Championship

2 bargain free transfers Stoke City could consider ft Lorenzo Rajot

10/08/2024 Raymond 0

Aaron Connolly is now available on a free transfer after Hull City chose not to renew his contract in May, and Stoke City should consider bringing him to the bet365 Stadium to strengthen their attack. With the Potters finishing as the sixth-lowest scorers in the Championship last season, additional firepower is essential, even after the arrival of Sam Gallagher. Connolly, at 24, offers more experience and proven ability than some of Stoke’s current options and could be a valuable short-term addition with the potential for a longer commitment if he performs well. His availability on a free transfer makes this a low-risk move that would allow Stoke to focus their budget on other areas of the squad.

‘Rolls-Royce’ who Darren Moore wanted to sign at Sheffield Wednesday could be sold for over £10m

08/08/2024 Raymond 0

McGuinness was an exceptional player for Sheffield Wednesday and would have made their promotion to the Championship much smoother if he had stayed. However, given that the team was in League One when he returned to Cardiff City, re-signing him was always a tall order. With McGuinness already valued at seven figures, it was unlikely that Dejphon Chansiri would have been willing to spend £3 million to bring him back. Although Wednesday missed out on a promising player, Danny Rohl now has the pull to attract similar talent, and fans remain hopeful that Rohl will deliver on his promise to strengthen the backline in the near future.

‘Wonderful’ player ‘wants’ to take Sunderland to Premier League despite rejecting new contract

07/08/2024 Raymond 0

Dan Neil’s decision to turn down the club’s initial offer does not necessarily mean he won’t agree to a new deal, and there are strong predictions that he will remain at Sunderland beyond this summer. The midfielder is a pivotal figure for the Black Cats, and they are unlikely to entertain any offers for him unless they are exceedingly high. Neil’s role is crucial, and if he is allowed more freedom on the field this season, he could emerge as one of the standout players in the Championship. His presence in the starting lineup under Regis Le Bris is expected to be a given, with competition for other spots from players like Jobe Bellingham, Chris Rigg, and Alan Browne. Keeping Neil, alongside recent re-signings like Dan Ballard and Rigg, would be a major statement and could greatly enhance Sunderland’s prospects for the upcoming campaign.

Sheffield Wednesday hope to avoid Birmingham City, Wayne Rooney repeat v Plymouth Argyle: View

07/08/2024 Raymond 0

Wayne Rooney made an unexpected return to management with Plymouth in May and will take charge of the Pilgrims for the first time on Sunday. Sheffield Wednesday, however, are determined not to allow him to secure his first win in his new role.

The Owls have struggled against teams managed by Rooney, including a painful relegation to League One after a 3-3 draw against his Derby County side at Pride Park in May 2021. This history could provide additional motivation for Wednesday this weekend. Plymouth narrowly avoided relegation on the final day of last season, and with doubts surrounding Rooney’s appointment, they are considered among the relegation favorites in the Championship this year. This scenario presents an excellent opportunity for Wednesday to start their season positively with a win against Argyle. Given the optimistic atmosphere at Hillsborough, Rohl’s team enters the game as strong favorites.

Nevertheless, the match won’t be easy, and Plymouth should not be underestimated. Still, the Owls will be disappointed with anything less than a victory.

Key man believes Stoke City have found ‘something we really needed last season’

07/08/2024 Raymond 0

Million Manhoef is eager to return to playing in front of Stoke City fans at the bet365 Stadium, emphasizing the importance of winning individual and team battles to succeed in the Championship. Reflecting on his initial months at the club since his transfer from Vitesse Arnhem, Manhoef acknowledges the steep learning curve and the necessity of hard work and teamwork. “If you win your duels and work hard together, then the football comes out,” he notes.

Manhoef is expected to bring flair and threat on the right wing this season, highlighting the importance of unpredictability and effective runs. As Stoke prepares for their first league match against Coventry City, Manhoef praises new signing Ben Gibson’s leadership and defensive prowess, stating, “He’s a big personality in the team and keeps everyone sharp at the back. That’s something we really needed.”

At 22, Manhoef is excited about the upcoming season and aims to break Stoke’s cycle of bottom-half finishes. He hopes to help the team climb the table, contributing with goals and assists, while also improving as a player. Reflecting on the previous season, he feels confident about the team’s potential. “If we can win the duels every game, I think we can have a great season,” he asserts.

Manhoef has set personal targets for goals and assists, having scored four and set up one in his first 14 appearances. His love for playing at the bet365 Stadium and the energy from the fans motivates him to excel. “When you can hear the fans, it gives you more motivation,” he says, underscoring the importance of fan support for the team’s success.

Ex-Mouscron man reacts after concluding Sunderland transfer deal during summer window

04/08/2024 Raymond 0

Blondy Nna Noukeu expressed his happiness at the opportunity to work with goalkeepers Anthony Patterson and Simon Moore at Sunderland. Noukeu joined the senior squad at the start of pre-season and has since been training with the first-team goalkeepers, making several appearances in friendlies. Noukeu commented, “It’s been a few weeks of hard work and patience. I believe you get what you give, and I’m really happy to have the opportunity to prove myself and showcase my quality here. Sunderland is a great place for a young player to develop, with a supportive group of players and staff.”

Reflecting on his career, Noukeu said, “I spent five years at Stoke City, progressing through the academy and 23s, and being around the first team for four years. I went on loan to Crawley and Southend. My main strengths are my work ethic and mentality, and I hope to demonstrate my attributes on the pitch.”

Conway joins: 2 signings Coventry City should try make before Stoke match on August 10th

04/08/2024 Raymond 0

Nottingham Forest club captain Joe Worrall is facing an uncertain future at the City Ground, with a summer exit likely. Coventry City should persist in their efforts to sign the 27-year-old to strengthen the heart of their defense.

Worrall, who has made 226 appearances for Forest since joining at age 14, seems set to end his 13-year association with the club. Despite playing a key role in their 2022 promotion to the Premier League, he has been used sparingly since and was loaned out to Besiktas last season. Coventry manager Mark Robins has emphasized the need to add leadership to his squad following the departures of players like Kelly and Godden earlier in the summer. Worrall, with his experience and quality, would be an excellent addition to the backline for the new campaign.

Securing an agreement with Forest for Worrall before August 10 would be an ideal move for Coventry, potentially key to pushing them back into the play-off places for the 2024/25 season.