Championship news

GOAL looks at the biggest storylines among Americans Abroad in the first few games of 2026

Wrexham ace Ollie Rathbone has revealed that his parents talked him out of retiring from the game due to his injury problems. The Red Dragons star limped out of a pre-season friendly after suffering a severe ankle injury, and the issue was so bad, he contemplated hanging up his boots altogether.

Wrexham made it back-to-back Championship victories with a 2-1 win over Preston North End on Monday, but Phil Parkinson's side will be sweating on the fitness of talisman Kieffer Moore after the striker limped off with a suspected injury at the SToK Cae Ras. Goals in either half from Nathan Broadhead and Oliver Rathbone saw the Red Dragons build on their eight-goal thriller against Sheffield United by inflicting the Lilywhites' first defeat since late November.

Liverpool are all set to terminate young starlet James McConnell’s loan with Ajax as Championship clubs circle ahead of the January transfer window. The Liverpool academy graduate made his senior debut in 2024 and left for Dutch giants Ajax on a season-long loan after penning a five-year deal with his boyhood club in the summer.

GOAL reviews the major takeaways from Americans playing in Europe, including big goals in Italy and England.

John Terry has moved quickly to shut down speculation linking him with a surprise return to frontline management after reports claimed the Chelsea legend was being lined up for the Oxford United job. The former Blues captain has now spoken out publicly, distancing himself from the Championship strugglers and clarifying his current priorities.

Kieffer Moore admitted there was a particular satisfaction in his Boxing Day heroics as his brace powered Wrexham to a remarkable comeback against Sheffield United. The Wales international struck twice as Wrexham overturned a two-goal deficit to claim a breathless 5-3 Championship win at the Stok Cae Ras, a contest that swung wildly before settling firmly in the hosts’ favour.

Wrexham’s players could barely contain their pride after producing one of the comebacks of the Championship season, roaring back from two goals down to beat Sheffield United in an eight-goal Boxing Day thriller. From James McClean’s blunt verdict to emotional post-match reactions, the Red Dragons’ belief and unity were on full display at a raucous Stok Cae Ras.

Kieffer Moore was the match-winner for Wrexham as the striker scored twice to sink former club Sheffield United in a thrilling Boxing Day bonanza at the Racecourse. The Blades led 3-1 in the first half following a Moore error in his own box but a stunning comeback saw Phil Parkinson's side steal all three points in a 5-3 victory, which begun with an audacious Patrick Bamford backheel flick for the visitors and ended with Josh Windass powering home a penalty to complete the turnaround.

For the first time in English football history, Saturday 3PM kick-offs could reportedly be broadcast live on domestic television, with the Premier League and the English Football League set to open formal discussions early next year about lifting the long-standing blackout. England is now the only major footballing nation in Europe to maintain the restriction, which prevents live broadcasts between 2.45PM and 5.15PM on Saturdays.

For the first time in the Premier League era, there is only one top-flight fixture scheduled for Boxing Day this season.

How to watch the Championship match between Middlesbrough and Blackburn Rovers, as well as kick-off time and team news.

How to watch the Championship match between Millwall and Ipswich Town, as well as kick-off time and team news.

Coventry City and Southampton have both been charged by the Football Association (FA) following the unsavoury scenes at the end of their 1-1 draw in the Championship on Saturday afternoon. An ugly melee broke out between both sets of players and club staff, with Sky Blues manager Frank Lampard later apologising for his part in the scuffle at St. Mary’s.

Wrexham have rejected a shock bid for summer signing Josh Windass as Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac's side make their transfer stance clear ahead of the January window. The 31-year-old became Wrexham's third signing in the summer transfer window after the Welsh club secured their third consecutive promotion to the Championship. The midfielder joined them as a free agent after leaving Sheffield Wednesday.

Wrexham’s Championship campaign has been dealt another blow after James McClean was handed a three-match suspension for violent conduct, following an incident during Friday night’s defeat at Swansea City. The ban removes a key leader from Phil Parkinson’s side at a critical point in the season and represents unwelcome news for club owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac, who have watched their team struggle for consistency since stepping up to the second tier.

Ryan Reynolds has been dubbed “the real version of Ted Lasso”, with the Hollywood superstar overseeing “unbelievable” work at Wrexham alongside co-owner Rob Mac. They have funded a remarkable rise for the Red Dragons, while chasing the Premier League dream, and have built a global fan base courtesy of an award-winning documentary series.