'I hope he stays' - what does the future hold for Watkins?
As Ollie Watkins finds himself on the Aston Villa bench at key moments, we asked one of BBC Sport's go-to club contributors what the future holds for the England striker. Is he nearing an exit? Or will Watkins reiterate his importance over the coming weeks?Find more from Richard Sutherland at The Villa Park Podcast, external
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The Independent
22 minutes ago
- The Independent
Next Middlesbrough Odds & Betting: Gerrard Top Candidate For Riverside Job
Middlesbrough could be swapping one ex-England international for another in the dugout if the next Middlesbrough manager odds are anything to go with Steven Gerrard now the favourite to replace Michael Carrick. Carrick was sacked nearly five weeks after Boro finished 10th in the Championship, four points off the play-off positions, confirming the Teessiders to a ninth successive season in the second tier. Carrick guided Boro to the play-offs in his first season but has missed out in the last two seasons and after finishing with fewer points than the previous campaign, coupled with having to watch their local rivals, Sunderland, get promoted, the decision was made to remove the ex-Manchester United and Tottenham midfielder. Assistants Jonathan Woodgate and Graeme Carrick have also left the club, so it is a chance for a clean sweep at the Riverside. Next Middlesbrough Manager Odds Another England star set for the Riverside Steve Cooper was the initial favourite installed by betting sites, and was quickly followed by former Luton boss Rob Edwards but now former England and Liverpool star Steven Gerrard is favourite at odds of just 11/8. Gerrard has been out of work since leaving Saudi side Al-Ettifaq in January, after 18 months in charge. He previously managed Aston Villa and Rangers, where he led the Scottish side Rangers to their first Scottish Premiership title in 10 years in 2020-21. It is understood that interviews for the vacant role are taking place this week, and whether Gerrard is among those on the shortlist remains to be seen. He admitted in April that he was enjoying taking some time out but will the lure of the Riverside prove too strong? He might not have any experience of the Championship, but second favourite Edwards certainly does, and he has been out of work since the Hatters sacked him in January. The side were just two points above the Championship relegation zone, but that shouldn't overshadow the amazing job he did in taking them up to the Premier League. He guided the side to a play-off final win over Coventry City in May 2023 to see them back in the top-flight for the first time in 30 years, and Middlesbrough would be love to be celebrating that this time next year. Edwards is 5/2 to be the next Middlesbrough manager, but if they do want him then they may face competition with Bristol City also reportedly interested. Edwards has also been installed as the even-money favourite to be the Robins boss. Cooper is next on the list in the next Middlesbrough manager betting market and reports in the north-east suggest he's been shortlisted for an interview. He is another manager who has achieved promotion from the Championship, taking Nottingham Forest up in May 2022. He has been out of work since leaving Leicester in November, but he has admitted he is ready to return to management, albeit with a preference to work abroad. Some betting sites have cut Sean Dyche's odds to 5/1, but there's been no mention of the ex-Everton boss being in the frame in local reporting, despite the success he enjoyed at this level as Burnley manager. Another name linked is Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl, who was the favourite for the Southampton job before Will Still was named manager last month. He guided Wednesday to 12th in the league last season and with everything currently going on at the club, who have been charged with multiple breaches of EFL regulations relating to unpaid wages, he might be looking for an escape route. Rohl is also on the shortlist to be the next Leicester City boss, according to reports, and is as short as 1/2 for that position on certain betting apps. Boro Could Consider Challinor Of those contenders with double-figure prices, talk of a move for 25/1 shot Robbie Keane has been dismissed, but there's a possibility the Tessiders talk to ex-Boro midfielder Gary O'Neil, who is out of work after leaving Wolves last season and is a 12/1 chance. A new name on the list is Stockport manager Dave Challinor, who has done an outstanding job with the League One side, taking them from the National League up to League One in three seasons. The Hatters reached the League One play-offs last season before they were beaten in the semi-finals by Leyton Orient. He has also achieved promotion from the National League North with Fylde and promotion back to the EFL with Hartlepool United so he has had success wherever he has been. Football betting sites are offering 25/1 on him to make the move to the Riverside Stadium but it is nice to see the former Tranmere Rovers and Stockport defender finally getting some recognition. Please gamble responsibly Sports betting can be addictive, so bettors should take precautions to keep themselves safe when using gambling sites. Every licensed UK betting site should offer safer gambling tools, such as deposit limits, time outs, self-assessment questionnaires and self-exclusion options. These are free tools to help punters stay in control and they are available at various gambling sites, including online bookmakers, casino sites, slot sites, and poker sites. These operators may offer free bets or a casino bonus from time to time, but it's important to treat these rewards with caution. Always remember that sports betting is meant to be fun. It should never be viewed as a guaranteed way to make money. If you ever feel like you need help or advice on gambling addiction, don't hesitate to contact one of the charities or organisations below.
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Ex-Ligue 1 star rushed to hospital after being found unconscious at home with stab wound close to his heart
He almost made a move to the Premier League in his playing days STAR WORRY Ex-Ligue 1 star rushed to hospital after being found unconscious at home with stab wound close to his heart Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FRENCH league star Daniel Congre has been rushed to hospital - after being found at home with a stab wound. The central defender has made over 550 appearances for Toulouse, Montpellier and Dijon. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Daniel Congre was found with a stab wound at home Credit: Getty 2 He almost joined Aston Villa in 2016 Credit: Getty Congre, 40, became Lyon's sporting coordinator after hanging up his boots last year. But emergency services raced to his home at Perols, near Montpellier, on Monday after concerns were raised for his welfare. Toulouse-born Congre was reportedly found unconscious with a severe stab wound close to his heart. Montpellier police have opened an enquiry into the incident, which took place near the city's airport. Congre joined Montpellier straight after their surprise Ligue 1 title win in 2012, and went on to captain the side. Aston Villa considered signing him in January 2016, while he had attracted interest from Crystal Palace and West Brom the previous spring. Able to operate in central defence or on either flank, he won seven Under-21 caps for France. Congre, whose parents hail from the French Caribbean, later received a senior call-up from Guadeloupe. Despite this, he failed to make their squad for the 2009 Concacaf Gold Cup. A source close to the now-retired player said on Tuesday morning that his condition had become more stable. But enquiries continue into whether Congre's injuries were self-inflicted or a third party was involved.
BBC News
2 hours ago
- BBC News
Welcome to your dedicated Falkirk page
Falkirk fans, we have got you covered following your club's promotion back to the Scottish here, you will find your side's very own bespoke BBC Sport page, a one-stop shop for the latest news, highlights, expert analysis, fan views, stats and you are viewing this on the BBC Sport app, tap the bell icon at the top and sign up for news alerts to make sure you do not miss a if signed in on a browser, hit 'Follow' and you will start seeing more content about your club on your BBC Sport homepage.
