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      Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney announce MASSIVE financial boost as family worth £1.6bn invest in club

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      WREXHAM co-owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have welcomed investment from a family worth £1.6billion.The Allyn family has purchased a minority stake in the League One side.Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have announced the arrival of two minority investorsCredit: GettyBased in Skaneateles, New York, the family owned American medical device company Welch Allyn.The firm – which was founded in 1915 – sold for $2billion (£1.67bn) nine years ago.Some of the Allyn family’s fortune has now been put into Wrexham.A statement from the Welsh side read: “The investment, which was made through Red Dragon Ventures LLC, will help fuel the Club’s lofty ambitions, as well as those of the broader Wrexham community.Read More in Football”Red Dragon Ventures is a joint venture formed between the Allyn family and Wrexham AFC co-owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds focused on driving growth and success in and around Wrexham.”Co-owners Reynolds and McElhenney said: “Wrexham has earned the world’s attention and we are focused on bringing on board world-class partners to help with the next phase of our growth.”We have been fortunate to get to know the Allyn family and we are blown away by their intelligence, kindness and commitment.”They are exactly the type of partners we will need for this amazing endeavor.”Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDiscussing the investment, Eric Allyn, Manager and Chief Investment Officer of the Allyn’s Family Office, commented: “For more than a century, our family has focused on building great companies, while also uplifting wonderful communities.”Our decades-long efforts in the Syracuse region are similar to what Rob and Ryan have started in Wrexham.Wrexham’s James McClean catches beer thrown by Birmingham fans and pretends to drink it as he winds up supporters in huge League One clash”We view Red Dragon Ventures as a vehicle to invest in a world-class football club, and, importantly, in the welcoming community of Wrexham.”Hollywood superstars Reynolds and McElhenney completed a takeover of the club in 2021.They have since guided Wrexham through two successive promotions.The Welsh side currently sit third in the League One table. More

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      Ian Holloway spotted managing Swindon from the stands despite not starting new job until Monday

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      IAN HOLLOWAY was spotted managing Swindon from the stands despite not yet officially starting his new role.The maverick manager was appointed Robins boss on a deal until the end of the season, replacing the sacked Mark Kennedy.Ian Holloway dished out instructions from the touchlineCredit: Rob NoyesHe even consulted with Swindon coachesCredit: Rob NoyesHolloway took up a seat in the standsCredit: Rob NoyesSwindon announced Holloway would begin his tenure on Monday but the incoming boss was at the County Ground on Saturday casting an eye over his new team.However he could not resist the urge to get involved and he walked down the stand to the touchline where he began barking out instructions.The former Premier League boss even went up to the Swindon dugout as began consulting with Swindon coaches.His new team needed all the help they could get as they went a man down just nine minutes into the clash with defender Grant Hall receiving a red card.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMinutes later Timothee Dieng opened the scoring for Gillingham but Swindon held firm and grabbed a dramatic last-minute equaliser through Harry Smith.Holloway, 61, is known for fostering a strong team spirit in his squads and it appears he is already having a positive influence.Fans loved Holloway’s antics with one reacting saying: “Showing more passion than that clown Kennedy in 45 mins.”Another added: “Certainly worked his magic.”Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third wrote: “Oh this is gonna be fun!!!!”And another commented: “He was cracking, from the DR stands wee were playing ‘where’s Holloway’ 🤣”Lincoln’s Ethan Erhahon reveals players STOLE the physio’s car and he was offered a ‘scrap’ with a fan – What the EFL More

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      Championship stars get early shower as sprinklers turned on mid-match leaving players fuming

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      SUNDERLAND and Oxford players were caught off guard as sprinklers turned on mid-match.The incident happened quickly after kick-off with sprinklers going off all over the pitch in the first minute.Sprinklers going off caused a break in play at Sunderland vs OxfordCredit: GettyOxford players were not happy as it incident happened as they were on the attackCredit: GettyOxford were not too pleased as they were on the attack at the time, with the referee calling a halt to play.Players were seen with their arms up in the air – Oxford striker Mark Harris was seen gesturing towards the dugout area.Their frustrations were made worse 15 minutes later as Jobe Bellingham headed in the opener for the hosts.The Black Cats then doubled their lead after half-time through Wilson Isidor.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans found the incident amusing with one saying: “Turning the sprinklers on while Oxford are on the attack is prime s***housery.”Another added: “Seems like Sunderland playing dark arts with sprinklers now.”It was a dramatic day in the Championship as Coventry’s clash with Luton was also stopped for a bizarre reason.The game was halted because somebody was seen paragliding over the Coventry stadium.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIn the 81st minute of the game, cameras stopped filming the match action to watch the peculiar flight path above them.Coventry made use of the break in play as they scored moments later to win 3-2, having trailed 2-0 at half-time.’My pro football team-mate thought he was Spiderman after being spiked on night out’ | What the EFL?! More

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      Wrexham clash delayed after referee injured twice as home and away fans sing brutal chant during substitution

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      WREXHAM’S League One clash away at Charlton was stopped after referee Sam Purkiss suffered a knee injury and had to be replaced.Yet despite the fitness issue, fans inside The Valley had little sympathy for the official as they sang a brutal chant as he left the field.Referee Sam Purkiss was forced off due to a knee injuryCredit: GettyPurkiss initially went down in the 11th minute and received treatment on the field of play.He continued and Conor Coventry’s own goal gave Wrexham a 1-0 lead.Macaulay Gillesphey levelled for the hosts midway through the first half, before Purkiss went down again.This time he was unable to carry on and Alan Dale replaced him 10 minutes before half time.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs he left the pitch, fans could be heard singing: “You’re not fit to referee”.Wrexham went to Charlton knowing they could close the gap to Birmingham to just two points with a win.In one of the lunchtime kick-offs, Birmingham were held to a 1-1 draw away at Mansfield.Wrexham are seeking a third successive promotion and have made an impressive start to the season.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPhil Parkinson’s side have picked up seven wins, four draws and two defeats from their opening 13 League One matches.They have also lost just one of their last seven games in all competitions – since going down 3-1 to pacesetters Birmingham in September. More

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      Lincoln star Ethan Erhahon reveals team hid physio’s car in training ground prank and he was offered ‘scrap’ by fan

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      ETHAN ERHAHON has already packed plenty into his career.Only 23, the midfielder has played at three levels and been capped by Scotland in four age groups – up to Under-21s.Ethan Erhahon has had some lively experiences down SouthThe midfielder arrived at Lincoln from St Mirren in January 2023Credit: GettyBut the former St Mirren star might play another decade and never encounter a wackier episode than the prank his Lincoln City team-mates pulled on the club physio.That was a mischievous jape worthy of City’s nickname – The Imps.In contrast, one experience with an opposition fan, who threatened more than just banter, could have turned out far nastier.Here are some of the trials and tribulations of League One life seen by Erhahon – in his own wordsREAD MORE IN FOOTBALLBest opponent?Ronnie Edwards. Peterborough last season. He was really good. We played against Peterborough and they liked to play it from the back, but we liked to get after them and he kept breaking and pressing stuff.(Defender Edwards, 21, was named in the L1 team of the year – winning a £3million summer move to Southampton.)Erhahon showed his good judgement with his choice of finest rival playerFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMost difficult EFL fans?I got a bit from Blackpool this season. Especially after the game, some fella offered me a scrap or something, so I’d probably say Blackpool, yeah. Most read in EFLFormer Watford and Gillingham hero Andy Hessenthaler shares crazy EFL story after being attacked by the owner I What the EFL?!I don’t know what he was doing, he was gesturing to me anyway, that he wanted me to come over to the barrier and give him a scrap or something.Best away fans?I’d say Portsmouth, for sure, they backed the team the whole way.Last season, missing out in the play-offs, coming down to the final day, and we obviously missed out by two points in the final day, Portsmouth beat us, that still kind of haunts me. Maddest dressing room tale?Last season’s end-of-season do was pretty crazy.Ended up with some players till like five or six in the morning, all the boys had the ties round their head and the tops open and stuff, so, you know, might do the same again this year, hopefully, after we get promoted.(Team-mates) took the physio’s car last year and drove it up the side of the pitch.There’s fields around here, so if you know the training ground, it looks like fields… drove it up the side of the pitch… took the keys and… didn’t have a clue where his car went! So that’s probably one of the funniest moments I’ve ever had at a training ground, for sure.Craziest transfer tale?Don’t want to name players or agents, but I’ve heard a few stories!One guy getting a haircut in the city he was going to play for – the team he was going to play for – and he ended up changing his mind after the haircut, coming out and saying to his agent he doesn’t want to go. I think it was Blackpool, maybe. Not a good barber, maybe, around there!Dressing-room antics?Probably something to do with the darts, maybe. The kit man plays, he always gets beat, so it’s always a funny moment when he’s in there getting beat, we’re all laughing at him and stuff. Owner Harvey [Jabara] put a lot into the club, and they brought us all baseball gloves, signed, and with little Lincoln imps on them, so I’ve still got that up in my room.It’s a nice gesture. I don’t play baseball, but it was certainly a nice gesture, and one that I’ll keep forever.READ MORE SUN STORIESAway-day dressing-room grumble!I have to say probably in the [Bristol Street Motors] Trophy last week, Grimsby, away. The changing room’s a bit old-school, shall we say!A bit small and stuff, so, I’d have to say Grimsby’s changing room.Erhahon is hoping Lincoln go up to the Championship after they just missed out on reaching the League One play-offs last seasonCredit: Rex More

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      Ian Holloway lands first manager job in football in four years as he is named boss of EFL club

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      IAN HOLLOWAY has been appointed manager of EFL side Swindon Town.The League Two strugglers parted company with Mark Kennedy following their underwhelming start to the season.Ian Holloway has been appointed Swindon managerCredit: PAThey have wasted little time in appointing his successor with Holloway confirmed just hours after his sacking.Holloway, 61, has signed a deal until the end of the season.He said on joining The Robins: “I’m delighted to be back working in football after a period out of the game as I wanted to get back into it if the right opportunity arose which, with this opportunity, I feel is the perfect fit for me.”Conversations happened very quickly and both sides were very keen to get the deal done and of course, I was delighted to engage with a club like Swindon Town, a club of whom I know a lot about due to my location and knowledge of the local area.”I want to be able to bring everyone together to deliver success and positivity on and off the pitch and I’m delighted to be at The Nigel Eady County Ground tomorrow to meet you all for the first time as Swindon Town Manager and I look forward to a successful time working together.”Holloway has not managed since he was sacked by Grimsby four years ago after winning just 11 out of 38 games in charge.He is just 11 games away from 1000 matches managed in a managerial career that has seen him win promotion three times.Holloway’s first taste of success came at QPR when he won promotion to the Championship in 2004.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe then twice one promotion to the Premier League, first with Blackpool in 2010 and again three years later with Crystal Palace – both of which came via the play-offs.Swindon will hope Holloway can add a bit of inspiration immediately as they have just two wins from 13 games and sit three points above the relegation zone.Worthing FC owner George Dowell describes club’s ambition to reach EFL for first time More

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      Swindon SACK manager Mark Kennedy after less than five months as they release brief 90-word statement

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      SWINDON have sacked boss Mark Kennedy after just five months in charge.The League Two side have confirmed that first team coaches Marcus Bignot, Steve Mildenhall and Gavin Gunning will remain in place to take charge of this weekend’s clash with Gillingham.Swindon have sacked manager Mark KennedyCredit: GettyKennedy, 48, signed a two-year deal with Swindon back in May.But following a poor start to the season, the Irishman has been relieved of his duties.In a 90-word statement, the fourth-tier side confirmed: “Swindon Town Football Club have parted company with head coach Mark Kennedy.”Marcus Bignot, Steve Mildenhall and Gavin Gunning will continue in their current positions, with all three first-team coaches in place to oversee this weekend’s game against Gillingham.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Everyone at Swindon Town Football Club would like to express their appreciation to Mark for his commitment and hard work during his time with the Club and wish him all the best in the future.”A further update on the club’s new head coach will be provided at the earliest opportunity.”The former Ireland international won three of his 16 games in charge of Swindon in all competitions.In his final game in charge they were beaten 2-1 by Salford on Tuesday night.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFollowing the match, Kennedy went on to blame his players’ decision making.He told the BBC: “Unfortunately we found a way to lose the game.Former Watford and Gillingham hero Andy Hessenthaler shares crazy EFL story after being attacked by the owner I What the EFL?!”Our decision making leaves me scratching my head a little bit. The games we’ve lost, I don’t feel this season, with the exception of Walsall, anybody’s come and beat us.”Kennedy went on to add: “When I look at Darren [Moore] at Port Vale, Grant [McCann] on Saturday, Karl [Robinson] tonight (Tuesday), when I look back and reflect and visualise the following day having played my team and what they did to beat us, I keep coming up with the same answer: ‘We were really lucky there, they didn’t half help us’.”We’re handing teams wins – Carlisle, two set-pieces, Port Vale first goal, set-piece.’DIFFICULT FOR ME TO TAKE'”Second goal tonight, clear your lines. We bizarrely think we’re going to take somebody on in the box and go across the goal and put ourselves in difficult situations.”That’s really difficult for me to take as a head coach.”Swindon are 22nd in League Two – three points above the relegation zone and already 10 back from the play-off places.Kennedy previously worked as Macclesfield boss in 2020 amid the club’s financial turmoil.He was then appointed Lincoln manager in May 2022 before leaving in October last year.As a player Kennedy represented the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool, before eventually hanging up his boots in 2012 following a spell with Ipswich.Swindon have moved quickly to appoint Ian Holloway as Kennedy’s replacement.The former Crystal Palace, QPR Blackpool and Plymouth Argyle boss will officially begin work on Monday, but will be in attendance as his new side take on Gillingham tomorrow.’SUCCESS AND POSITIVITY’Upon joining the Robins, Holloway said: “I’m delighted to be back working in football after a period out of the game as I wanted to get back into it if the right opportunity arose which, with this opportunity, I feel is the perfect fit for me.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Conversations happened very quickly and both sides were very keen to get the deal done and of course, I was delighted to engage with a club like Swindon Town, a club of whom I know a lot about due to my location and knowledge of the local area.”I want to be able to bring everyone together to deliver success and positivity on and off the pitch and I’m delighted to be at The Nigel Eady County Ground tomorrow to meet you all for the first time as Swindon Town Manager and I look forward to a successful time working together.”Kennedy, 48, previously worked as Lincoln bossCredit: Getty More

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      Former Man Utd wonderkid and Premier League title winner spotted in Wrexham training and set to sign on free transfer

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      AN ex-Manchester United star and Premier League winner is set to join Wrexham, according to reports.Matty James is currently without a club after his deal with Bristol City expired at the end of last season.Wrexham chiefs Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds are closing in on signing a former Man Utd starCredit: PAMatty James is set to sign a short-term deal at the clubCredit: AFPBut he has been spotted training with Wrexham ahead of signing a short-term contract until January.James has reportedly had interest from Championship sides but is choosing Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s League One outfit.The 33-year-old midfielder came through the ranks at Man Utd but never made a senior appearance for them.He was instead loaned out to Preston twice before he was signed by Leicester in a double deal with Ritchie De Laet.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJames went on to play 117 times for the Foxes in nine years at the club.He played a huge role in the club’s promotion and then survival in the Premier League back in 2014.The former England Under-20s star was in the squad as Leicester famously clinched the title, but he did not play a minute that season due to a ligament injury.He has since had spells at Barnsley, Coventry and Bristol City.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSJames will help Wrexham’s promotion push as they currently sit second in League One.Ex-West Brom man James McClean and ex-Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher are the other former Premier League players in the squad.Wrexham’s James McClean catches beer thrown by Birmingham fans and pretends to drink it as he winds up supporters in huge League One clash More