Championship

STEVE COOPER tops the list of managerial targets Middlesbrough want to replace Michael Carrick.The Championship side announced on Wednesday that the ex-Manchester United and England midfielder had been axed.Steve Cooper has been linked with a shock return to management with MiddlesbroughMichael Carrick was sacked by Boro this weekCarrick, 43, and his assistants Jonathan Woodgate and Graeme Carrick – his younger brother – have also departed the club.That decision was made by chairman Steve Gibson following a four-week end-of-season review by the club’s hierarchy after their dismal second half of the campaign.Carrick, who was the division’s longest-serving manager, led Boro from the 21st in the table in October 2022 to the play-offs.That was followed by an eighth-placed finish and a run to the League Cup semi-finals but, despite a positive first half of this season, they eventually ended a disappointing tenth.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThat has been enough to convince the club to look elsewhere.SunSport understands that Cooper, out of work since he was sacked following a brief and ill-fated stint at Leicester in November, is among the top candidates Boro want to speak with.He shone in the Championship at Swansea City by leading them to consecutive play-off finishes.And he surpassed that at Nottingham Forest, achieving legendary status by guiding them back to the Premier League via the play-offs in 2022.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCooper was axed in December 2023 and replaced by Nuno Espirito Santo.Ex-Bournemouth and Wolves manager Gary O’Neil, who spent four years as a player at the Riverside, is another name among the favourites along with former Luton man Rob Edwards.Middlesbrough fans will agree with Carrick sacking and there’s a perfect man ready to replace him Expert’s viewBY GARY STONEHOUSE (North East Football Reporter and Boro season ticket holder)FINALLY the inevitable has happened – but what took Middlesbrough so long?The decision to sack Michael Carrick now – four weeks after the season finished – does feel a bit too little, too late.The ex-Manchester United man’s time at the Riverside should have been done back in February after a dire run of six defeats in seven games.At that point the prospect of going up through the play-offs was still a real possibility.Instead, Steve Gibson kept faith and, despite a brief little false dawn of results, we’ve allowed rivals Sunderland to take advantage of what was probably the best chance of achieving promotion out of this league that there will be for a while.For all of those pointing to the fact that he lost “his best player” Emmanuel Latte Lath in January – the striker’s exit was supposed to be last summer.That’s why they got Tommy Conway in early and, fair play, when Boro failed to get the money they wanted for Latte Lath they held on to him until the window.The loss of Ben Doak was also critical, and that coupled with the above sale meant all the pace was taken out of Carrick’s team.But that was his biggest problem, his stubbornness to have a Plan B. Pretty, boring, pass, pass, tip, tip – Middlesbrough became far too easy to play against.The panic stations started to ring when the Riverside was empty long before the final whistle in several home games – fans were seemingly even past the point of caring enough to boo at the final whistle following several disappointing displays and results.This is a move best for everybody – especially Carrick himself.He has done well, and the loss of experienced Aaron Danks as coach to Bayern Munich has maybe had a bigger impact than any of us thought.But once rumours of fall-outs over transfer targets etc began to surface in January there was only going to be one-way this ended if promotion wasn’t achieved.He can still leave with his reputation intact and will be in the running for plenty of other jobs – hopefully after a PR class or two.You always got the impression he didn’t think much of the media – except until the pressure was on in his final weeks and we finally got to see a little of his funny and warm character.But the place, and Carrick himself probably, needed something new. And for my money, the man to provide that lift that the whole club needs would be Steve Cooper. More

MICHAEL CARRICK has been sacked by Middlesbrough.The Manchester United legend was relieved of his duties having failed to deliver promotion in three attempts.Michael Carrick has been axed by MiddlesbroughCredit: GettyCarrick, 43, replaced Chris Wilder in October 2022 and guided Boro to fourth place in his first full season at the helm.In the two years that followed, however, poor finishes to each campaign cost Middlesbrough a play-off berth.The former England international had two years remaining on his contract, but has been sacked following a meeting with club chief Steve Gibson.In a brief 60-word statement, Boro confirmed that Carrick, as well as his assistants, had been axed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt read: “Middlesbrough Football Club has today parted company with head coach Michael Carrick.”Michael’s assistants Jonathan Woodgate and Graeme Carrick have also departed the club.”We’d like thank Michael, Jonathan, and Graeme for all their hard work and unwavering commitment. We wish them all the very best for the future.”The club will be making no further comment at this stage.”Most read in ChampionshipBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMichael Carrick’s managerial recordMan Utd (caretaker), Nov-Dec 2021: P3 W2 D1 L0 (W%: 66.67)Middlesbrough, October 2022-Present: P136 W63 D24 L49 (W%: 46.32)Hometown hero and eight-cap England international Woodgate, 45, managed Boro between 2019 and 2020.While Graeme Carrick, Michael’s brother, previously worked at Newcastle.Michael Carrick is disappointed about Middlesbrough’s defeat to Watford Expert viewBY GARY STONEHOUSE (North East Football Reporter and Boro season ticket holder)FINALLY the inevitable has happened – but what took Middlesbrough so long?The decision to sack Michael Carrick now – four weeks after the season finished – does feel a bit too little, too late.The ex-Manchester United man’s time at the Riverside should have been done back in February after a dire run of six defeats in seven games.At that point the prospect of going up through the play-offs was still a real possibility.Instead, Steve Gibson kept faith and, despite a brief little false dawn of results, we’ve allowed rivals Sunderland to take advantage of what was probably the best chance of achieving promotion out of this league that there will be for a while.For all of those pointing to the fact that he lost “his best player” Emmanuel Latte Lath in January – the striker’s exit was supposed to be last summer.That’s why they got Tommy Conway in early and, fair play, when Boro failed to get the money they wanted for Latte Lath they held on to him until the window.The loss of Ben Doak was also critical, and that coupled with the above sale meant all the pace was taken out of Carrick’s team.But that was his biggest problem, his stubbornness to have a Plan B. Pretty, boring, pass, pass, tip, tip – Middlesbrough became far too easy to play against.The panic stations started to ring when the Riverside was empty long before the final whistle in several home games – fans were seemingly even past the point of caring enough to boo at the final whistle following several disappointing displays and results.This is a move best for everybody – especially Carrick himself.He has done well, and the loss of experienced Aaron Danks as coach to Bayern Munich has maybe had a bigger impact than any of us thought.But once rumours of fall-outs over transfer targets etc began to surface in January there was only going to be one-way this ended if promotion wasn’t achieved.He can still leave with his reputation intact and will be in the running for plenty of other jobs – hopefully after a PR class or two.You always got the impression he didn’t think much of the media – except until the pressure was on in his final weeks and we finally got to see a little of his funny and warm character.But the place, and Carrick himself probably, needed something new. And for my money, the man to provide that lift that the whole club needs would be Steve Cooper.Just yesterday, TNT Sports pundit Joe Cole tipped Carrick for a move to former club Tottenham .Cole told Paddy Power: “At Tottenham, Daniel Levy is running out of managerial candidates for the job. He’s gone big, he’s gone bold, and he’s gone off the beaten track, but none of them seem to have worked.“Michael Carrick could be a good option for the manager’s job. An ex-Spurs player, who understands the club, would be quite nice.“Also, I’d like to see Glenn Hoddle back at the club in some capacity. I know Tottenham fans would love to see him back and he’s got the best football brain I know.“I’d love to see Glenn back, maybe supporting Michael Carrick. The club needs bringing together because it was really torn at times last season.”Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl is the early favourite to take over at Boro, with Carrick’s former Man Utd team-mate Tom Cleverley and Sean Dyche close behind.Next Boro manager oddsVia talkSPORT oddsDanny Rohl2/1Tom Cleverley6/1Sean Dyche8/1Russell Martin10/1Nathan Jones10/1Rob Edwards12/1Steve Cooper12/1Gary O’Neil16/1John Mousinho16/1Steven Gerrard16/1Des Buckingham16/1Wayne Rooney16/1Liam Rosenior16/1David Wagner16/1Ruben Selles20/1Carrick played for Tottenham during his illustrious careerCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

SUNDERLAND have confirmed Enzo Le Fee will join them permanently for £20m after helping the club to promotion.The French star, 25, reunited with his former Lorient boss Regis Le Bris in January on a six-month loan from Roma that ended with Championship play-off glory.Sunderland have confirmed Enzo Le Fee will join them permanently for £20mThe 25-year-old helped the Black Cats to Premier League promotionWinger Le Fee has now penned a four-year contract to become the Black Cats’ first summer signing.He said: “I said before the play-off final that my heart was in Sunderland – I wanted to stay and this made it the most important game of my life.“Together we did it. From the moment I arrived, I have enjoyed my football, my team-mates, and our supporters. “We shared an incredible experience, and now we get to take the next step.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“There are greater challenges ahead, but we must face them together. “And I can’t wait to play for Sunderland in the Premier League.”After triggering the clause to make the switch permanent, sporting director Kristjaan Speakman added: “In Enzo, we knew we were acquiring a very high-level player who could be influential in critical moments – the moments that change the outcome of games and seasons.“He’s been a big part of our success, so we’re delighted that he’s signing permanently and joining us in the Premier League. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS “Above all else, he’s been a team player, and following our play-off final victory, I think everyone could see exactly what the club means to him.”Since January, Le Fee has scored one goal and provided three assists in 18 Championship appearances, starting 11 of them – including the play-offs.Bruno Fernandes reveals role his wife played in £200m Al-Hilal transfer snub even though Man Utd were ready to cash inMeanwhile, Sunderland are trying to keep hold of Jobe Bellingham after interest from Borussia Dortmund and Frankfurt.The Black Cats could hold out for £25m for Bellingham, 19, who won Championship Young Player of the Year this season.He is the brother of Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, who won the same award in 2020 while playing for Birmingham City.The midfielder could face his older brother in the Club World Club if he joins Jude’s former club Dortmund before June 10.Sunderland are trying to keep hold of Jobe Bellingham after interest from Borussia Dortmund More