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      Wrexham confirm EIGHT players leaving after promotion to Championship including star who rejected new deal

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      WREXHAM have confirmed that EIGHT players will be leaving the club.The Welsh outfit have achieved a remarkable three promotions consecutively under Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.Wrexham have been promoted to the ChampionshipCredit: RexSteven Fletcher is one of eight players who have left the clubCredit: GettyHowever, their season in the Championship will not include a number of stars that helped them climb up the English football ladder.Wrexham has now confirmed that eight players have will leave the club upon the expiry of their contracts.This includes former Premier League star Steven Fletcher, who has previously stated that it was not his choice to leave.The striker formerly played for the likes of Sunderland, Burnley, Stoke City and even on loan at Marseille in France.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe joined Wrexham back in 2023 and made 77 appearances, scoring 16 goals.Fan favourite goalkeeper Mark Howard has also been released and he penned a touching tribute to the club.He wrote on Instagram: “From the moment I pulled on the Wrexham shirt, I have tried to bring professionalism, passion, and personality to the club.”As I reflect on what an incredible journey it’s been, I consider myself fortunate to have shared a dressing room with the best teammates.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”Everyday I have left with a smile on my face wanting to come back and do it all over again. Love you boys.”Being able to say I’m the only goalkeeper ever to do the 3peat. Back2Back2Back. I say tongue in cheek.’He’s got the fastest hands’ – Wrexham star James McClean tipped to beat up Jake Paul in boxing fightWrexham squad updateHere is a full rundown of players with updated roles at Wrexham…Released:Steven FletcherMark HowardSam DalbyJordan DaviesHarry DeanBrad FosterLiam HallJosh AdamOffered new deal:Callum EdwardsAutomatic extension:Aaron JamesDecision pending: James Rainbird”I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve had here.”Working alongside some of the most amazing staff on and off the pitch, giving me the encouragement to do more, I cannot thank you enough.”The connection with the fans was tough at times but now I feel part of the family, I would like to think you’ve all grown to love me.”At this stage I still feel like I have more football in me, so it’s not retirement yet, I still want to dive around while my body lets me.”Finally, a huge thank you to these two amazing people.”Jordan Davies, Harry Dean, Brad Foster, Josh Adam and Liam Hall have all also been released.The club also revealed that Sam Dalby as offered a new deal to stay but was turned down.Read More on The SunHe spent last season out on loan at Dundee United and netted 14 goals in 34 appearances in the Scottish Premiership.Meanwhile, Wrexham players were treated to a £500k party trip to Las Vegas after gaining another promotion.Owners’ tribute to two starsRyan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney shared a kind message to Steven Fletcher and Mark Howard after it was announced they would be leaving…Reynolds wrote: “Mr Steven Fletcher. Words aren’t agile enough to capture what you’ve brought to Wrexham, the sport, and the lives of myself and this whole town.”You aren’t a PART of greatness. You ARE greatness. I don’t really know what a co-chairmen is supposed to do or say in these moments and I don’t much care. I’m gonna miss you.”I’ll miss your leadership and wit and the way you remind everyone — including me — that this is also FUN. Like the first day we met, I’m here for you any time and any place. Always.”And Mark Howard— how on earth do we put into words the clutch work you do as a keeper. You have the hardest job in football. And you can’t have that ability without being a clutch person in life.”You have a beautiful family and you have a second family in Wrexham now and always. You’re the big beating heart of this team and the reason we have the best locker room in sports.”Fletch and Chomp, you’ve authored some of the greatest moments of my life. And so many others. All I can do is thank you.”McElhenney added: “This is truly the worst part.”I cannot say enough about these two men. Mark Howard and Steven Fletcher are not just players on the team.”They are my friends and people I admire. They are men of ability and principle and commitment and compassion.”They are men of character and fortitude who have achieved something beyond anyone’s imagination.”I greatly admire everything about them and have so thoroughly enjoyed every moment I’ve had to see them play, or to just spend time with them. Godspeed men.”I hope our paths cross again very soon. All I can say to these great men is THANK YOU.” More

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      ‘Not by choice’ – Former Premier League star, 38, claims he’s being forced out by Wrexham in emotional statement

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      STEVEN FLETCHER claims he’s being forced to leave Wrexham after their promotion to the Championship.It comes as Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney oversee a staff shake-up ahead of their return to the second tier.Steven Fletcher has announced he is to leave Wrexham this summerCredit: GettyThe former Stoke striker helped fire the Dragons to a third successive promotionCredit: GettyFormer Burnley striker Fletcher credited the Welsh side with helping him “fall in love” with football again.Fletcher has scored 15 goals in 71 games since joining Wrexham in the summer of 2023. The 38-year-old netted crucial goals this season – mostly off the bench – to help fire the club to the second tier. But he announced on Thursday he is being released – and it was “not by choice”.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFletcher wrote in an emotional statement on Instagram: “It’s with a heavy heart, and not by choice, that I unfortunately have to announce my departure from what I can only describe as the most magical club I have ever played at!”In my 22 years of stepping onto a pitch, I have never experienced anything like this club.”I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to come here and fall back in love with the game!”Wrexham achieved a third-straight promotion as they finished second in League One behind runaway champions Birmingham. Most read in FootballIt continued a remarkable rise for the club since being bought by Hollywood superstars Reynolds and McElhenney in the National League four years ago.Fletcher continued: “To have had the experiences and the opportunities that this club has given me has been just incredible.Wrexham stars celebrate in iconic Las Vegas casino and hijack luggage cart after Hollywood owners splash £500k on party”And this group of lads are the best that I have ever shared a changing room with.”It’s not just a team or a changing room. This group of boys, fans and staff have been my family for the past two years.”You welcomed me with open arms and open hearts and made me feel like I had a purpose again.”SunSport has contacted Wrexham for comment.’The worst part’Co-owner McElhenney said on social media that exits such as Fletcher’s were “the worst part” of ownership. Wrexham’s success has been built on ruthless decision-making behind the scenes, with a high turnover of personnel expected this summer. McElhenney added: “They are not just players on the team. They are my friends and people I admire”.Wrexham director Humphrey Ker posted he was “slightly in awe” of Fletcher “on account of his extraordinary career at the very top of the game”.He continued: “Now, after two glorious years in his company, I’m even more in awe of him, on account of his abilities, his leadership and friendship. Read More on The Sun”[He’s a] man who’s given me moments of joy that’ll last a lifetime.”It was announced yesterday that fan-favourite Mark Howard is also leaving the club. More

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      ‘Knew the camera was on him’ – Fans divided by Nathan Jones as Charlton boss kneels down and PRAYS before final whistle

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      FANS were left divided by Nathan Jones’ bizarre antics after the Charlton boss dropped to his knees and prayed BEFORE the final whistle against Wycombe.The 51-year-old gaffer was highly emotional as he led his side to the League One play-off final at Wembley later this month.Fans were divided by Nathan Jones’ antics towards the end of Charlton’s win over WycombeCredit: Sky SportsThe Welshman fell to his knees and prayed moments before the final whistleCredit: Sky SportsJones was highly emotional as the final whistle blewCredit: Sky SportsHe was mobbed by fans as they toasted their playoff winCredit: Sky SportsAn 81st minute strike from Matty Godden was enough to seal a 1-0 aggregate win for the Addicks on Thursday night.They will now play Leyton Orient for a spot in the Championship, with Charlton relegated from England’s second tier in 2021.But it was manager Jones who stole the show with his touchline dramatics at The Valley.The former Luton, Stoke and Southampton gaffer joined Charlton in February 2024.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the pressure appeared to get to Jones as last night’s match entered its last innings.With just seconds left on the clock, the Welshman dropped to his knees and began praying for the final whistle.Jones, a devout Christian, waved his arms to the sky before joining his hands together.And as the game ended, he once again collapsed to the ground before being mobbed by fans.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBut supporters watching at home were left with mixed feelings.One declared: “He knew the cameras were on him.”Harry Maguire gets over Man Utd woes with trip to watch former club in Championship play-off clashAnother noted: “It’s a semi-final, not the Oscars.”One said: “How can anyone not love this passion?”Another added: “Done some job at Charlton.” More

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      Wrexham ‘in talks over signing Fulham captain Tom Cairney’ to bolster Championship promotion hopes

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      WREXHAM are in talks to sign Fulham captain Tom Cairney, according to reports.The Red Dragons could spend big once again after winning a third successive promotion to reach the Championship.Wrexham are in talks to sign Tom CairneyCredit: RexThe Fulham captain has made 27 appearances this seasonCredit: Shutterstock EditorialWrexham owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have spent big since taking overCredit: GettyWrexham have already been linked with a number of targets and Cairney is now on their radar, according to The Telegraph.The club has opened talks over a move for the midfielder, who would be one of their most ambitious signings after breaking the bank to sign Sam Smith for £2million in January.Cairney is out of contract in the summer so could be snapped up for free but would command hefty wages.Wrexham are believed to want experienced players as they return to the second tier for the first time in 21 years, and Cairney fits the mould.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe has played 318 games at Championship level and has 412 top-flight appearances, as well as two Scotland caps.Cairney, 34, has made 27 appearances this season, 23 of which have been in the Premier League although nearly all from the bench.Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson has often gone down the experienced route when recruiting players – Jay Rodriguez, 35, James McClean, 36, and Steven Fletcher, 37, have joined the club in recent years.In total Wrexham have 11 players aged 30 or over, with more potentially arriving.Most read in FootballJamie Vardy has been linked with a move to North Wales after confirming he will leave Leicester after 13 years at the club.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSManchester United defender Jonny Evans has also been mooted as a potential arrival with his contract up next month.Parkinson said the club was “always planning” but admitted that while they have not spoken about anyone in particular they do have a profile of targets who are free agents.’He’s got the fastest hands’ – Wrexham star James McClean tipped to beat up Jake Paul in boxing fightHe said: “We haven’t really spoken about anything. We’ve always got our eye on players who are free transfers and are going to be available.”I think it’s interesting because the jump in salaries is incredible, mind-blowing. Even coming up to this level, the jump to get players of Championship quality is expensive.”But obviously the next level, I don’t think people outside football quite realise.”They think players in League One must be multi-millionaires, but the drop-off from what people read in the press about Premier League players is huge.”That is a challenge but what we’ve always tried to do is make sure the culture in the club is right.”No superstars, no egos in the dressing room, and we’ve got to try to get that balance right again, to make sure the right people come into the building.” More

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      ‘I cannot thank you enough’ – Wrexham legend thanks Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney as he announces departure

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      WREXHAM fan-favourite Mark Howard has announced his exit from the Welsh club after helping them climb the Football League.Howard, 38, confirmed his exit from the Racecourse in an emotional statement on social media – thanking Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney for bringing him to the club.Mark Howard has announced his exit from WrexhamCredit: instagram @markhoward.1The goalkeeper thanked Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in an emotional statementCredit: RexHoward joined Wrexham in 2022, helping the club secure promotion into the Football League as the first choice goalkeeper alongside former Premier League star Ben Foster.While he has had a smaller role in recent seasons, losing his starting spot to Arthur Okonkwo as Wrexham have earned another two successive promotions from League Two and League One.Howard, who is nicknamed Chomp, featured just 11 times in League One last season and will depart ahead of the Red Dragon’s return to the Championship.In a statement revealing that he isn’t planning on retiring just yet, he wrote: “From the moment I pulled on the Wrexham shirt, I have tried to bring professionalism, passion, and personality to the club.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”As I reflect on what an incredible journey it’s been, I consider myself fortunate to have shared a dressing room with the best teammates.”Everyday I have left with a smile on my face wanting to come back and do it all over again. Love you boys.”Being able to say I’m the only goalkeeper ever to do the three-peat. Back-to-back-to-back. I say tongue in cheek.”I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve had here.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Working alongside some of the most amazing staff on and off the pitch, giving me the encouragement to do more, I cannot thank you enough.”The connection with the fans was tough at times but now I feel part of the family, I would like to think you’ve all grown to love me.Wrexham stars celebrate in iconic Las Vegas casino and hijack luggage cart after Hollywood owners splash £500k on party”At this stage I still feel like I have more football in me, so it’s not retirement yet, I still want to dive around while my body lets me.”Finally a huge thank you to these two amazing people. Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.”Wrexham stars were quick to pass on their well-wishes to the experienced shot-stopper.Elliot Lee wrote: “The oldest goalkeeper there ever was. I will miss you old man”.While Andy Cannon added: “One of the best. What a man”.Steven Fletcher posted: “Chompy, what a fella. Friend for life big man.”And Wrexham director and comedian Humphrey Ker wrote: “Farewell to a man who never let us down and always lifted us up. One of the greats. The Chomp.”Howard, who previously played for the likes of Sheffield United and Blackpool, leaves Wrexham having made 58 appearances and kept 19 clean sheets for the club.Read More on The SunHe could be the first of many to leave on the expiration of their current deals at Wrexham as the club look to bring in more talent to compete in the Championship next season.Wrexham are yet to release their retained list, however a number of players are set to run out of contract – including former Scotland international Steven Fletcher.Wrexham earned promotion into the Championship this seasonCredit: RexSteven Fletcher is out of contract in the summerCredit: Getty More

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      Reading takeover finally COMPLETED as crisis club release statement after being saved from brink of going bust

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      THE takeover of Reading FC has officially been completed.Redwood Holdings Limited have finally put pen to paper on a deal that sees them acquire 100 per cent of the League One club.The takeover of Reading has finally been completedCredit: GettyAs a result, Rob Couhig – the owner of the company – will become chairman.Co-owner Todd Trosclair has joined the board with immediate effect.A statement read: “The Club are pleased to announce that Redwood Holdings Limited – a subsidiary company of Dogwood LLC, owned by Rob Couhig and Todd Trosclair of New Orleans, Louisiana – has completed the acquisition of 100% of the shareholding in Reading Football Club.”The takeover, which has received EFL clearance, completed very early on Wednesday morning and includes the Select Car Leasing Stadium and Bearwood Park Training Ground.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Both Couhig and Trosclair will join the club’s board with immediate effect, with Rob Couhig being named as Chairman.”It concluded: “Redwood is ambitious and dedicated towards the club returning to its rightful place within the English football pyramid, while adhering to clear principles of honesty, transparency, and financial sustainability.”Further communication from Redwood will follow in due course.”Reading were on the verge of going bust before the takeover was confirmed.Most read in EFLFormer owner Dai Yongge purchased a 75 per cent stake in the club eight years ago but quickly became responsible for a series of financial issues.As a result, the Royals were hit with several points deductions and suffered relegation from the Championship in 2023.Reading fans take to the pitch to protest against owner Dai YonggeThe drop to League One prompted Dai to put Reading up for sale.Couhig expressed an interest in taking over earlier this year.By the time it was completed, the club had been up for sale for over 600 days. More

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      EFL club in major stadium update amid ambitious plans to nearly DOUBLE capacity

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      EFL club Stockport County have announced plans to expand their stadium.The plans were first made public in 2022 and the club have since undergone a consultation period with the local community.Stockport County have announced plans to expand Edgeley ParkCredit: Stockport CountyThe Railway End will be converted to seatsCredit: Stockport county FCThe capacity of the ground will increase from 10,852 to around 18,000Credit: Stockport county FCStockport will work on three stands in multiple phasesCredit: Stockport county FCThe South Stand, right, could increase in size to sit 5,500 fansCredit: Stockport county FCNow the League One side have unveiled projected images of what the upgraded Edgeley Park could look like.Stockport want to increase the capacity of the ground from 10,852 to around 18,000.The revamp will see an initial 600 seats added to the North Stand, with the Railway End behind the goal to be increased from a capacity of 1366 to around 4500.Work on the two stands could begin this year, while the South Stand could be developed later to sit 5,500 fans.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNew hospitality, food and beverage facilities will also be built as part of the expansion.Once that work is completed, the western side of the North Stand could be expanded to fit in an additional 600 seats.Plans for the new Edgeley Park aim to improve accessibility for disabled supporters and make the stadium more environmentally friendly.Stockport plan to produce a true community stadium with “access to a wide range of spaces” for locals.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSNon-executive chairman at Stockport County Ken Knott said: “We are delighted to be bringing forward plans for the expansion and enhancement of Edgeley Park to create a true community stadium.”We know just how much the ground means to the fans and local community, it has been at the beating heart of Stockport for over 120 years. ‘You f***ing clown’ – Mick McCarthy reveals team-mate lost it with him after awkward communication blunder”Ultimately, we want to ensure that the stadium matches our level of ambition so it can continue to provide a first-rate home for the Club and the local community for many years to come.”Following our first round of consultation in 2022, we took our time to review and reflect upon the feedback we received, and we have developed our plans accordingly. “We want to ensure our plans for Edgeley Park provide our fans with the best possible matchday experience, whilst also remaining sensitive to our neighbours and providing the people of Stockport with a range of high-quality new community spaces.”This is a very exciting time for the club as we continue to go from strength to strength, both on and off the field. “We have outlined our ambition to reach the Championship, and we have already taken great strides towards reaching this goal over the past two seasons. “Ultimately, we believe that the expansion and enhancement of Edgeley Park is crucial in order to support the continued growth of the club and provide a platform for further success.” More

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      Transfer deadline given shock new time as Premier League and EFL strike landmark agreement

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      THE summer transfer window will close four hours earlier than usual.But fears that Prem clubs could be exposed to losing players after incoming business ends appear to have been eased.Dominic Solanke joined Tottenham on deadline day last yearCredit: RexRaheem Sterling was a very late loan addition for ArsenalCredit: GettyPrem and EFL chiefs, with the agreement of clubs in both leagues, have agreed that signings or paperwork will have to be lodged by 7pm on September 1.Clubs who send a notice to register players will still have two hours to complete any deals between English clubs and allow them to play for their new sides.For signing from overseas, there will be an additional two hours to complete all the paperwork.The move from the 11pm closure is viewed as a way of preventing club staff and administrators having to burn the midnight oil well into the early hours when late-agreed deals are pushed through.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSome clubs voiced concerns that it could leave them open to the risk of losing players to major European clubs in the time frame between the English window shutting and the closure of the markets elsewhere.But it is understood that discussion about “harmonisation” across major leagues has been productive.The European Leagues umbrella group, which represents the majority of domestic competitions throughout the continent, is keen to get alignment.European Leagues would ideally see the markets close BEFORE the start of the season.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAlthough it is accepted that such an agreement, while preferable in the future,  is not feasible at this stage.Another argument in favour of the early closure is that Fifa have already allowed the window to open early.Eight of the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or despite their incredible careersThere is a 10-day transfer opportunity between June 1 and June 10 ahead of this summer’s Club World Cup.The formal window will then close again until it reopens on June 16, shutting on September 1, while the winter window will run from January 1 to February 2. More