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      Championship club SACK manager just three months after handing him bumper new contract following worst start in 94 YEARS

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      CARDIFF CITY have sacked Erol Bulut with the Bluebirds bottom of the Championship.Bulut, 49, signed a bumper new two-year deal in June, after joining in the summer of 2023, as the Welsh side finished 12th last season.Erol Bulut has been sacked by CardiffThe Turkish manager joined Cardiff last summer and signed a new deal in June 2024But Cardiff have picked up just one point from six leagues games so far this season.And have scored just one goal in the process amounting to their worst start to a campaign in 94 years.Cardiff club statement read: “The club can confirm First Team Manager Erol Bulut has been relieved of his duties.”And will leave the Club with immediate effect. The Board of Directors wish to thank Erol for all of his hard work and wish him well for the future.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”First Team Coach Nikolaos Karydas will also depart and leaves with the Club’s best wishes. Further backroom staff confirmation will follow in due course.”Assistant Omer Riza will take charge of the club on an interim basis.Bulut’s final game was Cardiff’s 2-0 home defeat against Leeds United on Saturday.The Bluebirds have also lost to Sunderland, Burnley, Middlesbrough and Derby County.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWith their only point coming in the South Wales derby against Swansea, who sit seventh in the table.After a relegation battle in 2022-23, Cardiff improved in Bulut’s first year in charge, finishing 12th.Premier League managers’ salaries revealed He previously managed Fenerbahce and Gaziantep in Turkey more making the switch to the UK.Cardiff travel to Hull City on Saturday, who sit 16th after winning just one game themselves.They face three more bottom half sides after that in Millwall, Bristol City and Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth. Cardiff captain Joe Ralls looks on against Leeds More

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      Fans spot moment Paul Mullin ‘remembered there were cameras’ as Wrexham star responds to bizarre ‘biting’ incident

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      WREXHAM star Paul Mullin has reiterated that he did not bite Birmingham full-back Alex Cochrane during last night’s feisty League One encounter.Mullin, 29, came off the bench as the Welsh side looked to extend their lead at the top of table.Paul Mullin grabbed his opponent’s legCredit: Sky Sports FootballThe Wrexham star appeared to curl his lips around Alex Cochrane’s calfCredit: Sky Sports FootballThe incident sparked a brief meleeCredit: GettyShortly after coming on, the forward was fouled by Cochrane.During a subsequent tussle on the ground, Mullin could be seen grabbing his opponent’s leg and opening his mouth.With his lips momentarily curled around Cochrane’s calf, the Wrexham forward seemed to gather himself, not sinking his teeth in.Fans couldn’t believe what they had seen, with one posting a video of the incident on X and writing: “PAUL MULLIN WENT TO BITE HIM?!READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He definitely remembered there were cameras.”A second fan commented: “Seconds away from being the next Suarez.”While a third asked: “What is he doing?”Seeing the clip, Mullin attempted to make light of the situation.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe wrote on X: “I know what it looks like.. but it didn’t happen.”Although you can tell his leg was thinking about attacking my mouth.”Wrexham’s James McClean catches beer thrown by Birmingham fans and pretends to drink it as he winds up supporters in huge League One clashThe incident sparked a brief melee, with Krystian Bielik being booked for shoving Mullin.Bielik was later sent off after receiving a second yellow shortly after.While Wrexham ace James McClean also got into it with home fans, at one point even catching a cup of Bovril hurled at him from the stands and pretending to drink from it.The match was watched on by a star-studded array of guests – including the likes of Tom Brady, David Beckham and Rob McElhenney.Jack Marriott had gotten the visitors off to the perfect start by scoring in just the third minute.But Birmingham’s £15million man Jay Stansfield hit back with a double to turn the game around.READ MORE SUN STORIESJapanese international Tomoki Iwata then secured the points by scoring a belter.Despite their 3-1 defeat, Wrexham remain top of the league on goal difference – although second-placed Blues possess a game in hand.James McClean caught a cup of Bovril that had been hurled at himCredit: ReutersTom Brady and David Beckham were in attendanceCredit: Getty More

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      James McClean calls fan a ‘smelly fat gammon’ after Wrexham wind-up catches cup of BOVRIL launched from crowd

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      JAMES MCCLEAN called a fan a “smelly fat gammon” after pretending to neck a drink thrown at him by Birmingham fans last night.The Irishman, 35, was replaced by Wrexham team-mate Jacob Mendy with just seven minutes remaining in the League One tussle.James McClean caught a cup of Bovril that had been thrown at himCredit: ReutersThe Irishman then pretended to take a swig from itCredit: GettyHe then tossed the cup of Bovril asideCredit: ReutersAs he made his way off the pitch, McClean had to walk in front of the home Blues faithful in order to get back to the bench.He quickly became the target of chants, and also got involved in some heated verbals with supporters.At one point, a fan even decided to throw their cup of Bovril at him.Wrexham supporters loved their wing-back’s response, however, with McClean impressively catching the cup.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe then pretended to take a swig from it, much to the travelling fans’ amusement.After the game, McClean posted a pair of images of himself with the Bovril to his Instagram Story.On the first, he wrote: “They have nothing in their whole imperial arsenal that can break the spirit of an Irishman who doesn’t want to be broken.”He then added, with a laughing emoji: “P.S. fair play to the one old steward who held them all back from getting over the 2ft advertising hoardings.”Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOver a second image, he wrote of a fan: “In fairness to this smelly fat gammon, he probs didn’t have the energy or mobility to step over the hoarding.”Birmingham led 3-1 when McClean was subbed, having come back from an early deficit. Tom Brady in hilarious reaction after getting X-rated welcome from Wrexham fans for Birmingham clashJack Marriott had fired Phil Parkinson’s men in front in just the third minute, before a double from £15million man Jay Stansfield turned the tide.Blues’ Japanese international Tomoki Iwata then netted a belter to make it 3-1.The high-profile League One clash threatened to turn ugly shortly before McClean was substituted.When Paul Mullin was fouled by Alex Cochrane, the Wrexham forward appeared to consider biting his opponent.After opening his mouth, however, the forward opted against sinking his teeth in.Cochrane’s team-mate Krystian Bielik got involved, shoving Mullin and receiving a yellow card.The Polish star went on to earn a second yellow shortly after.Watching on from the stands was Birmingham co-owner Tom Brady, with the NFL legend clapping enthusiastically during the pandemonium.READ MORE SUN STORIESAlso in attendance was David Beckham, as well as Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney.The result saw Birmingham climb up to second in the early League One table, behind Wrexham on goal difference but possessing a game in hand.The match was watched on by Tom Brady and David BeckhamCredit: Getty More

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      Tom Brady in hilarious reaction after getting X-rated welcome from Wrexham fans for Birmingham clash

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      TOM BRADY produced a funny retort after being given an X-rated welcome by travelling Wrexham fans.The NFL legend was in attendance at St Andrew’s watching his Birmingham side take on the Red Dragons.Tom Brady took a lap of the pitch ahead of kick-offCredit: RexThe NFL legend was jeered as he walked past the Wrexham fansBut he responded by smiling and sticking his thumbs upBrady spoke with his opposite number Rob McElhenney before the gameCredit: GettyHe walked a lap of the pitch ahead of kick-off which meant he had to pass the travelling Wrexham contingent, and he was given a frosty reception.Brady, 47, was jeered and some fans began singing: “Who the f***ing hell are you?”Others used even more expressive language but Brady had the perfect response.The American raised a thumbs up at the Wrexham supporters and beamed from ear to ear as he pointed at one, winding them up further.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBrady is still fairly new to the EFL having become a minority owner at Birmingham last year, but he appears to be enjoying the experience.Towards the end of the match he applauded in response to the outbreak of a mass brawl involving almost every player on the pitch.Wrexham’s Paul Mullin was at the heart of the incident after he almost bit Birmingham defender Alex Cochrane.Blues star Krystian Bielik began pushing and shoving the striker and his team-mate Andy Cannon.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBielik was booked along with Wrexham’s James McClean, who also made an X-rated gesture to Blues fans as he was substituted and was seen shouting in the dugout area.Wrexham had taken an early lead in the contest through Jack Marriott but a double from Jay Stansfield inspired a comeback from the home side before Tomoki Iwata wrapped up the three points.Wrexham owner Rob McElhenney reveals VERY famous superstar will be attending Hollywood clash vs BirminghamBrady invited David Beckham to the match as his guestCredit: Getty More

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      Tom Brady applauds enthusiastically as mass brawl erupts after Wrexham ace almost BITES Birmingham star

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      TOM BRADY applauded encouragingly after a brawl erupted following a Wrexham star almost BITING a Birmingham player.The Blues came from behind to beat the Red Dragons before tempers boiled over towards the end of the match.The incident was sparked as Paul Mullin almost bit Birmingham’s Alex CochraneThe striker then had a coming together with Krystian Bielik who was bookedCredit: RexThe vast majority of players on the pitch would become embroiled in the scrapCredit: AlamyTom Brady clapped enthusiastically as the brawl broke outThe incident was sparked after Wrexham striker Paul Mullin was fouled by Alex Cochrane near the halfway line.Mullin ended up on top of Cochrane and looked as if he was about to bite the defender after opening his mouth on top of his leg.However, at the last minute he refrained from sinking his teeth into the opponent.Another Birmingham star Krystian Bielik also got involved as Mullin got to his feet, and he began pushing the forward.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe pair grabbed one another by the shirt as Bielik continued to inflame the situation by pushing Andy Cannon.Soon almost every player on the pitch was involved including Wrexham’s James McClean, who was booked for his involvement.Bielik was shown a second yellow card four minutes later and sent for an early bath after mistiming a lunge on Cannon.But Birmingham fans appeared to love the fracas and Brady, who is a minority owner of the club, was seen applauding in response.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHowever, one fan crossed the line by throwing what appeared to be a cup of Bovril towards former Premier League bad boy James McClean.The ex-West Brom star then responded in surprising fashion by taking a sip from the cup.And as he was subbed off, he added fuel to the fire by making an X-rated gesture towards the home fans.However it was the Blues supporters who had the last laugh as their side came from behind to win 3-1 with record-breaking signing Jay Stansfield scoring twice.Bielik later picked up a second yellow card for a bad tackleCredit: GettyFormer Premier League bad boy James McClean grabbed a drink that was thrown at him from the crowdCredit: ReutersMcClean then took a sip from the cup of BovrilCredit: GettyHe then appeared to perform an X-rated gesture towards the Birmingham fans after being subbed offFormer England captain David Beckham took in the match next to BradyCredit: GettyWatch moment Ryan Reynolds is surprised by Wrexham star live on BBC Radio 1 More

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      I made 110 appearances for Man Utd but I got more joy out of playing for Wrexham and earning £14

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      IT IS the A-list showdown they are calling the League One Clasico — an all-star clash between big spenders with even bigger dreams.A pair of Hollywood giants in Wrexham red against the seven-time Super Bowl champion and NFL legend bedecked in Birmingham blue.Wrexham owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have transformed WrexhamCredit: GettyThe Red Dragons take on Birmingham in League One, co-owned by NFL icon Tom BradyCredit: AlamyTonight’s third-tier meeting with top-tier interest across America — never mind North Wales and the Midlands — between sides whose recent fight was for survival, not silverware.That was before the silver screen duo of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney rode into Wrexham like the 7th Cavalry — and suddenly the road to oblivion became a path to the Premier League.And then gridiron great Tom Brady became a minority owner in the Brum takeover, as last season’s Championship drop-outs began their own money-no-object march to the top.It has been an astonishing transformation for both clubs and Mickey Thomas, a Red Dragons hero from the days they bloodied noses as cup giantkillers, is loving it.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe former winger is known to many for the free-kick which helped dump top-flight champs Arsenal from the FA Cup in 1992.Yet before that stunning swansong, there were many more in his first spell at Wrexham.Not least his double in a League Cup triumph at Spurs and a fairytale run to the last eight of the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1976, before he headed for the big time at Manchester United.And Thomas, 70, was not the only one to move on.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBoyhood pal Joey Jones, a double European Cup winner at Liverpool, is the best known.But plenty more headed to brighter lights. Back then, pre-season tours were to the Isle of Man, not the USA, and the current average weekly wage of £4,000 was more than Thomas earned a year, before his 1978 United move. Inside ‘Little Wales’ some 8,000 MILES from the UK where all the signs are in Welsh & people LOVE WrexhamThat League Cup win over a Spurs side containing Glenn Hoddle was worth £14, plus a crowd bonus of £80.Even at today’s valuation of £620, it is hardly life-changing.But while the rewards for Wrexham’s current unbeaten table-toppers are jaw-dropping, there is no jealousy from Thomas — only delight at progress he hopes will continue.The Welshman said: “I don’t begrudge current players a thing, believe me.“I’m just so happy to see things change for the better.“You’ve got to realise it wasn’t about the money for me.“The dream was to be a player. It was about winning, not wages.“I turned down Tottenham, Aston Villa, Newcastle and Sunderland — all in the top division — because I wanted to play every week. But United were just too big to say ‘No’ to!Now I’m a fan and no one will be happier than me if the current Wrexham team ends up as their greatest everMickey Thomas“But to be honest, although I played 110 games for them, I always felt intimidated as the pressure was awful.“There was no mental health awareness like now and I really struggled to handle it.“That said, of course, there were some really great times as well. But I had more joy at Wrexham than anywhere.“Coming through the ranks with Joey, getting my chance off the manager John Neal, the cup runs, the wins, the laughs…“And although the goal against Arsenal at the end of my career is always mentioned, the best one I ever scored was when we won at Spurs.“I got two in that game that night and one was a half-volley which flew past Pat Jennings and into the top corner.“And when we went down the tunnel at half-time, Big Pat was waiting for me and I’m thinking, ‘Aye aye, what’s going on?’“He had huge hands and he put out his right one to shake mine and said, ‘I’d never heard of you but I think I’ll do so a lot in the future — that was a great goal, well done’.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I had nine great years at Wrexham but my time has gone.“Now I’m a fan and no one will be happier than me if the current team ends up as their greatest ever.”Mickey Thomas scored a memorable FA Cup goal against Arsenal in 1992Credit: AlamyThe Red Dragons stars celebrate their FA Cup shotCredit: GettyThomas struggled to enjoy his spell at Old TraffordCredit: PA:Empics SportThomas is happy now to watch his former side Wrexham as a fanCredit: Getty More

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      EFL minnows ‘to pocket FOUR TIMES more money if they LOSE to Chelsea’ as integrity of Carabao Cup called into question

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      EFL minnows Barrow are reportedly offering their players FOUR times more money to LOSE to Chelsea than if they record a shock Carabao Cup win.And the stunning revelation has called into question the integrity of the competition.Barrow are reportedly offering players £1,000 in a bonus to lose to Chelsea – or £250 to winCredit: GettyThe Premier League giants are the heavy favourites against their League Two opponentsCredit: EPALeague Two Barrow were handed a dream draw away at Stamford Bridge in round three of the domestic cup after beating Derby on penalties in their previous tie. But now according to The Telegraph, the match has raised concerns. The newspaper claims Barrow’s bonus schedule shows the players would receive £250 if they somehow secured a victory in West London on September 24.However, they are set to bank a whopping £1,000 each if they lose the match.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThis therefore could imply a significant additional reward for defeat – and the possibility of incentivising underperformance, even if last season’s runners-up Chelsea are the heavy favourites. The EFL declined to comment but it is thought the organisation spoke to the Bluebirds to clarify an explanation – even though the bizarre bonuses do not appear to break any specific regulations. SunSport also understands the bonus sheet contained errors and has since been rectified – with the club wanting to reward their players for playing a top-tier team with an appearance fee, rather than offering a ‘bonus’ for losing. Bonuses must be agreed between the club and its players before being submitted to the EFL before the start of the season – but the EFL do not have jurisdiction over them. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt is reported that Barrow’s players will receive £250 each for any wins in rounds one to five of the Carabao Cup.Even winning the final at Wembley would only bank the players an extra £1,000. National League boss ‘loses plot’ in outrageous rant at OWN FANS as supporters call it ‘best post-match interview ever’However, the deal also offers £1,000 if they lose to a Premier League club from round three onwards – and £750 for defeat to a Championship side. In the FA Cup, things are far simpler.Barrow have agreed to pay out £400 for a round-one win, then £800 for round two.By round three and beyond, that figure increases to £2,625 per win per player.Again, defeat to a Premier League team would ensure a £1,000 bonus – and £750 if a Championship club knock them out.Barrow are currently third in League Two after an impressive start to the campaign.READ MORE SUN STORIESTheir three wins and a draw from five matches has Stephen Clemence’s side on ten points – two behind leaders Doncaster. SunSport has contacted Barrow for comment. Barrow beat Derby on penalties in the previous roundCredit: Getty More

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      Sky Sports make subtle broadcast change to avoid rude word in League Two clash as fans blast ‘utter woke nonsense’

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      FOOTBALL fans have slammed Sky Sports’ “woke nonsense” after they made a subtle change in their League Two broadcast on Thursday.Harrogate Town caused a shock by beating league leaders Doncaster Rovers 2-0 to kick off the weekend’s football early.Fans were not happy with the scoreline graphicCredit: XTwo first-half goals from Ellis Taylor and Josh March wrapped up the three points to send Harrogate 13th.But fans poked fun at Sky Sports and accused the broadcaster of “woke nonsense” over their scoreline graphic.Sky Sports traditionally cut Doncaster down to ‘Don’ for the graphic.But against Harrogate they changed the team name to ‘DR’ – the club’s initials.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd in doing so they prevented EFL fans from being able to laugh at a graphic which would have read ‘HAR – DON’.Fans were up in arms and complained about the change, with some upset they have ruined the “HAR-DON derby”.One reacted saying: “Sky changing Doncaster from DON to DR to prevent the HAR-DON derby. Utter woke nonsense.”Another added: “Wait all year for Harrogate vs Doncaster on Sky for the inevitable HARDON scoreboard only for the Sky Woke Brigade to ruin our fun.”Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSUltimate sports presenters rich listTV sports presenters make a mint.The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!Read the story and see the full list here.A third wrote: “Can’t believe Sky Sports have changed Doncaster’s abbreviation from ‘DON’ to ‘DR’ 🙄”Spoiling our annual bit of immature fun!”Steve Bruce dealt huge blow just days after being named Blackpool boss as striker banned for appearing to SLAP opponent More