Championship

Championship news

Swansea City v Preston North End - Sky Bet Championship

Snoop visit leaves Swansea tunnel 'smelling of weed'

The Championship is no stranger to glitz and glamour in the modern era, but the Swansea.com Stadium reached new heights of celebrity culture on Tuesday night. Hip-hop icon Snoop Dogg made his long-awaited maiden appearance at the home of Swansea City, the club where he holds a minority stake alongside television host Martha Stewart and Croatia international Luka Modric. While the Jack Army welcomed the rapper with a sell-out crowd and swirling white towels, the visiting camp noticed a very specific change to the typical matchday atmosphere in South Wales.

Swansea City v Preston North End - Sky Bet Championship

🎥| Snoop Dogg given hero's welcome at Swansea

The party truly started in South Wales on Tuesday night as American rap royalty Snoop Dogg finally made his long-awaited debut at Swansea's Stadium. The hip-hop legend, who joined the club's board as a minority investor last July, was the guest of honour as the Swans played out a dramatic 1-1 Championship draw against Preston. His presence sparked scenes of jubilation across the city, proving that the synergy between celebrity ownership and football culture is alive and well in the lower leagues.

Wrexham Championship 2026

Wrexham fend off Portsmouth fightback to keep play-off place

Wrexham held off a second-half comeback from Portsmouth to secure a 2-1 win on Tuesday night and retain their place in the Championship play-offs. Headers from Sam Smith and Max Cleworth had given the Red Dragons a firm advantage at the Racecourse Ground, but Zak Swanson's deflected strike caused some nervousness in the home ground. However, Phil Parkinson's side kept their cool to see out the win.

Snoop Dogg Swansea

📽️ | Snoop makes special request ahead of first Swansea game

Snoop Dogg is preparing to take in his first live experience at Swansea City, with the American rapper set to be a special guest when the Swans play host to Preston North End. The music icon has been associated with the Championship outfit for some time, having become a minority stakeholder in the club, but has only now found space in his schedule for a trip to South Wales.

Ollie Rathbone George Dobson Wrexham 2025-26

Wrexham tie talismanic duo down to contract extensions

Wrexham have tied midfield duo Ollie Rathbone and George Dobson to new contracts. The energetic pair, who are full of running in the Red Dragons’ engine room, have seen their efforts in North Wales rewarded with fresh terms. With long-term future issues taken care of, they can now focus fully on a bid to reach the Premier League through a fourth successive promotion.

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FC Barcelona v AS Monaco - Trofeu Joan Gamper

Barcelona fend off competition to sign Norwich wonderkid

Barcelona have majorly bolstered their youth ranks after winning a high-stakes race to secure the signature of Norwich City starlet Ajay Tavares. The 16-year-old winger, who has been widely regarded as one of the most clinical prospects in the English academy system, has officially traded Carrow Road for Catalonia. Despite intense interest from a plethora of top-tier clubs across the continent, late administrative hurdles were finally cleared to allow the Blaugrana to formalise their latest coup.

Sheffield Wednesday v Wrexham AFC - Sky Bet Championship

Wrexham lose key star to injury in major blow to promotion hopes

Wrexham's hopes of securing promotion from the Championship to the Premier League have taken a hit after it was confirmed key midfielder Ben Sheaf has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee ligament injury. Phil Parkinson's side are currently sitting in sixth place in the Championship table and will be hoping to secure a place in the play-offs at the end of the campaign.

Phil Parkinson Rob McElhenney Ryan Reynolds

Reynolds & Mac called out for 'very naive' comments on Wrexham manager

Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac have been called out for making “very naive” comments about Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson. Hollywood co-owners in North Wales have claimed that a coach looking to deliver a record-extending fourth successive promotion has a “job for life”. There have, however, been suggestions that the Red Dragons would “outgrow” their current boss in the Premier League.

Jamie Vardy Cremonese 2025-26

Vardy's 'crazy' pre-match routine confirmed by Chilwell

Jamie Vardy has long been established as one of the most unique characters in English football history, but new revelations from a former teammate have shed light on the sheer scale of his unconventional lifestyle. The Leicester City legend has never made a secret of his affinity for energy drinks. However, current Strasbourg defender Ben Chilwell has now detailed just how extreme the striker's habits became during their shared time at the King Power Stadium.

Wrexham vs Ipswich Town Championship

Wrexham beat Ipswich in eight-goal Championship thriller

Wrexham came out on top in a massive boost to their Championship play-off hopes on Saturday as Ipswich Town were beaten 5-3 at the Racecourse. Both sides led but the Red Dragons secured victory through a Callum Doyle winner 15 minutes from time, after Keiffer Moore and Josh Windass had both registered a goal and an assist each in the first half. Ipswich played their part and Cedric Kipre had given them a 3-2 lead with a stunner, before the home side turned things around.

Wrexham players and action from their Championship draw with Bristol City

Wrexham blow it! Red Dragons pass up play-off chance

Wrexham came agonisingly close to picking up a huge win in their bid to gain promotion to the Premier League on Tuesday night. The Red Dragons were held to a 2-2 draw by play-off rivals Bristol City, despite leading twice on the road. However, the result does mean Phil Parkinson's side go level on points with sixth-placed Derby, who currently occupy sixth spot in the Championship.

"It Ends With Us" New York Premiere

'Holy crap' - Reynolds and Jackman react to Wrexham vs Chelsea tie

Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman were left stunned by the FA Cup fifth round draw on Monday night, as Wrexham were paired with Premier League giants Chelsea. The Welsh club have reached the fifth round for the first time since 1997 and are now preparing to take on one of the biggest clubs in England for a place in the quarter-finals of the competition.

Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac

Wrexham chief explains U-turn on record-breaking £19m transfer

Wrexham director Shaun Harvey has opened up on the club's decision to pull the plug on a potentially historic £19 million ($24m) move for teenage sensation Sidiki Cherif during the January transfer window. The Welsh side, backed by Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac, ultimately decided against the record-breaking outlay to ensure they remained within financial regulations.

Phil Parkinson Wrexham 2025-26

Wrexham boss reacts to Championship play-off revamp plans

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson has delivered his verdict on plans to expand the Championship play-off structure. As things stand, four teams in the second tier of English football secure tickets to the lottery that boasts a place in the Premier League as its top prize. It has been suggested that six sides could enter the mix from the 2026-27 campaign.

Ryan Reynolds Rob McElhenney Wrexham

Reynolds opens up on 'confounding' Wrexham problems

Ryan Reynolds has spoken passionately about his five-year partnership with Rob Mac at Wrexham, with the Hollywood duo reaching a notable milestone in North Wales. They have overseen a meteoric rise from the Red Dragons, overcoming plenty of challenges, and remain as committed as ever to guiding the club towards the Premier League.

Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac

'Just getting started' - Reynolds sends Wrexham message

Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac are celebrating five years at Wrexham and say they are "just getting started" as they continue to dream of back-to-back-to-back-to-back promotions. The Welsh club have been dragged out of non-league and into the Championship under their wealthy Hollywood owners, who have set their sights firmly on Premier League football.

Ryan Reynolds Rob Mac Wrexham

'Will never be done again' - Rob & Ryan's 'ridiculous' impact hailed

Former Wrexham goalkeeper Ben Foster has showered owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac with praise as the duo celebrate five years at the club. The ex-stopper believes the impact the pair have had on the club will never been seen again after overseeing a rapid rise up the divisions. Wrexham are currently flying high in the Championship and dreaming of another promotion to the Premier League.

Phil Parkinson Rob McElhenney Ryan Reynolds

Reynolds & McElhenney give Wrexham boss Parkinson 'job for life'

Phil Parkinson has been given a “job for life” at Wrexham, with Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney vowing never to sack the record-breaking Red Dragons boss. Hollywood co-owners in North Wales appointed the promotion specialist in 2021 - shortly after completing a stunning takeover - and have seen him carry the most ambitious of outfits to within touching distance of the Premier League.

Wrexham AFC v Oxford United - Sky Bet Championship

Parkinson fumes at controversial rule as Wrexham lose ground in promotion race

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson expressed his frustration at a controversial rule after his side were defeated 2-0 at home by Championship play-off rivals Millwall on Saturday and missed out on the chance to solidify their top-six place. Wrexham were forced to make two early substitutions due to injury and as only three substitution windows are permitted in one game in the EFL, they had to make their three remaining changes in one go in the 72nd minute.

Sheffield Wednesday v Wrexham AFC - Sky Bet Championship

Double blow for Wrexham as play-off hunt takes hit

Wrexham's plans of promotion to the Premier League took a heavy hit on Saturday afternoon, after they fell to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Millwall. The Red Dragons' play-off rivals outclassed the Ryan Reynolds-owned outfit and picked up a huge three points in their own bid to make a move to the top flight. On top of that, the hosts lost two key players to injury, ahead of a crucial final few months of the season.

Frequently asked questions

Bayern Munich are the most successful team in the history of the DFB-Pokal. The Bavarians have triumphed in the competition in 20 times.

A total of 64 teams feature in the annual DFB-Pokal competition. The tournament is spread across six rounds to determine the winners. Bayer Leverkusen are the current holders of the title.

Defensive midfielder Miroslav Votava holds the record for most appearances in DFB-Pokal history with 79 appearances.

Bayern Munich legend Gerd Muller holds the record for most goals in the DFB-Pokal with an astonishing record of 78 goals in just 62 appearances.

Marco Reus, Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery, Mats Hummels, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Kevin De Bruyne, Thomas Muller, Gerd Muller, Manuel Neuer, Franz Beckenbauer, and Oliver Kahn are among the most famous players in DFB-Pokal history.

Jupp Heynckes, Pep Guardiola, Julian Nagelsmann, Jurgen Klopp, Thomas Tuchel, Carlo Ancelotti, Peter Bosz, Louis van Gaal and Hansi Flick are some of the prominent managers to have featured in the DFB-Pokal.