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    How Tyrique George rose from Chelsea prospect with ‘dynamite’ shot to wonderkid outshining multi-million pound stars

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    HE was once just another face in the crowd at Cobham. Now, Tyrique George is lighting up the Premier League.Tyrique George has had to work hard from the age of eight to get to the topCredit: uniquefaTyrique George has come through the ranks and he could be the next big thingCredit: GettyTyrique George changed the game for Chelsea against Fulham with his first goalCredit: RexHe scored his first Premier League goal against neighbours Fulham last weekend – his story is the kind of tale that reminds us what football dreams are really made of.The 19-year-old winger has gone from academy promise to first-team Premier League baller, and it’s not just talent that got him there, it’s been years of grit, grind, and an unshakable family bond.At a time when Chelsea have spent more than £1billion on signing some of the best talents from around the world, it’s stories like Tyrique’s that give hope to Cobham and reassure young players that you can still rise through the ranks and make it.Born to a Ghanaian mother and Nigerian father, Tyrique’s roots run deep, and so does his support system. READ MORE ON CHELSEAThey’ve poured their lives into him. Ordinary jobs, extraordinary sacrifices. His dad hasn’t missed a single one of his first-team home games, and his mum turned down shifts just to get him across town for training.From North London to South, she ferried him to the training ground in Cobham, Surrey, like clockwork. And now, the boy she believed in is living the dream.George was 11 years old when he was photographed with Jadon Sancho, then 17, in the car park of a goals centre in south London.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeNow they are playing together in Chelsea’s youthful team under coach Enzo Maresca.Bismark Odoi, father of ex-Chelsea star Callum Hudson-Odoi, remembers how George stood out from the pack at an early age.Bismark said: “He is a few years younger than my son but he was very noticeable from his early years.“We all used to take them, but I’m happy that he’s making his parents proud because I tell you it’s a lot of hard work,  people only see the results, but the work is massive.Tyrique George, aged 11, with 17-year-old Jadon Sancho pictured in 2017Credit: ChelseaEnzo Maresca is concerned with Chelsea’s missed ‘easy chances’ after limping into the Conference League semi-final “Tyrique was very close to another guy who was similar in stature to him, called Apau I think, a very good young player during their under-12 days.“Not everyone makes it, but yeah, he was there. I think he was one of the youngsters who played very well knowing their parents were watching too.”At youth level, George wasn’t just good. He was special. In 2023, he scored a 35-yard strike against Crystal Palace that would be nominated for the club’s Goal of the Season, announcing him to the top first-team players who might not have heard his name before.Sources at the club’s training base in Cobham, speaking on condition of anonymity to protect their relationship, say his ball-striking ability is one of the best they’ve ever seen come through.A source said: “His ball-striking is off the charts. People don’t expect it from him, but he’s got dynamite in that foot. “When we needed a goal at academy level, we gave it to him, and he’d just let it fly.”Tyrique George is starting to make an impression on the Premier LeagueTyrique George has alwways been highly rated in CobhamCredit: GettyTyrigue George is showing he can be special if given the chanceCredit: GettyRegular journalists Stamford Bridge this season say George has that confidence, not arrogance, but a self-assurance that whispers, “I’ve got it” when he speak to reporters.Across the U18s and U21s, George racked up a combined 33 goals and assists last season. But it wasn’t until his bullet finish against Fulham that the world truly took notice.To be fair, he’s benefited hugely from the suspension of Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk, who has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for a banned substance while on international duty last year.But that’s the story of life… you need to be ready when your chance comes. And George, he’s been ready for a while.Saul Isaksson-Hurst, his former coach at Chelsea, tells SunSport how it was easy to see from a young age that he was special.He said: “I remember one tournament in Portugal where we took them, if I remember correctly, it was an under-9 tournament, and for a kid of that age to have the authority he had and the leadership skill he showed was a sign that he could make it.“Chelsea academy has the most rigorous recruitment process and an even tougher process to continue to get a contract. “So for him to keep his head down and do the work is a show of the ingredients that have made him.“He understands the opportunity that has been given to him, and he is determined to make good use of it. “And as coaches, that’s all we want to see after we take these kids from an early age and try to give them a good chance at life.”The feeling among everyone close to Tyrique is that he is just getting started. Read More on The SunBut his journey highlights the importance of self-belief, as well as the commitment-  and often unspoken roles of parents to guide and guard, especially in today’s world.The early starts and late finishes have given him the chance, and now the world is his oyster. More

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      Reading release major statement after agreement reached with EFL as crisis club face going bust if they aren’t sold

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      CRISIS club Reading have been granted a takeover extension by the EFL. Royals’ Chinese owner Dai Yongge had initially been given a deadline of April 22 to sell the Berkshire outfit.Reading have been given more time by the EFL to get their takeover completedCredit: GettyRoyals fans have constantly protested against owner Dai YonggeCredit: Reading FCDai was disqualified under the league’s owners’ and directors’ test in February owing to debts and court rulings in China.  The League One side – who are mounting an unexpected play-off push – have been up for sale for almost 600 days.And a statement released on Wednesday confirms the EFL has granted the Royals an extension.It read: “Reading Football Club can confirm further progress has been made towards the sale of the club, with the transaction including the Select Car Leasing Stadium and Bearwood Park Training Facility. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”As a result, The EFL has agreed for a further extension until May 5th for the transaction to be completed.”The statement adds that the identity of the buyer will remain confidential at this stage. But the unnamed investor will be footing the bill for “day-to-day running of the club” until the takeover is signed off. It continued: “Both parties will now work to complete the necessary steps to complete the takeover.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe buying party will be supporting the club’s immediate financial obligations until the transaction is complete, and as such, day-to-day running of the club will be unaffected.”The club would like to thank all supporters, staff, and players for their contribution to the club in recent times. Birmingham become first EFL club to win promotion as Tom Brady’s club bounce back to Championship at first attempt”The performance at First Team and Academy level has been outstanding and all attention is on supporting the teams to finish the season strongly.”Further communication regarding next steps will be issued once appropriate.”Reading currently sit seventh in the third tier, one place below the final play-off spot.They are level on points with Leyton Orient, with just two games to play.Reading face Bristol Rovers and Barnsley in their final matches of the season.Should they gain promotion to the Championship, it would be the Royals’ first season at that level since 2023.Dai bought a 75 per cent stake in Reading in 2017, shortly after Jaap Stam’s side lost the Championship playoff final to Huddersfield.During his ownership, the Royals have been slapped with several points deductions, while in 2023 they were relegated to League One.Read More on The SunAmid fan protests, Dai put the club up for sale later that year.Earlier this month, SunSport revealed former Wycombe owner Rob Couhig had mounted a £25million takeover for the Berkshire club. More

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      EFL club once sponsored by Tyson Fury relegated to non-league after 18 years as Gary Neville’s Salford deal final blow

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      TYSON FURY’S beloved Morecambe have officially been relegated from League Two.The Shrimps lost 3-1 to Salford City at the Globe Arena to confirm their drop to non-league football after 18 years.Morecambe have officially been relegated from League TwoTyson Fury used to be a sponsor for his beloved MorecambeThat result basically brings an end to a sorry season for Derek Adams’ side, who struggled both on and off the pitch.Earlier in the campaign, the cash-strapped team’s board collided with the ownership group.This term was blighted by financial problems as Morecambe were placed under a transfer embargo due to the non-payment of a VAT bill – the matter was ultimately settled with HMRC.The cub has been up for sale since September 2022 and it was around that time when Fury, 36, got involved.Read More on FootballThe Gypsy King partnered up with the club after they struck a sponsorship deal three years ago.The heavyweight’s ‘Gypsy King’ brand was embroidered on Morecambe’s home and away shorts for the 2022-23 season.The former world champion even claimed that same year that he was considering buying the club.Fury told talkSPORT at the time: “I’m thinking about buying Morecambe Football Club, they’re in League One at the moment.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”So I was thinking I invest X amount of millions in them. Basically throw it at them and keep them going up.”I’ve been offered to buy Morecambe Football Club. I own all the training facilities anyway and the training gym. ‘Definitely making a comeback’ – Tyson Fury, 36, sends fans into frenzy with latest retirement U-turn hint”So who knows? You might be looking at a football club owner.”But it wasn’t meant to be as Morecambe – currently bottom of table in the fourth division – couldn’t avoid relegation.And it was Salford – co-owned by Fury’s fellow celebrities in Manchester United legends Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Phil Neville and Nick Butt – who landed the killer blow.The Ammies are currently ninth in League Two with only two points separating them from the play-off spots. More

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      EFL side forced into unusual kit change despite being at home as fans slam ‘nonsense’ decision

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      GILLINGHAM were forced into an unusual kit change after being banned from wearing their home shirt versus AFC Wimbledon.The League Two clubs met today and the Kent-based side ran out 1-0 winners.Gillingham’s home kit is this blue jersey with white sleevesCredit: GettyAFC Wimbledon’s three strips were deemed too close in likeness to the Gills’ home shirtBut despite the match being played at Gillingham’s Priestfield Stadium, they were not allowed to wear their home shirt.That was because of an “EFL recommendation” over a kit clash that saw all three of Wimbledon’s strips deemed too similar to the Gills’ home look.The club usually wear a blue shirt with white sleeves when playing in front of their own supporters.But they were made to pull on their green third strip today.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEFL chiefs said Wimbledon’s kits were not distinguishable enough as their home kit is blue and their away has black and lighter blue stripes.The Dons’ third strip is white and therefore also clashed with Gillingham’s as their home shirt has white sleeves.It forced the hosts into an unusual change and enraged fans, with one saying: “We have no backbone, we are at home, it’s the other teams fault. We are being a soft touch.”Another added: “The fault is with AFC Wimbledon for not having an away kit which doesn’t clash with any team that wears blue.”Most read in EFLGillingham were forced into wearing their away green kit for their home clash against AFC WimbledonCredit: RexBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSA third wrote: “That’s absolutely pathetic to choose to play in green because of their kit issues, make them wear bibs.”More commented: “The fact we’re having to wear green is nonsense.”Football icons’ strange hobbiesGillingham’s official X account tweeted “up the greens” before the game and after the win wrote “doesn’t matter what colour shirt we’re in.”The victory sees new boss Gareth Ainsworth continue his unbeaten run to seven matches since taking charge in March. More

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      ‘He wanted me to go on’ – Son of Arsenal legend Kevin Campbell trying to follow his footsteps and reach Premier League

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      TYRESE CAMPBELL grew up idolising his legendary football dad Kevin Campbell.And now he wants to follow his father into the Premier League by winning promotion with Sheffield United.Tyrese Campbell wants to follow in his fathers footstepsCredit: GettyDad, Kevin Campbell, tragically died last June after illness and complication following a heart and kidney failureCredit: PATyrese told SunSport he is working hard ‘to be the player he knows I can be’Credit: suppliedTyrese wants to win promotion to the Premier League with Sheffield United like his dad did with Nottingham ForestCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdFormer Arsenal, Everton, West Brom and Cardiff star Kevin Campbell tragically died last June aged 54 after illness and complications following a heart and kidney failure.And although the loss of his role-model was difficult Campbell has thrown himself at the very thing his dad gave him… football.The striker has been in good form for the Blades — scoring 10 and adding an assist in his 19 starts since signing in the summer from Stoke. His brilliant form in March in particular — scoring four goals in five games — won him the SkyBet Championship player of the month award.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe told SunSport: “My brothers and I are very much his sons. We’re strong minded and strong willed.“For me I had a day away from football when my dad passed and it was back to work. I didn’t have a club at the time and was training with a personal trainer and a few other lads.“As sad as it was, life does go on and he’d have liked me to do that. He wanted me to go on, work hard and play football and be the player he knows I can be.“For me football helped me take my mind off stuff and softened the blow. I had a great support network around me and I have to give them a lot of credit.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKCampbell was born in 1999 so caught the tail-end of his dad’s glittering career with his earliest memories watching him turn out for Everton at Goodison Park.Kevin Campbell had all his major success with Arsenal before Tyrese was born — winning the title in 1991, the FA Cup and League Cup in 1993 and the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1994.Ian Wright fights back tears as Arsenal legend reveals tragic death of brother days after Kevin Campbell’s passingIn total he played 213 games for the Gunners, scoring 59 goals. He won promotion with Nottingham Forest to the Prem in 1998 and, after a short spell playing in Turkey for Trabzonspor, went on to play 160 times for Everton, scoring 48 goals. He then had two seasons with West Brom in the Prem before winding down his career in the Championship with Cardiff.Campbell said: “As soon as I could walk, I was kicking a ball. From then on there was no doubt in my mind I was going to be a footballer. It was when not if.“I never even contemplated doing anything else. When you grow up and see your dad play football that is all you want to do. You want to be like your dad, don’t you?“He was the reason I picked football. I’m grateful for that because I’m certain I’d not be able to do anything else!“My earlier memories were at Goodison, watching him from the box, although I’d mainly be playing football in the corridor!“I’ve some good memories of him playing for Everton and going into the changing room afterwards, going on the pitch with him. There are memories I’ll cherish forever.”Campbell says his dad’s biggest asset was his personality — his ability to make people happy and to engage.The Sheffield United ace even laughed that his own loudness as a person comes from his father.He said: “Dad’s personality was just great. He as loud and bubbly. If you were in a room with him, everyone was included.Tyrese recalled memories of when his dad was at EvertonCredit: suppliedTyrese said he chose to be a footballer because of his dadCredit: suppliedCampbell won four trophies with ArsenalCredit: Getty”Whether you were a little shy or nervous he was always getting everyone up and dancing. He got the party going. You couldn’t miss him. You’d always see or hear him. I’ve taken that trait from him!”Although Campbell has dedicated himself to football these past 10 months, the one thing he misses is not having his dad around to talk to.And during the Blades’ recent three-game losing run which has seen the team slip outside the two automatic promotion spots his dad would have been giving his son the pearls of wisdom he garnered during his great career.Campbell said: “When times were tough in football he was normally the first person I’d speak to. He’d give me the harsh truth and tell me if he thought I was good enough. He’d tell me how it was.“Sometimes I didn’t like what he was saying but then you’d think, ‘Oh actually he was probably right.’“So the two things I miss most is his advice and him.”The Blades travel to Turf Moor today to take on Burnley in a huge win-or-bust game in the race for the two automatic spots. Chris Wilder’s men sit five points behind the Clarets and Leeds with three games left.United lost three games on the spin — their first real dip in form all season — before bouncing back to beat Cardiff 2-0 on Good Friday.And Campbell said: “We cannot be too disheartened. We’ve had a great season and everything is still to play for.“As a kid I wanted the Premier League, watched my dad play at that level and I’ve come off the bench four times for Stoke seven years ago before they got relegated.Read More on The Sun“It’s always been my goal to be an established Premier League player. I want to get there with Stoke.“And I will see my dad again one day — and I just want to make him proud of me.”Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates More

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      First EFL relegation of 2024-25 CONFIRMED as former Man Utd Class of 92 star-turned-boss guides team to drop

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      SHREWSBURY TOWN have been relegated to League Two – without kicking a ball on Good Friday. The Shrews’ ten-year stay in League One ended after Burton Albion drew 0-0 with Exeter City. Michael Appleton’s Shrewsbury are headed to League TwoCredit: GettyThe former Manchester United midfielder only joined the club last monthCredit: RexShrewsbury have been rooted to the foot of the third tier for much of the season. Even if Burton had lost, they knew they would have to win all four of their remaining matches to have any chance of staying up.Current boss Michael Appleton only took charge last month after the sudden departure of Gareth Ainsworth.Ex-Wycombe boss Ainsworth had stepped into the hot seat in November after Paul Hurst left the club. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut he has since joined League Two Gillingham, leaving the door open for Appleton to relaunch his managerial career. Shrewsbury are currently up for sale with several potential investors interested.Appleton told BBC Radio Shropshire: “Talks have been really positive.”I’m enjoying my time here and I’m enjoying the interactions I’ve had with all the staff and the players. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”I’m hoping that an agreement will happen over time.”We seem to have a good response from the fans, which is probably the most important thing, and I’m very encouraged by the talks we’ve had.”Birmingham become first EFL club to win promotion as Tom Brady’s club bounce back to Championship at first attemptAppleton, 49, had been out of work since January 2024 after leaving Charlton Athletic. The former midfielder played for Manchester United, Preston and West Bromwich Albion before going into coaching in 2011.Over a 14-year career in management, he has also been in the dugout at Portsmouth, Blackpool, Blackburn Rovers, Leicester City, Lincoln and Oxford. More

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      Tom Brady and Tom Wagner branded ’embarrassment’ for Wembley antics after Birmingham’s cup final defeat to Peterborough

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      TOM BRADY and Birmingham City owner Tom Wagner have come under fire for their actions after Peterborough beat their side at Wembley. Birmingham were denied a historic league and cup double as Darren Ferguson’s Posh upset the odds to lift the EFL Trophy with a 2-0 win on Sunday.Birmingham City were denied a League One double after losing to Peterborough at WembleyClub owner Tom Wagner and minority co-owner Tom Brady watched onBut the directors have been criticised for giving a bizarre team-talk to the Birmingham City players who were collecting their runners up medalsThe squad were forced to take directions from Wagner and Brady at full-timeThe Blues were promoted back to the Championship on Tuesday night – ironically after a 2-1 win against Peterborough – and won the League One title without kicking a ball on Saturday when Wrexham drew at Wigan.Minority owner and NFL legend Brady was at Wembley to congratulate the team on their immediate promotion at the first time of asking, and was hoping to see them add another trophy to an impressive season.With 47 points separating the sides in the League One table and Birmingham having already beaten Peterborough twice this season, the odds seemed stacked against the Posh.But Birmingham were shocked to find themselves 2-0 down after first half goals from Harley Mills and Hector Kyprianou.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut, while most of their 50,000 travelling fans clapped the players as they climbed the steps to get their runners-up medals, viewers at home called out Wagner for his “cringeworthy” actions.Wagner and Brady were spotted giving a lengthy team-talk to the Birmingham squad up in the stands before they collected their medals, while the winners were waiting to grab theirs.Many thought it wasn’t their place to get involved and that player instructions should always come from the manager.Reacting to a video on X, one fan raged: “What an embarrassment he (Wagner) is.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile another said: “Can you imagine getting smashed and then having to listen to these two about football?”A third noted: “Do it in the dressing room. Only doing this because Tom Brady is there and the camera’s are out.”Birmingham become first EFL club to win promotion as Tom Brady’s club bounce back to Championship at first attemptWhile another said: “It’s so self indulgent to hold them up there whilst the winners are waiting.”One more wrote: “Show respect to the winners. Let them have their moment of glory. So cringey to watch.”Peterborough – who have never lost at Wembley and became the first club to retain the EFL Trophy – were indeed waiting to collect lift the trophy.And for a team that has scored 100 goals in all competitions, Chris Davies’ Blues side offered little going forward and were limp in attack. Peterborough became the first club to retain the EFL TrophyBut others thought Wagner and Brady were only supporting the team and giving them a morale boost after a fantastic campaign.One fan said: “I would imagine he’s saying something along the lines of ‘we’ve won the league, probably going to break the points record’.”While Troy Deeney said on comms: “Brady and Wagner know they’ve lost because they’ve not put the best foot forward.”And I think that’s what Wagner is saying to them now. He’s just saying ‘remember this feeling of losing because that’s going to carry you forward’.”Spending big last summer, Birmingham revamped almost their entire playing squad for a first season in the third tier since 1995.Read More on The SunThe Blues are on course to beat Wolves’ record League One points tally of 103.The club’s emphatic season will be the subject of a new Amazon Prime documentary. More

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      ‘He’s been s***housed so so hard’ – Moment EFL stars celebrate in face of devastated ace who scored last-minute own-goal

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      THIS is the devastating moment Bradford star Jack Shepherd scored a 95th minute OWN GOAL winner for a 5-4 scoreline – prompting rival Swindon players to celebrate in his face.The stunning moment occurred at the end of a brutal League Two clash between the rival sides.Bradford star Jack Shepherd scored a 95th minute own-goal against SwindonCredit: EFLThe goal handed Swindon a stunning 5-4 winCredit: EFLSwindon’s players celebrated in Shepherd’s faceCredit: Rob NoyesBradford had already shipped a 90th minute goal, sending Swindon back on level terms at a mind-boggling 4-4.But there was more drama to come as the game entered its final stages.As a loose ball went in, Bradford defender Shepherd got a foot in.However, the ball took a crazy deflection and ended up sailing into his own net.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShepherd collapsed to the floor in agony as Swindon’s players began celebrating.But instead of partying amongst themselves, a number of them ran over to Shepherd before screaming in his face while jumping up and down in jubilation.This then prompted a scuffle between players before the referee blew the final whistle.The devastating goal saw Bradford fall three points off League Two leaders Port Vale.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd fans were quick to react on social media.One said: “He’s been s***housed so hard.”Embarrassed KSI scores horror own goal before getting brutally mocked by opponent in Match for HopeAnother declared: “What did bro do.”One noted: “Game’s never been more back.”Another added: “This is so peak.” More

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      ‘We are f***ing massive’ say fans as EFL club’s 2024-25 promotion season will be subject of new Amazon Prime documentary

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      BIRMINGHAM CITY’s emphatic League One promotion will be the subject of a new Amazon Prime documentary.The Blues have bounced back to the Championship at the first attempt under Chris Davies. Birmingham City sealed promotion on Tuesday night with a win against PeterboroughCredit: RexAmazon cameras have been following the team throughout the campaignCredit: RexSpending big last summer, Birmingham revamped almost their entire playing squad for a first season in the third tier since 1995. American chairman Tom Wagner and minority owner Tom Brady dug deep to target an instant return to the Championship. The gamble has paid off, with the Blues running away with the league.And Amazon Prime cameras have secretly been with them every step of the way. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBirmingham secured promotion on Tuesday night after a 2-1 win against Peterborough. And the club confirmed two days later that a documentary has been in the works since last August. A press release said: “[The doc will go] beyond the day-to-day football operations and explore the unique cultural heritage of Birmingham City, as well as a supporter base who have remained loyal despite a sustained period without success or silverware. “The documentary will shine a spotlight on this community’s resurgence, illustrating how the football club plans to drive its transformation.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBirmingham are on course to beat Wolves’ record League One points tally of 103. And delighted supporters couldn’t help but revel in the limelight after the announcement. Darts legend Phil Taylor reveals he’d consider buying EFL club with Robbie Williams One fan joked on X: “We are f***ing massive.”Another said: “I do hope it goes over some of the really bad stuff that’s happened to us, the glow up will look glorious.”While a third cheekily added: “Will the 3-1 loss to Bolton be fitted onto the documentary?Wrexham are currently in second place behind Birmingham in the League One table.The Dragons could be set for a third successive promotion following their takeover by Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. More