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      Hollywood star worth £95m becomes part-owner of Leeds United as they aim for return to Premier League

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      RUSSELL Crowe has become part-owner of Leeds United as the club aims for a return to the Premier League.The Whites announced their takeover by the 49ers Enterprises last summer.Gladiator actor Russell Crowe has become part-owner of Leeds UnitedCredit: GettyThe Whites announced their takeover by the 49ers Enterprises last summerCrowe is a huge fan of the Elland Road club, having been hooked watching Match of the Day as a kidCredit: GettySwimmer Michael Phelps, who won 23 Olympic golds, and golf superstar Jordan Spieth were among the names who joined in the buy-out.But now it has emerged that the Hollywood actor, 59, also has a financial stake in the club.Leeds announced the Oscar winner’s summer gig at the Brudenell Social Club in Hyde Park on X, formerly Twitter.In response one user suggested Crowe “put his money” into League Two outfit Wrexham – owned by fellow Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.Read more Sports NewsThe Gladiator actor then denied being associated with Wrexham instead saying he put money into his beloved Leeds.He replied: “I don’t have any part of what’s going on in Wrexham man.”I’m really impressed with Ryan and Rob, and what they are achieving, but I’m not part of that.”I do however have a very small connection now financially to LUFC via the 49er family. So, yeah, exactly… but opposite.”Most read in FootballCrowe is a huge fan of the Elland Road club, having been hooked watching Match of the Day as a kid in his native New Zealand.He even considered buying the club in 2015, calling them a sleeping dinosaur at the time.But after weighing up the family sacrifice he would have to make, the Beautiful Mind actor decided against it.The superstar has a net value of almost £95million.The American group – the business arm of NFL team the San Francisco 49ers – have gradually increased investment in the Elland Road club since 2018.It follows Wrexham’s transformation – and return to the EFL – after Reynolds and McElhenney took over in February 2021.Leeds United currently sit third in the Championship table behind league-leaders Leicester City and Ipswich Town.He denied being associated with Wrexham – owned by fellow Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenneyCredit: REUTERSCrowe previously showed interest in buying Leeds back in 2015Credit: Sky SportsSwimmer Michael Phelps also has a financial stake in the clubCredit: GettyLeeds United currently sit third in the Championship tableCredit: RexMove over Ryan Reynolds…
      Jade Thirlwall – South Shields FC
      Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall was among more than 750 fans who invested in South Shields FC, which raised more than £280,000 for the club in 2020.
      She was also named as an honorary president – alongside ex-politician David Miliband – and her involvement in the club hasn’t stopped there.
      The Power hitmaker designed a limited edition football strip for the club and joined LGBTQ+ inclusion workshops at the stadium.
      Stormzy – Croydon Athletic
      Rapper Stormzy joined a consortium with Crystal Palace’s former striker Wilfried Zaha and kit manager Danny Young to buy Croydon Athletic last year.
      Fans were thrilled, including one eager supporter who told news site Inside Croydon: “This could be our ‘Wrexham moment.'”
      The site reported the team was ‘purchased’ for “a token sum” but they believed Stormzy and his pals would “be providing the kind of investment which the club’s fans, players and backroom staff could, until now, only dream about”.
      Michael B Jordan – AFC Bournemouth
      Famed for starring in the Creed and Black Panther film franchises, many were surprised when Hollywood star Michael B Jordan invested in AFC Bournemouth. 
      He’s part of a consortium led by American businessman Bill Foley, who purchased the club from Maxim Demin in December 2022.
      The following year, Michael revealed getting involved with the Cherries was “crazy and amazing” but he knew there was “so much potential there”.
      LeBron James – Liverpool FC
      Lebron James is considered among basketball’s greatest-ever players, so in 2011, some were surprised by his decision to invest in an English football team.
      He was revealed to have purchased a 2 per cent stake in Liverpool FC, reportedly for around £5.1m ($6.5m).
      Just over a decade later, LeBron and business partner Maverick Carter exchanged their stake for a part-ownership of Fenway Sports Group (FSG) for an undisclosed fee. More

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      Five disastrous Premier League teams that make hapless Sheffield United look like world-beaters

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      SHEFFIELD UNITED are being spanked hard all the way back to the Championship – but they’re already safe from being the worst Premier League team of all time.The blunt Blades conceded five or more goals for the THIRD home game in a row as they slipped to a 6-0 thrashing by Arsenal at Bramall Lane on Monday night.Chris Wilder has had nothing to smile about recentlyCredit: GettySky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher described the first-half performance of Chris Wilder’s side as the worst he had ever seen from a top-flight club.But even if the current United squad fail to win a single point for the rest of the season – and you wouldn’t bet against it – they will not even be in the bottom five in the Premier League era.No fewer than SIX teams have finished a PL campaign with fewer than the 20 points that the Blades already have.One of them, Portsmouth, deserve a special mention for mismanagement on and off the field. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey ended up bottom of the pile with 19 points in 2009/10 after being deducted nine for going into administration.But in terms of just being hapless on the field, the Blades can already be safe in the knowledge that there have been five teams worse than them.SUNDERLAND 2002/3 – 19 pointsCheer up, Peter Reid – the former England man was Sunderland boss at the start of a disastrous 2002/3 but it wasn’t even the Black Cats’ worst Premier League season.Credit: PA:Press AssociationThe proud North East club had a rapid fall from grace.They went from being Fat Black Cats, finishing seventh in 1999/2000 and 2000/1, to 17th in 2001/2 and then Dead Black Cats lying rock bottom in 2002/3.Most read in FootballThe season was a classic of the genre, with three different managers and an absolute stinker of a run after the turn of the year.Peter Reid was sacked in October and replaced by Howard Wilkinson, who quit as FA technical director to take the job.After five months, Wilkinson was on his way after winning just two games. The second of those, a 2-1 victory over Liverpool at the Stadium of Light on December 15, was the last time fans celebrated three points.Sunderland claimed just two more points in total. After a goalless home draw against Blackburn on January 11, they lost their last 15 games of the campaign.Mick McCarthy was in charge of the final nine, in which his team scored only twice and ended up 25 points adrift of safety.Yet amazingly worse was to come for him and the club.ASTON VILLA 2015/16 – 17 pointsFormer Arsenal defender Remi Garde could not save Aston Villa and left after five months in chargeCredit: AFP or licensorsIt’s hard to believe now, but less than a decade ago Villa were in total freefall.In a scattergun summer spending spree, they bought three players with the Christian name Jordan – Ayew, Amavi and Veretout – but it proved to be the club’s Last Dance in the Premier League for four years.Sheffield United players in furious off-the-ball confrontation with own team-mate as fans say ‘absolutely done’ What was supposed to be Tim Sherwood’s first full season as a manager ended in late October after just one win that had come on the opening day of the season..Replacement Remi Garde tried to instill more discipline into the squad, dropping a promising 20-year-old named Jack Grealish after he was seen in a nightclub hours after a 4-0 defeat by Everton.Former Arsenal player Garde managed just three wins before he left Villa Park in March.The team took one point from their last 13 games to end up 22 points behind 17th-placed Sunderland, having hit the bottom in November and never left it. It was the club’s first relegation since 1986/7, ending their run of being one of just seven clubs to be ever-present in the Premier League.HUDDERSFIELD 2018/19 – 16 pointsDavid Wagner kept Huddersfield up in 2017/18 but they rarely looked in with a shout for surviving the following seasonCredit: Getty – ContributorDavid Wagner and his team had already made a bit of history in the way they survived one season in the Premier League.In 2017/18, the club’s first campaign in the top flight since 1971/2, they scored just 28 goals in 38 games, the joint fewest ever by a non-relegated team.But Huddersfield couldn’t pull the same trick off again, as top scorer Karlan Grant found the net just four times in a miserable campaign.After beating Wolves at Molineux on November 25, the Terriers dug out just six more points and one more win – also against Wolves – for the rest of the season.If they had not managed draws in their final two games against Manchester United and away at Southampton, they would have finished with 14 points and now lie one place lower in the hall of infamy.But relegation was confirmed on March 30, the joint earliest in the Premier League era with the lowest ever points scorers, the superstars who were Derby County 2007/8 (see below).SUNDERLAND 2005/6 – 15 pointsMick McCarthy took Sunderland back to the Premier League as champions but they were soon kissing goodbye to the top flight againCredit: PA:Press AssociationA second appearance for the Black Cats and for poor old Mick McCarthy.This time he was the man in charge at the start of a terrible campaign in which they hit rock bottom in late October and never even reached the dizzy heights of 19th place after that.When McCarthy left in mid-February, the club was already well adrift after winning just two games and 10 points in their opening 25 Premier League fixtures.At least the team shared the goals and blame around, with their four joint-top scorers – Liam Lawrence, Tommy Miller, Dean Whitehead and Anthony Le Tallec – all chipping in with three each.To the misery of their supporters, Sunderland set a new record of 29 league defeats in a 20-team division.Their points total was also a new low. But if the Stadium of Light faithful feared it would never be bettered – or worsered – they had to wait only two seasons to lose the unwanted tag of the Premier League’s worst ever team.DERBY COUNTY 2007/8 – 11 pointsBilly Davies took Derby back to the top flight but left after a terrible start to the 2007/8 campaignCredit: PA:Press AssociationIt’s not unusual for Championship Play-Off winners to find themselves ill-equipped for life in the Premier League.But never has a team been so out of its depth as the Rams were in this staggering season.They won just once – ONCE – and that was in their sixth game on September 17. Yet even that one ray of sunshine was dimmed somewhat by the fact that live TV cameras missed Kenny Miller scoring the only goal against Newcastle, because a replay was being shown instead.Promotion-winning boss Billy Davies lasted until November, and successor Paul Jewell gained just five points in his 24 games in charge.You can’t say they didn’t try everything to stop the rot – the 36 players used by Derby is the third highest in a Premier League campaign.All the numbers are staggering. A joint-record number of defeats (29) and a new high for goals (89) conceded in a 38-game season, and an all-time low for points that will surely never been beaten.SHEFFIELD UNITED 2023/4 – 13* pointsUnless Everton and Nottingham Forest are handed massive points deductions for breaking financial rules, the Blades have no chance of survival.And even then, it’s hard to see them putting together the run of form it would take to give them hope.Chris Wilder and his team are playing for pride and it is hard to summon much of that when you have been humbled so badly in front of your home fans.Derby’s points total record is not under threat. But United need to concede only 18 or more goals in their final 11 games to become the worst defensive side in top-flight history since Swindon conceded the nice round number of 100 in a 22-team, 42-game Premier League season in 1993/4.You also can’t rule out the possibility of them out of losing nine more matches to equal the record of 29 shared by Sunderland and Derby.But with Burnley also on 13 points and above them only on goal difference, the Blades can dream of not even being the worst Premier League team of this season, let alone of all time. More

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      Leicester could face Prem points deduction NEXT season but loophole means financial issue will NOT affect promotion bid

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      LEICESTER are facing questions from rivals about TWO potential breaches of financial rules.Clubs in both the Premier League and Championship suspect the Foxes broke the top flight’s £105million limit on losses for the three years that ended last term (an average of £35m per Prem season).Leicester could be hit with a points deductionCredit: GettyThey also believe Leicester will exceed the £83m of combined losses they can make over the three years ending with the current campaign, with the EFL allowing only £13m losses per season.But boss Enzo Maresca could lead them back to the Prem before any breaches are punished.There is growing frustration that it remains unclear which league is responsible for checking a club’s finances for the season when they are relegated from, or promoted to, the top flight.And the delay in resolving cases allows clubs to escape immediate penalty for gaining an unfair advantage.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIf any of last season’s relegated clubs — Leicester, Southampton and Leeds — broke rules in 2022-23, they could be promoted back to the Prem before a case was brought.But because of the Premier League’s revamped process, Everton and Nottingham Forest are facing punishment in the coming weeks for their alleged breaches in the same term.Both clubs had to submit their 2022-23 figures early, on December 31, as they had indicated last March that they would be close to the maximum permitted losses.It seems likely Leicester were in the same position — but relegation meant they did not have to reveal their numbers.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut if the Foxes gain promotion, they will be back in the Prem before either the EFL or Premier League has the chance to deal with any rule breach.Wouldn’t inflict that on anyone’ – Gary Lineker refuses ‘grisly’ Match of the Day request if Leicester win ChampionshipLeicester posted losses of at least £141.75m over three previous seasons, not including the last.Forest WERE brought to book by the League after promotion but that is no consolation to the clubs — including Leicester — who went down last season before they could face scrutiny.Leicester declined to comment, while the Prem and EFL said they were unable to talk about individual clubs. More

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      I’m an EFL defender but I’m banging in the goals this season thanks to sessions with one of Europe’s best ever strikers

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      PLAYING with a goalscoring great has paid off for Huddersfield’s unlikely hitman Michal Helik.The big defender poached the opener in a battling 1-1 derby draw against promotion-chasing Yorkshire neighbours Leeds — who missed out on a club-record tenth successive league win.The defender has four goals in his last seven gamesCredit: GettyHe says he’s taking lessons in scoring goals from fellow countryman Robert LewandowskiCredit: EPAIt was a career-high ninth goal of the season and fourth in seven games for Helik, 28, as Town’s top-scorer revealed working with Robert Lewandowski for Poland had helped his finishing.Helik has seven international caps but captain and Barcelona’s superstar hitman Lewandowski has a huge 146.Helik said: “Yes, obviously every session with him I could learn something.“Robert scores every type of goal. He’s different class — the best player in Polish football history without doubt.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“It was a great experience for me to work with him but I’m also taking lessons from other strikers in the league because I know as a defender what I don’t like — and I’m trying to do the same in the opposite way.”There is always a moment as a defender when you switch off when the shot is coming, so I’m trying to be alive for the second balls.“When I was young I was trying to be a striker but when I became so tall every coach was trying to push me to become a centre-back.“I never really watched defenders when I was young but Ronaldinho was the main man.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I know that doesn’t match my style of play but he was magic.”On as a 26th-minute sub after a month out with a groin injury, Helik netted from close range in first-half injury time after Leeds keeper Illan Meslier kept out Danny Ward’s header.EFL fans demand ‘automatic relegation’ after goalkeeper and defender combine for ‘Sunday league’ own-goalBut Town then had captain Jonathan Hogg sent off for two bookings, having caught Crysencio Summerville late and struck Junior Firpo in the face with his arm.Patrick Bamford turned in a low cross from Connor Roberts to bag a point for lacklustre Leeds, although Summerville hit the post with a late effort as they dominated possession.And forward Bamford said: “We’ll take a point because if you can’t win a game, then don’t lose it. We knew it was going to be that kind of game where they are fighting down in the bottom half of the table.”Daniel Farke’s Leeds dropped to third place but Helik — whose own side are out of the bottom three on goals scored — backed them for a Prem return.He added: “I think they’ve got so much quality and honestly think they will go up directly.“It’s not been an easy season for us. We are trying to do our job better and climb that table.” More

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      Brentford lining up transfer for on-fire USA striker with Ivan Toney set to leave in summer

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      BRENTFORD are checking on Norwich’s American striker Josh Sargent.The Bees will be in the market for a frontman with goalscorer Ivan Toney set to be sold in the summer.Josh Sargent is attracting interest from NorwichCredit: AlamyIvan Toney is set to leave the Bees in the summerCredit: GettyThe likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are in for the 27-year-old.Meanwhile, Sargent has improved at the Championship club and may be ready to make the step back up to the top flight.The 24-year-old star has previous Prem experience with Norwich and can lead the line like Toney.Sargent has scored 11 goals in 17 matches this season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe netted 13 times last term and just two the year before while he was in the Premier League.Norwich currently sit seventh in the Championship and will likely keep hold of their star player should they earn promotion.Sargent has been capped 23 times by the United States. Any new Brentford striker will have to compete for a starting spot with Igor Thiago.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Brazilian will arrive in West London in the summer from Club Brugge.Thiago, 22, has agreed a five-year deal with Thomas Frank’s side.Arsenal transfer target Ivan Toney suggests Thomas Frank ‘doesn’t want me’ in cheeky interview after Brentford goal More

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      FA set to use FANS in trial of radical new countdown plan to stop goalkeepers time wasting

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      FANS in stadiums will be invited to join in a “five second countdown” before time-wasting goalkeepers give away a throw-in or a corner.The radical trial could be used in the EFL lower divisions or the Football League Trophy from next season after being backed by the game’s Law-making body the International FA Board.Refs will be encouraged to punish goalkeepers taking too long on goal kicksCredit: GettyWhile introducing sin-bins in professional football has gone on the backburner after a global backlash, Ifab chiefs, at their annual general meeting at Loch Lomond, believe their latest idea will help reduce time-wasting.The current six second rule, rarely punished, will be extended to eight seconds, but with referees then holding up their hands to count down to zero with five seconds left.FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said: “So many times we see the goalkeeper holding onto the ball for five or six seconds at 0-0 and then when they’re 1-0 up they suddenly hold it for 25 seconds.“That’s not right and people get frustrated.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“Once the goalkeeper has got the ball under control, and the referee puts up his hand so that the five seconds gets counted down, you’ll see the crowd respond to that and the other players will.“In terms of how you give possession to the other team, the protocols being discussed are either a throw-in in line with the penalty spot or a corner.“There are pros and cons to both of them. They are still working that out but both will be trialled.”Other trials available from July 1 will see only captains allowed to speak to referees and the use of “cooling off periods” where feuding players would be ordered back to their respective penalty boxes until tempers calmed.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPushed on whether that would see the discussions with the EFL and other leagues on introduction of any of the ideas next term, Bullingham added: “I’m sure we will.“We haven’t got to that point yet but I anticipate that some will be looked at lower levels of English football.’How is he our captain’ moan Man Utd fans as Bruno Fernandes spotted furiously arguing with referee after Fulham loss“What level we will look at is an open discussion, I’m sure we’ll get that discussion with the relevant leagues.“It’s clear that we’re not aiming at the top two leagues in any country. But we’ve got so many options in England.”The meeting took place hours after Fifa President Gianni Infantino gave a “red card to blue cards” as the way of signalling sin-bins.But Ifab chiefs insisted they are not turning their backs on the sin-bin principle – although it will be purely for dissent and not, as previously suggested, cynical “action football action” fouls.Trials at grass roots levels will continue ahead of possible future extension.Bullingham added: “We’ve focused on the area that is more straightforward, which is dissent and encouraging referees to come into the game.“It’s something that affects 90 per cent of the game at all levels.“The cynical foul aspect is a subjective one and that potentially makes applying it harder. Let’s get sin-bins right first and then see if there is a broader application.”Changes for next season will see the option of permanent concussion substitutions written into the Laws as well as red cards for penalty box defensive handballs which deny scoring chances.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Premier League and PFA have called for a trial of temporary concussion replacements and Bullingham conceded: “Permanent substitutions is a positive and there are medics who say that means there is no risk of an injured player being sent back on the pitch.“We operate in an environment where different opinions are aired. English football does think temporary substitutions is worth being trialled at some point but we’ve made big steps forward.” More

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      ‘Best thing I’ve ever seen,’ cry fans as they spot former Premier League star’s brilliant reaction to red card

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      FOOTBALL fans labelled Ethan Ampadu’s reaction to an opponent’s red card as the “best thing I’ve ever seen”.The former Chelsea man, 23, is now a lynchpin in Daniel Farke’s Leeds side eyeing an immediate return to the Premier League. Jonathan Hogg saw red in first-half injury-time of the Yorkshire derbyCredit: Sky Sports The Huddersfield captain elbowed Junior Firpo while already on a yellowCredit: Sky SportsEthan Ampadu immediately wound up his opposite numberCredit: Sky Sports The former Chelsea man then signalled down the tunnelCredit: Sky Sports And he was right in the thick of the action in the Yorkshire derby away at Huddersfield today.The Terriers took a surprise lead in the first minute of first-half stoppage time through Michal Helik’s close-range finish.But just as it looked to be the perfect opening half for the hosts, they lost their captain four minutes into the nine added on.Jonathan Hogg, already booked, flung a stray elbow into Junior Firpo when challenging for a loose dropping ball.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd the referee immediately whistled then brandished the second yellow and subsequent red.A stunned Hogg had words for the referee… but captain Ampadu shared some of his own with his opposite number.The Leeds skipper, holding the ball, turned to Hogg and nodded his head repeatedly, appearing to say, “Yeah, yeah f*** off,” in agreement with the official’s decision. Ampadu then brilliantly gestured his thumb towards the tunnel – showing Hogg where to go for his early bath.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd the brilliant response from the 49-cap Wales international went down a storm among supporters on social media.One said: “This is the best thing I’ve ever seen.” Forgotten ex-Leeds star scores ‘quickest goal ever’ after netting just TWO SECONDS into non-league matchAnother wrote: “It’s funnier the more times you watch it.”A third added: “My captain.”And a fourth quoted the great literary genius Mike Dean to reply: “Off you pop.”But Leeds were not laughing come full-time as their 100 per cent Championship record in 2024 was ended by their rivals.Patrick Bamford did equalise midway through the second half but the ten-man Terriers dug deep to hold on for a crucial point at both ends of the table.Ampadu and Leeds could not find a winner as they dropped crucial pointsCredit: PA More

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      EFL cult hero rewards fans with brilliant gesture after they came to his rescue by crowdfunding to help him keep medal

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      EX-PLYMOUTH ARGYLE star David Norris passed out the pasties to thank supporters for their generosity today.The now 43-year-old claimed his parents had “disappeared with my savings” back in January.David Norris was dishing out the pasties to fans who came to his rescueCredit: C1 MediaThe ex-Plymouth star put his title medal up for sale after falling into financial troubleCredit: XThe ex-midfielder then put his League One winners’ medal, which he won with Plymouth in 2004, up for sale in an apparent bid to raise some much-needed cash.After his post went viral on social media, the football community, led by Pilgrims fans, raised £6,000 for their 2006 Player of the Year on JustGiving in order to stop him having to flog his prized memorabilia.Norris, who went on to enjoy more success with Ipswich, Portsmouth and Leeds, showed his appreciation today by handing out 1,330 Cornish Pasties to fans from both Plymouth and Ipswich ahead of today’s Championship clash between his two old teams.He teamed up with Sky Bet and Plymouth to give away £6,000 worth of pasties and hot snacks to both sets of fans.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSky Bet helped deliver the reward scheme as part of its new #ForTheFans campaign, which champions the modern football fan and fan culture, whilst helping to make their matchday experience better.Norris said: “After being faced with this difficult situation in my personal life, the response I have had from Plymouth and Ipswich fans along with the wider football community has been incredible.“The generosity and kindness I have been shown has been overwhelming and I’m really pleased I’ve been able to show my appreciation for them this weekend and give something back with help from Sky Bet.” Leigh Peacock-Goodwin, head of brand and sponsorship at Sky Bet, said: “We want to celebrate all the best parts of football fan culture in the UK and the Plymouth fans’ commitment to their former player really stood out.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“We’re delighted to have supported David in this gesture of saying thanks to them.”Meanwhile, Plymouth’s head of marketing and communications Jamie Yabsley added: “Our fans’ loyalty to the club and its players – both past and present – is clear to see.Plymouth fan goes crazy after he is tripped up by Sunderland fan during half-time competition“The way they showed up for David whilst he is facing a hard time fully embodies the spirit of the club and we are glad to have given them the recognition and rewards they deserve for their generosity today alongside Sky Bet.” Norris scored five goals in 45 matches to help Argyle win promotion to the Championship 20 years ago.Norris was a big hit with fans during his six-years playing for the PilgrimsCredit: Action More