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      Leicester star James Justin has no intention of following James Maddison and Harvey Barnes out the exit door

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      JAMES JUSTIN was playing for England last year but this season must slog it in the Championship.The defender has no intention of leaving Leicester after relegation from the Premier League.
      James Justin is looking forward to a season in the Championship with Leicester
      Justin was called up by England last summer by Gareth Southgate
      Justin, 25, celebrated a career high last summer when he made his Three Lions debut in Hungary — and was in with a shout of playing at the Qatar World Cup.
      But he ruptured his Achilles in November against Newport in the Carabao Cup, which saw him miss the rest of the season as the Foxes crashed out of the top flight.
      Yet as the 2016 Premier League champions prepare to host Coventry tomorrow, Justin told me he will not be following the likes of James Maddison and Harvey Barnes out the door.
      He said: “I went from the highest of highs by playing for England to the lows of being injured and relegated.
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      “But I’m staying. Leicester took a chance on me after I won promotion from League One with Luton four years ago. 
      “This club has done a lot for my career. They’ve stuck by me through two bad injuries, having previously been out for 11 months with an ACL, and fully rehabilitated me. 
      “My plan is to help the team get promoted this season.
      “The Championship is going to be fast, furious, in your face and we’ll not be allowed to breathe for a second.
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      “It’ll be a graft with 46 games. You can get comfy in the Premier League playing only 38. It’ll be a shock to some of those who aren’t used to it.
      “We’re not going to get any special treatment because we’re Leicester.” 
      It was frustrating for Justin to watch helplessly last season — especially in April when he recovered ahead of schedule but could not play due to being omitted from Leicester’s 25-man squad in January.
      He said: “Everyone looks at the talent we had but the final table didn’t lie. It was a bitter pill to swallow because I couldn’t put my stamp on things after I came back from injury.
      “The club had to make a decision about who to register in the squad and no-one could’ve foreseen I’d be back ahead of time.
      Justin meets Justin … Leicester ace James Justin chats to our man Justin Allen
      Harvey Barnes and Ricardo Pereira are gutted as Leicester’s relegation is confirmed despite their last-day victory against West Ham
      “Our relegation was down to a combination of things. We weren’t ruthless enough when we were on top in games and were shipping goals for fun.
      “We had a great run before the World Cup where we kept six clean sheets out of seven but weren’t able to do that consistently and that’s ultimately why we went down.”
      Leicester made £60m selling Barnes to Newcastle and Maddison to Tottenham.
      And they have reinvested half of that by snapping up midfielder Harry Winks (Spurs), centre-half Conor Coady (Wolves), forward Stephy Mavididi (Montpellier) and Denmark No1 Mads Hermansen (Brondby) — as well as defender Callum Doyle on loan from Manchester City.
      Justin said: “We’ve done some good stuff in the transfer window and I don’t think we’re close to finishing the business we’re doing in and out. So there’ll be some more great players coming in to help us.”
      The Foxes made a bold statement by appointing Pep Guardiola’s assistant Enzo Maresca as their new manager in June on a three-year deal.
      Enzo Maresca puts James Justin through his paces at an open training event Leicester held for their fans at the King Power Stadium
      Maresca addresses fans during the club’s open training session
      New Leicester signing Harry Winks in pre-season action against Liverpool
      And already he is making a big impression on the squad and Justin says fans can expect a similar playing style to Manchester City.
      He said: “It’s been good and intense. The manager has installed a lot of his philosophies.
      “In our pre-season games our style and how we’re set up is completely changing.
      “It’s going to take time to get everything perfect. We’ve only been together a month while it took Pep’s City six years to get their domination of English and European football.
      “We’ve worked on how we build up. A lot of teams build with four at the back as standard or three with two wing backs. We’re changing that and adopting what City have done in moving John Stones into midfield. Brighton also use a similar concept — but we’re looking to put our own spin on things.”
      Only last summer Manchester City legend Vincent Kompany transformed a relegated Burnley team known for its defensive structure and long-ball style into one playing free-flowing possession-based football that ran away with the Championship.
      The Leicester ace takes time out of his busy schedule preparing for the new season to speak to SunSport
      Justin is enjoying the new playing style being adopted by Leicester
      Justin said: “It was amazing what they achieved and hopefully we can be similar.
      “Kompany said when he arrived at Burnley they already had good ideas and a foundation at the club — and we also have that at Leicester.
      “He showed what Burnley could do if they had confidence to play that way.”
      It is hoped Justin will play a huge part for Leicester this season with his versatility and attack-minded approach being huge assets.
      So where does he prefer playing? Left-back, right-back, left wing, right wing or central midfield?
      He said: “Any of the above but I prefer playing on the left — but I’m not picky. I just get on with my job.”
      And while his hopes of playing at the World Cup were dashed, Justin does not have to give up on making next summer’s Euro squad.
      Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate revealed in March he will keep tabs on the Championship because the number of English players starting Premier League games are dwindling.
      The Foxes star said: “It gives you encouragement and extra fire knowing Gareth and his staff will be watching.
      “Being part of the England squad and playing alongside that calibre of player opened my eyes.
      “It made me think, ‘This is the level I want to be at every week’ and seeing people like Harry Kane and what they do to prepare after training to get better is something I want to emulate.”
      While things have been tough for Justin in recent times, he had the joy of his partner Laurel giving birth to their baby boy Remi four months ago — and home-town club Luton getting promoted to the Premier League.
      Justin’s home-town club Luton won promotion to the Premier League
      Justin is looking forward to a bright future after a tough year
      The lifelong Hatters fan, who used to watch from the terraces with his late father Mick, was at Wembley to see his ex-team-mates beat Coventry in the play-off final.
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      He said: “I used to watch Luton in the National League and when I broke into the first team, they were in League Two. So for Kenilworth Road to be hosting Premier League football, it’s unreal.
      “I went to the team hotel afterwards to see the lads and their families. That club has gone through some dark days, it’s a fairytale.” More

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      Man Utd’s legend son, who walked out on Man City, bags stunning hat-trick for Barnsley on opening day of EFL season

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      THE son of Manchester United legend Andy Cole bagged a stunning hat-trick on the opening day of the season.Barnsley kickstarted their League One campaign in style with an emphatic 7-0 win over Port Vale at Oakwell.
      Devante Cole bagged an impressive hat-trickCredit: News images
      As Barnsley put last season’s heartache behind them in a 7-0 winCredit: Zuma Press
      But it was Devante Cole who stole the show with a brilliant treble.
      Cole, 28, spent his youth career at Manchester City, after his United legend dad Andy’s brief stint at the Etihad.
      But he never made a first team appearance for the Sky Blues instead shining in a brief loan spell with Barnsley, before permanent moves to fellow third-tier sides Bradford, Fleetwood, Wigan and Doncaster.
      After a fruitful spell in Scotland with Motherwell, Cole rejoined the Tykes in 2021, and has now scored 19 goals in 70 league games.
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      And he’ll look to improve that record this season after making the best possible start.
      Cole opened the scoring on Saturday as he slotted home after a brilliant low ball in behind by debutant Corey O’Keefe.
      And he proved to be far from finished as he blasted home two more in the space of five minutes during the second-half.
      Cole will be thanking team-mate Nicky Cadden for not stealing his hat-trick goal which just about trickled over the line.
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      Manager Neill Collins told the BBC: “Devante Cole has impressed me. He scored goals at really important times. He took his goals fantastically well”.
      Devante chose to leave Man City permanently for Bradford in 2015 after what he considered unfair treatment towards the club’s English players.
      He stated: “They’d brought through players like Micah Richards and Shaun Wright-Phillips.
      “Then they got their money and everything changed straight away. They started buying foreign boys for the academy and all the English lads got pushed to one side.
      “Some players were picked regardless of form because they’d had millions of pounds spent on them. It wasn’t fair on the ones who’d come through the ranks”.
      But he seems to have put the past behind him as he looks to help the Reds secure that all important promotion this season.
      Liam Kitching, Jon Russell and Andrew Dallas were on also on target while Dan Jones netted an own goal as new boss Collins got a dream start with last season’s play-off finalists.
      It was the biggest win on the opening weekend of a Football League season since Wolves beat Manchester City 8-1 in 1962-1963.
      Devante father is Manchester United legend striker Andy ColeCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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      I’m a football club owner who launched my own newspaper and starred in Netflix show… now I’m trying to get promotion

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      CHARLIE METHVEN is arguably best known for his cringe-worthy antics on Netflix.But now the former journalist is hoping to write a new blockbuster script in his latest football project.
      Former Sunderland director Charlie Methven has a new gig as co-owner at CharltonCredit: Getty
      The journalist set up his own newspaper but it folded after a yearCredit: Getty
      Methven, 47, rose to fame during his infamous spell as co-owner of Sunderland.
      The blundering PR consultant, who was educated at Eton and the University of Oxford, came in for criticism for his behaviour in the Sunderland ‘Til I Die documentary.
      That included his iconic executive meeting to discuss PA music and his attempt at an inspirational rousing speech at the Stadium of Light.
      He stepped down as the Black Cats’ executive director in December 2019 after a series of struggles and controversies – including calling fans watching illegal streams of matches “parasites”.
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      But Methven was making waves in the media world a long time before his sudden rise to stardom on Netflix.
      The reporter wrote for Sporting Life, The Daily Telegraph, The Spectator and the Evening Standard.
      But in 2005, he launched The Sportsman, a daily horseracing and gambling title and the first new UK national newspaper in 19 years.
      The following year, though, it ran out of funds and folded.
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      Methven went on to have a communications firm which had Tottenham and the Kingdom of Bahrain on its clientele list.
      The Oxford United fan is back in football now, though, after he teamed up with investors at SE7 Partners to take over Charlton Athletic.
      And the Addicks’ new owner is insistent he is not at The Valley for some quick cash – but instead is desperate to see Dean Holden’s South Londoners promoted back into the Championship this season.
      Methven said: “I understand why people will say that because it was our model at Sunderland – but that was a very different ownership group.
      “The situation here is very different because the rest of my ownership group is very wealthy – at least the larger shareholders are – and really the increase in capital value from moving from League One to the Championship wouldn’t really be of any financial interest to them.
      “Really this project is more about passion.
      “They are successful people and successful investors and they want to be successful.
      “But if we were to get promoted this season, do I then envisage we would sell the club the next season? Absolutely not.
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      “Absolutely there is no intention for that to be the case.
      “I would put this as a five-year minimum project.”
      Methven frustrated many fans with his antics in the Netflix showCredit: Netflix
      Charlton will be eyeing promotion under new ownersCredit: Reuters More

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      Wrexham match suspended as stars forced to take cover inside concourse due to extreme weather including lightning

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      IT’S not always sunny in Philadelphia, as Wrexham found out last night.The League Two side, co-owned by Always Sunny star Rob McElhenney, concluded their US tour with a trip to Philly to face the Union’s second team at Subaru Stadium.
      Lightning struck as Wrexham’s pre-season friendly was delayedCredit: Getty
      The match resumed in brutal conditionsCredit: Alamy
      A fan waves a flag despite being urged to retreat to the concourseCredit: Getty
      The match kicked off in uncomfortably hot, sticky conditions.
      And when a storm rolled into Philadelphia, fans were urged to take shelter in the concourses and avoid their exposed seats due to threat of lightning strikes.
      Rather than abandon the match, players and staff were made to be patient, waiting for the storm to pass.
      After a two hour delay , players finally returned to the pitch -undergoing a short warm-up before getting back to action.
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      The second half finally kicked off at around 11pm local time.
      During the break, Wrexham fans still found a way to have a good time in the concourse.
      While taking shelter, supporters sang songs and made use of the refreshment stalls in order to stay entertained.
      The match had been level at 1-1 as the players made their way in after the opening 45 minutes.
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      Tom O’Connor gave the League Two new-boys the lead on 42 minutes, pouncing on a loose ball following a set-piece.
      Phil Parkinson’s side weren’t in front for long, with Jeremy Rafanello deflecting a free-kick beyond a wrong-footed Ben Foster.
      After the extended half-time break, Parkinson made 11 changes to his side – with the match going on to finish 1-1.
      Ahead of the match, Philadelphia-born McElhenney described his excitement at seeing Wrexham play in his hometown.
      He tweeted: “A dream comes true for me tomorrow.
      “Thank you @Wrexham_AFC @PhilaUnion and the entire city of Brotherly Love!!! Wow.”
      Parkinson, meanwhile, was just happy not see a repeat of the incident that saw star striker Paul Mullin puncture a lung against Manchester United.
      On his side’s US tour, he said: “It was a great experience for our guys to play four different teams this summer and face new things.
      “We wanted to get through tonight with no injuries and we did that.”
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      In addition to beating a young Man United side 3-1 and drawing last night – Wrexham triumphed 4-0 over LA Galaxy’s second team but lost 5-0 to Chelsea.
      They are set to kick-off their first League Two campaign since 2007-08 by hosting MK Dons at the Racecourse Ground next Saturday.
      Wrexham fans did their best to enjoy themselves in the concourseCredit: TWITTER @GSingcuenco
      A thunderstorm struck on a hot, sticky evening in PennsylvaniaCredit: Getty More

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      I’ve scored 81 EFL goals and married a Love Island star – now I’m balancing professional football with my own TV series

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      BRADLEY DACK has had an unforgettable summer, despite being released by Blackburn.The attacking midfielder was a fans’ favourite at Ewood Park, playing 173 times for Rovers over six years.
      Bradley Dack will star in the latest season of his own reality TV show with Olivia AttwoodCredit: Instagram
      The couple were engaged in 2019Credit: Splash
      Dack, 29, left Blackburn Rovers at the end of last seasonCredit: Getty
      After his playing time dwindled during last season, Blackburn made the difficult call not to renew his contract.
      He has since joined Sunderland, reuniting with his former boss Tony Mowbray.
      Despite finding himself having to change clubs, Dack has still enjoyed the summer of a lifetime.
      The 29-year-old has been dating former Love Island star Olivia Attwood for a number of years after being introduced by mutual friends at a swanky London nightclub before she entered the villa, with the pair getting engaged in 2019.
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      Last month they finally tied the knot following a series of Covid-related delays in a stunning ceremony.
      The happy couple will now star in the latest season of their own reality TV show Olivia Meets Her Match, documenting the build-up to the wedding as well as the big day itself.
      Over four hour-long episodes on ITV, fans will be given behind the scenes access to Dack and Olivia’s stag and hen dos.
      They will also become privy to all kinds of insider gossip from the couple themselves.
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      Appearing in a trailer, Olivia said: “This is the moment we have been waiting for. This is going to be a fairytale. Husband and wife.”
      Dack then added: “I’m about to marry the love of my life. [I won’t cry] as I don’t want to mess up my make-up.”
      Olivia appeared on Love Island in 2017, the same year that Dack joined Blackburn from Gillingham.
      He immediately achieved hero status at Ewood Park, scoring 18 goals on the way to promotion – also bagging the League One Player of the Year award.
      His skills immediately translated to the Championship, in which he netted 15 times during the 2018-19 campaign.
      He was off to a flyer during the first half of the following season, before being struck down in December 2019 by the first of two devastating ACL injuries.
      Dack started just seven Championship games across the 2020-21 and 2021-22 campaigns as he battled back from various setbacks.
      Last season he was largely fit and available, although wasn’t always in favour with boss Jon Dahl Tomasson – going on to leave having scored 57 goals in 173 appearances in all competitions.
      In his farewell letter to Blackburn fans, Dack revealed that he still harbours hopes of playing in the top flight.
      Hopefully I’ll see you in the Premier League!Bradley Dack
      He wrote: “I wish the club all the best in the future. Hopefully the club gets back to the Premier League, where it belongs. I would love to have stayed for another season, but that couldn’t happen.
      “I’ll go on and hopefully we’ll see each other soon and hopefully I’ll see you in the Premier League!
      “Thank you again from me. I’m thoroughly grateful to everyone who’s been involved during my time at the club. It’s been an absolute pleasure and I can’t wait to see you again soon.”
      Following his Ewood Park exit, Dack was quickly linked with fellow Championship side Sunderland.
      And he sealed a deal with the Black Cats this week, signing a one-year deal to reunite with Mowbray.
      Upon joining, he told the club’s media team: “It feels brilliant to be here. It’s clear to see the Club is on an upwards trajectory and it’s great to be on board.
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      “To play in front of 40,000 people every week at the Stadium of Light was a huge pull for me, there’s not many teams in England can produce those numbers.
      “I hope my experience and style of play can add something different to the group, and I can’t wait to pull on the shirt for the first time.”
      Dack initially dated Olivia before her Love Island appearanceCredit: Splash
      The happy couple finally wed last monthCredit: Splash
      Dack has signed for Sunderland on an initial one-year dealCredit: Getty More

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      Ryan Reynolds responds to Paul Mullin’s horror injury after Man Utd keeper punctures his lung

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      RYAN REYNOLDS has wished Paul Mullin a “speedy recovery” after the Wrexham star punctured his lung against Manchester United.The League Two new-boys took on a young Red Devils side in San Diego as part of their US tour on Tuesday night.
      Paul Mullin was on the receiving end of a heavy challenge by Nathan BishopCredit: Getty
      The 28-year-old required oxygen as he left the pitchCredit: Getty
      Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds has wished Mullin a ‘speedy recovery’Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Talisman Mullin was forced off just 12 minutes into the match after a horror collision with United goalkeeper Nathan Bishop.
      The forward required oxygen as he left the pitch and was subsequently rushed to hospital.
      Following the incident, Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds tweeted: “Paul Mullin puts his last drop of blood into everything he does. The entire @Wrexham_AFC community is pulling for a speedy recovery.”
      Mullin, 28, later posted a selfie from his hospital bed, raising his thumb and thanking fans for their messages of support.
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      He wrote: “Thanks for all your messages! All good here!”
      Wrexham rallied in their star man’s absence to win the match 3-1.
      After the game, boss Phil Parkinson was livid with Bishop’s challenge, and the failure of the referee to send the goalkeeper off.
      He said: “I’m fuming about it, I’ve got to be honest with you. It was a clumsy, reckless, challenge in a pre-season game and I’m not happy with it at all. I haven’t seen the goalie and he’s probably best steering clear of us for the time being because we’re not very happy.
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      “It should have been a straight red. If it’s not denying a goal scoring opportunity it’s still a dangerous challenge so if you add the two scenarios together he should have been off the pitch.
      “It’s a dangerous challenge and obviously Paul Mullin is our talisman. The way the lads responded after that I thought was outstanding.
      “That’s what we’re all about as a group – resilience, sticking together.”
      After the match, Bishop apologised to Mullin on social media.
      He wrote: “Just wanted to share my sincerest apologies to@PMullin7.
      “A complete misjudgement and a genuine accident with 0 malicious intent at all!
      “Wishing you the speediest recovery and hope to see you back scoring goals as soon as possible!”
      Reynolds still appeared to be grateful for the chance to take on a youthful Man United team.
      He tweeted: “Massive thanks to @ManUtd for the incredible opportunity to play against a legendary Premier league side.”
      Mullin posted an update from hospital after the matchCredit: paulmullin12/INstagram
      Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson was furious with Bishop’s challengeCredit: Getty More

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      Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham leave fans furious by telling them League Two clash is SOLD OUT – but only for UK members

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      WREXHAM fans have been left furious with tickets to their clash versus Walsall sold out – but only to local fans. The club, owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, face The Saddlers at home on August 15.
      Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham is becoming increasingly popular with fans outside the UK, creating a ticketing issueCredit: PA
      It is their second home match back in League Two following last season’s promotion from the National League.
      And in a potentially controversial move, the clash has been deemed “sold out for UK members”.
      But there “are a small number of International Members Tickets still available for the game.”
      Wrexham are growing in popularity in America due to their owners, the behind-the-scenes TV show following the club and the pre-season friendlies held in the US versus Chelsea and Manchester United.
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      Some fans are concerned the local community is being pushed aside for global success.
      One said: “When a Wrexham FC Member living 9 miles away is unable to purchase a ticket but someone living 1000+ miles away may still purchase one then this should not be something you, as a club, should be pleased with.”
      Another added: “The ticketing system is an absolute shambles.”
      A third admitted: “As an American fan this seems kind of f***ed. If there’s tickets left, sell them to people that want them most.”
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      Others disagreed with just 75 tickets being held for international supporters.
      One wrote: “0.71 per cent of the overall capacity that’s it. Any unsold tickets will go to members anyway. Moaning for the sake of it, so tedious.”
      Wrexham get their season underway versus MK Dons at the Racecourse Ground on August 5. More

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      Wrexham owner Rob McElhenney unveils new kit that was ‘illegal’ for last three years as fans call it a ‘work of art’

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      WREXHAM have unveiled their new third kit for the 2023-24 season.The Red Dragons will wear a black strip which features a red trim and a pattern inspired by Wrexham and North Wales’ coal mining history.
      Wrexham have unveiled their new third kitCredit: https://twitter.com/RMcElhenney/status/1679136026948784131/photo/1
      McElhenney revealed he’s been trying to produce it for the past two yearsCredit: Getty
      Club co-owner Rob McElhenney revealed that he’s been trying to produce the kit since he and Ryan Reynolds took over at the Racecourse Ground in February 2021.
      However, a National League rule prevented the first team from being able to wear it.
      McElhenney tweeted: “I’ve been trying to get this one made for 3 years. Under National League rule, we couldn’t have a black kit. Not a problem anymore ;).”
      Wrexham fans were quick to fall in love with the new outfit, with one person tweeting: “Dude this is fantastic!!”
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      Another added: “It’s absolutely incredible, a work of art.”
      While a third wrote: “It’s an absolute thing of beauty!”
      National League rules state that teams can’t wear black kits because they clash with the referees’ outfit.
      Now that Wrexham have been promoted to the Football League, they have more freedom in terms of kit choices.
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      The Welsh side earned promotion by winning the National League last season in record-breaking fashion.
      They smashed the old record for the most points gained in a single season, with 111 accrued by the final day. More