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      Championship permutations: Promotion, play-off and relegation scenarios explained

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      WE have reached the final week of the Championship season – and it’s still all to play for.Leicester City have already claimed promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking after winning the title in the second tier.Leicester won the Championship at Preston on Monday nightCredit: ALAMYTwo more undetermined sides will join the Foxes in the top flight next season from the Championship.But it’s not just the top of the table that is still to be decided with the relegation battle heating up.SunSport has all you need to know about what can happen at the top and bottom of the Championship table on the final week of the season.Who can claim automatic promotion to the Premier League?After Leicester secured the Championship title on Monday night with a 3-0 win away at Preston, just one more automatic promotion place remains.READ MORE IN EFLIf Ipswich can get four points from their remaining two matches, they will finish in the automatics behind Leicester.Leeds must hope that the Tractor Boys lose against Coventry or Huddersfield and then match the other result, as goal difference currently favours the Whites.Who can finish in the Championship play-offs?As previously alluded to, one of Leeds or Ipswich will finish third and have to settle for a play-off place.Southampton can’t move from their current fourth-placed position, while Norwich’s far superior goal difference to Hull City has all but secured their spot in the play-offs.Most read in EFLThe only way the Canaries can drop out of the top-6 is if they lose heavily to Birmingham on the final day, West Brom claim at least a point, and the Tigers beat Plymouth – with a more than seven-goal swing between Norwich and Hull required.Liam Rosenior’s side will have more hope that they can take the Baggies position in the play-offs – should they win and Albion fall to defeat on final day.Who can get relegated from the Championship?Rotherham’s position at the foot of the table can not be changed with their status as a League One club already confirmed for next season.Huddersfield’s relegation from the Championship is all but confirmed, with the Terriers in need of three points at Ipswich and Plymouth to lose to Hull – and they will require at least a 15 goal swing in the afore mentioned matches.Birmingham City ideally need to beat Norwich on the final day to stand any chance of safety – and hope that Plymouth lose to Hull.The Blues could draw and survive, but the Pilgrims would have to lose by five or more goals.Birmingham could stay up on goal difference should they win and Blackburn Rovers suffer defeat to title winners Leicester or if Sheffield Wednesday lose away at Sunderland.When are the Championship play-offs?Semi-final first legs6th vs 3rd (12pm) – Sunday, May 125th vs 4th (2.15pm) – Sunday, May 12Semi-final second legs3rd vs 6th (8pm) – Thursday, May 164th vs 5th (8pm) – Friday, May 17READ MORE SUN STORIESFinalSunday, May 26 (4.30pm) More

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      Former Premier League wonderkid who snubbed TEN-YEAR Barcelona contract wakes up unemployed at 32

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      A FORMER wonderkid that was offered a TEN-YEAR contract by Barcelona is now unemployed after being released by Notts County.Ex-England youth ace John Bostock, 32, is looking for the 16th club of his career after the League Two side announced he was one of several players being let go this summer.Notts County’s have announced that John Bostock has been released by the clubCredit: PAHe snubbed a ten-year contract by Barcelona to stay at Crystal Palace as a teenCredit: PA:Empics SportBostock first came to prominence aged just 14 at boyhood club Crystal Palace as he often played above his age group.That is when he came to the attention of Barcelona, who got in touch with the midfielder.The LaLiga giants had so much faith in Bostock that they famously wanted him to pen a deal with them for a decade.They tried several tactics to convince him, including a signed poster by then superstar Ronaldinho after finding out he was Bostock’s favourite player.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever, he snubbed what would have been a sensational switch to the Nou Camp as parents allegedly wanted him to continue his development in London.Other sides such as Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea were also rejected in favour of the team he grew up supporting.Bostock previously told the BBC: “When I was 14, Barcelona offered me a 10-year contract.“Ronaldinho was my favourite player at the time so they sent me a signed poster from him. I’ve still got it at my house in London. It said: ‘To John from Ronaldinho’.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“You name the club, I had interest from them. Barcelona, Real Madrid, Inter [Milan], Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool – the who’s who of European football.”Eventually, the man dubbed the ‘next big thing’ eventually departed Palace for Tottenham in a dramatic move that saw the two clubs going to a tribunal in 2008.John Bostock’s performance at new club Toulouse is a perfect Michael Jackson tribute But Bostock never managed to play in the Premier League and ended up out on loan at Brentford, Hull, Sheffield Wednesday, Swindon and Toronto until his permanent exit in 2013.He then embarked on a nomadic career, heading abroad to Belgium, France and Turkey with spells at Royal Antwerp, Leuven, Lens, Bursaspor and Toulouse, who then loaned him to Nottingham Forest in the 2019/20 campaign.He failed to secure a long-term deal at the City Ground, but the versatile ace returned to England to sign for Doncaster Rovers in 2021 but left in June following the club’s relegation from League One.He had to wait for his 15th club – but he landed an 18-month deal at Notts County in December 2022.Bostock scored at Wembley the following May as the Magpies eventually beat Chesterfield on penalties to secure promotion from the National League.He recently claimed that he is the happiest he has ever been and has become a mentor to other players, particularly those who share his faith after setting up his influential Christian football society ‘Ballers in God’ in 2015.He made 37 appearances, scoring twice, for them on their return to League Two this season as they looked set for another promotion push only for a slump in form after the departure of boss Luke Williams to Swansea resulted in them finishing 14th.Now County have announced a number of players will not be having their contracts renewed with Bostock among them.READ MORE SUN STORIESA statement from the club confirming the news wrote: “As well as being a thoroughly professional and calming presence away from the field, John made many excellent performances for us – not least at Wembley, where his incredibly composed display and all-important equaliser were crucial to us winning the promotion he and his team-mates so richly deserved.”Now the man that could have ended up playing alongside Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Gerard Pique at Barcelona, is once more a free agent. More

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      Jermain Defoe ‘holds informal talks’ over first job in management as ex-England star, 41, throws hat into ring

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      JERMAIN DEFOE could be set to land his first managerial role after holding talks with former club Sunderland.The ex-England striker, 41, has been a coach of Tottenham’s U18s side since August 2022.Jermain Defoe could be poised for his first role as a head coachCredit: GettyDefoe spent just over three seasons at Sunderland, scoring 37 goals in 100 gamesCredit: Getty Images – GettyBut now he has revealed some early discussions with Sunderland, though he was quick to stress no formal interview has taken place.Speaking to the Sunderland Echo, he said: “I’ve had no interview or anything like that.”I spoke about obviously the people that want to come with me and even in the background, certain players that I know that I can attract, young top players in the country that I can attract to try and get the club back into the Premier League.”I’ve had those sorts of discussions. So nothing’s changed really, but I’ve not had an interview.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I went to the Leeds-Sunderland game and just watched the team and stuff like that. So that’s it.”Caretaker manager Mike Dodds assumed the role of interim Sunderland boss following the sacking of Michael Beale in February after just two months and 12 games at the helm.The Black Cats sat ninth in the Championship when Tony Mowbray was dismissed in December, but have since slipped to 15th in the table.Defoe spent three seasons at Sunderland between 2014 and 2017, scoring 37 goals in 93 matches.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe returned in 2022 for a brief two-month stint, before he announced his retirement.Defoe, who also played for West Ham, Portsmouth, Tottenham, Bournemouth and Rangers, was a fans’ favourite at the Stadium of Light.Inside Bradley Lowery’s friendship with Jermain Defoe and his brave cancer battle that won the heart of the nation-And he is taking inspiration from ex-Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley – who recently became Watford boss.Defoe added: “It makes me want to do it even more because when I look at the news from Tom Cleverley.”He was on my player-to-coach course and I see Tom Cleverley getting a Watford job and someone who I played with and a young coach who had one year at Watford and now he’s the manager of such a big club.”So when you see stuff like this and that, you just think, ‘OK then, I’m just still waiting for my opportunity’. “I’ve read loads of comments. I know the fans. I think for a lot of people, they look at it and think, ‘Oh, it makes sense because of the relationship’. But I mean, we’ll see what happens.”I’m sure there must be about 10 or 20 managers who would love to have the Sunderland job, do you know what I mean? So it’s a massive job.”So we’ll see. I’ve not had an interview or anything, but I think they’re aware that, obviously, I’d be interested in taking a job. Why not?”As well as helping the club avoid relegation in 2015 and 2016, Defoe struck up a close friendship with Sunderland supporter Bradley Lowery, 6, before his death from cancer.READ MORE SUN STORIESBrave Bradley’s battle with rare childhood cancer neuroblastoma captured the nation’s hearts.Bradley died in July 2017, before Defoe paid tribute to his “best pal”. More

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      Gillingham SACK former Premier League star-turned-manager but fuming fans say ‘we’re turning into Watford’

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      GILLINGHAM announced they have dismissed manager Stephen Clemence.Ex-Tottenham, Birmingham and Leicester ace Clemence, 46, leaves with the Gills 12th in the League Two table.Gillingham have sacked manager Stephen Clemence after just five months in chargeCredit: AlamyA number of Gillingham fans were upset with Clemence’s dismissalCredit: AlamyThe former midfielder took over the Kent-based outfit only last November and lasted for just five months in the dugout.The ex-Sheffield Wednesday caretaker boss became the season’s third manager to work at Gillingham, who will now be looking for their fourth.Clemence replaced Keith Millen who managed the team on an interim capacity for a month after Neil Harris’ departure.The news infuriated Gillingham fans with some even claiming that the club has developed a short fuse regarding managers similar to Watford, who have changed a whopping 10 bosses in just four years.Read More on FootballOne supporter tweeted: “We are turning into Watford.”Another responded: “My thoughts we are turning into Watford.”A third wrote: “Absolute joke of a decision.”This one said: “Couldn’t make this up.”Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd that one stated: “Absolutely the wrong call to make. We’ll end up looking like Watford. Awful decision. Deserved the summer at the very least.”VAR ruined Coventry’s iconic FA Cup moment with offside decision in semi-final – but was technically CORRECTClemence oversaw a total of 34 matches across all competitions as Gillingham boss.He led the EFL outfit to a total of 12 wins and 13 losses during his short reign.Gillingham’s last five managersHere’s a full list of Gillingham’s last five managers’ reigns:
      Steve Evans – June 1, 2019-January 9, 2022 – 129 matches
      Steve Lovell (caretaker) – January 10, 2022-January 31, 2022 – 4 matches
      Neil Harris – January 31, 2022-October 5, 2023 – 90 matches
      Keith Millen (caretaker) – October 5, 2023-November 1, 2023 – 4 matches
      Stephen Clemence – November 1, 2023-April 29, 2024 – 34 matches More

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      Fans fume at ’embarrassing’ end to EFL clash that’s ‘literally against the rules’ as clubs replicate Simpsons clip

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      FANS have been left fuming after two League Two sides decided to stop playing in the closing stages of their clash with the score tied at 1-1 .Crewe players passed the ball around unchallenged while Colchester United were happy to watch on and play out a draw after conceding late on.Colchester United players allowed Crewe to pass it around in the closing stagesCredit: ITVFans were up in arms over the non contestCrewe and Colchester both got the points they requiredThe U’s led for much of the game and knew anything other than a heavy defeat would see them avoid relegation.Rivals Sutton drew 4-4 at MK Dons to seal their place in the bottom two, leaving Colchester content to see out the match at 1-1.Crewe were also happy for the contest to end in a draw after levelling in stoppage time through Elliott Nevitt.They only needed a point to finish above Crawley so even a Barrow last-gasp winner against Mansfield – which did not come – would not have seen them drop out of the play-off places.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut fans fumed after watching the two sides play out the remaining minutes uncontested.One reacted saying: “I’ll be cheering every other team except pathetic Crewe in the play-offs then. Should be docked points! Literally against the rules!”Another added: “Embarrassing.”A third wrote: “Personally I say relegate Colchester instead of Sutton 🥱”Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd another commented: “I have to say this is poor sportsmanship isn’t it? I get both teams are happy with the result but where’s the integrity in it all? “And yeah I know I probably would be overjoyed if my team was in the play-offs or safe but if you’re a Sutton United fan seeing this…not great is it.”Another fan compared the incident to a famous Simpsons clip where football players are shown on TV passing the ball back and forth to one another repeatedly.Our beautiful game is broken, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      WHEN Manchester United got lucky in their FA Cup semi-final, Antony’s first instinct was to goad heartbroken opponents Coventry. To rub their noses in the dirt.
      Antony seems to be a vile individual but this isn’t really about Antony. Because Antony is merely a symptom of the hideous sickness within England’s top flight.
      There is so much wrong.
      After our elite clubs persuaded the FA to completely scrap Cup replays — which gave us Ronnie Radford and Ricky Villa and Ryan Giggs — without due recompense or reasoning with the rest of English football.
      The previous day, after his Manchester City side had defeated Chelsea in the other FA Cup semi-final, Pep Guardiola whinged about the fixture scheduling of TV companies who effectively pay much of his £20m salary.
      Up at Wolves, Guardiola’s friend and rival Mikel Arteta was playing the same sad song about fixture congestion, despite his Arsenal side having played two fewer games this season than Coventry — who don’t have £50m squad players to rotate with.
      Chelsea, oh Chelsea. The one-time plaything of a Russian oligarch now owned by financially incontinent venture capitalists who have piddled £1billion on a squad of players who fight like weasels in a sack about who should bask in the personal glory of scoring the penalty that puts them 5-0 up against Everton.
      Read Dave Kidd’s full column as he takes aim at Nottingham Forest, Fulham’s ticket prices, the 39th game, VAR and much more…

      Leicester PROMOTED to the Premier League as Leeds suffer shock defeat at QPR to leave door open for Ipswich More

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      Former £15m Liverpool star, 28, becomes unemployed as he is released by National League side after ONE league game

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      FORMER Liverpool star Jordan Ibe has been released by non-league outfit Ebbsfleet.The winger, 28, only joined the fifth-tier side in October after more than a year without a club.Former Liverpool man Jordan Ibe has been released by non-league side EbbsfleetCredit: X/ footballontntIbe was once an exciting prospect at Anfield but his career has tailed offCredit: ReutersBut he has now been released after just one league appearance and three in all competitions.Ebbsfleet confirmed his departure six days after their campaign came to an end.They avoided relegation from the National League by just two points, finishing down in 19th place.And Ibe will now be searching for a club once more, eight years after his spell with Liverpool came to an end.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Wycombe academy product arrived at Anfield in 2011 at the age of just 16.He played 58 games for The Reds, scoring four goals and assisting seven.Bournemouth then signed him for £15million in 2016, but he failed to live up to expectations.Ibe scored five goals and provided nine assists in 92 matches for the South Coast side.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSlot snubbed Spurs, hates defending and has a PASS named after himBy Dan King
      LIVERPOOL managerial target Arne Slot was a good enough player to have a type of pass named after him.
      But it is as a manager that the Feyenoord head coach is really making his mark.
      Like another bald Dutchman, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, Slot earned his stripes bossing smaller sides before being given a chance at one of the Netherlands’ big three.
      But the question Liverpool are pondering is whether Slot would make a better fist of running one of the biggest clubs in the world than Ten Hag so far has at Old Trafford.
      Slot, 45, was certainly easier on the eye as a player than centre back Ten Hag.
      “The Arne Slot Ball” was something he perfected as a silky No 10 – a back-to-goal, first-time, 180-degree spin and flick behind the defensive line for a winger to run on to deep in the opposition half.
      Click here to read all about the incoming Liverpool boss.

      He joined Derby in 2020 – five years after a season-long loan at Pride Park – featuring only once.In 2021, he opened up about his mental health struggles.Who is Arne Slot?Ibe signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with Turkish side Adanaspor in January 2022 but left just a few months later without playing a game. More

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      Tyson Fury’s beloved Morecambe could be forced to play kids on final day with players yet to be paid

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      MORECAMBE are reeling from another huge blow as unpaid wages mean they might have to play kids in their League Two finale on Saturday.Not even Tyson Fury’s sponsorship has saved his struggling home-town club from a string of problems this year.Tyson Fury is a proud backer of his local teamCredit: Morecambe FCFans are worried after the latest blow for MorecambeCredit: GettyThe Shrimpers were docked three points earlier this month.That came after issues with player wages led to a suspended penalty from last season being activated.Now Morecambe have released a lengthy statement saying owner Jason Whittingham has broken “repeated” pledges to pay salaries in April.The Shrimpers promised to field some sort of line-up at Swindon this weekend but confirmed “a number of first-team players have expressed concerns” about taking part.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFears overs Morecambe’s long-term situation have grown amongst supporters.And former soccer Saturday presenter Jeff Stelling led a chorus of sympathy.Stelling, a fan of National League side Hartlepool, posted on X: “Another set of players going unpaid. These guys don’t earn the big bucks. “Even delaying salaries can cause huge difficulties. I hope it gets sorted but it is of course part of a much bigger issue.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFortunately for League Two rivals, both the Shrimpers and their weekend hosts Swindon are sitting harmlessly in lower mid-table.Instead, there’s a scramble way above them for the play-off spots.Anthony Joshua hints mega clash with Tyson Fury will happen in September and says ‘it’s coming, most definitely’And at the bottom Sutton hope to pull off an unlikely great escape – with Forest Green Rovers already doomed.Meanwhile, Fury has insisted he has no plans to leave the seaside town.The heavyweight legend, who also supports Manchester United, lives in a five-bed, four-bathroom home overlooking Morecambe Bay.MORECAMBE’S FULL STATEMENTHere’s how the Shrimpers’ directors revealed the club’s latest problem.
      The Club was expecting to pay its players and staff today, Friday 26th April 2024, ahead of the normal due date of the 28th of the month.
      We appreciate that, despite pay not yet being contractually due, there was an expectation that wages would be paid today ahead of the weekend.
      We also completely understand how frustrating, unsettling and demotivating that this issue is to our people, who work so hard every day.
      Throughout April and this week, the Owner has repeatedly assured the Club that funding would be provided to cover wages. Unfortunately, we have not yet received this funding, making it impossible to pay salaries at this time. Nevertheless, we will continue to do all that we can to rectify this before the 28th.
      Due to the uncertainty, a number of first team players have expressed concerns about playing tomorrow without having received their pay today, and we acknowledge their feelings.
      Regardless, we will ensure that a team takes to the field at Swindon Town for the Club’s final game of the season.
      We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff, players and supporters who continue to fight every day.
      The Board of Directors fully understands and shares the frustrations being reasonably expressed by people who love the Club as we do. More

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      Leicester PROMOTED to the Premier League as Foxes stars go wild after Leeds suffer shock hammering at QPR

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      LEICESTER CITY have been promoted to the Premier League.The Foxes’ promotion was sealed thanks to rivals Leeds losing 4-0 to QPR.Leicester have been promoted following Leeds’ defeat to QPRCredit: AlamyLeicester’s Twitter account celebrated with a stunning montageCredit: https://twitter.com/LCFCAnd just as in 2016 when Leicester won the Premier League, players gathered for a watchalong and jumped around in celebration following Leeds’ defeat.Leicester looked destined to return to the top flight at the first time of asking for much of the season.But their promotion was far from a foregone conclusion following a run of just three wins in ten games which saw Leeds and Ipswich close the gap.Leeds are now in danger of missing out on an automatic promotion spot as they are just one point ahead of Ipswich, having played two games more.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLeicester had to rebuild following relegation from the Prem with key stars James Maddison, Youri Tielemans and Harvey Barnes all leaving.Enzo joined as managed from Manchester City and won 15 of his first 17 games in charge.Leicester fans now have an opportunity to celebrate all weekend ahead of their trip to Preston on Monday.While there will be a promotion party at the King Power Stadium on May 4 when the Foxes take on Blackburn.Most read in EFLIpswich now have a great opportunity to seize on Leeds’ slip-up against Hull City on Saturday.Leicester stars celebrate being promoted back to the Premier LeagueCredit: https://twitter.com/LCFCKiernan Dewsbury-Hall could be seen leading celebrations with his teammatesCredit: https://twitter.com/LCFCThe team were watching the QPR game on SkyCredit: https://twitter.com/LCFCLeicester fans in the crowd during the QPR v Leeds game at Loftus RoadCredit: AlamyBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA win would move them above Leeds into second, leaving them needing just one win against Coventry or Huddersfield to secure promotion.That means Leeds could have to settle for the play-offs along with Southampton, West Brom and Norwich.Five EFL Championship stars destined for the Premier League More