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      I’ve tried for the last three years to join Wrexham but I think my surname will stop me, admits ex-Premier League star

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      FORMER Premier League ace James Chester revealed he tried to sign for Wrexham three times but suggested he got knocked back because of his SURNAME.Chester, 35, appears to have been lured by the Red Dragons’ rise under Hollywood celebrity owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in the last four years.James Chester tried to sign for Wrexham three times but got knocked back because of his surnameCredit: GettyChester is impressed by Wrexham’s rise under Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenneyCredit: GettyThe centre-back, who currently plays for Salford in League Two, seems keen to add his Premier League and international experience to the League One outfit.The-ex Wales international played for Hull, West Brom and Aston Villa in the English top flight and helped his nation make the Euro 2016 semi-finals.However, he suggested a move to Wrexham may never happen due to having the same surname as the club’s most hated rivals CHESTER FC.The Welshman got that impression when he visited the Racecourse with former club Barrow last season as he claims he received immense stick from the home fans.Read More on FootballChester told BBC’s Feast of Football podcast: “The last time I was here last season, I expected that with the Welsh connection I might get a reasonable reception.“But I think because of the name on the back of my shirt, I got more abuse than I did any niceties. “I got a bit of stick along the lines of my name and being on the pitch in Wrexham.”When asked if he ever wanted to sign for the Red Dragons, Chester added: “I’ve tried for the last three seasons.”Most read in FootballThe centre-half started out at Manchester United’s academy but only made one senior appearance in 2009.United loaned him out to the likes of Peterborough, Plymouth and Carlisle.Major A-list celebs Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney expand Wrexham empire with new breweryAfter playing for Hull, West Brom and Villa he had a brief stint with Stoke and Derby.He then moved down the divisions, first signing for Barrow and then Salford. More

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      Controversial Wrexham star James McClean has special permission to break EFL rules for his own safety

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      JAMES McCLEAN has been given special permission to break EFL rules to avoid being abused by rival fans. The Wrexham star, 35, is regularly targeted by opposition supporters when he goes off the pitch.The EFL are giving James McClean special dispensation to break football lawsCredit: RexThe Wrexham winger is regularly targetted by abuse and missiles by rival fansCredit: ReutersFootball laws since 2019-20 state a player being substituted must leave the field by the nearest sideline – rather than trudging over to the dugouts – to speed up play and reduce time wasting.However, that has sparked a series of incidents with McClean clashing with supporters when taken off.That included seeing a cup of Bovril thrown at him against Birmingham and he appeared to blow kisses at Mansfield fans earlier this month. Now the EFL have stepped in to allow McClean and any other players at similar risk an exemption help them avoid further flashpoints.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHaving liaised with Wrexham and the PGMOL – the body of referees – the EFL have circulated a letter advising clubs of the measure put in place for stars – including but not exclusively the former Sunderland, Wigan, West Brom and Stoke winger.As reported by the Daily Mail, the new directive came in an email to club safety officers as the EFL wrote: “You will be aware that James McClean is often on the receiving end of abuse from some sections of support.”This has, in the past, resulted in FA sanctions against the Club due to the chanting becoming racially, or religiously motivated and therefore, classed as a hate crime. “Missiles have also been thrown.Most read in EFL”It has now been agreed that on occasions in the future when Mr McClean has to leave the field of play, for whatever reason, he will leave by the shortest route towards the tunnel. “This process will help to reduce these incidents and also help to manage Mr McClean’s departure from the pitch without incident.”Chelsea and Wrexham stars Levi Colwill and James McClean fight just two minutes into pre-season friendly McClean has never shied away from controversy during his career and hit the headlines once again in recent weeks over his poppy stance.The 103-cap Ireland international decides not to wear a poppy on his shirt in the fixtures leading up to Remembrance Day each year.That is because his hometown of Derry was the site of the 1972 Bloody Sunday massacre which saw 14 unarmed civilians killed by British soldiers.And he feels wearing a poppy shows disrespect to those who died during the Troubles.However, he has stated he would be willing to join the majority of footballers by having the red flower on his jersey if it was solely to show respect to those who died during the World Wars. McClean stood apart from his Wrexham team-mates for the minute of silence before the 1-0 win over Mansfield. The veteran helped Wrexham win promotion last season and was seen revelling in the Welsh club’s fans’ anti-monarchy song about him – just weeks after future king Prince William visited the Racecourse Ground. McClean is, of course, not the only footballer who has been on the receiving end of abuse from opposition fans.Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri taunted the passionate Leeds faithful in the closing stages of the Clarets’ win at Elland Road in September, leading to a furious reaction. However, the ex-Manchester United man certainly played his part in the animosity on that occasion.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd the EFL cited the “racially or religiously-motivated hate crimes” surrounding McClean prompting the unprecedented dispensation.But SunSport understands should other players be at a similar safety risk like McClean, they too would be subject to the relaxed rules for their protection. A cup of Bovril was launched at McClean at St Andrew’s in SeptemberCredit: ReutersHe stood apart from his team-mates during the minute of silence for Remembrance DayCredit: PA More

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      Chelsea slam ‘unacceptable’ homophobic comments aimed at Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis after pregnancy news

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      CHELSEA have hit out at “homophobic” remarks directed at Sam Kerr and her partner Kristie Mewis after the couple announced they are expecting a baby. On Monday, the Blues star took to Instagram to reveal that West Ham midfielder Mewis is pregnant, with their child expected in 2025. Sam Kerr is working her way back to fitness from an anterior cruciate ligament injury she sustained in JanuaryCredit: GettyKerr announced she and her partner Kristie Mewis are expecting a baby togetherCredit: Instagram / samanthakerr20Kerr and Mewis are expecting their first child together with their baby due to be born next yearCredit: PAThe post featured black and white photos of the couple with Kerr seen pointing towards her fiancee’s stomach.An accompanying message which read “Mewis-Kerr baby incoming”.The duo, who got engaged last year, were also pictured holding up an ultrasound image. While several WSL players and coaches, including West Ham boss Rehanne Skinner, took to X and Instagram to congratulate the couple, other social media accounts posted vile remarks.Read More Football StoriesAnd Kerr, who is working her way back to fitness from a knee ligament tear sustained in January, was forced to block comments on her post soon after the announcement was published. And WSL leaders Chelsea have now hit out at the “hateful homophobic” remarks.In a statement shared today, they said: “Chelsea Football Club is aware of recent unacceptable and hateful homophobic comments published across various social media platforms.”There is no place in society for any form of discrimination and we will not accept any abuse directed towards our players, staff or supporters.Most read in Football”We are extremely proud to be a diverse, inclusive club that celebrates and welcomes people from all cultures, communities and identities.”A supporters group for Blues fans in the LGBTQ community described the comments directed at Kerr as “heart-breaking and infuriating”. In a post shared via their account on X, Chelsea Pride wrote: “Homophobia has no place in football, at Chelsea, or in our society. “It’s heartbreaking and infuriating to see social media flooded with hateful comments when we should be celebrating love, pride and unity. “Over the weekend, our club was forced to shut down comments and even delete posts. England boss Sarina Wiegman says the homophobic abuse aimed Kerr and Mewis is “disappointing”Credit: Alamy”Posts that should have been shining moments of joy, from the powerful symbolism of Rainbow Laces, to the incredible news that Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis will welcome a child in 2025. “We refuse to stand by in silence. “We fight for a football world where every player, fan and family can live openly and be celebrated, without fear or prejudice.” More

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      Spanish newspaper’s XI of best U18 starlets in 2016 goes viral with forgotten English prodigy and ‘9 of them top tier’

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      A 2016 best XI of wonderkids has gone viral on social media – and nine of them have hit the heights.But one English-born ace has fallen off the radar and now plies his trade with an unfashionable German outfit.Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard was among the most promising talents at the timeCredit: GettyArsenal’s Kieran Tierney was also part of the list during his success at CelticCredit: GettyMarca predicted Europe’s best Under-18 talents in 2016Spanish newspaper Marca put together the best XI of Under-18 talents in Europe back eight years ago.Among them was an unknown Monaco kid called Kylian Mbappe, who is now considered by many as the best in the world.In the 2016 version, the now-Real Madrid superstar was joined by Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal.Donnarumma had just taken football by storm with AC Milan before moving to PSG – where he played with Mbappe – in 2021.Read More on FootballRomanian Cristian Manea was at right-back with Arsenal ace Kieran Tierney on the other side, with Liverpool’s Joe Gomez and forgotten England prospect Reece Oxford at centre-back.Rapid Bucharest’s Manea was playing for Belgian outfit Mouscron, on loan from Apollon Limassol, but got lost in the shuffle as did Oxford, who was a revelation at West Ham before joining Augsburg.Gomez is a utility defender for the Reds, while Tierney’s success at Celtic has yet to be replicated at the Emirates due to a raft of injury set-backs.Renato Sanches, Youri Tielemans and Ruben Neves formed the midfield.Most read in FootballSanches was considered the next big thing during his successful stint at Benfica but failed to live up to expectations and even endured a painful loan stint at Swansea.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe midfielder is currently on PSG’s books but returned to Benfica on loan in his bid to rediscover his old form.Tielemans played for Anderlecht at the time and went on to enjoy success with Leicester – where he won the FA Cup – and current club Aston Villa, who are standing out in the Champions League.Meet Ayden Heaven: Arsenal’s next William SalibaNeves burst onto the scene with Porto and became a star at Wolves but has dropped from the spotlight after moving to Saudi Arabia for Al-Hilal.Mbappe was joined by Martin Odegaard and Dominic Solanke up-front.Odegaard was struggling for minutes at Real after his major move from Norwegian outfit Stromsgodset, where he emerged as one of the world’s most promising wonderkids.But the playmaker found his groove at Arsenal and quickly earned the captain’s armband.Solanke played for Vitesse at the time on loan from Chelsea, where he failed to earn a permanent spot and endured a disappointing stint at Liverpool.But the striker showed exactly why there was so much hype around his name with a stunning spell at Bournemouth, which led to a big move to Tottenham last summer.Mixed fan reactionMbappe dominated at Monaco and earned a big move to PSG where he quickly developed into one of the world’s biggest stars and ultimately completed a highly-anticipated move to Real.Fans were left in awe by that nostalgic post, which received some mixed reaction.One fan posted: “Pretty good tbf.”Another commented: “I miss Kieran Tierney.”A third wrote: “As a West Ham fan, Reece Oxford not fulfilling his potential was so sad.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThis fan wrote: “9 out of the 11 are top tier.”And that one stated: “Not a bad return to be fair.” More

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      Roy Keane is devoted doting dad of five children including one girl engaged to England star and another who makes cereal

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      ROY Keane is a proud family man.While he may have intimidated rivals on the pitch as Manchester United captain in the 90s and 00s, and be as fierce a pundit there is on the box, he’s soft when it comes to his kids and grandkids.Roy Keane poses with wife of 20 plus years, TheresaOver the years, Keane has been a doting dad to five kidsKeane has also showered his grandkids with plenty of attentionThanks to his Instagram account, the former Premier League hardman has given us a glimpse into his life.From celebrating his daughters on their birthdays to enjoying dressing up as cartoon characters on grandad duty, SunSport looks at Keane’s family life.And that includes a Premier League footballer who scored recently against his beloved Republic of Ireland.His wifeKeane has been married to Theresa for over 20 years and they share five children together – Shannon, Caragh, Aidan, Leah and Alanna.Read more football news The pair met in 1992, when the midfielder was playing for Nottingham Forest under Brian Clough.”I spotted a beautiful girl in a club in town. Her name was Theresa Doyle but she blanked me,” Keane once revealed of his encounter with the Nottingham-born beauty.”She was in a steady relationship and didn’t seem at all impressed by Roy Keane, the great footballer. In fact, I think my reputation was as a downer for all kinds of reasons.”From time to time we ran into each other around Nottingham. I knew some of her friends, who told me Theresa was a dentist’s assistant.Most read in Football”Eventually, after her relationship broke up, she relented and we went out together. I was in love.”Roy Keane in heartfelt tribute to future son-in-law Taylor Harwood-Bellis after ‘bittersweet’ England goal vs Ireland_1Back in 2021, he celebrated her birthday by cheekily cutting off half of her image in an Instagram selfie.He captioned the photo: “Happy birthday to my first wife x”Successful daughtersKeane has five children with Theresa, including four daughters.Caragh, 28, is the second oldest of their brood.At the age of 25, Caragh was forced to turn down a “dream teaching position” after being diagnosed with lupus – a chronic autoimmune condition that results in severe inflammation.Caragh was told she may need to undergo chemotherapy after developing extreme joint pains and blisters.But, after researching the linked between gut health and inflammation, she changed to a healthy diet.And three years later, with her lupus conditions now a thing of the past, Caragh has released a cereal that encourages gut health and avoids processed ingredients.Dad Keane has even been promoting the snack, gifting it to colleagues including Ian Wright and Gary Neville on the Stick to Football podcast.Keane celebrates daughter ‘No2’ Caragh’s graduationCaragh struggled with Lupus when she was 25 and had to forget her dream jobInstead, Caragh created a cereal that promotes gut healthAlanna Keane works as a spin specialist and laster therapist at clinic in Altrinchamread more sport featuresHe said: “My daughter Caragh has got a company with health stuff. I am proud, very proud.”Keane’s youngest daughter, Alanna – who he affectionally calls No5 on social media – has branched out on her own.She works as a skin specialist and laser therapist at the Little Cheshire Clinic in Altrincham, Greater Manchester. Only son Aiden Keane prefers to keep a low-profile, as does Shannon his eldest offspring.Footballer in the familyIt was bound to happen.Daughter “No4”, Leah has fallen for the charms of a Premier League footballer.She has dated Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who recently made his debut for England against Republic of Ireland, for around five years, according to reports.The pair recently got engaged, and Harwood-Bellis celebrated with a goal on his Three Lions debut.ITV host Mark Pougatch joked to Keane in the studio that the Southampton defender will be bringing his goal up over Christmas dinner, especially because it took the Irishman three years to score for Boys in Green.Leah Keane has fallen for the charms of a Premier League footballerLeah has been dating ex-Man City youngster Taylor Harwood-BellisHarwood-Bellis celebrates scoring against the Republic of IrelandKeane affectionately calls daughter Leah ‘No4′ on InstagramBut Keane Sr, who may have already started writing his father-of-the-bride speech ahead of their upcoming wedding, immediately quipped back: “Bittersweet for me, this.”It [the wedding] is not done and dusted yet!”Things can change very quickly in the Keane household.”No, he’s a really nice kid, his family have done a good job.”It’s nice for him, it’s good for him, he’s a bit of a goal threat.”Doting grandadFor all his toughness and talk, Keane can be a big softy.And he will do anything for his grandchildren, who absolutely dotes on and shares family time on his brilliant Instagram account.Including dressing up as animated puppy Chase from popular kids’ cartoon Paw Patrol.Captioning the snap of him in a giant dog costume, Keane quipped he’s only doing it to pay for his pool heating bill.Inside Keane and Haaland’s feudRoy Keane’s feud with the Haaland family seemingly began all the way back in 2001 when Keane hit Alfe Inge Haaland, Erling’s father, with a horror tackle.After a barren spell for Haaland earlier this season, Keane said: “The levels of his general play are so poor. He has to improve that. He is almost like a League Two player.”Keane upgraded him to a “Championship” player after Haaland scored against Nottingham Forest.After scoring four against Wolves, Haaland said: “I don’t care about that man.”But Keane highlighted Haaland’s behaviour when he was subbed off, saying he behaved “like a spoiled brat”.Sky Sports presenter Dave Jones caught the wrath of Keane’s death stare when he dared to question that label considering his quartet of goals.Keane loves playing the part of granddadTo amuse his grandkids Keane dressed as Paw Patrol character ChaseKeane was brilliant player, is a great pundit, and amazing granddad tooHe joked: “Available for party hire. I don’t like parties or kids but the pool needs heating.”READ MORE SUN STORIESKeane also joked about his granddaughter idolising him, and took a grandson to see Sing 2 in the cinema.Brilliant player, great pundit, better family man. More

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      Roy Keane’s daughter Leah pictured with England ace Taylor Harwood-Bellis for first time as cute throwback pic emerges

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      ENGLAND star Taylor Harwood-Bellis has been pictured with his fiancee Leah Keane for the first time.The 22-year-old recently got engaged to Leah, who is the daughter of Manchester United legend Roy Keane.An old photo of Leah Keane (C) and Taylor Harwood-Bellis (R) has resurfaced on social mediaCredit: X @beckybellisxLeah is the daughter of Man Utd legend Roy KeaneCredit: GettyHarwood-Bellis made his England debut at the weekendCredit: GettyThe couple have kept their relationship private over the years, but an old image resurfaced online this week in the wake of Harwood-Bellis’ Three Lions debut.It dates back to 2019 and was posted by the defender’s twin sister, who joked she was “third wheeling” while out for a meal.In the photo, Harwood-Bellis and Leah are seen enjoying some drinks at a restaurant.After earning his first senior England call-up, the Southampton ace revealed he was with Leah when he found out the news from interim boss Lee Carsley.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “I couldn’t quite believe it at first. It was a feeling of pride. I was with my partner.”Then I phoned my dad and he was very proud, the fact I had played for England through the age groups and now I was in the seniors. All my family were delighted.”One of the first people to message was Aaron Ramsdale, he messaged straight away. He’s one of my mates at Southampton.”Harwood-Bellis was handed his England debut against Ireland on Sunday.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe capped off the experience with a goal just 17 minutes after being introduced as a substitute.It was a bitter-sweet moment for father-in-law Keane, who later told ITV Sport: “It’s nice for him, it’s good for him to make his debut.Taylor Harwood-Bellis discusses being called up for the England squad for the first time “He is a really kid good and his family have done a great job.”But asked by presenter Mark Pougatch about the defender joining his family, Keane joked: “It’s not done and dusted yet, things can change really quickly in the Keane household.” More

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      Sliding doors moment saw Antony join Man Utd instead of Liverpool after Klopp looked to sign him as Salah replacement

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      LIVERPOOL almost moved to sign Manchester United flop Antony as a replacement for Mo Salah.The pair both play in the same position at two of the country’s biggest teams.Liverpool almost signed Antony before he joined Man UtdCredit: GettyThe Brazilian was lined up by Jurgen Klopp as a replacement for Mo SalahCredit: RexBut while one cost an eye-watering amount of money, the other has bagged an incredible amount of goals.Salah was deemed pricey at £36million when he joined Liverpool from Roma in 2017.The Egyptian had previously struggled in England with Chelsea.But an amazing debut season saw Salah immediately silence the doubters with 44 goals in all competitions.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe has since gone on to net 221 goals in 366 games for Liverpool.But The Times claims Salah nearly left Anfield two summers ago.The forward’s contract was nearing its end and Liverpool were struggling to meet his demands.It’s reckoned then-Reds boss Jurgen Klopp sounded out Ajax’s Brazilian winger Antony as Salah’s replacement.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSYet a move never occurred after Liverpool eventually stumped up the cash required to extend their star man’s deal.The decision, taken by Fenway Sports Group’s president Mike Gordon, proved to be an extremely astute one.Ruben Amorim takes charge of first Man Utd training sessionSalah has netted an incredible 65 goals since penning his new contract.While in the same time, Antony has managed a return of just 12.He entered the world of English football the same summer Salah signed on after Man United came calling.Erik ten Hag paid £88m to be reunited with his old Ajax star.But Antony’s time in the Premier League has been full of struggles.He has featured in just two of United’s 11 league games this season.And Antony’s future is likely to become even less clear under new manager Ruben Amorim, who does not play with natural wingers in his 3-4-3 system. More

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      Former Inter Milan star Guarin reveals he drank 70 beers in one night and slept with ‘any girl’ at his lowest point

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      FORMER Inter Milan star Fredy Guarin has revealed how he spiralled out of control and would drink 70 beers in one night at one point in his career.The Colombian retired in 2021 after a 15-year career that took in stints at Inter as well as Porto and SH Shenua.Fredy Guarin admitted he struggled with alcoholism throughout his careerCredit: AP:Associated PressHe made 141 appearances for Inter, scoring 22, and won 58 caps for his country.But his alcoholism prevented him from reaching his potential and even cost him his place in the Inter team, leading to his exit in 2016.Guarin told Caracol Televisión: “I started to make a name for myself in Italy and I was already having problems off the pitch. “At first I managed it well: I would get drunk two days before the match, then go out on the pitch, score one or two goals and the team would win. I think I lacked awareness.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I drank at home, in the club, in the restaurant, I already had my family and that was s*** because I knew I was making mistakes, both at work and with family responsibilities. “I failed in all objectives, footballing and personal. I was totally lost in alcohol, and they told me through my agent that I could no longer stay in Milan.”His drinking habits got worse when the Covid pandemic hit during his time at Vasco da Gama, which resulted in Guarin drinking up to 70 beers a night.The 38-year-old even attempted suicide after reaching the point where he sought danger and did not care about hurting himself.Most read in FootballHe continued: “For the first six months I felt like the happiest person in the world, then Covid came, the separation from my wife, and I drank 50, 60 or 70 beers in one night. “The pandemic came, there was no training, no group, no football. I went to the favelas, [slept] with any girl without protection, I totally abandoned myself. I looked for danger, adrenaline, I wanted to see weapons and nothing worried me. I spent 10 days totally drunk.”Shocking moment blood-soaked ex-Inter Milan star Fredy Guarin is arrested by cops after ‘assaulting parents’ “I lived on the 17th floor and I had no attachment to life. My reaction was to throw myself out of the window. There was a net, I jumped and it sent me back, but I didn’t realize anything. “I didn’t understand what I was doing, I don’t know what happened. I got to the point where nothing interested me and I didn’t care about hurting myself.”WHERE TO GET HELP YOU NEEDIF you are ever worried that someone’s life is in immediate danger, call 999 or go directly to the emergency services.For anyone in crisis, struggling to cope or needing immediate help, use the Shout Crisis text line (text 85258) or The Samaritans (call 116 123) – which are both available 24/7, 365 days a year.CALM offer a confidential helpline (0800 585858) and livechat, both available from 5pm to midnight.Visit nhs.uk/mental-health/ to find NHS mental health support near you, and how to self-refer for talking therapies, such as CBT and counselling for mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, panic, OCD and more.Visit the Movember website for more advice on men’s health and recommended support groups, organisations and charities.Movember Conversations is an online tool that helps you practise difficult conversations with pretend scenarios. More