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Powell's parting gift takes Crewe to promotion

Mon, 28 May 2012 00:00:01 +0100

England Under-18 international Nick Powell produced a moment of magic to set Crewe on the road to League Two play-off victory against Cheltenham yesterday.

Huddersfield win 'written in the stars'

Mon, 28 May 2012 00:00:01 +0100

Huddersfield Town will today celebrate their promotion to the Championship with an open-top bus parade, which will take the squad from the Galpharm Stadium to the Town Hall for a civic reception.

Smithies is Huddersfield hero in epic penalty finale

Sun, 27 May 2012 00:00:01 +0100

The way the final stages of the2011-12 campaign have been going, no one should have been surprised that another of the end-of-season prizes was decided by late drama. But surely no drama has come as late as this, with the 22nd kick of a penalty shoot-out finally proving decisive.

Notts County footballer Lee Hughes fined for assaulting woman in hotel room

Fri, 25 May 2012 16:53:14 +0100

Notts County footballer Lee Hughes has been fined after admitting assaulting a woman at a hotel, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said.

Nick Barmby fails in appeal over Hull sacking

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:56:36 +0100

Nick Barmby has lost his appeal against the decision to sack him as Hull manager

Birmingham will fight any West Brom plans to lure Chris Hughton

Wed, 23 May 2012 10:41:30 +0100

West Brom have been warned to expect a tough stance from Birmingham should they press ahead with plans to make Chris Hughton their new manager, Press Association Sport understands.

Ian Harte signs new deal with newly-promoted Reading

Wed, 23 May 2012 10:34:15 +0100

Reading left-back Ian Harte has signed a new one-year contract which will keep him with the newly-promoted Royals until the summer of 2013.

Co-owner David Gold reveals cost had West Ham failed in promotion bid

Mon, 21 May 2012 15:05:33 +0100

Co-owner David Gold admits West Ham would have been in big financial trouble had they failed to make an immediate return to the Barclays Premier League.

Promotion tied up for West Ham, now Sam Allardyce wants Olympic Stadium

Mon, 21 May 2012 00:00:01 +0100

For Mark Noble it was the perfect start to his stag week and for Sam Allardyce it made up for missing out on a trip to Las Vegas, but for David Gold West Ham's play-off victory on Saturday was priceless. Pressed, the joint-chairman put a figure on what success was worth to himself and co-owner David Sullivan. "It would have cost [us] probably around another £30m. If you own 150 oil wells then it's no problem. If you own 150 Ann Summers shops..."

Vaz Te repays Allardyce's faith with golden goal

Sun, 20 May 2012 00:00:01 +0100

The shirt sponsors at Wembley yesterday, a gambling company and a purveyor of pay-day loans, perfectly summed up the situation of most teams in the Championship who, having gambled on promotion, are now trying to find a way to pay the bills incurred in doing so.

Allardyce proves substance can triumph over style

Sun, 20 May 2012 00:00:01 +0100

Whether the news of West Ham's play-off final victory reaches the Blackburn Rovers owners, Venky's, in India may be irrelevant, but the man they sacked weeks after taking control at Ewood Park has proved what a bad decision they made. Sam Allardyce, 18 months after being unfairly jilted, is back in the Premier League. And deservedly so, as his Hammers side picked their moment, minutes from the end, to score the decisive £56 million goal.

Vaz Te fires Hammers back into Promised Land at play-off final

Sat, 19 May 2012 17:11:07 +0100

Ricardo Vaz Te's late strike fired West Ham back to the Barclays Premier League after a dramatic play-off final at Wembley today.

Old heads, young hearts the secret for Holloway

Sat, 19 May 2012 00:00:01 +0100

Here comes a surprise statistic to anyone who followed Blackpool's relegation from last year's Premier League: going into today's Championship play-off final against West Ham United at Wembley, the Seasiders have kept six clean sheets in their last nine games.

Big Sam has no beef with Tangerines, 16 years on

Sat, 19 May 2012 00:00:01 +0100

Sam Allardyce insists he bears Blackpool no grudge as he prepares West Ham for their vital Wembley encounter with his former club.

Former owner Balram Chainrai in bid to buy back Portsmouth

Fri, 18 May 2012 16:55:28 +0100

Portsmouth's former owner Balram Chainrai has made an offer to buy back the stricken club.

Sam Allardyce forced to tell West Ham players to ignore ticket requests for Championship play-off final

Fri, 18 May 2012 10:25:19 +0100

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce had to tell his players to ignore any more ticket requests for tomorrow's trip to Wembley.

Tom Ince out in the 'real world' and living up to illustrious name at Blackpool

Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:01 +0100

Tom Ince was a completely unknown quantity when he left Liverpool to join the somewhat depleted ship at Blackpool last summer. The Seasiders were suffering from a hideous Premier League hangover that had engulfed the club after they lost some of the talents who had lit up the top flight. And so, when untried Ince,now 20, turned up at Bloomfield Road, there were serious questions as to what the ambitions of the club actually were.

Kevin Nolan: Hitting the heights with West Ham

Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:01 +0100

Kevin Nolan scrolls down his mobile phone. The names of every family member and close friend whizzes by. Times two (the amount of tickets they will get) next to some. Times four next to others.

Reading sign Nottingham Forest winger Garath McCleary ahead of Premier League return

Wed, 16 May 2012 15:12:12 +0100

Reading have made their first signing of the summer as they prepare for life in the Premier League by bringing in Nottingham Forest winger Garath McCleary on a free transfer.

West Ham deny producing 'Barclays Premier' kit ahead of Championship play-off final

Wed, 16 May 2012 14:37:03 +0100

West Ham have denied producing a new away kit for next season featuring the Barclays Premier League logo after a mock-up picture appeared online and apparently riled play-off opponents Blackpool.

Blackpool defender Ian Evatt hits out at West Ham overconfidence ahead of Championship play-off final

Wed, 16 May 2012 10:15:40 +0100

Blackpool defender Ian Evatt has hit out at what he perceives to be an air of overconfidence from West Ham ahead of Saturday's npower Championship play-off final.

All Rhodes lead to Wembley for Huddersfield

Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:01 +0100

Huddersfield set up an all-Yorkshire showdown with Sheffield United at Wembley on Saturday week as they went through to the League One play-off final 3-2 on aggregate despite losing 2-1 to MK Dons.

Chris Porter puts Sheffield United through to League One play-off final

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:01 +0100

A close-range header five minutes from time by Sheffield United's Chris Porter broke a scoreless 175 minutes of the League One play-off semi-final with Stevenage. The Wigan-born forward's eighth goal of the season gave the home side a 1-0 win to set up a Wembley promotion showdown with the winner of tonight's semi-final between Huddersfield and MK Dons.

All the pressure is on Sheffield United, say savvy Stevenage manager Gary Smith

Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:01 +0100

Stevenage manager Gary Smith believes the heat is on opponents Sheffield United in tonight's League One play-off semi-final second leg at Bramall Lane, after the first leg finished 0-0. "The pressure is now on them," he said, with his team hoping to seal back-to-back promotions. "Although they probably feel they are in the box seat, we scored two at their place two weeks ago [in a 2-2 draw in the league]."

Dugdale gives Crewe cutting edge

Sun, 13 May 2012 00:00:01 +0100

Crewe stretched their club record sequence to 17 matches without defeat in securing a narrow lead to take into Wednesday's second leg in Essex. Eleven points separated these sides in the League Two table – a gulf explained partly by Southend's home and away double in the games between them. But it was only in the final 20 minutes of this play-off semi-final that it was apparent which team had finished fourth and which had trailed in seventh.

Rhodes shows premier class to put Terriers in driving seat

Sun, 13 May 2012 00:00:01 +0100

If Huddersfield Town are not playing football at a higher level next season, Jordan Rhodes surely will be. The 22-year-old Scotland international striker scored his 38th goal of a marvellously productive season as Simon Grayson's Terriers secured a substantial advantage going into the second leg of this League One play-off semi-final, reminding Championship and Premier League clubs that he is a goal-scoring talent of rare potential.

Solbakken arrives at Wolves – well schooled in dealing with turmoil

Sat, 12 May 2012 00:00:01 +0100

Alcohol, relegation, defensive chaos and boardroom confusion: Stale Solbakken will not be too worried by the situation at Wolverhampton Wanderers, because he has experienced it all and worse this season at Cologne.

Paul Groves appointed by Bournemouth on permanent basis

Fri, 11 May 2012 15:21:54 +0100

Bournemouth have appointed Paul Groves on a permanent basis after a short spell as interim manager.

Brighton footballers appear in court over sex assault charge

Fri, 11 May 2012 12:21:40 +0100

Four footballers have appeared in court accused of sexual assault and voyeurism against a woman at a hotel.

Blackpool striker Stephen Dobbie aiming for new Championship play-off record

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:01 +0100

Stephen Dobbie will go to Wembley a week tomorrow looking to become the first man to earn three consecutive promotions via the play-offs.

Bluebirds give redline to switch

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:01 +0100

Cardiff City will not proceed with plans to change the club's badge and home colours following strong opposition from supporters.

Cardiff halt plans for kit colour change following opposition from fans

Thu, 10 May 2012 18:46:39 +0100

Cardiff will not proceeded with plans to change the club's badge and home colours following strong opposition from supporters.

Chris Hughton plays down exit talk following Birmingham play-off elimination

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:10:41 +0100

Birmingham manager Chris Hughton was adamant the aftermath of his team's npower Championship play-off semi-final heartache at the hands of Blackpool was no time to discuss his future.

Injury forces Mellor to retire

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:01 +0100

Preston striker Neil Mellor has been forced to retire from professional football due to injury.

Ian Holloway survives scare at Birmingham as Blackpool reach Wembley final

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:01 +0100

The Championship play-offs never seize to amaze, and it was the case again as Birmingham nearly pulled off one of the great end-of-season comebacks against the exciting exuberance of Blackpool. Leading 1-0 from the first leg, goals from Stephen Dobbie and Matt Phillips just before and after half-time had looked to have put the tie beyond doubt for Ian Holloway's team. However, goals from Nikola Zigic and Curtis Davies made for a nerve-jangling final half hour.

Seasiders set up play-off final date with West Ham

Wed, 09 May 2012 21:50:01 +0100

Blackpool sealed a showdown with West Ham in the Championship play-off final after an absorbing semi-final second leg with Birmingham at St Andrew's.

Peter Ramage out to be Birmingham hero again

Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:01 +0100

It was the 59th minute of a game that had not yet lived up to its billing. Blackpool had taken a fortuitous lead on the stroke of half-time and came out all guns blazing; Matt Phillips beating left-back David Murphy before pulling the ball back to Gary Taylor-Fletcher. Six yards out, the striker had the goal at his mercy and half of Bloomfield Road was already celebrating. But Peter Ramage threw himself in front of the shot and saved a second goal. In moments like that, in play-off games, resolute defending can book a ticket to Wembley.

Criticism costs Nick Barmby his job

Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:01 +0100

Hull City yesterday sacked their manager, Nick Barmby, after he questioned a lack of funding.

Cardiff want to go into the red with kit colour change

Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:01 +0100

Cardiff City are considering a proposal to change the colour of their home kit from the traditional blue to red – because their Malaysian owners believe it will boost overseas revenue and sponsorship.

Nick Barmby sacked after 'casting public doubt on integrity of Hull City'

Tue, 08 May 2012 16:32:37 +0100

Hull have sacked manager Nick Barmby, accusing him of "casting public doubt on the integrity" of the club's board.

Ian Holloway says Blackpool will need monumental effort against Birmingham

Tue, 08 May 2012 16:28:31 +0100

Blackpool manager Ian Holloway insists it will take a monumental effort from his players to preserve their slender npower Championship play-off semi-final advantage over Birmingham.

Conference Premier: York's double Wembley date

Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:01 +0100

Police were called into action as Wrexham fans invaded the pitch at the Racecourse Ground after losing to Luton 3-2 on aggregate last night – the Welsh side won the match 2-1.

Sam Allardyce hails 'terrific season' after Hammers book final ticket

Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:01 +0100

The only regret is that they did not play like this sooner. West Ham United delivered arguably their best home performance of the season yesterday, beating Cardiff City 3-0 and securing their place in the Championship play-off final at Wembley – with the £90m riches on offer for promotion to the Premier League.

Hammers nail down Wembley final place

Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:01 +0100

West Ham United captain Kevin Nolan last night insisted his side have the momentum going into next week's Championship play-off final after he scored in a 5-0 aggregate win over Cardiff City.

West Ham reach Championship play-off final

Mon, 07 May 2012 18:37:49 +0100

West Ham are 90 minutes away from a return to the Barclays Premier League after sweeping aside Cardiff in their play-off semi-final.

Round-up: Promotion just the first step for Dave Jones and Wednesday

Mon, 07 May 2012 00:00:01 +0100

Sheffield Wednesday manager Dave Jones has spoken of his "vision" for the club following their promotion to the Championship after a 2-0 victory over Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday.

Patchy home form is the Hammers' main worry

Mon, 07 May 2012 00:00:01 +0100

West Ham United should confirm their passage to the Championship play-off final this afternoon, when they host Cardiff City in their semi-final second leg, having won 2-0 in Wales last week.

Hereford fall off bottom of League despite win

Sun, 06 May 2012 00:00:01 +0100

The public address played Bowie's 'Heroes' before the kick-off, but it wasn't to be – for either side. Hereford won, but still drop out of the Football League, Torquay lost and miss out on automatic promotion. Unanimous disappointment gave Edgar Street the atmosphere of a morgue at 5 o'clock yesterday.

League round-up: Neilson the hero as Crawley earn second consecutive promotion

Sun, 06 May 2012 00:00:01 +0100

Scott Neilson's low strike after he ran on to Warren Cumming's long ball earned Crawley Town a 1-0 win at Accrington Stanley as they grabbed the final League Two automatic promotion slot, making it two elevations in two consecutive seasons having risen from the Conference in 2011. Scott Shearer in the visitors' goal made a string of saves to deny Marcus Carver, Padraig Amond and Michael Liddle that kept Crawley on the rise.

Wednesday claim spoils at expense of city rivals

Sun, 06 May 2012 00:00:01 +0100

"The Day of Reckoning" was the Sheffield Star's back-page headline yesterday morning, but for the Steel City's blue and white half, this had the feel of a carnival even before a ball was kicked.

Pearce move starts Leeds rebuilding, says Warnock

Sat, 05 May 2012 00:00:01 +0100

The Leeds United manager, Neil Warnock, has secured his first signing of the summer with the capture of central defender Jason Pearce from Portsmouth.

Holloway worried missed chances will haunt Blackpool

Sat, 05 May 2012 00:00:01 +0100

Blackpool take a slender one-goal lead to St Andrew's after a hard-fought Championship play-off first-leg victory last night. A cruelly deflected Tom Ince effort on half-time produced a result which in truth both managers will be content with going into Wednesday's second leg, leaving the race for Wembley wide open.

Birmingham manager Chris Hughton wary of threat posed by Blackpool's Stephen Dobbie

Fri, 04 May 2012 10:05:32 +0100

Birmingham manager Chris Hughton knows all about the threat of Stephen Dobbie ahead of tonight's play-off semi-final first leg away to Blackpool.

Clinical Jack Collison puts West Ham in complete control against Cardiff

Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:01 +0100

Jack Collison added to his comeback season in style to put West Ham on the verge of the Championship play-off final with a comfortable semi-final first leg victory over Cardiff City.

Win or lose, my Blackpool will put on a show says Ian Holloway

Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:01 +0100

They are surely the romantics' favourites to go up via the Championship play-offs, and Blackpool manager Ian Holloway has vowed that if the Tangerines earn promotion this season, it will be as the great entertainers.

Welshman Collison shoots down Bluebirds

Thu, 03 May 2012 21:50:01 +0100

Jack Collison's double strike helped West Ham take a huge stride closer to the Premier League.

Sam Allardyce preparing West Ham for all play-off eventualities

Thu, 03 May 2012 10:23:39 +0100

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has left no stone unturned as he attempts to guide the club back to the Barclays Premier League via the play-offs.

Cardiff's Mackay aiming to draw on experience to win the play-off lottery

Thu, 03 May 2012 00:00:01 +0100

The emotions of the end-of-season play-offs traditionally range from tension to despair or overwhelming joy, but for calm Cardiff City manager Malky Mackay this is familiar territory. Mackay's Bluebirds face West Ham in the first leg of the Championship semi-finals at the Cardiff City Stadium tonight, with the Scotsman aiming for a hat-trick of promotions via the knockout lottery.

Birmingham manager Chris Hughton plays down new link with vacancy at West Bromwich

Wed, 02 May 2012 00:00:01 +0100

Chris Hughton insists speculation linking him to the manager's post at West Bromwich Albion is just that, with the Birmingham City manager fully focused on his side's upcoming play-off challenge.

Hull City sack Adam Pearson but remain quiet on future of Nick Barmby

Tue, 01 May 2012 11:50:01 +0100

Hull head of football operations Adam Pearson has been sacked but owners Assem and Ehab Allam have still refused to confirm whether or not manager Nick Barmby has been suspended.

Brian Horton parts company with relegated Macclesfield

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:20:19 +0100

Brian Horton has parted company with Macclesfield by mutual agreement after failing to save the club from npower League Two relegation.

Football League round-up: Buoyant Sam Allardyce expects West Ham promotion

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:01 +0100

Sam Allardyce believes West Ham have banished the poor home form which cost his side automatic promotion as they head into the play-offs this week.

Adkins advocates evolution not revolution at Southampton

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:01 +0100

Nigel Adkins, the Southampton manager, says that the publication of next season's Premier League fixtures will be the moment when the significance of the club's promotion to the Premier League after an absence of seven years sinks in, although, to judge by his reaction, there were at least four others on Saturday. His celebration of each of the goals that confirmed their elevation was uncharacteristically demonstrative, but the usual calm demeanour was back by the time he considered the task ahead, not drenched in champagne, but holding a cup of tea.

Rooney helps inflate Birmingham's belief

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 00:00:01 +0100

For Reading, celebration and relaxation. They secured promotion with two matches to spare, the Championship title with one to spare and head for an open-top bus parade through the town centre today, the presentation of their trophy at the Madejski Stadium and a four-day jaunt to Spain.

Allardyce talks up Hammers' chances

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 00:00:01 +0100

It has been more of a maze thana road, but Sam Allardyce still believes it will end in the Premier League. "We have three more games to win," the West Ham manager said after confirmation that his team would contest the play-offs, initially at Cardiff on Thursday, "and we'll do it".

League round-up: Cowie seals Cardiff top six finish

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 00:00:01 +0100

Cardiff City came from behind to beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at Selhurst Park and book the final Championship play-off berth. Wilfried Zaha put Palace ahead in the 13th minute but second-half goals from a Peter Whittingham free-kick and Don Cowie's volley cemented the Bluebirds' top-six finish and two matches against West Ham, the first on Thursday.

Lallana gets Saints over line in style

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 00:00:01 +0100

Southampton have stumbled rather than raced towards the promotion finishing line in recent weeks, but they crossed it in style yesterday. A stroll against relegated Coventry sealed Saints' return to the Premier League after an absence of seven years that had included administration and a descent to League One.

Saints go marching into the Premier League with walkover against Coventry

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 14:48:47 +0100

Southampton secured their return to the Barclays Premier League after a seven-year absence with a comfortable win against already relegated Coventry.

Play-offs beckon for Hammers despite Cole's double over Hull

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 14:33:14 +0100

West Ham missed out on automatic promotion back to the Barclays Premier League despite victory over Hull.

Fans can help push Saints all the way to the top flight, says Adkins

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 00:00:01 +0100

Nigel Adkins, the Southampton manager, has told the club's fans they will have a huge part to play against Coventry today when a victory will guarantee the Saints Premier League football next season.

Sam Allardyce inspired by Chelsea as West Ham push for promotion from Championship

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:20:48 +0100

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is drawing inspiration from Chelsea's Champions League heroics as he targets a final-day push for promotion.

Jobi McAnuff: The Reading captain with more than enough to shine

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:01 +0100

After leading Reading into the Premier League, Jobi McAnuff would rather like the opportunity to play there. His team have done remarkably well, galloping past West Ham and South-ampton since Christmas to win the Championship. But with the prospect of new money, in the form of Anton Zingarevich's eventual takeover, there might be a temptation to replace the promotion squad with new players.

Championship clubs adopt spending rules

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:01 +0100

Championship clubs making losses of more than £6m will be fined or put under a transfer embargo from the 2014-15 season.

Championship clubs agree to financial fair play rules

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 13:26:46 +0100

Championship clubs have voted in favour of introducing a groundbreaking new financial fair play model, the Football League announced today.

Aidy Boothroyd: 'I was the next big thing – I'm 10 times better now'

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:01 +0100

At the beginning of December 2010, Aidy Boothroyd was manager of a Coventry City side that sat fifth in the Championship, four points off a place for automatic promotion into the Premier League, where he had managed Watford three years earlier.

Sheffield United suspend Connor Brown following Ched Evans related Tweets

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 12:13:00 +0100

Sheffield United have suspended reserve-team player Connor Brown for posts he made on Twitter following team-mate Ched Evans' jail sentence for rape.

PFA chief defends inclusion of Ched Evans in League One Team of the Year

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:21:48 +0100

Players' chief Gordon Taylor has defended the decision to include Ched Evans in the PFA League One team of the season despite his conviction for rape, saying it was a "football decision not a moral decision".

Jack Collison's cracker for West Ham takes Championship promotion fight to wire

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:47 +0100

Sam Allardyce last night cranked up the tension on Southampton as the race for automatic promotion in the Championship approaches a nerve-shredding conclusion.

West Ham eager to take advantage of Southampton slip in promotion race

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 10:31:55 +0100

James Tomkins is confident West Ham can take advantage of the promotion lifeline handed to them by Southampton's defeat to Middlesbrough.

Southampton manager Nigel Adkins chooses backgammon over West Ham

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:01 +0100

Adam Lallana will watch but Nigel Adkins has decided not to as Southampton's season goes on the line at Leicester City tonight.

League round-up: Pompey and Sky Blues fall as Royals are crowned champions

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 00:00:01 +0100

Coventry City and Portsmouth were relegated from the Championship after both lost and Bristol City, the only other team in danger, won 2-0 against Barnsley. Meanwhile, Reading were crowned champions.

Zemmama puts end to Saints' title dreams

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 00:00:01 +0100

It ought to have been the perfect day for Southampton, instead it turned into a right royal coronation. After seeing Brian McDermott's side slip up and bitter rivals Portsmouth relegated, a memorable three-hour spell could have been rounded off in style with the cessation of a seven-year Premier League exile.

Portsmouth relegated from Championship after 2-1 loss against Derby

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 17:11:02 +0100

Portsmouth will compete in the third tier of English football for the first time in 30 years after their spell in the npower Championship came to a disappointing end against Derby.

Coventry relegated from Championship after 2-0 defeat against Doncaster

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 17:09:48 +0100

Coventry will play npower League One football next season after defeat to Doncaster confirmed their relegation.

Dark clouds hover menacingly over fading Sky Blues

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 00:00:01 +0100

The five-ringed circus pitches its tent at the Ricoh Arena on Monday, the appetiser for a summer of 2012 Olympic matches at Coventry City's stadium. However, it looks like those visiting the ground after the Games will be less glamorous. Barring an improbable set of results, which would need to culminate in Coventry winning at Southampton next week, the Sky Blues will drop into the lower divisions for the first time since climbing out 48 years ago under the management of Jimmy Hill.

After 18 months of anguish, Gary Parkinson is ready to go home

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 00:00:01 +0100

On the morning of Tuesday 7 September 2010, everything changed for Gary Parkinson and his wife Deborah when the former Middlesbrough and Burnley right-back, a hugely popular figure in English football, suffered a stroke, leaving him with locked-in syndrome (LIS).

Nigel Adkins calls on Southampton to keep calm in promotion push

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 13:27:43 +0100

Southampton manager Nigel Adkins has told his team not to get ahead of themselves as they bid to join Reading in earning promotion to the Barclays Premier League.

How Brian McDermott turned Reading play-off trauma into promotion triumph

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:00:01 +0100

Reading found solace on Tuesday night. Less than one year on from their Wembley final defeat to Swansea City, they completed their task of returning to the Premier League; and this time without the pain of the play-offs.

Chairman Sir John Madejski says promotion will be tackled in 'the Reading way'

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 15:52:13 +0100

Reading chairman Sir John Madejski insists the club will tackle their return to the Barclays Premier League in "the Reading way".

Policing row over Gillingham match with Swindon resolved

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 10:08:34 +0100

Football fans will be allowed to attend a League Two match after a row over policing costs was resolved.

Green's error dents West Ham hopes

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:01 +0100

Though the second automatic promotion place remains a mathematic possibility, West Ham's mental preparations for the play-offs will begin after battling Bristol City held Sam Allardyce's side to a draw that went some way to securing their own Championship status.

Championship round-up: Sharp double puts Saints on verge of promised land

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:01 +0100

Southampton took a large stride back towards the Premier League last night when they won 3-1 at Peterborough to open up a five-point gap on third-placed West Ham with two games to play in the Championship. At the bottom Coventry are on the verge of relegation after a 1-0 home defeat to Millwall.

Brian McDermott savours Reading's promotion to the Premier League after play-off pain

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:01 +0100

Brian McDermott may find it difficult to let his hair down. But after Mikele Leigertwood's late header sent his Reading side into the Premier League after a four-year exile, he had more than enough reason to celebrate.

Leigertwood strike secures promotion for Reading

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 21:50:01 +0100

Mikele Leigertwood netted a late winner as Reading clinched promotion back to the Premier League.

Adam Le Fondre remains focused on gaining promotion from the Championship with Reading

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 10:16:13 +0100

Reading goal hero Adam Le Fondre is taking nothing for granted in the race to secure promotion to the Premier League, even if his side could be up by the end of today.

Martin Allen take charge at Barnet

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 17:47:28 +0100

Martin Allen has returned for a third spell in charge of Barnet after the npower League Two strugglers announced his appointment to replace Lawrie Sanchez with immediate effect.

Gus Poyet must find nitty gritty at Brighton to complement the tiki-taka

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:01 +0100

Conceding six goals is an occupational hazard for promoted clubs, as Norwich discovered to their cost when they came up against a Manchester City side determined to make up lost ground in the Premier League title race.

Reading close in on Premier League return

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:01 +0100

Reading can clinch promotion to the Premier League tomorrow if Brian McDermott's side defeat Nottingham Forest and West Ham fail to win at Bristol City, or if the Championship leaders draw and the Hammers lose.

League round-up: Addicks on the up but Donny sink

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 00:00:01 +0100

Doncaster Rovers have been relegated after four years in the Championship, while in League One Charlton Athletic have won promotion.

Vaz Te scores three as Brighton are hammered

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 00:00:01 +0100

West Ham fans had been waiting all season for a performance like this. Now Sam Allardyce and his players must prove it has not come too late as far as automatic promotion is concerned.