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    Supercomputer predicts final League One table as Birmingham miss out on title despite £30m splurge & Wrexham heartache

    WREXHAM’S Hollywood rise through the divisions will hit the breaks this year as they miss out on promotion from League One, according to a supercomputer.The Red Dragons have got off to a fast start after returning to the third tier for the first time in 14 years following back-to-back promotions.Wrexham are predicted to miss out on autos but finish in the play-offsCredit: PABirmingham are tipped to miss out on the title despite signing Jay Stansfield for £15mCredit: RexSteve Bruce could guide Blackpool to 15th after being appointed this weekCredit: PABut they will have to do things differently this year if they are to reach the Championship as a supercomputer predicted Phil Parkinson’s side to finish in the play-offs.A supercomputer run by OLBG has tipped Wrexham to finish fifth – nine points off an automatic promotion place.Big spenders Birmingham are expected to beat the Ryan Reynolds-owned side to second place.Chris Davies’ side have earned 10 points from their opening four games in the league this campaign.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever the Blues are tipped to miss out on the league title to Bolton despite their record £30MILLION spend this summer.Even the arrival of £15m Jay Stansfield – League One’s most expensive signing ever – will seemingly not be enough for Birmingham to be crowned champions.Bolton have got off to a slow start with just one win from four games but are tipped to pip Birmingham to the title by three points.While Huddersfield, Peterborough and Lincoln are all set to join Wrexham in the play-offs.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBolton will be League One championsAnd it is the Imps who will upset the odds and progress through the play-off, beating Peterborough 2-1 at Wembley to reach the second tier for the first time in over 60 years.There is also a big shock at the opposite end of the table with Nathan Jones’ Charlton heading for the drop.’Egg and flour attack sparked training ground wars’ | QPR captain Steve Cook plays What the EFL?!The Addicks have won three of their first four games but are predicted to win just nine more matches, resulting in relegation.Elsewhere Blackpool are expected to move out of the relegation zone and finish 15th following the appointment of Steve Bruce. More

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    EFL ‘club will have to wait FOUR YEARS’ to cash in on Ivan Toney sell on clause after England star’s £40m Saudi transfer

    PETERBOROUGH will have to wait FOUR YEARS to receive the money owed to them following Ivan Toney’s £40million transfer from Brentford to Al-Ahli.The England international, 28, had been heavily linked with a Premier League move to Arsenal, Manchester United or Chelsea, but ended up penning a Deadline Day move with the Saudi club.Ivan Toney joined Al-Ahli from Brentford on Deadline DayCredit: Instagram @alahliclub.saToney’s former club Peterborough believe it could take four years to receive the money they are owedCredit: GettyIt is understood Peterborough, who sold Toney for £6m in 2020, are due around £4m thanks to a sell-on clause involved in his move to West London.They will then reportedly have to pay around £1m of that to another of his former clubs, Newcastle.However, Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony has claimed the League One side do not expect the full payment until around 2028.He told talkSPORT: “The Ivan Toney deal is done. Did we earn the millions we thought we would a year ago or 18 months ago? No. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We’re going to have to wait like four years to get paid, it wasn’t in sterling, it was in euros believe it or not, so by the time I got the deal sheet yesterday, looking at it I actually expected it was going to be along those lines.”I was never overly excited come the deadline. I didn’t actually think he was going to go, so I’d written that off about a week ago. “The lack of interest from other clubs and the whole Saudi thing and the fella from Napoli [Victor Osimhen linked with Al-Hilal] I thought ‘you know what this is probably going to go one way’ and that would be him being sold for a pittance in January.”Something was better than nothing, but I think the gold bullions that everyone thinks we made, I think we’ve got to wait four years for the money over time.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDarragh MacAnthony has admitted Peterborough will be waiting some time for the Toney moneyCredit: Getty”It is what it is, it’s another nice bit of business by our football club and we move on.”Peterborough signed Toney from Newcastle in 2018 for just £350,000.Angry Chelsea fan slams Todd Boehly’s transfer policy and claims no Blues supporters are happy with his running of the ‘unrecognisable’ clubHe scored 49 goals and assisted 15 in 94 games for Posh across a two-season spell.After joining Brentford, he bagged 72 goals in 141 matches for The Bees and has earned six caps for England.He played a cameo role for Gareth Southgate’s men at the Euros as they made it all the way to the final.But interim boss Lee Carsley did not include him in his first squad for the Three Lions’ upcoming Nations League games against Republic of Ireland and Finland. More

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    Former Premier League star’s son labelled ‘cheat code’ as he scores just 22 minutes into debut for new club

    THE son of a former Premier League star has been labelled a “cheat code” after scoring just 22 minutes into his debut.Leo Castledine, the son of ex-Premier League star Stewart, sealed a loan transfer to League One outfit Shrewsbury from Chelsea last week.Leo Castledine scored just 22 minutes into his Shrewsbury debutCredit: X @shrewsburytownThe 19-year-old joined the League One side from Chelsea on loanCredit: RexThe highly-rated 19-year-old made his debut for the Blues in their Carabao Cup clash against Middlesbrough last season.However, he was sent on his first senior loan move to continue his development. And the attacking midfielder wasted no time in showing what he can do after netting Shrewsbury’s opener in their 3-0 win over Leyton Orient on Saturday.Castledine made a smart run into the right channel before he was slipped into the penalty with a deft pass from Tommi O’Reilly, who is on loan from Aston Villa.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe teen then made no mistake when he was presented with the chance in front of goal, managing to squeeze a first-time shot into Zach Hemming’s near post.Taking to Instagram after the game, Castledine shared a video of the goal and captioned his post: “3 points and a goal on my league debut, what a feeling! Looking forward to next week @shrewsburytown 💙🧡.”Reacting to his debut on social media, one fan said: “Leo Castledine and Tommi O’Reilly is a f***ing cheat code. Wow.”A second said: “Leo Castledine looks a player. Makes you wonder how Shrewsbury managed to see him and get him on loan from Chelsea and we didn’t.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third added: “Chelsea’s Leo Castledine, on league debut, picked out by Villa’s Tommi O’Reilly. Can already tell these two loanees are gonna be fun at.”Tom Bloxham came off the bench to round out the result for the Shrews as he netted a brace with goals in the 82nd and 95th minute of play.Chelsea fans can’t name their OWN PLAYERS after another wild transfer window under owner Todd BoehlyThe result was the first win of the season for Paul Hurst’s side and shot them out of the relegation zone.Meanwhile, it left Orient still looking for their first win of the campaign with four defeats on the bounce to start the season leaving them rock-bottom of League One.Can you name the famous fathers? More

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    Premier League predictions and EFL tips this weekend including acca, Saturday banker and longshot PLUS £60 in free bets

    THERE’S another full card of English football fixtures this weekend before a brief pause due to the international break next week.So SunSport tipster Craig Mahood is back with his tips and predictions including an accumulator, best Saturday single bet and a whopping longshot treble attempt for those that like one at big odds!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles herePremier League and EFL tips this weekend including single, acca and huge longshotWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*The 5-fold acca – back it with William HillIt’s a 32/1 five-fold across the top four divisions in England this week.It starts in the top flight and ASTON VILLA (4/5) travel to Midlands rivals Leicester, looking to bounce back from defeat to Arsenal last week.Villa will be keen to get back to winning ways and should have too much for a Foxes side that were beaten at Fulham last week.Speaking of Fulham, they’ll face a tough afternoon at new boys IPSWICH (21/10), tipped to get their Premier League campaign up and running.This will be viewed as a fresh start after a horrible start against Liverpool and Man City.Beaten by League Two AFC Wimbledon in midweek won’t have helped things but this will show where they are in league terms and look a decent price at home.How to claim William Hill’s new customer offerWilliam Hill £60 welcome bonusVisit the William Hill website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: T60Once your account is registered, click ‘opt in’ on the ‘Vegas Promotion’ pageDeposit a minimum of £10 in your main account to receive a £20 Vegas Bonus for use on Selected GamesThen place a bet with a minimum stake of £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any football marketOnce that’s settled, your account will be credited with £40 in free betsWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*High-flying SUNDERLAND (Evs) can continue their terrific start to the season with a win at Portsmouth.Pompey have three draws and a defeat to their name so far with the Black Cats beating promotion hopefuls Burnley comfortably last time out to maintain their 100% record – without having conceded yet.BIRMINGHAM (4/9) host Wigan having splashed the cash in this window, latterly on Lyndon Dykes.Birmingham were beaten by Fulham in the cup in midweek but had won three on the bounce before it and look sure to be in the promotion shake-up this season.And finally, BROMLEY (21/20) host a Crewe side that haven’t scored in any of the three league games, conceding six in the process and picking up just one point.Saturday English football accaBack with William HillIPSWICH vs FulhamLeicester vs ASTON VILLAPortsmouth vs SUNDERLANDBIRMINGHAM vs WiganBROMLEY vs CreweBack all five to win at 32/1 with William Hill HERE*William Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Saturday singleEverton to win. Ok, you’ll need to hear me out with this one.Yes, they were well beaten by Brighton on matchday one and yes they were absolutely woeful against Tottenham last week.But they’ll both likely be up high in European contention based on early season form, so the Toffees’ season starts on Saturday.A home game against Bournemouth has been kind to them in the past, winning SIX of the last seven here at Goodison going back to 2016 – scoring 17 and conceding eight in the process.Bournemouth were dumped out the cup in midweek and will be ruing their VAR misfortune denying them three points last week, having opened with two draws in the league.Everton to beat Bournemouth at 7/4 with William Hill – ADD TO YOUR BET SLIP HERE.LongshotOne for those that like a really speculative punt at silly odds.A match result & BTTS treble, which begins with West Brom who host Swansea in the Championship. The Baggies were good 2-1 winners at Stoke last time and won this fixture 3-2 last season.Stockport are out in front in the early stages of League One as one of only three sides to win all their games so far. They head to Mansfield who haven’t won any of their last four games, including a 4-1 defeat last week.And finally Newport have won their last two games by a 3-1 score-line, and head to Morecambe who’ve lost all three of their games under Derek Adams, who appears to be carrying on the dreadful form that got him sacked by Ross County.West Brom, Stockport and Newport all to win & BTTS in each game at 107/1 with William Hill – CLAIM HEREWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply. More

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    Wrexham paying wages rivals ‘can’t’ match despite Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney ‘investing very little of own money’

    WREXHAM’S Hollywood owners have turned the club into a global brand since they took over.And the chairman of one League One rival has commended them for doing it with “very little of their own money”.Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have transformed Wrexham since taking over the clubCredit: GettyPeterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony has praised their savvy techniques to climb the football league pyramidCredit: GettyWrexham’s owners, Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, have catapulted the Welsh side from non-league to League One since they took over in 2020.And the pair have managed to do it by attracting some big name stars, who wouldn’t normally drop down divisions, to join their ranks.With two consecutive promotions under their belt, rival chairman Darragh MacAnthony has backed them to breeze to a third this season.The Peterborough exec pointed towards the big wage packets that Wrexham can pay their players as the reason they’re able to make such impressive progress through the divisions.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking to TalkSPORT, he said: “They’ll be in the Championship and we could still be in League One because they can pay £7,000-£10,000 a week to players and we can’t.”That’s the dynamic of the game. Fair play to the owners.”Wrexham have seen players such as Ollie Palmer, Paul Mullin and Elliot Lee drop down multiple divisions to join their project in recent seasons.While they managed to convince Arsenal shot-stopper Arthur Okonkwo to join their ranks after he was released by the Premier League club this summer.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAlthough most fans would assume that Reynolds and McElhenney are pumping in their movie star cash to foot the bills, MacAnthony has claimed they’re doing it with sponsorship money instead.Praising their savvy plans to turn Wrexham into a brand, he added: “They bought into the club with a plan in mind and they’ve managed to finance it by selling documentaries, advertising, and doing deals with skincare companies, drink companies etc.Watch moment Ryan Reynolds is surprised by Wrexham star live on BBC Radio 1 “When they’ve had to put very little of their own money in. I saw their revenues last season and it was £15-£20 million a year as opposed to £5 million when they first came in. “It’s probably even more now. Anyone who can do that while also winning promotions deserves credit. They are not breaking any rules and we’d all do it if we could.”Since their takeover, Wrexham have agreed sponsorship deals with huge brands such as TikTok, Expedia, HP and United Airlines.And Ryan Reynolds’ own gin brand, Aviation Gin, has also partnered with the club.Perhaps most notably, Wrexham have their Disney+ show “Welcome to Wrexham”, which is watched by fans all over the world.And reports have suggested that the show pockets Wrexham around £430,000 per episode.Wrexham are unbeaten in League One this season, winning two and drawing one of their opening three clashes.Wrexham have got off to a flying start in League OneCredit: PA More

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    My dad’s a former Premier League star and TV presenter – I’m making my own way after transfer to League One club

    THE SON of a former Premier League star and TV host is forging his own career in football.Leo Castledine, 19, completed a loan transfer to Shrewsbury from Chelsea earlier this week.Leo Castledine has joined Shrewsbury on loan from ChelseaCredit: 2024 Crystal Pix/MB MediaThe attacking midfielder, who has already made his debut for the Blues after appearing in their Carabao Cup clash against Middlesbrough in January, is going on his first loan spell to continue his development.Having joined Chelsea’s academy from Wimbledon as an Under-15 star, he is described as “a player who has the ability to play box-to-box, he likes to create and score goals and is very tenacious in the tackle”.And he is now hoping to make waves in League One with the Shrews.Speaking to club media, Castledine – who has represented England Under-15, Under-16, Under-17 and Under-18 level – said: “I’m really excited to get going. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Obviously it’s my first loan in the men’s game but I’m ready to get going and just want to play.”(Shrewsbury) is a great club with a lot of history and I’m eager to get going and I can see a set up here where it’s going to work out and I’m going to get a lot of games and be able to help the team.”Manager Paul Hurst said of the deal: “We are really pleased because he’s one we’ve been looking at for a long time and initially we weren’t sure he’d be allowed to come out on loan.”There was also word that he may end up in the Championship, so we’re delighted to get him in and had to be patient on this one. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”He’s a player we think can add a lot to this squad. He’s a mature character who plays with maturity, enthusiasm, and has quality.”Castledine comes from Premier League stock, with his father Stewart Castledine starring for Wimbledon for nine years in the top flight.Premier League fathers and sonsCastledine senior, 51, had a ten-year career in professional football despite never being a regular player with the Dons.Following his playing career, Castledine Snr went straight into TV presenting.He hosted BBC One’s Big Strong Boys and Houses Behaving Badly over the course of seven years.Castledine also tried his hand at modelling for the likes of DKNY and Topman and in acting in the 2006 film Pink Panther.He has since had various directorial roles in sport, including eight years at Sports Revolution Ltd, and currently works at KIN Partners and a Football Commercial Director.Castledine is also married to TV presenter Lucy Alexander, with the pair having two children together, Leo and EastEnders actress Kitty.Stewart Castledine is a former BBC TV presenterCredit: RexHe starred for Wimbledon for nine yearsCredit: Getty Images – GettyCan you name the famous fathers? More

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    League One leaders Stockport County face battle to keep first-team coach… after he is approached by REAL MADRID

    STOCKPORT COUNTY coach Andy Mangan could be making a sensational switch to Real Madrid.Mangan, 37, is being lined up by the Spanish giants to be a part of Carlo Ancelotti’s team.Andy Mangan is being eyed by Real MadridCredit: RexMangan is being considered to come in as part of Carlo Ancelotti’s staffCredit: EPAMangan is currently working on Dave Challinor’s coaching staff at Stockport County and has helped the Hatters win all three of their opening games in League One this season.And now he could be swapping the gloomy north of England for sunny Spain.Mangan has connections with the club thanks to a coaching course he took alongside Ancelotti’s son Davide.Davide is Real’s assistant manager and has been by his dad’s side in the Spanish capital since 2021.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMangan moved into coaching in 2018 and held roles alongside pal Joey Barton at Fleetwood and Bristol Rovers before his time with Stockport.Prior to his foray into coaching, Mangan had a lengthy career in the lower leagues – dotting around a number of clubs.The Englishman retired in 2019 after 15-years playing as a centre-forward for the likes of Accrington, Wrexham, Forest Green Rovers and Tranmere.Following his two-year spell as assistant manager with Bristol Rovers, Mangan was even given a chance to take over as caretaker boss.Most read in FootballMangan took a coaching course with Ancelotti’s son and Real Madrid assistant manager DavideCredit: GettyBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJoey Barton was sacked in October 2023, giving Mangan the job on a temporary basis until the club appointed Matt Taylor.Mangan took charge of seven games for the Pirates, winning four, drawing twice and losing once.How Carlo Ancelotti tricked Cristiano Ronaldo into changing positions at Real Madrid as boss reinvented Portugal legend More

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    Premier League and EFL tips this weekend including acca, Saturday banker and 57/1 longshot

    SUNSPORT tipster Craig Mahood takes a deep dive into this weekend’s English football, now that the competitions are up and running in full swing! Amongst the tips and predictions is a special 17/1 accumulator, best Saturday single bet and a whopping 57/1 longshot treble attempt for those that like one at big odds!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles herePremier League and EFL tips this weekend including single, acca and huge longshotWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*The 5-fold acca – back it with William HillIt’s a 17/1 five-fold for punters this week and we start in the top flight with FULHAM (5/6) who host Leicester City.The Cottagers went down narrowly – and late – at Old Trafford last week to kick-off the new Premier League season but looked a really good outfit for much of that contest.More new additions this week have them looking in a much stronger position following the window and they’re fancied to get on the board for the season against a Leicester side who were outplayed for the majority of the game with Spurs on Monday, nicking an equaliser in the second half.LUTON TOWN (5/4) make the trip north to face a Preston side who appear all over the place at the moment.North End are now onto their THIRD manager of the season in Paul Heckingbottom, who hasn’t had much time to put his ideas across and takes over a side yet to score in the league. Luton haven’t started well themselves but can capitalise on the whirlwind off the park at Deepdale.How to claim William Hill’s new customer offerWilliam Hill £60 welcome bonusVisit the William Hill website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: T60Once your account is registered, click ‘opt in’ on the ‘Vegas Promotion’ pageDeposit a minimum of £10 in your main account to receive a £20 Vegas Bonus for use on Selected GamesThen place a bet with a minimum stake of £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any football marketOnce that’s settled, your account will be credited with £40 in free betsWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Sticking in the Championship, WATFORD (19/20) have scored 11 goals in their last three games and are one of three sides with a 100% record in the division.They host Derby who had a good result at home to Middlesbrough last time out but the Hornets should have enough on early season form to make it three from three.HUDDERSFIELD (4/9) are another side with two wins from two – after a strong pre-season – and in England’s third tier they host Shrewsbury who sit bottom after two games.And CHESTERFIELD (8/13) round-off the acca as they host Salford in League Two, having thumped Crewe 5-0 last time out and beating Man City U21s on penalties in the cup in midweek. Salford have one point and no goals to their name after two.Saturday English football accaBack with William HillFULHAM vs LeicesterPreston vs LUTONWATFORD vs DerbyHUDDERSFIELD vs ShrewsburyCHESTERFIELD vs SalfordBack all five to win at 17/1 with William Hill HERE*William Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Saturday singleThere’s plenty of tight games across the country on Saturday, with plenty of odds-against home sides.But we’re going with the shortest price team on the coupon this weekend and Manchester City at home to Ipswich.The Premier League new boys were great in the first half against Liverpool, going in goalless at half time.And while they only lost two goals in the second half, it could quite easily have been five or six and ruthless Manchester City won’t let those chances pass.Man City to score over 3.5 goals at 6/5 with William Hill – CLAIM HERELongshotFor this one, we’re on the hunt for a bit of a bigger price and have selected a BTTS & win treble.It starts with Crystal Palace who host West Ham, with both sides on the end of a defeat in their opening game – though did score when doing so.This looks a tight game on paper but Crystal Palace have won four of the last five meetings with the Hammers – with both teams scoring in all four – and the other game was a 1-1 draw.Wrexham host Reading in a tasty League One fixture with the Hollywood side usually a good bet for a BTTS pick (ignoring last week) and can get the edge over a Reading side who look like being up there for promotion come the end of the season.And finally, Newport host Accrington with both sides scoring in all four of the games involving those teams in the league so far.Newport were good 3-1 winners over Doncaster last time, with Accrington registering just one point so far.Crystal Palace, Wrexham and Newport all to win & both teams to score in each game at 59/1 with William Hill – CLAIM HEREWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply. More