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    Wrexham clash descends into huge brawl at full-time as tempers flare after fiery League One clash

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    WREXHAM and Bristol Rovers players got into a heated brawl after their League One clash came to an end.The Red Dragons and Rovers played out a 1-1 draw after Promise Omochere cancelled out Elliot Lee’s opener at the Memorial Stadium.Wrexham and Bristol Rovers players got into a heated brawlCredit: RexWrexham and Bristol Rovers played out a 1-1 drawCredit: RexAn intense altercation between Steven Fletcher and James Wilson led to a fiery rowCredit: RexThankfully the fracas between the two sides didn’t last longCredit: RexWrexham ace Lee opened the scoring after just 18 minutes but the hosts managed to find an answer four minutes before full-time.However, an intense altercation between the visitors’ Steven Fletcher and Bristol Rovers’ James Wilson led to a fiery row between both teams.Both sides tried to separate the two players and for a moment tensions flared up.But thankfully the fracas didn’t last long and the two opponents made their way down the tunnel.Read More on FootballWrexham are now third in the League One table after their draw in Bristol.Phil Parkinson’s men are tied in points with second-placed Birmingham and trail leaders Wycombe by two.Bristol Rovers, on the other hand, are 19th with five points off the bottom three.This is Wrexham’s second consecutive draw after playing out a 2-2 tie with Cambridge United last week.Most read in EFLThe game with Cambridge brought an end to a winning streak of five games across all competitions.Wrexham are looking for an immediate Championship promotion under Hollywood superstar owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.Wrexham stars including ex-Premier League ace party with Hollywood hunk Channing Tatum after Cambridge drawThe Welsh outfit made it to League One just a year after their return to the EFL. More

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      Phil Foden gave me a footballing lesson I’ll never forget – now I’m making my own way under Man Utd legend

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      FINN AZAZ was shown the way to the top by Phil Foden.And the Middlesbrough midfielder hopes to join Manchester City’s England superstar in the Premier League next year by completing an EFL hat-trick of promotions.Phil Foden and his Man City team-mates taught Finn Azaz a footballing lessonCredit: AlamyBut Azaz is now aiming to get revenge but first needs to earn a promotion with Michael Carrick’s MiddlesbroughCredit: GettyAzaz, 24, went up from League Two with Cheltenham in 2021 and then League One in 2023 at Plymouth — who Boro visit today.And he can keep his biennial promotion streak going by helping Middlesbrough into the Prem. During his stint at Cheltenham he played against Foden in the 2020-21 FA Cup — and the Robins gave Pep Guardiola’s stars a fright, leading through an Alfie May goal until the 81st minute.But late strikes from Foden, Gabriel Jesus and Ferran Torres spared City’s blushes.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAzaz admits that match taught him a lesson. He said: “I’ve always wanted to play in the Premier League but that day showed me the gap I had to bridge if I was ever going to make it.“I did well and realised that although these are guys you’re watching every week on TV, they’re just normal people when playing them.“But it was an eye-opener. Foden was wearing moulds and the pitch was terrible that day. Yet he showed incredible balance.“I never get cramps — but that day I did! All that taught me I must do a lot better if I want to reach that level. That was my first season playing men’s football and to win League Two was special.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I grew so much as a person and the manager Michael Duff showed so much trust to play me.”Azaz — who did not play a competitive game for Aston Villa in three years there — was on loan at Argyle 12 months ago, where he scored 15 goals and made 15 assists in 67 games.Manchester City’s Phil Foden shuns posh holiday for £100 tent at a £14-a-day fishing lake in the CotswoldsAnd he has had a fantastic 2024 since deciding to join Michael Carrick’s Boro in January for £2million.Not only has he been a key cog for the  Teessiders — reflected by him winning the Sky Bet Championship player of the month for November — but he has broken into the Republic of Ireland team too.He said: “I find it hard to reflect on a year while you’re still in the moment. “I came here to help get this team promoted but we weren’t able to do that last season — so that’s the target come May. That’s all I’m thinking about.“And with the Republic of Ireland, the goal is to reach the 2026 World Cup. So everything is a work in progress.”He says his game has kicked on since moving to the Riverside, with 14 goal contributions this season (six goals, eight assists) — only  Norwich’s Borja Sainz has more (15 goals, two assists) in the Championship.Plus he is one of only two players with five goals and five assists in the division, along with Sheffield United’s Gustavo Hamer. His assist tally is the most in the division.And he credits Carrick as a huge influence.The former Manchester United, West Ham, Tottenham and England ace has slowly got Boro moving in the right direction since taking over two years ago — and holds an impressive 50 per cent win record.Azaz explained: “The manager is detailed and the tempo of the sessions is unreal. You must be on it all the time.“He has made sure everyone knows their job and what is expected of them in training. There is a lot of trust from players to management.“The boss demands high standards but he’s also calm in his approach. The way he explains things I really like.“Every manager I’ve worked with has been different but from an experience point of view from playing, he’s far and away the best.”Azaz believes the team spirit at the Riverside has been particularly impressive, with a strong bond among his team-mates.He added: “We’re always doing stuff together. We have a pool table, two table tennis tables and darts at the training ground.“You will still see some of the players shooting pool at 4pm. Most changing rooms I’ve been involved in want to get off but here people stay.“Dan Barlaser is a good pool player — but I’ve got his number. I’m decent, I take my time and it frustrates the opponent.”Azaz has an interesting family background — son of an Israeli mother and an Irish father.He enjoys visiting Israel and said: “I love doing all the cultural stuff. I’ve been to  Jerusalem and gone to the desert.“But Tel Aviv is my favourite. It’s such a vibrant city. The beaches are unreal.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAzaz has already made a New Year’s resolution: “To be present in 2025.”He could well be so — in the Premier League. More

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      Premier League cult hero Lee Cattermole promoted to interim manager just one WEEK after joining club

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      LEE CATTERMOLE has been promoted to interim manager at Bristol Rovers following the sacking of Matt Taylor.The manager and assistant Wayne Carlisle were axed from their roles, with the club slumped in 20th in League One.Lee Cattermole has been made interim manager at Bristol RoversCredit: BRISTOL ROVERSCattermole played over 200 times for SunderlandCredit: PA:Empics SportAs a result, Cattermole, along with David Horseman, have been handed the responsibility of being interim managers.Their promotion was announced as part of the sacking of Taylor.They will stay in the role while Rovers undertakes a “thorough recruitment process” for a new manager.A statement read: “Bristol Rovers FC can confirm that Manager Matt Taylor and assistant manager Wayne Carlisle have been relieved of their first team duties.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The club would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Matt and Wayne for all their hard work during their time with Bristol Rovers, and we wish them both every success in their respective future careers.”David Horseman and Lee Cattermole will take interim responsibility for first-team football duties while the club undertakes a thorough recruitment process for a new first-team manager.”Cattermole, 36, only joined the club last week in what was his first permanent coaching role since hanging up his boots.The Premier League cult hero was hired to focus on the development and implementation of set pieces.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe will now be taking charge of all the training along with the help of Horseman.During his playing days, he spent a decade with Sunderland and made 262 appearances.Football teams that controversially changed their badgeHe also featured for the likes of Middlesbrough and Wigan Athletic.He hung up his boots for the last time four years ago after a short spell with Dutch side VVV-Venlo.Cattermole’s first game in the hotseat will be the home clash against Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham on December 21.This will be followed by away trips to Exeter City and Stevenage before the end of the year.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Title-winning memorabilia of Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham being sold for staggering £100,000 on eBay

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      WREXHAM promotion-winning memorabilia was reportedly being sold on eBay for £100,000.The Red Dragons have enjoyed back-to-back promotions from the National League to League One under the Hollywood ownership of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.Memorabilia from Wrexham’s last two promotions was reportedly put on eBayCredit: PAThe listing seemingly featured three match-worn shirts and two medalsCredit: EBayThe price increased from £40,000 to virtually £100,000Credit: eBayTheir return to League Two in 2023 ended their 15-year absence from the EFL. The fairytale story has attracted a wave of interest on both sides of the Atlantic due to the American links – thanks in no small part to the popular Disney+ doc Welcome To Wrexham.And, according to the Daily Mail, one unnamed Wrexham player was offering a superfan the chance to get their hands on the ultimate signed goodies.It is claimed a private seller, called “2013goods” had placed three Macron match-worn red home Wrexham shirts up for sale on eBay. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTwo of those were seemingly from last season – with one signed by the squad – while the third was from the previous campaign.Alongside the shirts were two medals – one with the Vanarama ribbon from the National League title success and the other with the SkyBet branding from their League Two promotion when they finished as runners-up. The private seller, who allegedly has sold 81 items with a 100 per cent positive rating, described the listing: “This is an amazing opportunity for football fans to own a piece of history. “The owners Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney Wrexham AFC Official Promotion Medals 22/23 23/24, along with the match jerseys and signed top, make this a must-have for any collector of sports memorabilia.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”This unique item is perfect for fans original piece signed by the players themselves. “The memorabilia includes signed shirt, making it a valuable addition to any collection. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to own a piece of football history.”I’ve tried for the last three years to join Wrexham but I think my surname will stop me, admits ex-Premier League star James Chester The Mail report adds that the items were initially put up for sale for £40,000.However, it was then said to have been bumped up to 1p shy of £100,000 with a delivery charge of £13.35 on top of the six-figure sum.It is claimed 54 eBay users were watching the listing that was only available as a “buy now” option and no bidding auction. However, the post is unable to be found by the public and the Mail claim it has ended.But the report does not state whether the unavailability is because the items were purchased for the £99,999.99 price or if the listing was removed and deleted by the seller. Wrexham could be on course for a hat-trick of successive promotions this season.They currently sit third in League One, just two points behind leaders Wycombe and one off Birmingham. Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds oversaw the return to the EFL after 15 yearsCredit: GettyIt is unclear who was selling the items and whether they were bought or the listing was deletedCredit: AlamyWrexham are looking to make it three promotions on the bounceCredit: PA More

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      English manager SACKED by EFL club in shock move with fans left in disbelief as 84-word statement released

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      DES BUCKINGHAM has been SACKED from role as Oxford United manager.The Championship strugglers confirmed his exit on social media.Des Buckingham has been sacked by Oxford UnitedCredit: GettyBuckingham, 39, helped the club get promoted from League One after being appointed last season.However, his time in charge of the club came to an end following the 3-1 defeat to Sheffield on Wednesday at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday.A statement read: “Oxford United can confirm that Des Buckingham has left his role as men’s first team head coach.”Des was appointed in November 2023 and led the club to promotion to the EFL Sky Bet Championship at the end of the 2023/24 season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The club would like to place on record its thanks to Des for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future.”The appointment of a new head coach will be confirmed in due course.”Fans have been left in disbelief over Buckingham’s departure from the club.One posted: “You’ve lost your minds.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA second wrote: “Not impressed with that.”A third commented: “Completely unexpected but got to see who the next guy in is and support them.”Football teams that controversially changed their badgeA fourth said: “Well, that’s ruined my enthusiasm for this season. We must have an incredible name lined up as a replacement. Otherwise, we’re going to look silly.”Another added: “Well that’s a decision I can’t get my head around.”Oxford’s last win under Buckingham came in the 1-0 victory over Hull City on November 5.Since then, the club has lost five of six matches, including a 6-2 drubbing by Middlesborough.In October he was forced to have medical attention after the draw with Derby County.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Tom Brady’s Birmingham lining up another big name signing with former England star set for January loan transfer

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      BURNLEY star Nathan Redmond is a surprise target for ambitious Birmingham.Redmond, 30, started his career at St Andrew’s and could return on a loan deal.Tom Brady is ready to ensure Birmingham get promotedCredit: ReutersNathan Redmond could move back to BirminghamCredit: ReutersThe winger has been hit by injuries and although available shortly, he will struggle to make Scott Parker’s side as they boast so many wingers.Redmond, who earned one cap for England in 2017. has not made an appearance for Burnley this term.Blues have money to help them win promotion and a wages-only move could work for all the parties.Birmingham-born Redmond made 82 appearances for the club before he moved to Norwich.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe has since had a six-year stay at Southampton and a brief stint at Turkish giants Besiktas.Blues are able to splash the cash thanks to their American owners, with NFL legend Tom Brady involved in the consortium.They showed their spending power in the summer by breaking the League One record transfer fee by signing Jay Stansfield from Fulham for £15million.The owners are also looking to invest off the pitch by building a stunning new stadium.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBirmingham have already acquired 60 acres of land in the east of the city.And they have unveiled plans to construct an incredible Sports Quarter, containing a state-of-the-art ground, new training facilities and more. Tom Brady in hilarious reaction after getting X-rated welcome from Wrexham fans for Birmingham clash More

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      Government plans for football will backfire… damaging the Premier League is in NOBODY’S interest

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      NO ONE watching this year’s Premier League could think English football isn’t in rude health.Liverpool are on top, with Chelsea in hot pursuit and Aston Villa flying high in the Champions League. Bournemouth, Brentford and Brighton are all pushing for Europe.The Football Governance Bill is currently being debated in ParliamentCredit: AlamyThe Premier League provides support further down the football pyramidCredit: GettyOur second league, the Championship, is thriving like never before.It’s now the sixth richest league in Europe, thanks to the EFL’s £1billion broadcasting deals and the Premier League’s financial support — the most generous of any major league in the world.Incredibly, our second tier is now far wealthier than even the Portuguese or Dutch first leagues.Meanwhile, club insolvencies across the pyramid are at a 30-year low.READ MORE ON FOTBALLBut a lot of our politicians seem to think English football is a fragile house of cards. Other countries would love to have our so-called “problems”.There’s a reason 1.5bn people around the world tune into English football.Because, from top to bottom, our leagues crackle with tension, high stakes and meaning.They are not boring hierarchies where one team dominates in half-full stadiums, but the best competitions on the planet — forged by those willing to take risks, invest millions and back their judgment.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIn what was promised to be a “light touch” regulator concentrating on the issues that are very important to clubs and fans — heritage issues, better fan engagement, proper owners and so on — the Government has given the Independent Football Regulator a so-called “Backstop” power.It’s part of the Football Governance Bill, currently being debated in Parliament, although it is making slower than expected progress. Former Premier League star begins new career as rapper with debut album set to be released – Labour’s own backbenchers have suggested over 150 new clauses they believe should be added to their own Government’s Bill.That’s on everything from forcing clubs to socially engineer the make-up of their season ticket holders, to demanding that fans are defined as only those who have season tickets, regardless of if you can actually get a season ticket at your club or not.The Backstop power gives the Regulator the right to forcibly take money from Prem clubs, even if it harms or affects their own competitiveness.Less cash means less to spend on transfer fees or less cash to pay their players.Not all Prem clubs have endless wealth, that’s why there is over £2bn of debt in the Prem.The Prem is no miserly Scrooge. Every Championship club receives around £7million a season, each League One club gets around £1.5m and each League One club gets over £1m.These payments are a helping hand, agreed freely and with goodwill.And since their inception in 2007, they have increased more than tenfold.But the Government believes this generosity, more money shared than any other league on the planet, should make way for state intervention.The result of which could mean that Prem clubs have to take on more debt (which ironically makes them less sustainable) or invest less in their own team so that fellow owners in the other leagues no longer have to take similar risks themselves. This is trickle-down turned upside-down.The Championship is no soup kitchen queue. It hosts incredibly wealthy owners, nine of them billionaires, who plough millions into efforts to reach the promised land.Yet, a Prem side that has climbed the ladder the hard way,  through calculated risk-taking and sustained investment, may be forced to hand over more millions so that Championship owners don’t have to.That’s even if those owners have mismanaged their clubs, made bad decisions and ­deliberately put their clubs at financial risk.It won’t be their owners that have to face the consequences, it will be the Prem owners who have to pick up their tab!The Prem willingly supports the pyramid with £1.6bn over a three-year broadcast cycle.That’s how I believe it should stay: negotiated, reasonable and always voluntary.That’s why I think the Regulator could well consider £1.6bn is far too generous and decide to cut it back.Or wonder why League Two only get eight per cent of the total PL handout, as the Championship keeps 80 per cent.Or they may decide the Prem should not fund every part of the pyramid themselves and the EFL should support the National League, the league directly below them, rather than asking the Prem to do that for them.Or they may just simply decide to impose far more stringent self-help measures that the EFL will have to implement to ensure they manage their own money better.Any good Regulator will surely see that damaging the appeal of the PL, and creating a competition that’s less vibrant, less exciting and much less appealing is in no one’s interests.Because if that happens, the Premier League will go into reverse and there will be far less money for everyone in the football pyramid.Less money for grassroots football. Less money for the PFA. Less money for the Football Foundation. Less money for the women’s game.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd less money for all the many community projects and charities the PL supports to the tune of over £50m a year.As they say, be careful what you wish for…Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Former Premier League star with 272 appearances lands first coaching job four years after retiring

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      FORMER Premier League midfielder Lee Cattermole has landed his first permanent coaching job.The ex-Sunderland star has joined Bristol Rovers as a first team coach, focusing on the development and implementation of set pieces.Lee Cattermole has landed his first permanent job in coachingCredit: Getty – ContributorDiscussing his new position, Cattermole said: “I am delighted to join the coaching team at Bristol Rovers.”Having spoken to the guys here and George Friend, I very quickly got excited about the project being developed here at the Club.”Everything I’ve heard about Bristol Rovers tells me it’s an exciting time to be part of things here, and I’m looking forward to getting going.”Cattermole called time on his playing career four years ago following a brief spell with Dutch side VVV-Venlo.Read More in FootballPrior to that he spent a decade with Sunderland and made 262 appearances.The midfielder has also played for Middlesbrough and Wigan.After hanging up his boots, Cattermole revealed his intention to move into coaching.He returned to Boro to work in the academy and took charge of the U23s before leaving in February last year.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe ex-midfielder was also part of the interim management team that took control at the Riverside for five games when Chris Wilder was sacked in October 2022.Bristol Rovers currently sit 18th in the League One table with 21 points from 18 games.Football teams that controversially changed their badgeThey travel to face title-chasing Birmingham City on Saturday. More

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      Ryan Reynolds’ incredible impact on Wrexham’s tourism earnings revealed four years since taking over football club

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      FILM star Ryan Reynolds helped treble Wrexham’s tourism earnings in the four years since taking over the football team.Two million visitors — an increase of 21 per cent — spent around £179million in the Welsh city last year, supporting 1,758 hospitality jobs.Actor Ryan Reynolds helped treble Wrexham’s tourism earnings in the four years since taking over Wrexham AFCCredit: GettyThe Hollywood owner’s Welcome to Wrexham Disney+ documentary has been hailed as driving the boostCredit: GettyThe sum was £49million in 2020 when Deadpool actor Ryan 48, and business partner Rob McElhenney, 47, arrived.Their Welcome to Wrexham Disney+ documentary has been hailed as driving the boost, ­covering the side’s back-to-back promotions from the National League to League One.Joe Bickerton, Wrexham County Borough Council destination manager, said: “The Welcome to Wrexham documentary has acted as a catalyst for many – and the city has stepped up to embrace visitors.He added: “People might come because they’ve seen certain aspects on the documentary or they might now be interested to see what Wrexham is all about.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe figures show that Wrexham’s tourism revenue is now around £90m higher than 2012.Joe said: “Last year we were the best-performing local authority in Wales for visitor growth. We see 21% as an anomaly, we usually see growth of 5 or 6 per cent.”They are also launching Wrexham Lager in the US. Reynolds and fellow funnyman Rob became co-owners of the Wrexham Lager brewery – and will sell cans of the beer to 29 states.Most read in FootballAnd they hope the historic 140-year-old beer will have better luck than when on its first US crossing – as the only lager to be sold on the doomed first voyage of the Titanic.The pair have spoken about building a stadium of 55,000-capacity – bigger than Manchester City’s – and have been praised for investing in not only the football club but the former industrial town as well.Danny Devito celebrates Wrexham’s last-gasp win over Barnsley as he watches from virtual stadium in LA More