FA fines, Rooney relief, sackings and Beckham takes centre stage - Championship talking points

Michael Carrick is planning to speak with his former Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney ahead of Boro's trip to Sunderland
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


It's been a typical week in the EFL, with FA fines, managerial sackings and new appointments, not to mention the 'Hollywood derby'.

As we gear up for this weekend's fixtures, let's delve into some of the major talking points and what to keep an eye on.

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The dismissal of Steven Schumacher by Stoke City may have come as a surprise to some, but considering the club's recent history of frequent managerial changes, perhaps it shouldn't have been too shocking.

Schumacher was shown the door following Saturday's Championship loss to Oxford United, marking their third defeat of the season. While there was speculation about Ryan Shawcross stepping up from the Under-21s under another former player, Jon Walters, who is now the sporting director, the club decided against a reunion and quickly appointed Norwich coach Narcis Pelach, reports Derbyshire Live.

The 36 year old Catalan signed a three-year contract, but given he's the eighth manager at the bet365 Stadium in just over six years, the odds of him completing his term seem rather slim.

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Stoke City's match against Hull City tonight (Friday) marks the start of the Championship's sixth matchday. Hull, currently third from bottom, have had a disappointing start to the season, not what owner Acun Ilicali anticipated when he replaced Liam Rosenior with German Tim Walter after finishing seventh last season. Given Ilicali's reputation, Walter must be feeling the pressure.

Cardiff City manager Erol Bulut is also under strain, having overseen the club's worst start to a season in 35 years. Despite vowing to "never give up", Bulut, who only joined in June, is struggling. With Cardiff set to face Leeds United on Saturday, Bulut acknowledged his job is at risk, stating: "When someone has to pay for something, I have to pay, I have no problem with that. But I take the responsibility for everything."

Daniel Farke, the man in the opposing dugout tomorrow, is another manager feeling the heat. Despite a successful track record in the Championship, his Leeds side are currently ninth after narrowly missing out on promotion last season. As reported by Leeds Live, there are already murmurs of discontent following Scumacher's departure.

Stoke became the second team this season to part ways with their manager after Preston dismissed Ryan Lowe. It seems likely that a third managerial casualty could be imminent.

Rooney relief

Speaking of high-profile managers, none in the EFL stand out more than Wayne Rooney. His Plymouth Argyle side, fresh off their first win of the season thanks to Joe Edwards' last-minute goal in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Sunderland, now face a stern test against league leaders West Brom.

Carlos Corberan is nearing his two-year anniversary at the Hawthorns and has successfully turned the Baggies' fortunes around. They are one of only three unbeaten teams in the division this season, boasting four wins and a draw. West Brom, the only club in the top four divisions of English football to field an unchanged side in their first five league games of the season, are likely to stick with their winning formula - although Jayson Molumby's calf problem presents a minor concern.

For Plymouth, it's an opportunity to build on their morale-boosting win last time out, which toppled Sunderland from the top spot in the table. Rooney's assistant Pete Shuttleworth said that while it was natural to celebrate after their win, focus has now fully shifted to a challenge that needs to be 'embraced'.

Argyle haven't tasted victory at the Hawthorns since 1993 but have all their outfield players fit for the trip, with goalkeeper Conor Hazard being their only injury concern.

When is a derby not a derby?

Sunderland's gaffer, Regis Le Bris, seems to have settled nicely into his role, casually noting that the upcoming clash with Middlesbrough isn't the highlight match - "The most important derby from my knowledge is Newcastle" - proving he's in tune with Black Cats fans' sentiments.

Newcastle might be the main irritation for Sunderland supporters, and Middlesbrough doesn't usually incite intense feelings on Wearside, but as both sides prepare for Saturday's 12.30pm kick-off, a win would certainly soothe the sting from Sunderland's unexpected stumble at Plymouth last outing.

Boro, consistent underperformers compared to their North East rivals, have been flying just off the radar, yet to deliver a sustained challenge for top spots. However, Michael Carrick's squad has a knack for stringing together surprise victories, and snagging three points against Sunderland could kickstart another promotion-seeking streak.

Hollywood and Beckham glitz

Meanwhile, swapping football tiers, an extraordinary glitzy affair placed League One's St Andrew's in the limelight this week.

It was quite the sight: Rob McElhenney, Tom Brady and David Beckham all there, witnessing the 'Hollywood derby' between Birmingham City and Wrexham. It was more than just star-spotting though; the match itself provided every bit of entertainment you'd expect from such a high-profile billing.

Birmingham City secured a 3-1 victory, drawing level with the Welsh side at the top of the League One table. The season is shaping up to be an exciting one with these two clubs in the mix.

However, after the glitz and glamour, it's back to the grind this weekend. Birmingham will swap Hollywood for New York - specifically, the AESSEAL New York Stadium in Rotherham - while Wrexham welcome Crawley Town. It remains to be seen how many celebrities will make an appearance at these fixtures.