Blasphemy! A wee club in the north-east threaten sir Alex Ferguson's dominance!

English Title Contenders Cup Watch

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Quarter Final Draw

Arsenal - Manchester City
Newcastle - Blackburn
Tottenham - Manchester United
Oxford - Everton​
 
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Premier League
Round 10

Saturday 31st October 2026:

Newcastle - Leeds 5-0
Priestley (6), Bernal (11), Undiana (50), Donaldson (60), Escudero (75)
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Liverpool - Derby County 2-1
Soumbounou (68), Kurtulus (85); Bond (53)
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Q.P.R. - Chelsea 1-3
Adam (51); Gabriel (2), Simon (31), Palmer (49)
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Sunday 1st November 2026:

Manchester United - West Ham 0-0
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Arsenal - Blackburn 0-2
McLean sent off (83); Obi (40), Boccaccini (90+6)
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League Table:

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Rovers show early signs something big might be on the cards
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By Kevin Gallacher........................6:55 PM Sunday 1st November 2026 in Sport
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A lot of pundits expected us to go there and take three points. It is understandable when you take a look at a struggling Arsenal team and the momentum we got after the glorious victory over Newcastle.

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Celebrations didn't halt momentum​

I told you though I expected a tough game and I was right. Arsenal might find themselves a bit lower than they are supposed to be but their quality doesn't represent the current league position. And it could have been a different game if Gunners striker Chandler had converted an early penalty. As a matter of fact the scoreline flatters us a little because we needed them to get a red card to finally break them down with a second in the death.

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Wounded Gunners were dangerous​

I've seen some discard Arsenal as "have-beens" and easy opposition when compared to Newcastle. It isn't so. There isn't an easy game and first thing you need to do is take a look at yourself. Beating the big guys can often have an overwhelming effect to the lads and see them switch off the next game with a hangover. As a matter of fact this is one of the reasons Newcastle do so well year after year - they don't take anything for granted. I think with this fixture Rovers have shown early signs they might be growing as a team which can stand the pressure of delivering week in week out in the most competitive league in the world.
 
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Leeds United: Heavy loss must be left behind quickly - Matteo
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by Dominic Matteo
The Newcastle away game was always a tough one. It is hardly a surprise we couldn't get something out of it but the manner of the loss is hard to take. Nothing went our way and the Magpies were determined to put behind a disappointing loss of their own.

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European nights good chance to rebuild morale​

It's important we don't dwell on this one match. To help this I suggest looking at the positives. Our position in the league is healthy as we sit comfortable and our Champions League position is hardly challenged. The team can make it up to the fans midweek in Europe and return with a fresh mind for the next Premier League game. There is plenty of time to cut the gap to the top 2 and Newcastle will still have to visit us.

Each team will have the odd switch-off every now and then and it's for the better we had ours in a match we were never expected to win anyway. I'm confident it's going to be different next weekend and you should be too. Keep the faith, lads! WAFLL, in victory and defeat!
 
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October Watch

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Premier League Table

The Contenders:

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Newcastle (1st; 24pts; +27) first loss in the league prevents the Magpies from taking a firm lead on the top and they have to settle with just superior goal difference. The loss didn't prevent them from demolishing fellow contenders Leeds at home and close the month with fashion.
0 Current first team injuries.

Blackburn (2nd; 24pts; +17) despite conceding a surprise defeat Rovers were quick to upset the odds against Newcastle in a real blockbuster and catch up. It is early but perhaps these two will decide the title?
3 Current first team injuries:
Álvaro Aguilar (ST) 1-3 days (strained knee ligaments)
Ismail Hakan Tosun (MC) 8-14 days (twisted ankle)
Josue (ML) 4-9 days (twisted ankle)

Chelsea (3rd; 22pts; +9) the Blues keep collecting points without much noise and climb up 2 positions. They are the only team yet to lose a game in the league.
0 Current first team injuries.

Leeds (5th; 20pts; +9) a heavy loss at the hands of the leaders means Leeds lose some pace and drop down two positions in the table.
2 Current first team injuries:
Brian Shea (WBL/AML) 1-4 days (torn hamstring)
Remi Riviere (DLC) 2-3 weeks (sprained ankle)

Manchester United (6th; 17pts; +11) a significant improvement in form sees the Devils climb 4 positions in the table. If they can avoid further slips against minor opposition like West Ham they could get involved in the top 4 fight again. They will be optimistic with all their injured players returning to action soon.
3 Current first team injuries:
Gabriel Lopez (MC) 2-5 days (twisted ankle)
Almamy Traoré (AMR/ST) 5-11 days (double hernia)
Walter Blasi (MLC/AML) 1-5 days (torn hamstring)

Liverpool (8th; 14pts; -3) just four points for the second month in a row means Liverpool have turned a clumsy start to the season in a long-stretching poor form. Things aren't looking good for them as their European aspirations are at stake. Fans will be praying their key strikers return to fitness quick enough to help.
2 Current first team injuries:
Daniël van Bremen (M/AMC/ST) 1-5 days (fractured wrist)
Eirik Mork (MC/ST) 1-5 days (torn hamstring)

Other teams to watch:​

Manchester City (4th) manage to get Chelsea look behind their backs after another impressive month. It's increasingly likely they will pull a real fight for the top 4.

Everton (7th) are still in touch with European slots but will need to push a little harder if they want to avoid falling behind.

Arsenal (16th) have improved their performances but sadly that hasn't been reflected by results so far. Another poor month could shockingly see them flirting with relegation.

Crystal Palace and Birmingham are still struggling and the bookmakers already refuse accepting bets on them going down.

October Player of the Month:
Santiago Bernal (Newcastle)
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October Young Player of the Month:
Dylan Connery (Manchester United)
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October Manager of the Month:
Sir Alex Ferguson (Manchester United)
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Leading Goalscorers:
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English Title Contenders European Watch

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Tuesday 3rd November 2026

Group A
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Inter - Galatasaray 2-3

Schalke - Chelsea 1-0
Valenta (34)
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Group D
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Sevilla - Milan 2-2

Newcastle - FH 5-0
Lampi (9, 78), Villalobos (pen 28), Toase (34), Erwin (41)
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Wednesday 4th November 2026

Group E
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Juventus - Zeljeznicar 1-1

Blackburn - Anderlecht 2-1
Obi (27), Aguilar (67); Jenkins (38)
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Group H
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Wisla - Aberdeen 1-1

Leeds - Bayern 2-1
Herrera (33), Makhanya (69); Mauri (67)
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Thursday 5th November 2026

Group I
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Sion - Nordsjælland 1-1

Olympiakos - Manchester United 1-1
Papanikolaou (81); Ashby (1)
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Breaking news! Sky Sports turn to fm-base.co.uk in search for pundits!

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You think you know football well? Your favourite team is contending for the title in the 2026/27 season? You are a fm-base regular? Sky Sports would like to offer you a chance to join our team of pundits!

What you need to do is simply apply by replying in this thread or via a personal message to the author. You can contribute in any way you find convenient for you: on a monthly review basis, writing pieces on specific occasions or simply throwing in your view of how the season is going. You can pick a club outside the contenders if so you wish and you'll have access to the Sky Sports resources in order to keep informed!

We await your applications! Don't be long as the season is quickly going towards its culmination!
 
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Premier League
Round 11

Saturday 7th November 2026:

Derby County - Newcastle 0-5
Pilar (15), Loncar o.g. (36), Priestley (45, 71), Bernal (58)
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West Ham - Liverpool 1-2
Magni (87); Stevens (26), Bruma (32)
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Blackburn - Sheffield Wednesday 1-0
Boccaccini (29)
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Sunday 8th November 2026:

Chelsea - Manchester United 2-2
Viviano (35), Palmer (45+1); Amadou (45), Sedgemore (87)
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Leeds - Arsenal 3-0
Jovetic (21, pen 70), Herrera (30); Nastasic sent off (69), Prodanovski sent off (85)
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League Table:

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Lesson from the Manchester United derby: how to see out games
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Tony Cascarino Commentary
Last updated at 10:15PM, November 8 2026

Manager Marcelino was left fuming about Chelsea conceding twice in the end of each half against Manchester United to share the spoils with Sir Alex Ferguson's side. While the Blues showed character to regain their lead in the first half with a even more dramatic late goal, the second equalized saw them deprived of energy and faith to look for a winner. For it is another trait Marcelino needs to instill in his soldiers - the ability to lock down in the final minutes.

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This sight is becoming too regular
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Chelsea have been too complacent in the final stages for a side once known for their sequences of 1-0 victories. The current crop seem more inclined to play their flair game rather than look for an ugly win. Now I am not implying they should look to kick it high and long but surely a more pragmatic approach when you are protecting a fragile lead is more likely to bring success. Great managers like Mourinho taught their players how to switch on a different regime when the target has been acquired and the only need is to keep it in your grasp. Marcelino could do little wrong in taking a similar approach.

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Look in the past for answers​

It wouldn't take major tactical changes. Let's look at the Manchester United game and suggest a couple tiny tweaks. The most accessible and obvious is time wasting. It could be achieved without commanding players to run down the corner flag and keep the ball there. Up to the second United goal Marcelino had only used one substitution. It should be noted the Devils were obviously the more tired side at that stage with their attacking players throwing a lot of energy on the pitch. Introducing central midfielder Avbelj was a good idea though it could have been furthered by the inclusion of a winger like Diallo or Fernandes and maybe even a striker like Benoist. That would have made Manchester United a little more cautions in their attacks or at least it would have given Sir Alex something to think about, another decision to make. Instead he had the comfort of tweaking his attacking options and it ultimately lead to another late, late goal Chelsea conceded to drop 2 points in a game they should have had well under their control.
 
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PUBLISHED: 23:15 GMT, 8 November 2026 | UPDATED: 23:16 GMT, 8 November 2026

Battling victories give Míchel time to fix it

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I already wrote about the need for better results in our easy fixtures and manager Míchel seemed relieved after getting them. It goes to confirm how much the League has changed in recent years. If you spend, you are expected to deliver but in football it takes time. The real question right now is how much time will the manager get to see his project realized.

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Míchel relieved after important wins​

Looking at our upcoming fixtures it could not be long before pressure mounts again. We are to play Manchester City away before we take on Chelsea and Everton at Anfield. I fear failure to bring at least 4 points from those three might be too much for the board so I advise the fans to be supportive and give the lads a lift no matter how the score goes. We can't qualify for Europe in November but we could fall behind and the last we'd like is to meet the hectic winter chasing must win games just to stay in it.

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Tough fixtures ahead​

The players can help themselves with a good score against the Citizens. It would take something a little bit special to get back that belief we seemed so deprived of in recent weeks. I think if we give them the same fight we did in the last two games we stand a good chance. Whatever happens though the fans should remember it's not the end of the world if we don't beat them.
 
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Premier League
Round 12

Tuesday 10th November 2026:

Manchester City - Liverpool 2-1
Özdemir (45+2, 61); Wilson (90+1)
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Wednesday 11th November 2026:

Chelsea - Newcastle 1-3
Benoist (84); Priestley (36, 71), Leomar (81)
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Leeds - Blackburn 1-1
Jovetic (67); Boccaccini (32)
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Everton - Manchester United 2-2
Peric (67, 90+7); El Alagui (15, 64)
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League Table:

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Sunderland AFC: A Platform from which to Build - Gary Rowell

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by Gary Rowell
You would have forgiven Sunderland fans for not exactly feeling optimistic at the start of the season. They, for many years now, have had to endure their most bitter rivals Newcastle United racking up title after title, whilst they languish in mid-table mediocrity. However, after a slow start to the season things are starting to look up under manager Mauricio Pellegrino. Sparked into life with an extremely satisfying 2-0 victory over Middlesbrough in the Wear-Tees derby, the Black Cats have now taken 7 points from their last 3 games and are sitting pretty in 10th place in the league table.


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Pellegrino's boys are starting to click into gear

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​That leaves Sunderland fans with the question, what exactly can they achieve this season? Do they dare to dream that they can use their recent form as a platform for a top 7 finish? Or that they'll be able to recapture the spirit of '73 and have a strong run in the FA Cup? Whatever happens I believe a lot will rely on the form of the big Frenchman up front, Younes Durand. On his day he will give any center half a run for his money, so if we can get him fit and firing after his injury then we can certainly push for the top 10 in my opinion.

Up next is QPR at the Stadium of Light, which is another very winnable game. I'm hoping we'll see an improved attendance from the last game against Oxford, and if the fans get behind the boys from the start I fancy us to take a 2-0 victory away from the game.


 

It is with regret that Stoke City Football Club announces that Martin Kushev has been relieved of his duties as Stoke City Manager. This has been a difficult decision for the Chairman and Board to make but we feel it must be made with the apprehensive danger of relegation. Despite everyone's best efforts, the Club has performed disappointingly off-target for the resources available. Chairman David Rowe said: "Martin's record speaks for itself and he has our gratitude for all his hard work and commitment over the last eleven months. Things don't always go to plan but I wish him well."
 
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Stoke City scratch Kushev experiment

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Stoke City managed Martin Kushev has been sacked after less than a full year in charge. A poll amongst Potters fans suggested the decision was correct even if a bit rush. But the board couldn't really risk with the experiment as Stoke are a club renowned for Premier League stability.

We remind you Kushev arrived as the reigning Holland Eredivisie Champion and also won the Dutch Super Cup during his time with Twente. His appointment came as a surprise and some suggested the board were looking to emulate Newcastle in looking to a young promising Bulgarian.

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Kushev experiment ends in tears​

Sadly this wasn't the case as Stoke currently find themselves in 16th position. Hopefully the board will recognize the right manager this time as ever since Pulis retired in 2024 they haven't kept anyone for more than a year. Jose Mourinho came to replace Pulis only to quit for another job and be replaced by Mauricio Pellegrino who in turn left and was replaced by Kushev.

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The man on right early favourite​

The Sentinel can confirm there is little truth in early reports the board will be pursuing Dimiter Hristov for the hot seat. Hristov moved quickly to disperse the rumours and stated he is going nowhere. More likely candidates for the role are Dougie Freedman, Gary Cahill and Darren Ferguson. Swansea manager Freedman is the only one to publicly express interest.

Stay with us as we will update you on any impending development.
 
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Premier League
Round 13

Saturday 14th November 2026:

Newcastle - West Ham 5-1
Bernal (2), Priestley (40, 65, 89), Villalobos (48); Magni (32)
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Crystal Palace - Blackburn 1-2
Jenkins (10); Boccaccini (29, 41)
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Manchester United - Manchester City 1-0
El Alagui (72), Sedgemore sent off (38); Fekete sent off (83)
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Sunday 15th November 2026:

Sheffield Wednesday - Leeds 2-3
Amrani (40, 53); Herrera (51), Jovetic (57), Le Gac (76)
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Liverpool - Chelsea 1-2
Mork (3); Murat Erdil (31, 51)
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League Table:

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New King conquers Manchester!

Gary Neville
Published at 7:22PM, November 15 2026

Old Trafford has seen many heroes yet few of them managed to reach truly legendary status. Today it seems another cult figure is rising from the ashes of red card controversy. Yes, our fans have always had something of a crush for controversial players and could forgive nearly everything as long as it comes for the cause.

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Emulating the greats​

Earlier in the season I suggested Elvis could take Cristiano Ronaldo or Mario Balotelli's path. As eccentric personalities usually do he picked a third way. The chants in another mad Manchester derby which saw two red cards and a single goal suggested comparison with 90's cult hero Eric Cantona. I think Elvis has a long way to go to get there but this time neither card went for him and he scored the winner so he's definitely a bit closer down that path.

The big question now is can Sir Alex price him away from Newcastle? They certainly have enough strikers on their books and can't guarantee El Alagui the starting place his class commands. I am sure with the fans warming up to him and a chance to become key figure for seasons ahead he'd pick us over them if given the chance.

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Can we sign him permanently?​

POLL:
What do you think? Should Manchester United break the bank to secure Elvis El Alagui on a permanent basis?
(Yes)
(No)
(Specify how much we should offer)
 
Defensive injuries could cost dearly despite winning the game
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Tony Cascarino Commentary
Last updated at 10:11PM, November 15 2026

The full time whistle at Anfield brought a sigh of relief from visiting fans. Chelsea did well to recover from an early Mork strike and hold off despite double injury in central defense. Further relief came from the medical staff after examining Cvetanovski's condition to declare he has merely picked a knock and will be available for the next game.

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Hint at the scouts - look at this guy​

What happened at Anfield is no unlucky coincidence and needs the manager's attention. Lack of depth in fullback positions commands central defenders to cover there and with Champions League football on the schedule the players are already looking tired. Alternative options for rotation should be assessed and some of the youngsters could fill in against minor opposition or we will be seeing more serious injuries in months to come. It is essential to bring in a specialist fullback when the transfer market opens in January and the scout team should not waste time packing their bags to look for potential targets.
 
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Premier League
Round 14

Saturday 21st November 2026:

Arsenal - Chelsea 1-1
Ahn Jung-Ho (45+2); Gabriel (57)
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Blackburn - Derby County 3-0
Aguilar (15, 27), Boccaccini (54)
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Crystal Palace - Leeds 0-1
Le Gac (pen 34)
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Liverpool - Everton 1-1
Mork (61); Fischer (77)
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Sunday 22nd November 2026:

Manchester United - Sunderland 2-0
El Alagui (39), Flint (pen 89)
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Newcastle - Manchester City 3-0
Priestley (1), Mashishi (69), Bonato (90+2)
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League Table:

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Stoke turn to Dougie Freedman

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Stoke City have announced the appointment of Dougie Freedman as first team manager. Freedman comes from Championship club Swansea after suffering relegation with the Swans in season 2025/26. Looking to somewhat of a low profile figure has been met with mixed emotions from Potters fans as Freedman boasts a reputation for playing exciting attacking football.

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Can he avoid relegation with a 4th club?​

His immediate target will be to arrest Stoke's slide in the league table. City find themselves just above the drop zone with just 9 points from 12 games and expectations for a respectable league position have been tarnished by the looming relegation threat. Dougie will face a challenge winning over the fans as major sections have expressed concern with his record of relegations with three different clubs (Crystal Palace and Aston Villa in addition to Swansea).

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Players behind the new gaffer

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The players have expressed support for their new boss and captain Garcia had this to say in exclusive interview for the Sentinel: "We are upbeat and looking forward to working with Dougie. A lot of us are unfamiliar with our current situation and could do with a little help. He will find a dressing room firmly behind him with enough quality to look up the table."
 
Leeds United: Redknapp should think long-term - Matteo
Elland-Road-Leeds-United-008.jpg

by Dominic Matteo
Ten points from the last 4 league games see us keep the tempo and remain close to the top but Harry Redknapp speaks in calm fashion about the title. A man of his vast experience knows a lot can change in the next month and the lads will need to produce better to remain in contention.

Redknapp challenged the midfield to add goals to their game and I can understand why. While it is the job of the strikers to score the goals a title challenger needs an extra bit of variety and looking at our recent games it's just Herrera, Jovetic and Le Gac to finish our attacks. I think when it's not broken there is no need to fix it but it would be nice to get some fresh faces on the score sheet.

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More variety, please!​

In the meantime I am a little concerned with Harry's preference to make few changes in the starting line up. It does produce better results in the short term but with one of the oldest squads it won't be long before our key figures begin to tire. We have plenty of depth in the side and it wouldn't hurt mixing it a little every now and then.
 
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