Everton left-back Leighton Baines could return to action against Sunderland on St Stephen’s Day.

Gus Poyet was today handed the task of dragging Sunderland out of relegation trouble after being named as Paolo Di Canio’s successor.

PAT FENLON says winning the FAI Ford Cup is about the glory for the players rather than the prize money the club would receive.

Dave Kitson fired a second-half hat-trick as Coca-Cola Championship leaders Reading thrashed Brighton 5-1 at the Madejski Stadium.

Brighton boss Micky Adams’ decision to take his players off the field during a violent clash with Longford Town has been labelled ‘‘a joke’’ by the Longford chairman.