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      QPR star Ilias Chair faces calls for two years in jail after ‘smashing lorry driver’s skull with a rock’

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      PROSECUTORS have called for QPR star Ilias Chair to be jailed for two years after he was accused of smashing a lorry driver’s skull with a rock.A court heard a trucker suffered life-threatening injuries in a brawl.
      Ilias Chair denies the allegations following an alleged flare-up
      The allegations relate to an incident in Bazeilles, northern France, as the driver Niels T waited with his family for a coach back to Belgium after a kayaking trip in the summer of 2020.
      Morocco midfielder Chair, 26, denies the assault charge – with his lawyers claiming Niels T was out to make money from the footballer.
      Prosecutors in the Antwerp-born player’s home town say he and two friends got into an argument with the trucker.
      Antwerp’s public prosecutor said: “According to many people involved, Ilias Chair lashed out at Niels T with a stone and knocked him unconscious.
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      “The consequences were dramatic for Niels T. He suffered a severe skull fracture, two centimetres long, and was taken to hospital at Reims in critical condition.
      “Afterwards he had to recover for a long time in a Belgian hospital, and could not do his job as a lorry driver for a long time.
      “The blow was almost fatal for him, and he still feels the after-effects.”
      The prosecutor asked for Chair to be jailed for two years and fined £1,400, as well as calling for lesser sentences for his friends Nora H. and Jaber C.
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      Chair’s lawyer Alen Cilic told the hearing there was insufficient proof the ex-Stevenage loanee had caused the trucker’s injuries.
      He said Niels T and his family started the brawl and were trying to make money from the 12-cap ace.
      The lawyer for Nials T responded: “That is nonsense. We want damages of 16,000 euros, which is only about a week’s pay for Mr Chair.
      “My client almost lost his life, and it took surgeons to save him.
      “He was unable to work for a long time, and still suffers adverse reactions every day to having been hit with a rock.”
      The case continues.
      Chair is one of QPR’s key men in their fight to avoid relegation from the Championship.
      He’s made over 220 appearances for the Londoners, scoring 30 goals, since arriving from Belgians Lierse in 2017. More

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      Forgotten Man Utd star Amad Diallo hints at next club with cheeky Instagram post after Middlesbrough links

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S Amad Diallo has responded to links over a loan move to Middlesbrough by declaring his love for rivals Sunderland.Diallo enjoyed a stellar loan at Sunderland last season, bagging 14 goals as the Black Cats reached the Championship play-offs.
      Amad Diallo has hinted at his future on social mediaCredit: Alamy
      Diallo shared a snap of his time at Sunderland to his Instagram storyCredit: Getty
      The Ivory Coast winger has managed just one Premier League appearance off the bench back at Manchester United this term due to injury.
      But a host of Championship clubs are still desperate to sign him on loan this month.
      Michael Carrick’s Boro are believed to be in pole position while Sunderland have been monitoring Diallo’s position over a potential return.
      Any possibility of a move away from Old Trafford was scuppered by an injury in pre-season that kept him out of action until the end of last month.
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      And as Boro and Sunderland compete for his signature, the youngster responded to the recent speculation online.
      The 21-year-old shared a picture on his Instagram story of his time at Sunderland, accompanied by a kissing emoji.
      Diallo is said to have impressed since returning to Man Utd training and could be kept around as a result.
      The Red Devils are low on options when it comes to their front line and the former Atalanta man could provide cover for the likes of Marcus Rashford, Antony and Alejandro Garnacho.
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      The trio have scored just seven goals between them in the league this season and Diallo could offer fresh look at things for Erik ten Hag.
      But the Dutch boss left him out of the squad to face Tottenham on Sunday despite giving him a 36 minute cameo against Nottingham Forest in the previous gameweek. More

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      Netflix announce new season of hit football show after four years sending fans into meltdown as they shout ‘here we go!’

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      FOOTBALL fans are over the moon after it was confirmed Sunderland ‘Til I Die will return for one last season next month.The hit documentary series was first released by Netflix in December 2018, before a second season came out two years later.
      Season three of Sunderland ‘Til I Die will be released next monthCredit: Netflix
      It follows the ups and downs of Sunderland as viewers are given a behind-the-scenes look into the workings of the football club.
      Now, after a four-year spell away from the screen, it is coming back on February 13 for a third and final edition.
      And fans on social media were beside themselves with glee at the announcement.
      One said: “The first and the best of this genre.”
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      Another added: “OH YES HERE WE GO! 5-1 and the Alex Neil saga 🤩🤩.”
      A third replied: “Can’t bloody wait.”
      A fourth responded: “Still the best football documentary, despite some strong competition since it aired. Hope this series is as entertaining as the first two 🤞🏻.”
      While a fifth said: “I am so ready for season 3 of Sunderland ‘Til I Die 😅.”
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      Sunderland ‘Til I Die was the first behind-the-scenes football documentary of its kind.
      Since then, Amazon Prime have developed their own “All or Nothing” series that has followed Manchester City, Tottenham and Arsenal.
      “Welcome to Wrexham” was also developed on Disney following the arrival of Hollywood A-Listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney to the Welsh club.

      Since the second season of Sunderland ‘Til I Die aired in April 2020, the club have been promoted from League One to the Championship.
      They have also sacked four managers, with current head coach Michael Beale taking over last month. More

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      Former Premier League stadium to be transformed with ‘red and white wall’ in bid to silence away supporters

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      SOUTHAMPTON are redeveloping St Mary’s to try to create a more intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams.Saints have confirmed that the away section at their 32,000-capacity ground is being moved to allow more home fans to sit in the noisy Northam Stand behind one of the goals, creating a “red-and-white wall”.
      Southampton are redeveloping St Mary’s to create an intimidating atmosphere for visiting teamsCredit: Rex
      Supporters have long complained that the current layout of St Mary’s – where the club moved from The Dell in 2001 – hands away teams a boost by separating the loudest home supporters.
      Russell Martin’s side have won their last nine games at home but Southampton’s poor Premier League form in recent years had resulted in a flat and, at times, toxic atmosphere.
      The Championship outfit won just two of their 19 Prem home games last term as they finished bottom.
      The club are now consulting fans as to how best to re-work the stadium and will also introduce safe standing rails to the Northam.
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      Saints CEO Phil Parsons said: “We’ve been listening to fan feedback and we know moving the away end, to create a full home end in the Northam, is something a lot of our fans have been wanting for a long time.”
      Mike Sadler, from the club’s Fan Advisory Board, added: “For many years, Saints fans have said that having the Northam End split between home and away fans has reduced the atmosphere and helped away teams.
      “The Fan Advisory Board represents fans and support the club in their decision to create a full Northam end.
      “We think this will greatly improve the atmosphere, and really help the team.”
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      No changes will be made this season but consultation will take place over the coming months with work expected to start in the summer.
      Southampton are third in the Championship table with only three points separating them from second-placed Ipswich.
      Martin’s side is also 10 points behind leaders Leicester, who are making a strong bid to immediately return to the Prem. More

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      Man Utd cult hero John O’Shea has Birmingham contract ripped up after Wayne Rooney exit

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      JOHN O’SHEA has left Birmingham by mutual consent less than two weeks after Wayne Rooney’s exit.The former Manchester United captain was sacked earlier this month after less than three months in charge.
      John O’Shea has left Birmingham by mutual consentCredit: Sportsfile
      The Manchester United cult hero had been part of Wayne Rooney’s coaching staffCredit: PA
      Rooney won just two of his 15 matches as manager, with Birmingham slipping from fifth to 20th in the Championship.
      His assistant O’Shea had remained at St. Andrew’s but has also now departed the club.
      The Blues confirmed the Irishman’s exit in a statement which read: “The Club can confirm that First Team Coach, John O’Shea, has left by mutual consent.
      “The Board would like to place on record their sincere thanks to John for all his efforts.”
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      O’Shea was appointed in October after Rooney’s arrival and worked under caretaker Steve Spooner following his dismissal.
      He was also part of the coaching team for Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Swansea as new boss Tony Mowbray oversaw his first match.
      Despite his departure from Birmingham, O’Shea remains Republic of Ireland assistant manager.
      The Boys in Green have kept hold of their backroom staff since sacking Stephen Kenny after their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.
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      As a player, O’Shea made 394 appearances for United after making his first-team debut as an 18-year-old.
      He won 16 major trophies with the Red Devils, including five league titles and the Champions League.
      O’Shea also made 189 Premier League appearances for Sunderland after leaving Old Trafford. More

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      How Championship is shaping up and who will win £200million Premier League jackpot – SunSport’s mid-season predictions

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      WE’RE now firmly into the second half of the race to make the Premier League promised land.Leicester and Ipswich have been setting the pace from the front – although the Tractor Boys have been reeled in recently by the blistering form of Southampton.
      Ipswich still occupy an automatic promotion spot despite Southampton’s strong formCredit: Rex
      Bournemouth striker Kieffer Moore is a target for several Championship clubsCredit: Getty
      With the transfer window open, we look at what the runners and riders need if they are to up the pace as the clubs make a dash for the winning post and the £200million jackpot prize of top flight football.
      Here SunSport looks at the top 14 teams who are currently in contention – and apologies to Swansea and Millwall down in 15th and 16th.
      I don’t see either as genuine contenders but, hey, this is the Championship, we might be left with egg on our face come May!
      Leicester
      Enzo Maresca’s side are going to be playing top-flight football next season.
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      The squad is too good for the Championship so the focus must be now on building a team, philosophy and identity that will be able to stay in the Premier League.
      The Foxes will need to strengthen in attacking areas because they surely cannot be relying on veteran Jamie Vardy and Kelechi Iheanacho next season.
      Their midfield needs more creativity too. They do look a bit one-paced.
      Inter Milan and Italy midfield ace Stefano Sensi, 28, is said to have agreed to join the club this month in a move that will cost just under £2m.
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      Ipswich
      What the Tractor Boys have been achieving this season with the same team that won promotion from League One last term is nothing short of remarkable.
      However, they do lack the strength in depth that rivals such as Southampton boast.
      The ruthless Championship fixture schedule had been taking its toll on Kieran McKenna’s men in recent weeks with Saints chasing them down.
      They sensibly brought in Lewis Travis, who made his debut on loan from Blackburn against Sunderland on Saturday, while attacking midfield ace Jeremy Sarmiento from Spurs came off the bench.
      Conor Chaplin has been superb up front but Ipswich have been eyeing up a loan deal for Bournemouth striker Kieffer Moore while Wigan centre-back Charlie Hughes, 20, is also on the club’s radar.
      Chief scout Sam Williams has been personally watching him this season.
      Southampton
      Russell Martin never doubted that the Saints were going to be in the automatic promotion argument – even when four straight losses in September and a leaky defence at the time made it look unlikely.
      Their 4-0 thumping of Sheffield Wednesday made it 14 wins and five draws from their last 19 unbeaten Championship games.
      But with Kamaldeen Sulemana crocked and a lack of experienced replacements, Martin is keen to add another winger to his ranks to help push the Saints over the line in what is looking like a three-way fight with Ipswich and Leeds for second spot.
      David Brooks from Bournemouth is a realistic option while the Saints are keeping tabs on Manchester United kid Amad Diallo as a loan option after he was superb for Sunderland last season.
      Leeds
      Daniel Farke says the club will be reserved during this window as he is happy with his lot at Elland Road – after a chaotic summer where he was unable to nail down his squad until the last minute.
      The club have been in good form although they can be a little inconsistent. For example, they smashed Ipswich at home, only to lose a few days later at Preston.
      They could do with another left-back with Sam Byram having a string of injury issues while Junior Firpo has not exactly pulled up any trees.
      Rangers ace Borna Baristic could be an option.
      West Brom
      The Baggies need to bolster their attack if they are to be a serious threat in the business end of the season.
      As good as they can be on their day – especially at The Hawthorns – they lack a cutting edge at times. In fact, they are the lowest scorers in the top six.
      Bristol City striker Andreas Weimann is on their radar and West Brom boss Carlos Corberan said he wants someone who has good Championship experience.
      Coventry
      The Sky Blues are building up a nice head of steam right now.
      Their 3-1 comeback win over Leicester means they have now won seven, drawn four and lost just one of their last 12 league games and moved into the top six for the first time this season.
      Last year’s play-off finalists were hurt in the summer by the loss of star players Viktor Gyokeres and Gustavo Hamer.
      Boss Mark Robins has signed this month midfielder Victor Torp in a £2.1m deal from Norwegian top flight club Sarpsborg to fill the void he had not yet filled left by Hamer.
      Their top priority this winter should be to tie down attacking midfielder Callum O’Hare, who scored twice on Saturday, to a new deal as his form has turned around Coventry’s season and his current deal expires this summer.
      Sunderland
      Two things that must happen this month at the Stadium of Light is to keep Jack Clarke and sign a striker.
      The Black Cats look a bit short at the moment of making the play-offs and will have no chance if they fail to secure the above.
      Clarke scored his 13th of the season and is being chased by West Ham, Brentford and Crystal Palace but Sunderland must reject all advances.
      Bournemouth’s Kieffer Moore and Blackburn’s Sam Gallagher are on boss Michael Beale’s radar.
      Hull
      One of the surprise play-off contenders that has emerged this season is Liam Rosenior’s men – but he will be keen to maintain their push beyond this transfer window.
      And the club have already been active in boosting their ranks.
      Bringing in attacking midfielder Fabio Carvalho on loan from Liverpool after he was recalled from RB Leipzig is a great piece of business. Although he flopped in Germany, he is a proven performer in the Championship with Fulham.
      And bringing in experienced former Sheffield United striker Billy Sharp, who was a free agent, could prove to be inspired.
      Middlesbrough
      Michael Carrick’s men brought in veteran right-back Luke Ayling on loan from Leeds and attacking midfielder Finn Azaz from Aston Villa.
      But they do need a striker, like a lot of clubs competing, and must keep hold of man of the moment Hayden Hackney.
      The midfielder has been on fire for Boro and scored the winner against Chelsea to give his side a 1-0 Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg advantage – but Tottenham are preparing a January swoop after keeping a close eye on him.
      Norwich
      Although the Canaries spent most of 2023 sitting in mid-table, this morning despite being 10th they have just two points behind the play-off spots so the first half of 2024 could be far from a write-off if they can get their act together.
      David Wagner is one of several managers chasing Bouremouth’s Moore but an interesting target is United winger Facundo Pellistri, 22, whom they want to bring in on loan.
      United have a good relationship with the Canaries and were happy with how the Norfolk side looked after and developed Brandon Williams a couple of seasons ago.
      Preston
      North End fans are bracing themselves for a boring month with hardly any business expected to be done at Deepdale after a busy summer of activity.
      The team are sitting 11th but are just a couple of points behind the top six.
      Preston have been rumoured to be after Newcastle’s defensive midfielder Isaac Hayden after he was recalled from his loan to Standard Liege.
      Cardiff
      After being under a transfer embargo for a whole year, the Bluebirds can splash the cash this winter – and boss Erol Bulut has made it clear he expects exactly that.
      He wants to make “three or four signings” but a striker is the absolute priority.
      And they have joined the queue for Bournemouth’s Moore.
      He also wants a winger, midfielder and centre-back.
      Watford
      The Hornets would like to bring in a left-back during this window.
      Wesley Hoedt is the only natural left-footer in their defence.
      Valerien Ismael has got Watford into the play-off mix and will go all guns blazing in the remaining 19 games.
      Bristol City
      It’s madness usually to consider a team sitting 14th in mid-January as a serious promotion contender – but, right now, the Robins are exactly that, just four points behind sixth-placed Coventry.
      And one of their targets this month is a controversial one… Bristol Rovers striker Chris Martin.
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      Martin, 35, only left Ashton Gate last January, to join QPR, and moved to bitter rivals Rovers in the summer where he has been tearing up League One.
      The Robins want a No10 and striker before the end of the month. More

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      Fans say ‘you can’t help but love Tony Mowbray’ as he hails Birmingham’s ‘Champions League’ BUFFET

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      FOOTBALL fans were loving Birmingham boss Tony Mowbray after he hailed the “unbelievable” buffet on offer at his new club.The ex-Sunderland boss, 60, was appointed Blues head coach earlier this month following the sacking of Wayne Rooney.
      Tony Mowbray hailed the food on offer in the Birmingham media room
      He is preparing for his first Championship game in charge against Swansea on Saturday afternoon after earning a replay in the FA Cup third round against Hull.
      But his pre-match press conference on Friday took an unexpected turn when Mowbray went off on a tangent about the food laid out in the media room.
      He said: “Look at the buffet they [the club] have put on for yous [the journalists]. It’s unbelievable, isn’t it?
      “The food at this club is unbelievable, it’s amazing. I thought my previous club [Sunderland] did amazing things in the kitchen but wow.
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      “You are all very lucky, this is A1, top Premier League, Champions League food I suggest to you.
      “You’re very fortunate.”
      The Birmingham chief’s remarks led to laughter breaking out among journalists in the room.
      And footage of Mowbray’s hilarious comments circulated on social media as fans poured in with their responses.
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      One said: “Tony Mowbray’s genuine enthusiasm for the buffet Birmingham City lay on each week is absolutely stupendous content.”
      While another added: “You can’t help but love Tony Mowbray.”
      A third replied: “A man who knows his food…”
      While a fourth responded: ” Feel like all his future jobs now will be based on the culinary skills of said club. And I’m here for it 😂.”
      Mowbray is looking to arrest Birmingham’s slide down the Championship table after Rooney’s stint saw them fall from sixth to 20th, just six points above the relegation zone.
      The veteran manager was only sacked by Sunderland last month despite his side sitting just three points adrift of the play-offs. More

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      Free EFL football tips, 14/1 acca prediction and £40 in free bets for Saturday’s action

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      SUNSPORT tipster Craig Mahood has gone through Saturday’s EFL card to bring you his best bets, top tips and a whopping 22/1 accumulator.With a lack of Premier League football on Saturday afternoon, the EFL takes centre stage and there’s a banker single and longshot – for those who love bigger odds – on top of the weekend acca.
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      This weekend’s five-fold starts in the Championship with WEST BROM (7/10) hosting out of sorts Blackburn.
      Rovers sit bottom of the form table with just one point from their last five games.
      The Baggies are looking to maintain their spot in the play off places after winning their last three games at home. Two of those came in the Championship against Norwich and Leeds.
      Speaking of LEEDS (8/13), they’ve won 3-0 in back-to-back games and need to go on a bit of a run to catch Ipswich who are seven points clear and in second spot.
      Cardiff have only won once in their last six home games and this represents a good chance for an away win.
      PETERBOROUGH (21/20) are away to Charlton this weekend and sit two points off Bolton in second, so dropped points can be costly.
      Charlton are nine games without a win, while Posh have three wins away from home on the bounce. They also won the reverse fixture earlier this season.
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      Staying in League One, NORTHAMPTON (11/8) host Wigan on Saturday looking to keep their winning run going.
      They’ve won their last two but have made home their fortress, winning five of the last six with leaders Portsmouth the only team to beat them in that run.
      Wigan were plucky in defeat to Man Utd earlier this week but have one win to their name in their last seven games and Northampton could have too much.
      The acca is finished off with CRAWLEY (10/11) who host Salford.
      The hosts have picked up three wins from their last four games while scoring seven goals in their last two games.
      The visitors haven’t won in twelve games, prompting a change of manager but it could be same old story.
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      The Banker
      We head to League One for this one and Reading’s home game with Port Vale.
      Reading’s three games before the EFL Trophy defeat to Brighton U21’s were 3-2, 2-2 and 2-2.
      In fact, the 1-0 loss was only the second time in 17 games that a game involving Reading didn’t finish with both teams scoring.
      Port Vale’s last four games have brought 17 goals. So that trend could and should continue here. Wouldn’t put you off BTTS & over 3.5 goals at 9/4 either….

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      The Longshot
      We’ve gone down the full time result with both teams to score for this one.
      Oxford United (3/1) are at Carlisle with their recent form a bit sticky, but they can bounce back at a Carlisle with just one win in their last nine – though they have only failed to score once in their last five home games.
      Wycombe (10/3) have hit a decent bit of form and could leapfrog opponents Leyton Orient with a home win.
      The Wanderers have won three of their last five home games, with both teams scoring in all three. The visitors have two draws and five defeats in their last seven games.
      And this bet finishes with Wrexham (5/2), still buoyed from beating Shrewsbury in the FA Cup last week.
      They’ve only lost one of their last 14 home games, with Wimbledon scoring on three successive away days.

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