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      Major broadcasting change as 3pm blackout SCRAPPED for opening weekend of EFL season as part of new £930m deal

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      EVERY EFL game will be streamed live on the opening weekend of next season – including the matches kicking off at 3pm.Sky’s new deal with the league means 10 matches across the three divisions will be shown every weekend, with six of them shifted to the 12.30pm Saturday slot.Sky Sports have agreed a bumper new deal with the EFLCredit: GettyThe deal will see more games televised from the Championship, League One and League TwoCredit: GettyBut the expansion to more than 1000 live games per season means fans of all 72 EFL clubs are guaranteed to be able to see their club in action at least 20 times.Sky’s £930m five-year deal with the EFL kicks off in August, when the broadcaster will launch a new free streaming channel as part of current subscriptions.Sky Sports+ will offer 50 per cent more live sport and up to 100 streams at once.It will see five Championship matches and five more from across Leagues One and Two each weekend in the current broadcasting slots.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAll matches played midweek and on Bank Holidays will also be available for fans to watch.Every Championship match will be covered by at least six cameras, with four cameras at the League One grounds and a minimum two in the bottom tier, with commentary for all matches.Jonathan Licht, Sky Sports managing director, promised: “We are making a commitment to every club in the EFL and this is a big step-change for League One and Two.“This season, 20 of the 48 clubs in those divisions were not covered live even once.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“But we will also announce in July all the games we are screening live up until the first week in January. “And by the start of November that will be extended to the beginning of March, to give fans as much notice as we can.”The opening weekend plans from Friday August 9 are possible because the FA only applies for the 3pm “blackout” rule to apply when 50 per cent of Prem and Championship matches are kicking off – with the top flight starting a week later.Licht added: “This is going to be a huge moment for football fans up and down the country and a fitting way to kick off our ground-breaking new partnership with the EFL.” More

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      How little-known rule led to Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham culling eight promotion winners including former captain

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      WREXHAM have released eight promotion-winning stars as they prepare for life in League One.The Red Dragons will compete in the third tier for the first time since 2005 after coming second in League Two under boss Phil Parkinson.Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham have had to make some tricky decisionsCredit: PAExperienced midfielder Luke Young has not had his contract renewedCredit: GettyStalwart Ben Tozer has also been releasedCredit: GettyFollowing back-to-back promotions, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s men are set to retool in order to compete as best they can.In the days following the conclusion of the League Two season, Wrexham made eight players aware that they would not be having their deals renewed.These included former captains Ben Tozer and Luke Young, with the Plymouth-born duo departing having made 377 appearances between them.Aaron Hayden, Rob Lainton, Callum McFadzean, Jordan Tunnicliffe and Owen Cushion have also been let go.READ MORE WREXHAM NEWSExplaining the difficult decisions, Parkinson, 56, said: “People are not completely aware of that rule.”We have got to work towards the 22-man squad and inevitably, the only way we can bring players in is by letting people go.”The aim has always been to improve what we have got in each transfer window but also maintaining our key players.”That’s what we will be aiming to do this time. It is going to be an interesting summer, we have got ideas how we would like to see the squad shape up.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPhil Parkinson has explained Wrexham’s decision making processCredit: Rex”We will take our time and hopefully get a squad which can be competitive.”Clubs in League One must submit 22-man squad lists, featuring a minimum of eight homegrown players. Ryan Reynolds reveals ‘absolute idiocy’ Wrexham gaffe that cost him and Rob McElhenney a fortuneGoalkeepers or players under 21 do not need to be registered on the list.Wrexham have offered new deals to Steven Fletcher, Mark Howard and Aaron James.While Irish international and former Premier League star James McClean is among the players that have been retained.The Red Dragons’ executive director Humphrey Ker is hopeful of a top half finish upon his side’s return to the third tier.Here is a rundown of Wrexham’s full list of players that have been released and retained.Here is a rundown of Wrexham’s full list of players that have been released and retained.
      Released:

      Aaron Hayden
      Rob Lainton
      Callum McFadzean
      Ben Tozer
      Jordan Tunnicliffe
      Luke Young
      Owen Cushion
      Dan Davies

      Offers:

      Steven Fletcher
      Mark Howard
      Aaron James

      Retained:

      James McClean
      Harry Ashfield
      Callum Edwards
      Liam Hall
      James Rainbird

      Decision Pending:

      Scott Butler
      Harry Dean

      ‘Stranger things than promotion have happened’He told the Independent: “I think we’ve often talked about the idea that it takes three transfer windows to really build a squad into what you need to compete in any one division and next season will be one window shorter than that.”But I think the core of this team is very strong. They’re very strong personalities, good players and they love each other, so that’s a great basis to build from.”We’ll be adding players in the summer and sadly saying goodbye to one or two, which is sort of just the nature of football, and then we’ll sort of see where we wind up.”Inside the building, we’re like, ‘Look, our objective is get up and stay up, stabilise and build a good platform and go again the following year.’”But stranger things than promotion have happened – we might go through the division again.READ MORE SUN STORIES”To be honest, that would probably be too fast for us. It wouldn’t actually be that good for the club as a whole if we did go all the way through this year because we’d just be going so quickly.”Then we’d be trying to catch up with infrastructure and our facilities and everything would be a big, big challenge. So I think something nice and comfortable – upper mid-table, please! Tenth. I’d be very happy with that.”Humphrey Ker has outlined Wrexham’s ambitions for next seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Football Manager expert, 23, makes critics eat their words as non-league minnows are promoted to EFL for first time

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      FOOTBALL MANAGER expert Nathan Owolabi has helped Bromley win promotion to the EFL for the first time in their history.The Ravens beat Solihull Moors in a Wembley penalty shoot-out to win the National League play-offs on Sunday.Nathan Owolabi joined Bromley in FebruaryAnd they had help in their promotion campaign from an unlikely source – football manager enthusiast Owolabi.The 23-year-old was appointed Support Performance Tactician in February as part of Bromley’s partnership with Xbox and video game Football Manager.And he has been part of the first-team set-up ever since, learning from the coaching staff and manager Andy Woodman.Bromley have also documented his time at the club through YouTube series ‘The Everyday Tactician’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhen advertising the job at the end of last year, club officials announced they were looking for “a talented Football Manager gamer to test their skills in the real world”.Woodman was quick to insist that it wasn’t a “gimmick” and instead revealed he thought it was a “brilliant” idea.After winning the competition, Owolabi said: “The interview process was a good experience and it was a lot more comfortable than I expected which allowed me to give the best impression of myself.“This is a great opportunity for me and to be working at a club looking to get into the football league is invaluable to me.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“I can’t wait to get started and begin this exciting adventure.”Owolabi will now have the opportunity to put his skills to the test in the EFL next season, with Bromley achieving promotion alongside Chesterfield.’I might’ve chinned him’ – Neil Warnock labelled ‘actually unreal’ as ex-EFL boss takes issue with post-match interview More

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      EFL fans say ‘postpone the game’ after statement released before play-off tie due to ‘circumstances beyond our control’

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      CREWE ALEXANDRA fans were left devastated when the club announced a change to the food menu ahead of the play-off semi-final against Doncaster.Crewe are scheduled to face the Rovers in a crunch first leg later today at Gresty Road before Friday’s return fixture at the Eco-Power Stadium.Crewe Alexandra announced there will be a change to the food menuCredit: GettyCrewe fans were left devastated ahead of the play-off with DoncasterCredit: GettyHowever, there will be a change to the selection of pies and pastries during that key encounter.The club apologised to fans and insisted that last-minute alteration is down to “circumstances beyond their control”.Crewe issued the following statement: “There has been a change to the selection of pies and pastries on sale during today’s game.”We thank supporters for their understanding.”Read More on FootballThe fans were left so heartbroken that some even jokingly suggested they should “postpone” the important fixture against Doncaster.One fan tweeted: “May as well just call it off lads.”Another commented: “Postpone the game lads.”A third said: “Joke this, no room at all for it in the modern game!”Most read in EFLThis fan posted: “Thought the game was off then!”And that one stated: “NOOOOOOOO! The most important part of a football game.”Brentwood keeper deliberately ‘slipping over’ in his side’s 3-1 win against Bury TownThe winner of the play-off tie will go on to face either Crawley Town or MK Dons in the final on May 19 at Wembley. More

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      Huge EFL playoff clash POSTPONED due to waterlogged pitch as furious fans blast ‘absolute joke’

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      CRAWLEY’S League Two play-off clash with MK Dons has been postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.A club statement read: “Crawley Town Football Club is disappointed to announce that this afternoon’s Sky Bet League Two Play-Off Semi-Final first leg has been postponed due to a waterlogged surface at the Broadfield Stadium.”Crawley vs MK Dons has been postponed because of a waterlogged pitchCredit: PATorrential rainfall has caused flooding around the stadiumCredit: RexThe match has been rearranged for TuesdayCredit: PAFans are not happy with the postponementCredit: RexThe fixture was pencilled in for 3pm today but has now been re-arranged for Thuesday night – when the second leg was meant to take place.The return leg at MK Dons has been moved to Saturday instead, with the League Two play-off final taking place on May 19.Fans are up in arms over the postponement and made their feelings towards Crawley clear.One reacted saying: “Absolute joke.”Another added: “This has grumpied me.”A third wrote: “Never heard of covers? Embarrassing.”And another commented: “Calling off a play-off fixture in May, gotta be as tinpot as it gets. Absolute embarrassment.”Crawley sneaked into the play-offs on the final day of the season after beating Grimsby to pip Barrow to seventh place.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIf they beat MK Dons they will face Doncaster or Crewe for a place in League One next season.Leicester PROMOTED to the Premier League as Leeds suffer shock defeat at QPR to leave door open for Ipswich More

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      Gary Neville feels ‘disconnected’ as Man Utd’s Class of ’92’s dream of taking Salford to Premier League implodes

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      GARY NEVILLE admits he has become “disconnected” from Salford City due to a change in role.The Manchester United legend joined forces with former team-mates Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Phil Neville to purchase a stake in the EFL side in 2014.Gary Neville feels ‘disconnected’ from SalfordCredit: GettyNeville (left) is one of Salford’s co-ownersCredit: PA:Press AssociationSalford have since climbed up the football pyramid and now compete in League Two.Neville recently took a step back from his operational role in the club due to his media commitments elsewhere.And, speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, the former defender revealed he now feels slightly “disconnected” as a result.He said: “I’m still an owner of Salford City, but the lads have been operational in the club, which I haven’t been doing. Read More on Football”I felt massive pressure at games, less so now, because when you’re not making the decisions every day that are responsible for spending the money or bringing the players/managers in.”Obviously, I watch every Salford game, usually by a link or in the stadium, but I am watching every week.”However, because I’m not making the decisions every day, I feel disconnected, but I’m still desperate for them to win every single week. “For the eight years before, I loved it. In the first six years, we gained four promotions and we won the EFL Trophy at Wembley, so that was the first six years.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”But then we had the next three years where we didn’t get promoted.”So the guys on the board sat down and said Gary is doing part time, only doing two days a week and actually, we’re not succeeding and hit a wall, and had three attempts at League Two and failed. “I had been on television talking about Ed Woodward, speaking about other people at football clubs, and if you get given a few years as an owner and you’re not delivering, then you’re not likely to ever get them. Roy Keane in touching moment with Gary Neville as he tells Man Utd pal ‘you deserve better'”So they were right to move me into a Director role and the lads who are there every day, are now in the role to have a go for the next few years.”Neville works as a pundit and co-commentator for Sky Sports alongside his role for Salford.Before retiring from professional football, he won eight Premier League titles, two Champions League titles and four FA Cups.He also made 602 appearances for Man Utd and was capped 85 times for England. More

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      Watch Ed Sheeran down beer with Ipswich fans and FaceTime players as he celebrates promotion to Premier League

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      ED SHEERAN celebrated Ipswich Town’s promotion to the Premier League by downing a beer and FaceTiming the players.The musician is a passionate fan of the Tractor Boys and was clearly overjoyed with the team’s success.Ed Sheeran drank beer to celebrate Ipswich Town’s promotionCredit: xHe posted the video from MiamiCredit: xHe was joined by more Ipswich fansCredit: XIpswich confirmed their spot back in the top flight for the first time in 22 years with a 2-0 win over Huddersfield.At Portman Road, fans stormed the pitch in celebration after the final whistle.It has been an incredible two years for the club as Kieran McKenna has taken it from 12th in League One to back-to-back promotions.Sheeran, 33, also enjoyed the moment as he uploaded a video to social media.READ MORE IN SPORTThe clip shows the star drinking some beer before shouting, “Tastes like promotion”.Fans loved the video as the flooded the comment section.One fan posted: “Love this.”A second commented: “I love him.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA third wrote: “Haha this is pretty cool.”A fourth said: “Brilliant.”Ipswich fans invade pitch after sealing Premier League promotionHe did have to miss the game as he is in Miami and set to perform at the Grand Prix.He also is the club’s shirt sponsor and congratulated the players via a video call after the game.He also wrote a message on another post: “This is huge for the club, huge for the town, and huge for football, showing anything can happen with belief and passion.”Congratulations to all the players, people at the club, and of course super Kieran.”Sorry I can’t be there to celebrate but we don’t want another betting company as the sponsor next season! Up the Town. Emotional. See you in the Prem.”Ipswich achieved promotion to the Premier LeagueCredit: ReutersThe club were last in the top flight 22 years agoCredit: Getty More

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      Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney ‘buy stake in new club as they team up with Mesut Ozil and Kate Upton’

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      RYAN REYNOLDS and Rob McElhenney have joined the celebrity shareholders of a Mexican football club, according to reports.The popular Hollywood pair are already owners of Wrexham, buying the Welsh side in February 2021.Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have invested in Mexican outfit Club NecaxaCredit: PAKate Upton is one of the many celebrities to have put money into the Liga MX sideCredit: GettyTheir brilliant rise has seen the Red Dragons enjoy back-to-back promotions from the National League to League One.But while Phil Parkinson prepares for life in the third tier next season, his bosses are expanding their football empire.Variety report the acting duo purchased a minority stake in Liga MX outfit Necaxa.The deal was said to be in the works “for months and finalised recently,” ESPN added.READ MORE ON WREXHAMReynolds and McElhenney join an elite list of blockbuster names who have also pumped money into Necaxa.That includes former Arsenal and Germany World Cup winner Mesut Ozil. He is joined by plenty of fellow sports stars – iconic NFL wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr, baseball star Justin Verlander, alpine skier Bode Miller and NBA trio Victor Oladipo, Richard Hamilton and Shawn Marion.And glamorous actresses and models Kate Upton and Eva Longoria also form part of the epic consortium.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLongoria was even in attendance at Necaxa’s last game – Sunday’s 5-2 defeat at home to Monterrey. Formed in 1923, Los Rayos play their football at the 23,000-seater Estadio Victoria and are currently ninth in the Liga MX table. The story of Wrexham’s incredible riseWho are the owners of Club Necaxa?

      RYAN REYNOLDS (Net worth: £280m)
      Deadpool actor co-owns Wrexham with pal Rob McElhenney and is married to actress Blake Lively
      ROB McELHENNEY (£50m)
      Made his name as star of It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, where he met wife Kaitlin Olson – teamed up with Reynolds for Wrexham revival
      MESUT OZIL (£96m)
      Ex-Arsenal and Real Madrid star won World Cup with Germany in 2014, retired in 2023 to focus on family and business ventures including M10 streetwear, esports team, coffee shops and sports clinic
      KATE UPTON (£24m)
      Actress and model starred in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 2011, and was cover model for the 2012, 2013 and 2017 issues – married to baseball star Justin Verlander
      EVA LONGORIA (£64m)
      Mexican-American Texan boasts impressive CV of films and TV shows, activist Longoria also founded own charity to support adults with developmental disabilities
      ODELL BECKHAM JR (£32m)
      Won 2021 Super Bowl with LA Rams, friends with David Beckham, LeBron James, Beyonce and Drake – has host of big sponsors and was linked with romance with Kim Kardashian
      JUSTIN VERLANDER (£120m)
      Iconic pitcher for Detroit Tigers, New York Mets and now Houston Astros – married Upton in 2017, two days after winning World Series
      VICTOR OLADIPO (£40m)
      Maryland basketball star twice named NBA all-star during spell with Indiana Pacers – appeared in The Masked Singer in US
      RICHARD HAMILTON (£40m)
      Spent 14 years in NBA – including nine with Detroit Pistons where he won NBA in 2004 – now analyst for CBS Sports, married pop star TJ Lottie in 2009
      SHAWN MARION (£48m)
      Four-time NBA all-star helped Dallas Mavericks to first title in 2011 – also invested in New Zealand Breakers basketball team
      BODE MILLER (£9m)
      Apline skier won one Olympic and four World Championship gold medals, turned out in baseball for Nashua Pride and even tried a career in tennis – has eight children, six of them with model and beach-volleyball star wife Morgan Beck
      AL TYLIS (Unknown)
      Real estate investor a veteran in industry and has pumped considerable wealth into DC Pickleball team and G2 Esports – now runs family foundation and sold Manhattan apartment for £30m in 2023
      ERNESTO TINAJERO FLORES (Unknown)
      Businessman has enjoyed success in banking, telecommunications, wine and owns half of Club Necaxa where he is chairman

      They have been crowned Mexican champions three times in their history – all in the 1990s. The all-star NX Football USA LLC – spearheaded by real estate investor Al Tylis – bought 50 per cent of Necaxa in 2021 after approval from the Mexican Football Federation.Ernesto Tinajero Flores owns the other half and is the club chairman. As well as Reynolds and McElhenney joining the Necaxa group, it is also understood the existing conglomerate of the Mexican club have agreed to buy a five per cent stake in Wrexham.Eva Longoria is also part of the consortiumCredit: GettyMesut Ozil stumped up some of his own cash to be involvedCredit: Instagram / @m10_officialNecaxa play their home matches at the Stadio VictoriaCredit: Getty More