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      Ipswich return to Premier League after 22 years away as ex-Man Utd coach Kieran McKenna wins successive promotions

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      IPSWICH have been promoted to the Premier League. The Tractor Boys booked their place in the top-flight with 2-0 win over Huddersfield on the final day of the Championship season. Ipswich have been promoted to the Premier LeagueCredit: ReutersThey return to the Prem after 22 years awayCredit: PAKieran McKenna has guided the club to back-to-back promotionsCredit: PAThere was a pitch invasion at full-timeCredit: PAThey lost six league games all seasonCredit: RexIpswich came into the game knowing they only needed to avoid defeat against the relegated Terriers – but finished a fantastic season off in style as Wes Burns and Omari Hutchinson scored the goals.Ipswich have not been in the Premier League since the 2001/02 season.Led by former Manchester United coach Kieran McKenna, he has fired them to back-to-back promotions.When Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s former assistant took over at Portman Road in December 2021, they were 12th in the third tier.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut in a remarkable rise, McKenna has guided them to a second place finish in League One last season.And he has now followed it up with a successive runners-up promotion from the Championship.They are first so jump from League One to the Prem in two years since Southampton in 2012.The 37-year-old boss’ sensational work is highlighted by nine of his starting XI today playing in the division below last term.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMcKenna was assistant to Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Man UtdCredit: RexThere was a special atmosphere at Portman RoadCredit: GettyThe party continued into the dressing roomCredit: RexSince McKenna’s arrival, only Jurgen Klopp, Pep Guardiola, Mikel Arteta and Unai Emery have a higher win percentage in English football than him.In the Championship this season, Ipswich have been beaten just six times this term, which is the lowest in the division.Ipswich fan Ed Sheeran downs pint in promotion celebrationWith 92 goals they are also the highest scorers.As Ipswich secured their Prem place, there was a party atmosphere in East Anglia.Fans set off blue flares and waved flags on the team’s arrival at Portman Road.And at the final whistle, there was a pitch invasion from supporters.But Ipswich fan Ed Sheeran was not at the home of his beloved club as he is attending the Miami Grand Prix.The pop star instead watched from a bar with some fellow fans and downed a pint in celebration, claiming his beer “tasted like promotion”.READ MORE SUN STORIESIpswich join title winners Leicester in sealing their spot in the Premier League next season.Leeds, Southampton, West Brom and Norwich will battle it out for the last promotion spot via the play-offs.Omari Hutchinson’s goal wrapped up the promotionCredit: PAWes Burns (centre) scored the other goal in the gameFans celebrated in styleCredit: ReutersIpswich get a trophy for finishing secondCredit: GettyIpswich fan Ed Sheeran celebrated from the US with a pintCredit: ESPN More

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      Birmingham vs Norwich clash suspended after medical incident in stands as doctors rush to help

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      BIRMINGHAM’S Championship final day clash with Norwich was momentarily delayed due to a medical emergency.The match was stopped for around five minutes before resuming.A spectator was treated in the lower Kop area of the groundCredit: RexBirmingham’s clash with Norwich was temporarily suspendedCredit: Sky SportsWith around 24 minutes on the clock and the score level at 0-0, referee Oliver Langford stopped the contest so the spectator could receive treatment.Around five minutes later the match was able to resume.On the incident, Norwich wrote on social media: “The game has stopped while a medical emergency in the stands is attended to by doctors.”They later added: “Hopefully those involved are okay.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBirmingham, meanwhile, confirmed that the incident had occurred in the lower Kop stand.Both sides went into the match with plenty to play for.Blues began the day in the relegation zone, a point behind Plymouth Argyle and three off Sheffield Wednesday and Blackburn.Gary Rowett’s side knew they would almost certainly have to beat Norwich in order to survive – with a draw only enough should Argyle lose by five goals at home to Hull.Most read in ChampionshipNorwich, meanwhile, went into the day having already confirmed a play-off place.But David Wagner’s fifth-placed side did still have something to play for, with West Brom only a point behind in sixth.Elsewhere, already-relegated Rotherham’s clash with Cardiff City was also delayed due to a medical emergency in the stands.The match was paused in the 15th minute and resumed three minutes later.Birmingham and Norwich both had plenty to play forCredit: Rex More

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      Rotherham vs Cardiff clash suspended for medical emergency as club medics rush into stands to help

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      A MEDICAL emergency has caused a Championship game to be halted.Rotherham’s clash with Cardiff City was stopped after a supporter was taken ill in the stands.A fan was taken ill at Rotherham’s clash with Cardiff CityCredit: GettyThe two sides were playing their last game of the seasonCredit: GettyThe match had only been going for 15 minutes when the incident occurred.The referee stopped the game to allow medics from both clubs to run across the pitch to assist the fan.The match was paused for three minutes while the supporter received help.Rotherham confirmed the incident on social media.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA post read: “Play has stopped due to what appears to be a medical emergency in the stands.”The supporter is receiving the necessary medical attention from professionals.”The referee has been given permission to restart the game while treatment continues.”The referee allowed the game to continue as the fan continued to receive treatment from the medics.Most read in FootballFive minutes later, they were taken out of the ground in a wheelchair.There was plenty of concern for the fan on social media.One person posted: “Hope all is well.”A second commented: “Hoping the person involved is okay.”A third wrote: “Horrible stuff, hope all is well.”The Championship clash at the AESSEAL New York Stadium was a dead rubber as Rotherham had already been relegated.Cardiff, on the other hand, could not reach the play-offs and look set for a top-half finish.Elsewhere in the league, there was also concern for a supporter at Birmingham’s match against Norwich City. More

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      Premier League title winner announces retirement at 35 after career that saw him achieve unmatched feat

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      LEICESTER City title winner Andy King has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 35.The Bristol City midfielder will play the final match of his career on Saturday when the Robins take on Stoke.Andy King will play the final game of his career on SaturdayCredit: GettyKing, bottom left, famously won the Premier League with Leicester in 2016Credit: ReutersKing, a boyhood Bristol City fan, is out of contract with the Championship club at the end of the season.And on Friday he confirmed he is hanging up his boots, saying: “I’ve absolutely loved my three years here.”It was an absolute honour to have played for this football club, one that I’ve spent many years watching, coming to the games as a child.”To be able to pull on the shirt and walk out at Ashton Gate with my own family, my own children, is so special.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I wanted my last game to be in a Bristol City shirt and I think that’s the perfect way for me to go out.”King achieved an unprecedented feat at Leicester, winning the League One, Championship and Premier League titles.He is the first and only player to manage this with the same team since the Premier League was formed in 1992.King, who featured in 25 of Leicester’s 38 league games in their triumphant 2015/16 campaign, also earned 50 caps for Wales and was a part of the squad which reached the semi-finals at Euro 2016.Most read in FootballAs well as Leicester and Bristol City, he also featured on loan for Swansea, Derby, Rangers and Huddersfield.He will retire with more than 450 club appearances to his name – 17 of which have come this season for Bristol City.Huge changes being made to English football schedule next seasonKing, who took a player-coach role with the second-tier side last summer, received a touching tribute from former Leicester team-mate James Maddison.The Tottenham playmaker said: “Happy retirement to a legend. Top player & top person.”One of a kind & someone I can proudly call my friend. Enjoy mate.”Bristol City boss Liam Manning added: “He has had an incredible career and what he has achieved in the game is extraordinary.“The impact he has had on the dressing room and the young players at the club is invaluable, and his presence will be missed by everybody.” More

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      I’m former Tottenham star who got promoted TWICE from the Championship in the same season

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      ONE former Tottenham star pulled off the astonishing feat of getting promoted TWICE in the same season.Sebastien Bassong, 37, was awarded with two promotion medals in the 2014/15 season having played a part in the promotion campaigns of both Norwich and Watford.Sebastien Bassong earned promotion to the Premier League with NorwichCredit: GettyHe also helped Watford reach the top flight in the same seasonCredit: Action Images – ReutersThe defender had struggled for minutes at Norwich in the early part of the season when he was loaned out to Watford on an emergency deal that saw him make 11 appearances.Those 11 games earned him a promotion medal with the club who finished second in the league to automatically earn their spot in the Premier League.But after the emergency loan coming to an end in January, Bassong fought his way back into the thinking of manager Alex Neil at Carrow Road.After earning his spot he made a total of 21 appearances for the Canaries in the remainder of the season including keeping a clean sheet as Norwich won the play-off final at Wembley to secure promotion.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEFL rules at the time started that any player who had featured in more that five games for their club was entitled to a medal for their promotion – meaning Bassong was awarded the accolade twice.Bassong spoke to the Express about the incredible campaign for himself back in 2015, he said: “Overall it has been a dream season.”I played for Watford and they got promoted. I played for Norwich and they got promoted as well, so I have got two medals.”I need to go and get my medal from Watford now. It’s all about me! But you wouldn’t have said that at the start of the season.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSebastien Bassong’s career
      2005 – 2008: FC Metz
      2008 – 2009: Newcastle United
      2009 – 2012: Tottenham Hotspur
      2012: Wolves (loan)
      2012 – 2017: Norwich
      2014 – 2015: Watford (emergency loan)
      2018 – 2019: Peterborough
      2019 – 2020: Volos NPS

      Things didn’t go quite as well the following season when the Cameroon international was sent straight back down to the Championship after a relegation campaign with Norwich in the Premier League.Throughout his career the central defender still managed to get plenty of football under his belt in England’s top flight with spells at Newcastle United and Tottenham too.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersAnd after bringing an end to his time with Norwich in 2017, he joined Peterbrough in League One where he stayed for half a season before heading to Greece to retire at top flight club Volos NPS.Bassong spent three years on the books at TottenhamCredit: Getty More

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      I’m the James Milner of the Championship but I’m going to be unemployed next week

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      QUEENS PARK RANGERS hero Albert Adomah has declared himself the “James Milner of the Championship” after making history.Adomah, 36, moved at the top of the list of all-time Championship appearances when he came on as a substitute during QPR’s 4-0 victory over Leeds at Loftus Road last week.Queens Park Rangers hero Albert Adomah broke the record for most Championship appearancesCredit: RexAdomah wants to emulate Brighton star James Milner’s longevityCredit: RexThe winger has officially amassed 525 appearances after breaking Lee Camp’s record who registered 524 before his retirement in 2022.The Ghana international, though, will be leaving the Rs after Saturday’s season-ending match at Coventry which is when his contract runs out.However, the forward insists he has a lot more left in the tank after four years with QPR and isn’t planning to retire any time soon.The Ghanaian is determined to extend his 18-year career until the day his feet can no longer hold him as he wants to emulate Milner, 38.Read More on FootballThe Brighton star has registered a staggering total of 634 Premier League appearances throughout his 22-year career that saw him star for the likes of Newcastle, Manchester City and Liverpool.The ex-England international is only 20 Prem games away from breaking Gareth Barry’s all-time record, and Adomah wants to emulate the versatile midfielder’s longevity.He told BBC Radio London: “I always tell myself I’m the James Milner of the Championship, I think that’s the best way to put it.“He started younger than me, I started when I was 20, but I’ve got this longevity still playing for nearly 17 years I believe now.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“The day that I can’t run is the day that I’ll think about retiring, or if I have a serious injury then I’ll stop.”I still believe I could do one more season in the Championship or two or three more at a lower level.”Football stars’ weird phobiasAdomah has enjoyed an impressive career in England that saw him playing for the likes of Middlesbrough, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest. More

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      Ex-Newcastle and Brighton ace, 33, wakes up unemployed after being released by League One Charlton after just four games

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      A FORMER Newcastle and Brighton star has been made unemployed after being released by Charlton.Kazenga LuaLua only joined the Addicks in March and featured four times for the club.Kazenga LuaLua has been released by CharltonCredit: Focus ImagesThe winger used to play for Newcastle and Brighton and Hove AlbionCredit: GettyConnor Wickham is another high-profile exit from The ValleyCredit: RexThe attacker failed to score or assist a single goal during his stint at the Valley under manager Nathan Jones.This meant that the club has decided against handing him a new contract as he now joins the free agents list.LuaLua, 33, did make seven appearances in the Premier League during his career, all of which came at Newcastle.However, it was in the Championship that he enjoyed the majority of his career.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe made 218 appearances in the division scoring 19 goals and assisting 22.LuaLua started his career at Newcastle but made his name at Brighton and Hove Albion.He had three loan spells on the South Coast before joining permanently in 2011.He left the Seagulls in 2018 and joined Sunderland for a short spell.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe winger then had stints at Luton Town, Turkish outfit Genclerbirligi SK and Greek side Levadiakos before joining Charlton.LuaLua has multiple relatives that are also in football with his brother being another former Newcastle star, Lomana LuaLua.His cousins are former Bournemouth ace Tresor Kandol and ex-Prem winger Yannick Bolasie.He is not the only former Premier League ace to find himself without a club after the announcement.Former Crystal Palace, Sunderland and Leeds striker Connor Wickham has also been released by the League One outfit.Wickham also made four appearances for the club since joining in March but did manage one goal and one assist.Other players that have been shown the door at the Valley include ex-Chelsea defender Michael Hector as well as Richard Chin, Diallang Jaiyesimi, Jack Payne, Terell Thomas and Lawis Ward.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      EFL star makes incredible gesture to fans ahead of what is likely to be his final ever game for relegated side

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      A ROTHERHAM star is producing an incredible gesture for his club’s long-suffering fans ahead of their final game in the Championship.However, goalie Viktor Johansson insists it “isn’t a goodbye, it’s a thank you” despite “seven or eight big clubs” chasing his signature.Rotherham’s Viktor Johansson is making a stunning gesture to thank fans after relegationCredit: GettyThe Swedish international, 25, arrived at the New York Stadium in 2020 from Leicester and he helped them to League One promotion and EFL Trophy success in 2022.Johansson helped Rotherham survive in the second tier last term but despite some impressive displays this season he has failed to keep the Millers up in the Championship this time.Now a number of teams are plotting a summer swoop for the ex-Aston Villa trainee due to his relegation release clause making him available for just a bargain £1million.Tomorrow’s home clash with Cardiff City could be his final appearance for the club, and he is determined to show his appreciation to the team’s supporters.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe has announced on social media that he will pay for the first 600 fans through the door at a local boozer to have a pint on him ahead of the match.The Cutlers Arms has become a favourite of his father, Tobias, whenever he comes from Sweden to watch him play and it will open at 9am on Saturday.And each pint will come accompanied with a special message and card from the in-demand stopper.Rotherham boss Steve Evans joked: “I think if Viktor’s putting money behind the bar, I’ll be there myself!Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“Viktor’s been a wonderful goalkeeper for the club. Everyone is aware of the huge interest in him.“I’m getting phone calls from managers who want my opinion on what he’s like behind the scenes. They don’t ask what he’s like between sticks. They see that for themselves.Man Utd’s best XI of academy graduates“Whether he’s with us next season remains to be seen but, at the minute, I’m planning with him. He hasn’t gone anywhere yet.“Viktor is a top-class talent. I’ve sat in the stands and watched him and he’s been wonderful.“More importantly, he’s a really good guy off the pitch. He’s really professional.“He’s also really humble, which is different to how you sometimes find players in the Championship who have aspirations.”Sheffield United, Stoke City and Leeds United have all been linked with an interest in Johansson.This was the message posted online by the Swedish stopperCredit: XAnd Evans seems resigned to losing him.He added: “He’s been massive since I’ve come in but I’ve watched him on many occasions prior as well. He’s top class on the pitch and he’s top class off it too.“But we live in the real world and there are seven or eight big clubs in the Championship all looking at him.READ MORE SUN STORIES“If he goes on that journey, we wish him every success. We love him here.“I’ve been fortunate to have [Emiliano] Martinez in goal before, and Johansson in goal. I’ve had two top goalkeepers and it’ll be hard to replace someone of that quality.” More