EFL tales: Sorba Thomas on Stoke type, Ellis Simms on Frank Lampard…

EFL tales: Sorba Thomas on Stoke type, Ellis Simms on Frank Lampard…

Sorba Thomas on his sensible type for Stoke

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Sorba Thomas tells Sky Sports about his spectacular type for Stoke City this season

It has already been the most productive season of Sorba Thomas’ profession, and we’re only in January.

Nine targets up to now, with seven assists in the Championship. He has been the shining light at Stoke City.

“A lot of it comes down to the understanding between me and the coaching staff,” he says. “Things have started to click recently, especially with me playing in a position where I feel I’m at my best.

“On the left-hand facet, I can go each methods and people get to see more of my game. When I’m on the proper, it’s a bit different.

“Of course, there have been frustrations in the past when I haven’t always been able to play there – I’ve never hidden that. But for me, the priority is always doing what’s best for the team and being on the pitch.”

Despite the output and the performances, Thomas insists he’s still getting better at the age of 26.

“I wouldn’t say I’m at my peak yet. I feel like there’s still a lot more to come from me. This is just the beginning.

“I’ve had some good years since coming into the EFL from non-league, however I genuinely consider it’s only going to get better from right here.

Kai Wagner on his whirlwind start at Birmingham

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Kai Wagner tells Sky Sports about his whirlwind start to life at Birmingham City

It has been a busy start for Kai Wagner at Birmingham City.

The left-back was having fun with his low season from MLS – the place he had performed for Philadelphia Union for eight years – when the club got here calling. He signed in early January and was thrust straight into the action.

Within six minutes of his debut, he received his first help against Coventry City as he teed up his fellow German Marvin Ducksch.

“It was funny actually. On the morning of the first game he picked me up and I said to him, ‘I’ll find you with the ball – just be there,” Wagner remembers.

“And then it happened in the game. He had an unbelievable finish. We were joking about it and then it came true, so we were really happy.”

Per week later, Wagner scored his first aim for the club in the FA Cup win at Cambridge. It was barely sudden for a participant who is thought more for his creativity than his ending.

“I think that’s one of the reasons the club brought me here, to add assists and help offensively,” he says. “That’s a big part of my game. I try to create things at different moments and in different areas of the pitch, and that helps the team.

“It’s a barely different fashion of play for me and a different sort of team, so at first it was about studying my team-mates and understanding what the coaches need. But I feel I’ve settled in properly.

“I’ve had good talks with the players and the staff, and they’ve helped me a lot with everything. So far, everything has been really positive.”

Ellis Simms on working under Lampard at Coventry

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Ellis Simms tells Sky Sports about playing under a legend of the game in Frank Lampard at Coventry City

It has been a powerful influence from Ellis Simms at Coventry City up to now this season. His latest aim, which fired the turnaround win against Leicester on Saturday was his tenth in the league.

Considering he has began just 9 games, it’s a fairly exceptional return.

“At the start of the season, I maybe wasn’t getting as many minutes as I would have liked, but whenever I came off the bench I tried to impact the game with energy and freshness.” he says.

“Over a long season, opportunities always come through injuries or different circumstances, so I made sure I was training properly, recovering well and preparing as if I was playing every week.

“When my chance came, I felt like I took it with both hands. I’m grateful to be starting games and helping the team. Whether I’m starting or coming on, my mindset is always to give 100 per cent and make an impact.”

It is probably easier to stay motivated with Coventry so impressive this season, sat atop the table. And it also helps to be working under an icon in Frank Lampard – someone you imagine it’s difficult to question.

“He’s a legend of the game and has achieved a lot as a participant and a supervisor,” Simms added. “I really labored with him briefly at Everton before he got here to Coventry, so we already knew each other.

“He’s a great manager and a very humble person. He’s coached and played at the highest level. So you just want to listen, take everything in and try to apply it to your training and your games.”

Ethan Galbraith on adapting to life in the Championship

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Ethan Galbraith tells Sky Sports about his EFL journey up to now and rising up at Man Utd

Ethan Galbraith is incomes a number of love for his performances for Swansea City this season. So a lot so it’s straightforward to neglect it’s his first Championship campaign.

“It’s been a bit of a learning curve, but I’ve really enjoyed it,” he says. “As a team we’ve been a bit of bit up and down, however I feel we’re beginning to discover some type now. Overall, it’s been an gratifying experience.

“I think I’ve adapted pretty well personally and, at times, we’ve done well as a team too.

“Confidence is massive. If you start well, you can really take confidence into games. I feel like I’ve done alright at this level so far.”

Now 24, Swansea was his second everlasting transfer since leaving Manchester United in 2023. He never made an look for the Premier League giants, however still cherished his time there.

“It was unbelievable,” he recalled. “Coming from Belfast and playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world was an incredible experience. United helped me massively, both on and off the pitch.

“Obviously, you always want to break through there, but it gets to a point where you know whether it’s going to happen or not.

“I had some really honest conversations at the club and we all knew I was going to have a career, just not at United. I had to drop the levels and build myself back up again, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of that journey.

“For me, I had to move on and try to make a career elsewhere.”

Harry Darling on Clement’s influence at Norwich

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Norwich defender Harry Darling tells Sky Sports about the influence Philippe Clement has had in making an attempt to salvage their season

When Philippe Clement arrived at Norwich City in mid-November, it appeared a club devoid of hope.

They are still in the relegation zone, however they’re successful games again and Harry Darling says Clement has constructed hope again at Carrow Road.

“He’s been sensible,” says the defender. “It wasn’t straightforward coming into the state of affairs he did, however he’s dealt with it very well.

“He’s helped us massively on and off the pitch. There’s been a lot of detail, it’s been intense, but it’s exactly what we needed. I honestly can’t speak highly enough of him so far.

“He’s coached at the highest level and sets really high standards. Norwich is a club that wants to be higher than where we are now, and he’s made that very clear. You can already see it coming through in performances and results.”

Darling only arrived at Norwich in the summer, but insists he is still loving his time at the club despite the struggles of this season.

“Results-wise, it’s been disappointing,” he admits. “No one at the club wants to be in this position. But personally, I’m loving it here.

“It’s a superb club, very family-orientated and impressive, which is a big purpose why I joined. Results haven’t gone our method yet, however I’m still having fun with it and we’re decided to show it round.”

Midweek Championship fixtures on Sky Sports+

7.45pm kick-off until said

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