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      Former Premier League captain and club cult hero, 36, wakes up unemployed as one of TEN players released

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      A FORMER Premier League captain has been left unemployed after his EFL club released ten players.Huddersfield finished the 2024-25 season tenth in League One after a horror run saw them drop out of play-off contention.Jonathan Hogg has been left unemployed after his release by HuddersfieldCredit: RexThe midfielder captained the Terriers in the Premier LeagueCredit: AFP or licensorsAnd less than 48 hours after the end of the campaign, the Terriers announced their retained list.But, crucially, club cult hero Jonathan Hogg has been let go after 12 years with Huddersfield. Hogg, 36, captained the Yorkshire club during their stint in the Premier League.The news of his departure at the end of his contract had already been confirmed.READ MORE ON EFLThat allowed him to bid farewell to his adoring Huddersfield supporters after the final game of the EFL season at home to Leyton Orient on Saturday. The club also let a further nine first-team stars go as their deals expired while goalkeeper Chris Maxwell retired. Huddersfield said: “As previously disclosed, club captain and legend Jonathan Hogg will wave goodbye to the club this summer following 12 distinguished years in blue and white. “Goalkeeper Chris Maxwell has also departed the club following his recent retirement.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Now at the conclusion of their contracts, we will also part ways with nine other players with senior appearances for the club across our First Team and B Team, with Danny Ward, Tom Lees, Matty Pearson, Ollie Turton, Josh Ruffels, Josh Koroma, Scott High, Loick Ayina and Conor Falls all set to depart with our sincere thanks for their service, and best wishes for the future.”Having unfortunately had his season cut short by an ACL injury, Ward will have the opportunity to continue his rehabilitation with the club until he is fit to move elsewhere.How Arsenal can beat PSG and reach the Champions League final “Conducting a full review of our footballing operations following the 2024/25 campaign, the club retains a desire to refresh the complexion of our First Team squad having fallen short of our targets this season. “Looking to head into the 2025/26 season reinvigorated, decisions have been made to allow full flexibility and freedom to any incoming Head Coach.”Huddersfield sacked manager Michael Duff in March after a run of four defeats in five league matches as the Terriers dropped out of the play-off places. Jon Worthington took interim charge for the remainder of the season to replace Duff, who came in after relegation from the Championship last May. More

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      Tom Youngs dead at 45: Former Cambridge star who battled MS dies as heartbroken tributes pour in

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      A FORMER Cambridge United striker has died aged 45 after a battle with MS.The Us confirmed the sad news that Tom Youngs passed away on Sunday at a hospice in Bury St Edmunds.Ex-Cambridge forward Tom Youngs has died aged 45Credit: GettyThe former footballer was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2014Credit: X/ TomYoungs1979Youngs was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2014 – 11 years after he left the club.He spent six years in Cambridge’s first team from 1997 to 2003 – scoring 48 goals in 180 appearances – having joined the academy aged ten. Youngs went on to have spells with Northampton, Leyton Orient, and Bury, playing for the Shakers while also studying a sports journalism degree. He also played for Stafford Rangers, Cambridge City, St Albans City, Norwich United and Mildenhall Town – where he was a player and assistant manager.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYoungs was forced to retire in 2011 aged 32 due to a serious hip injury.After hanging up his boots, the ex-footballer worked as an accountant for the brewery and pub company Greene King. In 2013, he noticed problems with his vision while watching a match as Mildenhall assistant.And the following year came his MS diagnosis. Most read in EFLYoungs is survived by his wife Chelle and two daughters. Cambridge released a statement on Monday to announce the tragic news.The League One club wrote: “The news of the death on Sunday of former Cambridge United forward Tom Youngs, at the tragically early age of 45, came as a shock to all connected with the club.”Tom, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2014, will be remembered as a gifted player who, with probing, darting runs, intelligent positioning and poise in front of goal, graced the Abbey Stadium between 1997 and 2003.”He signed YTS terms in 1996 while staying on at school to study for A levels, but showed such promise that a year later, at the age of 17, he bypassed the rest of his YTS stint and signed a two-year professional contract.”Rest in peace, Tom.”What is multiple sclerosis (MS)?Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex condition that affects the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. It’s an autoimmune disease, meaning the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the protective coating (myelin) around nerve fibres. This disrupts the flow of electrical signals and causes a range of symptoms that can vary wildly from person to person. The good news? MS isn’t a death sentence, and with advances in treatment, many people live full and active lives.In the UK, over 130,000 people are living with MS, and around 7,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. It’s typically diagnosed in people in their 20s and 30s, with women three times more likely to develop it than men. Despite its challenges, many with MS find strength and resilience they never thought possible.Common symptoms of MS are:Fatigue: Not your average tiredness—this is bone-deep exhaustion.Vision problems: Blurred or double vision, or even temporary vision loss.Numbness and tingling: Often in the face, arms, or legs.Muscle weakness: Making everyday tasks feel like climbing a mountain.Mobility issues: Trouble walking or balancing.Cognitive difficulties: Memory lapses or a “foggy” brain.Spasms and stiffness: Muscles that just won’t cooperate.Bladder and bowel problems: A less glamorous but common challenge.MS is unpredictable—you might have periods of remission where symptoms vanish, followed by flare-ups when they return. This “on-again, off-again” nature can be frustrating and means people can be in anticipation of a flare. While there’s no cure yet, treatments like disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), physiotherapy, and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms and slow progression. Fans and former team-mates took to social media to express their sorrow at Youngs’ passing and send best wishes and condolences to his family and loved ones.One said: “Very sad to read this. Played with Tom at Bury & he was a nice, very likeable fella. Even when he was at Bury, I remember him speaking very fondly about his time at Cambridge and how much he loved it there.”Another wrote: “That’s so sad. RIP Tom, thoughts with his family.”A third added: “Absolutely devastated, you will always be in our hearts.”Read More on The SunA fourth replied: “A bright intelligent young man and a bloody good footballer that wore our shirt with pride… sleep well ‘Tommy Youngs’ once a U…”And a final user commented: “That’s dreadful news – thoughts with his family and friends at this sad time.”Youngs joined the academy at Cambridge aged ten and made 180 first-team appearancesCredit: GettyHe was diagnosed while working as an accountant for Greene KingCredit: X/ CambridgeUtdFC More

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      How Wrexham was transformed from Spice-ridden hellhole to Welsh Hollywood as locals say ‘next stop’s the Premier League’

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      AMERICAN and Japanese tourists seek some Hollywood glamour when they make a pilgrimage to Rob Clarke’s second hand DVD shop.The owner of Mad4Movies happily pulls his cardboard cut-out of Deadpool actor and local club owner Ryan Reynolds for the football tourists as they soak up all things Wrexham AFC.Wrexham recently secured promotion to the ChampionshipCredit: GettyThe Welsh team’s success has thrown the town into a frenzyCredit: GettyRyan Reynolds watched them secure promotion along with his wife Blake LivelyCredit: GettyDad-of-two Rob, 47, has his own claim to fame as he starred in Disney+ documentary Welcome to Wrexham which charts the town’s incredible football fairytale.The club has just secured a third historic promotion after beating Charlton Athletic 3-0, taking them from non-league to the Championship and one step from the Premier League.In delirious scenes, the club’s owners Ryan, 48, and his fellow Hollywood actor Rob McElhenney hugged the players as the fans raced onto the pitch at their Racecourse Ground.Ryan was also joined by his Gossip Girl actress wife Blake Lively who also greeted fans in the stands.Read More FeaturesHer husband Ryan, 48, and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia actor Rob McElhenney bought the club for £2 million nearly five years ago with the lofty ambition of getting to the Premier League.Now the Welsh club, which was formed in 1864 and is the third oldest in the world, has an army of fans around the world.Foreign tourists fly in to take in a game and take coach tours of the former mining town.It’s a welcome turnaround for an area once dubbed ‘Spice Town’, after images emerged of people under the influence of drugs at its bus station, in 2018.Most read in ChampionshipIt was also found to have the highest number of rough sleepers in North Wales, with 57, in 2020.But the “Ryan and Rob effect” has meant the town is teeming with visitors – boosting the local economy and creating jobs. Danny Devito celebrates Wrexham’s last-gasp win over Barnsley as he watches from virtual stadium in LATourism and hospitality revenue has increased by £120m in just three years and is now worth £180 million.Many tourists beat a path to Mad4Movies, which also sells books, music CDs and tapes, as well as Wrexham postcards for £1.Lifelong fan Rob said: “Ryan and Rob came to the shop when they first bought the club.”They wanted to meet fans who’d supported the club for a long time.”They were lovely. Ryan said he’s never seen so many DVDs and then he said: ‘There must be one you’ve never sold, that’s been here for years?'”I told him: ‘Well, we won’t talk about the Green Lantern’. This is one of his flops.”Fortunately he laughed. To be fair he signed my copy of the film.”It read: ‘Apologies in advance, Ryan.’ That got in the documentary.”Rob added: “I can’t believe how far the club has come – it’s amazing.”A while ago we nearly went out of existence and we were only saved by a fan whip round which raised £100,000.”Now we have fans come in for coach tours so all over the world.”Prem dreamsWalking down the main shopping street in the town, one ex-player said he is stunned by the club’s transformation.DVD shop owner Rob Clarke met Reynolds and McElhenney when they first bought the clubCredit: iSKANDU AGENCY / SUN COMMISSIONTheir ownership of the club has been documented in the documentary Welcome to WrexhamCredit: GettyImages of Spice addicts in the bus station shocked the world in 2018Credit: Daily Post Wales/Gavin RoddaThe centre was dubbed ‘Spice Town’Credit: Daily Post WalesWinger Nick Hencher, 63, who played for the club in the 1985-86 season, said: “It’s great – it’s galvanised everybody.”It’s a massive season in the Championship as it’s a big step-up.”You never know, we might see four promotions in a row.”He added: “The club has changed a hell of a lot.”I enjoyed playing for them, it was a great experience for a local lad.”But it’s big time now and I’m still a small part of it, being chairman of the former players’ association.”So I just stay involved a little bit.”Match days, the town is buzzing with thousand of people here enjoying the limelight.”The last few years since Ryan and Rob took over, it’s just boomed in football and tourismJames VealOther fans cannot also believe the transformation of the club.Former builder Brian Roberts, 60, said: “Three promotions in a row – I never thought I’d see it.”It’s fantastic for the town.”Miners’ charity worker James Veal, 27, said: “There’s just this buzz around Wrexham,”The last few years since Ryan and Rob took over, it’s just boomed in football and tourism.”It just seems brighter, there’s more going on.”More people want to invest in the the town, there’s more shops, more restaurants, bars.”It’s fantastic to see the growth and what these two lads have brought to Wrexham.James Veal has noticed a huge boom in tourismCredit: iSKANDU AGENCY / SUN COMMISSIONWrexham were just a non-league club when it was purchased by the Hollywood starsCredit: PAEleanor Swash has met tourists from all over the worldCredit: iSKANDU AGENCY / SUN COMMISSION”Wrexham seemed to be on the up and just doing its own thing, but they have shone a spotlight and given it a good boost.”Shop worker Eleanor Swash, 18, works in a Wrexham AFC pop-up shop in the town.She said: “We got lots of tourists from all over – America, Canada, Germany and Japan.”It’s crazy really but it’s so good for the town.”A-list fansDad-of-four Ryan has recruited a host of his Hollywood friends to the Red Dragons causes including Danny DeVito and Will Ferrell.He even took Magic Mike star Channing Tatum to The Fat Boar pub on a Friday night in December and bought everyone a drink.Manager Sean Cooney, 35, said: “We got a phone call from their team who said they’d be here in half an hour.The Ryan and Rob effect seems to be getting bigger all the timeSean Cooney”They turned up and were lovely.”We had a singer performing and they got on the mic to say drinks were on them.”We then put them upstairs in a room.”He added: “This place has become closely associated with the team.”We get lots of tourists especially Canadian and Americans.”In fact we are getting more and more Americans.”The Ryan and Rob effect seems to be getting bigger all the time.”I mean it must be them as you don’t normally get many Americans coming to Wrexham on holiday.”Now fans are dreaming of a fourth promotion in a rowCredit: Instagram/Ryan ReynoldsBlake and Ryan love supporting the gamesCredit: InstagramFans piled round the stars to snap a picCredit: APRyan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bought the club for a mere £2millionCredit: GettyThe club itself is in a healthy financial position thanks to Rob and Ryan’s backing and shrewd deals.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 of the Championship clubs.The Red Dragons have now even been linked to some stellar Premier League players including Man Utd’s Jonny Evans and Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy.And the latest series of the Welcome to Wrexham doc is to be screened on May 16.Councillor Nigel Williams, Wrexham Council’s lead member for economy, business and tourism, said: “The impact of Ryan and Rob as well as the documentary has been phenomenal.Read More on The Sun”We used to go to trade fairs and people would see we were from Wrexham and just walk past.”Now they are beating down our door.”Ryan took Channing Tatum for a night out at The Fat BoarCredit: iSKANDU AGENCY / SUN COMMISSIONBusiness is booming in the centre of the townCredit: iSKANDU AGENCY / SUN COMMISSIONHow Ryan Reynolds has been watching Wrexham games in styleCO-OWNER Ryan Reynolds hasn’t been able to make it to Wrexham in recent weeks due to filming commitments.But that hasn’t stopped him from watching his team in style.Streaming the match on a laptop or even a TV was not grand enough for the Deadpool star as he worked on the set of his latest movie.With a giant green screen behind him, he could not resist broadcasting Wrexham’s recent game on to the huge projector.Reynolds and his crew watched on as the Welsh side notched their 23rd win of the season against Crawley Town.He looked enamoured as the game played on behind him while surrounding by various pieces of Hollywood machinery.And Reynolds captioned the moment: “Watching the Wrexham game at work: new level unlocked.”It’s not clear what project Reynolds was working on at the time, with the actor currently developing several new movies including sequels to smash hits Free Guy and Red Notice. 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      Let football fans drink alcohol in the stands again, demands Labour MP

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      FOOTBALL fans should be allowed to enjoy a pint in the stands while cheering on their team, an MP says.Labour’s Luke Charters wants designated drinking zones set aside in stadiums to allow supporters to have alcoholic drinks.Labour’s Luke Charters wants designated drinking zones set aside in stadiumsCredit: SuppliedAnd the Football Supporters’ Association has given its backing to the call by the MP for York Outer.Booze is currently prohibited from being consumed in sight of the pitch in the Premier League, English Football League and National League.But it is permitted further down the football league pyramid — and in other countries, such as Germany.Mr Charters said: “I think it’s time to reconsider the alcohol ban in view of the pitch, and at least try to run some trials of designated drinking zones.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL FANS“You can sit with a beer and watch the Bundesliga — so why can’t you have a pint while watching the Prem?“As a dad, I think it’s right that some parts of the ground should probably stay booze-free.“But let’s have a common-sense conversation about what we can do to make the matchday experience better — and back our great local breweries in the process.”The FSA backed Mr Charters’ call for drinking zone trials and said: “In the past, this is actually something many clubs have called for too.”Most read in FootballAlcohol can be sold on the concourse at games before and during matches but cannot be taken in to the stands.The ban has been in place in the men’s game since 1985.Shock moment ‘drunk’ football fans bellow crass chants at Ryanair hostess mid-flight and tell her to ‘get her t**s out’But trials allowing the consumption of alcohol in view of the pitch have taken place in the women’s game, which is not covered by the ban.Southampton, Birmingham City, Bristol City and Newcastle United took part this season.Mr Charters also tore into ticket prices and wants the £30 cap for away fans in the Premier League extended to the EFL and National League.He said: “Whether it’s clubs canning concessions or FA Cup Final ticket prices flying up, this fleecing of fans is blighting our beautiful game.”Football fans enjoy terrace drinking in 1984, one year before the banCredit: Getty More

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      EFL club sack manager after horror run of just one point in their final 10 games

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      BRISTOL ROVERS have confirmed that Ingo Calderon has been sacked.The EFL outfit swung the axe on the manager less than 24 hours following the end of the League One season.Bristol Rovers have sacked Inigo CalderonCredit: PAHe has called his time at the club a ‘true honour’Credit: RexCalderon, 43, oversaw a disastrous end of the season that saw the club win just ONE POINT in their final ten games.The Spaniard was only appointed in December having signed a two-and-a-half-year deal.However, following relegation to League Two, he has been sacked by the club.A statement read: “Bristol Rovers can confirm that Inigo Calderon has departed his position as Men’s first team Head Coach. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”Miguel Llera, who has been assisting in the coaching department since March, has also left the Club.”Everyone at Bristol Rovers would like to thank Inigo and Miguel for their hard work, dedication and commitment and wish them both every success in their respective future careers.”A thorough process to recruit a replacement is underway and the club will be making no further comment at this time.”Calderon has also released his own statement following the decision.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe insisted that it was a “true honour” to lead the club and paid tribute to the fans.He wrote: “This is my time as Bristol Rovers manager.Football’s weirdest contract clauses revealed including non-Arsenal agreement and a private jet promiseHe spent six years at Brighton during his playing daysCredit: Getty Images – Getty”It has been a true honour and pleasure to have been part of this great club, obviously without the results I would have liked and that this club deserves, but still the pride and clear conscience of having tried everything possible to achieve the best.”Boxing Day at Exeter, the first home game on New Year’s Day, my family celebrating from the stands, the first win at Cambridge, the unconditional support in away games, and especially the games played at the Mem are unforgettable moments that I will always remember.”I’ve always said that a club is made great by the fans and the people who work behind the scenes, and this club is giant.”It’s a time for unity. I can only reiterate my gratitude to the entire Gasheads family, fans, players, staff, board. Now more than ever.”Calderon started his career as a player at Deportivo Alavés.He left Spain for England in 2010 as he joined Brighton and Hove Albion.He played a key role at the Seagulls as he helped them win promotion to the Championship in 2011.He spent six years on the South Coast before having spells with Anorthosis and Chennaiyin before retiring.Read More on The SunBristol Rovers was his first job as a manager and it came to an end after losing to 4-1 to Blackpool on Saturday.The club had already seen their relegation confirmed on Tuesday after Burton Albion drew with Wigan. More

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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