Sports News Digest April 3, 2026

Published Time: Fri, 03 Apr 2026 03:18:51 GMT

Championship and League News

Where to watch Birmingham FC

Everything you need to know about how to watch Birmingham in the English Championship and all major competitions.

O’Neill sparks outrage with NI selection

Northern Ireland and Blackburn Rovers manager Michael O'Neill has provoked a fierce backlash from Championship relegation rivals. Balancing his dual roles, the 56-year-old is accused of a major conflict of interest after heavily utilising key players from clubs battling Blackburn for survival in a 1-1 friendly draw, while resting his own prospect until the 80th minute.

PL title-winner offers help to Leicester battle relegation

Marc Albrighton has opened the door for a sensational return to Leicester City as the club battles to avoid a catastrophic relegation to League One. The Foxes legend, who was a cornerstone of the 2016 Premier League-winning side, believes the current squad is lacking the "fearless" DNA that once embodied the King Power Stadium.

Ex-England & Liverpool boss takes over at Bristol City

Bristol City have turned to veteran manager Roy Hodgson to steady the ship following the dismissal of Gerhard Struber. The former England and Liverpool boss arrives at Ashton Gate on an interim basis to oversee the final stretch of the Championship campaign.

Transfer and Player Updates

Vitek ready to challenge Lammens for Man Utd spot

Towering Czechia goalkeeper Radek Vitek is determined to return to Manchester United and fight Senne Lammens for a starting role, explicitly rejecting the idea of sitting on the bench. The stopper is currently on loan at Bristol City.

Bellingham told at what age Birmingham return ‘could happen’

Jude Bellingham has been told at what age a stunning return to his roots at Birmingham City “could happen”. No deal will be done any time soon, with the England international midfielder currently a ‘Galactico’ at Real Madrid. Ex-Blues striker Clinton Morrison has, however, explained to GOAL when an emotional retracing of steps to the West Midlands could happen.

Leeds star part of Reynolds & Mac’s transfer plans at Wrexham

Wrexham continue to set their sights on reaching the Premier League, with Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac reportedly working on the identification of transfer targets ahead of a potential step up into the top-flight. More big money would need to be spent if the Red Dragons were to secure a fourth successive promotion, with Leeds forward Mateo Joseph said to be in their sights.

Sullivan warned of Man City transfer mistake he must avoid

Cavan Sullivan has been warned of the transfer mistake that he must avoid when linking up with Manchester City, as ex-USMNT star Freddy Adu tells GOAL of the career roadmap that the teenage wonderkid needs to follow. Record-shattering MLS sensation Sullivan is due to join Premier League heavyweights when he turns 18, at which point a loan move is expected to be sanctioned.

Managerial and Ownership Stories

Wrexham? CR7 doesn’t need Reynolds to achieve Hollywood dream

A stunning move to Wrexham for Cristiano Ronaldo is being ruled out as the Portuguese superstar does not need Ryan Reynolds’ assistance in order to achieve his Hollywood dream. CR7 has stated a desire to get into the movie business, leading to surprising transfer talk being sparked, but James Chester cannot see the Manchester United and Real Madrid legend heading to North Wales.

Best owners in football? Why Reynolds & Mac may boast that tag

Former Wales international James Chester has explained why Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac may be “the best owners in football”. A couple of Hollywood superstars arrived at Wrexham when completing a stunning takeover in 2021. They have overseen three successive promotions across a five-year reign, with huge investment being made in the football club and local community.

Wrexham post record turnover despite $19m loss

Wrexham have announced a record-breaking turnover of £33.33 million ($44m) as the club’s meteoric rise under Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac continues. Despite the massive revenue growth, the Red Dragons’ latest financial statements also reveal significant losses following their historic promotion to the Championship.

‘Always a fear’ - Lampard return to Chelsea could happen

Former Coventry striker Clinton Morrison has told GOAL why there is “always a fear” that Frank Lampard could leave the Premier League-bound Sky Blues and return to Chelsea. In his current coaching post, ex-England international Lampard is close to delivering promotion back into the top-flight. He is, however, seeing a third stint as manager at Stamford Bridge speculated on.

Lampard would do 'amazing job' at Chelsea if called back for third spell

Manchester United legend Nicky Butt has backed Frank Lampard for a third managerial stint at Chelsea as pressure mounts on current boss Liam Rosenior. The former Chelsea midfielder has revitalised his coaching reputation in the Championship, leading Coventry City toward a long-awaited Premier League return. Butt believes Lampard’s evolution as a coach makes him the ideal candidate to steady the ship at Stamford Bridge.

Other Sports and Media

Brady at WrestleMania?! WWE talks underway for Birmingham minority owner

NFL legend and Birmingham City minority owner Tom Brady could be set for a sensational crossover into the world of professional wrestling. The seven-time Super Bowl winner is reportedly in negotiations with WWE for a high-profile appearance at WrestleMania 42 following a heated public exchange with Logan Paul.

NXGN 2026: Top 50 teenage wonderkids in football

The annual NXGN lists are back for 2026, as GOAL ranks the world's top teenage talents in men's and women's football, crowning winners that will follow in the footsteps of the likes of Jude Bellingham,Rodrygo,Gianluigi Donnarumma and Vicky Lopez in being recognised as the best young footballers on the planet.

Swansea fume at Reynolds & Mac coverage of Wrexham derby

Swansea City intend to raise concerns with the EFL regarding the special treatment that Wrexham continue to receive, with Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac allowed to take on commentary duties as part of Sky Sports’ coverage of a fierce Welsh derby. The Hollywood superstars were given the chance to call a competitive Championship clash at the Racecourse Ground on March 13.

Wrexham fight back to seal 'one of our best wins'

Details on a significant comeback victory for Wrexham under manager Phil Parkinson.