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      How little-known rule led to Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham culling eight promotion winners including former captain

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      WREXHAM have released eight promotion-winning stars as they prepare for life in League One.The Red Dragons will compete in the third tier for the first time since 2005 after coming second in League Two under boss Phil Parkinson.Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham have had to make some tricky decisionsCredit: PAExperienced midfielder Luke Young has not had his contract renewedCredit: GettyStalwart Ben Tozer has also been releasedCredit: GettyFollowing back-to-back promotions, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s men are set to retool in order to compete as best they can.In the days following the conclusion of the League Two season, Wrexham made eight players aware that they would not be having their deals renewed.These included former captains Ben Tozer and Luke Young, with the Plymouth-born duo departing having made 377 appearances between them.Aaron Hayden, Rob Lainton, Callum McFadzean, Jordan Tunnicliffe and Owen Cushion have also been let go.READ MORE WREXHAM NEWSExplaining the difficult decisions, Parkinson, 56, said: “People are not completely aware of that rule.”We have got to work towards the 22-man squad and inevitably, the only way we can bring players in is by letting people go.”The aim has always been to improve what we have got in each transfer window but also maintaining our key players.”That’s what we will be aiming to do this time. It is going to be an interesting summer, we have got ideas how we would like to see the squad shape up.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPhil Parkinson has explained Wrexham’s decision making processCredit: Rex”We will take our time and hopefully get a squad which can be competitive.”Clubs in League One must submit 22-man squad lists, featuring a minimum of eight homegrown players. Ryan Reynolds reveals ‘absolute idiocy’ Wrexham gaffe that cost him and Rob McElhenney a fortuneGoalkeepers or players under 21 do not need to be registered on the list.Wrexham have offered new deals to Steven Fletcher, Mark Howard and Aaron James.While Irish international and former Premier League star James McClean is among the players that have been retained.The Red Dragons’ executive director Humphrey Ker is hopeful of a top half finish upon his side’s return to the third tier.Here is a rundown of Wrexham’s full list of players that have been released and retained.Here is a rundown of Wrexham’s full list of players that have been released and retained.
      Released:

      Aaron Hayden
      Rob Lainton
      Callum McFadzean
      Ben Tozer
      Jordan Tunnicliffe
      Luke Young
      Owen Cushion
      Dan Davies

      Offers:

      Steven Fletcher
      Mark Howard
      Aaron James

      Retained:

      James McClean
      Harry Ashfield
      Callum Edwards
      Liam Hall
      James Rainbird

      Decision Pending:

      Scott Butler
      Harry Dean

      ‘Stranger things than promotion have happened’He told the Independent: “I think we’ve often talked about the idea that it takes three transfer windows to really build a squad into what you need to compete in any one division and next season will be one window shorter than that.”But I think the core of this team is very strong. They’re very strong personalities, good players and they love each other, so that’s a great basis to build from.”We’ll be adding players in the summer and sadly saying goodbye to one or two, which is sort of just the nature of football, and then we’ll sort of see where we wind up.”Inside the building, we’re like, ‘Look, our objective is get up and stay up, stabilise and build a good platform and go again the following year.’”But stranger things than promotion have happened – we might go through the division again.READ MORE SUN STORIES”To be honest, that would probably be too fast for us. It wouldn’t actually be that good for the club as a whole if we did go all the way through this year because we’d just be going so quickly.”Then we’d be trying to catch up with infrastructure and our facilities and everything would be a big, big challenge. So I think something nice and comfortable – upper mid-table, please! Tenth. I’d be very happy with that.”Humphrey Ker has outlined Wrexham’s ambitions for next seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Ex-Chelsea wonderkid, 30, who lifted Champions League trophy wakes up unemployed days after winning League Two title

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      EX-CHELSEA whizkid Todd Kane has suffered another of football’s brutal twists of fortune.The full-back, 30, who once lifted the Champions League trophy, helped Stockport clinch the League Two title last month but has been released.Todd Kane was with Coventry from 2021-23 and has now left StockportCredit: PANathaniel Chalobah, Todd Kane and Jamal Blackman helped Chelsea celebrate beating Bayern in the 2012 Champions League FinalCredit: GettyIt’s the latest blow for a player who had EIGHT loan spells while at Stamford Bridge from 2012-2017.He was a non-playing squad member as Chelsea beat Bayern Munich to win Europe’s top club competition in his first year but never made a senior appearance for the Blues.Yet the London giants rejected bids from Premier League rivals plus Ajax and Borussia Dortmund during that crazy seven-season stint.And that lengthy period of uncertainty at Stamford Bridge left Kane advising youngsters regularly loaned out by Chelsea to quit the club.READ MORE TOP STORIESHe only joined Stockport in March – after spending most of the season with  Gibraltan club Manchester 62.County beat Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham to the L2 crown by four points.But Kane was one of seven Stockport players freed and rendered unemployed at the end of their contract.However, if anyone is used to the ups and downs of football, it’s Kane.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIn his seven years with Chelsea, he was offloaded for temporary spells with Preston, Blackburn, Bristol City, Nottingham Forest, Nijmegen, Groningen, Oxford United and Hull.His career then seemed well set after his first permanent move to Championship side QPR in 2019 but he left for two years at Coventry in 2021.Chelsea icon’s daughter flashes underwear on camera before going braless in elegant black dress to leave fans speechlessAfter that, he’s even had a ninth loan time – at Charlton.And now he looking for a new club.Kane exclusively told the Sun three years ago how he wished he’d departed from Chelsea earlier.And he dished out astonishingly blunt advice for Stamford Bridge academy starlets who find themselves being constantly farmed out.He said: “Leave. I’ve had numerous bids from clubs coming in for me down the years but Chelsea would always just say ‘no’.“I’d tell any young lad now to move on if anyone is interested in you because if you’re good enough to play for someone else, you’re better off taking that opportunity.“When I was 19, I was rated as one of the best young right-backs in the country – and had I been at any other Premier League club back then I’d have been playing. Plenty of teams wanted to sign me.” More

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      EFL fans say ‘postpone the game’ after statement released before play-off tie due to ‘circumstances beyond our control’

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      CREWE ALEXANDRA fans were left devastated when the club announced a change to the food menu ahead of the play-off semi-final against Doncaster.Crewe are scheduled to face the Rovers in a crunch first leg later today at Gresty Road before Friday’s return fixture at the Eco-Power Stadium.Crewe Alexandra announced there will be a change to the food menuCredit: GettyCrewe fans were left devastated ahead of the play-off with DoncasterCredit: GettyHowever, there will be a change to the selection of pies and pastries during that key encounter.The club apologised to fans and insisted that last-minute alteration is down to “circumstances beyond their control”.Crewe issued the following statement: “There has been a change to the selection of pies and pastries on sale during today’s game.”We thank supporters for their understanding.”Read More on FootballThe fans were left so heartbroken that some even jokingly suggested they should “postpone” the important fixture against Doncaster.One fan tweeted: “May as well just call it off lads.”Another commented: “Postpone the game lads.”A third said: “Joke this, no room at all for it in the modern game!”Most read in EFLThis fan posted: “Thought the game was off then!”And that one stated: “NOOOOOOOO! The most important part of a football game.”Brentwood keeper deliberately ‘slipping over’ in his side’s 3-1 win against Bury TownThe winner of the play-off tie will go on to face either Crawley Town or MK Dons in the final on May 19 at Wembley. More

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      Huge EFL playoff clash POSTPONED due to waterlogged pitch as furious fans blast ‘absolute joke’

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      CRAWLEY’S League Two play-off clash with MK Dons has been postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.A club statement read: “Crawley Town Football Club is disappointed to announce that this afternoon’s Sky Bet League Two Play-Off Semi-Final first leg has been postponed due to a waterlogged surface at the Broadfield Stadium.”Crawley vs MK Dons has been postponed because of a waterlogged pitchCredit: PATorrential rainfall has caused flooding around the stadiumCredit: RexThe match has been rearranged for TuesdayCredit: PAFans are not happy with the postponementCredit: RexThe fixture was pencilled in for 3pm today but has now been re-arranged for Thuesday night – when the second leg was meant to take place.The return leg at MK Dons has been moved to Saturday instead, with the League Two play-off final taking place on May 19.Fans are up in arms over the postponement and made their feelings towards Crawley clear.One reacted saying: “Absolute joke.”Another added: “This has grumpied me.”A third wrote: “Never heard of covers? Embarrassing.”And another commented: “Calling off a play-off fixture in May, gotta be as tinpot as it gets. Absolute embarrassment.”Crawley sneaked into the play-offs on the final day of the season after beating Grimsby to pip Barrow to seventh place.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIf they beat MK Dons they will face Doncaster or Crewe for a place in League One next season.Leicester PROMOTED to the Premier League as Leeds suffer shock defeat at QPR to leave door open for Ipswich More

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      Inside rise of Bromley as Football Manager competition & Arsenal icon’s son sees 132 year wait for EFL football ended

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      BROMLEY secured promotion to the Football League for the first time ever on Sunday.The Ravens dramatically beat Solihull Moors 4-3 on penalties at Wembley following a thrilling 2-2 draw.Bromley secured promotion to League Two on SundayCredit: GettyCaptain Byron Webster scored the winning penaltyCredit: GettyThey victory booked them a spot in League Two for the first time in the club’s 132-year history.Speaking at full-time, Bromley boss Andy Woodman told BBC London: “I’m delighted, it hasn’t really sunk in. I’ve been here a few times and no one wants to speak to you when you lose.”We’ve got heart, we’re not the best team. We’re the hardest grafting team and the most honest team, we’ve got players who will fight for each other and that showed today.”I was alright with the penalties because I’ve got the best goalkeeper in the league, I knew he’d save one, maybe two and take care of business.Read More on Football”I was really chuffed that Grant [Smith] got the plaudits he deserved because he’s been brilliant for us all season.”This has been an unhealthy obsession for me. It was about changing history at this football club and about making sure that when we’re long gone, me my team and my staff, we’ll be forever the people that got us in the Football League.”Bromley has been a non-league club since it was established back in 1892.In recent years the Ravens have come close to EFL promotion.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThey missed out to Hartlepool United in the Play-Offs at the end of the 2020-21 campaign and lost to Chesterfield in last year’s semi-finals.However, some significant steps were taken this season to ensure the jump was possible.Footballers you didn’t know were related from Premier League icons to Lionel MessiEarlier this season, Nathan Owolabi was appointed as Bromley’s Support Performance Tactician after winning a FOOTBALL MANAGER competition.The avid gamer has since spent the last five months learning from and assisting Woodman’s coaching team.When advertising the job at the end of last year, club officials announced they were looking for “a talented Football Manager gamer to test their skills in the real world”.Woodman was quick to insist that it wasn’t a “gimmick” and instead revealed he thought it was a “brilliant” idea.Alongside the addition to the club’s coaching staff, Bromley also signed several players such as goalkeeper Grant Smith and loan stars Alex Kirk from Arsenal and Kamarl Grant from Millwall.Dennis Bergkamp’s son, Mitchel, became another star to join the Ravens last year.However, the 25-year-old has was limited to just 13 minutes of football this season.Premier League boundIn a show of the quality on show at the south London club, academy star Ben Krauhaus was snapped up by Premier League side Brentford in January.The Bees agreed to loan him back to Bromley for the remainder of the season.READ MORE SUN STORIESKrauhaus went on to play a crucial role in the club’s fight for promotion, making 43 National League appearances.Bromley will now join fellow promoted team Chesterfield in League Two from next season.Nathan Owolabi was appointed as the club’s Support Performance Tactician after winning a Football Manager competitionCredit: TNT SportsDennis Bergkamp’s son, Mitchell, joined Bromley last summerCredit: AFP More

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      Eagle-eyed fans absolutely love what Bromley captain did before winning penalty to secure promotion to League Two

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      FOOTBALL fans hailed Bromley captain Byron Webster for his brilliant smirk before he sealed the most historic win in the club’s history.
      Bromley clinched promotion to the Football League for the first time ever on Sunday as they beat Solihull Moors on penalties in the play-off final at Wembley.
      Bromley captain Byron Webster smiled and raised his eyebrows before scoring the winning penaltyCredit: X formerly Twitter / @footballontntBromley will be playing in the Football League for the first time in their historyCredit: GettyThe players piled on top of Webster after his winning penaltyCredit: X formerly Twitter / @footballontntAnd, after a 2-2 draw across 120 minutes, it was skipper Webster that netted the crucial spot-kick to spark scenes of ecstasy.But just moments before dispatching the penalty, the centre-back could be seen smiling and raising his eyebrows to the Solihull keeper – a remarkable feat of composure under the circumstances.He then went on to send the keeper the wrong way, before he stood with his arms outstretched in celebration as his team-mates stormed over to bask in the win.And football fans on social media were loving ex-Yeovil and Millwall man Webster’s antics before the penalty.One said: “Coolest head in the stadium.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother added: “Confidence from our skipper 👏.”A third replied: “Man like Byron 🦁.”A fourth responded: “Have you seen anyone more confident before taking a decisive penalty than CENTRE BACK Byron Webster 😳.”And a fifth said: “There’s backing yourself under pressure and then there’s this from Byron Webster. Outrageously big balls on him.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAs well as his confidence when taking the penalty, Webster was also wearing an EFL armband in a remarkable demonstration of confidence that Bromley were going to secure promotion.The defender has previously played in the Championship with Doncaster, Yeovil and Millwall.Man Utd’s best XI of academy graduatesHe has also played in League One for Scunthorpe and League Two for Northampton and Carlisle.Bromley celebrated wildly after booking their place in League TwoCredit: Getty More

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      Jamie Vardy tipped to join Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s Wrexham revolution as chief refuses to rule out transfer

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      JAMIE VARDY could swap his Leicester City fairytale for Wrexham’s Hollywood blockbuster.The former England striker, 37, is set to be rewarded for firing the Foxes to the Championship title with a new contract offer.Jamie Vardy is celebrating after firing Leicester back to the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyWrexham owners Rob McElhenney (L) and Ryan Reynolds (R) have ambitious plansCredit: AFPHis double in 3-0 win at Preston on Monday ensured they went up as champs after sealing an immediate return to the Premier League.Vardy, who scored 20 this term, rose through the non-league ranks and joined Leicester in 2012, winning the Championship in 2014.Two years later they achieved mission impossible by winning the Premier League against all the odds and then enjoyed FA Cup success in 2021.However, he is yet to commit to a 13th season with the Foxes and now ambitious Wrexham are refusing to rule out making a sensational move for them.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Welsh side have secured back-to-back promotions from the National League.Now they are looking forward to League One under their Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.They have managed to persuade players to drop down from higher divisions previously and now they have been linked with a swoop for Vardy.And their executive director, Humphrey Ker, has added further fuel to those flames.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhen asked about the veteran directly by SPORTbible, he said: “There’s nothing to say that Jamie Vardy wouldn’t be a great Wrexham player.“It’s not a name I’ve had mentioned inside the building before.Fans in stitches as Vardy’s ‘Klinsmann dive’ almost goes badly wrong after his goals earn Leicester Championship title“But, you know, age and profile wouldn’t put us off.”Vardy is one of the top earners at Leicester but Wrexham have strong backing financially thanks to Reynolds and McElhenney.The Welsh club’s weekly wage bill for this season is higher than all but five teams in the division above them.Vardy lifted the Championship trophy this afternoonCredit: GettyMeanwhile, Vardy and Leicester’s campaign did end in slight disappointment this afternoon.They were attempting to finish the season with a victory that would have taken them to the 100-point mark.However, Blackburn’s Sammie Szmodics scored twice to seal the visitors a crucial 2-0 win at the King Power to make sure Rovers stayed in the Championship.Vardy did finally get his hands on the title trophy afterwards though as the result failed to stop the party.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Wrexham chief reveals two Premier League stars he ‘dreams’ of buying including ‘signing of season’ he’d never heard of

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      WREXHAM chief Humphrey Ker has revealed his two dream summer signings.Ker, 41, was appointed executive director by owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney following their takeover in 2021.Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have ambitious plansCredit: PAHumphrey Ker has revealed his dream signingsCredit: GettyThe Red Dragons earned promotion to the third tier last month courtesy of a second-place finish in League Two.Following back-to-back promotions, Ker and Co are busy preparing for life in League One.With Wrexham set to have a competitive budget once again, they have already allowed themselves to contemplate life beyond the third tier.Asked about his “dream” signings, Ker name-checked Liverpool players past and present.READ MORE ON WREXHAMHe told Sportbible: “So in the past, I’ve been asked this question I’ve often cited sort of a Neco Williams as one, you know, he’s from the area, he’s a Premier League quality right back, play for Wales.”The day we are signing players like that will be a sign of how far we’ve come.“In terms of who’s one of my favourite players and who would I love to see playing in a Wrexham shirt?”At present, I’ve got a real soft spot for Wataru Endo, who is kind of a perfect encapsulation of the fury in the summer when Liverpool missed out on [Moises] Caicedo and [Romeo] Lavia and it was all doom and gloom and disaster.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNeco Williams has starred for Nottingham Forest this seasonCredit: PAWataru Endo has been an important figure for Liverpool this seasonCredit: Rex“And then they sign Wataru Endo and it was like ‘well, who’s this guy? I’ve never heard of him’ he was only 16 million quid, what are they playing at? And then he’s been one of the signings of the season.”Williams, 23, played 33 times for Liverpool before joining Nottingham Forest in 2022. Ryan Reynolds reveals ‘absolute idiocy’ Wrexham gaffe that cost him and Rob McElhenney a fortuneHe has since become a regular for Nuno Espirito Santo’s men, and has earned 39 caps for Wales.Endo, meanwhile, joined the Reds from Stuttgart.The 31-year-old has impressed for Jurgen Klopp’s side, despite having arrived to little fanfare.Wrexham are set to head out to North America this summer for a flashy pre-season tour.The Red Dragons are scheduled to play Bournemouth in Santa Barbara on July 19, before heading to Santa Clara to face Chelsea on July 24.Their trip will then conclude with a clash against MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps on July 26.Inside Wrexham’s stadium plansBy Phil Cadden
      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.
      Their 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.
      It would only be behind Wembley, Twickenham, Old Trafford, the Principality in Cardiff, Murrayfield, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London Stadium, Anfield, Celtic Park and the Emirates.
      That is despite Wrexham having a population of just under 45,000.
      You can read more about Wrexham’s ambitious stadium plans by clicking here. More