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      Chelsea chief Todd Boehly proposes dramatic rule change that would see EFL clubs become Premier League owners

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      TODD Boehly has proposed dramatic rule change to help bridge the gap between the Premier League and the Championship.The under-fire Chelsea chief also took the chance to brush off the fan protest outside Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.Todd Boehly proposed dramatic rule change to help bridge the gap in English footballCredit: GettyFans descended before Tuesday’s league game against SouthamptonBoehly drew upon his knowledge as an investor to suggest a ground-breaking rule change for the Prem to boost competitiveness.Speaking at the Financial Times’ Business of Football summit, Boehly explained: “There is a bit of an unorganised landscape in European football.”It reminds me of the Retail Sports Network market in America. There is a handful of things that needs to be sorted.”One of the challenges is relegation in football. It’s hard to price. If everyone was equal, you’d have a 15 per cent chance of relegation.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWS”But everyone isn’t equal, so you have to work out how best to address that valuation challenge.”Relegation is cultural and not going anywhere. So why not every season when a team is in the EPL, you get one share of EPL stock and even if you go down you keep that stock.”The gulf between the Championship and Prem cannot be understated.Last season saw all three promoted sides, Luton, Burnley and Sheffield United, suffer immediate relegation for the first time since 1998.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe same fate currently awaits Southampton, Leicester and Ipswich, with the trio occupying the drop zone with 11 matches remaining.But Boehly also shrugged off the fan protests which preceded Chelsea’s 4-0 win over the Saints on Tuesday.Chelsea fans can’t name their OWN PLAYERS after another wild transfer window under owner Todd BoehlyHe said: “I just think it is par for the course.”The sooner you learn you are not going to keep all the people happy all the time, the freedom shows up.”We are just trying to execute a plan and recognise things aren’t linear, and we are trending in the right direction.”The trend is moving in the right direction and that’s the thing that really matters.”In June, it will be three years in charge. That’s not a lot of time, especially when you get to 50, 60 or 70 years old in life.”Promoted Southampton sit bottom of the Prem with two wins from 27 gamesCredit: PASupporters directed their anger towards Todd Boehly and ownership group BlueCoOn Chelsea’s poor No 9 recruitment, he added: “Strikers are hard to find.”You don’t go into the grocery store and say, ‘I’m going to get a striker’.”It is an amazing skillset and you also have to have a fantastic mentality.”The final question by moderator Arash Massoudi was whether the ownership will change given the talk of disagreements between him and Clearlake. He answered: “Listen, I can’t predict the future. If I could, I wouldn’t be here talking to you.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAs for Chelsea, Enzo Maresca’s side are well in the hunt for a top four finish after beating the Saints this week.The Blues are one point adrift of fourth-placed Manchester City in fifth.Chelsea ratings vs Southampton as Cole Palmer STILL can’t score or assist… and gets a horror grade More

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      ‘Stick that in the documentary’ – Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham mercilessly trolled by Peterborough stars after Cup heartache

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      PETERBOROUGH stars trolled Wrexham’s Hollywood owners after their EFL Trophy penalty shootout win over Ryan Reynolds’ side.The Posh booked their place in the final at Wembley with a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Wrexham at the Stok Racecourse.Peterborough beat Wrexham 4-2 on pens to reach the EFL Trophy finalSuper-sub Bradley Ihionvien wasted little time in mocking Wrexham through his now-deleted post-match celebrationsPosh team-mates danced around to the tune of American boyband NSYNC’s 2000 hit ‘Bye Bye Bye’Paul Mullin and Elliot Lee had their penalties saved to ensure Peterborough sealed a trip to WembleyWrexham were 2-0 up after 38 minutes following Mo Faal’s looping strike and George Dobson’s first goal for the Welsh club.But Peterborough gave themselves hope when Malik Mothersille fired home the rebound after having his penalty saved by Arthur Okonkwo in the 72nd minute.Wrexham fans were cheering ‘Que Sera’ before substitute Bradley Ihionvien scored from close range, after a long ball, in the first minute of added time to send the tie to a shootout.Ihionvien, Ryan de Havilland, Harley Mills and captain Hector Kyprianou all scored from the spot.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile keeper Jed Steer saved efforts from veterans Paul Mullin and Elliot Lee to ensure Peterborough play Birmingham at Wembley.And Ihionvien wasted little time in mocking Wrexham through his now-deleted post-match celebrations.The 21-year-old forward sung to the tune of American boyband NSYNC’s 2000 hit ‘Bye Bye Bye’.He and a team-mate were dancing along to the pop anthem before Ihionvien sang along: “Bye bye bye, bye Wrexham, bye Wrexham, sorry not sorry. Bye Wrexham, sorry not sorry. Have fun, watch us in Wembley!”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe added insult to injury by posting a sticker of Deadpool, the Marvel character played by Wrexham owner Reynolds, to his Instagram story.And fans loved the merciless trolling, with one Birmingham City fan writing on X: “LOL! Stick that in your f***ing documentary”.Wrexham stars get raunchy dance lesson from Channing Tatum in brilliant Super Bowl advertDarren Ferguson couldn’t believe the pandemonium when Peterborough equalisedReynolds and co-owner actor Rob McElhenney documentary series ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ is well into it’s third season.It follows the-behind-the scenes turmoil of bringing a club up the football ladder and the relationships within the local community.The TV series has been a hit on both sides of the Atlantic, largely thanks to Wrexham’s Hollywood owners.Wrexham missed on a chance to go toe-to-toe again with fellow League One heavyweights Birmingham, co-owned by NFL legend Tom Brady.Birmingham beat Bradford City 2-1 in the first Vertu Trophy semi-final on Tuesday.Instead Peterborough, who are in the midst of a relegation battle at the other end of the table, will go into the match as underdogs again.Last year, they beat Wycombe Wanderers 2-1 in the final at Wembley. More

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      English manager axed by EFL club just minutes after insisting he’s ‘never going to walk away’

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      TRANMERE ROVERS have sacked manager Nigel Adkins after he declared he had no plans to go anywhere.Rovers fell to a 1-0 defeat to Accrington Stanley last night, leaving them winless since January 4 and third bottom in League Two.Nigel Adkins has been sacked by TranmereCredit: RexIt came hours after he insisted he was not going to walk awayCredit: RexSpeaking after the game – a fifth defeat in seven – Adkins insisted he still believed they could get their season back on track and added he would never walk away from his hometown club.He told reporters: “You’ve got to have belief and you’ve got to have hope, there are still games to play and you can’t throw the towel in yet.“You’ve got to keep working and you’ve got to keep going. It was a very poor defeat tonight, we’ve got to change it and we’ve got to change it quick.“It’s my hometown club and I’m never going to walk away at any point. I’m under contract to the football club and if the owner wants me to stay then I’ll do everything I can, that’s all I can do.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I’ll continue to do that until asked differently.”However, just two hours after the defeat to Accrington was confirmed a club announcement revealed Adkins had been axed by the club.It read: “Tranmere Rovers can confirm that Nigel Adkins has today stepped down as manager, by mutual agreement. “An announcement will be made about arrangements for his replacement in due course.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAdkins, 59, had been in charge of Tranmere since September 2023, having initially joined the club in May of that year as a technical director.He stepped into an interim manager role following the sacking of Ian Dawes, which became permanent in November 2023.EFL club owner gives update on new £2bn ‘spaceship’ stadium included in mega plans for state-of-the-art complex He had played for Tranmere professionally between 1983 and 1986.Chairman Mark Palios said: “Nigel is a hugely experienced manager with a long and distinguished career, who came back as Technical Director of his hometown club, where he had also been a player.“He helped the club by acting as interim manager before taking the role as Manager when needed last season and improved results, stabilising the season. “No-one can doubt his commitment, effort or passion for Tranmere Rovers but this season has been hampered by a litany of injuries to, and suspensions of, key players which have all contributed to the current league position.“Compared to the optimism at the start of the season we both acknowledge our league position is disappointing and that football is a results business. “As a consequence, we have sadly both come to the conclusion that a change of manager will give the team the best chance of making the most of the remaining 13 games.“I don’t need to tell you that Nigel is a thoroughly decent man whose work ethic, commitment and professionalism through a very difficult period has been clear to see. “He leaves with the club’s best wishes for the future.”Englishman Adkins’ managerial highlights include winning League One with Scunthorpe United and, two years later, the League One play-offs.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe also earned promotion to the Premier League with Southampton by finishing as runner-up in the Championship.Other managerial jobs for Adkins have included a player-manager role at Bangor City and time spent as manager of Reading, Sheffield United, Hull and Charlton. More

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      Wrexham star facing battle to play again this year after devastating ACL injury and being carried off on stretcher

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      WREXHAM ace Andy Cannon could be facing a battle to play again this season after suffering a “bad” knee injury.Cannon, 28, was given oxygen and stretchered off during the Red Dragons’ 2-1 victory at Mansfield Town on Sunday in League One.Wrexham ace Andy Cannon could be facing a battle to play again this seasonCredit: RexWrexham ace Cannon required oxygen after suffering a ‘bad’ knee injuryCredit: PAThe midfielder appeared to have seriously injured his leg after being tackled by Mansfield’s Louis Reed on 36 minutes at Field Mill.The ex-Hull ace looked in real discomfort after falling to the ground awkwardly as opposing players checked on him.Wrexham medics immediately rushed onto the pitch to come to Cannon’s aid and team-mates soon formed a protective huddle around him.The central midfielder subsequently received lengthy medical treatment and was given oxygen.Read More on FootballThe ex-Portsmouth ace helped doctors hold the oxygen mask to his face before he was eventually stretchered off.Wrexham confirmed their player suffered a ruptured ACL and will undergo surgery.The club, which is owned by Hollwyood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, also announced Cannon faces a “significant period of rehabilitation time”.Wrexham issued the following statement: “Wrexham AFC can confirm midfielder Andy Cannon suffered a ruptured ACL in the match against Mansfield Town on Sunday (February 23).Most read in EFL”The midfielder was stretchered off in the first half, and following a scan the serious extent of his injury is now known.”The 28-year-old has met with a specialist this evening and will undergo surgery next week, and faces a significant period of rehabilitation time post-surgery.”Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson confirmed at full-time that it doesn’t look good.Parkinson said: “Andy looks like a bad injury. His knee. But we don’t know the extent.”It’s not easy when a great lad like Andy is stretchered off. I said to the lads at half-time, ‘C’mon, let’s do this for Andy’ and they did that.” More

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      Mystery Reading buyer revealed as owner of two other football clubs as EFL side finally set to be saved from extinction

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      READING’S latest potential buyer is American businessman Robert Platek, owner of Italian club La Spezia and Portuguese side Casa Pia.The League One club yesterday announced that they had entered a “period of exclusivity with a potential purchaser” and were hopeful of “a quick completion,” although declined to name them.Dai Yongge put Reading up for sale in 2023Credit: JASONPIXRobert Platek is Reading’s mystery buyerCredit: GettySunSport has learned that the buying group are led by Platek with support from long-time associate Nishant Tella, a former investment banker who is now a partner at Clean Slate Capital.Platek is a serial investor in football and already owns Serie B club La Spezia and Lisbon club Casa Pia, who are currently sixth in the Portuguese top-flight.The 60-year-old previously owned Danish club Soenderjysky, but sold them after just two years shortly after completing the £21million purchase of La Spezia in 2021.La Spezia are currently third in Serie B pushing strongly for a return to the top flight after being relegated in a relegation play-off two years ago.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPlatek is the fifth potential buyer to enter exclusive talks with Reading in the last 12 months following offers from former Wycombe owner Rob Couhig, ex-Reading chairman Roger Smee and two proposals involving property magnate Paul Taylor.Significantly however, the proposed deal involves Platek buying the controlling stake of owner Dai Yongge, along with Reading’s stadium and training ground, keeping all of the club’s assets in one company.Platek’s plans for Reading are unclear, but he has extensive experience in football, including in England. In addition to his personal investments in European football he is a partner at MSD Capital, the investment vehicle of technology billionaire Michael Dell.MSD become significant players in English football and have lent tens of millions to several clubs including Southampton, Burnley, Derby and Sunderland over the last decade.Most read in EFLJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSPlatek’s proposed purchase of Reading would be a personal venture with no links to MSD however, removing concerns over potential conflicts of interest.Reading were put up for sale by Yongge in October 2023, but despite considerable interest have been unable to complete a sale. The club have informed the EFL about the potential buyers and are hopeful a sale can be completed quickly.Football fan records hilarious video of Reading stadium step ‘everyone’ falls over as it’s ‘3mm higher than the rest'”Reading can confirm it has committed to a letter of intent with a potential purchaser of the club,” they said. “The parties will now enter a period of exclusivity to complete final due diligence and legally complete the transaction.“Whilst timelines cannot be guaranteed, the structure of the deal should allow for a quick completion, which would be for the benefit of all concerned.The club can confirm the agreed sale includes the transfer of Mr Dai’s shareholding in The Reading Football Club Limited, as well as the Select Car Leasing Stadium and Bearwood Park Training Facility.”Fans’ group Sell Before We Dai have fought a long-running campaign pressuring Yongge to sell following frustration at the club’s financial problems, numerous transfer embargoes and late-payment of players leading to them being docked a total of 18 points by the EFL.In a statement released on Monday however, the supporters sounded cautiously optimistic that Yongge’s eight-year ownership could be drawing to a close.“The optimist in us may see today’s announcement as positive and welcome news,” a statement read.”The tone of the [Reading] statement seems different to before and we all hope that a deal can be done soon. We’ve been here before with the Dais though. Until a sale is done our campaign continues.”READ MORE SUN STORIESReading are ninth in League One, three points off the play-off places, with new manager Noel Hunt doing an excellent job since replacing Ruben Selles, who left for Hull in December.Reading and the EFL declined to comment.Platek also owns Italian side SpeziaCredit: Getty More

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      I was on books of EFL club’s youth teams… now I’m in England squad for major tournament in completely different sport

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      TO most players, a shock promotion to No 3 in the England batting line-up for a crunch match would be a huge change.But perhaps not for Jamie Smith – as he dropped a promising football career to become one of cricket’s most exciting prospects.Jamie Smith has raced up the England batting order to become No 3 for Saturday’s Champions Trophy opener against AustraliaCredit: GettySmith will bat one up from Test legend Joe Root in the ODICredit: GettyEngland are gambling by elevating the powerful hitterCredit: GettyTest legend Joe Root has been moved down to No 4 due to Smith’s rise up the order for Saturday’s Champions Trophy opener against Australia.It will be only the second time the big-hitter has come in first wicket down in professional 50-over cricket.Not only that, the 24-year-old will also take the gloves from Phil Salt, who will continue to open the batting alongside Ben Duckett.But it’s nothing too dramatic for Smith – not compared to the major decision he made aged 15.READ MORE IN SPORTHe was a highly-talented central midfielder for League Two club AFC Wimbledon.And indeed as a kid football dominated his thoughts… until he became the first person in his family to play cricket.Surrey CCC rated Smith so highly at the smaller-ball game that they picked him for their Under-17s when he was just 12.The wicketkeeper-batsman revealed how it all began.Most read in CricketSmith faces a big task behind the stumps and with the batCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe once told the Mail: “No one in my family played cricket. “I was pushed into a holiday camp with my local club, Sutton – something my parents did to keep me busy.”England legend’s son, 16, hits new career milestone with incredible century as dad watches on as his coachHowever, he confessed: “I didn’t really want that to be the case, but I knew with my cricket that I had something a little bit special. “I wasn’t naive. When you’re growing up, people push you for a reason.”They’re putting you in higher teams, because they can see a talent in you.‘It was getting to the point where football and cricket were overlapping too much. “Going on pre-season tours with Surrey in March meant missing things. Doing both wasn’t sustainable.”However, Smith revealed choosing cricket was partly down to a brutal self-assessment of his chances at football.He said: “Walking into a contracts meeting with Wimbledon at the end of the season, knowing how the contracts worked, I was never going to get one. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Everyone had their little percentage score for attendance and mine was 56.”Now, however, that’s a figure he’d love to match for England at cricket, where he averages an impressive 42 in Tests and a modest 22 in ODIs.England cricketer Smith was a youth footballer with AFC WimbledonCredit: Getty More

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      EFL club takeover takes major step forward after rapper A$AP Rocky is found not guilty in gun trial

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      A$AP ROCKY’S shock takeover of Tranmere Rovers has moved a step closer after he was found not guilty in a gun trial.The rapper was facing two felony counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm following an incident in 2021.A$AP Rocky was found not guilty of firing a gun at a former friendCredit: GettyHe celebrated as he left an LA court with pop star wife RihannaCredit: The Mega AgencyA$AP Rocky is involved in a consortium that wants to buy Tranmere RoversCredit: GettyRocky had been accused of shooting at his former friend and rapper A$AP Relli several times after a dispute in Hollywood.The hip-hop artist, who is married and has two young kids with pop star Rihanna, was facing multiple years in prison if the prosecution was successful.But the verdict from a Los Angeles court today was that Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, was not guilty.The defence successfully argued that he fired blanks from a prop gun he got from a music video set.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe was overcome with emotion when the verdict was read out, hugging his family and wife Rihanna as she burst into tears.Rocky was defended in court by renowned attorney Joe Tacopina.As SunSport exclusively revealed in October, the lawyer and rapper are both part of an American consortium interested in buying Tranmere Rovers.Rocky’s not guilty verdict is a major boost in their hopes of taking over the League Two side before the start of next season.Most read in EFLJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe group are in talks with current owner Mark Palios about a deal.Tranmere are involved in a battle to avoid the drop at the bottom of the fourth tier and sit just two points above the relegation zone.Rihanna shares very raunchy Valentine’s Day video with A$AP RockyThe Merseyside club staying in the division is also key to the deal. A behind-the-scenes documentary on Tranmere similar to the one about Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney buying Wrexham could be commissioned by a TV giant.Tacopina served as an attorney for Donald Trump in his case involving payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels and in a civil rape, sexually assault and defamation case with E. Jean Carroll.The lawyer has previously owned shares in Italian clubs Roma, Bologna, Venezia and SPAL.Two-time Grammy nominated Rocky has had two No1 albums in the US and has a reported net worth of £15million.The rapper’s attorney Joe Tacopina [right] is involved in the Tranmere dealCredit: The Mega Agency More

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      Kevin Phillips AXED by National League side Fylde after just FOUR MONTHS in charge in blunt statement

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      KEVIN PHILLIPS has been axed by National League side AFC Fylde after just four months in charge.The former Premier League star leaves with the club languishing in 22nd place.AFC Fylde have axed Kevin Phillips after just four months in chargeCredit: GettyAnd it brings to an end a miserable four months at the helm, with Phillips winning just five of his 20 matches following his arrival in October.A club statement revealed Fylde parted ways with Phillips by “mutual consent.”And assistant David Longwell will take charge on an interim basis as chiefs hunt for a new manager to save them from the drop to non-league.The statement read: “AFC Fylde can confirm that the club and Head Coach Kevin Phillips have mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We would like to thank Kevin for his efforts and wish him well for the future.”Current assistant coach David Longwell will take charge of the team on an interim basis until we announce a permanent replacement.”Fylde was Phillips’ third job in management.Before that, he spent over three months with fellow National League strugglers Hartlepool.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe won seven games before leaving in April last year.Before that, Phillips’ first dugout job came in January 2022 with Northern Premier League side South Shields.Eight of the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or despite their incredible careersPhillips starred for numerous top English sides including SunderlandCredit: GettyHe won promotion there in his second season but ended up leaving in April 2023.Phillips, who has also enjoyed coaching roles with Leicester, Derby and Stoke, was an eight-time England international who starred for a host of clubs.Phillips first played for Watford, netting 25 goals between 1994 and 1997.He then spent six years at Sunderland where he managed 130 goals.And Phillips’ travels then saw him score 26 times during two seasons at Southampton.A single year at Villa, which yielded five goals, saw him join West Brom in 2006.Phillips scored 46 goals in two years before moving to Birmingham, where he netted 22 times in three seasons.READ MORE SUN STORIESPhillips then turned out for Blackpool, bagging 19 goals before heading to Crystal Palace where he managed a further seven strikes.His final season came in the 2013/14 campaign with Leicester, where he scored twice before hanging up his boots. More