Championship

MIDDLESBROUGH have chosen to back rather than sack Michael Carrick despite a run of six defeats in seven matches.The Championship club’s chairman Steve Gibson was in the stands to watch Saturday’s dire 1-0 defeat to Watford.Michael Carrick has come under pressure at MiddlesboroughCredit: GettyThe team has lost six of the last seven matchesCredit: GettyAnd after talks, he has decided to stick with the Manchester United legend in a huge vote of confidence.Carrick, 43, is the Championship’s longest-serving manager, but his reign of two years and four months was thought to be over after Boro slipped to 11th.Despite the winter slump, Boro still remain just four points behind sixth-placed West Brom with a game in hand.Speculation has mounted that Gibson would wield the axe to try and reignite a play-off push that has faded badly following just three wins from the last 15 matches.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBoro had hopes of automatic promotion this term, but they are 25 points adrift of the top two, and the top six was the minimum expectation.And with season ticket renewal details set to be announced imminently, pressure has mounted on Carrick.But Boro chiefs are backing him to turn things around despite fan unrest and will continue to support him.Middlesbrough are next in action on Friday in a televised clash at Bristol City ahead of a trip to Stoke and then a home game with Derby County.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCarrick took over Boro in October 2022 with the club sitting 21st and looking set for a relegation fight.But they enjoyed a huge upturn in form and ended up finishing in the play-offs, where they suffered heartbreak against Coventry City.Lionel Messi called out for boxing match as Logan Paul fumes ‘this ain’t justice’ in bid to settle ongoing dispute They then missed out on the top six last term by four points, although Carrick led Boro to the Carabao Cup semi-finals.He lost highly-rated first-team coach Aaron Danks from his backroom team last summer when he left to become Vincent Kompany’s assistant at Bayern Munich.Carrick replaced him with his younger brother Graeme, previously Newcastle’s U18 coach, while ex-Boro player and manager Jonathan Woodgate has been his No2 throughout. More

TWO Premier League cult heroes could be set for a return to English football – with Blackburn Rovers.Blackburn are looking for a new manager after John Eustace left to join Derby last week.Blackburn are interviewing candidates to replace John Eustace, who has joined DerbyCredit: PAEx-Fulham star Luís Boa Morte is reportedly on the shortlistCredit: GettyFormer Prem midfielder George Boateng is also being interviewed at Ewood ParkCredit: GettyEustace jumped ship despite guiding Rovers into the Championship playoff spots.The club have not been in the Premier League since 2012. David Lowe took interim charge as Blackburn beat Plymouth 2-0 on Saturday to cement their place in the top six. According to talkSPORT, Ewood Park bosses are set to interview both Luis Boa Morte and George Boateng for the vacant role.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBoa Morte, 47, played for Arsenal, Southampton, Fulham and West Ham during his nearly two-decade career.While Boateng, 49, spent the majority of his playing days in England, appearing over 100 times for Aston Villa and Middlesbrough. Neither have managerial experience in England but both went into coaching after hanging up their boots.Boa Morte is currently in charge of the Guinea-Bissau national team.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe was previously an assistant under Marco Silva at both Everton and Fulham. Boateng previously coached in the Blackburn youth setup, taking charge of their under-13s in 2018. Footballers you didn’t know were related from Premier League icons to Lionel MessiHe has only one other managerial job – Kelantan in Malaysia – but has held various coaching roles across English football.Boateng left Coventry City last year after the arrival of Frank Lampard to the Sky Blues. The 49-year-old has held previous coaching roles with both the Ghana national team and Villa.Boateng won the Carling Cup with Middlesbrough in 2004Credit: PA:Press AssociationBoa Morte featured over 100 times for FulhamCredit: PA:Press AssociationEustace’s decision to join Derby was motivated by a desire to be closer to his family.Following his departure, Blackburn said in a statement: “While we are disappointed by his decision to leave at this crucial stage of the season, we fully understand that the opportunity to move closer to his family and return to a former club played a significant role in his choice.”he club had hoped that John would see out the season and continue the fantastic work he has done, particularly after strengthening the squad in January and guiding us into a strong position in the league.READ MORE SUN STORIES”However, with 14 games remaining and a real chance to push for a play-off place, the focus remains on achieving our ambitions …”David Lowe will continue to take temporary charge of first-team affairs, supported by Damien Johnson, Ben Benson, Mike Sheron and Paul Butler, until a permanent successor is appointed.” More

RAGING Burnley players wanted Milutin Osmajic to be subbed after Hannibal Mejbri accused Preston’s forward of racism.Clarets’ Zian Flemming went to the Preston bench to ask why Osmajic had stayed on following the accusations of a slur against Hannibal during Saturday’s 0-0 stalemate.Burnley wanted Milutin Osmajic to be subbed after an alleged racist comment to Hannibal MejbriCredit: GettyThe incident allegedly occurred during Burnley’s 0-0 draw with Preston on SaturdayCredit: RexNorth End manager Paul Heckingbottom is currently serving a touchline ban.But stand-in boss Stuart McCall stood his ground and refused Burnley’s request, sparking CJ Egan-Riley to hurl the ball in his direction — greeted by sarcastic applause from the coach.Osmajic was later taken off in the 77th minute, with Hannibal being subbed by Burnley six minutes earlier.Preston insiders reveal Osmajic was close to tears when he went to see referee Andrew Kitchen after the game.READ MORE EFL NEWSOsmajic and Hannibal were called in by the official who will report the incident to the FA ahead of an investigation.The Montenegrin striker said he has black team-mates and pals in the Preston ranks and would not have insulted them.The FA will quiz both about an alleged racist comment.In October, Osmajic was hit with an eight-match ban after biting Blackburn’s Owen Beck.Most read in ChampionshipThe incident took place during Preston’s 0-0 draw with Rovers in September.Osmajic was only shown a yellow during the game and was able to play in Preston’s next two games.But the FA launched an investigation and subsequently charged him.Osmajic missed Preston’s next eight matches and was also fined £15,000. More

THE Canaries were helped by a SQUIRREL in a bizarre turn of events in Norwich’s match against Hull.The visitors were trailing the East Yorkshire side 1-0 when an unplanned secret squirrel attack unlocked The Tigers’ defence.A squirrel made a darting run down the wing before Norwich City’s equaliser at HullIn what was a secret squirrel attack, the rodent offered the perfect overlap for his new teammatesMoments after the squirrel’s run, Josh Sargent headed homeCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskAs the playoff hopefuls worked the ball forward in search of an equaliser, the speedy rodent was seen running down the wing on the MKM Stadium pitch.Norwich’s Borja Sainz spotted the squirrel making the perfect overlap, but opted to play in Kellen Fisher instead.Fisher’s cross was then met by the head of US striker Josh Sargent who notched his ninth goal of the season.However, it would be amiss not to credit his new furry team-mate for creating the goalscoring opportunity.Read more football newsNeedless to say, football fans online were full of puns and praise for the mammal – mostly referencing nuts.One wrote: “That’s nuts.”A second posted: “They squirrelled the ball away.”A third shared: “Decent overlapping run that to draw out the full back.”Most read in FootballHe was later seen running past the Hull benchCredit: GettyThe rodent showed an incredible turn of paceCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile a fourth joked: “It was onside so no issues.”Animals on the pitch in the EFL are nothing new, though.Shocking moment fans throw pig’s head on to the pitch during bitter derby clash before player kicks it away Only last month, a DOG had to be chased off the pitch moments before kick-off at Bristol Rovers vs Leyton Orient.The League One clash was in danger of being delayed as the hosts tried to chase down the four-legged pitch invader.The dog entered the pitch from one corner and managed to sprint all the way across to the opposite corner flag, all while being chased by a hapless club official.The hound was cheered all the way and greeted to cries of: “Sign him up! Sign him up! Sign him up!” More

OXFORD’S clash with Portsmouth was delayed by around half an hour due to a medical emergency in the crowd.The match was halted in the 15th minute as the supporter received medical assistance after suffering a cardiac arrest.Oxford’s clash with Portsmouth was delayed after around 15 minutesCredit: RexPlayers were then taken off the pitch around six minutes later.The match was still goalless when both teams left the field of play.Having kicked off in the early 12:30pm slot, the Championship match was being broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports+.Twelve minutes after players were taken off the pitch, Portsmouth confirmed that the game would resume at 1:15pm.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA brief statement on social media confirmed: “Play is due to restart at 1.15pm at the Kassam Stadium.”We send our very best wishes.”Oxford then gave an encouraging update, posting: “Thank you for your patience.”We can confirm that the fan is breathing and receiving medical care, they will be transferred to hospital for further monitoring. Play will resume at 1:15PM.”Most read in ChampionshipAfter the game, which was won 2-0 by Pompey, Oxford posted a further update on the situation.It read: “Following a medical emergency which took place during today’s game, Oxford United can confirm a supporter suffered a cardiac arrest during the first half.’I’m the only one that knows’ – Benjani lifts lid on what happened when Harry Redknapp sold him on Deadline Day”We are pleased to report they are now in a stable condition and receiving further treatment in hospital.”Oxford went into the match 16th in the table, with Pompey five points behind in 18th.Pompey were left devastated last month when avid fan Alec Lumb, 63, died during their game with Middlesbrough at Fratton Park.His partner of 15 years Sharon said she noticed Alec was slumped in his seat when the players came out on to the pitch.She quickly performed CPR on him and alerted paramedics to the incident.Players stopped the game and signalled to the referee and medical staff who treated Alec in the stand.But despite everyone’s best efforts Alec tragically passed away soon after.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe left behind Sharon, his daughters Hannah and Rebecca, step-daughters Lauren and Shannon – and brother and sister, Ian and Sue.Sue said the family were incredibly touched by the support they’ve received, which has included a whopping £8,900 in donations. More

DERBY COUNTY have announced John Eustace as their new manager.The gaffer has linked up with his former playing club after leaving Championship rivals Blackburn Rovers.John Eustace has quit Blackburn for Championship rivals DerbyCredit: PAThe ace enjoyed two spells with Derby as a playerCredit: Action Images – ReutersEustace, who only replaced Jon Dahl Tomasson at Ewood Park a year ago, shocked the play-off hopefuls when he activated a shock release clause in his contract to hold talks with Derby.The Rams targeted Eustace, who made 62 appearances across two spells as a player for them, after sacking Paul Warne last week.And Rovers were forced to release a statement clarifying the situation while also slamming Eustace for forcing through an exit.But a deal taking him to Pride Park has now gone through.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe former Rams midfielder, who is tasked with saving his new side from relegation, has penned a contract until 2028.And Eustace, who leaves Rovers fifth in the Championship, will be joined in the dugout by assistant boss Matt Gardiner and first-team coach Keith Downing.Derby owner David Clowes said: “I’m excited to welcome John back to Derby County. Fans will remember him for his craft, commitment and intelligence. He was a real leader.“I’ve followed his managerial career with interest, and it’s clear he has the qualities we need to maintain our progress.Most read in ChampionshipJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“He helped both Queens Park Rangers and Birmingham City avoid relegation, before taking Birmingham to sixth place prior to his departure. He has repeated that achievement at Blackburn Rovers, leaving behind a team in the play-off places.”I am thrilled that he shares our belief in the potential of Derby County and that he wants to play a leading role in our plans.Boy Wonders: Blackburn star Harvey Higgins dubbed the ‘next Vardy'”When we bought the club, I was moved by the passion, solidarity and shared belief that bonded all of us who cared about Derby County. From the players, to the staff and to every single fan, we shared a determination to save the club and drive it forward.”It’s the same bond we need now as we get behind John and the players for these final 14 games. That bond was clear at Norwich last Saturday, a team fighting and refusing to be beaten, urged on by our magnificent support.”This is now a season within a season and it’s time for that passion, solidarity and shared belief again, to show what the Rams mean to us all.”Rovers had initially slammed Eustace’s push to quit for Derby earlier in the week.But a classy statement released in the wake of his exit revealed an apparent change of heart, with Eustace seemingly wanting the move to be closer to his family.And Rovers are now thought to be targeting a move for ex-Wolves boss Gary O’Neil as Eustace’s replacement.Eustace replaces Paul Warne who was sacked last weekCredit: PAGary O’Neill is now being lined up for the Wolves jobCredit: APBlackburn’s message to fans read: “Blackburn Rovers can confirm that John Eustace has left his role as Head Coach to take up a position with another Championship club.“While we are disappointed by his decision to leave at this crucial stage of the season, we fully understand that the opportunity to move closer to his family and return to a former club played a significant role in his choice.“The club had hoped that John would see out the season and continue the fantastic work he has done, particularly after strengthening the squad in January and guiding us into a strong position in the league.“However, with 14 games remaining and a real chance to push for a play-off place, the focus remains on achieving our ambitions.“Football is always evolving, and while we part ways with John Eustace, this also presents an exciting opportunity for the new head coach to build on our current positive position.“We remain in a good place in the league and the togetherness of the players, staff and supporters can all play a huge role in making it a successful end to the season.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We would like to thank John Eustace, along with his assistants Matt Gardiner and Keith Downing, for their dedication and hard work over the past year. We wish them all the best in their future endeavours.“David Lowe will continue to take temporary charge of first-team affairs, supported by Damien Johnson, Ben Benson, Mike Sheron and Paul Butler, until a permanent successor is appointed.” More