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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

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      Ryan Reynolds left in disbelief after watching Wrexham star’s wonder goal that was assisted by Storm Darragh

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      RYAN REYNOLDS was left gobsmacked by Wrexham’s stunning winner against Burton Albion – which had a little assist from Storm Darragh.The Red Dragons ran out 1-0 winners at the Pirelli Stadium on Saturday thanks to a 65th minute strike from midfielder Elliot Lee.Elliot Lee secured Wrexham victory against Burton Albion in styleCredit: SKY SPORTSThe midfielder scored straight from a corner in the 65th minuteCredit: SKY SPORTSHollywood A-lister and Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds wasn’t in attendance at the Pirelli Stadium to witness Lee’s stunnerCredit: RexReynolds gave an x-rated reaction to Lee’s stunner on InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM@VANCITYREYNOLDSLee sent the travelling Wrexham fans into pandemonium by finding the back of the net straight from a CORNER.The 29-year-old’s stunner spread like wildfire on social media and quickly came to the attention of club co-owner Reynolds.And the Hollywood A-lister couldn’t help but give an x-rated response to the goal.Along with a clip of Lee’s goal, the ‘Deadpool’ star wrote on his Instagram story: “FFS, Elliot Lee.”READ MORE ON WREXHAMFootie fans were blown away by Lee’s strike, although many were quick to point out by the incredible winds battering the UK courtesy of Storm Darragh played a role in the goal.One wrote on X: ‘Almost like there was a 90mph wind or something.”Another said: “Storm Darragh assist.”And another said: “Yeah, because the conditions didn’t help in anyway.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHow 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.”He can’t seriously claim that he meant to score that goal.”But Elliot, who now has 35 Wrexham goals to his name, insists he MEANT to find the back of the net from the set piece.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 He told Wrexham’s YouTube channel: “We do a lot on set pieces and with Parky (Phil Parkinson), he gives us license to shoot.”And that’s, basically, what the plan was today with the wind – just shoot for goal and see what happens.”The keeper will be under pressure and luckily for me ones gone in the back stick.”Victory over Burton Albion fired Wrexham joint-top of the League One table.Phil Parkinson’s charges are currently level on points with Wycombe Wanderers.Wrexham will be back in action on Tuesday night, welcoming Crewe Alexandra to the SToK Racecourse. More

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      Wayne Rooney set for huge blow in Plymouth relegation battle after horror run of just one win in nine Championship games

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      STRUGGLING Wayne Rooney’s hopes of a financial lifeline to bring in new players at PLYMOUTH in the January window are growing slim.Argyle owner Simon Hallett’s potential deal with new investors has dragged on for months.Wayne Rooney’s hopes of bringing in new signings at Plymouth are growing slimEFL chiefs must approve any cash injection — and that takes weeks, leaving Rooney no time to move for new recruits.No deal has been completed yet, and even if that was achieved soon it would still be unlikely that they could splash the cash in January.Rooney is currently without five major players including captain Joe Edwards, shot-stopper Conor Hazard and forwards Ibrahim Cissoko, Morgan Whittaker and Muhamed Tijani.Plymouth are currently languishing inside the Championship relegation zone and are desperate need of reinforcements.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSince taking over in the summer, Rooney has won just four of the club’s 18 games this season.It’s been well over a month since the the Pilgrims picked up three points and Rooney would’ve earmarked January as the chance to improve his squad.Plymouth have conceded 10 goals in their last two games, scoring just once themselves.While they have won just ONE of their last nine games in the Championship – a 1-0 victory over bottom of the table Portsmouth.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe dire form of the club has led to reports that Plymouth’s next two fixture are pivotal in deciding Rooney’s future.Perhaps the Man Utd legend was somewhat offered a chance at reprieve when Oxford United’s visit was cancelled on Saturday.Wayne Rooney reveals nine-word message to Plymouth stars that inspired stunning comeback from being 3-0 downThe game was abandoned on Friday with severe weather warnings in place for South West England and Wales amid Storm Darragh.Winds of up to 70mph tore through Devon on Friday night, with travel deemed too dangerous by the club’s Safety Advisory Group.It’s claimed that there’s an understanding that Rooney is dealing with an injury crisis at Home Park, but the continued poor form is now beginning to be a concern.Rooney’s Plymouth recordA look at Rooney’s record at Plymouth so far…Games in charge: 20Wins: 5Draws: 5Defeats: 10Goals scored: 21Goals conceded: 40 More

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      Peterborough release damning statement after ‘bitterly disappointing’ decision for huge FA Cup tie at Everton

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      PETERBOROUGH UNITED have slammed the “incredibly disappointing” decision to hold their FA Cup clash at Everton on a week day and called for it to be rescheduled.Peterborough were drawn with the Toffees in the third round of the competition and are currently penned to play at Goodison Park on the evening of Thursday, January 9.Peterborough were left furious with the date of their FA Cup clash with EvertonCredit: GettyPeterborough and Everton are scheduled to face off on a week day at Goodison ParkCredit: GettyThe decision appears to have been made by the FA due to a scheduling conflict that also sees Everton’s archrivals Liverpool playing in the city on the Saturday of that weekend against Accrington Stanley.However, the Posh insist their supporters’ needs were not “taken into consideration” by the football chiefs as the current date would make it impossible for them to attend the FA Cup game.The League One side understand the need to avoid having both Merseyside rivals playing on the same day but are strongly asking for a solution.In an appeal for the FA to reverse the decision, Peterborough listed four major concerns.Read More on FootballThey stated: “There are no viable trains from Liverpool to Peterborough scheduled on the evening of the match meaning supporters must travel by car or coach.”Supporters will be required to take two days off work to attend this incredibly important fixture and our younger fans will not be able to attend due to school commitments.”We have never played a competitive game at Goodison Park and interest in the game is very high.”An expected reduced home attendance would reduce the potential revenue for both Peterborough United and Everton.”Most read in FA CupPeterborough chief executive Dawn Gore added that the FA’s decision will cost the EFL club in terms of important revenue.Gore said: “Like our supporters, when the draw was made on Monday night, we were all very excited about travelling to Goodison Park. “We were inundated with supporters requesting details for ticketing within hours of the draw being concluded.FA Cup clash DELAYED as referee is substituted after injury… with PA appealing for new official over tannoy“To learn that the game has been arranged for a Thursday night is bitterly disappointing. “Whilst we understand there are logistical challenges, we do not feel the supporters have been considered in this approach.“We have made our feelings very clear to the decision-makers at the top of the game and want to assure our supporters that we are just as disappointed as they are about when this game will take place and from a financial standpoint, the Club are set to lose out on revenue that would have been greatly appreciated as a club in Sky Bet League One.”Peterborough fans were left fuming, with some of taking to social media to say they can no longer attend the big game.One supporter tweeted: “Can’t even go as I have no holiday entitlement left.”Another commented: “Yet again it’s the fans that suffer.”A third wrote: “Most fans have a few more choice words. Devastated and a total disregard for match day fans.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThis fan said: “Appalling.”And that one stated: “Thursday night is scandalous.” More