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Post by baselswh on May 17, 2023 5:57:47 GMT
Brilliant for the Hatters!
Wasnt so long ago they were trapped in the 5th tier.
Well done Tom.
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eppinggas
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Post by eppinggas on May 17, 2023 8:18:08 GMT
Brilliant for the Hatters! Wasnt so long ago they were trapped in the 5th tier. Well done Tom. Agreed Bas. It happens occasionally  . |
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 17, 2023 10:51:01 GMT
Luton Town: Former boss David Pleat hails 'remarkable achievement' of reaching Wembley..ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/13BA5/production/_129750808_shutterstock_editorial_13915958bw.jpgLuton head coach Rob Edwards was appointed mid-season after being sacked by Watford Former Luton Town boss David Pleat hailed a "remarkable achievement" by the current side after they reached the Championship play-off final. Rob Edwards' side beat Sunderland 3-2 on aggregate and will face either Middlesbrough or Coventry at Wembley. Pleat, now 78, managed the Hatters in the top flight of English football in the 1980s and 1990s. "The manager's done wonderfully well, the recruitment is superb," Pleat told BBC Radio 5 Live Sport. "They've bought players from the lower leagues, they've integrated them in the team, fought and had a great spirit. "What they're going to do with the big boys, if they do get past Middlesbrough or Coventry, we'll just have to see. Imagine the likes of Manchester City coming here." "Luton played hard and fast, created a bit of mayhem in the box. They (Sunderland) couldn't quite deal with it," said Pleat, who also played for the club in the 1960s. "To score a [second] goal on the cusp of half-time was a massive, demoralising blow to Sunderland. They needed to stay in the game really, as long as possible. You need a balance and Sunderland didn't have the power or the punch." "It's wonderful for the town. If we can get promotion, we always know the town does better when the club does better, so fingers crossed," chairman David Wilkinson told BBC Three Counties Radio. "The Premier League means everything. Financially it means we can move on quicker with all of our plans so it would be tremendous, but, feet on the ground [at the moment]."
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 17, 2023 11:11:33 GMT
Wednesday 17th - Championship - 2nd Leg
Middlesbrough v Coventry - 8pm - (agg: 0-0)ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/CAFC/production/_129746915_gettyimages-1488373464.jpgGus Hamer hit his ninth goal of the season to put Coventry in front on the final day of the league season at MiddlesbroughMiddlesbrough boss Michael Carrick says he will not feel nervous for their Championship play-off semi-final second leg against Coventry City despite the goalless draw in the first leg. Neither side impressed in a tense but poor contest at CBS Arena. Boro have home advantage in Wednesday's return leg as they target promotion to the Premier League at Wembley. "We must produce a new performance. We did it for one game, we know what we're capable of," he told BBC Radio Tees. "I'm not one for nerves. It was very different when I had to perform on the pitch [as a player]. I'm pretty calm on the sidelines, I think I have to be for the decisions I have to make and I'm not directly involved in the game. "I'm not nervous, I trust the boys 100%." Since arriving at Riverside Stadium in late October, Carrick transformed Middlesbrough and lifted them from 21st to fourth, finishing the season five points higher than Coventry. Despite their impressive form to end the season, Sunday's first leg was a drab, tense affair, but Carrick says the atmosphere on Teesside can help them over the line. He continued: "I expect a fantastic atmosphere and it's up to us to give something back and create that snowball effect, but it won't be easy because they're a good team. "The support and the noise and the energy that can be created by the supporters is vital for us." .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Coventry City have given their fans quite a ride this season, on and off the field. A difficult start, that included the sale of key defender Dominic Hyam to Blackburn, left the club bottom of the Championship table after 10 games. Pitch issues at their Coventry Building Society home saw games postponed as well as the threat of eviction from the stadium's new owners. But a new five-year tenancy deal and the eventual sale of the club to Doug King brought stability and a superb late-season run of form that has given Mark Robins' side a chance to write another chapter at Wembley. Coventry have 'much more' to give - Norton-Cuffy "Our season was blighted at the start by well-known factors and one of our players was sold which made things very difficult for us," Robins told BBC CWR. "Regardless of what happens, the players have responded unbelievably well to get us to this point. They've earned the right to go head-to-head with a team like Middlesbrough." With Boro having lost only once in the league at home since Carrick took charge in October, Robins knows his side will have to improve on Sunday's stalemate to keep their season rolling. "It's the next bit," he said. "As long as we do our best in the game, that's all anyone can ever ask for. We know the quality they've got but we've got to go and enjoy it."
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 17, 2023 22:31:05 GMT
Wednesday 17th - Championship - 2nd Leg
Middlesbrough 0 Coventry 1 (Hamer 57) - (agg: 0-1)ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/5416/production/_129762512_coventryceleb_pa.jpgCoventry City found a way past Middlesbrough in an attritional semi-final second leg to reach the Championship play-off final and keep alive the Sky Blues' hopes of a Premier League return. They will face Luton Town in the showpiece decider at Wembley on Saturday, 27th May. After 147 goalless minutes across both games in a tension-gripped tie low on moments of genuine quality, playmaker Gustavo Hamer delivered an outstanding finish to ultimately settle the contest. After Boro gave possession away on halfway, Viktor Gyokeres toed the ball into space beyond goalkeeper Zack Steffen on the edge of the box and Hamer took control to arc his shot into the roof of the net with precision. He almost conjured up a second with a blistering free-kick which smacked the angle of post and bar with Steffen beaten. That chance, and the subsequent desperation seemed to rally Boro, who saw Riley McGree's shot blocked in the box as they chased an equaliser, while McGree cut back for Cameron Archer but he could not bring the ball down and get a clean shot away. Substitute Matt Crooks had the ball in the net, and Boro fans on their feet, with two minutes to go but an offside flag brought their celebrations to a halt. Eight minutes of added time again prompted the Boro roar, and goalkeeper Ben Wilson had to be alert to tip Isaiah Jones' searching centre over, while Archer was offside when he hit the bar with a late effort. Somehow the Sky Blues clung on, keeping their discipline, shape and a clean sheet to book their Wembley spot. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/1137E/production/_129762507_hamer_reuters.jpgGustavo Hamer's curling shot was measured perfectly beyond a desperate Boro rearguard ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/05F6/production/_129762510_robins_reuters.jpgMark Robins led Coventry to promotion from League Two in 2018 and from League One two years later ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/EC6E/production/_129762506_hamer_pa.jpgCoventry manager Mark Robins told BBC CWR:"Wow, that was the longest two hours of my life. "It was unbelievable, the effort they put in, the quality they've shown at times in the game against a really, really top opponent, is phenomenal. "To get to a Wembley final again, the third one since I came back here, is just incredible. Everybody deserves it, the work that has gone into it this year and tonight is phenomenal. They got their just rewards, but we've got to go to Wembley and win. That's absolutely the aim." Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick told BBC Radio Tees:"You can analyse the game all you want really, the fact is we didn't get the result we wanted. Huge credit to Coventry, they've earned it so congratulations to them. "We have got to take it on the chin. I thought the boys gave everything again tonight, I couldn't fault them one bit. "We tried and tried and just couldn't quite create that golden opportunity or take that golden opportunity. "I'm hugely proud of them for the effort and the run that we have been on. We have got to see it as a foundation and something to build from."
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 18, 2023 14:01:05 GMT
Thursday 17th - League 1 - 2nd Leg
Sheffield Wednesday v Peterborough United - 8pm - (agg: 0-4)ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/AD12/production/_129760344_shutterstock_editorial_13911094o.jpgPeterborough boss Darren Ferguson has called on his side to replicate the level of performance from their 4-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday in their play-off semi-final second leg. Posh go to Hillsborough on Thursday in a commanding position to reach the League One play-off final. "It's about trying to go there and get a positive result," Ferguson told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire. "We've got to be brave on the ball as we were in the first leg." He added: "No two games are the same. This will be a totally different game. They will have 30-odd thousand fans there so it will be a totally different atmosphere, but we have got to blank all that out and play the game we want to play. "We need to make it a game that suits us, not them." Ferguson has no new injury or suspension concerns and could have defender Nathan Thompson available for the first time since 18 April. Sheffield Wednesday boss Darren Moore is likely to name a more attacking line-up than last Friday as his side look to become the first team in play-off history to overhaul a first-leg deficit of three or more goals.
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Post by lostinspace on May 18, 2023 19:40:02 GMT
35 minutes in and Wednesday are in the hunt...penalty after 9 minutes and a second on 25 all to play for,,it's a possibility!!!..Wednesday score to equalise in the 8th minute of extra time. the biggest margin for any team to overcome in a PO game ....... ET now in progress and Posh have scored to regain the advantage.....what next
well Wednesday come back again to get to 5-5 ... extra time over ........ and it goes to penalties!!! ...i'm off to bed work calls ealy!!
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 18, 2023 22:36:10 GMT
THURSDAY 18th MAY 2023 - LEAGUE ONE - PLAY-OFFS - 2ND LEG
Sheffield Wednesday 5 (Smith 9 pen, Gregory 25, James 71, PALMER 90+8, Paterson 112) Peterborough United 1 (Gregory 105 og)
Sheffield Wednesday win 5-3 on penalties, Wow, Wow and triple Wow, what a comeback from 0-4 down.ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/3FE5/production/_129775361_shutterstock_editorial_13914604au.jpgSheffield Wednesday players celebrate pulling off the greatest comeback in play-off historySheffield Wednesday pulled off the greatest play-off comeback in English Football League history to beat Peterborough United on penalties on an unforgettable night in South Yorkshire. Substitute Jack Hunt scored the all-important fifth penalty as the Owls, who had trailed 4-0 from the first leg, secured their place at Wembley in the League One play-off final. Wednesday made the perfect start when Michael Smith slotted home a penalty in the opening 10 minutes to give the home fans renewed hope a miracle could be on the cards, before Lee Gregory tapped in to make it 2-0 after 25 minutes. The home side continued to pour forward after the break and Reece James got the third with a close-range finish before Liam Palmer scrambled home an equaliser with the last kick of the 90 minutes to spark pandemonium. A shell-shocked Posh had scarcely got out of their own half in the second half of normal time but Gregory deflected a Nathan Thompson header into his own net in extra time to put the visitors back in front, only for Callum Paterson to poke home at the second attempt to send the tie to penalty kicks. Dan Butler's effort hit the crossbar and went over and every other penalty was scored in a shootout befitting the 120 minutes which had preceded it. Prior to this tie no team had ever overcome more than a two-goal first-leg deficit in the EFL play-offs to reach the final. Wednesday, who had become the first team in EFL history to win 96 points and not go up automatically, will now face either Bolton or Barnsley at Wembley on Monday, 29th May. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/17C4D/production/_129775379_gettyimages-1491360309.jpgLiam Palmer's goal in the final moments of time added on sent the game to extra time
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 18, 2023 22:41:21 GMT
FRIDAY 19th MAY 2023 - LEAGUE ONE - PLAY-OFFS - 2ND LEG
Barnsley v Bolton - 8pm - (Agg: 1-1)ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/AB33/production/_129772834_shutterstock_editorial_13908778bv.jpgBarnsley boss Michael Duff is expecting another close match in the second leg of their League play-off semi-final with Bolton Wanderers. The teams come into the game tied at 1-1 from Saturday's first leg. "I think it will be a tactical affair again. I don't envisage it being totally different," he told BBC Radio Sheffield. "It's going to come down to a couple of big moments and who can come out on top of them." He added: "This is 10 and a half months of work coming down to 90 minutes, potentially 120. "Unfortunately one team's season is going to end tomorrow and there will be regrets but that is why these games are so good. They create tension, they create nerves." Duff is in his first season as Tykes boss after taking over last summer. The former Burnley defender won promotion to the Premier League with the Clarets three times, including once through the play-offs in 2009. The 43-year-old has reiterated that he wants his team to grasp the opportunity to win promotion back to the Championship at the first attempt. "We know what we have to do, the supporters know what they have to do and hopefully we can all be celebrating at the end of the night and looking forward to going to play for promotion at Wembley," he said. "These opportunities don't come around that often. One of the things I have drilled into the players is it's important not to let it pass them by. "We're here to get promoted now." Team newsBarnsley have no new injury or suspension concerns for the second leg. Goalkeeper Harry Isted was at fault for Bolton's goal on Saturday, so Brad Collins could be recalled to the starting XI. Bolton boss Ian Evatt says they will be without two players from the first leg for the trip to Oakwell, but he would not be drawn on which players will be out. "We've got one or two and that won't be available for Friday. We have a strong squad, and it is what it is, and we will just adapt and overcome," he added. "One of them was an impact injury, another one is more of an overuse injury. "Will the team that I pick on Friday be my preferred option? Yes." Evatt takes positives from 'frustrating' drawDespite not putting in an impressive performance against the Tykes, Bolton struck back through Dion Charles just four minutes after Nicky Cadden had given the hosts the lead at the University of Bolton Stadium. Bolton boss Ian Evatt says the fact his side managed to keep Barnsley at bay in a match where they were second best was a positive. "There was some frustration that we didn't feel like we got to our level," Evatt told BBC Radio Manchester. "Quite clearly Michael and their players thought they got to their level, which could be seen as a huge positive for us that they got to their level, we didn't, and they still didn't win the game. "They are a very well coached team and very well organised. We know exactly what is coming [on Friday] and they will think the same."
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 19, 2023 0:51:28 GMT
Sheffield Wednesday: How the Owls pulled off the biggest comeback in EFL play-off history..By Ian Woodcock, BBC Sport.ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/8A81/production/_129775453_shutterstock_editorial_13914604aq.jpg"Everybody wrote us off. Everybody told us we couldn't do it but it's unbelievable." Sheffield Wednesday captain Barry Bannan somehow found the words to sum up his side's historic League One play-off comeback against Peterborough. The Owls had lost the first leg 4-0 and been booed off the pitch by their fans after a chastening night in Cambridgeshire last Friday. However, they stormed back at Hillsborough to win 5-1 on the night after extra time for an aggregate score of 5-5. That sent the tie to penalties - and they prevailed 5-3 from the spot. Prior to Thursday, no team in the English Football League play-offs had ever overcome a first-leg deficit of more than two goals. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/15989/production/_129775488_shutterstock_editorial_13914604az.jpgBannan said that Wednesday had been buoyed by watching previous great comebacks in the days leading up to the game. "We've watched comebacks all week from the big teams in the Champions League," he told Sky Sports. "It was all about believing. When we have the fans behind us, anything is possible. "It's the best game I've ever played in. I'm so happy because all these lads deserve it. I give everything for this club to get us promoted. Everybody wrote us off but we showed we're made of strong stuff. We're only halfway there. "Those who were booing us last week, saying we're not fit to wear the shirt, have a look at this." Goalkeeper Cameron Dawson, who had endured a miserable night in the first leg, echoed Bannan's sentiments on the belief the players had gone into the second leg with. "It was building blocks, really," he said. "We came in the day after the first leg and that was tough. We had some honest conversations. "Credit to the staff. Every day they've built on those building blocks and given us more belief as the week's gone by." Wednesday published a statement earlier in the week to condemn a racist post directed at boss Darren Moore on social media in the aftermath of the defeat at Peterborough. Bannan, who has been with the Owls since 2015, said the comeback was for the 49-year-old. "What he [Darren Moore] has done is unbelievable, to turn around the mindset of the players," he said. "I'm so proud of him how he's handled this week after the racism he's experienced. "That one's for him." ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/6F29/production/_129775482_gettyimages-1491366485.jpgFormer Owls boss Brian Laws was commentating on the game for BBC Radio Sheffield and said the turnaround had left him "speechless". "I've never seen anything like this," he said. "What an incredible evening I have seen unfold. My thoughts immediately go to Darren Moore, who has gone through the mill with criticism after the first game. "It was so nasty and vicious, but his professionalism, his calm and cool, has allowed his team to do something so remarkable. "My heart goes out to him. I want to congratulate him." Former Sheffield Wednesday and Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison, who was there for Sky Sports, said it was "the greatest comeback I have ever seen". On the other side, former Peterborough striker Francis Green wondered whether Posh boss Darren Ferguson's decision to tighten up defensively when the side trailed 2-0 at the break had ultimately been decisive in handing Wednesday more momentum. "Peterborough made two substitutions at half-time, bringing on two centre-backs. I understood why Darren Ferguson did it, because Wednesday were bombarding the wide channels," he told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire. "As a player, I used to love psychologically when the other team made negative substitutions. It showed me the opposition were scared of my team. "They were still in control of the tie at half-time, but they had no outlet. They had no way of attacking Wednesday. "You bring criticism on you when you do that."
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 19, 2023 22:00:16 GMT
FRIDAY 19th MAY 2023 - LEAGUE ONE - PLAY-OFFS - 2ND LEG
Barnsley 1 (Kitching 24) Bolton 0 - (Agg: 2-1)ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/54AE/production/_129787612_gettyimages-1256195665.jpgLiam Kitching leapt above his marker to head home the winning goal for BarnsleyBarnsley edged a tight League One play-off semi-final second leg against Bolton to set up an all-South Yorkshire final against Sheffield Wednesday at Wembley. With the scores level at 1-1 from the first leg on Saturday, Liam Kitching's towering back-post header from Luca Connell's arcing cross was the difference. Bolton enjoyed the lion's share of possession but struggled to put the home goal under any real pressure. The Tykes will now face their local rivals on Monday, 29th May as they look to secure an immediate return to the Championship. Unlike Thursday's wild second leg at Hillsborough, that saw Wednesday produce a stunning comeback to eventually beat Peterborough 5-3 on penalties, this was a game high in intensity but low on serious chances. Bolton's best opportunity to level came when Aaron Morley crashed a fierce strike over the bar after an indirect free-kick was rolled to him inside the area. Ian Evatt's men - who lifted the Papa Johns Trophy last month - will now face a third successive season in the third tier, with the final to be played between the sides that finished third and fourth in the table. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/C65A/production/_129787705_shutterstock_editorial_13920073bb.jpgBarnsley had only won one of their past 17 meetings with Bolton before the second legichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/783A/production/_129787703_gettyimages-1491582565.jpg
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 19, 2023 22:03:11 GMT
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Post by bluetornados on May 19, 2023 22:09:05 GMT
SATURDAY 20th MAY 2023 - LEAGUE TWO - PLAY-OFFS - 2ND LEGS
Stockport County v Salford City - 12.30pm - (Agg: 0-1)
Carlisle United v Bradford City - 3pm - (Agg: 0-1)
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 19, 2023 22:17:15 GMT
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Post by bluetornados on May 20, 2023 21:03:07 GMT
SATURDAY 20th MAY 2023 - LEAGUE TWO - PLAY-OFFS - 2ND LEG
Stockport County 2 (Olaofe 68, Stretton 115) Salford City 1 (Mallen 112) - (Agg: 2-2)
Stockport County win 3-1 on penaltiesichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/1AFD/production/_129790960_shutterstock_editorial_13920076as.jpgStockport County keeper Ben Hinchliffe made two stunning penalty shootout saves as the Hatters overcame a first-leg deficit to beat Salford City in a gripping League Two play-off semi-final second leg at Edgeley Park. Stephen Mallan's deflected extra-time strike cancelled out Isaac Olaofe's tie-levelling opener and looked set to send Salford to Wembley and keep them on track for a place in the third tier of English football for the first time in their history. But Jack Stretton headed home from close range within three minutes, after a long throw caused chaos, to take a breathless contest to spot-kicks. And after Matthew Lund blasted the first penalty wildly over the bar, Hinchliffe made fabulous saves from Adrian Mariappa and Mallan before Antoni Sarcevic smashed home his effort to set up a showpiece Wembley final with Carlisle United on Sunday, 28th May. .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Carlisle United 3 (Halliday 21 og, Guy 98, Barclay 112) Bradford City 1 (Derbyshire 106) - (Agg: 3-2)ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/2EFD/production/_129792021_shutterstock_editorial_13920089ar.jpgBen Barclay's extra-time header gave Carlisle United victory over Bradford City and secured a meeting with Stockport County in next Sunday's League Two play-off final. The defender will not be able to play at Wembley because he is on loan from Stockport, but did not let that disappointment show as he celebrated his crucial goal - making it 3-1 on the day and 3-2 overall. Brad Halliday put through his own net early on as Carlisle, a goal down from the first leg, got up and running in front of a buoyant crowd at Brunton Park. Neither side were able to add to the scoring in normal time, with Bradford keeper Harry Lewis touching a shot onto the post, while City also struck the upright through Scott Banks. Carlisle scored a second in the first half of extra time when Callum Guy's bobbling half-volley bounced all the way through past Lewis, but their joy was short-lived as substitute Matt Derbyshire levelled the tie. Barclay then towered to meet Owen Moxon's cross and head home the winner. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/A42D/production/_129792024_shutterstock_editorial_13922055f.jpgPaul Simpson's side have rediscovered their focus in the play-offs to see off Bradford City
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 20, 2023 21:07:32 GMT
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Post by bluetornados on May 21, 2023 17:59:08 GMT
SUNDAY 21st MAY 2023 - FA TROPHY FINAL - 4.15pm - WEMBLEY STADIUM
Halifax Town 1 (Cooke 44) Gateshead 0ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/6D4B/production/_129797972_gettyimages-1492066089.jpgHalifax Town won the FA Trophy for the second time after capitalising on a costly mistake by Gateshead in the first half at Wembley. Midfielder Jamie Cooke jumped on a short back pass to goalkeeper James Montgomery and stabbed at the ball before it could be cleared, deflecting it into the back of the net. His well-read effort in the 44th minute was the only goal of the match. Gateshead gave it absolutely everything in the second half but could not find an equaliser to get back into the game. Only two points separated the sides in the National League table over the course of the season and the opening 45 minutes offered few opportunities for either side. And they were only separated by a freakish moment in the Gateshead penalty area that proved to be the difference. Montgomery was left with little chance to gather the back pass before Cooke seized the opportunity and sniffed out the goal just before half-time. Halifax, who beat Grimsby 1-0 to previously win the Trophy in 2016, came close to doubling their lead in the second half when Millenic Alli dribbled almost the entire length of the pitch before unleashing a powerful strike on goal. Gateshead continued to survive thanks to a super save from Montgomery to deny Jack Hunter at point-blank range. The Tynesiders threw everything at the Shaymen in the closing moments of the game and Adam Campbell's half-volley from the edge of the box got supporters on their feet, but he was kept out by the sure-handed Sam Johnson in the Halifax goal. upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/6/68/FCHalifaxLogo.png/180px-FCHalifaxLogo.png upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/b3/Gateshead_FC.svg/180px-Gateshead_FC.svg.pngAttendance: 27,374 Referee: Darren England
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Post by bluetornados on May 26, 2023 16:44:30 GMT
Carlisle v Stockport: Paul Simpson puts football before family for League Two play-off final..ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/31DE/production/_129866721_bbc-sport-index-imagery-2-split-images-gradient-aa3a656c-f755-4315-bcc9-e426c101b3cd.pngCarlisle boss Paul Simpson says he is putting his club over family loyalties as he prepares to face Stockport, who have son Jake on their coaching staff, in Sunday's League Two play-off final. Simpson, who twice managed Jake in his playing career, is looking for a third promotion with the Cumbrians. Carlisle edged past Bradford, while Stockport beat Salford on penalties to set up the Wembley final. "I'll give him a hug before and after," Simpson told BBC Radio Cumbria. "But I hope he's not smiling at the end. I really want him to be successful and I like [County boss] Dave Challinor and want him to be successful as well. "Unfortunately, on the day, there's only one team I'm going to be favouring. I wanted us to achieve something and I'd like Jake and Stockport to achieve something, but not this season. "As his dad, I'm really proud of what he's done and I hope he's proud when we do the job on Sunday." Jake started his playing career at Shrewsbury, during his father's tenure at the Shropshire side, and then moved to the Hatters when Paul took over at Edgeley Park. The 32-year-old returned to Stockport in February 2022 to link up with Challinor, who he had worked under at both Fylde and Hartlepool, as head of performance. Father and son stay tight-lipped Simpson senior says wife Jackie is "in my camp", and confirmed other sons Dominic and Joe would also be at the game as the family heads south for the national stadium. Both sides were involved in the push for automatic promotion, with Stockport missing out on the final day to Northampton and Carlisle finishing a further place back in fifth. Such a tense finish to the season has made for an interesting time in the Simpson household. "There's been a football blackout for about five weeks," the former England Under-20 boss joked. "It's just been family stuff. I spoke to Jake last Saturday night because we had a Chinese takeaway together and talked about the games. "He didn't give anything away to me, and I certainly didn't gave anything away to him."
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 27, 2023 8:54:25 GMT
SATURDAY 27th MAY 2023 - CHAMPIONSHIP - PLAY-OFF FINAL - WEMBLEY STADIUM
Coventry City v Luton Town - 4.45pmupload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/1a/Coventry_City_F.C._logo.png/200px-Coventry_City_F.C._logo.png upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/8b/LutonTownFC2009.png/150px-LutonTownFC2009.pngichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/B8C1/production/_129879274_mrre.jpgCoventry City boss Mark Robins has already billed this year's Championship play-off final as "one for the romantics". But will it be the Sky Blues or the Hatters who enjoy a fairytale ending at Wembley? Two sides with more illustrious pasts, Wembley cup final winners respectively within a year of each other - Coventry lifting the FA Cup in 1987 and Luton prevailing in the 1988 League Cup final - both trying to get back to the top flight just five years after being together in League Two. This season alone began with Coventry bottom of the league, having to postpone four games because of their damaged pitch, while Luton had to bounce back from their manager Nathan Jones walking out on them for a second time, to be taken on by Rob Edwards, who had started the season by being sacked by their fierce local rivals Watford after just 10 league games. But one of them will head back up the M1 on Saturday having picked the lock on a windfall, estimated by Deloitte, to be worth at least £170m across the next three seasons. Both clubs have clearly suffered. But who has suffered the most? Luton - 'A lot of hard work from some incredible people'Victory at Wembley would cap a remarkable change in fortunes for Luton, who dropped out of the Football League in 2009, before taking five seasons to get back in 2014 under John Still - still a hugely popular figure among fans. They took the next two steps under Jones, back-to-back promotions in 2018 and 2019 before he moved on to Stoke. Having returned for a second spell to establish the Hatters as Championship promotion contenders, Jones then moved on again in November, this time to Southampton. Edwards took over and has since presided over 16 wins and just five defeats from 31 matches in charge, to take the team to third place and now, via a two-legged semi-final win over Sunderland, to Wembley. But Edwards is quick to give credit to the likes of chief executive Gary Sweet and long-time fans' favourite Mick Harford, who has served Luton in many roles - striker, manager, coach, caretaker boss and now chief recruitment officer. "Bringing the club back from the brink, Gary and the board deserve so much credit," Edwards told BBC Three Counties Radio. "Then Mick Harford and the role he's played, the recruitment team, the various managers - John Still, Nathan and others. "It's down to so many people's hard work and the fans too. They deserve it. They've been incredible." Having recovered from the brink of liquidation, promotion to the Premier League would transform the club's fortunes. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/E5B8/production/_129880885_carltonmorrisrex2.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/10CC8/production/_129880886_viktorgyokerescelebratesvqprrex.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/2DC3/production/_129851711_shutterstock_editorial_10782347by.jpgPelly-Ruddock Mpanzu takes on Wayne Rooney during a Championship game against Derby in 2020
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bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
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Post by bluetornados on May 27, 2023 21:33:51 GMT
SATURDAY 27th MAY 2023 - CHAMPIONSHIP - PLAY-OFF FINAL - WEMBLEY STADIUM - RESULT.
Coventry City 1 (Hamer 66) Luton Town 1 (Clark 23) AET
Luton Town win 6-5 on penaltiesupload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/1a/Coventry_City_F.C._logo.png/200px-Coventry_City_F.C._logo.png upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/8b/LutonTownFC2009.png/150px-LutonTownFC2009.pngichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/12302/production/_129889447_trophy_reuters2.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/B8C1/production/_129879274_mrre.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/39C4/production/_129888741_hi084997215.jpgJordan Clark's goal was his fourth of the season for Luton - and first since JanuaryLuton Town completed their journey from non-league to Premier League as they beat Coventry City 6-5 on penalties to win the Championship play-off final at Wembley. Gustavo Hamer equalised for Coventry to cancel out a first-half strike from Jordan Clark as the game finished in a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes. Both goals came after Luton lost captain Tom Lockyer early on after he collapsed on the pitch but the defender was taken to hospital where the club have confirmed he is "responsive and talking" to his family. Coventry's Fankaty Dabo blasted the 12th penalty kick of the shootout over the crossbar to send the Hatters to the Premier League for the first time. Having last been in English football's top flight in 1992, the year the Premier League began, Luton have waited 31 years to take their place at the top table. But they were still in the fifth tier only nine years ago after a decade of financial hardship. And, in becoming the first side to go all the way from the top tier to non-league and back, it completed a remarkable achievement for Luton boss Rob Edwards, who began this season as manager of the Hatters' fierce local rivals Watford. Just a year on from managing Forest Green to the League Two title, Edwards won his second successive promotion. He left Forest Green to take on the Watford job at the end of last season, but was then sacked in late September. He then returned to management in November when Nathan Jones walked out on Luton for a second time - and Edwards has now masterminded the completion of one of football's great journeys. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/B1BA/production/_129889454_edwards_rex.jpgRob Edwards will now have the chance to manage Luton in the Premier League next season
ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/ABD4/production/_129888934_hi084999759.jpgGustavo Hamer slots home his 11th goal of the season to equalise for Coventry
ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/15A16/production/_129889588_shirt_rex.jpgLuton sent a message to Tom Lockyer following their win by parading a replica of his shirt
ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/157A/production/_129889450_dabo_pa.jpgCoventry team-mates console Fankaty Dabo following his penalty miss
Luton head coach Rob Edwards told BBC Three Counties Radio:"We lost our captain and best player [Tom Lockyer] after four or five minutes. All I've been thinking about since the final whistle is that. Health is more important than anything. "We lost Tom, but recovered really well after that and showed a lot of emotional strength and character. "The performance in the first half was excellent. They had the first 20-25 minutes of the second half and got the goal but we started wrestling back some momentum and then obviously it was tight. "I'm so proud to be a part of this club. The players, the staff, the board, the supporters, they deserve to enjoy this, they've been through a lot." Sky Blues boss Mark Robins told BBC Coventry and Warwickshire:"We've got to take our medicine but I've said to the players that once the pain subsides, they've got to use it as fuel to come back stronger. "They know now what it feels [like] to lose a final like that - and it was very tight, apart from the first half when we didn't really show up. "Second half, I thought we were much better and it looked like when we got back into the game there was only going to be one winner. But the fact that Gustavo [Hamer] got injured and then we had to take him off, it swung the impetus back in their favour a bit. "He [Dabo] is distraught but every one of them that stepped up [to take a penalty kick], especially at that end in front of their supporters, was so brave."
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