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      Moment Norwich fan proposes to shocked girlfriend on pitch ruined as fans start singing brutal chant at happy couple

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      A NORWICH fan proposed to his stunned girlfriend on the pitch at Carrow Road… and she said yes despite the fans’ cheeky chant.The Canaries hosted West Brom in a crunch Championship clash on Saturday and were about to hold their weekly half-time crossbar challenge.A Norwich fan proposed to his stunned girlfriend at Carrow RoadCredit: News imagesHis stunned girlfriend said yes and the couple earned a glamorous honeymoonCredit: News imagesThe couple enjoyed their moment despite the fans’ hecklingCredit: News imagesA lucky fan stepped up to the plate and was joined by his partner, who was completely unaware of what was to come.The presenter made it clear this wouldn’t be an average half-time show as he handed the microphone to Norwich supporter Jack Garwood .And that was when he popped the question to his ecstatic girlfriend Brandis.Jack said: “Brandis, I know you’re not expecting this but from the very moment I met you I knew you were the one for me. So Brandis, will you marry me?”Read More on FootballA speechless Brandis nodded her head and the presenter declared: “She said yes!”As the happy couple celebrated their engagement, the crowd shockingly started booing this incredible moment.And the away end delivered a brutal chant that went: “You don’t know what you’re doing!”But that didn’t stop the loved up couple from enjoying the start of the new chapter of their life.Most read in ChampionshipAnd the club made things even better by announcing they will be going on honeymoon at Gran Canaria for five nights with all costs covered by sponsors Turismo de Gran Canaria.The couple will surely never forget this moment as Norwich also went on to beat West Brom 1-0 thanks to a last-gasp winner by Josh Sargent.Jack Wilshere’ ‘out of his comfort zone’ in first coaching role since shock Arsenal exit Johannes Hoff Thorup’s side is now 10th in the Championship table with five points separating them from the play-off spots. More

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      Premier League cult hero begs X for help after being prank called by someone ‘pretending to be from Shamrock Rovers’

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      PREMIER LEAGUE cult hero Charlie Austin has pleaded for help after falling victim to a prank phone call.The former Southampton and QPR star returned to non-league football last summer, signing for AFC Totton.Charlie Austin made a plea after being prank calledCredit: Instagram @charlie_austin89Austin became a cult hero playing for QPRCredit: ReutersHe once went viral for a rant calling for VAR while playing for Southampton in 2018Credit: PA:Press AssociationAustin is enjoying life in the Southern Premier League where he is trying to help his side win promotion.However he has been on the receiving end of a prank phone call from someone pretending to work for Irish side Shamrock Rovers.Austin shared the mobile number he received the call from on X and offered his followers the chance to ring the person.He tweeted: “Please find out who this [is] pretending to be from Shamrock Rovers and giving me prank calls. Feel free to call this number for yourselves much appreciated 👍🏻”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMost fans reacted by advising Austin to block the number although some found the incident amusing.One reacted saying: “Best tweet of 2025 so far.”Another added: “Cracker!”A third wrote: “Contender for best tweet of all time.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd another commented: “Can’t believe this is a real tweet.”Austin, 35, looks set to finish his career in the same way he started it – in non-league.Charlie Austin goes on furious rant about officials after Southampton’s draw with Watford The striker began his career at Kintbury Rangers followed by Hungerford Town, Thatcham Town and Poole Town.He got his first big move by joining Swindon and worked his way up the leagues to play in the Prem for QPR, scoring 18 goals in 2014-15 season.Austin earned himself acclaim in 2018 while playing for Southampton over his call for the introduction of VAR.Speaking about a disallowed goal against Watford, he said: “They said it was offside… it’s a joke!”Going on about VAR this VAR that, help the officials out. Clearly they need help.”We play in the Premier League. The best league in the world, the most watched league in the world. “Give them all the help they need because clearly they cost us two points today it’s a joke.” More

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      ‘Most freakish of own goals’ throws Championship relegation fight wide open just moments into second half

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      HULL CITY’S Alfie Jones netted one of the most bizarre own goals of the season – to throw open the Championship relegation battle.Luton Town secured a priceless 1-0 win at the MKM Stadium to move to within three points of the Tigers.Luton Town were gifted a calamitous own goal during their 1-0 win at HullCredit: GettyLewie Coyle booted the ball into the face of Alfie JonesThe ball then flew towards the goalJones saw the ball cannon back off his face into the net 12 minutes into the second halfCredit: X @SkyFootballThe Hatters arrived for the early kick-off on Humberside after a morale-boosting 2-1 comeback win at Cardiff before the international break.And they couldn’t have been gifted a more fortunate goal than the one provided by the hosts moments into the second half.After a goalless first 45 minutes, Hull boss Ruben Selles would have been looking for his team to push on and collect three big points.But things unravelled just 12 seconds after the restart as Luton keeper Thomas Kaminski made a long, hopeful punt upfield.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLLewie Coyle ran over from right back to cover, attempting to smash the ball away from danger inside his own box.Coyle saw his thunderous clearance sail straight into the head of Jones, with the ball flying back towards goal and past stricken stopper Ivor Pandur.One fan groaned on X in response to the goal: “The most Hull City own goal ever.”Another laughed: “Reminder these guys get paid to play football.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhile a third added: “Sunday league level.”And a fourth said: “One to erase from the memory ASAP… tough day for the Tigers!” ‘Classless’ – Fans fume as EFL star’s ‘disgusting’ behaviour sparks row that sees manager sent off days after dad died-LocatLuton have endured a tough first season back in the Championship following relegation from the Premier League last year. The Hatters sacked Rob Edwards in January, bringing in Matt Bloomfield from Wycombe. They have now won three of their last five in the league, pulling to within three points of safety.Hull’s defeat was their first in four games.The Tigers are now looking over their shoulder, with a resurgent Derby gaining fast after three-straight wins. More

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      England U21 star targets double success but refuses to rule out switch to rival nation after first goal

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      HAYDEN HACKNEY is desperate for double joy with Middlesbrough and England – but refuses to rule out a Scottish switch.The 22-year-old midfielder, set to face Oxford United today, has become one of the hottest commodities in the Championship due to his displays for his hometown club.Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney is hoping for a double celebration this summerCredit: GettyThe star, centre, appeared with teammate Tommy Conway and boss Michael Carrick at a recent Boro On The Road eventCredit: MFCHackney carried that form onto the international stage and scored his first goal for England U21s in this week’s 4-2 victory over Portugal.He looks certain to be part of Lee Carsley’s squad that will try to defend the U21 European Championship crown in June.The star previously won two caps for Scotland U21s, who he qualifies for through his mother, before switching his allegiance to the Three Lions in 2023.Scotland have not given up hope of persuading him to represent them at the senior level, and Hackney is not shutting that door, although for now he is concentrating on a promotion push and potential Euro joy.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWhen quizzed on his international future, Hackney said: “I haven’t really thought about it, to be honest. I’m quite relaxed about it. Whatever happens, happens.“There will be a time where I’ll have to make a decision. “I’ve been focused on Middlesbrough really. So I haven’t really had much time to think about it.”Hackney is the latest youngster at Boro to start attracting attention from elsewhere following past successes such as Morgan Rogers and Djed Spence.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSPortuguese giants Porto had a £9million deadline day offer rejected by the Championship club and a host of Premier League sides are monitoring his progress.Though he is shutting out all of that noise and focusing on achieving his dream of getting his boyhood club back into the Premier League after an eight-year absence.Here’s what has happened to England’s lost football groundsHackney, who recently took to the stage alongside teammate Tommy Conway and boss Michael Carrick at a local social club in the first of the club’s On The Road events, said: “That is the ultimate dream.“To take Boro to the Premier League, that would be everything that I wished for as a kid. And then to play with Boro in the Premier League would be unbelievable.”And former season ticket holder Hackney, who has surpassed 100 Boro appearances, has already shown he can cut it against the big boys.Hayden Hackney has represented Scotland at Under-21 level twiceCredit: Willie VassHe scored his first England U21 goal against Portugal in midweekCredit: GettyHackney looks set to be part of England’s Euro U21 squad in JuneCredit: PAThe midfielder scored in a 1-0 win over Chelsea in January 2024Credit: GettyLast January he captained the club for the first time in the FA Cup against Aston Villa before scoring the winner in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg win over Chelsea four days later.On those experiences, he added: “That Chelsea game was a special night. I think my family and all my friends came back to mine that night but once they’d left I couldn’t sleep. That was a great night.“That Villa game, I remember the armband was on my peg. But then the captain normally hands out the tickets before the game for the players but I didn’t get that job, so then I was like, ‘oh, is this in the wrong place or not?’.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He (Carrick) didn’t really say anything. After he’d done his team talk before we went out, he just pulled me and said, ‘don’t change anything, don’t be a different person, just be yourself and enjoy the moment’.”BORO ON THE ROADThe second Boro On The Road event has been confirmed as Middlesbrough continues to bring key faces from the club out to fans in the Teesside community.Michael Carrick will be joined by Dael Fry and Dan Barlaser for a night with supporters at the Lakes Club in Redcar this Tuesday.Doors for the event will open at 6pm for a 7pm start. Lifelong Boro fan Hackney hopes to help Boro win promotion this termCredit: MFCCan you name the famous fathers? More

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      New football regulator could see teams thrown out of the league and stadiums closed down – the game doesn’t need it

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      FOOTBALL has flourished for a century and a half.It is the world’s biggest sport and certainly one of its greater preoccupations.Stars like Man City hitman Erling Haaland have made the Prem special around the world and we must be careful about any changes we makeCredit: APIt is loved by players, ­spectators, TV viewers and children from an early age.It gives £8billion to the Treasury every year.And it provides livelihoods, dreams and dramas, excitement and disappointments.To some it is a life in itself.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSo, what does it need?It is easier to tell you what it does not need — a regulator as judge and jury of professional clubs.Problems are plentiful — they always have been — and our first occupant is due to take their bow fairly soon.There is no question a revolution is on its way and a heck of a lot of money to go with it.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIt will become law towards the end of the year.The bill passed through the House of Lords this week and they sent it to the Commons.Man City launched probe into Erling Haaland after he ‘left club’s mascot with whiplash’ after hit to back of headI sit in the Lords and the debate convinced me that the introduction of a regulator for professional leagues will bring little reward and a lot of work and expense.Our game has been settling wrangles forever.A regulator hasn’t been required before and isn’t now.He or she will have considerable power in granting each of the 116 clubs a licence to operate — each with separate conditions governed by the law of the land.Breaches of licence conditions could result in teams being thrown out the league, stadiums being closed down or even a stint in jail — although a few nights in the Scrubs do not seem likely.However, a serious offence could result in a named director being fined as much as £75,000 a day.The regulator also has a duty to ensure that each club is sustainable.If it is not, the club may look to sell assets, probably stars players.That’s when the riots could start.Regulators have a patchy record. One of them, Ofwat (the water services regulation authority), has been paddling round the question of dumping waste into many rivers, lakes and the sea.Swimming filthy rivers such as the Wye has become a risk to health. And the post under Ofcom has become slow and indecently expensive.Regulators are seen by many politicians as a cure-all.But, frankly, they would, wouldn’t they?Many fans may also feel this way although I suspect there will be considerable mind-changing when they realise what interference might do to their club.The Premier League’s riches and status have caused envy elsewhere — most obviously within the EFL.Many EFL clubs I speak to hate the idea of being answerable to a regulator with untold powers to tell them what to do and how to run their clubsThis is partly understandable — even if Championship clubs are reasonably well off.That  is, after all, the sixth richest league in the world,  having just signed a new £1billion TV rights deal.But while nine clubs in that division are owned by billionaires, quite a few in the lower divisions are hard up.Accrington Stanley, one of the founding members of the Football League, have not had a home crowd anywhere near 3,000 this season.And for one League Two night game in September their gate was just 791.Of course such poor relations should be propped up — and most Premier League clubs appreciate the fact.That is why we send £1.6BILLION down the pyramid while the PL Stadium Fund has contributed more than £207m towards projects including 577 clubhouses and changing rooms, 832 stands, 682 floodlights and 480 pitch improvements.Further talks on an alternative to politicians’ pet scheme should be held between the FA, the Premier League and the EFL.Many EFL clubs I speak to hate the idea of being answerable to a regulator with untold powers to tell them what to do and how to run their clubs.The initial plan for the new regulator is that a report will be published on the state of the game.This will take 18 months but there is such a lack of detail and clarity in the bill that the bundles of legal challenges will be a nightmare!Neither are the outcomes at all promising.And who would pay for the grandiose schemes?Well, it will be the Premier League of course.READ MORE SUN STORIESEvery penny spent on the regulator is a penny taken away from all the good causes, and all the pyramid funding.And, that’s the real tragedy. More

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      I’m the TENTH member of my family to play for my country – I’ve already beaten England, now I want to cause FA Cup shock

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      STEFAN THORDARSON has a remarkable football heritage.The Preston midfielder is one of TEN internationals in his family tree.Stefan Thordarson is one of Preston North End’s star menCredit: PAThe midfielder comes from Icelandic footballing royaltyCredit: PAHis great-grandfather played in Iceland’s first-ever competitive gameCredit: SUPPLIEDThordur Thordarson with son Stefan pictured in 2020Credit: SUPPLIEDAnd as the Iceland star prepares to take on Premier League giants Aston Villa at Deepdale on Sunday, he said: “As soon as you’re born in my family, a ball is put in front of your feet!“It feels like almost everyone I’m related to has played for Iceland!”Thordarson, 26, has been capped 28 times — including playing in the 1-0 Wembley win over England last June.And his dad Thordur, uncle Stefan who played for Stoke, great-uncles Olafur and Teitur and great-grandad Thordur have also represented their homeland.READ MORE SPORTS NEWSBut it does not stop there.Branching off from his great-great-grandmother, he is related to former Iceland star Petur Petursson, who played for Feyenoord, Anderlecht and Royal Antwerp.And through his great-grandma he is also related to Arni Sveinsson, Sveinn Teitsson and Sigursteinn Gislason — who were all capped by their country too.Finally, although not picked by Iceland, his older brother Thordur Thorsteinn Thordarson has been a professional footballer playing in the top flight back home, while cousin Oliver Stefansson is currently with Swedish team IFK Norrkoping.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSPreston’s secret weaponBy Justin AllenASTON VILLA had better beware — Preston’s secret weapon is gunning for them.Iceland midfielder Stefan Thordarson was brought up learning the art of slaying giants and is bidding to stun the Prem side in the FA Cup.Villa, who travel to the Championship outfit tomorrow in the quarter-finals, only need to ask defender Ezri Konsa how you write off the 26-year-old at your peril. When the England star faced Thordarson last June, the Three Lions lost 1-0 at Wembley in their final warm-up for Euro 2024.And the North End midfielder said: “That was a perfect day to play and win against such a talented England team at the iconic Wembley in front of 81,000 fans.“I’d love to go there again for the semi-finals. We want to take this club to Wembley.“Villa have international players in every position, but we’re going to try to do what we do best — dominate the game in the way we want to.”If North End, who sit 14th in the second tier, pull off a shock, it will be the third consecutive year a Championship side have made a Wembley FA Cup semi-final.Coventry were controversially beaten by eventual winners Manchester United on penalties under the arch last season after VAR ruled out what would have been a 120th-minute Haji Wright winner.While Preston boss Paul Heckingbottom took Sheffield United there in 2023 where they lost to Manchester City, who again went on to lift the famous old trophy.Thordarson was in the side that beat Fulham in the Carabao Cup earlier this season after a thrilling 16-15 shootout win.And he has always believed no team is unbeatable since watching his homeland famously knock England out in the last 16 of Euro 2016 — arguably the Three Lions’ most humiliating defeat at a major finals.Thordarson added: “It was the biggest day in Iceland’s sporting history, so we know all about upsets.“It was a huge moment because we all look up to the Premier League and England.“That Iceland side inspired an entire generation of footballers that anything is possible.“We know Villa are a top European side and you can see that in the Champions League.“But as we’ve seen from FA Cup history — and our Iceland team — nothing is impossible.”Altogether, his family have amassed 299 caps and 42 goals for Iceland – of which Thordarson has scored one.Thordarson said: “I’m fortunate to have a family who know what I’m going through as a footballer and they’ve been a major help.Unai Emery proud as Aston Villa compete victory against Club Brugge “The main one is my dad, who played as a goalkeeper back home but had two years in Sweden too at IFK Norrkoping.“And then there’s my uncle Stefan — who I’m named after. He was a striker with Stoke between 2000-02.“My middle name is Teitur, which I get from my great-uncle. He played for Lens and Cannes in France.“He was a great goalscorer and in the 1981-82 season he got 19 for Lens, which was only three behind Les Bleus legend Michel Platini, who was playing for Saint-Etienne that year.“Teitur was the Estonia national team coach and managed a lot of teams in Norway and Iceland as well as Vancouver Whitecaps in Canada. I look up to him a lot.“Then going further back there’s my great-grandfather Thordur, who was in the Iceland team for their first-ever competitive match, against France, when we were allowed to enter the qualifying stages for the 1958 World Cup.”Thordur also scored against an amateur England side in 1956 — classed as a B international as Iceland were not professionals at the time.Stefan Thordarson’s, great uncle, Teitur, also played football before going into managementCredit: SUPPLIEDThordarson added: “I’m lucky to have all these role models. I’m always talking to dad and my uncle who played for Stoke.“Once or twice a year I meet my great-uncles too. Everyone has always been a huge help in my career.”Thordarson is the THIRD player in Preston history to not only come from Iceland but herald from Akranes on the west coast.The town is a 30-minute drive from the capital Reykjavik and has also produced North End midfielder Bjarki Gunnlaugsson (1999-2002) and striker Thordur Gudjonsson (2002).Akranes, with an official population of 8,452, has also produced the likes of ex-Aston Villa, Wolves, Leicester, Burnley and Huddersfield midfielder Joey Gudjonsson and former Wolves striker Bjorn Bergmann Sigurdarson.And current Iceland head coach Arnar Gunnlaugsson, who played for Bolton, Leicester and Stoke, is also from the town.Thordarson said: “There cannot be many places in the world that have produced so many pro footballers from such a small population.“When you’re brought up, it’s all about football. Our hometown team won everything in the 1980s and early 1990s.”Not surprisingly, his role model growing up was Iceland’s most famous player — former Barcelona, Chelsea and Bolton star Eidur Gudjohnsen.And Thordarson was almost starry-eyed when the great man was his Under-21s coach.He said: “Eidur was a huge inspiration. To come from Iceland and get into that Barcelona team alongside the likes of Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, Xavi and Deco was amazing.“It was such a great honour to play for him.”Thordarson is driven to follow in Gudjohnsen’s footsteps by reaching the Premier League and said: “That’s why I moved to England. That has always been my dream.”Stefan Thordarson was inspired by former Chelsea and Iceland star Eidur GudjohnsenCredit: GETTYAs a kid, he grew up watching English football and his favourite team were Arsenal — idolising Thierry Henry, Robert Pires and, in particular, Cesc Fabregas.The Preston star revealed: “I had an English coach back home called Dean Martin.“He still lives in Iceland but is from London and is a big Arsenal fan. He got some of us to be Gooners too.“It was at the time of the Invincibles. The way that team played under Arsene Wenger — and Cesc? Wow.“The way he was and how he moved on the field with his upbringing from Barcelona. It was a joy to watch.”After playing for his local club, Thordarson moved to Denmark and played four seasons for Silkeborg.And in the 2022-23 season, he played against West Ham in the Conference League group stage.Thordarson joined Preston last July and he has quickly established himself as a fans’ favourite.He said: “It’s been an eventful first season. We lost manager Ryan Lowe, who signed me, after just one game.“We had a good Carabao Cup run by beating Fulham 16-15 on penalties and I got the chance to play Arsenal.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Despite the 3-0 loss, that was a great experience.“And now we’re in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. Beating Burnley 3-0 in the last round was one of the best atmospheres I’ve ever played in.”Stefan Thordarson helped Iceland get the better of England last summerCredit: AFP More

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      Frank Lampard tipped for England job as former Premier League manager says ‘it just shines through’

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      CHRIS WILDER believes Frank Lampard should be in the running to be the next England boss.The two managers go head-to-head in a bumper Championship promotion clash when Sheffield United host Coventry on Friday night.Chris Wilder believes Frank Lampard should be in the running to be next England bossCredit: GettyLampard has taken Coventry from 15th to fifth since joining in NovemberCredit: GettyChelsea legend Lampard took over the Sky Blues in November, his fifth job in management, when they were just two points above the relegation zone.Now he takes them to the Blades sitting fifth and among the favourites to clinch a play-off spot.Wilder said: “I’ve got an enormous amount of respect for Frank Lampard, I honestly have.“His playing career is there for everybody to see but I just love the fact that he loves football and it just shines through.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“He took a tough job at Derby and got through to a play-off final and we had a couple of great games with them in that season and he had an outstanding run at it.“Tough gig at Chelsea when they didn’t sign any players and he had to play a lot of young players. Tough gig at Everton.“I don’t think he gets the credit that he deserves, I honestly don’t.“People talk about England managers and people are critical of him, I just don’t get it. He can quite easily manage England.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“The job he’s doing at Coventry, he didn’t have to do it, but he wants to get his hands dirty. “He loves football, he loves the changing room, he loves everything about football. So I’m a big fan.”Harry Redknapp rings me on the M40 after every game whether we win or lose – he’s the best uncle everMeanwhile, Wilder’s Blades are locked in a three-horse race for automatic promotion with Leeds and Burnley.A victory against Coventry would take them three points clear of Leeds, who host Swansea, and five ahead of Burnley, and he insists he is relishing every second of the run-in.Wilder said: “We have to embrace and enjoy this, and that’s everybody from staff to players to supporters.“We really have to enjoy it because there’s plenty of times where you have dark days in football and these clubs have had a few dark days over the years and even recently. So when the sun shines, you’ve got to enjoy it.“The full focus now is on to the last eight games and taking the next one in our stride.”With a sold-out crowd set to cheer them on, Wilder also called for fans to help his players “get over the line” in the promotion race.He added: “The team really deserves and needs a massive push from, from the punters.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I know I’ve always said it’s up to the players to set the tone, but the players need the help now to get over the line and I know they’ll do everything they can to help us.“I’m sure they’ll be as loud as they’ll ever have been at Bramall Lane on Friday to make that a tough place to come.” More

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      ‘You’re the worst f***ing signing I’ve ever made’, said ruthless manager to new player and wanted to ‘give him back’

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      STEVE CLARIDGE has revealed how “merciless” Barry Fry begged to send a Birmingham star back to his former club – after just one game. Journeyman forward Claridge, 57, played for over 25 clubs over his long and illustrious career.Steve Claridge has revealed Barry Fry’s epic rant about Birmingham striker Kevin FrancisCredit: X @UndrTheCoshThe former Posh chairman managed Birmingham between 1993 and 1996Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdFrancis was the target of a Fry meltdown after a poor display early in his Brum careerCredit: GettyHe joined Birmingham in 1994 after impressing for Cambridge United. The Blues were managed by the outspoken Fry, who would later become Peterborough United’s chairman-manager. Birmingham had been relegated to Division Two under Fry the previous season. And Claridge arrived alongside a host of new faces, including 6ft 7in striker Kevin Francis.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut in an early season away game, Francis had a stinker – and Fry let rip in the dressing room.Speaking to the UndrTheCosh podcast, Claridge said: “With Baz, if you weren’t strong, you were done.”[After the loss] he said to Francis ‘You are the f*cking worst signing, I have ever made.'”Bearing in mind, we signed 54 players that season.”Most read in FootballClaridge continued: “We paid £800,000 for Kev. [Fry] was raging ‘Is there anything left on this transfer? What do we have to pay?'”‘Give this f***er back. I can’t have him here, he’s the worst f***ing player I’ve ever seen.”EFL club owner gives update on new £2bn ‘spaceship’ stadium included in mega plans for state-of-the-art complex Claridge went on to reveal what he said to Francis when Fry’s rant was finally over.He laughed: “I told him ‘I think he quite likes you, mate! I’ve heard far worse’.”Francis – who for a time was the tallest player in the EFL – found his shooting boots after Fry’s meltdown. The striker went on to net 21 goals in 94 games for the Blues, helping them win the Division Two title. He would later go on to play for Hull City, Exeter and Stockport County.Fry also helped Blues lift the Football League Trophy alongside promotion back to Division One, now the Championship. The 79-year-old guided Birmingham to the semi-finals of the League Cup a year later, but was sacked after finishing 15th. More