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      Former Man Utd wonderkid dreaming of making history in ‘one-off’ Championship promotion race that’ll never happen again

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      JOE ROTHWELL cannot quite believe the quality of the Championship top four going all-out for promotion.Having come through the ranks at Manchester United, he is now at Bournemouth and is spending the second half of this season on loan at Southampton.Joe Rothwell is relishing the fight for promotionCredit: GettyThe midfielder was on the books of Man Utd as a youngsterCredit: GettySaints host Middlesbrough tomorrow — their first action in TWENTY days — before a huge clash at promotion rivals Ipswich.The top three of Leeds, Leicester and the Tractor Boys are separated by just a point.Saints are eight points off in fourth but with two games in hand.The South Coast club’s points-per-game average of more than two is normally enough for the title.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLInstead they face a huge battle even to get promoted.Rothwell told SunSport: “The numbers that the top four are putting out is nothing short of extraordinary.“At least one of these teams, if not two, are going to miss out on getting promoted — but that’s the nature of football.“There are always good teams that don’t succeed. Hopefully we won’t be that side.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER“I don’t think you’ll see what is happening now in the Championship ever again. It’s a one-off.“We’ve got a massive ten games to try to finish where want to.”Southampton’s St Mary’s stadium evacuated as it’s engulfed in smoke after huge fire breaks out hours before matchSouthampton’s last league game was postponed due to Leicester having an FA Cup quarter-final — which they lost 4-2 at Chelsea — ahead of the international break.But Rothwell believes the lay-off from action came at a good time.He said: “It’s been a mixture of relaxing and training.“We had a few days to spend with family and relax. Then we were back in to work and had another few days off too. After the amount of games we played before, it’s come at a good time.“It’s allowed us to rest and recoup — and will hopefully stand us in good stead.”Rothwell spent four years at Blackburn before going to Bournemouth in summer 2022 when they had just been promoted back to the Premier League.But he said: “I started the first four games and a couple of others but we didn’t win any of the first nine games.“The new boss Andoni Iraola came in with different ideas. I wasn’t getting much game time so we sat down to talk.”Then I heard about Southampton’s interest and thankfully we got a loan deal across the line during the January window.“I’ve loved my time since coming in. I enjoy the style of play that Russell Martin implements. That was a huge draw for me.”Rothwell scored four goals in a month before Southampton’s longer break.He netted twice in a 5-3 win over Huddersfield before grabbing a late brace to snatch a 4-2 victory over Sunderland.His jaw-dropping volley against the Terriers won him the Sky Bet Championship Goal of the Month.And he said: “Originally, they wanted me to take the corner — so it’s a good job I didn’t.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I lingered around the edge of the box and as soon as their keeper had punched it, I knew it was going to land in an area where I could hit it first time.“As soon as it’s left my foot, I knew it was going in!” More

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      I turned down Aston Villa transfer after being handed bizarre contract clause… now their fans can’t stand me

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      TROY DEENEY has revealed he turned down a move to Aston Villa after they put a bizarre clause in their contract offer… before the club’s supporters ended up HATING him.Watford legend Deeney, 35, grew up six miles away from St Andrew’s – the home of Villa’s rivals Birmingham.Troy Deeney has revealed the bizarre clause he received in his Aston Villa contract offerCredit: RexDeeney has the crest of Villa’s rivals Birmingham on his calfCredit: AlamyHe has a tattoo of the the Blues’ crest on his calf and ended up playing for them in the latter stages of his career between 2021 and 2023.Deeney also bagged six goals in five games against Villa and once had coins thrown at him by fans of the Midlands club after scoring against them.Yet had circumstances been slightly different, Deeney could have ended up leading the line for them earlier in his career.That was if he had agreed to remove his Birmingham tattoo – a sticking point for those at Villa.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking on talkSPORT, he said: “I had an opportunity to [join Villa], yeah.”My friends let me know it wouldn’t be a good idea, and secondly they wanted me to remove my Birmingham City tattoo as well.”The club [Aston Villa wanted me to], that was part of the conversation.”But they’ve gone on to bigger and better things and so have I.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDeeney went on to admit he believes a move to Villa would have made it tough for his family – most of whom support Birmingham.He added: “No I wouldn’t have [had it removed], that’s why it didn’t get too far.Troy Deeney posts emotional message to Watford fans after 11-year stay ends”My best friend is Birmingham City die-hard, my whole family are Birmingham City apart from my brother who weirdly decided to go against the grain.”It would have been a difficult place to live and see the family if I was playing for Aston Villa for a few months.”I’m sure they would have got over it afterwards.”Deeney scored 11 goals in 56 games for Birmingham across a two-season spell.But he is best-known for more than a decade at Watford where netted 140 times in 419 appearances.He helped The Hornets secure promotion to the Premier League in 2015 and 2021, while he also reached the FA Cup final in 2019 where Watford lost 6-0 to Manchester City. More

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      Connor Roberts calls on Wales team-mates to become national heroes like Gareth Bale by booking Euro 2024 spot

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      CONNOR ROBERTS has told his Wales team-mates: Become a national hero like Gareth Bale and take us to Germany this summer.Robert Page’s Dragons are just one win away from Euro 2024 ahead of Tuesday’s play-off final with Poland in Cardiff.Gareth Bale scored the winner against Ukraine to send Wales to the 2022 World CupCredit: GettyDavid Brooks set Robert Page’s men on their way to the Euro 2024 play-off final with the opener in the 4-1 victory over Finland last ThursdayCredit: GettyRetired Bale led Wales to the last two Euros and the 2022 World Cup.That included play-off winning goals against Austria and Ukraine two years ago.Now the spotlight is on the attacking firepower of Brennan Johnson, Kieffer Moore, Dan James, Harry Wilson, David Brooks and Nathan Broadhead to deliver a fourth major tournament qualification in just eight years.Roberts said: “We’ve got talent all over the pitch. Kieffer is different to Brennan and DJ, Harry and Brooksy.READ MORE FOOTBALL“They are all brilliant players and I’m just hoping one of them is our Gaz, our hero like he was against Austria and Ukraine a few years ago.“I’m not sure we relied on Gaz but he saved us a number of times.“Hopefully one of them is our hero again on Tuesday night and we can all start smiling and celebrating together.”Wales, who hammered Finland 4-1 in Thursday’s semi, have the experience of crunch ties in Cardiff.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe Dragons overcame Hungary in November 2019 to reach the delayed Euro 2020 thanks to an Aaron Ramsey double.Then the Welsh roared once more at the Cardiff City Stadium when Real Madrid superstar Bale came up trumps with two superb strikes to sink Austria in March 2022.Wales 4-1 Finland: Rob Page press conferenceThree months later, ex-captain Bale delivered the greatest result in Wales’ history.Bale led his country to the World Cup for the first time since 1958 with a free-kick to leave war-torn Ukraine heartbroken.Now Leeds full-back Roberts, 28, wants to make more qualification memories against the Poles, who beat Estonia 5-1 to book a final spot and have lethal goalscorer Robert Lewandowski in their ranks.Roberts, who will win his 55th cap, added: “For Wales I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of big games – Hungary a few years ago, Ukraine.“It’s another one on Tuesday night. Life, football is about moments and Tuesday is another moment, a chance to achieve something, to make memories. “That’s what we’ll be trying to do as a team.“We’ve experienced big nights in Cardiff, tournaments, I’ve had brilliant moments at the Euros, scoring goals, playing at the World Cup but I want more.“A lot of us get greedy. We want to be better. We have to win on Tuesday and give everything to make people proud.“We’re not the biggest footballing nation, we’re not the best players in the world. But we all want to be there.“If we can look back and say it’s another qualification for another major tournament – the third one for most of us and even more for others – then we will be very proud when our football is finished.“It’s a massive chance to create more amazing moments and special memories.”Roberts was one of a number of Wales players who moved in January to keep his Euro dreams alive.The defender left Vincent Kompany’s Burnley in the Premier League on loan to Championship table-toppers Leeds.He has made nine appearances for Daniel Farke’s men in all competitions and even scored a vital goal in the 3-1 comeback win over promotion rivals Leicester at Elland Road.Roberts said: “It was strange for me because I was hoping this season would be good in the Premier League after last season and I made the decision to go somewhere where I’d get more minutes.”I’ve gone there and I’ve not played every single game but, on that side of things, I need to go in there and use my experience and hopefully get promoted again with Leeds.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I don’t need to play loads of games to be ready and stay fit. “It comes naturally to me but to go there and get a bit more game time than I was getting at Burnley is good.” More

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      Justin Allen: Shelf-ish West Ham chief Sullivan shows he doesn’t live in real world with bizarre EFL supermarket analogy

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      DAVID SULLIVAN likened the Premier League to Tesco and the EFL as a small supermarket chain.And the West Ham owner argued that the retail giants don’t pay out a subsidy to the little shops. he questions why should the top flight pour more money into the three lower divisions?David Sullivan does not back the Premier League paying more to the EFLCredit: GettyI don’t know if Sullivan ventures much into our high streets.But if he does, he will see that they have mostly been destroyed by retail giants. He will see boarded-up windows all over the place.Little shops were, and still should be, at the heart of communities… as should our EFL clubs.Sullivan can afford to shop at Harrods and Selfridges while most of us have to scour the shelves for bargains at Aldi or Lidl.READ MORE ON EFLJust like West Ham can afford to pay more than £50million for Brazil international Lucas Paqueta while the EFL’s bottom club Sutton United are a team packed of freebies.The Hammers chief does not seem to live in the real world – or appears at least detached from it.Does he care much about the loss of things such as our independent greengrocers, butchers and bakers?And does he give a damn about what has happened to clubs like Bury and Macclesfield as well as what is unfolding at Reading?Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERIf he does, Sullivan should be front and centre of a Premier League campaign to safeguard the EFL for generations to come.He should be sticking up for the little guys because once upon a time he himself heralded from humble beginnings.Sky Sports Soccer Saturday crew burst out laughing after mascot’s hilarious reaction to being shoved in EFL clashSullivan was brought up in a council house and should understand the value of things.The West Ham owner has rightly been receiving widespread stick for his ridiculous comments and has been accused of being selfish.His remarks smacked of “I’m alright Jack, pull up the ladder”.What Sullivan failed to mention is that EFL clubs, and non-league ones for that matter, are vital to the health of the Premier League.I wonder if it dawned on him in Prague in May when West Ham lifted the Europa Conference League trophy that matchwinner Jarrod Bowen started his career in non-league with Hereford and then honed his skills in the EFL at Hull City.And key frontman Michail Antonio also did the non-league yards with Tooting and Mitcham before touring the EFL with the likes of Reading, Cheltenham, Southampton when they were in League One, Colchester, Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest.Without these clubs and lower divisions, neither player would have developed to become Premier League household names.Sullivan’s central argument is against introducing an independent football regulator to clean up our national game – and oversee a fairer distribution of funds across all levels of football.He believes that redistributing more funds out of the Premier League clubs’ ever-expanding coffers would threaten its status as the best football division on the planet.EFL chief executive Rick Parry pointed out clubs dining at English football’s top table pay more than £2BILLION more in wages than the four other major European leagues.Jarrod Bowen with the Conference League Trophy he won with West HamWest Ham’s Jarrod Bowen started in non-league with HerefordMichail Antonio also started his career in non-league and the EFL before West HamSo the notion that the Premier League will somehow be overtaken by other countries is fanciful and for the birds.What peeves me about the likes of Sullivan is his seemingly complete ignorance to the fact that the Premier League do not OWN our national gameThey are simply top of a highly-successful English football pyramid system that has been around for more than a century,Nowhere else in the world do you see a fourth-tier club like Bradford pulling in average gates of almost 18,000, apart from when Rangers were booted down to Scotland’s bottom division in 2012 of course.Or do you see elsewhere a cup competition for third and fourth-division clubs (the EFL Trophy) that in recent years have seen attendances at Wembley finals of 85,021 in 2019 for Charlton v Portsmouth and 79,839 for Bolton v Plymouth last April?Since the Premier League was formed in 1992, West Ham have only spent four seasons of the 32 in the second tier.Sullivan has experienced relegation from the top flight in East London and twice while he co-owned Birmingham with the late David Gold.So he knows first-hand how huge the disparity is between the Championship and Premier League.Sullivan does not want the parachute payment system to stop.Simple solution, David: manage your finances and contracts better then.But something has got to give. It is not right that clubs like Leeds, Leicester and Southampton should this season have received around £55m each while the other Championship clubs, apart from those still getting parachutes, receive just £8.2million. The West Ham owner does not think it is right for clubs like his to help those lower down the food chain who have mismanaged their finances.But then he contradicts himself by saying parachute payments are “not big enough” to help support teams that get relegated. He argues going down to the Championship would be “horrendous”.Well, simple solution, David: manage your finances and contracts better then.All deals should have relegation clauses in them where wages MUST drop as a result. I’m afraid Premier League footballers should also start living in the real world.If you fail, your wages must be cut accordingly.The Premier League right now have an opportunity to avoid a regulator coming in – but they want to play with the ball all to themselves.READ MORE SUN STORIESSo I am afraid it’s time for an adult to enter the room, crack their heads together and tell them to play fairly with the others.That will be the best way to make sure the EFL doesn’t turn into a little shop of horrors.Bury fans during the run-up of the Shakers being booted out of the EFL in 2019Macclesfield supporter protests about his club’s woesThe future of Reading is under threat More

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      Championship side announces huge £105million investment as statement hails ‘landmark day in club’s history’

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      IPSWICH have announced a massive £105million investment into the club.The Championship promotion hopefuls hailed the move from US-based private equity firm Bright Path Sports Partners as a “landmark day in the club’s history”.Championship promotion chasers Ipswich have announced a significant new £105million investmentCredit: RexThe club described it as a ‘landmark day’Credit: GettyBright Path will obtain a 40 per cent share in the club, with company co-founders Jake Zahnow and Phillip Ciano set to take places on the club’s board and joined by primary funder of the investment Sam Simon.Ed Schwartz, the head of ORG – who have been the main shareholders since 2021 – will remain the majority and controlling party in the club with a 50 per cent stake.The remaining ten per cent will be made up of smaller investors including the Three Lions fund, who have also recently upped their investment.The Tractor Boys also confirmed that CEO Mark Ashton would continue in his role in managing the day-to-day operations of the club as Bright Path “provide capital and strategic thinking which will be of significant benefit to the club”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA statement from Schwartz said: “When we purchased Ipswich Town in 2021, we did so with the initial aim of restoring the club to the Championship and becoming competitive at this level, with the plan always including bringing a partner on board when the time was right.“The club’s progress means we feel that time is now and we are excited to welcome Bright Path Sports. “Alongside the continued day-to-day leadership of Mark Ashton, who we are delighted has further committed his future to the club, we look forward to Bright Path bringing significant value to Ipswich Town in the coming years.”Ashton added: “We are excited to welcome Bright Path Sports on what is another landmark day in the Club’s history.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”This is a day that further secures the long-term future of the Football Club and gives us the means to move the club forward as we benefit from the wide range of skills and experiences Bright Path’s investors will bring.“The investment will continue to support the club in both the medium and long term, with the biggest immediate use being to support a number of key infrastructure projects, including the significant redevelopment of the training ground at Playford Road.”Gareth Southgate breaks silence on Man Utd job after major update on Erik Ten Hag’s futureSimon, the lead of Bright Path’s investment said: “We are excited to be making this investment in a brilliant football club.“We love the history, the potential for the future, the passionate fans and the management of the Club, who are amazing people. We invest in people and this is perfect for us.“We believe in investing for the future in order to give the team and management the tools to do their jobs and we’re excited to be working together.”On the pitch Ipswich are in the hunt for automatic promotion under ex-Manchester United coach Kieran McKenna and are one point behind table-toppers Leeds and second-place Leicester. Kieran McKenna has Ipswich in with a shout of automatic promotion to the Premier LeagueCredit: PA More

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      We’re an EFL club where Robbie Williams is president, but now want to be famous for another reason

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      PORT VALE are famous for being supported by singer Robbie Williams who is their club president.But Williams – whose hits included Kids – will be thrilled that his League One side are fast becoming known in football for developing some top young England talent. The nine academy players at Port Vale who have played first-team football this termSinger Robbie Williams is the club president at Port ValeBaylee Dipepa scored twice on his England U17s debut against Northern IrelandJust ask rookie striker Baylee Dipepa, who on Wednesday scored twice on his Young Lions debut for the under-17s against Northern Ireland at St George’s Park.Or Wesley Jose who has been part of the England U15s emerging talent camp.The Valiants have also in the past year received compensation packages from Newcastle for 14-year-old wonder kid Michael Mills and Aston Villa for under-15s player Freddie Lawrie – as well as 18-year-old striker Tommy McDermott joining Burnley.And the club have so far this season given minutes in senior football to TEN academy products, including the now-departed McDermott … while five of them have made their EFL debuts.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis season Vale are closing in on an incredible FIFTY League One appearances for academy products.That is not to mention Vale have been entrusted to help England Under-20s duo Dan Gore and Alfie Devine, both 19, develop in the first team on loan from Manchester United and Tottenham respectively.And Oliver Arblaster spent the first half of this season at Vale and has since broken into the Sheffield United team in the Premier League.This blossoming of talent are the fruits of a match made in heaven between club owner Carol Shanahan OBE and her family, the people of Burslem and academy director Will Ryder and his staff.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOliver Arblaster is now playing Premier League football for Sheffield United after spending the first half of the season on loan at Port ValeShanahan fell in love with Port Vale after the family business – fintech company Synectics Solutions – moved next door to their stadium in 2015 and she went to a match.Her son Patrick told SunSport: “She moved the business along with 350 staff here from Newcastle-under-Lyme.Nike changing our England kit is borderline offensive & utter cobblers – shame on them, says Colin Robertson“The locals thanked our family for coming to Burslem because they had only been used to people leaving for 20 years. “Suddenly a high street that had the lowest percentage of shops in the UK started to get life into it because staff were going into the town during lunch breaks.“We were sent gifts and received so much goodwill. Mum was moved by how much people in a deprived area cared about their community yet no-one was helping them. Mum was moved by how much people in a deprived area cared about their community yet no-one was helping them.”PATRICK SHANAHAN, Port Vale director of strategy“She recognised Port Vale was at the centre of it so went to a game to learn more.“I was living in Manchester then and remember calling her. There was the loud noise of lots of people and she said, ‘I’m on a coach with the Vale fans … we’re off to Exeter!”Shanahan eventually bought the club from unpopular ex-owner Norman Smurthwaite for a hugely-inflated £5million five years ago – a figure she likened to paying a ransom for a loved one held hostage but “someone had to pay it.”Carol Shanahan OBE fell in love with Port Vale that so much she bought the clubWill Ryder has worked wonders in charge of Port Vale’s academySince Vale became free of their captor, her family have put people at the front and centre of the club’s vision. They plan to leave a lasting legacy in Burslem – making Vale a welcoming club where local people can go, aspire to better themselves and learn good life skills and values.And delivering on that vision with flying colours has been Ryder, who took charge of the academy two-and-a-half years ago. He said: “We’ve now arrived at a sweet spot where we’re renowned across England as a centre for producing players and good people as well. That sits at the heart of everything we do.“It’s centred on individual development but within a team structure. There’s opportunity here because of a clear pathway into the first team – and it’s then up to the young players to take that chance.“Everyone who comes through this door is on their own journey and we’re here to make sure we help every person with their own needs regardless of what level they’re at. “When a player ends his journey at Port Vale, whether it’s to go to another professional club, play semi-pro or do something else entirely, we want them to look back fondly at their time here. “Also, crucially, we want them to remain loving the game because less than one percent of academy kids go on to become pros.Back, from left: Baylee Dipepa, Patrick Shanahan, Will Ryder, Carol Shanahan, Dave Flitcroft (director of football), Jack Shorrock, James Plant. Bottom, from left: Rhys Walters, Andrew Buah, Logan Cousins, Liam Brazier, Dan Mahaffy, Ben LomaxVALE’S SUPER KIDSHere are the academy products who have played in the first team this season.

      RHYS WALTERS, 18: Midfielder
      JACK SHORROCK, 16: Defender
      JAMES PLANT, 19: Winger
      TOMMY McDERMOTT, 18: Midfielder *now at Burnley
      DAN MAHAFFY, 18: Midfielder
      BEN LOMAX, 18: Defender
      BAYLEE DIEPA, 17: Forward
      LOGAN COUSINS, 17: Midfielder
      ANDREW BUAH, 17: Forward
      LIAM BRAZIER, 17: Midfielder

      “And, because this sport is brutally competitive, we make sure we support people when they’re not playing.“Sometimes that’s putting an arm around them but also being honest about where they are.“One of our players was around the first team but wasn’t breaking into the side and I had a frank conversation with him and one of his parents about where he was falling short.“When he made his debut that parent couldn’t thank me enough because at that point they needed that honest chat.”Unlike at some pro clubs, the Valiants like players’ families to be at the centre of their development. One scholar for example was treated to some boardroom hospitality at a recent game along with his family.Baylee Dipepa has had a breakthrough year for club and countryAs Ryder said: “It’s important to bring people in, rather than shut them out. Families can play a massive part in the journey and I’ve seen many times in football where they’ve been pushed out.”Patrick Shanahan, who is the club’s chief strategy officer, added: “Will has been massive in helping us deliver on our family’s vision. We know parents are sending THEIR son to our academy, THEIR boy. “And he’s giving away a part of his childhood to be developed and push himself to get into the professional game.“That deserves huge respect – so it’s important to care about their son as a human being. And that’s what we do.”You don’t need an endless pit of money to create something special. It’s about maximising what you’ve got to the best to allow you to get the best gains.”WILL RYDER, Port Vale academy directorThe club takes care of helping players develop life skills. Their under-18s went to a local fire station to improve leadership qualities while under-nines are encouraged to stand in front of their peers to talk through their clips.Ryder added: “The more they do that at a younger age, the more natural and comfortable it becomes.”The business model relies on good recruitment and either receiving “training compensation fees” when players get taken by Category One academies or selling players at the right price when they are pro.The Shanahans have invested funds into the academy so over time it can pay for itself. The club are playing catch-up in that department as it had not enjoyed much outlay during the past quarter of a century,READ MORE SUN STORIESBut things are now taking off. Ryder added: “You don’t need an endless pit of money to create something special. It’s about maximising what you’ve got to the best to allow you to get the best gains.” More

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      Leicester SUING Premier League and EFL as they launch damning statement after being charged with alleged FFP breaches

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      LEICESTER have launched legal proceedings against the Premier League and EFL.The Championship promotion hopefuls were yesterday charged with breaching the Prem’s Financial Fair Play rules.Leicester are second in the Championship tableCredit: PAThe Foxes, who sit second in the Championship, could face a points deduction next season, should they return to the top flight.Earlier this season Everton were deducted six points and Nottingham Forest four over FFP breaches.Leicester are accused of breaching financial rules during their last three Premier League campaigns.Enzo Maresca’s side are also facing a separate investigation from the EFL.Read More Football StoriesConfirming their intention to take legal action, the Foxes wrote in a club statement: “LCFC has been compelled today to issue two urgent legal proceedings against the Premier League and the EFL.”LCFC will be seeking that each of these proceedings is determined by an appropriate and fully independent legal panel.”The Club is committed to ensure that any charges against it are properly and proportionately determined, in accordance with the applicable rules, by the right bodies, and at the right time.”Leicester have also been placed under a player registration embargo by the EFL due to allegedly breaking P&S rulesMost read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe Foxes are one of two teams in the EFL to have been placed under such an embargo, with the other being Morecambe.Leicester’s accounts for the 2022-23 season have not yet been made publicly available.What is FFP? How Financial Fair Play is affecting Man Utd and Arsenal in January transfer windowBut in the year prior, up to May 2022, they made a club-record £92.5million loss.Top flight clubs are permitted to make losses of no more than £105m over three years.Yesterday, the Foxes vowed: “LCFC remains willing and eager to engage constructively with the Premier League and the EFL to seek the proper resolution of any potential charges, by the right bodies, and at the right time.”The Club continues to take careful advice about its position.”Leicester’s statement in full
      LCFC has been compelled today to issue two urgent legal proceedings against the Premier League and the EFL. LCFC will be seeking that each of these proceedings is determined by an appropriate and fully independent legal panel.
      The Club is committed to ensure that any charges against it are properly and proportionately determined, in accordance with the applicable rules, by the right bodies, and at the right time.
      While LCFC would prefer the proceedings to be in public, so its supporters and the wider world can be informed about the important issues of football governance that will be considered, the relevant rules require that these proceedings are conducted confidentially, and LCFC will therefore not be able to comment further about them at this stage.
      We reaffirm the Club’s position that we will continue to fight for the right of Leicester City and all clubs to pursue their ambitions, particularly where these have been reasonably and fairly established through sustained sporting achievement.
      The Club further notes that at 4pm today the EFL issued a public notification that LCFC has been placed under a registration embargo pursuant to its P&S rules. The EFL is aware that LCFC has disputed the EFL’s entitlement to impose this constraint, which is both restrictive and premature, with more than a quarter of the Club’s 2023/24 reporting period remaining.

      Leicester are the latest side to be hit by FFP charges by the Premier League.Everton were hit with an initial ten-point deduction, later reduced to six upon appeal, for exceeding the maximum loss in a three-year period by £19.5m.Forest were also charged and slapped with a four-point deduction after being found to have been £34.5m above the permitted losses.Nuno Espirito Santo’s side could appeal their deduction, although this may potentially lead to their deduction being increased.Chelsea and Manchester City have been warned that they could face being kicked out of the Premier League if found guilty of breaking FFP rules.City strongly deny 115 charges brought against them in February 2023.While Chelsea are yet to be charged, despite an ongoing investigation after club chiefs flagged up illicit payments made to agents and others during the Roman Abramovich era.Leicester have spent much of this season at the top of the Championship.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey were overtaken by Leeds last weekend, although do still possess a game in hand on Daniel Farke’s side.The Foxes are just a point above third-placed Ipswich in what’s set to be a tight promotion tussle.Enzo Maresca’s side are in a tight battle for promotionCredit: PA More

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      Fans furious as Sky Sports announce Championship side picked for 31ST TIME this season with latest TV selections

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      LEEDS will have their 31st game of the season televised after Sky Sports announced their latest live Championship TV selections.And rival fans are furious after finding out the Whites are set to get more airtime again.Leeds will have their 31st game of the season televised as Sky Sports revealed their latest TV selectionCredit: RexLeeds have had a tremendous season in the second tier, and overtook long-time frontrunners Leicester with their 2-1 win against Millwall last weekend.And supporters will be even more delighted to see their team on the big screen once again.Due to the 3pm blackout on Saturday – when all Championship games are scheduled to play – TV broadcasters dictate which games they want to televise and therefore move the time or day of the game.And, in Leeds’ case, this has now happened 31 times this season after Sky Sports have announced they will broadcast their clash against Middlesbrough.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe match was originally scheduled on Saturday 20 April but has now been moved to Monday 22 April at 8pm.Rival fans were fuming to hear the news.As one said: “Sky Sports Leeds United.”A second added: “31 games must be a record surely?”Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThen a third fan said: “This is beyond a joke now!”Leeds are in flying form and unbeaten in the Championship in 2024.FA Cup semi-final draw CONFIRMED as Man Utd, Chelsea, Coventry and Man City find out their fateDaniel Farke’s side were 17 points behind Leicester on New Year’s day, with the Foxes appearing destined to run away with the title.Leicester had only lost four games all season by the middle of February.But, with the Foxes suffering a blip that’s seen them only win one game in their last five, Leeds have incredibly managed to leapfrog them.The pair are only one point ahead of surprise package Ipswich in third, with six games left of the season. More