Colchester have given permission for assistant manager Mick Harford to speak to QPR about joining John Gregory’s coaching staff at Loftus Road.

SUNDERLAND boss Roy Keane is still confident of securing automatic promotion to the Premiership despite seeing his side crash to a 3-1 defeat at play-off hopefuls Colchester on Saturday.

Sunderland moved into second place in the Coca-Cola Championship with a 1-0 win over play-off contenders Cardiff at Ninian Park.

AN under-strength Reading side survived a Burnley comeback to book a place in the FA Cup fourth round at the Madejski Stadium.

Preston are the Coca-Cola Championship’s new leaders after battling to a 1-1 draw with gutsy Coventry at Deepdale.

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.

Goals from Joe Ledley and Paul Parry put Cardiff three points clear at the Coca-Cola Championship summit in their top-of-the-table clash with Birmingham.

Birmingham 2 Colchester 1

Two Coca-Cola Championship stalemates were of limited use to Preston and Wolves tonight as the play-off hopefuls failed to make significant ground on their rivals.

Ashley Ward believes Sheffield United are just beginning to reap the rewards for their impressive start to the season.

Coca-Cola Championship leaders Wigan crashed out of the Carling Cup tonight with a 1-0 defeat at Grimsby.

Coventry today appointed Eric Black as manager following the resignation of Gary McAllister.

Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy is running the rule over United States international Clint Mathis as he attempts to add firepower to his squad.