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      Norwich defender Shane Duffy arrested and charged with drink-driving after two-vehicle smash

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      NORWICH star Shane Duffy has been charged with drink driving.The former Premier League star is due to appear before magistrates in Norwich in July.Shane Duffy is due to appear in court charged with drink drivingCredit: AlamyDuffy, 32, was arrested in Hethersett, near Norwich, late on Monday after a collision involving two vehicles.A spokesperson for Norfolk Police said: “Police were called to Queen’s Road, Hethersett, 21:05, on Monday May 6, following reports of a two-vehicle collision.”Emergency services attended the scene and a man, aged in his 30s, was arrested on suspicion of drink driving. He was taken to Wymondham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.”No one was injured.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDuffy has responded through a spokesperson who said: “[Duffy has been] charged with driving whilst unfit through drink, having provided an evidential breath sample of 102mcg.”A Norwich City spokesman said: “Norwich City Football Club is aware of an incident involving one of its first-team players.”The club is in the process of considering the matter internally in accordance with its own disciplinary procedure.”Duffy is due to play for Norwich against Leeds United in the Championship play-offs, with the first leg on Sunday.Most read in EFLThe Republic of Ireland star has featured in 36 league games for the Canaries this season.He signed for the club last season after a short-lived spell at Fulham where he made just seven appearances. More

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      Superfan Ed Sheeran belts out iconic Ipswich chant alongside players at ‘beautiful’ Premier League promotion party

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      ED SHEERAN was joined by Ipswich players as the Tractor Boys continued their celebrations after reaching the Premier League.Kieran McKenna’s team secured back-to-back promotions on the final day of the Championship season, avoiding the play-offs.After performing in Miami and appearing at the Met Gala, Ed Sheeran invited the Ipswich players to a night outCredit: X/EDSHEERANThe singer was surrounded by Ipswich players as they sang about “Super Kieran McKenna”Conor Chaplin (left) demanded to be given the mic at the end of the videoCredit: X/EDSHEERANIn the video, Sheeran plays his guitar as the players join him in singing songs such as “We’ve got Super Kieran McKenna.”Everyone continues to jump up and dance, celebrating this momentous occasion.Sheeran, who is the club’s shirt sponsor, has prominently shown his support to his boyhood club throughout the season.In October, he joined the celebrations in the changing room after a huge win against Hull City.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe singer was unable to watch the final-day victory at Portman Road because he was scheduled to perform at the Miami Grand Prix.But that did not stop him from joining in the celebrations when he returned back home.The official Ed Sheeran account posted on X: “Ed and Ipswich Town players last night…😅”Celebrating their Premier League promotion 💙🍾.”Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSKieran McKenna had arrived at Portman Road in December 2021 with the club in mid-table but managed to turn things round to gain automatic promotion.And despite expectations of a relegation scrap this season, the club repeated their success and secured promotion to the Premier League.Ed Sheeran has been seen at Portman Road on a number of occasions but was unable to come to the final game of the seasonCredit: REUTERSIpswich celebrated their promotion with an open-top bus paradeCredit: REUTERSWho are these famous footballers? More

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      Rio Ferdinand tells Jamie Vardy to play one more Premier League season before transfer to end ‘Hollywood career’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Rio Ferdinand has urged Jamie Vardy to have another crack at the Premier League.Vardy’s contract with Leicester City is set to expire next month but he is understood to be in talks with club chiefs over an extension.Jamie Vardy’s Leicester contract is set to expire next monthCredit: GettyRio Ferdinand believes he should either stay for one more year or join WrexhamCredit: AlamyShould he decide to leave the King Power Stadium, Wrexham have been linked with an audacious transfer.However, Ferdinand believes the striker deserves another shot at England’s top tier.Speaking on the Vibe with FIVE YouTube series, the ex-defender said: “He’s got to play another season in the Premier League.”I want to see him get a couple of goals in the Premier League, it’s nice.”Read More on FootballLeicester secured the Championship title with a 3-0 win over Preston last week.The Foxes are now set to make a triumphant return to the Prem, just one year after suffering relegation.Vardy joined Leicester from Fleetwood Town in 2012 and has since made 464 senior appearances.He helped the club clinch a historic Premier League title in 2016 and the FA Cup in 2021.Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSVardy is still a key player for Leicester CityBut although he is now in the latter stages of his career, the 37-year-old has no plans to retire just yet.Vardy has been heavily linked with a move to Wrexham in recent weeks.Jamie and Rebekah Vardy lead Leicester celebrations as thousands flood onto streets for Championship title paradeThe move would see him join up with Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in Wales.Wrexham’s executive director, Humphrey Ker, has refused to rule out the possibility of a transfer.He told SPORTbible: “There’s nothing to say that Jamie Vardy wouldn’t be a great Wrexham player.”It’s not a name I’ve had mentioned inside the building before. But, you know, age and profile wouldn’t put us off.”Ferdinand believes Wrexham would be the perfect destination for Vardy should he decide to move on from Leicester.The United icon added: “The only club I’d like him to go to if he leaves is Wrexham.”It’s got that Hollywood feel and he’s had a bit of a Hollywood career.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBefore joining Leicester, Vardy spent several years playing non-league football.As well as spending time with Fleetwood, he also played for Halifax Town and Stocksbridge Park Steels. More

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      Inside Ipswich’s multi-million pound Premier League plan with ‘non-negotiable changes’ and ‘hell of a lot to do’

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      IPSWICH TOWN are set to splash out “several million pounds” after earning Premier League promotion.The Suffolk side were automatically promoted to the top flight after securing 96 points in a remarkable 90-goal Championship campaign.Ipswich’s Kayden Jackson led the celebrations after his club earned back-to-back promotionsCredit: RexBut the club are set to spend millions in order to host Prem football next yearCredit: PAVAR will need to be installed at Portman Road ahead of it’s return to the PremCredit: Getty Images – GettyIt will be the first time in 22 years that the Tractor Boys will be in the top tier after Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Huddersfield, who were relegated to League One.But chief executive Mark Ashton said there was “a hell of a lot of work to do” to ensure the club’s facilities met league standards.He said a planning application for a “big build” at the Playford Road training ground was to be submitted imminently.It followed Premier League officials visiting the club in January and handing over a list of work that would need to be done if Kieran McKenna’s side were promoted.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSRegulations show all top-flight teams need to have installed goal-line technology in order to compete.They must also facilitate the installation of equipment that would enable the use of video assistant refereeing.Ashton told BBC Radio Suffolk: “There’s several million pounds worth of works to do.”That’s going to mean some quite big infrastructure changes at Portman Road over the summer.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe 52-year-old said builders had already been on site at Playford Road to plan the impending improvements.He added: It’s going to see some changes, it’s things we have to do that are non-negotiable from the Premier League.EXCLUSIVE: Kieran McKenna addresses his Ipswich future, what he learned from Jose Mourinho and wanting Premier League football”Once I’ve had time to breathe, I’ll talk to the fans so they know what’s going on.”But Ipswich’s promotion will bring millions to the area.Terry Baxter, who represents local businesses in Ipswich Central Business Improvement District, said the financial and emotional benefits will be “massive”.He told ITV: “We’re talking about somewhere between £500 and £600 million worth of economic benefit to the area and that’s huge for a town like Ipswich.”Similarly, Luton Town had to splash out similar amounts of cash after they were promoted to the Premier League following last season’s play-off final victory over Coventry.The Hatters were forced into paying out £10m on a new stand to meet the league’s broadcast requirements at Kenilworth Road.READ MORE SUN STORIESMuch was made of their historic home – particularly the away end that requires fans to walk over local residents’ back gardens.However, Ipswich will likely not have to fork out as much, given that their tier structures do meet the standards, after the Sir Alf Ramsey was rebuilt in 2001, and Sir Bobby Robson stand in 2009.Luton were forced into delaying home fixtures this seasonStairs lead up to the Oak Stand, running above residents’ gardens More

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      Major broadcasting change as 3pm blackout SCRAPPED for opening weekend of EFL season as part of new £930m deal

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      EVERY EFL game will be streamed live on the opening weekend of next season – including the matches kicking off at 3pm.Sky’s new deal with the league means 10 matches across the three divisions will be shown every weekend, with six of them shifted to the 12.30pm Saturday slot.Sky Sports have agreed a bumper new deal with the EFLCredit: GettyThe deal will see more games televised from the Championship, League One and League TwoCredit: GettyBut the expansion to more than 1000 live games per season means fans of all 72 EFL clubs are guaranteed to be able to see their club in action at least 20 times.Sky’s £930m five-year deal with the EFL kicks off in August, when the broadcaster will launch a new free streaming channel as part of current subscriptions.Sky Sports+ will offer 50 per cent more live sport and up to 100 streams at once.It will see five Championship matches and five more from across Leagues One and Two each weekend in the current broadcasting slots.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAll matches played midweek and on Bank Holidays will also be available for fans to watch.Every Championship match will be covered by at least six cameras, with four cameras at the League One grounds and a minimum two in the bottom tier, with commentary for all matches.Jonathan Licht, Sky Sports managing director, promised: “We are making a commitment to every club in the EFL and this is a big step-change for League One and Two.“This season, 20 of the 48 clubs in those divisions were not covered live even once.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“But we will also announce in July all the games we are screening live up until the first week in January. “And by the start of November that will be extended to the beginning of March, to give fans as much notice as we can.”The opening weekend plans from Friday August 9 are possible because the FA only applies for the 3pm “blackout” rule to apply when 50 per cent of Prem and Championship matches are kicking off – with the top flight starting a week later.Licht added: “This is going to be a huge moment for football fans up and down the country and a fitting way to kick off our ground-breaking new partnership with the EFL.” More

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      Hull City ‘line up manager of former European champions to replace Liam Rosenior’ after shock sacking

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      HULL CITY are reportedly lining up a deal to bring in a new manager from Germany after the shock sacking of Liam Rosenior.Rosenior, 39, was dismissed this week despite leading Hull to their first top half finish since 2016 and being nominated for the Championship Manager of the Year award.Liam Rosenior was sacked this weekCredit: RexThe Tigers were ruthless in their decision as they cut ties with their former player after the team narrowly missed out on the play-offs on the last day of the season. A seventh placed finish wasn’t enough for Rosenior to keep his job at the MKM Stadium and now the club are reportedly eyeing their next boss already.According to the Telegraph, Hull execs have identified former Hamburg manager Tim Walter as a top candidate to replace Rosenior in the hot-seat on Humberside.Walter, 48, was sacked from his role as Hamburg boss in February this year after a run of turbulent form, but is understood to still be massively admired by those in charge at Hull City.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe German tactician has never managed outside of his home country and has taken charge of teams such as Bayern Munich II, Bayern’s reserve team, and Stuttgart in the past.Walter was previously linked with the Norwich City job back in 2022 after the Canaries sacked Dean Smith.While he was spotted watching Nottingham Forest take on Man City earlier this season from the Forest directors’ box, leading to much speculation around a Premier League switch.Hull are hoping to find a new manager that will align with their vision for the future after citing a lack of eye-to-eye agreement on that front as a reason for Rosenior’s dismissal this week.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFormer Hamburg boss Tim Walter has been linked with the Hull City jobCredit: GettyA statement released by club owner Acun Ilicali following Rosenior’s sacking, read: “This has been the most difficult decision I have had to make as chairman of this wonderful football club.”No matter how trying the circumstance, I have to remove personal sentiment from these moments and ensure the long-term vision of the club is at the centre of my thinking.Top 10 highest paid footballers in the world revealed with no Premier League players making the top five”Since Liam’s arrival, we have enjoyed an open working relationship and progress has undoubtedly been made over the course of his tenure.”He will always be a part of this family and I thank him for all his work.”However, it has become evident that our visions for the future are not aligned and I feel that now is the time to make a change.”Our philosophy is clear, we will continue to drive this club forward, and whilst doing so I will continue to be open and transparent with our fans.”I know what this football club can achieve, and we will not stop in the pursuit of that. We have worked hard over the last two years to develop our squad.”We now have many highly talented players at our disposal and we will continue to invest and improve our playing personnel to give this club and its fans the success they deserve.”Tim Walter’s managerial career so far
      2006 – 2007: Karlsruher U19 – Assistant manager
      2007 – 2013: Karlsruher Youth – Manager
      2013 – 2014: Karlsruher U17 – Manager
      2014 – 2015: Karlsruher U19 – Manager
      2015 – 2017: Bayern Munich U17 – Manager
      2017 – 2018: Bayern Munich II – Manager
      2018 – 2019: Holstein Kiel – Manager
      2019: VfB Stuttgart – Manager
      2021 – 2024: Hamburg SV – Manager More

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      Forgotten Premier League star who was discovered by Hoddle wakes up unemployed aged 33 despite scoring goal of season

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      SAM CLUCAS has been released just days after winning Rotherham’s goal of the season award.The former Premier League midfielder was presented with the award on Saturday before the match against Cardiff.Sam Clucas has been released by RotherhamCredit: GettyThe midfielder won the Millers’ goal of the season award for his strike against SunderlandCredit: GettyHowever, he will be without a club this summer following Rotherham’s relegation from the Championship.Clucas is one of 11 players to have been released by the Millers, including ex-Manchester United defender Tyler Blackett.The 33-year-old only joined the club in September, having been released by Stoke last summer.He went on to score once in 32 league appearances as Rotherham ended the season 24 points from safety.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis only strike came against Sunderland in December, with the first-time volley voted as the club’s goal of the season.Clucas previously made 66 Premier League appearances across spells with Hull and Swansea, scoring six goals.His jump to the Premier League came after he had spent time in non-league earlier in his career.After being let go by Leicester as a teenager in 2009, Clucas juggled his part-time playing career with working in Debenhams.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe was then picked up by Glenn Hoddle’s academy, which aims to get former Premier League and Championship scholars back into professional football.Following spells with Hereford, Mansfield and Chesterfield, Clucas completed a £14million move to the Tigers in 2015 to complete his journey to the Premier League.Most dramatic Premier League’s final daysReflecting on his route to the top in 2017, he told ESPN: “I had worked at Debenhams and they were long days.”I lost all my confidence in football and did a sports development course in the hope of becoming a PE teacher.”But when you get picked up by someone of Glenn Hoddle’s stature, from maybe a thousand players to go to his academy, it’s a huge boost.”Ever since then I’ve kicked on and gone up the levels.”Clucas made 66 Premier League appearances for Swansea and HullCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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      Former Man Utd star tipped to become a ‘great’ wakes up unemployed aged 30 after his Championship club are relegated

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      TYLER BLACKETT will be without a club this summer less than a decade after making his Manchester United debut.The left-back, 30, has been released by Rotherham following their relegation to League One.Former Manchester United defender Tyler Blackett has been released by RotherhamCredit: RexBlackett was tipped for greatness by Louis van Gaal at Old TraffordCredit: PA:Empics SportBlackett is one of 11 players leaving the Millers at the end of their contract, the club have confirmed.Rotherham’s two-year stay in the Championship ended with the club finishing bottom of the table this season.After just five league wins all season, the club finished 24 points from safety.Blackett, who arrived at the New York Stadium in March 2023, played in each of their first 10 league matches, scoring once.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHowever, he failed to make a single appearance from October 4 onwards and was named on the bench just once in that time.The former United starlet posted a message to Instagram on Monday, writing: “A frustrating and difficult season on and off the pitch.”So much to say and many frustrations…but STILL I enjoyed every minute I played in front of you millers! Thank you @rotherhamunited and the support throughout.”His Rotherham exit comes eight years after he made his Premier League debut aged 20 under Louis van Gaal.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Dutchman also tipped Blackett for greatness at United, where he spent 14 years after coming through the academy at Old Trafford.After the defender signed a new deal in 2015, Van Gaal said: “Tyler has great potential and I believe he is at the right club to continue his development and progression to become a great defender.”Ten Hag’s six worst defeats as Man Utd managerHowever, Blackett instead left the Red Devils for Reading the following year after a loan spell at Celtic.Reflecting on his exit in 2017, he told The Times: “I wouldn’t say it was the hardest decision. It was a selfish decision.”We all have our own aspirations and we have to make decisions not for the team, but for personal reasons.”Blackett, who is a former England under-21 international, has since had spells with Nottingham Forest and FC Cincinnati. More