Championship

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Unemployed ex-Premier League star offered surprise route back to top flight five years after he burst on to the scene

      by

      FREE AGENT Aaron Connolly is on the verge of becoming part of Sunderland’s promotion push.The 24-year-old forward has been without a club since he was released by Hull City in June.Aaron Connolly is on the verge of joining Sunderland on a free transferCredit: GettyThe 24-year-old burst onto the scene with two goals against Tottenham in 2019Credit: Getty Images – GettyRepublic of Ireland international Connolly burst on the scene with Brighton in 2019 with a brace against Tottenham Hotspur.He played 24 times in the Premier League that season, scoring three goals, but he failed to capitalise on that bright start.Connolly had loan spells with Luton, Middlesbrough and Italian club Venezia before heading to Hull in January 2023.He scored eight goals for the Tigers in the Championship last term but that was not enough to earn him an extension.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, he is set to be handed a career lifeline by Regis Le Bris’ high-flying Black Cats.Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough was their fourth in five league matches and early pace-setters West Brom are the only side ahead of them.Sunderland’s bright start has come despite 19-year-old Eliezer Mayenda being their only recognised striker.Le Bris secured the signing of Ahmed Abdullahi on deadline day, but the Nigerian arrival from Gent was instantly ruled out for three months due to needing groin surgery.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSummer recruit Wilson Isidor, a left winger, can also operate as a forward but the North East side have moved to bolster their options.Talks are progressing well between them and Connolly’s representatives and both parties will hope that the ace could be involved for the weekend’s trip to Watford.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelWho are these famous footballers? More

    • 263 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      Sunderland boss says ‘not my decision’ on whether he keeps talented teen but new star blown away by ‘scary’ Chris Rigg

      by

      REGIS LE BRIS has no say on keeping Chris Rigg and his other young guns – but Chris Mepham is here to help them reach the top.Sunderland’s fine start under the Frenchman continued with a fourth win from five games.The 17-year-old Chris Rigg continues to shine for SunderlandCredit: RexRegis Le Bris has made an impressive start to life on WearsideCredit: RexThe Black Cats are packed full of young talents such as Romaine Mundle, 21, Jobe Bellingham, 18, Eliezer Mayenda, 19, but the win over Middlesbrough belonged to 17-year-old matchwinner Rigg.It is all going well for Le Bris and his kids, however, he knows interest will mount if they continue like this and any decision to cash in will not be taken by him.Le Bris said: “The market is like that but it’s not my main concern at the minute.“I just want to work with them, help them to grow and to achieve their best football.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“Then, after that, we will see. That’s not my decision.”Meanwhile, deadline day loan signing Chris Mepham says one of the reasons he was brought in from Bournemouth was to help nurture the talented teens.The centre-half helped Sunderland keep a clean sheet on his debut and then said: “At 26, I’ve seen a fair amount and a lot of players that have a lot of potential and all the ability in the world but struggle with the other side of the game.“So it’s important to keep your feet on the ground, working hard and not become complacent.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“We can help with little stuff like timing, coming in on time, not getting sloppy with day-to-day stuff. That’s something that I think I can kind of help with.“The club made it clear it was important for me to come in and give that kind of know-how and bit experience that perhaps some lads miss.”I’m a former England star with eight caps – I’d be worth £100MILLION and have 50 caps if I was playing todayLe Bris replied “hope so” when asked whether Rigg could play for England and Welsh international Mepham believes his “scary” new team-mate can reach the very top.He said: “You see him talking to people and almost leading, which is scary I think.“He’s 17 and I think he has the respect of everyone at the football club and rightly so and that gives him that freedom to lead.“I think that and his quality on the ball is an amazing combination.”For Michael Carrick and Middlesbrough, it’s scoring goals that is their problem.Both Tommy Conway and Matt Clarke missed big chances at Sunderland to leave them with an average of just a goal-a-game six matches in.Carrick said: “What we’re finding against a lot of teams, especially if they get a lead on us, they defend very deep with a lot of numbers.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We’ve got to face that challenge and find ways to break teams down.“I’m sure if we keep doing the right things, creating the opportunities and being the better team like in pretty much every game we’ve played so far, I’m sure we will start to get the rewards.”Chris Mepham helped Sunderland keep a clean sheet on his debut for the clubCredit: Rex More

    • 163 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      England star playing five-a-side fixtures with mates in balaclava to avoid being spotted

      by

      WHICH England ace still plays knockabout five-a-sides with his old mates —  wearing a BALACLAVA in case he is spotted?The mystery man has never forgotten his roots and likes the odd kick-about with his chums when he is not on club or international duty.England interim chief Lee Carsley might have a mischievous mystery ace in his ranks – someone who plays with pals despite being at the top levelCredit: AlamyThe player has so far kept his identity secret from the general publicCredit: GettyAnd the talented player is always a stand-out but keeps his identity hidden in case his jumpers-for-goalposts  secret comes out on social media and angers his bosses.Big step to replace SchuSTOKE were looking to replace Steve Schumacher before the end of LAST season.The Potters landed Schumacher from Plymouth but soon changed their mind on him and TWO senior bosses were quietly sounded out about taking over in the summer.However, the pair turned down the chance of a job in the Championship and Schumacher survived — but not for long as he was axed last week.READ MORE TOP STORIESOne Heck of a spot-kick secretPRESTON’S record-breaking penalty win hid a big secret — boss Paul Heckingbottom does not like to practise spot-kicks.The 16-15 Carabao Cup shootout success against Fulham saw only one of 17 North End kicks saved.Boss Paul Heckingbottom, fourth right, saw Preston’s epic shootout winCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut Hecky is not keen on rehearsing sudden-death penalties in training.That’s because the last time he did his Sheffield United side lost in the play-offs to Nottingham Forest.Most read in FootballTop 10 highest-paid Premier League starsLatics hail StonesWIGAN striker Josh Stones is wanted by Oldham for a second loan spell. Stones, 20, had his stay with the National League side cut short by injury last season.But Wigan may not be able to let him rejoin immediately.Albanian can take cut of BladesSHEFFIELD UNITED takeover bidder Tom Page hopes to ‘sign’ a mystery Albanian millionaire.The exiled Englishman has spent months trying to seal a Blades deal.Now Page is in talks with the US-based Albanian with football experience to add backing.Meet the WAGS of the England footballersEngland Wags range from childhood sweethearts to recently blossoming love stories.Katie Goodland (Harry Kane’s wife)The fitness instructor has been married to the England captain since 2019 and joined him in Germany with their four children after he joined Bayern Munich.Laura Celia Valk (Jude Bellingham’s girlfriend)The stunning Dutch model, 25, has more than half a million Instagram followers and is said to be absolutely smitten with the Real Madrid star.Rebecca Cooke (Phil Foden’s girlfriend)Foden’s childhood sweetheart and the mother of his two kids tends to keep out of the spotlight, but is a regular at England games.Dani Dyer (Jarrod Bowen’s girlfriend)England’s most famous Wag, former Love Island winner and daughter of Eastenders’ Danny Dyer.Iris Law (Trent Alexander-Arnold’s girlfriend)Dani Dyer isn’t the only actor’s daughter dating an England star. Iris’ dad is Hollywood legend Jude Law.Megan Davison (Jordan Pickford’s wife)Megan has been with Pickford since he was 14 years old. The couple married in 2022 and have one son.Olivia Naylor (John Stones’ girlfriend)The 33-year-old former beautician has stepped back from her role after giving birth to a baby son.Read more about the Wags supporting England at Euro 2024 here More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘He just BIT me’ – Watch shock moment Championship star appears to sink teeth into Ian Rush’s nephew leaving star fuming

      by

      THIS is the shocking moment a player appeared to BITE a rival during a Championship match on Sunday.Milutin Osmajic of Preston is alleged to have sunk his teeth into the back of Blackburn’s Owen Beck, who its claimed was left with visible bite marks.Owen Beck accused a Championship rival of BITING himCredit: ReutersPreston’s Milutin Osmajic grabbed Beck after he lashed out and moved his head close to himCredit: X @SkyFootballBeck was left reeling away from the Preston star before telling the ref he had been bittenCredit: X @SkyFootballBlackburn star Beck, who is the great-nephew of Liverpool legend Ian Rush, was embroiled in a fierce melee with Preston players during their clash at Deepdale on Sunday.The clash reached boiling point in the 88th minute with Preston on the ball deep in the Blackburn half.After Blackburn were briefly being dispossessed, stars from both teams put their bodies on the line in an effort to win the loose ball.Beck, 22, sparked fury from North End stars when he viciously kicked out at Duane Holmes as he dribbled the ball past him after referee, Matt Donohue, had blown his whistle.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPreston’s Osmajic took huge offence to the act and grabbed on to Beck’s shirt with both hands.He then moved his head towards the back of Beck’s neck, with the Rovers defender then swiftly trying to move away after appearing to feel something on his neck.After being let go, he was then seen holding the back of his neck and telling the ref: “He just bit me.”However, the ref ignored Beck’s accusations and instead sent the Blackburn player off for his swipe against Holmes and his subsequent role in sparking the melee.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt is not clear whether Osmajic did indeed bite Liverpool loanee Beck.The punishment for biting another player is severe.Luis Suarez tears up as Liverpool and Barcelona star confirms Uruguay retirement after 17 yearsIn April 2013, former Liverpool ace Luis Suarez was handed a four-month ban from football after he was found guilty of biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic.If found guilty, 25-year-old Osmajic can also expect a hefty ban to be forthcoming.On the incident, Blackburn boss John Eustace said: “That’s what happens in local derbies, you can see the kid had taken a big chunk out of his neck.”He added: “He’s got a big bite mark on the back of his neck. It’s a shame the referee didn’t see that as well. “He’s got a big bite mark. He has been in and shown the lads. He’s very disappointed to be sent off and you don’t expect him to have that either.”He’s a bit quiet in there and a bit shaken up. I don’t know if he spoke to the referee, I’m not sure if it was before or after the red. He might want to speak to the officials about it.”It’s a very serious incident, nobody likes to be bitten. Everyone is angry about it, it’s not a nice situation to be in. I’m sure the right people will see it and deal with it.”Preston viewMeanwhile, Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom said: “No, I’ve not seen it or spoken to John (Eustace) or anyone about that.”I’ve just been told there, when I did the Sky interview. Listen, all I can say is that there is no place for that and we know we can’t do that. “Mistimed tackles, things like that are part and parcel of the game – you accept them. “Anything that is not, we know how that’s dealt with. “But, I have not seen anything so I am just going off you saying there has been an incident. I’ll wait and see what happens.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe match ended 0-0, with Preston’s Sam Greenwood also sent off in the first half.The point leaves Blackburn four points off of league leaders West Brom, while Preston have climbed out of the relegation zone. More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Championship club SACK manager just three months after handing him bumper new contract following worst start in 94 YEARS

      by

      CARDIFF CITY have sacked Erol Bulut with the Bluebirds bottom of the Championship.Bulut, 49, signed a bumper new two-year deal in June, after joining in the summer of 2023, as the Welsh side finished 12th last season.Erol Bulut has been sacked by CardiffThe Turkish manager joined Cardiff last summer and signed a new deal in June 2024But Cardiff have picked up just one point from six leagues games so far this season.And have scored just one goal in the process amounting to their worst start to a campaign in 94 years.Cardiff club statement read: “The club can confirm First Team Manager Erol Bulut has been relieved of his duties.”And will leave the Club with immediate effect. The Board of Directors wish to thank Erol for all of his hard work and wish him well for the future.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”First Team Coach Nikolaos Karydas will also depart and leaves with the Club’s best wishes. Further backroom staff confirmation will follow in due course.”Assistant Omer Riza will take charge of the club on an interim basis.Bulut’s final game was Cardiff’s 2-0 home defeat against Leeds United on Saturday.The Bluebirds have also lost to Sunderland, Burnley, Middlesbrough and Derby County.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWith their only point coming in the South Wales derby against Swansea, who sit seventh in the table.After a relegation battle in 2022-23, Cardiff improved in Bulut’s first year in charge, finishing 12th.Premier League managers’ salaries revealed He previously managed Fenerbahce and Gaziantep in Turkey more making the switch to the UK.Cardiff travel to Hull City on Saturday, who sit 16th after winning just one game themselves.They face three more bottom half sides after that in Millwall, Bristol City and Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth. Cardiff captain Joe Ralls looks on against Leeds More

    • 200 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Sunderland 1 Middlesbrough 0: Cheeky Chris Rigg finish secures local bragging rights for promotion-chasing Black Cats

      by

      CHRIS RIGG showed he is the Real heel as his cheeky finish settled this Wear-Tees showdown.The 17-year-old’s displays have led to speculation that he could find himself with Jude Bellingham as a team-mate in Spain instead of the Madrid star’s younger brother Jobe at Sunderland.Sunderland’s Chris Rigg celebrates after breaking the deadlock against MiddlesbroughCredit: PAThe 17-year-old’s cheeky backheel finish was his first goal since AprilCredit: PABlack Cats boss Regis Le Bris said: “He’s like a symbol of the process and game model. He always wants to learn and play, whatever the circumstances.“He deserves to play like that because what I can see on the pitch in training is that he’s preparing for these circumstances and I’m happy for him.“But you can perform for one, two, three, four or five games, the reality of the high level is to perform for a whole season and during multiple seasons.“We have many things to develop but his attitude and behaviour are interesting.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWhile Le Bris was getting his teenage kicks, opposite number Michael Carrick was once again cursing his team’s finishing.Less than five minutes were on the clock before the first opportunity fell Boro’s way.Tommy Conway pounced on a loose ball, fed Isaiah Jones down the right, then headed the winger’s cross against the woodwork.And we had not even reached the ten-minute mark when Trai Hume escaped with just a yellow for a crunching challenge that left Emmanuel Latte Lath that he never really recovered from.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt took Patrick Roberts to get the Sunderland supporters off their feet as his mazy dribble from the right was only denied a glorious finish to cap it off by a great Aidan Morris tackle.But it was the former Boro man at the heart of it as the deadlock was broken and it all came from Matt Clarke header over when free from eight yards.Fans want Sky Sports interviewer ‘sacked’ for ‘horrid’ question to Middlesbrough starA punt forward at the restart from Anthony Patterson was flicked on and Ayling failed to clear, allowing Romaine Mundle to pounce and charge forward to feed it to Roberts.He cut inside and hit a low cross-cum-shot that George Edmundson could only parry just agonisingly far enough away from Seny Dieng, and Rigg reacted quickest to poke it wide of the stopper and backheel home.Carrick, whose team remain on eight points, said: “The goal was a break, it fell to them, and other than that I thought we limited them to a few individual moments.“We had the first big chance with Tommy and then it was a 100 per cent red card on Manny really, I don’t get why it’s not been given. So two big moments.”The calmness and audacity of the finish belonged on a stage like the Bernabeu – and with more of this the reports linking him with a move there won’t be going away.Finn Azaz and Jones retialited by trying in vain to get Boro on level terms while Dieng saved from Mundle.And referee Simon Hooper almost caused a riot right at the end of additional time by waving away the Sunderland attacker’s screams for a penalty after being pushed over by Ayling.Bor o countered as Latte Lath suddenly found himself in, but his connection on the bounce only managed to send the ball over as the home crowd roared their disgust at the official.Roberts knew he had the beating of Neto Borges every time, and it was his cut inside and shot again that got the crowd going after the break, curling wide from 20 yards.The usually calm Michael Carrick, not for the first time in this, cut a frustrated figure in his technical area as the visitors struggled to lay a glove on their rivals.It was time to take action and turn to a teenager of his own in on-loan Liverpool winger Ben Doak from the bench.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Scotland international, 18, made an instant impact, playing in Morris, who allowed it to run across him, but his effort was off target.But it was almost game over when Mundle’s fierce 20-yard free-kick smashed against the post, but it matter not as his side held on to make it 15 pints from their opening six matches. More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      English football in chaos with SECOND game suspended for bad weather as fans say ‘the game’s gone soft’

      by

      THE CHAMPIONSHIP match between Coventry City and Swansea was suspended for about seven minutes due to heavy rain.This is the second game this week that gets paused due to severe weather conditions as the same thing happed in the Premier League fixture between Leicester and Everton.The Championship game between Coventry and Swansea was suspended due to heavy rainCredit: RexThe Swans were 2-1 ahead against the hosts at the Coventry Building Society Arena.But referee James Linington called both sets of players off the pitch on 68 minutes when the heavens opened and rain started pouring on the ground.The game was stopped for over five minutes with fans finding their own way to deal with the bad weather.But thankfully the rain slowed down and the two teams returned on the grass to restart where they left off.Read More on FootballThe incident took place after Leicester and Everton’s clash at King Power Stadium saw the second half being delayed for the same reason.But after five minutes of waiting for the heavens to close up, match officials were forced into resuming the 3pm blackout clash.Fans were left furious after two games were suspended on the same day and stormed social media.One fan tweeted: “The games gone f*****g soft.”Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother gasped: “What?”A third wrote: “Utter nonsense.”Tottenham legend Gus Poyet explains why Ange Postecoglou can end trophy hoodoo and win Carabao Cup despite Coventry horror showThis fan said: “Utterly embarrassing.”And that one commented: “What a farce.”THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘If Mbappe scored that…’ say fans as England wonderkid, 17, fires Sunderland ahead in bitter Tees-Wear derby

      by

      SUNDERLAND wonderkid Chris Rigg set the bitter Tees-Wear derby on fire with a stunning finish against Middlesbrough.Rigg, 17, was named in Regis Le Bris’ starting line-up against Boro in their crunch Championship clash at the Stadium of Light.Sunderland wonderkid Chris Rigg scored a stunning back heel against MiddlesbroughCredit: RexRigg, 17, scored his first goal of the season for SunderlandCredit: RexSunderland ace Rigg was compared to Real Madrid superstar Kylian MbappeCredit: RexThe midfielder won over the Black Cats’ faithful in the 24th minute when he scored his first goal of the season.And the England Under-18 international did it in style with a wonderful back heel.Patrick Roberts tried a left-footed shot from the right flank but his effort was blocked by Middlesbrough defender George Edmundson.Rigg picked up the rebound and dribbled past goalkeeper Seny Dieng before finishing off with a right-footed back heel that set the home crowd alight.Read More on FootballSunderland fans were left in awe as they stormed social media to praise the teenage sensation.Some even claimed that this sort of goal would make global headlines if it was scored by a superstar like Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe.One fan tweeted: “If Mbappe scored that goal, commentators around the globe would be going crazy. Take a bow, Chris Rigg.”Another commented: “Wow Chris Rigg u have rocked my world.”Most read in ChampionshipA third wrote: “Chris Rigg. Remember the name.”This fan said: “Chris Rigg you are ridiculous, 17 years old.”Roy Keane made £800 off Sunderland players but lost dressing room with training ground trick that immediately backfiredThat one stated: “The best player in the Championship is a 17-year-old lol. Chris Rigg is taking this league for a joke.”And that one posted: “How cool a finish was that from Chris Rigg?! What a talent he is. Only 17. Got some future ahead of him.” More