Championship

THE Championship season is set for a stunning finale as every club can either go up or down with just four games remaining.Leeds, Burnley and Sheffield United are battling it out for automatic promotion and the title.Leeds look set to earn promotion back to the Premier LeagueCredit: GettySunderland have booked their spot in the play-offsCredit: GettyLuton are in danger of suffering back-to-back relegationsCredit: GettyAnd at the other end of the table, Plymouth Argyle and Luton need to pull off a great escape to avoid relegation.But all could change come the end of the season on May 3 as every team still has something to play for.The top three and Sunderland can all still mathematically win the league and secure automatic promotion.The Black Cats need top two Leeds and Burnley, who are both level on 88 points, to lose all their remaining games by a huge margin to secure the miracle.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Sheffield United’s run of three defeats on the bounce has seen them also needing results to go their way as Daniel Farke and Scott Parker’s sides look set for first and second finishes.Two more play-off places are up for grabs below Sunderland in fourth and a whopping ten teams can still qualify, as far down as Sheffield Wednesday in 14th.Bristol City, Coventry, West Brom, Middlesbrough and Millwall are in the best positions to complete the top six.The Robins and the Sky Blues are most likely to make the play-offs with 74 and 65 per cent chances respectively, according to Opta. Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSTowards the bottom, Argyle are on 40 points and are staring at relegation to League One with just a 4.5 per cent chance at survival.Luton are also on 40 points but have an 11.4 per cent hope of staying up due to their better goal difference.Former Premier League boss in centre of huge tunnel brawl as tempers flare following dramatic Championship clashThey could join Swindon, Wolves and Sunderland in becoming clubs to have suffered back-to-back relegations from the Premier League to the third tier.Cardiff are set to complete the three heading down, but Derby and nine other clubs remain in the mix and are not mathematically safe yet.Mid-table trio Swansea, Norwich and Sheffield Wednesday can all incredibly still earn promotion or be relegated this season despite the chances of that happening being under 0.1 per cent. Fans are gearing up for a thrilling end, with one saying: “Best league this season by far. Premier League got nothing on this.”Another added: “It’s the best league in world football and it’s not even close.” More

PREM chiefs have moved to close the rules loophole that saw Leicester escape a PSR sanction.League bosses were left furious and embarrassed in September when an appeal board ruled the Prem did not have the right to charge them for losses in excess of the permitted limit of £105m in the three seasons up to 2022-23.Prem bosses have closed a loophole used by Leicester to escape a PSR chargeCredit: GettyRuud van Nistelrooy’s men are on the cusp of an instant return to the ChampionshipCredit: GettyThe Foxes had been facing a six-point deduction this term after returning to the Prem as Championship winners last season.But the panel upheld Leicester’s claim that the Prem could not sanction them when the club had become a member of the EFL following their relegation that season.The appeal board accepted that Leicester were not subject to Prem rules because the club’s accounting period ended on 30 June 2023, “after the point the club had ceased to be a member of the League”.Prem bosses promised to rewrite the rulebook to prevent other relegated clubs taking advantage of similar situations in future.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd in a series of changes introduced into the rulebook only on Friday, but which will take immediate effect, League chiefs have now tightened the regulations.That includes ending the flaw that meant new clubs were able to claim the full £35m allowance for their promotion season, rather than have losses for that campaign in the EFL capped at £13m.Crucially, the new Rule E.49 states that relegated clubs “remain bound” by Prem regulations, effectively aligning the top flight with the EFL in enforcing financial rules.Leicester were able to successfully argue their two successive seasons of changed membership meant they were not subject to the regulations of either league.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHowever, the new rules, agreed by the clubs and enacted last week, state that any punishments recommended by an EFL disciplinary panel can now be imposed by the Prem board in the top flight.Leicester are destined for an immediate return to the Championship next season.Leicester fans spotted streaming out just 35 minutes into Newcastle clash as hopeless Foxes hurtle towards relegationRuud van Nistelrooy’s appointment in November has failed to spark the Foxes’ season into life.The ex-Manchester United striker has won just 3 out of 21 games at the King Power. Leicester have earned only four points in total from their last 17 games. After Wolves’ 4-2 win over Tottenham last weekend, the Foxes’ fate could be sealed as early as next week. If they fail to win their next match, at home to leaders Liverpool on April 20, their relegation will be confirmed. More

WAYNE ROONEY is in line for a shock return to management just four months after being sacked by Plymouth Argyle.Blackburn are reportedly considering him as pressure mounts on boss Valerien Ismael.Wayne Rooney is a candidate for the Blackburn jobCredit: GettyValerien Ismael is under pressure after a poor run of formCredit: RexIsmael took over at Ewood Park after John Eustace surprisingly left the club to join Derby in February.But Blackburn have won just one of the Frenchman’s eight games in charge and they have slipped out the race for the play-offs.talkSPORT claim Ismael is under mounting pressure despite him signing a three-year contract just months ago.The Rovers are already weighing up his replacement and Rooney is supposedly on the list of possible candidates for the job.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRooney, who has swapped dugout for punditry so far this year, was axed on New Year’s Eve by Argyle.The Manchester United and England legend guided the club to just four victories from 23 games in the Championship.At the time of his departure, they had conceded more goals (51) and scored the fewest (22) in the division.Rooney started his managerial career at Derby, miraculously saving them from Championship relegation in the 2020/21 season.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBut he was unable to do the same the following campaign after they were hit with a huge 21-point deduction for going into administration.Rooney then moved to the States and took charge of DC United before returning home to be Birmingham’s boss.I get the same text from Sir Alex Ferguson every time I get sacked from a job, admits Wayne Rooney But he lasted just 15 games, winning just two, in a nightmare reign.Despite his struggles in the dug-out, Rooney has said he’d be keen to give it another go.He told the Stick to Football podcast that he would open the door to a return – with the right club.And he even admitted he would accept a role as assistant manager.He said: “I’d have no problem dropping into an Under-21 team or going in as a coach.”I’m still young enough to learn and develop. Just having a good group of players who were at a [good] level.”Blackburn strugglesBlackburn are currently tenth in the Championship, seven points off the all-important top six with four games to go.Ismael has blamed injuries for his tough start to life in Lancashire, saying: “When you see the injury, we lost key players, massive players are missing for us. “Ten players are missing. 10 players are missing. It’s just too much.”It was really difficult for us to deal with that. At the same time, you are playing and need to get results and you’re losing players every game, every time. Read More on The Sun”We are not a dead team. We were a team with issues. We tried to deal with our issues. We tried to give our best. “But as I say, you have to stay calm. Focus on your job. Try to find the solution, ride the storm. At some point, you know it will come back. But some ingredients have to be right.” More

CHRIS WILDER was involved in a dramatic tunnel melee following Sheffield United’s 2-1 defeat at Plymouth Argyle.The promotion-chasing Blades had led the crucial Championship contest 1-0 going into the final 10 minutes.Chris Wilder appeared to confront Mustapha Bundu and Darko GyabiCredit: X formerly Tiwtter / @SkyFootballA melee then ensued in the tunnel at Home ParkCredit: X formerly Tiwtter / @SkyFootballThe incident appeared to continue as players made their way offCredit: X formerly Tiwtter / @SkyFootballBut dramatic late goals by Ryan Hardie and Muhamed Tijani saw Argyle turn the tables to grab a crucial three points in their battle for survival.Following the final whistle, Wilder conducted a team talk with his players on the Home Park pitch.Victorious Argyle stars, meanwhile, celebrated with their jubilant supporters.The tunnel at Home Park is situated next to the Barn Park End away section.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs he made his way back to the dressing room, Wilder appeared to be unhappy with the way Argyle forward Mustapha Bundu was celebrating in front of the Sheffield United supporters.The 57-year-old began having words with Bundu, who was joined at the scene by England youth international Darko Gyabi.Sheffield United’s Ben Brereton Diaz and Harry Clarke, as well as Argyle’s Jordan Houghton, appeared to back up their respective colleagues.There then looked to be some pushing and shoving in the tunnel as the teams each made their way back to their respective dressing rooms.Most read in ChampionshipBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKWilder gave a team talk on the pitch at Home ParkCredit: PAThe incident was reminiscent of Phil Brown’s infamous on-field team talkCredit: PA:Press AssociationSheffield United’s defeat was their third in a row and a brutal blow to their automatic promotion hopes.Following Burnley’s victory over Norwich last night and Leeds’ home win over Preston earlier today, the Blades now trail the top two by five points with just four games remaining.Birmingham become first EFL club to win promotion as Tom Brady’s club bounce back to Championship at first attemptAsked about what happened in the tunnel, Wilder told Sky Sports: “Absolutely nothing really. They’re celebrating a big win, they’re coming off and unfortunately our supporters are in the stand right next to the tunnel.”So yeah, get everybody in, I’ve spoken to their manager, he’s good as gold. He understands the situation just as much as a I do, and the referee and the assessor.”Emotions run high in a game of football, which I’ve always said, for their boys as well because it’s a huge win for them.”I’m sure if we’d have won the game today that would have made it double difficult for them to stay in the division.”They’ve given themselves a fighting chance in staying in the division and we’ve given up another massive opportunity to get in touch and close the gap with Leeds United and Burnley.”Wilder also gave his team a talking to on the pitch after the game in scenes reminiscent of Hull boss Phil Brown’s on-field lecture in 2008.Argyle’s win saw them climb to within two points of safety, going into today’s 3pm kick-offs.Read More on The SunMiron Muslic’s side have been stuck at the bottom of the table for much of the season, including under his predecessor Wayne Rooney, but remain in touching distance of safety with four games left to play.Argyle will be in back in action at Middlesbrough on Good Friday, while Sheffield United will begin their Easter weekend by hosting strugglers Cardiff.Muhamed Tijani’s late winner sparked bedlam among the Argyle faithfulCredit: GettyThe final whistle was met with jubilant scenes at Home ParkCredit: Rex More

CARDIFF’S Championship clash with Stoke was suspended after a medical emergency in the crowd.The game was halted in the 35th minute with the score at 0-0. A medical emergency in the stands caused Cardiff’s Championship clash with Stoke to be suspendedCredit: RexCardiff’s Danish striker Yousef Salech jumped into the stands to helpCredit: RexCardiff’s Danish striker Yousef Salech jumped over the advertising boards and went into the crowd to help. Then the trainers and full medical crew went across the field to attend.After a five-minute delay referee Michael Salisbury took the players off the field while the stricken man received attention.Cardiff posted online: “Play stopped at the moment. READ MORE IN football “Calls from the crowd for medical support in the Ninian Stand, which has swiftly made its way across.” They followed up with: “The players have left the pitch for the time being and returned to the dressing rooms. “We’ll update further as soon as possible.” It took the medical team around 15 minutes to get the injured person on to a stretcher before escorting them out of the ground at the Canton end and into a hospital.Most read in FootballThey were then taken to the University of Wales Hospital.Cardiff confirmed: “Emergency services are taking the unwell person to hospital. Incredible work from you all.”All of our love and thoughts are with you.”Medics later confirmed that the victim had not suffered a heart attack.The teams re-emerged 18 minutes later and were given a five minute warm up period before the game was resumed at 0-0.Cardiff came into the game in a relegation fight – sitting in the drop zone on goal difference. Stoke were just two points from the drop before their trip to Wales. More