logo
Focus on Chris Wilder and Regis Le Bris ahead of Championship play-off final

Focus on Chris Wilder and Regis Le Bris ahead of Championship play-off final

Glasgow Times14-05-2025
Here, the PA news agency takes a look at the strengths and weaknesses of rival managers ahead of their Wembley showdown on Saturday, May 24.
Chris Wilder (Sheff Utd)
Five-time promotion winner Wilder, front second right, led the south Yorkshire club to the Premier League in 2019 (Danny Lawson/PA)
The 57-year-old is a proven winner, having guided the Blades from League One to the Premier League during his first spell in charge. He also won promotion with former clubs Alfreton, Oxford and Northampton. Wilder knows what it takes to get the job done.
His man-management and motivational powers are a real attribute. All Wilder's sides possess 'never-say-die' attitudes, under-pinned by a siege-mentality in a united dressing room – which gets the best out of his players.
No-nonsense Wilder is not just a tub-thumper either. His basic principles are non-negotiable, but his flexible, innovative tactics – he used and then abandoned overlapping centre-halves when last in the Premier League – won widespread acclaim and the admiration of Pep Guardiola.
Fiercely passionate and opinionated, Wilder can overstep the mark, with outspoken comments leading to several run-ins with the game's authorities and opposing players and managers.
He will also call out his own club's fans if he deems criticism of him or his players unfair. He can be confrontational and is sometimes perceived to be divisive.
Regis Le Bris (Sunderland)
Le Bris has used youth to his advantage at Sunderland (Cody Froggatt/PA)
Many eyebrows were raised when the then little-known Frenchman was appointed by the Wearside club at the start of the season, having overseen Lorient's relegation to Ligue 2 last year.
However, the Black Cats – who finished 16th last season – have been involved in the fight for automatic promotion for large parts of this term and now stand just one match away from a top-flight return.
Le Bris' squad have the youngest average age in the league (23.2 years), with teenagers Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham playing central roles and the likes of Dan Neil, Trai Hume and Eliezer Mayenda having plenty of exciting years ahead of them.
Sunderland, who spent time atop the Championship standings early in the season, finished the regular campaign with five straight defeats and with the fewest goals scored out of the top six, but will hope to have turned a corner following their dramatic play-off semi-final win over Coventry.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Saturday's briefing: Ruben Amorim says the price has to be right for United
Saturday's briefing: Ruben Amorim says the price has to be right for United

Rhyl Journal

time14 minutes ago

  • Rhyl Journal

Saturday's briefing: Ruben Amorim says the price has to be right for United

On the field, a dramatic run to the Women's European Championship final has been far from plain sailing for England boss Sarina Wiegman. Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim insists the club will not sell unwanted players on the cheap and he is prepared to welcome them back into the fold if necessary. Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia were left out of the tour of the United States and have been training at the club's Carrington complex. United's recent transfer dealings have been widely criticised and Amorim said chief executive Omar Berrada and sporting director Jason Wilcox would not be taken advantage of just to get rid of those surplus to requirements. 'I know for a fact that these people, Omar and Jason, and the club have a number (price) for these players. If they don't reach that, they will be Manchester United players, no doubt about that,' said the United boss. 'I understand clubs are maybe waiting for the last minute, but they can have a surprise and I'm ready. I'm ready to receive the players.' Bayern back for Diaz New Liverpool signing Hugo Ekitike's admission he wants to be a multi-functional forward could have implications for the future of Luis Diaz. The PA news agency understands Bayern Munich have returned to discussions with the Premier League champions having had an initial offer of 67.5million euro (£59million) dismissed last week. Liverpool have maintained they do not want to sell the forward, who has also attracted interest from Barcelona, and Bayern's bid was way below their own valuation of 100m euros (£87m) for an elite forward in the global market. Diaz, 29 in January, has two years left on his current deal but has not yet been offered a new contract. However, Ekitike's arrival in a £79m deal – and Liverpool's continued interest in Alexander Isak, who has reportedly told Newcastle he wants to leave – could provide an escape route for Diaz if the Bundesliga champions can come up with an appropriate offer. Lionesses 'nearly killed' Wiegman – Toone Midfielder Ella Toone joked England have 'nearly killed' Sarina Wiegman en route to booking their boss a trip to an unprecedented fifth straight major tournament final in dramatic style. No other head coach in the men's or women's game has achieved that feat. On Sunday against Spain Wiegman could secure a hat-trick of European championship trophies after winning with the Netherlands in 2017 and England in 2022. The Lionesses' title defence has required two consecutive stunning comebacks. 'I think we've nearly killed her twice this tournament. She's said we've definitely aged her,' said Toone. Trafford returns to City Manchester City have agreed a deal to bring goalkeeper James Trafford back to the club from Burnley. The PA news agency understands City will pay £27million for the England Under-21 international, beating Newcastle to his signing after activating a matching rights clause included when Trafford was sold to Burnley for £14million in 2023. Trafford, who joined City's academy at the age of 12 but never made a first-team appearance, has agreed a five-year contract with the option of a further 12 months. City's German goalkeeper Stefan Ortega could now depart in search of a regular starting spot, with the club keen to keep Ederson despite speculation linking the Brazilian with a move away.

Arsenal transfer news: Hidden costs of Viktor Gyokeres deal as star reveals who convinced him to join
Arsenal transfer news: Hidden costs of Viktor Gyokeres deal as star reveals who convinced him to join

Daily Mirror

time43 minutes ago

  • Daily Mirror

Arsenal transfer news: Hidden costs of Viktor Gyokeres deal as star reveals who convinced him to join

Viktor Gyokeres is on the verge of completing a transfer to Arsenal just days after the Gunners confirmed a deal for Cristhian Mosquera as they prepare for the new season In just three weeks Arsenal will begin their campaign to finally win the Premier League title. The Gunners have finished as runners-up three times in a row and will hope to go on step better in 2025/26. ‌ Mikel Arteta looks set to finally have a striker at his disposal in aid of his cause with Viktor Gyokeres on the verge of being announced as Arsenal's latest signing. The Gunners have already added Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Christian Norgaard, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Cristhian Mosquera. ‌ Andrea Berta has been busy in his first summer as Arsenal's sporting director and some of his most rigorous work will have come in an advancing a deal for Gyokeres. The Sweden international could be unveiled this weekend. ‌ There is still work to be done too as Arsenal look to move players on. Reiss Nelson could yet make his exit from the club, as could Oleksandr Zinchenko, as Arteta gets his squad into shape. Gyokeres bonus payments Viktor Gyokeres' arrival at Arsenal is set to be confirmed after some serious negotiations between the Gunners and Sporting CP. The bonus payments had provided some contention between clubs but have now been agreed. Reports in Portugal, per Sport Witness, have detailed when those bonuses will be required. For every 20 games played (of 45 minutes or more), Sporting will receive €1.25million (£1.09m), up to €5m (£4.36m) . For every 20 goals and assists Gyökeres makes, the Gunners will be required to pay €500k (£440,000), up to a limit of €1m (£880,000) . And when Arsenal reach the regular phase of the Champions League, Sporting will receive €1m, up to a limit of €4m (£3.49m). ‌ Who convinced Mosquera? Cristhian Mosquera has revealed both Andrea Berta and Mikel Arteta played crucial roles in persuading him that Arsenal was the right club for him. The defender joined the Gunners from Valencia in a deal initially worth £13m. "They were a key part of the decision," said Mosquera. "When the coach and sporting director show that belief in you and you feel that connection in initial talks, it really helped convince me to come here. "I've come to a massive club with big expectations and a real desire to keep growing and improving. I want to help my team-mates and this great team. That's my goal." ‌ Silva comments onNelson Fulham boss Marco Silva has played it coy on the Fulham's interest in signing Reiss Nelson. The winger was with the club on loan last season and speculation has mounted over a return for the 25-year-old. "Nelson was with us last season, he was very unlucky in terms of his injury record last season," Silva said in an interview with Sky Sports News. "Perhaps in his best moment of the season, he had a bad injury that broke the momentum of him. "But he's not our player right now, he's an Arsenal player, so I'm not going to talk about players from another club." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Man Utd transfer news: Star considers exit as Old Trafford stance on new striker emerges
Man Utd transfer news: Star considers exit as Old Trafford stance on new striker emerges

Daily Mirror

time2 hours ago

  • Daily Mirror

Man Utd transfer news: Star considers exit as Old Trafford stance on new striker emerges

Manchester United still have work to do in the transfer market with a number of sales to make before they can add new players for Ruben Amorim with weeks remaining of the transfer window Just three weeks remain until the start of the Premier League season as Ruben Amorim shapes his new squad. The Red Devils are looking to bounce back from a disappointing season that saw a 15th place finish in the top-flight. ‌ United have added Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Diego Leon in time for their tour of the United States. The Red Devils have replenished their forward line in their bid to solve goalscoring issues but are yet to add a true striker to their squad. ‌ United have been linked to the likes of Ollie Watkins and Benjamin Sesko as the club continue to monitor opportunities. But exits may be required before another deal is done in the north west. ‌ Marcus Rashford has finally departed but just on loan and United will hope for transfer fees to bolster their kitty for the final weeks. Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia are all up for sale but yet to find new clubs this summer. Star considers exit Luke Shaw is 'ready to quit' Manchester United and willing to listen to offers from other clubs. The 30-year-old defender is reported to be aware of 'serious' interest from Saudi Arabia and mulling a departure in the coming months. Shaw is said to understand that his decade-long United career could be coming to an end with competition in his position from new additions Patrick Dorgu and Diego Leon. Amorim is said to be in no rush to lose Shaw however, despite the injury-plagued star's £150,000-a-week wages. New suitors Two clubs from the Saudi Pro League are interested in signing Antony from Manchester United. The Brazilian winger has been left out of United's pre-season tour squad having spent the second half of last season on loan at Real Betis. ‌ The La Liga side have yet to agree a deal for the former Ajax star who impressed in La Liga last term. United want to seal a permanent exit and transfer fee for the player, with Betis thus far unwilling to make an offer that meets United's demands. Antony has also been linked too Erik ten Hag's new side Bayer Leverkusen. The Dutch coach pushed back on the chance of a move however, and said: "We're not interested in him at the moment, but we'll see what happens in the future." Stance on a new striker An imminent move for a striker is not expected from Manchester United after signing Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, per the Manchester Evening News. The Red Devils have been linked with signing a new out-and-out forward but have thus far not seen progress with sales required to bolster their transfer funds. ‌ The club's plans were stalled when Liam Delap chose to sign for Chelsea instead of moving to Old Trafford. Nevertheless, Ruben Amorim is pleased with how his squad is shaping up. United have not ruled out a move for a new goalscorer however and are assessing what is feasible in the coming weeks. Sales are said to be 'essential' despite being provided some financial headroom by Marcus Rashford's loan move.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store