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      ‘Please delete this’ – Southampton send cringeworthy message to Derby after passing lowest Premier League points tally

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      SOUTHAMPTON fans have blasted the club’s social media account after it celebrated passing Derby County’s lowest ever Premier League points tally.The already-relegated Saints earned their 12th point of the season after a 0-0 draw with Manchester City, to overtake Derby’s 11 points secured in 2007-2008.Southampton beat officially beat Derby’s worst-ever Premier League side points tallyThe already-relegated Saints won their 12th point of the season against Manchester CitySouthampton tagged Derby County in an X post at full-timeRock bottom and Championship-bound Southampton survived 26 shots at goal to hold Champions League-chasing City on Saturday afternoon.And it even prompted a cheeky dig from the official Saints X account at full-time, which read: “Sorry if we got your hopes up, @dcfcofficial.”But other supporters were left fuming with the “humiliating” post and begged the club, who have now drawn six games, to rip it down.One wrote: This is embarrassing as f***. Please delete this. On behalf of Every saints fan.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSA second said: “Even for bait this is proper tragic, head would be on Mars if I was a Saints fan.”A third added: “This is embarrassing 😶.”While another footie supporter chimed in with: “Imagine bragging about being the second worst team in Premier League history 😂.”And Saints fans probably won’t want to hear what proud goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale had to say about passing Derby’s tally.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe former Arsenal stopper said: “Delighted. We’re not happy about how the season has gone but we’re happy we’ve avoided that record.”We’re under no illusions that it’s not a great points tally. The fans are happy in the sun smiling.Ivan Juric leaves Southampton after woeful relegation from Premier League with club on track to make unwanted history “Everyone knows it’s been a difficult season for us. That one was for the fans and also the lads who have given everything. “A lot of Mondays coming in after heavy defeats. Today is a relief.”When Rusky came in he asked us to be extraordinary in concentration and personality and we showed that in abundance today.”Credit to the lads and way they defended. We made it hard for them.”In fairness to Southampton, much has been made about whether or not they can beat Derby’s unwanted record. And now they’ve done it.And interim manager Simon Rusk did urge his side to leave the Premier League “with as much dignity as possible” before kick-off.Read More on The SunMeanwhile, City failed to sew up a top-five finish in the race for the Champions League, and missed out on the chance to move level on points with Arsenal in second.Pep Guardiola’s side now stay within touching distance of their fellow Champions League chasers Newcastle, Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa, with 65 points in third place. More

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      ‘Good way to find out’ – Championship star sees he’s been released on INSTAGRAM before sending snide message to club

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      KIAN BEST took a swipe at Preston North End after apparently finding out he was released by his boyhood club via Instagram.Best, 19, spent his entire career at Preston after joining the Championship outfit’s academy at a very young age and signed a scholarship deal in 2021 before going pro two years later.Kian Best was released from Preston North EndBest suggested he found out about his release on social mediaDespite a promising start, the left-back found opportunities hard to come by at Deepdale and was ultimately loaned out to Bohemians in the League of Ireland Premier Division in January.That spelled the end of his long stint with the Lilywhites, who announced the ex-England Under-19 international’s release on Saturday.Preston issued a post on social media, along with a slideshow of players who are set to leave. It read: “We’d like to wish the players leaving us this summer the very best of luck for the future.”It included an image of Best with the following caption: “Thank you Besty”.Read More on FootballThe full-back then immediately took to social media where he shared a screenshot of Preston’s announcement and suggested he wasn’t informed about his release before the attached post was published. Best issued the following story: “Good way to find out through Instagram.”The youngster appears to have since deleted his post on social media.SunSport have approached Preston for comment.Most read in ChampionshipBest’s contract was due to expire at the end of the season and the player reportedly held no discussions with the club over an extension.Preston also announced the release of Freddie Woodman, Emil Riis, Patrick Bauer and Ryan Ledson, whose partner is a soap star.Kian Taylor was also included in the released section. More

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      Former England U20 star who’s dating Coronation Street actress wakes up unemployed after release from EFL club

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      FORMER England U20 ace and Everton academy graduate Ryan Ledson has been released by Preston North End. Ledson, who is dating Coronation Street star Lucy Fallon, leaves Deepdale after seven years following the expiration of his contract.Ryan Ledson has been released by Preston North EndCredit: GettyLedson is dating Lucy FallonCredit: SplashFallon stars as Bethany Platt in ITV soap Coronation StreetCredit: Instagram/@lucyfallonxThe 27-year-old midfielder joined Preston back in 2018, having spent time at Cambridge United and Oxford United after graduating from Everton’s academy.And now he will be searching for the next step in his career after being included on Preston’s 2025 retained list as an “out of contract and released” player.It’s not a surprise to Preston fans, who were made aware of Ledson’s imminent exit earlier in the week.In a statement, the Liverpool-born star said: “I’ve had the best seven years that I could have asked for. This club means so much to me.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I want to thank everyone at the club, from the staff behind the scenes to the owner and Peter.“Thank you to the fans too for all the support you’ve given me over the years. I’m glad my last game for the club went as well as it did and I could have that moment with the fans at the end.“I’ve absolutely loved my time here and I wish everyone at the club nothing but the best for the future.”Ledson’s final game for the club was a 2-2 draw against Bristol City, a result that was just enough to keep the Lilywhites afloat in the Championship.Most read in FootballPreston North End full retained listHere’s a look at who is staying and going for Preston North End…Contracted ProfessionalsAli McCannAndrew HughesBen WhitemanBrad PottsDai CornellFelipe Rodriguez-GentileJack WhatmoughJames PradicJeppe OkkelsJordan StoreyKitt NelsonLewis GibsonLiam LindsayMads FrøkjærMax WilsonMilutin OsmajićNoah MaweneStefán ThórdarsonWill KeaneIn NegotiationsChed Evans (coaching role)Josh SearyKacper PasiekRobbie BradyOut of Contract and ReleasedEmil RiisFreddie WoodmanKian BestKian TaylorPatrick BauerRyan LedsonLoan Players Returning To Parent ClubsKaine Kesler-HaydenJayden MeghomaRyan PorteousSam GreenwoodCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe leaves PNE having played 215 games, scoring seven goals and registering 14 assists.Ledson’s partner Lucy Fallon, who plays Bethany Platt on ITV soap Coronation Street, supported him by re-sharing his exit announcement on her Instagram.Former England star Trevor Sinclair facing bankruptcy battle over £36k unpaid tax bill after ‘hiding head in the sand’The pair, who have been dating since the Covid-19 lockdown, share two children together – a son named Sonny and a daughter called Nancy.Clubs up and down the country are now announcing their retained lists as the season comes to a close, meaning top stars are being released all over the place.Former Chelsea, Manchester City and Celtic star Scott Sinclair was another big name to wake up unemployed this week after his release from Bristol Rovers.Club captain Sinclair, who shares three children with his former Corrie star ex Helen Flanagan, was let go by Rovers following their relegation into League Two.Scott Sinclair has been released by Bristol RoversCredit: GettySinclair’s ex is former Corrie star Helen FlanaganCredit: Instagram More

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      Luton release five players after relegation including Chelsea title winner and club legend who played in every division

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      LUTON have confirmed the release of five senior players at the end of this season.It comes after the Hatters, who were still a Premier League club 12 months ago, were relegated to League One.Luton have confirmed Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu will leave the club at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyPrem title winner Victor Moses will join him out the doorCredit: GettyTim Krul will also leave when his contract expiresCredit: RexAfter being banished from the top flight a year ago, Luton were simply unable to shake the habit of losing in the Championship.And despite replacing popular former boss Rob Edwards in January with Matt Bloomfield, a run of nine games without a win under him left them with a lot to do before a 5-3 defeat to West Brom on the final day confirmed relegation for the second season in a row.Following that disappointment, the club have now confirmed who will be leaving them when their contracts expire.Chief among these is history-making midfielder Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 31-year-old came up with Luton from non-league and throuhgh every single division of the EFL to get into the Premier League, becoming the first player to win four promotions and play in five divisions with the same club.He has made 412 appearances and scored 23 goals throughout his Luton career.But having spent the second half of the season on loan at Rotherham, the club legend will now depart to end a 12-year career with them after originally signing as a teenager from West Ham in 2013.The club added a further tribute to him would follow.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKOther departures include Prem cult heroes Tim Krul and Victor Moses, four-year Luton veteran Amari’i Bell and on-loan reserve goalkeeper Jameson Horlick.Krul, 37, and Moses, 34, have more than 440 Premier League appearances between them, with the latter also winning the title with Chelsea.Fire brigade rush to Championship stadium as blaze erupts in laundry room ahead of huge clashLuton’s statement said: “We would like to thank Kal, Tim, Victor, Jameson and Josh immensely for their contribution to the club this season and wish them well for their future careers.”Club captain Tom Lockyer is out of contract but will continue his rehabilitation at The Brache, completing his return to football programme after his recovery from ankle surgery.Liam Walsh and Jack Walton, who is on loan at Dundee, have seen one-year contract extensions triggered.Elsewhere, the loan deals of Josh Bowler and Kal Naismith are expiring which will see them return to parent clubs Nottingham Forest and Bristol City, respectively.Players currently out on loan; Cauley Woodrow, Tom Holmes, Jayden Luker and Aribim Pepple, will return to the fold this summer. However, returning loanee Dion Pereira will not be continuing at Kenilworth Road.In the Under-21 ranks, Claude Kayibanda and Jack Lorentzen-Jones have had their contracts extended while discussions are ongoing with Joshua Phillips.Unfortunately, Jack Bateson, Dominic Dos Santos Martins, Tyrell Giwa and Axel Piesold will all be released from their respective deals.For the Under-18s, Sam Anderson, Zach Ioannides, Jamie Odegah, Oliver Pipa, Dylan Stitt, Lucas Thomas, Charlie Trustram and Tate Xavier-Jones have all been handed professional contracts.Luton have offered first-year scholarships to Rufus Barnes, Excel Ed-Okungbowa, Nassim El Gourja, Finley Evans, Luca Knote-Reed, Jerome Passley-James and Luke Takawira.Read More on The SunThey will also add Dawid Gawel as a scholar from Everton.On the other hand, Charlie Emery, Isaiah Harvey, Cai Hockey and Matthew Takawira will be leaving the academy at the end of the season. More

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      Norwich City rule Jack Wilshere OUT of manager’s job with Arsenal legend set to leave Championship side

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      JACK WILSHERE has been told he will not be kept on as the next permanent Norwich City manager.Wilshere, 33, was made interim boss of the Canaries following Johannes Hoff Thorup’s dismissal on April 22, stepping up from his role as a first team coach.Jack Wilshere will not be kept on as Norwich City managerCredit: GettyNorwich sporting director Ben Knapper has revealed that the club’s search for a new manager will be ‘focused externally’Credit: AlamyThe former Arsenal and England star, whose career was cut short by injuries, had impressed during his short spell as boss.He led the team to a 0-0 away draw against Middlesbrough and a 4-2 home victory over Cardiff City on the final day of the season.Wilshere’s Bluebirds thrashing was against his former Gunners midfield partner Aaron Ramsey, who had been given the Cardiff job on a temporary basis too.But despite Wilshere impressing in the technical area, Norwich sporting director Ben Knapper has revealed that the club’s search for a new manager will be “focused externally”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe told BBC Radio Norfolk: “Jack is a fantastic person, he and I have a big history together.”He’s a great coach and will be a fantastic head coach, but that’s not going to be here at this particular moment in time.”Knapper and Wilshere know each other well, having crossed paths during his time at Arsenal.Knapper previously worked as Arsenal’s loans manager from 2019 to 2023.Most read in FootballWilshere impressed during his two-game stint as bossCredit: AlamyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSNow the retired midfielder is set to leave Norwich completely, with the BBC reporting that he is taking time to consider his options.It’s thought that Wilshere is leaning towards becoming a head coach or manager elsewhere following his exit.Footballers are great role models… but they need to be able to go partying, like I did, says Jack WilshereWilshere was previously linked with making a huge leap into senior management last year.The Arsenal legend reportedly held talks with MLS side Colorado Rapids about becoming their head coach, but a switch never materialised.Wilshere was forced to retire at the age of 30 after battling with injuries throughout his career.After bursting on the scene at Arsenal as a teenager, Wilshere went on to have spells playing at West Ham, Bournemouth and Danish outfit Aarhus GF, before deciding his injuries had got the better of him.It was the same summer as his retirement that the former rising star began his role as head coach of the Gunners’ U18s.During his first season as boss of the youth team he managed to guide the youngsters to the FA Youth Cup final, ultimately losing to West Ham.Read More on The SunWhile he also helped nurture talent such as Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly.Since the season ended for Norwich, Wilshere returned to punditry as he joined TNT Sports’ in Paris to watch former club Arsenal take on Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.Wilshere joined Mikel Arteta for an interview ahead of PSG vs ArsenalCredit: Getty More

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      Frank Lampard reveals he listens to same song on every dog walk as he bids to guide Coventry back to Premier League

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      FRANK LAMPARD has revealed that he listens to a Coventry anthem on every dog walk.The 46-year-old was appointed manager of the Sky Blues in November and quickly became popular among fans.Frank Lampard has revealed that he listens to a fan-favourite Coventry anthem while walking the dogCredit: GettyAt the first time of asking he led Coventry to the Championship playoffs, where they will face Sunderland in the semi-finals.Ahead of the first leg on Friday evening, Lampard has opened up about his love for the club.The Chelsea legend even revealed that he listens to the club’s unnofficial anthem, ‘We’ll Live and Die in These Towns’ by The Enemy, on every dog walk.Speaking to The Telegraph, Lampard explained: “From my part, I’ve loved it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It gets the tingles going pre-game every time I hear it. I play it in the car and on my dog walks.”And my two youngest have really taken to it as well. My wife Christine, sent me a voice note of my daughter singing it before a game.””I can’t speak for them, but I’m sure that, like me, they will have a lot of affection and feeling for it and how the fans react to it pre-game.”‘We’ll Live and Die in These Towns’ recently became adopted by Coventry fans and the song is now sung before every match.Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA rendition of the tune prior to the club’s FA Cup semi-final meeting with Manchester United at Wembley Stadium went viral last year.It is now considered one of the best club anthems in England.’One of the best things I’ve ever seen’ – Frank Lampard stunned as Coventry star hits 180 with first-ever three dartsLampard admitted it would mean “a great deal” to earn promotion to the Premier League with Coventry prior to the club’s playoff meeting with Sunderland.In his pre-match press conference, he said: “I think the reality for this club and for us as a group this year is what it would mean considering where we were in November/December and the early parts of the season.”From the work done and for the players who have owned it and shown really consistent performances and have managed to move up the table, it  would mean a great deal because of where we’ve come from and also for this club, the history of the club and it has a great history of FA Cup finals and playing top tier football and it’s been a long while.”I understand the responsibility of that, and those are things that we can deal with if they come, but we have to absolutely focus on three games hopefully, but right now specifically one and then the away leg to see what we can do, because it’s what we do on the pitch that will get us there or not.” More

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      Leeds fan fighting for his life in coma after falling from tree in title celebrations as NBA star donates £2,000 to help

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      A LEEDS supporter is fighting for his life in hospital after falling from a tree during their title celebrations.Thousands of fans lined the streets on Monday for an open-top bus parade following the club’s promotion back to the Premier League.Ed O’Brien is fighting for his life after falling from a treeCredit: JustgivingThousands of supporters filled the city centre to celebrate promotionCredit: PABut disaster struck when supporter Ed O’Brien fell from a tree in Millennium Square.The 23-year-old was rushed to hospital and is now in a coma.A JustGiving page was launched in support Ed’s brave fight and a whopping £10,000 has so far been raised, smashing the £750 target.Basketball star Larry Nance Jr has contributed, donating £2,000 to the cause.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAlong with the cash, he wrote: “Thinking of you. Strength and love!”The Atlanta Hawks ace is a huge Leeds supporter and an investor in the 49ers Enterprises group that own the club.Ed’s mum Stacey Barker wrote online: “As far as I am aware, he had consumed alcohol but I am confident he wasn’t paralytic as some posts are suggesting. “I am also as confident as a mother can be that no other substance was involved.”Most read in FootballShe added that his recovery is set to be a “slow and lengthy process” and “unlikely to be without implications”.The JustGiving page reads: “To support Ed O’Brien and his family after Ed sadly fell out of a tree when celebrating Leeds winning the league on Monday and now is sadly fighting for his life in hospital.”His mum and dad both live in York and at this time it will be costing them both a lot in travel and time off work.”I am just hoping we can all raise some money to take that stress away from them. MOT stay strong Ed.”Larry Nance Jr has donated £2,000 to the fundraiserCredit: Getty More

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      Sheffield United have worst play-off record in English football history – but Blades cult hero backs them to break curse

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      SHEFFIELD UNITED legend Chris Basham believes Chris Wilder will break the club’s play-off curse and lead them back into the Premier League.Four losses in five games towards the end of the season wrecked the Blades’ chances of going up automatically as Leeds and Burnley took the top two spots.Sheffield United lost the play-off semi-final in 2022 to Nottingham Forest on penaltiesCredit: GettyKenny Miller celebrates scoring for Wolves in the 2003 Division One play-off final – one of FOUR Blades play-off final defeatsCredit: GettyKyle Walker was part of the United team that lost the 2009 Championship play-off final to BurnleyCredit: GettyBlades legend Chris Basham has backed his old side to triumph this timeCredit: GettyUnited have been involved in NINE play-offs, either in League One or the Championship, and lost the lot — the worst record of any team in EFL history.Only Huddersfield, Brentford and Preston (ten) have played more but they have all tasted success at least once.The Blades have also reached four finals and failed to score in any.They face Bristol City in the semi-finals this time – with the first leg at Ashton Gate on Thursday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Basham, 36, said: “Records are there to be broken and if anyone can do that it’s Chris and this group.“The manager has set some records already this season. “Wilder has broken records here before, whether it is winning streaks or leading us to ninth in the Premier League, our highest finish. So he’ll not be daunted, neither will the team.“They have had a great season when you consider this is very much a new team. He’s gone about his business well and the fans love him.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“They just had that crazy week where they lost three matches. But they now have a great opportunity in the play-offs.”Wilder agrees and is adamant history counts for nothing.Former Premier League boss in centre of huge tunnel brawl as tempers flare following dramatic Championship clashHe said: “There’s negativity in football right the way through, isn’t there? In everything, whatever club you’re at. “So everybody has to deal with that, but there’s no negativity in this group.“I’d rather be sat on the beach having achieved something, but I had a taste of it in 2010 and people always talk about it being the best way to go up“But we’ve got two unbelievably tough games before we can even start to think about that.“I’ve got too much respect for the game and the opposition to think that this is going to be straightforward, because it isn’t.“We’ve got to deal with two difficult games against a talented group of players who we’ve seen here at Bramall Lane, and played two tight games against this season. And I am expecting this to be no different over the next four or five days.“We’re going there to try and get a win and if they need a win coming up the road, then they’ll be trying to do that as well. There’ll be no negative approach.“We believe we can compete with any team in the division, and our away record has been outstanding.”Basham had a fantastic Blades career, making 394 appearances, before his career was ended when he  dislocated an ankle at Fulham in 2023.During that decade he won promotion to the Championship and twice to the Premier League.Basham’s testimonial was at Bramall Lane on Sunday between a Blades legends team and Sky Sports select side.Read More on The SunProceeds went to Weston Park as part of the charity’s attempts to secure a breakthrough MRI simulator cancer scanning machine.The former defender admitted: “It was an awful injury and such a shame to have my career ended like that.”BRISTOL CITY v SHEFFIELD UNITED VERDICTJUSTIN ALLEN’S guide to the Championship semi-final…United have had a good season. They finished the season averaging two points per game — before their points deduction — but have missed out to Leeds and Burnley, who both amassed ONE HUNDRED!BLADES fans were gutted not to get promoted automatically  after they lost four of their last six games — crucially three in a row to Oxford, Millwall and Plymouth.I always fear for a club that misses out on automatic promotion but they have had the time  to mentally reset.They are up against a Bristol City side that just about clung on to their play-off spot after just one win in their last five games.Sheff U won 2-1  in October at Ashton Gate but the Robins were brilliant in the March return, although they needed a late leveller.The Blades should edge this over two legs. A big performance from Championship player-of-the-season Gus Hamer will be needed — but City carry a threat through Nahki Wells and Anis Mehmeti.(First leg, Thursday May 8, 8pm; second leg Monday, May 12, 8pm) More