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      Former England star and Premier League legend throws name into hat to become Sunderland manager

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      FORMER England star Jermain Defoe has thrown his name into the hat of contenders to become Sunderland’s next manager.The Black Cats sacked Tony Mowbray on Monday night following the team’s 1-1 draw to Millwall at the weekend.
      Jermain Defoe has said he is ‘ready’ to become Sunderland’s next manager.Credit: Getty
      Defoe has spent two spells already at the Stadium of LightCredit: PA
      The former striker posted a photo on Twitter teasing a third spell at the clubCredit: X @IAmJermainDefoe
      Defore, 41, took to social media to tease a third spell at the Stadium of Light – having last played for Sunderland in March 2022.
      The club are in desperate need of a new boss as the Black Cats currently sit ninth in the Championship with six defeats in their last 12 matches.
      This means the team faces going into Saturday’s clash against promotion rivals West Brom without a manager.
      Unless Sunderland’s board can make a quick turnaround and appoint Mowbray’s replacement.
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      The list of contenders includes Paul Heckingbottom who was recently sacked by Sheffield United, Plynouth’s Steven Schumacher and John Eustace who remains out of work since his Birmingham sacking.
      But fans would not have predicted for Defoe’s name to end up in the mix.
      The ex-striker tweeted an amusing photo of him in a suit wearing a red and white tie captioned “Old pic, but ready for the job” and tagged Sunderland’s official X profile.
      Sunderland are set to take on Newcastle in the third round FA Cup in what will be the first Tyne-Wear derby in nearly eight years.
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      Defoe made 100 appearances across two spells for Sunderland in both the Premier League and League One.
      And since his retirement in 2022, he has had limited senior managerial experience.
      During his time at Rangers from 2020-22  following the departure of Steven Gerrard to Aston Villa, Defoe was named as part of a four-man caretaker team.
      He has since returned to his old club Tottenham as a club ambassador and academy coach.
      The East London-born star now aims to inspire more black coaches and managers in the game. More

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      Next Sunderland manager odds: Heckingbottom favourite with Schumacher, Jones and Lampard also in hunt after Mowbray axed

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      PAUL HECKINGBOTTOM is the favourite to become the new Sunderland manager.That’s according to bookmakers Sky Bet, who’ve priced the Sheffield United boss at 3/1 to succeed Tony Mowbray, who was axed on Monday.
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      Next Sunderland managerSky Bet odds

      Paul Heckingbottom 3/1
      Steven Schumacher 4/1
      John Eustace 9/2
      Julien Sable 6/1
      Nathan Jones 10/1
      Kevin Muscat 12/1
      Lee Carsley 12/1
      Frank Lampard 14/1

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      Mowbray was dismissed with the Black Cats in ninth in the Championship and just one win in the last five games.
      The former Blackburn, Celtic and West Brom boss had guided Sunderland to the playoffs last season, losing out to eventual winners Luton at the semi final stage.
      But he’s now gone and Heckingbottom is the frontrunner to replace him,
      Widespread reports on Monday suggested Heckingbottom himself was also set to be sacked by Sheffield United that same day.
      That could still yet unfold – hence the odds – with the Blades last with only five points from their 14 Premier League games so far.
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      He worked a miracle to get the team promoted last year before losing arguably his two best players in Sander Berge and Iliman Ndiaye before this season – while given no money to spend.
      He’s 3/1 with Sky Bet to switch from the red and white stripes of Sheffield to that of Sunderland.
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      Plymouth boss Steven Schumacher is next at 4/1, having recently beaten Sunderland at home. They sit in 16th spot having won promotion from League One.
      John Eustace (9/2) remains out of work since his Birmingham sacking and is next ahead of Nice assistant coach Julien Sable (6/1).
      It’s then up to double figures to find Nathan Jones at 10/1 who flopped as Southampton boss, Kevin Muscat (12/1) who was recently strongly-linked with the Rangers job and England under-21 boss Lee Carsley (12/1).
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      Tony Mowbray sacked by Sunderland day after mouthwatering FA Cup draw and team just three points from play-offs

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      SUNDERLAND have sacked boss Tony Mowbray despite being just three points off the play-offs.The Black Cats drew 1-1 at Millwall on Saturday and are three matches without a win.
      Tony Mowbray has been sacked as Sunderland bossCredit: Getty
      The Black Cats are three points off the play-offsCredit: Getty
      Mowbray, 60, joined the Black Cats in August last year – replacing Stoke City-bound Alex Neil.
      He impressively guided them to the Championship play-offs, narrowly losing 3-2 on aggregate to Luton in the semi-finals.
      Sunderland currently sit ninth in the table following a decent start to the season.
      Yesterday they drew fierce rivals Newcastle in the FA Cup third round in what will be the first Tyne-Wear derby in nearly eight years.
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      Following defeats to Plymouth Argyle and Huddersfield prior to Saturday’s draw with Millwall, the Black Cats have opted to make a change.
      Academy coach Mike Dodds, 37, has been appointed caretaker boss having previously held the position following Lee Johnson’s sacking.
      Mowbray’s assistant Mark Venus has also been axed.
      Confirming the decision, Sunderland chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, 26, said: “I would like to place on record my gratitude to Tony for his hard work and commitment to Sunderland, a place where he will always be welcome.
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      “As custodians of our great club, we believe in our long-term strategy that we hope will ensure sustainability and success for SAFC.
      “Central to that approach is a relentless demand for a high performance culture to be implemented throughout the Club and the development of a strong playing identity that you, our loyal supporters, can all be proud of.
      “Your continued support will also be fundamental to that progress and we look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the Stadium of Light throughout the festive period and as we enter 2024.”
      Black Cats sporting director Kristjaan Speakman added: “All at SAFC have thoroughly enjoyed working with Tony and he is quite rightly held in high regard by our players and staff, and our supporters.
      “After arriving at an uncertain time, he helped guide us to the Sky Bet Championship Play-Offs and played an important role in developing our team.
      “This was a difficult decision to make, but we remain loyal to our ambition and our strategy, and felt that now was the right moment to take this step.
      “We are now focused on identifying the right candidate and we will continue to support our coaching team and players throughout the interim period.”
      Mowbray is the second Championship boss to have been axed this evening after Swansea parted company with Michael Duff.
      The former Barnsley boss lasted just 21 games at the Liberty Stadium, with the Swans down in 18th.
      Michael Duff has been sacked by SwanseaCredit: Getty More

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      Swansea sack Michael Duff after just 21 games in charge with club at threat of joining relegation battle

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      SWANSEA have sacked boss Michael Duff after just 21 games in charge.Duff, 45, managed just six wins at the Swans helm after leaving Barnsley to take charge at the Liberty Stadium in June.
      Michael Duff has been sacked as Swansea bossCredit: Getty
      After five games without a win saw the Swans fall to 18th, five points above the relegation zone, club chiefs opted to move Duff on.
      Alan Sheehan has been named caretaker boss, with Duff’s assistant Martin Paterson also being shown the door.
      Confirming Duff’s departure, Swansea chairman Andy Coleman said: “This was a very difficult decision and one that was given considerable thought and attention.
      “I acknowledge that there has been a significant amount of change at the club, both on and off the pitch, during Michael’s tenure. I consistently asked for patience as we gave him time to implement his plans and bring the squad together.
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      “Unfortunately, we have seen neither the results that we expect nor the progress from the squad that we need. I believe it is now in the best interests of Swansea City to make a change of head coach.
      “I have the greatest respect for Michael as a person and as a leader. I know how hard he and his staff have worked throughout this season for Swansea City.
      “I want to personally thank Michael, Martin, and their families for the sacrifices they have made on behalf of this club and this city.
      “I know that Michael will be successful in his next opportunity and on behalf of the Board and the entire club, I wish him and Martin only the best in their future endeavours.”
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      Coleman then opened up on how he will select his side’s next boss, adding: “I understand how important it is to reconnect the leadership of Swansea City Football Club with its supporters.
      “That is one of the primary reasons why I moved here with my family this summer.
      “Being present in Swansea matters, but so does taking responsibility. I will learn from the experience of these last several months.
      “My appreciation for how critical the Swansea identity is to this club has grown since the summer and it will be high in my mind as I make the decision on our new head coach.”
      Duff began his managerial career with Cheltenham in 2018, spending four years at Whaddon Road.
      He guided the Robins to the League Two title in 2021 before landing the Barnsley job the following year.
      The Tykes finished fourth in League One under Duff’s stewardship, narrowly falling 1-0 to Sheffield Wednesday in the play-off final.
      Last week Swansea completed the shock signing of former Premier League star Yannick Bolasie.
      The 34-year-old made two substitute appearances prior to Duff’s sacking.
      Yannick Bolasie joined Swansea last weekCredit: Getty More

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      Sheff Utd set to sack Paul Heckingbottom in first Premier League axing of season with replacement already lined up

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      CHRIS WILDER is set to replace Paul Heckingbottom at Sheffield United and make a dramatic return to Bramall Lane.The Blades are rock-bottom of the Premier League after Saturday’s 5-0 hammering by relegation rivals Burnley.
      Paul Heckingbottom is set to become the first Premier League manager to lose his job this seasonCredit: Rex
      And Chris Wilder is expected to replace himCredit: Getty
      Heckingbottom’s expected departure as boss today will be the first Prem managerial casualty of the season.
      Ex-Sheffield United manager Wilder achieved great success in his first stint between 2016 and 2021 which included guiding the Yorkshire club to the top-flight in 2019.
      SunSport understands he is ready to take over until the end of the season.
      After Wilder left United by mutual consent in March 2021, the 56-year-old has had spells in the dugout at Middlesbrough and Watford where he left at the end of last season.
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      Fans called for Heckingbottom, 46, to be sacked following the heavy defeat at Turf Moor – with chants of “Hecky out” being clearly audible from the away support.
      And Heckingbottom’s two-year reign as manager looks set to end with the club bottom of the league after five points from 14 matches.
      United have won just once – beating Wolves on November 4 – and lost 11 of those matches.
      Heckingbottom defended his record following the game, clearly knowing his fate had virtually been sealed.
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      The club have been plagued by financial issues of late and had to let go of key players over the summer, despite being promoted to the Premier League.
      They lost star man Iliman Ndiaye to Marseille and were faced with the cruel reality of former midfielder Sander Berge running the show for Burnley during Saturday’s 5-0 defeat.
      Heckingbottom said: “I wanted to keep the group together but we couldn’t.
      “We’ve been making financial decisions rather than football decisions. We’ve been cutting the wage bill, selling the best assets and they [Burnley] spent £200million.
      “We’ve compromised but that’s not an excuse. It’s about finding performances out of players.”
      Sheffield United host high-flying Liverpool on Wednesday night. More

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      Sheffield Wednesday owner Chansiri ready to spend big on striker loan transfer as he U-turns on Scrouge-like pledge

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      SHEFFIELD  WEDNESDAY  owner Dejphon Chansiri seems eager to throw big money on a striker loan next month.The controversial supremo reckons paying top dollar for a marksman could save rock-bottom Owls from the drop.
      Dejphon Chansiri will spend some dosh on a striker in JanuaryCredit: Getty
      With the hunt now on, the Championship side may even pay around £30,000 a week for the right man.
      A remarkable turnaround for Chansiri, who recently asked fans to help subsidise the club.
      Last month SunSport revealed the Thai owner would not sell the up even if they were relegated back to League One.
      In a shock statement in September, the 55-year-old refused to commit more money to the club.
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      He said: “Hello to all Sheffield Wednesday fans.
      “I have thought about making this statement for some time and it is extremely difficult for me to do something that I never thought I would have to do.
      “But in the end, I think it is the time to say some things that I feel I have to say before it is too late.
      “First of all, I would like to thank all the fans who have supported the club so well over the past nine years or so since I came to Sheffield Wednesday.
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      “There has been joy and sorrow, the joy we have shared together and in times of sorrow we have supported each other.
      “Right now, we are not in a good situation in the table and I believe that supporters have every right to voice opinions, speak from the heart and say anything you wish about the football.
      “That is the nature of the game, which I always respect. But I also believe there are limits to balance for the benefits of the club and all other stakeholders as a whole.”
      He added: “We all love Sheffield Wednesday and I am a supporter as well as the owner who must love and care for the club more than anyone else because of the position I am in as chairman.
      “I must take responsibility for everything at the club, including the financial support which is something I always do. But from now, I will not put additional money into the club.
      “If you say you are the owner and I am the custodian, then show me how to be the good owner and help save your club. You want me to leave but you want me to spend money?
      “If you want me to leave, then show me how to run the club and invest the money before I do that.
      “You have no right to ask me to leave. I am the one who saved the club and spent the money for the club, I am the one who needs to pay around £2m on average every month.
      “Some fans need to have more respect for owners of clubs and not be so selfish, thinking of their own benefit without doing anything good to the club.
      “This is not acceptable and as a result I am not willing to inject more money while I am being treated unfairly by those fans.
      “The club needs support from everyone during difficult times. In football, there are good times and not so good times.
      “It is easy to celebrate good times but we must support each other in difficult times.”
      Chansiri bought the Owls from Milan Mandaric in 2015 but has come under fire over recent months.
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      Fed-up supporters have launched a number of protests against the Thai businessman ever since he axed Darren Moore in June just days after securing promotion back to the Championship.
      They then blasted the season ticket pricing and a huge banner at Hillsborough which read ‘Thank You Dejphon Chansiri’ was defaced and removed ahead of their game with Ipswich. More

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      Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick lines up Premier League star transfer as Man Utd legend looks to fix leaky defence

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      MIDDLESBROUGH manager Michael Carrick is seeking a centre-half in the winter window. Carrick has lost Darragh Lenihan following his ankle operation.
      Michael Carrick is eyeing a defender in the January transfer windowCredit: Alamy
      Darragh Lenihan has been sidelined following an ankle operationCredit: Alamy
      But he will get funds for a top replacement, ideally on loan, for the promotion push.
      Nottingham Forest’s Joe Worrall and Leeds’ Charlie Cresswell are in their sights.
      Worrall, 26, is currently out of favour at Forest and a loan may work for both him and the club.
      Cresswell, 21, is on the fringe of the Leeds side but they may be unwilling to help a promotion rival.
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      Middlesbrough endured a sticky start to the season after their strong finish under Carrick last year.
      Losing the likes of top scorer Chuba Akpom over the summer hit the club hard.
      And it took Carrick’s side until September 23 to pick up its first win in the Championship this season.
      Since then they have stormed to eight wins in all which currently has them in 12th in the table.
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      However, this position is deceiving with just three points separating them from the play-off spots.
      Former Man Utd assistant Carrick is up against ex-colleague Kieran McKenna who is at the helm of high-flyers Ipswich next week.
      Joe Worrall is one target for Boro in the next transfer windowCredit: Alamy
      Charlie Cresswell is an alternative solution in the marketCredit: Getty More

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      Tom Brady watches Birmingham vs Rotherham at St Andrew’s as fans call for NFL legend to be ‘added to EFL Hall of Fame’

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      FANS called for Tom Brady to be “added to the EFL Hall of Fame.”That’s after the NFL legend jetted in to watch Birmingham’s Championship clash against Rotherham.
      Fans want Tom Brady in the EFL Hall of Fame as he showed his support for BirminghamCredit: Getty
      The NFL legend jetted in for Saturday’s Championship game against RotherhamCredit: X @TomBrady
      Brady, 46, owns a minor stake in Brum after announcing his shock investment in August.
      The American played a big role in appointing Wayne Rooney as John Eustace’s successor in October.
      And Brady made sure he watched Birmingham’s latest match as he flew to the Midlands for Saturday’s game against Rotherham.
      The iconic quarterback posted a picture on social media showing himself St Andrew’s before kick-off, having visited the club’s training ground earlier.
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      With the sun shining and a bright blue sky in the background, Brady must have felt like victory was inevitable.
      The seven-time Super Bowl champion captioned his snap “St Andrew’s” alongside a heart emoji.
      However, the result did not go to plan for either Brady or Birmingham.
      Rooney’s men could only muster a 0-0 draw against Rotherham, who are second-bottom in the Championship table.
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      Brady watched Wayne Rooney’s side stumble to a 0-0 drawCredit: Getty
      The result also leaves Brum in 15th place, with Wazza winning just one of his eight games so far.
      But fans were still delighted by Brady’s epic support, with one saying: “The GOAT has come all the way from America to watch Birmingham vs Rotherham.
      “Get him in the EFL Hall of Fame now.”
      Another declared: “Great to see you back at St Andrew’s. Enjoy the game, you’re our lucky mascot.”
      One noted: “Welcome home GOAT.”
      Another added: “Up the Brady Blues.” More