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      Wrexham chief reveals two Premier League stars he ‘dreams’ of buying including ‘signing of season’ he’d never heard of

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      WREXHAM chief Humphrey Ker has revealed his two dream summer signings.Ker, 41, was appointed executive director by owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney following their takeover in 2021.Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have ambitious plansCredit: PAHumphrey Ker has revealed his dream signingsCredit: GettyThe Red Dragons earned promotion to the third tier last month courtesy of a second-place finish in League Two.Following back-to-back promotions, Ker and Co are busy preparing for life in League One.With Wrexham set to have a competitive budget once again, they have already allowed themselves to contemplate life beyond the third tier.Asked about his “dream” signings, Ker name-checked Liverpool players past and present.READ MORE ON WREXHAMHe told Sportbible: “So in the past, I’ve been asked this question I’ve often cited sort of a Neco Williams as one, you know, he’s from the area, he’s a Premier League quality right back, play for Wales.”The day we are signing players like that will be a sign of how far we’ve come.“In terms of who’s one of my favourite players and who would I love to see playing in a Wrexham shirt?”At present, I’ve got a real soft spot for Wataru Endo, who is kind of a perfect encapsulation of the fury in the summer when Liverpool missed out on [Moises] Caicedo and [Romeo] Lavia and it was all doom and gloom and disaster.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNeco Williams has starred for Nottingham Forest this seasonCredit: PAWataru Endo has been an important figure for Liverpool this seasonCredit: Rex“And then they sign Wataru Endo and it was like ‘well, who’s this guy? I’ve never heard of him’ he was only 16 million quid, what are they playing at? And then he’s been one of the signings of the season.”Williams, 23, played 33 times for Liverpool before joining Nottingham Forest in 2022. Ryan Reynolds reveals ‘absolute idiocy’ Wrexham gaffe that cost him and Rob McElhenney a fortuneHe has since become a regular for Nuno Espirito Santo’s men, and has earned 39 caps for Wales.Endo, meanwhile, joined the Reds from Stuttgart.The 31-year-old has impressed for Jurgen Klopp’s side, despite having arrived to little fanfare.Wrexham are set to head out to North America this summer for a flashy pre-season tour.The Red Dragons are scheduled to play Bournemouth in Santa Barbara on July 19, before heading to Santa Clara to face Chelsea on July 24.Their trip will then conclude with a clash against MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps on July 26.Inside Wrexham’s stadium plansBy Phil Cadden
      ROB MCELHENNEY and Ryan Reynolds have ambitious plans to increase Wrexham’s capacity to an eye-watering high of 55,000.
      Wrexham’s Hollywood owners, who invested in a Mexican club last month, are basking in the glory of back-to-back promotions into League One next season.
      Their 12,600-capacity Racecourse is already under redevelopment with a new 5,500 Kop stand approved.
      And, incredibly, they want a bigger stadium than Premier League sides Manchester City, Chelsea and Aston Villa.
      The Etihad only has a capacity of 53,400, Stamford Bridge can hold 40,341 while Villa Park’s attendance is capped at 42,640.
      A ground size of 55,000 would be the 11th highest in the UK.
      It would only be behind Wembley, Twickenham, Old Trafford, the Principality in Cardiff, Murrayfield, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London Stadium, Anfield, Celtic Park and the Emirates.
      That is despite Wrexham having a population of just under 45,000.
      You can read more about Wrexham’s ambitious stadium plans by clicking here. More

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      Apollonia Llewellyn puts on eye-popping display to support EFL team but can’t stop them going down to playoff loss

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      APOLLONIA LLEWELLYN headed to Oakwell last night to support Barnsley in their play-off semi-final against Bolton.The boxing ring girl and influencer has been spotted at a number of Tykes games this season.Apollonia Llewellyn turned up to watch Barnsley take on BoltonThe influencer was supporting the Tykes at OakwellBarnsley fell to a 3-1 defeat to Bolton in their play-off semi-final first legCredit: GettySo with Barnsley gunning for promotion, Apollonia had to be in attendance to show her support.The social media star posted a pair of snaps from the Oakwell stands at last night’s game.She wore a denim top and black leather jacket for the occasion.Apollonia captioned her post: “@barnsleyfc I’m backkkk”.READ MORE IN SPORTHer pictures swiftly received more than 4,000 likes.Unfortunately for Apollonia, she could not inspire Barnsley to a first leg victory.In their quest for promotion, the Tykes sacked boss Neill Collins just days before the start of the play-offs.They appointed Martin Devaney as interim boss and tasked him with taking on Bolton.Most read in EFLBarnsley went 1-0 down after 23 minutes when Dion Charles fired home his first of the evening.Charles, 28, struck again in the second half, this time after Barnsley conceded a farcical penalty.Apollonia Llewellyn wows in see-through white topSam Cosgrove, who won League One with Plymouth Argyle last season, gave Apollonia and Co hope after pulling one back.But Randell Williams scored directly from a corner in stoppage time to give Bolton a commanding 3-1 lead in the tie.The two teams will meet again at the Toughsheet Community Stadium on Tuesday.Inside Apollonia’s glamorous life as influencer, ring girl and model …Apollonia burst out of this tiny silver bikini as she drank her ‘morning juice’Credit: INSTAGRAMConor McGregor was among 8,000 fans who enjoyed this see-through lacy outfitCredit: INSTAGRAMThousands of Apollonia’s fans enjoyed the view on the ring girl’s holiday to New YorkCredit: INSTAGRAMApollonia braved the snow in the Lake DistrictCredit: InstagramApollonia really enjoyed this bowl of pasta on her summer holiday to SantoriniCredit: INSTAGRAMApollonia invited fans to ‘sit and stare’ at this picture, and thousands took her up on the invitationCredit: INSTAGRAMFans were worried Apollonia’s top had shrunk in the wash as she enjoyed this hearty breakfastCredit: INSTAGRAMApollonia’s followers were in awe of the stunner’s new hairdo as she wowed in a tiny yellow bikiniCredit: INSTAGRAMApollonia sent a cheeky message to her fans as she posed in this glamorous see-through numberCredit: INSTAGRAMApollonia told fans ‘no caption needed’ as she squeezed into this skin-tight see-through playsuitCredit: INSTAGRAMApollonia revealed he ‘idea of happiness’ is being ‘wind swept on the beach’ with this busty snapCredit: INSTAGRAMApollonia left very little to the imagination as she ‘brightened fans’ Mondays’ in a skimpy wet T-shirtCredit: INSTAGRAMApollonia shot to recognition as a member of the Misfits Boxing fight night teamShe has garnered her a huge social media presenceCredit: INSTAGRAM @apolloniallewellynApollonia has over 570,000 Instagram followersCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellynShe has turned down a staggering £100,000 to pose nude beforeCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellynThe model insisted she isn’t money-orientedCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellynApollonia shows off her jet setting lifestyle onlineCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellynShe also holidayed in New YorkCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellynApollonia is no stranger to a bikini pictureCredit: INSTAGRAM @apolloniallewellynShe has built a huge following on social mediaCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellynApollonia works as a model alongside her social fameCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellyn More

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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