Npower Championship Roundup- 22/04/2012
Posted by admin
Subscribe to Football League by EmailReading were crowned league champions despite their 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace as second placed Southampton suffered a 2-1 loss to Middlesbrough. Saints went ahead through an early Billy Sharp strike, but goals from Bailey and Zemmama helped Boro win 2-1 at the Riverside and kept the home side’s playoff hopes alive. Reading played most of their game against Palace with ten men following the dismissal of Jason Roberts, but did enough to secure a point, and the Championship, thanks to the efforts of Latvian international Kaspar Gorkss and the prolific Adam Le Fondre.
Elsewhere, Pompey and Coventry City joined Rovers out of the Championship. Both the clubs lost their respective league outings to Derby and Doncaster but fellow strugglers Bristol City, who beat Barnsley 2-0, ensured that they would live to fight another season.
Hull City ground out a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest, but results elsewhere meant that the Tigers will not competing in the playoffs this season. Ian Holloway’s Blackpool confirmed their spot with a 4-0 thrashing of Burnley, while Birmingham and Cardiff look good to join the Tangerines despite picking up only a point against Brighton and Leeds respectively.
Elsewhere, Peterborough United drew 2-2 with Watford at home while Andy Keogh’s brace helped Millwall beat Ipswich 3-0 at Portman Road. Keogh scored on either side of Liam Trotter’s goal to help the Lions move within two points of the Tractor Boys.
Npower Championship Roundup- 01/04/2012
Posted by admin
Subscribe to Football League by EmailIt rained goals in the Championship this weekend, as all fixtures, bar the one between Cardiff and Millwall, produced goals.
At the top of the table, leaders Southampton suffered a 3-0 loss to promotion hopefuls Blackpool. Billy Sharp’s missed penalty proved costly for the Saints as Blackpool took full advantage to stun them at Bloomfield Road. The Saints’ lead at the top of the table was also cut to two points as Reading picked up an impressive 4-2 win away at West Ham.
Ipswich and Peterborough both secured 1-0 wins at home over Barnsley and Leicester respectively. Birmingham triumphed 3-1 at Doncaster, but fellow promotion hopefuls Brighton and Hove Albion were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Boro.
Chris Iwelumo scored a rare brace for Watford as they beat Leeds United 2-0. There was also disappointment in store for Hull City, who like Leeds, suffered a 2-0 reverse at home. Liam Cooper and Cody McDonald netted for the Sky Blues.
There was further trouble in store for Pompey, who were thrashed 5-1 at home by Burnley. Fellow relegation candidates Bristol City however managed a 1-1 draw against Derby County, with Brett Pitman cancelling out Craig Bryson’s opener for the Rams.
Radoslaw Majewski scored a hat trick as Nottingham Forest beat Crystal Palace 3-0 at Selhurst Park.
Leicester sack Sven
Posted by admin
Subscribe to Football League by EmailSven Goran Eriksson has been sacked by Leicester City. Following the side’s 3-0 defeat against Millwall.
Eriksson, who has notched up management roles in six countries since 1977, including Mexico and Cote d’Ivoire, joined City in October, last year. The Swede took the club from the drop zone to tenth in the table over the course of several months, but an inconsistent start to the 2011/12 campaign saw the board lose patience. Anyone following the online betting will know the side were strong favourites at the start of the season.
“Football is a results industry, and unfortunately we couldn’t quite get things right enough of the time”, Eriksson said.
“I am disappointed to be leaving Leicester City. It was always my aim to lead the club into the Barclays Premier League, and I am very sorry that I won’t be able to do that.”
The Foxes’ decision to sack Eriksson may come as a surprise to some fans. Leicester are not in a difficult position, standing two points adrift of the coveted play-off spots, but after investing heavily the club’s owners clearly want instant results. The betting shows they weren’t doing as well as they should be.
The former England manager was reportedly lining up a coaching position for his comrade in the England dugout, Steve McClaren, prior to being given the boot by City. However, the likelihood is that McClaren will remain in the dole queue, as Leicester are looking elsewhere for their next boss.
City are rumoured to be interested in appointing Martin O’Neill, who guided the club to the Premier League and then Europe back in the late 1990s.
Football League clubs snap up loanees
Posted by admin
Subscribe to Football League by EmailThere have been a slew of player movements in the lower leagues, this week, with Yeovil Town, Notts County and Brighton all bringing in new players, albeit on short loan agreements.
Darren Purse, formerly of Birmingham and West Bromwich, will play for Yeovil Town for the next month, after the Glovers persuaded his current club, Millwall, to part with the defender.
Purse, a veteran of the game, will serve as a temporary replacement for Yeovil regular, Paul Huntington, who is struggling with a broken hand, and is unlikely to make a return to the dressing room for 3-4 weeks.
Everton’s Kenny Orenuga has made the trip to Nottinghamshire, after County, claimed the 18-year-old on a month-long loan deal.
Orenuga, who has yet to play for the Toffees in the league, arrived at Meadow Lane last week and played in County’s draw against Brentford, coming on as a substitute in the 81st minute. Those following the football betting will be keeping a close eye on him.
Finally, Brighton have captured Chilean defender Gonzalo Jara on a deal that will keep him at the club until January.
Jara, who usually plies his trade at West Bromwich, was described as having “great pedigree”, by Gus Poyet, boss at the Seagulls. “He will bring quality […] and help us recapture our early season form.” The South American can play in any defensive position, according to Poyet.
The side have also brought in Newcastle goalkeeper Steve Harper on a month-long deal. Those following the Championship football betting will know he is a quality player.
However, the two loan signings were unable to stop their new side from falling to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of West Ham last night. Harper’s former Newcastle team-mate Kevin Nolan scored the only goal of the game in the first half.
If you are thinking of placing a bet on an upcoming football fixture then why not come and get some of the best free football betting tips on the net at onebooker.com today!
Ince interested in vacant Forest post
Posted by admin
Subscribe to Football League by EmailSteve McClaren’s resignation from Nottingham Forest could have opened the door for unemployed manager Paul Ince to take his place. The former England midfielder, while admitting that he would talk to any club interested in securing his services, intimated that Forest had all the elements that he was looking for in a professional side.
McClaren resigned from Forest on Sunday October 2, following an embarrassing spell in the league for the side. Ince, on the other hand, has been jobless since April 3, of this year, after coaching Forest’s rivals, Notts County, to a record nine consecutive losses. Those following the Championship football betting will doubtlessly question his credentials.
Forest are currently fourth-bottom in the Championship, with just eight points from ten games. Whether Ince can revitalise the Midlands team is debatable, given his record at County, but the 43-year-old claims that he can instil motivation and “a little bit of passion” in Forest’s younger generation of players. “That’s part of my game”, Ince told Sky Sports.
Ince said that he would be “foolish” not to respond to a job offer from the side if he were to receive one, although the football betting suggests this is unlikely to happen.
“Forest is a fantastic club, […] but the last time I saw, there were about 50,000 applicants [for the job],” he said.
Ince, added that it was a case of having to “wait, and see what happens”.
Forest are believed to be interested in appointing Roy Keane, Steve Cotterill, who is currently managing Portsmouth; Villa’s first-team coach, Kevin MacDonald, or former Barnsley chief, Mark Robins. Stan Collymore is reportedly interested in managing Forest, but, like Paul Ince, the 40-year-old is not an ‘official’ club target.
At Footballscores.com they offer you live updates on the football scores from the football league as they happen. Also find out the latest odds on a game you may be interested in. Come to the site today!
Forest rely on loan capture
Posted by admin
Subscribe to Football League by EmailSteve McClaren has moved to sure up his Nottingham Forest backline, with the emergency loan capture of Clint Hill from Queens Park Rangers.
The former England boss has been hit by the news that Chris Cohen faces up to a year on the sidelines and has moved quickly to bring the experienced Hill to the City Ground.
The left-sided Cohen has had his worst fears confirmed, with scan results revealing that he ruptured a cruciate ligament in Saturday’s defeat to Derby.
So Hill, who can play as a left-back of in the centre of defence, will move to Forest for an initial 93-day spell and is expected to make his debut in the away game at Watford on Saturday. Those following the football betting will know the side desperately need to shore up their defence.
The 32-year-old was sent off in QPR’s first Premier League game of the season and hasn’t featured since, so will be keen to get some regular first-team action.
McClaren is pleased with his latest addition, saying: “He has great experience and will add to our defensive options.”
Suring up the Forest backline looks to be the manager’s priority at the moment, as he tries to get them moving away from the relegation zone.
McClaren’s men have conceded more goals (13) than any other team in the Championship so far, and have only record two clean sheets, with one of those coming in the opening day 0-0 draw with Barnsley. The football odds indicated Forest would be challenging for promotion this season, but it looks like they are set to struggle again unless things change soon.
They should go into Saturday’s game at Vicarage Road with real hope though, after a much better display in the Carling Cup against Newcastle – whilst Saturday’s opponents are looking for their first home win of the season.
Sven feels Beckford is the key
Posted by admin
Subscribe to Football League by EmailSven Goran Eriksson admits he “expects a lot” from Jermaine Beckford this season and feels the striker can fire Leicester to promotion from the Championship.
The 27-year-old made his debut for the Foxes last weekend, following his £2.5million switch from Everton on transfer deadline day.
Despite the addition of the former Leeds frontman, Leicester dropped points again as they were held to a 1-1 draw at struggling Barnsley. People who have placed football bets will know the Foxes aren’t looking like the side people were expecting.
Having spent more than anyone else in the division and after recruiting over a dozen new signings, Eriksson is under no illusions that promotion is what is expected from the fans and the board and the football tips reflect this.
But after six matches, Leicester find themselves in mid-table with eight points from six games and the former England boss admitted that the display at Oakwell was “not good enough”.
Eriksson had been desperate to add another quality striker to squad last month and he believes Beckford can be a key player for the Foxes, once he settles into his new environment.
The Leicester boss said: “We all expect a lot from him. He is coming from the Premier League and he is an expensive player for this level.
“You can see he is a threat for anyone because of his pace, he runs in behind.”
Leicester’s home form has been a concern for Eriksson, with just three points from a possible nine so far this term.
The Foxes’ promotion credentials will be severely tested this weekend, when they entertain league leaders Brighton – unbeaten in their first six games – at the King Power Stadium.
Can Sam Allardyce take West Ham up?
Posted by admin
Subscribe to Football League by EmailWest Ham’s previous season was quite unpleasant. A horrendous run-of-form coinciding with a lack of decent managerial skills, led The Hammers into constant relegation battle throughout the course of the season, ending with an almost inevitable slide into the Premier League.
Avram Grant’s departure came soon after the end of the season to the joy of many West Ham fans. Grant’s managerial credentials have been put into question after his abysmal time at the reputable London club. On June the 1st 2011, Sam Allardyce was appointed as the new manager at Upton Park. West Ham fans must have been delighted with the arrival of Allardyce. Big Sam – will most certainly implement his style of play into the squad by enforcing first and foremost an impenetrable defence. Anyone following the Carling Cup betting should also remember that promotion will be the side’s first priority, so they may field a weakened side in that tournament.
However, he does face a battle to hang on to big names. Speculation regarding Scott Parker’s future has been rife. At first it seemed as if Tottenham were leading the race to acquire the signature of the talented midfielder, but things have changed and it now seems that Queens Park Rangers are favourites to sign him due to being the first team to lodge an official bid. The Hammers may well struggle for promotion without their inspiring playmaker, but they will have replacements in mind should he decide to leave.
One of Big Sam’s first transfers was Newcastle United’s key man – Kevin Nolan. Last season saw Nolan make some inspiring performances and really aided The Magpies in their 2010/11 Premier League campaign. Allardyce paid a fee thought to be in and around the region of £6 million on a 5-year contract. Anyone looking for Betfair FA Cup tips will know just how good Nolan is on his day.
The Hammer’s chances of promotion this season look to be a distinct possibility, particularly so if the likes of Carlton Cole and John Carew manage to hit a good run-of-form.
Problems mount at Elland Road
Posted by admin
Subscribe to Football League by EmailAfter narrowly missing out on promotion last season, Leeds fans would have been expecting to push on this season and possibly once again return to the big time. A quiet summer within the squad has left Leeds fans throwing their optimistic hats away and digging out those old pessimistic ones, left in the attic from the final half of the last decade.
With the new Championship season still only in its infancy, it’s fair to say that the target for a lot of Leeds fans has changed. The decision to spend an apparent £7million on a redevelopment project of the East Stand at Elland Road, while offering reportedly low wages and transfer fees on strengthening the squad, has seen Chairman Ken Bates come in for pressure from the fans. Although it isn’t too long since Leeds featured in the League One betting odds, supporters expected almost instant success but now it seems they are backsliding again.
A protest by a large number of disgruntled fans before last weekend’s match against Middlesbrough set the tone for what was an edgy and prickly day all round. Three red cards – two for the hosts and one for Boro – left the game bordering on farce. Simon Grayson’s men battled in vain to gain something from the match, despite having Max Gradel and Jonny Howson sent off, only for Boro’s in-form striker Marvin Emnes to rifle home from a tight angle to give the visitors the lead.
Mowbray’s men managed to do what was necessary and gain the points, while Grayson’s men were left to regroup after a league start that has seen them lose their opening two games. The Championship betting odds indicate they need to get their act together quickly.
Leeds have suffered something of a striker curse since the summer, with last season’s two top scorers Luciano Becchio and Davide Somma both suffering injuries. The Argentinean front-man was inspirational for Leeds last season and will have a belated start to the season due to him undergoing hamstring surgery. Somma is a much longer term casualty and will be out until well into the New Year after suffering a serious knee injury.
If the controversial owner doesn’t dig deep in his pockets and hand Grayson the funds he needs to challenge the top teams in the league then it could be a long season.
Forest sign Greening
Posted by admin
Subscribe to Football League by EmailNottingham Forest have completed the signing of midfielder Jonathan Greening from Fulham. The former Manchester United and West Brom medio has signed a three year contract with Forest and has reportedly cost them £600,000.
Greening only joined Fulham last summer from West Bromwich Albion after a successful loan spell in the latter half of the 2009-10 season with the Cottagers. He found appearances hard to come by in the 2010/11 season and could only chalk up a total of ten league appearances in a Fulham shirt.
Greening, 32, has now become Steve McClaren’s second signing of the summer at Forest after Andy Reid, and is expected to be one of the contenders for the captain’s role at the City Ground following the departure of Paul McKenna.
Birmingham City appoint Chris Hughton as new manager
Posted by admin
Subscribe to Football League by EmailFormer Newcastle manager Chris Hughton has been officially confirmed as the new Birmingham City manager after completing a deal to fill the vacant post left by Alex McLeish who joined City arch rivals Aston Villa earlier this week.
Hughton who was sacked by Newcastle in December won promotion to the Premier League with the Magpies in the 2009–10 season and Birmingham City owner Carson Yeung expects him to do the same.
Hughton Said: “It is what I regard as a real football club with extremely passionate supporters.”
He also added: “I am absolutely delighted.
“To be joining a club of the stature of Birmingham, with the history it has, is a pleasure.
“We are going into an extremely competitive Championship and with the players set to return for pre-season training very soon I need to get into the job straight away.”
Find the latest odds at bwinbetting.com/ of Birmingham City bouncing straight back up to the Prem next season.
Coventry’s Isaac Osbourne a transfer target for Dons
Posted by admin
Subscribe to Football League by EmailScottish Premier League club Aberdeen FC are looking at the possibility of signing Coventry City midfielder Isaac Osbourne on a free transfer this summer. The 24 year old is currently on trial with the Dons at Pittodrie after being told by the Sky Blues that his services would not be required at the Ricoh Arena during the 11/12 season.
Osbourne will leave Npower Championship outfit Coventry at the end of this season after eight years with the Sky Blues. His career has been hampered by injuries and he has only recently recovered from a knee injury that kept him out on the sidelines for fifteen months.
Norwich sign Blackpool defender on loan
Posted by admin
Subscribe to Football League by EmailNorwich City have completed the signing of Blackpool defender Rob Edwards on loan till the end of the season.
Edwards, 28, has made only four appearances for Blackpool in the 10/11 season, and was eager to get regular first team football under his belt. The Welsh defender was brought in by Paul Lambert to strengthen the Canaries defence following the injury problems to Leon Barnett. Before joining Blackpool, Edwards previously represented Aston Villa, Derby County and Wolves.
Edwards could make his debut in the Canaries’ fixture against Doncaster Rovers on Tuesday night.
Foxes defender Bolger moves out on loan
Posted by admin
Subscribe to Football League by EmailLeicester City have loaned out young defender Cian Bolger to League One side Bristol Rovers for one month.
The eighteen year old was Leicester’s Academy Player of the Year in 2009 but is made to make a senior appearance at the Walkers’ Stadium.
The 6’4’’ Bolger is expected to make his Bristol Rovers debut tomorrow night when they meet Hartlepool United at the Memorial Stadium.
Bristol Rovers are currently fighting a relegation battle in League 1, having collected only 23 points from their opening 23 fixtures.
Swansea City sign Baggies forward Luke Moore
Posted by admin
Subscribe to Football League by EmailSwansea City have completed the signing of young forward Luke Moore from West Bromwich Albion. Moore, 24, has signed a two and a half year deal with the Swans and could make his debut for them in the FA Cup against Colchester.
Birmingham born Moore started his career with local side Aston Villa and had loan spells with Wycombe and West Brom before sealing a permanent move to the latter in 2008. He spent the opening part of the 10/11 season on loan at Derby County after being left out of West Brom’s 25 member Premier League squad.
Moore is a former England U-21 international and was also a FA Youth Cup winner (2001-02) with Aston Villa.
Cardiff and Bothroyd set to part company
Posted by admin
Subscribe to Football League by EmailIt has been a great year for Jay Bothroyd. He won his first senior international cap coming on as a substitute for England in the friendly match against France. He as also been in fine form for Championship side Cardiff City scoring 13 goals in 17 games making him a target for a host of Premier League clubs.
Cardiff are near to closing a £1 million deal for Everton forward James Vaughan, opening the way for Bothroyd to move to a Premier League club. After such great scoring form this season, Bothroyd is rated as good goal scorer and a lot of Premier League clubs are fighting for his signature. It is thought that Bothroyd is valued around £2 million, Cardiff signed him for £350,000 back in 2008.
Premier League club Fulham are favourites to sign Bothroyd and Alex McLeish’s Bimingham city have also expressed interest in the player. There is also a “small chance” of Bothroyd rejoining his former club – Arsenal.
English Championship Transfer Stories
Posted by admin
Subscribe to Football League by EmailWe take a look at some of the transfer stories originating from the English Championship. Watford’s highly rated goalkeeper Scott Loach is attracting interest from a lot of Premier League sides including Manchester City and Aston Villa. The 22-year old might leave Vicarage Road in January as Watford may be forced to cash in on their prized asset to reduce their financial burden. Gerrard Houllier wants Loach to be the long term replacement to Brad Freidel while Roberto Mancini is looking for a backup for Joe Hart, with Shay Given expected to leave the club in the January transfer window.
Meanwhile, Derby County are trying hard to extend Luke Moore’s loan deal till the end of the season. The 24-year old forward is on loan form WBA and has scored thrice in ten appearances for the club. Manager Nigel Clough wants him to be at Pride Park till the end of the season.
Liam Lawrence, who is on loan at Pompey from Stoke City insists that he will sign a permanent deal at Fratton Park as soon as the transfer window opens. The dynamic midfielder has scored seven times in fifteen appearances for Pompey and is expected to sign a three and a half year contract with the South coast club. On the other hand, versatile right sided player Greg Halford has indicated his desire to go back to his parent club Wolves after his loan spell ends in January.