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      Harry Redknapp rules himself out of shock Championship job as ex-Tottenham boss, 77, admits ‘I’ve had it’

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      HARRY REDKNAPP has ruled himself out of a shock return to football with Frank Lampard at Coventry City.The former gaffer, 77, managed some of the country’s top teams following a glittering playing career.Harry Redknapp has ruled out a return to football at Coventry CityCredit: RexNephew Frank Lampard oversaw a 1-1 draw against Cardiff in his first game as managerCredit: PARedknapp took charge of sides including Tottenham, West Ham and Southampton.But his last role in the dugout came in 2017 with Birmingham.Redknapp’s legacy continues with son Jamie, who played for clubs like Liverpool and Spurs before heading into punditry.While nephew Lampard is now a boss after winning three titles and a Champions League at Chelsea.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe former England midfielder, who has twice managed his old side as well as Derby and Everton, has now landed a new role at Coventry.Lampard’s first match after replacing Mark Robins came in a 2-2 draw against Cardiff on Saturday.And the tactician is hopeful of rebuilding his managerial career after picking up just one win during his last interim spell at Stamford Bridge.However, Redknapp reckons there’s one thing Lampard must do if he is to succeed in the Championship.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe gaffer has already brought long-time assistants Joe Edwards and Chris Jones with him to Coventry.But uncle Harry reckons Lampard also needs to hire a “wise old head” for added experience.Inside Frank Lampard’s superstitious routine as new Coventry boss’ success could depend on Chelsea legend’s DOGFrank Lampard’s managerial career statsDerby, May 2018-July 2019: P57 W24 D17 L16Chelsea, July 2019-Jan 2021: P84 W44 D17 L23Everton, Jan 2022-Jan 2023: P44 W12 D8 L24Chelsea (interim), Apr 2023-May 2023: P11 W1 D2 L8Coventry, Nov 2024-Present: P1 W0 D1 L0However, it won’t be Redknapp himself, who has categorically ruled out taking a role at the club.He told SunSport: “If I could offer one piece of advice to Frank Lampard on his return to management with Coventry it would be to get a wise, old head on his staff.“Not me, I’ve had it, but someone that is a little bit more experienced than him, that he can talk to.“When I went to Portsmouth as manager, I brought in Jim Smith. I was an experienced manager myself by then but he was still brilliant for me to have around.“Frank has got a difficult job on at Coventry and to have an older man on the team to sound out would be a huge benefit. But fair play to Frank for coming back into the game. He has got so much to offer.“His football knowledge is immense and his reputation as a player, and the way he carried himself as a player, will hopefully rub off on the squad.“It’s about getting the right job. For example, people are waiting for Wayne Rooney to fail in every job.“But he has gone to Plymouth and although it is a big club, they don’t have money.READ MORE SUN STORIES“They just about stayed up last season. Wayne’s up against it from the start. Yet I have sat down with him and spoken about football and he has the makings of a terrific manager.“You just need the right club at the right time.”Harry Redknapp’s managerial career statsBournemouth, Oct 1983-June 1992: P457 W180 D107 L170West Ham, Aug 1994-May 2001: P327 W121 D85 L121Portsmouth, March 2002-Nov 2004: P116 W54 D26 L36Southampton, Dec 2004-Dec 2005: P49 W13 D21 L15Portsmouth, Dec 2005-Oct 2008: P128 W54 D29 L45Tottenham, Oct 2008-June 2012: P198 W98 D50 L50QPR, Nov 2012-Feb 2015: P105 W36 D26 L43Jordan, March 2016: P2 W1 D0 L1Birmingham, April 2017-Sept 2017: P13 W4 D1 L8Trophies: Associate Members’ Cup (Bournemouth)Uefa Intertoto Cup (West Ham)First Division, FA Cup (Portsmouth)Championship play-offs (QPR) More

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      Axed Coventry boss Mark Robins lined up for instant managerial return with Championship club – but sets strict condition

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      MARK ROBINS is open to a managerial return with Hull — but will not attend an interview for the post.Robins was sacked by Coventry last month and is one of the candidates Tigers plan to talk to about replacing the axed Tim Walter.Mark Robins is open to a managerial return with HullCredit: PAHull are asking for applications and CVs but Robins would prefer to be offered the jobCredit: AlamyHowever, Hull are asking for applications and CVs — and the 54-year-old Robins would prefer to be offered the job rather than go through that process.The ex-Coventry boss was the EFL’s longest serving manager as he spent seven years in the West Midlands.The Sky Blues were sitting adrift of the Championship drop in 17th place before his dismissal.Thus, the former Manchester United ace saw himself at the centre of a relegation battle this season.Read More on FootballRobins was in his second spell as Coventry boss, having returned to the club in March 2017 after the sacking of Russell Slade.He also had a short one-year stint in charge of the team back in 2012.Robins oversaw the resurrection of Coventry from the depths of League Two, to the champions of League One in 2020.He was even on the cusp of bringing the West Midlands club to the Premier League when they lost the Championship play-off final on penalties to Luton in 2023.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd he memorably led them to the FA Cup semi-final last season, where they were unlucky to marginally lose out on pens to United after climbing back from 3-0 down in the second half.Coventry ultimately replaced Robins with ex-Chelsea boss Frank Lampard.Frank Lampard confirmed as Coventry manager as Chelsea legend returns to management after 18 months unemployed Lampard went on to sign a two-and-a-half year deal with the Championship outfit. More

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      Fans joke Wayne Rooney will ‘be able to go to Australia soon’ after his Plymouth side ship 10 goals in dismal five days

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      FOOTBALL fans trolled Plymouth Argyle manager Wayne Rooney after a disastrous five days that saw his team concede a staggering TEN goals.Plymouth suffered a miserable 6-1 loss at Norwich on Tuesday in the Championship.Plymouth boss Wayne Rooney has seen his team concede TEN goals in five daysCredit: GettyPlymouth fans joked Rooney may soon be free to find his wife Coleen in AustraliaCredit: RexAnd then the Pilgrims sustained a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Bristol City at Ashton Gate.That means, Rooney, 39, has now officially lost nine out of 19 matches during his short six-month stint in charge of Plymouth, winning only five games along the way.And some fans took to social media joking that at this pace the Manchester United record goalscorer may soon be free to fly to Australia and find his wife Coleen.The England legend’s missus is currently competing in the hit reality show I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! which takes place Down Under.Read More on FootballOne fan tweeted: “Think he will be able to go to Australia, if this carries on.”Another commented: “Should have gone to the jungle.”A third wrote: “He’d of been better off going in the jungle and let Coleen run the team.”This fan said: “That’s really tough for him.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd that one stated: “Tough week for Wayne Rooney.”Rooney switched to management after rolling credits on his glittering 19-year football career in 2021.Coleen Rooney shocks I’m A Celeb stars with savage swipe at husband WayneThe legendary striker underwent a two-year spell with Derby County and spent a year with DC United as well as Birmingham City before moving to Home Park. More

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      Forgotten Arsenal flop hints at return to English football after transfer collapsed as club ‘invented’ injury

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      Ex-Arsenal striker Yaya Sanogo has hinted he could return to English football – after a spell in the Chinese second division.The Frenchman, who won the FA Cup with the Gunners, has spent the season with Qingdao Red Lions.Former Arsenal star Yaya Sanogo could make a return to EnglandCredit: Getty – ContributorSanogo, 31, has also played for Crystal Palace, Charlton and Huddersfield as well as Ajax and Auxerre.The Paris-born player launched a renewed attack on Middlesbrough, insisting their false claim he had a shoulder injury hampered his bid to find a new club in 2020.Sanogo picked out Arsenal’s 3-2 FA Cup final win over Hull City as the highlight of his career.And the forward said he almost became a postman after a serious leg injury threatened to end his career aged just 17.Read More in FootballSanogo said: “I’m now out of contract, and I am open to anything.  I’ve enjoyed being in China, but let’s see what project I will go for.”I have had a number of phone calls, and the omens are good – especially from clubs in Europe.”I hope to get fixed up soon.  I’ve not set myself a definite target – I just want to enjoy myself and have fun.”With all the struggles I have had in my career, that is truly my aim now.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I was due to sign for Middlesbrough. I reached an agreement with them, but during my medical they invented a shoulder problem that I’d never had.”After that, everyone asked me if I was injured. They wrote in the media that I had failed my medical, so clubs were always a bit wary about me.”Inside Arsenal’s new £300m+ stadium plans with futuristic Emirates project set to dwarf Spurs groundMiddlesbrough have been approached for comment.Sanogo scored just one goal in 20 Arsenal games, but is still remembered for being an impact sub at Wembley in 2014.He told So Foot magazine: “My best memory is the FA Cup final.  I was decisive when I came on, and the players sang my song in the dressing-room afterwards.”We were losing, I came on as we went with two up front, and I made an impact.  I was young, and it is something I will never forget.”I returned to the Emirates Stadium for a game last year, and people came up to thank me for that final.”I come from Les Ulis in Paris, the same as Thierry Henry and Patrice Evra. It is an honour for us to see how far we have come in our careers.”I now want to pass on the benefit of my experience to the team I play for.”I had a bit of an iffy spell during the two years after I had a serious shin injury. The surgeon told me it would be virtually impossible for me to resume my playing career.”I asked myself what I could do instead. I was just 17, and in the depths of despair.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It crossed my mind to become a postman. But there was a five per cent chance I could play again, and even though it was minimal it was still a chance for me.”I had to wait for two years – but I made my return to football.” More

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      ‘I can tap into a lot of expertise,’ says Frank Lampard as new Coventry boss reveals dinner dates with other managers

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      FRANK LAMPARD’S hunger for knowledge saw him arrange regular dinner-dates with some of the best brains in football.And gave him plenty of food for thought ahead of his return to management.Frank Lampard has been hired as the new manager of CoventryCredit: GettyLampard picked the brains of top coaches like Pep Guardiola during his break from footballCredit: GettyLamps takes charge of Coventry City for the first time today when they host Cardiff City at the CBS Arena.And he revealed how he used his 18 month sabbatical from football to gorge himself on a feast of football expertise.He said: “I’m probably fortunate, after a long career as a player and my roots, I can tap into a lot of expertise and other people’s experiences.”During my time out I stayed very close to other managers that are working in the game.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I’ve had dinners with Thomas Frank and Roy Hodgson, people I have a lot of respect for as managers and also Gareth Southgate before the Euros.”I was very lucky, I went up to work in a bit of a media capacity with Manchester City and Pep [Guardiola] invited me in and we had an hour-long chat.”I went to see Thomas Frank and the work he is doing at Brentford.”It’s always enlightening when someone sees the game differently from you, so I’ve done a lot of that sort of stuff.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”But, if I’m honest, the main thing I’ve done is watch a lot of games.”I’ve also gone over a lot of things I’ve done in my training and planning for what may come next.Fans spot Frank Lampard do his trademark face change as clip of his first day at Coventry training emerges”I’ve watched a lot of games where teams have tried to do something different and I tap into it.”I watch back games from the weekend, predominantly Premier League games and Championship games.”I’ve been watching matches from a wide angle and it kind of takes some of the excitement out of it with the noise off.”But for me tactically, it’s good to do.”Coventry fans looking for clues about how Lampard will set up the Sky Blues will be interested to discover the teams and coaches who have impressed their new boss most during his watching brief.And Lamps gave a hint that he might Cherries-pick some of the best bits from Bournemouth.He said: “I actually played with Andoni Iraola in New York and watched a lot of what Bournemouth are doing.Frank Lampard’s managerial recordHere’s a look at Lampard’s record as a manager…Derby County May 2018 – July 2019P57 W24 D17 L16 Win percentage 42.1%Chelsea July 2019 – January 2021P84 W44 D17 L23 Win percentage 52.4%Everton January 2022 – January 2023P44 W12 D17 L24 Win percentage 27.3%Chelsea (caretaker) April 2023 – May 2023P11 W1 D2 L8 Win percentage 9.1%Overall: P288 W132 D72 L16 Win Percentage 45.83%”Some of their off the ball work – and how aggressive they are off the ball, I loved that.”I also watched a lot of Ipswich last year and was obviously interested in what was happening there.”Credit to the manager and coaches for what they’ve done.”I went into areas where something interests me – Aston Villa, for example.”You can definitely look at what other people are doing but it’s important as a manager you have your own ideas.”I want to play exciting football. What coach would sit here and say the opposite of that?Lampard’s appointment is a kick in the teeth to Coventry faithful – fan’s viewBy Alex JohnsonIt was always going to be tough to fill the boots of a club legend like Mark Robins, a manager who provided many Sky Blues’ with their best-ever memories supporting the club, but the arrival of Frank Lampard has gone down like a lead balloon among the Cov faithful.In his Q&A appearance with fans after firing Robins, owner Doug King emphasised his intention to bring in a tactically minded head coach to get the best out of what is the most expensively assembled squad in Coventry City history.To end up with Lampard, whose former assistant Jody Morris received a lot of the credit for his success at Derby County, feels like a kick in the teeth. This isn’t someone who has won league titles or been praised for his brilliant style of football in the slightest.Coventry fans will get behind Lampard and give him a chance. But to suggest he is an upgrade on Mark Robins after one playoff finish and a 9.1% win percentage in his last job is laughable.”I’ve got belief in the squad. I want us to be exciting to watch in an attacking sense.”I also want us to be very difficult to play against without the ball and win the ball back as high as we can.”Hopefully the proof will be in the pudding.”Lampard is desperate to get off to a winning start against fellow strugglers Cardiff City today.But he warned: “This is the Championship so you have to have complete respect for your opponent.”Cardiff will be wounded after losing at home to QPR in midweek and we know they’ll be fighting.”We also know they have a manager (Omer Riza) who’s very keen to put his imprint on the team.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’ve been able to watch them a bit and they do some interesting things in terms of how they play.”So our only focus right now is on Cardiff and trying to give our lads confidence to produce consistency in our work.”Can you name the famous fathers? More

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      Fans spot Frank Lampard do his trademark face change as clip of his first day at Coventry training emerges

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      FANS have spotted Frank Lampard doing his trademark face change during his first day at Coventry City.The Chelsea legend was appointed as the Championship club’s new manager on Thursday.Frank Lampard was all smiles during his first training session as Coventry City managerCredit: Coventry CityBut he went serious as he got his players to start the sessionCredit: Coventry CityLampard, 46, has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the club and is the replacement for Mark Robins.The manager was quickly down to work as he took his first training session after his announcement.However, fans have spotted him doing his trademark face change after the club released a clip of the session.Lampard smiled as he said, “Let’s go,” to his new players before turning serious and jogging off.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFans loved seeing the moment captured so quickly on camera as they reacted on social media.One posted: “How long until the first Lampardian face transition as Coventry boss? I’m going for 3 weeks. Nope 15 seconds.”A second wrote: “Already happened.”A third commented: “15 seconds in. Vintage.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA fourth said: “Back at it like he never left. Majestic.”Another added: “Haha I love it.”Inside Frank Lampard’s superstitious routine as new Coventry boss’ success could depend on Chelsea legend’s DOGThe Sky Blues have stuttered out of the blocks this season as they are currently 17th in the Championship.Lampard’s first game will come on Saturday as Coventry host Cardiff City at the Coventry Building Society Arena.One fixture to get in the diary will be on December 26 as Lampard will come face to face with former England team-mate Wayne Rooney.The Sky Blues will host Rooney’s Plymouth Argyle on Boxing Day, which will reunite the two Premier League legends.Frank Lampard’s managerial recordHere’s a look at Lampard’s record as a manager…Derby County May 2018 – July 2019P57 W24 D17 L16 Win percentage 42.1%Chelsea July 2019 – January 2021P84 W44 D17 L23 Win percentage 52.4%Everton January 2022 – January 2023P44 W12 D17 L24 Win percentage 27.3%Chelsea (caretaker) April 2023 – May 2023P11 W1 D2 L8 Win percentage 9.1%Overall: P288 W132 D72 L16 Win Percentage 45.83% More

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      Jeff Stelling vows to go one step further than Gary Lineker in his pants if his beloved Hartlepool get to Championship

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      JEFF STELLING has promised go one step further than Gary Lineker if his beloved Hartlepool get to the Championship.The departing host memorably presented Match of the Day in his PANTS after Leicester won the Prem in 2015-2016.Jeff Stelling is ready to outshine Gary Linker live on air but under one conditionStelling promised to strip down like Lineker if Hartlepool climb the EFLLineker vowed to present MOTD in his underwear if Leicester won the PremCredit: GettyBut with Hartlepool languishing down in 13th in the National League, fans will likely have to wait a long time for Stelling to mimic Lineker.Life-long Hartlepool fan and club president Stelling hasn’t stopped dreaming about the Pools’ ascent back into the EFL after suffering relegation from League Two in 2023.But stranger things have happened – remember Leicester winning the Premier League title at 5000-1 eight seasons ago?And all after narrowly escaping relegation 12 months earlier.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFew believed Leicester could win a Prem before Liverpool and Lineker promised to do MOTD in his undies if his hometown club got over the line.The Foxes ended up winning the league that year by a whopping 10 points ahead of their closest title rivals, Arsenal.And Lineker made headlines when he was forced to grab his white briefs and present MOTD in front of millions.But that is nothing compared to the lengths talkSPORT host Stelling is prepared to go.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAsked whether he would emulate Lineker: “I would host talkSPORT breakfast without my pants in order for Hartlepool to get into the Championship.“League Two would be fine, never mind the Championship.”Mark Chapman refuses Match of the Day job share as Gary Lineker quits after 25 yearsMeanwhile, Lineker will leave MOTD at the end of the season after 25 years in the hot seat.The 63-year-old will also quit the BBC after anchoring the Corporation’s 2025/26 FA Cup coverage and the next World Cup.And just two weeks later Lineker’s newest project has been unveiled as he prepares to get involved in Baller League UK.The football tournament was launched in Germany earlier this year and includes the likes of Mats Hummels and Lukasz Podolski.Who could replace Gary Lineker as MOTD host?GARY LINEKER dropped the shock news that he is QUITTING Match of the Day.The popular presenter, 63, took over hosting duties on the flagship BBC programme from Des Lynam in 1999.But after more than 25 years in the studio hotseat, he has called time on his MOTD gig.But as part of a huge shake-up, the BBC is considering rotating the presenters on a weekly basis.So with Lineker vacating the chair, new names will step into his giant boots. But who could they be?MARK CHAPMANChapman, 51, is the obvious early favourite to follow on from Lineker as MOTD presenter.He already has the gig as MOTD2 host on a Sunday night plus landed the presenting job for the new BBC Champions League highlights show.ALEX SCOTTScott gets the nod from the Beeb bosses when Lineker is away.The former right-back, 40, is used to presenting the Saturday night show as well as live match coverage – plus ticks the box as a former England international.GABBY LOGANLike Scott, Logan, 51, is one of the understudies to step in when Lineker is not available.She has done most gigs since joining the BBC in 2007, including Olympics, Sports Personality of the Year and Final Score.MICAH RICHARDSLineker’s top pick to replace him is exuberant former Man City defender Richards.The departing host told his close pal, 36, on their Stick to Football podcast: “I’d love to see you take over Micah, I think you’d be brilliant in the chair.”JASON MOHAMMADMohammad could earn the “promotion” from Final Score to Match of the Day.The 51-year-old Welshman – who took over from Logan in 2013 – is one of the BBC’s top earners already and is more senior than fellow Final Score and BBC Sport broadcaster Kelly Somers, who could in theory become the main live host for the afternoon slot.JEFF STELLINGHe couldn’t, could he? While Lineker has been the face of Saturday night TV for football fans for years, the face of the afternoons was Stelling in his role as Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday presenter.He would bring plenty of on-screen charisma, wit and legendary TV expertise – but at nearly 70 and currently with talkSPORT, the Hartlepool fan would not be a cheap or long-term appointment. More

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      I’m the longest-serving manager in England’s top four divisions and my dad is my boss

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      HARROGATE TOWN manager Simon Weaver is the longest-serving manager in the top four divisions of English football.But he’s answerable to his chairman dad Irving – who owns the North Yorkshire club in League Two.Simon Weaver is the longest-serving manager in England’s top four divisionsSimon Weaver and dad Irving have worked together at Harrogate Town since 2011Weaver Sr, 75, vowed to “put Harrogate further up the football pyramid” when he took over in 2011.Together with Simon, they are the father-and-son team that have lifted Harrogate from the National League North to League Two.But his son had already been manager for two years when dad stepped in, making it 15 years and 191 days in the Town dugout.The Sulphurites were drifting in the sixth tier of English football and surviving on crowds of around 200 just 11 years ago.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFast forward 13 years, and Harrogate are enjoying their fifth season in League Two.And all with one of the smallest budgets in the division – finishing comfortably in 13th last term.Harrogate, it seems, have not yet realised that after 91 years in non-league, it boasts a team among the elite.Simon has led the club through two promotions in 2017-18 and 2019-20 and the FA Trophy success in the latter too.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFormer PE teacher George Thomson, 32, has played a significant part in the Town’s rise from the non-league, making more than 300 appearances.Winger Thomson scored at Wembley in their National League play-off final victory over Notts County to help seal a spot in the Football League back in 2020.EFL club owner gives update on new £2bn ‘spaceship’ stadium included in mega plans for state-of-the-art complex And he exclusively revealed to SunSport how he is eyeing a third promotion to add to his fairytale rise from non-league hopeful to Harrogate icon.He said: “It’s been an incredible journey and I’m hoping that there are a few more years left for me.”There were a group of us who have been here long-term that said straight after that Wembley win that we want one more.”More than a decade ago, Harrogate were spared relegation from the National League North only because of financial irregularities elsewhere.Harrogate beat Notts County in the National League Play Off final in 2020George Thomson is eyeing an incredible third promotion with Harrogate TownSimon, 45, who used to play for Sheffield Wednesday, took over with the club in turmoil.The former defender told the BBC: “We lost 3-0 away to Corby Town. I had a playing budget of £1,600. “I had to count on a few friends and some played for free as a favour.”We didn’t have anywhere to train and when we did train, I got in trouble with the club because we were damaging the pitch.”We eventually got an hour a week in the gym and and a half on the AstroTurf, which caused injuries because it was rock hard.”Watford have made more than 20 managerial changes since Simon took the reigns after answering an advert placed in the Non-League Paper.Simon will be looking to deliver his dad a financial boost when Harrogate host non-league Gainsborough Trinity in the FA Cup on Friday.Harrogate beat Wrexham in the FA Cup first round earlier this monthCredit: RexThey knocked out League One side Wrexham in the first round.The cup tie will be his 766th game in charge of the club.Victory will secure them a place in the third round for only the second time in their 105-year history – and a potential money-spinning tie against a Prem club.Pep Guardiola, who took over at Manchester City in 2016, is the longest-serving current manager in the Premier League.The Spaniard has enjoyed eight years and five months at the Etihad, while Thomas Frank has spent six years and one month at Brentford. Simon added: “I’m proud of it. Sometimes I think ‘gosh, how has he been in and out in such a short space of time’ when I hear about a manger losing their job.”Multi-millionaire Irving made his money as a property magnate and is not afraid to make tough business decisions when needed.So, has he ever come close to sacking his son?Irving told the Beeb: “We’ve never had to go that far. Arguments are a waste of time. READ MORE SUN STORIES”There’s a concern when we’re on a losing run. We’ve just been down to 20th in the table. “There’s a serious discussion about where the problems lie. But it’s a discussion – not an argument.”Can you name the famous fathers? More