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      Premier League wage bill hits record £4bn – with hapless Man Utd’s bloated budget revealed…where does your club rank?

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      PREMIER League wages hit a record £4billion last season, a new study has discovered.It means the 500 stars who make up Britain’s top league pocketed an average of £8million a year during 2023/24.Erling Haaland is city’s top earner after negotiating a deal worth £500,000 a week in JanuaryCredit: GettyMo Salah has pledged his future to Liverpool in a new dealCredit: GettyAnd Manchester City players were the Prem’s top earners, taking home a combined £413million.The figures have been collated by football blogger Kieron O’Connor, who runs The Swiss Ramble football finance blog.He says striker Erling Haaland is city’s top earner after negotiating a deal worth £500,000 a week in January.Liverpool came runners-up in the pay stakes, with the Anfield squad taking home £377million.Read More on SportMo Salah is the club’s top earner and recently banked a pay rise after committing his future to Anfield, taking him to £400,000 a week.All Premier League clubs have revealed their accounts from the 2023/24 season, with the figures showing the post-Covid pay bubble continues to climb.The clubs’ combined wage bill has jumped from £2.9billion in just six years, the equivalent of 38 per cent.The wage bills also show the Big Six became the Big Five, with a huge gap opening up between the highest-paying sides.Most read in FootballKieron reveals City and Liverpool are joined by Man Utd (£365million), Chelsea (£338million) and Arsenal (£328million) in the huge pay stakes.Aston Villa had the sixth-largest wage bill, which came in at £252million — a gap of £76million to Arsenal.Arsenal wages 2024-25 revealedTottenham and Newcastle also paid out more than £200million.This year’s FA Cup winners Crystal Palace were the league’s highest achievers last season, finishing tenth despite only four clubs having a smaller wage bill.Man Utd underachieved, finishing eighth, despite having the third- largest wage bill. The three clubs with the lowest wage bills were relegated last season — Luton Town, Sheffield Utd and Burnley.Luton’s wage bill was the lowest in the league, paying out £57million to its squad.The figures were released before today’s final round of games, with Liverpool already crowned champions.’A bit crazy’While Haaland himself admitted his salary was “a bit crazy” when his new ten-year deal was announced in January, wages of the best Prem stars are well below that of other sporting stars around the globe. A study by Forbes magazine put Haaland 27th on the list of top earners when comparing him with greats such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe. And his money pales into insignificance when compared to NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who signed a £410million deal in 2021.And last December the New York Mets baseball team agreed to pay slugger Juan Soto £628million for a 15-year deal.Clubs must remain vigilant as there is still much work to be done to restore pre-pandemic profitabilityAleksander Ceferin Haaland’s outgoing teammate Kevin De Bruyne has previously told how he believes top footballers are underpaid, despite earning £400,000 a week.When asked in 2022 if he got paid too much, the Belgian linked with a move to Serie A winners Napoli, responded: “No. I compare it to a singer at a concert and 60,000 people come. I look at it logically.“There are millions of people watching the football on TV, there’s 60,000 watching the games, the income of a club is £500million to £600million. Yeah, it’s a lot of money, but is it too much?“If the club can afford it, it’s not too much.”In March, figures revealed player wages across Europe had reached £15.1billion in 2023/24, up by 6.5 per cent on the previous year.Following the release of the latest Uefa Club Licensing Benchmarking Report, the governing body’s president Aleksander Ceferin warned teams about paying excessive amounts to their players.‘Players are the stars’He said: “While most clubs appear to be managing player wage increases responsibly, other costs are rising rapidly, putting greater pressure on operating margins than ever before. Clubs must remain vigilant as there is still much work to be done to restore pre-pandemic profitability.”Premier League clubs have to pay within Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) each year or face punishment. Everton and Nottingham Forest faced points deductions for breaching the rules.In February, it was reported the Professional Footballers’ Association, which acts for players, threatened the Premier League with legal action if it brought in a salary cap.Clubs voted last year to explore the introduction of a spending cap from the start of the 2025/26 season as part of a new system of financial controls.It will limit clubs to spending 85 per cent of their total revenue on wages, transfer payments and agent fees.Sponsorship consultant Nigel Currie said: “The players are the stars, they are the talent and the reason millions tune in every week and buy the kits.Read More on The Sun“The Premier League is hugely successful, the wealthiest football league in the world, and that will continue.“There will continue to be massive financial implications for players. Sponsorships will go through the roof in terms of value.”SAUDIS UP SALARIES DESPITE earning a fortune, the salaries of Premier League stars are nowhere near what is on offer in the Saudi Pro League.Here is what the big names earn each week at their clubs there.Cristiano Ronaldo,£3.2million, Al-NassrKarim Benzema, £1.6million, Al-IttihadRiyad Mahrez, £850,000, Al-AhliSadio Mane, £650,000, Al-NassrIvan Toney, £490,000, Al-AhliN’Golo Kante, £400,000, Al-Ittihad More

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      Alex Scott shows off midriff in retro Arsenal kit and sips bubbly with Jess Glynne at Women’s Champions League final

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      ALEX SCOTT went down memory lane with partner Jess Glynne – as they watched Arsenal Women make history.The football presenter sipped champagne with singer Glynne in the Lisbon stands as they wore retro tops and cheered the Gunners to glory in the Women’s Champions League final.Jess Glynne and partner Alex Scott chose 1980s’ Arsenal topsCredit: PAScott watched her old team win the Women’s Champions LeagueCredit: GettyThe ex-Lionesses star looked as toned as ever as she balanced the bubblyCredit: PAGlynne and Scott saw history made at the Estadio Jose Alvalade venueCredit: PASub Stina Blackstenius’s brilliant 74th-minute strike edged out favourites and holders Barcelona 1-0.Scott, 40, was in the Arsenal side on the only other occasion they lifted the crown – in 2007 when it was called the Uefa Women’s Cup.And she looked as toned as she did back then – in a cropped yellow shirt revealing her impressive abs.Glynne was seen grinning as the couple looked on in classic short-sleeved tops from 1988-90, midway during Arsenal’s JVC sponsorship era.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEx-defender Scott walked down steps with a glass of bubbly in each hand.Yet at times Glynne looked to be enjoying herself even more than the famous ex-Gunner.The 35-year-old smiled and laughed as the couple settled in for the action at the Estadio Jose Alvalade stadium in the Portuguese capital.In fact, they could not have looked more relaxed – in contrast to the tense final that developed below them on the pitch.Most read in FootballBarcelona’s Irene Paredes slid in to net an own goal – only for VAR to deny Arsenal that opener as crosser Frida Maanum was ruled offside.But although the Spaniards were often on top, Leah Williamson masterminded the Gunners’ fierce defending.Scott celebrated victory as if she was still a playerCredit: GettyGlynne might have been even happier than Scott, judging by this picCredit: PAAnd Blackstenius came on to fire a first-time winner for WSL runners-up Arsenal following a sublime pass from fellow substitute Beth Mead.Scott was ecstatic at the end after making her way down to the pitch – celebrating with arms as wide as any of the club’s current players.It was sheer joy from the BBC star, who as a player won 140 caps for the Lionesses and lifted the WSL crown five times with Arsenal.Scott’s relationship with Glynne became public two years ago.She’s since called it “special” and has promised to protect it.Meanwhile, the couple have regularly shared blissful snaps – including a spectacular adventure holiday in Costa Rica in January.A glimpse into Scott’s glam life…Alex made 148 appearances for Arsenal Women – but since quitting playing has appeared in magazines including AttitudeCredit: Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards and Attitude magazine – on sale nowThe former right-back won 140 England Women’s capsCredit: Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards and Attitude magazine – on sale nowScott began dating Jess Glynne in 2023Credit: RexShe was spotted sharing a kiss with Jess as the couple went public with their romanceCredit: PAScott loves to dress up and went to town on Halloween with this incredible outfitCredit: GettyShe also dressed up as a scary clown on October 31Credit: Instagram @alexscott2Scott was awarded an MBE in 2017Credit: PAShe attended Wimbledon with partner JessCredit: Getty More

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      Jack Grealish facing up to fact he will have to quit Manchester City if he wants to play for England at World Cup

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      JACK GREALISH fears he may have to quit Manchester City to realise a World Cup dream.The out-of-favour playmaker is mulling over his next step, hoping for a potential adventure with England next summer.Jack Grealish fears he may have to quit Manchester City to realise a World Cup dreamCredit: GettyAnd it looks increasingly likely he will cut ties with City to try to secure that international spot.Grealish is desperate to travel to North America but knows remaining on the outside at the Etihad will not help convince Three Lions chief Thomas Tuchel.The forward is aware that he can form part of the German’s plans only if he is fit and performing at the highest level. He was left out of Tuchel’s latest squad announced on Friday.READ MORE IN football The Brummie has also been sidelined by club manager Pep Guardiola — and his treatment during City’s FA Cup final last week has solidified thoughts that it may be time to move on.Argentine Claudio Echeverri, 19, was brought on instead of the £100million man to make his first appearance for the club.Grealish was left kicking his heels on the sidelines.If the situation continues, any hopes he had of representing his country will disappear.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe 29-year-old has two years left to run on the six-year deal he agreed back in 2021 when he joined from Aston Villa.But his £300,000-a-week wage packet will prove a stumbling block to any move.’I will quit’ – Pep Guardiola gives Man City ultimatum over squad issue that is ‘impossible for my soul’One step would be for the player to go out on loan. In the past he has been linked with Newcastle but boss Eddie Howe has Anthony Gordon filling that left-side attacking space.Harvey Barnes, too, played there during his formative years, so that appears a non-starter.But there are likely to be other takers — potentially abroad — if Guardiola and Grealish agree it is best for him to take a break from the Etihad.Grealish is mulling over his next stepCredit: Reuters More

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      TNT Sports forced to apologise as two Arsenal stars swear on live TV after Alessia Russo broke down in interview

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      TNT SPORTS were forced to apologise twice as Arsenal’s stars got lost in the emotions of winning the Women’s Champions League.Katie McCabe and Leah Williamson both swore on live TV as they let out their emotions following a 1-0 victory over Barcelona, while Alessia Russo was reduced to tears by the incredible victory.Arsenal won the Women’s Champions LeagueCredit: ReutersThe Gunners lifted the trophy for the first time in 18 yearsCredit: AFPKatie McCabe accidentally swore live on TNT Sports as she was overcome with emotionCredit: TNT SportsMcCabe, who was overcome with emotion after 10 years with the Gunners, couldn’t help but drop the f-bomb when she was describing just how hard she and her teammates worked for the win.In her interview on TNT she said: “I’m just in disbelief to be honest. Well no, actually, I believe it.”Because we suffered together today. Barcelona threw absolutely everything at us and we f*****g – sorry – we kept it together. We rode it out and we rode the storm.”TNT’s hosts didn’t let the impassioned x-rated answer sit for long without an apology, as the lead presenter said: “Apologies for the language there”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd it wasn’t long before another apology was issued as captain Leah Williamson suffered a similar faux pas during her chat to the broadcaster.She said: “I don’t believe it, I’m going to f*****g cry. Sorry, I’m crying. “This team has been together for a really long time and we’ve been working really, really hard to get to the next level. “And to do it on the biggest stage, and I think some people just had the game of their lives and that’s what you need, and we did it. I’m just so happy.”Most read in FootballLeah Williamson was close to tears as she swore live on TNT SportsCredit: TNT SportsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt wasn’t just a few accidental foul-mouthed slip-ups that showed how much this win meant for Arsenal though, as England star Alessia Russo showed with her pitch-side tears.Crying after helping Arsenal end a near 20-year wait for European glory, Russo said: “It feels surreal. We knew we could [win]. We believed since the moment our Champions League journey started.”We knew that we had the capabilities, we knew that we could be good enough. It was just about going and doing it, and we’ve done it.”It was all thanks to the brilliance of substitute Stina Blackstenius who scored just seven minutes after being introduced as a second-half substitute to grab the only goal of the game.Arsenal had dug deep to defend well against a Barcelona side that are widely considered as the best team in the world on paper.While, like Williamson said, every Gunners star seemed to put in the best performance they possibly could to ensure European glory would be returning to North London for the first time since 2007.Alessia Russo was left in tears after the victoryCredit: TNT SportsStina Blackstenius scored the game’s only goal as a second-half substituteCredit: APThe Gunners pulled off a massive underdog victoryCredit: Reuters More

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      Jobe Bellingham takes swipe at Sky Sports pundits in live TV interview before awkward moment with panel at Wembley

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      JOBE BELLINGHAM took a swipe at the Sky Sports pundits who doubted if Sunderland’s youngsters had the minerals for promotion.The Black Cats came into the Wembley showdown off the back of horror league form losing five on the bounce. Jobe Bellingham took a swipe at the Sky Sports punditsThey saw off Frank Lampard’s Coventry in the semis to face Sheffield United the play-off final.And Bellingham & Co had to come from behind to win 2-1 with academy graduate Tom Watson scoring a 95th minute winner. Regis Le Bris has put trust in his youthful squad this season, with Bellingham only 19, Chris Rigg, just 17 and Eliezer Mayenda, 20.It had led to questions over their experience – but the players did their talking on the pitch. READ MORE IN football And Bellingham said: “I always believed, you have to believe. “When you’ve got supporters like this and a group of lads like that, you always have to believe.”I always believed and I know people doubted us and that’s understandable, we lost a few games, people talk about momentum.”But I think we did enough, we showed enough throughout the season for people to at least give us some credit going into the play-offs.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”The typical “inexperienced” by all the ex-pros that speak on Sky but we’ve just proved that don’t matter.”You need experience, of course, with youth like at Sunderland you play loads of games you get that experience. Sky Sports forced to apologise as Sunderland star swears on live TV after last touch for club earns them promotion”You get experience by failing and we failed together so many times and in the end we come good.”Sky pundits Curtis Davies and Jobi McAnuff then probed Bellingham on what ex-pro criticised them. But he said with a smile: “I didn’t say criticising!”Sunderland are now back in the Premier League for the first time since 2017. And Bellingham said: “I’ve been part of this great team so every player has made a name for themselves here. So really proud.”Bellingham celebrates with the play-off trophyCredit: Getty More

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      Arsenal 1 Barcelona 0: Blackstenius climbs off bench to win Gunners first Women’s Champions League in 18 years

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      STINA BLACKSTENIUS stunned Barcelona by firing Arsenal to Champions League glory wrecking the Catalan giants hopes of a European three-peat.The Sweden ace, who has a knack for netting tournament-winning goals, bagged one that saw the Gunners win the contest for the first time in 18 years.Arsenal have won the Women’s Champions LeagueCredit: APThe Gunners stars posed with their medals after beating Barcelona 1-0Credit: AFPStina Blackstenius scored the winning goal as Arsenal won the Women’s Champions LeagueCredit: AFPArsenal returned to European glory for the first time in almost 20 yearsCredit: APThe Gunners were massive underdogs heading into the finalCredit: PAEmotional scenes at full-time showed how much it meant to the Arsenal fansCredit: APWith Arsenal under the cosh the Sweden striker was called into action by boss Renee Slegers, along with Beth Mead in the 69th minute at the home of Sporting Lisbon in Portugal.The duo did not disappoint with Blackstenius pouncing on Mead’s classy reverse pass to drill low a shot beyond keeper Cata Coll six minutes later.The striker, who bagged Arsenal’s winner in the Women’s League Cup, was mobbed by her team-mates with Barca’s players looking stunned to go behind.The Gunners also had a goal chalked off in a tense encounter which they were jeered by a largely partisan crowd of 38,356 onlookers.READ MORE IN SPORTDespite the jeers of Barca’s fans, with just 5,000 Gunners supporters present, Slegers capped Arsenal’s renaissance by guiding the team to football’s top club prize.Respect and belief were the buzzwords around her camp as time drew near to the team’s biggest European game in 18 years.It was almost two decades ago (2007) that Arsenal claimed a Champions League trophy for the first time.Gunners legend Ian Wright, watching from the stands, had urged Slegers side to embrace the moment.Most read in FootballIan Wright watched on from the standsCredit: PAArsenal chairman Josh Kroenke was seen chatting to Uefa president Aleksander CeferinCredit: PAArsenal legend Alex Scott watched alongside partner Jess GlynnCredit: PACASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFor periods of the game they certainly did with some of Arsenal’s top brass watch from the stands including co-owner Josh Kroenke and managing director Richard Garlick.The queens of Spain’s top-flight have pretty much demolished most of their Champions League rivals, lifting the trophy three times in the last four years.Ever since their first triumph in 2021, with Chelsea thrashed 4-0, they have been a force to be reckoned with.From the WSL this season, Manchester City were the only side able to lay a glove on Barcelona in Europe, with their tactically smart 2-0 win in the group stage.WSL champions Chelsea tried and failed to get past them conceding eight times across their two-leg semis tie.So the odds were very much against Arsenal at the home of Sporting where a large Barcelona contingent roared the holders on.After some panicky defending in their box early on, Slegers players appeared to settle into the game restricting the holders to just ONE first half shot on target.The Gunners thought they had taken the lead after Irene Paredes poked home an own-goal but a VAR check found Frida Maanum was offside.Read More on The SunAfter Claudia Pina had a 58th minute shot blocked and Barca fired some efforts narrowly over the bar.Arsenal took the lead much to the Catalan giants dismay. And they held out to capture the trophy for the first time in almost 20 years.Blackstenius found the bottom corner from inside the area to score the only goalCredit: AFPArsenal put on a defensive masterclass to stop Barcelona from scoringCredit: AFP More

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      Newcastle’s real cup final is against Everton and the prize is keeping Isak out of Arsenal and Liverpool’s clutches

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      FOR MANY Newcastle supporters it’s been the season of a lifetime.Finally the 70-year wait for silverware is over after they beat Liverpool at Wembley to lift the Carabao Cup.For Newcastle, Sunday’s match against Everton is hugeCredit: PAA win should see the Magpies secure Champions League footballCredit: GettyHowever, as always in football, the good times rarely last and they perhaps face an even bigger ‘cup final’ this Sunday.And the prize could very well be Alexander Isak in addition to Champions League football.A few days ago it was all positivity as the confident Toon Army headed to Arsenal dreaming of a fourth-straight win over the Gunners and climbing to second.But Declan Rice’s strike not only ruined their hopes of a highest Premier League finish since 1997, it left them stuck in a tense final day shootout for a top five finish in a match that may also prove to be pivotal for the long-term future of Isak.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFirst things first, Newcastle will be desperate just to have the Swedish superstar back in Black and White this weekend against Everton.Despite their 27-goal top scorer being off form for several weeks, he was sorely missed at the Emirates.And, if anything, his reported valuation of £150m actually INCREASED despite him not even being on the field due to a “minor groin issue”.Isak, a £63m arrival from Real Sociedad in 2022, has missed four top-flight matches this season with the Magpies collecting only a point without him and failing to even score in open play.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSShould Newcastle lose on Sunday, it could spell the end of Alexader Isak’s time at the clubCredit: GettyEddie Howe knows more than anybody how vital the 25-year-old is to his team and needs him more than ever against the Toffees at St. James’.Though his absence also highlighted just how much he cannot afford to lose Isak either – no matter what money is on offer.Inside Newcastle’s £3BILLION new stadium plans with St James’ Park project to rival Old TraffordArsenal, who many opposition fans cheekily joked he skipped facing as they are his ‘parent club’, have held an interest in the hotshot for years.They are continually linked with a move for him but now they also face competition from Premier League title winners Liverpool.Howe recently revealed his sense of frustration that star men like Isak, captain Bruno Guimaraes and winger Anthony Gordon are constantly linked with moves away.But until Newcastle are playing Champions League season-after-season and able to compete financially with the top guns now their recent PSR constraints holding them back then the speculation and interest will not go away.And even Howe is too long in the tooth to stick his flag in the ground and declare that Isak will 100 per cent still be in the North East next term.Although he was also clear that everyone at the club knows the only way to reach the top is hang on to the striker and their other crown jewels no matter what money may be on offer.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is desperate for an out and out striker and Isak certainly fits the billCredit: AFPHowe said: “I never make those guarantees about any player and it’s not to do with Alex’s future but I’d be foolish to sit here and do anything like that. We want to keep our strongest players, I’ve said that ever since I’ve been here and sat in this seat.“We have to try and keep our best players and bring in more good players to make us even stronger because the ambition of the club and everyone connected with the club is long-term success and that’s the only way to get that.”While the above words have been twisted, spun and even claimed to be Howe opening the door for a big-money exit, one of their top priorities is to re-open talks on a contract extension for the goal-getter.Newcastle are under no pressure to sell and have him tied down on a package worth around £130,000-a-week until 2028.But they have been expecting more noise from rival clubs to try and unsettle their talisman and are also bracing themselves for similar tactics regarding Guimaraes and Gordon.Tentative contract talks took place in the Autumn but both camps were happy to push them back until the end of the season.Liverpool romped to the Premier League title this season, but boss Arne Slot will not rest on his laurelsCredit: AlamyIsak’s goals, including the Wembley winner, have definitely pushed up his bargaining power.Now Newcastle, even with the Carabao Cup as some potential leverage, desperately need their own bargaining chips bolstered – and Champions League qualification would certainly do it.It is a stage all of the big hitters want to play on and Isak has already had a taste of it on Tyneside.After sticking around despite missing out on Europe completely last season, the idea of another campaign not being able to perform on the grandest stage will not be greeted warmly.That is why to avoid months of speculation, rumours, whispering and even potential unrest from the player himself that a potential defeat to the Blues could bring, it is vital that Newcastle take matters into their own hands come Sunday.A second Champions League qualification in three years and a piece of silverware to boot are the perfect ingredients for both camps to begin thrashing out an extended contract.A victory for Toon would be a win for everybody associated with the Mags and the forward while it would also deliver a crushing blow to the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool.However, if David Moyes’ men come and spoil the St James’ party, then a very different summer transfer window could lay for Howe and his recruitment plans.Read More on The SunBut rather than finish on that worrying note, at least the man himself has previously stated that he believes he can achieve his football ambitions at Newcastle.Isak declared: “That’s why I came here.”Several clubs have been considering a move for IsakCredit: Getty More

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      I’ve been paying for therapy ever since Leyton Orient’s last play-off final, admits legendary Barry Hearn

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      THREE times during his 19-year Leyton Orient ownership, Barry Hearn went through the play-off final emotional wringer.Two were at Wembley, one at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium – all three were heartbreaking experiences.Barry Hearn is desperate for Leyton Orient to return to the second tierCredit: RexIt’s been three play-off heartbreaks in a row for the League One sideCredit: GettyOrient’s last season in the top flight came 43 years agoCredit: GettyThe most recent, exactly 11 years ago tomorrow, still gives him sleepless nights.Orient led the League One play-off final by two goals but were pegged back to 2-2 by Rotherham United and then lost 4-3 on penalties, despite leading in the shootout.Hearn – now 76 and no longer in charge – believes it will be fourth time lucky when the club face Charlton at Wembley tomorrow.It is 43 years since Orient were last in England’s second tier.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd for Hearn, as well as wife Susan, victory would help banish the demons of previous near-misses.Britain’s leading sports promoter told SunSport: “I’ve been paying for therapy ever since that day against Rotherham!”I get nightmares about it. This is my opportunity to cleanse myself, take away my therapist bills, go back to normal sleep patterns. “It’s a great London derby. South London versus East London always stirs the emotions. It’s a 50-50 call.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”It’s about who handles the nerves best on the day. It’s so exciting.”Me and Susan will be there. Mrs Hearn, the Queen of the Orient, and the previous King of the Orient.Pep Guardiola preview Man City’s tasty clash against Leyton Orient”My family has always come first – but Orient are a close second.”Hearn’s love affair with the club began on January 30, 1960 when, aged 11, he attended his first match at Brisbane Road – a 2-2 friendly draw with Scottish side Falkirk.His hero was Tommy Johnston, “a rough and tough merchant, an old school centre-forward”.The decision to buy the club in March 1995, having earned millions promoting snooker and boxing, came via a call from chairman Tony Wood, who was in a desperate financial state after the Rwandan Civil War decimated his fortune.Hearn acquired 243,000 shares for £2.43 but took on £2million of unpaid debts.If they were successful they’d need a bigger ground. If the day comes that they want to move, I’ll ensure they’re very well looked after.Barry HearnFans may have wanted him to spend more money but Essex-based Hearn tried to run the firm prudently.Hearn said: “My life has been built, on a personal and company basis, on sustainability. I don’t want to be a quick shot in the dark.”With Orient, I set about trying to make them a sustainable business. I failed really. I cut everything, maximised all my revenues and there was still a gap that was insurmountable — that’s football.”I had 19 years of aggravation, frustration, grief, threats, all sorts of stuff . . . and you know what? I wouldn’t swap a day of it.”That’s the bizarre thing about football. You do things you wouldn’t do in any other business. You make decisions based on your heart. But my wallet was always saying, ‘Don’t get carried away.’”Becoming owner was always a “family investment” and the decision to sell his stake to madcap Italian Francesco Becchetti was made in 2014 over Sunday dinner.Son Eddie, now Matchroom Sport chairman, wanted him to keep it but daughter Katie disagreed. Susan gave the deciding vote: “Get rid.”Hearn did buy their Brisbane Road ground – ensuring Orient a home for the foreseeable future.He said: “They’ve got a 20-year lease with a 20-year extension. They’re totally protected.”If they were successful they’d need a bigger ground. If the day comes that they want to move, I’ll ensure they’re very well looked after.”Because that would be my legacy to the club.”Hearn, Orient’s honorary president, heads to Wembley tomorrow with a strong feeling the club can finally win a play-off final.He said: “The boys have all played great. I do believe they can do it.Read More on The Sun”I have a good feeling that my years of therapy will no longer be necessary.”O’s boss Richie Wellens, pictured here being mobbed by fans, has done a terrific job at Brisbane RoadCredit: Getty More