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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.”
      Read More on The Sun
      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

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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