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      Forgotten England wonderkid who won World Cup with Foden wakes up unemployed after release from League Two strugglers

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      A FORMER Chelsea starlet that was tipped for the top after World Cup glory has found himself unemployed today.George McEachran played alongside Phil Foden and Jadon Sancho for England at youth level.George McEachran (left) pictured in action for Swindon TownCredit: AlamyThe star helped England to win the U17 World Cup back in 2017Credit: GettyMcEachran was a team-mate of Phil Foden (No.7) for the Young LionsCredit: GettyHe has now woken up unemployed after being released by the League Two clubCredit: RexAnd that star-studded squad beat Spain 5-2 back in 2017 to be crowned U17 world champions under future Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper’s tutelage.McEachran, whose older brother Josh also came through the ranks at Chelsea before dropping into the lower leagues and is now at Oxford United, even achieved success with the Blues first-team.The midfielder was on the bench for the West London club’s 2019 Europa League victory over Arsenal as he collected another medal to add to his collection.He seemed destined for the very top as he headed to the Netherlands the following season Cambuur in the second tier for some regular senior football.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDespite only featuring twice in the league, he went Dutch again in the next campaign when joining MVV.Both of those spells away failed to propel him into the Blues squad.That led to him eventually being released by the Premier League giants after his contract expired in 2022 without making an appearance for the club he had been at since the age of nine.Fortunately for him Jody Morris and Ed Brand, who both coached him in the Stamford Bridge academy, were at Swindon Town.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd after months of being without a club, Robins boss Morris offered him the opportunity to revive his career in League Two in February 2023.Morris said at the time: “He’ll bring quality. Just in the experience I had with him a few years ago, he’s played at a really good level, he’s won a World Cup for his country and represented England at different age groups.Former Premier League wonderkid who snubbed TEN-YEAR Barcelona contract wakes up unemployed at 32“After his first training session, there were quite a few comments about what the players had just seen from him.“He’s hungry at the moment. His career has stalled for whatever reason and he hasn’t quite hit the heights that he would be hoping for, but I quite liked how he was at the moment.“He just wanted to get down to work and come and train – he messaged Ed (Brand) first and was asking about coming in. “But with the restrictions around bringing someone in at this level, I think the club deserve a big pat on the back for getting someone in of the quality of George.“Albeit, he has a lot to prove and he knows that – but he has a real opportunity here to show what he’s capable of.”He made 16 appearances and impressed enough to earn a 12-month extension last summer but Morris was axed shortly afterwards.McEachran remained a regular under new manager Michael Flynn, who was sacked in January, and current caretaker boss Gavin Gunning.He played 39 matches in all competitions but was unable to stop Swindon from finishing a disappointing 19th in League Two.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd now they have announced that he is one of 11 players, including ex-Premier League men Charlie Austin and Rushian Hepburn-Murphy, that are being released once their deals expire next month.A statement from Swindon read: “We would like to thank all the first-team players who will be leaving us upon the conclusion of the 2023/24 season, and we wish them all the very best in their future careers too.”Josh McEachran came through the ranks at Chelsea but failed to fulfil his potentialCredit: Getty More

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      Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny’s amazing Wrexham stadium plans revealed to be bigger than Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge

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      ROB MCELHENNEY and Ryan Reynolds have ambitious plans to increase Wrexham’s capacity to an eye-watering high of 55,000.Wrexham’s Hollywood owners, who invested in a Mexican club last month, are basking in the glory of back-to-back promotions into League One next season.Wrexham owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have big plans for the Racecourse GroundCredit: AlamyTheir 12,600-capacity Racecourse is already under redevelopment with a new 5,500 Kop stand approved.And, incredibly, they want a bigger stadium than Premier League sides Manchester City, Chelsea and Aston Villa.The Etihad only has a capacity of 53,400, Stamford Bridge can hold 40,341 while Villa Park’s attendance is capped at 42,640.A ground size of 55,000 would be the 11th highest in the UK.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt would only be behind Wembley, Twickenham, Old Trafford, the Principality in Cardiff, Murrayfield, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London Stadium, Anfield, Celtic Park and the Emirates.But when McElhenney was asked if a 16,000-capacity was a nice number or would 20,000 be the long-term limit for the Red Dragons, he replied: “We have a plan in place right now that would eventually work from stand to stand.“So eventually, you get all four sides, and it’s hard to say for sure, but we think we could get between 45,000 and 55,000 people in there.”That is despite Wrexham having a population of just under 45,000.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSReynolds, speaking in an interview with Collider.com, added: “Yeah, the whole town can come to the game.”The Hollywood A-listers took over the Welsh club in February 2021.How Ryan Reynolds helped to increase the wealth of Wrexham footballersThey have the ultimate goal of taking Wrexham to the Premier League.With promotion from the National League and League Two, Phil Parkinson’s men are now halfway there.The Red Dragons will play in the third tier for the first time since 2005 next term.However, as many as 10 members of their squad could be let go ahead of next term.Several stars see their deals at the Racecourse Ground expire this summer.Goalkeepers Mark Howard, Rob Lainton and Liam Hall are all out of contract, along with defenders Callum McFadzean, Aaron Hayden, Jordan Tunnicliffe and Ben Tozer.And midfield duo James McClean and Luke Young are also nearing the end of their deals.How Ryan Reynolds has been watching Wrexham games in styleCO-OWNER Ryan Reynolds hasn’t been able to make it to Wrexham in recent weeks due to filming commitments.
      But that hasn’t stopped him from watching his team in style.
      Streaming the match on a laptop or even a TV was not grand enough for the Deadpool star as he worked on the set of his latest movie.
      With a giant green screen behind him, he could not resist broadcasting Wrexham’s recent game on to the huge projector.
      Reynolds and his crew watched on as the Welsh side notched their 23rd win of the season against Crawley Town.
      He looked enamoured as the game played on behind him while surrounding by various pieces of Hollywood machinery.
      And Reynolds captioned the moment: “Watching the Wrexham game at work: new level unlocked.”
      It’s not clear what project Reynolds was working on at the time, with the actor currently developing several new movies including sequels to smash hits Free Guy and Red Notice. More

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      Championship permutations: Promotion, play-off and relegation scenarios explained

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      WE have reached the final week of the Championship season – and it’s still all to play for.Leicester City have already claimed promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking after winning the title in the second tier.Leicester won the Championship at Preston on Monday nightCredit: ALAMYTwo more undetermined sides will join the Foxes in the top flight next season from the Championship.But it’s not just the top of the table that is still to be decided with the relegation battle heating up.SunSport has all you need to know about what can happen at the top and bottom of the Championship table on the final week of the season.Who can claim automatic promotion to the Premier League?After Leicester secured the Championship title on Monday night with a 3-0 win away at Preston, just one more automatic promotion place remains.READ MORE IN EFLIf Ipswich can get four points from their remaining two matches, they will finish in the automatics behind Leicester.Leeds must hope that the Tractor Boys lose against Coventry or Huddersfield and then match the other result, as goal difference currently favours the Whites.Who can finish in the Championship play-offs?As previously alluded to, one of Leeds or Ipswich will finish third and have to settle for a play-off place.Southampton can’t move from their current fourth-placed position, while Norwich’s far superior goal difference to Hull City has all but secured their spot in the play-offs.Most read in EFLThe only way the Canaries can drop out of the top-6 is if they lose heavily to Birmingham on the final day, West Brom claim at least a point, and the Tigers beat Plymouth – with a more than seven-goal swing between Norwich and Hull required.Liam Rosenior’s side will have more hope that they can take the Baggies position in the play-offs – should they win and Albion fall to defeat on final day.Who can get relegated from the Championship?Rotherham’s position at the foot of the table can not be changed with their status as a League One club already confirmed for next season.Huddersfield’s relegation from the Championship is all but confirmed, with the Terriers in need of three points at Ipswich and Plymouth to lose to Hull – and they will require at least a 15 goal swing in the afore mentioned matches.Birmingham City ideally need to beat Norwich on the final day to stand any chance of safety – and hope that Plymouth lose to Hull.The Blues could draw and survive, but the Pilgrims would have to lose by five or more goals.Birmingham could stay up on goal difference should they win and Blackburn Rovers suffer defeat to title winners Leicester or if Sheffield Wednesday lose away at Sunderland.When are the Championship play-offs?Semi-final first legs6th vs 3rd (12pm) – Sunday, May 125th vs 4th (2.15pm) – Sunday, May 12Semi-final second legs3rd vs 6th (8pm) – Thursday, May 164th vs 5th (8pm) – Friday, May 17READ MORE SUN STORIESFinalSunday, May 26 (4.30pm) More

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      Former Premier League wonderkid who snubbed TEN-YEAR Barcelona contract wakes up unemployed at 32

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      A FORMER wonderkid that was offered a TEN-YEAR contract by Barcelona is now unemployed after being released by Notts County.Ex-England youth ace John Bostock, 32, is looking for the 16th club of his career after the League Two side announced he was one of several players being let go this summer.Notts County’s have announced that John Bostock has been released by the clubCredit: PAHe snubbed a ten-year contract by Barcelona to stay at Crystal Palace as a teenCredit: PA:Empics SportBostock first came to prominence aged just 14 at boyhood club Crystal Palace as he often played above his age group.That is when he came to the attention of Barcelona, who got in touch with the midfielder.The LaLiga giants had so much faith in Bostock that they famously wanted him to pen a deal with them for a decade.They tried several tactics to convince him, including a signed poster by then superstar Ronaldinho after finding out he was Bostock’s favourite player.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever, he snubbed what would have been a sensational switch to the Nou Camp as parents allegedly wanted him to continue his development in London.Other sides such as Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea were also rejected in favour of the team he grew up supporting.Bostock previously told the BBC: “When I was 14, Barcelona offered me a 10-year contract.“Ronaldinho was my favourite player at the time so they sent me a signed poster from him. I’ve still got it at my house in London. It said: ‘To John from Ronaldinho’.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“You name the club, I had interest from them. Barcelona, Real Madrid, Inter [Milan], Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool – the who’s who of European football.”Eventually, the man dubbed the ‘next big thing’ eventually departed Palace for Tottenham in a dramatic move that saw the two clubs going to a tribunal in 2008.John Bostock’s performance at new club Toulouse is a perfect Michael Jackson tribute But Bostock never managed to play in the Premier League and ended up out on loan at Brentford, Hull, Sheffield Wednesday, Swindon and Toronto until his permanent exit in 2013.He then embarked on a nomadic career, heading abroad to Belgium, France and Turkey with spells at Royal Antwerp, Leuven, Lens, Bursaspor and Toulouse, who then loaned him to Nottingham Forest in the 2019/20 campaign.He failed to secure a long-term deal at the City Ground, but the versatile ace returned to England to sign for Doncaster Rovers in 2021 but left in June following the club’s relegation from League One.He had to wait for his 15th club – but he landed an 18-month deal at Notts County in December 2022.Bostock scored at Wembley the following May as the Magpies eventually beat Chesterfield on penalties to secure promotion from the National League.He recently claimed that he is the happiest he has ever been and has become a mentor to other players, particularly those who share his faith after setting up his influential Christian football society ‘Ballers in God’ in 2015.He made 37 appearances, scoring twice, for them on their return to League Two this season as they looked set for another promotion push only for a slump in form after the departure of boss Luke Williams to Swansea resulted in them finishing 14th.Now County have announced a number of players will not be having their contracts renewed with Bostock among them.READ MORE SUN STORIESA statement from the club confirming the news wrote: “As well as being a thoroughly professional and calming presence away from the field, John made many excellent performances for us – not least at Wembley, where his incredibly composed display and all-important equaliser were crucial to us winning the promotion he and his team-mates so richly deserved.”Now the man that could have ended up playing alongside Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Gerard Pique at Barcelona, is once more a free agent. More

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      Jermain Defoe ‘holds informal talks’ over first job in management as ex-England star, 41, throws hat into ring

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      JERMAIN DEFOE could be set to land his first managerial role after holding talks with former club Sunderland.The ex-England striker, 41, has been a coach of Tottenham’s U18s side since August 2022.Jermain Defoe could be poised for his first role as a head coachCredit: GettyDefoe spent just over three seasons at Sunderland, scoring 37 goals in 100 gamesCredit: Getty Images – GettyBut now he has revealed some early discussions with Sunderland, though he was quick to stress no formal interview has taken place.Speaking to the Sunderland Echo, he said: “I’ve had no interview or anything like that.”I spoke about obviously the people that want to come with me and even in the background, certain players that I know that I can attract, young top players in the country that I can attract to try and get the club back into the Premier League.”I’ve had those sorts of discussions. So nothing’s changed really, but I’ve not had an interview.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I went to the Leeds-Sunderland game and just watched the team and stuff like that. So that’s it.”Caretaker manager Mike Dodds assumed the role of interim Sunderland boss following the sacking of Michael Beale in February after just two months and 12 games at the helm.The Black Cats sat ninth in the Championship when Tony Mowbray was dismissed in December, but have since slipped to 15th in the table.Defoe spent three seasons at Sunderland between 2014 and 2017, scoring 37 goals in 93 matches.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe returned in 2022 for a brief two-month stint, before he announced his retirement.Defoe, who also played for West Ham, Portsmouth, Tottenham, Bournemouth and Rangers, was a fans’ favourite at the Stadium of Light.Inside Bradley Lowery’s friendship with Jermain Defoe and his brave cancer battle that won the heart of the nation-And he is taking inspiration from ex-Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley – who recently became Watford boss.Defoe added: “It makes me want to do it even more because when I look at the news from Tom Cleverley.”He was on my player-to-coach course and I see Tom Cleverley getting a Watford job and someone who I played with and a young coach who had one year at Watford and now he’s the manager of such a big club.”So when you see stuff like this and that, you just think, ‘OK then, I’m just still waiting for my opportunity’. “I’ve read loads of comments. I know the fans. I think for a lot of people, they look at it and think, ‘Oh, it makes sense because of the relationship’. But I mean, we’ll see what happens.”I’m sure there must be about 10 or 20 managers who would love to have the Sunderland job, do you know what I mean? So it’s a massive job.”So we’ll see. I’ve not had an interview or anything, but I think they’re aware that, obviously, I’d be interested in taking a job. Why not?”As well as helping the club avoid relegation in 2015 and 2016, Defoe struck up a close friendship with Sunderland supporter Bradley Lowery, 6, before his death from cancer.READ MORE SUN STORIESBrave Bradley’s battle with rare childhood cancer neuroblastoma captured the nation’s hearts.Bradley died in July 2017, before Defoe paid tribute to his “best pal”. More

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      Gillingham SACK former Premier League star-turned-manager but fuming fans say ‘we’re turning into Watford’

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      GILLINGHAM announced they have dismissed manager Stephen Clemence.Ex-Tottenham, Birmingham and Leicester ace Clemence, 46, leaves with the Gills 12th in the League Two table.Gillingham have sacked manager Stephen Clemence after just five months in chargeCredit: AlamyA number of Gillingham fans were upset with Clemence’s dismissalCredit: AlamyThe former midfielder took over the Kent-based outfit only last November and lasted for just five months in the dugout.The ex-Sheffield Wednesday caretaker boss became the season’s third manager to work at Gillingham, who will now be looking for their fourth.Clemence replaced Keith Millen who managed the team on an interim capacity for a month after Neil Harris’ departure.The news infuriated Gillingham fans with some even claiming that the club has developed a short fuse regarding managers similar to Watford, who have changed a whopping 10 bosses in just four years.Read More on FootballOne supporter tweeted: “We are turning into Watford.”Another responded: “My thoughts we are turning into Watford.”A third wrote: “Absolute joke of a decision.”This one said: “Couldn’t make this up.”Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd that one stated: “Absolutely the wrong call to make. We’ll end up looking like Watford. Awful decision. Deserved the summer at the very least.”VAR ruined Coventry’s iconic FA Cup moment with offside decision in semi-final – but was technically CORRECTClemence oversaw a total of 34 matches across all competitions as Gillingham boss.He led the EFL outfit to a total of 12 wins and 13 losses during his short reign.Gillingham’s last five managersHere’s a full list of Gillingham’s last five managers’ reigns:
      Steve Evans – June 1, 2019-January 9, 2022 – 129 matches
      Steve Lovell (caretaker) – January 10, 2022-January 31, 2022 – 4 matches
      Neil Harris – January 31, 2022-October 5, 2023 – 90 matches
      Keith Millen (caretaker) – October 5, 2023-November 1, 2023 – 4 matches
      Stephen Clemence – November 1, 2023-April 29, 2024 – 34 matches More

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      Fans fume at ’embarrassing’ end to EFL clash that’s ‘literally against the rules’ as clubs replicate Simpsons clip

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      FANS have been left fuming after two League Two sides decided to stop playing in the closing stages of their clash with the score tied at 1-1 .Crewe players passed the ball around unchallenged while Colchester United were happy to watch on and play out a draw after conceding late on.Colchester United players allowed Crewe to pass it around in the closing stagesCredit: ITVFans were up in arms over the non contestCrewe and Colchester both got the points they requiredThe U’s led for much of the game and knew anything other than a heavy defeat would see them avoid relegation.Rivals Sutton drew 4-4 at MK Dons to seal their place in the bottom two, leaving Colchester content to see out the match at 1-1.Crewe were also happy for the contest to end in a draw after levelling in stoppage time through Elliott Nevitt.They only needed a point to finish above Crawley so even a Barrow last-gasp winner against Mansfield – which did not come – would not have seen them drop out of the play-off places.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut fans fumed after watching the two sides play out the remaining minutes uncontested.One reacted saying: “I’ll be cheering every other team except pathetic Crewe in the play-offs then. Should be docked points! Literally against the rules!”Another added: “Embarrassing.”A third wrote: “Personally I say relegate Colchester instead of Sutton 🥱”Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd another commented: “I have to say this is poor sportsmanship isn’t it? I get both teams are happy with the result but where’s the integrity in it all? “And yeah I know I probably would be overjoyed if my team was in the play-offs or safe but if you’re a Sutton United fan seeing this…not great is it.”Another fan compared the incident to a famous Simpsons clip where football players are shown on TV passing the ball back and forth to one another repeatedly.Our beautiful game is broken, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      WHEN Manchester United got lucky in their FA Cup semi-final, Antony’s first instinct was to goad heartbroken opponents Coventry. To rub their noses in the dirt.
      Antony seems to be a vile individual but this isn’t really about Antony. Because Antony is merely a symptom of the hideous sickness within England’s top flight.
      There is so much wrong.
      After our elite clubs persuaded the FA to completely scrap Cup replays — which gave us Ronnie Radford and Ricky Villa and Ryan Giggs — without due recompense or reasoning with the rest of English football.
      The previous day, after his Manchester City side had defeated Chelsea in the other FA Cup semi-final, Pep Guardiola whinged about the fixture scheduling of TV companies who effectively pay much of his £20m salary.
      Up at Wolves, Guardiola’s friend and rival Mikel Arteta was playing the same sad song about fixture congestion, despite his Arsenal side having played two fewer games this season than Coventry — who don’t have £50m squad players to rotate with.
      Chelsea, oh Chelsea. The one-time plaything of a Russian oligarch now owned by financially incontinent venture capitalists who have piddled £1billion on a squad of players who fight like weasels in a sack about who should bask in the personal glory of scoring the penalty that puts them 5-0 up against Everton.
      Read Dave Kidd’s full column as he takes aim at Nottingham Forest, Fulham’s ticket prices, the 39th game, VAR and much more…

      Leicester PROMOTED to the Premier League as Leeds suffer shock defeat at QPR to leave door open for Ipswich More

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      Former £15m Liverpool star, 28, becomes unemployed as he is released by National League side after ONE league game

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      FORMER Liverpool star Jordan Ibe has been released by non-league outfit Ebbsfleet.The winger, 28, only joined the fifth-tier side in October after more than a year without a club.Former Liverpool man Jordan Ibe has been released by non-league side EbbsfleetCredit: X/ footballontntIbe was once an exciting prospect at Anfield but his career has tailed offCredit: ReutersBut he has now been released after just one league appearance and three in all competitions.Ebbsfleet confirmed his departure six days after their campaign came to an end.They avoided relegation from the National League by just two points, finishing down in 19th place.And Ibe will now be searching for a club once more, eight years after his spell with Liverpool came to an end.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Wycombe academy product arrived at Anfield in 2011 at the age of just 16.He played 58 games for The Reds, scoring four goals and assisting seven.Bournemouth then signed him for £15million in 2016, but he failed to live up to expectations.Ibe scored five goals and provided nine assists in 92 matches for the South Coast side.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSlot snubbed Spurs, hates defending and has a PASS named after himBy Dan King
      LIVERPOOL managerial target Arne Slot was a good enough player to have a type of pass named after him.
      But it is as a manager that the Feyenoord head coach is really making his mark.
      Like another bald Dutchman, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, Slot earned his stripes bossing smaller sides before being given a chance at one of the Netherlands’ big three.
      But the question Liverpool are pondering is whether Slot would make a better fist of running one of the biggest clubs in the world than Ten Hag so far has at Old Trafford.
      Slot, 45, was certainly easier on the eye as a player than centre back Ten Hag.
      “The Arne Slot Ball” was something he perfected as a silky No 10 – a back-to-goal, first-time, 180-degree spin and flick behind the defensive line for a winger to run on to deep in the opposition half.
      Click here to read all about the incoming Liverpool boss.

      He joined Derby in 2020 – five years after a season-long loan at Pride Park – featuring only once.In 2021, he opened up about his mental health struggles.Who is Arne Slot?Ibe signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with Turkish side Adanaspor in January 2022 but left just a few months later without playing a game. More