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      Tom Brady’s Birmingham rocked as CEO suddenly steps down for personal reasons as club release statement

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      BIRMINGHAM CEO Garry Cook has stepped down for personal reasons.Cook, 67, played a key role in Knighthead’s takeover of the club in 2023.Garry Cook has stepped down as Birmingham CEOCredit: PAIn a statement posted to their website, the Blues confirmed Cook’s decision to step down.Club chairman Tom Wagner said: “We thank Garry for everything that he has done during his time as Chief Executive Officer.”His passionate leadership and commitment to the Club that he has supported from boyhood has been unwavering and his contributions are extensive.”The instrumental role he played in Knighthead becoming involved in Birmingham City FC should also never be forgotten.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We are delighted that he will remain connected to us via the Advisory Committee and Foundation and that both will benefit from his vision and expertise.”When Knighthead completed their takeover in August 2023, NFL icon Tom Brady bought a 3.3 per cent stake in the club.In Cook’s absence, the Blues have appointed boyhood supporter Jeremy Dale as interim CEO.Wagner added: “Jeremy has a deep understanding of our vision and culture, and we are confident in his ability to guide Birmingham City during this transition.Most read in EFLSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYTom Brady is part of Blues’ ownership groupCredit: Getty”Our commitment to excellence and progress remains steadfast as we continue to build on the solid foundation we’ve already established.”Birmingham have confirmed that they have begun their search for Cook’s permanent successor.EFL club owner gives update on new £2bn ‘spaceship’ stadium included in mega plans for state-of-the-art complex Last April, the League One leaders unveiled plans for a new stadium, with the overall project set to cost between £2-3billion.On the pitch they were relegated from the Championship last term, having sacked John Eustace to appoint Wayne Rooney, before the Manchester United legend’s eventual replacement Tony Mowbray was forced to step aside for health reasons.Despite falling into the third tier, Blues forked out a fee rising to £15million for Jay Stansfield last summer.Chris Davies’ side currently sit top of League One, two points above Wycombe and Wrexham with two games in hand.Jay Stansfield and Co are top of League OneCredit: Getty More

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      Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney add third football club to portfolio after Wrexham success

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      RYAN REYNOLDS and Rob McElhenney have bought Colombian top-flight side La Equidad.The duo, who have owned Wrexham since 2021, are part of a star-studded consortium that have completed the purchase.Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have completed their latest purchaseCredit: GettyLa Equidad play at the 10,000-seater Estadio Metropolitano de TechoCredit: GettyIn addition to Reynolds and McElhenney, Hollywood actress Eva Longoria is also part of the ownership group, as well as MLB star Justin Verlander and model wife Kate Upton, podcaster Scott Galloway and former NBA player Shawn Marion.The consortium is fronted by real estate investor Al Tylis and business associate Sam Porter.In 2021, they completed the purchase of Mexican side Club Necaxa.Reynolds and McElhenney came onboard last April, with the consortium taking a reciprocal stake in Wrexham.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUpon the consortium completing their latest takeover, Porter told The Athletic: “I am pleased to confirm that Al Tylis, our investment partners, and I have successfully acquired Club Deportivo La Equidad.”This is an incredible opportunity to enhance the club’s growth in every aspect and to become an integral part of Colombian football.”We are privileged to collaborate with an outstanding group of investors, including Eva Longoria, Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney, and Shawn Marion, who have been instrumental in our project at Club Necaxa in Mexico.”Together, we are committed to elevating the club to its highest potential.”Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYEva Longoria is also part of the star-studded consortiumCredit: GettyLa Equidad were founded in 1982 and won the Copa Colombia in 2008.Last season they finished 13th in their country’s 20-team top flight.Wrexham stars including ex-Premier League ace party with Hollywood hunk Channing Tatum after Cambridge drawThey could now receive a similar boost to Wrexham and Club Necaxa.Wrexham have climbed from the National League to the upper echelons of League One since being taken over.They are also the subject of hit documentary series “Welcome to Wrexham” and have seen their profile grow substantially worldwide.The Welsh side have toured the US during the last two pre-seasons.Club Necaxa also have a docu-series in the works.Titled “Bienvenido a Necaxa”(Welcome to Necaxa), it is set to air on FX and Disney+.Reynolds and McElhenney have overseen a sharp rise at WrexhamCredit: Getty More

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      Plymouth REJECTED in first approach to replace Wayne Rooney as League Two club block move for ex-Premier League star

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      PLYMOUTH have been denied permission to speak to Walsall manager Matt Sadler.Argyle have placed the Saddlers boss on their shortlist to replace Wayne Rooney.Plymouth have been denied permission to speak to Walsall boss Matt SadlerCredit: GettyArgyle sacked Wayne Rooney on New Year’s EveCredit: RexSadler, a former Premier League star with Birmingham City, has guided Walsall 10 points clear of League Two.The Saddlers have won their last seven games in the fourth tier, pulling clear of a chasing pack including Crewe Alexandra, Salford, Port Vale and AFC Wimbledon.Championship strugglers Plymouth are considering testing their resolve with a generous compensation package.Man Utd legend Rooney was given the boot on New Year’s Eve with Argyle rock bottom of the Championship.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSRooney won just five of his 25 games in charge, with Argyle’s last victory way back in early November at home to Portsmouth.The Pilgrims have scrapped filming for their fly-on-the-wall documentary following Rooney’s exit.As SunSport revealed in November, filming had commenced for a series showcasing their battle for Championship survival.They had hoped to flog the series to a streaming platform – such as Netflix or Amazon Prime – and raise significant funds in the process.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSProduction staff were told to “take a break” from filming after just TWO games, with club bosses worried the project risked becoming a “distraction”.Lorton Entertainment, who had been working on the project, already had ties to the Rooneys, having worked on feature length documentary ‘Rooney’ and ‘Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story’.Rooney has bagged a new role for 2025 as house husband – after blowing the final whistle on his manager job with failing Plymouth ArgyleAs for Rooney, he is expected to be offered an immediate return to punditry work.A TV insider told SunSport: “Wayne is regarded as one of the best pundits in the business.”He’s very, very knowledgeable about the game.”And even though he’s actually quite a shy person, he really feels at home in a TV studio.The insider added: “It’s been a rubbish end to 2024 for Wayne, but he’s not going to be out of work for long.”Wayne still harbours ambitions of making it as a manager.”But, like Gary Neville, it might end up being the case that he can carve out a more successful and lucrative career as a pundit rather than as a manager in the dugout.” More

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      Watch bizarre moment loose DOG is chased off pitch moments before kick-off in League One clash

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      A DOG had to be chased off the pitch moments before kick-off at Bristol Rovers vs Leyton Orient.The League One clash was in danger of being delayed as the hosts tried to chase down the four-legged pitch invader.The dog entered the pitch from one corner and managed to sprint all the way across to the opposite corner flag, all while being chased by a hapless club official.The hound was cheered all the way and greeted to cries of: “Sign him up! Sign him up! Sign him up!”Fans found the bizarre incident rather amusing and joked in response.One said: “Give him a stadium ban.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother added: “Football is a game for all, nice to see the dogs getting involved too.”Unfortunately for Rovers the dog did not bring about a change of fortune as they extended their winless run at home to five matches.Orient raced into an early lead as Ethan Galbraith struck into the bottom corner from outside the box.Rovers equalised from the penalty spot before two more goals either side of the break put the visitors in control.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSChris Martin pulled one back and the hosts thought they had an equaliser in bizarre circumstances as the ball twice bounced off the bar before being bundled in by Gatlin O’Donkor – only for the goal to be disallowed for offside.Rovers are now just one place and two points above the relegation zone, with the Os closing on the play-offs after winning six of their last seven league games.Inside Wayne Rooney’s woeful spell at Plymouth as Manchester United legend AXED More

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      League One clash postponed 22 minutes before kick-off with thousands of fans inside stadium

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      CRAWLEY TOWN’S clash with Charlton Athletic has been postponed due a waterlogged pitch.The League One game was due to start at 3pm but poor weather has seen it called off just 22 minutes before kick-off.Crawley’s clash with Charlton Athletic has been postponedAfter a morning of high winds and heavy rain, puddles had formed on the sidelines and water laid on the pitchManagers Nathan Jones and Rob Elliot were briefed just before kick-offThe New Years Day match failed it’s second pitch inspection at 2:15pm.Crawley Town’s X account wrote: “Unfortunately, this afternoon’s match against Charlton has been postponed owing to a waterlogged pitch at the Broadfield Stadium. “We apologise for any inconvenience caused and will be back in touch with more communication regarding tickets in due course.”Local reporter Louis Mendez first posted: “The game is off.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSReferee Sunny Singh Gill deemed the surface unplayable following a late call this afternoon.Players were warming up as the officials briefed both managers.A new date for the game will be announced once confirmed.Supporters’ tickets will remain valid for the rearranged match.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAfter a morning of high winds and heavy rain, puddles had formed on the sidelines and water laid on the pitch. Groundsman Ben Harwood and his staff worked hard to clear water from the turf as the game was a sell-out.But fans fumed at the late call to abandon the match.Matt O’Riley limps off just minutes into Brighton debut after horror Crawley tackleOne wrote: “What a joke? Could have been decided earlier 😡.”A second said: “That is shocking from the referee what about the fans who have travelled?”Another added: “Disgusting to do it now!”One more replied: “Absolute joke. Gutted for our fans wasting their New Year’s Day.”Crawley beat the Addicks at the Valley 2-1 at the beginning of December but both club’s fortune’s have changed since that night.READ MORE SUN STORIESRob Elliot’s side have got one point from four matches while Charlton have won three and drawn two since.The Addicks, led by former Southampton boss Nathan Jones, are currently ninth in the League One table while Crawley are still in 21st. More

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      I achieved England glory with Gomez & Solanke… but here’s the harsh reality of what the transfer window is really like

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      THE WINDOW is officially open with the top clubs ready to splash the cash – but it is a much “harsher reality” for many unemployed lower league footballers.And for an England European Championship winner it could lead to a potentially huge life-changing career.Callum Cooke has nearly 200 EFL appearances to his name but is currently unemployedCredit: RexCallum Cooke, 27, was part of an Under-17 squad that included future senior internationals Joe Gomez, Dominic Solanke and Lewis Cook when they lifted the trophy back in 2014.But while they and the likes of Adam Armstrong are still in the Premier League bubble, Cooke is now one of the hundreds of players that find themselves out of work.For two straight seasons he produced some of the top goal involvement numbers in the fourth tier playing for Bradford.But a move back to his native North East with Pools ended up with them suffering relegation into the National League, and despite 35 appearances last term, he departed in June.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAfter a host of false promises led to him being unable to secure a club in August, the Middlesbrough academy graduate is now fighting to continue doing his dream job.Cooke, who is just four games shy of reaching 200 in the EFL having also played for Crewe, Blackpool and Peterborough United previously, said: “It’s been tough mentally.“I’ve had training opportunities with several clubs, one where I trained for five days and played in a game for them to prove my fitness, but the problem I’ve had is that once the August window shut, most clubs had their squads full and no budget until January.“I knew then I was going to be in this difficult situation and I’ve had to make big changes in my life financially and to make sure I stay fit, getting myself a watt bike and treadmill which I use each day.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“It has been a massive life experience because I’ve never dealt with this type of thing before. “I’m just hopeful that I can find something in January. It was my dream job growing up and to potentially have that taken away from me is very difficult, but you’ve got to remain positive.I’m unemployed ex-Arsenal star training with little-known squad to find new club “Also, being in the job, you’ve got to have thick skin. You have a lot of setbacks with injuries and other things and hoping this is just one of them setbacks but hopefully that’ll change.”Cooke is keen to stress that this is no sob story and has a career he can look back on with pride, especially his days as an England youth international alongside some now household names.He recalled: “I knew a lot of them really well, and you’ve also got Patrick Roberts at Sunderland who I was close with.These lads obviously got their chance at the top and took it. For whatever reason, I never got mine.Callum Cooke“It was a brilliant time playing with England and these lads and it’s great to see so many push on.“These lads obviously got their chance at the top and took it. For whatever reason, I never got mine at Middlesbrough and that’s why I took the jump to leave.“But I’ll always remember the sliding doors conversation at Boro for the rest of my life because I think about it daily and how life could have been different.”After impressing on loan at Crewe and with Boro just suffering relegation from the Premier League, Cooke was told by Steve Agnew that he would get his chance the following pre-season.The midfielder, pictured No.16 top right, helped England win the U17s EurosCredit: Bongarts – GettyCooke was one of the top dogs when it came to attacking stats while at BradfordCredit: PABut Garry Monk ended up taking charge and, without having a serious look at him, told the ace to get back out on loan and it was the same 12 months later under Tony Pulis even though he had impressed at Blackpool on loan.That led to him taking the plunge and leaving the Riverside now he is fit, raring to go and willing to take another big one in order to kickstart his career.He said: “I don’t have any children yet and I’m really starting to think about moving abroad to try and experience that.Being in the job, you’ve got to have thick skin. Callum Cooke“It could be a good time to do that but it’s another big decision that I’ve got to weigh up as some of the money and contracts being mentioned are just not worth it. I still know my worth.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Everybody always thinks that it’s all rosy being a professional footballer and when you’re a kid, you never see this side or even think it exists. However, the situation I’m in is becoming the harsh reality for a lot of other players.“You are relying on the opinions of other people so much at the end of the day, such as managers and club recruiters. It just takes one person to watch you and take that chance and show confidence in you for things to change.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Bizarre moment SEAGULL helps EFL club with ‘great flick on’ after being hit by ball in League Two clash

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      GRIMSBY were aided by a SEAGULL during their clash with Port Vale after the bird deflected a long ball into the path of their player.In the 26th minute, a Grimbsy defender received the ball from a throw-in and hammered it upfield.A long ball by a Grimbsy defender led to a bizarre moment in the 26th minuteA seagull deflected the ball into the path of a Grimsby playerIt continued the home side’s attack as they benefited from the seagull deflectionAs it rose in the air, a seagull swept across the pitch and collided with the ball.Fortunately for Grimsby, it deflected the ball perfectly into the path of one of their players who controlled it before clipping a pass further forward.The moment went viral on social media with many reacting to the bizarre incident.One said: “What a pass by this seagull 🤣🤣.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother added: “Great flick on to be fair to the lad.”A third replied: “Chelsea have just bid £5million.”While a fourth responded: “The seagull has been more influential than Man Utd’s midfield.”And a fifth joked: “Can he do it on a cold Tuesday night in Stoke though?”Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThree minutes after the seagull interference, Grimsby took the lead through Cameron McJannet.Doug Tharme and Jason Daoi Svanporsson extended the hosts advantage late on as they claimed a 3-0 victory over Port Vale.SunSport launches weekly Football League feature called ‘What the EFL-!’The result lifts Grimsby up to fifth in League Two, level on points with Port Vale in fourth. More

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      Stoke SACK manager Narcis Pelach after just three months in ruthless Christmas axing

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      STOKE have sacked manager Narcis Pelach after just three months in charge.A 2-0 defeat to Leeds on Boxing Day was the final nail in the coffin after Pelach failed to win in nine games.Stoke have sacked manager Narcis PelachCredit: RexPelach was only appointed by Stoke in September following Steven Schumacher’s shock sacking after only nine months in charge.But he has lasted just 19 games with the Potters now 19th in the Championship, and just three points above the relegation zone.Pelach, 34, won just three games in charge and lost five of his last six matches, leading Stoke to make the ruthless decision to sack him just after Christmas.Sporting director Jon Walters said: “Narcís is a talented coach with huge potential, he works relentlessly hard and I have no doubt that he will go on to achieve success in the future.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“However, with the way results and performances have been in recent weeks, we have to accept with hindsight that he has proved not to be the right fit for this club at this time.“I take full responsibility for that and I’m absolutely determined that we will now make the right choice to take us forward.“Every decision we make is driven by our love of Stoke City and absolute determination to bring success to the club.”Stoke have struggled since their relegation from the Premier League in 2018 and have failed to finish higher than 14th in the Championship.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThey have now gone through six different permanent managers in that time and are now on the search for Pelach’s successor.Chairman John Coates also thanked Pelach for his efforts during his short stint, saying: “Narcís has our thanks for his around-the-clock endeavours during his time with the Club.Narcis Pelach talks about his appointment as manager at Stoke City “He is a great person and a talented coach with a relentless work ethic and a bright future. He departs Stoke City with my very best wishes.“I would also like to thank our fans for the outstanding way they got behind the team against Leeds United on Boxing Day, and for their continuing and unwavering support.” More