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      Who is Ciaran Clark? Ex Aston Villa and Newcastle star with over 200 Premier League games now in playing Baller League

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      CIARAN Clark is one of several former EFL players who have joined the Baller League. For the former Republic of Ireland international, who last played at Stoke City, it’s definitely a change of scenery. Clark has 36 caps for the Ireland national teamCredit: Sportsfile – SubscriptionClark made just three appearances in the Championship last season despite being hailed as a “valuable addition” to the Potters’ team at the time.With Clark now without a professional club, he signed up for the Baller League draft and was picked up by Trebol FC – who will be managed by Real Madrid and Portugal legend Luis Figo.Clark’s impressive Premier League record is probably what helped him gain interest from Luis Figo. The 35-year-old made 214 Premier League appearances with the likes of Aston Villa and Newcastle across his career. READ MORE IN BALLER LEAGUE Clark made his first appearance for Aston Villa when he was just 19 years old and stayed at the club till 2016 when he moved to the Geordies and was there till 2023. What is the Baller League?Youtube sensation and boxer KSI will be the president of the Baller League. Games will consist of two 15-minute halves.After 11 games, the top four placed teams will meet in the play-offs to determine the winner of the competition.Most read in FootballThe Baller League has been a success in GermanyCredit: GettyGames will be played weekly every Monday from March 24, and will stream live on YouTube and Twitch, as well as be shown on Sky Sports in the UK.Celebrities, futsal players, and former players will compete in the indoor football tournament. Premier League legends such as John Terry, Alan Shearer, Robert Pires and Ian Wright are all managers in the Baller League with the likes of Luis Figo, Alisha Lehmann, Chloe Kelly, rapper Dave and content creators Angryginge and Tobi Brown.Baller League managersLuis Figo – Trebol FCTBJZL – VZN FCAlan Shearer, Gary Lineker, Micah Richards – DeportrioSharky – SDS FCJohn Terry – 26ersAngry Ginge – YanitedJens Lehmann, Robert Pires, Freddie Ljungberg – N5 FCMiniminter – M7 FCDave – Santan FCClint 419 – FC Rules the WorldIan Wright and Chloe Kelly – Wembley Rangers AFCMaya Jama and Alisha Lehmann – MVPs United More

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      Reading face being thrown out of EFL in 44 days as hated owner Dai Yongge is handed deadline to sell club

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      READING face being expelled from the EFL if Dai Yongge does not sell in the next 44 days.The Royals owner, 56, has failed the EFL’s owners and directors test.Dai Yongge has failed the EFL’s owners and directors testCredit: Rex FeaturesDai’s company, Renhe Sports management, has been in a court battle with former prospective Reading buyer Rob Couhig’s Redwood Holding Ltd.Couhig, who previously owned Wycombe Wanderers, had agreed a £30million deal to buy the Royals.But the deal subsequently collapsed.Couhig, 75, is claiming more than £12m in lost potential profits after claiming that Reading’s current owners broke exclusivity rules.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAs the case unfolded, the court was told that, due to debts in China, Dai had failed the EFL’s owners and directors test.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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      Roy Keane tried putting me in a high chair when he approached me to sign for Sunderland, says EFL cult hero

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      ROY KEANE may be known for being a straight-laced professional who never mucks about, but he certainly has a funny side too.Now, one of his former team-mates and players has opened up about the hilarious prank he played on him during his days a manager – giving an insight into Keane’s lighthearted side.Roy Keane took the opportunity to tease a former team-mate in a hilarious prank during his days in managementCredit: GettyRoss Wallace has revealed the prank Keane played on him when he signed for SunderlandCredit: Youtube/Undr the COshEFL cult hero Ross Wallace, 39, played alongside Keane during his stint in Scotland with Celtic – before playing under the iconic midfielder at Sunderland too.The pair shared the pitch just three times as team-mates for The Hoops, but it was Keane who signed Wallace for Sunderland after taking charge at the Stadium of Light.Manchester United icon Keane couldn’t help but take a cheeky swipe at his former teammate when heading into contract negotiations too, seemingly poking fun at Wallace’s 5ft 6in stature.Speaking to Undr the Cosh, Wallace recalled: “We went and met – Roy was staying at the Ramside hotel – but I think he had a farmhouse right at the back of it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”So you’ve got me, my agent and obviously Roy and Tony Loughlan, the first team coach.”He’s got like three chairs and I’m like (arms outstretched). So my agent has sat down, Roy and Tony.”So he’s like ‘ah, sorry Ross, I’ll get you a chair.'”He goes through to the kitchen and brings through a highchair.Most read in FootballWallace played under Keane at SunderlandCredit: RexCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”It was just pure straight face, he just carries it through and then he tries to lift me into it.”He picks me up and he’s trying to put me in it!”Roy Keane makes heartfelt gesture to hometown Cork club as he teaches Sky Sports pals about anniversary Wallace never let his height impact his playing career, going on to make over 500 career appearances across the EFL, Premier League and Champions League – as well as earning a cap for Scotland.The retired midfielder hung up his boots in 2020 at St Mirren, having played for the likes of Sunderland, Burnley, Preston and Sheffield Wednesday.Roy Keane’s angriest momentsWhat really ticks off Roy Keane?The Irishman is known for his no-nonsense approach to football.And some particular things really do get on Keane’s wick.It all makes for great entertainment for fans, who love the Man United legend’s take on the beautiful game.But is Keane being a bit too sensitive himself?From smiling players to ABBA, nothing is sacred.And we all know about his dislike for a prawn sarnie…Here are the things that really make Roy Keane angry. More

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      Newcastle and England’s Dan Burn’s ex-team mates recall his ‘baptism of fire’ pro debut that ended in 5-0 hammering

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      DAN BURN is still pinching himself after celebrating a shock England call-up by scoring and then lifting the Carabao Cup at Wembley.The boyhood Newcastle fan is living his football fairytale at long last – but it’s all a far cry from his first senior professional appearance.Dan Burn’s Wembley heroics against Liverpool were a million miles away from his EFL debutCredit: GettyHis big breakthrough in pro football came with struggling Darlington in League TwoCredit: XBurn’s EFL debut came as a 19th minute substitute aged 17 on December 12, 2009 for bottom of League Two Darlington in a 5-0 thumping at Torquay United.Mark Bower was the man Burn replaced at the back that day and is now the manager of seventh tier Guiseley.The 45-year-old, who was later a team-mate of another future England and Prem star, told SunSport: “I remember him coming on for me but I’d never twigged that it was his debut. I did my ankle and needed an operation after that.“He was a big boy back then but obviously he’s filled out a bit now and has done brilliantly.READ MORE ON DAN BURN“I remember it was December and it was a very long drive down there. We got there quite late on Friday. That was possibly his first experience of an overnight stay.“He managed to get himself on but it was a bit of a baptism of fire for him. We were on a bad run, couldn’t score any goals and conceding plenty.“Then to lose 5-0. But stuff like that builds character. You learn lessons from it and he has learned some lessons and done really well.”Ex-midfielder Nathan Mulligan, now a coach at Northern Premier League Premier Division play-off hopefuls Stockton Town, was on the bench alongside Burn at Plainmoor.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe 38-year-old said: “It was a real bad time for us. I think we’d lost four in a row.“I don’t remember being particularly worried when Dan had to come on. Even though he was a scholar at the time, he had been in and around the first team squad and because of his size you had no worries about him stepping in physically. He was very slim but was tall as he is now. Thomas Tuchel shares hug with Dan Burn and Lewis-Skelly as England stars arrive at St George’s Park for double-header“He was a quiet lad. Really nice too and kept his head down.”Bower, part of the Bradford side that won promotion to the Premier League in 1999, admits that it was not Burn’s playing abilities that first caught the eye after the then scholar was brought into the first-team.He said: “He just sort of kept himself to himself pretty much and did his job as a young lad and was just trying to make his way in the game and was pretty quiet.“His size was a standout thing for someone so young. He’s obviously a big unit now and has filled out a lot but back then he was very skinny. Really tall and maybe a little bit awkward too, but a really good left foot on him and he could obviously win headers.The star is now hoping to win his first England cap on FridayCredit: Getty“You always feel when young players have got them kind of tools that they’ve got a chance but I don’t think anyone back then would have thought he’d have been playing in major cup finals, playing the Premier League and potentially England.”Burn played three more times that season, losing on each occasion, as Darlington were relegated out of the EFL.But after making more appearances in the National League it appeared his dream had already come true when Premier League Fulham brought him in.Mulligan admitted: “It was a surprise but it just shows you that you never know who could be watching you.“Dan is a good example for anyone to show that you have to give everything you’ve got every single time you go on the pitch.“We’ve seen it a few times in football. Someone could spot you at any time and that one person’s opinion can change everything.”Burns journey has taken him to the likes of Yeovil, Birmingham, Wigan and Brighton before he realised his ultimate ambition when signing for Newcastle three years ago.He would have retired a happy man with just that, let alone helping them to end their 70-year wait for domestic silverware.But Burn now has the opportunity to add the cherry on top to an already magical week by winning his first England cap on Friday.Something that his old team-mates admit they would never have thought possible in a million years.Mulligan said: “No, I’d never have thought that back then. But it’s a great reward for him. He is one of them that gets an eight out of ten every week and doesn’t have a bad game and now he’s got his chance with England due to injuries.“But this isn’t the end. He can still keep this going. He might get this first cap and once he’s in he could be for a long time.“Another year or so of hard graft and he might make the World cup squad. What an extreme that would be to go from the bottom of League Two with Darlo to a World Cup.”Burn’s journey is the second football fairytale that Bower has seen from close quarters.He added: “Just a year after I played with Dan Burn at Darlington I went to Halifax and played with Jamie Vardy. I’ve seen it firsthand twice how you can come from the bottom and work your way up. It is inspirational to young lads who get knockbacks early on.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But in all honesty, I don’t think you’d have predicted him to have done so well and when you listen to him on TV now he’s probably surprised himself a little bit. “Fair play to him. He’s used what he’s got and has become a really good player. And, due to his size, he probably doesn’t get credit for how good of a footballer he is.”How ‘big angel’ Joelinton rescued boss after he fainted in SubwayNEWCASTLE cult hero Joelinton rescued his old boss after he fainted in Subway.And coach Pellegrino Matarazzo still calls the Brazilian his ‘angel’.Matarazzo was Joelinton assistant manager during the midfielder’s spell in Germany with Hoffenheim.Recalling the scary incident, the Matarazzo revealed: “I was standing in the queue and I wasn’t feeling well.“I tried to go over to the Coca-Cola machine to quickly get a drink.”I realised I was about to faint, and I did faint.“When I opened my eyes I saw Joelinton! ‘Rino, Rino, are you okay?'”He was like a small, no a big, angel – Joelinton, what are you doing here?”Read the full story… More

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      Wycombe vs Wrexham stopped for 45 minutes after medical emergency in crowd as players head back to dressing room

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      WREXHAM’S clash away at Wycombe was halted for 45 minutes due to a medical emergency in the crowd. The huge promotion six-pointer was locked at 0-0 with 77 minutes on the clock at Adams Park.Wycombe’s home clash with Wrexham was stopped for a medical emergency in the crowdCredit: GettyThe score was 0-0 when the referee took the players back into the changing roomsCredit: GettyMedics gather around the bottom of the stand where the fan was taken illCredit: SunSportHowever, the referee stopped the game when a fan was taken ill in the away end.Supporters around the stricken Wrexham follower alerted the attention of the referee.Medics rushed into the stand to help deal with the health scare.And as the treatment continued, the referee took the two teams back into the dressing rooms.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLStewards held flags and banners around the unwell fan in the away end to give them privacy as they received support. Wrexham tweeted at 4.36pm: “78′ The game has been temporarily halted due to an ongoing medical incident in the crowd.”A later announcement over the tannoy system confirmed the situation was ongoing and an update would be provided in due course.Wrexham then tweeted to state the fan was being taken to hospital and that the match would continue to its completion. Most read in EFLAt 5.07pm, Wrexham posted: “The patient has left the stadium in a stable condition and is on the way to hospital. “We’d like to thank the emergency services and staff for their efforts.”They then added three minutes later: “Play will resume with the clock at 76:25 after both sets of players are given ten minutes to warm up.”Both sets of players applaud the Wrexham fans as they return to the pitch.”And at 5.21pm, the match resumed with a corner for Wycombe. Ex-Arsenal goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo made a tremendous save from the set piece – before Wrexham went up the other end and scored a crucial opener through Sam Smith’s sweet volley. That proved to be the matchwinner and could prove decisive come the end of the season – but football was put in perspective by the hospitalised fan. Supporters from both sides sent their best wishes on social media during the lengthy stoppage.One said: “Football comes second in situations like this. My thoughts and prayers are with the fan.”Another wrote: “Really hope they’re okay.”A third added: “Very respectful of the fan and their situation. No announcer filler, etc. Bravo. Prayers everything comes out okay.”And a fourth replied: “Thoughts and prayers with the Wrexham fan.”Second-placed Wycombe went into the home game with Wrexham level on points with the Red Dragons as they battle it out for the second automatic promotion spot. Birmingham are the runaway leaders at the top of League One – although they dropped points with a 1-1 draw at Northampton. There was also a fan emergency in the stands on Saturday afternoon at Bradford during the second half of their home clash with Tranmere in League Two.READ MORE SUN STORIESVisiting goalkeeper Luke McGee gestured to the ref that something was wrong in the Kop end at Valley Parade. Play stopped for approximately 12 minutes as the fan was taken out of the ground by medical staff. More

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      ‘Will I get money off next bill?’ – Fans fume at Sky Sports after ‘technical difficulty’ sees EFL tie left unwatchable

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      SKY SPORTS subscribers have been left furious after a technical glitch interrupted an EFL clash on Tuesday.Coverage of the League One clash between Bolton and Bristol Rovers was unavailable for some viewers during the first half. Viewers trying to watch an EFL clash on Sky Sports were met with an error messageCredit: SkyBristol Rovers’ clash with Bolton wasn’t accessible through the streaming serviceCredit: GettyThe match was being broadcast through Sky’s new streaming service Sky Sports+.But viewers were met with a screen declaring there was a “technical difficulty”, and urged them to “try again later”.One fan raged on X: “‘I’m paying a premium price but getting a poor service. Darts feed was awful last week now you’re letting me down with football.”And another added: “We pay all this money every month and you can’t even provide a decent service on the Bristol v Bolton game – are you giving refunds.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWhile a third commented: “There is a problem with the Sky Sports+ Feed match between Bristol Rovers V Bolton it keeps cutting out it’s very glitchy. “Are you looking into the issue this evening or will I get money off my next bill as this is just ridiculous!!!”Viewers struggled to get the stream working throughout the first half at the Memorial Stadium.Chris Martin gave the hosts an early lead from the penalty spot.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsBut in-form Bolton hit back just before halftime through Aaron Morley.Most fans should have caught the equaliser, with the stream resuming from around the 30-minute mark. ‘Classless’ – Fans fume as EFL star’s ‘disgusting’ behaviour sparks row that sees manager sent off days after dad died-LocatThe issues come just days after viewers raged against Sky for a disastrous broadcast of Premier League Darts. Darts fans had settled down ready to watch Night 5 of the Premier League from Brighton.But they were met with a host of issues, ranging from audio glitches to visual skips.Commentator Wayne Mardle apologised for the “temporary issues” saying they would be “fixed momentarily” before more glitches in the broadcast.A message at the bottom of the screen began showing which said: “We’re really sorry for the temporary picture problems.” More

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      Former EFL star who won trophy at Wembley now runs £10MILLION business after breakdown prompted him to quit football

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      LEE BROWN enjoyed one hell of a career in the Football League.Two Wembley wins, more than 400 EFL appearances and a reputation as one of football’s nice guys.Lee Brown during AFC Wimbledon’s match with Salford City, one of the last games of his careerCredit: RexBrown celebrates securing Bristol Rovers’ promotion back to League One with a 92nd minute winnerCredit: PA:Press AssociationBrown, left, celebrates winning the EFL Trophy at Wembley in 2019Credit: ReutersStarting out at QPR, he really made a name for himself at Bristol Rovers, scoring a dramatic 92nd minute winner on the final day of the 2015-16 season to secure back-to-back promotions for The Gas.He moved across to Portsmouth in June 2018, winning the EFL Trophy at Wembley the following season in front of 80,000 fans, before returning to his London roots and finishing his career at AFC Wimbledon.At 33, Brown rejected a new deal at Plough Lane, instead opting to pursue “other business interests”.Dubbed ‘Lee from football’ wherever he went for his bubbly personality and jokey antics on the pitch, Brown has now lifted the lid on the man behind the mask in a candid new interview.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSpeaking to the Portsmouth News’ chief reporter Neil Allen, the former Pompey man revealed football “had to go” as two worlds collided.He admits he could have easily carried on playing, and was still a regular in the AFC Wimbledon defence, but behind the scenes all was not well.He said: “I had to quit for my own sake. I was in a dark place, I’d had a mental breakdown, something had to give.‘I could no longer juggle football full-time and run a full-time business.”Most read in FootballNow 34, Brown runs a thriving property business called B3 Homes. He employs 20 staff, and boasts an impressive portfolio of luxury pads, with many selling for well in excess of £1million.B3 Homes “develop niche, high-end residential homes across London and the South East”Credit: Instagram b3.homesInside one of the properties Brown’s property portfolio has builtCredit: www.b3homes.co.ukJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAmong the current projects are a £1.3million house in Purley, a plot of three more houses in the same area and an ultra-modern detached family home in Warlingham.It all started when, at 26, he used his £25,000 savings pot to buy a house in the Filton area of Bristol, and built another house in its garden.Harry Redknapp phoned me up out of the blue to sign for ‘f***ing s****’ team – it was one of best moves of my careerHe had no money left to pay people to help build the house for him, so ended up doing it in his spare time while still playing League One football!Brown continued: “I’d never held a tool in my life, but I have this obsessive nature where I need to learn about everything.” If I was doing the plumbing, I would research how to be a plumber and, all of a sudden, knew how to run pipes. I would sit there until 3am until it sunk in.”Lee Brown wheels away in celebration after scoring for PortsmouthCredit: RexThe business grew and grew, but eventually Brown reached breaking point.He recalled former working from as soon as training finished until extremely late at night, and working again before hitting the training pitches the following morning.But it all became too much for him, and football had to go.”I was building six houses over in Purley, two in Cobham, while training every day and playing matches on a Saturday.”I lived in a pressure cooker, rocking in the chair at points because of so much stress.”I could not cope, physically or mentally. I had to give up football – or I would have been a goner.”Brown admits he shut off those around him, and the tipping point was when he broke down in tears in AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson’s office.Lee Brown lifts the Vanarama Conference Playoff Final trophy as Bristol Rovers secured their return to the Football LeagueCredit: Getty Images – GettyEx-Spurs and Charlton man Jackson gave Brown a fortnight off, regularly checking in on the veteran defender.He returned to the Wombles team in November 2024, making a further 22 appearances before bidding football farewell at the end of the season.Now almost a year into his post-football life, Brown is back to his bubbly self and is reaping the rewards of his hard work.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe finished: “I had to sacrifice my football career after biting off more than I could chew. But, sitting here now, I am good.Actually, I’m more than good. I’m happy.” More

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      MK Dons SACK manager Scott Lindsey after less than six months in charge as they release 56-word statement

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      MK DONS have sacked their manager Scott Lindsey following a horror run of results.The League Two side have won just one of their last 11 games.Scott Lindsey has been axed as MK Dons bossCredit: RexThe poor form has seen them slump to 17th in the table after initially being hopeful of promotion.They sat third in the table in early December but are now 13 points off the relegation zone.In a short statement, the club confirmed the sacking, saying: “Milton Keynes Dons have parted company with head coach Scott Lindsey.”Everyone at MK Dons would like to sincerely thank Scott for his efforts during his time in Milton Keynes and wish him every success in the future. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The club will be making no further comment at this time and will update supporters in due course.”Lindsey left Crawley Town to become MK Dons boss in September – just months after guiding the club to promotion to League One.They went up via the play-offs, beating The Dons 8-1 on aggregate in the semi-final.Former Rotherham and Wigan boss Leam Richardson has been tipped to take over at Stadium MK.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSEx-Barrow and Gillingham gaffer Stephen Clemence is another linked with the job.Paul Hurst, who previously took charge of Ipswich and Shrewsbury is also a contender.Roy Keane brutally trolled by MK Dons after he blasted them for playing out from the back More