EFL

JACK WILSHERE faces competition from Tom Cleverley in his bid to land the Plymouth Argyle job.The Pilgrims are on the hunt for a new manager following Miron Muslic’s exit for Schalke.Jack Wilshere is seeking his first permanent managerial roleCredit: AlamyMiron Muslic left Argyle for Schalke last weekCredit: ReutersHaving employed three managers in eight years between 2015 and 2023, Argyle are now looking for their fifth permanent boss of the last 17 months.According to Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph, club chiefs will conduct a final round of interviews for the position next week.Wilshere, 33, is said to have made the final shortlist, as he looks for his first permanent managerial gig.The former Arsenal midfielder coached the Gunners’ Under-18s following his playing retirement.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLast season worked at Norwich City under Johannes Hoff Thorup, before a brief stint as caretaker boss following the Dane’s sacking.Wilshere’s former England team-mate Cleverley is also in the running for the job.The ex-Manchester United midfielder, 35, is looking for a quick return to management following his Watford sacking at the end of the season.Cleverley lasted 14 months as Hornets boss, guiding them to 14th in the Championship last term.Most read in EFLBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKTom Cleverley was sacked by Watford at the end of last seasonCredit: PAIn addition to Wilshere and Cleverley, former Oxford boss Des Buckingham is set for an interview.Buckingham, 40, guided the U’s to League One promotion during the 2023-24 campaign, but was sacked last December with his side sitting 20th in the second tier.Jack Wilshere in race against time as he faces huge 350-mile commute from managerial debut to run London MarathonPrior to taking charge at the Kassam, Buckingham managed Wellington Phoenix and Mumbai City – in addition to various New Zealand age group sides.According to the BBC, four candidates are set for an interview next week.The identity of the fourth candidate remains unknown, although it is not former rumoured boss Ian Evatt.Having initially been linked with the Pilgrims, ex-Bolton gaffer Evatt is now no longer thought to be in the frame.Former Argyle boss Muslic, 42, left to take charge of German second-tier side Schalke – despite claiming to have “fallen in love” with the Pilgrims.Argyle’s turbulent few yearsThe Pilgrims are now set for their fifth boss in 17 monthsSteven Schumacher – Dec 2021-Dec 2023 P 108 W57 D 21 L 30Ian Foster – Jan 2024-Apr 2024 P 16 W 3 D 4 L9Wayne Rooney – May 2024-Dec 2024 P 25 W 5 D 6 L 14Miron Muslic – Jan 2025-May 2025 P 23 W 8 D 5 L 10In a club statement, chairman Simon Hallett claimed that Muslic had said he was “100 per cent committed to Argyle” – but when Schalke later came calling, the former Cercle Brugge boss vowed not to return to Plymouth “under any circumstances”.Muslic had replaced Wayne Rooney as Argyle boss in January, failing to stave off Championship relegation.Rooney, 39, was axed following just five wins in 25 matches at the helm in all competitions.Read More on The SunAlongside the ex-England captain, former director of football Neil Dewsnip also departed.Prior to Rooney’s appointment, Argyle had sacked Ian Foster following barely three months in charge, after the former England youth boss has succeeded League One title winner Steven Schumacher, following his departure for Stoke City.Des Buckingham is also in the Argyle frameCredit: GettyIan Foster’s Argyle stint was even shorter than Wayne Rooney’sCredit: Getty More

FORMER Premier League star Darren Pratley has been released by Leyton Orient aged 40.The midfielder had been a stalwart in Richie Wellens’ side for the last four years, helping them reach the League One play-offs where they lost in the final to Charlton.Darren Pratley has been released by Leyton OrientCredit: GettyJosh Keeley and Jamie Donley have returned to parent club Spurs after their loans expiredCredit: GettyHe turned 40 in April and the club paid tribute to his career, and his contribution to Orient’s League Two title win in 2023.Pratley played in the Premier League for Bolton and he made 202 appearances for the Trotters.His best years came at Swansea where he won promotion to the Prem via the play-offs in 2011 – he also won League One with the Swans in 2008.Pratley helped Bolton win promotion from the third tier in 2017, and repeated that feat two years later with Charlton.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOrient have released seven other players, including another ex-Bolton star Randell Williams, who joined on a short-term contract in January.Jayden Sweeney, Joe Pigott, Sam Howes, Rhys Byrne, Reon Smith-Kouassi and Thomas Avgoustidis have also been released.While five players have left the club upon the expiration of their loan deals – Tottenham pair Jamie Donley and Josh Keeley, Dillan Markanday, Jack Currie and 27-goal striker Charlie Kelman.Two more players, Theo Archibald and Jordan Graham, will continue at the club on an out of contract basis as they continue their rehabilitation on long-term ACL injuries.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSManager Richie Wellens said: “Each and every one of my players gave me absolutely everything this season, and they have all been a pleasure to work with.“This group has been special – one of the best I have ever worked with as a player or manager – and that makes these decisions even tougher.EFL club release ‘gorgeous work of art’ kit and even rival fans want to buy it“This summer, we will say goodbye to some players who have been with us for a long time, and I can only thank them for their service to our football club.”They have played a huge role in our climb up the ladder, and I wish them all the very best for the future.“Jordan Graham and Theo Archibald put their bodies on the line for us and we will continue to support them throughout their recovery from injury by having them around the training ground. “I’m looking forward to seeing them both back playing again, be that with us or someone else.” More