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      Sheffield United prepare to raid Championship rival for transfer of £8m-rated goalkeeper after Premier League relegation

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      SHEFFIELD UNITED are planning an ambitious bid for Sunderland keeper Anthony Patterson.The Blades will offer around £8million for Patterson, 24.Sheffield United are eyeing a move for Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony PattersonCredit: GettyChris Wilder wants a new No 1 as Wes Foderingham is out of contract and Ivo Grbic has failed to shine.Patterson has four years remaining on his deal at the Stadium of Light after signing an extension in September.The keeper missed just one league match as the Black Cats finished 16th in the Championship last season.He also kept 13 clean sheets for Sunderland, the joint-fourth highest in the league.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn contrast, Wilder’s side set an unwanted record in their latest Premier League defeat.Sheffield United, who are already relegated, were beaten 1-0 at Everton on Saturday.Abdoulaye Doucoure’s goal was the 101st conceded by the Blades this season.They are the first club to concede 101 or more goals in a single campaign, surpassing Swindon’s 100-goal tally from the 1993/94 season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt could still increase, though, with Tottenham the visitors to Bramall Lane on the final day next weekend.Meanwhile, Blades and Middlesbrough are both trying to entice defender Luke Ayling, 32, to join.Sheffield Utd boss Chris Wilder refuses to answer question in TV interview as fans slam ’embarrassing’ excuse The Leeds full-back, who spent the second half of the season on loan at Boro, is out of contract this summer.He provided eight assists in 19 appearances during his spell at the Riverside Stadium.The Blades are also targeting Luke Ayling, but face competition from MiddlesbroughCredit: Rex More

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      West Brom vs Southampton LIVE SCORE: Latest updates, team news as Baggies host Saints in Championship play-off semi

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      WEST BROM are up against Southampton in a huge Championship play-off semi-final clash at the Hawthorns today. Saints were relegated from the Premier League last season and will be looking to make it back to the big time immediately, but the Baggies haven’t been in the top flight since the 2020/21 season.
      Kick-off time: 2.15pm BST
      Stream/TV: Sky Sports Football More

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      Norwich 0 Leeds 0: Farke’s side have goal controversially ruled out in goalless draw with old club in playoff first-leg

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      DANIEL FARKE will be the happier manager with Leeds taking his former club Norwich back to Elland Road honours even.This Championship play-off semi-final started at a frantic pace with the Canaries largely dominating but Leeds took the sting out of the game and comfortably held their opponents at arm’s length.Norwich and Leeds played out a goalless draw at Carrow Road in the play-offsCredit: PALeeds had a goal controversially disallowed against NorwichCredit: RexLeeds boss Daniel Farke returned to Norwich to face his former clubCredit: GettyNorwich and Leeds are set for a crunch second leg at Elland RoadAnd Leeds controversially had a Junior Firpo goal ruled out offside.Many thought this was Norwich’s best chance of getting a result against Leeds – going into the game unbeaten at home in 16 matches.But with one of the league’s worst away records, Leeds are now favourites to get the job done at Elland Road on Thursday night.Norwich came out like an express train.Marcelino Nunez almost nipped in ahead of Illan Meslier after a clever pass from Shane Duffy but the Leeds keeper won the foot race.Leeds were appealing for a penalty when Wilfried Gnonto went down under a challenge of Borja Sainz – but ref Josh Smith waved them away.Gnonto laid a great ball on a plate for Georginio Rutter but he took an air kick at it and the danger was cleared.Norwich went close when Jack Stacey sped away down the right and Josh Sargent failed to get decent contact on his inch-perfect cross.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNunez fired a speculative effort from the edge of the box that flashed wide.And when Gnonto charged forward at the Norwich defence, Nunez produced a superb last-ditch tackle.Leeds ‘make contact with Kalvin Phillips over emotional transfer return’ to end two-year nightmareLeeds thought they had moved into a 30th-minute lead when Duffy’s poor back pass was pounced upon by Firpo, who rolled the ball home.Yet the assistant had his flag up.TV replays clearly showed that Rutter, who was initially flagged offside in the lead up, was in fact onside.Stacey was having a fantastic game on the right for the Canaries. He was a constant threat going forward and also pressing Leeds to thwart them building attacks.But the visitors started to dominate possession as the sweltering conditions started to take its toll on the hosts who had come out all guns blazing.Gnonto was booked for sarcastically clapping the ref and, after the break, he had to walk a tightrope.Off to Elland RoadDuffy went into the book after going through the back of Crysencio Summerville.Kenny McLean laid a beautiful pull back for Gabriel Sara, who drove inches wide of the left post.Summerville managed to find space on the left edge of the Norwich box and he saw an angled effort kept out by Angus Gunn.Sam Byram then air-kicked from 16 yards when he was set up by Archie Gray.Gnonto needed lengthy treatment to dress a head wound after being caught by Sainz in a 50-50. There was nothing malicious in it so the Norwich ace avoided a yellow card.Christin Fassnacht missed a great chance for Norwich after Sargent glanced the ball into his path.The Canaries ace failed to make any contact as the ball bounced in front of him.David Wagner was dealt a blow with eight minutes left when Sargent hobbled off and on came Sydney Van Hooijdonk – son of ex-Nottingham Forest and Celtic star Pierre.Farke replaced Summerville for Dan James, who is back after an injury lay-off.And the game petered out and it is now off to Elland Road. More

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      Will Ferrell will travel to Wembley Stadium — if Leeds United reach Championship play-off final

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      HOLLYWOOD star Will Ferrell is making plans for his first trip to Wembley Stadium — if Leeds United reach the Championship play-off final.The Sun on Sunday told last week how he had made a big investment in 49ers Enterprises — the US company which owns the club.Will Ferrell will travel to Wembley if Leeds reach the play-off finalCredit: GettyAnd a source said the Elf star, 56, is set to jet into London for the May 26 match where the winners go up to the Premier League — if Leeds are in it.They play Norwich City in the semi-final, with the first leg today away at Carrow Road and the second leg at Elland Road on Thursday.The source added: “Will has already been bitten by the football bug and he has been to a number of games in the UK before.“But a trip to Wembley would be his first time at the stadium so he would love to come over if Leeds manage to get past Norwich, and experience the best that English football can offer.”read more on leeds unitedWill, who is worth around £127million, is already a co-owner of Los Angeles FC.Leeds manager Daniel Farke this week welcomed news of Will’s involvement in the club.He said: “We need each and every man; it’s always good! “He’s a great actor and we are all happy that he is on board.Most read in Football”It says a lot about the calibre of the club. We have many well known and popular supporters. “We are grateful and thankful for that because we need each and every man.’This is gonna make Messi s*** his pants’, says Will Ferrell during announcement of LAFC’s new kit”But it’s up to the players to bring the success. “We can’t act the ball over the line so we have to make sure we shoot it over the line.” More

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      Sunderland line up shock move for ex-Bundesliga manager, 44, who followed in Jurgen Klopp’s footsteps

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      DANISH coach Bo Svensson is emerging as a shock candidate for the Sunderland vacancy.Svensson, 44, is available after leaving German side Mainz and has been shortlisted by the Black Cats as they look for a new boss.Sunderland are targeting Bo Svensson who has followed in the footsteps of Jurgen KloppCredit: GettySunderland looked at Paul Heckingbottom after his work taking Sheffield United to the top flight. Will Still is also available after leaving Reims.However, Svensson may appeal more and could be tempted to go to the Championship if they can match his ambitions.The Danish tactician took over at Mainz in 2021 from Austrian outfit Liefering and spent two years in the dugout.Read More on FootballThe former defender has a lot of history with the German club as he also spent seven years with the team during his playing career.The Dane left the Bundesliga outfit with a record of 39 wins and the same amount of losses in 104 matches across all competitions.Svensson is one of many ambitious and talented young managers to have sat on the Mainz bench.That includes the likes of Jurgen Klopp, Thomas Tuchel, Kasper Hjulmand, Martin Schmidt and Sandro Schwarz.Most read in ChampionshipKlopp and Tuchel pose as the brightest graduates of the famous Mainz coaching cradle.Klopp went on to win two Bundesliga titles with Borussia Dortmund and made it to the 2013 Champions League final.Jurgen Klopp leaves press conference in stitches with brutal six-word statement after arriving lateThat led to a stunning nine-year stint with Liverpool where he won every available major honour, including the 2020 Premier League title and the 2019 Champions League trophy.Tuchel also enjoyed an impressive two-year stint with Dortmund before joining Paris Saint-Germain where he won two Ligue 1 titles and made it to the 2020 Champions League final.The German tactician took over at Chelsea a year later and won the Champions League title in his maiden season in charge.After being controversially sacked by the Blues, Tuchel took over at Bayern Munich where he won the Bundesliga last year but failed to repeat the feat this season.He will be a free agent in the summer with Bayern having already announced his departure, and Man Utd are said to be among the clubs interested.Mainz’s famous coaching cradleHere are some of Mainz’s most successful former managers:

      Jurgen Klopp (28 February 2001 – 30 June 2008)
      Thomas Tuchel (3 August 2009 – 11 May 2014)
      Kasper Hjulmand (15 May 2014 – 17 February 2015)
      Martin Schmidt (17 February 2015 – 22 May 2017)
      Sandro Schwarz (1 July 2017 – 10 November 2019)
      Bo Svensson (4 January 2021 – 2 November 2023) More

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      Neil Warnock, 75, set for return to football at iconic EFL club just weeks after retiring – but in very different role

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      NEIL WARNOCK looks poised to return to football for non-league outfit Torquay.Warnock, 75, announced his retirement from the sport only last month after a short spell in charge of Aberdeen.Neil Warnock is set to return to football only a month after announcing his retirementCredit: PAWarnock will link up with Torquay in a non-managerial roleCredit: Willie VassBut the Sheffield tactician looks set for a comeback at Torquay in a non managerial role following the club’s takeover, where he has been advising a fan-led consortium.The National League South outfit were saved from extinction by the Bryn Consortium, which is made up of local businessmen.The group consists of Torquay fans Michael Westcott, Mark Bowes-Cavanagh, Tom Allen, Rob Hawes and Simon Robinson.Co-chairman Westcott stated that Warnock’s familiarity of the club makes him the perfect candidate to come on board.Read More on FootballWestcott told BBC Sport: “Neil’s knowledge of football is second to none. He knows our club very well, he knows our region very well.”He and I have spent an awful lot of time together over the last six weeks or so and I think that relationship will continue. I think that Neil’s reputation precedes him.”I think he’s a very reassuring presence both to young players and experienced players, and also to a football team manager.”He’s been around the football world for more than 40 years and the fact that Torquay United can benefit from his experience, his contacts, his presence, his personality.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I think will be of tremendous support for the club as we start thinking about how we can be as competitive on the pitch as we possibly can.”Warnock would return to the club 31 years after he saved them from relegation from the Football League by winning three of his nine matches in charge.’I might’ve chinned him’ – Neil Warnock labelled ‘actually unreal’ as ex-EFL boss takes issue with post-match interviewThe experienced boss enjoyed an impressive 44-year career with successful spells for the likes of Crystal Palace and Sheffield United. More

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      Huddersfield manager Andre Breitenreiter LEAVES after relegation and just three months in charge

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      HUDDERSFIELD TOWN have parted ways with head coach André Breitenreiter by mutual consent.The Terriers were relegated from the Championship last weekend following a 2-0 defeat to Ipswich town.Huddersfield have parted ways with head coach André BreitenreiterCredit: GettyHuddersfield had spent a decade in the top two divisions of English football.But following the club’s drop down to League One, officials mutually decided with Breitenreiter that it was time for a change.Discussing Breitenreiter’s departure, Huddersfield owner and chairman Kevin Nagle said: “I have enjoyed the opportunity to work with André over the past three months and he departs with our best wishes, while contingencies in place have seen our recruitment process for a new Head Coach advance.”Supporters should rest assured that all decisions made are with the best intentions of our Club in mind, and we look forward to moving on in a positive manner with a new Head Coach dedicated to our ideals and vision, with our plans for pre-season and ambitions for the year ahead unmoved.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBreitenreiter was appointed Huddersfield boss in February and signed a two-and-a-half year deal upon his arrival.However, his time at the club has been dramatically cut short.Before joining the Terriers, the 50-year-old had managed Hoffenheim, Zurich, Hannover 96, Schalke, SC Paderborn and TSV Havelse.Breitenreiter was the FOURTH man to take charge of Huddersfield during the 2023-24 Championship campaign.Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNeil Warnock started the season in the dugout, but stepped down in September.Darren Moore then took over, but he was sacked in January and temporarily replaced by caretaker boss Jon Worthington.Dean Scoggins travels to FC Koln in Germany to find Europe’s best Away DayAnd Breitenreiter took over two weeks later on February 15. More

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      Ex-Man Utd star David Beckham reveals he checked on Tom Brady after Birmingham City investor’s ‘hard to watch’ roast

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      DAVID BECKHAM has revealed he checked on Tom Brady after the Birmingham City owner was “roasted” on Netflix over the weekend.The seven-time Super Bowl winner was nowhere to be seen as Blues were relegated from the Championship on Saturday.David Beckham has revealed he checked on Tom Brady after the Birmingham City investor was ‘roasted’ on NetflixCredit: NETFLIXBrady was absent from St Andrew’s to be pulled apart on Netflix’s show ‘The Roast of Tom Brady’Credit: NETFLIXThe seven-time Super Bowl winner was nowhere to be seen as Blues were relegated from the Championship on SaturdayBrady was absent from St Andrew’s to be pulled apart by comedians and celebrities on Netflix’s show “The Roast of Tom Brady”.The show went down as one of the craziest celebrity roasts in history so much so Inter Miami owner Beckham revealed he had to check if Brady was okay on Wednesday’s episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live.Kimmel, 56, first asked the Manchester United legend, 49, if he would ever let himself be brutally roasted like Tom, 46, was during a Netflix comedy special on Sunday.Beckham said: “No. I know Tom well and I must admit I did fire him a message just to check he was okay.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLKimmel asked: “‘Is he okay?””More than okay, but yeah it was hard to watch,” Beckham added.Even Brady’s ex-head coach at the New England Patriots, Bill Belichick, got in on the act.Belichick said about Brady’s Blues ownership: “I see your soccer team Birmingham City got knocked down to another tier in the English Football League.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“For those not familiar with English football and the intricacies of the obscure relegation system, just let me say, I’ll put it in English for you – they suck. Not so easy running a team is it Tom?”Brady visited Birmingham to watch two Championship matches last season. Bill Belichick makes ‘savage’ Rob Gronkowski joke over Fox NFL Sunday job during brutal Tom Brady Netflix roastHe experienced a 1-0 win over Leeds in August, days after his involvement was announced by Blues owners Knighthead, and also saw a 0-0 draw with Rotherham in December.And despite their 1-0 victory against Norwich on Saturday they failed to slaavage their spot in the second tier and will play in League One next season.Can you name the famous fathers? More