Latest ChampionShip News

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WISE DEFENDS TOON ROLE

Dennis Wise has defended his role at Newcastle, and insists his career has been left in tatters.

Wise was lured to St James' Park to work as an executive director despite an impressive managerial CV after working at Millwall, Swindon and Leeds.

Last week former Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan was awarded £2million in compensation after he won his legal battle against the Magpies over his departure in September 2008.

Keegan claimed he was forced to sign Uruguayan Ignacio Gonzalez against his wishes - but Wise insists he has suffered more than most due to the fall-out at Newcastle.

"It has all had a damaging effect on my career and has not been fantastic for me. But you have to make decisions and live and die by them," said Wise.

"It's sad because I was going into that job trying to do my best for the club. I left a good job at Leeds to go there and thought I was going to better myself.

"At the end of the day, Mike (Ashley) sacked me.

"There's been a lot of speculation about the situation with agents.

"I have to be careful what I say but the club never paid money to an agent. We brought a loan player in but there was no loan fee or agent fee.

"The long-term idea was we would have first option on all the best young South American kids and that was important to the club.

"Mike knew all about it and was fine. He knew about every deal. He's the owner and it's his money.

"The disappointing thing is that if Kevin had won £25m that would have upset Newcastle United Football Club.

"Mike was worried about it. When someone is suing for £25m, you have to panic a bit.

"It's not a nice situation to be in. Maybe that would have ended in administration. Maybe, that's a question for Mike."

Despite speculation about the club's impeding sale, Wise does not see that happening soon.

"I think Mike will hold on to the club at least until they get promoted," he said.



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TORRES HOPES FOR LONGER IMPS STAY

On-loan Lincoln midfielder Sergio Torres would like to extend his stay at Sincil Bank.

The Argentinian, whose first goal for the League Two club gave the Imps a 1-0 home victory over Aldershot on Saturday, is midway through a one-month spell from Peterborough.

Torres was signed by former caretaker boss Simon Clark, but hopes for a longer stint with new manager Chris Sutton.

"I've enjoyed the couple of weeks here," Torres told BBC Radio Lincolnshire. "I think this is a really good club so we're going to talk and see what happens.

"The lads are brilliant and the facilities are very good. Of course, you'd like to play higher up in the Championship but sometimes you need to be playing so people can see you."



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ANTONIO JOINS SAINTS ON LOAN

Southampton have signed young winger Michail Antonio on a one-month loan deal from Reading.

The 19-year-old has completed the switch to the south coast in time to be included in Tuesday night's Johnstone's Paint Trophy clash with Torquay.

Antonio has made two substitute appearances for the Royals this season and also caught Southampton manager Alan Pardew's eye when he scored against Saints reserves last month.



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HORNETS HOPE HELGUSON WILL RETURN

Watford hope to have injured striker Heidar Helguson back in action after the international break.

Helguson, who recently rejoined the Hornets on loan from QPR, suffered a calf injury on his first appearance back in a yellow shirt in the 3-3 draw with Leicester a fortnight ago.

But the Iceland forward is on the mend and boss Malky Mackay is hopeful he could return against Middlesbrough on October 17.

"Heidar is recovering great at the moment," said Mackay.

"The fact he is running gives us hope for his return after the international break."




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BLADES FACE MONTGOMERY WAIT

Sheffield United manager Kevin Blackwell is waiting anxiously to learn the full extent of Nick Montgomery's knee injury.

The Blades have been rocked by injuries to several key players in recent weeks and Blackwell is hoping midfielder Montgomery has not damaged ligaments.

Blackwell said: "Monty's done his knee. We're not sure about the severity of it, but it doesn't look good.

"His knee is in a brace. He running one way and his knee got knocked the other side and he said his knee felt all wobbly and loose just before half-time.

"So it's not a good sign. Please God it's not what we think it is."

Striker Jamie Ward, who strained his hamstring against derby rivals Sheffield Wednesday, has undergone surgery on a broken wrist, James Harper damaged his knee in last week's draw with Ipswich, defender Matthew Kilgallon is nursing an ankle problem and summer signing Lee Williamson has yet to feature this season after undergoing back surgery.




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REO-COKER'S BORO LINK RUBBISHED

Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker's agent has rubbished reports linking him with a move to Middlesbrough.

Reo-Coker has been linked with a move away from Villa Park following his training-ground altercation with manager Martin O'Neill last month.

O'Neill insists the matter is over with, and that Reo-Coker is still in his plans.

But reports have suggested Boro could offer Reo-Coker regular first-team football - but that would mean him dropping down to the Championship.

And his newly-licensed agent Tony Finnigan has moved to strongly deny the rumours, insisting that Reo-Coker has no plans to drop down a division.

"Nigel is a proven Premier League player, and he has no plans whatsoever to drop down to the Championship," Finnigan told skysports.com.

"That is no disrespect to Middlesbrough, Gareth Southgate is a former team-mate of mine and I think he is a very good manager, and Boro are a great club - but they are not a Premier League club.

"But to be honest, we are talking as if Nigel is on his way - let me assure you that is not the case.

"I have not spoken about Nigel's future with Villa and they have not informed me that are looking to sell him, and so Nigel - as the consummate professional he is - is battling for a first-team place at Villa until told otherwise."




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GERMAN LANDS IN ALDERSHOT

Aldershot have signed QPR forward Antonio German on a month-long loan.

The 17-year-old has penned a deal to link up with Gary Waddock's League Two side until November 7 and he will be allowed to play in the FA Cup.

German has made three substitute appearances for Rangers - most recently on the final day of last season - and will hope to be gain much-needed first-team experience at the Rec.

Waddock said: "He has first team experience and this is a great opportunity for him.

"We can help to further his development and he can help us out too."


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Patrice Evra: I predict Manchester United will face Real Madrid in this season's Champions League

Patrice Evra is convinced Manchester United will end up facing Real Madrid at some stage in this season's Champions League, for the first time since 2003's dramatic clash – won by the Spaniards, 6-5 on aggregate – in the same competition.

"I know we will play Real Madrid," the French full-back told Inside United.

"I can't explain it. It is just a feeling. But I think we will play them, maybe even in the next round."

If Evra's prediction comes true, he may face the daunting task of marking former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo, who moved to Madrid this summer in a world-record £80 million deal.

"I once played against him in an Under-21 international but remember, I used to face him every day in training. He knows it could be very difficult for him," said Evra.

"Ronaldo was a close friend and I was sad to see him leave. But you need to accept it.

"And the thing about Manchester United is, no one player is the star – the club is the star. Sir Alex Ferguson tries to maintain that every year."

 

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Patrice Evra: I predict Manchester United will face Real Madrid in this season's Champions League

Patrice Evra is convinced Manchester United will end up facing Real Madrid at some stage in this season's Champions League, for the first time since 2003's dramatic clash – won by the Spaniards, 6-5 on aggregate – in the same competition.

"I know we will play Real Madrid," the French full-back told Inside United.

"I can't explain it. It is just a feeling. But I think we will play them, maybe even in the next round."

If Evra's prediction comes true, he may face the daunting task of marking former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo, who moved to Madrid this summer in a world-record £80 million deal.

"I once played against him in an Under-21 international but remember, I used to face him every day in training. He knows it could be very difficult for him," said Evra.

"Ronaldo was a close friend and I was sad to see him leave. But you need to accept it.

"And the thing about Manchester United is, no one player is the star – the club is the star. Sir Alex Ferguson tries to maintain that every year."

 

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DAVIES JOINS WYCOMBE ON LOAN

Scott Davies has become Gary Waddock's first signing since taking over at Wycombe.

The Reading winger, 21, has penned a one-month loan deal with the Chairboys and goes straight into the squad to face Colchester on Saturday.

Waddock knows Davies' talents well, having signed him on season-long loan deals for two successive seasons when managing Aldershot.

The Ireland Under-21 international has made five first team appearances for Reading this season and will remain at Adams Park until Tuesday 17th November.




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SOUTHGATE DEFENDS SMITH ROLE Middlesbro' v Watford

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has defended his decision to add his former manager Alan Smith to his backroom staff.

Smith, who was in charge of Southgate at Crystal Palace, was added to Boro's backroom staff over the summer.

His arrival has been questioned but Southgate insists that his presence is crucial.

"My reasons for bringing Alan in were that he had skills and experience which we did not have. It is a behind-the-scenes role as he is not on the bench on match days, but he has got bags of knowledge which is beneficial to me," he told the Daily Express.

"He is someone I can trust 100 per cent and he has had a team which has won this division in the past. The style of this league has not changed since Alan won it and he can challenge myself and all the coaches to keep improving.

"I didn't want to bring a mate in, we got on very well but he would let me know in no uncertain terms if I did something which he thought was wrong.

"You need different voices as a manager and I needed that to challenge me. At times that is difficult for anyone at any football club because the manager decides who works at their club. But Alan does not have that fear as he is slightly detached from that.

"He occasionally agrees with me. Alan can point out things to players which will help them and since he has started a lot has been achieved by using him and dipping into his knowledge.

"We have a pretty young coaching staff and they need some experience. Our attention to detail and preparation is better now.

"We are leaving as little as possible to chance and everybody knows their job. Ultimately though, it will be judged by results and I understand that."




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ROWLANDS HIT BY INJURY SHOCKER

QPR midfielder Martin Rowlands has been ruled out for the rest of the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

The former Brentford player, 30, sustained the injury during the Republic of Ireland's 0-0 draw with Montenegro on Wednesday.

And now Rowlands, who suffered a carbon copy of the injury against Derby in January, will be out of action for a substantial period.

"Martin's been to see the specialist and the results of the scan unfortunately revealed that he's sustained another Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury," head physio Paul Hunter told the club's official website.

"Martin's a fighter. I've no doubts he'll come back from this.

"He knows what it takes after going through it last season - his attitude was spot on then and I'm sure it will be the same when his rehabilitation begins in the coming months."




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MONK KEEN TO SECURE FUTURE

Swansea captain Garry Monk wants to sign a new deal with the club sooner rather than later.

The former Southampton player, 30, wants a longer-term deal at the Liberty Stadium as his current deal comes to an end next summer.

"I am not interested in running my contract down," he told the South Wales Evening Post.

"Some players do run contracts down so they finish up as free agents, but I have said all along I want to stay and the sooner we can sort it out the better.

"I enjoy my football at Swansea and I am settled in the city, so hopefully it's just a matter of time before we sort out the small details.

"I am loving life at the moment and this is one of my favourite seasons. Every game is a big, big game for us and every one is exciting."




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GLOVERS SWOOP FOR LAVERS

Yeovil have announced the signing of left-back Louis Lavers from Watford on a short-term contract.

The 19-year-old will stay with the Glovers until January having spent the last two seasons playing with the Hornets' Academy and Reserve teams.

Lavers had a trial with Grimsby earlier in the season but failed to earn a contract at Blundell Park.




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PEARSON: LOAN WILL HELP MAX

Leicester boss Nigel Pearson believes Max Gradel's loan move to Leeds will benefit everyone involved.

The winger was a regular part of the Foxes squad that earned promotion last season but, after just one appearance this campaign, joined the League One leaders at the start of the week.

On the month-long deal, Pearson said: "It's great for Max and for us. Our squad has a lot more depth than it has had for a while so Max's first-team opportunities have been a bit limited.

"Now he will get the chance to be around the first team and it means that if after a month he is needed, he comes back with a bit of experience."


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BENNETT SET FOR POSH MOVE

Grimsby captain Ryan Bennett is training with Peterborough ahead of completing a three-month loan switch to the Championship club.

The defender was the subject of two bids from Posh during the summer before signing a new four-year contract at Blundell Park.

Bennett, 19, could join Peterborough in time for their league game at home to Scunthorpe on Saturday and talks regarding a permanent move to London Road will open during the January transfer window.



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BLADES SWOOP FOR CAMARA

Sheffield United have signed former Celtic and Wigan forward Henri Camara on a short-term deal until the end of the season.

Manager Kevin Blackwell has responded to a series of injuries to key players by drafting in the 32-year-old, who had a recent trial at Bramall Lane.

Blackwell said: "At a time when we have got so many major players out through injury, he will bring plenty of experience and a bit of quality to the squad.

"He's a proven goalscorer and although he will take a bit of time to get fit, he will be able to give us cameo roles from the bench to begin with."

Camara, without a club since leaving Wigan in the summer, has played in France and Switzerland and counts Wolves, Celtic, Southampton, West Ham, Stoke and Wigan among his former clubs.

Blackwell was without 10 first-team players for the midweek defeat at Blackpool.




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LE FONDRE PLAYS DOWN BARNSLEY TALK

Adam Le Fondre insists he will not be following former Rotherham manager Mark Robins to Championship side Barnsley.

Robins was the man responsible for bringing the 22-year-old to the Millers in the summer from Rochdale but the striker is adamant that, if the situation arose, he would not join the Tykes.

The former Stockport man has been a big hit at the Don Valley Stadium since his arrival, having scored 10 goals in 14 games.

Le Fondre has scored goals whether ever he has played but admits that he is enjoying his time with Rotherham.

"I'm settled at Rotherham at the moment and all I am concentrating on is getting my head down and scoring goals, so a January move is definitely not in my mind," he told skysports.com.

"I don't think I can play for three clubs in the same season anyway, so that wouldn't be an option.

"The transition from Rochdale to Rotherham has gone pretty well, which surprised me a little because I thought it might take me a while to find my feet.

"But it is going well and I'm scoring goals so I can't really complain about anything. I think that the goals have helped win the fans over as well, so it all looks good at the moment."

Fourth-placed Rotherham travel to Bury on Saturday and Le Fondre is expecting a frosty reception from Shakers fans because of his Rochdale links.

"Surprisingly enough, I never got too much stick when I played there for Rochdale, but I'm sure the old 'Rochdale reject' chant will get thrown at me this weekend," he added.

"I'd love to score the winner on Saturday, but I love doing that in any game. There isn't really any extra spice in it for me.

"I just want to keep scoring goals and helping the side putting points on the board against any side that we play against."




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EDWARDS OFFERS KEANE SUPPORT

Carlos Edwards insists Ipswich's players remain fully supportive of manager Roy Keane.

The Tractor Boys currently sit bottom of the Championship after going 13 games without a win.

That has led to increased pressure on Keane, with the former Sunderland boss coming in for criticism from the club's supporters.

However, experienced midfielder Edwards is adamant that the former Manchester United player remains the right man for the job at Portman Road.

"We are all firmly behind the manager. What more can he say or do?" the Trinidad & Tobago international said in the Daily Star.

Ipswich had appeared set to break their duck against Watford on Tuesday night, only for Nathan Ellington to prolong their misery as he snatched a late leveller.

Edwards admits results need to improve, and quickly, but he claims the mood in the camp remains positive despite the current slump.

"The manager is very disappointed," he said.

"He asked us in the dressing room if anyone had ever experienced a run like this in their careers and not one of the players has ever gone this long without a victory.

"We are staying positive and sticking together. We know what is at stake and we really believe things can only get better."

Ipswich chief executive Simon Clegg has also offered his support to Keane, insisting he will be given time to get things right.

"Roy was desperately unlucky not to get a win against Watford and he is here for the long haul," he said.



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HUGHES JOINS DERBY ON LOAN Derby v Q.P.R..

Derby have signed Bryan Hughes on loan with a view to completing a permanent deal for the Hull midfielder.

The 33-year-old has fallen out of favour at the KC Stadium and has not featured for the Premier League club since March.

Rams boss Nigel Clough has been keen to strengthen his injury-hit squad with an experienced head and Hughes has more than 450 senior appearances to his name.

"I'm delighted we have been able to secure Bryan's services, he is player who brings vast experience to our squad," said Clough.

"Everyone knows about our injury situation and when we looked at the list of available players Bryan's name stood out.

"I would like to thank (Hull chairman) Paul Duffen and (manager) Phil Brown for agreeing to loan Bryan to us and I am sure he will settle in with no problems at all."

Hughes, who has also played for Charlton, Birmingham and Wrexham, goes straight into Clough's squad for the home game against QPR on Saturday.




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