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      Worst ever Premier League teams after 20 games revealed as Southampton have fewer points than record-breaking Derby

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      SOUTHAMPTON are officially the worst ever Premier League team at the midway point of the season.The Saints find themselves rock bottom after 20 games with just six points following Saturday’s 5-0 home thrashing from Brentford.Southampton are on course to become Premier League’s worst ever teamCredit: RexMick McCarthy’s Sunderland side also had six points by this stageCredit: GettyEven Derby County in 2007-08 – the worst team in Premier League history – had one more point at this stage.Southampton are on their way to stealing that unwanted record after 20 games.It has been a rough return to top-flight action for the Saints after their one-season stay in the Championship.The once steady top-flight club, who replaced Russell Martin with Ivan Juric last month, have only beaten Everton this season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSouthampton have shipped 44 goals since August, while scoring just 12 to leave them with a goal difference of -32.The Sunderland side of 2005/06 also had six points after 20 matches, but had conceded nine less goals.Mick McCarthy was managing Sunderland that season as they were relegated from the Prem after finishing rock bottom with 15 points.Derby overtook the Black Cats’ shameful accolade and recorded the lowest tally ever seen with 11 points in 2007-08.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Rams finished the campaign with a -69 goal difference and only secured one sole victory.Yet after 19 games they had seven points – one more than Southampton do now.In the last 122 years, only five teams have had six points or fewer at this stage in an English top flight season. All five went on to be relegated.But those at St Mary’s can take heart from Sheffield United’s 2020-21 season.The Blades looked on course to replace Derby as the Prem’s worst side when they entered December 2020 with just five points.Unfortunately for Derby, Sheffield United – although they still finished bottom – had 23 points come the end of the season.In 2016, Aston Villa had eight points a midway point, and Sheffield United’s most recent Prem flock recorded just nine last season.Derby County had seven points under Paul Jewell by this stage in 2007-08Credit: PA:Press Association More

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      Man City planning transfer raid for England U20 wonderkid after string of impressive clean-sheets

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      MANCHESTER CITY are interested in Sunderland goalkeeper Matty Young.City were keen on the 18-year-old stopper before he made his first-team breakthrough on loan at Salford.Man City are tracking goalkeeper Matty YoungCredit: GettyYoung had to wait for a regular start in League Two before finally making the No1 shirt his after 18 games.Since coming into the side, he has conceded just one goal in eight matches.And he is in the midst of reeling off a stunning run of six clean sheets in a row.Salford now have the joint-best defence in the league with AFC Wimbledon and are second in the table.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYoung incredibly now has the chance to audition in front of Pep Guardiola on Saturday night as Salford face City in the third round of the FA Cup.The wonderkid joined Sunderland at the age of seven and has risen through the youth ranks, winning their Young Player of the Year award.He spent last season on loan at non-league club Darlington.Young has been capped by England at Under-18, 19 and 20 levels.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe teenager’s Under-20 debut came in a 1-1 draw against Poland in November.January could be busy for City as the champions are reportedly eyeing a double raid for Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush and Atalanta midfielder Ederson to reignite their season.Beleaguered Man City boss Pep Guardiola involved in bizarre interview when discussing Rico Lewis red card More

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      Leeds lock horns with Championship title rivals Sheffield United for £10m-rated Premier League star

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      LEEDS  have opened talks to bring in Nottingham Forest centre-half Andrew Omobamidele this month.The Republic of Ireland defender, 22, is available and the deal could be a loan with a guaranteed buy.Nottingham Forest defender Andrew Omobamidele is a target for Leeds and Sheff UtdCredit: GettyForest hope to raise £10million from selling the former Norwich prospect, who has not played as many games as they hoped.Promotion-chasing Leeds want competition and see Omobamidele as a long-term investment.Rivals Sheffield United are keen — but would prefer a loan arrangement.Omobamidele was born in Leixlip, County Kildare.Read more in footballIn 2020, he signed a professional contract with Norwich City.The centre-half made his Canaries debut in 2021 as a sub in a 2-1 win over Cardiff City.The stopper made his Premier League debut in a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, playing the full 90 minutes.In the same year, Omobamidele made his international debut against Portugal in a 2022 World Cup qualifier.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIn the summer of 2023, the 6ft 2in talent moved to Nottingham Forest for a reported fee of £11million.However, he has found game time hard to come by.Millwall fans boo their own light show at The Den ahead of Leeds clash Last season, Omobamidele played 14 times in all competitions.But this campaign he has featured just once – in the EFL Cup defeat to Newcastle United.Interestingly, it was Leeds boss Daniel Farke who handed Omobamidele his debut in that defeat to the Gunners.After the game, he called the player “outstanding” for his efforts. More

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      Burnley star Zian Flemming’s ‘unreal s***housery’ celebration goes viral after derby win over Blackburn

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      BURNLEY star Zian Flemming was hailed for his “unreal s***housery” following derby victory over Blackburn.The Clarets mounted pressure on Championship leaders Leeds after Flemming’s winner on the hour mark. Zian Flemming put a Burnley shirt over the Blackburn corner flagCredit: RexFlemming scored the derby day winnerCredit: PAAnd Flemming certainly appeared to enjoy the three points as he put a Burnley shirt over the top of a Blackburn corner flag and paraded it around. Fans online loved the dig as one said: “Love this.”Another added: “Zian Flemming stuck a Burnley shirt over the Blackburn corner flag after today’s derby day win Unreal shithousery.”Scott Parker’s side are just a point of table toppers Leeds with Sheffield United level in second. READ MORE IN football And Parker – who replaced Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany – hailed his side after the raucous derby. He said, via the Lancashire Telegraph: “It is satisfying, relief as well to be fair. “Obviously, I have not been in here long and the game today being a local derby. “I quickly realised when I first came in, it was what everyone was saying to me.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“I experienced that very early on in the season with the home day and certainly felt that today.“From the minute we walked into the stadium, hostile place, intense atmosphere which local derbies bring. “I am delighted that we managed to seal the three points.”Hilarious moment Burton boss Gary Bowyer falls flat on his back kicking the ball away during Northampton defeat More

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      Plymouth Argyle SCRAP fly-on-the-wall documentary after Wayne Rooney was axed as manager and club face relegation

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      PLYMOUTH ARGYLE have scrapped their fly-on-the-wall documentary following Wayne Rooney’s departure.Rooney, 39, left by mutual consent on New Year’s Day alongside No2 Mike Phelan and first team coach Simon Ireland following a dismal run of one win in 14 games.Wayne Rooney was axed following Argyle’s 2-0 defeat to OxfordCredit: GettySunSport revealed in November that filming had commenced on a documentary series showcasing Argyle’s battle against the Championship drop.The Pilgrims had hoped to flog the series to a streaming service such as Netflix or Amazon Prime Video – raising significant money and the club’s profile in the process.Amid Argyle’s 10-game winless run and Rooney’s departure, however, The Guardian report that club bosses have scrapped the project.They claim that it was felt the project could become a “distraction”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFilming had commenced in October, but after working at just two games, production staff were told to “take a break”.Lorton Entertainment had been working on the project.The production company has ties to the former Pilgrims boss, having worked on the feature length documentary “Rooney” – shown on Amazon Prime Video, and “Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story”, which aired on Disney+.Despite Argyle’s documentary plans having been largely driven by Rooney and his team of advisers, club bosses did sign off on it initially.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLorton are understood to be co-owned by Kenny Shepherd, who is also a shareholder in Triple S Sports – the agency that have represented Rooney since he was a teen.Plymouth Argyle have declined to comment.Rooney has bagged a new role for 2025 as house husband – after blowing the final whistle on his manager job with failing Plymouth ArgyleLong-time Argyle coach Kevin Nancekivell has been placed in caretaker charge alongside injured captain Joe Edwards.The duo guided the Pilgrims to a 2-2 New Year’s Day draw with Bristol City at Home Park, and are expected to be in charge of tomorrow’s Championship trip to Stoke City.After the Bristol City game, Nancekivell paid tribute to outgoing boss Rooney.’PRIVILEGED TO GET TO KNOW HIM’He told the BBC: “I’ve seen Wayne. He’s obviously disappointed and really sad. It’s a horrible time.”People see the Wayne Rooney who’s an England international and legend of world football, but they don’t know him as a person.”I’ve been privileged to get to know him. He’s a super human being and he showed a lot of class when he came and said his goodbyes to us.”Nancekivell, 53, could remain in temporary charge as the Pilgrims take on Brentford in the FA Cup next week.Former Argyle boss Steven Schumacher, who left for Stoke City in December 2023, is the early front-runner to succeed Rooney.Remarkably, Schumacher’s Home Park predecessor Ryan Lowe is the second favourite for the post, having left Argyle for Preston in December 2021.Kevin Nancekivell paid tribute to RooneyCredit: GettySteven Schumacher is favourite to land the Argyle gigCredit: GettyWHAT’S NEXT FOR WAZZA?As for Rooney, he is expected to be offered an immediate return to punditry work.A TV insider told SunSport: “Wayne is regarded as one of the best pundits in the business.”He’s very, very knowledgeable about the game.”And even though he’s actually quite a shy person, he really feels at home in a TV studio.The insider added: “It’s been a rubbish end to 2024 for Wayne, but he’s not going to be out of work for long.”He’ll be offered punditry work straight away and there’s interest from Sky in a potential long-term deal to tie him down as a pundit.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Wayne still harbours ambitions of making it as a manager.”But, like Gary Neville, it might end up being the case that he can carve out a more successful and lucrative career as a pundit rather than as a manager in the dugout.”Rooney, 39, is likely to return to punditryCredit: Rex More

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      Leicester at risk of Premier League points deduction like Everton and Nottingham Forest in major blow to survival hopes

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      LEICESTER are at risk of a Premier League points deduction.The Foxes are in the relegation zone and any docking of points would be a major blow to their survival hopes.Leicester will find out if they will be charged by January 13Credit: GettyThe club narrowly avoided a points deduction in the summer after they were charged with a £24.4million breach for the 2022-23 season.Leicester reasoned that because they were relegated, they were not in the Premier League when they submitted their accounts for that season.But they are now waiting to see if they will be charged after recording pre-tax losses of £92.5m and £90m in 2022 and 2023.Prem clubs are permitted to record losses of no more than £105m over a three year period, so Leicester are at risk.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe club will be told by January 13 if they have been charged with breaching profit & sustainability rules.If they are, they could suffer the same fate as Everton and Nottingham Forest, who were sanctioned with points deductions after being charged with that offence.Leicester could be in an even worse position because of their relegation in 2023.Their stint in the Championship last season means their permitted £105m losses for the current three-year cycle will be reduced by £22m, owing to the EFL’s stricter spending limits.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd if relegated again they could be charged by the EFL for overspending in the 2023-24 season.Leicester are reportedly confident they can avoid another charge, although the Guardian claims sources at the Premier League feel they will have a case to answer.Ruud van Nistelrooy announced as Leicester manager as Man Utd legend makes swift return to Premier League More

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      Premier League cult hero’s son ‘does a David Beckham’ and scores from 60 YARDS for Sheffield Wednesday

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      SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY midfielder Josh Windass stunned fans by scoring from inside his own half against Derby County this afternoon.With the Owls 1-0 up in the 61st minute, Windass received the ball from Michael Smith before unleashing a strike around 60 yards out from goal.Josh Windass scored a 60-yard goal for Sheffield Wednesday against DerbyHis effort flew over the head of Jacob Widell ZetterstromIt landed perfectly in the netHis effort flew over the head of Derby goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom, who was stranded on the edge of his box, before landing perfectly in the net.The visiting fans behind the goal at Hillsborough were stunned into silence while Windass wheeled away in celebration.Sky Sports Soccer Special presenter Julian Warren said: “That is absolutely extraordinary. What a way to mark your 50th appearance for the club!”He then asked the likes of Paul Merson and Clinton Morrison on the panel: “Better than Beckham?”Read More in FootballMorrison agreed, while Merson simply said: “Unreal.”Fans on social media were also impressed by the incredible feat, with one person writing: “Josh Windass with probably the best goal I’ve ever seen.”Another commented: “What a goal from Josh Windass!”A third said: “Goal of the year.”Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile a fourth wrote: “Josh Windass has just done a Beckham ffs.”The midfielder’s strike resembled a goal scored by England legend David Beckham during his time at Manchester United in the 1990s.EFL club owner gives update on new £2bn ‘spaceship’ stadium included in mega plans for state-of-the-art complex Becks scored from the halfway line against Wimbledon in the Premier League.Windass is the son of former Prem star Dean Windass, who played for the likes of Hull, Bradford, Sheffield United and Middlesbrough.The 55-year-old made 104 top-flight appearances in total and many more across the EFL.Sheffield Wednesday went on to win the Championship match 4-2 thanks to goals from Barry Bannan, Djeidi Gassama, Anthony Musaba and Windass. More

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      Former Man Utd star sent off for STAMPING on opponent’s stomach in moment of madness during Championship clash

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      EX-MANCHESTER UNITED starlet Hannibal Mejbri sparked outrage as fans demanded a season-long ban over a “disgusting stamp”.The Burnley midfielder saw red after catching Junior Tchamadeu in the STOMACH during a 0-0 Championship draw at home to Stoke.Hannibal Mejbri’s studs clearly caught Stoke’s Junior TchamadeuMejbri followed through, seemingly with no effort to avoid TchamadeuThe Tunisia star, 21, trod on the grounded Potters’ defender – rather than trying to jump over him.And some observers reckon trampling on the tummy of Tchamadeu was a deliberate act.The Stoke ace reacted to Mejbri’s wild loss of control by rolling around on the pitch.But Tchamadeu’s dramatic response didn’t appear to influence referee Gavin Ward – as the whistler had instantly sent Mejbri off.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Rightly so because that is DISGUSTING,” one viewer posted.Another fan went further: “Ban him for the season. Absolutely disgusting.”A third demanded a suspension for a “long time”.One viewer slammed summer signing Mejbri for a “terrible foul” that another fan called “idiocy of the highest order”.Most read in ChampionshipMejbri joined Burnley after three years with UnitedCredit: Willie VassFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHowever, another observer claimed: “It’s not a stamp, he walks on the player intentionally, which is still probably a red card but more stupid and petulant than dangerous or violent.”The draw left Burnley in second place, three points behind Leeds.Nathan Aspinall recalls favourite Man Utd memories Meanwhile, Stoke’s sturdy defending helped them move three points clear of the drop zone in Ryan Shawcross’ final game as caretaker boss.Former Red Devils’ striker Mark Robins – now better known for his seven years managing Coventry City – will come in as the Potter’s permanent manager.It follows the sacking of Narcis Pelach after just three months in charge. More