Championship

Subterms

    More stories

    • 188 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Championship final day LIVE RESULTS: Ipswich SEAL automatic promotion ahead of Leeds, Birmingham City RELEGATED

      by

      IPSWICH TOWN are back in the Premier League after a 22-year wait!Kieran McKenna’s side have sealed back-to-back promotions after a 2-0 win over Huddersfield on the final day today.While Tom Brady’s Birmingham City have been relegated to the Championship.Feeling Blue
      Birmingham City and Huddersfield Town have been relegated from the Championship.
      The two clubs join Rotherham in slipping into League One, with the Millers’ relegation having been confirmed last month.
      Huddersfield went into their clash with Ipswich needing a goal difference swing of 15 to stand any chance of survival, even if they somehow beat the Tractor Boys.
      Blues, meanwhile, faced promotion-chasing Norwich at Carrow Road knowing that a win coupled with defeat for any of Plymouth Argyle, Sheffield Wednesday or Blackburn Rovers would keep them up.
      Gary Rowett’s men defeated the Canaries 1-0, courtesy of a 55th minute goal by Paik Seung-ho.
      But incredibly Argyle, Wednesday and Blackburn all won to send Blues down.

      Copy linkCopiedPlay off picture
      Neither of these play off sides are in particularly great form.
      Here’s the rundown of who plays who and when.
      Sunday 12 MayNorwich City v Leeds United (12pm)West Bromwich Albion v Southampton (2.15pm)
      Thursday 16 MayLeeds United v Norwich City (8pm)
      Friday 17 MaySouthampton v West Bromwich Albion (8pm)
      Sunday 26 MayPlay off final
      Copy linkCopiedFull report
      IPSWICH have been promoted to the Premier League.
      The Tractor Boys booked their place in the top-flight with 2-0 win over Huddersfield on the final day of the Championship season.
      Ipswich came into the game knowing they only needed to avoid defeat against the relegated Terriers – but finished a fantastic season off in style as Wes Burns and Omari Hutchinson scored the goals.
      Ipswich have not been in the Premier League since the 2001/02 season.
      Led by former Manchester United coach Kieran McKenna, he has fired them to back-to-back promotions.
      When Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s former assistant took over at Portman Road in December 2021, they were 12th in the third tier.

      Copy linkCopiedFeeling Blues
      Birmingham’s 13-year Championship stay is over after today’s results.
      Fans are not happy, despite a mini pitch invasion for some reason.
      Reports saying selfies were taken and some really weren’t happy.
      Their twitter post has been flooded with pictures of John Eustace. What might have been, eh….
      Copy linkCopiedSheer joy
      Everyone waiting to hear what Ipswich fan Ed Sheeran had to say about this monumental win.
      He wasn’t at Portman Road today. Instead, he was in the pits in Miami ahead of the Grand Prix this weekend.
      Copy linkCopiedInvasions galore
      It wasn’t just Ipswich fans piling onto the pitch at full time.
      Similar scenes occurred at Plymouth after securing safety with that big win over Hull.

      Copy linkCopiedMcKenna reacts
      Kieran McKenna is a ridiculously good coach.
      Now he’ll get to tussle it out with the best in the business in the Premier League next year.
      He told Sky Sports: “It means a lot. Mostly seeing how much it means to everyone, the players, the supporters, to be one of the leaders of that is absolutely massive, it’s a wonderful day,
      “I’m very, very proud of everyone involved. We’ve delivered a really good performance. It’s what we’ve done all year.
      “I’m sure it’ll sink in in a couple of days. There’s a lot of work to do, it’ll start in a couple of days time.”
      Copy linkCopiedAnd the rest!
      Hull missing out on the play offs on the final day.
      Poor seasons for the likes of Watford and Sunderland after promising spells.

      Copy linkCopiedAnd at the bottom
      Safety secured for Blackburn, Sheffield Wednesday and Plymouth on the final day.
      All four involved winning on the final day. Incredible stuff.
      Birmingham joining Huddersfield and Rotherham in next year’s League One.

      Copy linkCopiedFinal standings
      A look at how the top of Championship looks after a huge final day.
      And it’s great viewing for Ipswich Town fans.
      The play off picture is sorted too.
      Leeds will play Norwich and West Brom take on Southampton. Plenty Premier League experience there…

      Copy linkCopiedPitch invasion
      The Portman Road celebrations are well underway.
      Thousands descend onto the pitch to celebrate with the players. Blue smoke filling the air.
      Sensational scenes.

      Copy linkCopiedFULL TIME AT PLYMOUTH!
      They survive on the final day thanks to a 1-0 win over Hull.
      Birmingham City have been relegated to League One!

      Copy linkCopiedStill playing
      In both of the games in the relegation battle.
      Plymouth and Birmingham still lead 1-0 going into the latter stages of stoppage time!
      Copy linkCopiedFULL TIME AT PORTMAN ROAD
      IPSWICH ARE IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE!!
      Copy linkCopiedGOAL IN THE RELEGATION PICTURE!!
      And it’s safety secured for Blackburn Rovers – who have scored a second at Leicester City!
      Copy linkCopiedIpswich 2-0 Huddersfield
      Tense and nervy at the bottom still. It now looks to be between Birmingham and Plymouth for relegation with minutes to go.
      Into added time at Portman Road. Ipswich are three minutes from the Premier League.
      Copy linkCopiedStill no goals…
      One goal now in the Plymouth or Birmingham games could be the difference between staying up and going down.
      Less than five minutes left too….
      Copy linkCopiedSam the man
      Where on earth would Blackburn be without Sammie Szmodics?
      League One, that’s where. He’s been sensational and he’ll end up the top scorer in the division.

      Copy linkCopiedFinal 10 or so
      And it’s a dramatic one, certainly at the foot of the table.
      Ipswich look like going up and the play off picture is pretty secure.
      And it’s still:

      Birmingham 1-0 Norwich
      Leicester 0-1 Blackburn
      Plymouth 1-0 Hull
      Sunderland 0-2 Sheff Wed

      Birmingham need Hull or Leicester to do them a big favour!
      Copy linkCopiedLatest scores
      Birmingham 1-0 Norwich
      Coventry 0-2 QPR
      Ipswich 2-0 Huddersfield
      Leeds 1-2 Southampton
      Leicester 0-1 Blackburn
      Middlesbrough 1-1 Watford
      Plymouth 1-0 Hull
      Rotherham 5-2 Cardiff
      Stoke 4-0 Bristol City
      Sunderland 0-2 Sheffield Wednesday
      Swansea 0-1 Millwall
      West Brom 3-0 Preston
      Copy linkCopiedGOAL WEST BROM!
      Play off spot secured with comfort now.
      Darnell Furlong with the goal and they’re 3-0 up against Preston now!
      Copy linkCopiedAll doing their job
      Isn’t it remarkable that every side involved in that relegation fight are leading!?
      Any slip-up now could be fatal but as it stands, Birmingham are going down!
      Credit: EFL
      Copy linkCopiedLeicester 0-1 Blackburn
      Sammie Szmodics with the goal but you already knew that.
      He beat the offside trap and had the whole half to run but he does so and keeps his composure well before rolling it beyond the keeper from just inside the area.
      Shirt off as he celebrates. What a huge goal that is.
      Copy linkCopiedGOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLL!!!!
      BLACKBURN WITH A HUGE GOAL – THEY LEAD AT LEICESTER
      Copy linkCopiedGOAL WEST BROM!!
      2-0 the Baggies now and fifth place looks set to be theres.
      That’d mean Southampton as their opponents in the play offs. An intriguing battle there.
      Kyle Bartley with the goal.
      Copy linkCopied More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Tom Brady’s Birmingham RELEGATED to League One after disastrous season which saw Wayne Rooney last three months as boss

      by

      BIRMINGHAM CITY and Huddersfield Town have been relegated from the Championship.The two clubs join Rotherham in slipping into League One, with the Millers’ relegation having been confirmed last month.Paik Seung-ho wheels away after giving Birmingham the lead against Norwich… only for Blues to go down anywayCredit: GettyJohn Ruddy looks dejected as he is escorted off the pitchCredit: GettyJoe Edwards celebrates firing Argyle in front against HullCredit: RexBlackburn Rovers produced a sensational 2-0 win at Leicester to surviveCredit: GettyJosh Windass bagged for Sheffield Wednesday at SunderlandCredit: RexHuddersfield went into their clash with Ipswich needing a goal difference swing of 15 to stand any chance of survival, even if they somehow beat the Tractor Boys.Blues, meanwhile, faced promotion-chasing Norwich at Carrow Road knowing that a win coupled with defeat for any of Plymouth Argyle, Sheffield Wednesday or Blackburn Rovers would keep them up.Gary Rowett’s men defeated the Canaries 1-0, courtesy of a 55th minute goal by Paik Seung-ho.But incredibly Argyle, Wednesday and Blackburn all won to send Blues down.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSheffield Wednesday comfortably triumphed 2-0 at Sunderland thanks to first-half goals by Liam Palmer and Josh Windass.With the Owls sitting pretty, Blues went into the second half relying on Argyle or Blackburn to concede.Remarkably the latter, managed by ex-Birmingham boss John Eustace, won 2-0 at freshly-crowned champions Leicester.Argyle, meanwhile, led courtesy of captain Joe Edwards’ 40th minute header.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSChampionship final day results in full
      Birmingham City 1 Norwich City 0
      Coventry City 1 Queens Park Rangers 2
      Ipswich Town 2 Huddersfield Town 0
      Leeds United 1 Southampton 2
      Leicester City 0 Blackburn Rovers 2
      Middlesbrough 3 Watford 1
      Plymouth Argyle 1 Hull City 0
      Rotherham United 5 Cardiff City 2
      Stoke City 4 Bristol City 0
      Sunderland 0 Sheffield Wednesday 2
      Swansea City 0 Millwall 1
      West Bromwich Albion 3 Preston North End 0

      The Pilgrims held firm in the second half to send Birmingham down, while ending Hull’s play-off dream in the process.Birmkingham’s relegation caps off a disastrous first year under their American owners.EFL fans in hysterics as ‘absolutely golden’ Neil Warnock returns to live TV with brutal dig at his former players Tom Brady and Co axed John Eustace in October despite flirting with the play-off places, opting to replace him with Wayne Rooney.England legend Wazza subsequently won just two of his 15 games in charge, seeing Birmingham slide down the table in the process.Rooney, 38, was sacked in January and replaced by Tony Mowbray.Unfortunately for Blues Mowbray was forced to temporarily step down on medical grounds, with former boss Rowett stepping in as caretaker.Ex-Millwall, Stoke and Derby boss Rowett’s return was unable to inspire Blues – with recent lacklustre draws at Rotherham and Huddersfield contributing heavily to their downful.Sheffield Wednesday, meanwhile, staged a sensational recovery under Danny Rohl.After failing to win any of Xisco Munoz’s 12 games in charge, the Owls dragged themselves back into contention under Rohl.Birmingham City have been relegated despite finishing on 50 pointsCredit: GoogleBirmingham’s win was not enough to keep them upCredit: GettyFans invaded the pitch at Home Park when Argyle confirmed their survivalCredit: RexRyan Hardie celebrates with the Argyle fansCredit: GettyElsewhere, Plymouth Argyle were 10 points above the drop when Steven Schumacher departed for Stoke City in December.A disastrous run under Schumacher’s successor Ian Foster saw them plummet down the table, however, with the 47-year-old sacked and replaced by director of football Neil Dewsnip last month.Blackburn, meanwhile, appointed Eustace in February, with the 44-year-old haunting former side Blues by guiding Rovers to safety.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere was no miracle for Huddersfield, with the Terriers losing 2-0 to Ipswich Town – a result that saw the Tractor Boys earn promotion back to the Premier League after 22 years away.With Leicester promoted as champions and Ipswich runners-up, Leeds will now have to contest the play-offs with Southampton, West Brom and Norwich.Wayne Rooney won two of his 15 games in charge of BirminghamCredit: RexTom Brady’s disastrous first season with Blues has ended in relegationCredit: GettyHuddersfield were on the wrong end of Ipswich’s promotion partyCredit: Getty More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Ipswich return to Premier League after 22 years away as ex-Man Utd coach Kieran McKenna wins successive promotions

      by

      IPSWICH have been promoted to the Premier League. The Tractor Boys booked their place in the top-flight with 2-0 win over Huddersfield on the final day of the Championship season. Ipswich have been promoted to the Premier LeagueCredit: ReutersThey return to the Prem after 22 years awayCredit: PAKieran McKenna has guided the club to back-to-back promotionsCredit: PAThere was a pitch invasion at full-timeCredit: PAThey lost six league games all seasonCredit: RexIpswich came into the game knowing they only needed to avoid defeat against the relegated Terriers – but finished a fantastic season off in style as Wes Burns and Omari Hutchinson scored the goals.Ipswich have not been in the Premier League since the 2001/02 season.Led by former Manchester United coach Kieran McKenna, he has fired them to back-to-back promotions.When Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s former assistant took over at Portman Road in December 2021, they were 12th in the third tier.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut in a remarkable rise, McKenna has guided them to a second place finish in League One last season.And he has now followed it up with a successive runners-up promotion from the Championship.They are first so jump from League One to the Prem in two years since Southampton in 2012.The 37-year-old boss’ sensational work is highlighted by nine of his starting XI today playing in the division below last term.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMcKenna was assistant to Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Man UtdCredit: RexThere was a special atmosphere at Portman RoadCredit: GettyThe party continued into the dressing roomCredit: RexSince McKenna’s arrival, only Jurgen Klopp, Pep Guardiola, Mikel Arteta and Unai Emery have a higher win percentage in English football than him.In the Championship this season, Ipswich have been beaten just six times this term, which is the lowest in the division.Ipswich fan Ed Sheeran downs pint in promotion celebrationWith 92 goals they are also the highest scorers.As Ipswich secured their Prem place, there was a party atmosphere in East Anglia.Fans set off blue flares and waved flags on the team’s arrival at Portman Road.And at the final whistle, there was a pitch invasion from supporters.But Ipswich fan Ed Sheeran was not at the home of his beloved club as he is attending the Miami Grand Prix.The pop star instead watched from a bar with some fellow fans and downed a pint in celebration, claiming his beer “tasted like promotion”.READ MORE SUN STORIESIpswich join title winners Leicester in sealing their spot in the Premier League next season.Leeds, Southampton, West Brom and Norwich will battle it out for the last promotion spot via the play-offs.Omari Hutchinson’s goal wrapped up the promotionCredit: PAWes Burns (centre) scored the other goal in the gameFans celebrated in styleCredit: ReutersIpswich get a trophy for finishing secondCredit: GettyIpswich fan Ed Sheeran celebrated from the US with a pintCredit: ESPN More

    • 188 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Birmingham vs Norwich clash suspended after medical incident in stands as doctors rush to help

      by

      BIRMINGHAM’S Championship final day clash with Norwich was momentarily delayed due to a medical emergency.The match was stopped for around five minutes before resuming.A spectator was treated in the lower Kop area of the groundCredit: RexBirmingham’s clash with Norwich was temporarily suspendedCredit: Sky SportsWith around 24 minutes on the clock and the score level at 0-0, referee Oliver Langford stopped the contest so the spectator could receive treatment.Around five minutes later the match was able to resume.On the incident, Norwich wrote on social media: “The game has stopped while a medical emergency in the stands is attended to by doctors.”They later added: “Hopefully those involved are okay.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBirmingham, meanwhile, confirmed that the incident had occurred in the lower Kop stand.Both sides went into the match with plenty to play for.Blues began the day in the relegation zone, a point behind Plymouth Argyle and three off Sheffield Wednesday and Blackburn.Gary Rowett’s side knew they would almost certainly have to beat Norwich in order to survive – with a draw only enough should Argyle lose by five goals at home to Hull.Most read in ChampionshipNorwich, meanwhile, went into the day having already confirmed a play-off place.But David Wagner’s fifth-placed side did still have something to play for, with West Brom only a point behind in sixth.Elsewhere, already-relegated Rotherham’s clash with Cardiff City was also delayed due to a medical emergency in the stands.The match was paused in the 15th minute and resumed three minutes later.Birmingham and Norwich both had plenty to play forCredit: Rex More

    • 200 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Rotherham vs Cardiff clash suspended for medical emergency as club medics rush into stands to help

      by

      A MEDICAL emergency has caused a Championship game to be halted.Rotherham’s clash with Cardiff City was stopped after a supporter was taken ill in the stands.A fan was taken ill at Rotherham’s clash with Cardiff CityCredit: GettyThe two sides were playing their last game of the seasonCredit: GettyThe match had only been going for 15 minutes when the incident occurred.The referee stopped the game to allow medics from both clubs to run across the pitch to assist the fan.The match was paused for three minutes while the supporter received help.Rotherham confirmed the incident on social media.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA post read: “Play has stopped due to what appears to be a medical emergency in the stands.”The supporter is receiving the necessary medical attention from professionals.”The referee has been given permission to restart the game while treatment continues.”The referee allowed the game to continue as the fan continued to receive treatment from the medics.Most read in FootballFive minutes later, they were taken out of the ground in a wheelchair.There was plenty of concern for the fan on social media.One person posted: “Hope all is well.”A second commented: “Hoping the person involved is okay.”A third wrote: “Horrible stuff, hope all is well.”The Championship clash at the AESSEAL New York Stadium was a dead rubber as Rotherham had already been relegated.Cardiff, on the other hand, could not reach the play-offs and look set for a top-half finish.Elsewhere in the league, there was also concern for a supporter at Birmingham’s match against Norwich City. More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League title winner announces retirement at 35 after career that saw him achieve unmatched feat

      by

      LEICESTER City title winner Andy King has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 35.The Bristol City midfielder will play the final match of his career on Saturday when the Robins take on Stoke.Andy King will play the final game of his career on SaturdayCredit: GettyKing, bottom left, famously won the Premier League with Leicester in 2016Credit: ReutersKing, a boyhood Bristol City fan, is out of contract with the Championship club at the end of the season.And on Friday he confirmed he is hanging up his boots, saying: “I’ve absolutely loved my three years here.”It was an absolute honour to have played for this football club, one that I’ve spent many years watching, coming to the games as a child.”To be able to pull on the shirt and walk out at Ashton Gate with my own family, my own children, is so special.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I wanted my last game to be in a Bristol City shirt and I think that’s the perfect way for me to go out.”King achieved an unprecedented feat at Leicester, winning the League One, Championship and Premier League titles.He is the first and only player to manage this with the same team since the Premier League was formed in 1992.King, who featured in 25 of Leicester’s 38 league games in their triumphant 2015/16 campaign, also earned 50 caps for Wales and was a part of the squad which reached the semi-finals at Euro 2016.Most read in FootballAs well as Leicester and Bristol City, he also featured on loan for Swansea, Derby, Rangers and Huddersfield.He will retire with more than 450 club appearances to his name – 17 of which have come this season for Bristol City.Huge changes being made to English football schedule next seasonKing, who took a player-coach role with the second-tier side last summer, received a touching tribute from former Leicester team-mate James Maddison.The Tottenham playmaker said: “Happy retirement to a legend. Top player & top person.”One of a kind & someone I can proudly call my friend. Enjoy mate.”Bristol City boss Liam Manning added: “He has had an incredible career and what he has achieved in the game is extraordinary.“The impact he has had on the dressing room and the young players at the club is invaluable, and his presence will be missed by everybody.” More

    • 188 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      I’m former Tottenham star who got promoted TWICE from the Championship in the same season

      by

      ONE former Tottenham star pulled off the astonishing feat of getting promoted TWICE in the same season.Sebastien Bassong, 37, was awarded with two promotion medals in the 2014/15 season having played a part in the promotion campaigns of both Norwich and Watford.Sebastien Bassong earned promotion to the Premier League with NorwichCredit: GettyHe also helped Watford reach the top flight in the same seasonCredit: Action Images – ReutersThe defender had struggled for minutes at Norwich in the early part of the season when he was loaned out to Watford on an emergency deal that saw him make 11 appearances.Those 11 games earned him a promotion medal with the club who finished second in the league to automatically earn their spot in the Premier League.But after the emergency loan coming to an end in January, Bassong fought his way back into the thinking of manager Alex Neil at Carrow Road.After earning his spot he made a total of 21 appearances for the Canaries in the remainder of the season including keeping a clean sheet as Norwich won the play-off final at Wembley to secure promotion.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEFL rules at the time started that any player who had featured in more that five games for their club was entitled to a medal for their promotion – meaning Bassong was awarded the accolade twice.Bassong spoke to the Express about the incredible campaign for himself back in 2015, he said: “Overall it has been a dream season.”I played for Watford and they got promoted. I played for Norwich and they got promoted as well, so I have got two medals.”I need to go and get my medal from Watford now. It’s all about me! But you wouldn’t have said that at the start of the season.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSebastien Bassong’s career
      2005 – 2008: FC Metz
      2008 – 2009: Newcastle United
      2009 – 2012: Tottenham Hotspur
      2012: Wolves (loan)
      2012 – 2017: Norwich
      2014 – 2015: Watford (emergency loan)
      2018 – 2019: Peterborough
      2019 – 2020: Volos NPS

      Things didn’t go quite as well the following season when the Cameroon international was sent straight back down to the Championship after a relegation campaign with Norwich in the Premier League.Throughout his career the central defender still managed to get plenty of football under his belt in England’s top flight with spells at Newcastle United and Tottenham too.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersAnd after bringing an end to his time with Norwich in 2017, he joined Peterbrough in League One where he stayed for half a season before heading to Greece to retire at top flight club Volos NPS.Bassong spent three years on the books at TottenhamCredit: Getty More

    • 188 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      I’m the James Milner of the Championship but I’m going to be unemployed next week

      by

      QUEENS PARK RANGERS hero Albert Adomah has declared himself the “James Milner of the Championship” after making history.Adomah, 36, moved at the top of the list of all-time Championship appearances when he came on as a substitute during QPR’s 4-0 victory over Leeds at Loftus Road last week.Queens Park Rangers hero Albert Adomah broke the record for most Championship appearancesCredit: RexAdomah wants to emulate Brighton star James Milner’s longevityCredit: RexThe winger has officially amassed 525 appearances after breaking Lee Camp’s record who registered 524 before his retirement in 2022.The Ghana international, though, will be leaving the Rs after Saturday’s season-ending match at Coventry which is when his contract runs out.However, the forward insists he has a lot more left in the tank after four years with QPR and isn’t planning to retire any time soon.The Ghanaian is determined to extend his 18-year career until the day his feet can no longer hold him as he wants to emulate Milner, 38.Read More on FootballThe Brighton star has registered a staggering total of 634 Premier League appearances throughout his 22-year career that saw him star for the likes of Newcastle, Manchester City and Liverpool.The ex-England international is only 20 Prem games away from breaking Gareth Barry’s all-time record, and Adomah wants to emulate the versatile midfielder’s longevity.He told BBC Radio London: “I always tell myself I’m the James Milner of the Championship, I think that’s the best way to put it.“He started younger than me, I started when I was 20, but I’ve got this longevity still playing for nearly 17 years I believe now.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“The day that I can’t run is the day that I’ll think about retiring, or if I have a serious injury then I’ll stop.”I still believe I could do one more season in the Championship or two or three more at a lower level.”Football stars’ weird phobiasAdomah has enjoyed an impressive career in England that saw him playing for the likes of Middlesbrough, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest. More