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      ‘It doesn’t get more serious’ – Championship club could cease to exist as CEO makes heartfelt plea to authorities

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      OXFORD UNITED could cease to exist if it is not granted planning permission for a new stadium.The Championship outfit submitted plans for a 16,000-seater multi-purpose ground with a decision expected in July.Oxford’s lease at the Kassam Stadium expires in 2026Credit: GettyThe club wants to build a new 16,000-seater stadiumCredit: xTim Williams has claimed the club could disappear without the new groundCredit: OXFORD UNITEDAhead of the decision from the local authorities, Oxford CEO Tim Williams has issued a stark warning over the future of the club.The U’s currently play their football at the Kassam Stadium, but their lease is set to expire in 2026.He told Sky Sports: “When our lease at the Kassam Stadium runs out, we won’t have a home and a stadium to play in.”If we don’t have a stadium, there is a risk we won’t have a football club.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSOxford’s potential new development would feature an 18-bedroom hotel, an events centre as well as wellbeing and community spaces.It would also be the first all-electric stadium in the UK.Williams has claimed that Oxford are more in need of the ground than the likes of Manchester United and Everton.The two Premier League giants are due in new homes with the Toffees moving into their new ground this summer.Most read in ChampionshipJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe Red Devils are aiming to construct a new 100,000-seater stadium by the 2030/31 season.Williams added: “It doesn’t get more serious than that for a football club.Championship club could be left without a stadium as EFL deadline looms”We have seen headlines recently about a new Manchester United stadium, which with all due respect is a want and not a need.”If Manchester United don’t move out, they still have Old Trafford.”If Everton hadn’t moved into Bramley Moor-Dock, they’ve still got Goodison.”If we don’t move into a new stadium, we are homeless and we don’t exist and it’s an absolute travesty in my view.”It’s that important.”A decision on the new stadium is in less than five weeks and Williams believes that it would benefit the local community.He said: “We now have a Football Regulator, and we have a report by Tracey Crouch which talks about football assets.”We are a poster child for what good football governance and football clubs should be about.“It’s going to be a 16,000-seater stadium, on the outskirts of Oxford, and a real community asset, fully sustainable, in a brilliant location in the country. Read More on The Sun“We need support, but we also need to say, the point about the club potentially not existing is a real one. This needs to be moved up every headline.“We are entering a crucial period in the club’s history. The future of the club hinges on the new stadium, and I’d urge every supporter, every stakeholder, and every voice to get behind this project.” More

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      Leeds United line up England goalkeeper, 33, after missing out on £18m Caomhin Kelleher transfer

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      LEEDS UNITED are keen on Newcastle’s Nick Pope after missing out on Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher.Daniel Farke and Elland Road chiefs are already at work in their quest to strengthen following the Championship-winning promotion campaign.Leeds are eyeing a swoop for Newcastle keeper Nick PopeLeeds are looking to part ways with goalkeeper Illan Meslier this summerCredit: PAAnd a new goalkeeper has emerged as one of their top priorities given Illan Meslier’s drop in form at the back end of last season.They enquired about Irish ace Kelleher, 26, but he is poised to join Brentford for £18m.Now Leeds could turn to Pope, 33, and are one of several teams monitoring his situation at St James’ Park.The England international finished the season as Eddie Howe’s No.1 but Newcastle are expected to finally end their long pursuit of Burnley’s James Trafford over the coming weeks.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHis arrival could result in Pope heading elsewhere with a switch to Elland Road among those potentially on the cards.Pope, who won the Toon’s first trophy in 70 years this term, earned just 10 England caps before missing out on Euro 2024 through injury.Trafford, who beat Pope to Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad, had agreed to join Newcastle last August only for the deal not to happen.The 22-year-old played a key role in Burnley’s promotion to the Premier League, keeping an impressive 29 clean sheets in 45 appearances. Most read in FootballNewcastle are favourites to sign Burnley’s stopper James TraffordCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMeanwhile, Newcastle have checked on 19-year old Rennes centre back Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal who has starred for Morocco U20s.Boudlal is yet to make his senior debut for Rennes and spent the second half of the season on loan at Ligue 2 Amiens. Inside Leeds stars’ wild title celebrations as Bamford and Ampadu ‘leave Burnley fanbase in meltdown’ with karaoke songHowe’s side are also interested in Crystal Palace centre back Marc Guehi and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo.Leeds will face AC Milan in Dublin in a pre-season friendly on August 9. More

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      West Brom hire Ryan Mason as owner Daniel Levy releases heartfelt statement after ex-Tottenham manager’s exit

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      RYAN MASON has been confirmed as the new West Brom manager.The 33-year-old has signed a three-year contract at The Hawthorns after quitting his role as Ange Postecoglou’s No.2 at Tottenham.Ryan Mason has taken a huge step towards becoming West Brom’s new bossSpurs owner Daniel Levy has issued a heartwarming goodbye note for MasonMason informed Spurs on Sunday that he doesn’t want to renew his contract when it expires at the end of June.And that gave the green light for Championship side West Brom to end their six-week search to find a replacement for Tony Mowbray.He instantly became the club’s top target after Mowbray was sacked on April 21 following a poor run of form.Spurs chairman Daniel Levy issued a heartfelt statement after Mason’s seven-year coaching role in North London came to an end.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSLevy, 63, said: “Ryan has been an integral part of Tottenham Hotspur for a number of years, both as a player and a coach.“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Ryan for all his dedication and hard work over the years, and we wish him every success for the future.”Tottenham academy coach Stuart Lewis could follow Mason to West Brom, according to BBC Sport.Mason joined Spurs’ coaching team in April 2018, playing a key role in the club’s academy.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe later became interim first-team manager, leading them to a heartbreaking Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City, following the sacking of Jose Mourinho in 2021.He has been part of Tottenham’s senior set-up ever since, becoming acting head coach for a second time following the departure of Antonio Conte in 2023.Ange Postecoglou drops huge hint over Tottenham future with incredible mic-drop moment at Europa League paradeThe Enfield-born footballer also progressed through the club’s academy and made 70 appearances for his boyhood team.Mason was forced to cut short his playing career in 2018 at the age of 26, after fracturing his skull while playing for Hull against Chelsea a year earlier.Highly-rated coach Mason held talks with Belgian club Anderlecht in October before a mutual decision was made to remain at Spurs.Meanwhile, the future of Ange Postecoglou remains up in the air after his Europa League final triumph last month.And Daniel Levy’s executive director Donna Cullen announced her departure from the club this week. More

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      Jobe Bellingham in line for huge £25m transfer which could see him take on brother Jude at Club World Cup

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      DORTMUND are confident they will beat Frankfurt to the signing of Jobe Bellingham and are offering him the chance to play at this month’s Club World Cup.The Bundesliga giants are prepared to offer Sunderland £21million plus add-ons for the teenage midfielder.Jobe Bellingham has been linked with a move to DortmundJude Bellingham could face Jobe at the Club World CupAlthough Frankfurt are prepared to match that offer, it appears Dortmund are currently in a stronger position to secure the deal.And Dortmund are keen to complete the transfer meaning Bellingham, 19, could feature in the opening Club World Cup match against Brazilian giants Fluminense in New Jersey on June 17.It is five years since brother Jude joined Dortmund for £25m from Birmingham and he proved to be a stunning success before moving to Real Madrid.And the fact that he flourished in the Bundesliga is a key reason why Jobe – and his parents Mark and Denise who represent him – are keen for a move to Germany.READ MORE SUNDERLAND NEWSDortmund boss Niko Kovac has already spoken at length with the player, who guided Sunderland back to the Premier League last term.Sporting director Sebastian Kehl has been in negotiations with both Sunderland and Bellingham’s parents.Sunderland, after clinching promotion, are keen to keep the youngster and could hold out for £25m.Dortmund qualified for the Club World Cup through Uefa’s four-year ranking, while Madrid did after winning the 2022 Champions League.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBoth brothers came through the ranks at Birmingham City, so Dortmund would become the second team they’ve both played for.Jude and Jobe celebrated the Black Cats promotion in style with a trip to Wayne Lineker’s beach club in Ibiza last week.Jobe Bellingham takes swipe at Sky Sports pundits in live TV interview before awkward moment with panel at WembleyThe Madrid superstar then linked up with his England team-mates in Barcelona for the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday.A successful move to Dortmund could see Jobe earn his first senior Three Lions call up.They have have won major honours at Wembley, after Jobe won the play-off final a year after Jude lifted the Champions League with Carlo Ancelotti. More

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      Ipswich Town release two players including World Cup star as Kalvin Phillips’ future is decided

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      IPSWICH have released just two players following their relegation from the Premier League. The Tractor Boys have cut ties with Australia star Massimo Luongo and winger Marcus Harness as the club prepares for life back in the Championship.Former World Cup star Massimo Luongo has been released by IpswichMarcus Harness could be offered a permanent deal at a Championship clubIpswich have confirmed that Kalvin Phillips will go back to his parent club Manchester CityKieran McKenna’s side have also sent Kalvin Phillips back to his parent club Manchester City after the expiry of his season-long loan.Phillips, who failed to register a single goal contribution in 19 Prem games for Ipswich, has been linked with a return to Championship winners Leeds for months.The 29-year-old left his boyhood club, where he’s still loved, for City back in 2022 in a six-year £45million deal.But he’s had a nightmare time at the Etihad, playing just 16 times in the Prem in two seasons, before being loaned to West Ham and Ipswich.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd it seems likely that Pep Guardiola’s side will look to permanently sell or loan out the Euro 2020 midfielder again this summer.Meanwhile, Julio Enciso will return to Brighton and former Everton defender Ben Godfrey has been shipped back to Atalanta after playing just three Prem games this season.Napoli midfielder Jens Cajuste’s loan has also expired, despite him playing 33 games this term.Ipswich’s statement read: “Luongo and Harness depart after playing significant roles in the club’s back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLuongo, part of Australia’s 2014 and 2018 World Cup squads, joined in January 2023 and scored five goals in 75 appearances.Harness scored 10 goals in 89 games before joining Derby, who finished 19th in the Championship, on loan in August 2024. Kalvin Phillips reveals why having a dad in and out of prison drove him on to Premier League glory with Man CityBut the 29-year-old could be in luck as Derby boss John Eustace is interested in bringing him back to Pride Park on a permanent basis.Meanwhile, Harry Clarke will return from his loan at Sheffield United, who missed out on promotion after a heartbreaking play-off final defeat to Sunderland.Ali Al-Hamadi returns from Stoke and Cameron Humphreys from Wycombe Wanderers after having spent time away on loan. Centre-back Cameron Burgess and former Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe will be offered new contracts.Meanwhile, Chelsea have activated striker Liam Delap’s £30million release clause – put in place in case Ipswich were relegated.Liam Delap is joining ChelseaCredit: Getty More

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      Coventry sleep coach says it is ‘bonkers’ that Prem clubs don’t take his work seriously after helping Frank Lampard

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      COVENTRY CITY are just the latest club in English football to reap the benefits of a sleep expert as they aim for marginal gains at the elite level.And “The Sleep Geek” James Wilson admits it is “bonkers” that Premier League sides wanting to win titles are still reluctant to fully embrace his unique and successful methods.Frank Lampard embraced a sleep coach in Coventry’s play-off runCredit: GettyJames Wilson worked with Jarrod Bowen before his Conference League-winning goalCredit: GettyWilson has worked with a variety of EFL clubs including RotherhamWilson has built a sound reputation in the world of football, helping players and coaching staff to perfect the art of sleeping and recovery at the likes of Rotherham United, Sheffield United, Lincoln City, West Ham and now Coventry.His influence is telling, and appears to have the golden touch, involved in promotion success tales with Rotherham, Lincoln and Sheffield United, while also playing his part in West Ham’s Europa Conference League triumph of 2023.Frank Lampard’s Coventry are the latest club on Wilson’s list of honours, the Sky Blues coming within seconds of the Championship play-off final only to concede in injury-time to Sunderland in the semi-finals.Having also worked with F1, NBA and NFL stars, Wilson’s knowledge in the sleep field currently sees him approached by top footballers in the Prem and the EFL.read more footballBut other than Brentford having sleep coach Anna West in their ranks, Wilson’s dream of his field being taken more seriously by the country’s biggest clubs is still falling on deaf ears.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSWilson told SunSport: “It’s bonkers to me, it really is. There’s me and Anna and that’s it.“It’s not me making the decisions, but is it that they don’t see sleep as that important? Is it that they feel they’ve already got the resource internally?Most read in Football“One of my worries is you see more and more clubs working with brands that have some connection to sleep, maybe like a sleep supplement company or a piece of sleep technology.“That’s not sleep advice. It is worse now than when I started because those pieces of technology are so inaccurate. They are driving a sense of fear and despair in players.Doctor reveals the dangerous effects going to sleep after midnight has on our brain“It needs people who are properly trained. Some of the advice given by members of the medical team is not taken from reliable sources, like Jake Humphrey and Steven Bartlett podcasts, that can be troubling. And even if the stuff is right, it is not right for that individual.“We’ve got to a point where bringing me in means you may upset a commercial brand paying for that relationship. I don’t understand why every club hasn’t got [a sleep coach].“You might not get as much commercial benefit, but you’re going to get a team into the play-offs. You’re going to get promoted. You’re going to win European trophies.“That’s what happens when you get proper sleep expertise. People responsible for the performance and wellbeing should have some sort of proper sleep knowledge.“You can see how well Bentford have done can’t you? You can see how well Rotherham did when I was there, Sheffield United, West Ham, Coventry.“It’s not hard, is it? If clubs invest properly, it really, really does work.”Wilson began working with Coventry at the end of last season, giving the squad advice on how to prepare for their FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United – one that they agonisingly lost on penalties under former boss Mark Robins.Wilson helped Coventry prepare for last season’s FA Cup semi defeat to Man UnitedCredit: The TimesWilson explained: “We did this little tweak before the United game where we suggested watching the other semi-final with Manchester City the day before might not be the best thing to prepare for sleep before you go and play.”At other clubs, Wilson dealt with players who struggled with sleep paralysis. Parasomnia sufferer Richard Wood would sleep walk and head balls in his sleep, but the former Rotherham defender’s career was prolonged with Wilson’s help.Wilson is now also sponsoring his local non-league side Nostell Miners Welfare from Wakefield in the Northern Counties East League.It is undecided whether Wilson will continue working with Coventry next season, but he is highly rated by performance director Claire Marie and head of sports science Adam Hearn and worked alongside sports psychologists.Wilson continued: “The culture at Coventry was really good – they were doing a lot around the players, supporting them emotionally. Frank was really open to what we were doing.“I started with a few seminars. I went in every four or five weeks from pre-season to February and I was then available from then for players who needed it.“It’s not snazzy. It’s not wham-bam, thank you ma’am. It’s conversations.“You can see improvements within about three months. Give them the simple signs behind sleep and an understanding of themselves. You need to drop your heart rate, drop your core temperature.Read More on The Sun“We did an education on sleep posture. It’s scary how little a professional footballer spends on a mattress.“You’re going to earn more money if you do this stuff because you’re going to have a longer career.” More

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      Premier League star wows thousands of fans as he plays guitar on stage with the Kaiser Chiefs at huge anniversary gig

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      THE Kaiser Chiefs pulled off the loan transfer coup of the summer – in front of thousands of delirious fans.Leeds’ promotion-winning striker Patrick Bamford joined the rockers’ homecoming gig on stage with a guitar.Patrick Bamford seemed to enjoy his cameo almost as much as winning promotion back to the Premier League with Leeds… almost!Kalvin Phillips tagged in Bamford and Middlesbrough’s ex-Leeds hero Luke Ayling in his Instagram postGrinning guitarist Bamford made a crowd-pleasing appearanceKalvin Phillips then heightened talk of a return to Elland Road by labelling his former team-mate a “legend” for his cameo.Bamford electrified the atmosphere at Leeds’ Temple Newsam still further as the crowd loved his surprise role.Local heroes the Kaiser Chiefs are best known for their huge hit I Predict a Riot, which was also the theme tune for the Whites’ party after Championship title glory last month.But no-one predicted Bamford’s appearance at the gig on the 20th anniversary of the group’s first album.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 31-year-old, who won a single England cap four years ago, also went down memory lane – or Elland Road – with his choice of shirt for the event.He wore a Leeds top from 2000-01 with “Viduka 9” on the back.Ex-frontman Mark Viduka, 49, had his longest spell in English football with the Whites – from 2000-2004.And he too reacted to Bamford’s guitar-playing cameo.Most read in FootballThe Kaiser Chiefs added to the party mood across the cityBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut it’s just possible Viduka was referring to the hitman’s kit rather than his musical ability as the Aussie posted: “What a privilege.”Bamford’s effort was all the more remarkable as it followed Leeds’ prolonged celebrations, including a trip to Vegas, after they pipped Burnley to the second-tier crown.Inside Leeds stars’ wild title celebrations as Bamford and Ampadu ‘leave Burnley fanbase in meltdown’ with karaoke songDaniel Farke’s side are returning to the Premier League after two seasons out.And many reckon Phillips will be making his own comeback – to Elland Road.The 29-year-old has had a dire time since joining Manchester City in 2022, typified by injury and then mediocre loan spells at West Ham and Ipswich.Phillips bigged up Bamford on Instagram as he responded to the star’s rocking intervention by posting: “What an absolute legend”.That’s also the status Phillips holds at his hometown club Leeds.But the midfielder could be out for two months following surgery on an Achilles problem.And for now Wham Bam is the man – thanks to the Chiefs bringing him on. Read More on The SunOne fan raved: “Crowd were amazing and a lot of fun was had! Cameo performance from P Bamford an absolute highlight!!”Another wrote: “Great day out… Kaiser Chiefs were amazing, bringing Patrick Bamford and the Championship trophy out on stage added to a very Leeds-centric gig (so many LUFC shirts there).” More

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      Iconic sports brand returns to English football for first time in 13 years as Championship side announce partnership

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      REEBOK will make a sensational return to the English football market for the first time in 13 YEARS.Newly promoted Championship side Charlton have announced a new partnership with the iconic sports brand.Newly promoted Championship side Charlton has announced a new partnership with ReebokAs part of the multi-year agreement, Reebok will serve as Charlton’s official kit supplier.It therefore brings an end to Charlton’s association with Castore, who had produced the club’s kits since 2022.CEO of Sports Hub Brands, Reebok’s UK licensee, John Carden said: “Charlton has a rich footballing legacy.“And an incredibly passionate fanbase. At Reebok, we share this deep-rooted appreciation for history and the drive to innovate.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“This partnership marks an exciting step forward in our mission to reclaim our place in team sports, bringing our unique vision and craftsmanship to the pitch.”Reebok’s last appearance in the EFL came more than a decade ago with Bolton – the Greater Manchester town where the brand was originally formed in 1895.Charlton, who celebrated promotion after beating Leyton Orient 1-0 in the League One play-off final at Wembley, announced the deal with a short red-tinted video on X on Sunday.Addicks fans can expect the new kits to be available for purchase ahead of the 2025/26 season.Most read in FootballReebok’s last appearance in the EFL came more than a decade ago with BoltonCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe now American-owned footwear and clothing company began working with Bolton in the 90s and also famously made kits for Liverpool among other top teams.But a takeover by adidas in 2005 saw the brand begin to leave the football market, with the likes of the Reds switching to the German mark instead.EFL club release ‘gorgeous work of art’ kit and even rival fans want to buy itLike Charlton, Bolton welcomed Reebok weeks after winning promotion back to the Premier League in the 1996-97 season.Between 1997 and 2012 their partnership encompassed shirt sponsorship, kit manufacture and stadium naming rights.It was the longest kit partnership in English football history, before it abruptly ended in 2014.Bolton’s kit manufacturer then changed to Italian sportswear brand Macron, who became stadium sponsors for four years.Charlton Board member Ed Warrick added: “We’re delighted to welcome Reebok to our family. “Their commitment to performance, culture, and innovation aligns perfectly with our club values. “Our fans are going to love what Reebok has created, and as we step up a level on the pitch and we look forward to building a lasting legacy together.”Jay Jay Okocha wearing Reebok in 2006 More