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    Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham in bitter row with locals over plans to build multi-million pound training centre

    WREXHAM owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are in a row with locals over plans to build a new training facility for their young players.The Hollywood pair have enjoyed back-to-back promotions with the Welsh club since taking control in 2021.Wrexham owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds are in a dispute with localsCredit: PAThey have taken Wrexham from the National League to League One – where they sit second after 17 games.But while the ownership have been praised for their impact on the community, they are now facing opposition from locals.According to Wales Online, Reynolds and McElhenney have plans to erect a multi-million pound development at Darland High School in the village of Rossett.It would consist of two buildings and two shipping containers being constructed on green land – with facilities including changing rooms, offices, meeting rooms, a medical room and a gym. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut work began before a decision on the planning permission – a move which has infuriated members of the public.SunSport has approached Wrexham for comment.A decision will be made at a council planning committee meeting on December 2 – with locals having opposed the plans due to concerns over noise, traffic, light pollution and the presence of great crested newts.A summary of the nine letters of objection, which were all submitted to Wrexham Council, read: “The brutal commercial and industrial appearance is not in keeping with the proposed location within the green wedge.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”The development goes against planning policy advice in regards to the green wedge.”The school will lose the use of some athletic practice areas as a result of the proposal.I’ve tried for the last three years to join Wrexham but I think my surname will stop me, admits ex-Premier League star James Chester “The development is retrospective and the council should have made them stop work until the application was determined. The development brings no benefit to the Rossett community.”Reynolds and McElhenney previously vented their frustration at planning issues in their Welcome to Wrexham documentary.Reynolds said: “I think the thick buttress of bureaucracy is the biggest problem.”In Wales, it really is a lot of red tape, and it’s just sort of figuring out ways to tick all those boxes and make sure that every single bureaucrat is happy.”While McElhenney added: “It is definitely a comedic point of consternation in the show how often we’re running up against bureaucracy.”It’s a lot harder to build in the UK than, I found, almost anywhere else in the world.”One of Wrexham’s construction projects includes building a new 5,500-seater stand at the Racecourse Ground.But the club see the proposed training ground as an opportunity to develop their young talent.And a planning statement from agents acting on Wrexham’s behalf read: “The training facility will be used by the Wrexham AFC academy teams, from ages nine to 18.”The proposed academy buildings will enable the development and education of young athletes both on and off the pitch.”It looks as though the plans are going to move forward despite issues raised by the locals.Wrexham Council’s chief planning officer, David Fitzsimon, said: “The provision of new facilities will improve the overall sporting offer at the site.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Planning policy directs that there is a presumption against inappropriate development within green wedges and the construction of new buildings are generally considered inappropriate development.”However, the development is an essential facility for outdoor sport and recreation and as such meets the exemption criteria.” More

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    ‘How am I going to survive?’ asked non-league star after dream transfer into EFL turned into a nightmare

    A NIGHTMARE summer transfer to Crawley Town left non-league striker Muhammadu Faal asking himself: “How am I going to survive?”From landing his dream move and putting a deposit down on a brand new house for his young family, to being told his contract was INVALID, Faal was left feeling depressed and ashamed.Muhammadu Faal was left worried about finances and work after Crawley let him go following a nightmare three monthsFaal was on top of the world when he was publicly announced as newly promoted League One side Crawley Town’s latest striker on July 22.It came 12 days after his cousin Liverpool star Joe Gomez watched on from the bench as England lost the Euros final to Spain.Faal told The Athletic: “It felt like my second bite of the cherry, my second chance. It seemed like the perfect opportunity.”But less than three months later, Faal’s attitude to football has changed. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe lost the opportunity to play at the highest level in his career so far when the EFL found his contract with Crawley was not valid.The agreement was a six-month contract with an 18-month extension option – which broke EFL rules as an extension period is not allowed to be longer than the initial deal.Faal then says there was told by Crawley’s football leadership that there was no room for renegotiation. A devastated Faal went to the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) for support, but was told that they couldn’t help.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe said: “I waited for the PFA, and within those three weeks I wondered, ‘How am I going to pay my bills? How am I going to just… survive? “I’ve got a wife, I’ve got a child, I’ve got rent to pay, bills to pay. How am I going to do this? What am I going to do?’”‘I was a zebra, Shane Duffy was Goldilocks’ – Norwich City star Kellen Fisher on wild Xmas partys, dinner with Delia and team-mates getting eggedMuhammadu Faal was involved in Crawley’s 6-3 preseason defeat to Crystal PalaceHe added: “When Crawley became interested, I thought that this was the chance of a lifetime. I couldn’t miss it. Great playing style, good manager… it doesn’t matter about the terms — I have to take it.”He has since received legal support from Muslim athlete collective Nujum Sport.But what happened before that? Faal signed the contract on July 15 and he completed his medical three days later, with signing pictures taken.The first stumbling block came when club sporting director Tobias Phoenix incorrectly told him he’d failed his medical.Faal recalled to The Athletic: “He told me ‘the deal’s off because you failed’. He said he didn’t want to disclose on what grounds.”But Crawley chiefs seemingly backtracked during a meeting with Faal and his agent just 24 hours later.The move was back on. That day, he was announced as a Crawley player, and appeared on the club’s social media channels.To Faal’s knowledge, at this point he was a Crawley player — though his agent was still pressing the club for a finalised copy of the contract.Setback after setback came again before he was told that he hasn’t been registered yet for a Carabao Cup against Swindon in August.Faal had paid the holding deposit on his dream home less than 48 hours before.He admitted that he was affected by the update — and didn’t perform up to his usual level in training.His senses were correct and he was let go by the club the next day.I felt ashamed, I felt embarrassed. I didn’t feel worthy. Although it wasn’t the case, I felt I’d failed.Muhammadu FaalThe problem was that the contract which Faal had signed was for six months, with an 18-month extension option. Under EFL rules, an extension is not allowed to be longer than the initial contracted period. The issue meant Faal could not be registered.Faal added: “I was in disbelief. My agent and I didn’t know how it could happen. I signed a contract. Surely you can’t just let me go?”At that point, I just wanted to give up football. I didn’t see the point of continuing. My life’s goal was to make it pro and do that to the best of my ability. “But every time I’ve taken the step, I’ve been met by problems outside my control. I love football, but it’s unfair as well.”The Hackney-born ace lost his deposit on the house, but bigger things were also at play.He was now jobless, with his mental health receiving a battering.The 6ft 5in striker explained: “I felt ashamed, I felt embarrassed. I didn’t feel worthy. Although it wasn’t the case, I felt I’d failed.”Faal of Barnet has had spells at Barnet, Enfield and MaidstoneAccording to Faal and his lawyer, his registration was not a key condition of the contract.Faal has since refused to sign the proof of termination document. He feels that he is owed that six-month contract — and is planning to take the club to an employment tribunal, according to The Athletic.In recent weeks, he has joined nearby Worthing to play games — dropping back down three divisions to return to the National League South. He now earns less money than he did before the Crawley move.Faal believes he has contracts with both Crawley and Worthing — but is allowed to play because he is only registered with the latter.When announcing his departure, on September 13, Crawley said Faal had joined Worthing for an “undisclosed fee”.But they would have been unable to receive money for him as an unregistered player — and is instead classed as a free transfer.Faal says Crawley told him that it was done to help the image of all parties involved.READ MORE SUN STORIESFaal began his career in Italy with Serie C side L’Aquila as an 18-year-old, making five senior appearances.He then enjoyed a series of free transfers to non-league sides Dulwich Hamlet, Kingstonian FC and Enfield Town. More

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    ‘Come off or you’ll be grounded for a month’ says EFL boss as he removes sons from pitch over an hour after full-time

    CHELTENHAM boss Michael Flynn hilariously stopped his two sons from having a kickabout on the pitch.The Robins beat Tranmere Rovers 1-0 last night to go 14th in League Two.Michael Flynn celebrated victory with his son on the pitchCredit: GettyCheltenham won thanks to an 89th minute Joel Colwill strike and celebrated with one of his sons.Over an hour after the game finished, two of the manager’s kids were still enjoying themselves and showed off their skills on the Whaddon Road turf.Flynn was ready to go home following his pitch-match duties and tried to get them off the pitch.But his sons reportedly continued to play football and ignored their father.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe then brilliantly shouted: “Come off, or you’ll be grounded for a month.”Flynn has five kids named Dionne, 24, Charlie, 10, Theo, 10, Edward, 9, and Samuel, 7.The Welshman became Cheltenham boss in May after their relegation from League One last season.Flynn formally managed Newport, Walsall and Swindon.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHis children were perhaps making the most of being on the field given that several other EFL games have been postponed today due to Storm Bert.In League Two, Bradford vs Accrington and Fleetwood vs MK Dons have been called off.Lincoln’s Ethan Erhahon reveals players STOLE the physio’s car and he was offered a ‘scrap’ with a fan – What the EFLAnd due to torrential rain, Blackburn vs Portsmouth in the Championship has also been postponed. More

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    Storm Bert causes chaos in football as several EFL clashes are CALLED OFF just hours before kick-off

    STORM BERT caused chaos in the EFL as a number of matches were called off due to heavy snow and rain battering the UK.Fans of many clubs had already begun their journeys to stadiums up and down the country when announcements were made.Games up and down the country have been called off, with Bradford’s first to goCredit: GettyFleetwood vs MK Dons was postponed after a pitch inspectionHeavy rain at Ewood Park sees Blackburn vs Portsmouth called offCredit: X/ROVERSThe League Two clash between Bradford and Accrington Stanley was first to get called off.It was revealed at 10:30am that there would be a pitch inspection and just 20 minutes later the game was postponed.The turf at Valley Parade was deemed “unplayable” by the referee following torrential “snow and rainfall”.Staying in League Two, Fleetwood were set to welcome MK Dons this afternoon but the clash has also fallen victim to Storm Bert.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSalford’s clash against Bromley was called off just an hour before kick-off.Meanwhile, Portsmouth supporters had already begun the 270-mile journey up to Blackburn for their Championship clash when it was officially called out.Fans raged: “Disgrace for travelling fans. Why not do this at 8 or 9am?”Another added: “Genuinely upset.”Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA third Pompey fan said: “In this day and age how can a Championship match be postponed? We’ve just arrived in Blackburn.”More commented: “We’ve spent over £300 on fuel, hotels and tickets this weekend.”The postponements give the EFL a major headache with the games needing to be rearranged in an already tight schedule.’Thunder and hail’ on route amid flooding & second overnight Storm Bert warningIn the National League, Halifax Town vs Sutton United and Rochdale vs Oldham Athletic have been axed due to the conditions.There is a Met Office amber weather warning in the north for snow and rain. More

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    Premier League cult hero’s son, 19, signs for EFL club – and his dad still hasn’t even officially retired

    THE son of Premier League cult hero Wilfried Bony has signed for Newport County.Geoffroy, 19, has signed a deal until the end of the season with the League Two side.Geoffroy Bony has joined Newport until the end of the seasonHis father Wilfried is a legend at Swansea CityCredit: GettyHe joins the Exiles after impressing in training in recent weeks, having been invited to the club by Newport manager and his former Swansea academy coach Nelson Jardim.Geoffroy is a striker and has a striking resemblance to his father, who is yet officially hang up his boots.Wilfried, 35, has not played since leaving Bolivian club Always Ready last year.His eldest child is following in his footsteps by pulling on a Newport shirt as the former Ivory Coast international trained with the club while he was a free agent in 2019.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGeoffroy’s younger brother Orphee is also hoping to break through at the Welsh club and is with their Under-18s.Their dad is best remembered by his days at Swansea and Manchester City.Bony Snr scored 25 goals in his first season with the Swans in the 2013/14 campaign.Just over 12 months later, he joined City for £25million and lifted the Carabao Cup and Africa Cup of Nations that year.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAfter the arrival of Pep Guardiola, Bony was loaned to Stoke before having a second spell with Swansea.In recent years, he has played for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia and NEC Nijmegen in Holland.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersCan you name the famous fathers? More

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    Arsenal legend’s son training with Wrexham as Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bid for promotion to Championship

    THE son of an Arsenal legend is training with League One side Wrexham as they eye a third successive promotion.The Welsh club have enjoyed a sensational few years since being taken over by celebrities Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have helped Wrexham to successive promotionsCredit: GettyA young attacker with an ex-Arsenal defender for a father has been training with WrexhamCredit: GettyThey returned to The Football League in 2023 after winning the fifth tier.And last season they claimed the second automatic place behind Stockport to clinch back-to-back promotions.Now they are flying high in League One, sitting in third place and just two points adrift of the automatic promotion spots.According to The Mail, a young right-sided attacker is training with Wrexham’s squad – Yassine Toure.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 18-year-old, who has played for Celtic and Leicester’s academy sides, is yet to feature for the first-team but is hopeful of securing a contract at Wrexham.Along with his talent, he also boasts the pedigree of being the son of ex-Arsenal defender Kolo Toure.Toure Sr, 43, was a part of the Gunners’ Invincibles side from the 2003/04 Premier League campaign.He also won two FA Cups and reached the Champions League final under Arsene Wenger.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSKolo Toure, centre, was a part of Arsenal’s Invincibles side from the 2003/04 campaignCredit: GettyThe centre-back went on to join Manchester City in 2009 – where he won a second Premier League title and is now a coach.Toure Sr, who also played for Liverpool, earned 120 caps for Ivory Coast, but his son is still waiting on a first senior call-up.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersYassine was in the Celtic academy but made the switch to Leicester with dad Kolo and manager Brendan Rodgers.When Kolo left Leicester for Wigan, the Ivory Coast youth international stayed put at the King Power Stadium after signing a two-year scholarship contract.Now he has departed the Premier League side and could finally get his chance in Wrexham’s senior team. More

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    A-list celebrities exploring takeover of EFL clubs after watching Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s Wrexham success

    A-LIST celebrities are set to follow in the footsteps of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney after their success with Wrexham.The Hollywood actors secured back-to-back promotions with the Red Dragons to return the club to the third tier for the first time in 15 years, and are on the right track to repeat that feat this season.Celebrities are looking to follow in the footsteps of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenneyCredit: AFPTom Brady invested in Birmingham last yearCredit: GettyA figure like Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson could have a big impact on an English clubCredit: The Mega AgencyThe pair have acted as a catalyst for celebrity investment in English football, with the likes of Tom Brady, JJ Watt, Will Ferrell and golfers Jordan Spieth and Jordan Thomas all involved at various EFL clubs.Many more high-profile celebrities are set to follow suit according to football investment specialist Adam Sommerfeld, whose work involves connecting clubs with prospective celebrity investors.He told SunSport: “There are some incredibly high profile celebrities that are looking, some of the time it’s with their agent, some of the time it’s with the direct celebrity, but there are certainly some incredibly high profile ones looking at the moment.”Whether they find what they are looking for is another question. Celebrities certainly from the sporting world want to be seen to back a winner.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”If you back a team in the Premier League that then gets relegated three times in a row, you don’t want to be connected to that.”It’s finding a club that could go on a journey but isn’t likely to plummet and negatively impact your brand.”Reynolds and McElhenney are quite unique as they are majority owners of Wrexham, whereas the likes of Brady and Watt only have minor shares in Birmingham and Burnley respectively.But they have already seen a return on their investment in terms of exposure, with League One Blues a regular pick for Sky Sports coverage – David Beckham even attended their match against Wrexham and sat alongside NFL legend Brady.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd it appears the trend of celeb and US involvement in English clubs is only set to rise, with rapper A$AP Rocky tipped to invest in Tranmere.Sommerfeld continued: “Every team has at some point spoken in recent months to US investors. Most teams will listen and listen very seriously, as will most companies. Tom Brady in hilarious reaction after getting X-rated welcome from Wrexham fans for Birmingham clash”For a celebrity it’s a win-win. Ultimately you want to make sure you’re not backing the wrong horse that could have multiple relegations, goes out of business, but that’s very rare.”Otherwise it’s win-win for the celeb because they get to promote their personal brand to that team, they will gain Instagram followers, social media followers, which can be directly related to revenue for them.”There is the fun element, there is the partnership element of other doors that will open up in terms of co-valuing opportunities for both sides.”It’s sort of like how can The Rock’s followers go and follow Watford for example, and now that celebrity is being followed by Watford fans and now they might go and watch his latest film because of the affinity to Watford.”And rarely do celebrities put big capital in, most of it will be brand equity they will be putting in. “So their name is their investment, it’s not like they have to put in a huge amount of capital.” More

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    Controversial Wrexham star James McClean has special permission to break EFL rules for his own safety

    JAMES McCLEAN has been given special permission to break EFL rules to avoid being abused by rival fans. The Wrexham star, 35, is regularly targeted by opposition supporters when he goes off the pitch.The EFL are giving James McClean special dispensation to break football lawsCredit: RexThe Wrexham winger is regularly targetted by abuse and missiles by rival fansCredit: ReutersFootball laws since 2019-20 state a player being substituted must leave the field by the nearest sideline – rather than trudging over to the dugouts – to speed up play and reduce time wasting.However, that has sparked a series of incidents with McClean clashing with supporters when taken off.That included seeing a cup of Bovril thrown at him against Birmingham and he appeared to blow kisses at Mansfield fans earlier this month. Now the EFL have stepped in to allow McClean and any other players at similar risk an exemption help them avoid further flashpoints.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHaving liaised with Wrexham and the PGMOL – the body of referees – the EFL have circulated a letter advising clubs of the measure put in place for stars – including but not exclusively the former Sunderland, Wigan, West Brom and Stoke winger.As reported by the Daily Mail, the new directive came in an email to club safety officers as the EFL wrote: “You will be aware that James McClean is often on the receiving end of abuse from some sections of support.”This has, in the past, resulted in FA sanctions against the Club due to the chanting becoming racially, or religiously motivated and therefore, classed as a hate crime. “Missiles have also been thrown.Most read in EFL”It has now been agreed that on occasions in the future when Mr McClean has to leave the field of play, for whatever reason, he will leave by the shortest route towards the tunnel. “This process will help to reduce these incidents and also help to manage Mr McClean’s departure from the pitch without incident.”Chelsea and Wrexham stars Levi Colwill and James McClean fight just two minutes into pre-season friendly McClean has never shied away from controversy during his career and hit the headlines once again in recent weeks over his poppy stance.The 103-cap Ireland international decides not to wear a poppy on his shirt in the fixtures leading up to Remembrance Day each year.That is because his hometown of Derry was the site of the 1972 Bloody Sunday massacre which saw 14 unarmed civilians killed by British soldiers.And he feels wearing a poppy shows disrespect to those who died during the Troubles.However, he has stated he would be willing to join the majority of footballers by having the red flower on his jersey if it was solely to show respect to those who died during the World Wars. McClean stood apart from his Wrexham team-mates for the minute of silence before the 1-0 win over Mansfield. The veteran helped Wrexham win promotion last season and was seen revelling in the Welsh club’s fans’ anti-monarchy song about him – just weeks after future king Prince William visited the Racecourse Ground. McClean is, of course, not the only footballer who has been on the receiving end of abuse from opposition fans.Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri taunted the passionate Leeds faithful in the closing stages of the Clarets’ win at Elland Road in September, leading to a furious reaction. However, the ex-Manchester United man certainly played his part in the animosity on that occasion.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd the EFL cited the “racially or religiously-motivated hate crimes” surrounding McClean prompting the unprecedented dispensation.But SunSport understands should other players be at a similar safety risk like McClean, they too would be subject to the relaxed rules for their protection. A cup of Bovril was launched at McClean at St Andrew’s in SeptemberCredit: ReutersHe stood apart from his team-mates during the minute of silence for Remembrance DayCredit: PA More