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      Watford SACK Valerien Ismael as boss and hand ex-Man Utd star Tom Cleverley first job in management

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      WATFORD have sacked Valerien Ismael and replaced him with Tom Cleverley as caretaker boss.The Hornets were beaten 2-1 at home by Coventry City at Vicarage Road.Valerien Ismael has been sacked as Watford bossCredit: AlamyTom Cleverley has taken charge on an interim basisCredit: Alan CozziThe news was announced by the club on social media.A statement on X reads: “Tom Cleverley will assume the position of Interim Head Coach at Vicarage Road. “This follows Watford FC terminating the contract of Valerien Ismael after today’s home defeat to Coventry City.”Watford have been in disastrous form that has seen them drop out of the play off places.Read more football newsThey have picked up just two wins in their last 13 games, going from seventh to 13th.Their recent bad run means they languish 13 points behind sixth-placed Norwich City.Trigger-happy owner Gino Pozzo was reportedly considering Ismael’s tenure.Bizarrely, it comes after he handed the Frenchman a new three-year contract back in October.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Defeat at home to Coventry was the final straw for the Italian businessman.Astonishingly, Watford have turned over a number of managers over the past four-and-half years.Coventry manager’s texts about Watford leaked as scout’s WhatsApp conversation is spotted in standsIt’s the 12th time they have had to change their coach over the past four-and-a-half years.The reins have now been handed to former Man Utd youth product Cleverley.It is the 34-year-old midfielder’s first foray in the dugout.The ex-England international, who earned 13 caps, rejoined the club permanently in 2017 – seven years after he enjoyed a successful loan spell in the 2009-2010 season, when he won player of the season.During the 2022-23 campaign, Cleverley was named as club captain by former boss Rob Edwards, now at Luton Town.At the end of that season, Cleverly announced his retirement from football following an injury.He took up a role in the club’s academy helping to coach the under-18 side, while also taking on ambassadorial responsibilities. More

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      Premier League cult hero signs for TENTH club aged 30 on free transfer and links up with Nathan Jones

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      CONNOR WICKHAM has finally confirmed what his lengthy list of moves suggest… he’s a transfer Addick-t!The ex-Premier League hot prospect has joined Nathan Jones’ Charlton – his seventh club since 2020 and tenth overall.Charlton new boy Connor Wickham celebrates his only goal for last club CardiffCredit: GettyWickham was one of English football’s brightest prospects with first club Ipswich from 2009-11 but has since been troubled by injuriesCredit: PA:Empics SportThe 6ft 4ins striker, 30, was an Ipswich whizkid before big-money switches to Sunderland and Crystal Palace.Now he’s signed for former Southampton manager Jones’ new team.Wickham penned a deal with last club Cardiff on Valentine’s Day in 2023.But he’s split from the Bluebirds 13 months later – to take the No13 shirt for the Addicks.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWickham insists he wants a “big push” for the rest of the season.And he never ducks a challenge – despite claims he once “got beat up” by DRAKE’s bodyguards!Sunderland legend Jermain Defoe told the bizarre but amusing story to SunSport columnist Troy Deeney on his Football Firsts podcast last Christmas.It came after Wickham tried to get a selfie with the rapper in a gym.Most read in FootballBut despite the mishap, Defoe said it all ended up with smiles.Sadly, Wickham’s fortunes on the pitch could be said to have gone exactly the opposite way to that.Top ten greatest Premier League players of all time as Kevin de Bruyne and Cristiano Ronaldo both miss out on top spotPredictions of greatness 15 years ago have given way to misfortune and injuries.Wickham’s EFL club came aged just 16 and 11 days, on the way to 15 goals in 72 games for Ipswich.He also fired the winner when England won the Euro Under-17s Championship in 2010.Sunderland pouched him for a fee potentially worth £12million, while he also netted six times in 17 matches for the Three Lions’ U-21s.But fitness issues blighted Wickham’s top-flight stint with the Black Cats, although he still notched 15 goals and 91 games.Palace bought him for £9m in 2015 but injuries limited him to 15 strikes in 91 appearances during a six-year stay.Apart from three loan spells with Sheffield Wednesday and one with Leeds, Wickham has featured for Preston, MK Dons, Forest Green Rovers and Cardiff. And after dropping a level to League One, he told Charlton’s website: “I’m excited to be here“It’s a good opportunity for me to work with a good group of lads and a good manager for the last part of the season.”Results lately have picked up and it’s going to be a big push until the end of the season.”Jones said: “Connor’s been here for a couple of weeks (training) and we like the human being, so that’s the start. READ MORE SUN STORIES”The experience, physicality and quality he has makes him a really good signing. “We’re pleased to have him in and it’ll be interesting to see how much we can get out of him.”Wickham spent 13 months with Championship side CardiffCredit: GettyThe giant frontman also had a spell with Forest GreenCredit: Rex More

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      Former Liverpool star wakes up unemployed after having contract ripped up by Championship strugglers

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      A FORMER Liverpool star has woken up unemployed after having his contract ripped up by a struggling Championship side.Daniel Ayala, 33, is officially a free agent after leaving Rotherham.Daniel Ayala is a free agent after being released by RotherhamCredit: AlamyThe Spaniard made five Premier League appearances for LiverpoolCredit: GettyThe Spanish defender only joined the Millers in October.He penned a contract until the end of the season.And Ayala’s time at New York Stadium saw him make just seven appearances.The centre-back’s last games came in December, when he received consecutive red cards.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAyala then suffered a long-term injury and was removed from Rotherham’s 25-man squad at the end of January.And the relegation battlers, who are 19 points adrift of safety at the foot of the Championship table, have called time on Ayala’s brief stay.The 6ft 3in Goliath started his youth career at Sevilla before joining Liverpool’s academy in 2007.He went on to make five Premier League appearances for the Reds in the 2009-10 season.Most read in ChampionshipHOW TO GET FREE BETS ON HORSE RACINGAnd Ayala then spent time on loan at Hull and Derby before joining Norwich on a permanent deal in 2011.He played 10 times for the Canaries while also taking in a loan at Nottingham Forest.Jurgen Klopp compares Liverpool youngster Jayden Danns to darts sensation and Man Utd fan Luke LittlerAyala was snapped up by Middlesbrough in 2013 and played 229 times for the Teessiders, while also helping them win promotion to the top flight in 2016.Afterwards, he spent three years at Blackburn where he featured 58 times before joining Rotherham last summer. More

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      How Leicester used little-known loophole to avoid points deduction… but could still face punishment next season

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      LEICESTER CITY have used a little-known loophole to avoid a points deduction. But they could still face punishment next season.Leicester have used a loophole to avoid a points deduction this seasonCredit: GettySunSport revealed earlier this week that the Foxes were under suspicion of breaching Profit and Sustainability rules (PSR) both last season and in this campaign.And revelations about their legal battle with the EFL have further angered their rivals in the top flight and Championship.A senior executive at one club described the situation as “a scandal”.Leicester submitted figures to the EFL earlier this season that indicated they would break the £83m limit on losses for the three-year period that ends with the 2023/24 campaign.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe EFL wanted the Foxes to submit a business plan that would have enabled the league to restrict the club’s spending during the remainder of the current campaign.But the Championship leaders successfully argued that EFL rule 2.9 did not apply to them because they were a Premier League club last season.The result of the loophole is that punishment for any rule breaches by Leicester this season will not be enforced before next season – by which time they could be back in the Premier League.The news was another kick in the teeth for the Foxes’ rivals, and not only for the Championship clubs currently fighting them for promotion.Most read in ChampionshipHOW TO GET FREE BETS ON HORSE RACINGClubs who were involved in last season’s Premier League relegation battle against them AND current top-flight teams facing points deductions for their own financial offences feel a real sense of injustice.Nottingham Forest and Everton are waiting to learn their fate after breaching PSR for the assessment period ending in 2022/23.Leicester City star Hamza Choudhury fined £20,000 for drink-drivingUnder the Premier League’s new fast-track rules, both clubs had to report their 2022/23 figures by December 31 in order to give the authorities enough time to bring a case this season.But Leicester, who are suspected of breaching regulations in the same period, did not have to make the same disclosure to the Premier League because they were no longer a top-flight club.As SunSport explained, this could create an uncomfortable scenario for both leagues.Everton and/or Forest could be hit with a points deduction for offences related to 2022/23 that leads to them being relegated.Yet Leicester could gain promotion and replace them in the Premier League despite breaching regulations in that same period AND in the current season. More

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      Football fan caught firing ‘rubber band’ at player live on Sky Sports in QPR’s controversial draw with West Brom

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      A FOOTBALL fan was seen on Sky Sports appearing to fire a rubber band at a player during Queens Park Rangers clash with West Brom.The Hoops were held to a controversial 2-2 draw against the Baggies in Wednesday night’s clash.A football fan was seen appearing to fire an object onto the pitchCredit: XThe fan was seen in the act on Sky Sports camerasCredit: XQPR said they are aware of the matterCredit: XLate on in the match at Loftus Road, Sky Sport’s cameras appeared to film a football fan flicking something towards a West Brom player.Footage shared on social media showed the fan appearing to angrily rant towards the players on the pitch after firing the object towards the pitch.Fans online suggested the object was aimed at West Brom star Cedric Kipre.QPR told SunSport they were aware of the matter and are looking into the incident.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLKipre, 27, sparked controversy after he cleared a ball off the line with his hand in the 52nd minute.Sam Field’s goalbound header had beaten West Brom goalkeeper Alex Palmer and was destined for the back of the net before Kipre’s intervention.However, with no VAR the officials were not able to pull the decision back and issue a reprimand.Field did manage to score his second goal of the game in the 81st minute, but Kipre’s handball could be key in the Championship’s relegation and promotion battles after the game ended 2-2.Most read in FootballWest Brom sit fifth in the league have a five-point cushion in the promotion playoff positions. Meanwhile, QPR sit in 19th place, one point above the relegation zone.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersRemarkably, there is a spread of just nine points between 23rd place Sheffield Wednesday and 11th place Sunderland. More

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      Coventry manager’s texts about Watford leaked as scout’s WhatsApp conversation is spotted in stands

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      MARK ROBINS’ texts about Watford have been leaked ahead of their Championship clash with Coventry.The Sky Blues’ head of recruitment Dean Austin’s WhatsApp messages were published to social media.Coventry manager Mark Robins’ texts about Watford have been leakedCredit: PAHis WhatsApp conversation with head of recruitment Dean Austin was shared to social mediaCredit: GettyIt came after he was pictured messaging Robins in the stands during Watford’s draw with Swansea on Wednesday.The conversation about the Hornets’ performance and the future of manager Valerien Ismael was posted to X.According to the Athletic, Austin is now considering legal action in response.He is said to be deeply concerned by the incident and believes his privacy has been breached.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBy UK law, individuals have the right to privacy and protection of personal data.Sharing messages without consent could potentially breach their privacy rights and data protection principles.Watford had fallen behind during the first half at Vicarage Road after an own goal from Ryan Andrews.Ismael’s side levelled during the second half, though, with Wesley Hoedt salvaging a 1-1 draw with the Swans.Most read in ChampionshipThe incident occurred during Watford’s 1-1 draw with Swansea on WednesdayCredit: GettyThe results leaves Watford in 13th in the Championship after just one win in their last nine league games.Coventry are set to visit on Saturday following a 5-0 win over Rotherham on Tuesday.Football’s weirdest contract clauses revealed including non-Arsenal agreement and a private jet promiseLast season’s play-off finalists are currently three points off the top six in eighth place.SunSport have contacted Coventry for comment. More

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      Former Premier League star scores hilarious ‘goal of the season’ as fans admire ‘trip over yourself’ technique

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      A FORMER Premier League star was hailed by fans for his “trip over yourself” technique as he scored a hilarious “goal of the season”.Ashley Barnes, 34, is currently starring in the Championship for Norwich.Ashley Barnes scored a hilarious goal for Norwich against MiddlesbroughCredit: Sky SportsThe striker tripped up before scrambling along the floor to fire homeCredit: Sky SportsGoal of the season for Ashley Barnes? 👀🟢— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 6, 2024

      He joined the Canaries last summer after 10 seasons with Burnley — seven of which were in England’s top flight.Barnes has since gone on to score five goals in all competitions for his new side.And the striker’s latest came in last night’s 3-1 defeat at Middlesbrough.Barnes fired the visitors ahead in the 17th minute as he latched onto a pass from deep in the Boro box.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHaving already beaten the defenders, Barnes swung a leg at the ball in the hope of connecting with a volley.But he missed the ball and instead tumbled to the floor in comical style.Barnes showed his doggedness though as he began scrambling along the pitch while the ball rolled towards Middlesbrough’s goalie.And just before the opposition’s defence closed him down, Barnes — still on the floor at this point — swung his leg again.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThis time, it made contact with the ball, and sent it flying into the Boro net.Fans were certainly loving Barnes’ hearty effort, with many jokingly declaring it the “goal of the season.”Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersBarnes’ goal wasn’t enough as Norwich went on to lose 3-1Credit: PAOne said: “Nice, the trip over yourself technique is up there with the scorpion, scissors, banana and bicycle kick.”Another declared: “Ashley Barnes has just won goal of the season.”One noted: “The most Ashley Barnes goal to ever exist.”Another added: “Seen him score better but they all count!”Unfortunately for Norwich, Barnes’ goal did not seal victory at the Riverside.Teammate Borja Sainz was sent off for the Canaries in the 30th minute.And Boro stormed back moments later through Marcus Forss before Emmanuel Latte Lath made it 2-1 before the break.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe game was then put to bed in the 62nd minute by Lukas Engel.The result leaves Norwich seventh in the Championship table, while Boro are up to 12th. More

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      West Brom star controversially recreates Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ to stop crucial goal in Championship

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      THERE was huge drama in the Championship last night as West Brom defender Cedric Kipre recreated Maradona’s “hand of god”.The incident took place in the 52nd minute of the game after QPR midfielder Sam Field headed a goalbound effort towards the West Brom net.Sam Field managed to loop the ball over PalmerCredit: Sky Sports/XBut Kipre was there to provide coverCredit: Sky SportsHe deflected the ball over the crossbarCredit: Sky SportsHowever, with the ball already having beaten West Brom keeper Alex Palmer, the shot was cleared off the line by the hand of Kipre – who slapped the ball over the crossbar with his hand.Kipre managed to disguise his handball so well that barely any QPR players in the West Brom box even appealed for a penalty.QPR fans behind the goal also didn’t appear to notice the hand of God, with many simply putting their head in their hands in the belief that the Hoops had missed a great chance.Likewise, the Sky Sports pundits at full time said they all thought they’d witnessed an “unbelievable” save from Palmer on first glance and only realised there had been a handball after they saw a replay.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe controversy could be crucial for both teams at either end of the table with the game ending 2-2.Victory would have seen QPR rise to 16th in their fight to stave off relegation.Instead, they sit in 19th and are just one point above the drop zone.And for West Brom, a point was valuable in keeping them in the hunt for a playoff place.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Baggies sit fifth on 60 points and are five points ahead of seventh placed Norwich.After the game, QPR coach Marti Cifuentes joked that his team would have to train playing against “two goalkeepers” going forward.My dad ‘beat up’ Man Utd legend Roy Keane in a furious dressing room fight – now I’m making my own way in the EFLThe Spanish coach joked: “I’ve been told West Brom have played with two ‘keepers for while. Football is a game with mistakes, and unfortunately, the referees can make mistakes as well.”It’s a difficult job, the second-most difficult job, after being a manager. But I’m not going to complain, I’m here to make sure my team is better than that, so if today we had to play against two ‘keepers, we need to practice against two ‘keepers.Like most at the ground, Cifuentes also thought that the hand of god was simply a great save at first, saying: “I thought the keeper made an amazing save. The real keeper.”QPR defender Steve Cook was less magnanimous however and said: “It was a blatant handball from Kipre and it can’t be missed. It’s a terrible decision from the referee.”West Brom manager Carlos Corberan meanwhile said he “couldn’t remember the action.”When pressed on the matter he said: “Hopefully the decisions made by the referees are the correct decisions, but unfortunately, mistakes happen.” More