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      Ex-international captain and EFL cult hero announces retirement just days after being relegated into non-league

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      RICHARD KEOGH has announced his retirement – just days after Forest Green Rovers’ relegation to the National League.Rovers slipped out of the Football League last month after a seven-year stay and ended the 2023/24 season ROCK BOTTOM of League Two.Richard Keogh has announced his retirement from professional footballCredit: REXThe 37-year-old most recently played for Forest Green RoversCredit: RexThe Irishman has decided to call time on his career following Rovers’ relegation to the National LeagueCredit: RexAnd following their relegation, veteran defender Keogh has decided now is the perfect time to hang up his boots.In a lengthy X post, he wrote: “Thank you for the memories.”I wish I could play on forever, but we all knew this day would come. “So after 786 appearances over 20 years, I am announcing my retirement from football.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”My career surpassed all my expectations, full of unforgettable moments that not only made me a better player but a better person.”Wearing the captain’s armband for Ireland was the ultimate honour. ‘To represent the green jersey was the impossible dream and to play in a major tournament was a dream come true.”The camaraderie, the matches, the shared moments with fans, these are moments that will stay with me forever. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I look forward to the next chapter, where I am fully focussed on taking my next step into coaching.”Keogh – who twice captained the Republic of Ireland – was inundated with well wishes from his followers after announcing the news.Derby SACK Richard Keogh as captain refuses pay cut after car crash injuriesOne wrote: “Gutted to hear that, all the best and thank you for the memories at Derby.”Another said: “Good luck in the next chapter!”And another said: “Huge shame how it ended at our club. Wish you all the best.”One remarked: “Good luck in your next chapter mate.”Keogh ends his 20-year playing career with a whopping 781 club appearances, in which he scored 25 goals, to his name.The versatile defender amassed the impressive haul thanks to spells at Stoke City, Víkingur, Bristol City Wycombe Wanderers, Huddersfield Town, Carlisle United, Cheltenham Town, Derby County, MK Dons, Blackpool, Ipswich Town and Forest Green Rovers.Keogh played 26 times for his country and scored one goal, which came in a 4-0 friendly win over Georgia in 2013. More

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      Ex-Newcastle and Brighton ace, 33, wakes up unemployed after being released by League One Charlton after just four games

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      A FORMER Newcastle and Brighton star has been made unemployed after being released by Charlton.Kazenga LuaLua only joined the Addicks in March and featured four times for the club.Kazenga LuaLua has been released by CharltonCredit: Focus ImagesThe winger used to play for Newcastle and Brighton and Hove AlbionCredit: GettyConnor Wickham is another high-profile exit from The ValleyCredit: RexThe attacker failed to score or assist a single goal during his stint at the Valley under manager Nathan Jones.This meant that the club has decided against handing him a new contract as he now joins the free agents list.LuaLua, 33, did make seven appearances in the Premier League during his career, all of which came at Newcastle.However, it was in the Championship that he enjoyed the majority of his career.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe made 218 appearances in the division scoring 19 goals and assisting 22.LuaLua started his career at Newcastle but made his name at Brighton and Hove Albion.He had three loan spells on the South Coast before joining permanently in 2011.He left the Seagulls in 2018 and joined Sunderland for a short spell.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe winger then had stints at Luton Town, Turkish outfit Genclerbirligi SK and Greek side Levadiakos before joining Charlton.LuaLua has multiple relatives that are also in football with his brother being another former Newcastle star, Lomana LuaLua.His cousins are former Bournemouth ace Tresor Kandol and ex-Prem winger Yannick Bolasie.He is not the only former Premier League ace to find himself without a club after the announcement.Former Crystal Palace, Sunderland and Leeds striker Connor Wickham has also been released by the League One outfit.Wickham also made four appearances for the club since joining in March but did manage one goal and one assist.Other players that have been shown the door at the Valley include ex-Chelsea defender Michael Hector as well as Richard Chin, Diallang Jaiyesimi, Jack Payne, Terell Thomas and Lawis Ward.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      EFL star makes incredible gesture to fans ahead of what is likely to be his final ever game for relegated side

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      A ROTHERHAM star is producing an incredible gesture for his club’s long-suffering fans ahead of their final game in the Championship.However, goalie Viktor Johansson insists it “isn’t a goodbye, it’s a thank you” despite “seven or eight big clubs” chasing his signature.Rotherham’s Viktor Johansson is making a stunning gesture to thank fans after relegationCredit: GettyThe Swedish international, 25, arrived at the New York Stadium in 2020 from Leicester and he helped them to League One promotion and EFL Trophy success in 2022.Johansson helped Rotherham survive in the second tier last term but despite some impressive displays this season he has failed to keep the Millers up in the Championship this time.Now a number of teams are plotting a summer swoop for the ex-Aston Villa trainee due to his relegation release clause making him available for just a bargain £1million.Tomorrow’s home clash with Cardiff City could be his final appearance for the club, and he is determined to show his appreciation to the team’s supporters.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe has announced on social media that he will pay for the first 600 fans through the door at a local boozer to have a pint on him ahead of the match.The Cutlers Arms has become a favourite of his father, Tobias, whenever he comes from Sweden to watch him play and it will open at 9am on Saturday.And each pint will come accompanied with a special message and card from the in-demand stopper.Rotherham boss Steve Evans joked: “I think if Viktor’s putting money behind the bar, I’ll be there myself!Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“Viktor’s been a wonderful goalkeeper for the club. Everyone is aware of the huge interest in him.“I’m getting phone calls from managers who want my opinion on what he’s like behind the scenes. They don’t ask what he’s like between sticks. They see that for themselves.Man Utd’s best XI of academy graduates“Whether he’s with us next season remains to be seen but, at the minute, I’m planning with him. He hasn’t gone anywhere yet.“Viktor is a top-class talent. I’ve sat in the stands and watched him and he’s been wonderful.“More importantly, he’s a really good guy off the pitch. He’s really professional.“He’s also really humble, which is different to how you sometimes find players in the Championship who have aspirations.”Sheffield United, Stoke City and Leeds United have all been linked with an interest in Johansson.This was the message posted online by the Swedish stopperCredit: XAnd Evans seems resigned to losing him.He added: “He’s been massive since I’ve come in but I’ve watched him on many occasions prior as well. He’s top class on the pitch and he’s top class off it too.“But we live in the real world and there are seven or eight big clubs in the Championship all looking at him.READ MORE SUN STORIES“If he goes on that journey, we wish him every success. We love him here.“I’ve been fortunate to have [Emiliano] Martinez in goal before, and Johansson in goal. I’ve had two top goalkeepers and it’ll be hard to replace someone of that quality.” More

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      EFL fans warned not to get arrested for ‘moment of madness’ this weekend as Championship reaches dramatic conclusion

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      EFL fans have been warned not to get arrested for a “moment of madness” this weekend as the season approaches its dramatic closing stages.Football League chiefs have warned they are prepared to take action in conjunction with police over fans that enter the field of play.Fans have been warned against pitch invasions this weekend and been told they risk arrest for entering the pitchCredit: MJ Photography/pictureexclusive.Pitch invasions have become common place throughout the Football LeagueCredit: RexFootball League CEO Trevor Birch told The Mirror: “My message to supporters would be: think before you act. “Going onto the pitch can have significant ramifications that may ruin your life. “One moment of madness can see you banned from attending football or given a criminal record, while some supporters have lost their jobs or gone to prison as a result of their actions.”Ugly scenes last month appeared to show a Portsmouth fan attacking a Barnsley player as Pompey celebrated promotion to League One with a massive pitch invasion.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWhile other pitch invasions, such as the ones at Wrexham and Derby went by without incident, there are real fears for the safety of players and officials should pitch invasions take place this weekend.Birch continued: “Before choosing to misbehave at a football match, supporters really need to weigh that up and ask themselves whether or not the risk is worth it. “Ultimately, the law is clear. It remains a criminal offence to come on to the playing surface without permission and there can be very tough consequences for those that do so.”Even if every single supporter means well and has no malicious intent, it gives the green light for that minority of people to enter the pitch who are intent on causing harm either to players or officials. Most read in FootballEFL Chief Executive Trevor Birch has warned fans risk arrest for entering the pitchCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”We must avoid this at all costs and even if it seems harsh at times of great emotional excitement to ask fans to stay off the pitch there can be no ambiguity; the pitch is for the players and the stands are for supporters.”Both promotion and relegation are still being played for in The Championship, making for a high chance of pitch invasions on Saturday.Fan confronts stewards armed with CORNER FLAG as Sheffield Wednesday fans invade pitch after all-but avoiding relegationReferee Josh Smith, who has taken charge of several EFL games this season told The Mirror there is always “fear” when a ref blows the full-time whistle on the final day of the season.He said: “Towards the last five minutes of the game, as you’re looking up at the fans, you can tell if they’re going to end up on the field of play and it’s always a shock how quickly it can happen.”My first thought when I blow the full-time whistle is to make sure all of the refereeing team get off the pitch and down the tunnel to a place of safety as soon as possible, which includes considering my assistant referees, who may have a much longer route off the pitch due to their positioning. “My main aim is to ensure they’re not intercepted by supporters on their way off and are safe but it is a fear in the back of your head when you blow the whistle.” More

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      Barnsley ‘new manager denied work permit just days before play-offs… having already signed contract’

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      DOMINIK THALHAMMER has been denied a work permit to become the new Barnsley manager.The Austrian had looked set to become the new Tykes boss ahead of their League One play-off campaign.Dominik Thalhammer has been denied a work permit to become Barnsley managerCredit: GettyHowever, his appointment has now been cancelled just days before they face Bolton at Oakwell.That is despite Thalhammer already signing a contract with the club, he has revealed.Thalhammer told Austrian outlet Kurier: “The English want to push their own people, so coaches from abroad have to provide 36 months as head coach in the relevant leagues as proof of work.”That’s disappointing because it would have been an exciting project that would have interested me very much. The contracts were signed.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 53-year-old has been out of work for almost a year after leaving Belgian side KV Oostende in June 2023.He had been singled out as the man to replace Neill Collins for the play-offs, though.Collins was sacked last month despite Barnsley sitting in the play-off places in League One.His exit came after a run of four defeats in five matches and just one win in eight during the run-in.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSCaretaker boss Martin Devaney went on to secure a sixth place finish to prolong the club’s season.Devaney is now set to be in the dugout for Friday’s first leg at Oakwell against Bolton.Football stars’ weird phobiasThe two sides will then meet again for the second leg on Tuesday for a place in the final at Wembley Stadium.Barnsley are looking to return to the Championship for the first time since relegation in 2022.They were beaten finalists in last year’s play-offs, having knocked out Bolton in the semi-finals before losing to Sheffield Wednesday. More

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      Former Championship star who missed £100m penalty wakes up unemployed at 28 after being relegated from EFL

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      A FORMER Championship star has woken up unemployed after being released by Forest Green Rovers.Fankaty Dabo was part of the Coventry City team that were on the cusp of promotion to the Premier League in 2023.Fankaty Dabo missed a vital penalty in the 2023 play off finalCredit: RexThe costly miss stopped Coventry from winning promotion to the Premier LeagueCredit: RexHe has now been released by Forest Green RoversCredit: RexDabo, 28, missed the crucial penalty that allowed Dan Potts to fire in the winner and send Luton Town to the promised land.To make matters worse the right back was then released by the Sky Blues.He was then signed by League Two outfit Forest Green Rovers in September 2023 and made 34 appearances for the club this season.However, following the club’s relegation to the National League he is one of 11 players to be released.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDabo was joined on the released list by Nathan Holland, Dom Bernard, Darnell Johnson, Mathew Stevens, Jordon Garrick, Sean Robertson, Alex Gorrin, David Davis, Reece Brown, Richard Keogh and Luke Daniels.Holland and Robertson are both notable players to now be without clubs having come through the academies of West Ham and Crystal Palace.The club added a statement saying: “Forest Green would like to say thank you to all of the players for their hard work.”During his time at the club he was criticised by manager Troy Deeney during his 29 day tenure.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe former Watford star said: “I said to him in front of everyone, six months ago, you had a kick to get to the premier league.”Now you won’t even get a game in the national league.”Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fanDabo came through the youth academy of Chelsea and spent 12 years at the club.He had three loan spells away from the Blues at Swindon Town, Vitesse and Sparta Rotterdam.He left permantely in 2019 for Coventry and spent four seasons with the Sky Blues before leaving.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney ‘buy stake in new club as they team up with Mesut Ozil and Kate Upton’

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      RYAN REYNOLDS and Rob McElhenney have joined the celebrity shareholders of a Mexican football club, according to reports.The popular Hollywood pair are already owners of Wrexham, buying the Welsh side in February 2021.Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have invested in Mexican outfit Club NecaxaCredit: PAKate Upton is one of the many celebrities to have put money into the Liga MX sideCredit: GettyTheir brilliant rise has seen the Red Dragons enjoy back-to-back promotions from the National League to League One.But while Phil Parkinson prepares for life in the third tier next season, his bosses are expanding their football empire.Variety report the acting duo purchased a minority stake in Liga MX outfit Necaxa.The deal was said to be in the works “for months and finalised recently,” ESPN added.READ MORE ON WREXHAMReynolds and McElhenney join an elite list of blockbuster names who have also pumped money into Necaxa.That includes former Arsenal and Germany World Cup winner Mesut Ozil. He is joined by plenty of fellow sports stars – iconic NFL wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr, baseball star Justin Verlander, alpine skier Bode Miller and NBA trio Victor Oladipo, Richard Hamilton and Shawn Marion.And glamorous actresses and models Kate Upton and Eva Longoria also form part of the epic consortium.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLongoria was even in attendance at Necaxa’s last game – Sunday’s 5-2 defeat at home to Monterrey. Formed in 1923, Los Rayos play their football at the 23,000-seater Estadio Victoria and are currently ninth in the Liga MX table. The story of Wrexham’s incredible riseWho are the owners of Club Necaxa?

      RYAN REYNOLDS (Net worth: £280m)
      Deadpool actor co-owns Wrexham with pal Rob McElhenney and is married to actress Blake Lively
      ROB McELHENNEY (£50m)
      Made his name as star of It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, where he met wife Kaitlin Olson – teamed up with Reynolds for Wrexham revival
      MESUT OZIL (£96m)
      Ex-Arsenal and Real Madrid star won World Cup with Germany in 2014, retired in 2023 to focus on family and business ventures including M10 streetwear, esports team, coffee shops and sports clinic
      KATE UPTON (£24m)
      Actress and model starred in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 2011, and was cover model for the 2012, 2013 and 2017 issues – married to baseball star Justin Verlander
      EVA LONGORIA (£64m)
      Mexican-American Texan boasts impressive CV of films and TV shows, activist Longoria also founded own charity to support adults with developmental disabilities
      ODELL BECKHAM JR (£32m)
      Won 2021 Super Bowl with LA Rams, friends with David Beckham, LeBron James, Beyonce and Drake – has host of big sponsors and was linked with romance with Kim Kardashian
      JUSTIN VERLANDER (£120m)
      Iconic pitcher for Detroit Tigers, New York Mets and now Houston Astros – married Upton in 2017, two days after winning World Series
      VICTOR OLADIPO (£40m)
      Maryland basketball star twice named NBA all-star during spell with Indiana Pacers – appeared in The Masked Singer in US
      RICHARD HAMILTON (£40m)
      Spent 14 years in NBA – including nine with Detroit Pistons where he won NBA in 2004 – now analyst for CBS Sports, married pop star TJ Lottie in 2009
      SHAWN MARION (£48m)
      Four-time NBA all-star helped Dallas Mavericks to first title in 2011 – also invested in New Zealand Breakers basketball team
      BODE MILLER (£9m)
      Apline skier won one Olympic and four World Championship gold medals, turned out in baseball for Nashua Pride and even tried a career in tennis – has eight children, six of them with model and beach-volleyball star wife Morgan Beck
      AL TYLIS (Unknown)
      Real estate investor a veteran in industry and has pumped considerable wealth into DC Pickleball team and G2 Esports – now runs family foundation and sold Manhattan apartment for £30m in 2023
      ERNESTO TINAJERO FLORES (Unknown)
      Businessman has enjoyed success in banking, telecommunications, wine and owns half of Club Necaxa where he is chairman

      They have been crowned Mexican champions three times in their history – all in the 1990s. The all-star NX Football USA LLC – spearheaded by real estate investor Al Tylis – bought 50 per cent of Necaxa in 2021 after approval from the Mexican Football Federation.Ernesto Tinajero Flores owns the other half and is the club chairman. As well as Reynolds and McElhenney joining the Necaxa group, it is also understood the existing conglomerate of the Mexican club have agreed to buy a five per cent stake in Wrexham.Eva Longoria is also part of the consortiumCredit: GettyMesut Ozil stumped up some of his own cash to be involvedCredit: Instagram / @m10_officialNecaxa play their home matches at the Stadio VictoriaCredit: Getty More

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      Wrexham set to axe up to TEN promotion-winning stars as chief predicts where they’ll finish in League One

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      WREXHAM are set to axe up to 10 players ahead of their return to League One.The Red Dragons will play in the third tier for the first time since 2005 following promotion this season.Wrexham could axe up to 10 players this summerCredit: RexHollywood owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds are preparing for League OneCredit: AFPPhil Parkinson’s side finished second in League Two behind Stockport as they secured back-to-back promotions for the first time in their history.However, as many as 10 members of their squad could be let go ahead of next term.Several stars see their deals at the Racecourse Ground expire this summer.Goalkeepers Mark Howard, Rob Lainton and Liam Hall are all out of contract, along with defenders Callum McFadzean, Aaron Hayden, Jordan Tunnicliffe and Ben Tozer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMeanwhile, midfield duo James McClean and Luke Young are also nearing the end of their deals.Parkinson has addressed the contract situation, explaining: “We’ve got a lot of players out of contract, so we need to sit down and resolve that.”Our first job is treating the out-of-contract players respectfully. Last year we didn’t have many out of contract, but this year is different.”Those talks are important and it is important that we get them done sooner rather than later.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAs for Wrexham’s targets for next season, executive director Humphrey Ker is eyeing a top half finish in League One.He has revealed the club are hopeful of finishing in upper mid-table on their return to the third tier.The story of Wrexham’s incredible riseKer told the Independent: “I think we’ve often talked about the idea that it takes three transfer windows to really build a squad into what you need to compete in any one division and next season will be one window shorter than that.”But I think the core of this team is very strong. They’re very strong personalities, good players and they love each other, so that’s a great basis to build from.”We’ll be adding players in the summer and sadly saying goodbye to one or two, which is sort of just the nature of football, and then we’ll sort of see where we wind up.”Inside the building, we’re like, ‘Look, our objective is get up and stay up, stabilise and build a good platform and go again the following year.’James McClean is one of 10 Wrexham players out of contract this summerCredit: PAThe Red Dragons are eyeing a top half finish after promotion from League Two this termCredit: Alamy”But stranger things than promotion have happened – we might go through the division again.”To be honest, that would probably be too fast for us. It wouldn’t actually be that good for the club as a whole if we did go all the way through this year because we’d just be going so quickly.”Then we’d be trying to catch up with infrastructure and our facilities and everything would be a big, big challenge. So I think something nice and comfortable – upper mid-table, please! Tenth. I’d be very happy with that.” More