More stories

  • in

    Kim Kardashian and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson tipped for shock EFL club takeovers after Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham revolution

    KIM KARDASHIAN and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson have been tipped to complete an EFL club takeover.American investment in English football has exploded in recent years, with 14 Premier League clubs majority owned by US firms.The Rock has been tipped to make an investment in an EFL clubCredit: The Mega AgencyKim Kardashian could also be keen to get involvedCredit: GettyRob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have paved the way for celebrity investorsCredit: PAA$AP Rocky has been linked with a purchase of Tranmere RoversCredit: GettyIt is a similar case in the EFL with a third of owners American, while there has also been an increase in celebrity involvement.Hollywood A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney sparked the drive with their takeover of Wrexham and the subsequent release of Disney+ documentary ‘Welcome to Wrexham’.More recently NFL legend Tom Brady has become involved as an investor in Birmingham City, with another American Football star JJ Watt purchasing a stake in Burnley.Superstar rapper A$AP Rocky was even linked to a takeover of Tranmere, and football investment expert Adam Sommerfeld believes it is only a matter of time before some bigger names get involved.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe told the BBC’s Monday Night Club: “A lot of these guys (celebs) will see them (clubs) as media assets because of the drama they produce.”To try and replicate that in another area, lets say film content, is very difficult.”The shoulder programming that comes with these things, the documentaries, opens them up to sponsors, to investors, to brand collaborators.”There’s an argument it will become saturated quite quickly, perhaps it already has been. [Tom] Brady, JJ Watt at Burnley.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Now it becomes about almost how can you take it up a level. Who’s going to get The Rock, god forbid who’s going to get a KIm Kardashian.”Sommerfeld also predicted all English clubs will be owned or part-owned by American investors in the next five to ten years, with “every team” in the EFL already in talks with US investors.Ryan Reynolds tells Liverpool star Mo Salah to ‘think about’ stunning Wrexham transfer in brilliant video More

  • in

    Wrexham set to spend big on experienced Championship star in January transfer window

    AMBITIOUS Wrexham plan to spend big in January and carry on rising up the EFL.The Welsh League One club have brought in a new backer and will announce a massive sponsorship deal next summer, so they are cash rich.Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have overseen incredible success at WrexhamCredit: GettyTheir main target is a goalscorer with Championship experience.A big fee and wages are on offer.Since Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s takeover, Wrexham have climbed from the fifth tier into the third.They are third in the table, having missed an opportunity to go within a point of top spot earlier today.READ MORE WREXHAM NEWSPhil Parkinson’s men fell 1-0 to Stockport, who were also promoted from League Two last season, at Edgeley Park.In front of a watching Cole Palmer in the stands, Louie Barry bagged the winner in the 24th minute.Parkinson handed recent signing Jon Dadi Bodvarsson his first league start since his acquisition last month.Bodvarsson, 32, started as Iceland beat England in Nice at Euro 2016.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe has since played in England for Wolves, Millwall, Reading and Bolton.Upon signing for his new team, the experienced forward said: “It’s great to be at a Club like Wrexham.Wrexham’s James McClean catches beer thrown by Birmingham fans and pretends to drink it as he winds up supporters in huge League One clash”Everyone knows the history by now and it’s just a very exciting club to be a part of. I’m delighted to be here, and hopefully I can help the club achieve further success.”It’s good to be back in the dressing room. I really missed it – I think my wife was going crazy!”I’ve been training and trying to keep myself fit, but it’s good to be back in the environment and to work on getting my sharpness back.”The manager and the coaches have been really good with me, getting straight back into it.”It’s about finding myself again over the next few months. I want to get my confidence back for myself, work hard for the club, and see where it gets me.”Cole Palmer was in the stands as Stockport took on WrexhamCredit: RexJon Dadi Bodvarsson started for WrexhamCredit: PA More

  • in

    England Euros conqueror makes Wrexham debut following under-the-radar transfer to League One club

    A FORMER England Euros conqueror made his Wrexham debut this afternoon.The forward, 32, haunted the Three Lions during one of their darkest days.Wrexham’s new forward battles with Stockport’s Ethan PyeCredit: PAHe featured at Euro 2016, as Iceland humiliated Roy Hodgson’s side 2-1 in Nice.The devastating loss turned out to be Hodgson’s final game in charge.Wayne Rooney had given England a fourth-minute lead from the penalty spot.But a quickfire double by Ragnar Sigurdsson and Kolbeinn Sigthorsson left the Three Lions stunned.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSJon Dadi Bodvarsson started up front for Iceland that day.Off the back of the tournament he moved to English football, signing for then-Championship side Wolves from Kaiserslautern.He has since gone on to represent Reading, Millwall and Bolton.At the end of last season he left the Trotters on a free transfer.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBodvarsson consoles Jamie Vardy after helping Iceland knock England outCredit: AP:Associated PressHe remained a free agent throughout the summer before signing for Wrexham towards the end of last month.Upon joining, Bodvarsson said: “It’s great to be at a club like Wrexham. Tom Brady in hilarious reaction after getting X-rated welcome from Wrexham fans for Birmingham clash”Everyone knows the history by now and it’s just a very exciting Club to be a part of. I’m delighted to be here, and hopefully I can help the club achieve further success.”It’s good to be back in the dressing room. I really missed it – I think my wife was going crazy!”I’ve been training and trying to keep myself fit, but it’s good to be back in the environment and to work on getting my sharpness back.”The manager and the coaches have been really good with me, getting straight back into it.”It’s about finding myself again over the next few months. I want to get my confidence back for myself, work hard for the club, and see where it gets me.”BACK IN ACTIONBodvarsson made his Wrexham debut as a substitute in the FA Cup defeat to Harrogate, before making a 15-minute cameo in last weekend’s 1-0 win over Mansfield.After making his first start in the mid-week EFL trophy clash with Port Vale, Bodvarsson kept his place for today’s League One match-up with Stockport.Unfortunately for boss Phil Parkinson, Bodvarsson was unable to stop his side from falling to a 1-0 defeat, Louie Barry’s 24th minute effort proving to be winner.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe match was watched by Chelsea star Cole Palmer.Born in nearby Wythenshawe, Palmer used his free time, having withdrawn from the England squad, to take in some League One action.Cole Palmer watched the match from the standsCredit: Rex More

  • in

    Disguised Cole Palmer rocks up at League One clash after pulling out of England duty with knee injury

    COLE PALMER watched Stockport County vs Wrexham as he enjoyed a Saturday off.The Chelsea star, 22, was originally named in Lee Carsley’s England squad for Nations League matches against Greece and Ireland.Cole Palmer was in the crowd as Stockport took on WrexhamCredit: RexPalmer, 22, grew up in nearby WythenshaweCredit: RexLouie Barry bagged the winner for StockportCredit: AlamyAfter reporting to St George’s Park on Monday, however, Palmer withdrew from the squad.Palmer had been an injury doubt prior to the Blues’ 1-1 draw with Arsenal last weekend.He went on to start the game, but did not have his usual influence.Having withdrawn from England duty, Palmer found himself with a spare Saturday off.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSThe former Manchester City starlet headed north to watch some League One football.Hailing from nearby Wythenshawe, Palmer rocked up at Edgeley Park as Stockport hosted fellow third-tier new-boys Wrexham.With winter fast approaching, and feeling the cold even more than usual, Palmer wrapped up warm in a big coat and hat.Wrexham stars won’t have been worried about playing in front of a famous spectator, with their Hollywood A-List co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney having attended plenty of their games.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPalmer did report for England duty before withdrawingCredit: GettyThe attacker had been an injury doubt for the matchCredit: GettyBut it was Stockport who rose to the occasion, winning 1-0 under the watchful eyes of Palmer.Louie Barry bagged what turned out to be the winner on 24 minutes, his 11th goal of the season.Lee Carsley proud of England’s control in crucial Nations League win over Greece Earlier this week, England captain Harry Kane hit out at Three Lions stars skipping international duty, amid nine withdrawals from the original squad.The 102-cap striker, 31, told ITV Sport: “I think England comes before anything. It comes before club and it is the most important thing you play as a professional footballer.“Gareth (Southgate) was hot on that and he wasn’t afraid to make decisions if that started to drift from certain players. “It’s a shame this week obviously. I think it’s a tough period of the season and maybe that’s been taken advantage of a little bit.“I don’t really like it if I’m totally honest. I think England comes before anything, any club situation.“The joy to play for England. I think Gareth brought that back. Every camp, people were excited to come, every camp people wanted to play for England.”Harry Kane hit out at England stars withdrawing from international dutyCredit: Getty More

  • in

    EFL club issue update on new £130million stadium as part of stunning complex with gym and 180-bed hotel

    AN EFL club has issued a “really positive” update on plans for a new £130million stadium.Oxford United are planning on moving from the 12,500-capacity Kassam Stadium to a new 16,000-capacity eco-friendly ground.Oxford United are planning on moving to a new 16,000 seater stadiumCredit: https://twitter.com/_LiamWalker_The club currently plays at the Kassam StadiumCredit: PAThe U’s have been at the Kassam Stadium since it opened in 2001.The club has now submitted a confidential pre-application request to Cherwell District Council over plans for the new stadium.The plans include a potential stunning complex, which would include a 180-bed hotel and a gym.The land known as the Triangle north of Oxford would also see a restaurant, conference centre, health and wellbeing space, and community plaza created.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLJonathan Clarke, Oxford United Development Director, said: “Requests for additional information are common with large-scale developments.”This is another really positive step forward in the process.”We remain fully focused on obtaining the necessary planning permission and preparing to build.”The club is also keen to improve the ecology of the stadium.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThis means that a transport model has been updated to allow for buses and bicycles to pass through matchday road diversions A footpath and cycleway has also been proposed to provide “additional connectivity and enhanced sustainable transport options”.Ipswich Town Football Club announce plans to redevelop 53-year-old stand in ‘exciting project’ with hotel and aquatics centre The club will also increase the number of on-site cycle parking spots from 150 to 446.It has also been claimed that the new stadium will be “the first all-electric stadium in the UK”.The U’s are currently sitting in 16th place in the Championship after a mixed start to the campaign.Manager Des Buckingham has overseen the team pick-up 17 points from their opening 15 games.Who are these famous footballers? More

  • in

    Shock moment former EFL boss grabs his own player and furiously shoves him after receiving red card

    FORMER EFL boss Pep Clotet furiously grabbed and shoved his own player after the forward was sent off.Clotet, 47, managed Oxford and Birmingham between 2017 and 2020.Pep Clotet grabbed striker Raimonds KrollisThe furious Spaniard then appeared to shake KrollisClotet, 47, managed Birmingham during his stint in EnglandCredit: PADuring his time at St Andrew’s he helped to nurture Jude Bellingham.Since leaving Birmingham, Clotet has had three spells with Italian side Brescia, as well as stints at SPAL and Torpedo Moscow.Last month he took charge of third tier Triestina.Languishing at the bottom of Serie C, the club’s board would have hoped for their new manager to inject some fight into his troops.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut this probably wasn’t what they had in mind.In the 33rd minute of tonight’s home clash with Giana Erminio, goal-shy striker Raimonds Krollis was shown a straight red card.As the Latvian trudged off the pitch, Clotet caught his attention.Instead of heading straight down the tunnel, Krollis walked towards his manager.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAt this point, an enraged Clotet grabbed the forward by the collar of his shirt and began to shake him.Krollis, 23, appeared dejected and did not try to free himself from his manager’s astonishing outburst.How to cure England’s Bellingham, Foden and Palmer headacheTriestina had to play with ten men for around an hour.And combustible Clotet’s mood won’t have been helped by how the game ended.Just three minutes from time, Giana Erminio grabbed a late winner via Gabriel Avinci.The result leaves Triestina rooted to the bottom of the table with just six points from 14 games.Since taking over on October 21, Clotet has amassed two points from four games.Triestina have not won since beating Arzignano all the way back on August 24.Clotet managed Jude Bellingham at BirminghamCredit: PA More

  • in

    League One star reveals he stopped a stranger from ending his life in chance meeting by train tracks

    JAMES BROPHY knows better than most that people can become so desperate they think life is no longer worth living.If the truth of that was ever brought home to him, it was on Easter Sunday morning this year — when he stopped a stranger from ending it all.James Brophy has opened up about the emotional moment with the strangerCredit: RexAnd while the Cambridge winger did not exactly start this season full of joy himself after a nightmare start, he declared: “One point from your first nine games? That’s just football.“What that man was going through that morning, that’s something very different all together.“People can find themselves in some very dark places and I’m afraid mental health issues are something I’m all too familiar with.“My grandfather suffered from depression and one of my brothers suffers from it too — so I know how really tough that can be.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“So if I would ever see someone considering what that man was considering, I would always stop.“I was speaking to him probably for about 20 to 30 minutes, just trying to talk to him about life, really.“I said to him: ‘Look, I can’t feel your pain, or I can’t compare what you’re feeling’.“But I told him about stuff that’s happened in my family and friends and shared stories with him.Most read in EFLMacauley Bonne also spoke to the stranger after arriving at the sceneCredit: Rex“Then the police arrived and about 30 minutes later, a police counsellor came and she was really good.“She took over the conversation from me and got him to a place where he was able to sit on the kerb.“When I got to him he was on the bridge with a railway track on it that takes you into Cambridge. He was on the other side of the barrier on the railway side, ready to jump.“In fairness to the policewoman, I couldn’t talk him into getting over the other side of the barrier.“My team-mate Macauley Bonne turned up too — he had seen my car and thought it had broken down. He was a big help through it all, talking to the bloke.“I’m just glad the police were able to get him safe and away — I just did what I thought needed to be done.“You can say what you like about that morning and my role in it.“But what else could I have done but stop? In my mind it was just the right thing do and I’d do it again.”The 30-year-old and Bonne, 29, later got a visit from Chief Superintendent Jon Hutchinson in praise of their actions — while the club called the pair “inspirational”.And things have lightened up on the pitch too after that terrible start.The U’s have won three games in a row without conceding a goal going into Saturday’s clash at Peterborough.Brophy even scored his first goal in three years to see off Woking in last week’s 1–0 FA Cup first-round win.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “In football just like in life, you’ve got to just keep on going no matter the challenges — a bit like me not scoring for so long!“Garry Monk’s a top manager, we’ve got good players here — sometimes things can come down to the finest of margins. It’s how you deal with tough times and we’ve shown we can do that.”Help for mental healthIf you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support.The following are free to contact and confidential:Mind, www.mind.org, provide information about types of mental health problems and where to get help for them. Email info@mind.org.uk or call the infoline on 0300 123 3393 (UK landline calls are charged at local rates, and charges from mobile phones will vary).YoungMinds run a free, confidential parents helpline on 0808 802 5544 for parents or carers worried about how a child or young person is feeling or behaving. The website has a chat option too.Rethink Mental Illness, www.rethink.org, gives advice and information service offers practical advice on a wide range of topics such as The Mental Health Act, social care, welfare benefits, and carers rights. Use its website or call 0300 5000 927 (calls are charged at your local rate).Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk, is the a mental health initiative spearheaded by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales. More

  • in

    EFL club face being forced to LEAVE iconic ex-Premier League stadium and have been ‘offered’ two sites for £100m ground

    CHARLTON ATHLETIC have been offered two potential sites for a new stadium – as they face the prospect of being turfed out of The Valley. The League One side has called the iconic stadium home for over 100 years. Charlton’s future at The Valley could be under threatCredit: RexThe club have been offered two potential sites to build a new ground should they have to moveCredit: RexBelgian businessman Roland Duchatelet, the club’s controversial former owner, currently owns The Valley. Charlton signed a 15-year stadium lease with Duchatelet when he still had control of the club. He sold the Addicks to East Street Investments in 2020.Last year the club changed hands again, with Global Football Partners now in charge.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe current ownership group are looking to renegotiate the terms of the lease, which has 11 years remaining. According to City AM, the club have held “positive talks” with Duchatelet, with an eventual view to buying the ground outright.But should any deal not materialise, Charlton could be forced to move out of The Valley within the next decade. The club has been offered two potential sites for a new stadium on the Thames by property developers. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe City AM report claims a new stadium is “projected to cost at least £100m”.A Charlton spokesperson said: “The Valley is the home of Charlton Athletic and the club have no plans to leave the stadium. ‘We had a can of beans between 20’ Charlton’s Matt Godden on struggles at old club – What the EFL?!”We have a medium-term lease on the stadium and our only interest is securing the club’s long-term tenure at The Valley.”Charlton currently sit 12th in League One with 19 points from their opening 13 games.Former Charlton chairman Roland Duchatelet currently owns the groundCredit: AFP – GettyBoss Nathan Jones is looking to get the Addicks back into the second tier for the first time since 2020. Charlton enjoyed a seven-season spell in the Premier League between 2000 and 2008. They have since bounced between the Championship and League One, with ownership issues dominating the club’s past few years. More