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      Luton release 14 PLAYERS including long-serving star in ruthless squad cull after relegation from Premier League

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      LUTON TOWN have put together a brutal clearout following their Premier League relegation that has seen a total of 14 players leaving Kenilworth Road.Luton finished 18th in the Prem table with six points separating them from safety and will be returning to the Championship just a year after their stunning promotion.Long-serving star Dan Potts has left Luton Town after the club’s relegationCredit: GettyLuke Berry will be leaving Luton Town after his contract runs outCredit: AlamyThe Hatters’ manager Rob Edwards will have to do it all over again but will be without long-serving duo Dan Potts and Luke Berry this time around.Potts, 30, has been with the club since 2015 while Berry, 31, joined in 2017Both veterans will be leaving once their contracts expire on June 30.They will be joined by Fred Onyedinma, Elliot Thorpe and Admiral Muskwe, whose deals also run out next month.Read More on FootballMeanwhile, Josh Allen, Tobias Braney, Oliver Camis, Archie Heron, Millar Matthews-Lewis and Ben Tompkins have been released.And Will Houghton, Max Scott and Marcus Warren will be leaving the club’s academy.Issa Kabore and Albert Sambi Lokonga will be returning to their parent clubs at Manchester City and Arsenal respectively at the end of their loan stints. Meanwhile, Allan Campbell, Ryan Giles, Tom Holmes, John McAtee, Aribim Pepple, Dion Pereira, Joe Taylor, Jack Walton and Louie Watson’s loan deals away will expire next month.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLuton continue talks over a new contract with Gabe Osho, whose deal runs out next month, after the relegated club exercised its option to extend James Shea’s stint.Extended terms have been accepted by Under-21 stars Jack Bateson, Josh Odell-Bature, Jacob Pinnington and Dominic Dos Santos Martins.Huge pitch invasion as Man City win title despite players begging supporters not to and Gary Neville calls it a ‘shame’And from the Under-18s, Claude Kayibanda and Jack Lorentzen-Jones have accepted their offers of professional contracts, while Tyrell Giwa’s scholarship has been extended for a third year.Under-16 aces Archie Shepherd, Benedict Benagr, Charlie Booth, Christian Chigozie, Harry Fox, Kyron Roberts-Edema, Leon Routh, Lucas Thomas and Samuel Hincapie Alfonso have been offered first-year scholarships.Luton Town’s released listHere’s who Luton Town have released after their Premier League relegation:

      Dan Potts
      Luke Berry
      Fred Onyedinma
      Elliot Thorpe
      Admiral Muskwe
      Josh Allen
      Tobias Braney
      Oliver Camis
      Archie Heron
      Millar Matthews-Lewis
      Ben Tompkins
      Will Houghton
      Max Scott
      Marcus Warren More

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      Will Still in shock talks with Championship club as he targets first manager job in England

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      WILL STILL is in talks with Norwich City as he targets his first managerial role in England.The Championship club are looking for a new manager after axing David Wagner following the crushing 4-0 play-off loss to Leeds.Norwich has been in talks with former Reims manager Will StillCredit: GettyThe former Reims boss visited Norwich’s training ground earlier this week.But SunSport understands four other candidates are expected to be consulted.The targets include former AZ Alkmaar boss Pascal Jansen and Arsenal assistant Carlos Cuesta.Norwich’s sporting director Ben Knapper has previously dealt with Still, when he was Arsenal’s loans manager.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 31-year-old took charge of Reims, where he was previously assistant to Oscar Garcia, in October 2022 with the side in a desperate Ligue 1 relegation fight.However, he led them to a 19-game unbeaten run and 11th-placed finish.But shortly before the end of the season, the French side announced his departure having won two of their last 14 games.Still was born in Belgium to English parents and admitted that his love of coaching was born through playing the much-loved Football Manager game.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHis first gig was at Preston’s Myerscough College where he got the chance to coach North End’s Under-14 side.He then got in touch with Belgian contacts football asking if there were any opportunities.Jack Grealish lined up for sensational Bayern Munich transferSint-Truiden came up trumps – offering him work as an opposition analyst.Still took various jobs from 2017 – including roles at Standard Liege and second division Lierse.At 24, Liege promoted him to be their head coach – but he was forced to leave when they fell into financial difficulty.A short stint at Beerschot was followed by talk of him teaming up with Vincent Kompany at Anderlecht.But he then made his way to France to be Garcia’s right-hand man on a short-term deal.Earlier this season, he was spotted watching his beloved West Ham in action at the London Stadium – leading to fans calling him a “dream” replacement for David Moyes. More

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      Championship play-off final 2024 prize money: How much are Leeds and Southampton battling for at Wembley?

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      LEEDS and Southampton are set to battle it out in what will be a thrilling Championship play-off final – and there’s a lot more to gain than just Premier League promotion.Daniel Farke inflicted pain on his old side by leading his current team to a 4-0 thrashing against Norwich in the semis.Leeds booked their spot in the Championship play-off finalCredit: RexSouthampton are hoping to reclaim their spot in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyWhile Southampton held their nerve to beat West Brom in the other play-off semifinal.And both teams will be desperate to secure promotion to England’s top division by winning the Wembley showpiece.But there is also a huge prize pot up for grabs for whoever is victorious in the ‘richest game in football’.What is the Championship play-off final 2024 prize money?Clubs don’t earn money directly for winning the Championship play-off final, but the winning team will receive a lot of financial benefits in the upcoming season.Read more on ChampionshipSports financial analysts revealed that promotion will mean an increase in revenue of approximately £135million over the next three seasons.However, that could rise £265m over five years if the club avoids relegation in their first season.A majority of that money is accumulated through TV commercial payments as each club receives an equal payment of £31m just for being in the league.Furthermore, the successful team will likely get around £60m from international agreements as well as £1.2m for every game shown live on TV.Most read in ChampionshipWhen is the Championship play-off final 2024?
      Leeds vs Southampton will take place on Sunday, May 26.
      Kick-off will be at 3pm BST.
      Wembley Stadium will host and it can host approximately 90,000 passionate fans.
      Luton secured promotion to the Premier League with a 2-1 play-off final win against Coventry. More

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      Biggest shake up to football ownership in years is SHELVED by Tories as PM has just 1 week to get key bills through

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      FOOTBALL fans have been dealt a huge blow as the sweeping crackdown on dodgy owners won’t see the light of day before the general election. The Football Governance Bill, which would have set up an independent regulator for the sport, has been ditched as there is not enough time to push it through the House of Lords before Parliament dissolves. Football fans have been dealt a huge blow (stock)Credit: RexRishi Sunak called a snap general election on WednesdayCredit: Rex More

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      Kieran McKenna would be mad to take Chelsea job and would think twice about Brighton – but couldn’t turn down dream role

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      KIERAN McKENNA is the hottest managerial property but I would be gobsmacked if he quits Ipswich this summer.UNLESS  … Manchester United come knocking.Kieran McKenna might resist anything except Man UtdCredit: GettyThere is a gut feeling around Portman Road he would be unable to turn them down.I’ve met and spoken to McKenna on a number of occasions, talked to his players, some of those who work alongside him and watched his team’s incredible journey from League One mid-table fodder to the Premier League.And it is no surprise he is being linked with the current vacancies at Chelsea and Brighton. He was already getting touted for top-flight jobs LAST SUMMER such is the high regard he is held in elite football circles.Crystal Palace approached him before opting for Oliver Glasner when Roy Hodgson left.READ MORE TOP STORIESYet — knowing the way McKenna operates and works — he would think twice about making what is effectively a side-step move to the Sussex coast after everything he has built in Suffolk.Yes, Brighton are more advanced in their journey and now an established Premier League club that has just had a season in the Europa League — but McKenna firmly believes Ipswich can reach that level too.And he would be stark raving mad to walk into what is effectively a snake pit at Stamford Bridge. Talk of him suddenly pitching up at Chelsea — especially after what happened to Graham Potter — is for the birds.A few defeats there and he would be out of a job and his reputation could be tarnished.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever keeping Ipswich up would only enhance his standing in the game — while going down would not harm it at all. Although Ipswich are already a better side than the likes of Luton and Nottingham Forest.McKenna has a long-term strategy of where he wants to head. That is to manage in the Champions League and competing for trophies. Clearly that is something that is unlikely to happen at Ipswich.How Man Utd could line up under Pochettino But, he understands that he is only two-and-a-half years into his own frontline management journey.McKenna is genuinely excited to be leading Ipswich into the Premier League and has no desire to walk away at this moment.He has completely invested himself into Ipswich and when I spoke to him a couple of weeks ago he was adamant he wanted to write another glorious chapter in his Portman Road story.And that is what he is most likely to do before inevitably leaving for one of the big guns.But I understand Manchester United would be too huge an opportunity and personally special for him to turn down if they decide to give Erik ten Hag the tin tat after this Saturday’s FA Cup final against Manchester City.McKenna understands United inside out — running their academy and working as an assistant and first-team coach under the likes of Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solsksjaer.He always speaks highly of his time there and his fondness for United as a club and is still popular and in touch with many of the backroom staff he worked with during his five years there.It was apt he received his LMA manager of the year award from Sir Alex Ferguson and there is a gut instinct at Ipswich that they would struggle to keep him if SIr Jim Ratcliffe did call him up.Ipswich CEO Mark Ashton, who was with McKenna, certainly is not worried about losing McKenna and is confident that quadrupling his annual salary to £5million-a-year in a new four-year deal is proof they mean business and are not just going into the top flight to make up the numbers.Having worked at United, he knows how to handle big-name players. You will struggle to find a single one who has anything but the highest praise.McKenna’s biggest assets are his calmness under pressure, his meticulous attention to detail, attacking mindset and loyalty to those he has enjoyed working with.When Ipswich won promotion to the Championship, players at Portman Road were openly talking at the start of the season about having a tilt for Premier League football.Leif Davis — who McKenna signed from Leeds two years ago and has helped make him the best left-back in the Championship last season — told me the manager spoke only about going for promotion rather than consolidating.And that is typical of McKenna — he doesn’t see any point in setting the bar low. His bar is always raised high. Anyone who has played for him or worked with him will tell you exactly that.He is always bold when making substitutes. The amount of games that have been won thanks to McKenna switches usually around the hour mark has been nothing short of remarkable.Just when teams feel they have had Ipswich’s measure he has brought on impact players such as Omari Hutchinson and Jeremy Sarmiento in particular to power to victory.Having worked at United, he knows how to handle big-name players and egos. You will struggle to find a single one of them who has anything but the highest praise for McKenna.Even Solskjaer believes McKenna is destined for the top – and he is. But not right now.Another manager being touted for a switch this summer after leading his club to promotion is Leicester’s Enzo Maresca.Oliver Glasner, seen with England call-up Eberechi Eze, landed the Crystal Palace job despite McKenna being approached for the jobCredit: GettyThe Foxes boss, who worked as Pep Guardiola’s assistant, won the Championship title, pipping Ipswich by a point.Chelsea are said to have spoken with him.There is little doubt that the Spaniard has transformed the way Leicester play — and at times this season were the Man City of the Championship.But Leicester fans started to get restless with him for what they perceived as painstakingly slow football at times. Maresca was unhappy when details came out that Leicester could face a points deduction in the Premier League for breaking profit and sustainability rules.When I spoke with him after they wrapped up the Championship title at Preston, he was seeking assurances going forward that the club were not in any danger of being punished this coming season.Although he did a pretty good job at the King Power, he surely needs to earn his stripes in the top-flight before he can be seriously considered for the Stamford Bridge job.READ MORE SUN STORIESAs good as he has been, he is not as strong a candidate at McKenna.The Ipswich boss is destined for a top job soon — but the jury is still out on Maresca. 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      Leeds vs Southampton – Championship play-off final: Whites and Saints go head-to-head for spot in Premier League

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      LEEDS take on Southampton in the Championship play-off final on Sunday afternoon.Both sides will be looking to secure an instant return to the Premier League.Leeds booked their spot in the Championship play-off final after beating Norwich over two legsCredit: GETTYSouthampton beat West Brom in the semi-finalsCredit: GETTYLeeds thrashed Norwich 4-0 in their semi-final home leg to book their spot at Wembley.While Adam Armstrong’s double helped Southampton to a 3-1 triumph against West Brom over two legs.The Saints have got the better of Leeds in both of their meetings during the regular season as Russell Martin’s men eye a hat-trick of wins against the Whites – topped off with the richest prize in football.When is the Championship play-off final?
      Leeds vs Southampton will take place on Sunday, May 26.
      Kick off will be at 3pm BST.
      Wembley Stadium will host.
      READ MORE IN EFLWhat TV channel is the Championship play-off final on and can it be live streamed?
      Leeds vs Southampton will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event.
      Sky Sports customers can live stream the match on the NOW/Sky Sports app.
      Alternatively, you can follow SunSport’s live blog to keep up to date with all the action from Wembley.
      Team newsFor Leeds, Patrick Bamford could return to the squad after missing the last four games, including the play-off semi-finals, with injury.Pascal Struijk will be out for the final as he continues to recover from groin surgery.Sam Byram could return for the Whites after missing the semi-final second leg with an injury.Most read in FootballSaints goalkeeper Gavin Bazuno will remain unavailable with an Achilles injury he sustained in April.Scottish playmaker Stuart Armstrong is out after he suffered a serious problem late on in the season.Strikers Che Adams and Ross Stewart are both in a race to be fit for the play-off final.What are the odds?Match result
      Leeds – 13/10
      Draw – 11/5
      Southampton – 2/1
      To be promoted
      Leeds – 4/6
      Southampton – 23/20
      *Odds courtesy of Paddy Power and are correct at the time of publication. More

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      Brighton line up former star to replace De Zerbi after he was spotted in box days after being sacked by EFL side

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      LIAM ROSENIOR has emerged as a contender in the race to become new Brighton manager.Albion are stepping up their search for a coach to take over from Roberto de Zerbi, who left after the final game defeat to Manchester United.Liam Rosenior has emerged as a contender for the Brighton jobCredit: GettyRoberto De Zerbi left Brighton after the final match of the Premier League seasonCredit: PARosenior was a guest of Brighton’s directors for last week’s home match against Chelsea.He was sacked by Championship side Hull earlier this month after the team failed to make the Play Offs – finishing seventh.But he is seen as an enterprising, young coach in much the same way as Graham Potter was when he was hired by Brighton after managing in in the EFL with Swansea City.Rosenior faces fierce competition for the job from promoted Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna who has been heavily linked with Brighton.Read More on FootballRosenior, 39, played for Albion and coached their under 23 sides early in his managerial career.He has also been linked to other Championship sides including Sunderland.Russell Martin, Francesco Farioli, Will Still, Thomas Frank and Steve Cooper are also among those that have been linked with the job.Potter has also been tipped for a sensational return to Sussex.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBrighton next manager oddstalkSPORT BET odds

      Kieran McKenna – 11/10
      Francesco Farioli – 4/1
      Russell Martin – 10/1
      Liam Rosenior – 14/1
      Graham Potter – 14/1
      Will Still – 20/1
      Thomas Frank – 25/1
      Thiago Motta – 25/1
      Steve Cooper – 25/1
      Simone Inzaghi – 25/1
      Ruben Amorim – 25/1

      talkSPORT BET: Get £20 in free bets – Claim here*

      Potter left the Amex Stadium to become Chelsea manager in September 2022, but he was sacked seven months later and is yet to find another job.Man Utd are also understood to be interested in the ex-Brighton boss.Hull City SACK Liam Rosenior in shock decision just weeks after Manager of the Year nominationOutgoing midfielder Adam Lallana has urged Brighton fans to be patient with whoever takes over from De Zerbi.He said: “I’m gutted we couldn’t give Roberto the send-off he deserves for everything he’s done at this football club.”It’s important that the fans stay patient with whoever the new manager is.”I think Brighton have extremely overachieved in the last couple of years. Roberto is a huge part of that.”It’s important as a football club that we say thanks to him because he was the gold-dust on top, in my opinion, that got us to Europe, that got us to creating history here.”Brighton fans must be patient, says LallanaBy Tom Barclay
      ADAM LALLANA has called for Brighton fans to be patient with Roberto De Zerbi’s successor – as the club have “extremely overachieved” in recent years.
      Sunday’s 2-0 home defeat to Manchester United was De Zerbi’s last game in charge after the Italian decided to call it quits after failing to agree on the club’s vision going forward.
      That was despite having no job offers lined up and still having two years remaining on his contract.
      It was also the final Seagulls appearance for Lallana, who has left after four years with the South-Coast side which saw the team play in Europe for the first time ever.
      The former Liverpool and England star, 36, said: “I’m gutted we couldn’t give Roberto the send-off he deserves for everything he’s done at this football club.
      “It’s important that the fans stay patient with whoever the new manager is.
      “I think Brighton have extremely overachieved in the last couple of years. Roberto is a huge part of that.
      “It’s important as a football club that we say thanks to him because he was the gold-dust on top, in my opinion, that got us to Europe, that got us to creating history here.
      “I’ve been extremely fortunate that our paths crossed in the last couple of years and I’m forever grateful for that.”
      Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna is among the names in the frame to take over from De Zerbi.
      Brighton finished 11th but have a number of exciting young players including Valentin Barco, Joao Pedro and Simon Adingra on their books.
      Asked what state the Seagulls are currently in, Lallana replied: “Extremely good.
      “You only have to look at the numbers, the turnover, the young talent that is out there. Of course they will have blips in the road but it’s an extremely well-run football club. They’ll bounce back next year for sure.
      “It’s such a wonderful job for whoever is fortunate enough to take it.” More

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      Former Liverpool and Wales wonderkid wakes up unemployed at 24 after being released by Championship side

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      FORMER Liverpool and Wales wonderkid Ben Woodburn is searching for a new club after his contract with Preston North End expired.He is one of two players released from the club and is joined by veteran defender Greg Cunningham, 33, in being released.Ben Woodburn has been released by PrestonCredit: GettyHe came through the academy at LiverpoolCredit: GettyWoodburn, 24, joined Preston from Liverpool in July 2022.The midfielder made 21 appearances for the club in the Championship this season.He made 63 appearances for Preston in total, but only made 13 league starts for The Lilywhites during his time at the club.Woodburn came through the academy at Liverpool under former coach Jurgen Klopp.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe made 11 appearances during his time there, with one of these coming in the Premier League.Woodburn also has 11 caps for Wales and scored on his debut when he was just 17 against Austria.His most recent inclusion in a Wales squad came in 2021.Elsewhere in Preston’s retained list, the club have offered a new deal to captain Alan Browne.Most read in FootballWoodburn scored for Wales on his debutCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe 29-year-old Irishman has made 374 appearances for Preston since joining from Cork City.Midfielder Lewis Leigh, 20, has also been offered a new contract.Trent Alexander Arnold, Virgil Van Dijk and Jurgen Klopps wife tearful as Klopp leaves LiverpoolChed Evans, 35, has been offered a role as a player-coach.Preston finished tenth in the Championship but ended the season in awful form, losing their last five. More