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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

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      Huge EFL rule change hit by MAJOR setback with request for a vote rejected and ‘no commitment made’

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      The EFL are set to a reject a request from the National League to commit to a vote on granting them three promotion places.SunSport has learned that the matter was discussed at an EFL Board meeting yesterday. The EFL are set to a reject a request from the National League to commit to a vote on granting them an additional promotion placeCredit: GettyThe Board concluded that the promotion and relegation issue should be passed to the clubs for talks at their divisional meetings later this month, with no commitment made to vote at the end of the season.The National League wrote to the EFL earlier this week requesting a vote at their summer AGM so the new promotion and relegation model could be introduced next season. In addition the National League have launched a public 3UP campaign, but have been unable to secure any commitment from the EFL at this stage.The EFL declined to comment, and are planning to write to the National League to explain their position in detail.Read More in FootballAny rule change requires a majority vote from the 72 EFL clubs, including a majority of the 24 in the Championship.The EFL are expected to set out their concerns to the clubs later this month, including the fact that National League clubs are not subject to the same cost control rules.Agreeing the same spending rules is viewed by many as essential before three-up three-down can be introduced, and that will not happen before the end of the season.EFL bosses have previously spoken positively about the idea but a switch would need the formal backing of the clubs.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSNational League chairman Jack Pearce suggested the likely arrival of the Government’s new Independent Football Regulator this summer meant that the EFL had to respond.Pearce said: “The Regulator’s stated objectives include providing financial sustainability, economic resilience and preserving the heritage of the sport. ‘Classless’ – Fans fume as EFL star’s ‘disgusting’ behaviour sparks row that sees manager sent off days after dad died-Locat“In terms of heritage, National League clubs are at the heart of towns and cities across the whole country, with clubs that are part of the fabric of their communities.“An extra promotion place would create an invaluable aspiration for all these clubs and supporters – plus clubs in the leagues below. We simply can’t wait any longer for parity within the game.”Pearce argues that three clubs switching each season would create a “fluid” pyramid while also providing greater opportunity for relegated clubs to “bounce back” into the EFL. More

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      Wrexham stars get raunchy dance lesson from Channing Tatum in brilliant Super Bowl advert

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      CHANNING TATUM teamed up with Wrexham to film a hilarious Super Bowl commercial.Tatum, 44, was drafted in by the Red Dragons’ Hollywood celebrity owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds as well as the club’s sponsors Stok Cold Brew.Channing Tatum was drafted in by Wrexham owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan ReynoldsTatum linked up with Wrexham sponsor Stock Cold BrewTatum tried to teach the Wrexham players how to celebrate goalsWrexham aces watched Tatum’s dance moves in aweTatum and the Wrexham players got groovy Magic Mike styleThe Step Up star was filmed barging into the Welsh giants’ dressing room revealing to the players that McElhenney and Reynolds are unhappy with their celebrations before sipping the sponsor drink.That is when the American actor puts the cult hit Everybody Dance Now on full blast and he channels in his inner Magic Mike to show off some moves to the players who are left absolutely stunned.Tatum says: “Alright boys! Your bosses are not happy with your celebration dances. So, drink up. Try to keep up.”Most important thing: Eye contact! Come on, champ. They saw you score, but now let them feel you score. Alright, you guys got it?”Read More on FootballThat is when all the Wrexham players join Tatum in the groove and the actor’s phone starts to ring.A voice is heard sounding a lot like Reynolds, with whom the 21 Jump Street star appeared recently on Deadpool & Wolverine.The voice asks: “What’s up doc?”Tatum responds: “They’re ready!”Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat is when Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson walks in and watches in shock as the players and Tatum get too excited.So much so that the commercial ends on a hilarious note suggesting that Parkinson’s aces went full Magic Mike.Wrexham stars including ex-Premier League ace party with Hollywood hunk Channing Tatum after Cambridge drawA shirt is thrown towards Tatum, who gasps: “No, no! I promised Ryan and Rob I’d keep it classy! Everyone put your clothes back on!”The commercial will be shown on FOX Sports during Sunday’s Super Bowl clash between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs.Tatum becomes the latest celebrity to link up with Wrexham, who are reaching superstar status despite playing in League One.The likes of Anthony Hopkins, Eva Longoria, Will Ferrell, Jason Sudeikis and Kit Harington have linked up with the club one way or another since McElhenney and Reynolds’ takeover in 2020.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson makes a funny cameoTatum got the players to dance along with him in the dressing roomCredit: Instagram / stokcoldbrew More

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      Major overhaul to EFL promotion and relegation proposed as league gives plan unanimous backing

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      THE NATIONAL League has urged EFL clubs to back a promotion and relegation switch.All 72 clubs in the National League have signed a letter to EFL chiefs asking them to back a vote of member clubs over changing to a three-up, three-down system between League Two and the fifth tier.A major change to the EFL’s promotion and relegation system has been proposedCredit: HandoutBromley won promotion to the EFL via the National League play-offs last seasonCredit: GettyNational League clubs argue that the current system, where only one club gets automatic promotion to the EFL with a second place available through the play-offs, is inconsistent with the rest of the pyramid.And at a meeting last week which formally endorsed the “3UP” campaign, clubs in the National League’s three divisions unanimously backed the move.EFL bosses have previously spoken positively about the idea but a switch would need the formal backing of the clubs – with those in League Two likely to need more convincing.National League chairman Jack Pearce suggested the likely arrival of the Government’s new Independent Football Regulator this summer meant that the EFL had to respond.READ MORE EFL NEWSPearce said: “The Regulator’s stated objectives include providing financial sustainability, economic resilience and preserving the heritage of the sport.  “In terms of heritage, National League clubs are at the heart of towns and cities across the whole country, with clubs that are part of the fabric of their communities.  “An extra promotion place would create an invaluable aspiration for all these clubs and supporters – plus clubs in the leagues below.  We simply can’t wait any longer for parity within the game.”Pearce argues that three clubs switching each season would create a “fluid” pyramid while also providing greater opportunity for relegated clubs to “bounce back” into the EFL.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe top SEVEN clubs in the current National League table are ex-EFL clubs, with another six who have been in the top four tiers further down the standings.He added: “We have been consistently told that the EFL support our 3UP position in principle but are reluctant to progress any changes whilst they are consulting with the IFR and Premier League regarding their own redistribution of football income.  EFL club owner gives update on new £2bn ‘spaceship’ stadium included in mega plans for state-of-the-art complex “However, we believe the campaign goal is vital to the overall health of the game and the government’s objectives – therefore it should be as high on the agenda as any other matter this year.“Rick Parry, the EFL Chair, has often said that ‘the EFL should look down as well as up’ so we’d now like that to actually happen.” More

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      Wrexham reveal plans for new 5,500-capacity Kop stand with incredible pictures showing off unique design

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      WREXHAM have revealed plans for their new Kop stand.Plans have been in place for several years to give the STōK Cae Ras stadium a revamp.Wrexham’s new Kop has been designed by PopulousCredit: GettyIt pays homage to the city’s terracotta historyCredit: GettyIt will have a capacity of 5,500 with potential to be increasedCredit: GettyThere is a hospitality section and player facilitiesCredit: GettyIt will feature two dragons as seen on the club crestCredit: GettyThe Kop could be ready before summer 2026Credit: GettyThe old Kop was knocked down in January 2023 and replaced with a temporary structure, but a new stand is finally on the way after a couple of setbacks including planning permission being denied by the council on environmental grounds.Designed by world-renowned firm Populous, who worked on Wembley and the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, the new stand will embody Wrexham – the city and the club.It will have a 5,500 capacity with potential to increase further, and includes safe standing.There will also be accessible seating, hospitality and include player and official facilities, so fans will be able to welcome their team onto the pitch through a player tunnel in the stand.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt will also be built in compliance with Uefa Category 4 stadium requirements, which means it will be able to host European Under-19 Championship matches in 2026, with the tournament hosted by Wales.Wrexham state the design of the stand will amplify noise created by supporters and it will be high enough for fans to see it from the city centre.The exterior pays tribute to the city’s “Terracottapolis” nickname, with the brickwork reminiscent of the red brick used in the local are.It will also feature two dragons carved into the brick, representing the two dragons on the Wrexham crest.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMichael Williamson, Wrexham CEO, said: “The new Kop Stand marks a special moment in the history of the STōK Cae Ras, allowing us to restore the traditional four-sided enclosure of the stadium, providing new and improved facilities and experiences for our fans and visitors to the stadium alike.“The distinctive design of the new Kop Stand embodies the history and heritage of Wrexham – rooted in the local community creating a timeless, authentic piece of civic architecture that complements other landmarks. Danny Devito celebrates Wrexham’s last-gasp win over Barnsley as he watches from virtual stadium in LA“It will provide an iconic landmark standing at the gateway to the city giving it a true sense of place.“The stand reflects the key role the football club can play in the rejuvenation and redevelopment of the city through its role in the Wrexham Gateway Project.“The upgrading of facilities to meet UEFA Category 4 specifications are central to our wider vision of bringing international sport back to Wrexham and the benefit this will bring to the local community of hosting these events in North Wales.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Former Premier League star, 41, sacked by Carlisle after just 25 games as they release blunt 56-word statement

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      A FORMER Premier League star has been sacked as manager of Carlisle after just 25 games.Ex-Newcastle defender Mike Williamson, 41, starred for the Magpies in the top flight from 2010 to 2015. Mike Williamson has reportedly been sacked as Carlisle boss after just 25 gamesCredit: GettyBut after a dire run since taking over the Blues in September, he has been relieved of his duties.That is despite being allowed to make 12 signings in the January transfer window including former Magpies team-mate Paul Dummett.Williamson was sacked on Monday morning.Carlisle said in a brief 56-word statement: “Carlisle United Football Club can confirm that head coach Mike Williamson has this morning been relieved of his duties and has left the club with immediate effect.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”Everyone at the club would like to thank Mike for his efforts during his time at the club.”The club will give a further update in the coming days.”That comes after Saturday’s humiliating 5-1 defeat at home to Swindon which left the Brunton Park side bottom of the League Two table, five points from safety.Fans chanted “out, out, out” as Williamson trudged down the tunnel.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd they got their wish with his dismissal as the club face back-to-back relegations. Williamson left his role at MK Dons in September to take over from Paul Simpson at Carlisle. Premier League clash descends into farce as VAR counts number of playersSimpson was in charge when they were relegated last season and oversaw three defeats in the club’s first four league games of the 2024-25 campaign. Mark Birch was interim boss for three weeks before the deal was struck with MK Dons for Williamson’s arrival. However, the ex-Wolves, Wycombe and Watford centre-back struggled to make the impact he wanted in Cumbria.In his 25 games in the dugout, Williamson managed just five wins, six draws and 14 defeats – a win rate of a mere 20 per cent. That included a nightmare run of five defeats out of six in 2025. Williamson started his managerial career with Gateshead as player-manager in 2019. He led the Tynesiders to promotion from the National League North before a 14th-place National League finish and a run to the FA Trophy final in 2022-23.Williamson left Gateshead sixth in the National League when he joined MK Dons in October 2023 but missed out on promotion in the play-offs last term. READ MORE SUN STORIESWilliamson made 134 Premier League appearances for Newcastle, scoring one goal and keeping 33 clean sheets for the Toon Army. He was even named the Toon’s Player of the Year in 2013-14 before finishing his playing days by dropping down through the EFL and into non-league. Mike Williamson racked up 134 Prem appearances for NewcastleCredit: AFP – Getty More