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      Supercomputer predicts new Championship season with Wrexham fairytale continuing and ex-Premier League trio relegated

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      WREXHAM are in line for a fourth-straight Hollywood season, according to a new Championship supercomputer. But it’s bad news for former Premier League side Watford, who are pipped for relegation to League One for the first time in 48 YEARS.A supercomputer has tipped Wrexham to make the Championship play-offsCredit: RexWatford are predicted to suffer relegation from the ChampionshipCredit: RexTyler Dibling has been predicted to win theChampionship with SouthamptonBoffins at AceOdds booted up their intelligent PC, which simulates every single fixture 10,00 times for the most accurate score.It estimates the outcome of games based on a team’s current strength (based on factors such as league position and form) and betting market odds.And the results are astounding, with Wrexham, who became the first team to earn back-to-back-to-back promotions up the pyramid, have the chance to play for Premier League football.The Red Dragons, once suffering a record 15-straight seasons in the National League before Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney saved the day, are predicted to finish inside the play-off spots next season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSLinked with a host of big names, including Jamie Vardy and Ben Davies, Wrexham’s top-flight dreams remain alive – if they edge out Bristol City to sixth-place on goal difference. Meanwhile, the clever AI algorithm reckons Southampton will go straight back up by winning the Championship.The Saints, who hired former Lens boss Will Still after relegation this season, are set to face a dramatic title race with Sheffield United, who will finally earn automatic promotion at the second time of asking.Fellow relegated sides Ipswich, Leicester and Frank Lampard’s Coventry City are predicted to join Wrexham in making the play-offs.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTom Brady-backed Birmingham City, who recorded the most-ever EFL points last season (108), will also register an admirable top-half finish. On 65 points, the Blues are set to finish ahead of neighbours West Brom and other established names such as Stoke City and Middlesbrough.’He’s got the fastest hands’ – Wrexham star James McClean tipped to beat up Jake Paul in boxing fightMeanwhile, Championship newboys Charlton Athletic are expected to avoid a return to League One, finishing six points above the drop.In terms of the relegation places, Derby County and Hull City join Watford in the dreaded drop to the third-tier.Watford last played in League One (then known as the Football League Third Division) during the 1977-78 season.Derby finished 19th last year, while Hull are pipped to finish rock-bottom after just about saving themselves on the final day this season, after Luton lost to West Brom.While the supercomputer thinks the likes of Preston, QPR, Boro and Oxford United will narrowly survive.And Norwich, Millwall, Blackburn, Sheffield Wednesday and Swansea will finish a respectable mid-table.Wrexham star James McClean could return to the glittering heights of Premier League football after playing with West Brom and Sunderland a decade agoCredit: RexOmari Hutchinson helped Ipswich earn promotion to the Prem in 2023/2024, before being relegated this seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Legendary journeyman footballer finally retires at 46 after playing more than 900 times for FORTY-TWO clubs

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      LEGENDARY football journeyman Jefferson Louis has retired at the age of 46 after playing for an astonishing 42 clubs.The iconic striker – who has clocked up over 900 games – had been slogging it out on the field since 1996 when he played for Risborough Rangers.Iconic journeyman Jefferson Louis has retired from playingCredit: PA:Empics SportThe 46-year-old spent nearly 30 years playing for 42 different teamsCredit: PA:Empics SportLouis’ travels saw him play for an incredible 42 sides, including Oxford United, Bristol Rovers and Wrexham.He was most recently playing Thame United in the Southern League Division One Central.But after 903 career appearances, and more than FIFTY transfers, Louis has finally retired.He once claimed that his journeyman tag worked against him.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJefferson, who played in a World Cup qualifier for Dominica, revealed: “People say he must be a rebel, Jefferson must have been rude.”And it’s tarnished me. Some managers think I must be a bad apple.”Fans will be pleased to hear that he hasn’t quit football for good.That’s because he has immediately taken an assistant coaching role at Slough Town, who compete in England’s sixth tier in the National League South.Most read in FootballLouis, who alaso made five appearances there as a player in 2023.During that time, he also worked as a performance coach for team-mates.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersAnd manager Scott Davies believes Louis has the right skills to become a hit in the dugout.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe declared: “Football these days for me is more about mentality than ability. “Every player at the level has ability which has allowed them to get to this point, but it’s so important that we, as a management team, can tap into their psychological side too.Louis was transferred over 50 times as he clocked up 903 appearancesCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe ace has now taken up a new job as assistant coach at Slough TownCredit: Getty Images – Getty“Throughout the season, individuals will need one-to-one chats when things aren’t going as well as they may have hoped.”And I strongly believe that with myself, Yella and now Jefferson joining the group, we’ve got all bases covered with the wealth of experience we have that we can now give back to the players.”Slough fans reacted with delight at the news.One said “Class this, great gaffer to learn off.”Another declared: “Superb appointment, welcome back.”Read More on The SunOne noted: “Absolutely love this, welcome Louis.”Another added: “So much experience and knowledge at this level.” More

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      Premier League announce inflation-busting ticket cap as football fans rejoice and say ‘EFL, take note’

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      PREMIER LEAGUE away ticket prices will continue to be capped at £30.The rule was introduced in 2016 and has resulted in away attendances increasing to 91 per cent of capacity.Premier League clubs have voted to maintain the cap on away ticket pricesCredit: GettyPrem clubs have unanimously voted for the cap to stay in place.That means next season will be the tenth year away fans will pay £30 or less to watch their teams on the road.It is a major win for fans of clubs in the top flight. but supporters in the rest of the pyramid are calling for the EFL to implement a similar rule.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne fan said: “@EFL Take notes 👍🏼”Another added: “Why are the EFL not acting on this?”A third wrote: “Needs to be £20 in the Championship, Division 1 & 2.”And another commented: “Eventually clubs not being money grabbers.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSA total of 953,420 people were at the 380 top-flight matches during the 2024-25 season.And 19 out of 20 Prem clubs raised their prices for home fans.Manish Bhasin gives fans behind-the-scenes look at his week with Premier League ProductionsBut the away ticket price cap remains in place.The Premier League said in a statement: “Clubs recognise the additional costs associated with fans following their team during the season, and the incredible atmospheres they create at matches.” More

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      Leyton Orient release EIGHT players including former Premier League star, 40, after play-off final heartbreak

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      FORMER Premier League star Darren Pratley has been released by Leyton Orient aged 40.The midfielder had been a stalwart in Richie Wellens’ side for the last four years, helping them reach the League One play-offs where they lost in the final to Charlton.Darren Pratley has been released by Leyton OrientCredit: GettyJosh Keeley and Jamie Donley have returned to parent club Spurs after their loans expiredCredit: GettyHe turned 40 in April and the club paid tribute to his career, and his contribution to Orient’s League Two title win in 2023.Pratley played in the Premier League for Bolton and he made 202 appearances for the Trotters.His best years came at Swansea where he won promotion to the Prem via the play-offs in 2011 – he also won League One with the Swans in 2008.Pratley helped Bolton win promotion from the third tier in 2017, and repeated that feat two years later with Charlton.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOrient have released seven other players, including another ex-Bolton star Randell Williams, who joined on a short-term contract in January.Jayden Sweeney, Joe Pigott, Sam Howes, Rhys Byrne, Reon Smith-Kouassi and Thomas Avgoustidis have also been released.While five players have left the club upon the expiration of their loan deals – Tottenham pair Jamie Donley and Josh Keeley, Dillan Markanday, Jack Currie and 27-goal striker Charlie Kelman.Two more players, Theo Archibald and Jordan Graham, will continue at the club on an out of contract basis as they continue their rehabilitation on long-term ACL injuries.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSManager Richie Wellens said: “Each and every one of my players gave me absolutely everything this season, and they have all been a pleasure to work with.“This group has been special – one of the best I have ever worked with as a player or manager – and that makes these decisions even tougher.EFL club release ‘gorgeous work of art’ kit and even rival fans want to buy it“This summer, we will say goodbye to some players who have been with us for a long time, and I can only thank them for their service to our football club.”They have played a huge role in our climb up the ladder, and I wish them all the very best for the future.“Jordan Graham and Theo Archibald put their bodies on the line for us and we will continue to support them throughout their recovery from injury by having them around the training ground. “I’m looking forward to seeing them both back playing again, be that with us or someone else.” More

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      Plymouth in furious statement as manager Miron Muslic, 42, ‘breaks promise’ to join ex-Champions League semi-finalists

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      PLYMOUTH ARGYLE launched a furious statement after their manager “broke promises” to walk out for former Champions League semi-finalists. Miron Muslic, 42, only took over at Home Park in January, replacing Wayne Rooney in the dugout.Miron Muslic infuriated Plymouth Argyle by walking out on the club to join SchalkeCredit: RexHe masterminded the famous FA Cup victory over Liverpool before a valiant defeat against Manchester City in the fifth round.But the Bosnian was unable to avoid relegation from the Championship as Argyle finished 23rd – three points from safety. However, the club were willing to stick by Muslic and had already began making plans to back him in League One and push for promotion next season.That was until he suddenly told the Pilgrims he wanted to leave for FC Schalke in Germany’s second tier.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd Argyle “reluctantly” gave him permission to enter negotiations with Schalke.But their statement blasted Muslic for seemingly betraying his word months into his contract which ran until 2028.Plymouth fumed: “Argyle can confirm that we have reluctantly allowed Head Coach Miron Muslic to open talks with a 2. Bundesliga side after he expressed his desire to speak with the German team and not return to England.”Despite regular communication since the end of the season, and no mention of any issues, Miron has now made it clear that, after extended periods away from his family, this opportunity provides him the chance to be closer to them after four years on the road.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”We are frustrated by this decision, having implemented clear structures, processes and personnel to aid Miron and his coaching staff as we look to return to the Sky Bet Championship at the earliest opportunity.”Not only that, the club have also moved quickly to bring in new signings and received repeated verbal promises from Miron that he was committed to Argyle and would do everything to help the club bounce back to the second tier.’When we go down…oh God’ – Red-faced Plymouth owner accidentally admits club are getting relegated with 15 games left”Muslic joined the Greens in January 2025, on a three-and-a-half-year contract, after a period out of the game having departed Cercle Brugge. “He will now leave Argyle just four months into that long-term commitment.”We wish him the best for his future career.”We will be making no further comment at this stage.”In Muslic’s press conference after the final game of the season, he openly said he needed backing.The club responded by appointing David Fox as head of football operations and Tom Randle – who Muslic had worked with previously – as head of recruitment.Jamie Paterson and Caleb Watts signed last week – the former citing his conversations with Muslic as a major reason behind joining. One fan took to Wikipedia to edit his page name to “Plymouth Snake” in response to the shock bombshell news, which will reportedly see Argyle receive £1million in compensation. Seven-time top-flight runners-up Schalke suffered two relegations from the Bundesliga in three years from 2022 to 2024. Read More on The SunThey finished 14th in the 2 Bundesliga this term – with the likes of ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius and Rasmus Hojlund’s brother Emil in the squad.Die Konigsblauen are six-time German Cup winners, won the Uefa Cup in 1997 and reached the Champions League semis in 2011, losing 6-1 on aggregate to Manchester United. Muslic was in charge when Argyle beat Liverpool in the FA CupCredit: Getty More

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      League One play-off final DELAYED with just minutes left after technical failure as players have kickabout on pitch

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      THE League One play-off final was hit with a major delay just minutes before the final whistle.Charlton Athletic and Leyton Orient battled it out at Wembley on Sunday afternoon to try to secure promotion to the Championship.Charlton Athletic and Leyton Orient duked it out at Wembley for promotion to the ChampionshipCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe match ended up being halted in the dying embers, with both teams using the break to take on waterCredit: GETTYOrient looked to keep themselves warm by having a mini kickaboutCredit: SKY SPORTSA technical malfunction with referee Andrew Kitchen’s microphone kit was the cause for the delayCredit: GettyCharlton took the lead in the first half through Macaulay Gillesphey and battled valiantly to try to preserve their precious 1-0 lead.But the match ended up being halted in the dying embers due to a technical malfunction.Officials paused the match in the 80th minute due to communication issues.Referee Andrew Kitchen’s communication pack stopped working and left him unable to speak to his assistants and the fourth official.READ MORE SPORTS NEWSThe game ended up being postponed for a whopping EIGHT MINUTES.Both sets of players decided to use the unexpected break to take on fluids. And a handful of Orient players tried to keep their blood pumping by having a kickabout.Footie fans flocked to social media to comment on the shock delay, with one saying: “Diabolical in the League One play-off final.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMacauley Gillesphey’s first-half strike sealed a 1-0 victory for CharltonCredit: ALAMYVictory at Wembley ended the Addicks’ five-year absence from the ChampionshipCredit: AlamyAnother said: “Long delay due to communication issues with officials. “What has the game come to? Worst possible situation for the players FFS.”Ex-Rangers star Greg Docherty sends message to his dad following Charlton Play-Off semi-final victoryPlay eventually resumed, although Orient were unable to find a late equaliser to take the game to extra time.Victory in the winner-takes-all London derby has seen the Addicks return to the Championship following a five-year absence. More

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      Why are the EFL play-off finals kicking off a minute later?

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      SUNDERLAND and Sheffield United will meet in one of the biggest games on the English football calendar.A place in the Premier League awaits either the Blades or the Black Cats, with Chris Wilder’s side eyeing an immediate return to the top flight.Daniel Ballard headed Sunderland to Wembley with a last minute winner vs CoventryCredit: Scott Llewellyn | MI NewsChris Wilder is looking to guide Sheffield United straight back to the Premier LeagueCredit: Nick Potts/PA Wire.Charlton and London rivals Leyton Orient will meet in the League One play-off finalCredit: GettyWimbledon will take on Walsall in the League Two play-off finalCredit: Tom West | MI NewsRegis Le Bris is hoping to guide Sunderland back to the Premier League for the first time since 2016/17. The Championship play-off final is just one of three promotion deciders happening at Wembley over Bank Holiday weekend, with the League One and League Two play-off finals also occurring.League One sees an all-London affair, as Charlton and Leyton Orient both look to book their place alongside Wrexham and Birmingham in the Championship next season.In League Two, either Walsall or Wimbledon will be joining Doncaster, Port Vale and Bradford in League One next season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSunSport can reveal why these games are starting one minute later than usual. Why are the EFL play-off finals starting a minute later?The kick-off times have been moved back one minute to promote the Every Minute Matters campaign.The campaign is a collaboration between EFL sponsors Sky Bet and the British Heart Foundation, which aims to get supporters to learn CPR.More than 270,000 people have already learned the life-saving skill thanks to the campaign, which launched during last season’s play-offs.Most read in EFLAs a result, the three play-off finals will now have amended kick-off times:Sat, May 24: Sheffield United vs Sunderland – 3:01pm BSTSun, May 25: Charlton vs Leyton Orient – 1:01pm BST Mon, May 26: Wimbledon vs Walsall – 3:01pm BSTWhat TV channel are the EFL play-off finals and is there a live stream?All three play-off finals will be aired by Sky Sports.The matches will be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.They can also be live streamed to customers on the Sky Go app and NOW TV.SunSport will have live coverage of all three matches. More

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      I’m a League One star targeting Wembley glory with Charlton in play-off final – but I’m also training to be a PILOT

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      WILL MANNION has been training to become an aeroplane pilot.And the keeper hopes his Charlton team will be flying in tomorrow’s play-off final against Leyton Orient – before landing a place in the Championship.Will Mannion is targeting promotion to the Championship with CharltonCredit: GettyThe keeper is a pilot in his spare time away from the pitchCredit: AlamyThe 27-year-old has already done 15 hours of flying lessons and is a third of the way through being able to fly solo.Mannion told SunSport: “I was 14 when I took my first lesson. It was something I was going to do properly if football didn’t work but thankfully it did.”Now it’s something I want to do after football. I’m going to do more lessons so I can get my Private Pilot Licence in the next couple of years.”I’ve been flying Cessna 172 planes, which are like a four-seater washing machine with wings! I’ve got a fair way to go yet.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”When I was at my last club Cambridge, I flew out of RAF Duxford, which was awesome because you would have Spitfires taking off in front of you!”It’s hard to describe the feeling of flying a plane. I would liken it to riding a bike in the sky!”It’s intuitive when you’re up there with the controls.”It’s not as scary as people think. It’s fun, especially when ­taking off and landing.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”Although taking off and landing are the two hardest things because that is where things can most likely go wrong.”But I’m never frightened, you just have to know what you’re doing.Ex-Rangers star Greg Docherty sends message to his dad following Charlton Play-Off semi-final victory”The plan is to get more lessons locally. Biggin Hill isn’t too far away so will probably fly out of there.”Mannion cannot pinpoint why he fell in love with aviation but he then took it up in case a football career did not pan out.And now he is contemplating a career in the sky when his days in football are over.He added: “The next stage for me is to go out solo. I’ve got to do around 45 hours to get my licence.”The great thing is it’s not something you need to do by a certain deadline, you can just chip away at it in your own time.It was something I was going to do properly if football didn’t work but thankfully it did.Will Mannion”There are various exams — theory and practical — you must do. Then I can be in a position to just take a plane out for leisure at the weekend or on my days off.”But that is only the first stage.”There are quite a few more exams before you can fly a plane for easyJet.”At this stage I don’t know how far I’d go with it but might consider working in the commercial airline industry one day!”Back on the ground, Charlton have the chance to return to the Championship after five years stuck in League One.Mannion has played a crucial role in helping the Addicks reach this Wembley final – having kept a club-record TWENTY-FIVE clean sheets this season.Not bad for a keeper who only joined last summer from Cambridge.He said: “To have played in as many games, finish fourth, play like we have as a team and keep as many clean sheets has been massive.”It’s not something I predicted when I came but as the season progressed you could see we were a solid defensive unit and it paid off in terms of our league position and reaching a Wembley play-off final.It will be surreal but it’s just another game. We cannot afford to get carried away by the occasion and romance of it.Mannion on Wembley”The clean sheets aren’t just down to me. It starts from the front in terms of how we play, we’re a high-pressing team.”That transcends throughout the team.”The lads in front of me have been outstanding all season. They’ve limited what I’ve had to do to a minimum.”Mannion is establishing himself as a No 1 after a lot of years doing the hard yards.He was a young pro at Hull – rubbing shoulders with the likes of Harry Maguire, Jarrod Bowen and Andy Robertson – after being signed by Steve Bruce.He had loan spells in non-league with Aldershot and Kidderminster before a season with Cypriot team Pathos having struggled to find a club at home.Charlton’s boss Nathan Jones is aiming for promotion on SundayCredit: Shutterstock EditorialHe said: “It was during the Covid spell. I couldn’t even find a club to look at me, never mind sign me. So I had this opportunity to go abroad and I gave it go.”As a life experience it was good to see a different culture – although on the football side I didn’t get a lot of opportunities.”A move to Cambridge brought 29 League One appearances over three years before what has turned out to be his best season yet at the Addicks.Mannion has only previously been to Wembley as a spectator — watching Crystal Palace beat Watford in the 2013 Championship play-off final and the 2009 FA Cup final when Chelsea saw off Everton 2-1.He said: “It’s one thing imagining yourself playing there and quite another actually thinking you will play there.Read More on The Sun”It will be surreal but it’s just another game. We cannot afford to get carried away by the occasion and romance of it.”We’ve one more game to achieve what we set out to do – win promotion.” More