Leaders Leeds suffer first loss as Rednapp gets the sack

LONDON: Ireland Under-21 international Aiden O’Brien brought an abrupt halt to Leeds’ unbeaten start to the season as his goal gave Millwall a 1-0 win on in their English Championship clash.

Leeds, who had come into the game on the back of five successive victories and were seeking a club record sixth consecutive clean sheet, still top the second tier on goal difference from Wolves.

While those two historic clubs battle it out at the top, Birmingham called time on veteran manager Harry Redknapp’s spell after a 3-1 home defeat by Preston left them second from bottom.

A double from the impressive Portuguese Under-23 international attacking midfielder Diogo Jota – on loan from Atletico Madrid – was sufficient for Wolves to beat Nottingham Forest 2-1 away.

Early season pace-setters Cardiff’s stuttering form continued as they had to rely on a late equaliser by Sol Bamba to draw 1-1 with Sheffield Wednesday –- the Welsh side are third with inferior goal difference to the top two.

Redknapp did not appear to see his sacking coming as he accused his players of “rank poor play” in allowing a 1-0 lead slip to a convincing defeat, their sixth successive loss in all competitions.

“I do not come to work because I need the money, I enjoy the job and leaving home at 5.15 every morning. I would love to be the manager to bring some success to Birmingham,” said Redknapp after the game.

“The players have got to adjust to the Championship if they are going to survive in this league.” — AFP