Championship

FORMER England boss Sam Allardyce is ready to make a return to football at any time.Big Sam, 70, was last called upon to try to save Leeds from Premier League relegation in the 2022-2023 season. Sam Allardyce has refused to rule out a return to the dugoutCredit: ReutersAllardyce wasn’t able to rescue those at Elland Road from the drop and hasn’t step foot in the dugout since that desperate SOS call.But he quizzed about returning to football this week after raising awareness for a cause that is close to his heart.The legendary gaffer told BBC Sounds: “I would help anybody. Whether as a manager, or in another role, I don’t know.”But it would have to be a great project. Where we’re all pulling in the same direction.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”You may think that always happens at a football club, but believe me it does not!”The former gaffer – with more than 1,000 games under his belt – was then asked if he could see himself return to the Bolton Wanderers dugout.Big Sam said: “I don’t think I do. If they wanted my help they can ring me up anytime they want. I live in the town.”Bolton are pushing for promotion to the Championship after four straight seasons in League One.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Trotters are bidding for a playoff place and currently sit two points behind Reading from seventh in the table.Allardyce managed England for one game, as well as stints at West Brom, Newcastle, Crystal Palace, Blackburn, West Ham, Everton and Sunderland to name a few. ‘I dropped him straight away’ – Sam Allardyce reveals he never gave struggling Leeds star a game as it was ‘harming him’But his most-successful spell came during his seven-and-a-half year stay at Bolton.Where he guided them to their first-ever European campaign as they finished in the top eight in the Prem for four consecutive seasons.Allardyce is taking part in Sky Bet and British Heart Foundation’s Every Minute Matters Relay, an epic nationwide relay to inspire supporters to learn CPR. The event, which started on March 25, will cover 4000km over 28 days, stopping off at each and every EFL club before finishing at Wembley on April 21. It sees club legends partner up with fans to walk, cycle or run each leg. Big Sam is taking on the Bolton to Wigan leg, walking 13km alongside Wanderers staff. Allardyce has had three stents fitted and said he’s been fortunate to avoid cardiac arrest. More

FRANK LAMPARD has been hit with a misconduct charge from the FA.The Coventry boss has rejuvenated the Championship club since joining in November.Frank Lampard has charged with misconduct by the FACredit: PAThe Coventry coach was sent off after his side’s 2-1 loss to Burnley at the weekendCredit: ReutersUnder Lampard’s leadership, the Sky Blues have gone from mid-table obscurity into the playoff places. But the 46-year-old let emotions get the better of him during a recent 2-1 loss to Burnley.The Clarets took all three points as they visited the Coventry Building Society Arena last Saturday.Lampard was sent off following the final whistle after remonstrating with the officials. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe is alleged to have confronted referee James Bell and used “insulting words”. A terse statement from the club read: “Coventry City Head Coach Frank Lampard has been charged with misconduct by the FA following the EFL Championship fixture against Burnley on Saturday 5th April.”It is alleged that Lampard acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour towards a match official around the field of play after the final whistle, which led to his dismissal.”The Sky Blues Head Coach has until Monday 14th April to respond to the charge.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKCoventry’s performance analyst Connor Lawley was also charged following the outpouring of frustration at the final whistle.Lampard’s side leapt back in the top six after bouncing back against Portsmouth on Wednesday.Harry Redknapp rings me on the M40 after every game whether we win or lose – he’s the best uncle everThe Sky Blues netted a dramatic winner deep into injury time to win 1-0.Goalscorer Jamie Paterson hails from the city and only joined the club on a short-term contract in February.Lampard said: “The technical nature of the goal was amazing from Pato.”It was great skill and great agility and that finish – amazing! “And the story of Pato himself being a Coventry fan as a kid and then being without a club, coming and training with us and earning a contract.”He’s been brilliant around the group, on and off the pitch, and he’s a quality player. Read More on The Sun”So I am delighted that I brought him on. I know he can score, he’s done it throughout his career but that level of goal in that moment. “I think it’s a collective one as well for the stadium, the players and the fans because we have shown that this group has got character.” More

SOUTHAMPTON have cut their shortlist of new managers to three after axing Ivan Juric.The relegated Saints brought forward Juric’s break-clause from the summer after their drop to the Championship was confirmed at Tottenham on Sunday.Southampton are in the hunt for a new manager after letting Ivan Juric goCredit: GettyFormer Premier League star Liam Rosenior is one three names on the shortlistCredit: GettyThe Saints also fancy Sheffield Wednesday’s Danny Rohl as their next bossCredit: REXAs revealed by SunSport last month, Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl remains the leading candidate to take over at St. Mary’s next season.However, Saints new technical director, Johannes Spors, has been meeting with potential replacements since taking on the role in February.Southampton had a long-list of 10 potential managers and held talks with a number of them before cutting it down to a final three.Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior, 40, is an ambitious candidate.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe former Hull City boss, who has the Ligue 1 club fourth in the table and a point of the Champions League places, has impressed in France.Strasbourg are owned by Chelsea’s parent group, BlueCo, meaning Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali have a say over his future.Rosenior would be allowed to make his own decision, though it would be a surprise were he to ditch Strasbourg for a Championship club.Interim boss Simon Rusk, who will be assisted by Adam Lallana, will take charge of the remaining seven Premier League games.Most read in FootballTodd Boehly will have a say over whether Rosenior can leave Strasbourg, which is owned by Chelsea’s parent group BlueCoCredit: AlamyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe third candidate is currently unknown, though there has become a focus on appointing a manager with experience of English football after the failed Juric experiment.Rohl’s appointment will hinge on agreeing a compensation package with Wednesday.Adam Lallana reflects on going back to his boyhood club Southampton The former Saints assistant manager has a release clause of £4million for a Premier League club, though the fee is lower for clubs in the Championship.That means, as with Russell Martin two years ago, Saints would have to wait until they have officially handed back their Premier League share to avoid a higher compensation fee.The deal to bring Martin from Swansea City two years ago ended up in a legal battle with the Welsh club, something Saints are keen to avoid this time around. More

LEEDS are after a new No1 and will move out Illan Meslier — whether they go up or not.The Whites have decided they need a keeper and started to look at options.Leeds United are looking to part ways with goalkeeper Illan Meslier this summerCredit: PANewcastle’s Nick Pope is admired by promotion-chasing LeedsCredit: RexJames Trafford has been linked with Newcastle and LeedsCredit: RexMeslier – who is contracted until June 2026 – has made high-profile errors this season but is not short of admirers.Manchester United keeper scout Tony Coton is a fan of the 25-year-old and may push his case.Meslier was dropped for No 2 Karl Darlow for Saturday’s trip to Luton, which ended in a 1-1 draw at Kenilworth Road.The Championship promotion chasers went 1-0 down inside 15 minutes after Isaiah Jones’ back-post volley from five yards.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSDan James curled in a stunning equaliser less than 14 minutes later to earn a share of the spoils.The Frenchman’s error gifted Swansea a goal in last Saturday’s 2-2 draw.It was the latest in a series of costly mistakes and led to calls from fans and pundits for manager Daniel Farke to make a change.Farke then made the decision to drop Meslier, which he said was to protect the shot-stopper from further scrutiny.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe said: “I work with human beings. For Karl, he is buzzing. For Illan, it’s always a bit difficult to take.”I think, in general, with a goalkeeper, it’s important you don’t change game to game, even after a few mistakes.”Leeds manager Daniel Farke reveals the Sir Alex Ferguson trick he cannot copy And Burnley’s James Trafford is on a shortlist to replace Meslier at Elland Road, alongside Newcastle’s Nick Pope.Pope has made ten appearances for the Three Lions while Trafford was called up to Thomas Tuchel’s squad to face Albania and Latvia.But their chances of signing either goalkeeper will depend where clubs and players are in the summer.Indeed Newcastle themselves are reported to be keen on Trafford, which would put serious pressure on Pope.Meanwhile, Grady Diangana is putting a move to MLS on hold in the hope Leeds and Wolves firm up interest in him. The West Brom winger, 26, will be a free agent in the summer and  two American sides  are after him already.West Brom’s Grady Diangana is keen on a move to either Leeds or, controversially, the Baggies arch rivals WolvesCredit: Getty More

ARSENAL are ready to raid Blackburn for England youth striker Harvey Higgins.The Gunners have their sights on the 16-year-old hotshot — and hope to take him in the next few weeks.Arsenal are ready to raid Blackburn for England youth striker Harvey HigginsCredit: GettyStriker Higgins has been tipped to be a future starCredit: X/ academy_brfcMikel Arteta is looking for a new striker this summerCredit: AlamyRovers will only get compensation for their latest discovery, although that could come in at £1.5million.Higgins is already playing for the under-18s but his progress at England youth level has alerted Arsenal.There are hopes that he will follow in the footsteps of Adam Wharton and David Raya in starting their journeys to stardom at Ewood Park.Speak to people connected to the kid and there are early comparisons in the style of play to Jamie Vardy, Leicester’s irrepressible centre forward who is still going strong at 38.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWHiggins loves to chase a ball from over his shoulder and run on before unleashing his strength and finishing ability.The schoolboy has already trained with the Under-21s yet is still in his GCSE year at school.Several top clubs are also interested in the young striker, making competition for his signature intense.And his ability has not gone unnoticed with sponsors, earning him a contract with Puma.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTop sides in the Serie A are also tracking his progress — and may make a move.Arsenal also made an enquiry for Stoke City defender Jaden Dixon in the January window and they continue to monitor his progress.Arteta gives worrying Gabriel injury update as Arsenal sweat on four defenders ahead of Real Madrid clashRovers are also fighting to keep young defender Silver Eze with big clubs chasing the Italian youth cap.Blackburn only signed Eze, 16, from Accrington Stanley for £120,000 in November but could lose him before he starts a game for them. More