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      Gareth Bale’s agent reveals brutal reason why the Wales legend rejected shock Wrexham transfer after Ryan Reynolds’ plea

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      GARETH BALE rejected Wrexham for the most blunt reason possible.The legend’s agent revealed Bale turned down a plea from the Welsh club’s Hollywood A-list owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney because he’s simply lost his appetite for playing football.
      Bale just doesn’t want to play football anymore, says his agentCredit: Getty
      Wrexham’s co-owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds made overtures to former Real Madrid and Spurs hero Gareth BaleCredit: Rex
      The ex-Real Madrid and Tottenham attacker, 33, retired in January after winning 111 caps for Wales.
      But Deadpool star Reynolds launched a “serious” charm offensive to persuade Bale to help Wrexham on their return to the EFL after 15 years.
      Reynolds has just paid for the Red Dragons to have a lavish break in Las Vegas after they won the National League with a record 111 points.
      And he might be disappointed with the certainty of the statement from Bale’s representative Jonathan Barnett.
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      The agent told Sky Sports: “I think for him, it [retirement] was the right time.
      “He’s achieved everything he wanted to achieve – he played for Wales at the highest level of the World Cup, which is what he really wanted to do.
      “And I think he knew his body wasn’t up to it anymore. He’s had a hard time with his body the last few years.”
      Even more emphatically, Barnett added: “He’s had a great career. He’s enjoyed himself, but he is having a great life now. 
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      “He is with his family, which is the most important thing. 
      “He’s spending a lot of time with his children and that’s what he wants to do.
      “Yes, he’ll do other things, obviously later down the line, but at the moment, let him just enjoy himself.” More

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      Meet Marcus Rashford’s cousin who’s been promoted twice, played against West Ham and represents a different country

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      THE cousin of Manchester United star Marcus Rashford is also an international star – but not for England. Lois Maynard is the lesser-known member of the family and has just been released by National League Oldham.
      Lois Maynard is Marcus Rashford’s cousinCredit: Getty
      He claims Marcus Rashford stood out as a youngsterCredit: Getty
      The 34-year-old centre-back and defensive midfielder has bounced around lower league clubs including Tranmere, Halifax Town, Salford City and Stockport in his lengthy career.
      While at Salford in 2019, he helped the side gain promotion to League Two via the play-offs.
      Amongst his achievements, he played the full 90 minutes for Stockport when they lost to Premier League side West Ham 1-0 in the FA Cup in 2021.
      Maynard was also on the books at the club when they won the National League last year, but he did not pick up a winners medal as he was out on loan with Solihull Moors.
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      The versatile ace even has 12 international caps to his name after featuring for Saint Kitts and Nevis.
      Maynard played in World Cup qualifiers and CONCACAF Nations League fixtures for his country.
      In an interview with the Daily Mirror, the Manchester-born player talked about what a young Rashford was like with the ball at his feet.
      Maynard said: “The first time I saw Marcus kick a ball, he was seven or eight, and it was something even I couldn’t do at 15 or 16.
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      “I used to go and watch his games when he was younger, with his older brothers, Dwaine and Dane.
      “I thought ‘this guy’s got a chance.’ He was obviously very, very talented, but talent doesn’t always give you the upper hand.
      “But knowing he had a good family around him, keeping him grounded, he had the best opportunity to make it.” More

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      Ex-Arsenal ace who Arsene Wenger called a ‘special talent’ and pushed the club to sign released by League One side

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      A FORMER Arsenal ace once called a “special talent” by Arsene Wenger is now a free agent.Dan Crowley, 25, is on the hunt for a new club after being released by League One side Morecambe.
      Morecambe have released Dan Crowley after their relegation from League OneCredit: Getty
      The midfielder was once tipped to reach the top by ex-Arsenal boss Arsene WengerCredit: Getty – Contributor
      And he is not the only big name to be released by the Shrimps, with ex-Everton forward Oumar Niasse and former Spurs kid Jonathan Obika also leaving.
      Morecambe manager Derek Adams said: “To the departing players, it is very difficult as some of them have been with me here for a significant period of time.”
      Midfield ace Crowley joined Morecambe on a free transfer In January after leaving Dutch side Willem II.
      But despite scoring twice in 14 games, Crowley was unable to prevent the Shrimps from being relegated to League Two.
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      And he is now hoping for a swift return to football, six years after being let go by Arsenal.
      Crowley joined the Gunners from Aston Villa as a whizkid in 2013 after being watched by Wenger – with the legendary manager then pushing for the club to bring him on board.

      He spent time out on loan with Barnsley, Oxford and Go Ahead Eagles.
      And Crowley even received special praise from Wenger, who said in 2016: “He is a player who has a huge talent.
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      “He’s very creative and he’s very good in the final third. He’s a special talent as well, he can finish and he can do the final ball.
      “What he needs is to develop physically a little bit and already I think he has made a big strides forward there and also cope with the responsibility of being the playmaker.
      “In the Premier League today, maybe it is a bit early for him but to carry that long process through, it’ll be interesting for him.”
      However, Crowley ended up being let go for Arsenal in 2017 and ended up joining Dutch outfit Willem II.
      He blasted the Gunners’ academy in 2019, saying: “The thing with Arsenal is they play a certain way and not many teams play that way – and I think that’s a problem as well.
      “They don’t teach you about going on loan to the lower league clubs – to go from such a big club like Arsenal, playing with great players, to then playing a completely different way in League One.
      “That’s what’s wrong with the youth system in England. That’s nothing against the first team because the first team have to win, they don’t have the time really to worry about the young players. So, I don’t put any blame on them.
      “But something does have to change and that’s why everyone is coming out to Holland and Germany, because they need game time.”
      Crowley then had spells at SC Cambuur, Birmingham, Hull and Cheltenham before rejoining Willem II in 2021, and subsequently Morecambe in January. More

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      Three EFL clubs watching former Liverpool ace with star set for transfer after stunning season in Scotland

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      YAN DHANDA is being watched by Blackburn, Birmingham and Ipswich.The Ross County attacking midfielder, 24, has shone for the Scottish Premiership club this season.
      Yan Dhanda has impressed in his first season in Scotland with Ross County after leaving Swansea last summer.Credit: PA
      The Birmingham-born midfielder started his career at LiverpoolCredit: Getty
      Dhanda has had nine assists and three goals in 31 games north of the border.
      And he even scored directly from a corner against Hibs in February.
      Dhanda moved to Scotland on a free transfer from Swansea.
      He signed a two-year deal with the SPL side.
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      But the Englishman could be available for a price of £400,000.
      Dhanda started his career with the Liverpool academy before joining Swansea in 2018.
      Since his move to Ross County, Dhanda’s performances have improved as the season has gone on.
      And that has attracted the Championship trio to register their interest in the Birmingham-born player.
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      Ross County travel to relegation rivals Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday.
      Malky Mackay’s side are bottom of the table but just one point behind Kilmarnock and the Tangerines. More

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      I joined Premier League in a £13.5m transfer but I’ve just been released from my League One club after getting relegated

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      OUMAR NIASSE has been released by League One Morecambe following the Shrimps’ relegation.Boss Derek Adams recruited Niasse back in March, citing the need for an experienced striker in his side’s battle against the drop.
      Oumar Niasse celebrates his only goal for Morecambe alongside Cole StocktonCredit: Rex
      Oumar Niasse with former Everton manager Carlo AncelottiCredit: Getty
      The former Everton man went on to play ten times for Morecambe, only managing one goal with his side going on to experience the first relegation of their 103-year history.
      Adams’ side already had six players under contract for next season, but every other member of the squad have been released.
      Upon confirming the retained list, the former Plymouth Argyle and Bradford manager said: “Firstly, I would like to thank all of the players for their contributions across the campaign and for the effort, commitment and dedication they have given to the club.
      “To the departing players, it is very difficult as some of them have been with me here for a significant period of time.
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      “Ryan Cooney, Liam Gibson and Cole Stockton were all part of our play-off winning side and depart with nothing but my best wishes for everything they have given both me and the football club.
      “My thanks also to the further departures who will always be able to look back, with pride, at the fact they played for Morecambe FC in League One.
      “These players have given as much as they possibly could for the club and created some memorable moments for Morecambe along the way.”
      Niasse, 33, signed for Everton from Lokomotiv Moscow for £13.5m in 2016.
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      Derek Adams confirmed his retained list this weekCredit: Rex
      Things didn’t go to plan at Goodison, as he made just 42 appearances in four years, scoring nine times.
      During this stint he had loan spells at Hull City and Cardiff City.
      Following his Everton release he briefly joined Huddersfield, before scoring three times in 12 outings for Burton Albion last season.
      After the 3-2 defeat at Exeter City on Sunday which confirmed relegation, Adams revealed that it would be difficult to offer deals to out of contract players due to the uncertainty surrounding Morecambe’s playing budget for next season.
      He said: “We’ve got to do a retained list within a certain number of days after the last game of the season.
      “With that in mind, we’re still waiting for confirmation of the wage budget for next season: we understand there’s going to be a big reduction from this season and we’re waiting for confirmation on that.
      “What we weren’t able to do was offer any out-of-contract players deals for next season because, financially, we need to see where we are.”
      In addition to Niasse and star man Stockton, former Crystal Palace full-back Pape Souare was also among those to be released.

      The 32-year-old had been a regular in the Premier League for the Eagles, before a devastating car accident in September 2016 saw him have to be airlifted to hospital.
      Since his recovery Souare has played for Troyes and Charlton, before joining Morecambe in March – for whom he played seven times. More

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      When are the EFL play-offs? Championship, League One, League Two dates, kick-off times and all the details you need

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      IT’S crunch time in the EFL as the agony and ecstasy of the play-offs is almost upon us – and the encounters have been finalised.Every year, in each of the three divisions in the Football League – Championship, League One and League Two – four teams compete in the play-offs with only one earning promotion in the final at Wembley.
      Nottingham Forest beat Huddersfield in last year’s Championship play-off final.Credit: Reuters
      For Championship sides fighting for a top-6 spot, they will be eyeing a place in the Premier League and all the cash that goes with that precious promotion.
      Burnley and Sheffield United have already booked their place in next season’s top flight, but one more space remains to join them.
      Luton Town and Middlesbrough will definitely be involved in the dramatic Championship play-offs this year, despite whatever happens on the final day.
      5th and 6th are still up for grabs with Coventry, Millwall, Sunderland, West Brom and Blackburn Rovers all in the conversation.
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      When are the EFL play-off semi-finals?
      Here are all the confirmed dates for this year’s EFL play-off semi-finals:
      Championship:

      Semi-final, first leg – Sunderland vs Luton on Saturday, May 13th – Kick off: 5:30pm BST
      Semi-final, first leg – Coventry vs Middlesbrough on Sunday, May 14th – Kick off: 12pm BST
      Semi-final, second leg – Luton vs Sunderland on Tuesday, May 16th – Kick off: 8pm BST
      Semi-final, second leg – Middlesbrough vs Coventry on Wednesday, May 17th – Kick off: 8pm BST

      League One:
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      Semi-final, first leg – Peterborough United vs Sheffield Wednesday on Friday, May 12th – Kick off: 8pm BST
      Semi-final, first leg – Bolton Wanderers vs Barnsley on Saturday, May 13th – Kick off: 3pm BST
      Semi-final, second leg – Sheffield Wednesday vs Peterborough United on Thursday, May 18th – Kick off: 8pm BST
      Semi-final, second leg – Bolton Wanderers vs Barnsley on Friday May 19th – Kick off: 8pm BST

      League Two:

      Semi-final, first leg – Salford City vs Stockport on Saturday, May 13th – Kick off: 7:45pm BST
      Semi-final, first leg – Braford vs Carlisle on Sunday, May 14th – Kick off: 7pm BST
      Semi-final, second leg – Stockport vs Salford City on Saturday, May 20th – Kick off: 12:30pm BST
      Semi-final, second leg – Carlisle vs Bradford on Saturday, May 20th – Kick off: 3pm BST

      When are the EFL play-off finals?
      All of the EFL play-off finals will be hosted at Wembley Stadium.

      The Championship play-off final will be played on Saturday, May 27 – Kick off: 4:45pm BST
      The League One play-off final will be played on Monday, May 29th – Kick off: 3pm BST
      The League Two play-off final will be played on Sunday, May 28th – Kick off: 1:30pm BST

      What channel is the EFL play-offs on and can they be live streamed?

      Coverage of all EFL play-off games will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Football.
      Sky Sports subscribers can live stream all the action via the NOW app.
      The NOW app is free to download onto your mobile or tablet device. More

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      Manager storms on to pitch to get his own fans OFF in X-rated blast… as they celebrate before final whistle

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      FURIOUS Northampton boss Jon Brady stormed onto the pitch to get his own fans off as they celebrated promotion BEFORE the final whistle.Some away supporters dashed out as a stoppage-time penalty miss in ANOTHER game guaranteed the Cobblers going up to League One.
      Northampton fans finally rejoice as promotion to League One is guaranteed on the final day of the full schedule, condemning Stockport to the play-offsCredit: PA
      Cobblers’ boss Jon Brady shows his fury with away supporters who went on BEFORE the end of the 1-0 win at Tranmere Rovers
      Jon Brady storms on to pitch to get his own Northampton fans OFF in X-rated blast… as they celebrate before final whistle
      Matchwinner Sam Hoskins is happy to be mobbed by Northampton fansCredit: PA
      Brady at first rejoiced with his bench when news of promotion rivals Stockport only drawing 1-1 with Hartlepool came through.
      But when the Aussie saw Northampton fans entering the field he ran towards them, screaming and waving his arms wildly for them to get off.
      Ultimately, Sam Hoskins’ brilliant fifth-minute volley earned the Cobblers a 1-0 win at mid-table Tranmere that was enough for promotion.
      But Stockport would have overtaken Northampton if they beat relegated Hartlepool at home  and the Cobblers only drew.
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      Callum Camps hit a penalty opener for County but Callum Cooke smashed a long-range leveller for Pools, whose heroic keeper Ben Killip then saved Camps’ second spot-kick in the 95th minute.
      That left a group of Northampton fans 155 miles away at their own game in Tranmere getting too excited too early – rushing onto the field and sparking angry gesticulating from Brady.
      However, Cobblers’ supporters didn’t have to wait long to rejoice properly as they match soon ended and they erupted onto the pitch in far bigger numbers.
      Final-day promotion was particularly emotional for Northampton after they missed out in incredible circumstances at the same stage last season.
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      The Cobblers won 3-1 at Barrow in May 2022 but Joey Barton’s Bristol Rovers leapfrogged them on GOALS SCORED – thanks to a 7-0 triumph over relegated Scunthorpe.
      Rovers bagged five goals in the last 38 minutes to go level on goal difference with Northampton – but Barton’s men had netted 11 times more.
      This time, though, it was joy unconfined, with long-serving Cobblers’ midfielder Hoskins hoisted high by hordes of fans in the middle of the pitch.
      And Brady too looked ecstatic too as he revelled in his finest achievement as a manager, having taken over two years ago after bossing part-time Brackley Town from 2009-2015.
      Manager Brady let all his joy out, but only at the right momentCredit: PA
      Hoskins is hoisted high on a momentous afternoon for NorthamptonCredit: Rex
      Hoskins and his Northampton team-mates knew how important his fifth-minute goal was on the final day of the regulation League Two seasonCredit: Alamy
      Marc Leonard is on a high after securing the third automatic promotion spotCredit: PA
      Long-serving midfielder Hoskins cracks in the only goal at Prenton ParkCredit: Alamy More

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      Fraser Horsfall eyes promotion heartache for Northampton – a year after his own

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      FRASER Horsfall hopes Northampton fans have the same last day woe they and he endured 12 months ago.The defender scored as the Cobblers did their bit to secure promotion from League Two by beating Barrow.
      Fraser Horsfall hopes Northampton feel a sens of deja vu after losing out on promotion last seasonCredit: PRESS ASSOCIATION
      But they were thrown out of the top three as Bristol Rovers overcame goal difference by battering Scunthorpe 7-0 – they flopped in the play-offs.
      Now defender Horsfall hopes for a repeat with County gatecrashing the automatic places by beating already relegated Hartlepool while their rivals fail to win at Tranmere.
      “I’d never gone through something like that in my career, I don’t think I ever will again,” said Horsfall.
      “You think you’re promoted until the 85th minute, only for someone to shout, ‘Bristol have scored seven, you need another goal!’
      “I remember there being 15-20 minutes left and thinking we’re up then my heart sinking when I heard that shout. It wasn’t a good feeling.
      “Honestly, you couldn’t write it – especially with Northampton – but I’m hoping it’s a bit smoother today.
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      “With the start we had and the way they were going, I thought they’d sail away with it but after the first 10 games, we’ve been really good.
      “I’m a Stockport player now and feel like we deserve it. We just need to win to give ourselves a chance, we can’t control anything else.”
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      In the wake of Northampton’s flop, Horsfall moved back north to link up with EFL new boys Stockport – with many hints as to why.
      Striker Sam Hoskins wrote: “All th£ bЄ$t mate.” Defender Aaron McGowan put: “All the Be$t”. Midfielder Mitchell Pinnock posted: “My $kipp£r.”
      But appearances can be deceiving.
      Now a Stockport player, Horsfall hopes to kick the Cobblers out of the top threeCredit: PA:Press Association
      Horsfall added: “They were having a bit of a joke and they got taken out of turn.
      “They’re my friends and it didn’t get to me, I knew they were joking and they meant no harm.
      “And moving home, to Huddersfield, was a big thing. When I was at Northampton, I was away from my family.”
      Horsfall has already seen what winning promotion at Edgeley Park is like – when Stockport beat Halifax to clinch the National League, he was in the away end watching pal Jack Senior.
      But promotion would only put County back towards the pedestal they belong.
      After dropping to National League North and going part-time, training at a local secondary school, Mark Stott transformed them after taking over.
      Horsfall’s side must beat Hartlepool today and hope Northampton do not win at TranmereCredit: Alamy Live News
      Off the field, things are of Championship standard. Now to get one level from it on the field.
      If it happens, the nearby Prince Albert pub may be the scene of celebrations, just like it was when an 11-year EFL exile ended.
      “Everything’s there for us to get promoted and go again to the Championship – everything’s set for the club to go one way, that’s up,” Horsfall told SunSport.
      “Once you play for Stockport, in front of more than 10,000 people, you get the feeling of, ‘This is a proper club.’
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      “I was in Halifax’s end last year, so I saw the crowd near the pitch at the end. All I did was look at my mate to see if he’d get off OK when fans ran on!
      “And there’s a great opportunity for us – if its not automatic, I fancy us in the play-offs.” More