This weekend’s EFL action provided its usual mix of ecstasy and despair – not least at Hillsborough, where new Championship leaders Coventry thrashed troubled Sheffield Wednesday 5-0.
Narrowly defeated in the Championship play-offs last season, Coventry are currently unbeaten this term and have soared into top spot after rattling in 12 goals – and conceding none – in their past three games.
Could last year’s play-off heartbreak actually turn out to be a blessing in disguise for Frank Lampard’s Sky Blues?
McLean: They definitely look like they’ve learned from last season and improved and that was always going to be the biggest test. At the moment they’ve passed that test with flying colours.
It’s not uncommon to see teams have a slight hangover and feel sorry for themselves, but Coventry haven’t done that. I actually feel if they were to go on and get promotion this season it’d be better timing than last season – you can go up too early.
Frank Lampard got his message across last year in terms of the structure and the way he likes things done, but they now look a more complete team. Week in, week out they’re just churning out great performances, not just getting wins.
Any team that’s going to get promotion has to have standout goalscorers and Coventry have got Haji Wright, Ellis Simms – who you know is capable – and also Brandon Thomas-Asante, who got a couple against Sheffield Wednesday and has a great record.
‘A really dark day’ for beleaguered Owls
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The flip side of another resounding triumph for the Sky Blues was another chastening day for Sheffield Wednesday, with a group of fans staging an on-field protest during the match against club owner Dejphon Chansiri.
Earlier in the week, the club failed to pay player and staff wages on schedule for a fifth time in seven months.
So where do Wednesday, second from bottom with one win all season, go from here?
McLean: It’s a really dark day for Sheffield Wednesday, such a big club with such a rich history. To see them in this situation is sad and now your eyes are fixed on what the EFL are going to do.
As much as we don’t condone fans protesting on the pitch and causing disruption to games, clearly the fanbase felt their words were falling on deaf ears and they had to take drastic action.
You’ve got to say, in the last couple of weeks the players have handled it brilliantly and got some really positive results, beating Portsmouth and getting draws against QPR and Birmingham – they certainly haven’t downed tools.
Could surprise packet Stevenage be contenders?
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Unfancied Stevenage are the new leaders of League One after recording their eighth win of the season as goals by Chem Campbell and Jordan Roberts secured a 2-0 success at home to Luton.
So could the Hertfordshire club, a point above previous leaders Bradford City with a game in hand, be genuine contenders for promotion to the second tier for the first time in their history?
McLean: Without a shadow of a doubt. I spoke to (manager) Alex Revell a couple of weeks ago and he won’t get carried away, they’ve only played 10 games so far – but they’ve won eight of them.
Last season they finished 14th and I don’t think anyone would have fancied Stevenage to be even in and around the play-offs, let alone sitting top of the division with a game in hand on most teams.
It’s down to hard work and desire, that’s what Alex’s team show week in, week out and they very much epitomise what he was like as a player – all action, hard-working and squeezing the maximum out of his ability.
Time runs out for Bruce at Blackpool
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At the other end of League One, Blackpool parted company with manager Steve Bruce in the wake of a 2-0 home defeat against AFC Wimbledon, a result that left them floundering in 23rd place.
Bruce’s players were booed off the field following their seventh defeat in 11 games and the club confirmed his departure a few hours later.
McLean: I’d like to have seen them stick with Steve Bruce. I played under Brucie and got promoted with Hull and I know he is a very good manager. Unfortunately, time is something you rarely get in football if you’re not getting results.
We all know that if you’re not winning games as a manager, then your job’s on the line. I don’t know how much expectation there was at Blackpool this season, but I know they wouldn’t have been expecting to be in this situation.
Cotterill’s second coming has instant impact
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Another seasoned manager, Steve Cotterill, is back in familiar surroundings following his reappointment for a second stint as Cheltenham boss, having guided the club from the Southern League to the EFL first time around.
The Robins responded with a 2-0 victory at home to Fleetwood, enough to lift them out of the League Two relegation zone. Will Cotterill’s return prove exactly what Cheltenham need to retain EFL status?
McLean: I think it was a brilliant appointment for the club. Steve loves the game and the opportunity to go back somewhere that he was so successful and try to help the club out of the situation they’re in was one he couldn’t turn down.
He’s got great memories at Cheltenham, he’s one of the most honest and hard-working managers I’ve ever come across and to see him get an instant response doesn’t surprise me at all.
He will back his players to the hilt and in return the players will want to give him their best – and that’s clearly what we’ve seen already.
The EFL action this weekend featured a consistent dose of ecstasy and despair, not least of which at Hillsborough, where Coventry, who are now in charge of the Championship, defeated troubled Sheffield Wednesday 5-0.
Coventry are currently unbeaten this term and have soared into the top spot after ruckling in their past three games with 12 goals and conceding none despite narrowly losing in the Championship play-offs last year.
Could Frank Lampard’s Sky Blues’ play-off heartbreak from last year actually turn out to be a blessing in disguise?
McLean: They definitely appear to have improved and learned from the previous season, which is always going to be the biggest test. They have already passed that test with flying colors.
Coventry haven’t caused that to happen, which is common for teams to experience. You can go up too early, in my opinion, if they were to continue their quest for promotion this year.
In terms of the structure and his preferred method of execution, Frank Lampard successfully delivered his message last year, but the team now appears to be more cohesive. They consistently deliver outstanding performances, not just receiving wins, week after week.
Coventry has Haji Wright, Ellis Simms, who you know is capable, and Brandon Thomas-Asante, who scored two goals against Sheffield Wednesday and has a stellar record, as a team that needs to be promoted.
“A really dark day” for the beleaguered owls
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Another chastening day for Sheffield Wednesday ended up being another repeating victory for the Sky Blues, with a group of supporters protesting club owner Dejphon Chansiri on the field.
The club made a fifth consecutive failure to pay player and staff wages earlier this week.
Where should Wednesday, who is currently tied for second place with one win this season, go from here?
McLean: For a big club with such a rich history like Sheffield Wednesday, it’s a really dark day. It’s sad to see them in this way, and your focus is now on the EFL’s future.
Fans clearly felt their words were falling on deaf ears and they needed to take drastic action, even though we don’t condone fans protesting on the pitch and disrupting games.
You have to admit that the players have handled it brilliantly and have produced some truly positive outcomes over the past few weeks, including wins over Portsmouth and draws against QPR and Birmingham.
Could Stevenage and Surprise Packet compete?
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After recording their eighth win of the season at home to Luton, Unfancied Stevenage are now the top team in League One.
With a game in hand, the Hertfordshire club may be a real contenders for promotion to the second tier for the first time in their history, one point ahead of Bradford City.
Without a shadow of a doubt, McLean. They have only played 10 games so far, but they have already won eight of them, which is why I spoke to (manager) Alex Revell.
Nobody would have anticipated Stevenage to be even in and around the playoffs, let alone top of the division with a game in hand on most teams, given that they finished 14th last year.
The strength and determination that Alex’s team exhibits week in and week out, which perfectly exemplifies what he was like as a player: all action, hard work, and achieving the best results.
Bruce’s time at Blackpool is running out.
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After falling to AFC Wimbledon with a 2-0 home defeat, Blackpool parted ways with manager Steve Bruce, leaving them in 23rd place.
Following their seventh defeat in 11 games, Bruce’s players were booed off the field, and the team later announced his departure.
McLean: I’d like to see them continue to support Steve Bruce. I have a strong sense of Brucie’s leadership and know he is a great manager. Unfortunately, if you’re not getting results in football, you’re rarely given time.
We all know that your job is in jeopardy if you don’t win games as a manager. I’m not sure how much people were expecting from Blackpool this season, but I’m sure they wouldn’t have been.
Instantaneously, Cotterill’s second coming has an impact
Rex Features
Steve Cotterill, a second-time EFL manager, has returned to his familiar surroundings after taking over from the Southern League for a second time.
With a 2-0 victory over Fleetwood at home, the Robins moved out of League Two’s relegation zone. Will Cotterill’s return demonstrate what Cheltenham must do to maintain its EFL status?
McLean: I think the club made a fantastic decision. Steve loves the game, and he couldn’t refuse the chance to try to help the club get out of the predicament he was in.
He has many fond memories of Cheltenham, he is one of the most trustworthy and diligent managers I’ve ever worked with, and it is surprising to see him receive a prompt response.
He will give his players their best, and that’s already what we’ve seen already. He will do that to back his players to the fullest.
The EFL action this weekend featured a consistent dose of ecstasy and despair, not least of which at Hillsborough, where Coventry, who are now in charge of the Championship, defeated troubled Sheffield Wednesday 5-0.
Coventry are currently unbeaten this term and have soared into the top spot after ruckling in their past three games with 12 goals and conceding none despite narrowly losing in the Championship play-offs last year.
Could Frank Lampard’s Sky Blues’ play-off heartbreak from last year actually turn out to be a blessing in disguise?
McLean: They definitely appear to have improved and learned from the previous season, which is always going to be the biggest test. They have already passed that test with flying colors.
Coventry haven’t caused that to happen, which is common for teams to experience. You can go up too early, in my opinion, if they were to continue their quest for promotion this year.
In terms of the structure and his preferred method of execution, Frank Lampard successfully delivered his message last year, but the team now appears to be more cohesive. They consistently deliver outstanding performances, not just receiving wins, week after week.
Coventry has Haji Wright, Ellis Simms, who you know is capable, and Brandon Thomas-Asante, who scored two goals against Sheffield Wednesday and has a stellar record, as a team that needs to be promoted.
“A really dark day” for the beleaguered owls
Getty Images
Another chastening day for Sheffield Wednesday ended up being another repeating victory for the Sky Blues, with a group of supporters protesting club owner Dejphon Chansiri on the field.
The club made a fifth consecutive failure to pay player and staff wages earlier this week.
Where should Wednesday, who is currently tied for second place with one win this season, go from here?
McLean: For a big club with such a rich history like Sheffield Wednesday, it’s a really dark day. It’s sad to see them in this way, and your focus is now on the EFL’s future.
Fans clearly felt their words were falling on deaf ears and they needed to take drastic action, even though we don’t condone fans protesting on the pitch and disrupting games.
You have to admit that the players have handled it brilliantly and have produced some truly positive outcomes over the past few weeks, including wins over Portsmouth and draws against QPR and Birmingham.
Could Stevenage and Surprise Packet compete?
Rex Features
After recording their eighth win of the season at home to Luton, Unfancied Stevenage are now the top team in League One.
With a game in hand, the Hertfordshire club may be a real contenders for promotion to the second tier for the first time in their history, one point ahead of Bradford City.
Without a shadow of a doubt, McLean. They have only played 10 games so far, but they have already won eight of them, which is why I spoke to (manager) Alex Revell.
Nobody would have anticipated Stevenage to be even in and around the playoffs, let alone top of the division with a game in hand on most teams, given that they finished 14th last year.
The strength and determination that Alex’s team exhibits week in and week out, which perfectly exemplifies what he was like as a player: all action, hard work, and achieving the best results.
Bruce’s time at Blackpool is running out.
Getty Images
After falling to AFC Wimbledon with a 2-0 home defeat, Blackpool parted ways with manager Steve Bruce, leaving them in 23rd place.
Following their seventh defeat in 11 games, Bruce’s players were booed off the field, and the team later announced his departure.
McLean: I’d like to see them continue to support Steve Bruce. I have a strong sense of Brucie’s leadership and know he is a great manager. Unfortunately, if you’re not getting results in football, you’re rarely given time.
We all know that your job is in jeopardy if you don’t win games as a manager. I’m not sure how much people were expecting from Blackpool this season, but I’m sure they wouldn’t have been.
Instantaneously, Cotterill’s second coming has an impact
Rex Features
Steve Cotterill, a second-time EFL manager, has returned to his familiar surroundings after taking over from the Southern League for a second time.
With a 2-0 victory over Fleetwood at home, the Robins moved out of League Two’s relegation zone. Will Cotterill’s return demonstrate what Cheltenham must do to maintain its EFL status?
McLean: I think the club made a fantastic decision. Steve loves the game, and he couldn’t refuse the chance to try to help the club get out of the predicament he was in.
He has many fond memories of Cheltenham, he is one of the most trustworthy and diligent managers I’ve ever worked with, and it is surprising to see him receive a prompt response.
He will give his players their best, and that’s already what we’ve seen already. He will do that to back his players to the fullest.
Due to fears of terrorism, Robbie Williams has been forced to reschedule a concert. The music legend had planned to perform in Istanbul the following week, but he has since informed fans that the show has been postponed due to concerns about safety. Due to the fact that his wife, Ayda Field-Williams, is of half-Turkish descent, Robbie has close ties to Turkey.
The company behind the performance made the decision to pull the public due to security concerns and public opposition, but the 51-year-old was scheduled to perform at Istanbul’s Atakoy Marina.
Two years after the Hamas attacks on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 innocent people and the hostage-taking of 251 people in Gaza, his concert was scheduled for October 7.
Robbie expressed regret over missing the performance in Istanbul the following week in a statement. In order to protect the public safety, city officials have canceled the show. My fans’ safety and security are important to me, and that is the last thing I would ever want to do.
On social media (WireImage), Robbie apologized to fans.
Next week, the musician was scheduled to perform in Istanbul (Tim Whitby/Getty Images for BAFTA).
We purposefully chose Istanbul as our final stop on the BRITPOP tour because we were very excited to be playing there for the first time. Given my family’s enduring connections to this wonderful nation, it was my dream to end this epic run of dates in front of my Turkish fans.
I apologize sincerely to everyone in Istanbul who wanted to take part in the 1.2 million people who have traveled with us this year. Although we had no control over our actions, we were eager to see this show.
Brits should avoid visiting Turkey right now, with a warning on their dedicated travel advice page stating that travel insurance may be invalid if they violate the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) guidelines.
1. 2 million people have already seen Robbie on tour this year (ASSOCIATED PRESS).
Due to the fact that Robbie’s wife, Ayda, is Turkish (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images), there are close ties to Turkey.
After the horrifying events of October 7 when Robbie declared his support for Israel, fears quickly grew. He had previously stated that his four children were raised as Jews because their mother, his wife, Ayda, adheres to this faith. He claimed that the family adhered to Jewish customs “out of respect.”
Robbie stated on stage at a concert in Tel Aviv in 2023, “I’m raising my kids Jewish and I’m appreciative of the Jewish people.” My children are Jewish because my wife is Jewish.
Out of respect for you guys and their history, I like to carry on some of the family traditions. Simcha, which means “happy,” is also known as “tattooed on his wrist.
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