Category Sports News

Bradford Bulls have been promoted to Super League for 2026 and will replace Salford Red Devils after they were awarded the highest Grade B status under the sport’s grading system.

It means the Bulls, a dominant force during the 2000s, will return to the top flight after an 11-year absence filled with financial troubles and a stint in the third-tier League One in 2018.

Iconic head coach Brian Noble returned to the club during 2025 and steered them to third in the Championship but they were knocked out in the play-offs at the semi-final stage by eventual Grand Final winners Toulouse.

Their grading moves them up from 16th in 2024 to 10th in 2025, surpassing the scores of existing Super League sides Castleford Tigers and Huddersfield Giants, who came 11th and 12th respectively.

Gradings are conducted by media giant IMG under Rugby League Commercial’s ‘Reimagining Rugby League’ initiative, which assesses clubs based on performance, on and off the field.

Salford, who have been plagued with financial issues before and after a takeover earlier this year, received a lower B grading putting them 15th in the rankings, having finished bottom of Super League during a tumultuous season with the late payment of wages and a mass player exodus.

Salford lost most of their first-team players over the course of 2025, and fielded line-ups filled mainly with youth-team prospects as they conceded 1,129 points in 27 league games at an average of 41.8.

Their failure to attain the necessary grading points means their short-term future is unclear and also means that if they do continue in 2026, they will play outside of Super League for the first time since 2008.

Earlier this year, Super League’s 12 current clubs voted to expand the competition to 14 teams from next season – the first time the league will have operated with that number since 2014.

Friday’s decision will be made by a panel chaired by Lord Jonathan Caine as well as two non-executive RFL directors Abi Ekoku and Dermot Power, RFL chief executive Tony Sutton, interim head of legal Graeme Sarjeant, RL Commercial managing director Rhodri Jones and Super League (Europe) board member Peter Hutton.

Treble-winning Hull KR lead the 2025 rankings with a total score of 17.85 out of a maximum of 20 – the highest score achieved by any club since the grading system was introduced in 2023.

The Robins, who followed up their Challenge Cup and League Leaders’ Shield honours by beating Wigan in the Super League Grand Final, lead the rankings ahead of Leeds (17.28) in second and last year’s highest-ranked club St Helens (16.74) in third.

Hull KR’s rise is impressive, given they were sixth in the initial indicative rankings in 2023 and fifth last season.

Saturday’s beaten finalists Wigan (16.37) drop to fourth despite reaching a third consecutive Grand Final while Leigh (16.33), Warrington (16.26), Catalans (16.11), Wakefield (15.47) and Hull FC (15.06) close out the Grade A clubs – the latter regaining that status having climbed from 10th last season.

Bradford (14.81), Castleford (14.66) and Huddersfield (14.65) round out the top 12 teams, with Championship Grand Final winners Toulouse finishing 13th (13.25) ahead of second-tier League Leaders’ Shield winners York (13.04).

Salford edge out London Broncos who are placed 16th with a score of 11.65, however the Wimbledon-based side are joined in their Grade B status by Featherstone (9.75), Barrow (9.62), Widnes (9.39), Sheffield (8.47), Batley (8.16), Halifax (8.15), Doncaster (7.85) and Oldham (7.51).

Hunslet (6.87), Dewsbury (6.74), Workington (6.57), Swinton (6.54), Whitehaven (6.23), Rochdale (5.52), Goole (5.46), Midlands Hurricanes (4.89) and North Wales Crusaders (4.88) make up the Grade C teams.

Clubs were awarded points – and a grade – based on five categories: fandom, performance, finances, stadium and community, with a maximum of 20 points on offer.

There are more Japanese players in the Women’s Super League than ever before and it is easy to see why.

As a national team, Japan have enjoyed success on the global stage – winning the 2011 Women’s World Cup and finishing runners-up in 2015.

They have always produced talent, but it is only in recent years that the WSL has really started to take heed.

Investment in the women’s game has provided more resources for expert analysts, higher-quality video footage and better scouting networks.

It means Asian talent is being scouted on a regular basis and the visibility of Japanese players, in particular, is putting them on the radar of the WSL’s top clubs.

After winning the Golden Boot at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, Hinata Miyazawa joined Manchester United, while talented youngster Maika Hamano had bagged a move to WSL champions Chelsea a few months earlier.

They followed in the footsteps of established stars such as Yui Hasegawa, who began her WSL career at West Ham in 2021 and moved to Manchester City a year later.

Last year, Kiko Seike was a relative unknown to Brighton fans until she netted a hat-trick on her WSL debut in a 4-0 win over Everton.

The Toffees themselves signed three Japanese players this summer, while Fuka Tsunoda and Moeka Minami joined Seike at Brighton.

All of them have made their mark and Japan assistant coach Leah Blayney has been following their progress carefully.

“Investment will only see more Japanese players come into the league when people become more aware of their quality,” Australian Blayney told BBC Sport.

“They are highly technical players and extremely robust. I think they are attractive because they can fit into most tactical playing systems.

The biggest Japanese name in the WSL is undoubtedly Manchester City midfielder Hasegawa, who was signed as a replacement for England’s Keira Walsh in 2022 when Walsh left to join Barcelona.

Hasegawa has been named in the PFA’s team of the year in each of her three seasons at the club and was voted City’s best player in 2024-25.

Having been an ever-present in the number six role, Hasegawa has impressed even more this season under new boss Andree Jeglertz – playing higher up the pitch.

“Without a doubt, Yui Hasegawa is a world-class midfielder. I would put her up there with the names of Aitana Bonmati and Mariona Caldentey. She is quality,” said Blayney.

“Her ability to move the ball under extreme pressure and turn quickly to find a forward pass sets her apart from a lot of number six midfielders in the world who maybe play a little bit safer.”

Hasegawa’s team-mate Aoba Fujino has also impressed during her time in Manchester, netting two goals and setting up another across five WSL games with City this season.

They have come up against rivals United, including compatriot Miyazawa, on several occasions in the WSL.

Blayney has visited both clubs since taking on her role with the Japan national team in January, and regularly attends matches and training sessions.

“I’ve been really impressed with Hinata [Miyazawa] at the moment. You can see her improvements in the last couple of months,” said Blayney.

A large part of Blayney’s role is to travel to England and spend weeks at a time analysing the performances of Japan’s players.3

She also provides player care – helping them manage language barriers, settle into new cities and link them up with other Japanese players in the league.

In the week she spoke to BBC Sport, she had attended games at Brighton, Manchester United and Liverpool.

She saw Risa Shimizu score for Liverpool in their Women’s League Cup win over Sunderland and Miyazawa dominate in United’s 3-0 win over Brann in Europe.

“Since January, I have been immersed in England quite frequently. I’ve been collaborating with coaches directly and that’s been excellent for Japan,” Blayney said.

“They live on the other side of the world, away from home and their families. Sometimes just having a familiar face is important.

“I was a former player who lived abroad so I understand the challenges. I always let the players know I’m coming to their games, but not Aoba Fujino because her face when she sees me always makes me smile.”

With so many Japanese stars in the WSL, clubs are introducing ways to help them settle, providing translation services and offering English speaking lessons.

Manchester City cook Asian-themed meals before matchdays and allow their Japanese players to return later in the winter break so they can celebrate new year with families back home.

As a result, the WSL is an attractive destination for Japan’s top stars and their emerging generation, and Blayney hopes more will make the move in the future.

“It is terrific for the younger players in Japan to see there is a pathway to the top leagues,” said Blayney.

“If I use Hikaru Kitagawa as an example from Everton, all the girls in England came around her and helped support her with the transition.

Fantasy Premier League managers who ditched Mohamed Salah – he is now owned by fewer than four in 10 teams – will be looking nervously at Liverpool’s home game against Manchester United.

Salah has 13 goals and six assists in 15 league matches against United, which is some record.

This is where you need to decide what matters most to you as an FPL manager – form, statistics or history.

In both form and statistics Salah is not worth the price at the moment, with just two goals and four returns this season. His expected goals is just 2.13 in seven games and he’s only had five shots on target.

So this team of the week has no Salah, Erling Haaland as captain and the budget spread more evenly.

Of course, that decision could go spectacularly wrong!

The team of the week is selected based on current FPL prices to fit within a £100m budget, as if you were playing a Free Hit.

A monster week, with all but two players returning!

Antoine Semenyo was the star again, with 18 points, but 38 points from double Arsenal and double Newcastle defence propped up the week.

Bart Verbruggen, Brighton, keeper, £4.4m – Newcastle (h)

Much has been made of Newcastle’s superb defensive start to the season, with a league-high five clean sheets.

But away from home they have scored ZERO goals – three 0-0 draws – and managed just six shots on target. If that trend continues, Brighton have a decent chance of a first clean sheet of the season.

Gabriel (£6.3m) and Jurrien Timber (£5.9m), Arsenal – Fulham (a)

Last week I wrote: “West Ham (h), Fulham (a), Crystal Palace (h), Sunderland (a), Burnley (a).

“That’s a sweet run for Arsenal and it makes sense to invest in their defenders.”

And that point still stands. Get at least one Arsenal defensive asset in and set and forget for that run.

The duo paid off last week with a combined 19 points. Fulham away is always a tricky game to call but they might be without a recognised striker again.

Omar Alderete, Sunderland, £4.1m – Wolves (h)

The Paraguayan and his centre-back partner Nordi Mukiele (£4m) are both great budget defensive options and this is a great week to start them.

Alderete has gathered 53 defensive contributions points this season, getting the two-point bonus twice. Mukiele has a similar record (48 and bonus twice).

Eberechi Eze, Arsenal, £7.6m – Fulham (a)

With Martin Odegaard set for a spell on the sidelines, Eze looks set for an extended run in the Arsenal side and that makes him a very intriguing FPL option.

He tops most underlying statistics for Arsenal midfielders. His 17 shots translates to an average of 3.85 shots per 90 minutes – Bukayo Saka is next best at 2.33 – and 11 of those have been in the box.

Bear in mind he is yet to score and you could say “he’s due”!

Eze has been involved in 38% of Arsenal’s goals when he’s on the pitch, which is huge in an Arsenal side with so many good players.

Involved, playing well and a good price. Get him on your radar.

Antoine Semenyo, Bournemouth, £7.9m – Crystal Palace (a)

This slot is reserved for Semenyo until further notice. Palace away is not the easiest game but he might just be fixture proof.

Jaidon Anthony, Burnley, £5.7m – Leeds (h)

Leeds are a side you can target away from home, where their expected goals conceded (xGC) is more than double their record at Elland Road – 5.5 to 2.3.

Four-goal Anthony is proving to be Burnley’s best goal threat and is a nice price if you are looking for a rotatable fifth midfielder.

These are the kind of games you play him in – home to a fellow promoted side – and Burnley have a point to prove after a poor start.

Jeremy Doku, Manchester City, £6.6m – Everton (h)

Doku is a bit of a minutes risk but his past two home games have each resulted in 10-point hauls.

Behind Haaland, he is City’s most creative player so far – involved in 27% of the team’s goals when on the pitch.

With his explosive pace, you’d fancy him to have joy against Everton’s Jake O’Brien who, despite playing well this season, is still a 6ft 6in centre-back playing as a full-back.

Enzo Fernandez, Chelsea, £6.7m – Nottingham Forest (a)

Cole Palmer’s injury is bad news for Chelsea but good news for Fernandez’s FPL value as he is likely to continue playing in an advanced role.

Among all players in the league he has the fourth-highest xG so far at 3.66, and the second-highest among midfielders.

We’re raving about Semenyo, whose xG is mildly better at 3.73, so does this make Fernandez the next best midfield pick?

He’s had eight shots in the box, six big chances, three goals. With better finishing he’d have more and is also on penalties.

Erling Haaland (captain), Manchester City, £14.5m – Everton (h)

Like Semenyo, you really don’t want to go without Haaland at the moment.

The lack of alternative premium assets – especially with Palmer injured – means you all should be able to fit him in your teams.

Jarrod Bowen, West Ham, £7.7m – Brentford (h)

Bowen’s switch from midfielder to forward this season put a lot of FPL managers off but he has quietly excelled and is the third-highest scoring forward.

With a lack of forward options in general – and a decent fixture run, including Leeds and Burnley in the next four – Bowen could be the next best punt.

Martin Dubravka, Burnley, keeper, £4m – Leeds (h)

Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Leeds, £5.5m, striker – Burnley (a)

Josko Gvardiol, Manchester City, £5.9m, defender – Everton (h)

Marc Guehi, Crystal Palace, £4.9m, defender – Bournemouth (h)

La Liga’s decision to move the fixture between Villarreal and Barcelona to Miami in December is “good for football”, says Spanish football federation (RFEF) president Rafael Louzan.

In August, the RFEF approved plans for the game that had been due to be hosted at Villarreal’s Estadio de la Ceramica to instead take place at Hard Rock Stadium on 20 December.

Real Madrid expressed opposition, stating the consequences would be “so serious” and lead to a “before and after” for the world of football.

Confirmation of the Miami game followed a decision by the Italian football federation (FIGC) to sanction a Serie A match between AC Milan and Como to be played in Perth, Australia in February.

“It’s a reward for those fans who are behind the screen, also in Asia or America, who are paying a fee to watch all the Spanish La Liga matches. It’s a gesture to them,” Louzan said.

“It’s good for football and it promotes the Spanish La Liga around the world. Italy is also going to do it with Serie A in Australia. It’s a good move for the best league in the world to do it.”

European football’s governing body Uefa was in “clear opposition” to the plans but “reluctantly” gave approval because there was no legal framework to stop it.

Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin said it was a “regrettable” decision to allow two European league matches to be played overseas and insisted it “shall not be seen as setting a precedent”.

Barcelona’s greatest ever player, Lionel Messi, has made Miami his home since joining Inter Miami in 2023 following a two-season spell at Paris St-Germain.

Joan Laporta, Barcelona’s president, said when the fixture was announced: “A competitive game in a city like Miami, with a large FC Barcelona following, will definitely be a great show.”

It’s not just long throw-ins and going direct from the goalkeeper that have regained popularity in English football this season.

From an absence of a whopping 23 years to one of just 89 days – and plenty in between – reappointing former managers is in vogue across the top four tiers.

Of the seven clubs to change boss this season, three have brought back someone who had previously been in their dugout.

In total, at time of writing on 15 October, 11 of the 92 Premier League or Football League teams are managed by someone in their second (or more) spell at the helm.

So, why go back? For some it’s a case of heart over head.

Steve Cotterill returned to hometown club Cheltenham Town after 23 years last month.

The 61-year-old, who led the club into the Football League in 1999 and returned with them bottom of League Two, said the Robins “will always be in my heart”.

“I would know most weeks within an hour of the game ending, wherever I’ve been, how have Cheltenham got on, who’s their team – that hasn’t ever left me,” he told BBC Radio Gloucestershire.

“When I’m not working, I’ve been down to watch games.”

If Cotterill’s return after more than two decades away evokes the feeling of a fairytale, then Chris Wilder’s third coming at Sheffield United feels more like the correcting of a mistake.

Wilder led his hometown club from League One into the Premier League in his first spell between 2016 and 2021 and then guided them to 90 points, and the Championship play-off final, last season in his second stint.

He was then surprisingly sacked and replaced by Ruben Selles in June, only for the Spaniard to lose all six of his games in charge and Wilder to be brought back in September.

When asked by BBC Radio Sheffield if he would have said ‘no’ if it had been “any other football club”, he said: “Possibly yeah. This is a special and unique club for me.”

The Blades welcome Watford on Saturday, with the Hornets back under the management of Javi Gracia for the first time since he replaced Paulo Pezzolano last week.

Jobi McAnuff made more than 700 appearances across his lengthy playing career and believes many re-appointments are based on the hope of rekindling an old spark.

“I think particularly when managers have done well and had success… We talk a lot about the unknown and there’s a fear of that,” the former Reading and Watford midfielder said on the BBC’s EFL podcast 72+.

“There’s a lot of positivity about Gracia and Wilder going back.

“I suppose it’s that familiarity, bit of confidence in someone who has done a good job beforehand and maybe getting the fans onside.”

Former Huddersfield and Middlesbrough full-back Tommy Smith pointed to the recent situation at Sheffield United of a case where clubs sack a manager believing the “grass can be greener”.

“I think sometimes it’s a case of not knowing what you’ve got until it’s gone,” Smith said.

“Certainly in the Sheffield United case they tried to go down a different route with Selles and it didn’t work out.

If you’re getting invited back, then odds are you made a decent impression first time around.

Struggling at the bottom end of the Premier League, Everton turned to David Moyes in January, almost 12 years after he left Goodison for Manchester United.

Moyes had taken Everton into the Champions League in his initial 10-year spell on Merseyside and led them to safety with something to spare last season, while they have made a solid start this time around.

Grant McCann took Doncaster Rovers into the League One play-offs in his first spell and then, having returned in May 2023 after four years away, won the League Two title.

Paul Cook led Chesterfield from League Two into the League One play-offs in his first stint and then guided them to the National League title after returning in February 2022, while Darrell Clarke took Bristol Rovers from the fifth tier to the third in his first spell.

Scott Lindsey steered Crawley to a surprise promotion to League One in May 2024, left for MK Dons in September and was then back with the Red Devils by March of this year as they dropped back down.

Neil Harris’ first spell at Cambridge was short and sweet, leaving after just 14 matches to have a second go (yep, another return) as Millwall boss in February 2024.

Alex Revell’s return at Stevenage is proof that sometimes sequels are better than the original.

He was appointed Boro boss in February 2020 but sacked in November 2021 after a difficult 21 months in League Two.

The former striker came back on to the club’s coaching staff under Steve Evans – and when Evans left to return to Rotherham in May 2024, Revell was given another shot at the main gig.

After a steady 14th-placed finish last season, Stevenage lead the way in League One after 10 games, as they aim to achieve a first-ever promotion to the second tier.

“Going back, you want to show people what you’ve got,” McAnuff said.

From the top of League One we go down to the bottom and a man in his FOURTH spell in charge of a team… for now anyway.

Darren Ferguson first took over at Peterborough in January 2007 and spearheaded them to back-to-back promotions to the Championship.

He left for Preston in November 2009 but returned to Cambridgeshire in January 2011 and again took them back up to the second tier in his second spell.

After the best part of three years at Doncaster he came back for a third go in 2019 and, you guessed it, guided them to promotion from League One again.

The son of legendary Manchester United boss Sir Alex then resigned in February 2022 only to return AGAIN a year later with the club back in the third tier.

Despite two play-off finishes and two EFL Trophy triumphs, his fourth spell has been more of a struggle and chairman Darragh MacAnthony said last week that results needed to improve with the side bottom of League One.

“I had an honest conversation with my manager and said ‘look, I need to know, have you got this?'” MacAnthony said.

“You love this football club, I’m not saying I’m firing you but I need you to talk to me and his response was ‘we’re there, you’ll see it, we will win games now, we’re ready’.”

If Posh were to part ways with 53-year-old Ferguson, you do feel it would only be a matter of time before he was back again.

So much has happened over the past seven days, including World Cup qualifiers, the Super League Grand Final and a headline-grabbing Lionesses squad announcement.