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      Gary O’Neil wanted in swift return to management just two months after being sacked by Wolves

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      GARY O’NEIL is being eyed for a swift managerial return two months after he was sacked by Wolves.The Premier League side sacked O’Neil in December during the midst of a relegation battle following a horror run of form which had left them in 19th place.Gary O’Neil is being lined up as a target for BlackburnCredit: APIt comes after John Eustace triggered a release clause in his contract to pursue a move to DerbyCredit: PABut the managerial market has had a stunning change of circumstances in recent weeks. Blackburn are hunting for a new boss with the club on the brink of losing John Eustace.Rovers released a damning statement about the situation, which had seen Eustace trigger a shock release clause in his contract in order to talk to Championship rival Derby.And the managerial merry-go-round could see former Bournemouth boss O’Neil handed the reins at promotion-chasing Blackburn.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLO’Neil, 41, is the only British manager on the club’s list, according to SunSport’s Alan Nixon.Other names being considered are former Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka, ex-Sheffield Wednesday manager Carlos Carvalhal and former Young Boys gaffer Raphael Wicky.O’Neil’s final press conference at Wolves saw him launch a huge defence of his actions, insisting the players shared the blame for the club’s poor performance.He said: “I’m not interested in my own position. I know the work I do every day and I know the situation we are in.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”I know getting this group to perform the way they did took a lot of work. People can point the finger at me but some of the responsibility has to land on the players.”I’m comfortable with myself as a coach, my standards and what I ask of the group. I also embrace this difficult moment. Kai Havertz ruled out for rest of SEASON with torn hamstring in devastating blow to Arsenal’s title dreams”That group downstairs needs me this week to help get them into a place where they are ready to go. I will keep fighting for them and with them until I’m told not to.”It doesn’t mean I don’t think I’m going to get sacked. For every [poor] result which comes the chances of me losing my job heightens. It doesn’t concern me, the situation drives me to want to do better.” More

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      Premier League and ex-England Under-21s star, 29, set to switch international allegiance thanks to bizarre rule change

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      FORMER England youth international Matt Grimes is reportedly in line to switch international allegiance.Grimes made 12 appearances for England’s U20s and four more for the U21s in the early stages of his career.Matt Grimes could switch his international allegiance to Wales under a proposed new ruleCredit: AlamyAs things stand, players have only been eligible to represent one of the home nations if they or their parents or grandparents were born there.Alternatively, they can if they’ve had five years of continuous education up to the age of 18 in that country.However, the Football Association of Wales (FAW) is now lobbying England, Scotland and Northern Ireland to agree to a rule change.The proposed change would allow players over the age of 18, who have been registered with a club based in one of the home nations for at least five years, to represent that country.Read More in FootballFAW sources say it would align the home nations to the current Fifa eligibility rules, BBC Sport has revealed.Grimes left Swansea for Coventry City last month having spent 10 years with the Welsh side.Under the FAW’s proposed rule change, it would make him eligible to play for Wales.Had the change been in place already, players such as Leon Britton would also have been eligible to play for Wales.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCardiff midfielder Joe Ralls would also be free to play for Craig Bellamy’s side.But one of the main potential problems for FAW would be the possibility of Wales-qualified youngsters moving to clubs in England, Scotland or Northern Ireland and subsequently wishing to play there.Jamie Sterry plays on through HORROR head injury as Doncaster star sports golf-ball sized lump on face in FA Cup clashGrimes spent the early stages of his career with Exeter before joining Swansea in 2015.He enjoyed loan spells with Blackburn Rovers, Leeds United and Northampton Town during his 10 years at Swansea.The midfielder has amassed 322 Championship appearances in total. More

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      ‘Extremely disappointed’ – John Eustace activates shock contract clause to hold talks with Blackburn’s EFL rivals

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      BLACKBURN are “extremely disappointed” with manager John Eustace after he prepared to leave them for rivals Derby CountyEustace has activated a shock release clause in his contract to hold talks with the fellow Championship side.Blackburn Rovers have slammed manager John Eustace after he activated a release clause in his contract to allow him to speak to DerbyCredit: GettyEustace played for Derby, who sacked manager Paul Warne on Friday, for two full seasons at the end of his careerCredit: GettyEustace, 45, has been in charge of Rovers for a year, with the stunning news coming to light one year and one day following his original appointment.The clause in his deal has allowed him to open negotiations over a possible move to the Rams, who he played for for two years.A damning statement from the Championship promotion hopefuls said: “Blackburn Rovers can confirm that head coach John Eustace has requested permission to speak with another Championship club, following the activation of a clause in his contract.”The club is extremely disappointed by John Eustace’s request to hold discussions with another club at such a crucial stage of the season, but this has now been reluctantly granted.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”With significant investment being made during the January transfer window, with six new additions, several of whom impressed during yesterday’s FA Cup fourth round tie against Wolves, the board and ownership feel the club are in a good position to challenge for one of the play-off places this season.”With the squad bolstered, key players returning from injury and Rovers currently in a strong position in the Championship, the club and players remain focused on achieving the best possible outcome this season.”The club will make no further comment at this time.”According to talkSPORT, Eustace has felt a lack of support from the Ewood Park outfit’s owners, prompting him to seek a move away.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThis has led him to Pride Park, where Eustace – who was sacked at Birmingham before being replaced by Wayne Rooney – is reported to have already accepted the Derby job, although the Championship side is not named in the club statement.The release clause in his contract is said to be valued between £500,000 and £700,000.Former Championship star now a train driver in ‘new career to last the rest of my life’ A win for Derby – who sacked Paul Warne on Friday – in their next match against Oxford United is likely to take them out of the relegation zone.Eustace had insisted he was “happy” at Blackburn, but admitted he would need to speak to the owners if an official approach had been made.He said: “I’ve heard rumours that there’s been an official approach, so that’s something I will have to discuss with the owners.”I’ve been linked with other teams throughout the season so we’ll have to wait and see.”Blackburn sit in sixth place in the Championship with a two-point cushion to dropping out of the play-offs. A run of one win in their last five has threatened to derail their season.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      FA Cup could see most unlikely winner in years as remaining teams’ staggering waits for a major trophy revealed

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      AN UNLIKELY winner could get their hands on the FA Cup this year after many of the Premier League’s top clubs crashed out.Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool are all out by the fifth round with only Manchester United and Man City from the so-called “Big Six” remaining in the competition. Newcastle’s 1995 FA Cup final winCredit: GettyAston Villa celebrate their 1996 League Cup winCredit: RexNottingham Forest won the League Cup in 1990Credit: RexCardiff City, Doncaster, Burnley, Plymouth, Exeter, Milwall and Preston make up the lower league underdogs in the next round. Meanwhile Brighton, Nottingham Forest, Ipswich, Wolves, Fulham, Newcastle, Bournemouth, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace are also still in the mix. Amazingly, five of the remaining Premier League teams – Fulham, Brighton, Bournemouth, Brentford, and Crystal Palace – have NEVER won a major trophy.And Newcastle have been waiting 70 YEARS for silverware – last winning the FA Cup in 1955. READ MORE IN football Forest are two-time European Cup winners but their last piece of silverware was the League Cup in 1990.Southampton have been waiting nearly 50 years to lift a major trophy – winning the FA Cup in 1976. Everton are also former winners but not since 1995 while Wolves lifted the League Cup in 1980. Cardiff won the Championship in 2013 but it was in 1927 that they last won the FA Cup while Ipswich were Uefa Cup winners in 1981.Most read in FootballThe wait for major trophies Manchester United: One year Manchester City: One year Aston Villa: 29 years Nottingham Forest: 35 years Preston: 35 years Ipswich: 44 years Wolves: 45 years Burnley: 65 years Newcastle: 70 years Cardiff City: 98 years Millwall: N/ABrighton: N/AExeter: N/AFulham: N/APlymouth: N/ABournemouth: N/ADoncaster: N/ACrystal Palace: N/ACASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBurnley won the Championship as recently as 2023 but had not had major silverware since their top-flight title win in 1960. Doncaster, Plymouth, Exeter and Milwall are also without major trophies in their cabinets. Preston, however, won the top-flight in 1990 and FA Cup in 1889. The FA Cup fifth round draw will take place TONIGHT on BBC’s The One Show.Miron Muslic ‘very emotional’ after Plymouth knock Liverpool out of FA Cup More

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      Former Championship star, 38, now a train driver in ‘new career to last the rest of my life’

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      A former Brighton star has swapped the pitch for the train tracks.Jake Robinson made 144 appearances for the Seagulls after coming through the club’s academy.Jake Robinson has hang up his boots to become a train driverCredit: Andrew Gardner. Contact andrew.gardnr@gmail.comThe former striker beat hundreds of applicants to the role at SouthernCredit: Andrew Gardner. Contact andrew.gardnr@gmail.comRobinson made 144 appearances for BrightonCredit: GettyHe became Brighton’s youngest-ever goalscorer when he scored against Reading on the opening day of the 2004-05 Championship season aged just 16.It is a record he still holds to this day and one he is very proud of.Robinson, 38, scored 20 goals for his boyhood club including a hat-trick in just his second FA Cup appearance against Northwich Victoria.He later joined Shrewsbury and played for Torquay and Northampton in the EFL before spending ten years in non-league, finishing his career at Worthing at the end of last season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter hanging up his boots Robinson is now a trainee train driver, having been tipped for a job at train company Southern by his Dad, who saw a job advert go up while working at Brighton station.Robinson once dreamed of playing for England and earning enough to retire on, and although his career did not pan out as hoped he is still proud of what he has accomplished.He told BBC Radio Sussex: “The money never quite went to the level it needed to if that was to be my goal [to retire].”I’m very proud of my career, I wouldn’t change it for the world. All I ever wanted to do was be a professional footballer, I’m lucky I lived out that dream.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Scored in every league from the Championship down to County One so that is a nice record I have.”Now Robinson will be responsible for transporting fans to and from Brighton’s Amex, something he is eager to do despite the challenges of dealing with thousands of fans on train platforms.Kaoru Mitoma is on fire as he trains with Brighton Asked about taking fans to Brighton, he said: “I believe that is quite likely. Being based in Brighton that is one of my core routes.”It would be like the story being complete for me. “From training there as a kid to now my new career that will hopefully last the rest of my life is taking people there, dropping them off and picking them up again. So almost like full circle.” More

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      Wayne Rooney lands first job since Plymouth sacking amid tug-of-war over Man Utd legend

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      WAYNE ROONEY has landed his first job since being axed by Plymouth Argyle – and he will return to TV screens tomorrow.The 39-year-old left Home Park on New Year’s Eve following a terrible run of results which left Plymouth rock bottom of the Championship table.Wayne Rooney will return to punditry this weekCredit: GettyRooney has since admitted that he would like to return to management one day – but only if the right opportunity comes up.While he is yet to secure a new full-time job, the Manchester United legend will return to TV this week.Amazon Prime has confirmed that Rooney will join the line-up of pundits for Manchester City’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid tomorrow.It will be his debut on the streaming service.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRooney has already had some experience as a pundit on various channels.The ex-striker has also featured on The Overlap with the likes of Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher, Ian Wright and Roy Keane on several occasions.Rooney is currently understood to be in the midst of a four-way battle among broadcasters.Last month SunSport reported that he was in talks over a punditry role on Match of the Day and could demand up to £200,000-a-year depending on appearances.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe has also been approached by Sky Sports and TNT Sports as well as Amazon Prime.Sky and TNT are the chief broadcasters of the Premier League in the UK and would be able to offer a busier role.’It must be embarrassing,’ says Wayne Rooney as he opens up on seeing Marcus Rashford on visit to Carrington More

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      It’s not right, fair or proper that only two non-league clubs win promotion to EFL – hypocritical rules must change

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      WHAT have Oldham, Southend, Scunthorpe and Macclesfield got in common?All four clubs were relegated to the National League in a complete mess after years of financial mismanagement in the EFL.Wrexham are chasing Championship promotionCredit: RexIn fact, Macclesfield went bust and had to reform at the bottom of the non-league pyramid.Now — what have Luton, Wrexham, Stockport and Bromley got in common?All four sides were promoted from the National League in excellent financial health and are proving to be model clubs.Luton climbed all the way to the Premier League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBromley are enjoying their first-ever season in the EFL, while the Dragons and County are even challenging for promotion to the Championship.All 72 clubs in the National League and National South and North last week supported the launch of the 3UP campaign, which is calling for three promotion and relegation places between League Two and the fifth tier.And I agree with them. It’s not right, fair or proper that there are currently only two up and two down between these divisions.The 72 EFL clubs are due to discuss these proposals in more detail this month. There will clearly be a number of matters to consider.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOne of the red lines would be for the National League to adopt its Profit and Sustainability Rules — or something close to it.Fifth-tier clubs are not subject to the same financial scrutiny.EFL star, 24, ‘REFUSES to show up for game’ over transfer speculation weeks after shocking Premier League sideThere have often been examples of them spending more on wages and players than many League One teams, never mind League Two.EFL chair Rick Parry beats the drum for the importance for the League to look down as well as up. They are seeking fairer financial redistribution of funds filtering down from the Premier League — something I also support.The government is set to appoint a football regulator, but its remit does not include issues such as promotion and relegation.The National League is not like the old days of the Vauxhall Conference, when almost every team was semi-pro. All but two of its 24 clubs are full-time.And even one of its part-time teams, Tamworth, held Premier League giants Tottenham to a 0-0 draw after 90 minutes of their recent FA Cup third-round tie before succumbing in extra-time.We’ve seen National League North club Kidderminster almost knock West Ham out of the FA Cup — and last season National League South side Maidstone reached the last 16 after toppling Ipswich at Portman Road.This illustrates the depth of quality in the fifth and sixth tiers.These clubs are not Sunday morning beer-bellied hoofers.They have the same ambitions and aspirations as Championship teams currently trying to get promoted to the Premier League.’IT’S UNFAIR’It is hypocritical on one hand to allow three to go up to the top flight from the second tier, while not allowing the same for teams in the National League.Can you imagine the stink in the EFL if there was only one automatic promotion spot up for grabs between the Championship and the Prem — with the second one decided by the play-offs?The National League decide their second promotion spot with a six-club play-off format.In this system, teams finishing second and third play the winners of games between fourth v seventh and fifth v sixth before progressing to the final. This is done to give more of the clubs hope they can achieve promotion to the EFL.And then you have the bizarre situation where there are four promotion and relegation places between Leagues One and Two.It’s unfair for League Two clubs to enjoy that sort of privilege, while National League teams are only allowed half the amount of spots.For any changes to happen, it will need to carry a majority vote across all 72 EFL clubs — and even then there has to be a majority of Championship teams endorsing.The EFL have previously warmed to the idea of changing the number of promotion and relegation spots but are waiting for the regulator to be appointed — and for a fair deal struck with the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIESMy concern is it could take three or four years before any of that is sorted. In that time, the dreams and aspirations of National League clubs and the towns and cities they represent are being held back.The EFL should get on the front foot on this issue — regardless of progress with the Premier League and regulator — and be a champion of fairness for all teams that make our national game so great.What is the 3UP campaign? By Martin LiptonAll 72 clubs in the National League have signed a letter to EFL chiefs asking them to back a vote of member clubs over changing to a three-up, three-down system between League Two and the fifth tier.National League clubs argue that the current system, where only one club gets automatic promotion to the EFL with a second place available through the play-offs, is inconsistent with the rest of the pyramid.And at a meeting last week which formally endorsed the “3UP” campaign, clubs in the National League’s three divisions unanimously backed the move.EFL bosses have previously spoken positively about the idea but a switch would need the formal backing of the clubs – with those in League Two likely to need more convincing.National League chairman Jack Pearce suggested the likely arrival of the Government’s new Independent Football Regulator this summer meant that the EFL had to respond. More

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      FA Cup 5th round draw ball numbers: Who is in the hat for huge draw?

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      THE FA CUP is rolling on at pace as we head towards the fifth round draw.The shock of the round Plymouth Argyle will be ball number 10, after the Championship’s bottom side knocked out the Premier League’s top side Liverpool on Sunday night.The FA Cup fifth round draw takes place on MondayCredit: GettyPlymouth pulled off an all time cupset against LiverpoolCredit: AFPManchester United left it late to beat Leicester on Friday night, Harry Maguire scored late, and they are ball number one.Cardiff had to battle their way into the fifth round, going from leading, to losing, and then drawing at Stoke, before winning on penalties. They are ball number 16.FA Cup fifth round draw numbersManchester UnitedMillwallBrightonPreston North EndExeter or Nottingham Forest IpswichWolvesFulhamNewcastlePlymouthBournemouthAston VillaBurnleyManchester CityDoncaster or Crystal PalaceCardiff CityHow can I watch the FA Cup fifth round?The FA Cup fifth round draw will take place TONIGHT on BBC’s The One Show.The fifth round draw takes place at 7:10pm GMT.The full draw will also be available for streaming on FA social media channels X, Instagram and Facebook.The draw will be hosted by Kelly Somers, with Alex Scott and Theo Walcott drawing the balls alongside Somers.Are there any more FA Cup games in the fourth round?Yes, there are two more games to go before we know all 16 teams in the next round of the FA Cup.On Monday, February 10 – tonight – Crystal Palace will travel to Doncaster, with kick-off ay 7:45pm GMT.On Tuesday, February 11 – tomorrow – in-form Nottingham Forest travel to Exeter to take on the League One side, that game gets underway at 8pm GMT. More