
Stoke City promotion hero and ex-manager passes away aged 88
Bill Asprey, a hard-nosed defender who once played behind Sir Stanley Matthews at Stoke City, later returned to the club for a challenging stint as […]
Bill Asprey, a hard-nosed defender who once played behind Sir Stanley Matthews at Stoke City, later returned to the club for a challenging stint as […]
Stoke City are being urged to cash in on South Korean winger Bae Jun-ho, with reports from his homeland revealing his agent is now in […]
Sheffield Wednesday’s 2022–23 season was a rollercoaster of emotions, defined by stunning comebacks and bold decisions off the pitch. While their dramatic promotion through the play-offs will be long remembered—particularly Josh Windass’ 123rd-minute winner at Wembley—the seeds of success were sown months earlier. Darren Moore’s proactive transfer strategy, highlighted by a daring double swoop on rivals Rotherham United for Michael Ihiekwe and Michael Smith, set the tone for a campaign driven by grit and ambition. The controversial move not only shook the League One landscape but proved decisive in Wednesday’s return to the Championship.
Régis Le Bris stands on the brink of history. With Sunderland poised for a long-awaited return to the Premier League, the Frenchman could become the manager who ends an eight-year exile from the top flight. But between him and glory looms a dangerous Sheffield United side, freshly rejuvenated under Chris Wilder. The stage is set at Wembley, where two ambitious clubs—and two sensational midfielders—will clash in a battle that could define their futures.
All eyes will be on Jobe Bellingham, the 19-year-old prodigy whose stock has soared to £22 million. His rise mirrors Sunderland’s own resurgence, and while Gustavo Hamer brings proven pedigree and a Player of the Season award to the table, it’s Bellingham who could be the difference-maker. If Sunderland fall short, they may lose their brightest spark to the European elite. But if they triumph, it may mark the beginning of a new era—one led by youth, vision, and the bold leadership of Le Bris.
Scotland international Stuart Armstrong’s time at Sheffield Wednesday has come to an abrupt end just 105 days after his surprise mid-season move from Vancouver Whitecaps. The 33-year-old midfielder, who had hoped to reignite his career in the Championship and push for a Premier League return, managed only six starts as the Owls slipped out of the promotion race, finishing 12th. Now released, Armstrong joins a list of players departing Hillsborough this summer, while fellow ex-Rangers forward Josh Windass has secured a contract extension after an impressive season, continuing his long-standing role as a key figure at the club.
With James Beadle unlikely to return to Hillsborough for a third loan spell, Sheffield Wednesday appear ready to put their faith in homegrown goalkeeper Pierce Charles. The 20-year-old impressed during the final stretch of the 2024/25 season, earning praise not just for his shot-stopping, but also for his calm distribution—a trait refined during his early days at Manchester City. Having already made his senior debut for Northern Ireland, Charles is emerging as a bright prospect, and many within the club see him as a potential long-term solution between the posts. However, fan pundit Patrick McKenna urges caution: “He’s a real asset, but we need to develop him properly. He will make mistakes—we have to support him through those moments if we want him to thrive.”
“Sunderland have shown grit and resilience to claw their way back from the depths of League One,” said Kevin Phillips. “The infrastructure, the support, the ambition—it’s all Premier League level. But you still have to earn it.” As the Black Cats gear up for a high-stakes showdown with Sheffield United at Wembley, the echoes of Dan Ballard’s dramatic semi-final winner still linger. With promotion just 90 minutes away, Sunderland’s long-awaited return to the top flight now hinges on one final push.
Coventry City face a daunting task in the second leg of their play-off semi-final after a narrow 2-1 defeat to Sunderland at the CBS Arena. Despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession, the Sky Blues were undone by a tactically disciplined Black Cats side who executed a low-block, counter-attacking game plan to perfection. A late defensive error sealed Coventry’s fate on the night, leaving manager Frank Lampard visibly frustrated but defiant in his post-match comments: “It’s not over.” The passionate home crowd created a stirring atmosphere, but familiar issues—missed chances and costly mistakes—once again threatened to derail City’s promotion hopes.
Sunderland’s playoff hopes are hanging by a thread after a six-game winless run, and pressure is mounting on manager Regis Le Bris. With fans growing increasingly restless, calls are intensifying for the club to sack Le Bris and appoint former Everton boss Sean Dyche. Despite his rocky exit from Goodison Park, Dyche is seen by many as the experienced, no-nonsense leader who could steady Sunderland’s ship at the most crucial time of their season. As Coventry City awaits in the playoffs, the push for a last-minute managerial shake-up is gaining momentum.
Mark Robins has praised the unwavering support he’s received from Stoke City’s leadership, particularly owner John Coates and sporting director Jon Walters, during what he described as a challenging four-month battle to keep the club in the Championship. Since taking charge on New Year’s Day, Robins has been solely focused on survival—a mission accomplished with a final-day draw at Derby County. Now, with safety secured, he’s turning his attention to building a more stable future, confident in the groundwork being laid behind the scenes. “Everything we’re doing will take time,” he said, “but when it all comes together, Stoke City will be in a really strong place for years to come.”
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