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      Reading confirm club’s £30m sale to former Wycombe Wanderers American owner Rob Couhig

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      READING has finally been sold which spells the end of Dai Yongge’s controversial ownership.The Royals confirmed in a long-awaited statement on Saturday morning that a deal was finally agreed.Reading’s sale has finally been completedCredit: GettyEx-Wycombe owner Rob Couhig will take overCredit: PAYongge became majority shareholder in 2017 but was given a latest deadline of May 8 by the EFL to divest his shareholding. Redwood Holdings Limited will become the new legal owners of the League One outfit under their parent company Dogwood Football LLC.A Reading statement said: “Reading Football Club is pleased to announce the sale in principle of the club to Redwood Holdings Limited.”The takeover includes the Select Car Leasing Stadium and Bearwood Park Training Ground.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”The formal completion of the transaction is subject to final legal technicalities but is fully expected to be completed shortly.”Based on the agreement between the parties, the EFL has agreed to extend its deadline for the divestment of Mr Dai Yongge’s shareholding until its next Board Meeting on 8 May.”Redwood Holdings Ltd is a subsidiary of Dogwood Football LLC, which is owned by Rob Couhig and Todd Trosclair of New Orleans, Louisiana.”Couhig – former owner of Wycombe Wanderers – tried to buy Reading for £30million before the deal collapsed in September 2024.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnother unnamed potential buyer had come in to try and secure Reading, even entering a period of exclusivity.However, the time period elapsed on April 9, allowing Couhig to re-enter the race, as revealed by SunSport. How Arsenal can beat PSG and reach the Champions League final Yongge had attempted to secure an injunction against Couhig, alleging the American had blocked his attempts to sell Reading.Couhig denied the allegations and the case was thrown out. The EFL gave Yongge an April 4 deadline to sell up after he was disqualified by failing the EFL’s Owners’ and Directors’ Test. Reading were deducted six points for financial rule breaches last season and finished 17th in League One.They are seventh this season going into the final game of the season with a chance of nicking the final play-off spot. Couhig is expected to be in the 24,000-seater stadium for this afternoon’s clash against Barnsley. The Royals’ women’s team, meanwhile, were playing in the Women’s Super League in 2022-23 – but had to pull out of the Championship in June amid the monetary woes and now compete in the fifth tier. ‘SOLD BEFORE WE DAI’D’Reading fan group Sell Before We Dai welcomed the news of the club’s sale and Yongge’s exit – and hope the arrival of Redwood Holdings Limited will bring a period of stability in Berkshire. The protest group said: “We are incredibly relieved and happy that Reading Football Club are finally under new ownership. “It’s a day which we thought, at times, may never happen.”In the eight years of the Dai Yongge era, every single element of our club went backwards. “The first team were relegated, the women’s team were essentially folded and staff were made redundant as every operational element of the club was cut back to the bare bones. “Those who remained were forced to work with tight budgets and under immense pressure. “Sometimes they weren’t even sure if they’d be paid at the end of the month.”Today is a day for celebration and that starts by welcoming Rob Couhig. Read More on The Sun”Thank you for not giving up on us, thank you for saving our 153-year-old club from oblivion.”We’ve been sold before we Dai’d.”Fans have repeatedly protested against the controversial Dai YonggeCredit: Alamy More

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      ‘Undervalued’ EFL club Cristiano Ronaldo and Elon Musk could invest in revealed by football finance expert

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO and Elon Musk have been urged to forget the glamour of Man United – and invest in Cheltenham Town instead.That’s according to football finance expert Dr Rob Wilson, who says the League Two side are one of the most undervalued clubs in English football.Cheltenham Town currently sit 15th in League Two and play at Whaddon RoadCredit: GettyRonaldo, 40, is tipped to make a move into club ownership once he hangs up his boots. And while many might expect him to target Old Trafford, Dr Wilson thinks he should cast his eye a little lower down the football pyramid.Speaking to Genting Casino, the Sheffield Hallam University professor said: “I’d be amazed if Ronaldo didn’t invest in an English football team.”I would imagine he’ll be trying to sniff around getting into a club like Manchester United as a strategic investment or a minority owner somehow.”READ MORE ON CRISTIANO RONALDOMusk has previously been linked with a move to buy Liverpool when Fenway Sports Group opened the door to outside investment, though no formal bid ever materialised. But Wilson believes Cheltenham Town is the smarter play.He said: “Cheltenham Town is a massively undervalued asset with great financial fundamentals.”So if an investor wants to look at a football club, they would do no worse than have a look at Cheltenham Town Football Club.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe Robins currently sit 15th in League Two after being relegated last season and operate on one of the smallest budgets in the EFL.But Robins thinks a megastar backer could transform the club’s fortunes.How PSG tricked Arsenal to gain Champions League semi-final advantageRonaldo appeared to argue with himself on the pitch in his latest game for Al-NassrCredit: Getty”The reality for Musk or Ronaldo now is, with the greatest respect, it’s pocket change to them because they are that wealthy,” he added. “It can have a transformative impact on the club and bring a huge amount of benefit.”But Wilson also pointed out that investors are often chasing big returns and European glory.He added: “You’re not looking for a few million,” he said.”You’re looking for tens of or hundreds [of millions] or Champions League trophies that you can boast about.”Ronaldo’s former team-mate Gary Neville is a co-owner of Salford City, while the likes of Wrexham and Bournemouth have attracted big investors. But Cheltenham could be next on the list – if Musk or CR7 fancy a footballing project a little of the beaten track. How does Elon Musk’s net worth compare to his Premier League rivals?By Joshua JonesELON MUSK is said to be interested in buying Liverpool FC.He’s the world’s richest man – but incredibly, he WOULDN’T be the wealthiest owner in the Premier League.Here, we run down the 10 richest owners, and where Musk would slot in…1. Newcastle United – Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund – £538bnFar and away at the top of the pile is the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund. The PIF invests on behalf of the country’s government and therefore has astronomical cash reserves, with a latest estimate of around £538bn.2. Manchester United – Sir Jim Ratcliffe – £29.7bnSir Jim successfully obtained 25 per cent of Manchester United just over a year ago. The lifelong supporter made his billions through his petrochemicals company Ineos, which has delved into sport to buy stakes in Ligue 1 side Nice, Lausanne in Switzerland and F1 team Mercedes.3. Manchester City – Sheikh Mansour – £17bnSheikh Mansour purchased the club in September 2008 and has transformed them into a trophy-winning machine, culminating in the 2022-23 Treble. Mansour comes from the royal family in the United Arab Emirates and is both vice president and deputy prime minister of the gulf state.4. Arsenal – Stan Kroenke – £12bnWeighing in fourth is Arsenal boss Stan Kroenke at £12bn. The Gunners chief made his money through real estate development, particularly shopping centres and apartment buildings.5. Fulham – Shahid Khan – £9.7bnLike Kroenke, Shahid Khan has plenty of interest in American sports as the owner of NFL side Jacksonville Jaguars. He also co-owns All Elite Wrestling with son Tony.6. Aston Villa – Nassef Sawiris – £5.8bnNassef Sawiris invested in Aston Villa in 2018 following their play-off defeat to Fulham. He is the youngest of Egyptian billionaire Onsi Sawiris’ three sons – with his dad launching the Orascom engineering and construction conglomerate.7. Crystal Palace – Josh Harris – £5.7bnHarris may only have 18 per cent of Crystal Palace but the American owner of Apollo Global Management is a big-time player. He has teams in the NBA, NHL and NFL on top of his involvement in a motorsport racing side.8. Joe Lewis – Tottenham – £5bnJoe Lewis first got into business through helping at his dad’s London catering company before selling it off and delving into currency trading. He is now worth around £5bn and invests in many companies, including the ENIC Group, co-owned by Daniel Levy who is worth £500m, that has full possession of Spurs.9. Chelsea – Todd Boehly – £5bnBoehly is the face of the new era at Stamford Bridge after fronting the £4.25bn takeover of Chelsea in May 2022. The American oversaw a staggering £1bn worth of spending in just three transfer windows in West London.10. Liverpool – John Henry – £4.2bnJohn W Henry is Liverpool’s current owner and heads up the Fenway Sports Group that runs the Merseyside club as well as the Boston Red Sox. Henry grew up as the son of soya bean farmers and used that expertise to get into business and went on to become a multi-billionaire.NEW ENTRY: Elon Musk – £339bnThe outspoken entrepreneur’s net worth fluctuates on the value of his companies Tesla and SpaceX but he’s currently the world’s richest man. He also owns Twitter and more recently has become a political player after cosying up to President elect Donald Trump. At his current worth, he would rank as the SECOND richest owner in the Premier League. More

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      Fans only just realising incredible story behind Lamine Yamal’s name.. and reason why he has BOTH on his Barcelona shirt

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      LAMINE YAMAL is tearing it up for club and country, but there’s something unusual about the name on the back of his shirt.Because shockingly, neither Lamine nor Yamal comes from his family. Lamine Yamal is likely to switch from his number 19 to no 10 next seasonYamal was sensational for Spain at the EurosCredit: GettySome Barce fans think Yamal is the second coming of MessiCredit: GettyThe Barcelona wonderkid has been dazzling fans since his breakthrough last season, when he scored seven goals in 50 games.This season has been even better as he’s taken up more responsibility in the team. Fifteen vital goals and counting so far and let’s not forget his heroics at Euro 2024 where he fired Spain to glory and won the Young Player of the Tournament award.But behind the teenage phenom’s name is a story straight out gratitude. READ MORE ON LAMINE YAMALYamal’s full name is Lamine Yamal Nasraoui Ebana.Nasraoui is from his dad. Ebana is from his mum.But Lamine Yamal that’s not a family name at all.According to Tribuna, the 17-year-old was named after two men, both complete strangers who helped his parents pay rent during a tough time after his birth.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe duo’s names were Lamine and Yamal.So as a tribute, Yamal’s dad made a heartfelt promise to them that if they ever had a son, he’d be named after the men who helped them through their darkest days.Lamine Yamal watches WWE Smackdown in crowd after rubbing shoulders with starsAnd now, the football world knows their names, splashed across the back of one of the hottest talents on the planet.His performance against Inter Milan in the Champions League is one of those that will live long in the minds of fans given how he dominated the game.The young forward has the football world talking about himCredit: AP More

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      ‘He does things nobody else does’ – Man who discovered Thomas Partey reveals how Arsenal ace would’ve prevented PSG loss

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      ARSENAL midfield machine Thomas Partey could’ve saved the club from a Champions League disasterclass.That’s according to the man who discovered him, Wilfred Osei Kwaku Palmer.Thomas Partey picked up a needless second yellow card against MadridCredit: ReutersPartey was on his way out but his form could prompt a new dealCredit: GettyArsenal will hope Partey can inspire a win next weekCredit: GettyPalmer, who owns Tema Youth football club in Ghana, gave a young Partey his first opportunity in football, long before the former Atletico Madrid star was tearing up La Liga and the Premier League.The Gunners paid dearly for his absence in Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat to PSG in their semi-final first leg, after his needless yellow card against Real Madrid.The talent-spotter and club owner believes the Ghanaian midfielder would’ve prevented PSG from dismantling Arsenal at the Emirates.Speaking to The Sun from his base in Ghana, Palmer said: “He does things nobody else does. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”If you look at the goal Arsenal conceded against PSG that’s normally where he dominates. “His importance is quite clear, he does things in that team that nobody else does.”Partey was expected to leave Arsenal at the end of this season, but a rich vein of form has prompted the Gunners to consider offering him a new two-year deal.There are also reports linking him with a move back to Spain to join Barcelona.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut Palmer says Partey should seize the opportunity to become an Arsenal legend.He added: “This is probably his best season since he went there, and if there’s a chance for him to stay, then that should be his home.How PSG tricked Arsenal to gain Champions League semi-final advantage”The fans love him, and I know he could make more money elsewhere, but I know him and he’s got it in him to play at the highest level for the next five years. “So why not do that at one of the best clubs in the world?”Partey has featured in 31 league games for the Gunners this season, scoring four goals. But it’s his overall impact, breaking lines with his passing and press resistance that has made him such a key member of the team. More

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      Tom Brady’s Birmingham break all-time EFL points record in just second season in charge of League One champions

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      BIRMINGHAM CITY have smashed the record for the most points scored in a single EFL campaign.The club’s 2-0 win over Blackpool on Wednesday evening took their overall points total up to 108 – two more than the record previously set by Reading (106) in the 2005-06 Championship season.Birmingham have broken the EFL points recordCredit: PAIt is a successful end to Tom Brady’s second season as co-owner of the clubCredit: ReutersEthan Laird broke the deadlock in the 39th minute before striker Alfie May secured the win at the start of the second half.Birmingham, co-owned by NFL legend Tom Brady, still have one more game left to play – against Cambridge United.The Blues were promoted back to the Championship earlier this month and clinched the League One title just days later.They have lost just three games all season and now remain 19 points clear of second-placed Wrexham.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter lifting the trophy on home soil at St Andrew’s last week, manager Chris Davies said: “It’s an incredible achievement.”I really have to reiterate that. I don’t want people to start taking this for granted and thinking that we just won another game.”We just got the most points any team in the history of English football have got in this league.”It’s an incredible achievement of how consistent the players have been, with all the ups and downs you have through a season, and injuries and everything else.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”They’ve done exceptionally well, so it’s an achievement that will be hard to match, 105 points in a season and I’m very, very proud of everyone.”We’re unbeaten in the league at home, so I wanted to finish strong today.Birmingham become first EFL club to win promotion as Tom Brady’s club bounce back to Championship at first attempt”We scored some good goals, it was a dominant performance – a really good way to finish.”Birmingham now have the chance to hit a record-extending 111 points if they beat already-relegated Cambridge on Saturday. More

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      How surviving life-threatening brain injury led Oliver Glasner to teach Crystal Palace stars to play without fear

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      WHEN Oliver Glasner took over at Crystal Palace, his first message to the squad was simple, “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.”The Austrian boss sees football for what it is, a game built on errors and believes that only when players are freed from fear can they truly thrive.The nasty head injury that ended Oliver Glasner’s playing career.Credit: SportfotodienstOliver Glasner could now defy the odds and win the FA Cup with Crystal PalaceCredit: GettyOliver Glasner has transformed striker Jean-Philippe MatetaCredit: ReutersThat philosophy stems from a life-changing ordeal. Glasner’s own playing career was cut short by a brain haemorrhage after a head collision during a top-flight Austrian game. He needed emergency surgery that saved his life. So when he turned to coaching, he made himself a promise, this wouldn’t just be a job, it had to be a joy.Kennedy Boateng, who starred under Glasner during his first managerial role at LASK in Austria, recalls how the gaffer transformed a modest side into European contenders.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe exclusively told SunSport: “He was a different person on the pitch. “He spotted the smallest things. But in the canteen, he was like a father. He got to know our backgrounds and understood us as people.“I think when you come from Africa, you want to have a father figure, and for those of us who were in Europe for the first time, that was really important.“He didn’t treat us all the same. He tailored our games to who we were as individuals. Not everyone did the same thing, but everyone felt involved.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKGlasner hasn’t changed a bit. At Palace’s Beckenham training ground he still champions self-expression and insists on effort from everyone — players, staff, even kitchen workers.The team comes first is his mantra.’Got to be higher than that’ gasps Jack Grealish after seeing England team-mate Ebere Eze’s EA FC 25 ratingWolfsburg strugglesSuccess in Austria earned Glasner the top job at Bundesliga side Wolfsburg, a big leap, and not without bumps and real challenges.He delivered results, Europa League qualification in year one, and the Champions League in year two. But he struggled with dressing-room discipline. Things eventually exploded, and Glasner walked.When he left, Wolfsburg skipper Josuha Guilavogui didn’t hold back, telling reporters: “I’m happy he’s gone.”But Glasner took the hit and learned. German football journalist Tom Desborough told SunSport: “It was such a strange ending to a very good time. “On the pitch, he did well, but he had problems with Jorg Schmadtke, who went on to hire Mark van Bommel as his replacement, and it was an absolute mess.“He also had issues with the club captain Guilavogui but that was because he always left him on the bench.”I guess there were lessons in all of that, which he took with him to Eintracht Frankfurt.”Crystal Palace fans enjoying life under Austrian manager Oliver GlasnerThe non-negotiablesFrom that moment on, Glasner made a vow, respect and freedom, yes, but discipline is non-negotiable.Speaking on The High Performance Podcast, he said: “In life, if you invest in something and stay focused, you get the reward. “Everyone has an ego. I tell my players, use it for the team. If it’s against me, fine. Against the team? That’s not acceptable.”That new steel worked wonders. Glasner led Eintracht Frankfurt to Europa League glory, knocking out teams like Barcelona and West Ham along the way.Before the final, sources say he spent time with every member of the squad, even the kit men telling them they’d already won by getting there.For him it was more about the journey than the final destination, about the culture and environment he had managed to create.Crystal Palace chairman has been blown away by the job Oliver Glasner is doingCredit: GettyThe South London jobWith just three games for LASK and over 500 for SV Ried, Glasner’s CV raised a few eyebrows in South London.But when he arrived at Palace, he made his mark early.There was a high-profile incident where he reportedly promised defender Rob Holding minutes against West Ham but had to change his plan as the Eagles went 2–0 down.Holding didn’t take it well. After the game, he refused to warm down with the rest of the squad, and Glasner wasn’t having it.First, Holding was made to train alone. Then, when no apology came, he was banished him to train with the academy.Asked about the incident in a press conference, Glasner said:“Rob is training individually at the moment. We will talk together, he knows the reason. But it stays between us.”Insiders say the boss stood firm even when the board tried to step in. He knew one thing back down and the dressing room was lost.Sebastian Rode won the Europa League with Oliver GlasnerCredit: GettyWhat working with Glasner is likeSebastian Rode, Glasner’s captain during that historic Europa League triumph with Eintracht Frankfurt, said:“It was a dream. “He opened our eyes and made us believe. The squad was a family-he found a way to get us not only to understand what he wanted but to believe in everything he told us.”Kennedy Boateng also highlighted a key aspect of Glasner’s approach.He said: “For young players, his approach is very good. He is close to his players and allows them to make mistakes.“That freedom is good it allows us to learn without the fear that usually comes with making mistakes.”Glasner has turned things around after a tough start to the seasonCredit: RexWhere he goes when he needs helpBehind the scenes, it’s his wife Bettina Glasner who keeps him grounded, the same woman who, in a twist of fate, had to give the emergency go-ahead for his brain surgery.The procedure was done at the same hospital where Christian Eriksen would later be treated for a heart attack.On the pitch, Glasner surrounds himself with trusted allies from his LASK days, Michael Angerschmid, Ronald Brunmayr, and Palace coach Paddy McCarthy who sources say, has been selfless in backing the boss.The rough start to this seasonAfter a rocky start to the season and no wins in his first eight games, Glasner has led Palace to their first FA Cup final since 2016. He’s also secured a 13th straight Premier League season, and even won over notoriously hard-to-please chairman Steve Parish who said Glasner “made all of us think differently”Read More on The SunThe man who once faced death is now breathing life into the Palace. And one thing is clear, he isn’t just here to survive, he’s building something unique. More

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      Man Utd legend Jonny Evans and England striker among stars Wrexham could target after promotion to Championship

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      MANCHESTER UNITED star Jonny Evans is among Wrexham’s major targets as part of their Premier League push, according to reports.The Welsh club celebrated promotion to the Championship over the weekend after Leyton Orient beat Wycombe Wanderers.Jonny Evans fits the profile of stars Wrexham want to sign this summerCredit: GettyThe Welsh club celebrated promotion to the Championship at the weekendCredit: RexIt marked a record-breaking third successive promotion to make it to England’s second tier, just two years after the club owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney was playing in the National League.However, the Hollywood duo have made no secret of their ambition to reach the Premier League, and have suitably bankrolled a number of lucrative deals to bring the club up the leagues so quickly.The Championship will represent arguably Wrexham’s toughest challenge yet, but a number of top flight players could become available to help them achieve their next goal.Manager Phil Parkinson said the club was “always planning” but admitted that while they have not spoken about anyone in particular they do have a profile of targets who are free agents.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “We haven’t really spoken about anything. We’ve always got our eye on players who are free transfers and are going to be available.“I think it’s interesting because the jump in salaries is incredible, mind-blowing. Even coming up to this level, the jump to get players of Championship quality is expensive.“But obviously the next level, I don’t think people outside football quite realise. “They think players in League One must be multi-millionaires, but the drop-off from what people read in the press about Premier League players is huge.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK“That is a challenge but what we’ve always tried to do is make sure the culture in the club is right. “No superstars, no egos in the dressing room, and we’ve got to try to get that balance right again, to make sure the right people come into the building.”Danny Devito celebrates Wrexham’s last-gasp win over Barnsley as he watches from virtual stadium in LAPremier League internationals over the age of 30 who are out of contract this summer could be ideal candidates to bolster the squad with a combination of quality, experience and attainability.The likes of Man Utd’s Jonny Evans, Newcastle’s Callum Wilson, Everton’s Michael Keane, Leicester’s Jamie Vardy or even Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne all fit this category.While some of these names may seem far fetched, Wrexham accounts show a remarkable robustness, making the possibility of making one of these signings more realistic.Club accounts going up to June 2024 covering their season in League Two show revenues of £26.7million – which is a figure greater than seven Championship clubs including ex-Prem champions Blackburn -with the average revenue for a club not receiving parachute payments said to land at around the £22m mark.Sponsorship for that season had risen to £13.1m from £1.8m thanks to deals with United Airlines and Stok coffee.That figure is likely to rise when the next set of accounts emerge and detail their League One books, while there will almost certainly be a new season of Disney+ documentary “Welcome to Wrexham”.The latest series of the show will Premiere on May 16, with industry experts calculating every episode to be worth £300,000 to Reynolds and McElhenney’s production company.Wrexham also have the third-highest payroll in League One at an estimated total salary of £10.7m this season, all while operating at a reported loss of £2.7m and a £15m loan repayment to Reynolds and McElhenney.The Times report that sum comes from new minority owners, the billionaire Allyn family, who have a background in medical devices and are described as the driving force behind the club’s Premier League push.Speaking about the challenge of the next level, six-time promotion winner Parkinson said: “I think everybody knows the jump is huge. “I remember when I took Bolton up [in 2016-17], it was, ‘Phew! This is huge!’ in terms of the physicality and power in the division.Read More on The Sun“But I’m confident we will be well prepared for that. I think that a lot of tough decisions will be made this summer, but let’s see if we can build a squad to compete at that level.”Only two other clubs in English football history – Truro City (South Western League to Southern League between 2005 and 2009) and Shaw Lane (Sheffield and Hallam County Senior League to Northern Counties East Premier from 2011 to 2015) – have achieved four promotions in a row across the English pyramid.How Wrexham could line up next season2025 Premier League free agents over 32A list of select Premier League stars over the age of 32 who are becoming free agents this summer:Kevin De Bruyne, 33 – Manchester City Jamie Vardy, 38 – LeicesterCallum Wilson, 33 – NewcastleBen Davies, 32 – TottenhamJorginho, 33 – ArsenalAbdoulaye Doucoure, 32 – EvertonVladimir Coufal, 32 – West HamDanny Ings, 32 – West HamJoel Veltmam, 33 – BrightonPablo Sarabia, 32 – WolvesMichael Keane, 32 – EvertonChristian Eriksen, 33- Man UtdRaul Jimenez, 33 – FulhamWilly Boly, 34 – Nottingham ForestIdrissa Gueye, 35 – EvertonTom Cairney, 34 – FulhamCraig Dawson, 34 – WolevsNathaniel Clyne, 34 – Crystal PalaceFraser Forster, 37 – TottenhamJames Milner, 38 – BrightonAdam Lallana, 36 – SouthamptonBen Mee, 35 – BrentfordAshley Young, 39 – Everton More

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      Man Utd legend, 61, to be given thud into brutal reality of non-league with 14-hour, 880-mile round trip

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend and experienced manager Mark Hughes is set for a huge non-league reality check if he stays on as Carlisle boss.Hughes, 61, looks set to remain in charge of The Cumbrians next season despite sealing relegation from League Two into the National League.Mark Hughes is set for a brutal away day is he stays on as Carlisle United manager next seasonCredit: GettyCarlisle United have been relegated to the National LeagueCredit: RexThe drop into non-league will be a big change for Hughes, who throughout his coaching career has taken charge of nearly 500 Premier League games for the likes of Manchester City and Fulham.As well as spending five years as the Welsh national team boss.While his playing career saw him represent huge teams like Manchester United, Chelsea, Barcelona and Bayern Munich.Now a drop into the National League will represent his first ever non-league management, setting up a brutal reality check with one of his upcoming away days.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFollowing Cornish side Truro City’s promotion into the National League, Carlisle will face a 14-HOUR, 880-MILE round trip to take on the Tinners next season.Truro became the first ever Cornish side to win promotion into the National League when they beat St Albans City 5-2 to win the National League South on Sunday.Despite Mark Hughes’ vast experience at the top level, the former Bradford City manager has said he will have no issues dropping down the leagues.He said: ” I have no ego. Just because I played for United and managed clubs like Man City, or led my country, doesn’t mean being in charge of a National League team would somehow be beneath me.Most read in FootballTruro City have become the first Cornish side to win promotion into the National LeagueCredit: RexTheir stadium is an 878-mile round trip from Carlisle UnitedCredit: RexCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“Maybe other people might feel that but not me, even if I recognise it would be pretty unique for someone with some of the high spots I’ve had in my career.“I showed how much I still love being a manager by going to Bradford — when you’ve been a manager as long as I have you just miss that buzz of standing on the touchline at three o’clock on a Saturday afternoon.”David Beckham reveals unlikely Man Utd idol and admits mum Sandra couldn’t get enough of his thighsWhile he has hinted that he will be staying put, adding: “The owners are good people and they still have some big plans.“Discussions have taken place about me staying and plans for the future. This has been a tough challenge but one I’d still be up for, so we’ll see.“We have around 18 players under contract for next season.“The core of the side is already there and we’ve seen how well they’ve responded over the last couple of months against all the odds.”Americans Tom and Patty Piatak bought Carlisle 17 months ago, announcing ambitious plans to reach the Championship.Instead, the logistics millionaires from Florida have overseen successive relegations.Read More on The SunThe club have parted ways with sporting director Rob Clarkson “with immediate effect” following their unsuccessful battle against relegation from League Two.While the owners have said they are “deeply sorry for putting the fans through so much pain”, and have begun to plan for next season with discussions “ongoing and positive” with Mark Hughes.Mark Hughes had a superb playing career that saw him win the Premier League with Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyHe also took charge of nearly 500 Premier League games as a managerCredit: EPA More