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    EFL manager says sorry to Ange Postecoglou and Spurs in statement after ‘I made a stupid comment about Tottenham’

    LEYTON ORIENT manager Richie Wellens has apologised to Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham over a “stupid comment”.The Os boss quickly retracted the comment which he made in his post-match press interview after a 1-0 defeat to Stockport.Richie Wellens apologised for a comment he made about Ange PostecoglouCredit: GettyPostecoglou’s squad has been hit by injuries this seasonCredit: AlamyWellens bemoaned the officiating in the match after his side saw a penalty appeal waved away by the referee late on.Orient were also without Sean Clare and key defender Omar Beckles – the latest casualties in an injury-strewn season.Asked if injuries were to blame for the defeat, Wellens responded: “I’m not Ange Postecoglou and keep using it as an excuse.”Orient have since taken the comment out of the video and Wellens has issued an apology to Postecoglou and Spurs.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn an official statement on the club’s website, he said: “After today’s game, I was asked about the injuries within our squad and, without thinking, I made a stupid comment about Tottenham Hotspur.“That comment was brought to my attention later in the evening and having watched my interview back I am deeply embarrassed and regret what I said.“At Leyton Orient, we have a strong relationship with Tottenham Hotspur and it was never my intention to say anything that would jeopardise that.“Their manager, Ange Postecoglou, is a world-class coach and I want to apologise for my comments and wish Spurs all the very best for the second half of the season.”Tottenham and Orient have had a close relationship in recent years with Spurs youngsters Jamie Donley and Josh Keeley on loan at the east London club this season and performing well.Tottenham Women also regularly play their home games at Orient’s Brisbane Road, while the League One side borrowed a heated dome for their pitch from Spurs in 2022.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSStatement in fullWellens apologised for his comment with the following statement:“After today’s game, I was asked about the injuries within our squad and, without thinking, I made a stupid comment about Tottenham Hotspur.“That comment was brought to my attention later in the evening and having watched my interview back I am deeply embarrassed and regret what I said.“At Leyton Orient, we have a strong relationship with Tottenham Hotspur and it was never my intention to say anything that would jeopardise that. “Their manager, Ange Postecoglou, is a world-class coach and I want to apologise for my comments and wish Spurs all the very best for the second half of the season.”Tottenham have been ravaged by injuries this season with ten players out of action.Radu Dragusin was the latest player to be struck down after picking up a knee injury against Elfsborg on Thursday. ‘It’ll become so toxic’ – Gary Neville pinpoints exact date he thinks Tottenham will sack Ange Postecoglou More

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    ‘I truly hate this part’ – Rob McElhenney heartbroken as ‘major part of Wrexham journey’ leaves after four years

    WREXHAM owner Rob McElhenney posted an emotional farewell to James Jones after he signed for Burton Albion.The American actor runs the League One club alongside fellow Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds.Rob McElhenney said an emotional goodbye to James JonesCredit: PAJones has joined fellow League One side Burton AlbionCredit: PAWrexham confirmed that Jones departed yesterday to join Burton on an 18-month deal.McElhenney penned a touching tribute to the much-loved midfielder on X, writing: “I truly hate this part. James and his beautiful family are such a major part of our journey. They will be greatly missed.”Burton Albion you are getting a class player with a huge heart and wonderful family.”Jones replied: “Thank you Rob, we really appreciate the message, it was a privilege to be part of something special.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”All the best to you and your family.”Jones had been at Wrexham for three-and-a-half years and made 138 appearances.The Scot joined from Lincoln City and played a crucial role in the Welsh club’s back-to-back promotions, going from the National League to League One in two years.Jones leaving the Racecourse Ground paved the way for the arrival of ex-Premier League star Jay Rodriguez.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe 35-year-old striker has one England cap to his name and is best remembered from his time at Southampton, West Brom and Burnley.He joins James McClean, Steven Fletcher and Matty James among the former Prem stars in Wrexham’s squad. More

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    Tyson Fury’s beloved Morecambe’s crisis hits new low as EFL not certain club will be funded to end of season

    MORECAMBE’S board slammed the club’s ownership group as they confirmed that they cannot make any further January transfers.The cash-strapped Lancashire side are 23rd in League Two amid serious financial issues.Morecambe have endured a torrid few yearsCredit: RexBoss Derek Adams has had to work in difficult circumstancesCredit: RexMorecambe are owned by the Bond Group, whose director is Jason Whittingham.They have been up for sale since September 2022 and have since been relegated from League One.The Shrimps were placed under a transfer embargo last March due to the non-payment of a VAT bill.After the matter was settled with HMRC, boss Derek Adams was forced to cobble together a squad – signing 15 players on July 12 after the embargo was lifted.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt was later claimed that Kuljeet Singh Momi had agreed a deal with Whittingham to buy the club.But the credibility of Singh Momi’s bid is yet to be ratified by the EFL.Earlier this month, Morecambe co-chairmen Rod Taylor and Graham Howse were asked about the status of the club’s takeover during a fans’ forum.During the evening, Howse said: “The share capital which came in at the end of November is ring-fenced for the January budget.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAY”We have allocated that figure in the last couple of days and Derek (Adams) has been informed of that.”We believe he has a decent sum of money to do well in the market. We are looking at loan (players) predominantly.”Tyson Fury spotted filming series 2 of At Home With The Furys in Morecambe as Gypsy King takes break from Usyk training Morecambe have so far recruited Ryan Schofield and Callum Cooke this month to help bolster their survival bid.But in a fresh twist, a statement from directors have confirmed that they are “currently prevented from making further signings in the January transfer window, despite recent cup successes and capital injections”.They add that this due to the fact that “written assurances from Bond Group that the club will be funded to the end of the season have not been supported by sufficient proof of source and sufficiency of funding”.The statement goes on to claim: “Bond Group had assured the Club that it would meet these requirements and support additional player recruitment in January, but when proof of funding was requested, it failed to provide it.”Bond Group has informed the Club today that it is working on sourcing additional funds, but there is no guarantee that these will land in time to impact the rest of the transfer window.”Morecambe’s board of directors then took an incredible swipe at the Bond Group.’THE CLUB HAS BEEN LET DOWN BY ITS OWNER’Their statement added: “The board wishes to place on record that once again the club has been let down by its owner, undermining the efforts and hard work of the manager, staff, and directors at this critical time.”The EFL declined to comment on the matter when contacted, but SunSport understands that they remain in dialogue with Morecambe regarding adhering to league regulations.Shrimps were slapped with a suspended two-point deduction last month – having been deducted three last term.Morecambe are five points from safety with 21 games remaining.The Shrimps are former boxing heavyweight champion Tyson Fury’s local club.The Gypsy King has sponsored the club’s shorts in the past, and even claimed in 2022 that he was considering buying them.He told talkSPORT at the time: “I’m thinking about buying Morecambe Football Club, they’re in League One at the moment.”So I was thinking I invest X amount of millions in them. Basically throw it at them and keep them going up.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’ve been offered to buy Morecambe Football Club. I own all the training facilities anyway and the training gym. So who knows?”You might be looking at a football club owner.”Tyson Fury has worked with his local club beforeCredit: Morecambe FC More

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    Inside football’s glitziest game as millionaire Hollywood owners and sporting icon face off at Wrexham vs Birmingham

    ROLL up for Hollywood vs the Wall Street-backed American sports GOAT: The Sequel.Wrexham and Birmingham face off on Thursday night at the Racecourse Ground, and it’s not just a top-of-the-table League One game — but two glitzy worlds colliding.Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have transformed WrexhamCredit: FX NetworksTom Brady decided to become a joint-owner at BirminghamThe return fixture kicked off earlier in the season with tempers flaringCredit: GettyBrady attended the St Andrew’s showdown with David BeckhamCredit: GettyOr, as Rotherham manager Steve Evans called their first clash, the Real Madrid of League One against the Harlem Globetrotters.Hollywood A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s third-placed Wrexham host Tom Brady and Tom Wagner’s Wall Street-financed leaders Birmingham in the highest-profile fixture our third tier has ever known.And if Thursday night’s game is anything like the first instalment, we are in for a cracker.When the two teams met at St Andrew’s in September, the Blues came from behind to win 3-1 with two goals from £15million summer signing Jay Stansfield and Tomoki Iwata.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut, in truth, the scoreline flattered Wrexham who were overpowered by a team that spent more money in the summer transfer window than any club outside the Premier League.Even Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson quipped: “Birmingham bought every player we wanted to sign!”Not only was Birmingham’s famous old ground packed to the rafters with more than 30,000 fans but the game attracted a global audience of FOUR MILLION – the biggest viewing figure ever for a third-tier game in any country, let alone England.Birmingham co-owner and NFL legend Brady was at that game along with the likes of David Beckham and Gary Neville.Most read in EFLBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesAnd the atmosphere was so electric inside the stadium that even Beckham was blown away by it, saying that he had not experienced such excitement in a stadium for many years.Both clubs are living the American Dream. Tom Brady in hilarious reaction after getting X-rated welcome from Wrexham fans for Birmingham clashReynolds and McElhenney rescued Wrexham five years ago when they were rotting away in the lower reaches of the National League.Now they are on the brink of taking the team into the second tier for the first time in 43 years.Such has been their success, they have inspired some of their Hollywood chums to invest in English football.Their pal, funnyman Will Ferrell has bought a stake in Leeds, Creed movie series star Michael B Jordan was part of a group that bought a stake in Bournemouth while Avengers director Joe Russo has bought into Sheffield United.But Reynolds and McElhenney are far more hands-on and have generated significant funds mainly through their Disney+ series Welcome To Wrexham, which has been a huge success.They have opened doors that even some Premier League clubs would be jealous of.The past two summers, they have embarked on coast-to-coast North America pre-season tours taking on the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Bournemouth where they were treated by the hosts like Prem stars.Ahead of this game Reynolds, McElhenney and Brady have joined forces to help raise money for the Los Angeles Fire Department after their incredibly heroic battle against the wildfires that threatened to engulf the Californian city.The game is being screened at the Cosm Los Angeles Stadium where organisers are hoping for a big turnout.And while Reynolds and McElhenney have attracted global attention for Wrexham, they have endeared themselves to the locals with their generous charity work on these shores.The Hollywood duo have led Wrexham to back-to-back promotionsCredit: GettyBirmingham were relegated at the end of a nightmare seasonCredit: GettyReynolds has a special bond with his players including striker Paul MullinCredit: Instagram @vancityreynoldsThe pair generously donated to Sands UK three years ago when then-Wrexham player Jordan Davies and his partner Kelsey’s son Arthur was stillborn three years ago.And Reynolds auctioned Deadpool-themed gym equipment to raise funds for Your Space – a local organisation that helps children with autism. They have also supported the Institute of Cancer Research.And, touchingly, they donated £10,000 towards a £40,000 crowdfunder to adapt the home of a four-year-old Wrexham fan called Louis, who was born with a rare genetic condition which causes him to have painful leg spasms, limited mobility, epilepsy and cerebral palsy.They are still planning to renovate the Racecourse Ground — which includes the building of a new stand at the Kop end.At Birmingham, the American owners are spending a year righting the wrong of their disastrous first season where they somehow conspired to get the team RELEGATED.Sacking John Eustace while they were in the promotion play-off spots and replacing him with Wayne Rooney proved to be an utter disaster.But they have thrown huge amounts of money at the problem and so far it is working with the team top of the table and five points clear of third with two games in hand.There is a real feel-good factor around the blue noses… and regardless of tonight’s result, Birmingham are surely going to be back in the Championship next season with a clear ambition to get into the Premier League.But how do the owners’ mad worlds compare? SunSport takes a closer look at the millionaire owners…ASTONISHING WEALTHIn terms of net worth, it’s Reynolds who is the daddy of them all.The Hollywood movie star’s fortune has risen in the last few years thanks to the blockbuster Deadpool films, If and Bullet Train.It’s not just in entertainment where Reynolds is thriving. A keen eye for business, he made a reported profit of £96m from the sale of Aviation Gin and also sold a 25 per cent stake in Mint Mobile last year.All of that means Reynolds is believed to be worth around £300m.His rival Brady is said to be worth £228m.Reynolds earned much of his wealth from the Deadpool filmsCredit: © Twentieth Century Fox 2016Tom Brady won seven Super Bowls during his illustrious NFL careerCredit: GettyMost of the seven-time Super Bowl winner’s wealth was accumulated by his NFL playing career as a quarterback for the New England Patriots and later the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.And that’s been boosted by a ten-year contract with Fox to commentate on NFL, worth a cool £285m.Although McElhenney hasn’t quite got the same wealth as those two, the It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia creator has around £50m in the bank.Last year, he and Reynolds also invested a 24 per cent equity stake in F1 team Alpine Racing.FAMOUS WIVESReynolds is one half of a Hollywood super-couple.He married Gossip Girl actress Blake Lively in a small, secret ceremony in 2012.The Canadian was previously married to another beauty, Scarlett Johansson.Reynolds is married to fellow Hollywood star Blake LivelyCredit: GettyThe couple got married in 2012Credit: The Mega AgencyBrady and Gisele Bundchen separated in 2022Credit: GettyThe sporting great was briefly linked with Cristiano Ronaldo’s ex Irina ShaykCredit: GettyMcElhenney met his wife Kaitlin Olson on the set of It’s Always SunnyCredit: PAMcElhenney met future wife Kaitlin Olson on the set of It’s Always Sunny in 2005, and began dating a year later.Brady was married to the most famous supermodel in the world, Gisele Bundchen until their shock split in 2022.He soon started dating another model, Irina Shayk, who famously had romances with Cristiano Ronaldo and Bradley Cooper – but he is now believed to be single.AMAZING MANSIONSReynolds and Lively spend most of their time on the East Coast of the USA, while Brady and McElhenney are based on the West Coast.Ryan and Blake’s New York property boasts 11.65 acres, has an outdoor barn, with the main Colonial-style house measuring around 8,892 square feet.It features seven bedrooms and six bathrooms, and reportedly cost around £4.4m.Tom Brady has a mansion in LA but put his Miami pad went up for saleCredit: Romain Maurice for The U.S. SunIt is believed Brady has moved into a mega mansion in Los Angeles after it was renovated in the summer.Spanning 14,000 feet, he purchased the land for a sum believed to be around £12m and then erected a home.His former Miami home went up for sale for over £12m after his divorce from Gisele.EPIC CAR COLLECTIONSReynolds and Brady are two petrolheads who love their motors.The former sports star has an insane car collection worth a whopping £3.5m.In his garage, you’ll find a Rolls Royce Ghost, two Aston Martins – a DB11 and a Vanquish Volante – a Bugatti Veyron Super Sport and a Ferrari M458-T.On top of that, Brady has also been seen behind the wheel of an Audi R8, a Range Rover Sport and a Lexus.Reynolds boasts a speedy Lamborghini Aventador in his collection that reaches a top speed of more than 217mph.To get around in luxury with his family, the Van Wilder actor also has a huge Cadillac Escalade.Always with an eye for the classics, Reynolds also added a super Mercedes-Benz 190 SL W121 to his collection.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt set him back a cool £121,000 and was produced between 1955 to 1963.Lavish lifestyle, aside though, who has the better team? We’ll soon find out. Brady owns a stunning car collection including a Bugatti VeyronCredit: GettyReynolds and his family get around in their Cadillac EscaladeCredit: CadillacThe Lamborghini Aventador can hit a top speed of 217mphCredit: Getty More

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    Wrexham’s James McClean involved in car crash on way to training ahead of League One table-topping clash with Birmingham

    WREXHAM star James McClean was involved in a car crash on the way to training this morning.The 35-year-old is set to undergo further medical checks after subsequently reporting to Wrexham’s HQ.James McClean was involved in a car accident this morningCredit: Mancpicss66Wrexham confirmed the car crash scare in a club statementCredit: PAWrexham are set to host Birmingham in a top-of-the-table League One clash tomorrow night.In the build-up to the match, the League One club confirmed that a car crash involving one of their players had occurred in a statement on their website.It read: “Wrexham AFC can confirm that a first-team player has been involved in a car accident this morning on his way to training.”It was a single car accident with no other vehicles involved and the relevant local authorities were quickly present at the scene.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The player reported to the club this morning and will undergo further medical checks.”This morning’s incident is said to have occurred by Wrexham Golf Club.The area was subject to very misty conditions.McClean is a 103-cap Republic of Ireland international and has played in the Premier League for Sunderland and West Brom.Most read in EFLSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYJust yesterday, Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson appealed to the EFL to do more to combat the abuse that McClean is regularly subjected to by opposition fans.He said: “Occasionally the level of abuse goes too far and I’m not sure enough is done about it.Wrexham’s multi-million pound training ground funded by Ryan Reynolds “People are quite quick to jump on the back of players for stepping out of line and referees are quick to give people yellow cards.”Then I think what are the EFL doing about the level of abuse Jimmy gets on a week to week basis and for me it’s nowhere near enough.”But unfortunately I don’t think my words are going to be enough to change that.”McClean is Wrexham captain and has started 24 of their 26 League One games so far this season.Parkinson’s men go into tomorrow night’s clash with Birmingham third in the table, five points behind leaders Blues who possess two games in hand.The match is expected to be attended by several high-profile guests, including Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney and Tom Brady.McClean, 35, has started 24 of Wrexham’s 26 League One games so far this seasonCredit: Rex More

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    Former Premier League ace, 46, married to ex-soap star sacked by EFL club as 160-word statement released

    BARROW have sacked former Premier League ace Stephen Clemence as manager after eight months into the job.Clemence, 46, played for Tottenham, Birmingham and Leicester, where he hung up his boots in 2010 and crossed over to management nine years later.Barrow have sacked manager Stephen Clemence after just eight monthsCredit: RexClemence has been married to former Brookside soap star Suzanne Collins since 2017Credit: AlamyThe former midfielder took over Barrow in League Two back in May but a run of six defeats in his last 10 matches, of which he won only one, led to his dismissal.The ex-England youth international, who has been married to former Brookside soap star Suzanne Collins since 2017, oversaw a total of 10 wins and 15 losses in 32 games with the Bluebirds.The club issued a brief statement thanking Clemence for his contribution and explained that the recent poor form forced their hand.Barrow issued the following statement: “Barrow AFC can confirm that they have parted company with their First Team head coach, Stephen Clemence.”Read More on FootballChairman Paul Hornby said: ‘Stephen came in over the summer and we had high hopes to build on his considerable coaching ability and reputation.”‘We’ve built a strong squad of players together and enjoyed some memorable early success including our Carabao Cup exploits.”‘Stephen has always conducted himself with great dignity and professionalism but unfortunately our recent extended run of poor results has led us to the decision that it was time to make a change.”‘We would like to thank Stephen for his hard work and dedication to the club and wish him well for the future.’Most read in EFLBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusives”The club can also confirm that Assistant Manager Robbie Stockdale will also leave his role, we would also like to thank Robbie for his contribution during his time with us.”We will provide updates on the search for a new Head Coach in due course.”Ruben Amorim warns Man Utd stars he’ll learn more about them vs Southampton than against Arsenal and LiverpoolClemence, whose dad was the late England, Liverpool and Spurs legend Ray, started out as caretaker boss at Sheffield Wednesday in 2019 before taking over Gillingham in 2023 for just five months. More

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    Leeds vs Sheffield Wednesday live stream FREE: How to watch huge EFL clash today

    LEEDS welcome fierce Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Wednesday to Elland Road TODAY!Daniel Farke is looking to lead the Whites back to the Premier League after his side failed to make an immediate return to the top flight last season.Leeds’ Yorkshire derby with Sheffield Wednesday will be free to watchCredit: GettyLeeds were on the receiving end of play-off final heartbreak last May, with Adam Armstrong’s strike firing Southampton to the big time.Now, the Whites are on a nine-match unbeaten run and will remain top of the Championship with a win over their Yorkshire rivals this afternoon.But Sheffield Wednesday arrive at Elland Road in decent form themselves, and the Owls will be looking to secure three points to push towards the play-off spots.It promises to be a blockbuster Yorkshire derby – and you can catch all the action for FREE!READ MORE IN EFLWhen is Leeds vs Sheffield Wednesday?Leeds vs Sheffield Wednesday will take place on Sunday, January 19.Kick off is scheduled for 12pm GMT.Elland Road will host.How to watch Leeds vs Sheffield Wednesday for FREELeeds vs Sheffield Wednesday will be broadcast LIVE on ITV1 You can live stream the match for FREE on the ITVX app/website.The Championship fixture is available on free-to-air TV after Sky Sports, ITV, and the EFL reached an agreement to give fans the chance to watch the EFL and EFL Cup for absolutely nothing. Most read in EFLITV’s coverage of the second tier continues with the Tees-Wear derby between Middlesbrough and Sunderland on Monday, February 4. More

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    Former Newcastle star misses potential debut for new club after being involved in car crash

    FORMER Newcastle star Paul Dummett missed out on his Carlisle debut after suffering a car crash.The defender signed for the Cumbrians last week on a short-term contract until the end of the season.Paul Dummett was involved in a car crash on FridayHe was set to make his debut against Bradford but was involved in a car crash on Friday.Dummett, 33, did not suffer any injuries other than a few cuts and bruises, and is expected to take part in training on Monday.A Carlisle statement read: “Mike Williamson has confirmed that Paul Dummett missed today’s game after he was involved in a car accident yesterday. “He’s got a couple of cuts and bruises, but no serious injuries. Paul will be back in full training on Monday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He’s OK. He spent the day getting some tests done, but he’ll be in training on Monday and we expect him to be fit next weekend.”Carlisle did not cope well in his absence as they succumbed to a 1-0 defeat – their third in a row.They are rooted to the bottom of the football league and are managed by Dummett’s former Toon team-mate Mike Williamson.Dummett revealed he had been considering a switch to Carlisle after leaving Newcastle in the summer.Most read in EFLHe said: “I always looked at Carlisle as an option for me when I left Newcastle, actually, even before I went to Wigan.”I felt Carlisle could be a good fit for me. Being from Newcastle, it meant being close to home, and I know the quality of the pitch here as well, watching over the years.”EFL fans demand ‘automatic relegation’ after goalkeeper and defender combine for ‘Sunday league’ own-goal More