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    Apollonia Llewellyn puts on eye-popping display to support EFL team but can’t stop them going down to playoff loss

    APOLLONIA LLEWELLYN headed to Oakwell last night to support Barnsley in their play-off semi-final against Bolton.The boxing ring girl and influencer has been spotted at a number of Tykes games this season.Apollonia Llewellyn turned up to watch Barnsley take on BoltonThe influencer was supporting the Tykes at OakwellBarnsley fell to a 3-1 defeat to Bolton in their play-off semi-final first legCredit: GettySo with Barnsley gunning for promotion, Apollonia had to be in attendance to show her support.The social media star posted a pair of snaps from the Oakwell stands at last night’s game.She wore a denim top and black leather jacket for the occasion.Apollonia captioned her post: “@barnsleyfc I’m backkkk”.READ MORE IN SPORTHer pictures swiftly received more than 4,000 likes.Unfortunately for Apollonia, she could not inspire Barnsley to a first leg victory.In their quest for promotion, the Tykes sacked boss Neill Collins just days before the start of the play-offs.They appointed Martin Devaney as interim boss and tasked him with taking on Bolton.Most read in EFLBarnsley went 1-0 down after 23 minutes when Dion Charles fired home his first of the evening.Charles, 28, struck again in the second half, this time after Barnsley conceded a farcical penalty.Apollonia Llewellyn wows in see-through white topSam Cosgrove, who won League One with Plymouth Argyle last season, gave Apollonia and Co hope after pulling one back.But Randell Williams scored directly from a corner in stoppage time to give Bolton a commanding 3-1 lead in the tie.The two teams will meet again at the Toughsheet Community Stadium on Tuesday.Inside Apollonia’s glamorous life as influencer, ring girl and model …Apollonia burst out of this tiny silver bikini as she drank her ‘morning juice’Credit: INSTAGRAMConor McGregor was among 8,000 fans who enjoyed this see-through lacy outfitCredit: INSTAGRAMThousands of Apollonia’s fans enjoyed the view on the ring girl’s holiday to New YorkCredit: INSTAGRAMApollonia braved the snow in the Lake DistrictCredit: InstagramApollonia really enjoyed this bowl of pasta on her summer holiday to SantoriniCredit: INSTAGRAMApollonia invited fans to ‘sit and stare’ at this picture, and thousands took her up on the invitationCredit: INSTAGRAMFans were worried Apollonia’s top had shrunk in the wash as she enjoyed this hearty breakfastCredit: INSTAGRAMApollonia’s followers were in awe of the stunner’s new hairdo as she wowed in a tiny yellow bikiniCredit: INSTAGRAMApollonia sent a cheeky message to her fans as she posed in this glamorous see-through numberCredit: INSTAGRAMApollonia told fans ‘no caption needed’ as she squeezed into this skin-tight see-through playsuitCredit: INSTAGRAMApollonia revealed he ‘idea of happiness’ is being ‘wind swept on the beach’ with this busty snapCredit: INSTAGRAMApollonia left very little to the imagination as she ‘brightened fans’ Mondays’ in a skimpy wet T-shirtCredit: INSTAGRAMApollonia shot to recognition as a member of the Misfits Boxing fight night teamShe has garnered her a huge social media presenceCredit: INSTAGRAM @apolloniallewellynApollonia has over 570,000 Instagram followersCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellynShe has turned down a staggering £100,000 to pose nude beforeCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellynThe model insisted she isn’t money-orientedCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellynApollonia shows off her jet setting lifestyle onlineCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellynShe also holidayed in New YorkCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellynApollonia is no stranger to a bikini pictureCredit: INSTAGRAM @apolloniallewellynShe has built a huge following on social mediaCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellynApollonia works as a model alongside her social fameCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellyn More

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    Fans gobsmacked as EFL overturn ‘most blatant red card you’ll ever see’ just in time for club’s play-off run

    ASTONISHED football fans have taken to social media following the decision to overturn Doncaster keeper Thimothee Lo-Tutala’s red card in time for the play-offs.Grant McCann’s men clinched a spot in the League Two play-offs with a 12-game unbeaten streak at the end of the season.Thimothee Lo-Tutala saw a header from his own defender looping over his headCredit: X / @RedAlexCreweHe pushed the ball away acrobatically with his hand while outside the areaCredit: X / @RedAlexCreweThe red card has been rescinded as it was deemed he did not deny an obvious goalscoring opportunityCredit: X / @RedAlexCreweBut on the final day things threatened to go awry for them when Lo-Tutala handled outside the area when they led 2-0 away at Gillingham.Fortunately for Donny, after conceding twice they managed to hold on for a 2-2 draw and will now face Crewe in the play-off semi-finals.And they have been handed yet more positive news as Lo-Tutala’s dismissal has been overturned, meaning he is eligible for the first leg on Monday.The incident in question saw a defensive mix-up lead to the keeper clearly parrying the ball away while several yards outside of his area.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAt the time, it looked an obvious red card, but the law dictates that a keeper only be sent off when denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity.The IFAB rules state: “A direct free kick is awarded and: a yellow card is shown if a promising attack was stopped, or. a red card is shown if a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity was denied.”As there were three covering Doncaster defenders, it was not a goalscoring opportunity for Gillingham, meaning Lo-Tutala was incorrectly sent packing.Yet fans on X simply could not get their heads around the decision to scrap the red card.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOne said: “This is the most blatant red card you’ll ever see. How on earth has it been overturned?!”Another added: “Wtf how? Bro stopped the ball from going towards the goal from outside the box ahahhaha.”‘I might’ve chinned him’ – Neil Warnock labelled ‘actually unreal’ as ex-EFL boss takes issue with post-match interview
    A third replied: “The most blatant red card this season overturned. No punishment for denial of a clear goal scoring opportunity.”
    And a fourth responded: “How an earth has this been overturned. You don’t need VAR to see that is outside the area.”Doncaster go to Crewe on Monday, before hosting the return leg on Friday, May 10.The winner will face Crawley or MK Dons at Wembley on May 19 for a place in League One next season.Lo-Tutala could play in Doncaster’s play-off semi-final first leg against Crewe on MondayCredit: Rex More

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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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’

    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