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    Wrexham confirm first summer signing ahead of Championship return as fans predict ‘four in a row’

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    Jeff Stelling raises serious concerns as beloved Hartlepool appoint ex-Premier League ace, 55, who last managed in Nepal

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    Former Man Utd defender appointed by Huddersfield as he joins Lee Grant’s revolution at League One club

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    England’s biggest divers of the season crowned… as shocking record revealed

    RELEGATED League One side Bristol Rovers have topped one table this season – being crowned the most prolific divers in England’s top divisions.The West Country team recorded eight yellow cards for simulation, the most of any team over the course of the past three seasons.Diving date from the past three seasons has been revealedCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskPremier League giant Chelsea followed with seven bookings for taking a tumble – the same number as Burton Albion.Manchester City, Newcastle United, Crawley Town, Accrington Stanley and Barrow have been reprimanded six times each after being caught trying to con the ref.Football statistician Statman Dave ran the numbers as part of Snickers’ wider Off Your Game campaign, with the Deep Diving Audit offering a data-led look at diving across English football.Dave O’Brien, who pored over match footage, referee reports and extensive game insights to reveal all the most dramatic diving data, said: “Diving has always been a part of the game, but when you look at the numbers, like I’ve done for Snickers’ Deep Diving Audit, it’s clear that some clubs and players really know how to keep things interesting.read more in football“Whether it’s tactical, instinctive, or maybe even hunger-related, one thing is for sure, when players are off their game, it shows.“And sometimes, it’s not just the ball that goes rolling.”Nearly all cases of diving occurred in the second half, with a particular uptick during the 90th minute – and 70 per cent of dives took place in the penalty area.With Brighton & Hove Albion being named as the club players have dived against most in the Premier League.Most read in SportStrikers are responsible for 26 per cent of all dives over the last three seasons, whereas in defence, only one centre-back was carded for a diving offence.Looking at the 2024/25 campaign specifically, 75 per cent of dives occurred when the players’ team wasn’t winning, with the average dive last season lasting nine seconds.ITV commentator stunned by Cristiano Ronaldo banner at Nations League final Additionally, the average diving age is 22, they most typically wear white boots – and are also English, with these players making up 42 per cent of dives in the season just gone.Diving in the men’s game is significantly more prominent compared to the women’s – with just one diving booking found on record from the last three seasons in the Women’s Super League.Snickers has enlisted football experts Statman Dave and Nada Allali to create a video which uncovers the most over-the-top tumbles across the England’s top leagues.Delia Lendais-Metral from the chocolate brand said: “Let’s face it, when you’re hungry, you’re not quite yourself.“The Snickers Deep Diving Audit taps into those moments when things go slightly off, on or off the pitch.”“Whether it’s a mis-timed slide or a full-blown flop, this is a fun reminder that staying fuelled helps keep you on your game.”TOP 8 MOST DIVE-PRONE CLUBS OF THE PAST THREE SEASONS (22/23, 23/24, 24/25)1.            Bristol Rovers – 8 dives2.            Chelsea – 7 dives3.            Burton Albion – 7 dives4.            Manchester City – 6 dives5.            Newcastle United – 6 dives6.            Crawley Town – 6 dives7.            Accrington Stanley – 6 dives8.            Barrow – 6 dives More

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    Jack Wilshere faces competition for Plymouth job from ex-England team-mate, 35, as Argyle draw up three-man shortlist

    JACK WILSHERE faces competition from Tom Cleverley in his bid to land the Plymouth Argyle job.The Pilgrims are on the hunt for a new manager following Miron Muslic’s exit for Schalke.Jack Wilshere is seeking his first permanent managerial roleCredit: AlamyMiron Muslic left Argyle for Schalke last weekCredit: ReutersHaving employed three managers in eight years between 2015 and 2023, Argyle are now looking for their fifth permanent boss of the last 17 months.According to Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph, club chiefs will conduct a final round of interviews for the position next week.Wilshere, 33, is said to have made the final shortlist, as he looks for his first permanent managerial gig.The former Arsenal midfielder coached the Gunners’ Under-18s following his playing retirement.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLast season worked at Norwich City under Johannes Hoff Thorup, before a brief stint as caretaker boss following the Dane’s sacking.Wilshere’s former England team-mate Cleverley is also in the running for the job.The ex-Manchester United midfielder, 35, is looking for a quick return to management following his Watford sacking at the end of the season.Cleverley lasted 14 months as Hornets boss, guiding them to 14th in the Championship last term.Most read in EFLBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKTom Cleverley was sacked by Watford at the end of last seasonCredit: PAIn addition to Wilshere and Cleverley, former Oxford boss Des Buckingham is set for an interview.Buckingham, 40, guided the U’s to League One promotion during the 2023-24 campaign, but was sacked last December with his side sitting 20th in the second tier.Jack Wilshere in race against time as he faces huge 350-mile commute from managerial debut to run London MarathonPrior to taking charge at the Kassam, Buckingham managed Wellington Phoenix and Mumbai City – in addition to various New Zealand age group sides.According to the BBC, four candidates are set for an interview next week.The identity of the fourth candidate remains unknown, although it is not former rumoured boss Ian Evatt.Having initially been linked with the Pilgrims, ex-Bolton gaffer Evatt is now no longer thought to be in the frame.Former Argyle boss Muslic, 42, left to take charge of German second-tier side Schalke – despite claiming to have “fallen in love” with the Pilgrims.Argyle’s turbulent few yearsThe Pilgrims are now set for their fifth boss in 17 monthsSteven Schumacher – Dec 2021-Dec 2023 P 108 W57 D 21 L 30Ian Foster – Jan 2024-Apr 2024 P 16 W 3 D 4 L9Wayne Rooney – May 2024-Dec 2024 P 25 W 5 D 6 L 14Miron Muslic – Jan 2025-May 2025 P 23 W 8 D 5 L 10In a club statement, chairman Simon Hallett claimed that Muslic had said he was “100 per cent committed to Argyle” – but when Schalke later came calling, the former Cercle Brugge boss vowed not to return to Plymouth “under any circumstances”.Muslic had replaced Wayne Rooney as Argyle boss in January, failing to stave off Championship relegation.Rooney, 39, was axed following just five wins in 25 matches at the helm in all competitions.Read More on The SunAlongside the ex-England captain, former director of football Neil Dewsnip also departed.Prior to Rooney’s appointment, Argyle had sacked Ian Foster following barely three months in charge, after the former England youth boss has succeeded League One title winner Steven Schumacher, following his departure for Stoke City.Des Buckingham is also in the Argyle frameCredit: GettyIan Foster’s Argyle stint was even shorter than Wayne Rooney’sCredit: Getty More

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    Supercomputer predicts new Championship season with Wrexham fairytale continuing and ex-Premier League trio relegated

    WREXHAM are in line for a fourth-straight Hollywood season, according to a new Championship supercomputer. But it’s bad news for former Premier League side Watford, who are pipped for relegation to League One for the first time in 48 YEARS.A supercomputer has tipped Wrexham to make the Championship play-offsCredit: RexWatford are predicted to suffer relegation from the ChampionshipCredit: RexTyler Dibling has been predicted to win theChampionship with SouthamptonBoffins at AceOdds booted up their intelligent PC, which simulates every single fixture 10,00 times for the most accurate score.It estimates the outcome of games based on a team’s current strength (based on factors such as league position and form) and betting market odds.And the results are astounding, with Wrexham, who became the first team to earn back-to-back-to-back promotions up the pyramid, have the chance to play for Premier League football.The Red Dragons, once suffering a record 15-straight seasons in the National League before Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney saved the day, are predicted to finish inside the play-off spots next season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSLinked with a host of big names, including Jamie Vardy and Ben Davies, Wrexham’s top-flight dreams remain alive – if they edge out Bristol City to sixth-place on goal difference. Meanwhile, the clever AI algorithm reckons Southampton will go straight back up by winning the Championship.The Saints, who hired former Lens boss Will Still after relegation this season, are set to face a dramatic title race with Sheffield United, who will finally earn automatic promotion at the second time of asking.Fellow relegated sides Ipswich, Leicester and Frank Lampard’s Coventry City are predicted to join Wrexham in making the play-offs.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTom Brady-backed Birmingham City, who recorded the most-ever EFL points last season (108), will also register an admirable top-half finish. On 65 points, the Blues are set to finish ahead of neighbours West Brom and other established names such as Stoke City and Middlesbrough.’He’s got the fastest hands’ – Wrexham star James McClean tipped to beat up Jake Paul in boxing fightMeanwhile, Championship newboys Charlton Athletic are expected to avoid a return to League One, finishing six points above the drop.In terms of the relegation places, Derby County and Hull City join Watford in the dreaded drop to the third-tier.Watford last played in League One (then known as the Football League Third Division) during the 1977-78 season.Derby finished 19th last year, while Hull are pipped to finish rock-bottom after just about saving themselves on the final day this season, after Luton lost to West Brom.While the supercomputer thinks the likes of Preston, QPR, Boro and Oxford United will narrowly survive.And Norwich, Millwall, Blackburn, Sheffield Wednesday and Swansea will finish a respectable mid-table.Wrexham star James McClean could return to the glittering heights of Premier League football after playing with West Brom and Sunderland a decade agoCredit: RexOmari Hutchinson helped Ipswich earn promotion to the Prem in 2023/2024, before being relegated this seasonCredit: Getty More

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    Legendary journeyman footballer finally retires at 46 after playing more than 900 times for FORTY-TWO clubs

    LEGENDARY football journeyman Jefferson Louis has retired at the age of 46 after playing for an astonishing 42 clubs.The iconic striker – who has clocked up over 900 games – had been slogging it out on the field since 1996 when he played for Risborough Rangers.Iconic journeyman Jefferson Louis has retired from playingCredit: PA:Empics SportThe 46-year-old spent nearly 30 years playing for 42 different teamsCredit: PA:Empics SportLouis’ travels saw him play for an incredible 42 sides, including Oxford United, Bristol Rovers and Wrexham.He was most recently playing Thame United in the Southern League Division One Central.But after 903 career appearances, and more than FIFTY transfers, Louis has finally retired.He once claimed that his journeyman tag worked against him.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJefferson, who played in a World Cup qualifier for Dominica, revealed: “People say he must be a rebel, Jefferson must have been rude.”And it’s tarnished me. Some managers think I must be a bad apple.”Fans will be pleased to hear that he hasn’t quit football for good.That’s because he has immediately taken an assistant coaching role at Slough Town, who compete in England’s sixth tier in the National League South.Most read in FootballLouis, who alaso made five appearances there as a player in 2023.During that time, he also worked as a performance coach for team-mates.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersAnd manager Scott Davies believes Louis has the right skills to become a hit in the dugout.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe declared: “Football these days for me is more about mentality than ability. “Every player at the level has ability which has allowed them to get to this point, but it’s so important that we, as a management team, can tap into their psychological side too.Louis was transferred over 50 times as he clocked up 903 appearancesCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe ace has now taken up a new job as assistant coach at Slough TownCredit: Getty Images – Getty“Throughout the season, individuals will need one-to-one chats when things aren’t going as well as they may have hoped.”And I strongly believe that with myself, Yella and now Jefferson joining the group, we’ve got all bases covered with the wealth of experience we have that we can now give back to the players.”Slough fans reacted with delight at the news.One said “Class this, great gaffer to learn off.”Another declared: “Superb appointment, welcome back.”Read More on The SunOne noted: “Absolutely love this, welcome Louis.”Another added: “So much experience and knowledge at this level.” More

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    Premier League announce inflation-busting ticket cap as football fans rejoice and say ‘EFL, take note’

    PREMIER LEAGUE away ticket prices will continue to be capped at £30.The rule was introduced in 2016 and has resulted in away attendances increasing to 91 per cent of capacity.Premier League clubs have voted to maintain the cap on away ticket pricesCredit: GettyPrem clubs have unanimously voted for the cap to stay in place.That means next season will be the tenth year away fans will pay £30 or less to watch their teams on the road.It is a major win for fans of clubs in the top flight. but supporters in the rest of the pyramid are calling for the EFL to implement a similar rule.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne fan said: “@EFL Take notes 👍🏼”Another added: “Why are the EFL not acting on this?”A third wrote: “Needs to be £20 in the Championship, Division 1 & 2.”And another commented: “Eventually clubs not being money grabbers.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSA total of 953,420 people were at the 380 top-flight matches during the 2024-25 season.And 19 out of 20 Prem clubs raised their prices for home fans.Manish Bhasin gives fans behind-the-scenes look at his week with Premier League ProductionsBut the away ticket price cap remains in place.The Premier League said in a statement: “Clubs recognise the additional costs associated with fans following their team during the season, and the incredible atmospheres they create at matches.” More