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      Wigan SACK club legend Shaun Maloney as manager after two years but show class in statement

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      WIGAN sacked club legend Shaun Maloney with the club 15th in League One.But they showed their class with a touching farewell gesture.Shaun Maloney has been sacked as Wigan bossCredit: GettyMaloney spent four seasons as a player with Wigan from 2011 to 2015 and was part of the team that famously won the FA Cup in 2013.The former Celtic, Aston Villa and Hull playmaker – who had a stint as Hibernian boss – returned to Lancashire when he took over from Kolo Toure at the Latics in January 2023.He provided some much-needed stability amid chaos at the Brick Community Stadium – despite being unable to save the club from relegation in 2023.Maloney kept Wigan in League One last season despite an eight-point deduction. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat to Reading spelt the end of his tenure – leaving the club just six points above the relegation zone.Wigan said: “Shaun was appointed Wigan Athletic Manager in January 2023 during what would be an extremely turbulent period in the Club’s history. “Whilst he could not prevent the Club’s relegation from the EFL Championship, Shaun ensured that the Club returned to the third tier with fighting spirit.”Furthermore, through a change of ownership in the summer of 2023, Shaun stuck by the Club and helped us overcome an eight-point deduction and a squad overhaul to retain our 2023/24 League One status comfortably with matches to spare.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”During his tenure, Shaun and his young team have provided the Club and its supporters with some proud moments, including an Emirates FA Cup Third Round tie with Manchester United, as well as three memorable victories over rivals Bolton Wanderers, just to name a few.”Shaun has also helped develop a number of our young players, some of whom have moved on to further their careers to the mutual benefit of the Football Club.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballers”However, it cannot be overlooked that the current League One campaign has clearly not progressed as anticipated. “Home results and performances, in particular, have been disappointing and below the standard at which our supporters expect. For this reason, the Board felt that it was time for a change.”The timing of such change will allow the club the necessary time to appoint a successor and enable the Club to look forward to the future.”Maloney’s No2 Max Rogers has also left his role with former Stoke midfielder Glenn Whelan stepping up as interim gaffer. However, despite his dismissal, Wigan ensured the 47-cap Scotland international was given a classy send-off – and insisted he is “always welcome” back at the club. The statement added: “As a Board of Directors, we would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Shaun and Max for their service, efforts and dedication to the Club.”We hope that in the years to come Shaun’s time as Manager is remembered fondly by supporters, as is his time as a player for the Club. Shaun and Max will always be welcomed back to Wigan Athletic Football Club and the Brick Community Stadium.”Maloney provided the assist for the winner in the 2013 FA Cup finalCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe racked up 47 Scotland capsCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow More

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      Wrexham star facing battle to play again this year after devastating ACL injury and being carried off on stretcher

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      WREXHAM ace Andy Cannon could be facing a battle to play again this season after suffering a “bad” knee injury.Cannon, 28, was given oxygen and stretchered off during the Red Dragons’ 2-1 victory at Mansfield Town on Sunday in League One.Wrexham ace Andy Cannon could be facing a battle to play again this seasonCredit: RexWrexham ace Cannon required oxygen after suffering a ‘bad’ knee injuryCredit: PAThe midfielder appeared to have seriously injured his leg after being tackled by Mansfield’s Louis Reed on 36 minutes at Field Mill.The ex-Hull ace looked in real discomfort after falling to the ground awkwardly as opposing players checked on him.Wrexham medics immediately rushed onto the pitch to come to Cannon’s aid and team-mates soon formed a protective huddle around him.The central midfielder subsequently received lengthy medical treatment and was given oxygen.Read More on FootballThe ex-Portsmouth ace helped doctors hold the oxygen mask to his face before he was eventually stretchered off.Wrexham confirmed their player suffered a ruptured ACL and will undergo surgery.The club, which is owned by Hollwyood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, also announced Cannon faces a “significant period of rehabilitation time”.Wrexham issued the following statement: “Wrexham AFC can confirm midfielder Andy Cannon suffered a ruptured ACL in the match against Mansfield Town on Sunday (February 23).Most read in EFL”The midfielder was stretchered off in the first half, and following a scan the serious extent of his injury is now known.”The 28-year-old has met with a specialist this evening and will undergo surgery next week, and faces a significant period of rehabilitation time post-surgery.”Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson confirmed at full-time that it doesn’t look good.Parkinson said: “Andy looks like a bad injury. His knee. But we don’t know the extent.”It’s not easy when a great lad like Andy is stretchered off. I said to the lads at half-time, ‘C’mon, let’s do this for Andy’ and they did that.” More

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      Mystery Reading buyer revealed as owner of two other football clubs as EFL side finally set to be saved from extinction

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      READING’S latest potential buyer is American businessman Robert Platek, owner of Italian club La Spezia and Portuguese side Casa Pia.The League One club yesterday announced that they had entered a “period of exclusivity with a potential purchaser” and were hopeful of “a quick completion,” although declined to name them.Dai Yongge put Reading up for sale in 2023Credit: JASONPIXRobert Platek is Reading’s mystery buyerCredit: GettySunSport has learned that the buying group are led by Platek with support from long-time associate Nishant Tella, a former investment banker who is now a partner at Clean Slate Capital.Platek is a serial investor in football and already owns Serie B club La Spezia and Lisbon club Casa Pia, who are currently sixth in the Portuguese top-flight.The 60-year-old previously owned Danish club Soenderjysky, but sold them after just two years shortly after completing the £21million purchase of La Spezia in 2021.La Spezia are currently third in Serie B pushing strongly for a return to the top flight after being relegated in a relegation play-off two years ago.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPlatek is the fifth potential buyer to enter exclusive talks with Reading in the last 12 months following offers from former Wycombe owner Rob Couhig, ex-Reading chairman Roger Smee and two proposals involving property magnate Paul Taylor.Significantly however, the proposed deal involves Platek buying the controlling stake of owner Dai Yongge, along with Reading’s stadium and training ground, keeping all of the club’s assets in one company.Platek’s plans for Reading are unclear, but he has extensive experience in football, including in England. In addition to his personal investments in European football he is a partner at MSD Capital, the investment vehicle of technology billionaire Michael Dell.MSD become significant players in English football and have lent tens of millions to several clubs including Southampton, Burnley, Derby and Sunderland over the last decade.Most read in EFLJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSPlatek’s proposed purchase of Reading would be a personal venture with no links to MSD however, removing concerns over potential conflicts of interest.Reading were put up for sale by Yongge in October 2023, but despite considerable interest have been unable to complete a sale. The club have informed the EFL about the potential buyers and are hopeful a sale can be completed quickly.Football fan records hilarious video of Reading stadium step ‘everyone’ falls over as it’s ‘3mm higher than the rest'”Reading can confirm it has committed to a letter of intent with a potential purchaser of the club,” they said. “The parties will now enter a period of exclusivity to complete final due diligence and legally complete the transaction.“Whilst timelines cannot be guaranteed, the structure of the deal should allow for a quick completion, which would be for the benefit of all concerned.The club can confirm the agreed sale includes the transfer of Mr Dai’s shareholding in The Reading Football Club Limited, as well as the Select Car Leasing Stadium and Bearwood Park Training Facility.”Fans’ group Sell Before We Dai have fought a long-running campaign pressuring Yongge to sell following frustration at the club’s financial problems, numerous transfer embargoes and late-payment of players leading to them being docked a total of 18 points by the EFL.In a statement released on Monday however, the supporters sounded cautiously optimistic that Yongge’s eight-year ownership could be drawing to a close.“The optimist in us may see today’s announcement as positive and welcome news,” a statement read.”The tone of the [Reading] statement seems different to before and we all hope that a deal can be done soon. We’ve been here before with the Dais though. Until a sale is done our campaign continues.”READ MORE SUN STORIESReading are ninth in League One, three points off the play-off places, with new manager Noel Hunt doing an excellent job since replacing Ruben Selles, who left for Hull in December.Reading and the EFL declined to comment.Platek also owns Italian side SpeziaCredit: Getty More

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      Wrexham star Andy Cannon given oxygen on pitch and carried off on stretcher in terrifying injury scare

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      WREXHAM star Andy Cannon was given oxygen and stretchered off during his side’s League One clash with Mansfield.The midfielder, 28, appeared to awkwardly twist his ankle after clashing with Stag star Louis Reed.Andy Cannon was given oxygen by medics inside 36 minutesThe midfielder was stretchered off in pain against MansfieldAndy Cannon clashed with Mansfield midfielder Louis ReedCannon looked in immediate discomfort and didn’t arise from the turf as Reed and fellow Mansfield stars checked on him.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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      I was on books of EFL club’s youth teams… now I’m in England squad for major tournament in completely different sport

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      TO most players, a shock promotion to No 3 in the England batting line-up for a crunch match would be a huge change.But perhaps not for Jamie Smith – as he dropped a promising football career to become one of cricket’s most exciting prospects.Jamie Smith has raced up the England batting order to become No 3 for Saturday’s Champions Trophy opener against AustraliaCredit: GettySmith will bat one up from Test legend Joe Root in the ODICredit: GettyEngland are gambling by elevating the powerful hitterCredit: GettyTest legend Joe Root has been moved down to No 4 due to Smith’s rise up the order for Saturday’s Champions Trophy opener against Australia.It will be only the second time the big-hitter has come in first wicket down in professional 50-over cricket.Not only that, the 24-year-old will also take the gloves from Phil Salt, who will continue to open the batting alongside Ben Duckett.But it’s nothing too dramatic for Smith – not compared to the major decision he made aged 15.READ MORE IN SPORTHe was a highly-talented central midfielder for League Two club AFC Wimbledon.And indeed as a kid football dominated his thoughts… until he became the first person in his family to play cricket.Surrey CCC rated Smith so highly at the smaller-ball game that they picked him for their Under-17s when he was just 12.The wicketkeeper-batsman revealed how it all began.Most read in CricketSmith faces a big task behind the stumps and with the batCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe once told the Mail: “No one in my family played cricket. “I was pushed into a holiday camp with my local club, Sutton – something my parents did to keep me busy.”England legend’s son, 16, hits new career milestone with incredible century as dad watches on as his coachHowever, he confessed: “I didn’t really want that to be the case, but I knew with my cricket that I had something a little bit special. “I wasn’t naive. When you’re growing up, people push you for a reason.”They’re putting you in higher teams, because they can see a talent in you.‘It was getting to the point where football and cricket were overlapping too much. “Going on pre-season tours with Surrey in March meant missing things. Doing both wasn’t sustainable.”However, Smith revealed choosing cricket was partly down to a brutal self-assessment of his chances at football.He said: “Walking into a contracts meeting with Wimbledon at the end of the season, knowing how the contracts worked, I was never going to get one. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Everyone had their little percentage score for attendance and mine was 56.”Now, however, that’s a figure he’d love to match for England at cricket, where he averages an impressive 42 in Tests and a modest 22 in ODIs.England cricketer Smith was a youth footballer with AFC WimbledonCredit: Getty More

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      Wrexham ace and son of Premier League hero shares horror pics of car crash that could’ve killed him ‘in blink of an eye’

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      WREXHAM midfielder Elliot Lee has opened up about the horrific car accident he suffered last week.Lee was taken to hospital on February 11 after he was involved in a two-car collision while travelling home from the Racecourse Ground.Wrexham midfielder Elliot Lee has opened up about his car accidentCredit: PAThe 30-year-old’s car was completely damagedCredit: Instagram / elliotlee9The front of the vehicle was smashedCredit: Instagram / elliotlee9Lee avoided any serious injuriesCredit: Instagram / elliotlee9The 30-year-old had just featured for Wrexham against Bolton in the EFL Trophy.A club statement from the Welsh side the following day read: “Wrexham AFC can confirm that last night, after the Vertu Trophy match against Bolton Wanderers, a first-team player (Elliot Lee) was involved in a road traffic incident when returning home.”The incident involved one other car and resulted in the drivers of both cars being taken to hospital.”Emergency services were quickly on the scene and the Club would like to thank them for their prompt response and action.”Read More in FootballWrexham also confirmed that Lee suffered no major injuries.The midfielder did not feature for the club against Northampton at the weekend or Leyton Orient on Tuesday evening.But he took to Instagram on Wednesday afternoon to give fans an update.Lee wrote: “Last Tuesday night I found out just how fragile life is and in the blink of an eye, through no fault of your own, it has the potential to change drastically.Most read in EFLThe midfielder’s dad, Rob Lee, is a former Premier League playerCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun”Thankfully I had someone looking over me, but I’m well aware of how different the outcome could’ve been.”It has been overwhelming to see how much people care and the love and support I have around me with my family and friends. It has been a tough week, but I’m feeling very lucky and very grateful.Wrexham stars get raunchy dance lesson from Channing Tatum in brilliant Super Bowl advert”Thank you to the emergency services for all their help and for all the kind messages I have received, it means a lot.”And lastly a huge thank you to @kevmulholland @adermmm and my partner for rushing to my aid and spending all night in the hospital with me.”Hoping to be back on the pitch asap.”Lee also shared a picture of the damage to his car, with the front of the vehicle completely smashed.The midfielder joined Wrexham from Luton Town in 2022 and has since made 134 appearances.The midfielder has also played for the likes of West Ham and Barnsley.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe made two Premier League appearances for the Hammers and was loaned out five times – to Southend United, Luton, Blackpool and twice to Colchester United.Lee is also the son of ex-Prem star Rob Lee, who played for West Ham, Newcastle and made 21 appearances for England. More

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      EFL club takeover takes major step forward after rapper A$AP Rocky is found not guilty in gun trial

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      A$AP ROCKY’S shock takeover of Tranmere Rovers has moved a step closer after he was found not guilty in a gun trial.The rapper was facing two felony counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm following an incident in 2021.A$AP Rocky was found not guilty of firing a gun at a former friendCredit: GettyHe celebrated as he left an LA court with pop star wife RihannaCredit: The Mega AgencyA$AP Rocky is involved in a consortium that wants to buy Tranmere RoversCredit: GettyRocky had been accused of shooting at his former friend and rapper A$AP Relli several times after a dispute in Hollywood.The hip-hop artist, who is married and has two young kids with pop star Rihanna, was facing multiple years in prison if the prosecution was successful.But the verdict from a Los Angeles court today was that Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, was not guilty.The defence successfully argued that he fired blanks from a prop gun he got from a music video set.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe was overcome with emotion when the verdict was read out, hugging his family and wife Rihanna as she burst into tears.Rocky was defended in court by renowned attorney Joe Tacopina.As SunSport exclusively revealed in October, the lawyer and rapper are both part of an American consortium interested in buying Tranmere Rovers.Rocky’s not guilty verdict is a major boost in their hopes of taking over the League Two side before the start of next season.Most read in EFLJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe group are in talks with current owner Mark Palios about a deal.Tranmere are involved in a battle to avoid the drop at the bottom of the fourth tier and sit just two points above the relegation zone.Rihanna shares very raunchy Valentine’s Day video with A$AP RockyThe Merseyside club staying in the division is also key to the deal. A behind-the-scenes documentary on Tranmere similar to the one about Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney buying Wrexham could be commissioned by a TV giant.Tacopina served as an attorney for Donald Trump in his case involving payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels and in a civil rape, sexually assault and defamation case with E. Jean Carroll.The lawyer has previously owned shares in Italian clubs Roma, Bologna, Venezia and SPAL.Two-time Grammy nominated Rocky has had two No1 albums in the US and has a reported net worth of £15million.The rapper’s attorney Joe Tacopina [right] is involved in the Tranmere dealCredit: The Mega Agency More

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      Cult hero Ian Holloway spent four years out of football painting Paulo Di Canio, now he’s following in his footsteps

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      IAN HOLLOWAY enjoyed four years out of football as he focussed on painting and travelling Britain in his motorhome.One of his proudest pieces of art was an acrylic painting of West Ham legend and former Swindon boss Paolo Di Canio.Ian Holloway took up painting as a hobby while out of managementCredit: RexHolloway has painted some iconic figures of the game – including Paolo Di Canio and Steven GerrardSo it was ironic he followed in the Italian maverick’s footsteps by returning to the game in charge of the League Two Robins in October.He has also painted other sporting figures such as Jurgen Klopp and Ian Wright.Although Di Canio and Holloway have different personalities they are outstanding characters.The 61-year-old has a management career that has spanned 29 years, bossing Bristol Rovers, QPR (twice), Plymouth, Leicester, Blackpool, Crystal Palace, Millwall and Grimsby.Read More in FootballAnd Holloway told SunSport: “I went on the after-dinner circuit and got a motorhome with my wife Kim because I didn’t want to feel like a lorry driver.“I’d go up to wherever we were doing a gig, book on a campsite, get a cab to the job, come back, stay there for a couple of days then come home.“I learned to paint with acrylics — I do portraits – because I’ve always got to be doing something new.“I find painting frustrating because everything I do, I don’t see as good enough so I’m trying to be kinder to myself.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe League Two manager has also painted ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp“I’ve always drawn and used charcoal, pencil and even ink but with colour it’s the tonal value that can change everything.“I might be driving and will pull over because I’m seeing a sunset. It makes you see life, it makes you see shadows, it makes you see all sorts of things.Ian Holloway fears Swindon’s scary form is down to ‘haunted’ training ground “Anybody can paint, anybody can draw. It makes you feel even more alive to the wonderful things around you.”Holloway loved painting Di Canio after being commissioned to do it for a mate.He said: “A friend saw one of mine that I gave to my son of the Joker and he said, ‘I’ll buy that’ and I said, ‘You can’t, it’s my son’s’.“So I said, ‘Give me a picture of your favourite player’, because he’s a West Ham geek, and I did Paolo Di Canio, who funnily enough is an ex-Swindon manager, and I gave it to him. He loves it.”Holloway believes the Premier League has created a selfish culture in English football — and players even in the lower leagues can lose touch with fans and each other.The Swindon boss — who famously took Blackpool into the top flight in 2010 — had to tough out a period of criticism from fans but last week won the SkyBet League Two manager of the month.At one point, he even claimed the training ground was haunted … and needed to get his wife Kim to banish the demons with sage!We can only conclude that if she did do that, it has worked because Swindon host Mansfield tomorrow aiming to stretch their unbeaten run to 10 games — having lost just once in their last 14 league matches.Holloway said: “Football has become selfish. It’s all about money and more like a business whereas at our level it shouldn’t be.“Everybody in the Premier League talks about how much they’re spending and how unreal it is.“It’s like travelling to the moon. We talk about how far it is, how many miles an hour we’ve got to be going and how much fuel we need.“Hang on a minute, this is football — but footballers have got so far away from your average person in the street it’s wrong.“In League Two we’ve got to be more caring and understanding — and it’s also about your attitude to going to work. There’s not enough encouragement or support in the world, there’s always criticism.“I’m creating an environment where you’re allowed to fail provided you’re working hard. And that has made the difference.”Holloway blames modern society for creating an uncaring culture.He said: “We don’t revere older people. We don’t look after them like the Chinese and Japanese.“I was brought up by good people in my early days as a Bristol Rovers player and that’s what I’m building here.”His painting of Ian Wright is one of his most impressiveThe highlight of Holloway’s managerial CV was managing Blackpool in the Premier League.And, although he enjoyed his time with the Seasiders, he disliked the top division because it was so removed from reality.He said: “Did I like the top of the game? Do I like it? No, I don’t.“Football needs to start relating to the real world. During Covid, we weren’t the vital source, it was people in hospitals helping us. We were just entertainment.“If you get away from that you’ve got it all wrong. Our priority must be to entertain and give our all for supporters.”During Holloway’s time out of the game, he watched on with interest as English football continued to pay homage to the Pep Guardiola way of playing before others decided to break ranks.He said: “Football was following one person’s lead but now I’m happy people are realising you haven’t got to have total possession to win.“You can win football in different ways. You haven’t all got to be Pep.”And there is something poetic about managing back in his beloved West Country after years moving around the country.The Bristolian said: “Geographically it’s perfect for me being a West Country boy. I like the fact I had no ties with Swindon – never played for them, never managed them. They were deep in the mire so it was a great challenge.“If I’d have failed that would’ve been me failing but I’m delighted we’re moving forward and I’m feeling good about my decision to come here.“My wife let me because we didn’t have to move. I’ve moved her FORTY-EIGHT times! She didn’t want to move again.“And this club is nicknamed the Robins … and you know my history with Bristol City, whose bitter rivals Rovers are the Robins!READ MORE SUN STORIES“Marina Dolman, the Bristol Rovers president, keeps teasing me by saying, ‘We’ll make a Robin of you yet!’“She’s got a road named after her in Bristol — Dolman Way. I don’t think I can get one named after me here … Holloway Way doesn’t sound right. And it’s the last thing we need in Swindon. We’ve got magnificent roundabouts and the Sat Nav explodes! We don’t need a street named after me!”Holloway was recently named EFL Manager of the MonthCredit: EFL More