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    Inside football’s glitziest game as millionaire Hollywood owners and sporting icon face off at Wrexham vs Birmingham

    ROLL up for Hollywood vs the Wall Street-backed American sports GOAT: The Sequel.Wrexham and Birmingham face off on Thursday night at the Racecourse Ground, and it’s not just a top-of-the-table League One game — but two glitzy worlds colliding.Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have transformed WrexhamCredit: FX NetworksTom Brady decided to become a joint-owner at BirminghamThe return fixture kicked off earlier in the season with tempers flaringCredit: GettyBrady attended the St Andrew’s showdown with David BeckhamCredit: GettyOr, as Rotherham manager Steve Evans called their first clash, the Real Madrid of League One against the Harlem Globetrotters.Hollywood A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s third-placed Wrexham host Tom Brady and Tom Wagner’s Wall Street-financed leaders Birmingham in the highest-profile fixture our third tier has ever known.And if Thursday night’s game is anything like the first instalment, we are in for a cracker.When the two teams met at St Andrew’s in September, the Blues came from behind to win 3-1 with two goals from £15million summer signing Jay Stansfield and Tomoki Iwata.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut, in truth, the scoreline flattered Wrexham who were overpowered by a team that spent more money in the summer transfer window than any club outside the Premier League.Even Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson quipped: “Birmingham bought every player we wanted to sign!”Not only was Birmingham’s famous old ground packed to the rafters with more than 30,000 fans but the game attracted a global audience of FOUR MILLION – the biggest viewing figure ever for a third-tier game in any country, let alone England.Birmingham co-owner and NFL legend Brady was at that game along with the likes of David Beckham and Gary Neville.Most read in EFLBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesAnd the atmosphere was so electric inside the stadium that even Beckham was blown away by it, saying that he had not experienced such excitement in a stadium for many years.Both clubs are living the American Dream. Tom Brady in hilarious reaction after getting X-rated welcome from Wrexham fans for Birmingham clashReynolds and McElhenney rescued Wrexham five years ago when they were rotting away in the lower reaches of the National League.Now they are on the brink of taking the team into the second tier for the first time in 43 years.Such has been their success, they have inspired some of their Hollywood chums to invest in English football.Their pal, funnyman Will Ferrell has bought a stake in Leeds, Creed movie series star Michael B Jordan was part of a group that bought a stake in Bournemouth while Avengers director Joe Russo has bought into Sheffield United.But Reynolds and McElhenney are far more hands-on and have generated significant funds mainly through their Disney+ series Welcome To Wrexham, which has been a huge success.They have opened doors that even some Premier League clubs would be jealous of.The past two summers, they have embarked on coast-to-coast North America pre-season tours taking on the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Bournemouth where they were treated by the hosts like Prem stars.Ahead of this game Reynolds, McElhenney and Brady have joined forces to help raise money for the Los Angeles Fire Department after their incredibly heroic battle against the wildfires that threatened to engulf the Californian city.The game is being screened at the Cosm Los Angeles Stadium where organisers are hoping for a big turnout.And while Reynolds and McElhenney have attracted global attention for Wrexham, they have endeared themselves to the locals with their generous charity work on these shores.The Hollywood duo have led Wrexham to back-to-back promotionsCredit: GettyBirmingham were relegated at the end of a nightmare seasonCredit: GettyReynolds has a special bond with his players including striker Paul MullinCredit: Instagram @vancityreynoldsThe pair generously donated to Sands UK three years ago when then-Wrexham player Jordan Davies and his partner Kelsey’s son Arthur was stillborn three years ago.And Reynolds auctioned Deadpool-themed gym equipment to raise funds for Your Space – a local organisation that helps children with autism. They have also supported the Institute of Cancer Research.And, touchingly, they donated £10,000 towards a £40,000 crowdfunder to adapt the home of a four-year-old Wrexham fan called Louis, who was born with a rare genetic condition which causes him to have painful leg spasms, limited mobility, epilepsy and cerebral palsy.They are still planning to renovate the Racecourse Ground — which includes the building of a new stand at the Kop end.At Birmingham, the American owners are spending a year righting the wrong of their disastrous first season where they somehow conspired to get the team RELEGATED.Sacking John Eustace while they were in the promotion play-off spots and replacing him with Wayne Rooney proved to be an utter disaster.But they have thrown huge amounts of money at the problem and so far it is working with the team top of the table and five points clear of third with two games in hand.There is a real feel-good factor around the blue noses… and regardless of tonight’s result, Birmingham are surely going to be back in the Championship next season with a clear ambition to get into the Premier League.But how do the owners’ mad worlds compare? SunSport takes a closer look at the millionaire owners…ASTONISHING WEALTHIn terms of net worth, it’s Reynolds who is the daddy of them all.The Hollywood movie star’s fortune has risen in the last few years thanks to the blockbuster Deadpool films, If and Bullet Train.It’s not just in entertainment where Reynolds is thriving. A keen eye for business, he made a reported profit of £96m from the sale of Aviation Gin and also sold a 25 per cent stake in Mint Mobile last year.All of that means Reynolds is believed to be worth around £300m.His rival Brady is said to be worth £228m.Reynolds earned much of his wealth from the Deadpool filmsCredit: © Twentieth Century Fox 2016Tom Brady won seven Super Bowls during his illustrious NFL careerCredit: GettyMost of the seven-time Super Bowl winner’s wealth was accumulated by his NFL playing career as a quarterback for the New England Patriots and later the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.And that’s been boosted by a ten-year contract with Fox to commentate on NFL, worth a cool £285m.Although McElhenney hasn’t quite got the same wealth as those two, the It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia creator has around £50m in the bank.Last year, he and Reynolds also invested a 24 per cent equity stake in F1 team Alpine Racing.FAMOUS WIVESReynolds is one half of a Hollywood super-couple.He married Gossip Girl actress Blake Lively in a small, secret ceremony in 2012.The Canadian was previously married to another beauty, Scarlett Johansson.Reynolds is married to fellow Hollywood star Blake LivelyCredit: GettyThe couple got married in 2012Credit: The Mega AgencyBrady and Gisele Bundchen separated in 2022Credit: GettyThe sporting great was briefly linked with Cristiano Ronaldo’s ex Irina ShaykCredit: GettyMcElhenney met his wife Kaitlin Olson on the set of It’s Always SunnyCredit: PAMcElhenney met future wife Kaitlin Olson on the set of It’s Always Sunny in 2005, and began dating a year later.Brady was married to the most famous supermodel in the world, Gisele Bundchen until their shock split in 2022.He soon started dating another model, Irina Shayk, who famously had romances with Cristiano Ronaldo and Bradley Cooper – but he is now believed to be single.AMAZING MANSIONSReynolds and Lively spend most of their time on the East Coast of the USA, while Brady and McElhenney are based on the West Coast.Ryan and Blake’s New York property boasts 11.65 acres, has an outdoor barn, with the main Colonial-style house measuring around 8,892 square feet.It features seven bedrooms and six bathrooms, and reportedly cost around £4.4m.Tom Brady has a mansion in LA but put his Miami pad went up for saleCredit: Romain Maurice for The U.S. SunIt is believed Brady has moved into a mega mansion in Los Angeles after it was renovated in the summer.Spanning 14,000 feet, he purchased the land for a sum believed to be around £12m and then erected a home.His former Miami home went up for sale for over £12m after his divorce from Gisele.EPIC CAR COLLECTIONSReynolds and Brady are two petrolheads who love their motors.The former sports star has an insane car collection worth a whopping £3.5m.In his garage, you’ll find a Rolls Royce Ghost, two Aston Martins – a DB11 and a Vanquish Volante – a Bugatti Veyron Super Sport and a Ferrari M458-T.On top of that, Brady has also been seen behind the wheel of an Audi R8, a Range Rover Sport and a Lexus.Reynolds boasts a speedy Lamborghini Aventador in his collection that reaches a top speed of more than 217mph.To get around in luxury with his family, the Van Wilder actor also has a huge Cadillac Escalade.Always with an eye for the classics, Reynolds also added a super Mercedes-Benz 190 SL W121 to his collection.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt set him back a cool £121,000 and was produced between 1955 to 1963.Lavish lifestyle, aside though, who has the better team? We’ll soon find out. Brady owns a stunning car collection including a Bugatti VeyronCredit: GettyReynolds and his family get around in their Cadillac EscaladeCredit: CadillacThe Lamborghini Aventador can hit a top speed of 217mphCredit: Getty More

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    Wrexham’s James McClean involved in car crash on way to training ahead of League One table-topping clash with Birmingham

    WREXHAM star James McClean was involved in a car crash on the way to training this morning.The 35-year-old is set to undergo further medical checks after subsequently reporting to Wrexham’s HQ.James McClean was involved in a car accident this morningCredit: Mancpicss66Wrexham confirmed the car crash scare in a club statementCredit: PAWrexham are set to host Birmingham in a top-of-the-table League One clash tomorrow night.In the build-up to the match, the League One club confirmed that a car crash involving one of their players had occurred in a statement on their website.It read: “Wrexham AFC can confirm that a first-team player has been involved in a car accident this morning on his way to training.”It was a single car accident with no other vehicles involved and the relevant local authorities were quickly present at the scene.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The player reported to the club this morning and will undergo further medical checks.”This morning’s incident is said to have occurred by Wrexham Golf Club.The area was subject to very misty conditions.McClean is a 103-cap Republic of Ireland international and has played in the Premier League for Sunderland and West Brom.Most read in EFLSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYJust yesterday, Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson appealed to the EFL to do more to combat the abuse that McClean is regularly subjected to by opposition fans.He said: “Occasionally the level of abuse goes too far and I’m not sure enough is done about it.Wrexham’s multi-million pound training ground funded by Ryan Reynolds “People are quite quick to jump on the back of players for stepping out of line and referees are quick to give people yellow cards.”Then I think what are the EFL doing about the level of abuse Jimmy gets on a week to week basis and for me it’s nowhere near enough.”But unfortunately I don’t think my words are going to be enough to change that.”McClean is Wrexham captain and has started 24 of their 26 League One games so far this season.Parkinson’s men go into tomorrow night’s clash with Birmingham third in the table, five points behind leaders Blues who possess two games in hand.The match is expected to be attended by several high-profile guests, including Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney and Tom Brady.McClean, 35, has started 24 of Wrexham’s 26 League One games so far this seasonCredit: Rex More

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    Former Premier League ace, 46, married to ex-soap star sacked by EFL club as 160-word statement released

    BARROW have sacked former Premier League ace Stephen Clemence as manager after eight months into the job.Clemence, 46, played for Tottenham, Birmingham and Leicester, where he hung up his boots in 2010 and crossed over to management nine years later.Barrow have sacked manager Stephen Clemence after just eight monthsCredit: RexClemence has been married to former Brookside soap star Suzanne Collins since 2017Credit: AlamyThe former midfielder took over Barrow in League Two back in May but a run of six defeats in his last 10 matches, of which he won only one, led to his dismissal.The ex-England youth international, who has been married to former Brookside soap star Suzanne Collins since 2017, oversaw a total of 10 wins and 15 losses in 32 games with the Bluebirds.The club issued a brief statement thanking Clemence for his contribution and explained that the recent poor form forced their hand.Barrow issued the following statement: “Barrow AFC can confirm that they have parted company with their First Team head coach, Stephen Clemence.”Read More on FootballChairman Paul Hornby said: ‘Stephen came in over the summer and we had high hopes to build on his considerable coaching ability and reputation.”‘We’ve built a strong squad of players together and enjoyed some memorable early success including our Carabao Cup exploits.”‘Stephen has always conducted himself with great dignity and professionalism but unfortunately our recent extended run of poor results has led us to the decision that it was time to make a change.”‘We would like to thank Stephen for his hard work and dedication to the club and wish him well for the future.’Most read in EFLBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusives”The club can also confirm that Assistant Manager Robbie Stockdale will also leave his role, we would also like to thank Robbie for his contribution during his time with us.”We will provide updates on the search for a new Head Coach in due course.”Ruben Amorim warns Man Utd stars he’ll learn more about them vs Southampton than against Arsenal and LiverpoolClemence, whose dad was the late England, Liverpool and Spurs legend Ray, started out as caretaker boss at Sheffield Wednesday in 2019 before taking over Gillingham in 2023 for just five months. More

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    Leeds vs Sheffield Wednesday live stream FREE: How to watch huge EFL clash today

    LEEDS welcome fierce Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Wednesday to Elland Road TODAY!Daniel Farke is looking to lead the Whites back to the Premier League after his side failed to make an immediate return to the top flight last season.Leeds’ Yorkshire derby with Sheffield Wednesday will be free to watchCredit: GettyLeeds were on the receiving end of play-off final heartbreak last May, with Adam Armstrong’s strike firing Southampton to the big time.Now, the Whites are on a nine-match unbeaten run and will remain top of the Championship with a win over their Yorkshire rivals this afternoon.But Sheffield Wednesday arrive at Elland Road in decent form themselves, and the Owls will be looking to secure three points to push towards the play-off spots.It promises to be a blockbuster Yorkshire derby – and you can catch all the action for FREE!READ MORE IN EFLWhen is Leeds vs Sheffield Wednesday?Leeds vs Sheffield Wednesday will take place on Sunday, January 19.Kick off is scheduled for 12pm GMT.Elland Road will host.How to watch Leeds vs Sheffield Wednesday for FREELeeds vs Sheffield Wednesday will be broadcast LIVE on ITV1 You can live stream the match for FREE on the ITVX app/website.The Championship fixture is available on free-to-air TV after Sky Sports, ITV, and the EFL reached an agreement to give fans the chance to watch the EFL and EFL Cup for absolutely nothing. Most read in EFLITV’s coverage of the second tier continues with the Tees-Wear derby between Middlesbrough and Sunderland on Monday, February 4. More

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    Former Newcastle star misses potential debut for new club after being involved in car crash

    FORMER Newcastle star Paul Dummett missed out on his Carlisle debut after suffering a car crash.The defender signed for the Cumbrians last week on a short-term contract until the end of the season.Paul Dummett was involved in a car crash on FridayHe was set to make his debut against Bradford but was involved in a car crash on Friday.Dummett, 33, did not suffer any injuries other than a few cuts and bruises, and is expected to take part in training on Monday.A Carlisle statement read: “Mike Williamson has confirmed that Paul Dummett missed today’s game after he was involved in a car accident yesterday. “He’s got a couple of cuts and bruises, but no serious injuries. Paul will be back in full training on Monday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He’s OK. He spent the day getting some tests done, but he’ll be in training on Monday and we expect him to be fit next weekend.”Carlisle did not cope well in his absence as they succumbed to a 1-0 defeat – their third in a row.They are rooted to the bottom of the football league and are managed by Dummett’s former Toon team-mate Mike Williamson.Dummett revealed he had been considering a switch to Carlisle after leaving Newcastle in the summer.Most read in EFLHe said: “I always looked at Carlisle as an option for me when I left Newcastle, actually, even before I went to Wigan.”I felt Carlisle could be a good fit for me. Being from Newcastle, it meant being close to home, and I know the quality of the pitch here as well, watching over the years.”EFL fans demand ‘automatic relegation’ after goalkeeper and defender combine for ‘Sunday league’ own-goal More

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    Tom Brady’s Birmingham rocked as CEO suddenly steps down for personal reasons as club release statement

    BIRMINGHAM CEO Garry Cook has stepped down for personal reasons.Cook, 67, played a key role in Knighthead’s takeover of the club in 2023.Garry Cook has stepped down as Birmingham CEOCredit: PAIn a statement posted to their website, the Blues confirmed Cook’s decision to step down.Club chairman Tom Wagner said: “We thank Garry for everything that he has done during his time as Chief Executive Officer.”His passionate leadership and commitment to the Club that he has supported from boyhood has been unwavering and his contributions are extensive.”The instrumental role he played in Knighthead becoming involved in Birmingham City FC should also never be forgotten.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We are delighted that he will remain connected to us via the Advisory Committee and Foundation and that both will benefit from his vision and expertise.”When Knighthead completed their takeover in August 2023, NFL icon Tom Brady bought a 3.3 per cent stake in the club.In Cook’s absence, the Blues have appointed boyhood supporter Jeremy Dale as interim CEO.Wagner added: “Jeremy has a deep understanding of our vision and culture, and we are confident in his ability to guide Birmingham City during this transition.Most read in EFLSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYTom Brady is part of Blues’ ownership groupCredit: Getty”Our commitment to excellence and progress remains steadfast as we continue to build on the solid foundation we’ve already established.”Birmingham have confirmed that they have begun their search for Cook’s permanent successor.EFL club owner gives update on new £2bn ‘spaceship’ stadium included in mega plans for state-of-the-art complex Last April, the League One leaders unveiled plans for a new stadium, with the overall project set to cost between £2-3billion.On the pitch they were relegated from the Championship last term, having sacked John Eustace to appoint Wayne Rooney, before the Manchester United legend’s eventual replacement Tony Mowbray was forced to step aside for health reasons.Despite falling into the third tier, Blues forked out a fee rising to £15million for Jay Stansfield last summer.Chris Davies’ side currently sit top of League One, two points above Wycombe and Wrexham with two games in hand.Jay Stansfield and Co are top of League OneCredit: Getty More

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    Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney add third football club to portfolio after Wrexham success

    RYAN REYNOLDS and Rob McElhenney have bought Colombian top-flight side La Equidad.The duo, who have owned Wrexham since 2021, are part of a star-studded consortium that have completed the purchase.Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have completed their latest purchaseCredit: GettyLa Equidad play at the 10,000-seater Estadio Metropolitano de TechoCredit: GettyIn addition to Reynolds and McElhenney, Hollywood actress Eva Longoria is also part of the ownership group, as well as MLB star Justin Verlander and model wife Kate Upton, podcaster Scott Galloway and former NBA player Shawn Marion.The consortium is fronted by real estate investor Al Tylis and business associate Sam Porter.In 2021, they completed the purchase of Mexican side Club Necaxa.Reynolds and McElhenney came onboard last April, with the consortium taking a reciprocal stake in Wrexham.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUpon the consortium completing their latest takeover, Porter told The Athletic: “I am pleased to confirm that Al Tylis, our investment partners, and I have successfully acquired Club Deportivo La Equidad.”This is an incredible opportunity to enhance the club’s growth in every aspect and to become an integral part of Colombian football.”We are privileged to collaborate with an outstanding group of investors, including Eva Longoria, Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney, and Shawn Marion, who have been instrumental in our project at Club Necaxa in Mexico.”Together, we are committed to elevating the club to its highest potential.”Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYEva Longoria is also part of the star-studded consortiumCredit: GettyLa Equidad were founded in 1982 and won the Copa Colombia in 2008.Last season they finished 13th in their country’s 20-team top flight.Wrexham stars including ex-Premier League ace party with Hollywood hunk Channing Tatum after Cambridge drawThey could now receive a similar boost to Wrexham and Club Necaxa.Wrexham have climbed from the National League to the upper echelons of League One since being taken over.They are also the subject of hit documentary series “Welcome to Wrexham” and have seen their profile grow substantially worldwide.The Welsh side have toured the US during the last two pre-seasons.Club Necaxa also have a docu-series in the works.Titled “Bienvenido a Necaxa”(Welcome to Necaxa), it is set to air on FX and Disney+.Reynolds and McElhenney have overseen a sharp rise at WrexhamCredit: Getty More

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    Plymouth REJECTED in first approach to replace Wayne Rooney as League Two club block move for ex-Premier League star

    PLYMOUTH have been denied permission to speak to Walsall manager Matt Sadler.Argyle have placed the Saddlers boss on their shortlist to replace Wayne Rooney.Plymouth have been denied permission to speak to Walsall boss Matt SadlerCredit: GettyArgyle sacked Wayne Rooney on New Year’s EveCredit: RexSadler, a former Premier League star with Birmingham City, has guided Walsall 10 points clear of League Two.The Saddlers have won their last seven games in the fourth tier, pulling clear of a chasing pack including Crewe Alexandra, Salford, Port Vale and AFC Wimbledon.Championship strugglers Plymouth are considering testing their resolve with a generous compensation package.Man Utd legend Rooney was given the boot on New Year’s Eve with Argyle rock bottom of the Championship.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSRooney won just five of his 25 games in charge, with Argyle’s last victory way back in early November at home to Portsmouth.The Pilgrims have scrapped filming for their fly-on-the-wall documentary following Rooney’s exit.As SunSport revealed in November, filming had commenced for a series showcasing their battle for Championship survival.They had hoped to flog the series to a streaming platform – such as Netflix or Amazon Prime – and raise significant funds in the process.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSProduction staff were told to “take a break” from filming after just TWO games, with club bosses worried the project risked becoming a “distraction”.Lorton Entertainment, who had been working on the project, already had ties to the Rooneys, having worked on feature length documentary ‘Rooney’ and ‘Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story’.Rooney has bagged a new role for 2025 as house husband – after blowing the final whistle on his manager job with failing Plymouth ArgyleAs for Rooney, he is expected to be offered an immediate return to punditry work.A TV insider told SunSport: “Wayne is regarded as one of the best pundits in the business.”He’s very, very knowledgeable about the game.”And even though he’s actually quite a shy person, he really feels at home in a TV studio.The insider added: “It’s been a rubbish end to 2024 for Wayne, but he’s not going to be out of work for long.”Wayne still harbours ambitions of making it as a manager.”But, like Gary Neville, it might end up being the case that he can carve out a more successful and lucrative career as a pundit rather than as a manager in the dugout.” More