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      ‘I truly hate this part’ – Rob McElhenney heartbroken as ‘major part of Wrexham journey’ leaves after four years

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      WREXHAM owner Rob McElhenney posted an emotional farewell to James Jones after he signed for Burton Albion.The American actor runs the League One club alongside fellow Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds.Rob McElhenney said an emotional goodbye to James JonesCredit: PAJones has joined fellow League One side Burton AlbionCredit: PAWrexham confirmed that Jones departed yesterday to join Burton on an 18-month deal.McElhenney penned a touching tribute to the much-loved midfielder on X, writing: “I truly hate this part. James and his beautiful family are such a major part of our journey. They will be greatly missed.”Burton Albion you are getting a class player with a huge heart and wonderful family.”Jones replied: “Thank you Rob, we really appreciate the message, it was a privilege to be part of something special.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”All the best to you and your family.”Jones had been at Wrexham for three-and-a-half years and made 138 appearances.The Scot joined from Lincoln City and played a crucial role in the Welsh club’s back-to-back promotions, going from the National League to League One in two years.Jones leaving the Racecourse Ground paved the way for the arrival of ex-Premier League star Jay Rodriguez.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe 35-year-old striker has one England cap to his name and is best remembered from his time at Southampton, West Brom and Burnley.He joins James McClean, Steven Fletcher and Matty James among the former Prem stars in Wrexham’s squad. More

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      I was on Jobseeker’s Allowance and earning £60 a week – I never thought I’d end up playing in the Premier League

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      JORDAN HUGILL used to sign on the dole and queue up every two weeks for his giro.And when he did get a job — pulling pints in a Middlesbrough boozer — the idea of becoming a professional footballer felt like a pipe dream.Jordan Hugill never thought he’d make it to the PremLittle did he expect he would rack up 412 appearances —  and 92 goals.Rotherham striker Hugill went from earning £120 a fortnight to a reported £30,000 a week.And he is proud of a career that saw him get a £10million move to West Ham and £5m switch to Norwich, play in the Prem and win promotion from the Championship with the Canaries as well as from League One with Preston.Now the 31-year-old has his heart set on helping the Millers return to the Championship and win the EFL Trophy.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHugill — who has appeared for 17 different clubs in his 15-year career — said: “When I was 19, I was on Jobseeker’s Allowance so I’ve been on one hell of a journey.“Back then I never thought I would be a footballer, let alone make it to the Premier League.“That’s something no one can take away from me. I’m proud of what I’ve done and achieved and I’d like to think I’ve still got a good number of years to go.”Hugill hit rock bottom after damaging his ACL while playing for non-league Whitby and was out for ten months. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd his gloom was only exasperated by being out of work.He added: “I didn’t have a job, was visiting an NHS physio and it was at that point I said, ‘I can’t do this any more’ so got a job behind the bar at The Dickens Inn in Middlesbrough.EFL star, 24, ‘REFUSES to show up for game’ over transfer speculation weeks after shocking Premier League side“I worked as a barman for two years before getting my big break at Port Vale.”But after playing for the Valiants and Preston — as well as doing the hard yards on loan at the likes of Tranmere and  Hartlepool — he got another massive opportunity thanks to David Moyes.Seven years ago yesterday Hugill completed his move to West Ham   during Moyes’ first spell with the club — a brief six-month relegation firefighting mission.Hugill said: “Moyes was brilliant with me. He understood I wasn’t a signing that was going to  light the world on fire.I didn’t have a job, was visiting an NHS physio and it was at that point I said, ‘I can’t do this any more’ so got a job behind the bar at The Dickens Inn in Middlesbrough.Jordan Hugill“He knew with time he was going to develop me, so I was working with him every day to improve, and I got to be the best I’ve ever been.“Then at the end of the season they didn’t renew his contract, and I was left in the dark when Manuel Pellegrini came in.”After loan spells with West Brom and Cardiff, Hugill joined Rotherham two years ago — and helped the club stay in the Championship before they eventually went down last summer.This season he has mainly been used as a sub in the league.Striker Hugill joined West Ham for £10million in 2018He has come off the bench 14 times while making four starts — managing  a single goal against Stevenage back in October.Hugill is expected to be on the bench again as the Millers travel to leaders Birmingham today, sitting seven points off the play-offs.However, he has featured prominently in the EFL Trophy games — scoring four goals from four starts.And he hopes to shoot Rotherham into the semi-finals by beating League Two opponents Bradford at New York Stadium on Tuesday.Hugill continued: “I’ve enjoyed playing in the trophy games because I’ve not only been starting, I’ve been scoring too.“When I look back on my career, I’ve achieved an awful lot.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’ve got a Championship winners medal, I’ve got a League One promotion medal, I’ve got a nice case with a ball in it  that says I’ve made a Premier League appearance.“It would be great to add another medal to that collection.”Hugill was given a chance by David Moyes during his first managerial stint at West Ham More

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      Wrexham sign one-cap former England star whose goal denied Man Utd a Premier League title

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      WREXHAM have signed Burnley’s Jay Rodriguez as they target a third-successive promotion. The 35-year-old former England striker has penned an 18-month deal with the League One side.Jay Rodriguez has joined Wrexham on a deal until the end of the seasonCredit: PAThe 35-year-old striker has signed a short-term deal until the summer of 2026Credit: Wrexham FCRodriguez won one solitary cap for England in 2013Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdRodriguez has spent more than a decade with the Clarets over two spells.He grew up in the town and has netted 76 goals since making his debut in 2007. Wrexham have brought the striker to North Wales as they look to continue their push for Championship football. Rodriguez told the club’s website: “I’m made up to join the Club. I can’t wait to get out on the training pitch and meet everyone.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”I hope I can use my experience to help every single player in the squad and gain something from the group as well.”To join the story that has evolved at Wrexham with clear targets is exciting for me.”Rodriguez arrives at Wrexham with vast experiences having played over 550 career games. He won his sole England cap against Chile in 2013. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWrexham boss Phil Parkison added: “I’m delighted to welcome Jay Rodriguez to the Club. “He’s an experienced striker with real quality and we’re looking forward to working with him.”Wrexham clash descends into huge brawl at full-time as tempers flare after fiery League One clashRodriguez is also remembered by Manchester United fans for being the player who denied them the Premier League title in 2018. The forward netted for West Brom at Old Trafford, sealing a 1-0 win for the Baggies and making Man City champions. How 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.Wrexham are currently third in League One, six points behind Wycombe in the automatic promotions spots. They have won back-to-back promotions, with Hollywood duo Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds bankrolling the club’s rise back up the leagues. More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson’s son Darren launches furious rant at his own ’embarrassing’ players after career low

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON’S son, Darren, launched a furious rant at his Peterborough flops after they were thrashed by Lincoln.The Posh were torn apart on their visit to the LNER Stadium on Saturday as they went 3-0 down before they even mustered a response in a heavy 5-1 defeat.Darren Ferguson labelled his Peterborough flops the ‘softest’ group he had worked withCredit: GettyCian Hayes had a particularly bad day as Posh lost 5-1 to LincolnCredit: GettyIt was the joint second-heaviest defeat of Ferguson’s managerial career, only eclipsed by 5-0 thrashing’s at the hands of Bolton in February 2023 and Oxford United in April 2024.And it a result which compounds a shocking run of form that has left Peterborough 19th in the League One table.They are without a win in eight league matches, with their last win coming in a 4-3 thriller against Crawley on December 14.Speaking after the defeat, Ferguson – who is now in his fifth stint as Peterborough boss after taking charge in January 2023 – declared this was the “softest” group of players he has managed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “I’m embarrassed. It was an embarrassing performance. I’ve never seen that from a Peterborough United team at this level. It was embarrassing.“The first goal was a free header. We just let them score and do what they wanted. It was a mess. A complete mess. “If you don’t run, you don’t tackle, don’t have a real desire to turn up every game then that’s what happens.”That’s the problem with this group. They haven’t got the desire. They have not got the desire as a group. It’s just basics. They don’t run, don’t tackle, don’t head. They don’t tackle properly. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”It was a shambles. I don’t often say that about my teams, but I’m sorry, I have to be honest. This group of players is without doubt the softest group of players I’ve ever had in my management career.”Ferguson singled out Cian Hayes for criticism on the penalty which was given away to make it 3-1 after half-time, while Hayes later conceded an own goal to make it 4-1.Darren Ferguson says Everton star ‘had a pop at me’ for not bringing on Ashley Young’s son Tyler“We changed the shape at half-time and then give away a horrendous penalty – what is he doing?“I don’t know. It’s my group of players and all the rest of it. But sometimes you think you’re wasting your time.”Ferguson added that he felt sympathy for the 1,800 travelling fans, more than half of whom left the match early.“It’s easily my worst defeat as a Peterborough manager. The manner of it. More than half the fans left before the end. That tells the story.”We sold out, and they are wasting their time.”Peterborough will be hoping they can have better luck when they host Wigan at Weston Homes Stadium on Tuesday.Their horror run of form included a 2-0 loss to Everton in the FA Cup third round, where Ferguson said a Toffees star had a pop at him for denying a moment of history for Ashley and Tyler Young by not bringing on the youngster to share the pitch with his father. More

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      EFL clash dumped from Sky Sports schedule as they decide NOT to show it anymore at barely two weeks’ notice

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      SKY SPORTS have dumped an EFL clash from its coverage at barely two weeks’ notice.The broadcaster has dropped the scheduled showing of Blackpool’s match against Burton Albion.Sky Sports dumped an EFL clash from its scheduled programmingCredit: AFPBurton Albion’s home match against Blackpool will no longer be shown on Feb 6Credit: GettyThe broadcaster has instead opted to show Tottenham vs LiverpoolCredit: GettyThe Premier League Darts also starts on the same eveningCredit: GettyThe two sides were set to meet on Thursday, February 6 at 8pm in a League One fixture.The match was set to be played at the Pirelli Stadium with Burton currently struggling near the relegation zone.However, the match has now been rescheduled for Saturday, February 8 and will kick off at 3pm.The decision was made as Sky Sports have opted to show other events instead.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Carabao Cup semi-final second leg between Liverpool and Tottenham and the Premier League Darts first night are both set for that date.This means the match will no longer be broadcast on television for fans.Blackpool confirmed the change with a statement in which it claimed the late move was “not ideal”.It read: “The Seasiders match against the Brewers at the Pirelli Stadium will now be played on Saturday 8 February, kick-off 3pm.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”The Sky Bet League One fixture was originally scheduled to be played on Thursday 6 February, with kick-off at 8pm. This was due to Sky Sports choosing the fixture to be broadcasted live on Sky Sports Football.”However, with other sporting events now taking place on the same night, Sky Sports will now no longer televise the fixture between Pool and the Brewers.Biggest football kit fails after controversy over new England shirt”Whilst moving the fixture at this late stage isn’t ideal, the club’s number one priority is ensuring as many fans can attend as possible and the club alongside Burton Albion have agreed moving the fixture back to Saturday at 3pm will provide more fans with the opportunity to attend the game.”The Club would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused and anyone who cannot attend the new date will be able to claim a full refund from the Ticket Office.”Fans were not happy with the late change as they reacted on social media.One blasted: “Re-arranged things. Sorted work for Thursday. Booked something else for Saturday. Looks like I’m missing this one.”A second commented: “Sky messing fans up.”A third wrote: “Rearranged everything so now I’m missing this, such a joke.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Inside non-league club funded by Bitcoin whose owners are worth 20 times Wrexham bosses – and targeting Premier League

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      A NON-LEAGUE club funded by Bitcoin owners is aiming to reach the Premier League.Real Bedford currently tops the Southern League Central Division One in the ninth tier of English football.Real Bedford are aiming to hit the big time from non-leagueCredit: Instagram @realbedfordThe club is funded by bitcoin millionairesCredit: Instagram @realbedfordDirector Peter McCormack wants the club to merge with Bedford Town FCCredit: BBCThe club is co-owned by Peter McCormack who is aiming to make the club bigger than local rivals.He is keen to see the club overtake Kettering Town, then Northampton Town, MK Dons and then Luton Town.His end goal is to lead the promised land of the Premier League.McCormack wants has made a proposal to merge Real Bedford with Bedford Town FC.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe said: “As a proud Bedfordian, nothing would make me happier than seeing our town represented at the highest levels in men’s and women’s football.”We’ve made amazing progress with Real Bedford, but this merger unlocks the potential to achieve something truly special in the town.”I understand that fans of Bedford Town may feel some apprehension, but this only works if we come together to make it a success.”By combining the strengths of both clubs, we’re building a united front that can deliver league football to Bedford.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I’m excited about what lies ahead and look forward to working with everyone to achieve our shared ambitions.”The club benefited from investment from Gemini founders Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss in April 2024.Football stars’ weird phobiasThe club could merge with Bedford Town FCCredit: INSTAGRAM Bedford FCThe pair invested £3.6million into the club in Bitcoin and became co-owners with McCormack.McCormack believes that the investment can help propel the club up the football ladder.He claims that the pair are worth much more than Wrexham’s Hollywood owners, Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.He said: “I think Wrexham’s goal is the Premier League and they are up to League One now and they are backed by Ryan Reynolds and his wealth, but Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss are worth twenty times his net wealth and there are two of them.”He has revealed that the aim of the club is to reach the EFL in the next decade.He added: “The short-term goal was always football league for the men’s side in ten years.”If we go up this year, that will be three promotions in three years, leaving us with three left to do in seven years, and I think that is ambitious, but we think we can do that.”The clubs are still “waiting to hear back” from the FA and Southern League to approve the merger.It would then be decided where the club would be placed in the football pyramid.The legal agreement for the merger must be signed off by the end of March so it can be ready for the 2025/26 season.Bedford Town FC director Jon Taylor has released a statement on the potential merger of the two clubs.He has admitted that joining the clubs could “create something special”.He said: “As someone who has been deeply involved with Bedford Town FC for many years, I am incredibly proud of our club’s rich history and the role it has played in our community.”This proposed merger represents a unique opportunity to build on that legacy and take football in Bedford to the next level.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I understand that this news may raise questions or concerns for our loyal supporters.”However, I truly believe that by combining the heritage and passion of Bedford Town with the innovation and commercial success of Real Bedford, we can create something special.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Wrexham’s European dreams shattered by FA as Ryan Reynolds’ club BLOCKED from entering new competition

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      WREXHAM’s hopes of competing in Europe have been dashed.It comes after the Football Association blocked attempts to allow clubs playing in the English leagues to participate in the Welsh League Cup.Wrexham’s European dream has been blocked by the FA after they were denied access to playing in the Welsh League CupCredit: GettyThe new-look Welsh League Cup has been granted a Conference League qualification spot by UEFA.And the Football Association of Wales (FAW) had wanted the EFL’s Welsh clubs – Wrexham, Cardiff, Swansea and Newport – to participate.However, the English FA board has rejected the proposal on the grounds it does not provide equal opportunity to other clubs in the English football pyramid.A statement from the FA said: “The FA board has considered a request made by four Welsh clubs to take part in a restructured version of the FAW League Cup which would provide an opportunity to qualify for UEFA competition.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”As part of the request, the Welsh clubs would forfeit their existing right to qualify for UEFA club competitions through the English system whilst they remained members of the EFL.”The Welsh clubs would then seek to qualify for UEFA competition via the English system should they be promoted to the Premier League.”As a result of the request, the FA undertook a thorough consultation with stakeholders and invited submissions from the Welsh clubs.”Following careful consideration, taking into account various factors including equal opportunity for clubs to participate in the same competitions, for the same rewards on an equal basis; concerns raised by stakeholders regarding competition integrity, fixture congestion and player welfare, and the impact on the standing of existing competitions, the FA board has rejected the request.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”It was noted that it is open to the Welsh clubs to choose whether or not to participate in the English or Welsh system based on their own assessment of the relative merits of participation in each system, but if they choose to participate in the English system they must do so on the same basis as the English clubs which participate in that system.”If accepted the move would have handed the likes of Wrexham an additional revenue stream not accessible by their English EFL rivals.Wrexham’s multi-million pound training ground funded by Ryan Reynolds The Red Dragons were the last Welsh EFL side to play in Europe via a Welsh competition, coming in 1995/96 through the Welsh Cup.Since then, only Swansea have competed on the continent after winning the English League Cup in 2013. More

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      Sam Allardyce, 70, dreaming of return to management at former club with three other bosses in running

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      STEVEN SCHUMACHER is favourite to become Bolton boss — while Sam Allardyce dreams of an emotional return.Ian Evatt, 43, has left after four and a half years with Wanderers ninth in League One, three points outside the play-off places after a run of just two wins in nine.Bolton parted company with manager Ian Evatt on WednesdayCredit: GettySteven Schumacher is the leading candidate to replace EvattCredit: GETTYWanderers legend Sam Allardyce is dreaming of a return to the clubCredit: GETTYAllardyce, 70, fancies a return to the club he managed from 1999 to 2007 but his wages would be a big step up for Bolton.Schumacher, 40, is available and keen to return to management — with no compensation required.The former Plymouth and Stoke City boss has experience and success at the level so looks a perfect match.Bolton have invested in the squad and want the return of promotion.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThey may pay for a rival club manager but it would help if he was a free agent.Rotherham’s Steve Evans has support while St Mirren’s high flying Stephen Robinson is another possible as the Bolton regime look for a solution.Former Barrow boss Evatt joined Wanderers in July 2020 and guided the club to automatic promotion from League Two in his first season.He led the Trotters to EFL Trophy glory at Wembley in 2023, in addition to reaching the League One play-off final last season, which ended in a 2-0 loss to Oxford.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSSam Allardyce’s wage demands could scupper an emotional return to the clubCredit: GETTYEvatt said: “I’ve absolutely loved my time here at Bolton Wanderers Football Club.”Working with Sharon and Nick (Luckock) has been a pleasure, and I’ve been superbly backed along the way by my team of staff and the players.Victor Adeboyejo on joining Bolton Wanderers“There comes a point in football when a change needs to happen and the last thing I want is to damage what we have all built together.“I believe the Club is still well placed to achieve its goals this season, and I want to give the Board and players the best chance of doing that.“I am very grateful for everybody’s support and to be the manager of this wonderful football club has been the greatest honour of my career.”To our fans, thank you for the support you have shown me and my staff.“Together we have created some very special memories and I will always be a fan of this amazing football club.” More