European Super Football

League One returns as the 2025/2026 season kicks off Let's explore some of the key reports and talking points from that opening weekend  Author | Josh D Match Reports Stockport County come out on top in Greater Manchester derby  Malik Mothersille marked his Stockport County debut with a goal as last season’s play-off contenders began their campaign with a win over Bolton Cardiff City’s start their campaign with a comeback win Cardiff City opened their League One campaign with a comeback win over Peterborough United. It was a promising start to the Brian Barry-Murphy era in a match full of energy and attacking intent. After a dreadful year in the Championship, Cardiff will be looking to bounce back over the next 9 months. New era for Plymouth starts with a defeat  Tom Cleverley's first manager as Plymouth Argyle head coach ended in a controversial 3-1 defeat at home to Barnsley in League One. Bradford City win on their return to League One It was a winning return ...

A preview of Southampton's 2025/2026 season They will be looking to bounce straight back to the Premier League Author | Ajay   What can we can expect from the team and their new manager? Much has been made of Will Still in recent months. Now, as he takes charge at Southampton, we will see whether the hype is justified. His task is clear: to lead the Saints back to the Premier League at the first attempt. Last season was grim in almost every sense. Southampton avoided the ignominy of becoming the worst side in Premier League history by the narrowest of margins, finishing a single point above Derby County’s record low tally. Still has been brought in to oversee the rebuild and to inject renewed optimism into a fanbase still reeling from a year to forget. Early signs of change are evident, with the likes of Kamaldeen Sulemana and Jan Bednarek moving on, while Damion Downs and Joshua Quarshie have arrived from Germany. Despite their struggles, the core of the squad remains st...

Luton Town League One season preview Throwback to the summer of 2023, it was all going so well for Luton Town. Author | Jamie P The day of relegation for Luton Town Luton will host newly-promoted AFC Wimbledon in a fixture that revives memories of the 2011 Conference play-off final, when the Wombles triumphed on penalties after a tense goalless draw. The Hatters' ascent was steep and stirring. The fall has been swift and sobering. A crazy journey Luton’s penalty shootout win over Coventry City in the Championship play-off final in May 2023 already feels like a distant moment. That day, Fankaty Dabo’s miss sealed promotion and marked the club’s first return to the top flight since 1992, the final season before the Premier League’s introduction. In the three decades since, Luton fell through the divisions and were expelled from the EFL altogether in 2009 after a heavy points deduction. They became the first club to rise from the fifth tier to the Premier League in the modern era...

What next for Michael Carrick? Middlesbrough have parted company with the former Manchester United midfielder after two and a half years at the helm. Author | Kieran M The former England international, 43, was appointed in October 2022, taking on his first permanent managerial role. He led Boro to the Championship play-offs in his debut season, but the club failed to reach the top six in the following two campaigns. Carrick’s coaching staff, including Jonathan Woodgate and his brother Graeme Carrick, have also left the Riverside Stadium. READ MORE | Latest Middlesbrough news and stories Boro remained in contention for a play-off spot for much of the 2024–25 campaign but faltered in the closing stages, managing just one win from their final six matches. A final-day defeat at Coventry consigned them to a 10th-place finish. Carrick’s departure means that 17 of last season’s 24 Championship clubs have changed manager since the start of the campaign. Carrick failed to build on a success...

Sheffield United 1 - 2 Sunderland  Tom Watson struck in the 95th minute to seal promotion for Sunderland and break Sheffield United hearts in a dramatic Championship play-off final at Wembley. Author |  Lewis Whalley Stadium |  Wembley Stadium The 19-year-old, who is set to join Brighton and Hove Albion next season, curled a composed low finish beyond Michael Cooper to secure Sunderland’s return to the Premier League after an eight-year absence. It was a stunning conclusion to a contest in which Sunderland had been second best for long spells, outplayed for large parts by a determined United side. Tyrese Campbell had put the Blades ahead with a well-taken first-half goal, and Harrison Burrows thought he had doubled the lead before a VAR check ruled it out for offside. READ MORE |  EFL play-offs: 24/25 Despite the pressure, Sunderland stayed in the game and levelled on 76 minutes through a superb strike from Eliezer Mayenda. Then, with United temporarily d...

Sunderland 1 - 1 Coventry City (Sunderland won 3-2 on aggregate) Sunderland booked their place in the Championship play-off final after Dan Ballard’s dramatic late goal in extra time sealed victory over Coventry City. Author - Lewis W Stadium - Stadium of Light Ballard’s header, which struck the underside of the bar before crossing the line, came in the final moments of stoppage time and secured a 1-1 draw on the night and a 3-2 aggregate win for the Black Cats. It was a fittingly tense conclusion to a gripping evening at the Stadium of Light. Ephron Mason-Clark had earlier levelled the tie with a 76th-minute strike to send the match into extra time. Sunderland will now face Sheffield United at Wembley on Saturday 24 May, with a place in the Premier League at stake. READ MORE: News and stories from the play-offs  In a contest between the sides who finished fourth and fifth in the regular season, the Wearside club now have the chance to end an eight-year absence from the top fli...

Bradford City 1 - 0 Fleetwood Town Bradford City secured a dramatic late victory over Fleetwood Town to confirm their return to League One after six years in the fourth tier. Author - Sophie T Stadium - University of Bradford Stadium The Bantams, who began the day in third place, appeared set for the play-offs until Antoni Sarcevic diverted a mis-hit George Lapslie shot into the bottom corner deep into stoppage time.  The goal sparked jubilant scenes at the stadium as home supporters poured onto the pitch, causing a lengthy delay. Players were temporarily taken off before returning to complete the final moments of the match. Once the final whistle was blown, celebrations began in earnest. Bradford now join Doncaster and Port Vale as the three automatically promoted clubs from League Two. A closer look at how Braford achieved promotion after a dramatic season The West Yorkshire side were 12th on Christmas Day after a 3-0 defeat at Notts County on 21 December. However, a...

Lincoln City 0 - 2 Wrexham Wrexham ended their League One campaign on a high, rounding off their promotion-winning season with a composed and clinical victory away at Lincoln City. Author - Ajay Stadium - LNER Stadium View from the home fans who helped create a party atmosphere Second-half goals from Elliot Lee and Ryan Longman secured a 27th win of a remarkable season, one that has taken the north Wales club back to the second tier for the first time in 43 years. Phil Parkinson’s side finish on 92 points, a tally that also brought Lincoln’s long unbeaten home run, stretching back to February, to a close. Michael Skubala’s team end the season in 11th place, 15 points clear of the relegation zone and 17 adrift of the play-offs. This has ultimately been a decent campaign for a side that was playing in Non League in recent memory.  While the result was of little consequence to the hosts, it once again underlined Wrexham’s credentials as they prepare for Championship football follo...

Plymouth Argyle 1 - 2 Leeds United Manor Solomon struck in stoppage time to seal the Championship title for Leeds United, as they edged a dramatic 2-1 win at Plymouth Argyle on the final day of the season.  Author - Oliver W Stadium - Home Park The result also confirmed Argyle’s relegation to League One. With Burnley defeating Millwall 3-1, Leeds finished top on goal difference, having already secured promotion back to the Premier League last month after a two-year absence. A closer look at the conclusion of an amazing season for Leeds The home side struck first when Mustapha Bundu’s shot rebounded off the post and ricocheted in off Sam Byram, shortly after the lively forward had struck the upright. Leeds, who started the day at the summit, struggled to break down a determined Plymouth defence until early in the second half, when Willy Gnonto converted from close range after Solomon’s low delivery from the byline. Joel Piroe thought he had put Leeds ahead with 17 minutes to pla...

West Bromwich Albion 5 - 3 Luton Town Luton Town have suffered a second successive relegation and will return to League One next season following a chastening 5-3 defeat at West Bromwich Albion. Author - James P Stadium - The Hawthorns The Hatters needed victory at The Hawthorns to ensure their Championship survival but were convincingly outplayed, sealing their fall into the third tier just a year after their brief stint in the Premier League came to an end. Tom Fellows and Callum Styles each scored twice for the home side, with Daryl Dike also on the scoresheet in what proved a bruising afternoon for Matt Bloomfield’s team. Luton responded with goals from Millenic Alli, who netted twice, and Jordan Clark, but it was not enough to affect the outcome. How Luton Town suffered more heartbreak Luton’s fate was sealed on goal difference after they finished level on 49 points with Hull City, who drew at Portsmouth. Bloomfield’s side had shown late signs of resilience, stringing together...

Another eventful day in the Championship awaits After nine gruelling months and 540 matches, the Championship season reaches its climax on Saturday. Just two final hours will determine who celebrates, who falls short, and who survives. Author - Ajay In a division famous for its unpredictability, this season has been no different. Momentum has shifted time and again, providing a campaign full of drama and unexpected twists. Yet, with one round of fixtures remaining, much remains undecided. The title race, two play-off places, and one relegation spot are still up in the air. Twelve clubs, half the league, approach the final day with everything to play for. We begin at the foot of the table, where the pressure is the most intense.  The relegation fight Stoke City, Derby County, Preston North End, Luton Town and Hull City all go into their final matches needing something to secure safety. Plymouth Argyle, currently 23rd, are clinging to hope, but only a remarkable set of resul...

Leeds United 4 - 0 Bristol City  The home side, already assured of Premier League football next season, delivered a commanding performance at Elland Road to sweep aside play-off hopefuls Bristol City. Author - Oliver W Goals from Ao Tanaka and Willy Gnonto set the tone, before substitute Largie Ramazani struck twice late on to complete a comprehensive victory in front of a jubilant home crowd. Promotion had been secured the previous Monday, and the mood in the stands was celebratory. Supporters were rewarded with a performance that reflected their team’s dominance throughout the season. Tanaka opened the scoring with a measured finish from Manor Solomon’s deep cross. Leeds remain in pursuit of the Championship title and a 100-point haul. They showed no sign of easing off, although Bristol City, who remain in contention for a play-off spot, made a determined effort to stay in the contest. READ MORE: EFL news from the 2024/2025 season READ MORE: Leeds United 6 - 0 Stoke City The ...

Birmingham City 4 - 0 Mansfield Town Birmingham City set a new League One points record after brushing aside Mansfield Town to move on to 105 points with two matches remaining. Author - Ajay Stadium -  St. Andrew's Stadium First-half goals from Keshi Anderson and Willum Willumsson were followed by second-half efforts from Kieran Dowell and Tomoki Iwata, as Chris Davies’s side surpassed the previous record of 103 points, set by Wolves in the 2013–14 season. Already confirmed as champions, Birmingham now require just two more points to surpass Reading’s all-time record for the English league system, set at 106 during the 2005–06 Championship campaign. Anderson opened the scoring in the 24th minute after a slick exchange with Willumsson on the edge of the area, finishing low into the bottom corner past Christy Pym. The second came 16 minutes later. Alex Cochrane’s cross from the left found Ethan Laird beyond the far post, and while Pym saved Laird’s powerful header, Willumsson was...

Stoke City 0 - 2 Sheffield United Sheffield United came out on top in a lively contest against struggling Stoke City, leaving the Potters still battling to avoid relegation from the Championship. Author - Ajay The Blades had seen their hopes of automatic promotion ended on Monday evening after losing at Burnley, a result that confirmed both the Clarets and Leeds United's return to the Premier League. Leeds had earlier thrashed Stoke 6-0 to seal their place in the top flight. Sam McCallum put Sheffield United ahead before half-time with his first goal since September. The opportunity came when Rhian Brewster's deep corner was mistakenly headed back across goal by Stoke substitute Bosun Lawal. Fellow substitute Ali Al-Hamadi tested Blades goalkeeper Michael Cooper with a sharp low save as Stoke pressed for a late equaliser. However, Sheffield United sealed the win when Andre Brooks, who had just come off the bench, scored with his very first touch. The defeat leaves Stoke jus...

Burnley 2 - 1 Sheffield United Burnley sealed their return to the Premier League with a decisive win that not only confirmed their own promotion but also ensured Leeds United would be joining them in the top flight. The result consigned Sheffield United to the uncertainty of the Championship play-offs. Author - Nissi Stadium - Turf Moor The Clarets extended their remarkable unbeaten run to 31 games, with Josh Brownhill netting twice in a composed performance that confirmed their top-two finish. Leeds, who had earlier dismantled Stoke City 6–0, were left celebrating in the Elland Road hospitality suite as news of Burnley’s result filtered through. For Sheffield United, the result marked a fourth defeat in five matches – a dismal run that sees them finish third and now reliant on the play-offs if they are to join Burnley and Leeds in the Premier League next season. Scott Parker's side have built their promotion push on defensive resilience, with this result breaking a club record...

Leeds United 6 - 0 Stoke City Joel Piroe scored a hat-trick in the opening 20 minutes as Leeds United tore apart Stoke City.  Author - Oliver W Stadium - Elland Road The hosts made an electric start at what was a buoyant Elland Road as Piroe scored twice in the first eight minutes after poor deferynsive play from the visitors. Things went from bad to worse for the Potters when the Dutchman, the league's top scorer completed his treble from close range. This was before  Junior Firpo bundled in a fourth and Piroe made it 5-0 by half-time. The famous old stadium was bouncing.  The pace did drop off after the interval but Willy Gnonto headed in the sixth from Manor Solomon's whipped cross from the left. Stoke arrived at Elland Road unbeaten in five but this damaging defeat means they could yet get dragged back into relegation trouble. READ MORE:  How Leeds United bounced back from play-off final heartbreak Piroe shines for Leeds The former Swansea man Piroe had faile...

Derby County 0 - 1 Luton Town Luton Town drew level on points with fellow relegation battlers Derby County after Millenic Alli’s scrappy first-half strike secured a gritty, nerve-jangling win for the Hatters at Pride Park. Author - Chris C Stadium - Pride Park Although the result wasn’t enough to lift Luton out of the drop zone, they are now only separated from 21st-placed Derby on goal difference, with just three games left to play. Alli gave the visitors the perfect start, smashing home from close range after Derby failed to deal with an inswinging corner from Jordan Clark. The 24-year-old reacted quickest when a flick-on from Carlton Morris was poked across goal by Mark McGuinness, and Alli made no mistake at the far post. It was his second goal since joining from Exeter City in January. The game became increasingly tense as Derby pushed for an equaliser, only to be repeatedly denied by a defiant Luton back line. McGuinness was central to that resistance, making a string of key ...

Sheffield United 2 - 0 Cardiff City Sheffield United kept their slim hopes of automatic promotion alive with a hard-earned win that deepened Cardiff City's relegation fears. Author - Tom Parker Stadium - Bramall Lane Gustavo Hamer, one of the Championship’s standout players this season, gave the Blades the lead with a sharp first-half finish, reacting quickest after Tyrese Campbell’s shot took a couple of deflections and landed kindly at his feet. The Brazilian midfielder also struck the woodwork with a well-hit free-kick as United created the better chances in what was a tight, nervy affair. Cardiff worked tirelessly but lacked the cutting edge to force a way back into the match. Their chances of a late rally were dashed when Ben Brereton Díaz turned home from close range with three minutes remaining, sealing the points for Chris Wilder’s side. The win ends a three-game losing run for United, a spell that had left them trailing Leeds United and Burnley in the race for promotio...

Plymouth Argyle 2 - 1 Sheffield United Muhamed Tijani's volley in the 88th minute secured a late victory, bringing Plymouth Argyle within two points of safety and leaving the stuttering Sheffield United five points behind the Championship's top two teams.  Author - Tom Parker Stadium - Home Park The Blades seemed set to get their promotion bid back on track after consecutive defeats, with Jesurun Rak-Sakyi's superb first-half strike giving them a 1-0 lead going into the final 10 minutes. Ryan Hardie then pounced from close range to level for the hosts following a half-cleared corner. The substitute Tijani then hit a brilliantly controlled volley that earned all three points and provoked scenes of wild joy.  The Argyle celebrations were understandable, given the desperate need for a win that still sees them remain bottom of the table with just four games remaining. Have they now given themselves a chance of staying up?  READ MORE:  EFL: 2024/2025 Sheffield Unite...

Peterborough United 1 - 2 Birmingham City  Birmingham City have secured an immediate return to the Championship, wrapping up promotion from League One with six matches still to play following a hard-fought win away at Peterborough. Author - Craig H Stadium - London Road Alfie May gave the visitors the lead, nodding in from a fine Taylor Gardner-Hickman cross, only for Kwame Poku to level the score just three minutes later with a powerful strike from the edge of the box after a corner wasn't properly cleared. Gardner-Hickman had the final word before the break, drilling home what proved to be the winner after latching onto Marc Leonard’s pass and finishing smartly beneath Posh keeper Nicholas Bilokapic. It was a result that confirmed the Blues' dominance of the division. Relegated last season and bolstered by significant investment, Birmingham have set the pace throughout the campaign under new manager Chris Davies, who is enjoying a remarkable debut year in the dugout. READ...