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    Watch bizarre ‘own goal for the ages’ that saw non-league club blow chances of promotion to EFL

    HALIFAX TOWN blew their chances of promotion to the EFL with an bizarre “own goal for the ages.”The National League outfit, who finished seventh this season, were playing at Solihull Moors in last night’s play-off clash for a spot in League Two.Halifax Town scored a bizarre own goal in their National League playoff against Solihull MoorsCredit: TNT SPORTSHalifax blew their chances of promotion with a 4-2 defeatCredit: TNT SPORTSHalifax were due to play fourth-place Barnet instead.But they were given a bye to the semis after Gateshead, originally scheduled to face Solihull, were BARRED after failing to extend the lease on their stadium for another decade.And Halifax will be wishing they had faced Barnet after all as they lost 4-2 to Solihull.The visitors were 1-0 down after just 14 minutes and conceded a second moments later.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut it was game, set, match in the 38th minute when Tylor Holden scored a comical own goal.As the ball bounced into his penalty area, Holden stuck a leg out behind him to prevent a Solihull opponent from getting to it first.However, he ended up changing the course of the ball entirely as it made contact with the inside of his ankle.Unfortunately for Holden, the ball went back across his own goal and into his net.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnd he could only watch in disbelief as Solihull celebrated going three up in the unlikeliest of manners.Fans certainly found the error amusing.Most dramatic Premier League’s final daysOne said: “Own goal for the ages this.”Another declared: “Gone from bad to worse.”One joked: “Lovely goal.”Another added: “One of the worst own goals I’ve ever seen.”One noted: “Need a replay, funniest OG I’ve seen.”Despite the setback, Halifax managed to rally and pulled back a goal on the stroke of half-time.They then left Solihull sweating as they pulled back a second with 15 minutes remaining.But the hosts ensured they would be the ones to progress to the semis as they made it 4-2 in the dying moments.It means Solihull will take on Barnet in the semis.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd they also have an FA Trophy final to look forward to next month against Gateshead.As for Halifax, they will remain in the National League after winning promotion fro the Conference North in 2013.Our beautiful game is broken, says Dave KidBy Dave Kidd
    WHEN Manchester United got lucky in their FA Cup semi-final, Antony’s first instinct was to goad heartbroken opponents Coventry. To rub their noses in the dirt.
    Antony seems to be a vile individual but this isn’t really about Antony. Because Antony is merely a symptom of the hideous sickness within England’s top flight.
    There is so much wrong.
    After our elite clubs persuaded the FA to completely scrap Cup replays — which gave us Ronnie Radford and Ricky Villa and Ryan Giggs — without due recompense or reasoning with the rest of English football.
    The previous day, after his Manchester City side had defeated Chelsea in the other FA Cup semi-final, Pep Guardiola whinged about the fixture scheduling of TV companies who effectively pay much of his £20m salary.
    Up at Wolves, Guardiola’s friend and rival Mikel Arteta was playing the same sad song about fixture congestion, despite his Arsenal side having played two fewer games this season than Coventry — who don’t have £50m squad players to rotate with.
    Chelsea, oh Chelsea. The one-time plaything of a Russian oligarch now owned by financially incontinent venture capitalists who have piddled £1billion on a squad of players who fight like weasels in a sack about who should bask in the personal glory of scoring the penalty that puts them 5-0 up against Everton.
    Read Dave Kidd’s full column as he takes aim at Nottingham Forest, Fulham’s ticket prices, the 39th game, VAR and much more… More

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    Savvy Ryan Reynolds turning Wrexham stars into ‘money machines’ OFF the pitch with power of £273m Hollywood fortune

    FEW football clubs have seen their fortunes change quite as dramatically as Wrexham AFC. But it’s not just the fans who are benefiting from Hollywood star owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, with the players punching way above their lower league status too – on and off the pitch.Ryan Renolds and Rob McElhenney bought Wrexham for £2million in November 2020Credit: AlamyFans believed they spotted Wrexham star Ollie Palmer (right) in the background of the new Deadpool trailerThe striker, 32, joined the football club back in 2022Credit: AlamyThis week, Reynolds appeared to confirm Wrexham star Ollie Palmer has a cameo in the star’s new Marvel film Deadpool & Wolverine. The actor, who is worth £273million, wrote “keen eyesight” in response to a fan’s social media post asking whether the striker, 32, was in the background of the movie trailer.   Brand and culture expert Nick Ede claims the A-list owners, as well as the popularity of doc series Welcome To Wrexham, could open “a golden door” for the club’s best players, who could become famous ‘money machines’ in their own right.Nick told The Sun: ““Ryan and Rob have made a massive impact, all eyeballs have been on the club because of them and their huge TV show. READ MORE ON SPORT“It’s enabled them to give a voice to the players but also gifted them a bigger following, meaning players can get other big opportunities.“We have seen Ollie get a cameo or an extra role in the new Marvel film but that’s just the beginning. Some of the standout stars will make a lot of money from endorsements and deals.”Here Nick takes us through some of the potential ways Wrexham stars could benefit – from striking “Beckham-style” modelling deals to landing £100,000 pay cheques.Building the brandIt proved a game changer for Wrexham when Ryan and Rob bought the Welsh club for a reported £2million back in November 2020.Most read in FootballThe team has since achieved two back-to-back promotions, meaning next year they will play in League One – two below the Premier League.  Many of the players, who would previously have only been known by lower league fans, are now famous and have supporters across the world thanks to the Disney+ show Welcome To Wrexham.Ryan Reynolds all but confirms Wrexham star’s cameo in new Deadpool movie as striker ‘spotted in bar scene’Ryan and Rob lifting the Vanarama National League trophy last year after Wrexham were promotedCredit: GettyOllie launched WXM Clothing in November 2022Credit: Instagram/olliep9_His business has been supported by Ryan and Rob who have posted snaps wearing his clothes onlineCredit: Facebook/VancityReynoldsIt’s enabled some of the players incredible opportunities, including Ollie Palmer bagging a part in the third Deadpool film.Away from his footballing career, the striker has also launched the brand WXM Clothing in November 2022, which could prove to be another wise money-spinner.Crucially, the business venture has been supported by Ryan and Rob, who have regularly worn his gear in pictures on social media, where they collectively have nearly 54million followers.Nick says: “Having the guys wearing Ollie’s actual brand is a great way of endorsing what he does and will definitely help him to build his brand.“He is one of the players who ticks every box and is a star in the making, whether he carries on in Hollywood, who knows, but I suspect he will be endorsing lots of different things.“I can see him doing modeling and it could lead to him becoming a bit like David Beckham.”All eyes are on him. He’s a really good player and there may be a bidding war for him in the next for years.Nick Ede, brand and culture expertNick also believes coming from “an underdog football team” could bag Ollie more fans and describes the footballer’s future as “very exciting”.  He adds: “Ollie is someone brands are going to want to jump on now while his star is on the rise because he will make money for them and will be loyal to them. But also he will make a lot of money for himself.“I could see someone like Ollie, who is a rugged, sexy man, doing an aftershave or a fragrance launch, which could demand good fees of around £100,000 up to £250,000 as he becomes a bigger star.” Incredible bond with players and city
    FANS have been won over by Wrexham AFC owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney – and it’s no wonder after a series of generous and thoughtful acts to help others.
    Ryan helped the wife of Wrexham defender Anthony Forde get a second opinion after she was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer and given months to live. He arranged for Laura, who was planning her own funeral, to speak with one of the leading neurosurgeons in the US. They later confirmed the mass in her brain was benign and the initial diagnosis was wrong last year.
    Wrexham legend Martyn Chalk, who played for the club between 1996 and 2002, received money from the club owners to cover for his medical bills. They donated £1,000 each to a fundraiser after he broke his femur and fractured his legs in Thailand, in December 2023.
    The family of Louis Perrin, four, received a £10,000 donation to help convert their home to meet the disabled child’s needs. Parents Aaron and Charlotte were “blown away” by the sum, in February. They said it would help make life easier for their son who has TUBA1A, which causes leg spasms, limited mobility, epilepsy and cerebral palsy.
    Charity football match organisers were “overwhelmed with happiness” last year when Ryan and Rob donated £5,000. The money was being raised for the children’s ward at Wrexham Maelor Hospital. 
    Last year, it was revealed that Ryan visited a terminally ill fan in hospital and gifted them one of his original gloves from the film Deadpool. The other was gifted to the club’s goalkeeper Ben Foster.
    Former Wrexham footballer and Dementia sufferer Gareth Davies was invited to be a “guest of honour” at Wembley Stadium in 2022. Ryan and Rob personally reached out after spotting a post on Twitter. In response, Rob wrote: “He showed up for Wrexham AFC and we’ll show up for him.” 
    When footballer Jordan Davies and his partner Kelsey Edward’s’ son was stillborn, the Wrexham duo donated £10,000 to their fundraising page. They were raising money for the charity Stillbirth & Neonatal Death Society (SANDS) in 2022.

    ‘Stand-out star’While there’s much intrigue about Ollie’s future after his apparent Marvel debut, Nick believes there’s an even bigger “stand-out star”.Paul Mullin was listed as a GQ Men of the Year Honouree after a superb season with Wrexham last year when he netted an impressive 38 goals. Nick says some of the players could carve out David Beckham-style modelling careersNick tips Wrexham striker Paul Mullin as one of the ‘stand-out stars’ to watchCredit: PAIt’s led to the footballer writing his autobiography, Paul Mullin: My Wrexham Story, and a mural of him being painted on the side of a local pub.Nick suspects Paul will be a popular choice for brands in the next few years as he continues to prove himself at the club. “All eyes are on him,” Nick says. “He’s a really good player and there may be a bidding war for him in the next for years. We could even see a musical next, who knows? We’ve seen Bend It Like Beckham: The Musical and a play about The Three Lions so it could happen. Nick“I can see him landing great endorsements, commentary roles and various TV opportunities, as footballers are very popular on these shows.“Paul is an inspiration to a lot of people so he could earn good money from public speaking and while working with brands, whether that is alcohol or apparel.” Giant sponsorsThe club’s exposure has enabled them to land impressive sponsorship deals too, including a deal with US giant Gatorade earlier this month. Since buying Wrexham, the club went from having one shirt sponsor to three – and has pulled in huge names including TikTok, Expedia, United Airlines and Vistaprint. Nick explains that landing such big brands, who hope to take advantage of the club’s TV deal and international following, not only benefits the club’s finances but the players too.“Most of these clubs wouldn’t receive this kind of endorsement, they may get sponsored by a local business or business associated with the counties they are in.Wrexham AFC managed to land United Airlines as one of its sponsorsCredit: GettyThe clubs fanbase has grown since Welcome To Wrexham first aired in 2022He said: “To have huge brands associate with a minor club is brilliant and all down to the star power of Ryan and Rob. “Having a TV show, which is potentially watched around the world, is a good way for advertisers and sponsors to get good bang for your buck. “It’s a win-win for anyone who wants to be associated with Wrexham but also offers big opportunities for the club’s stars.”Movie spin-off?Nick says Ryan and Rob have delivered “absolutely genius PR” since taking over the club and believes part of the success is they are “credible and authentic”.He notes the multiple charitable donations made by the duo and investment in community projects to help the locals of Wrexham too. Nick says: “Who would have thought that this small Welsh town would suddenly become one of the biggest TV hits in the world and have all eyes on them.“I can compare it to what Taylor Swift has done when she’s gone to different countries and her concerts have helped to grow mini economies thanks to fans buying food and drink and celebrating.”He believes the Wrexham owners should continue “carrying on doing what they are doing” to draw attention to the club, which will in turn benefit the players.But Nick suggests other ventures that could increase the club’s popularity, spread their story to more fans and expand the interest around the area as a whole. “I can imagine they might make a movie about Wrexham’s rise, it’s such an interesting and compelling story,” he says. “It could focus on the regeneration around Wrexham, showing how the football club helped to rebuild the community, which would create even more of a buzz.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We could even see a musical next, who knows? We’ve seen Bend It Like Beckham: The Musical and a play about The Three Lions so it could happen. “Especially with Ryan Reynolds, he loves a good old singsong so it could next on the cards and they get an Oscar for it.”  More

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    EFL play-offs 2024: Dates, kick off times, schedule and fixtures for Championship, League One and League Two ties

    THE EFL play-offs are almost upon us as four sides from each tier eye promotion to the division above.15 exhilarating ties will take place across the Championship, League One and League Two.Luton Town sealed promotion to the Premier League in last season’s Championship play-offsCredit: PAAll semi-final fixtures will be played over two legs, with 3rd playing 6th and 4th taking on 5th – the higher-ranking team will host the semi-final second leg.The two teams that are victorious in their respective last-4 ties will meet at Wembley Stadium in a one-off final for promotion to the division above.But what are the dates for this season’s EFL play-offs?EFL play-offs 2024 scheduleChampionshipREAD MORE IN FOOTBALLSemi-final first legs6th vs 3rd (12pm) – Sunday May 125th vs 4th (2.15pm) – Sunday May 12Semi-final second legsMost read in EFL3rd vs 6th (8pm) – Thursday May 164th vs 5th (8pm) – Friday May 17FinalSunday May 26 (4.30pm)League OneSemi-final first legs6th vs 3rd (8pm) – Friday May 35th vs 4th – (7.45pm) – Saturday May 4Semi-final second legs3rd vs 6th (8pm) – Tuesday May 74th vs 5th (8pm) – Wednesday May 8FinalSaturday May 18 (5.30pm)League TwoSemi-final first legs7th vs MK Dons (3pm) – Monday May 66th vs 5th (5.30pm) – Monday May 6Semi-final second legsMK Dons vs 7th (8pm) – Thursday May 95th vs 6th (8pm) – Friday May 10FinalSunday May 19 (1pm)READ MORE SUN STORIESHow to watch the EFL play-offsSky Sports will broadcast each semi-final leg from every division in the EFL.The broadcasting giant will also air the play-off final from each tier. More

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    Former EFL stadium which hosted Premier League side now an abandoned field with car boot sale the only attraction

    NENE PARK was once the home of an EFL side – but is now an empty field hosting car boot sales.In it’s heyday, 6,431 fans would fill the stadium every other week.Nene Park now sits abandonedCredit: GettyOver 6,000 fans would fill the terraces in the 2000sCredit: GettyBut it is now an abandoned fieldCredit: GettySigns remain showing the site’s former lifeCredit: GettyPremier League sides once played hereThe car park is now used for weekly car boot salesIt was the home of the now defunct Rushden & Diamonds.The ground saw several promotions as the club rose from the fifth tier Conference to as high as League One in 2003.Now Premier League side Sheffield United travelled to Nene Park in 1999 for a FA Cup replay, which the Blades won on penalties.Arsenal and West Ham both played there in pre-season friendlies two years later.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe stadium was also used for England Under-21 and England C matches, as well as becoming a training base for athletes during the London 2012 Olympics.By 2006, Rushden & Diamonds tumbled out the EFL and ran into huge financial problems.The club were kicked out the Conference after being unable to guarantee they could complete the 2011-12 season due to cash flow issues.With debts spiralling out of control and at a reported £750,000, they entered administration and the team dissolved.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDemolition of Nene Park commenced six years later as developers hoped to turn the site into a retail and entertainment hub.But the venue in Northamptonshire remains empty today, with only car boot sales every Sunday giving the abandoned field any sign of life.Eerie Ukrainian drone footage shows abandoned Euro 2012 stadium which hosted England clash in war-torn DonetskMemories of the past are scattered across the site, however.A sign directing fans to the stands and ticket office can still be seen.Tiles in the shape of the club’s badge at the once VIP entrance are smashed but still on the floor.Gates to the stadium are covered in graffiti and the pitch is now an overgrown wasteland but gives some resemblance to the site’s pomp.Phoenix club AFC Rushden & Diamonds were founded soon after the club shut down and they compete in the eighth tier of English football.Nene Park in it’s a heyday in 1999Credit: GettyThe ground was the home of Rushden & DiamondsCredit: GettyDemolition begun in 2017Credit: GettyRushden & Diamonds dissolved in 2011Credit: GettyThey were booted out of the Conference and fell into administration due to financial troublesCredit: Getty More

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    Former Premier League star forced to answer awkward question live on Sky Sports ahead of huge EFL clash

    LUKE AYLING was forced to answer an awkward question as his Middlesbrough side took on parent club Leeds.The defender spent eight years at Leeds before joining Boro on loan in January.Luke Ayling revealed he wanted football to win between Middlesbrough and LeedsThat meant he was not eligible to play as Leeds visited the Riverside Stadium on Monday in search of three points to help their promotion push.Ahead of kick-off Ayling spoke to Sky Sports and was asked for his score prediction and who he thought would win – leading to a nervy answer.He said: “I want football to win. I love football and if I’m totally honest I really cant call it.”Like I said I haven’t seen Leeds a lot lately but I’ve seen these boys on the training pitch and how we’ve played the last 9-10 games.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I’m really confident the boys can put in a good shift today. Who knows but I’m just hoping for a good game of football.”Ayling certainly got what he asked for as Boro raced into an early lead with Isaiah Jones scoring in the seventh minute.But the visitors hit back with two goals in four minutes – only for Emmanuel Latte Lath to equalise.However Wilfried Gnonto fired Leeds back in front to give Daniel Farke’s side a 3-2 lead at half-time.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERLeeds are on the promotion hunt but need Ipswich to drop points in their three remaining games to achieve automatic promotion.They ran out 4-3 winners at the Riverside after a late goal from Latte Lath set up a nervy finish.Leeds ‘make contact with Kalvin Phillips over emotional transfer return’ to end two-year nightmare More

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    Former EFL club forced to relocate to new town after being warned team could ‘cease to exist as we know it’

    A FORMER EFL club have been forced to relocate after a warning that the team could stop existing.AFC Rushden & Diamonds will leave their current home, Hayden Road, at the end of the season.AFC Rushden & Diamonds are moving groundA vote was taken with part-owners and an overwhelming majority opted to send the Northamptonshire outfit to the Dog and Duck Football Ground.The club used to play at the stadium and will now groundshare it with Wellingborough FC.A turnout of 69 per cent of part-owners took part in the vote, with 89 per cent choosing the move.Chairman Rob Usher released a statement in which he admitted that if the Diamonds had continued as it was it may “no longer exist”.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIt said: “For many years our Club hasn’t been operating within its means and whilst we are on course to make a profit this year, the figures show that if we continue as we are, AFC Rushden & Diamonds as we have come to know it will no longer exist.”We can stay where we are, cut our cloth accordingly and carry on, but we’ll become something our supporters don’t recognise and for us as the current custodians of this Club.”That’s not something we’re going to sit by and let happen.”Over the last 18 months since assuming our positions in November 2022, we have had to make drastic changes, easy decisions and tough decisions, to ensure that the Club survived but whilst cutting costs across all areas of the business to ultimately ensure sustainability.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”The one area we have never really been able to impact positively is the groundshare agreement at Hayden Road.”It’s the one area of the business where costs have actually increased since we took charge.Hardest Geezer Russ Cook spotted at non-league clash just hours before he’s due to run London Marathon”This dictated that we need to look at alternative options and after very positive conversations with Wellingborough Town’s representatives over the last few months, we were able to table this move to Part Owners.”As a Board, we are pleased with the outcome of the vote.”The club played at the Dog and Duck from 2012 to 2017 but had to move after a clause was invoked by landlord Alper Ozdogan.The Diamonds are currently 19th in the Northern Premier League – Midlands Division.The club is on equal points with 18th-placed Rugby Town but are at threat of relegation.The club was formerly known as Rushden & Diamonds and reached as high as Division Two in 2003.It was relegated back to Division Three in the 2003/04 season before being dumped back to the Conference League in 2006.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn 2011, the club was then expelled from the Conference League due to its unstable financial position, which meant there was no guarantee that it would finish the season.AFC Rushden & Diamonds was formed as a result of being a Phoenix club.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Non-league club BANNED from competing in promotion playoffs due to little known rule as rivals get handed a bye

    GATESHEAD have been barred from competing in the National League play-offs, denying them the chance to earn promotion to the English Football League.Gateshead finished sixth in England’s fifth tier this season, setting up a quarter-final clash against Solihull Moors.Gateshead have been barred from the National League playoffs due to a stadium issueCredit: GettyHowever, the club have failed to get a “10 year security of tenure” at their stadium.Gateshead have been playing at the International Stadium since 1971.But they were unable to extend their lease for the next decade, with the arena owned by Gateshead Council.Under EFL rules, clubs who can’t guarantee their future at a stadium for at least the next 10 years cannot become members.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd it means Gateshead have been barred from attempting to gain promotion to League Two.They will not be replaced in the playoff either, with Solihull now playing Halifax Town instead, while Barnet – who finished fourth and were due to play the latter – have been given a bye to the semis.The EFL’s decision comes despite FA Cup semi-finalists Coventry having been able to progress up the divisions despite also failing to secure a 10-year tenure at the CBS Arena.Gateshead released a statement slamming the decision, insisting they plan to continue fighting after also having an appeal rejected by an EFL arbitration panel.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERIt read: “Gateshead Football Club are extremely disappointed to find ourselves in the position as outlined in the statements released by the EFL and the National League.“Rest assured we will continue to challenge both on their decisions, and we will endeavour to ensure that footballing matters are decided on the pitch.Inside stadium that SHAKES when supporters celebrate as huge chasm opens up – with fans saying ‘new fear unlocked’“Therefore our players and staff remain 100 per cent focused on the task in hand, and we wish to go on record to express our gratitude to the National League for supporting our challenge to the EFL.”The National League also released a statement, which revealed they were “extremely disappointed” at Gateshead’s exit from the playoffs.It read: “Unfortunately the response received (from Gateshead Council to extend the lease) was not supportive of the club’s requirements.“And (it) placed the club at risk of a refusal of members to the EFL and therefore forfeiture of any right to participate in the play-offs.“On 28 March 2024, following the deadline for licence applications to the EFL had passed, the council offered options to the club.“However, in the opinion of the EFL these options still did not satisfy their requirements.”The EFL also released a statement, which read: “As the EFL strongly believes in the principles of promotion and relegation, it is therefore highly disappointing that appropriate solutions have not been put in place over the previous two-year period.READ MORE SUN STORIES“As avoidable circumstances are preventing Gateshead from progressing up the pyramid even if the club achieves success through sporting merit.“The League hopes that Gateshead and the relevant stakeholders can address this matter so that the club can meet the obligations of EFL membership and be eligible for promotion in future seasons.” More

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    Premier League cult hero and ex-EFL boss, 47, now managing national team recently ranked lowest in the world

    PREMIER LEAGUE icon Lee Bowyer has gone from playing in England to managing one of the world’s lowest ranked teams.Bowyer, 47, took charge of Montserrat’s national side in a shock announcement last year.Former Premier League player and EFL manager Lee Bowyer is now in charge of MontserratCredit: PABowyer played for the likes of Leeds, Newcastle and Birmingham before moving into the dugoutCredit: GettyThe Caribbean Island boasts a population of under 5,000 and is currently ranked 175th in world football.Just a decade ago they were the lowest-ranked side on the planet.Cambridge United striker Lyle Taylor is their star man and captain.But Bowyer has already impressed during his short time at the helm.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe got off to a flyer in his first game as he helped Montserrat win 3-2 against Barbados.Bowyer’s men then lost their next three matches, once against Dominican Republic and twice against Nicaragua.However, Montserrat have since been on a roll with three wins on the bounce.They saw off Dominican Republic and Barbados at the end of 2023.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnd Bowyer has a 100 per cent record this year after a friendly victory over Club Costa City in Spain.He is now preparing to help Montserrat seal a historic spot at the 2026 World Cup, with qualifiers against Nicaragua and Panama on the horizon.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersIt certainly marks a drastic turn of events in Bowyer’s career.The one-time England international made his name as a no-nonsense midfielder for clubs including Charlton, Leeds and West Ham.Bowyer also played for Newcastle, Birmingham and Ipswich before moving into management.He spent three years with Charlton before having a year at Birmingham.And Bowyer could yet have a future in the English game should his time at Montserrat continue to be fruitful.Speaking after his appointment, Bowyer said: “(Why did I take the job?) It’s a challenge. That’s why.“I’ve been a player, and people write you off. I’ve been a manager, and people write the team off. I’ve played in teams that, on paper, should never win the game and we have.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’m coming into this with an open mind thinking, ‘OK this is knockout football. Anybody can beat anybody in a one-off game.’ That’s my mentality, and that’s what I’m bringing to the players.“Everywhere we go, from what I hear, people think ‘We’ll beat Montserrat’ because of the population. … Look, things change.”Lee Bowyer’s career statsPlaying career:

    Charlton, 1994-1996: 58 games, 14 goals

    Leeds, 1996-2002: 265 games, 55 goals

    West Ham, 2002-2003: 11 games, 0 goals

    Newcastle, 2003-2006: 98 games, 11 goals

    West Ham, 2006-2008: 60 games, 5 goals

    Birmingham, 2009-2011: 94 games, 12 goals

    Ipswich Town, 2011-2012: 29 games, 2 goals

    England, 2002: 1 game, 0 goals

    Trophies: Carabao Cup (Birmingham)

    Managerial career:

    Charlton, 2018-2021: P157 W64 D37 L56

    Birmingham, 2021-2022: P59 W17 D16 L26

    Montserrat, 2023-2024: P6 W3 D0 L3 More