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      Harry Redknapp: Jamie Vardy can fire Wrexham into Premier League if he makes ‘no-brainer’ transfer

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      JAMIE VARDY has been backed to help Wrexham into the Premier League by Harry Redknapp.The striker has confirmed he will be leaving relegated Leicester City at the end of the season.Harry Redknapp has backed Jamie Vardy to succeed at WrexhamCredit: RexVardy has been tipped for a move to the Welsh clubCredit: GettyRyan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have led the club to the ChampionshipCredit: GettyPromotion was confirmed on SaturdayCredit: GettyVardy, 38, spent 13 years at the King Power Stadium but, after a second relegation in three seasons, has called time.The former Premier League and FA Cup winner has since been tipped for a move to Hollywood-owned Wrexham.The Welsh outfit have risen up from the National League all the way to the Championship in consecutive seasons.Wrexham have had the backing of Deadpool actor Ryan Reynolds and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia star Rob McElhenney since their takeover in 2021.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLRedknapp believes that if the club can pull off the signing of Vardy, then it could help them take one more massive step.He told BetVictor: “Jamie Vardy would be a fantastic signing for Wrexham.”He could get any team promoted next season from the Championship, I still think he has a lot to offer in a team that can make chances for him.”It would be a great move for Wrexham.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“I don’t think he will be on the radar of Premier League clubs, but that said, I think he’s fantastic.”His work rate and everything about him is brilliant, if I was in the Championship I’d be moving heaven and earth to sign him.Jamie Vardy anounces he’s LEAVING Leicester in emotional video with striker left close to tears after 13 years“He would be a great value signing for any club, it’s a no-brainer in my eyes – he gives everything and works so hard.”I’d have him any day if I was managing a club who were trying to get promoted from the Championship, even a team like Burnley who have been promoted, his goals could help them stay up.”Wrexham confirmed their spot in the Championship for next season with their 3-0 win over Charlton on Saturday.The club is now five points clear of Stockport County and Wycombe Wanderers with just one game remaining.McElhenney and Reynolds celebrated the promotion with the trophy on the pitch.The Green Lantern star released an emotional statement amid the jubilations.It read: “We’ve been with Wrexham for what seems like the blink of an eye, but so much has happened.”I remember the first press conference, we were asked what our goals were… and I think Rob jumped in with, ‘The Premier League.'”People laughed. They had every right to. It seemed insane… but we weren’t kidding.”I feel at home here. It’s a place that values community, decency and history.”From the respect it pays to the Gresford Disaster, to the feeling of hope and miracles created by Mickey Thomas. These are big reasons Wrexham is growing into what it always was.”It isn’t just a place with a history of ups and downs, it’s also a FEELING. And a feeling is sometimes as good or better than a memory.”We made history. We’ve been promoted for a record third time in a row.”That doesn’t happen without the wisdom of Phil Parkinson and his coaching staff, or the talent of Paul Mullin. It doesn’t happen without Max Cleworth and Arthur Okonkwo.”Or Mark Howard who may have one of the hardest jobs there is. I watched Sam Smith create a frightening blend between football and martial arts, scoring our second goal yesterday.”The Stadium feels like a church. I know so many of you now. Since February, 2021, I’ve watched babies become regulars. And some regulars depart us for good.Read More on The Sun”We’ve had the honour to scatter ashes of loved ones across that field. I’ve even watched every available hand shovel snow off the pitch to keep a match from cancellation.”Somebody said the Welsh have the ‘heart of a poet and the fist of a fighter.’ That’s what I love about this place. I wish the whole world could visit Wrexham.” More

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      ‘Last straw’ – EFL chief reveals he’s stepping down over ‘VENDETTA’ against his club in lengthy statement

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      AN EFL chairman has confirmed they will be stepping down after a “vendetta” against his club.Andy Holt will be leaving Accrington Stanley after Saturday’s home game against Chesterfield.Andy Holt will step down as chairman of Accrington StanleyCredit: RexHe will leave the club at the end of the League Two seasonCredit: GettyThe League Two outfit are safe and are nine points clear of relegated Carlisle.Holt has claimed that he has had enough of a “vendetta” from the local authorities.The club have been hit with a series of sanctions which include the removal of a planning permission and a licence to sell alcohol on non-matchdays.Accrington Stanley have also been handed a noise abatement order.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThis has led Holt to announce his decision to step down from the club at the end of the seasonA statement read: “This is the last straw.”Accrington Stanley Ladies Day, an event that never happened until we started it, was held at Fence Gate during the DAYTIME, whilst our multi-million pound facilities stand empty, silence because of the council and councillors working against their club behind my back, as though I didn’t know what was going on.”The undermining of the club has gone on since day one. And I mean day one, long before I took the club on.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”The councillors voted to remove our planning permission because of the noise complaints.”Following advice from the head planner, we paid to reapply, only for the councillors to turn it down again. After council advice to appeal and more wasted cash, they did the same.Former Premier League star, 39, sent off after 55 seconds for headbutting rival’s BACK in EFL clash”Not content, the council’s staff snooped on the club to build evidence to put a noise abatement order on us.”Not content with that, they removed our licence to sell alcohol on non-matchdays.”It’s been a vendetta, with some councillors actively working against THEIR OWN CLUB.”Whether we had planning permission or not, they have powers to stop the club trading.”Whether they stripped us of our licence or not, they still have the power to stop us trading. Now they have imposed conditions on matchdays that cannot possibly be adhered to.”The club has no opportunity to generate income bar putting prices of tickets etc. up. Prices that are high enough already enough for hard-pressed supporters.”We are not Premier League and don’t have the desire or opportunity to rip fans off.”It’s a mistake for the council to think I will continually replace funds, missing as a result of not being able to trade, forever.”I’m not wasting any more of my life arguing with the council, councillors or MPs that should support the best asset in the town. If they can’t see the blindingly obvious, that’s their problem.”Holt continued in his statement to insist that he has had a “great” time at the club.”I have done my ten years after next week’s home finale. We’re safe, and having thrown many points away through naivety this season, we’re a young team that is getting better.”We have a great club, great staff, more organised than ever, run properly by two top managers, a great medical team, and rigid training routines.”I’m so proud of what we’ve done as a team, turning Accrington Stanley Football Club into a professional club. It has the opportunity to feed the town for generations to come, if only the council, councillors and MPs support it.”I’ve had a great ten years, including with Coley [John Coleman] and Jimmy [Bell]. Players like Billy [Kee}, Seamus [Conneeley], Yosser [Mark Hughes], and Seany [McConnville] will always hold a special place in my heart, as will the rest of them. In John [Doolan] and Ged [Brannan], we have two top quality professionals.”Two of my friends. We have a great group of fans, they give everything for their club. I know many of them personally now, a major plus for me.”I will end my time at the club in any executive capacity after the last game on Saturday.”The club must become financially stable if the great future in front of it is to be realised.”Read More on The SunHolt joined the board of Accrington Stanley back in 2015 and assumed control of the club later that year.The club was on the verge of folding when he took over.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Man Utd legend, 61, set to take charge of National League side as he says ‘it wouldn’t be beneath me’

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      MARK HUGHES is preparing to take another step down to help Carlisle back up into the Football League.The Manchester United legend racked up 569 games as a Premier League boss after five years in charge of Wales.Mark Hughes was unable to steer Carlisle United away from relegation to the National LeagueHughes did everything he could to save the Cumbrians after being hired in FebruaryCredit: PANow he looks certain to remain in charge of the Cumbrians in next season’s National League after they were relegated with defeat at Cheltenham.Hughes, who also spent 20 months as Bradford City chief, sees no problem in finding himself in the fifth tier of English football, declaring: “I have no ego.“Just because I played for United and managed clubs like Manchester City, or led my country, doesn’t mean being in charge of a National League team would somehow be beneath me.“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.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS“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.”The 61-year-old — who won two Prem titles and enjoyed a clutch of cup  successes at Old Trafford — also bossed Blackburn Rovers, Stoke, Fulham, QPR and Southampton.After being sacked by the Saints in 2018, he spent more than three years out of the game before shocking the football world by turning up at the Bantams.Hughes then replaced Mike Williamson in February with Carlisle five points adrift at the bottom of League Two and had won five and drawn five of 16 games before the near–inevitable happened on Saturday.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordRelegation or not, the indications are that he will stay after signing a rolling contract three months ago.Hughes added: “The owners are good people and they still have some big plans.Danny Devito celebrates Wrexham’s last-gasp win over Barnsley as he watches from virtual stadium in LA“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.And the owners said they were “deeply sorry for putting the fans through so much pain”.But there was also a huge hint that Hughes will be staying on, with their statement declaring: “Planning for next season is already in motion. “Discussions with Mark Hughes are ongoing and positive.“In recent weeks, Mark has helped rebuild the connection between the team and supporters.Read More on The Sun“It’s a small but important step.“It shows what this football club can still become — and underlines how far we still have to go.” More

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      ‘What I love about this place…’ Inside Wrexham’s wild celebrations as Ryan Reynolds issues emotional statement

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      RYAN REYNOLDS released an emotional statement amid wild celebrations as Wrexham climbed into the Championship.The Welsh side beat Charlton 3-0 yesterday to land their third promotion in as many years.Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds celebrated promotion to the ChampionshipCredit: RexIt is the Dragons’ third promotion in as many seasonsCredit: ReutersFans invaded the pitch in celebrationCredit: Instagram/Ryan ReynoldsReynolds and his actress wife Blake Lively were at the Racecourse Ground yesterdayCredit: Instagram @vancityreynoldsThey covered the club chief in GatoradeCredit: Instagram @wrexham_afcThere were wild celebrations in the dressing roomCredit: Instagram @wrexham_afcActors-turned-club owners Reynolds and Rob McElhenney were both at the Racecourse Ground to join in with the party.As the final whistle went, fans invaded the pitch in celebration and the Hollywood duo shared a lengthy hug. Reynolds, who was joined by his actress wife Blake Lively, posed for a snap in the stands before they then headed down to the pitch.The Deadpool star got his hands on a medal and was seen congratulating his players and manager Phil Parkinson.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReynolds and McElhenney then brought an American tradition to English football by pouring a huge bucket of sports drink Gatorade over club chief Michael Williamson.The party carried onto long into the night as champagne was sprayed around the dressing room.Wrexham stars downed booze and poured beer over boss Parkinson, who has overseen an incredible rise from the National League to the Championship.The win over Charlton was his 181st league match in charge of the club and his 112th victory.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBooze was thrown around the dressing room as the party went long into the nightCredit: Instagram @wrexham_afcThey purchased the club for £2m and it now worth over £100mCredit: Instagram @vancityreynoldsCEO Michael Williamson was left drenchedCredit: Instagram @wrexham_afcThey have scored 361 goals and average a stunning 2.08 points per game.Wrexham have made climbing the football pyramid look simple and an emotional Reynolds said in a statement: “We’ve been with Wrexham for what seems like the blink of an eye, but so much has happened. Ryan Reynolds tells Liverpool star Mo Salah to ‘think about’ stunning Wrexham transfer in brilliant video”I remember the first press conference, we were asked what our goals were… and I think Rob jumped in with, ‘The Premier League.'”People laughed. They had every right to. It seemed insane… but we weren’t kidding.”I feel at home here. It’s a place that values community, decency and history. “From the respect it pays to the Gresford Disaster, to the feeling of hope and miracles created by Mickey Thomas. These are big reasons Wrexham is growing into what it always was. “It isn’t just a place with a history of ups and downs, it’s also a FEELING. And a feeling is sometimes as good or better than a memory.”We made history. We’ve been promoted for a record third time in a row. “That doesn’t happen without the wisdom of Phil Parkinson and his coaching staff, or the talent of Paul Mullin. It doesn’t happen without Max Cleworth and Arthur Okonkwo. “Or Mark Howard who may have one of the hardest jobs there is. I watched Sam Smith create a frightening blend between football and martial arts, scoring our second goal yesterday.”The Stadium feels like a church. I know so many of you now. Since February, 2021, I’ve watched babies become regulars. And some regulars depart us for good. “We’ve had the honour to scatter ashes of loved ones across that field. I’ve even watched every available hand shovel snow off the pitch to keep a match from cancellation.”Somebody said the Welsh have the ‘heart of a poet and the fist of a fighter.’ That’s what I love about this place. I wish the whole world could visit Wrexham.”Lively added: “Back-to-back-to-back. History was made. I will never forget the love and elation in that town today. Thank you for sharing it with us.”Read More on The SunReynolds and McElhenney bought the club in February 2021 for £2m and it now worth over £100m.Being in the second tier is expected to see the club make at least £13m more per year.Reynolds and McElhenney hugged as the final whistle wentCredit: Instagram @vancityreynoldsBlake Lively posed with the players including skipper Ollie PalmerCredit: Instagram @vancityreynoldsReynolds expressed his love for Wrexham in an emotional statementCredit: RexThe promotion will see the club pocket an extra £13m-a-year at leastCredit: AP More

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      Wrexham promoted to Championship with wild scenes as fan invade pitch and Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively starting party

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      WREXHAM have won promotion to the Championship after beating Charlton 3-0.The Red Dragons created history by winning three consecutive promotions after beating rivals Charlton to secure second place.Wrexham have won promotion to the ChampionshipThere was a pitch invasion at full-time as fans held aloft their heroesRyan Reynolds was in attendance to celebrate the occasionCredit: ReutersWrexham have achieved three consecutive promotionsCredit: PAThe actor got into the party spirit ahead of kick-offCredit: APHe mingled with fans and posed for photosCredit: APThe Hollywood actor served drinks to supporters ahead of kick-offCredit: ReutersSam Smith scored twice to seal the three pointsCredit: PASam Smith netted twice after Ollie Rathbone opened the scoring on a momentous day at the Racecourse.Fans celebrated promotion by running onto the pitch before holding up their heroes on their shoulders.Reynolds beamed alongside co-owner Rob McElhenney, with the acting pair both flying into North Wales to celebrate the achievement.Reynolds joined the fervent fanzone pre-match and enjoyed a beverage from behind the bar.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe also served drinks to supporters and took selfies with adoring fans.The Hollywood actor was joined in North Wales by his wife Blake Lively.The actress shared a photo of herself with Reynolds, which she captioned: “Let’s go boys @wrexham_afc.”Reynolds re-shared the post, saying: “Let’s go jet lag. (Never going to sleep).”Most read in EFLBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSReynolds, 48, is a popular figure at Wrexham and often buys drinks for fans when he attends matches.In December Reynolds bought a round for an entire pub alongside Channing Tatum.Danny Devito celebrates Wrexham’s last-gasp win over Barnsley as he watches from virtual stadium in LAReynolds has previously watched Wrexham alongside David Beckham and Will Ferrell.He admits the promotion run-in has wreaked havoc on his nerves, claiming he has developed “an eight-inch ulcer in my stomach”.He said: “I have, literally, like an eight-inch ulcer in my stomach right now because it’s the end of the season. “They just can’t do it easy, like just one year let’s do it without having receding hairlines all around. We’re all losing it. Stress [is] killing us.”There was a fervent atmosphere at the RacecourseCredit: ReutersReynolds revealed the promotion run-in has made him a bag of nervesCredit: APReynolds’ wife Blake Lively has also headed to Wales for the game against CharltonReynolds took to the pitch pre-matchCredit: PA More

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      Former Premier League manager, 65, looking to achieve ‘career highlight’ promotion with sixth tier side

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      PHIL BROWN famously won promotion with Hull to the Premier League and kept them up for a season.But today he aims to get Kidderminster back into the National League.Phil Brown is aiming to achieve a ‘career highlight’ with KidderminsterCredit: AlamyBrown famously won promotion with Hull to the Premier League and kept them up for a seasonCredit: GettyKiddy travel to Southport where victory will guarantee them the National North title and automatic promotion — with Brackley only behind on goal difference and Scunthorpe two points back.Only one side goes up automatically with the next six going into the play-offs.Brown, 65, took the Tigers up in 2009 and also won promotion to League One with Southend in 2015. He has also managed Derby, Preston and Barrow.And he told SunSport: “This will be a career highlight. It really does feel more exciting than getting promoted to the Premier League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I’ve won two promotions as a manager and me and my assistant Neil McDonald were also part of Sam Allardyce’s backroom team at Bolton. But this does feel special.“I might have been there, seen it and done it — and everyone seems to think if you’ve had success in the Premier League you should be able to have success in the lower divisions.”That’s a load of rubbish. The bottom line is if your owners aren’t allowing you to do things, right then you’re going to have a problem. “You’ve got to cut your cloth accordingly and myself and Macca have learned a lot about the process of being successful.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK“Macca worked with Sam at Blackburn and West Ham too — and he has assisted me in the past — and having the right backroom team is key.”Kiddy incredibly pulled in 5,341 fans for Monday’s league game with Hereford — beating the 5,327 they attracted for the 2022 FA Cup game against Premier League big-guns West Ham.Why Mo Salah and James Maddison will be pivotal in Liverpool Spurs clash | Experts’ best bets – Weekend WagerAllardyce, who is from nearby Dudley, put on an “Evening with Sam Allardyce” in November and attended their game against Burton the next day.Brown said: “He came into the changing room on Saturday, gave a team talk and then watched the match. It was brilliant — you have these sorts of people who have parallels with non-league football.“I used to work with Brian Horton, who managed Manchester City back in the day, and he gave Harriers a glowing endorsement.”He said, ‘Kidderminster are one of the biggest non-league clubs.”They’ve been in the EFL before under Jan Molby and if you can get them going there’s no reason why you cannot take them back into the Football League.”Brown famously serenaded Hull fans with The Beach Boys’ classic Sloop John B after the club stayed up in the Premier League on the final day of the season in 2010.The Geordie says he still loves to sing and said: “I’ve got my daughter’s christening in May and can promise you I’ll be up on the microphone most of the night.”Although he would not share his playlist, Brown highly recommends giving a listen to Front Door Famous by country singer Luke Combs.He said: “My motivation in life is always to make my family proud.Read More on The Sun”There’s a great song called Front Door Famous.”He makes the point, ‘You walk through your front door and it doesn’t matter who the f***ing hell you are, your kids run up to you and say, ‘daddy’ and that is what life should be all about.” More

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      How Tyrique George rose from Chelsea prospect with ‘dynamite’ shot to wonderkid outshining multi-million pound stars

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      HE was once just another face in the crowd at Cobham. Now, Tyrique George is lighting up the Premier League.Tyrique George has had to work hard from the age of eight to get to the topCredit: uniquefaTyrique George has come through the ranks and he could be the next big thingCredit: GettyTyrique George changed the game for Chelsea against Fulham with his first goalCredit: RexHe scored his first Premier League goal against neighbours Fulham last weekend – his story is the kind of tale that reminds us what football dreams are really made of.The 19-year-old winger has gone from academy promise to first-team Premier League baller, and it’s not just talent that got him there, it’s been years of grit, grind, and an unshakable family bond.At a time when Chelsea have spent more than £1billion on signing some of the best talents from around the world, it’s stories like Tyrique’s that give hope to Cobham and reassure young players that you can still rise through the ranks and make it.Born to a Ghanaian mother and Nigerian father, Tyrique’s roots run deep, and so does his support system. READ MORE ON CHELSEAThey’ve poured their lives into him. Ordinary jobs, extraordinary sacrifices. His dad hasn’t missed a single one of his first-team home games, and his mum turned down shifts just to get him across town for training.From North London to South, she ferried him to the training ground in Cobham, Surrey, like clockwork. And now, the boy she believed in is living the dream.George was 11 years old when he was photographed with Jadon Sancho, then 17, in the car park of a goals centre in south London.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeNow they are playing together in Chelsea’s youthful team under coach Enzo Maresca.Bismark Odoi, father of ex-Chelsea star Callum Hudson-Odoi, remembers how George stood out from the pack at an early age.Bismark said: “He is a few years younger than my son but he was very noticeable from his early years.“We all used to take them, but I’m happy that he’s making his parents proud because I tell you it’s a lot of hard work,  people only see the results, but the work is massive.Tyrique George, aged 11, with 17-year-old Jadon Sancho pictured in 2017Credit: ChelseaEnzo Maresca is concerned with Chelsea’s missed ‘easy chances’ after limping into the Conference League semi-final “Tyrique was very close to another guy who was similar in stature to him, called Apau I think, a very good young player during their under-12 days.“Not everyone makes it, but yeah, he was there. I think he was one of the youngsters who played very well knowing their parents were watching too.”At youth level, George wasn’t just good. He was special. In 2023, he scored a 35-yard strike against Crystal Palace that would be nominated for the club’s Goal of the Season, announcing him to the top first-team players who might not have heard his name before.Sources at the club’s training base in Cobham, speaking on condition of anonymity to protect their relationship, say his ball-striking ability is one of the best they’ve ever seen come through.A source said: “His ball-striking is off the charts. People don’t expect it from him, but he’s got dynamite in that foot. “When we needed a goal at academy level, we gave it to him, and he’d just let it fly.”Tyrique George is starting to make an impression on the Premier LeagueTyrique George has alwways been highly rated in CobhamCredit: GettyTyrigue George is showing he can be special if given the chanceCredit: GettyRegular journalists Stamford Bridge this season say George has that confidence, not arrogance, but a self-assurance that whispers, “I’ve got it” when he speak to reporters.Across the U18s and U21s, George racked up a combined 33 goals and assists last season. But it wasn’t until his bullet finish against Fulham that the world truly took notice.To be fair, he’s benefited hugely from the suspension of Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk, who has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for a banned substance while on international duty last year.But that’s the story of life… you need to be ready when your chance comes. And George, he’s been ready for a while.Saul Isaksson-Hurst, his former coach at Chelsea, tells SunSport how it was easy to see from a young age that he was special.He said: “I remember one tournament in Portugal where we took them, if I remember correctly, it was an under-9 tournament, and for a kid of that age to have the authority he had and the leadership skill he showed was a sign that he could make it.“Chelsea academy has the most rigorous recruitment process and an even tougher process to continue to get a contract. “So for him to keep his head down and do the work is a show of the ingredients that have made him.“He understands the opportunity that has been given to him, and he is determined to make good use of it. “And as coaches, that’s all we want to see after we take these kids from an early age and try to give them a good chance at life.”The feeling among everyone close to Tyrique is that he is just getting started. Read More on The SunBut his journey highlights the importance of self-belief, as well as the commitment-  and often unspoken roles of parents to guide and guard, especially in today’s world.The early starts and late finishes have given him the chance, and now the world is his oyster. More

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      Reading release major statement after agreement reached with EFL as crisis club face going bust if they aren’t sold

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      CRISIS club Reading have been granted a takeover extension by the EFL. Royals’ Chinese owner Dai Yongge had initially been given a deadline of April 22 to sell the Berkshire outfit.Reading have been given more time by the EFL to get their takeover completedCredit: GettyRoyals fans have constantly protested against owner Dai YonggeCredit: Reading FCDai was disqualified under the league’s owners’ and directors’ test in February owing to debts and court rulings in China.  The League One side – who are mounting an unexpected play-off push – have been up for sale for almost 600 days.And a statement released on Wednesday confirms the EFL has granted the Royals an extension.It read: “Reading Football Club can confirm further progress has been made towards the sale of the club, with the transaction including the Select Car Leasing Stadium and Bearwood Park Training Facility. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”As a result, The EFL has agreed for a further extension until May 5th for the transaction to be completed.”The statement adds that the identity of the buyer will remain confidential at this stage. But the unnamed investor will be footing the bill for “day-to-day running of the club” until the takeover is signed off. It continued: “Both parties will now work to complete the necessary steps to complete the takeover.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe buying party will be supporting the club’s immediate financial obligations until the transaction is complete, and as such, day-to-day running of the club will be unaffected.”The club would like to thank all supporters, staff, and players for their contribution to the club in recent times. Birmingham become first EFL club to win promotion as Tom Brady’s club bounce back to Championship at first attempt”The performance at First Team and Academy level has been outstanding and all attention is on supporting the teams to finish the season strongly.”Further communication regarding next steps will be issued once appropriate.”Reading currently sit seventh in the third tier, one place below the final play-off spot.They are level on points with Leyton Orient, with just two games to play.Reading face Bristol Rovers and Barnsley in their final matches of the season.Should they gain promotion to the Championship, it would be the Royals’ first season at that level since 2023.Dai bought a 75 per cent stake in Reading in 2017, shortly after Jaap Stam’s side lost the Championship playoff final to Huddersfield.During his ownership, the Royals have been slapped with several points deductions, while in 2023 they were relegated to League One.Read More on The SunAmid fan protests, Dai put the club up for sale later that year.Earlier this month, SunSport revealed former Wycombe owner Rob Couhig had mounted a £25million takeover for the Berkshire club. More