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      Inside Russell Martin’s emotional journey from living next to a bookies with an abusive dad to Premier League manager

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      RUSSELL MARTIN has spent his life proving people wrong.From growing up with an abusive dad to being told he was not good enough to make it as a pro.
      Russell Martin led Southampton to promotion on SundayCredit: Rex
      Ending up as a Premier League skipper and international footballer, Martin squeezed every last drop of talent out of his system.
      There were question marks when Saints appointed him on the back of relegation and being forced to sell £140million worth of players.
      So Sunday’s 1-0 win over Leeds — which sparked joyous celebrations on the south coast — was particularly sweet.
      It saw Martin get one over on Daniel Farke, the manager who banished him to Norwich’s Under-23s before terminating his contract.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      It also made Martin a Premier League manager at the age of 38.
      He has long been a trailblazer. He was Peterborough’s youngest captain at 21, took over as MK Dons’ boss at 33 and became manager at Swansea at 35.
      Last summer, he arrived at a club in turmoil after a wretched season in which Southampton went through three bosses — Ralph Hasenhuttl, Nathan Jones and Ruben Selles.
      Some fans wanted him axed after four straight losses in September.
      Most read in Football
      Some fans wanted the manager axed back in SeptemberCredit: Rex
      Russell Martin’s managerial career
      MK Dons (2019-21): 80 games, 30 wins, 19 draws, 31 losses – 37.5 win %
      Swansea (2021 – 23): 99 games, 36 wins, 27 draws, 36 losses – 36 win %
      Southampton (2023-present): 54 games, 30 wins, 11 draws, 13 losses – 55.5 win %

      But Martin never deviated from his strong principles of possession-based football and his team went a club-record 25 games unbeaten.
      For much of this season, Southampton had the highest possession percentage of any team in Europe’s top five leagues.
      Inside Russell Martin’s amazing journey from living at bookies with an abusive dad to Premier League manager
      That is Martin’s way. In March 2021, his MK Dons team set a British record 56 passes for a move leading to a goal — scored by Will Grigg.
      He stubbornly demands improvement on his gameplans, rather than resorting to any Plan B, and says: “If it doesn’t work and I get sacked, at least I get sacked doing something I believe in.”
      The second youngest of four brothers, Martin grew up in the Hollingbury area of Brighton.
      Late father Dean was violent towards mum Kerry and had stints in prison.
      The family home was lost to his gambling debts — and he moved them next door to a bookies.
      Little wonder that Martin dislikes gambling sponsorship in football.
      Through his dad, Martin qualified to play for Scotland and he won 29 caps.
      But one of his nans was Italian and cooked pasta for the boys when food ran out at their dysfunctional home.
      Martin won 29 caps for ScotlandCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
      Martin is proud of that heritage — his children have Napoli shirts and regularly go on holiday to southern Italy.
      He excelled at school where he was head boy and took A-levels in history, PE and drama.
      The Brighton fan, with a soft spot for Spurs, was turned down by a string of professional clubs.
      Starting at non-league Lewes, he cleaned windows and pub toilets in the mornings with his uncle and did shifts at a Spar supermarket across the road in the evenings.
      He got his break under Tony Adams at Wycombe before moving on to Peterborough and Norwich — whose manager at the time, Paul Lambert, has been a huge influence on his career.
      He was a Canaries stalwart, captaining them to a play-off final victory over Middlesbrough in 2015.
      But Farke brought about a bitter end to an eight-year spell in Norfolk. He was loaned to Rangers before being shown the door.
      After a brief spell coaching at Walsall, he managed MK Dons and Swansea — where he overcame a rocky spell that left him one game from the sack — before landing the job at Southampton.
      Martin captained Norwich to play off promotionCredit: Getty
      He got his breakthrough under Tony Adams at WycombeCredit: Getty
      He also became Peterborough’s youngest ever captainCredit: Getty
      Martin has remained very much his own man throughout.
      Now vegan as he suffers from ulcerative colitis — an inflamed bowel — Martin also meditates, has read up on Buddhism and was a member of the Green Party before becoming disillusioned with politics.
      Every day at Southampton he has an ice bath, uses a cryotherapy chamber near his home and swims in the sea at Hove — all year round.
      At the age of 30, he set up the Russell Martin Foundation to help youngsters in Sussex.
      What started out as a football academy now also helps kids struggling in mainstream school.
      Martin told SunSport: “Two of my brothers did not finish school and something like this would have made a huge difference.”
      Here is a man making a huge impact on and off the pitch.
      At his post-match Wembley press conference, a shattered-looking Martin said: “For them to give me the job in the first place, I felt like I had to do this to validate it.
      “I am so pleased for them because it wasn’t an exciting appointment for them.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “It’s up to us to prove ourselves in the Premier League next season.
      “The style is something myself and my players believe in. I won’t change and I love what I do.” More

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      Chelsea chiefs left stunned at Enzo Maresca’s inside knowledge of club with Leicester boss poised to succeed Pochettino

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      CHELSEA are on the verge of making Enzo Maresca their new boss.Todd Boehly and the Chelsea ownership group identified the 44-year-old Leicester City head coach as the man they want to replace Mauricio Pochettino.Chelsea are set to appoint Enzo Maresca as Mauricio Pochettino’s replacementCredit: GettyAnd they have been granted permission by Leicester City to speak to the Italian who led the Foxes to Championship glory and promotion back to the Prem in his debut season at the King Power.Chelsea’s co-Sporting Directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart will jet into Marbella for face-to-face talks with Maresca in the next 24 hours.That suggests Chelsea have triggered the £9million release clause in Maresca’s three-year-contract with the Foxes.Chelsea are confident a three-year-deal will be agreed swiftly with Maresca understandably keen to move to Stamford Bridge.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSMaresca’s appointment will complete a meteoric rise for the 44-year-old Italian who has emerged ahead of Roberto De Zerbi, Kieran McKenna, Thomas Frank and Thomas Tuchel to become Chelsea’s top target.Maresca’s first managerial role was a short-lived one as he only lasted 14 games at fallen Italian giants Parma in the summer of 2021 before he was dismissed by the Serie B club.However he returned to City, where he had enjoyed success as manager of their elite development squad, to become Pep Guardiola’s first team assistant coach in the summer of 2022.A year later, after celebrating a historic treble, including Champions League success with City, Maresca was on the move again to newly-relegated Leicester City.Most read in FootballPochettino was given the boot after differences with the Chelsea boardCredit: AFPCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThere he lived up to his reputation as one of Pep Guardiola’s disciples – in common with Mikel Arteta and Vincent Kompany – by playing a patient, possession-based style of football similar to City’s blueprint.That made him unpopular at times with fickle Foxes fans, who preferred a much more direct approach.Mauricio Pochettino LEAVES Chelsea despite promising end to season as Blues line up four potential new bossesHowever, despite a few bumps along the road, Maresca led Leicester back to the Premier League at the first attempt and lifted the Championship trophy too.It is Marseca’s sometimes stubborn, painstaking attention to detail and his tactical nous which has attracted him to Blues chiefs.Leicester City’s former Spurs midfielder Harry Winks described Maresca as the best head coach he’d ever worked with – even though he had previously played for Pochettino, Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho in his Spurs days.Meet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo MarescaEnzo Maresca is considered among the most exciting young coaches on the planet.
      Born in Italy in 1980, he managed to guide Leicester to the Championship title in his first season as Foxes boss.
      His management career started at Italian minnows Ascoli before he was snapped up by Man City in 2020 to manage their Elite Development Squad.
      He guided the youth team to the Premier League 2 title in his one season working for the Citizens – with Cole Palmer in the side.
      His first senior job was with Parma but he was sacked after just a few months after failing to impress.
      Despite the team playing in Serie B and Maresca having an impressive squad he was unable to get them on course for promotion.
      He returned to Man City and worked as one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants for the 2022/23 season as they won the Treble.
      He took over relegated Leicester last summer and made an immediate impact, with the Foxes winning the Championship title.
      Maresca showed his dedication to the job by living at the training ground for the first two months after his appointment.
      He’s considered something of a Pep disciple and has said: “For a coach, it’s important to have the mentality of a chess player.”
      During his playing career he played under Carlo Ancelotti and Marcello Lippi – and alongside ex-Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi.

      And Chelsea were staggered by Maresca’s knowledge of their own youthful squad as well as his single-minded determination over the brand of football he intends to bring to Stamford Bridge.While many managers may see the Chelsea job as something of a poisoned chalice, Maresca can’t wait to work with their vast squad of expensive, quality kids and convince them of his methods.SunSport understands the Italian would have faced financial hardship and an expected points deduction at Leicester City and feels the Foxes didn’t reveal the true extent of their financial situation to him.However, with no practical experience of managing in the Premier League, Maresca may have to win Chelsea fans over quickly – as he clearly has already done with their Board. More

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      Meet Enzo Maresca, from forgotten EFL youngster and working under Pep Guardiola to Chelsea’s top boss target

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      ENZO MARESCA has gone from forgotten Football League youngster to working under Pep Guardiola and now Chelsea’s top managerial target.The Blues have asked Leicester for permission to speak to their Championship-winning boss as they look for Mauricio Pochettino’s successor. Enzo Maresca led Leicester to the Championship titleCredit: RexMaresca was once Pep Guardiola’s No2 at Manchester CityCredit: EPAMaresca started his career at West BromCredit: GettyIt could bring Chelsea’s search for a new manager to a close with Maresca the latest in the ever-changing Stamford Bridge hotseat. But who is the 44-year-old Italian? Well, Maresca actually started his professional playing career at 18 with West Brom after coming through Cagliari’s youth system.That was despite not speaking any English when he first arrived in the West Midlands. READ MORE IN football In an interview with Manchester City, Maresca recalled: “When you move from, in my case Italy to England directly to Birmingham, you can adapt immediately to the language and to the country.“My English was not so good and also I learned a lot when I was there, though I struggled a bit at the beginning but after it worked quite well.” Maresca had two seasons with the Baggies before moving to Juventus in 2000 for what was a West Brom record £4.5million deal.He played under two of football’s managerial greats in Turin, in Carlo Ancelotti and Marcello Lippi.Most read in FootballMeet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo MarescaEnzo Maresca is considered among the most exciting young coaches on the planet.

      Born in Italy in 1980, he managed to guide Leicester to the Championship title in his first season as Foxes boss.
      His management career started at Italian minnows Ascoli before he was snapped up by Man City in 2020 to manage their Elite Development Squad.
      He guided the youth team to the Premier League 2 title in his one season working for the Citizens – with Cole Palmer in the side.
      His first senior job was with Parma but he was sacked after just a few months after failing to impress.
      Despite the team playing in Serie B and Maresca having an impressive squad he was unable to get them on course for promotion.
      He returned to Man City and worked as one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants for the 2022/23 season as they won the Treble.
      He took over relegated Leicester last summer and made an immediate impact, with the Foxes winning the Championship title.
      Maresca showed his dedication to the job by living at the training ground for the first two months after his appointment.
      He’s considered something of a Pep disciple and has said: “For a coach, it’s important to have the mentality of a chess player.”
      During his playing career he played under Carlo Ancelotti and Marcello Lippi – and alongside ex-Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi.

      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMaresca told SunSport in September: “Ancelotti was just starting his career as a manager but you could see clearly how he wanted to coach. “He was so straight, honest and humble — and unbelievable in terms of relations with his players.Mauricio Pochettino LEAVES Chelsea despite promising end to season as Blues line up four potential new bosses“Lippi was much stronger but fantastic in terms of motivation.”Maresca bounced around Europe playing for Bologna, Piacenza, Fiorentina, Sevilla, Olympiacos, Málaga, Sampdoria and Palermo.He then ended his playing career in 2017 with Hellas Verona in Italy’s second division. Maresca had three years away before returning to football with City’s Elite Development Squad, winning the Premier League 2 in 2021. He also coached current Chelsea stars Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia during his time at the Etihad. The tactician had a short spell in charge of Parma before going back to City in 2022 as Guardiola’s assistant. It gave Maresca the chance to learn from the Spanish legend up close and personal, as Mikel Arteta once did before taking the Arsenal job. Maresca joined Juventus from West BromCredit: GettyHe bounced around European clubs, including SevillaCredit: EPAMaresca had a spell with PalermoCredit: GettySo before long it was Maresca’s turn to take the leap of faith when Leicester – who had just been relegated from the Premier League – came knocking. He said at the time: “Coming to Leicester was an easy decision because our ideas are perfectly aligned. “They wanted to change the way they play and refresh things. And the most important thing is that they’re patient.“The club knows sometimes it’s not so quick to change things, they’re aware of that.“When the club is aware and patient, the only target is to realise what you want to realise. “The problem is when people start to get nervous, this can be a big problem.”City recruited assistant managers Carlos Vicens and Juanma Lillo after Guardiola gave his blessing for Maresca to leave.Maresca was once Pep Guardiola’s No2 at Manchester CityCredit: GettyJack Grealish speaking to Maresca in 2023Credit: GettyMaresca left City to become Leicester bossCredit: Getty“From the very first moment Pep knew that I really wanted to go on to be a manager,” Maresca told The Telegraph. “He knew that I think he is the best coach in the world and that I went there to help and work with him. “But he always encouraged me to keep progressing.”Maresca turned the Foxes into a possession-based side who regularly lined up with 4-3-3 or the occasional 4-2-3-1 while being known to play with inverted full-backs. His side went from strength to strength and ultimately pipped Ipswich to the title by just a point.But Maresca’s revolutionary football at the King Power came at the cost of top clubs suddenly taking notice. And for Chelsea, Maresca fits their criteria. Maresca speaking to SunSportCredit: Jamie McPhilimeyMaresca led Leicester to the Championship titleCredit: GettyIt was his first piece of silverware in EnglandCredit: GettyExperienced former Tottenham and PSG boss Pochettino left the club after just one season and a clear falling out with the board. So for the third time under co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, they were seeking a permanent replacement. But the board were not out for a serial winner who would demand a say in the running of the club. Instead, they turned their attention to a young boss with fresh ideas who would do their part to turn things around of the field and leave the rest to the hierarchy. Kieran McKenna – whose Ipswich were just pipped by Maresca’s Leicester – was an early favourite. But Chelsea informed McKenna – a former United coach who is linked with replacing Erik ten Hag – that he was no longer being considered.Maresca became Chelsea’s No1 managerial targetCredit: RexBrentford’s Thomas Frank was another appreciated by the Blues board. But none made as bigger impact than Maresca, who is now closing in on a deal to take over at Chelsea. It will cost the West Londoners around £10million in compensation but the board will feel it is money well spent. They have been encouraged by how Guardiola’s protege Arteta turned Arsenal into title contenders. And Maresca faces an equally challenging task following Chelsea’s underwhelming sixth-placed finish. Pochettino lasted a season, Graham Potter just over half a year and Thomas Tuchel just four months working under Boehly and Eghbali. Now it is just a matter of time until Maresca becomes the latest to try and take Chelsea back to their trophy-laden glory days. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe is to be offered a three-year deal – a mark of the Blues’ commitment to make the appointment part of a long-term plan. And Chelsea hope to wrap the deal up in just a matter of days. More

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      Man Utd target Kieran McKenna ‘no longer under consideration for Chelsea job as Blues aim to confirm new boss this week’

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      KIERAN McKENNA is no longer in contention for the Chelsea job. The Blues board are in the process of finding a successor to Mauricio Pochettino, who left the club after just one season. Kieran McKenna is no longer in contention for the Chelsea jobCredit: GettyMcKenna – who led Ipswich to Premier League promotion – was an early favourite for the role. The Northern Irishman took Ipswich from League One to the Premier League to become a hot commodity. Chelsea were seeking a younger candidate for the role and McKenna was deemed the perfect candidate. But according to The Athletic, the ex-Manchester United coach is no longer being considered by the Stamford Bridge hierarchy. READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSIt is believed McKenna is still in the running to take over from Erik ten Hag, who faces being sacked despite winning the FA Cup. Leicester City’s Enzo Maresca, Brentford’s Thomas Frank and former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi are now in a three-horse Chelsea race. The search is being led by co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart alongside owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali. Maresca, who worked alongside City manager Pep Guardiola, is coming off a title-winning Championship season at Leicester. Most read in FootballTHE RISE AND RISE OF McKENNAFew managers have risen so dramatically as Kieran McKenna.

      But then few were tipped for coaching success so young.
      London-born McKenna, now 38, retired as a player aged just 22 due to a chronic hip injury.
      He’d begun with  Northern Irish sides Enniskillen Town United and Ballinamallard United before joining Tottenham in 2002.
      But by the time he was forced to quit seven years later, he’d failed to make a single senior appearance.
      However, after graduating from Loughborough University, Spurs appointed him Head of Academy Performance Analysis.
      It was then, in two years guiding Manchester United Under-18 where his reputation soared fastest.
      Having won the Premier League Northern Division title, McKenna was promoted all the way up to Jose Mourinho’s assistant in 2018, remaining high up in the backroom under Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Ralf Rangnick.
      Ipswich took the plunge on him in 2021.
      And after an impressive half-season in League One, he took the Tractor Boys up in his first full campaign – repeating the feat this term to restore the club’s long-lost top-flight status.
      Now, one way or another,  McKenna is poised for his greatest challenge in management – either keeping Ipswich up or moving to a major club.

      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd the Blues board are admirers of his style of play but it could cost £10million to prise him away from the Foxes. De Zerbi meanwhile is said to have impressed Eghbali and would cost £5m in compensation despite leaving Brighton in the summer. Frank is an outsider for the job despite gaining plaudits for his work with Brentford as Chelsea look to announce their new manager this week. Mauricio Pochettino LEAVES Chelsea despite promising end to season as Blues line up four potential new bosses More

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      Wayne Rooney hunting for new luxury pad in Britain’s costliest coastal hotspot in the West Country

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      WAYNE Rooney is house-hunting in Britain’s costliest coastal hotspot in the West Country, sources say.The England and Man United great, 38, and wife Coleen have been eyeing properties in and around the posh Devon resort of Salcombe.Wayne and Coleen Rooney are house-hunting in Britain’s costliest coastal hotspot in the West CountryCredit: GettyThe couple have been eyeing properties in and around the posh Devon resort of SalcombeCredit: GettyRoo, axed as Birmingham City manager in January, is the new boss of Championship side Plymouth Argyle.Salcombe, about 25 miles to the east of Plymouth, is a haven for sailors, yachties and surfers and is in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.Homes there average £1.1million and this month it was named Britain’s most expensive coastal spot.Mum-of-four Coleen, 38, is said to be keen on having a second family home by the coast — although the family’s Cheshire mansion would remain their principal base as the boys are enrolled in schools there.Read More on FootballEldest Kai, 14, is also a striker with Manchester United’s Youth Academy.A source said: “Salcombe and its surrounding area are beautiful. It’s easy to see why Wayne and Coleen would look there.“It’s a magnet for posh public school types in red chinos and deck shoes so Wayne might stick out a bit but I’m sure he would be made welcome.”A footie insider said: “Coleen’s given her blessing to this possible move. She wants somewhere suitable for the family and they all love a beach holiday so Salcombe would be ideal.”Most read in FootballA spokesman for Wayne was asked to comment.Wayne Rooney breaks silence after being named Plymouth manager and reveals plan to do something he’s never done before More

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      Arsenal star looks unrecognisable as he turns up at Wembley playoff final dressed as Harry Potter character

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      AARON RAMSDALE joined the Southampton fans at the Championship play-off final in disguise.But if it was an attempt at going incognito, it was a failure.Aaron Ramsdale wore a brilliant costume to WembleyCredit: https://x.com/karthikadhaigalRamsdale dressed as Hagrid while supporting pal Harry BrooksRamsdale wasn’t the only one inspired by Harry PotterThe keeper was spotted among the Southampton faithfulCredit: https://x.com/karthikadhaigalHe backed the right horse as the Saints reached the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyRamsdale sported a black beard and wig that brought Harry Potter’s giant guardian Hagrid to mind, although it is unclear why he chose the costume.Clad in a brown outfit, he was first spotted at BOXPARK Wembley.And he was later seen in the Southampton end.The former Bournemouth stopper was likely supporting ex-Cherries team-mate David Brooks, who was forced off injured in the first half.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut the Saints loanee will have been delighted to see his side overcome Leeds as Adam Armstrong’s first-half strike settled a nervy game.Southampton keeper Alex McCarthy may have kept a clean sheet, but it was Ramsdale who stole the show.One fan quipped: “Well he is a Keeper of Grounds too so.”Another added: “Love that.”Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRamsdale has been overtaken in the Arsenal pecking order by David Raya and could be on the move this summer.SunSport exclusively revealed that he is being lined up for a shock move to Wolves.Man Utd fans gush ‘just a top guy’ as they spot Kobbie Mainoo’s dressing room gesture to Amad DialloThe Midlands club are set to sell keeper Jose Sa after continued interest from Saudi Arabia.Newcastle have also been linked with a £15million bid.Southampton will be looking to strengthen over the summer after their win but with Gavin Bazunu and McCarthy between the sticks, may look elsewhere. More

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      Leeds vs Southampton LIVE SCORE: Saints are BACK in the Premier League after Adam Armstrong scores £100MILLION winner

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      SOUTHAMPTON are BACK in the Premier League after Adam Armstrong scored the £100MILLION goal at WembleyArmstrong fired in the only goal of the game from inside the box after a well-worked move in the first-half.In a cagey game, Dan James came closest to an equaliser – crashing a brilliant effort against the bar – but Leeds could not make their second-half pressure count.Southampton are promoted to the Premier League
      Copy linkCopiedFT: Leeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      Southampton will be going straight back up.
      Adam Armstrong’s goal is the difference between the two sides.
      What a moment for Russell Martin and his players.
      Copy linkCopiedLeeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      90+8. We are getting into the dying embers of the game.
      Southampton are moments away from a return to the Premier League.
      They can almost taste the top flight right now.
      Copy linkCopiedLeeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      90+6. Both sets of fans look full of nerves right now, for very different seasons.
      A goal so late in the game for Leeds now would demoralise Southampton.
      The Saints win a free kick deep in the Leeds half of the pitch.
      Copy linkCopiedLeeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      90+4. Aside from that Dan James shot that hit the crossbar, Leeds have created so little in this half.
      All season scoring goals has been no problem for them, until today.
      James has another shot from outside the box but McCarthy does well to get down to the bottom corner to make the save.
      Credit: Reuters
      Copy linkCopiedLeeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      90+2. A move breaks down for Leeds and Southampton counter.
      Adams does well to hold it up but eventually Aribo is crowded out.
      Leeds need to throw everyone forward now.
      Copy linkCopiedLeeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      90. We are still waiting for the game to restart.
      Both players are being treated by the physios.
      We are going to have nine added minutes.
      Copy linkCopiedLeeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      88. We have a break in play after a clash of heads.
      This is going to create a huge amount of added time.
      It will give the Leeds’ fans hope of finding that equaliser.
      Copy linkCopiedLeeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      86. Some famous Southampton fans in the crowd today.
      Matt Le Tissier is sat alongside Adam Lallana.
      Leeds have another shot from distance but it is high, wide and not so handsome.
      Credit: PA
      Copy linkCopiedLeeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      84. James gets a volley away from the edge of the box.
      McCarthy is beaten and the ball thunders against the underside of the crossbar and comes back out.
      They were inches away from an equaliser there.
      Copy linkCopiedLeeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      82. It has all gone very quiet in the Leeds ends right now.
      Ampadu is down at the moment, running the clock down for his own team.
      Martin is looking to make another change to see this game out.
      Leeds Utd’s captain seems unable to continue and is going to be replaced.
      Copy linkCopiedLeeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      80. Adams gives away a free kick in a dangerous area.
      As the ball is whipped in, the Southampton attacker heads it behind for a corner.
      Southampton have been dominant in the air today.
      Copy linkCopiedLeeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      78. Farke is telling the fourth official that he feels Southampton are wasting time now.
      No doubt the officials will add this time on at the end of the game.
      Leeds are becoming desperate for a goal right now.
      Copy linkCopiedLeeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      76. Leeds look lacking of attacking ideas right now.
      They have failed to create a clear-cut chance in this entire game.
      James uses his pace to get in behind The Saints defence and forces a corner.
      Copy linkCopiedLeeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      74. Time is starting to run out for Leeds Utd.
      After their emphatic semi-final victory, their fans came here with so much optimism.
      Now they face the ultimate heartbreak in the capital.
      Credit: Reuters
      Copy linkCopiedLeeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      72. Leeds are ready to make two changes with Summerville and Kamara come off for Roberts and Anthony.
      Big call by the manager taking off their most creative player.
      Chance for two players to make a big name for themselves in this final however.
      Copy linkCopiedLeeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      70. Another unforced error by Leeds sees them gift Southampton a throw in.
      Fraser comes off for Adams for The Saints.
      Russell Martin is adding more firepower in search of that second goal.
      Copy linkCopiedLeeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      68. Leeds give the ball away and The Saints work it quickly to Odozie.
      He has space to run into and only has one defender to beat.
      Odozie looks to cut onto his right foot and bend one in the top corner but he gets it all wrong.
      What a chance that was to get a second goal.
      Copy linkCopiedLeeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      66. Leeds are starting to get frustrated and committing fouls all too often.
      James comes on for Gnonto.
      Fraser looks to get a cross in from the left but Meslier catches it all too easily.
      Copy linkCopiedLeeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      64. Smallbone wins a free kick in a wide position.
      Firpo heads the cross clear but Southampton recycle it and come forward once again.
      They are happy to just pass the ball around and frustrate their opponents.
      Credit: Reuters
      Copy linkCopiedLeeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      62. Summerville is penalised for a foul on Walker-Peters.
      He tells the referee what he thinks of that decision.
      The Leeds player needs to be careful having already been shown a card in the first half.
      Copy linkCopiedLeeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      60. Another poor delivery into the box makes for an easy catch for Alex McCarthy.
      With just under half an hour of this play-off final remaining, The Saints are looking comfortable right now.
      The aim for Russell Martin’s side will be to get that second goal to put some breathing space between the sides.
      Copy linkCopiedLeeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      58. This second half has been all Leeds Utd so far.
      Despite this, they have really struggled to create clear sights of goal.
      The Saints are happy to just get players behind the ball and make themselves difficult to break down.
      Copy linkCopiedLeeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      56. Gnonto is fouled in a dangerous position.
      Leeds have failed to capitalise from set pieces so far today.
      They can get some bodies in the box and try and work McCarthy here.
      Copy linkCopiedLeeds Utd 0-1 Southampton
      54. A schoolboy error by Gray sees him penalised for a foul throw.
      Something you do not see so often in the professional game.
      Southampton are just gifting possession back to Leeds all too often.
      Credit: Alamy
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      Leeds 0 Southampton 1: Adam Armstrong scores the £100million goal as Saints return to Premier League at first attempt

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      ADAM ARMSTRONG scored his 24th but most priceless goal of the season as he fired Southampton back into the Premier League.The striker’s coolly converted 24th-minute goal is worth at least £140million to the South Coast club now they are back in the promised land at the first attempt.Adam Armstrong scored the winning goal in the first halfCredit: GettySouthampton have returned to the Premier League at the first time of askingCredit: GettyAnd it was no more than the Saints deserved.Russell Martin did a number on his former Norwich boss Daniel Farke – tactically outwitting the German at Wembley.Despite being Europe’s pass masters – enjoying more possession than any club in the top five European leagues this season – Southampton won this with less than their opponents.While everyone has been highlighting Kieran McKenna’s incredible rise from League One to the Premier League with Ipswich, Martin has also enjoyed a huge climb.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMartin less than three years ago was managing MK Dons in League One – in August he will be up against the likes of Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta.Southampton went into the game with a psychological advantage over their opponents – having done the league double over Leeds during the regular season.That included a 2-1 win just three weeks ago at Elland Road – having beaten them 3-1 at Elland Road.For Leeds their play-off jinx continued. They have never been promoted via that route. It is six attempts now.Most read in ChampionshipSouthampton had a huge psychological advantage having completed the double over them.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLeeds started well. After Will Smallbone lost possession, Archie Gray drove forward and fired a low shot just wide of the right post.Gray – at just 18 years old and 70 days – made Leeds history – by becoming the club’s youngest player to appear for them at Wembley.Southampton fan turned player Will Smallbone can’t wait to take on Leeds at Wembley in Championship Play-Off finalIronically, he beat his dad’s record that he set in the 1996 League Cup Final against Aston Villa.Leeds had made a strong start to the game and Georginio Rutter played in Wilfried Gnonto but he lost his balance as he shot straight at keeper Alex McCarthy.Southampton had barely touched the ball in the opening 10 minutes – but they almost moved in front with their first attack.Adam Armstrong finds acres of space on the right edge of the Leeds boss but Saints recover well to herd him out wide and his pull-back across goal is cleared. But Gnonto pulled back Joe Aribo to give them a free-kick 25 yards out.Will Smallbone struck it low and with some venom but Illan Meslier pushed it away to safety.Summerville strangely did not take on a shot when in a space 25 yards out, electing to try to play Rutter in.With the form the Leeds star has been in this season, most would back him to have hit the target from that distance and in the space.Gray found some space down the right flank and played a peach of a cross into the box but no Leeds player read it and it went out.Saints moved in front with a superb piece of football.Adam Armstrong rang into space behind the two centre halves to pick up a defence-splitting pass from Will Smallbone before coolly shooting the ball past Meslier and into the far right corner.It was his 24th goal of the season for Saints and surely the most important one. Plus it completed a hat-trick of goals against Leeds – having scored in both previous league games too.But Leeds should have known he was making that run and should have been alert.History was now firmly on Southampton’s side. Not only have Leeds never been promoted in five previous attempts via the play-offs, 27 of the previous 33 play-off winner scored the first goal.David Brooks had to hobble off 11 minutes before the break after picking up a groin injury and was replaced by Sam Edozie.Crysencio Summerville was harshly booked after he was adjudged to have caught Taylor Harwood-Bellis. He clearly got the ball and the Saints defender fooled ref John Brooks with a ridiculous dive.Meslier then had to make an outstanding low save to keep out Armstrong.Farke was getting frustrated and animated on the touchline as his team struggled to make an impression.After the break, Jack Stephens had a shot charged down.Leeds, though, charged forward through Joe Rodon and after a quick one-two with Gnonto he elected to shoot despite Joel Piroe being in a better position.And he could not get the ball out of his feet and eventually it fell to Summerville who curled wide from the edge of the box.Harwood-Bellis barged Rutter over just inches outside the left edge of the box.Summerville’s free-kick was headed clear by the Saints defender.Nothing seemed to be coming off for the Yorkshire side. Despite enjoying more possession, they had only managed to register one shot on target in the first hour.With 25 minutes left Dan James came on for Gnonto.Aribo had two half-chances but hit tame efforts that Meslier easily saved.Che Adams – who is out of contract and linked with a move to Wolves – was brought on for Saints in place of the excellent Ryan Fraser.Conor Roberts and Jaidon Anthony came on for the underwhelming Summerville and Glen Kamara.But with seven minutes left, James almost scored a sensational leveller.READ MORE SUN STORIESPicking up the ball from 20 yards he thumped a superb effort that beat McCarthy but the ball bounced back off the crossbar.James, who got a nasty bash on the head and had to be patched up, was unlucky again when he saw a well-struck curling effort saved by McCarthy. More