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      Emotional Frank Lampard struggles through Sky Sports interview after Coventry’s gut-wrenching play-off defeat

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      EMOTIONAL Frank Lampard struggled through a Sky Sports interview after Coventry’s gut-wrenching playoff defeat to Sunderland.The Sky Blues fought back from a goal down to level things up in the north east last night.Frank Lampard struggled through an interview after Coventry’s playoff defeat to SunderlandThe Chelsea legend saw his side knocked out by a 122nd minute goalCredit: GettyCoventry and Sunderland then looked set for a penalty shootout to settle their thrilling tie.But disaster struck for the visitors as Dan Ballard headed home a winner in the 122nd minute.Sunderland’s 3-2 aggregate win means they will now face Sheffield United at Wembley for a place in the Premier League.However, Coventry have been left to pick up the pieces of their heartbreaking defeat after an epic season under Lampard.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Chelsea legend replaced Mark Robins in November and led his side from a relegation battle to a fifth-place finish.But despite the amazing run, Lampard was left stunned after seeing his promotion hopes fade away.In an interview with Sky Sports, the former England midfielder was clearly shell-shocked as he opened up on one of the “cruellest” moments of his career.Yet Super Frank, who was harassed by a shirtless home fan at the final whistle, remained gracious as he congratulated Sunderland on their victory.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe said: “(Cruel way to go?) Yeah, that’s the biggest example I think I’ve probably been involved in.”Firstly, congratulations to Sunderland, they go to the final. But, I’ve got immense pride in my players, over the two games, we dominated at home and dominated huge periods of this game.Frank Lampard fumes after being harassed for selfie by pitch invader after last gasp Coventry loss at Sunderland”We came here with absolute bravery to play the way we play. They had to concede to us because of the way we played, the way the lads controlled the game. “They don’t deserve it, the players. I’m a lot older, I’ve been around a lot, so I’ve taken whacks and I’ve had success.”I suppose I can be maybe a tiny bit more balanced in my job, but for those players, they don’t deserve that. So, congratulations to Sunderland. We’re not bitter, but we were the better team over the two football matches.”I can’t ask for any more. I’m so disappointed for the club, for the fans, the owner and the players. Once the dust settles, I cannot be disappointed with the way they play.”It’s cruel. But I can’t think of anything but pride for the season and for tonight. We wanted to go to Wembley. But sometimes the gods conspire against you in certain ways.” More

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      Championship club handed final deadline to leave stadium with side’s long-term future ‘not guaranteed’

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      OXFORD UNITED have been told when they must leave the Kassam Stadium.The Championship club have been playing at the 12,500-seater venue for the last 24 years.Oxford have been set a date they must leave the Kassam StadiumCredit: RexThe ground only has three standsCredit: GettyBut it is owned by former chairman Firoz Kassam and his Firoka Group, who want Oxford to move out.The license was due to expire at the end of next season and leave the team without a home in just 12 months’ time.But an agreement has been struck that sees the deal extended to the end of the 2026/27 campaign, with the option of one further year maximum.It means Oxford must move out the three-stand Kassam Stadium by June 2028 at the latest.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFormer club chief Kassam stated: “Oxford United have been a hugely important part of my life for over 25 years, but now is the right time for all of us to look to the next chapter. “Agreeing to this extension allows Firoka Group to focus on developing the wider site for local people and the city of Oxford, whilst providing the club with clarity in the short-term. “It’s now up to others to approve planning to guarantee Oxford United’s long-term future.”Current U’s chief Grant Ferguson added: “The club was facing some very difficult decisions on where to play after our licence expired in June 2026 and before our new stadium is ready. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“There has been a massive amount of work going on behind the scenes to get us to this point, and I would like to place on record my thanks to Firoz Kassam who personally oversaw the discussions which led to this short-term extension being signed. “Agreeing this goes well beyond the terms of our existing arrangement and demonstrates Firoz’s support for the Club, particularly given this could potentially delay his plans for the site.”We can now move forward with certainty as both parties look to the future.” Oxford plan to build a new 16,000-seater ground and have submitted the proposal to Cherwell District Council.The new home is set to be on land known as the Triangle near Kidlington and the stadium will include a 180-bedroom hotel, restaurant, conference centre, health & well-being space, gym and community plaza.  Oxford have unveiled plans for their new homeCredit: AFL Architects / Oxford UnitedAn extra 3,500 fans will fit in the groundCredit: AFL Architects / Oxford United More

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      Frank Lampard fumes after being harassed for selfie by pitch invader after last gasp Coventry loss at Sunderland

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      FRANK LAMPARD reacted furiously as a taunting pitch invader tried to take a selfie after Coventry’s last-gasp play-off agony.Dan Ballard’s 122nd-minute equalizer booked Sunderland a Wembley final against Sheffield United as a 1-1 draw nicked a 3-2 aggregate triumph.Frank Lampard was in the middle as some fans got on the pitchCredit: GettyA bare-topped supporter ran towards LampardCredit: SUNSPORTLampard rebuffed the fan and turned to walk awayCredit: GettyThere were frenzied scenes as Sunderland revelled in victoryCredit: SUNSPORTAnd as a batch of supporters swarmed onto the turf at the Stadium of Light, Sky Blues chief Lampard was caught in the middle.The grim-faced Chelsea legend responded agitatedly when a grinning, bare-topped fan quickly approached him and got up close.The supporter was holding a phone high and appeared to be attempting to take a photo with Lampard.The ex-England midfielder rebuffed him, then turned to make his way off.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSOne viewer shared a clip of the unfortunate incident on social media – and hit out at the fan’s antics.He wrote: “Not sure trying to get a selfie with a manager that’s literally just lost a play-off semi final, in injury time of EXTRA time, is the smartest move… Keep it together super Frank Lampard!”Another posted: “The cheek of this Sunderland fan trying to get a selfie with Frank Lampard after that last gasp winner…”A third blasted: “No way bro.”Most read in FootballDan Ballard was in ecstasy after his Sunderland clincherCredit: Shutterstock EditorialBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe ugly exchange on the turf came just as Lampard was rueing the most heartbreaking of semi-final defeats.Trailing 2-1 from the first leg, Coventry’s high-energy tactics edged much of the return at the SoL.’One of the best things I’ve ever seen’ – Frank Lampard stunned as Coventry star hits 180 with first-ever three dartsEphron Mason-Clark deservedly struck on 76 minutes to take the tie into extra time.And it was deep into stoppage time during that extra half-hour when Ballard soared to nod home off the underside of the bar.That sent Sunderland through to a £200million shootout with the Blades on May 24 for a place in the Premier League.Ballard sunk Coventry at the death in the play-off semi-finalCredit: GettyChris Rigg led Sunderland celebrations after victory over Coventry booked a Wembley play-off final against Sheffield United on May 24Credit: Reuters More

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      ‘Have they brought their boots?’ – Jordan Pickford and Man Utd icon cheer on Sunderland in play-off against Coventry

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      TWO Premier League stars cheered on old club Sunderland in an epic play-off – as fans initially wished at least one of them was on the pitch rather than in the stands.Manchester United winger Amad Diallo and Everton’s England keeper Jordan Pickford watched on anxiously – but then in joy as Dan Ballard sunk Coventry in the FINAL minute of extra time. Amad Diallo was a huge fans’ favourite when on loan at the SoLSunderland is Jordan Pickford’s home town and first clubCredit: Shutterstock EditorialDan Ballard sparked wild scenes with his last-gasp Black Cats winnerCredit: Shutterstock EditorialDiallo’s Red Devils team-mate Harry Maguire had also gone back to his roots the previous night – to watch his home-town first club Sheffield United book their place at Wembley. Now there will be two jackpots at stake when the Black Cats take on the Blades in the Championship play-off final on May 24.First there’s a spot in the Premier League – and, second, there’s the £200million that comes with it.Diallo, 22, was a popular and exciting loan hit for the Black Cats in 2022-23.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd local lad Pickford, 31, spent the first six years of his career at Sunderland, albeit with six temporary spells away before Everton pounced in 2017. But it was spotting Diallo in the crowd that appeared to rouse Black Cats supporters most.One posted: “Has Amad brought his boots?” Another wrote: “Amad Diallo was among those in attendance.”Most read in FootballMany just noted the duo were there – with Diallo in a black cap and jacket, while Pickford wore a polo shirt.Club icon Jermain Defoe spent time before kick-off signing autographsCredit: PABEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBoth were seen looking almost as nervous as the fans as the tie went into extra time.Coventry wideman Ephron Mason-Clark had steered the only goal of normal time in the 76th-minute, making the aggregate score 2-2.Sunderland’s Chris Rigg is there youngest-ever outfield player But in the 120th minute Ballard thundered home a header to send the Stadium of Light wild with delight.Diallo will soon be preparing for a tense finale to the season himself.The Ivorian has a Europa League Final to look forward to next Wednesday for United against Tottenham and is no stranger to the Championship play-offs.He suffered heartbreak in them against Luton two years ago when his impressive season-long loan stint at Sunderland came to a painful end.Diallo remains a firm favourite with the Black Cats faithful after his 14 goals and four assists from his 42 appearances.And the North East club still holds a strong place in his heart as he regularly shows his support via social media.Diallo even sent Sunderland a message ahead of Tuesday’s crunch clash.The club posted highlights from a 2-1 win over Luton from 2023 in which Diallo opened the scoring.Spotting it, the attacker shared the post to his story and captioned it with the loving eyes emoji to show his backing for them.Diallo was one of a host of famed players past and present who took part in a guard of honour before kick off.And former 1973 FA Cup-winning hero Jim Montgomery walked through before the club revealed that the SoL’s West Stand was being renamed after the iconic goalkeeper.Legendary striker Jermain Defoe was also at the Stadium of Light – notably signing loads of autographs before kick-off.But it was current top-flight heroes Diallo and Pickford who got much of the attention on social media.”Jordan Pickford and Amad Diallo both at SoL tonight to watch #SAFC,” said one supporter.Another fan played it straight too.Read More on The SunHe posted: “Amad Diallo was among those in attendance for the Championship play-off match between Sunderland and Coventry City at the Stadium of Light.” But now centre-back Ballard will go down in folklore – after sinking Frank Lampard’s Sky Blues at the death.Coventry’s Ephron Mason-Clark celebrated taking the tie to extra time only for Frank Lampard’s men to then suffer agony in the dying secondsCredit: Getty More

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      Sky Sports leave fans ‘thinking they’re hallucinating’ after bizarre gaffe during Sunderland vs Coventry play-off

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      FOOTBALL fans were left baffled when a glitch on Sky Sports altered the score of the Championship play-off semi-final between Sunderland and Coventry.With the score 0-0 (2-1 to Sunderland on aggregate) just 18 minutes into the match, the main graphic on the screen briefly changed.Football fans noticed a glitch on the scoreboard during Sky’s coverage of Sunderland vs CoventryCredit: Sky SportsThe score showed 2-1 to Coventry (3-3 on aggregate) when in reality the score was 0-0Credit: Sky SportsInstead, the scoreboard indicated that it was 2-1 to Coventry on the night and 3-3 on aggregate.Some fans were quick to pick up on the glitch and took to social media to comment.One person wrote: “Did anyone elses Sky Sports glitch out there and display the score as 2-1 Cov and 3-3 agg?”Another commented: “Anyone else see that score change in the Sunderland-Coventry game on Sky Sports? I thought I was hallucinating.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA third said: “Guys did Sky Sports just have the scoreline as Sun 1-2 Cov (3-3) and then changed it back to the pre-game score??? Am I bugging??”While another joked: “Thought I had gone mad, but apparently Sky Sports have spoilers.”Sunderland had the advantage going into the semi-final second-leg at the Stadium of Light thanks to goals from Wilson Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda.Jack Rudoni got on the scoresheet for Coventry to keep the Sky Blues in it.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSunderland went to drastic measures to stop Coventry’s secret weapon ahead of the second leg.The Black Cats allegedly moved the advertising boards surrounding the pitch closer to the sidelines to prevent Coventry’s long throw-in tactic.Frank Lampard shows his disappointment after Coventry defeat to Leeds More

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      Watford appoint little-known Uruguayan, 42, as new manager after controversial Tom Cleverley axe

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      WATFORD have named a little-known Uruguayan as their new manager.Former Real Valladolid boss Paulo Pezzolano, 42 comes in just a week after the mid-table Championship side sacked Tom Cleverley.Paulo Pezzolano arrives having been axed by Real Valladolid in NovemberCredit: GettyWatford sacked Tom Cleverley last week after 19 months in chargeCredit: PAIncredibly, Pezzolano is the Hornets’ 22nd manager since Gino Pozzo became club owner in 2012.Cleverley’s axing angered many fans after he arrived as interim chief in March 2024 and landed the permanent job a month later.But the ex-Manchester United midfielder paid the price for Watford slipping out of play-off contention in the second half of this season.The Hornets picked up just five wins in 2025.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSCleverley departed after Watford finished the campaign with a 1-1 home draw against Sheffield Wednesday on May 3.However, appointing Pezzolano appears something of a gamble.The ex-midfielder’s only previous managerial role in Europe was his last job.He was in charge of LaLiga team Valladolid from April 2023 until his sacking in November last year.Most read in ChampionshipBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKValladolid went on to finish bottom this term, with just 17 points – meaning relegation.Before that spell, Pezzolano bossed home-country clubs Liverpool Montevideo and Montevideo City, then Mexicans Pachuca and Brazilian team Cruzeiro.Pezzolano has landed his second managerial post in EuropeCredit: GettyWatford’s sporting director Gian Luca Nani said in a statement: “Paulo has a hugely impressive track record working with young players, which is essential when you look at the age profile of our squad.“He has had success at virtually every club, including league titles and promotions, but it is his work on the training ground that impressed the most when we undertook our research.“He has innovative ideas and processes which he transmits passionately to the players. “We believe Paulo is the leader we need as we refocus ahead of the new season. He is fully aware of our ambitions and determination to push for promotion and embraces that challenge.”Nani added: “The club achieved great success when making similar appointments in Slavisa Jokanovic, Javi Gracia and Xisco Munoz.”And we hope our fans welcome Paulo and wish him every success as we try to achieve the owner’s clear aim of challenging for a return to the Premier League.” More

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      Portsmouth release FIVE players including former Arsenal star after securing Championship survival

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      PORTSMOUTH have announced the departures of five players after securing Championship survival.Cohen Bramall, Tom Lowery, Alexander Milošević, Anthony Scully and Kusini Yengi are all set to leave Fratton Park.Five players are set to depart Portsmouth – including former Arsenal star Cohen BramallCredit: RexBramall previously spent two years at Arsenal before leaving in 2019Credit: Getty – ContributorMeanwhile, loan stars Adil Aouchiche, Rob Atkinson, Kaide Gordon, Isaac Hayden, Freddie Potts and Mark O’Mahony will return to their parent clubs.On the exits, Portsmouth head coach John Mousinho said: “We would like to thank all those players leaving the club for their service and wish them nothing but the best for the next stage of their careers.”Kusini played a massive part in our memorable League One title success just over a year ago, while Anthony and Tom are both model professionals who I enjoyed working with greatly.”Cohen provided genuine competition at left-back after arriving in January, while Alexander offered vital defensive cover at a time we really needed it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I would also like to thank Sunderland, Bristol City, Liverpool, Newcastle, West Ham and Brighton for loaning us their players, all of whom had a role to play in securing our Championship status.”Bramall joined Portsmouth for an undisclosed fee in January and signed a six-month deal.But the 29-year-old’s contract has not been extended beyond this summer.Following spells with several non-league clubs, Bramall was signed by Arsenal in 2017 and went on to make 21 appearances for the club’s Under-23s.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe did not earn a senior appearance for the Gunners.The defender spent a season on loan at Birmingham before joining Colchester United in a permanent transfer in 2019.Portsmouth vs Millwall delayed after power cut as entire 21,000-capacity stadium is plunged into darknessBramall has since played for Lincoln, Rotherham and Pompey.Meanwhile, Lowery joined Portsmouth from Crewe Alexandra in 2022 but spent the last five months on loan at his former club.Milošević completed a short-term move to Fratton Park in March and now already finds himself without a club again.Scully, who spent the 2024-25 season at Colchester, is also among the players set to be released at the end of their contracts.And Yengi will also depart after two years at Portsmouth.John Mousinho has thanked the players for their contributionsCredit: Alamy More

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      Championship club announce decision to change badge after overwhelming fan support for new design

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      MIDDLESBROUGH have announced plans to change their badge ahead of the club’s 150th anniversary next year.Boro initially proposed a badge change last March and subsequently held a consultation period with a group of supporters.Middlesbrough have announced plans for a badge changeCredit: PAClub officials conducted a survey with fans, held face-to-face conversations along with workshops both at the Riverside Stadium and online and even discussed the matter casually with individuals on match days.And now they have officially notified the FA of their intention to alter the badge.The survey from the club found that 57 per cent of supporters are in favour of the change, with 19 per cent against the idea.Middlesbrough have revealed that the change will take place from the start of the 2026-27 season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe new badge will then remain permanent.An update from the club read: “As well as providing extensive feedback across a cross-section of our fans; Season Ticket holders, match-going fans and long-distance supporters, based locally and further afield, young and old, there is a clear and consistent consensus among that feedback which can now be used to drive the design process.”The club would like to take this opportunity to thank all supporters who have engaged with the club on this project so far, and we look forward to sharing further developments in due course.”Middlesbrough ended the 2024-25 season 10th in the Championship table with 64 points from 46 games.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSFollowing the final match of the campaign, head coach Michael Carrick revealed he expects to stay on despite failing to reach the play-offs.He told the BBC: “I’m carrying on. We’ve got a good squad.”My focus is carrying on to what I can say to the boys today, tomorrow, moving forward to get ready for another good season.”Ben Doak gives hilarious answers at Middlesbrough Q&A More