More stories

  • in

    Ruud van Nistelrooy ‘applies to become Coventry City manager’ just days after brutal Man Utd axe

    RUUD VAN NISTELROOY has applied for the vacant Coventry City managerial job just days after leaving Manchester United.Van Nistelrooy, 48, was axed by United on Monday despite an undefeated short stint as interim boss that saw him winning three out of four matches in charge.Ruud van Nistelrooy has applied for the managerial job at Coventry after leaving Manchester UnitedCredit: PABut the Dutch tactician seems keen to forge a coaching career in English football after a successful spell in the Eredivisie with PSV Eindhoven, where he won the Dutch Cup in 2023.According to talkSPORT, the legendary striker has put his name in the hat for the Coventry job to replace Mark Robins in the Championship.Robins’ dismissal was met with shock by Sky Blues fans after an impressive seven-year stint that saw him turning the club from League Two strugglers to Premier League promotion contenders.Coventry owner Doug King claims the EFL side has received plenty of CVs from “high-quality” managers.Read More on Man UtdOne of which is reportedly ex-Chelsea boss Frank Lampard, which means Van Nistelrooy may face some intense competition for the job.The Real Madrid great would have a tough act to follow at the CBS Arena after a brilliant job by fellow Man Utd hero Robins, who also has a lot of history at Old Trafford.The former striker famously saved Sir Alex Ferguson’s job back in 1990 when he scored the winner in a 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the third round of the FA Cup, which led to the Scottish legend’s first ever trophy with the Manchester giants.However, Van Nistelrooy did an impressive job at United after replacing Erik ten Hag at the helm as he restored excitement and confidence.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSUnder the Netherlands legend, the Red Devils beat Leicester twice, drew with Chelsea and registered their first European win in a year by beating PAOK in the Europa League.Many were sad to see the former assistant boss go following the decision to start anew under Amorim, who is bringing in his own team from Sporting Lisbon.Ruud van Nistelrooy impressed by Amad Diallo after Man Utd end European drought Van Nistelrooy penned an emotional farewell message to the fans insisting the club will always have a “special place” in his heart More

  • in

    EFL club issue update on new £130million stadium as part of stunning complex with gym and 180-bed hotel

    AN EFL club has issued a “really positive” update on plans for a new £130million stadium.Oxford United are planning on moving from the 12,500-capacity Kassam Stadium to a new 16,000-capacity eco-friendly ground.Oxford United are planning on moving to a new 16,000 seater stadiumCredit: https://twitter.com/_LiamWalker_The club currently plays at the Kassam StadiumCredit: PAThe U’s have been at the Kassam Stadium since it opened in 2001.The club has now submitted a confidential pre-application request to Cherwell District Council over plans for the new stadium.The plans include a potential stunning complex, which would include a 180-bed hotel and a gym.The land known as the Triangle north of Oxford would also see a restaurant, conference centre, health and wellbeing space, and community plaza created.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLJonathan Clarke, Oxford United Development Director, said: “Requests for additional information are common with large-scale developments.”This is another really positive step forward in the process.”We remain fully focused on obtaining the necessary planning permission and preparing to build.”The club is also keen to improve the ecology of the stadium.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThis means that a transport model has been updated to allow for buses and bicycles to pass through matchday road diversions A footpath and cycleway has also been proposed to provide “additional connectivity and enhanced sustainable transport options”.Ipswich Town Football Club announce plans to redevelop 53-year-old stand in ‘exciting project’ with hotel and aquatics centre The club will also increase the number of on-site cycle parking spots from 150 to 446.It has also been claimed that the new stadium will be “the first all-electric stadium in the UK”.The U’s are currently sitting in 16th place in the Championship after a mixed start to the campaign.Manager Des Buckingham has overseen the team pick-up 17 points from their opening 15 games.Who are these famous footballers? More

  • in

    Frank Lampard lined up for return to management in days as he’s tipped to replace former Man Utd star at EFL club

    FRANK LAMPARD is set to return to management with Coventry City, according to reports.The Chelsea legend has been out of work since last year, following an interim spell at Stamford Bridge.Frank Lampard is reportedly set to take over at Coventry CityThe Sky Blues recently sacked Mark Robins after seven years in chargeAnd now the 46-year-old is said to be heading up a list of replacements for Mark Robins.The Mirror claim Sky Blues owner Doug King has earmarked Lampard for the role.It was believed that Wycombe Wanderers’ boss Matt Bloomfield was an early favourite for the vacant job.However, King reportedly wants a more experienced man at the helm.Read more football news The report adds Lampard could even take control before Coventry’s next home game against Sheffield United.Robins was given the boot after seven years in charge, which included guiding the club from League two to a Championship play-off final.Coventry legend Steve Ogrizovic was critical of the manager’s dismissal.”Very few things in football shock me but this is a poor decision,” Ogrizovic told BBC CWR.Most read in FootballHe added: “Mark Robins had more to give, look at the club since the day he came in and it’s been year-on-year success and progression.Frank Lampard hints at next job after Chelsea sacking he’d be ‘crazy’ to turn down”The sun has been shining on Coventry and they got back into the Championship and along the way there were some great memories for people.”The stadium is full now and it wasn’t when Mark Robins first came to the club.”Last week, Lampard was tipped to take over from under-fire West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui.Jeff Stelling said on talkSPORT: “I’m going to mention someone who might divide opinions.Who are these famous footballers?FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“Is it time, if Lopetegui goes, for West Ham to bring Frank Lampard home? Just a thought.“He is available. He’s been mentioned in connection with the Roma job, but West Ham would be ideal for him.“I know there’s a man in situ at the moment, but it is just a speculative suggestion at the moment.” More

  • in

    Shock moment former EFL boss grabs his own player and furiously shoves him after receiving red card

    FORMER EFL boss Pep Clotet furiously grabbed and shoved his own player after the forward was sent off.Clotet, 47, managed Oxford and Birmingham between 2017 and 2020.Pep Clotet grabbed striker Raimonds KrollisThe furious Spaniard then appeared to shake KrollisClotet, 47, managed Birmingham during his stint in EnglandCredit: PADuring his time at St Andrew’s he helped to nurture Jude Bellingham.Since leaving Birmingham, Clotet has had three spells with Italian side Brescia, as well as stints at SPAL and Torpedo Moscow.Last month he took charge of third tier Triestina.Languishing at the bottom of Serie C, the club’s board would have hoped for their new manager to inject some fight into his troops.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut this probably wasn’t what they had in mind.In the 33rd minute of tonight’s home clash with Giana Erminio, goal-shy striker Raimonds Krollis was shown a straight red card.As the Latvian trudged off the pitch, Clotet caught his attention.Instead of heading straight down the tunnel, Krollis walked towards his manager.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAt this point, an enraged Clotet grabbed the forward by the collar of his shirt and began to shake him.Krollis, 23, appeared dejected and did not try to free himself from his manager’s astonishing outburst.How to cure England’s Bellingham, Foden and Palmer headacheTriestina had to play with ten men for around an hour.And combustible Clotet’s mood won’t have been helped by how the game ended.Just three minutes from time, Giana Erminio grabbed a late winner via Gabriel Avinci.The result leaves Triestina rooted to the bottom of the table with just six points from 14 games.Since taking over on October 21, Clotet has amassed two points from four games.Triestina have not won since beating Arzignano all the way back on August 24.Clotet managed Jude Bellingham at BirminghamCredit: PA More

  • in

    EFL club face being forced to LEAVE iconic ex-Premier League stadium and have been ‘offered’ two sites for £100m ground

    CHARLTON ATHLETIC have been offered two potential sites for a new stadium – as they face the prospect of being turfed out of The Valley. The League One side has called the iconic stadium home for over 100 years. Charlton’s future at The Valley could be under threatCredit: RexThe club have been offered two potential sites to build a new ground should they have to moveCredit: RexBelgian businessman Roland Duchatelet, the club’s controversial former owner, currently owns The Valley. Charlton signed a 15-year stadium lease with Duchatelet when he still had control of the club. He sold the Addicks to East Street Investments in 2020.Last year the club changed hands again, with Global Football Partners now in charge.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe current ownership group are looking to renegotiate the terms of the lease, which has 11 years remaining. According to City AM, the club have held “positive talks” with Duchatelet, with an eventual view to buying the ground outright.But should any deal not materialise, Charlton could be forced to move out of The Valley within the next decade. The club has been offered two potential sites for a new stadium on the Thames by property developers. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe City AM report claims a new stadium is “projected to cost at least £100m”.A Charlton spokesperson said: “The Valley is the home of Charlton Athletic and the club have no plans to leave the stadium. ‘We had a can of beans between 20’ Charlton’s Matt Godden on struggles at old club – What the EFL?!”We have a medium-term lease on the stadium and our only interest is securing the club’s long-term tenure at The Valley.”Charlton currently sit 12th in League One with 19 points from their opening 13 games.Former Charlton chairman Roland Duchatelet currently owns the groundCredit: AFP – GettyBoss Nathan Jones is looking to get the Addicks back into the second tier for the first time since 2020. Charlton enjoyed a seven-season spell in the Premier League between 2000 and 2008. They have since bounced between the Championship and League One, with ownership issues dominating the club’s past few years. More

  • in

    English manager SACKED by EFL club after emergency meeting just TEN MONTHS into reign with side 23rd in League One

    SHREWSBURY TOWN have sacked manager Paul Hurst with the club languishing second bottom of League One.Hurst returned to manage The Shrews for the second time in January 2024 – but sees himself back out the exit door just 10 months later.Paul Hurst has been sacked by Shrewsbury 10 months after his reappointmentIt comes after Shrewsbury were knocked out of the first round of the FA Cup for the first time since 2013Hurst, 50, had been instrumental in keeping the club in League One last season. But the EFL gaffer has been given his marching orders after a dismal run of two wins in 19 games this season.The brutal decision was made following an emergency board meeting held this morning.The final nail in the coffin came after Shrewsbury were knocked out of the FA Cup first round following a 2-1 defeat to League Two side Salford on Saturday.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe last time the club failed to make it past the first round was in 2013.A club statement read: “It is with regret that Shrewsbury Town can confirm we have parted company with head coach Paul Hurst and assistant boss Chris Doig.”We would also like to thank them for the outstanding work they did in their first spell – which saw us reach the play-off final and the final of the EFL Trophy. “It was that success that led to the Chairman taking responsibility for re-hiring Paul and Chris earlier this year. Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”And everyone at the football club is hugely disappointed their second spell hasn’t worked out and we find ourselves in our current position. The search for a new head coach is now underway.”Despite saving them last season, Hurst won just six of his 37 games during his charge of his second stint at New Meadow.Former Watford and Gillingham hero Andy Hessenthaler shares crazy EFL story after being attacked by the owner I What the EFL?!He previously managed the club for 19 months from 2016 to 2018.The former full-back led The Town to the play-off final in 2018, which they ultimately lost to Rotherham.The Englishman left Shrewsbury just three days later to replace Mick McCarthy as boss of Ipswich Town.But Hurst was sacked from the The Tractor Boys after five months in charge, before stints at Scunthorpe and Grimsby.Moreover, the Salop’s remain one of the favourites for the drop this season after finishing 19th last term.Club chiefs are searching for a new manager for the second time this year after Matt Taylor was dismissed in January.Hurst rejoined Shrewsbury when the club was sitting 20th in the table.Salford co-director Roy Keane attended Hurst’s last game in charge More

  • in

    Norwich’s Kellen Fisher reveals maddest moments – from dinner with Delia to team-mate getting egged in dressing room

    DEFENDER Kellen Fisher has revealed tales from his time at Norwich including having dinner with former owner Delia Smith and team-mates being egged in the dressing room.The right-back, 20, joined Johannes Hoff Thorup’s side in 2023 from Bromley.Kellen Fisher has detailed some of the best stories from his career so farCredit: ReutersFisher has revealed he went for dinner with former owner Delia Smith – who is also a famous TV chefCredit: RexHe has already racked up 23 appearances for the club and helped them reach the play-offs last season.They lost in the semi-finals to Leeds – a club whose fans he is full of praise for in SunSport’s exclusive interview.Both on and off the pitch Fisher has a host of stories to tell – from dressing up as a zebra to playing on a “mud bath”.Here are some of the trials and tribulations of Championship life seen by Fisher – in his own words.READ MORE IN EFLBest ever EFL player?Gabriel Sara, he was on another level last year.You see some of the goals he scored last year, you’d think ‘What a player he is’.Wildest night out?On our Christmas do, we went to Winter Wonderland and we all had to dress up as a certain letter.Luckily got a Z, which was a zebra. So we all started walking around Winter Wonderland in these funny costumes.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSI think Shane Duffy was dressed up as Goldilocks or something.Fisher is a regular in Norwich’s side under Johannes Hoff ThorupCredit: RexMaddest dressing room tale?It was Callum Doyle’s birthday and Borja Sainz told me to start filming and I didn’t know what was going on either.Lincoln’s Ethan Erhahon reveals players STOLE the physio’s car and he was offered a ‘scrap’ with a fan – What the EFLBorja Sainz comes through behind him and throws three eggs and he said it was his birthday.To be fair, Callum wasn’t too happy.Wildest owner antics?When I first joined the club, the player liaison Phil said to me that Delia wanted to have dinner with my family before one of the games just to get to know everyone.I think she makes that effort with everyone to meet everyone’s families.I think it was steak pie and I think mash and gravy.Delia sold her majority stake in Norwich last month after 28 years in chargeCredit: AlamyIconic training ground tale?I’d say one of the coaches scoring a worldie. One of the free-kicks, it’s gone over the wall, the keeper’s saved it and it’s come rolling back perfectly for the half volley.I remember Glyn [Head of Physical Performance for Norwich] just absolutely smashed it and it’s gone flying.It’s gone flying into the top corner and everyone was a bit shocked.Best EFL fans?I think I’ve got to say Leeds.Last year in the play-off [semi]final, the place was absolutely bouncing.Dodgiest EFL facilities?I would say FA Youth Cup when I was at Bromley. The away changing rooms were all painted pink.I think the pitch we played on wasn’t great either. It was just a mud bath.Most annoying EFL fans?I think I have to say Leeds again, in that play-off game.I was on the bench just warming up, you’d hear little things in your ear in the corner.Just getting a lot of stick from the home supporters.Norwich sit eighth in the Championship, one point adrift of the play-off placesCredit: AlamyMoment that haunts you?I made a little bit of a mistake in the cup game, FA Cup, Bristol Rovers at home.READ MORE SUN STORIESI think the ball come to me, the keeper parried it and I’ve controlled it in the box and sort of just panicked and just flicked it around the corner and no one sort of reacted to the ball.And then a Bristol Rovers player just come onto it and volleyed it into the top corner. More

  • in

    EFL’s first ever female manager lasted just two weeks, but women will take charge sooner or later

    NO ONE is suggesting that a woman should be appointed manager of Manchester United, or any other leading football club, right now.But it could happen when a candidate is so successful in the women’s game that her skills fit perfectly for the job.Karren Brady says female managers will be a thing in the futureCredit: PAHannah Dingley was briefly in charge of Forest Green RoversCredit: PAMale prejudice appears to be a football’s castle wall to us and I found that climbing it was a little tricky when I was appointed managing director of Birmingham City over 30 years ago.Cheeky players made comments at first and there was an incident of entry to “men only” boardrooms. Not any more. With the barriers breached, more women moved into executive positions. Now a mix of sexes is commonplace.But the possibility of a woman managing a Premier League or EFL team is still regarded by many men as an insult, a slap in the face with a wet apron.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEmma Hayes capturing the Ballon d’Or this week for leading the USA to the Olympic gold medal reminds me that the day a woman leads a men’s team is closer than ever though.Hayes, at Chelsea, won the WSL title five times while Sarina  Wiegman, with England, won the Euros and finished World Cup runner-up.Similar triumphs in the men’s game would have won a knighthood.So why wouldn’t a club take on a manager with this record,  regardless of their gender?Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSI’ll tell you why. Because they are scared of being laughed at, or  assume men won’t listen to a woman. Forest Green Rovers briefly appointed Hannah Dingley as interim first-team coach last year.Amorim confirmed by Man Utd but it’s a huge gamble and delay to start is bizarreIt certainly wasn’t bigger news than Nancy Astor becoming the first woman to take her seat as an MP.And while Astor remained in Parliament for 26 years, Dingley lasted two weeks.It was still a tiny brick removed from the battlements but any pioneering woman will need the strongest support from her chairman and board.No player wants to work with a manager, female or male, who does not have tactical know-how, game strategy, leadership and decision-making skills, communication skills, modern training techniques, people skills, data analysis and a long-term vision.My guess is rebellion would evaporate as players realised the manager knew her business in all these areas.As for supporters, a few quick wins and they wouldn’t much care if Liz Truss were in charge.It will happen one day because women will make it do so. Astor has been the touchstone for 263 (40 per cent) of women to win seats in July’s election.There is no proof men are better team leaders or managers than women.Results in industry, education and politics are at least the equals of men and in school exams a good deal superior.READ MORE SUN STORIESSo, the day a woman leads a men’s team might be closer than ever.Until then, we’ll keep cheering as the women’s game grows — bringing the passion, skill and tactical brilliance the men’s leagues could learn a thing or two from.Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for. More