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    Arsenal left Eberechi Eze crying in his room for a whole week before becoming £60million Crystal Palace and England star

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    EBERECHI EZE almost didn’t make it as a footballer.By the time he was 20, the midfield maestro had become “used to the feeling” of being released.Eberechi Eze is preparing to face Man City in the FA Cup finalCredit: GettyThe likes of Arsenal, Fulham, Reading and Millwall brushed him aside.But now, at the age of 26, he is considered among the best English players in the Premier League.His journey hasn’t been straightforward – but his setbacks have clearly made him stronger.And he is now preparing for an FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe ‘not so nice part’ of GreenwichEze grew up in a ‘not so nice part’ of Greenwich in London and first established his love for the beautiful game in a football cage on his estate.Speaking to The Independent in 2020, he explained: “It wasn’t the easiest life and you don’t have as much as other kids around you.”The first place we’d go after school is to the cage. We’d stay there till our parents called us in, not eating, playing all day and night.”There wasn’t really anything else to do. But that’s where the love comes from. Most read in FA CupCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”You don’t realise it’s actually how you’re learning your trade.”His talent would eventually set him apart from many of his peers, resulting in Eze being scouted by Arsenal while at secondary school.Ebereche Eze wins £15,000 in celebrity online chess tournament – and celebrates more than his Wembley FA Cup goalArsenal heartacheEze’s time with the Gunners did not last long and he was released at just 13 years old.The setback left him devastated – so much so that he was close to tears the next time he played against Arsenal during his spell at Fulham.After unsuccessful trial spells with several EFL clubs, Eze was signed by QPRHe recalled to The Independent: “I remember crying in my room for a solid week, my mum telling me that it’s going to be OK but not being able to get over it.”Then I went to Fulham and I was finally starting to enjoy my football again.”We played Arsenal a few months later but, when I went over to shake the academy manager’s hand, I started welling up. All the feelings came back.”Following a series of unsuccessful spells at Fulham, Reading, Millwall, Sunderland, Bristol City and Swansea, Eze almost gave up on his dream of becoming a professional footballer and even prepared to take a part-time job at Tesco.However, his sheer determination helped him to secure a place at Queens Park Rangers.QPR breakthroughWhile studying at college, Eze enjoyed a successful trial with QPR and impressed the club’s technical director, Chris Ramsey.He officially signed in August 2016 and made his first-team debut five months later in an FA Cup match against Blackburn Rovers.The midfielder enjoyed four years at QPRCredit: Getty Images – GettyThat was his only senior appearance that campaign and he went on to join Wycombe Wanderers on loan the following season.There, he made 22 appearances and scored five goals before returning and featuring regularly for the Hoops.In 112 outings for QPR, Eze scored 20 goals and provided 12 assists.Then, his Premier League dream came true.Crystal Palace move & England debutIn August 2020, the midfielder completed a £17million move to Crystal Palace.He made his debut two weeks later against Southampton in the opening match of the Premier League season and scored his first goal – a free kick – a few months later.Eze has established himself as a fan favourite at Crystal PalaceCredit: GettyThe 26-year-old has scored 38 goals for Palace so farCredit: AlamyEze earned his first England call-up in 2023Credit: GettyEze quickly established himself as a fan-favourite and became one of the club’s most-important players.The 26-year-old has 38 Palace goals and 28 assists to his name from 164 appearances.He was also handed his first England cap in 2023 as a result of his impressive form.And now he is valued at around £60m, with some of England’s biggest clubs interested in a transfer.Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham have all expressed an interest.SunSport understands Crystal Palace are open to letting him leave this summer in order to fund a squad overhaul.Final countdownWith his future at the club up in the air, Eze will be eager to potentially end his time at Selhurst Park on a high by winning the FA Cup.The England international scored once to help Palace to a 3-0 win over Aston Villa in the semi-final last month.And he is set to start when the Eagles face Man City in the final at Wembley.Read More on The SunFrom the ‘not so nice part’ of Greenwich to Wembley, it’s been quite the journey for Eze so far…And the best is likely yet to come.Eze is now being linked with a huge transferCredit: Getty More

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      England’s biggest crisis club relegated THREE divisions after being left with no pitch and playing 70 miles away

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      NO senior football club in England has gone from nightmare to nightmare like debt-riddled Farsley Celtic.But it’s somehow got worse – AFTER the season finished.Farsley Celtic hope to set up a new groundshare for next seasonCredit: RexCeltic were not able to use their ground this seasonCredit: RexFans blasted an “absolutely crazy” situation as Celtic have been relegated THREE DIVISIONS.Crisis upon crisis has descended upon the semi-professional Yorkshire club following a failed decision to put in an artificial pitch at their Throstle Nest ground last year.It never got built – so Celtic played most of their 2024-25 ‘home’ games 70 miles away in Buxton, Derbyshire.They famously lost ex-Leeds star Neil Redfearn as manager in February after just three weeks in charge.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSControversial chairman Paul Barthorpe then departed – with Celtic forced to field youngsters on the way to finishing bottom of the National League North.But instead of dropping into the Northern Premier League, they have been booted all the way down to the ninth tier – the Northern Counties East League Premier Division.Low points of the season included a 6-1 defeat to then-bottom Needham Market – when Redfearn was absent without explanation.Women’s team manager Izzy Roads and youth coach Phil Lake took the reins, with Redfearn later revealing he had resigned days earlier.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKUnder-fire Barthorpe soon quit too after six years steering a club that had went bust in 2010 but reformed in 2015.Now homeless Celtic have been denied a licence to play in Steps 1-4 – the four highest levels below the EFL.The club said: “As a board we recognise this will be as disappointing for our fans as it is for us. It’s not what we wanted. “But sometimes you need to take a step backwards in order to move forwards, and pragmatically we believe this move to be necessary to protect the long-term financial future of our club.”One fan responded: “It’s absolutely crazy that Farsley Celtic has dropped three divisions to now the 9th tier of the English football pyramid. “It’s an absolute joke, should never have got this far out of hand.”Another wrote: “Triple relegation to Step 5… what a mess!”However, a third supporter took a longer-term view.He posted: “Like any fan I want to get back up ASAP but we need time to stabilise behind the scenes and then get back up where we belong. “I’d say 2-3 seasons hopefully then we go back up with a sustainable model.” While we could have appealed against this decision, the long-term future of the club remains our priority Club statementCeltic issued a lengthy statement on being booted down the leagues – insisting a groundsharing deal has already nearly been sorted for next term as they rebuild gradually.They said: “At the end of the last season we said our efforts would be concentrated around ensuring the financial stability of the club. “A season playing all our games away from The Citadel was always going to leave us with a financially challenging summer.”The debts facing the club have continued to mount in recent weeks.”We are in a situation where we have to be pragmatic. NCEL offers us significantly lower travelling costs and running costs in general as we seek to stabilise the club.”Celtic are finally hoping to get a new surface so they can return home.Their statement added: “Our funding bid for a new pitch will be decided by the Football Foundation next month. “Our planning application for new energy efficient and reliable floodlights is being considered by the council and is subject to a funding bid. “A ground share for the start of next season is almost agreed, and we are still working on securing a lease for the ground.Read More on The Sun”While we could have appealed against this decision, the long-term future of the club remains our priority and a lot of work is being put in by the board and others to ensure Farsley continues to have a semi professional football club. “The long-term future of our first team, Deaf, Junior and Women’s sides continues to be our priority.” More

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      Former Chelsea star, 32, once labelled next Luka Modric wakes up unemployed after release by Championship club

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      JOSH MCEACHRAN has woken up unemployed following Oxford United’s brutal end-of-season cull.The former Chelsea star, who was once compared to Luka Modric, joined the U’s in the summer of 2023 on a one-year deal following the expiration of his contract with MK Dons.Josh McEachran has been released by Championship side Oxford UnitedCredit: GETTYThe former Chelsea midfielder spent two seasons with the U’sCredit: GETTYHe inked a second-straight one-year deal with the club following the culmination of the 2023/24 season.But the U’s brass have opted NOT to hand the Oxford-born midfielder a new deal following their first season back in the Championship in 25 years.An excerpt of a club statement read: “Oxford United have confirmed the list of players to be retained and released following the conclusion of the 2024/25 season.”Josh McEachran, Joe Bennett, Max Woltman, Eddie Brearey and George Franklin will depart the Club following the expiration of their contracts this summer.”READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSOxford’s Head of Football Operations, Ed Waldron, said of the departures: “I would like to offer my thanks to each of the players departing the Club.“Both Joe Bennett and Josh McEachran have played important roles in the progression of Oxford United over the last few years, helping to deliver promotion and then stabilise the Club in the Championship.“Their quality and experience have been crucial in our development, and I’m certain both will be real assets to whichever club they continue their fantastic careers with.“Max Woltman has been through an incredibly difficult period with the Club due to injury.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSJosh McEachran was once tipped to become a big star at ChelseaCredit: ACTION IMAGES”Despite this, he has been an extremely popular figure at the Training Ground, and I want to wish him and the rest all the best going forward.“The recruitment process has been in motion for several months for the upcoming 2025/26 season.Cole Palmer eats sandwich and ketchup as Brit music legend makes cameo in brilliant Chelsea kit release video”We will continue to look at ways to improve the squad to build on what was a successful first campaign back in the Championship.”McEachran has bounced from club to club after leaving Chelsea in the summer of 2015 following FIVE loan moves in five years.Many at Stamford Bridge had high hopes for the midfielder, who made 22 appearances for the club, including former manager Andre Villas-Boas.In August 2011, the Portuguese gaffer said of McEachran: “This is a youngster with so much talent. “Physique-wise, there is nothing to him at the moment.”In the changing room you see him getting ready to go and train and he looks nothing like a footballer.”His power and pace is in his head. But you could say the same about Luka Modric, Jack Wilshere or Samir Nasri.” All are built with slight ­physiques but they are all among the finest ­midfield players in the world.Read More on The Sun”Josh is going that way. His brain is always five yards ahead of the rest.”I see in him very much as part of the future of this club.” More

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      Leeds forced to issue statement as pic of Ethan Ampadu’s son wearing Galatasaray shirt emerges after fan tragedy

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      LEEDS UNITED have thrown their support behind captain Ethan Ampadu after his son was pictured in a Galatasaray shirt. Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight – both Leeds fans – were tragically killed ahead of a Uefa Cup semi-final clash against the Turkish side in April 2000.Leeds have defended Ethan Ampadu after his son was pictured in a Galatasaray shirtCredit: PAThe snap was shared by Amapdu’s ex-partner on social mediaCredit: XAmpadu is Leeds’ club captain and helped them amass 100 points in the Championship this seasonCredit: XAmpadu’s former partner shared a snap of their son wearing a Galatasaray kit on Thursday. It came after the Super Lig leaders beat Trabzonspor 3-0 to secure the Turkish Cup. The post immediately received a backlash from Leeds supporters.And the club were quick to release a statement defending Ampadu. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe statement read: “Leeds United are aware of an image circulating online of Ethan Ampadu’s son.”Ethan separated from his partner several months ago and has no responsibility for the image in question. “Ethan is aware of and sensitive to the tragic loss within the Loftus and Speight families.”The club asks for Ethan’s privacy to be respected in what is a difficult time for him personally.”Most read in FootballAmpadu, 24, joined the Whites in the summer of 2023 from Chelsea.He has become a firm fan favourite in West Yorkshire, helping the club amass 100 points this season on their way to the Championship title.Inside Leeds stars’ wild title celebrations as Bamford and Ampadu ‘leave Burnley fanbase in meltdown’ with karaoke songThe statement continued: “Our captain has been a leader on and off the pitch this season, demonstrating his commitment to the club, its history, and the broader Leeds community. “Ethan has the full support of everybody at Leeds United. The club will be making no further comment.”Ampadu has previously attended events commemorating the tragic deaths of Loftus and Speight.He laid flowers for the pair at Luton’s Kenilworth Road earlier this season as the club marked 25 years since their passing.On Thursday, Ampadu’s ex-partner Saara Sa posted on Instagram claiming Leeds were pushing a “false narrative”.The post read: “My condolences are with the families of the two people who passed away in Istanbul. “I am Turkish and our son is part Turkish. “Galatasaray is my families[sic] supporting home team and has been for years. Read More on The Sun”We are the parents of our child and Ethan was aware of the photo. “I would appreciate if Leeds United football club would not portray a false narrative by making a statement stating lies.” More

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      Wrexham confirm EIGHT players leaving after promotion to Championship including star who rejected new deal

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      WREXHAM have confirmed that EIGHT players will be leaving the club.The Welsh outfit have achieved a remarkable three promotions consecutively under Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.Wrexham have been promoted to the ChampionshipCredit: RexSteven Fletcher is one of eight players who have left the clubCredit: GettyHowever, their season in the Championship will not include a number of stars that helped them climb up the English football ladder.Wrexham has now confirmed that eight players have will leave the club upon the expiry of their contracts.This includes former Premier League star Steven Fletcher, who has previously stated that it was not his choice to leave.The striker formerly played for the likes of Sunderland, Burnley, Stoke City and even on loan at Marseille in France.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe joined Wrexham back in 2023 and made 77 appearances, scoring 16 goals.Fan favourite goalkeeper Mark Howard has also been released and he penned a touching tribute to the club.He wrote on Instagram: “From the moment I pulled on the Wrexham shirt, I have tried to bring professionalism, passion, and personality to the club.”As I reflect on what an incredible journey it’s been, I consider myself fortunate to have shared a dressing room with the best teammates.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”Everyday I have left with a smile on my face wanting to come back and do it all over again. Love you boys.”Being able to say I’m the only goalkeeper ever to do the 3peat. Back2Back2Back. I say tongue in cheek.’He’s got the fastest hands’ – Wrexham star James McClean tipped to beat up Jake Paul in boxing fightWrexham squad updateHere is a full rundown of players with updated roles at Wrexham…Released:Steven FletcherMark HowardSam DalbyJordan DaviesHarry DeanBrad FosterLiam HallJosh AdamOffered new deal:Callum EdwardsAutomatic extension:Aaron JamesDecision pending: James Rainbird”I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve had here.”Working alongside some of the most amazing staff on and off the pitch, giving me the encouragement to do more, I cannot thank you enough.”The connection with the fans was tough at times but now I feel part of the family, I would like to think you’ve all grown to love me.”At this stage I still feel like I have more football in me, so it’s not retirement yet, I still want to dive around while my body lets me.”Finally, a huge thank you to these two amazing people.”Jordan Davies, Harry Dean, Brad Foster, Josh Adam and Liam Hall have all also been released.The club also revealed that Sam Dalby as offered a new deal to stay but was turned down.Read More on The SunHe spent last season out on loan at Dundee United and netted 14 goals in 34 appearances in the Scottish Premiership.Meanwhile, Wrexham players were treated to a £500k party trip to Las Vegas after gaining another promotion.Owners’ tribute to two starsRyan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney shared a kind message to Steven Fletcher and Mark Howard after it was announced they would be leaving…Reynolds wrote: “Mr Steven Fletcher. Words aren’t agile enough to capture what you’ve brought to Wrexham, the sport, and the lives of myself and this whole town.”You aren’t a PART of greatness. You ARE greatness. I don’t really know what a co-chairmen is supposed to do or say in these moments and I don’t much care. I’m gonna miss you.”I’ll miss your leadership and wit and the way you remind everyone — including me — that this is also FUN. Like the first day we met, I’m here for you any time and any place. Always.”And Mark Howard— how on earth do we put into words the clutch work you do as a keeper. You have the hardest job in football. And you can’t have that ability without being a clutch person in life.”You have a beautiful family and you have a second family in Wrexham now and always. You’re the big beating heart of this team and the reason we have the best locker room in sports.”Fletch and Chomp, you’ve authored some of the greatest moments of my life. And so many others. All I can do is thank you.”McElhenney added: “This is truly the worst part.”I cannot say enough about these two men. Mark Howard and Steven Fletcher are not just players on the team.”They are my friends and people I admire. They are men of ability and principle and commitment and compassion.”They are men of character and fortitude who have achieved something beyond anyone’s imagination.”I greatly admire everything about them and have so thoroughly enjoyed every moment I’ve had to see them play, or to just spend time with them. Godspeed men.”I hope our paths cross again very soon. All I can say to these great men is THANK YOU.” More

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      ‘The crowd just gasped’ – Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton was so good Barcelona tried to sign him aged EIGHT

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      ADAM WHARTON has enjoyed a monumental rise since signing for Crystal Palace.The midfielder signed for the Eagles in January 2024 in a £22million transfer from Championship outfit Blackburn Rovers.Adam Wharton is set to appear in the FA Cup finalCredit: GettyHe came through the ranks at BlackburnCredit: https://www.facebook.com/1RoversHe once caught the attention of Barcelona scoutsCredit: https://www.facebook.com/1RoversHe was sold in 2024 to Palace for £22millionCredit: https://www.facebook.com/1RoversWharton, 21, is now prepping for the biggest game of his club career so far.He and Palace will take on Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday.It won’t be his first final as he was in the England squad for the Euro 2024 final against Spain.And had things turned out differently, England’s opponents that day might have been far more familiar with the youngster.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDuring an appearance at a youth tournament, he was scouted by Barcelona coaches and offered a spot at their famous La Masia academy.Daniel Stubberfield, who coached Wharton for five years in his younger years, revealed that the midfielder could have had a very different career path.He told the Mail: “There was a trip to Holland where he was player of the tournament at Oldenzaal.”He scored a half-volley in a seven-v-seven game but it felt like it was a long way out, arrowed as an adult would hit it, rocketed straight in.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”He was outstanding against Barcelona when he was eight.”To the point where the Barca coaches actually said to his parents: ‘Look, if you ever come to Spain, call us, we’d love him’.”Incredible footage shows Adam Wharton dazzling defenders aged 10 before rising to Euro 2024 stardom with EnglandWharton came up against Jobe Bellingham in his youth daysCredit: RexHe first played at Wembley when he was tenCredit: https://x.com/TalkOfEwoodHe impressed in a video that went viralCredit: https://x.com/TalkOfEwoodHe was featuring in a school’s cup finalCredit: https://x.com/TalkOfEwoodWharton came up against the like of Jobe Bellingham in his academy days.The two were pictured duelling for the ball in a youth game between Blackburn and Birmingham City.Wharton has since earned one cap for England as he played 28 minutes at St James’ Park against Bosnia last year.He played a crucial role for Oliver Glasner’s side as they beat Aston Villa in the FA Cup semi-final in April at Wembley Stadium.However, that was not his first time playing at the home of football.When he was ten years old, he featured in a school’s cup final at the 90,000-seater stadium.Wharton represented Salesbury CoE Primary School in the National Primary Schools Final in 2015.Video showed his impressive skills that included a Maradona-spin, which left the crowd gasping.His former teacher, Stephen Bird, said: “There are around 10,000 people in the ground at that stage. The crowd just gasped.”They purred a bit when the replay came on the big screens.”Last month, SunSport exclusively revealed that Wharton was a £50m target for Liverpool.Read More on The SunThe Anfield transfer team believe that the midfielder’s passing ability could help the Reds tick.But before the transfer rumour mill goes into overdrive, Wharton will be looking to guide Crystal Palace to FA Cup glory this weekend.Adam Wharton has picked up a cap for EnglandCredit: GettyHe was vital in the FA Cup semi-final triumph over Aston VillaCredit: Alamy More

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      Former Premier League stadium undergoes major works with all the seats ripped out as EFL club share update

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      BLACKPOOL have torn apart their Bloomfield Road stadium as a major revamp gets underway.All the seats have been torn out of the East Stand as part of work ahead of the 2025/26 League One campaign.Photos released by the club show all of the seats from the East Stand have been removedCredit: https://x.com/BlackpoolFCThere are changes being made to this historic groundCredit: GettyThis stadium used to host Premier League games back in the dayCredit: STEVE ALLENThe upgraded stand will replace a temporary structure originally built during the club’s Premier League days, aiming to enhance the match day atmosphere for fans.The project will include the replacement and refurbishment of all boards and seating, along with new media facilities and a camera platform.The club also plans to repaint the South Stand roof in tangerine and white over the summer.Fans can also expect the introduction of safe standing, with railings set to be installed over the coming months.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS Subject to planning approval, the club aims to make further improvements to the East Stand and its facade.New LED floodlighting will be introduced throughout the stadium, along with a new tannoy system – both part of the second stage of stadium upgrades.Following confirmation of these developments, owner Simon Sadler highlighted progress both on and off the pitch.He said: “I am delighted that we are about to embark on this major build and refurbishment project in and around Bloomfield Road.Most read in ChampionshipJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS “I am very excited about what lies ahead for our club. I am particularly pleased that we have found a cost-effective solution to rebuild and address the deficiencies of the East Stand by utilising its existing frame, which I’m assured has at least another 20 years of life.“While I understand there may be some disappointment among fans that we aren’t building a new cantilevered stand from scratch, the savings-likely in excess of £10 million-are substantial.Steve Bruce dealt huge blow just days after being named Blackpool boss as striker banned for appearing to SLAP opponent“These savings free up funds to invest elsewhere in and around the stadium and also mean we won’t have to sacrifice stadium capacity during the construction.“The installation of railings in the North Stand and the addition of tangerine to the underside of the South Stand roof are key improvements, but more can still be done to stamp our identity on Bloomfield Road.“As such, we will formally reach out to fans and fan groups to explore ways to add more colour and vibrancy throughout our home.“When completed, the Sports Village will be a fantastic asset for our Community Trust and Academy, both of which will be based at the Bloomfield Road complex.“This means that in the heart of Blackpool, we will have a busy, vibrant facility used seven days a week by local boys and girls, men and women, for a range of football and sport-related activities.“With Squires Gate training ground receiving further off-season investment and the Sports Village set for completion next summer, the club—from the Academy to the first team—will soon be the most integrated and professional it has ever been.“For the first time, we will have Championship-level facilities throughout, giving us a strong foundation for future success.“I truly believe that after several years of disappointment, we have turned the proverbial corner. We now have, by far, the best all-round footballing setup during my time as owner—and make no mistake, promotion back to the Championship is our goal. Better times lie ahead for us all.”Read More on The SunBlackpool finished ninth in League One, falling just short of the play-offs.They were last in the Premier League back in 2010/11 and last in the Championship for the 2022/23 campaign. More

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      ‘Not by choice’ – Former Premier League star, 38, claims he’s being forced out by Wrexham in emotional statement

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      STEVEN FLETCHER claims he’s being forced to leave Wrexham after their promotion to the Championship.It comes as Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney oversee a staff shake-up ahead of their return to the second tier.Steven Fletcher has announced he is to leave Wrexham this summerCredit: GettyThe former Stoke striker helped fire the Dragons to a third successive promotionCredit: GettyFormer Burnley striker Fletcher credited the Welsh side with helping him “fall in love” with football again.Fletcher has scored 15 goals in 71 games since joining Wrexham in the summer of 2023. The 38-year-old netted crucial goals this season – mostly off the bench – to help fire the club to the second tier. But he announced on Thursday he is being released – and it was “not by choice”.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFletcher wrote in an emotional statement on Instagram: “It’s with a heavy heart, and not by choice, that I unfortunately have to announce my departure from what I can only describe as the most magical club I have ever played at!”In my 22 years of stepping onto a pitch, I have never experienced anything like this club.”I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to come here and fall back in love with the game!”Wrexham achieved a third-straight promotion as they finished second in League One behind runaway champions Birmingham. Most read in FootballIt continued a remarkable rise for the club since being bought by Hollywood superstars Reynolds and McElhenney in the National League four years ago.Fletcher continued: “To have had the experiences and the opportunities that this club has given me has been just incredible.Wrexham stars celebrate in iconic Las Vegas casino and hijack luggage cart after Hollywood owners splash £500k on party”And this group of lads are the best that I have ever shared a changing room with.”It’s not just a team or a changing room. This group of boys, fans and staff have been my family for the past two years.”You welcomed me with open arms and open hearts and made me feel like I had a purpose again.”SunSport has contacted Wrexham for comment.’The worst part’Co-owner McElhenney said on social media that exits such as Fletcher’s were “the worst part” of ownership. Wrexham’s success has been built on ruthless decision-making behind the scenes, with a high turnover of personnel expected this summer. McElhenney added: “They are not just players on the team. They are my friends and people I admire”.Wrexham director Humphrey Ker posted he was “slightly in awe” of Fletcher “on account of his extraordinary career at the very top of the game”.He continued: “Now, after two glorious years in his company, I’m even more in awe of him, on account of his abilities, his leadership and friendship. Read More on The Sun”[He’s a] man who’s given me moments of joy that’ll last a lifetime.”It was announced yesterday that fan-favourite Mark Howard is also leaving the club. More

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      Sheffield Wednesday release SEVEN players including Euro 2024 star as fans say ‘should be ashamed’

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      SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY have released seven players following the end of their contracts.The Owls finished the Championship season in 12th under boss Danny Rohl. Stuart Armstrong has left Sheffield WednesdayCredit: AlamyWednesday announced today that Stuart Armstrong, Ben Hamer, Ryo Hatsuse, Michael Ihiekwe, Marvin Johnson, Pol Valentin and Mallik Wilks have all been let go as their deals have expired.Armstrong, who featured at last summer’s Euro 2024 for Scotland, leaves after just four months at the club.The 33-year-old ex-Southampton midfielder played just 11 times for Wednesday. Johnson’s four-year spell comes to an end after making 169 appearances.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd other first-team regulars Valentin and Ihiekwe depart.Veteran goalkeeper Hamer leaves having never played a game for the club and Wilks is shown the permanent exit door after spending the season on loan at Rotherham.But Wednesday fans have slammed the club for letting go of Hatsuse shortly after he made the move from Japanese outfit Vissel Kobe.The left-back featured just six times and one supporter wrote online: “Should genuinely be ashamed of bringing him over to the UK for three months just to let him go.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSOthers added: “He was the most pointless signing ever.”A third reacted: “Hatsuse and Armstrong just came for a holiday in the lovely city of Sheffield.”Wednesday also confirmed that extension options have been exercised in the contracts of Anthony Musaba, Michael Smith and Josh Windass.Club legend Barry Bannan, as well as team-mates Akin Famewo and Callum Paterson, have been offered new deals.Loanees James Beadle, Ibrahim Cissoko and Shea Charles return to their parent clubs. Barry Bannan has been offered a new dealCredit: Getty More