Championship

ADAM ARMSTRONG scored his 24th but most priceless goal of the season as he fired Southampton back into the Premier League.The striker’s coolly converted 24th-minute goal is worth at least £140million to the South Coast club now they are back in the promised land at the first attempt.Adam Armstrong scored the winning goal in the first halfCredit: GettySouthampton have returned to the Premier League at the first time of askingCredit: GettyAnd it was no more than the Saints deserved.Russell Martin did a number on his former Norwich boss Daniel Farke – tactically outwitting the German at Wembley.Despite being Europe’s pass masters – enjoying more possession than any club in the top five European leagues this season – Southampton won this with less than their opponents.While everyone has been highlighting Kieran McKenna’s incredible rise from League One to the Premier League with Ipswich, Martin has also enjoyed a huge climb.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMartin less than three years ago was managing MK Dons in League One – in August he will be up against the likes of Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta.Southampton went into the game with a psychological advantage over their opponents – having done the league double over Leeds during the regular season.That included a 2-1 win just three weeks ago at Elland Road – having beaten them 3-1 at Elland Road.For Leeds their play-off jinx continued. They have never been promoted via that route. It is six attempts now.Most read in ChampionshipSouthampton had a huge psychological advantage having completed the double over them.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLeeds started well. After Will Smallbone lost possession, Archie Gray drove forward and fired a low shot just wide of the right post.Gray – at just 18 years old and 70 days – made Leeds history – by becoming the club’s youngest player to appear for them at Wembley.Southampton fan turned player Will Smallbone can’t wait to take on Leeds at Wembley in Championship Play-Off finalIronically, he beat his dad’s record that he set in the 1996 League Cup Final against Aston Villa.Leeds had made a strong start to the game and Georginio Rutter played in Wilfried Gnonto but he lost his balance as he shot straight at keeper Alex McCarthy.Southampton had barely touched the ball in the opening 10 minutes – but they almost moved in front with their first attack.Adam Armstrong finds acres of space on the right edge of the Leeds boss but Saints recover well to herd him out wide and his pull-back across goal is cleared. But Gnonto pulled back Joe Aribo to give them a free-kick 25 yards out.Will Smallbone struck it low and with some venom but Illan Meslier pushed it away to safety.Summerville strangely did not take on a shot when in a space 25 yards out, electing to try to play Rutter in.With the form the Leeds star has been in this season, most would back him to have hit the target from that distance and in the space.Gray found some space down the right flank and played a peach of a cross into the box but no Leeds player read it and it went out.Saints moved in front with a superb piece of football.Adam Armstrong rang into space behind the two centre halves to pick up a defence-splitting pass from Will Smallbone before coolly shooting the ball past Meslier and into the far right corner.It was his 24th goal of the season for Saints and surely the most important one. Plus it completed a hat-trick of goals against Leeds – having scored in both previous league games too.But Leeds should have known he was making that run and should have been alert.History was now firmly on Southampton’s side. Not only have Leeds never been promoted in five previous attempts via the play-offs, 27 of the previous 33 play-off winner scored the first goal.David Brooks had to hobble off 11 minutes before the break after picking up a groin injury and was replaced by Sam Edozie.Crysencio Summerville was harshly booked after he was adjudged to have caught Taylor Harwood-Bellis. He clearly got the ball and the Saints defender fooled ref John Brooks with a ridiculous dive.Meslier then had to make an outstanding low save to keep out Armstrong.Farke was getting frustrated and animated on the touchline as his team struggled to make an impression.After the break, Jack Stephens had a shot charged down.Leeds, though, charged forward through Joe Rodon and after a quick one-two with Gnonto he elected to shoot despite Joel Piroe being in a better position.And he could not get the ball out of his feet and eventually it fell to Summerville who curled wide from the edge of the box.Harwood-Bellis barged Rutter over just inches outside the left edge of the box.Summerville’s free-kick was headed clear by the Saints defender.Nothing seemed to be coming off for the Yorkshire side. Despite enjoying more possession, they had only managed to register one shot on target in the first hour.With 25 minutes left Dan James came on for Gnonto.Aribo had two half-chances but hit tame efforts that Meslier easily saved.Che Adams – who is out of contract and linked with a move to Wolves – was brought on for Saints in place of the excellent Ryan Fraser.Conor Roberts and Jaidon Anthony came on for the underwhelming Summerville and Glen Kamara.But with seven minutes left, James almost scored a sensational leveller.READ MORE SUN STORIESPicking up the ball from 20 yards he thumped a superb effort that beat McCarthy but the ball bounced back off the crossbar.James, who got a nasty bash on the head and had to be patched up, was unlucky again when he saw a well-struck curling effort saved by McCarthy. More

PARIS HILTON led a star-studded list of celebrities wishing Leeds all the best for their Championship play-off final. The Whites take on Southampton at Wembley this afternoon for a place back in the Premier League.Paris Fury stunned Leeds fans by appearing in a good luck video for LeedsCredit: https://x.com/LUFCWill Ferrell also got involved with a hilarious messageCredit: https://x.com/LUFCLeeds are 90 minutes away from promotionCredit: GettyBoth sides were relegated last term but have the chance to join champions Leicester and Ipswich in jumping up to take on England’s elite next season.And Daniel Farke’s side were given extra motivation thanks to a bizarre video message from a whole host of big names.That even included a shock appearance from the American superstar celebrity Hilton as she seemingly declared her support for the Elland Road club.Coming after ex-Leeds players Gjanni Alioski and Eddie Gray, the camera cut to a smiling Paris, who appeared to be flying on a private jet.READ MORE ON LEEDSDecked out in sunglasses, Paris – whose brother-in-law made his professional football debut aged 45 – said: “Hey Leeds, it’s Paris.”Just wanted to leave this message for you guys and say good luck with your game this weekend. “I’ll be rooting for you wearing my jersey.”World Darts champion Luke Humphries – who was named after the club – also got in on the act showing his support for “Leeds United Football Team”, as did ex-midfielder Mateusz Klich, Simon Rix from Leeds band Kaiser Chiefs and comedian and fan Jon Richardson.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut stealing the show at the end of the 95-second compilation was none other than Will Ferrell. SunSport revealed this month that Ferrell had bought a “large” stake in Leeds’ owners 49ers Enterprises – and he could even make a shock visit to Wembley today. Leeds fans ‘predict a riot’ in clash against Norwich CityThe Elf actor, who is a co-owner of LAFC in the MLS, initially just showed the Yorkshire white rose of his Leeds United hat before eventually giving the fans and players a close-up of his scrunched-up face in a baffling clip.Ferrell said: “I just want you guys to know that everyone at Leeds United is so excited. “We know you can do it, we know you can pull through. “Let’s go boys, let’s go!”Paris Hilton’s official Twitter account then replied to the Leeds post on social media which read: “A few more messages of support from some #LUFC fans who are ‘kind of a big deal’.”She wrote: “Let’s go! 🔥🔥”Another video included recordings from more celebrity fans and ex-players – including legendary Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, Harry Potter actor Michael Lewis, Max Gradel and Mark Viduka. Phelps said: “Boys, this is it. This is the moment we waited for, right here, right now.💛 “𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝘃𝗲 𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗨𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗱”From The Duke to The Chief, we’re feeling love from the #LUFC community today! pic.twitter.com/CIUn3BIFfK— Leeds United (@LUFC) May 26, 2024

“Do what you do, do what you prepped to do all year long.”You’ve got the whole Phelps family at home rooting our asses off.”But while many appreciated the various famous faces offering their support, plenty were just shocked by Hilton’s unexplained cameo.One said: “You will not guess who appears 25 seconds in.”Another commented: “Paris Hilton in an Eddie Gray and Mateusz Klich sandwich wasn’t on my bingo card for this evening.”A third chipped in: “Get Paris and Will singing the Ampadu chant.”A fourth typed: “Alioski to Paris Hilton to Will Ferrel, my club 😍”READ MORE SUN STORIESA fifth joked: “Former player Paris Hilton there.”And Glamorous presenter and Leeds fan Emma Louise Jones added: “The ending is AMAZING,” accompanied with a gif of excited Ferrell in Elf. Luke Humphries will be desperate to see the Whites back in the Premier LeagueCredit: https://x.com/LUFCOlympic legend Michael Phelps is a Leeds fanCredit: X @LUFCHarry Potter actor Matthew Lewis recorded his message in front of his Leeds shrineCredit: X @LUFCSouthampton will be hoping to spoil the Leeds party at WembleyCredit: Reuters More

DAN JAMES will be ready to take a penalty that could be worth £140MILLION to Leeds if today’s richest game in football goes down to a shootout.The Yorkshire-born winger saw his last spot-kick saved in March which was decisive as Wales were heartbreakingly eliminated from this summer’s Euros on penalties in their play-off with Poland.Leeds are on the brink of a return to the Premier LeagueCredit: AlamyDan James missed a crucial penalty as Wales missed out on Euro 2024Credit: PAThe speedster says he will happily take a spot-kick againCredit: PABut James, 26, bounced back from that agony with a 45-yard wonder goal against his boyhood club Hull in April which brought the house down at Elland Road.And he will not shy away from the challenge if the Championship play-off final with Southampton goes the distance.James has already been successful in taking a penalty in a shootout in a major final for Manchester United in the Europa League against Villarreal, which they eventually lost.He said: “When taking a penalty, you make up your mind where to shoot and stick with it.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”You’ve got to be confident and trust all the tips and tricks you’ve learned down the years.”But we’ve all also got to be mentally and physically ready after 120 minutes.”You’re going to be tired mentally so it’s important to relax.”When I scored the penalty in the Europa League final, there were no fans because it was during Covid, so it’ll be much different with 90,000 at Wembley on Sunday.Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Having the supporters there won’t add pressure. It’ll be better because it gives you extra motivation.”Having the penalty saved for Wales was disappointing. There’s always going to be someone who misses and unfortunately it was me that night. It only makes you stronger.Hollywood superstar Will Ferrell has made a “serious investment” in Leeds United”I felt disappointed for the nation because they didn’t get to experience theEuros this summer. Our supporters weren’t able to go in 2021 from Wales to Baku, Azerbaijan, for the Switzerland and Turkey games because of Covid, nor Amsterdam for the Denmark match.”I’ve got to live with that penalty now and it’ll always be at the back of my mind even when I finish football.”But you go through those things. If I was to do it again, I’d not be afraid. You’ve got to be mentally ready in your head ? pick your spot and get on with it.”Leeds can count themselves unfortunate not to be automatically promoted having posted 90 points during the season ? thanks to the extraordinary campaigns of both Leicester and Ipswich.But history is on their side as only Sunderland in 1998 have ever reached 90 points and not been promoted.Although one piece of history will not help their cause ? Leeds have NEVER been promoted via a play-off and this is their SIXTH attempt.Who are these famous footballers?
James, who also played at Wembley in a FA Cup semi-final loss to Chelsea in 2020, said: “There’s always a lot of talk about the play-offs and what’s gone on before.It’s not an extra thing we’re playing in our heads.”We see this as an opportunity to win promotion at Wembley, which would be an unbelievable achievement.”Our mindset is to put everything we can into making that happen ? and not coming off that pitching thinking we could’ve done a little bit more.”We’ve got to go into it with energy and confidence.”James will be a threat for Leeds at WembleyCredit: ReutersRival fans love singing at this time of year “Leeds Are Falling Apart Again” to the tune of Love Will Tear Us Apart by Joy Division.The Yorkshire side lost four of their last six league games, winning just once, to allow Leicester and Ipswich to pull clear.The home loss to Blackburn and 4-0 thumping away at QPR were particularly hard to take.Leeds also endured a tough start to the season while the transfer window was open with players queuing up to jump ship after relegation.And it was only when the transfer window closed and new signings such as Joel Piroe, Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev, GlenKamara and Sam Byram were able to settle that Daniel Farke’s men got motoring.Can you name the famous fathers?
James said: “After the first five games we were near the bottom. A lot of people were doubting us but we really picked up from there.”We started 2024 unbelievably. We were 17 points behind Leicester at one stage and ended up being top of the league for a couple of games.”However, we went through a rough patch ? which every team has ? but unfortunately ours was at the end.”QPR was a bit different but the games against Sunderland and Blackburn, where we dominated but didn’t have that ruthlessness to finish the games off, was hard to take.”The team got 90 points which is nearly always enough to go up. So you must give credit to Ipswich and Leicester who thoroughly deserved to go up.”For us, it was about dusting down the disappointment and going again. And we showed that in the two play-off semifinals against Norwich.”James is hoping to put his Wales heartbreak behind himCredit: GettyLeeds were close to perfect as they dispatched the Canaries 4-0 at Elland Road after being pragmatic and solid at the back in a goalless draw at Carrow Road.That home rout of Norwich and 4-0 win against Ipswich at Elland Road in December were without question the two standout performances of the season.And there is no Championship team with a richer array of attacking talent in their ranks than Leeds with the likes of James, Piroe, Crysencio Summerville,Georginio Rutter and Wilfried Gnonto.James said: “There’s a lot of competition there. There have been a lot of goals from everyone who has played, which is brilliant for us as a team.”It’s hard for a manager to go and pick a team from there.”Southampton have the same attacking qualities and have goals in them.”For us it’s how we can defend from the front. It’s not just the back four and the keeper, it’s from the front. That will be a big factor.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Keeping a clean sheet is so important. The last two games we’ve done that.”And if we can go into the game on Sunday with the same mindset, we’ll have a great chance.” More

WILFRIED GNONTO angered Leeds fans when he handed in a transfer request in August.The Italy midfielder, 20, was advised by his representatives to jump ship following relegation.Wilfried Gnonto has been one of Leeds’ best players this seasonBut the Leeds ace was ridiculed by fans after handing in a transfer request in AugustAnd he faced a backlash from the Elland Road faithful as he tried to force a move to Everton by asking to leave.Just hours after putting in a written request, fans held a banner of a doctored image of Gnonto wearing a nappy — branding him a cry baby for not wanting to play in the Championship.But he soon withdrew his request and has won back the hearts of the fans for knuckling down and producing some brilliant hardworking performances on the right wing.He told SunSport: “In a relationship of love there are many ups and downs and I look at this period as a down.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“From that point I’ve worked hard in training and games to get into the situation I am in now and the fans can see that. I’m getting what I earned.”Gnonto, signed from Zurich for £4million in September 2022, had a promising first season at Elland Road but it was not enough to stop the club crashing out of the Premier League.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe winger — who has won 13 caps for the Azzurri — said: “It was difficult for me because if I judge last season on a personal level it was positive.“Yet I wanted to achieve the goal of staying in the Premier League and didn’t expect to go down. So the summer was difficult. I found myself in a new situation.Most read in Sport“But I’ve played a season in the Championship, hopefully we’ll win this weekend and be back after just one season away.”Gnonto admits the adaptation from the Premier League to Championship football is not an easy one — and many people underestimate just how good the second tier is.Leicester PROMOTED to the Premier League as Leeds suffer shock defeat at QPR to leave door open for IpswichWilfried Gnonto has won over the fans with some hard-working displaysHis pace and energy on the flanks has been vital to Leeds challenging for promotionAnd the 46 league games, compared to just 38 in the Premier League, can take its toll on any team — which was seen by the top four clubs Leicester, Ipswich, Leeds and Southampton all suffering blips at various stages of the season.Gnonto said: “I feel like I’m not going to find myself in this sort of season ever again.“Playing this number of games it’s almost impossible to play every single match because you’re going to have periods of the season where you feel better physically and periods where you feel you cannot play football anymore!“But we’re lucky in having so many quality players.“When we were relegated, I didn’t really know what sort of games I was going to find myself in.“In Italy I didn’t know much about it apart from of course that it’s a big competition and that there are lots of good teams.“But I didn’t expect it to be as hard as it has been. If I’m honest, all the teams are capable of embarrassing you. If you don’t go into the game with the right mindset, you can lose 4-0 like we have against QPR.“In 46 games it’s impossible to win them all — but we’ve been quite consistent throughout the season.”Playing in the Championship has contributed to Gnonto losing his place in recent Italy squads — having won two caps at the start of the season. And he is unlikely to be named in the squad for Euro 2024.But the youngster has had no problem dropping down to the national team’s under-21s.And he said: “My biggest goal is to get back into the national team. This is a players’ biggest dream: to play in the biggest competitions.Wilfried Gnonto has won 13 caps for the Italy national team but only had two this season following Leeds’ relegation from the Premier LeagueBoss Daniel Farke has regained his trust in Wilfried Gnonto“Going back to the Premier League will help me. I knew it in the summer and before I came here.“Growing up I’ve always seen the national team as my main goal – but of course even playing in the under-21s is a huge honour for me.”Gnonto hit some of his best form in a Leeds shirt during February and March — scoring seven goals in 11 games.That run of form helped them even go top of the Championship.And the Italian said: “That form coincided with when I started games and getting more time on the pitch.“I was playing my best football this season and the team were as well.“But we had a period after the international break which was difficult and we lost four of our last seven games and only won once — but it’s normal in this type of long season so we didn’t need to overreact.“We must stay calm so we can overturn the season. It didn’t end how we wanted but we’re still going to play a final and have a chance to go up.”Gnonto — who says the atmosphere at Elland Road during their 4-0 play-off second-leg trouncing of Norwich was the best he has experienced — believes winning at Wembley will provide some redemption for the fans after relegation last summer.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd, having experienced playing for Italy against England under the arch, he is excited to be getting another chance to tread the hallowed turf.He said: “Hopefully we can do it for the fans. Leeds should be in the Premier League. So we’re all excited to get this opportunity to get the club back there.” More

WILL SMALLBONE was at Wembley as a 10-year-old fan when Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and Michail Antonio starred for Southampton.And on Sunday he is hoping to write his own piece of Saints history under the arch by helping shoot his boyhood club back into the Premier League.Will Smallbone is back at Wembley 14 years after going as a 10-year-old Saints fanRickie Lambert celebrates winning the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy in 2010Michail Antonio, Adam Lallana, Papa Waigo and Rickie Lambert with the trophySmallbone, 24, remembers fondly watching Saints win the EFL Trophy after beating Carlisle in 2010.And he was there again aged 17 when the Saints were beaten 3-2 in a thriller against Manchester United in the 2017 League Cup final.He said: “The 2010 final is my earliest prominent memory. It was a special day going with my dad and sister. And I was there again seven years later for the United game.“It’s a big occasion when you get to Wembley, the fans gathering hours before kick off. I did it. The tension is building and everyone is nervous, itching for the game to start.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“It’ll be different for me as a player this time but understanding the fans’ point of view of where they’ve been will help spur me on to have a good game and help with the other players.”Smallbone’s happiest moment as a fan was watching the team under Nigel Adkins achieve back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League in 2011 and 2012.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd he added: “It’s something that has driven me this season and to get over the line on Sunday. I remember how big a celebration it was for everybody getting back to the Premier League.“So to do it at the first time of asking would be an unbelievably proud moment for me and everyone connected.Most read in Sport“If you’d have offered us at the start of the season that we’d have one game to win to get there we’d have snapped your hand off.Southampton fans celebrate Wembley trip with puppets and a FALSE LEG as club come up with perfect captionSaints last went to Wembley for the 2017 League Cup final against Man United“Especially with the amount of change the club has gone through, players leaving, players coming in, new style of football. It will be an exciting occasion for anyone.”Smallbone has enjoyed facing Leeds this season — having done the double over them with the midfielder scoring in both games.And their 3-1 victory over Daniel Farke’s men at St Mary’s in September sparked an astonishing 25-match unbeaten run — 23 in the league.Completing a hat-trick of wins over Leeds at Wembley, though, will top the lot.Smallbone said: “That home win was massive for us. We’d just lost four games in a row at that point and beating Leeds put down a big marker for us doing well for the rest of the season.“We beat them in the last game of the season but that was a strange one — because our fate had already been settled. We were in the play-offs whereas they were in the unknown of possibly going up.“But when news came that Ipswich had scored early against Huddersfield and maybe they were resigned to not going up automatically. Whereas we wanted a good result going into the play-offs.”Will Smallbone celebrates scoring against West Brom in the play-off semi at St Mary’sSaints star Will Smallbone is relishing going to Wembley for the play off finalBut those two wins will count for nothing at Wembley. Both Oxford in League One and Crawley in League Two had failed to beat Bolton and Crewe in the regular season respectively but prevailed in their finals last weekend.And Smallbone said: “It’s a huge final and a completely different game. All the form goes out of the window with so much at stake.”The midfielder spent last season on loan in the Championship at Stoke — but has flourished under Martin back in Hampshire.Martin’s style suits Smallbone’s deep-lying playmaking game.And he said: “Russ has been brilliant. Since the first day he came in, he’s been clear with our identity, style and how he wants us to play.“When we lost the four games in a row, he told us we’ll look back on it and be thankful.“For us players, it showed a lot about Russ and the staff, that during that tough period of four defeats he didn’t change one bit. He stuck to his style. He’ll fall on his sword in the way we play.“But that showed us that if he believes in it, why shouldn’t we. And from the day we beat Leeds, we didn’t look back“In possession he wants everyone to be brave on the ball. If you’re doing that, he can live with the mistakes. “As a player we can live with each other making mistakes if we’re doing it with the right intentions. That is a major thing for him.”Smallbone is so glad to be back at the club he loves — and having had two full Championship seasons under his belt is chomping at the bit to add to his 16 Premier League appearances.He said: “The gaffer was good at bringing me back in and playing me as much as he has.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’ve enjoyed the season and it’s something I’ve wanted to do since coming through the academy. It’s been my dream to play as much as I could for Southampton and to have a real taste of it this year just wants me to have more. “So winning on Sunday will mean a lot to get this club back where it belongs.” More