Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder jokingly claimed Ryan One is tied to the club for “20 years” after reports from Fabrizio Romano linked the young […]
In a tense encounter at Cardiff, Mark Robins made a decisive half-time substitution, swapping Ali Al-Hamadi for Sam Gallagher to ensure Stoke City maintained a full squad on the pitch. Al-Hamadi, who had returned to the starting line-up after a two-week recovery from a hip injury, was involved in creating an early chance for Lewis Baker. However, his yellow card for a foul in first-half stoppage time, following an earlier warning, led Robins to act swiftly.
Robins explained after the match that the decision was a tactical one, aimed at keeping Stoke’s momentum intact without risking another booking. “Ali had run about, but I just felt he was a little bit hot-headed,” Robins said. “I couldn’t risk them throwing themselves to the ground and the referee… it was all on edge.” The move proved crucial, as Gallagher came on and helped Stoke secure a vital 1-0 victory, stretching their lead over Cardiff to five points with just four games remaining in the Championship season.
Chris Mepham’s arrival at Sunderland on loan from AFC Bournemouth has been one of the club’s most impactful moves this season. The experienced Welsh international quickly established himself in Régis Le Bris’ starting lineup, bringing a level of composure and reliability that has been hard to ignore. With both Mepham and Le Bris open to the idea of a permanent move, calls are growing louder for Sunderland to make it happen this summer—regardless of the division they find themselves in. As fan pundit Jordan Newcombe put it, “He’s a top-quality defender who’s proven himself at every level. We’ve got the funds—let’s get it done.”
With the Championship season entering its final stretch, Monday night’s clash between Hull City and Coventry City carries weight at both ends of the table. Coventry, despite a dip in form, have the opportunity to climb into the play-off positions with a win — a result that would put real distance between them and the chasing pack. Hull, meanwhile, are teetering dangerously close to the relegation zone and desperately need points to stay afloat. As tension builds, even the experts can’t agree on what to expect, with predictions ranging from a goalless draw to a dramatic Coventry win. One thing’s certain: the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Ahead of Stoke City’s crucial match against Cardiff City, Mark Robins expressed optimism despite the challenges his team faces. With only five matches remaining in the Championship season, Stoke are sitting just two points above the relegation zone, making the Cardiff clash a potentially season-defining encounter. Robins remains positive after an unbeaten run since the international break, with a win over QPR and draws against Preston North End and Luton Town. “Those performances are the things that start to pick up points,” Robins said, emphasizing that Stoke are building momentum.
While the late equalizer conceded to Luton could have been a morale blow, Robins remains focused on the task ahead. “For us it’s all to play for,” he said, highlighting the opportunities still available for his side to survive. With key players like Josh Wilson-Esbrand nearing a return, Stoke’s injury issues seem to be easing, which could prove vital in the final stretch of the season. Robins also praised the unwavering support from Stoke’s fans, with over 1,600 supporters making the long trip to Cardiff. “They’ve been vocal in a really positive way,” Robins added, acknowledging the vital role the fans play as the team battles to retain their Championship status.
As Southampton prepare for a fresh campaign in the Championship, they could soon come face to face with a familiar name—both on the pitch and in the dugout. Former Sunderland striker Ross Stewart may line up against his old club next season, while Will Still, once on the brink of taking charge at the Stadium of Light, is now a leading candidate for the Southampton job. Transfer expert Graeme Bailey revealed that Still had agreed to join Sunderland last summer and was even house-hunting before the deal collapsed over staff-related issues. Now, with the Saints seeking a new manager to lead their promotion push, Still—alongside fellow former Sunderland target Liam Rosenior—has emerged as a serious contender.
Ipswich Town faces a near-impossible task of escaping relegation this season, with a 12-point gap between them and 17th place. Their hopes of staying in […]
Stoke City returned to training today with a heightened sense of urgency ahead of a critical Championship showdown against Cardiff City, a match Wouter Burger has dubbed a “cup final.” The Potters know that a win in South Wales would be a massive step toward securing their Championship status, with just a handful of games remaining. Backed by over 1,500 fans, Stoke will face Cardiff with a two-point advantage, having slipped to a frustrating draw against Luton Town midweek after conceding a last-minute equalizer.
Burger admitted the team was hurting after dropping two valuable points, but there was no time for regret. “We just have to stay together,” he said, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the next game. Manager Mark Robins echoed this sentiment, acknowledging that late goals have become a painful trend but stressing that the team must quickly recover and look ahead to the challenges that remain. “There’s still a long way to go,” Robins said. “A lot of work to be done, but we’re still alive in this fight.”
Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris has played down injury fears surrounding Jobe Bellingham, revealing the midfielder’s absence against Norwich City was purely precautionary. “He’s okay,” Le Bris confirmed. “It’s not a serious injury. Although he wants to play every game, today was an opportunity for him to refresh.” With the play-offs secured, the boss hinted at further squad rotation ahead of Saturday’s clash with Swansea, aiming to keep his players sharp and maintain momentum.
Opta’s supercomputer forecasts Ipswich Town will earn six more points by season’s end. Ipswich Town faces a likely immediate return to the Championship following their […]
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