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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

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      Leeds fans say ‘EFL days have truly returned’ as club unveils ‘in case of emergency break glass’ sponsor

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      LEEDS fans think the “EFL days have truly returned” with the club unveiling their sleeve sponsor for next season.They were relegated to the Championship last season after three years in the Premier League.
      Leeds will be sponsored by Flamingo Land next seasonCredit: Leeds United FC
      The amusement park has rekindled it’s partnership with the clubCredit: Leeds United FC
      Leeds players had a great time there years agoCredit: Leeds United FC
      The EFL are allowing brands to be on the sleeve of kits for the first time this approaching campaign.
      And local amusement park Flamingo Land have taken the opportunity to be involved with the team again.
      Leeds’ academy was sponsored by them 13 years ago and during the season the players visited the attraction.
      The day out produced hilarious photos of manager Neil Warnock on a pretend motorbike, Sam Byram with a lemur on his shoulders and the squad on a rollercoaster.
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      Fans have reacted to news of Flamingo Land’s return with one saying: “Screams Championship.”
      Another added: “Leeds United are BACK, baby. We’ve reached peak EFL again.”
      More reacted: “The ‘in case of emergency break glass’ local commercial deal.”
      A fourth added: “I don’t think relegation had truly sunk in until I saw this.”
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      Others said: “To be fair supporting this club is a rollercoaster so makes perfect sense.”
      Fans also joked that the club should get a pink away kit in tribute to a flamingo’s colour.
      Leeds’ main shirt sponsor is boiler brand BOXT.
      And several players may not hang about to play in it with rumours suggesting that Wilfried Gnonto, Tyler Adams and Rodrigo will all leave the club this summer.
      Leeds fans have been left in hysterics at the newsCredit: Leeds United FC
      One fan called the sponsor “peak EFL”Credit: Leeds United FC More

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      Wrexham star Ben Tozer’s heartbreak as dad dies after brain operation following cancer battle

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      WREXHAM defender Ben Tozer has revealed the heartbreaking news that his father has died following a brain operation.The 33-year-old defender confirmed on social media that his dad found out on Saturday he had leukaemia.
      Ben Tozer confirmed the tragic news on TuesdayCredit: Getty
      He underwent a brain operation the following day, but on Monday he tragically passed away.
      Tozer said: “On Saturday, I was told my Dad has Leukaemia but it’s treatable.
      “On Sunday night, he required a brain operation, which went positively, then last night the unthinkable happened. 💔
      “Sadly, all of this happened because he had left it too late.
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      “Unknowingly, he was masking the fact he was [in] complete agony.
      “‘Go and get checked’ we regularly said.
      “He was just too scared of what it could be.
      “Thank you, Dad. Our last words together will live with me forever.
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      “I love you. I hope we have all done you proud.”
      Responding to Tozer’s statement, Wrexham said: “So sorry to hear this. Our thoughts are with you and your family. ❤️”
      And Hollywood owner Ryan Reynolds added: “Gut wrenching. Sending so much love to the Tozer family.”
      Fans of the club also offered messages of condolence for the centre-back.
      One said: “So sad for Ben and his family. At the same time I admire him sharing and thinking of others.
      “Men in particular can avoid going to a GP and hopefully this will make someone think differently.”
      Another added: “Condolences on your loss Ben 💔.”
      A third replied: “I’ve been there and it ain’t easy. Sending a bunch of love your way, gang.”
      And a fourth said: “Awful news, thoughts with Ben and his family ❤️.”
      Wrexham returned to League Two at the end of last season after 15 years in non-league football.
      Read More on The Sun
      Reynolds and fellow actor Rob McElhenney have spearheaded the Welsh side’s upturn in fortunes.
      And Wrexham are already favourites to clinch promotion from the fourth tier this season. More

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      ITV make MAJOR shake-up to football coverage with three pundits axed for new-look EFL show

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      ITV are reportedly set to make big changes to their EFL highlights show.The new-look format will see the running time significantly reduced and pundits axed.
      Jules Breach will remain as a presenter on the new-look showCredit: Getty
      Hugh Woozencroft will rotate presenting duties with Breach as they did beforeCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Presenters Hugh Woozencroft and Jules Breach will stay on but will no longer host the show from a studio, claim The Mirror.
      Instead they will be pitchside at an EFL ground, with Woozencroft and Breach to rotate presenting duties.
      Highlights from all EFL matches will continue to be aired along with player and manager post-match interviews.
      But there will no longer be analysis provided by the likes of Sam Parkin, Dean Ashton and Jamie Mackie, all of whom worked as pundits in the previous format of the show.
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      ITV are heading into the second year of their two-year deal to host EFL highlights, with Quest previously airing the show.
      Interest in the league has grown significantly with 21.7million fans attending matches last season – the highest since 1953-54.
      That has helped EFL clubs agree a TV deal with Sky Sports worth almost £1billion.
      The agreement will see more than 1,000 live matches broadcast starting from the 2024-25 campaign.
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      In total, 1,059 league, EFL Cup — including all 93 ties — and EFL Trophy matches will be shown live on Sky or a streaming platform, replacing the iFollow service.
      Currently, Sky televises 138 EFL league games each season. More

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      Abandoned 25,500-seater stadium that rivalled Premier League sides now used as rugby pitch after £2million sale

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      THIS state of the art stadium constructed in 2003 has a 25,000 capacity and could rival some Premier League clubs.Yet it never saw football played at a higher level than the fourth tier.
      This stadium was meant to take the club it hosted to the Premier League, but never saw football played at a higher level than League TwoCredit: Alamy
      And to make matters worse, the capacity ended up being restricted to 10,000 by local planning regulations due to poor road access.
      In 2012, after the football club that had played there were expelled from the FA and forced to re-form in the eighth tier of English football, the stadium was left abandoned.
      For 120 years, the club had played its football at a rough-around-the-edges but much loved 8,500-capacity stadium called Feethams.
      But things would change forever when businessman George Reynolds bought Darlington in 1999 and declared his intention to take the club all the way to the Premier League.
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      Reynolds immediately started work on a 25,500-seater new stadium two miles out of town, which the ever-modest millionaire named the George Reynolds Arena.
      However, six months after the stadium opened he took Darlington into administration.
      Reynolds was then arrested on suspicion of money laundering in June 2004.
      In October 2005, he was sentenced to three years in prison for tax evasion while the money laundering charge was left on file.
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      Darlington previously played at the Feethams GroundCredit: PA:Press Association
      The Darlington Arena now hosts rugbyCredit: Getty
      The stadium would then become the Northern Echo Arena before being named simply, the Darlington Arena.
      But attendances throughout Darlington’s stay there would average between 1,500 and 2,000, with the stadium becoming more and more unpopular due to the association with Reynolds.
      With Darlington relegated from League Two in 2010 and the National League in 2012, the costs of playing at the Arena became unviable.
      Under fan ownership, the club secured a groundshare with Bishop Auckland.
      In 2016, they would move into Darlington Rugby club’s Blackwell Meadows stadium as the club returned to its home city.
      But the question after the footy club left was what to do with the unloved Darlington Arena.
      It was reported in 2012 that a deal had been agreed to turn the stadium into housing.
      However, it would eventually be bought by third tier rugby club Mowden Park, thus saving the stadium as a sporting venue.
      And that means it is once again slightly outsized for the competition it hosts.
      The second largest stadium in rugby’s League One holds 8,500 people, with some stadiums in the league holding less than 2,000.
      Despite spending years regretting the fact that the Arena was ever constructed, Darlington FC did make one bid to return to it.
      This was during Covid when the capacity at Blackwell Meadows was restricted to just 527.
      Darlington CEO David Johnston told BBC in 2020: “If we go down to 17 per cent [of Blackwell Meadows] we can’t even provide access for our season ticket holders, let alone any away fans.
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      “I have already asked the league to consider whether we could relocate to the Arena, which has a 25,000 capacity that would allow safe access and observe social distancing with the walkways, car-parking, everything.”
      Nothing would come of it however, and with the pandemic over, the club do not appear to have any long-term desire to return to the Arena. More

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      Wrexham star fears ban on ‘anti-football’ rule could ‘ruin my career’ as he says ‘I nearly had to hand in my retirement’

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      WREXHAM star Ben Tozer joked that the EFL are trying to force him into retirement by introducing a new rule.Tozer, 33, has developed a reputation as a long-throw in specialist throughout his career.
      Ben Tozer is well-renowned for his long throwsCredit: Reuters
      His incredible hoists proved to be particularly handy as Wrexham won the National League last season.
      In order to get the most distance possible on his throws, Tozer always ensures that the ball is dry.
      But with the EFL banning players from using towels during games, the defender’s throw-ins could be neutralised.
      Tozer joked that the powers that be are trying to “ruin” his career with the rule change.
      READ MORE ON WREXHAM
      But he was deadly serious when he insisted long throws are not “anti-football” – and merely part of the game.
      He said: “I might have upset someone in the EFL because they’re trying to ruin my career. I nearly had to hand my retirement straight away.
      “I understand it because some people see it as anti-football, but it’s part of football.
      “Throw-ins are just like a corner or a penalty, they are set pieces.
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      “We had a bit of an advantage but there are ways around everything and I’ve got the shirt that I’m wearing.
      “I can still dry the ball with that.
      “I’m sure there will be other ways around it as well but it’s just one of those things you just have to get on with.”
      Wrexham are set to jet out to the US for an exciting pre-season tour next month
      Tozer and Co will play Chelsea in North Carolina on July 19, before travelling to San Diego to play Manchester United a week later.
      Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s League Two new-boys will then host MK Dons on August 5 in their season curtain-raiser.
      Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds will see their side play in League Two on August 5Credit: PA More