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      Leicester called ‘champions’ BEFORE season had even started thanks to eerie omen as tweet from 10 MONTHS AGO goes viral

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      A FAN with a special King Power of prediction hailed Leicester’s promotion 10 MONTHS before they did the trick this week – thanks to an incredible omen.Huddersfield supporter Oliver Eaton’s June 2023 tweet explaining his Foxy feeling has now gone viral after City sealed an instant return to the Premier League.Leicester stars revelled after sealing promotionCredit: https://twitter.com/LCFCThe jubilant Foxes even trolled second-placed rivals LeedsCredit: https://twitter.com/LCFCLeeds’ 4-0 loss at QPR on Friday night ensured Leicester’s elevation from the Championship, three days after the Foxes beat Southampton 5-0.Yet Eaton had already “congratulated” Enzo Maresca’s men for their upcoming achievement last summer.And it’s all down to a staggering stat involving his beloved Terriers!The marketing executive revealed each of Town’s opening-day Championship opponents from the past three seasons went up the same campaign. READ MORE TOP STORIESHe posted: “Here is your reminder that whoever gets Huddersfield’s first home game has gone on to be promoted as Champions for the last three seasons.”Norwich 20.21… Fulham 21.22… Burnley 22.23.”And once  a home match with the Foxes was scheduled for the August 12 curtain-raiser, Eaton added: “I guess it’s congratulations to Leicester City.”True, his title prediction isn’t quite home and dry, as Ipswich have an outside chance of overhauling Maresca’s leaders.Most read in ChampionshipHere’s how a Huddersfield fan announced the Foxes’ success earlyBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNonetheless, fans on social media saluted Eaton for being so on the crystal ball – one saying “unbelievable stat that”.But with Huddersfield doomed to relegation, one sad supporter posted: “Incredible coincidence! But it isn’t going to be the case next season.”Leicester PROMOTED to the Premier League as Leeds suffer shock defeat at QPR to leave door open for IpswichMeanwhile, ironically, Leicester revelled in their promotion joy with a prophecy of their own.The Foxes trolled second-placed rivals Leeds by tweeting “I predict a riot”.Our beautiful game is broken, says Dave KidBy Dave Kidd
      WHEN Manchester United got lucky in their FA Cup semi-final, Antony’s first instinct was to goad heartbroken opponents Coventry. To rub their noses in the dirt.
      Antony seems to be a vile individual but this isn’t really about Antony. Because Antony is merely a symptom of the hideous sickness within England’s top flight.
      There is so much wrong.
      After our elite clubs persuaded the FA to completely scrap Cup replays — which gave us Ronnie Radford and Ricky Villa and Ryan Giggs — without due recompense or reasoning with the rest of English football.
      The previous day, after his Manchester City side had defeated Chelsea in the other FA Cup semi-final, Pep Guardiola whinged about the fixture scheduling of TV companies who effectively pay much of his £20m salary.
      Up at Wolves, Guardiola’s friend and rival Mikel Arteta was playing the same sad song about fixture congestion, despite his Arsenal side having played two fewer games this season than Coventry — who don’t have £50m squad players to rotate with.
      Chelsea, oh Chelsea. The one-time plaything of a Russian oligarch now owned by financially incontinent venture capitalists who have piddled £1billion on a squad of players who fight like weasels in a sack about who should bask in the personal glory of scoring the penalty that puts them 5-0 up against Everton.
      Read Dave Kidd’s full column as he takes aim at Nottingham Forest, Fulham’s ticket prices, the 39th game, VAR and much more… More

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      Jamie Vardy snubs wild Leicester promotion party for video call to Premier League legend with wife Rebekah

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      KING of partying Jamie Vardy snubbed the Leicester City promotion bash – to video call a Premier League legend instead.Vardy, 37, hosted the iconic celebrations when the Foxes were confirmed as Premier League champions in 2016.Jamie Vardy and wife Rebekah celebrated Leicester’s promotion from homeCredit: instagram @denniswise11They did a video call with Dennis WiseCredit: instagram @denniswise11But on Friday, he had a far more understated night.QPR’s thumping 4-0 battering of Leeds at Loftus Road sealed Leicester’s immediate promotion back to the top flight following their relegation a year ago.And that prompted wild scenes at boss Enzo Maresca’s house.However, Vardy and wife Rebekah opted for a quieter night in at home.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd soon after the full-time whistle at QPR, he was on the phone to none other than Dennis Wise.Wise, 57, shared a video on his Instagram story video calling the Vardys from a restaurant.The jubilant former Chelsea and Leicester midfielder was in fine form, cheering and pumping his fists with Jamie and Rebekah clearly buzzing.Vardy stuck his tongue out then waved to the camera as Wise shouted: “Come on, look, LEICESTERRRR!Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Love it, come over to Como, well done fella, congratulations!”The chairman of the promotion-chasing Italian club wrote: “Congratulations to my lovely friends @vardy7, @beckyvardy @lcfc on your promotion to the PL, now you can come to the last game @comofootball to hopefully bring us luck.”Leicester brutally troll Leeds with iconic song after winning promotion as Whites left ‘well and truly rattled’Rebekah and Jamie both shared Leicester City’s promotion montage with the former captioning her story: “Congratulation. What a club.”City uploaded plenty of brilliant content from the Maresca party – starting with showing the end of the Leeds match on the TV before the players and staff broke into chants and cheering. Fans headed down to the King Power Stadium while the team enjoyed a few beers, wine and even some cigars – with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall teasing a big night out in Leicester – before the squad reconvened for so-called training on Saturday morning.There was understandably a joyous atmosphere at the club’s stunning £100million Seagrave base, too.And fans relished in the Foxes’ social media admin taking a cheeky swipe at Leeds after recovering from their blip in form.Promoted Leicester – who smashed Southampton 5-0 on Tuesday – tweeted: “I predict a riot,” in direct reference to Leeds band Kaiser Chiefs’ song which is an anthem among Whites supporters.Leeds blared out the tune at Elland Road in February following their dramatic comeback win over Leicester to tighten the gap on the Championship leaders.Fans also chanted: “Leicester City, we’re coming for you,” while attacker Georginio Rutter boldly declared Leeds were the “best team” in the league.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut now with one of the automatic spots wrapped up, Leeds must hope Ipswich slip up to try and grab the second – or else it will be the play-offs for Daniel Farke’s side.Leicester play Preston away on Monday night and could clinch the title if results go their way.Players and staff raised a toast at boss Enzo Maresca’s houseCredit: https://twitter.com/LCFCThe players let out their almighty delightCredit: https://twitter.com/LCFCKiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Hamza Choudhury led the celebrationsCredit: https://twitter.com/LCFCLeeds were utterly thrashed at Loftus Road as they were hit for fourCredit: GettyA couple of Foxes fans snuk into the ground to witness the matchCredit: Alamy More

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      Leicester brutally troll Leeds with iconic song after winning promotion as Whites left ‘well and truly rattled’

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      LEICESTER CITY brutally trolled Leeds after winning promotion back to the Premier League.The Foxes returned to the top tier of English footie at the first time of asking on Friday night following the Whites’ battering at the hands of QPR.Leicester City were promoted to the Premier League on Friday nightCredit: GETTYLeeds’ defeat to QPR on Friday saw the Foxes seal promotion back o the Prem at the first time of askingCredit: ALAMYLeicester City’s official X account brutally trolled Leeds moments after their defeat to QPRCredit: X@LCFCA 4-0 defeat at Loftus Road for Leeds handed Enzo Maresca’s side automatic promotion back to the Prem.Leicester fans and players alike were absolutely buzzing with the result, which could be a dagger into the heart of Leeds’ promotion bid.And the admin of their X page was similarly ecstatic, so much so they mocked Leeds with the lyrics of a song from one of the city’s most bands.Shortly after their promotion was confirmed, they tweeted “I predict a riot” along with music note emojis.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe lyrics, of course, are those of the 2004 hit I Predict a Riot from Leeds-based band the Kaiser Chiefs.And the pun didn’t go unnoticed by footie fans, one of whom wrote: “Vardy-level s**thousery right there.”Another said: “Hahahaha no way.”And another said: “Superb.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne remarked: “Fair play.”Another chimed in: “Admin, I love you.”Daniel Farke’s troops are in danger of missing out on automatic promotionCredit: ALAMYOne even said Leeds fans were “well and truly rattled”.Leeds are in serious danger of slipping out of second place and missing out on automatic promotion as third-placed Ipswich Town are a point behind them with two games in hand.Leicester PROMOTED to the Premier League as Leeds suffer shock defeat at QPR to leave door open for IpswichBut Whites’ boss Daniel Farke is refusing to concede defeat, saying: “The race is not over.”Congratulations definitely to Leicester [City], they are promoted and also well deserved, but in comparison to Ipswich, nothing is over.“If they win the next two games, then I’m the first one who goes out and says, ‘Congratulations, well done, you deserve it.’”But if they don’t win the next two games, we have a lot to play for on the last gameday and this is what we will definitely do.” We are in the chasing role since gameday one and one thing is for sure, we never give up until it’s, in a theoretical way, done.” More

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      Leicester PROMOTED to the Premier League as Foxes stars go wild after Leeds suffer shock hammering at QPR

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      LEICESTER CITY have been promoted to the Premier League.The Foxes’ promotion was sealed thanks to rivals Leeds losing 4-0 to QPR.Leicester have been promoted following Leeds’ defeat to QPRCredit: AlamyLeicester’s Twitter account celebrated with a stunning montageCredit: https://twitter.com/LCFCAnd just as in 2016 when Leicester won the Premier League, players gathered for a watchalong and jumped around in celebration following Leeds’ defeat.Leicester looked destined to return to the top flight at the first time of asking for much of the season.But their promotion was far from a foregone conclusion following a run of just three wins in ten games which saw Leeds and Ipswich close the gap.Leeds are now in danger of missing out on an automatic promotion spot as they are just one point ahead of Ipswich, having played two games more.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLeicester had to rebuild following relegation from the Prem with key stars James Maddison, Youri Tielemans and Harvey Barnes all leaving.Enzo joined as managed from Manchester City and won 15 of his first 17 games in charge.Leicester fans now have an opportunity to celebrate all weekend ahead of their trip to Preston on Monday.While there will be a promotion party at the King Power Stadium on May 4 when the Foxes take on Blackburn.Most read in EFLIpswich now have a great opportunity to seize on Leeds’ slip-up against Hull City on Saturday.Leicester stars celebrate being promoted back to the Premier LeagueCredit: https://twitter.com/LCFCKiernan Dewsbury-Hall could be seen leading celebrations with his teammatesCredit: https://twitter.com/LCFCThe team were watching the QPR game on SkyCredit: https://twitter.com/LCFCLeicester fans in the crowd during the QPR v Leeds game at Loftus RoadCredit: AlamyBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA win would move them above Leeds into second, leaving them needing just one win against Coventry or Huddersfield to secure promotion.That means Leeds could have to settle for the play-offs along with Southampton, West Brom and Norwich.Five EFL Championship stars destined for the Premier League More

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      I played for Arsenal and dreamed of El Clasico, now I’m looking to avoid relegation to League One

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      JULIO PLEGUEZUELO came through the youth systems of Atletico Madrid and Barcelona and has played for Arsenal.But this weekend the 27-year-old defender and Plymouth are fighting for their Championship lives at Millwall.Julio Pleguezuelo is excited by Plymouth’s survival bidCredit: RexThe Pilgrims are two points above the bottom three and know victory at The Den should be enough to secure them another season in the second tier after winning promotion last year.Pleguezuelo has had some glittering football heritage and was an eye-opening summer signing from Dutch side FC Twente.But now the equation is simple — win on Saturday or next week against Hull — or face life in League One.The defender said: “We definitely feel the pressure. We know what’s at stake but at the same time I wouldn’t trade our position with the likes of Sheffield Wednesday, Huddersfield or Birmingham. It’s in our own hands.READ MORE ON ARSENAL“It’s going to be two difficult games but the mood has been good, the lads have been training well so we have to approach the game as we always do and try to get the three points.“Millwall is going to be hostile, I expect probably not pretty football and it’ll be their last home game, so they’ll want to put on a show for their fans.“But we have got to stand up to that and get a positive result.”While Pleguezuelo would have come through at Barcelona as a kid dreaming of one day playing in El Clasico, the Spaniard says these games where Championship status is at stake are the ones that get the juices flowing.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOur beautiful game is broken, says Dave KidBy Dave Kidd
      WHEN Manchester United got lucky in their FA Cup semi-final, Antony’s first instinct was to goad heartbroken opponents Coventry. To rub their noses in the dirt.
      Antony seems to be a vile individual but this isn’t really about Antony. Because Antony is merely a symptom of the hideous sickness within England’s top flight.
      There is so much wrong.
      After our elite clubs persuaded the FA to completely scrap Cup replays — which gave us Ronnie Radford and Ricky Villa and Ryan Giggs — without due recompense or reasoning with the rest of English football.
      The previous day, after his Manchester City side had defeated Chelsea in the other FA Cup semi-final, Pep Guardiola whinged about the fixture scheduling of TV companies who effectively pay much of his £20m salary.
      Up at Wolves, Guardiola’s friend and rival Mikel Arteta was playing the same sad song about fixture congestion, despite his Arsenal side having played two fewer games this season than Coventry — who don’t have £50m squad players to rotate with.
      Chelsea, oh Chelsea. The one-time plaything of a Russian oligarch now owned by financially incontinent venture capitalists who have piddled £1billion on a squad of players who fight like weasels in a sack about who should bask in the personal glory of scoring the penalty that puts them 5-0 up against Everton.
      Read Dave Kidd’s full column as he takes aim at Nottingham Forest, Fulham’s ticket prices, the 39th game, VAR and much more…

      He said: “Where there is more at stake you kind of focus more and play better because if you play a match where you have nothing to play for, it’s not the same.“There’s pressure but it’s a good type, so hopefully we can get over the line.”EFL club reaches agreement to build stunning new stadium after 23 years at three-sided groundPleguezuelo was signed by Arsenal as a 16-year-old from Barcelona and at that time he was chased by many clubs, including Manchester City.But despite spending six years with the Gunners, he only made one senior appearance — playing the full 90 minutes in a 3-1 EFL Cup win against Blackpool in 2018.And after four years at FC Twente, this is his first full season in senior English football.He said: “For the first season in a league like the Championship, I’ve done well.“I’ve come from a completely different league after four years and I’ve adapted well to the game here.“The Championship is one of the best leagues in the world and Plymouth and myself have done well.“This division isn’t the same as it was before.“Teams have realised they have to adapt their style because probably long-ball doesn’t cut it any more.“But some things can still be useful in the Championship.“It’s definitely nice to see more teams trying to play attacking football.”Pleguezuelo holds the distinction of being Plymouth’s first and only Spanish player — and although he has spent most of his life in big cities, he is loving life on the Devon coast.He added: “I’ve lived in London since I was 16 and obviously Plymouth is different to London but it has been a good season for me in the South West. I love the city, the club, the fans and I am having a great time.“My family lives in London, so I go back to see them most of the time, so I get both lives.”One player who is destined to go on to bigger things is Pilgrims forward Morgan Whittaker, 23, who has attracted interest from Italians Lazio and Portuguese club Sporting.There are sure to be Premier League suitors this summer too for the 20-goal ace.Pleguezuelo said: “He’s a great player and has been massive for us.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We know it will be difficult to keep him but hopefully he can help us in these last two games get over the line.”Millwall have confirmed Polish keeper Bartosz Bialkowski, 36, will leave the club after five years this summer once his contract expires. More

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      ‘I might’ve chinned him’ – Neil Warnock labelled ‘actually unreal’ as ex-EFL boss takes issue with post-match interview

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      FANS are already missing “box office” Neil Warnock – after the newly-retired manager claimed he “might have chinned” an interviewer.Warnock was responding to Southampton boss Russell Martin facing questions after Tuesday’s 5-0 loss at Championship leaders Leicester.Neil Warnock would not have been amused to do an interview after a heavy lossSouthampton manager Russell Martin was quizzed after a costly drubbingCredit: PAThe ex-Leeds and Crystal Palace chief, 75, stepped down at Aberdeen last month and then announced he was quitting management altogether.And Warnock was labelled “actually unreal” by one viewer for his live TV verdict on Martin being quizzed so soon after a costly mauling.The former Huddersfield and Middlesbrough boss told Sky Sports: “You’ve picked a time when you don’t want to be interviewed.”When you’ve lost 5-0 and the questions he answered – I might have chinned him if it had been me, but I know you can’t do that.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHowever, Warnock also showed his lighter side with a tasty solution to how Martin can help the Saints overcome the low point of their season.The one-time Cardiff manager joked: “He’s got to take the players for a Chinese tomorrow or something!”But he insisted the only way Southampton can repay their travelling fans for such a terrible display was to get promotion.Realistically, though, the fourth-placed Saints can now only win an instant return to the Premier League via the play-offs.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFans loved Warnock’s blunt-talking – as they reckon football lacks such raw emotion.One viewer said: “Box office ain’t he” while another wanted him back “if only for the bants”.EFL fans in hysterics as ‘absolutely golden’ Neil Warnock returns to live TV with brutal dig at his former players A third reckoned Warnock should earn a summer call-up – in Germany.He posted: “Imagine him, Mourinho and Wenger as pundits for Euros games. Football will peak, all facets of the game represented.” More

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      When you’ve had a few punches in the face you have to fight back, says Leicester star on brink of Premier League return

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      WOUT FAES swapped tears of despair for joy after Leicester edged towards the brink of the Premier League.The Belgian defender was crestfallen when the Foxes’ relegation to the Championship was confirmed last May.Wout Faes (left) and his Leicester team-mates react as relegation was confirmedFaes in action in a thumping 5-0 win over Southampton at the King PowerFaes congratulates Tuesday’s hat-trick hero Abdul FatawuCredit: RexFaes, 26, scored the second goal when Leicester beat West Ham 2-1 on the final day of the season – but Everton’s win at Bournemouth condemned the Foxes.But Tuesday’s 5-0 thumping of Southampton means Faes & Co could be promoted as early as Friday without kicking a ball if Leeds lose at QPR.But regardless Enzo Maresca’s men can do it themselves by either drawing at Preston on Monday if Leeds also draw in West London or simply win.Faes said: “It was a huge win. You could see with the fans and players afterwards there was a lot of emotion.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“It’s normal because it hurts every player and person who was involved with Leicester City.“So if we can get back straight away, we have the team for it. This club is ready for it. We belong in the Premier League. Hopefully we can achieve that as soon as possible.”Faes admits he and his team-mates were feeling the mounting pressure after they tossed away a once SEVENTEEN-point cushion over third place.The found themselves recently outside the top two altogether after six defeats in ten league games.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut back-to-back home wins over West Brom and Southampton has them virtually racing towards the finish line with their arms held aloft.And Faes said: “When you’ve had a few punches in the face you have to fight back and that is what the squad is doing.What is FFP? How Financial Fair Play is affecting Man Utd and Arsenal in January transfer window“Of course, it was hard. I felt the pressure from other teams.“It’s a relentless league. You can see everyone is struggling. We’ve struggled for a moment but it’s then about bouncing back. It’s about then keeping faith in what you do and believe in.“There are of course voices in the dressing room – there is the gaffer and players. But you have to show it on the pitch.“And that’s what we’ve done and produced a great performance against a very good side.”Faes wants another crack at the Premier League as he believes there is unfinished business.He said: “We all have. This is a good team, has a good manager and if we can add a few players too, it’ll be nice!”READ MORE SUN STORIESEnzo Maresca was delighted with the performance on Tuesday against SouthamptonThe 13-cap defender hopes to be part of the Belgium squad going to Euro 2024 but has vowed he will allow himself to party at the end of the season regardless.He said: “We have a few days and I’ll most definitely be celebrating!” More

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      Former Man Utd title winner and England international bags first permanent manager role with Championship side

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      FORMER Manchester United star Tom Cleverley has been announced as Watford’s new permanent manager.Cleverley, 34, was forced to retire from professional football last summer due to injury.Tom Cleverley has been appointed as Waford’s new permanent managerCredit: AlamyHe subsequently took up a coaching role at the club’s academy, but was appointed first team interim manager following the dismissal of Valerien Ismael in March.The ex-England midfielder has since guided the club through seven Championship games, winning one and earning five draws.Watford’s run of form has prompted club officials to make Cleverley’s position permanent.The Hornets are yet to confirm a full list of staff for the 2024-25 campaign.Read More on Man UtdCleverley recently admitted that he has become more ambitious as a coach due to the way his playing career ended.He told BBC Sport: “There is a lot of unfinished business from my playing career.”That drives me forward with my coaching. It motivates me every day.”I didn’t achieve anything in the Champions League with Manchester United. The title we lost to City.Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I came to Watford when they were in the Premier League. I retired as a player with them in the Championship. None of it sits right.”I left a few out there as a player. I probably lacked ambition. But as a coach I am very ambitious.”Rasmus Hojlund names dream Man Utd five-a-side team but snubs Wayne Rooney and VidicBefore joining Watford, Cleverley spent two years with Everton.But a large part of his playing career was spent with Man Utd.He joined the club’s academy in July 2000 and left 15 years later.The midfielder made 79 first team appearances for the Red Devils and won the Premier League and the League Cup.Cleverley spent six years as a player at Watford before retiring.He made 181 appearances in total for the Hornets. More