise Jones sends fans into frenzy as she posts selfie holding Championship trophy

      by

      POPULAR Leeds United TV presenter Emma Louise Jones sent fans into a frenzy with a selfie holding the Championship trophy.
      In a now-deleted tweet to her 203,000 followers, the on-camera personality shared the celebratory snap after the Whites finally returned to the Premier League after 16 years.

      4

      Leeds United presenter Emma Louise Jones tweeted a picture of her with the Championship trophy which has now been deleted
      The snap showed Jones in a bar area inside Elland Road clasping the trophy with a huge grin on her face.
      Most of the replies to the now unavailable tweet have gone but Jones replied to one which read: “Great job all year on both LUTV and Five Live! Here’s to a cracking PL season!”
      Jones never used to be a football fan but is now set to follow Leeds back to the Premier League.
      She has given fans plenty of reason to cheer with her appearances on LUTV since her 2017 debut.

      4

      Jones has worked for LUTV since 2017
      And with Marcelo Bielsa finally finding the secret formula to Leeds’ success, the Premier League is set to see much more of Jones.
      Emma conducts post and pre-match interviews for LUTV – while also working for BBC Radio 5 Live and the Netball Nation podcast.
      She famously stole the show during England’s 2018 World Cup warm-up win over Costa Rica – with the TV camera operator clearly more interested in her than the match.
      Leeds yesterday tried to claim their much criticised open-top bus celebration after their 4-0 win was to keep fans AWAY from Elland Road.

      4

      Lucy also works for BBC 5 Live
      Photos on Emma’s social media through the years have shown her alongside Leeds legend Eddie Gray and a crop of stars including Pontus Jansson and Stuart Dallas.
      Her success in the role is all the more remarkable considering she never used to watch the beautiful game before getting the job.
      Speaking to Ourtown magazine, Emma said: “I never used to be a football fan – but since doing Leeds I’ve become one!
      “The atmosphere, passion and buzz rubbed off on me very quickly and now I’m the noisiest spectator watching from the gallery.”
      Emma has a background in news but admits she found it hard asking people difficult questions.

      4

      Jones recently revealed she was not a football fan before getting the Leeds gig

      She says she once ended up crying with an interviewee – but there have been no such problems with Leeds… especially this season.
      Jones said: “Whilst in Hull, I managed to get a job on Leeds United TV, presenting their matchday shows.
      “Again, I couldn’t believe my luck as TV had been another dream of mine.”

      Cheers, Richard! 🙌🏼😁
      — Emma Louise Jones (@eljonesuk) July 24, 2020

      Premier League 2020-21 season to start on September 12 but fixtures will be released just three weeks before kick-off More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Pizza Hut troll Leeds with iconic Come Dine With Me put down as they continue bizarre feud after promotion

      by

      PIZZA HUT have hit back at Leeds with a reference to an iconic Come Dine With Me moment – in what is perhaps the most bizarre Twitter feud of the summer.
      The online aggro between the restaurant and newly-promoted football club dates all the back to last January, when the pizza chain make a cheeky jibe about Marcelo Biesla’s Spygate.

      1

      Leeds reignited their curious social media feud with Pizza Hut with a picture of their title celebrations

      Dear lord, what a sad little life, Leeds. You ruined our tweet completely so you could have the promotion and I hope now you can spend it on lessons in grace and decorum.So Bielsa. Take your binoculars and get off our property. https://t.co/hlGj2WLrwf
      — Pizza Hut Restaurants (@pizzahutuk) July 24, 2020

      Pizza Hut’s account tweeted: “Hi @LUFC, we’ve just seen a suspicious looking man peering through our chef’s window. Can you let us know if you’re planning to put Pizza on the menu in the club canteen?”
      Leeds’ riposte at the time read: “Prefer @dominos thanks! They don’t take a week to deliver a tweet.”
      And Pizza Hut wrote: “Bit rich coming from a club that hasn’t delivered since 1992…”
      The dust then settled down and all seemed to be fair in the love and war of corporate Twitter banter.

      However, the Whites hadn’t forgotten.
      Fast forward to July 2020 and the club had indeed delivered, their prize being the Championship trophy and a long-awaited return to the Premier League.

      Naturally, there were scores to be settled and the club posted a picture of their celebrations to the restaurant’s account, quote tweeting the 17-month old dig.
      And so Pizza Hut came back with the social media favourite Come Dine With me quote, once again referencing Spygate.

      They posted: “Dear lord, what a sad little life, Leeds. You ruined our tweet completely so you could have the promotion and I hope now you can spend it on lessons in grace and decorum. So Bielsa. Take your binoculars and get off our property.”
      For those not fully clued up on the joke, it harked back to one of daytime tele’s greatest strops when the night’s host, Peter, lost the cookery show’s £1,000 prize to rival Jane in 2016.

      Pizza Hut then added: “Have to say… Incredible season from a great club. Welcome back to the big one.”
      However the damage was done and competitors began gleefully scooping up the discontented Elland Road faithful.
      Twitter user Jilly wrote: “Always found @PizzaExpress a much more enjoyable dining experience.”
      To which the rival pizza chain replied: “Cheers Jilly. Enjoy our Dough Balls and your team’s Premier League football next season!”

      Leeds claim open-top bus celebrations were to help fans stay away from Elland Road after ploy totally backfires More

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Leeds transfer blow as Edinson Cavani has ‘very good’ meeting with Benfica ahead of free summer move

      by

      BENFICA are reportedly closing in on a deal for Leeds target Edinson Cavani.
      The newly-promoted Whites have spoken of ambitious moves for the Paris Saint-Germain striker and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, both of which are due to become free agents.

      1

      Edinson Cavani is one of the hottest free agent properties on the summer marketCredit: Reuters
      However Cavani’s half-brother and agent Walter Guglielmone is said to have been holding talks with Benfica.
      Uruguayan journalist Sebas Giovanelli has described the first meeting as ending very positively with a second round of talks already underway.
      Benfica club president Luis Filipe Vieira has reportedly been present at the negotiations with the player’s representative, before the addition of various directors.
      The Portuguese capital club missed out on this year’s Primeira Liga trophy to Porto having won five of the previous six titles.

      And offering Cavani Champions League football may help Benfica beat Leeds to the 33-year-old.
      Since earning promotion earlier in the month, the Yorkshire side are thought to have held their own talks with Guglielmone.

      Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani admits a deal for Ibrahimovic will be “difficult” but is optimistic that Cavani can be tempted.
      The Italian told Sky Sports Italia earlier in the week: “In addition to his quality, Cavani could contribute with his physicality and adapt here, but I’ve never talked about him with the coach.

      “Having said that, we’ve certainly thought about him and we’ll see, given he’s still available on a free transfer.”
      Cavani has scored 200 goals for PSG in seven seasons at the club, a spell which is expected to come to an end after next month’s Champions League campaign.

      Leeds hopeful over incredible Edinson Cavani transfer with Premier League new-boys also set to target Zlatan Ibrahimovic More

    • 188 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Leeds No2 Carlos Corberan quits Marcelo Bielsa’s promotion heroes to take over Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield

      by

      HUDDERSFIELD have named Leeds assistant Carlos Corberan as their new manager, following the sacking of Danny Cowley.
      The Terriers came through a relegation dogfight in their first year back in the Championship after two years in the Premier League, finishing 18th.

      2

      Carlos Corberan is charged with leading Huddersfield to a fresh promotion charge

      2

      The Spaniard, left, has spent the past couple of years under Marcelo Bielsa’s tutelage at LeedsCredit: Reuters
      And, on Thursday, 37-year-old Corberan was named as Cowley’s successor.
      A short playing career led to the Spanish goalkeeper taking up coaching roles with LaLiga sides Valencia and Villarreal.
      He then spent time in Asian clubs Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr before his first spells as head coach with Cypriot sides Doxa and Ermis.
      Brought in to helm Leeds’ Under-23 side in 2017, Corberan impressed Marcelo Bielsa and was moved into the senior team’s assistant role ahead of their recent promotion to the top-flight.

      But he will move back down to the Championship to take charge of Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield.
      Former boss Cowley, 41, was sacked after refusing to hand over control on transfers to the club board.

      Hailing from Valencia, Spain, he holds a UEFA Pro License and is known for his strength in coaching.
      Huddersfield Town Statement

      And Huddersfield head of football operations Leigh Bromby praised Corberan’s coaching abilities and ability to improve players at Thursday’s announcement.
      Bromby told the Huddersfield club website: “After two difficult seasons, we have put a lot of thought and work into what we want to be and how we operate moving forward.

      “Obviously, we need to return to winning games, and to be successful we must have all areas of the Club aligned in the way we work. We want to return to the ‘No Limits’ mentality that served this Club so well back in 2017.

      “We must start believing in ourselves and our people once again; players and staff alike. Carlos was our ideal candidate for our new Head Coach from the outset, as his idea of football is completely aligned with ours.
      “He is very strong on the need for a team to have a strength of identity on the pitch; a way of playing that leaves players in no doubt on their roles when they step foot onto the grass. He believes in a high energy, high intensity, attacking style of play.
      “He is a coach whose focus is on working to improve players. Like us, he has a real belief in young players too, and desire to work with them to help them thrive.”

      Leeds claim open-top bus celebrations were to help fans stay away from Elland Road after ploy totally backfires More