THE ESSENTIAL - Championship NEWS

Coventry City Coventry City centre-back Richard Keogh is eager to open discussions regarding a new contract to extend his stay at the Ricoh Arena.

Bristol City Bristol City defender Liam Fontaine was delighted to be restored to the struggling Championship side after overcoming a knee injury.

Leeds United Leeds chairman Ken Bates has confirmed caretaker-manager Neil Redfearn will be given at least three games to prove he is the man for the job.

Nottingham Forest An inquest has been opened and adjourned into the death of Nottingham Forest owner Nigel Doughty.

West Ham United West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has tipped new signings Ricardo Vaz Te and Nicky Maynard to fire his side to promotion.

Portsmouth Portsmouth boss Michael Appleton admits the longer the club's financial turmoil continues, the harder it will become to maintain high spirits.

Blackburn Rovers Morten Gamst Pedersen admits Blackburn are in Premier League peril, but is backing them to respond positively to their mauling by Arsenal.

Leeds United Leeds have completed the signing of Danny Pugh from Stoke, with the midfielder penning a two-and-a-half-year deal at Elland Road.

Blackburn Rovers Blackburn striker Yakubu has called on the club's supporters to give manager Steve Kean a break and get behind the team.

Leeds United Leeds United will name a suite in their East Stand after their former title-winning midfielder Gary Speed.

Blackburn Rovers Blackburn Rovers manager once again used statistics as he tried to defend his side's poor performance at Stoke. After going down 3-1 at the Britannia Stadium, Kean said of the performance: "I wouldn't put it down as unacceptable. I would agree the third goal is poor but to come to a place like this and create 15 chances and get 10 on target should be enough to get you something from the game."

Southampton Celtic and Southampton have started negotiations for the permanent transfer of defender Jos Hooiveld. The 28-year-old is currently on loan at St Mary's until January.

Watford Sunderland defender Nyron Nosworthy has completed his loan move to Watford. The 31-year-old who joins initially for a month, hasn't played for the Black Cats in 21 months.

Nottingham Forest Manchester City defender Greg Cunningham has signed for Nottingham Forest on an emergency loan deal. The 20-year-old operates on the left-hand side and is already a Republic of Ireland international.

Leicester City Huddersfield boss Lee Clark won't be applying for the vacant manager position at Leicester City. The 38-year-old said: "I'm not applying for any job - I'm a Huddersfield manager working for a fantastic man and a fantastic board."