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    Gillingham SACK former Premier League star-turned-manager but fuming fans say ‘we’re turning into Watford’

    GILLINGHAM announced they have dismissed manager Stephen Clemence.Ex-Tottenham, Birmingham and Leicester ace Clemence, 46, leaves with the Gills 12th in the League Two table.Gillingham have sacked manager Stephen Clemence after just five months in chargeCredit: AlamyA number of Gillingham fans were upset with Clemence’s dismissalCredit: AlamyThe former midfielder took over the Kent-based outfit only last November and lasted for just five months in the dugout.The ex-Sheffield Wednesday caretaker boss became the season’s third manager to work at Gillingham, who will now be looking for their fourth.Clemence replaced Keith Millen who managed the team on an interim capacity for a month after Neil Harris’ departure.The news infuriated Gillingham fans with some even claiming that the club has developed a short fuse regarding managers similar to Watford, who have changed a whopping 10 bosses in just four years.Read More on FootballOne supporter tweeted: “We are turning into Watford.”Another responded: “My thoughts we are turning into Watford.”A third wrote: “Absolute joke of a decision.”This one said: “Couldn’t make this up.”Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd that one stated: “Absolutely the wrong call to make. We’ll end up looking like Watford. Awful decision. Deserved the summer at the very least.”VAR ruined Coventry’s iconic FA Cup moment with offside decision in semi-final – but was technically CORRECTClemence oversaw a total of 34 matches across all competitions as Gillingham boss.He led the EFL outfit to a total of 12 wins and 13 losses during his short reign.Gillingham’s last five managersHere’s a full list of Gillingham’s last five managers’ reigns:
    Steve Evans – June 1, 2019-January 9, 2022 – 129 matches
    Steve Lovell (caretaker) – January 10, 2022-January 31, 2022 – 4 matches
    Neil Harris – January 31, 2022-October 5, 2023 – 90 matches
    Keith Millen (caretaker) – October 5, 2023-November 1, 2023 – 4 matches
    Stephen Clemence – November 1, 2023-April 29, 2024 – 34 matches More

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    Fans fume at ’embarrassing’ end to EFL clash that’s ‘literally against the rules’ as clubs replicate Simpsons clip

    FANS have been left fuming after two League Two sides decided to stop playing in the closing stages of their clash with the score tied at 1-1 .Crewe players passed the ball around unchallenged while Colchester United were happy to watch on and play out a draw after conceding late on.Colchester United players allowed Crewe to pass it around in the closing stagesCredit: ITVFans were up in arms over the non contestCrewe and Colchester both got the points they requiredThe U’s led for much of the game and knew anything other than a heavy defeat would see them avoid relegation.Rivals Sutton drew 4-4 at MK Dons to seal their place in the bottom two, leaving Colchester content to see out the match at 1-1.Crewe were also happy for the contest to end in a draw after levelling in stoppage time through Elliott Nevitt.They only needed a point to finish above Crawley so even a Barrow last-gasp winner against Mansfield – which did not come – would not have seen them drop out of the play-off places.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut fans fumed after watching the two sides play out the remaining minutes uncontested.One reacted saying: “I’ll be cheering every other team except pathetic Crewe in the play-offs then. Should be docked points! Literally against the rules!”Another added: “Embarrassing.”A third wrote: “Personally I say relegate Colchester instead of Sutton 🥱”Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd another commented: “I have to say this is poor sportsmanship isn’t it? I get both teams are happy with the result but where’s the integrity in it all? “And yeah I know I probably would be overjoyed if my team was in the play-offs or safe but if you’re a Sutton United fan seeing this…not great is it.”Another fan compared the incident to a famous Simpsons clip where football players are shown on TV passing the ball back and forth to one another repeatedly.Our beautiful game is broken, says Dave KiddBy 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…

    Leicester PROMOTED to the Premier League as Leeds suffer shock defeat at QPR to leave door open for Ipswich More

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    Mystery Miami-based group eyeing £50m takeover of Championship side and have two more clubs in their sights

    PRESTON are a takeover target for a mystery Miami-based group who want to buy the traditional Lancashire outfit.Since the death of their long-term backer Trevor Hemmings in 2021, the Championship club have been under the stewardship of his family.Preston North End could be set for an American takeoverCredit: GettyNorth End own their modern ground and also have a top training facility.The valuation may be around £50million, which is higher than the Americans want to pay.If it falls down, the group have two other clubs on their radar, both at the right price.The likes of Wrexham, Leeds and Birmingham have all had celebrity investment from new owners in recent years – with Ryan Reynolds, Russell Crowe and Tom Brady getting involved in the EFL clubs. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLPreston, currently tenth, are set to finish this season in mid-table.And that will guarantee them a tenth successive campaign in the Championship since their play-off promotion from League One in 2015.They face leaders Leicester at Deepdale on Monday night before completing their season with a trip to West Brom.The Foxes’ promotion was secured on Friday night when QPR thrashed Leeds 4-0 – prompting another famous house party for the Leicester players.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWest Brom, meanwhile, are desperate to cling on to a play-off spot.North End were a founding member of the Football League in the 1880s.Preston North End Deep Dale Stadium General ViewsThe Lilywhites won the First Division in 1889 and 1890 – securing a league and FA Cup double in the first of those years.They added their second FA Cup in 1938 before losing the 1954 and 1964 finals.Preston, though, have not been beyond the fifth round of the famous competition since 1965-66. 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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    Jamie Vardy snubs wild Leicester promotion party for video call to Premier League legend with wife Rebekah

    KING of partying Jamie Vardy snubbed the Leicester City promotion bash – to video call a Premier League legend instead.Vardy, 37, hosted the iconic celebrations when the Foxes were confirmed as Premier League champions in 2016.Jamie Vardy and wife Rebekah celebrated Leicester’s promotion from homeCredit: instagram @denniswise11They did a video call with Dennis WiseCredit: instagram @denniswise11But on Friday, he had a far more understated night.QPR’s thumping 4-0 battering of Leeds at Loftus Road sealed Leicester’s immediate promotion back to the top flight following their relegation a year ago.And that prompted wild scenes at boss Enzo Maresca’s house.However, Vardy and wife Rebekah opted for a quieter night in at home.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd soon after the full-time whistle at QPR, he was on the phone to none other than Dennis Wise.Wise, 57, shared a video on his Instagram story video calling the Vardys from a restaurant.The jubilant former Chelsea and Leicester midfielder was in fine form, cheering and pumping his fists with Jamie and Rebekah clearly buzzing.Vardy stuck his tongue out then waved to the camera as Wise shouted: “Come on, look, LEICESTERRRR!Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Love it, come over to Como, well done fella, congratulations!”The chairman of the promotion-chasing Italian club wrote: “Congratulations to my lovely friends @vardy7, @beckyvardy @lcfc on your promotion to the PL, now you can come to the last game @comofootball to hopefully bring us luck.”Leicester brutally troll Leeds with iconic song after winning promotion as Whites left ‘well and truly rattled’Rebekah and Jamie both shared Leicester City’s promotion montage with the former captioning her story: “Congratulation. What a club.”City uploaded plenty of brilliant content from the Maresca party – starting with showing the end of the Leeds match on the TV before the players and staff broke into chants and cheering. Fans headed down to the King Power Stadium while the team enjoyed a few beers, wine and even some cigars – with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall teasing a big night out in Leicester – before the squad reconvened for so-called training on Saturday morning.There was understandably a joyous atmosphere at the club’s stunning £100million Seagrave base, too.And fans relished in the Foxes’ social media admin taking a cheeky swipe at Leeds after recovering from their blip in form.Promoted Leicester – who smashed Southampton 5-0 on Tuesday – tweeted: “I predict a riot,” in direct reference to Leeds band Kaiser Chiefs’ song which is an anthem among Whites supporters.Leeds blared out the tune at Elland Road in February following their dramatic comeback win over Leicester to tighten the gap on the Championship leaders.Fans also chanted: “Leicester City, we’re coming for you,” while attacker Georginio Rutter boldly declared Leeds were the “best team” in the league.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut now with one of the automatic spots wrapped up, Leeds must hope Ipswich slip up to try and grab the second – or else it will be the play-offs for Daniel Farke’s side.Leicester play Preston away on Monday night and could clinch the title if results go their way.Players and staff raised a toast at boss Enzo Maresca’s houseCredit: https://twitter.com/LCFCThe players let out their almighty delightCredit: https://twitter.com/LCFCKiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Hamza Choudhury led the celebrationsCredit: https://twitter.com/LCFCLeeds were utterly thrashed at Loftus Road as they were hit for fourCredit: GettyA couple of Foxes fans snuk into the ground to witness the matchCredit: Alamy More

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    I played for Arsenal and dreamed of El Clasico, now I’m looking to avoid relegation to League One

    JULIO PLEGUEZUELO came through the youth systems of Atletico Madrid and Barcelona and has played for Arsenal.But this weekend the 27-year-old defender and Plymouth are fighting for their Championship lives at Millwall.Julio Pleguezuelo is excited by Plymouth’s survival bidCredit: RexThe Pilgrims are two points above the bottom three and know victory at The Den should be enough to secure them another season in the second tier after winning promotion last year.Pleguezuelo has had some glittering football heritage and was an eye-opening summer signing from Dutch side FC Twente.But now the equation is simple — win on Saturday or next week against Hull — or face life in League One.The defender said: “We definitely feel the pressure. We know what’s at stake but at the same time I wouldn’t trade our position with the likes of Sheffield Wednesday, Huddersfield or Birmingham. It’s in our own hands.READ MORE ON ARSENAL“It’s going to be two difficult games but the mood has been good, the lads have been training well so we have to approach the game as we always do and try to get the three points.“Millwall is going to be hostile, I expect probably not pretty football and it’ll be their last home game, so they’ll want to put on a show for their fans.“But we have got to stand up to that and get a positive result.”While Pleguezuelo would have come through at Barcelona as a kid dreaming of one day playing in El Clasico, the Spaniard says these games where Championship status is at stake are the ones that get the juices flowing.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOur 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…

    He said: “Where there is more at stake you kind of focus more and play better because if you play a match where you have nothing to play for, it’s not the same.“There’s pressure but it’s a good type, so hopefully we can get over the line.”EFL club reaches agreement to build stunning new stadium after 23 years at three-sided groundPleguezuelo was signed by Arsenal as a 16-year-old from Barcelona and at that time he was chased by many clubs, including Manchester City.But despite spending six years with the Gunners, he only made one senior appearance — playing the full 90 minutes in a 3-1 EFL Cup win against Blackpool in 2018.And after four years at FC Twente, this is his first full season in senior English football.He said: “For the first season in a league like the Championship, I’ve done well.“I’ve come from a completely different league after four years and I’ve adapted well to the game here.“The Championship is one of the best leagues in the world and Plymouth and myself have done well.“This division isn’t the same as it was before.“Teams have realised they have to adapt their style because probably long-ball doesn’t cut it any more.“But some things can still be useful in the Championship.“It’s definitely nice to see more teams trying to play attacking football.”Pleguezuelo holds the distinction of being Plymouth’s first and only Spanish player — and although he has spent most of his life in big cities, he is loving life on the Devon coast.He added: “I’ve lived in London since I was 16 and obviously Plymouth is different to London but it has been a good season for me in the South West. I love the city, the club, the fans and I am having a great time.“My family lives in London, so I go back to see them most of the time, so I get both lives.”One player who is destined to go on to bigger things is Pilgrims forward Morgan Whittaker, 23, who has attracted interest from Italians Lazio and Portuguese club Sporting.There are sure to be Premier League suitors this summer too for the 20-goal ace.Pleguezuelo said: “He’s a great player and has been massive for us.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We know it will be difficult to keep him but hopefully he can help us in these last two games get over the line.”Millwall have confirmed Polish keeper Bartosz Bialkowski, 36, will leave the club after five years this summer once his contract expires. More

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    Fans convinced Sky Sports are BREAKING 3pm blackout rule to show crunch EFL clash but there’s a reason it’s allowed

    FANS have been left confused over the 3pm blackout rule, after it was announced that a League Two game will be shown by Sky Sports in that timeslot this weekend.Traditionally matches cannot be televised between 2:45pm and 5:15pm on a Saturday afternoon in the UK.Action from Colchester will be televised this SaturdayCredit: RexBroadcasters are usually restricted by the 3pm blackoutCredit: RexThis rule has been in effect since the 1960s, having been implemented in order to protect lower league attendances.Yesterday it was announced that Colchester’s League Two final day clash with Crewe Alexandra will be shown live on Sky Sports at 3pm this Saturday.The announcement left some supporters on social media confused, with one writing: “Didn’t think Saturday 3pm kick offs could be televised?”While a second asked: “I might be being thick here but what about the 3pm blackout rule?”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs it turns out, the last of the 3pm blackout windows for the 2023-24 season expired last weekend.There are six windows in total, with the blackout lifted during international breaks and the Christmas period.As per Uefa, the final window of the season ran between March 30 and April 20.This means that Sky Sports are free to show action from League Two this Saturday.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThey have chosen to broadcast Colchester vs Crewe, with both teams still having something on the line.Colchester are 22nd in the table, and could still be sucked into the bottom two.EFL club reaches agreement to build stunning new stadium after 23 years at three-sided groundFor the U’s to be relegated they would have to lose with Sutton United winning at MK Dons – and a goal difference swing of four.Crewe, meanwhile, are going into the match in sixth – and could still finish anywhere between fifth and eighth.A draw would see both sides achieve their goals, while a win either way could prove costly to the losers, depending on results from elsewhere.2023-24 3pm blackout windowsUK broadcasters were not allowed to show games between 2:45pm and 5:15pm between these dates
    August 5, 2023 – September 2, 2023
    September 16, 2023 – October 7, 2023
    October 21, 2023 – November 11, 2023
    November 25, 2023 – December 23, 2023
    January 12, 2024 – March 16, 2024
    March 30, 2024 – April 20, 2024 More

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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