Championship

Subterms

    More stories

    • 200 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘We were extremely disappointed’ – Leeds release statement after Millwall fans’ vile chants about murdered supporters

      by

      LEEDS said they were “extremely disappointed” after Millwall fans chanted about the deaths of Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight.The two Leeds supporters were stabbed to death in Istanbul in 2000, ahead of the club’s UEFA Cup semi-final against Galatasaray.Leeds have released a statement after vile chants were heard in their FA Cup game with MillwallCredit: GettyThe visitors reached the fifth round of the FA Cup with a 2-0 victoryCredit: AlamyLeeds welcomed Millwall to Elland Road on Saturday afternoon in the FA Cup fourth round.But vile chants were heard from the away end, with Leeds responding after the game. A statement from the Championship leaders read: “We were extremely disappointed to hear vile chants relating to football tragedies from the away section at Elland Road.”We know the impact this has on the families of Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight, along with the whole fan base of Leeds United.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”We will work with the police and Millwall Football Club to identify those involved.”We will also continue our efforts with the football authorities to help eradicate these chants from the game.”Leeds boss Daniel Farke added: “Life and death and the health of human beings is much more important than a football game.”The whole football world stands for this and wants to back those values.Most read in Football”Obviously it is a situation which needs to be looked into.”A Millwall spokesman added: “Both clubs have suffered tragic losses to their respective families in recent history.”Chanting about this is entirely unacceptable and will not be tolerated by the club or the governing bodies.”It has no place in football and the club will work closely with Leeds United and authorities to identify those responsible.”Leeds fell to a 2-0 defeat on the day after thanks to a brace from Millwall striker Femi Azeez.It was Farke’s side’s first loss on home soil since September and the Lions’ first win at Elland Road since 2018. More

    • 188 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Sheffield Wednesday in sights of controversial owner who took EFL club to brink of COLLAPSE

      by

      TALAL AL HAMMAD aims to make a comeback as a football owner – with Sheffield Wednesday firmly in his sights.The Bahraini had a disastrous spell at Wigan but now wants another shot in England.Talal Al Hammad is eyeing a shock move to become owner of Sheffield WednesdayCredit: GettyThe former Wigan owner left the Latics on the brink of bankruptcyCredit: GettyDejphon Chansiri has owned the Owls since 2015Credit: GettyAl Hammad bought the Latics when they were in administration four years ago.But after a frantic period in charge, he took the club to the brink of collapse.However, the Arab is now keen to cooperate with unhappy Owls fan groups who are trying to oust controversial owner Dejphon Chansiri.Chansiri disappointed supporters with a quiet January transfer window as the Owls chase the Championship play-offs – only fanning resentment.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut he wants big money for the club, so that may be beyond the reach of Al Hammad.Young German coach Danny Rohl has guided Wednesday to the cusp of the playoff spots.In a disastrous fan forum last month Chansiri admitted he hadn’t spoken to Rohl since December.Wednesday, four-time league champions and three-time FA Cup winners, haven’t been in the top flight in 25 years.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe club were relegated from the Premier League in 2000.They have since bounced around between League One and the Championship, with Rohl saving them from the drop last season.Fan confronts stewards armed with CORNER FLAG as Sheffield Wednesday fans invade pitch after all-but avoiding relegationWednesday’s last Championship playoff campaign was way back in 2017, when they lost in the semi-finals to Huddersfield Town. Protests were held at the recent Yorkshire derby against Leeds by the 1867 Group against Chansiri’s ownership. Club legend Chris Waddle begged the Thai businessman to sell up prior to kick-off at Elland Road.Waddle told ITV Sport: “Rohl has got great believe in his squad.”They work tirelessly and have overachieved this season in my eyes.”It’s a great club. Great fan base, great history and I’d love somebody to buy them.”Wednesday fans recently protested against the owner and called on him to sell the clubCredit: Getty More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside Birmingham’s feel-good relegation, with ticket sales UP, wages at staggering level and ambitious plans for future

      by

      IF EVER there was a feel-good  reaction to being relegated from the Championship, Birmingham had it last year.You could have forgiven supporters for venting their anger after a season which saw them use four managers and drop into League One.Tom Wagner has helped transform BirminghamCredit: RexTom Brady invited pal David Beckham to watch against WrexhamCredit: GettyBrum striker Jay Stansfield and Co are now hoping to stun NewcastleCredit: RexBut with the stardust of seven-time Super Bowl-winner Tom Brady in the background and a £20million transfer kitty, this was different.The message from the club now is: “It’s not the league you’re in, it’s the club that you are.”Even fans who demand instant  success could see there was something bigger at work here.Under American owner Tom Wagner and the Knighthead Capital Management group  — who took over in 2023 — things are on the up.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBlues sit four points clear at the top of League One, with two games in hand on their promotion rivals.And as they host Premier League side Newcastle on Saturday, the gap between the teams may not be as great as you think.The Tynesiders have plans for a new stadium but so does big-spending Wagner, with a 60,000-seater arena scheduled for 2029 at the earliest.It could have been a summer of misery after Brum’s relegation but  season ticket sales were their best in 13 years, such was the optimism over the club’s rebuild.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMost home games are near sell-outs at the 29,409-capacity St Andrew’s.Manager Chris Davies was allowed  to spend £20m on a squad rebuild, including a new League One transfer record to bring in striker Jay Stansfield from Fulham for an initial £12m rising to £15m.David Beckham: Beyond the Pitch and Into the ScreenThe wage bill this season is in the region of £20m-£9m more than the next highest in the division — which would see them having a sizeable budget even in the Championship.But crucially there are no Profit and Sustainability Rules at work here.Birmingham are subject to SCMP  — Salary Cost Management Protocols — and, as a newly-relegated club, they can spend 75 per cent of turnover on player expenditure.Financial priorities will change with a  return to PSR in the  Championship.In the second tier clubs can lose up to £39m over a rolling three-year   period before being hit with any  punishment.But with promotion looking likely, Davies will be looking at another large transfer kitty.That is currently being helped by the generation of huge revenues from  partnerships with the likes of Nike, Delta Air Lines and sportswear brand Undefeated.And on Super Bowl weekend, it cannot be forgotten NFL legend Brady is also listed as a “minority owner” at St Andrew’s.When Birmingham hosted Hollywood-backed Wrexham earlier this season, Brady brought along pal David Beckham to watch the game.Yet, despite plans for a new Sports Quarter and super stadium, an incredible £15m was spent on their current home in the summer.And that was after making repairs to dilapidated areas of the ground.Newcastle celebrated reaching the Carabao Cup final but face a daunting FA Cup fourth-round clash at League One leaders BirminghamCredit: ReutersBrum chiefs have splashed out on their ground but want a new baseCredit: GettyBut why splash out on major improvements to their current home when a move is in the pipeline?The Blues are thinking on their feet. The reasoning is they want to grow their fanbase, as a leap from 29,000-plus crowds to more than 60,000 does not happen overnight.Wagner and his team want fans on board now and that means offering a matchday experience.Birmingham are already working on attracting more eight to 14-year-olds to games as they feel there has been a ‘lost generation’ of fans who were fed up of seeing them tread water under a Far Eastern ownership that appeared detached from supporters.Chief executive Jeremy Dale says they are already geared up to compete in the Championship — and beyond.He told Birmingham Live this week: “From a commercial perspective, the club is doing better than ever before.”If we got promoted, even to the Premier League, if we had the Premier League TV money we wouldn’t be in the bottom few teams in that league.“We’d be just below halfway, from a commercial perspective.“We believe next season, from a commercial point of view, we would be performing within the top five or six in the Championship.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The commercial partners say they can feel the vibe as they walk around the stadium — which is entirely different to what there was before.“They realise it’s not the league you’re in, it’s the club you are.” More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      West Brom’s Kyle Bartley sparks mass brawl at final whistle v Sheff Weds for shoving his arm into rival’s face

      by

      KYLE BARTLEY saw red as tempers flared following West Brom’s dramatic win over Sheffield Wednesday.The Baggies netted in the 97th minute to gain three vital points in the race for the Championship playoffs. Kyle Bartley (No. 5) was seen pushing his arm into an opponent’s face after West Brom’s win over Sheffield WednesdayCredit: PAThe West Brom captain was dragged away by teammates following the meleeCredit: PAWednesday’s Svante Ingelsson (No. 8) had been unhappy with Jayson Mulumby’s celebrationsCredit: X formerly Twitter / @SkyFootballMolumby had won the game in the seventh minute of stoppage timeCredit: GettyBartley was given a straight red card for raising his handsCredit: X formerly Twitter / @SkyFootballJayson Molumby turned in a corner seconds from the end as West Brom cemented their place in the top six.But following the final whistle at the Hawthorns, home skipper Bartley was sent off during an ugly brawl. Players from both sides were embroiled in a shoving match, with Bartley and Wednesday’s Svante Ingelsson at the centre. West Brom’s goal hero Molumby was perceived by some Wednesday players as goading them after his dramatic late winner.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAs Ingelsson raced to confront the Irishman, Bartley was seen pushing an arm into the midfielder’s face.The incident was spotted by referee Tom Nield, who dished out a straight red to the Baggies captain. Bartley has only just returned following a calf injury which kept him out for much of January. He will now miss three games after the straight red card for violent conduct. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN-UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe 33-year-old joined West Brom in 2018 and is one of their longest-serving players. It was a day of high drama at the Hawthorns, with the early Championship kick-off firing into life in the closing stages.Hibs and Rangers stars involved in heated full time clash as teammates forced to intervene as tempers frayCallum Paterson thought he had snatched a point for Danny Rohl’s seventh-placed Wednesday with a 93rd-minute leveller.But Molumby netted his fourth goal of the season to keep Tony Mowbray’s side fifth and spark jubilant scenes. More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Huge EFL rule change hit by MAJOR setback with request for a vote rejected and ‘no commitment made’

      by

      The EFL are set to a reject a request from the National League to commit to a vote on granting them three promotion places.SunSport has learned that the matter was discussed at an EFL Board meeting yesterday. The EFL are set to a reject a request from the National League to commit to a vote on granting them an additional promotion placeCredit: GettyThe Board concluded that the promotion and relegation issue should be passed to the clubs for talks at their divisional meetings later this month, with no commitment made to vote at the end of the season.The National League wrote to the EFL earlier this week requesting a vote at their summer AGM so the new promotion and relegation model could be introduced next season. In addition the National League have launched a public 3UP campaign, but have been unable to secure any commitment from the EFL at this stage.The EFL declined to comment, and are planning to write to the National League to explain their position in detail.Read More in FootballAny rule change requires a majority vote from the 72 EFL clubs, including a majority of the 24 in the Championship.The EFL are expected to set out their concerns to the clubs later this month, including the fact that National League clubs are not subject to the same cost control rules.Agreeing the same spending rules is viewed by many as essential before three-up three-down can be introduced, and that will not happen before the end of the season.EFL bosses have previously spoken positively about the idea but a switch would need the formal backing of the clubs.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSNational League chairman Jack Pearce suggested the likely arrival of the Government’s new Independent Football Regulator this summer meant that the EFL had to respond.Pearce said: “The Regulator’s stated objectives include providing financial sustainability, economic resilience and preserving the heritage of the sport. ‘Classless’ – Fans fume as EFL star’s ‘disgusting’ behaviour sparks row that sees manager sent off days after dad died-Locat“In terms of heritage, National League clubs are at the heart of towns and cities across the whole country, with clubs that are part of the fabric of their communities.“An extra promotion place would create an invaluable aspiration for all these clubs and supporters – plus clubs in the leagues below. We simply can’t wait any longer for parity within the game.”Pearce argues that three clubs switching each season would create a “fluid” pyramid while also providing greater opportunity for relegated clubs to “bounce back” into the EFL. More

    • 213 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Derby County SACK Paul Warne as horror run of seven straight defeats leaves Rams in relegation zone

      by

      DERBY COUNTY have sacked Paul Warne after a nightmare run of seven straight defeats.The horror form sees the Rams in the Championship relegation zone, two points from safety.Paul Warne was sacked as Derby managerCredit: GettyThe Rams have lost seven in a row in the ChampionshipCredit: PAWarne took over from Wayne Rooney after Liam Rosenior’s interim spell in September 2022. Following his arrival from Rotherham, the ex-midfielder had a strong start but form collapsed and Derby missed out on a League One play-off spot.However, Warne took them back into the Championship at the second time of asking in 2023-24, finishing second.But he has overseen just seven wins and six draws from 30 league games in the second tier so far this season. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd with Derby two points off the bottom and two points off 21st-placed Hull, owner David Clowes made the decision to fire Warne.A Rams statement said: “It is with regret that Derby County have decided to relieve Paul Warne of his position.”While Paul and his staff helped deliver on the club’s objective of a return to the Championship last season, the recent run of results necessitates a change.”Clowes added: “Paul is a man of great integrity and embodies the values we hold important at Derby County. Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”No fan should ever forget his contribution in securing promotion to the Championship. I certainly won’t.“However, results in football dictate decisions and we felt that to give us the best chance of retaining our Championship status, the time was right to make a change.“Paul goes with our thanks, gratitude and best wishes. He and his family will always be welcome at Pride Park.”Former Rotherham, Oldham and Yeovil ace Warne enjoyed three promotions in charge at the Millers before leaving for the East Midlands two-and-a-half years ago. He oversaw major squad overhauls during both summers in charge.However, after releasing seven first-team players before beginning their Championship campaign, Warne’s squad was not ready for the start of the season and struggled for early results – plus lost to Barrow in the Carabao Cup. Early odds for Derby job4/5 Steven Gerrard9/4 Steve Cooper3/1 Rob Edwards9/2 Russell Martin8/1 Ryan Lowe10/1 Wayne RooneyOdds according to CoralWhen Mark Robins left Coventry in November, the Derby boss became the longest-serving manager in the division.However, his time came to an end after successive losses to Leeds, Sheffield Wednesday, Bristol City, Watford, Sunderland, Cardiff and Sheffield United – as well as a penalty shootout exit to Leyton Orient in the FA Cup. The Blades defeat was on Saturday – six days ago – and the announcement of Warne’s sacking came just 24 hours before kick-off away at Norwich tomorrow. It means Michael Carrick is now the gaffer who has been in his post at a Championship club for the longest time – with his Middlesbrough appointment in October 2022. READ MORE SUN STORIESSteven Gerrard is the early odds-on favourite to follow in Rooney and Frank Lampard’s boots by taking on the Derby job – he is 4/5 with Coral following his Saudi sacking.Ex-Nottingham Forest and Leicester boss Steve Cooper, Rob Edwards and Russell Martin are also in contention – while Rooney himself is 10/1 to make a dramatic Pride Park return as he looks to get back in the dugout after a brief stint at Plymouth. Steven Gerrard is the early favourite to replace Warne at Pride ParkCredit: Getty More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd send scouts to watch ‘best player to come out of the Championship since Jude Bellingham’ in huge Derby Day win

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED sent scouts to run fresh checks on Chris Rigg during Sunderland’s dramatic derby win at Middlesbrough.The Red Devils expressed interest in the young midfielder as early as November 2024 and planned to go for him in the January window.Man Utd sent scouts to watch Chris Rigg during Sunderland’s derby winCredit: GettyThe Black Cats mounted an extraordinary comeback to move fourth in the ChampionshipCredit: RexRigg only signed his first professional contract on Wearside last summer and committed himself to the club until 2027.But United’s interest has not gone away, after Old Trafford talent spotters were sent to watch the wonderkid play again.It is understood that scouts surveyed Rigg’s performance during Sunderland’s last-gasp 3-2 win over Boro on Monday, which was deadline day.A late Ryan Giles own goal saw the Black Cats, who also boast Jobe Bellingham in their ranks, snatch victory and keep themselves right in the race automatic promotion.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWhile Rigg didn’t score or assist and came off after 72 minutes this time around, he provided a stunning finish in the reverse fixture in September.The 17-year-old is regarded as the best player to come out of the Championship since former Birmingham midfielder Jude Bellingham.The teenager, who considers himself a “traditional attacking midfielder”, has impressed for the promotion chasers, bagging four goals and one assist in 28 games.With United balancing delicate PSR issues, Rigg is seen by Ineos as a young player available for a reasonable price with future sell-on potential.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSeveral United stars are out of contract in the summer and Rigg’s estimated market value is in the region of £25million.But the Red Devils are among a number of Premier League clubs interested in signing Rigg, who turns 18 in June.’Leeds fans better than Sunderland’ plus bust ups and bug pranks | Jack Grimmer – What the EFL?!Rigg and Wilson Isidor celebrating Sunderland’s crucial Tees-Wear derby winCredit: GettyLiverpool, Crystal Palace and Chelsea have also watched him play several times this season, while Real Madrid were reportedly admirers.Rigg – who starts as a No 10 – impressed for England under-18s over the summer following his breakthrough campaign.He made 21 appearances last term and has been with the Black Cats since he was at primary school.The Tyneside- born star became the second youngest player in the club’s history while still at school last January, behind Derek Foster.Sunderland have been the surprise package of the Championship season so far under new French manager Regis Le Bris.After enjoying a long spell at the top of the table a few months ago, the club sit fourth and are fighting for promotion to the Prem, after finishing 16th last term.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Red and White army were relegated from the English top-flight in the 2016-2017 campaign and dropped to League One for four seasons in between now and then.Failure to win promotion this season however could lead to Sunderland seeking to cash in on Rigg next summer, when he will have just two years left on his deal.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘I don’t want to talk about that’ – Frank Lampard shuts down question on gesture to Leeds fans after Coventry defeat

      by

      FRANK LAMPARD has refused to comment after reportedly making a gesture towards Leeds fans on Wednesday night. The Coventry boss watched his side fall to a 2-0 home defeat to the Championship leaders.Frank Lampard’s Coventry fell to a first loss in ten games on Wednesday against LeedsCredit: RexLampard refused to comment after the game after reportedly making a gesture towards the away supportCredit: PAFirst-half goals from Joel Piroe and full-back Jayden Bogle gave Leeds a comfortable three points at the Coventry Building Society Arena. It was Coventry’s first defeat in ten matches and just the third since Lampard replaced Mark Robins at the end of November.The ex-Chelsea star has history with Leeds from his time as Derby County boss.Lampard led the Rams to a memorable 4-2 play-off victory at Elland Road in 2019, booking a place at Wembley.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt came among a Spygate controversy between the two sides, with Derby furious that then-Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa had allegedly sent a coach to snoop on their training sessions. Lampard got plenty of stick from the Leeds faithful following Wednesday’s loss, which sent Daniel Farke’s men five points clear of second-place Burnley. The 46-year-old appeared to make a gesture towards the jubilant away end following the final whistle. According to LeedsLive, Lampard cupped his ears to the away end and outstretched his fist.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhile some fans on social media believed Lampard had referenced the Derby result with a “4-2 gesture”.When asked about the incident post-match, Lampard shut down the question and replied: “I don’t want to talk about that.”Inside Frank Lampard’s superstitious routine as new Coventry boss’ success could depend on Chelsea legend’s DOGSince leaving Derby in 2019, Lampard has enjoyed two spells with Chelsea and an ill-fated tenure at Everton. The former England midfielder took 18 months away from the game after getting the axe at Goodison Park in January 2023. He has since hit the ground running with the Sky Blues, reigniting their play-off push after a poor start to the season.Wednesday’s defeat ended a run of four-straight wins, which has propelled Coventry into the top half of the table.They currently sit 11th, but are just three points behind West Brom in the final play-off spot.Lampard heaped praise on Leeds after the 2-0 defeat, adding: “They’re a strong team. They’re top of the league for a reason.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Lots of talent, lots of speed, well coached, good team, Premier League experience and I’m really impressed with them. “Sometimes you have to praise a team that comes here and does well. There’s other teams up there but they’re in with a great chance.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Lampard and his Derby staff celebrated wildly after a 4-2 win at Elland Road in 2019Credit: Getty Images – Getty More