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    Stockport star Corey Addai ready to upset Leyton Orient locals as he heads home for League One play-off first leg

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    COREY Addai hopes to be the local lad done even better after already becoming the one come good, even though it will mean heartache on his doorstep.And the Stockport ‘keeper does not have to look far for the inspiration that has seen him rise from an area where he could easily have taken the wrong path in life.Hackney-born Stockport star Addai is heading home to East London for the play-offCredit: AlamyTo say the 6ft 8ins stopper is on familiar turf at Leyton Orient is underplaying it – his parents live just two-and-a-half miles away in Hackney and big mate Thomas Jordan is an Os supporter.Listen to many and that borough is a write-off – rough, crime-ridden, a place where no-one prospers.But Addai is a firm believer in ‘life is what you make of it’ and the tattoo on his arm of Martin Luther King’s ‘ultimate measure of a man’ speech makes sure he does not waver.He said, while giving door-to-door directions from Leyton Orient to home: “It’s not who you are in a convenient situation, it’s who you are in controversy. That’s the real you. It’s on my arm and I live and die by that quote.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Can you be the same person? It’s about humility and being kind and caring for yourself and other people. If you can give when you have nothing, that tells the kind of person you are.“Being a young black boy from London, you come across a lot of situations and things you see.MOST READ IN LEAGUE ONE“I could say so much about growing up in London and what I’ve seen but I’m now in a position where I don’t have to see that anymore.“At the start of the season, we did a thing called ‘Six Pitches’ about why you play football – I put the London Borough of Hackney because I don’t want people to view where I come from as this bad place.Most read in Football“Google Hackney and it’ll say, ‘the worst place, the top five worst places to llve in London.’ That’s not what Hackney is, it’s my home and I want to represent it in the best possible way.“Also, my mates and family and say, ‘This is what we are. This is what we can achieve when things are done right.“’Live the right way. Do the right things. Work hard.’’ Ultimately, that’s what’s got me into this position. ‘You’ve got a chance to get out of here, so go and do it.’ That’s what I represent.Addai has Martin Luther-King’s ‘ultimate measure of a man’ speech tattooed on his armCredit: GARY CARTER“But what do I do to have humility, do the right things and see good in people? That’s how I want to live my life.”Addai is the biggest thing in Orient’s way in this play-off semi-final and is used to success after being part of Crawley’s League Two triumph last season.Life at Stockport started shakily for the 27-year-old as he found himself dropped for Ben Hinchliffe before the latter’s injury saw him back in and prospering.But given the calibre of team-mate he had in Arsenal’s junior ranks, it is little surprise to see him doing well.He can then maybe attempt to emulate another of his heroes, Thierry Henry.Addai was part of Crawley’s League Two Play-Off triumph last seasonCredit: PAThe Gunners fan told SunSport: “That team was unbelievable. Eberechi Eze played in it – but I can’t remember if he took penalties then like he does now!“He’s the biggest star who’s come through and I still speak to him.“I’m friends with his family. He’s a wonderful human being and I’m so proud to see where he’s got to from where he’s come from.Read More on The Sun“But as an Arsenal fan, Thierry Henry is the best player the Premier League’s ever seen and how he conducts himself now makes him someone you aspire to be like.“If someone goes the season unbeaten, they can have words with me. Until then, I don’t want to hear anything!” More

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      Wrexham stars jet to Las Vegas AGAIN as they continue promotion tradition bankrolled by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney

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      WREXHAM players have jetted off to Las Vegas for the third year running after once again winning promotion.The Red Dragons secured second place in League One by thrashing Charlton 3-0 at the Racecourse.James McClean is excited to return to Las Vegas with his team-matesThe Wrexham squad are heading to Sin City for the third year in a rowWrexham finished second in League One to secure promotionOwners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have funded the trip in previous yearsCredit: PAWrexham’s visit to Vegas is now a promotion traditionThey ended up on 92 points to reach the Championship – a record third consecutive promotion.Now the squad has flown out to Las Vegas, continuing their tradition of visiting Sin City after bagging promotion.Hollywood’s A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have funded the excursion in recent years and look set to do so again.Several stars shared snaps from the plane and they appeared in a party mood.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFormer Premier League ace James McClean posed for a photo alongside Paul Mullin, with Sam Smith, Andy Cannon and George Evans also featuring.McClean captioned the post: “Vegas again, ole ole ole.”(Be s***e to be in the play offs right now).”George Dobson, Ollie Palmer and League One team of the year member Ryan Barnett also posed for pics.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”Viva Las Vegas”, read another caption as the Wrexham heroes prepare for another promotion party.Reynolds, 48, is reportedly splashing out £500,000 to send the squad to Vegas.Wrexham stars get raunchy dance lesson from Channing Tatum in brilliant Super Bowl advertLast year the owners put on a “monster” all expenses paid trip that saw the players stay at a fancy hotel overlooking the strip.The squad also chilled out poolside with bikini-clad girls, dined at the exclusive Hakkasan restaurant and partied in Sin City for FOUR days straight.They were even invited into world-famous DJ Steve Aoki’s booth to celebrate with some music on one evening.The players stayed at a luxury hotelThey enjoyed pool parties as they soaked up the sunCredit: Instagram / @ryanbarnett38Stars hung out with bikini-clad womenCredit: The Mega Agency More

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      Ryan Reynolds and Tom Brady’s secret roles in David Beckham’s Salford takeover revealed as he lays out ambitious plans

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      DAVID BECKHAM has revealed why Tom Brady and Ryan Reynolds inspired him to complete a takeover of League Two side Salford City.The England icon recently joined forces with Gary Neville to finalise a takeover of Salford, having initially held a 10 per cent stake.Gary Neville and David Beckham have completed a takeover of Salford CityCredit: GettyBeckham has admitted he was inspired by Wrexham co-owner Ryan ReynoldsCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe England icon has also been impressed by Tom Brady’s work at BirminghamCredit: ReutersFollowing the departure of majority shareholder Peter Lim last year, several members of Manchester United’s Class of 92 – including Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Phil Neville and Paul Scholes – relinquished their ownership, allowing Beckham and Neville to invest further.The duo have since put together a consortium made up of Declan Kelly, founder of US-based advisory firm Consello, and Lord Mervyn Davies, chairman of the Lawn Tennis Association.It also includes four additional businessmen plus an Indian sports technology company.The Athletic has reported that Beckham and Co have invested between £11million and £15m to bolster Salford’s infrastructure and sporting ambitions.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Inter Miami chief has admitted that he was influenced by Wrexham co-owner Reynolds and Birmingham shareholder Brady when making his decision to invest.He said: “We’ve all been inspired by what Ryan Reynolds has been doing at Wrexham and I’m not saying this is why we’re doing it because it’s not”But I’ve spoken to Ryan about it so many times now and he said the feeling around the city, the feeling around the club, is so exceptional. That’s the kind of thing that we want to create.”Tom Wagner and Tom Brady have done an incredible job with Birmingham.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I went to a game a few months back and the atmosphere in the stadium was one of the best I’ve seen for a long time. That’s what we want to create.”We want to create that community, add to the community and fan base we’ve already got — and then lift it.How Wrexham was transformed from crime-ridden hellhole to Welsh Hollywood as locals say ‘next stop’s the Premier League’ “When you see what the Toms are doing, there is investment, there is a plan and it would be the dream to talk about the growth of Salford City.”It’s not only growth on the field, which is what we care most about, but we want success. Because if we’re having success then we’re also having the opportunity to say: ‘Now we we’re going to invest, now we’re going to get a bigger stadium, now we’re going to get a bigger training facility and then it will go on. That is what we’re aiming for.”We’re not going to turn around and say: ‘OK, there’s a bunch of money, we have no plan but we have the money and now we’ll go and get the players’. That’s not how we work in business. It has to be sustainable.”It has to be a real plan around the club because we want to be taken seriously on the field, firstly, and then on the business side. We don’t want to look stupid or make the mistakes that others have in the past.”Beckham also said: “I will be over every big decision that’s made and every little decision that’s made.”That’s what my commitment is to Gary. It’s what my commitment is to the club.”We’re definitely not doing it for a laugh and it’s also not for the romantic side of things. Yes, we care about the club — but we’re doing it to win. We want Salford to be successful and we have had success, but then we want it to go on to the next level.”I always dream big so I’m always going to want us to get to the pinnacle of football and be in the Premier League. But there’s a lot of hard work and a lot of investment to be done up until that point.”The Championship is a league that we want to get in but it’s step by step. We want success very quickly but these things take time.”There’s a reason why we’re not going to be going up this year. So what is that reason? How do we solve it? And what do we need to put around the team, the manager and the club to ensure we have that success?”But if we can do that, fast forward it and be up in the Championship, that’s what the dream would be.”The new consortium will not take on active daily roles within the club.Read More on The SunInstead, a new chief executive will likely be appointed.Butt, Giggs, Scholes and Phil Neville are expected to stay on in other non-stakeholder roles at Moor Lane. More

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      ‘Celebrating with someone’s nan’s dinner plate’ – Bradford trolled over trophy for finishing third in League Two

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      BRADF0RD CITY sealed a remarkable final-day promotion last weekend, but they have found themselves on the end of social media ridicule for their ‘trophy’ lift.The Bantams sealed promotion back to League One with a 1-0 win over Fleetwood Town on the last day of the campaign. Rival fans joked about the size of Bradford’s silverwareCredit: RexRichie Smallwood and Andy Cook celebrate Bradford’s promotionBradford are looking forward to League One football next seasonThey pipped Walsall to third spot, with the Saddlers needing to better the Yorkshire outfit’s result to have any chance of going up automatically.However, Graham Alexander’s men emerged victorious in the dying embers, with Antoni Sarcevic’s 96th-minute winner sending them up and Valley Parade into raptures. Bradford join champions Doncaster Rovers and Port Vale in League One next term. They will be joined by one of Walsall, AFC Wimbledon, Notts County, and Chesterfield, who make up the play-off contenders. Read more FootballDespite the sheer delirium that washed across the city, fans on social media decided to poke fun at the “trophy” the Bantams were given to celebrate their third place finish.One Doncaster fan tweeted: “Congrats #BCAFC after all the banter I’d much rather have you in league 1 than Walsall. “Great scenes. Not sure why you’re celebrating with someone’s nan’s dinner plate though”.A Port Vale supporter wrote: “Celebrating a season and a job well done, you’re trying to banter a 2nd place trophy in a season where Bradford got someone’s nan’s plate for coming 3rd.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAnother said: “Bradford City won a dog bowl trophy.”Andy Cook, the longest-serving player in the Bradford squad, sported a personalised shirt with his face on at the promotion parade.Bradford v Tranmere delayed after medical emergency in crowd with visitors’ keeper raising alarm (1)Cook, who scored 12 goals this season, said that going up “means everything” as the players and a sea of Bantams fans celebrated in Centenary Square in the city.Bradford have spent six season in the basement division – a far cry from their Premier League glory days of the early 2000s.It is the first time the Yorkshire side have achieved automatic promotion since 1999 – when a 3-2 win away at Wolves saw them reach the promised land of the top flight.But the 24 years that followed have been populated with despair and relegations.Fans flood the Valley Parade pitch as Bradford finally returned to League One More

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      From Man Utd to Mansfield… where it all went wrong for Luton as they’re relegated twice and end up in League One

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      LUTON TOWN have been relegated AGAIN just 12 months on from their Premier League survival fight.The Hatters finished just six points behind Nottingham Forest last season, with the Tricky Trees now chasing Champions League football under Nuno Espirito Santo.Luton Town have been relegated to League OneCredit: RexThe Hatters’ relegation was confirmed last weekendCredit: GettyLuton failed to ditch their losing habit from last seasonCredit: Prime MediaMatt Bloomfield arrived in January but could not keep Luton upCredit: GettyUnfortunately for the Kenilworth Road faithful, Luton just could not shake off the habit of losing.Under former boss Rob Edwards, who guided Town to the Premier League, Luton collected just six points from their last 16 matches of the 2023-24 campaign.If fans had the impression that the Championship would be easier, they were plunged back down to earth with a cruel bump when they lost 4-1 at home to Burnley on the opening day last August.The Clarets would bounce back to the top flight at the first time of asking, the Hatters would not.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLChastening defeats at Preston, Plymouth Argyle, Sheffield United and Coventry City followed their opening day disappointment.While their 5-1 battering at Middlesbrough prompted boss Edwards to admit that he felt “numb” to the situation.Luton tried to stay faithful to the man that got them up to the Premier League, but finally pulled the trigger in January when their desperate situation became impossible to ignore.In came Matt Bloomfield, ditching a League One promotion charge with Wycombe Wanderers for a relegation dogfight at Luton.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRob Edwards was sacked by Luton in JanuaryCredit: GettyBloomfield won just four of his first 15 games in charge of Wycombe, so a slow start at Luton may not have been totally unpredictable.But the 41-year-old taking nine matches to secure his first Hatters win left his side with an awful lot to do.Rob Edwards reflects on Luton Town’s loss to Queens Park Rangers A late charge did see Luton briefly climb out of the relegation zone.But a 5-3 collapse at West Brom on the final day sealed their fate, condemning the Hatters to relegation.Last summer, Luton lost the likes of Ross Barkley, Chiedozie Ogbene and Andros Townsend, while club stalwart Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu was allowed to go out on loan.Then there was inspirational skipper Tom Lockyer, the centre-back who suffered a second cardiac arrest on the pitch last season.The Wales international has since recovered and been cleared to return, but a slew of injuries have kept him off the pitch this season.His future at Kenilworth Road remains in doubt.Speaking of Luton’s traditional home, so embedded in the community, the Hatters recently announced plans to move into a new 25,000-seater stadium.Despite their relegation, CEO Gary Sweet remains bullish on the prospect.’THAT’S WHO WE ARE’Speaking to The Athletic, Sweet said: “That is what the Premier League has done for us.”What I’ve been saying this week when we’ve announced the contractor to build Power Court (the location of the new ground) is that during the course of this lifetime we’re going to be playing football in that stadium in the Premier League, the Championship, in League One and, most probably, League Two because that’s Luton Town.“That’s who we are, they are the journeys we take, as our history has absolutely proven.”So whether we are League One or Championship next season, it makes really no difference to the specification of that programme, the timeline or delivery of Power Court.”All we do is regroup as a football club and a football team.”In a club statement, chairman David Wilkinson bullishly added: “The in-depth analysis started before relegation was confirmed, as individuals and as a Club, as we set about working harder and more effectively to build on the run of form that, before Saturday’s defeat, had put us in with such a chance of survival.”All we can promise, at this moment, is that we will review, regroup and rebuild. Indeed, this has started. “We must recover the spirit that was so familiar to us on our rise, and we will use this now as a catalyst for a renewed determination and focus to achieve one objective.”Lengthy discussions have already taken place with Matt [Bloomfield] and his staff regarding next season designed to reshape our squad into a proper Luton team we can all be proud to watch next season.Read More on The Sun”No stone will go unturned as we review and prepare for the 2025/26 season, hopefully, with fresh optimism and renewed vigour.”From duelling with the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool last season, Luton will have to overcome Mansfield and Burton next term.Luton rallied late on in the season but could not stay upCredit: RexThe Hatters will battle the likes of Mansfield next seasonCredit: Rex More

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      Former Chelsea star with very famous TV ex left unemployed at 36 after being released by relegated League One club

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      FORMER Chelsea star Scott Sinclair is unemployed after being released from Bristol Rovers.The veteran winger, who was the club captain, has been let go following their relegation from League One.Scott Sinclair has been released by Bristol RoversCredit: GettySinclair’s ex is ex-Corrie star Helen FlanaganCredit: InstagramShe is a TV personality, actress and modelCredit: InstagramBristol Rovers finished 22nd in a disastrous campaign and Sinclair is now without a club.He is not the only ex-Premier League ace released by the Pirates as former West Brom midfielder Romanie Sawyers has also not earned a new contract.Joining the duo as free agents from the side are Grant Ward, Luke McCormick, Jerry Lawrence, Jack Hunt, Jevani Brown and Matt Hall.A one-year extension has been triggered for James Wilson and Chris Martin, who will remain at the club while he recovers from a knee injury.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSinclair, 36, came through the ranks at Bristol Rovers before joining Chelsea as a teenager.He was on books of the Blues for five years, playing 14 times for the club.Sinclair went on to feature for the likes of Swansea, Manchester City West Brom, Aston Villa and Celtic in his lengthy career.He also represented Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics.Most read in EFLJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAway from the field, Sinclair had a high-profile romance with ex-partner Helen Flanagan.They had three children before going their separate ways in 2022.Helen Flanagan looks amazing as she glams up in pink dress for Grand National with boyfriend Robbie TalbotActress and model Helen rose to fame on Coronation Street and she has since been on several shows like I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here and Celebs Go Dating.She now dates former footballer Robbie Talbot.Helen and Sinclair have three kids togetherCredit: Instagram More

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      Iconic manager Ian Holloway suffers horror swelling on face after skin cancer scare as concerned fans send well wishes

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      IAN HOLLOWAY has opened up on his recent skin cancer scare.The iconic boss, 62, went under the knife last week to remove a growth on his face.Ian Holloway spoke about his skin cancer ordealHolloway, 62, was on the touchline last Saturday despite going under the knife just days earlierCredit: Rob NoyesDespite his recent surgery, Swindon Town boss Holloway was in the dugout as his side faced MK Dons on Saturday.The former Blackpool, Crystal Palace and Queens Park Rangers boss appeared on the touchline with a scar on his face.Ahead of the 0-0 draw, Holloway opened up on his worrying ordeal.The Bristolian said: “I’m in a wonderful time in my life now. I’m getting all sorts of bits and pieces falling off me.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”You can see it, but I used to go out in the sun, I get skin cancer problems.”My advice to anybody is please don’t do it. Don’t let your kids get burnt. Don’t go out there if you’ve got fair skin like I have.”Put [Factor] 50 on, keep covered, because I can’t do anything about these bits, and I’ve got a huge scar on the right-hand side of my face now.”Luckily they cut it out and they’re sending it off to see. There’ll probably be more bits of me in a jar somewhere than there is sat here.Most read in FootballHolloway made an impassioned plea to fans”It looks like I’ve had a fight with a bear and lost. You can’t hide that fact.”Swindon’s draw with MK Dons on Saturday saw them finish 12th in League Two.Cult hero Ian Holloway spent four years out of football enjoying his hobby as a painter After the game, the Robins’ X account posted: “Speedy recovery, Gaffer.”Plenty of concerned fans responded, with one writing: “Get well soon Ollie. What a guy!”While a second commented: “Wishing you a speedy recovery, Ollie.”A third posted: “Get well soon, football is better with you involved.”And another added: “What a bloke. All the best Ian.”In March, Holloway penned a contract extension to stay with Swindon until June 2028.Read More on The SunThe experienced boss joined the Robins following nearly four years out of management.Town were just three points above the drop zone when Holloway was appointed, with the popular boss going on to guide them into the top half. More

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      ‘Pinnacle of tinpot’ – Fans can’t believe why MK Dons have changed their badge as they release new design

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      MK DONS have been slammed after they revealed their new badge.The League Two side revealed their new crest on social media on Tuesday.Supporters were given a choice of three new crests to pick fromScott Lindsey was dismissed from his post after he could not turn MK’s slump aroundCredit: RexMK, who finished in 19th in the fourth tier, have had a dismal second season back in the Football League’s basement division. That has led to uproar amongst the club’s fanbase, and they have been ridiculed on X since the announcement of their new logo. In a statement on the club’s website, MK said that the new crest was more than a badge.”It’s a reflection of who we are and where we’re going. It brings together our heritage, ambition, and modernity in a way that’s built to stand the test of time.”Read more footballIt delved deeper into the process behind the switch, acknowledging Milton Keynes’ roundabouts as a key inspiration. “The circular shape represents unity and strength, echoing our belief in ‘One City, One Club’,” the announcement continued. “But it also nods to something closer to home, Milton Keynes’ iconic roundabouts. It’s a subtle tribute to the city’s unique identity, woven seamlessly into the heart of our new look.”BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKOne fan said that MK were the “pinnacle of tinpot”, while another commented: “That looks horrendous! You’ve saved me money on kits going forward as I won’t be wearing one with that on it.”Most read in EFL”Who voted for this? Not good,” another comment read. Daniel Farke turns into DJ for Leeds’ bus parade as 150,000 fans cheer on their promotion heroesOne fan went even further, tweeting: “You know there’s f*** all historically to your club when you base your new badge on roundabouts”, adding laughing and pointing emojis.Port Vale, who went up automatically from League Two this season, have mocked their rivals on X. The Valiants posted jokey annotations of their current crest in a reply tweet to MK’s original post. Those included “Two of these” and “Not a steak bake”, with corresponding arrows pointing to menial parts of their badge. The post had fans in fits of laughter, with one commenting: “Admin I love you”, and another “Sharp wit is an understatement Admin”. The Buckinghamshire oufit finished fourth last term under Mike Williamson, the former Newcastle United manager, but were thrashed 8-1 on aggregate by Crawley Town in the play-offs.The scoreline was the largest play-off defeat in EFL history. This term, more misery has been piled onto MK, with promotion hopes dashed prematurely after a run of four defeats in the club’s opening six games. That included a 3-0 humbling at the hands of arch-rivals AFC Wimbledon, which included a late brace from Callum Maycock. That result prompted Williamson to leave his post, with Scott Lindsey dropping down from League One Crawley to take the reins. Read More on The SunHowever, his tenure was short-lived, as he was fired in March after just two wins in 14 games. Paul Warne, the former Derby County boss, took over at the helm with four games to play, and he oversaw three draws and a win in that time. More

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      Fans spot something awkward in trophy reflection after Doncaster boss posts pic of himself in bed ‘sleeping’ with cup

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      EAGLE-EYED fans were left in hysterics after spotting something awkward in the Doncaster manager’s trophy picture in bed.Rovers secured promotion from League Two this season and went up as champions, too.Doncaster won League Two – securing top spot on the final day of the seasonCredit: GettyGrant McCann led Rovers to the titleCredit: PAHis bedroom selfie with the trophy left fans in hystericsCredit: X @grantmccann11They were presented with the trophy on Saturday after they beat Notts County away and Port Vale lost at home to Gillingham.And boss Grant McCann was allowed to take the EFL trophy home with him.McCann, 45, took to X on Sunday, posting a photo of himself seemingly sleeping next to the silverware in bed as has become a trend in recent years.The ex-Northern Ireland midfielder, who won League One with Hull in 2020-21, captioned the snap: “Afternoon kip with this beautiful thing,” and added a heart-eyes emoji. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, it did not take long for supporters’ eyes to be caught by the reflection in the trophy.Because while McCann appeared to be fast asleep, not all was quite as it seemed. In the reflection, McCann’s arm can be seen holding his phone and taking the selfie.And that sparked a wave of hilarious responses on social media – including one which was just a string of laughing emojis.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOne said: “Generational stinkerAnother wrote: “Haha that reflection – much deserved pose!!”Burnley stars serenaded by chart-topping Noughties legend in surprise scenesA third added: “How did you take this while you were asleep mate?”And a final user typed: “School boy.” More