PREMIERSHIP duo Joey Barton and Paul Konchesky will both sit out this weekend’s action after having their appeals against the red cards they received last weekend rejected by the Football Association.

Birmingham moved two points clear at the top of the Coca-Cola Championship after an own goal from former City player Darren Purse meant Cardiff had to settle for a point in a 3-3 draw at Plymouth.

Southend claimed promotion to the Coca-Cola Championship and Swindon were relegated to League Two after the penultimate weekend in League One.

Sheffield United are hoping to reach a compromise with goalkeeper Paddy Kenny after he turned down the offer of a two-year contract extension.

SHEFFIELD UNITED boss Neil Warnock has been named Coca-Cola Championship manager of the month for September.

Lincoln 0 Southend 2 (after extra-time)

Sunderland’s Mick McCarthy has been named Coca-Cola Championship manager of the month for March.

Sheffield United enhanced their Coca-Cola Championship play-off hopes tonight with a 4-0 victory at home to Crewe.

Scarborough 1 Southend 0

Southend have held initial discussions with former England international Stan Collymore over a return to Roots Hall as player-manager.

With Mick McCarthy calling time on his stint as Republic of Ireland manager, the Football Association of Ireland must begin the search for a successor.