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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

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      Wrexham ‘in talks over signing Fulham captain Tom Cairney’ to bolster Championship promotion hopes

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      WREXHAM are in talks to sign Fulham captain Tom Cairney, according to reports.The Red Dragons could spend big once again after winning a third successive promotion to reach the Championship.Wrexham are in talks to sign Tom CairneyCredit: RexThe Fulham captain has made 27 appearances this seasonCredit: Shutterstock EditorialWrexham owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have spent big since taking overCredit: GettyWrexham have already been linked with a number of targets and Cairney is now on their radar, according to The Telegraph.The club has opened talks over a move for the midfielder, who would be one of their most ambitious signings after breaking the bank to sign Sam Smith for £2million in January.Cairney is out of contract in the summer so could be snapped up for free but would command hefty wages.Wrexham are believed to want experienced players as they return to the second tier for the first time in 21 years, and Cairney fits the mould.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe has played 318 games at Championship level and has 412 top-flight appearances, as well as two Scotland caps.Cairney, 34, has made 27 appearances this season, 23 of which have been in the Premier League although nearly all from the bench.Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson has often gone down the experienced route when recruiting players – Jay Rodriguez, 35, James McClean, 36, and Steven Fletcher, 37, have joined the club in recent years.In total Wrexham have 11 players aged 30 or over, with more potentially arriving.Most read in FootballJamie Vardy has been linked with a move to North Wales after confirming he will leave Leicester after 13 years at the club.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSManchester United defender Jonny Evans has also been mooted as a potential arrival with his contract up next month.Parkinson said the club was “always planning” but admitted that while they have not spoken about anyone in particular they do have a profile of targets who are free agents.’He’s got the fastest hands’ – Wrexham star James McClean tipped to beat up Jake Paul in boxing fightHe said: “We haven’t really spoken about anything. We’ve always got our eye on players who are free transfers and are going to be available.”I think it’s interesting because the jump in salaries is incredible, mind-blowing. Even coming up to this level, the jump to get players of Championship quality is expensive.”But obviously the next level, I don’t think people outside football quite realise.”They think players in League One must be multi-millionaires, but the drop-off from what people read in the press about Premier League players is huge.”That is a challenge but what we’ve always tried to do is make sure the culture in the club is right.”No superstars, no egos in the dressing room, and we’ve got to try to get that balance right again, to make sure the right people come into the building.” More

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      ‘I cannot thank you enough’ – Wrexham legend thanks Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney as he announces departure

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      WREXHAM fan-favourite Mark Howard has announced his exit from the Welsh club after helping them climb the Football League.Howard, 38, confirmed his exit from the Racecourse in an emotional statement on social media – thanking Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney for bringing him to the club.Mark Howard has announced his exit from WrexhamCredit: instagram @markhoward.1The goalkeeper thanked Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in an emotional statementCredit: RexHoward joined Wrexham in 2022, helping the club secure promotion into the Football League as the first choice goalkeeper alongside former Premier League star Ben Foster.While he has had a smaller role in recent seasons, losing his starting spot to Arthur Okonkwo as Wrexham have earned another two successive promotions from League Two and League One.Howard, who is nicknamed Chomp, featured just 11 times in League One last season and will depart ahead of the Red Dragon’s return to the Championship.In a statement revealing that he isn’t planning on retiring just yet, he wrote: “From the moment I pulled on the Wrexham shirt, I have tried to bring professionalism, passion, and personality to the club.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”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.”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 three-peat. Back-to-back-to-back. I say tongue in cheek.”I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve had here.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”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.Wrexham stars celebrate in iconic Las Vegas casino and hijack luggage cart after Hollywood owners splash £500k on party”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. Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.”Wrexham stars were quick to pass on their well-wishes to the experienced shot-stopper.Elliot Lee wrote: “The oldest goalkeeper there ever was. I will miss you old man”.While Andy Cannon added: “One of the best. What a man”.Steven Fletcher posted: “Chompy, what a fella. Friend for life big man.”And Wrexham director and comedian Humphrey Ker wrote: “Farewell to a man who never let us down and always lifted us up. One of the greats. The Chomp.”Howard, who previously played for the likes of Sheffield United and Blackpool, leaves Wrexham having made 58 appearances and kept 19 clean sheets for the club.Read More on The SunHe could be the first of many to leave on the expiration of their current deals at Wrexham as the club look to bring in more talent to compete in the Championship next season.Wrexham are yet to release their retained list, however a number of players are set to run out of contract – including former Scotland international Steven Fletcher.Wrexham earned promotion into the Championship this seasonCredit: RexSteven Fletcher is out of contract in the summerCredit: Getty More

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      EFL club set to SACK third manager in 12 months while former boss is flying high in Europe

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      HULL CITY are set to sack their third manager in 12 months after reports suggested they would give the boot to boss Ruben Selles.Selles, 41, has been in charge of the team since December.Hull are set to sack manager Ruben Selles after narrowly avoiding relegationCredit: GettyThe club managed to avoid relegation from the Championship on goal difference after a 1-1 draw at Portsmouth on the final day.But following their narrow survival, club chiefs have opted to go into next season with new leadership as first-team coach Tobias Loveland and joint-assistant James Oliver-Pearce are also set to leave, according to The Telegraph.The Spanish boss, who was relegated from the Premier League with Southampton in 2022/23, won just nine of his 28 games in charge of the Tigers while drawing eight and losing 11.His imminent exit means Hull will now be looking to appoint their fourth manager in a year and the fifth under owner Acun Ilicali.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReports in Turkey suggest the businessman previously spoke to close friend and football legend Arda Turan about his future, with the ex-Barcelona star currently managing Super Lig outfit Eyupspor – although a move is not currently on the agenda.Instead, the odds on favourites for the job at this stage are former Derby manager Phillip Cocu, ex-Leicester boss Steve Cooper and Tayfun Korkut, formerly of Stuttgart and Hertha Berlin.Selles was the successor of caretaker boss Andy Dawson, who was in charge for two games following the departure of Tim Walter in November.The German was appointed into the role in July of last year and lasted just 18 games after winning a mere three times while also picking up six draws and nine defeats.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKLiam Rosenior was the last boss to last more than half a year at the MKM Stadium, departing in May last year after narrowly missing out on the play-offs.The decision to sack him came down to a difference in football philosophy, according to Ilicali, who wanted to play attacking football.Hull City captain and his teammate brother ‘in brawl on nightclub dance floor’ – as club issues statementFormerly the assistant to Wayne Rooney at Derby before he became interim manager when the ex-Manchester United star resigned in June 2022, Rosenior now manages Ligue 1 side Strasbourg.The French outfit, owned by Chelsea owner Todd Boehly as part of the BlueCo group, are in the fight to qualify for European football next season.They currently sit sixth in France’s top flight, level on points with fourth and fifth placed Nice and Lille, with Nice currently occupying a Champions League qualifying spot.The final game of the season commences this Saturday, with Strasbourg facing 16th place Le Havre while rivals Nice face top half side Brest and Lille take on 14th place Reims.Sun Sport exclusively revealed earlier this month how Hull captain Lewie Coyle, 29, was involved in a street brawl outside a pub in the city centre.A local resident, who asked not to be named, said: “It all happened yesterday at around 8pm in town in Hull in the city centre.”I was just on my way home when I saw lots of people fighting. At the time I wasn’t aware it was Lewie Coyle – I saw him being pushed by his brother.”The witness said the bus came to a stop as Rocco Coyle guided his brother across the road by putting both hands on his chest.Lewie walked backwards away from the scene to the other side of the road as two women walked with them.The source added: “The bus stopped because it was starting in the middle of the street.”They were fighting right in the middle of the road so the bus was blocked. This bus and the other side of the road were both blocked.”Read More on The SunA club statement on the incident said: “Hull City is aware of a video currently circulating on social media and has launched an investigation into the matter.”The club will refrain from making further comment until the investigation has been concluded.” More

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      Norwich City ‘to hold talks with Jurgen Klopp’s former assistant for manager’s job after snubbing Jack Wilshere’

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      NORWICH are set to hold talks with Jurgen Klopp’s former assistant manager Pepijn Lijnders, according to reports.The Canaries are on the hunt for a successor to axed ex-boss Johannes Hoff Thorup.Pepijn Lijnders worked under Jurgen Klopp at LiverpoolCredit: AlamyFormer Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere stepped in as caretaker for the final two matches of the season.But the 33-year-old is set to depart Carrow Road after being informed that he will not be considered for the job on a permanent basis.According to the Telegraph, Lijnders has emerged as a serious candidate and will speak to Norwich chiefs later this week.The Dutchman, 42, worked as Jurgen Klopp’s assistant manager for several years before leaving Liverpool alongside the German last summer.READ MORE NORWICH CITY NEWSLijnders was briefly in charge of Dutch side NEC in 2018, while last May he joined Red Bull Salzburg upon his Anfield exit.The former Liverpool No2 lasted just 29 games in charge of the Austrian outfit after finding himself 10 points off the pace in the title race.Norwich are claimed to have already spoken to former Bournemouth and Wolves boss Gary O’Neil.The 41-year-old, who played for the Canaries between 2014 and 2016, has been out of work since leaving Molineux last December.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLijnders, 42, worked alongside Jurgen Klopp for several yearsCredit: GettyNorwich chiefs are also said to be keen on ex-Nottingham Forest and Leicester boss Steve Cooper.But the Welshman is not believed to be keen on the move at this stage.Jack Wilshere in race against time as he faces huge 350-mile commute from managerial debut to run London MarathonDespite not having a manager, Norwich have released their retained list.While they have also confirmed that they will go on a pre-season training camp in the Netherlands, Lijnders home country.Norwich sporting director Ben Knapper, who succeeded Stuart Webber in December 2023, said: “We want somebody in as soon as we can without compromising the quality of our process and of the candidate, and finding the right person.”It’s not something we expect to wrap up in a week or two but we don’t want this to drag. We absolutely will have a head coach in place long before pre-season starts.”Norwich are expected to confirm an appointment before the end of this month.Gary O’Neil has also emerged as a contender for the Norwich jobCredit: AP More

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      Beanpole ex-Premier League striker, 42, comes out of retirement for shock sport switch to Vikings American football team

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      FORMER Premier League striker Stefan Maierhofer has swapped goals for gridirons … by becoming an American football star.The 6ft 7ins Austria international had a top-flight spell with Wolves, scoring once in 10 games before leaving in 2011.Ex-Premier League ace Stefan Maierhofer has crossed over to American footballMaierhofer played for the likes of Wolves, Bayern Munich and MillwallHe joined Bristol City on loan in 2010, and four years later had a brief stint with their Championship rivals Millwall.Former Bayern Munich youngster Maierhofer has also played for a host of German, Austrian and Slovak clubs.But the 42-year-old has now switched sports by joining the Vienna Vikings American football club.They compete in the European League of Football, and won the title in 2022.Read More on FootballMaierhofer said: “I’m making my sporting comeback as a kicker in American football, and I’m going to play for Vienna Vikings in 2025.”From my first minute at the club I was clear in my mind that I wanted to join them.  Everyone from the owner down to the equipment manager speaks with one voice.”Everything is all about success and respect, and that impressed me.  I trained with the former NFL kicker, Giorgio Tavecchio, and worked on perfecting my technique.”I want to reach the 2025 final with the Vikings, and play in front of 50,000 American football fans.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSVikings head coach Chris Calaycay said: “Stefan is a very tall man, extremely popular, and with a unique body language.”The transition from kicking a soccer ball to kicking a football is tough, but he is going tremendously well.”Patrick Mahomes says ‘cut the cameras’ in emotional locker room scenes as new K ansas City Chiefs doc trailer is releasedClub owner Robin Lumsden added: “A number of prominent footballers wanted to play for us, and many found the trials difficult.”But it became clear very quickly that Stefan was the right man for us.  He embodies our fighting mentality – he is highly professional and competitive.” More