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      Who owns Birmingham City?

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      IE has been 14 seasons since the blue side of Birmingham have been able to cherish the glories of Premier League football.Since relegation in the 2010-11 season, the club have meandered in the Championship and met face with higher-ups negligence last season as they were relegated to League One. Ex-owner Carson Yeung had a underwhelming stint as owner before relinquishing duties in 2014 following his arrest for money laundering chargesBirmingham Sports Holdings, formerly Trillion Trophy Asia Limited took over from Yeung as the neglect culminated in an inevitable relegation in 2024Credit: GettyChinese-owned group Birmingham Sports Holdings (BSH), formerly Trillion Trophy Asia Limited, were maligned throughout their tenure.They eventually ceded control to American investment firm Knighthead Capital Management, headed up by financier Tom Wagner, in July 2023.Though the US-based Shelby Companies Limited (SCL) company oversaw relegation to League 1 – the first time the club have been out of the top two divisions since 1995 – they’ve caused a rebirth in response. Blues are undoubtedly the most expensively formed, having spent between £20 million and £25 million ($24.7 million to $31 million) over the summer.READ MORE IN FA CUPThe record-breaking investment that sent shockwaves through the rest of the league, even amongst Hollywood rivals Wrexham – owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mcelhenney. The club is first in League 1 – fourth points and two games in hand ahead of closet rivals Wycombe and are in the fourth round of the FA Cup as they host Premier League Newcastle United. The revival of a once forsaken club is firmly underway so who’s behind the ownership?Tom Brady is occasionally spotted at the Blues’ gamesCredit: GettyMajority owner Tom Wagner and co have spearheaded the club’s rebuild with Premier League football amongst aimsCredit: GettyWho owns Birmingham City?As stated, SCL, fronted by the company’s co-founder Wagner acquired a majority share in the team and complete ownership of the stadium with a 45.96% stake. Most read in FA CupAlthough BSH retains 51% of the shares, Wagner said that Shelby will be “responsible for the operations of the club moving forward” and that “nothing about the way the transaction is structured will prevent us from achieving the long-term goals we have for the club.”Since takeover, swift changes have been ensued, particularly off the pitch. Garry Cook, former Manchester City CEO, was appointed to the same job at Birmingham before stepping down in January this year. Fellow Blues fan and former Microsoft executive Jeremy Dale, who helped broker the deal to bring American owners Knighthead to St Andrew’s, has assumed the role of interim CEO since. The blockbuster arrival of NFL great Tom Brady as minority owner has gained considerable publicity.The seven-time Super Bowl champion quarterback may have the glitz and nosie, but he apparently has no voting rights and serves mostly as the club’s face, spreading the message and drumming up interest across the pond. More

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      FA Cup 4th round games on TV: Channel and stream details for this weekend’s clashes

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      THE FA Cup fourth round gets underway at Manchester United, and you can watch the games for FREE!Manchester United will start off the weekend at home to Leicester, and Exeter host Nottingham Forest to conclude the action on Tuesday night.Manchester United host Leicester in the first live game this weekendCredit: AlamyNottingham Forest look to keep up their good form in this round’s last game at ExeterCredit: RexLower league sides like Doncaster and Exeter have already had to battle through three rounds to get here, and have been given big Premier League ties for their efforts.Last year’s winners Manchester United play at home to Leicester, and runners up Manchester City are away to Leyton Orient.How can I watch this weekend’s games?The FA Cup fourth round is free-to-air in the UK.The games will be shared across the BBC and ITV, with BBC iPlayer and ITVX also streaming the games.The FA Cup fourth round starts on Friday, February 7 and ends of Tuesday, February 11.Which games are being shown on TV?The FA released it’s list of live TV games in January, and a full list is available here:Read more FootballManchester United vs Leicester – Fri, Feb 7, 8pm GMT – ITV1 and ITVXLeyton Orient vs Manchester City – Sat, Feb 8, 12:15pm GMT – BBC One and BBC iPlayerBirmingham vs Newcastle – Sat, Feb 8, 5:45pm GMT- BBC One and BBC iPlayerBrighton vs Chelsea – Sat, Feb 8, 8pm GMT – ITV4 and ITVXBlackburn vs Wolves – Sun, Feb 9, 12:30pm GMT – BBC iPlayerPlymouth vs Liverpool – Sun, Feb 9, 3pm GMT – ITV1 and ITVXAston Villa vs Tottenham – Sun, Feb 9, 5:35pm GMT – BBC One and BBC iPlayerDoncaster vs Crystal Palace, Mon, Feb 10, 7:45pm GMT, BBC iPlayerExeter vs Nottingham Forest, Tue, Feb 11, 8pm GMT, ITV1 and ITVXWhich other games are on this weekend?Saturday, February 8:Leeds vs Millwall, 12:15pm GMTCoventry vs Ipswich, 3pm GMTPreston vs Wycombe, 3pm GMTStoke vs Cardiff, 3pm GMTSouthampton vs Burnley, 3pm GMTEverton vs Bournemouth, 3pm GMTWigan vs Fulham, 3pm GMT More

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      Paul Scholes delivers brutal eight-word verdict on Ruben Amorim’s tactics after Man Utd’s last-gasp win over Leicester

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Paul Scholes has appeared to call out Ruben Amorim for playing new signing Patrick Dorgu out of position.The 20-year-old full-back made his Red Devils debut in the FA Cup comeback win over Leicester on Friday night. Paul Scholes has appeared to hit out at Ruben Amorim’s team selectionCredit: APThe Portuguese boss gave Patrick Dorgu a debut against Leicester on Friday nightCredit: GettyDorgu, 20, was employed as an inverted full-back on the right side, rather than his natural leftCredit: GettyUnited left it late to snatch a dramatic 2-1 victory under the lights at Old Trafford.Harry Maguire was the unlikely hero, netting late on to send the Red Devils into the fifth round.Dorgu, a £25million capture, began the night in an unfamiliar role on the right side of defence.The ex-Lecce star normally operates on the left but slotted dutifully into Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 system. READ MORE ON MAN UTDDorgu was subbed off at half-time following a tepid first half, with United trailing thanks to a goal from Bobby De Cordova-Reid.Following the game, an unimpressed Scholes wrote on Instagram: “Inverted wing-backs… you saw it at [Old Trafford] first.”Scholes’ former teammate Roy Keane was on punditry duty for ITV during the match.And he was similarly baffled by Amorim playing the youngster out of his natural position.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSKeane said: “They’ve brought new players in, you’re thinking he’s [Dorgu] going to play in his position and he’s playing right wing-back.”You think, is that unfair on players? And you look at the urgency for the goal [Leicester opener], it’s given away cheaply, people not staying with their runners. Luke Littler and AngryGinge lose their heads on live stream after predicting Harry Maguire would score Man Utd winner”I just look at it from United’s point of view and think, my goodness, is this what it’s come to?”Amorim defended his decision following United’s dramatic comeback. Asked directly about Dorgu playing on the right, he said: “He played a lot of times in Lecce on the right.”That is one of the characteristics that we pay attention to a lot, to have a player like him.”He was a little bit anxious in the first touch with the ball. “It’s a different league for him, a different speed of the game, but he did well. READ MORE SUN STORIES”He has space, he has strength, and he’s going to improve a lot. “And we, as a team, we need to play better to help these new guys to perform at the right level.” More

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      FA Cup 4th round LIVE SCORES: Fulham and Bournemouth leading with SIX GAMES underway now

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      THE FA Cup fourth round is well underway – with SIX games on now!Seven-time winners Manchester City avoided a cupset at Brisbane Road to Leyton Orient as Kevin De Bruyne provided the winning spark off the bench.Elsewhere, Millwall came out on top in their lunchtime clash with fellow Championship side Leeds United, with a brace from Femi Azeez. There are six 3pm games on today before blockbuster ties in the evening with Birmingham’s huge clash with Newcastle and Brighton vs Chelsea.Kick off times: 12.15pm/3pm/5.45pm/8pmCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…50 – GOAL! WIGAN 1-1 FulhamWhat a goal and what a moment for JONNY SMITH as the League One side level it up!Copy linkCopied46 – GOAL! STOKE 2-2 CardiffWhat a turnaround, Stoke are level a minute into the second half and it’s LEWIS KOUMAS once again!Copy linkCopiedSecond halfJust about getting underway across the majority of the 3pm kick-offs.Most of the ties still very much in the balance, while Everton will be hoping for an early goal to change the mood and stop Bournemouth continuing to cruise.Twists and turns expected!Copy linkCopiedHT! Coventry 1-3 IpswichIt is now half time at the CBS Arena after a 10 minute delay to kick-off.Lively start with the score 1-1 after eight minutes but a Jack Clarke double has since put the visitors into a commanding position.Copy linkCopiedFrom Phil Thomas at Goodison ParkWhen Everton last won a trophy – the 1985 FA Cup – Joe Royle’s Wembley warriors were memorably dubbed the Dogs of War.The ones seemingly intent on making this their last ever Goodison Cup fixture will have a nickname too…the Suicide Squad.A rash James Tarkowski tackle gives a penalty away, but then a comedy of errors as Daniel Jebbison bundled in a second. Uphill and then some for Moyes and Co now.Copy linkCopiedFA Cup – HALF TIMESThe latest scores from the 3pm gamesCoventry City 1-3 Ipswich Town – latestEverton 0-2 BournemouthPreston 0-0 WycombeSouthampton 0-0 BurnleyStoke City 1-2 Cardiff CityWigan Athletic 0-1 FulhamCopy linkCopied37 – GOAL! Coventry 1-3 IPSWICHJACK CLARKE with his second of the tie and the Premier League side are motoring!It comes from a good Ipswich press as the clearance is poor and they’re straight onto the attack.Ipswich punish the big space left as two passes later it’s given to Clarke all alone on the penalty spot and he sits the keeper down and taps into an empty net.Copy linkCopied43 – GOAL! Everton 0-2 BOURNEMOUTHThe Cherries cruising and DANIEL JEBBISON doubles their lead!What on earth was Tarkowski doing again!?A stupid, floaty pass towards left back is straight to Tavernier who has a shot from 20 yards blocked.It’s into Jebbison’s path and when Pickford denies him the first time, it’s back to Jebbison who just nudges it into an empty net.All too easy for the visitors so far.Copy linkCopied42 – GOAL! STOKE 1-2 CardiffStoke get themselves back into this cup tie through LEWIS KOUMAS!A clever through ball from the middle of the park in the inside left channel takes out five Cardiff players and picks Koumas out.He takes a touch into his path before drilling a shot across goal and into the far corner.Copy linkCopied28 – GOAL! Coventry 1-2 IPSWICHThe Premier League side restore their lead and it’s JACK CLARKE with an excellent finish!He collects a pass on the left corner of the area and isn’t closed down immediately.That allows a quick shift of the ball to evade two players nearby and he bends it into the far bottom corner beyond the keeper from just inside the box.Copy linkCopiedFrom Phil Thomas at Goodison ParkGoodison can be a real bearpit at times, but Antoine Semenyo has certainly silenced the fans with the most uncompromising penalty you will see.Perhaps it’s as well Jordan Pickford, who went the right way, didn’t get his fingers to it – he may well have lost a couple, it was moving that fast. Cherries heading into the fifth round for the first time ever?Copy linkCopiedFA Cup latest scoresCoventry City 1-1 Ipswich TownEverton 0-1 BournemouthPreston 0-0 WycombeSouthampton 0-0 BurnleyStoke City 0-2 Cardiff CityWigan Athletic 0-1 FulhamCopy linkCopiedFrom Jack Rosser at the CBS ArenaAfter a delay to kick off here due to some congestion outside, the two teams are making up for lost time.Coventry are making a big deal of their fourth round tie with a one-off dark blue kit, but were up against it after just 20 seconds when Luis Binks conceded a penalty which was converted by George Hirst.They have responded superbly though and have been much the better team since the opener, grabbing an equaliser from a corner and creating a couple of chances besides. A great atmosphere from the sellout home crowd too.Copy linkCopied23 – GOAL! Everton 0-1 BOURNEMOUTHAnd it’s from the penalty spot as ANTOINE SEMENYO puts the Cherries in front!Tarkowski it was who gave the penalty away and it’s a peach from Semenyo.He waits at the ball until the the whistle goes before turning to walk away from it, spinning rapidly to try and catch Pickford out and absolutely smashing it to Pickford’s right.Laces right through that one and the away side rightly lead!Copy linkCopied23 – GOAL! Wigan 0-1 FULHAMThe Premier League hit the front through RODRIGO MUNIZ!Delicious cross from Sessegnon wide on the left finds Muniz on the edge of the six-yard box and he nods back across goal and into the back of the net.It might well have gone in via Luke Robinson.Copy linkCopied19 – GOAL! Stoke 0-2 CARDIFFAnd the lead for the Bluebirds has been doubled by YOUSEF SALECH!But it’s a huge error for Stoke at the back that has cost it.A long, direct ball from left back over the top of the Stoke defence looks set to be dealt with by keeper or centre back.They almost leave it to one another and Salech nips in, gets his foot to it and lifts it over the keeper and into the net. Calamity.Copy linkCopied8 – GOAL! COVENTRY 1-1 IpswichAlready an equaliser in the delayed kick-off and it’s JOEL LATIBEAUDIERE who scores it!A good left-footed delivery from the right and Latibeaudiere is the man on the move, darting across his man to flick the header on and into the far corner.Copy linkCopiedLovelyI’m a huge fan of the Ipswich strip too.Don’t get many pinks strips these days.Copy linkCopied2 – GOAL! Coventry 0-1 IPSWICHPenalty converted!Sammie Szmodics wins the penalty inside the opening minute and GEORGE HIRST steps up to take it.The keeper goes the right way but Hirst’s penalty is passed right into the corner and Ipswich lead inside 90 seconds!Copy linkCopiedPENALTY IPSWICH!That game is only seconds old but already the visitors have a chance from the spot at Coventry!Copy linkCopied8 – GOAL! Stoke 0-1 CARDIFFThe first goal of the FA Cup 3pm games and it’s RUBIN COLWILL who has it!A terrific solo effort when he collects the ball out wide on the right.He drives inside, alongside the edge of the 18-yard box unchallenged.He then shoots low and hard on his left foot, back towards the keeper’s left and it sneaks into the bottom corner!Copy linkCopiedQuiet startBournemouth started with a clever kick-off routine and almost score inside six seconds but the final shot is blocked.No goals across the competition seven minutes in.Although it’s absolutely freezing today, so it might well take a moment or two to get going.Copy linkCopiedKICK-OFF!The other five games are underway in the FA Cup!Coventry City vs Ipswich Town – 10 minute delayEverton vs BournemouthPreston vs WycombeSouthampton vs BurnleyStoke City vs Cardiff CityWigan Athletic vs FulhamCopy linkCopiedDelayCrowd congestion means Coventry City vs Ipswich Town has been delayed by 10 minutes.Copy linkCopiedPredictionsWhat do we think then?Six games, cup action, drama aplenty.I’ll go for 22 goals in total….Copy linkCopied More

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      Leyton Orient 1 Man City 2:  Kevin De Bruyne steps off bench to clinch narrow comeback win for Pep Guardiola’s side

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      KEVIN DE BRUYNE broke the hearts of Orient and romantics everywhere with a late winner.And De Bruyne’s moment of quality, so rare in a lacklustre performance by Manchester City, decided a compelling tie only after a dose of FA Cup magic from Orient’s Jamie Donley – and a big helping of good fortune.Kevin De Bruyne spared Man City’s blushes with a winner off the bench at Leyton OrientCredit: ReutersThe Belgian fired home with just ten minutes remaining at Brisbane RoadCredit: ReutersAbdukodir Khusanov netted his first City goal to spark the comebackCredit: PAJamie Donley’s 40-yard strike crashed off the bar and gave Orient a shock leadCredit: GettyCity centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov knew little about the second-half equaliser he scored, diverting Rico Lewis’ shot past wrongfooted Orient goalkeeper Josh Keeley.And De Bruyne’s goal robbed the League One side of the chance to play extra time, which was what they deserved after taking a sensational lead.The records will show it was an own goal by City keeper Stefan Ortega that gave Orient the lead.The visitors will continue to insist that if VAR had been in operation, it would have been disallowed for a foul in the build-up.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut Donley’s effort from 50 yards, which came off the bar and then Ortega before nestling in the City net, will be replayed for years.And if captain Dan Happe had converted a late chance to equalise, Orient could yet have sprung a shock.For nearly an hour this was a day and performance to forget for City.The lesser-spotted Jack Grealish had the game’s first shot, cutting in from the left and firing wide of the near post.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe home fans gave a frank verdict and then watched their own team go close at the other end.A long ball over the top and a clever pass by frontman Charlie Kelman allowed left-back Jack Currie to send in a dangerous cross that City made a meal of clearing until referee Darren Bond came to their rescue by awarding a free kick.BBC makes half-time innovation in FA Cup clash between Leyton Orient and Man CityThe away team should have taken the lead in the 10th minute.Savinho volleyed Ruben Dias’ pass across goal, the Orient defence missed it but Ilkay Gundogan failed to find a finish from close range. It was Orient who forced the first save of the game. Kelman beat Vitor Reis in a footrace and after a heavy touch still managed to get a shot away that Ortega blocked at his near post.And Ortega was helpless moments later when Orient took a sensational lead.While City screamed for a foul near the halfway line, Donley let fly from more than 50 yards.Donley took aim from just inside the City half, spotting Stefan Ortega off his lineThe ball fell into the net off Ortega after striking the underside of the barCredit: GettyOrtega retreated in a panic but only far enough to divert the ball into his own net after it came back off the crossbar.City were rattled and although James McAtee got his toe on a cross he could only divert it straight at Orient ‘keeper Josh Keeley.Things got worse for the visitors soon after when debutant Nico Gonzalez, injured in the build-up to the goal, was forced to leave the field.Substitute Bernardo Silva had his shot from a Grealish cross blocked, then Dias sent a header from a Savinho corner into Keeley’s grateful arms.City were finding some promising positions but not being ruthless.Grealish wasted a good chance to shoot before sending a cross to the far post for Silva.But there was Donley on his own goalline to clear.Orient reminded City of their threat when Kelman again got in behind and square for Sonny Perkins, who fired well over the bar.It was only in stoppage time that the visitors forced Keeley into his first difficult save and even then Marmoush’ volley from a Savinho cross was pretty much straight at the Orient keeper.Guardiola changed both his centre-backs at half time, bringing on John Stones and Khusanov for Dias and the hapless Reis.The Uzbek centre-back soon had to be on his toes to prevent Kelman meeting a Perkins cross.City were gaining a little momentum.Gundogan had a shot blocked by one of the massed ranks of Orient bodies and Rico Lewis was off target with the follow-up. Khusanov bundled in early in the second half at Brisbane RoadCredit: ReutersKeeley had to be alert to deny Marmoush.But he could do nothing about it when Lewis’ shot from distance hit Khusanov on the head and left him totally wrongfooted.Orient did not allow the misfortune to deflate them.Kelman connected with a free kick from the left but sent the ball wide of Ortega’s near post.City felt they should have had a penalty just after the hour when a fine move ended with Marmoush laying the ball off to McAtee. The shot grazed the post but Marmoush believed he had been on the wrong end of firmer contact from Orient centre-back Jack Simpson which deserved punishment in the form of a spotkick.Meet Man City signing Nico Gonzalez, who is son of Pep Guardiola’s former team-mate and could be £50m Rodri solution Keeley then got down well to keep out Gundogan’s shot from outside the box. At the other end, Kelman once more posed danger with a cross-shot that Ortega decided to leave and a near-post shot that he opted to push away.The City keeper flapped at the resulting corner to give the home side further hope.But by now Guardiola had sent on Phil Foden and De Bruyne, and it was the latter who decided the game.After a long period of possession, Grealish chipped a fine pass in behind and the Belgian helped it past Keeley with the deftest of touches.Still Orient believed.When they won a free kick in the 90th minute they sent forward keeper Keeley, who had scored a sensational equaliser against Oldham in the second round.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Tom James’ delivery reached captain Happe, only for the centre half to volley over the bar.Kelman caused more problems before the end, but Orient could not find the equaliser. More

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      Huge injury blow for Man City as £50m new signing Nico Gonzalez’s debut lasts just 22 minutes before he’s crocked

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      MANCHESTER CITY were hit with a huge injury blow as Nico Gonzalez’s debut lasted just 22 minutes. The midfielder signed for £50million from Porto in the January transfer window and started against Leyton Orient in the FA Cup. Nico Gonzalez went off injured on his City debutCredit: GettyBut Gonzalez went down injured off the ball on 20 minutes – and was replaced by Bernardo Silva just moments later. City were trailing at the time and now face hosting Real Madrid on Tuesday without their new man. But manager Pep Guardiola did breathe a sigh of relief when Abdukodir Khusanov levelled on 55 minutes. Defender Rico Lewis – who started at right-back – saw his effort on the edge of the box deflect off Khusanov and past keeper Josh Keeley.READ MORE IN footballIt came after Orient took a shock lead on 16 minutes when Jamie Donley’s stunner from halfway hit the bar and bounced off Stefan Ortega. Kevin de Bruyne – off the bench also – then put City ahead by poking a through ball past Orient’s Keeley to win the game 2-1. City new boy Gonzalez – who came through Barcelona’s academy and first team – started in midfield alongside Ilkay Gundogan. His arrival comes with Rodri still facing the prospect of missing the remainder of the season through injury. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Spaniard ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament during a 2-2 draw with Arsenal in September. Guardiola has history with Gonzalez having tracked his time at Barca’s youth set up. And he said: “It’s a position where we were weak after the absence from Rodri.”I know him from the Barcelona academy and his father was working here. “I’m really pleased from the effort of the club to bring him here for the next years.”Gonzalez signed from Porto More

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      ‘Setting the example’ – fans hail Ruben Amorim’s devotion to hard work after narrow FA Cup win over Leicester

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans have hailed Ruben Amorim’s devotion to hard work after he held training in the aftermath of his side’s last-gasp FA Cup win over Leicester.Amorim set up a post-match training session for his players on the Old Trafford pitch immediately after United’s 2-1 victory.Amorim oversaw a full training session after United’s 2-1 win over LeicesterAmorim put his United players through their paces after full-timeOnce again, Amorim watched on as his side produced a pitiful display in the first half, with the visitors taking the lead on the brink of the interval through Bobby De Cordova-Reid.The half-time introduction of Alejandro Garnacho provided a lift for United in the second half, and the hosts soon got back on level terms through Joshua Zirkzee.Fans were preparing for extra-time before Harry Maguire headed home in stoppage time, despite appearing to have been offside in the absence of VAR in the fourth round.The dramatic ending spared Amorim’s blushes and the Portuguese gaffer was quick to take action following the full-time whistle.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSA post on the club’s social media channels showed players being put through their paces on the pitch on Friday night.The post confirmed that players were undergoing a full training session, rather than a customary post-match warm-down.And fans absolutely loved to see Amorim’s hardline methods.One wrote on X: “I saw the boss there. That’s setting the example.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA second said: “Make them work for the badge!”A third added: “This is exactly what we need to see.”Ruud van Nistelrooy talks about his feelings in returning to Old Trafford for Man Utd clash Rasmus Hojlund was involved despite the fact that he played the full 90 minutes against Leicester.The Dane struggled to make an impact, failing to register a single shot and losing possession nine times.The draw for the fifth round will take place on Monday at 7pm.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      ‘Nobody wants this’ Fans destroy BBC’s half-time innovation in FA Cup clash between Leyton Orient and Man City

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      THE BBC have come under fire from baffled fans – for interviewing a player at HALF-TIME.Leyton Orient’s Dan Happe was thrown in front of the camera after his team’s impressive first-half performance at Brisbane Road.Dan Happe gave a half-time interview to the BBC during Leyton Orient’s FA Cup clash with Man CityCredit: BBCFans were baffled as the rain-sodden skippered was interviewed on his way to the dressing roomCredit: BBCAn own goal from Stefan Ortega gave the League One side a deserved lead at the break.The game was played in driving rain in East London, with Orient defending valiantly to preserve their lead. But as a sodden Happe headed towards the dressing room, he was collared by the Beeb for an interview. One fan fumed on X: “You guys are shameless, interviewing a Leyton Orient player AT HALF TIME! No class!”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnother said: “Why are we now doing half time interviews… utter disgrace to the game, it’s not a circus.”While a third added: “Half time interviews? Literally surely the player has better things to be doing and thinking about at half time.”And a fourth raged: “Why do the BBC believe its appropriate to interview the captain of the lower division team even before he’s got off the pitch at half time. Try f*****g doing that to the City captain or Guardiola. The disrespect is unbelievable.”And ESPN’s Ian Darke added: “Really don’t want to see players interviewed in cold and wet conditions on their way off pitch at half time. Doesn’t feel right, adds little.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt’s not the first time the BBC have trialled the innovation this season during their FA Cup coverage. Sky Sports faced a similar backlash from fans last year after interviewing Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola during the half-time break in a Premier League game. Pep Guardiola preview Man City’s tasty clash against Leyton OrientEarlier in Saturday’s fourth-round contest, Jamie Donley stunned the Premier League champions by taking aim from 40 yards out.Donley came out best following a 50/50 in the middle of the park and spotted City keeper Ortega off his line.The 20-year-old hit a brilliant strike from just inside City’s half, which Ortega could only watch fly over his head.Donley was denied a stunning goal only by the crossbar.But the ball instead smashed back off the woodwork, hitting Ortega and rolling into the net. More