mkdons.com recaps last week’s worth of news regarding the Sky Bet Championship and its clubs...
MONDAY 15TH
Ruben appointed Rangers co-chairman
Ruben Gnanalingam has been named as Queens Park Rangers' co-chairman, to work alongside Tony Fernandes.
Gnanalingam has been a shareholder since Fernandes became chairman of the R’s in 2011.
He told the QPR website: "I have come on board in a more hands-on role to provide Tony with support across various areas of the club.”
TUESDAY 16TH
Mackie returns to the R’s
Striker Jamie Mackie has re-joined Queens Park Rangers after being released by Nottingham Forest.
The 29-year-old, who was a fans favourite during his previous three-year spell at Loftus Road, has signed a two-year contract, with the option of a further year.
Mackie said: "People say never go back, but I feel as though I've got some unfinished business here and under the guidance of Les and Chris, I can only see a bright future for this club.”
Preston pair pen new deals
Joe Garner and Paul Gallagher have signed new deals with Preston North End after helping the Lilywhites win promotion to the Sky Bet Championship.
Forward Garner has signed a new three-year contract, while former loanee Paul Gallagher has agreed a two-year deal after leaving Leicester City.
Gallagher said: "It was something I wanted to get done quite quickly and it's great that it's been done.”
Leeds commit to Kappa
Leeds United have signed a five-year kit deal with Italian sports manufacturer Kappa.
The Whites will wear the new kit for the first time in their pre-season friendly with Harrogate Town on July 10.
Chairman Massimo Cellino told his club’s official website: “We are very happy that Kappa will be working with Leeds United for the next five years. I already appreciate how hard Kappa have worked with us to get things ready for the new season.”
Meanwhile, striker Lewis Walters has agreed a new one-year deal with the club.
The 20-year-old has progressed through the club's academy and will put pen to paper on a new contract offer made last month.
WEDNESDAY 17TH
2015/16 fixtures confirmed
Football League clubs discovered their 2015/16 schedules, including the 24 Sky Bet Championship outfits.
The pick of the opening day ties include the Dons’ visit to Rotherham United in their first-ever match in the second tier, League 1 play-off winners Preston hosting Championship play-off runners-up Middlesbrough and recently relegated QPR travelling to Charlton Athletic.
Ricketts released by Wolves
Wolves have released their former captain Sam Ricketts after opting not to offer him a new deal.
The defender, whose contract expires at the end of the month, made just five appearances last season having skippered Wolves to the Sky Bet League One title the previous campaign.
Head coach Kenny Jackett said: “We would all like to thank him for his contribution during his two years at Molineux and wish him all the best in his future career.”
THURSDAY 18TH
Rams reel in Weimann
Derby have signed striker Andreas Weimann from Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee.
The 23-year-old has signed a four-year contract with the Rams after making just 20 league starts overall last season in the Premier League.
Weimann, an Austria international, said: “I’m excited to be here and I’m looking forward to the new challenge.”
FRIDAY 19TH
Tripper trades Burnley for Tottenham
Right-back Kieran Trippier has joined Tottenham Hotspur from Burnley on a five-year-deal.
The 24-year-old moves to White Hart Lane for an undisclosed fee. He made 185 appearances for Burnley, and started every Premier League game last season.
"When I first heard that the club was interested I didn't have to think twice," Trippier said after making the move.
County capture Chris
Northern Ireland international Chris Baird has moved to Derby County.
The 33-year-old defender joins the Rams on a two-year deal, with the option of a further 12 months, after leaving West Bromwich Albion.
Baird told the club website: “I’m delighted to be here and to be part of what is happening.”
Duo agree Fulham deals
Fulham have reached agreements with Ben Pringle and Andy Lonergan, who will become Cottagers on 1st July.
Midfielder Pringle left Rotherham at the end of last season while goalkeeper Lonergan ended a three-year stay at Bolton Wanderers - both players have agreed two-year contracts.
Pringle told the club website: "I'm buzzing. As soon as I knew that there was interest from Fulham I wanted to come here straight away.”
Cardiff sign Arsenal’s Ajayi
Arsenal defender Semi Ajayi has become Cardiff City's first signing of the summer.
The 21-year-old, who spent the last two months of the season on loan in Wales, has agreed a two-year deal, subject to international clearance.
Ajayi is a product of Charlton Athletic’s youth academy and has been capped for Nigeria at Under-21 level.
SATURDAY 20TH JUNE
Gomez leaves Charlton for Liverpool
Liverpool have signed highly rated defender Joe Gomez from Charlton.
The England Under-19 international has agreed a five-year deal with the Premier League club after an undisclosed fee was agreed for his services.
He said: "It's a dream come true. It's a bit surreal and it hasn't really hit me yet. But I'm buzzing and just excited to get started.”
Meanwhile, Christophe Lepoint has also left Charlton and returned to Belgium.
The midfielder spent only six months with the Addicks and made only one league start.
Ruben appointed Rangers co-chairman
Ruben Gnanalingam has been named as Queens Park Rangers' co-chairman, to work alongside Tony Fernandes.
Gnanalingam has been a shareholder since Fernandes became chairman of the R’s in 2011.
He told the QPR website: "I have come on board in a more hands-on role to provide Tony with support across various areas of the club.”
TUESDAY 16TH
Mackie returns to the R’s
Striker Jamie Mackie has re-joined Queens Park Rangers after being released by Nottingham Forest.
The 29-year-old, who was a fans favourite during his previous three-year spell at Loftus Road, has signed a two-year contract, with the option of a further year.
Mackie said: "People say never go back, but I feel as though I've got some unfinished business here and under the guidance of Les and Chris, I can only see a bright future for this club.”
Preston pair pen new deals
Joe Garner and Paul Gallagher have signed new deals with Preston North End after helping the Lilywhites win promotion to the Sky Bet Championship.
Forward Garner has signed a new three-year contract, while former loanee Paul Gallagher has agreed a two-year deal after leaving Leicester City.
Gallagher said: "It was something I wanted to get done quite quickly and it's great that it's been done.”
Leeds commit to Kappa
Leeds United have signed a five-year kit deal with Italian sports manufacturer Kappa.
The Whites will wear the new kit for the first time in their pre-season friendly with Harrogate Town on July 10.
Chairman Massimo Cellino told his club’s official website: “We are very happy that Kappa will be working with Leeds United for the next five years. I already appreciate how hard Kappa have worked with us to get things ready for the new season.”
Meanwhile, striker Lewis Walters has agreed a new one-year deal with the club.
The 20-year-old has progressed through the club's academy and will put pen to paper on a new contract offer made last month.
WEDNESDAY 17TH
2015/16 fixtures confirmed
Football League clubs discovered their 2015/16 schedules, including the 24 Sky Bet Championship outfits.
The pick of the opening day ties include the Dons’ visit to Rotherham United in their first-ever match in the second tier, League 1 play-off winners Preston hosting Championship play-off runners-up Middlesbrough and recently relegated QPR travelling to Charlton Athletic.
Ricketts released by Wolves
Wolves have released their former captain Sam Ricketts after opting not to offer him a new deal.
The defender, whose contract expires at the end of the month, made just five appearances last season having skippered Wolves to the Sky Bet League One title the previous campaign.
Head coach Kenny Jackett said: “We would all like to thank him for his contribution during his two years at Molineux and wish him all the best in his future career.”
THURSDAY 18TH
Rams reel in Weimann
Derby have signed striker Andreas Weimann from Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee.
The 23-year-old has signed a four-year contract with the Rams after making just 20 league starts overall last season in the Premier League.
Weimann, an Austria international, said: “I’m excited to be here and I’m looking forward to the new challenge.”
FRIDAY 19TH
Tripper trades Burnley for Tottenham
Right-back Kieran Trippier has joined Tottenham Hotspur from Burnley on a five-year-deal.
The 24-year-old moves to White Hart Lane for an undisclosed fee. He made 185 appearances for Burnley, and started every Premier League game last season.
"When I first heard that the club was interested I didn't have to think twice," Trippier said after making the move.
County capture Chris
Northern Ireland international Chris Baird has moved to Derby County.
The 33-year-old defender joins the Rams on a two-year deal, with the option of a further 12 months, after leaving West Bromwich Albion.
Baird told the club website: “I’m delighted to be here and to be part of what is happening.”
Duo agree Fulham deals
Fulham have reached agreements with Ben Pringle and Andy Lonergan, who will become Cottagers on 1st July.
Midfielder Pringle left Rotherham at the end of last season while goalkeeper Lonergan ended a three-year stay at Bolton Wanderers - both players have agreed two-year contracts.
Pringle told the club website: "I'm buzzing. As soon as I knew that there was interest from Fulham I wanted to come here straight away.”
Cardiff sign Arsenal’s Ajayi
Arsenal defender Semi Ajayi has become Cardiff City's first signing of the summer.
The 21-year-old, who spent the last two months of the season on loan in Wales, has agreed a two-year deal, subject to international clearance.
Ajayi is a product of Charlton Athletic’s youth academy and has been capped for Nigeria at Under-21 level.
SATURDAY 20TH JUNE
Gomez leaves Charlton for Liverpool
Liverpool have signed highly rated defender Joe Gomez from Charlton.
The England Under-19 international has agreed a five-year deal with the Premier League club after an undisclosed fee was agreed for his services.
He said: "It's a dream come true. It's a bit surreal and it hasn't really hit me yet. But I'm buzzing and just excited to get started.”
Meanwhile, Christophe Lepoint has also left Charlton and returned to Belgium.
The midfielder spent only six months with the Addicks and made only one league start.
