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      ‘Game changer’ billionaire on Forbes rich list rivals Wrexham, Birmingham and Charlton with takeover of League One club

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      WYCOMBE WANDERERS have been taken over by a Kazakhstan billionaire.Mikheil Lomtadze’s Blue Ocean Partners Ltd has purchased 90 per cent of the club that was owned by American businessman Rob Couhig since 2022.Mikheil Lomtadze has bought 90 per cent of WycombeCredit: AFPHe will rival Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham next seasonCredit: GettyWycombe finished 10th in League OneCredit: PALomtadze, 48, is worth £4.54billion and is the 532nd richest person in the world.He is the founder and CEO of a leading tech company Kazakh-based Kaspi.kz.The purchase of the club has been described as a “game changer” by PwC.Wycombe fans will hope that his arrival at the club can help them climb up the English football ladder.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLomtadze said: “Our goal is to achieve long-term success both on and off the pitch whilst building a financially sustainable club.”The football world is evolving very fast and our priority will be to integrate data analytics and technology to elevate the club’s performance to new levels.”I am also a strong believer in youth development and it will be fundamental to the club’s vision.”We aim to re-open and build a leading high-performance academy which will become an essential part of our long-term strategy of developing a club that consistently performs at the top level.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWycombe finished 10th in League One and face another tough season to gain promotion next season.Birmingham City, Huddersfield and Rotherham dropped into the division from the Championship.Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fanWhile ambitious Wrexham gained promotion from League Two thanks to the help from Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.Couhig has insisted that Lomtadze shares his values and is excited for the future of the club.He said: “I am excited for the future of Wycombe Wanderers”Last year, I announced that I had begun looking at a possible succession plan for our ownership.”Since then, I met with a significant number of well qualified people. Last fall, Mikheil and I met and decided to explore his potential role with the club.”It was apparent from that first meeting that Mikheil and I shared similar values of speaking directly and honestly with each other.”I came to understand that his goals for the club were similar to mine. “Important to me, although often separated by a 12-hour time difference, we became friends.”The logical conclusion to those discussions was culminated today with the transfer of Feliciana EFL Limited to his company.“The board of Wycombe Wanderers Football Club will have three new directors, Mikheil, Eduard Vyshnyakov, and Daniel Rice.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The board has asked me to convey its and the Wanderers family’s appreciation for the great work that Missy Couhig and Pete Couhig have done for the Club and community since June 2019.”As for me, Mikheil has asked and I have agreed to continue as Chairman during the transition of ownership. Please join me in welcoming Mikheil, Eduard and Dan to the club.” More

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      Man City ready to sell Premier League cult hero’s son in £10million transfer despite impressive Championship loan

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      MANCHESTER CITY will sell striker Liam Delap to the highest bidder.Delap, 21, has been on loan at Hull after stints at Stoke and Preston and is clearly unlikely to figure in Pep Guardiola’s first-team squad any time in the near future.Liam Delap spent the 2023-24 season on loan at Hull CityCredit: GettyRory Delap starred in the Premier League for Stoke City among othersCredit: Getty Images – GettyCity will want around £10million for the England Under-21 forward and may include a ‘buy-back’ clause in any deal.The forward is the son of former Premier League star Rory Delap.His dad, now 47, starred for Stoke City among others – and became renowned in the Potteries for his incredible long throw.City youngster Liam joined the Prem champions’ academy from Derby in 2019.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe has played six times for City’s first team, scoring once – during a League Cup victory over Bournemouth in September 2020.Delap followed in his father’s footsteps by playing for Stoke during the 2022-23 season – scoring three goals in 23 appearances.In January 2023 he was recalled by City and sent to Preston, where he netted once in 15 games.His best loan spell has come at Hull this season, where he helped Liam Rosenior’s side to a seventh-placed finish.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Tigers missed out on a play-off place on the final day, losing 1-0 at Plymouth Argyle.He scored eight goals in 31 Championship appearances in total for Hull.Stoke legend Tony Pulis reveals Premier League club’s brutal tactic to stop Rory Delap’s iconic long throws Delap still has two years remaining on his City contract.But this could be the summer that he leaves the club behind. More

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      Watch fan of relegated Birmingham score ‘goal of the season’ during wild pitch invasion before he is mobbed by crowd

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      ONE Birmingham fan decided to show off his footballing skills amidst the pitch invasion following the team’s relegation on Saturday.The Blues crashed out of the Championship despite a final-day victory against Norwich.Birmingham were relegated from the Championship despite their 1-0 victory against NorwichCredit: PAOne Birmingham fan decided to show off his footballing skills amidst the pitch invasionCredit: X @rockyklSupporters celebrated after the fan picked up a ball and scored a goal from 40 yards outCredit: X @rockyklThe club was sixth when John Eustace was sacked earlier in the season, with Wayne Rooney hoping to come in and save the day.But a disastrous rest of the season saw the downfall of Birmingham who have now been demoted to League One.Despite the result on Saturday afternoon fans decided to invade the pitch.One supporter grabbed a ball and managed to score from about 40 yards.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis sparked chaos amongst the other fans on the pitch seeing them cheer the most they have all season.One fan on the video could be heard saying: “That’s the highlight of my season.”While another commented: “Too late to enter it for ‘Goal of the season’?”A third then joked: “Better check his phone calls chelsea already putting together a 7-year contract on 68k a week.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA fourth then added: “To be fair, most pros wouldn’t be able to even get it on target from there in a game, this man got it on target and got it over all those people and scored a banger.”Six different managers were in charge of Birmingham at some point during the campaign.Birmingham fans clash with stewards as they invade pitch after disastrous relegation to League OneWhile they beat Norwich 1-0 on the final day Blackburn, who are now managed by Birmingham’s old boss Eustace beat Leicester 2-0 to stay up.They were then banking on a slip-up from Plymouth Argyle to maintain their second-flight status.But Birmingham’s plucky rivals secured a massive 1-0 win against Hull to stay up by one single point.Fans then stormed onto the pitch in anger as they clashed with stewards, with some being tumbled to the ground and pushed back to the stands.The St Andrew’s crowd exploded into boos as the final whistle went against Norwich, with Plymouth’s result confirming Birmingham’s relegation.And some supporters charged onto the field to express their rage in front of chairman Tom Wagner.Birmingham fans clashed with stewards after being relegated to League OneCredit: rexAngry supporters flooded the field as Brum beat Norwich to no availCredit: rex More

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      Ipswich ready to take on Fulham in £10m transfer battle for Coventry star after sealing Premier League promotion

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      COVENTRY midfielder Ben Sheaf is a wanted man after missing out on promotion.The former Arsenal kid is fancied by Luton and turned down the chance to join the Hatters in the last window.Ben Sheaf is wanted by Ipswich TownCredit: GettyJay Dasilva is also attracting interestCredit: GettyNow Sheaf may be ready for a shot at the top flight.Luton could try to change that if they go down — especially if Ross Barkley moves.The Hatters are on the cusp of relegation back to the Championship following their draw to Everton.Rivals Nottingham Forest beat Sheffield United 3-0 on Saturday to put a three-point buffer between the two.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIpswich and Fulham are also interested. The fee will be in the £10million range.Sheaf, 26, has already faced Premier League opposition this season having helped the Sky Blues to the FA Cup semi-final.During the run they beat Wolves at Molineux Stadium before losing at Wembley to Manchester United.Sheaf impressed during the game but came up short in the shootout as he missed the crucial spot-kick that allowed Rasmus Hojlund to send the Red Devils through.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSCoventry’s left-back Jay Dasilva is being watched by German side Freiburg.Dasilva, 26, came through the ranks at Chelsea but never made a Premier League appearance for the club.Arne Slot to make 3 key changes at LiverpoolThe defender had loan spells at Charlton and Bristol City before leaving permanently in 2019.He joined the Robins in 2019 and went on to become a regular at the club.After four seasons at Aston Gate he was released by the club and joined Coventry on a free transfer.Should Dasilva take the chance to move to Germany, then he could find himself playing European football next season.Should Bayer Leverkusen win the DFB-Pokal final against Kaiserslautern, then Freiburg will get a spot in the Conference League if they stay in seventh.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Watch Ed Sheeran down beer with Ipswich fans and FaceTime players as he celebrates promotion to Premier League

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      ED SHEERAN celebrated Ipswich Town’s promotion to the Premier League by downing a beer and FaceTiming the players.The musician is a passionate fan of the Tractor Boys and was clearly overjoyed with the team’s success.Ed Sheeran drank beer to celebrate Ipswich Town’s promotionCredit: xHe posted the video from MiamiCredit: xHe was joined by more Ipswich fansCredit: XIpswich confirmed their spot back in the top flight for the first time in 22 years with a 2-0 win over Huddersfield.At Portman Road, fans stormed the pitch in celebration after the final whistle.It has been an incredible two years for the club as Kieran McKenna has taken it from 12th in League One to back-to-back promotions.Sheeran, 33, also enjoyed the moment as he uploaded a video to social media.READ MORE IN SPORTThe clip shows the star drinking some beer before shouting, “Tastes like promotion”.Fans loved the video as the flooded the comment section.One fan posted: “Love this.”A second commented: “I love him.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA third wrote: “Haha this is pretty cool.”A fourth said: “Brilliant.”Ipswich fans invade pitch after sealing Premier League promotionHe did have to miss the game as he is in Miami and set to perform at the Grand Prix.He also is the club’s shirt sponsor and congratulated the players via a video call after the game.He also wrote a message on another post: “This is huge for the club, huge for the town, and huge for football, showing anything can happen with belief and passion.”Congratulations to all the players, people at the club, and of course super Kieran.”Sorry I can’t be there to celebrate but we don’t want another betting company as the sponsor next season! Up the Town. Emotional. See you in the Prem.”Ipswich achieved promotion to the Premier LeagueCredit: ReutersThe club were last in the top flight 22 years agoCredit: Getty More

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      Birmingham fans clash with stewards as they invade pitch after disastrous relegation to League One

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      BIRMINGHAM fans clashed with stewards after invading the pitch following their disastrous relegation to League One.Brum picked up just their 13th win of the season with a 1-0 victory over Norwich on the final day of the Championship.Birmingham fans clashed with stewards after being relegated to League OneCredit: RexAngry supporters flooded the field as Brum beat Norwich to no availCredit: PAThere were angry scenes at full-time with two clashes clearly seenJohn Ruddy looked devastated as he was taken awayCredit: GettyBut they were banking on a slip-up from Plymouth Argyle to maintain their second-flight status.And Birmingham’s plucky rivals secured a massive 1-0 win against Hull to stay up by one single point.The St Andrew’s crowd exploded into boos as the final whistle went against Norwich, with Plymouth’s result confirming Birmingham’s relegation.And some supporters charged onto the field to express their rage in front of chairman Tom Wagner.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans chanted and yelled in anger as they clashed with stewards, with some being tumbled to the ground and pushed back to the stands.The ugly scenes didn’t last too long as order was restored quickly.But the sour atmosphere is sure to carry over into the new League One season, with Birmingham having been SIXTH in the Championship table earlier this term.American financier Wagner, whose company Knighthead took over the club in July 2023 with backing from NFL legend Tom Brady, decided to sack John Eustace in October despite Brum’s fine form.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe then made Wayne Rooney the club’s new manager, with disastrous results to follow.Wazza was axed in January after losing nine of his 15 games at the helm, with interim Steve Spooner overseeing one game.Ipswich fans invade pitch after sealing Premier League promotionSupporters chanted angrily as stewards intervenedCredit: RexThe scene was quickly taken under controlCredit: RexOne fan gave it large to Tom WagnerCredit: GettyThe American chairman watched with a glum faceCredit: GettyTony Mowbray then became boss but manager just eight games before taking a step back due to his health.Brum turned to Mark Venus as their second interim boss of the campaign, yet he lost five of six games and was subsequently replaced by Gary Rowett.The fan favourite, who previously managed Birmingham between October 2014 and December 2016, won two of his seven games while suffering just three defeats.But the upturn in results was not enough to save Brum from the drop.Birmingham’s managers this seasonAll six bosses (including three interim!)

      John Eustace, Aug 23 – Oct 23: P11 W5 D3 L3

      Wayne Rooney, Oct 23 – Jan 24: P15 W2 D4 L9

      Steve Spooner (interim), Jan 24: P1 W0 D1 L0

      Tony Mowbray, Jan 24 – Feb 24: P8 W4 D1 L3

      Mark Venus (interim), Feb 24 – Mar 24: P6 W0 D1 L5

      Gary Rowett (interim), March 24 – May 24: P7 W2 D2 L3 More

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      Jamie Vardy tipped to join Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s Wrexham revolution as chief refuses to rule out transfer

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      JAMIE VARDY could swap his Leicester City fairytale for Wrexham’s Hollywood blockbuster.The former England striker, 37, is set to be rewarded for firing the Foxes to the Championship title with a new contract offer.Jamie Vardy is celebrating after firing Leicester back to the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyWrexham owners Rob McElhenney (L) and Ryan Reynolds (R) have ambitious plansCredit: AFPHis double in 3-0 win at Preston on Monday ensured they went up as champs after sealing an immediate return to the Premier League.Vardy, who scored 20 this term, rose through the non-league ranks and joined Leicester in 2012, winning the Championship in 2014.Two years later they achieved mission impossible by winning the Premier League against all the odds and then enjoyed FA Cup success in 2021.However, he is yet to commit to a 13th season with the Foxes and now ambitious Wrexham are refusing to rule out making a sensational move for them.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Welsh side have secured back-to-back promotions from the National League.Now they are looking forward to League One under their Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.They have managed to persuade players to drop down from higher divisions previously and now they have been linked with a swoop for Vardy.And their executive director, Humphrey Ker, has added further fuel to those flames.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhen asked about the veteran directly by SPORTbible, he said: “There’s nothing to say that Jamie Vardy wouldn’t be a great Wrexham player.“It’s not a name I’ve had mentioned inside the building before.Fans in stitches as Vardy’s ‘Klinsmann dive’ almost goes badly wrong after his goals earn Leicester Championship title“But, you know, age and profile wouldn’t put us off.”Vardy is one of the top earners at Leicester but Wrexham have strong backing financially thanks to Reynolds and McElhenney.The Welsh club’s weekly wage bill for this season is higher than all but five teams in the division above them.Vardy lifted the Championship trophy this afternoonCredit: GettyMeanwhile, Vardy and Leicester’s campaign did end in slight disappointment this afternoon.They were attempting to finish the season with a victory that would have taken them to the 100-point mark.However, Blackburn’s Sammie Szmodics scored twice to seal the visitors a crucial 2-0 win at the King Power to make sure Rovers stayed in the Championship.Vardy did finally get his hands on the title trophy afterwards though as the result failed to stop the party.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Millwall clash with Swansea descends into chaos as former Tottenham starlet SENT OFF despite being ‘punched’ in face

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      JAPHET TANGANGA was shown a straight red card despite appearing to be punched in the face.The former Tottenham starlet was in action for Millwall in the Championship clash against Swansea City.Japhet Tanganga and Jerry Yates clashed and were both sent offCredit: RexFans were confused as to why Tanganga was dismissedCredit: XYates appeared to punch the ex-Spurs starCredit: xWith the Lions 1-0 up in the closing stages, thanks to a goal from Casper De Norre, the match took a nasty turn.In the 85th minute, Tanganga and striker Jerry Yates had a disagreement on the pitch.The two clashed and grabbed each other until the Swansea striker appeared to hit out at the defender.Players from both sides rushed into to separate the two before it escalated further.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReferee Geoff Eltringham dismissed both players with red cards.Fans saw the moment on social media with many confused as to why Tanganga also saw red.One posted: “How on earth did Japhet Tanganga get sent off for being struck in the face.”A second wrote: “Japh sent off for being punched what?”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA third commented: “Why Tanganga got a red when he didn’t do anything.”A fourth said: “He got sent off for getting punched.”Tom Brady’s Birmingham RELEGATED to League One as Blues pay ultimate price for hiring Wayne RooneyAnother added: “Here’s a new one for Japhet … Get sent off for taking a punch to the face.”The game ended 1-0 with Millwall finishing 13th and Swansea settling for 14th.Elsewhere in the division Ipswich Town sealed their return to the Premier League for the first time in 22 years.While Birmingham City’s relegation to League One was confirmed as they dropped to England’s third division.There were also cases of fans needing medical assistance in the Birmingham match as well as Rotherham’s fixture with Cardiff City. More