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Date: Wednesday, September 25 Venue: St James’ Park Kick-Off: 19:45

Newcastle will be hoping to put their embarrassing weekend defeat to Hull behind them as they take on Leeds United in the third round of the Capital One Cup tonight.

Team News

Magpies boss Alan Pardew is set to be without Yohan Cabaye after the midfielder sustained a groin injury in the weekend defeat to Hull.

Jonas Gutierrez and Massadio Haidara are available for selection, but Shola Ameobi and Steven Taylor are doubts after sustaining a knock and a hamstring injury, respectively.

Leeds are hoping to have Sam Byram available after the starlet returned from injury against Burnley at the weekend.

The fullback will have hit fitness assessed ahead of kick-off but otherwise manager Brian McDermott has a fully-fit squad to choose from.

(BBC)

Key Stats

Newcastle were knocked out at this stage of last season’s League Cup,...

When the 2012/2013 Premier League season fixtures were announced, many fans started their careers as Mystic Meg replacements. Who would win the League? Who would go down? Many said Reading were in there ‘doomed’ three. Written off before the season had been played out and I’m sorry to say to Reading fans for good reason. I have nothing against Reading and I really enjoyed watching their run in the Championship under Brian McDermott, whom I respect as a Manager; although I do believe they were doomed from the outset.

When Reading were promoted from the Championship, it’d be fair to say that a surge of wins got them there. They were rated at 12/1 to be promoted, not win the Championship but for promotion. The Bookies thought that West Ham, Leicester & Birmingham were better bets for promotion. So in reality, they were outside the ‘main’ three teams of who the bookies thought would go up.

Sunderland have officially named Paolo Di Canio as their new manager following the recent dismissal of Martin O’Neill.

The former Swindon Town boss took the Robins into League One last year, gaining promotion from League Two in only his first year in management.

He left the County Ground in February however after growing disillusioned with life at the club, and was quickly installed as the bookie’s favourite to replace O’Neill following his dismissal on Saturday.

The Black Cats are without a Premier League win in eight games and Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat to Manchester United leaves them sitting just one point above the relegation zone.

Earlier today, we reported Italian Di Canio had travelled to Wearside for official talks regarding the Sunderland vacancy, with owner Ellis Short keen to nail down a replacement as soon as possible with just seven league fixtures remaining.

Ellis said of...

Updated: Sky Sports announced on TV during Aston Villa vs Liverpool that according to their sources Paolo Di Canio is on his way to the North East for talks with Sunderland over the managerial vacancy.

Espn earlier today reported that Di Canio was the early bookies favourite for the job.

Original report follows;

Sunderland Chairman Ellis Short will announce the successor to axed manager Martin O’Neill within the next 48 hours, according to the Mirror.

The Northern Irishman was sensationally fired last night on the back of 8 games without a win, and with the Black Cats teetering on the edge of the relegation zone, Short handed the former Leicester City manager his marching orders.

It is understood former Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo, former England manager Steve McClaren and former Manchester City coach Mark Hughes are the front runners for the vacancy, however, it is former Swindon Town manager Paolo...

Sunderland surprisingly sacked manager Martin O’Neill last night, with just seven games of the Premier League season remaining.

The Black Cats are without a league win since January 19th when they prevailed 3-2 over Wigan, and have suffered an eight-game spell without victory. That has led to a dangerous slump toward the bottom three and with a relegation scrap well and truly on their hands, the Sunderland board have decided it is now time for a change in direction.

O’Neill replaced Steve Bruce at the helm a little over a year ago but becomes the fifth Premier League manager to lose his job this season following Roberto Di Matteo, Mark Hughes, Nigel Adkins and Brian McDermott’s dismissals.

Sunderland are currently 1 point above the relegation zone having played a game more than those below them, and will be without star striker Steven Fletcher for the rest of the campaign.

Sunderland have announced on their official website that they have parted company with manager Martin O’Neill with immediate effect.

The announcement, which came after the Black Cats’ home loss to Manchester United in the Premier league this afternoon read as follows:

The club has parted company with manager Martin O’Neill.

Sunderland Afc has announced that it has parted company with manager Martin O’Neill this evening.

The club would like to place on record its thanks to Martin and wishes him well for the future.

An announcement will be made in the coming days regarding a successor.

No further information is yet forthcoming on the news, but it is expected that O’Neill was sacked in direct response to the sides poor form, and the quality of performances put in this season, which now sees Sunderland hovering perilously close to the Premier League drop zone.

O’Neill took...

Reading will unveil former Southampton boss Nigel Adkins as their new manager at a news conference this morning, according to the BBC.

Adkins replaces sacked manager Brian McDermott at the Madejski Stadium and was set to be officially confirmed in the job at a conference at 9:15 GMT, at the time of writing.

The Royals are currently seven points adrift of safety in the Premier League and are sitting second from bottom with only eight games left to play. Adkins’s first home game in charge of his new club will come against his former employers Southampton, who controversially dismissed him in January and replaced him with former Espanyol coach Mauricio Pochettino.

Adkins had guided the club to back-to-back promotions and his side were sitting three points clear of the relegation zone at the time of his sacking, while his predecessor Brian McDermott guided Reading into the Premier League last season,...

Both sides go into today’s Premier League meeting at Old Trafford a little worse for wear than they ought to be. United, still dealing with the pain of being dumped out of the Champions League at the hands of Real Madrid, and surrendering what looked to be an unassailable two-goal lead to Chelsea in the Fa Cup last weekend, and Reading, who are undoubtedly still shaken by the shock dismissal of their manager Brian McDermott just four days ago.

United could come away from Old Trafford with a gargantuan 15-point lead atop the Premier League, if bitter rivals Manchester City slip up in the early kick-off against Everton at Goodison Park. That should be motivation enough to pick up Sir Alex’s side after two wholly disappointing results in their last two games, and would surely all but guarantee them a record 20th League title.

One of the biggest...

Being a manger can be both the best and the worst job in football

When their team is playing well, winning matches and of course, winning trophies a manager can become almost god-like. Untouchable. Unstoppable. Then it is the best job in the world.

But when things go wrong, when the team starts losing and the trophies start to dry up (depending on the team of course) then it’s hell. There’s nowhere to hide- the once adoring fans become their biggest critics, and almost inevitably, sooner or later the manager finds himself out of work.

Every now and then however a manger can be successful or popular and still find himself getting the sack for a whole multitude of reasons ranging from greedy owners to over ambitious fans. In the wake of the shock sacking of Brian McDermott by Reading, here’s a list of 10 Premier League managers...

Reading’s unceremonious sacking of Brian McDermott on Monday has been met with derision from across the footballing world, as figures from the game, journalists and fans alike bemoan another potentially short-sighted decision to let go of a good manager in an attempt to stave off relegation late in the day. It’s an increasingly common occurrence in the Premier League – but does it ever actually pay off?

The lack of sentiment shown by Reading majority shareholder Anton Zingarevich was apparent. In his time in charge of Reading since the end of 2009, McDermott had taken a struggling Championship side and over-achieved, steadying the ship before taking them back into the top flight, where they have fought a brave battle against relegation despite having the weakest squad in the Premier League. But that wasn’t enough for Zingarevich, though, and the axe fell on McDermott with just nine games remaining this season.

We’re in the 4th week of the 2013 Super League season, but that won’t matter to the defending champions the Leeds Rhinos, as they prepare to face Nrl premiers Melbourne at Headingley Carnegie on Friday night, to decide who will be crowned the best club team on the planet. On paper, it’s not even a contest; Melbourne have the far stronger spine, as it is unarguably the best in the club game, housing 3 of the world’s best players in their respective positions. But we all know, sport isn’t played on paper, and that’s why you really can’t write Leeds off for this encounter.

During Brian McDermott’s tenure as coach at Headingley, Leeds have had a tendency to peak for the big game, winning last year’s World Club Challenge 26-12 against Manly, and winning the last 2 Super League Grand Finals after finishing 5th after the weekly rounds,...

Tom Ince is “unlikely” to join Liverpool before the transfer window closes today, according to the BBC.

The youngster, who began his career as a youth-team player at Liverpool, has been linked with a return to Anfield this month, but manager Brendan Rodgers has ruled it out as “unlikely”.

Rodgers was hoping to add to the capture of Philippe Coutinho from Inter Milan and Daniel Sturridge from Chelsea, but it appears as though his transfer business has ended in the current window.

“Ince was one where we could have made a deal but it looks like it’s a bit complicated,” he said.

“I don’t think there will be any more coming in now.”

Speaking after the 2-2 draw at Arsenal, Rodgers added:

“It will be difficult [to sign Ince]. It is also about affordability as well.

“If Tom stays at Blackpool it doesn’t mean he will never come to Liverpool...

Venue: Madejski Stadium Date: Wednesday, 30th January K/o: 20:00 Team News

Reading striker Noel Hunt faces a late fitness test on an unspecified injury he picked up during the win over Sheffield United in the Fa Cup at the weekend.

Fellow forward Jason Roberts is definitely out while new signing Daniel Carrico is unlikely to feature.

Chelsea still have concerns over the fitness of goalkeeper Petr Cech and defender David Luiz, while Eden Hazard serves the second of his three-match man for kicking a ball boy.

Match Preview

Reading have responded in fine form to a 3-1 defeat to Tottenham at the start of the month by going on a run of four straight victories, knocking Crawley and Sheffield United out of the Fa Cup and beating relegation rivals Newcastle in the process.

Brian McDermott’s men may still occupy a relegation place in the Premier League table but...

Another Champions League failure, out of the Capital One Cup…

Okay, that latter point is far less terminal than the former could prove to be, but the fact of the matter is that Man City only have two trophies left to compete for this season. That would be the upcoming Fa Cup and of course the Premier League – but then, how realistic are Man City’s title ambitions this season after falling 7 points behind rivals Manchester United yesterday afternoon? Sure, United have been leaking goals left right and centre, but as their win over Newcastle United proved yesterday, they are a team who never know when they’re beaten, and it’s never easy to be chasing a side for points with that mentality.

As for Europe… Not even the solace of the Europa League as City were emphatically ejected from all competitions with a juddering thump. Chelsea manager Roberto...

Reading vs Arsenal live…

The starting line-ups have been announced for tonight’s crucial game for two managers who desperately need a victory in the Barclays Premier League. Brian McDermott’s Reading are rock bottom of the Premier League with only one win to their name all season, whilst Arsene Wenger needs to put a string of victories together to halt those calling for his head.

The big news for the latter is that England winger and Arsenal contract rebel Theo Walcott not only starts, but seems to be starting through the middle for The Gunners. He had been a doubt with a calf complaint. Under-fire attacker Gervinho has to settle for a place on the bench alongside Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Giroud, the latter recovering from a back strain he picked up in last week’s League Cup Quarter Final defeat against Bradford. Laurent Koscielny also overcomes his thigh injury to make the bench.

This fixture was last played four years ago in the Premier League. Villa won 3-1 thanks to a John Carew brace. And what we wouldn’t have given for more than one goal as both teams played very poor football in what was a boring match. Neither Reading nor Aston Villa would look out of place in the championship as both squads have little quality and are built on defensive stability. One of the best players on the park, however, was Villa frontman Christian Benteke. His 80th minute header was the difference between the two sides and he showed that he is a class above the majority of players on the park.

Aston Villa made two changes to the team that drew 0-0 with Arsenal. Karim El-Ahmadi and Ron Vlaar were replaced by youngsters Ashley Westwood and Nathan Baker. Villa played a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Brad Guzan (Gk) – 9 Made...

Venue: Liberty Stadium Kick-Off: 3pm

After a spectacular start to the season, Michael Laudrup’s tenure as Swansea manager has suddenly screeched to a halt with three straight defeats, although the Swans currently find themselves mid-table. It is games like this that Swansea need to win to put their slump behind them.

Reading’s start to the season has been what many pundits predicted – poor. Two draws either side of three straight defeats see the Royals sitting 19th in the league, and that is only courtesy of goal difference ahead of Qpr. Last weeks draw at home to Newcastle was encouraging, but much improvement is needed if they are going to survive their first season back in the big time. Two points from 15 available is worrying form for any team looking to avoid a relegation battle.

Team News

Swansea have a doubt over captain Ashley Williams who may miss out due to illness,...

Reading welcome Tottenham Hotspur to the Madejski Stadium for today’s only Premier League match. Kick-off is at 4pm and the match will be screened live on Sky Sports UK television.

Here’s the team news ahead of the game…

Reading boss Brian McDermott is without only Jason Roberts for today’s game. The forward is missing with a calf injury.

The rest of Reading’s international players all returned from the international break unscathed. Jimmy Kebe is also back in the squad after the Mali winger returned to training last week following the hamstring injury that has kept him out of the season so far.

Goalkeeper Adam Federici has been declared fit ahead of the game after a small doubt over his fitness last week.

For Andre Villas-Boas’ Spurs, veteran goalkeeper Brad Friedel is expected to keep his place in the side despite the recent acquisition of French captain Hugo Lloris.

Breaking news coming in from the North East…

Sunderland’s Premier League match against Reading this afternoon has been officially postponed due to a “waterlogged pitch”, says BBC Sport.

The decision was officially announced less than 90 minutes before the 3pm kick-off at the Stadium of Light. Referee Neil Swarbrick, took action at 13:45 BST when the forecast claimed the rain would not relent as the day went on.

Reading Fc responded on Twitter saying they backed the decision that had been made;

“Nobody arguing with the decision, a sensible choice.”

BBC Sport also claimed that the decision was agreed upon by both managers Martin O’Neill and Brian McDermott.

Although rain has enforced play on Wearside won’t happen this afternoon, Middlesbrough’s home game against Crystal Palace on Teesside will take place and at the time of writing, no heavy rain is being reported there.

Speaking personally from nearby Durham,...

Sunderland take on Reading this afternoon with fans at the Stadium of Light likely to be buzzing over the securing of two big new signings yesterday.

The Black Cats completed on Friday the signings of England winger Adam Johnson and Wolves striker Stephen Fletcher for deals reported by Goal.com to be worth at least £20 million combined.

25-year-old forward Fletcher could make his Wearside debut today, though the availability of Adam Johnson is less clear as his deal wasn’t confirmed until late last night.

Definitely missing for Sunderland are defender Phil Bardsley (ankle) and midfielder David Vaughn (ankle) who miss out through injury. Wes Brown (knee ligaments) has an outside chance of making the bench.

For Reading, boss Brian McDermott has no fresh injury doubts following the club’s midweek 4-2 thriller at Stamfrod Bridge.

Still missing for them are Jem Karacan (broken ankle), Jimmy Kebe (hamstring), though veteran...

According to the Sunderland Echo, Newcastle right-back Danny Simpsons is reportedly set for Premier League new boys, Reading after failing to agree a new contract on Tyneside.

The 25-year-old defender signed for Newcastle in 2010 after a successful loan spell from Manchester United. Ever since then, he has been involved in the majority of Newcastle’s games as they were promoted from the Championship and made a European challenge last season.

Reading Fc are set to make a bid for the player as Newcastle chase another right-back, Lille’s Mathieu Debuchy. With Debuchy claiming to be excited over the possibility of partnering with his close friend Yohan Cabbie, it looks like Simpson would be pushed out the way to make way for French international.

If the Debuchy deal does go through, Simpson would find himself a back-up player rather than in the starting eleven, this has made him doubt his future at the St.

Newly promoted Reading are set to make a big money transfer bid for Copenhagen striker Dame N’Doye, according to The Sun.

The Royals boss Brian McDermott knows that he needs to strengthen his Championship winning side for Reading to survive the Premier League next season and a top class striker is top of his wanted list.

British newspapers this morning claimed that Reading scouts were sent to watch the 27-year-old who is valued in the £7 million range after hitting 59 goals in 104 games for the Danes. However McDermott faces a battle on his hands for the Senegalese international’s signature as he has also caught the eye of Everton and Newcastle United. The latter have enjoyed great success in signing African internationals who have impressed across Europe with Ivory Coast star Cheick Tiote being a dominant player and N’Doye’s Senegalese team-mates Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse scoring almost 30 goals between them last season.

Quite an end to Liverpool’s season. Fenway Sports Group (Fsg) have acted ruthlessly, dismissing not only their Director of Football, Director of Communication, and Club Doctor, but also iconic manager Kenny Dalglish. A Carling Cup success was not enough to make up for some very poor purchases and an 8th place finish in the Premier League.

It is three years since Liverpool were last in the Champions League, and the longer they are missing from Europe’s premier competition the harder it will be for the club to return to their former glories. However, it is not simply a new manager that the Reds need. Fsg have a very busy summer ahead if Liverpool are to challenge for major trophies next season. Here are their top five priorities for the summer

1. Get The Right Man In As Manager

Dalglish, despite his ties to the club, was not meeting the expectations of the owners.

Breaking news coming in from the Molineux….

Wolverhampton Wanderers have hired Terry Connor as manager until the end of the season.

Connor, who served as assistant manager to axed boss Mick McCarthy has been tasked with the job of keeping Wolves in England’s top division with a tricky thirteen games remaining of the season. The club currently lie 17th in the table, in the relegation zone on goal difference.

Connor has been given the job after the Wolves owners had difficulty finding a replacement for McCarthy elsewhere. As we reported just hours ago, they had offered the job to former Charlton and West Ham boss Alan Curbishley twice, current Reading boss Brian McDermott and also former Everton and Rangers manager Walter Smith but none of them accepted the job. They also interviewed a whole host of other candidates including Steve Bruce (who was so desperate for the job he...

Updated: Wolves have announced the appointment of Terry Connor as manager until the end of the season. Our report Here.

Wolves will turn to former boss Dave Jones to end their two week nightmare search for a new manager.

Jones previously managed the club for three years between 2001-2004 and helped the club win promotion to the Premier League in 2003 before being seeing Wolves relegated 12 months later. He has been out of work since leaving Cardiff City last summer and the Wolves owners are believed to have put an Sos call out to him in the last few days, possibly reminded that Jones has said he has “unfinished business” at Molineux.

After Mick McCarthy was sacked on Monday 13th February, Wolves owners have interviewed almost a dozen candidates for the position but despite offers being put out to managers in and out of work, nobody seems to want the job...