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      Former Premier League stadium given bizarre new name but there’s a heartwarming reason why

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      A FORMER Premier League stadium has received a bizarre new name – but there is a heartwarming reason behind it.Wigan Athletic won promotion to the top-flight in 2005 under Paul Jewell.A former Premier League ground will be is now known as The Brick Community StadiumCredit: RexThe 24,000-seater ground’s new name starts from May 13Credit: GettyAgainst all the odds, the Latics managed to defy the odds and stay up for eight years before finally suffering relegation in 2013.However, even that year saw the club make history as they famously beat Manchester City to lift the FA Cup.The 25,138-seater DW Stadium, which opened in 1999 and is also home to Rugby League giants Wigan Warriors, hosted all of the ups and downs throughout that period, including Europa League matches after their Wembley success.However, things have continued to go downhill since and they now find themselves in League One.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever, under boss and former midfield star Shaun Maloney, hopes are high that years of struggles are coming to an end and they can try and push for promotion next term.And that will all be done at their newly-named home – The Brick Community Stadium.Fans were initially in shock at the news, but now the club have explained the reason behind the switch.A statement explained: “The renaming of Wigan’s historic multi-sports stadium is in partnership with local charity, The Brick, whose work began over 100 years ago to improve the lives of those in the town most in need. Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“The Brick delivers effective solutions to address poverty and homelessness across the Wigan and Leigh Borough, providing supported and emergency accommodation services, street outreach services, wrap-around person-led support, a food community, and affordable furniture and essential household items to make a house a home.”It added: “The inspirational charity, which was Latics’ Official Charity Partner in both 2017/18 and 2018/19, has a long-standing affiliation with the Football Club, collectively raising much-needed funds to help people who are homeless, in poverty, or facing a debt crisis. Wigan and Bolton stars clash in huge brawl after feisty League One derby“The name will initially remain in place until the end of 2025 with further support for local charities to be announced in the coming weeks.“Both clubs will also continue to work together to secure a long-term commercial stadium partner for 2026 and beyond.”Both clubs have also vowed to work closely with The Brick to explore other ways that the partnership can benefit the town.Wigan Athletic chairman, Ben Goodburn, said: “The Stadium is a spiritual home for so many of our loyal fans across both clubs, many of whom will have been, in some way, impacted by the positive work of The Brick.”The ground has hosted Premier League and Europa League action over the yearsCredit: RexWigan’s ground will be called ‘The Brick Community StadiumCredit: Instagram @laticsofficial More

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      Former Chelsea wonderkid who retired at 21 before shock U-turn wakes up unemployed after release from League One side

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      FORMER Chelsea starlet Sam Hutchinson has been released by Reading.The 34-year-old was included in the Royals’ retained and released list on the club’s official website this morning.Sam Hutchinson has been released by ReadingCredit: GettyHutchinson was once a rising star at ChelseaCredit: PA:Empics SportHutchinson will now be forced to search for a new home after spending two season with Reading.The defensive midfielder has had a turbulent career that saw him forced to retire in 2010 after severe knee problems troubled the formative years of his life a professional footballer.Playing as a defender for Chelsea back then, Hutchinson called time on his career at just 21 years old.But some 18-months later the former England youth prospect returned to football and returned to Stamford Bridge after his treatment had finally allowed him to play pro football again.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe never quite managed to make it for the Blues, playing just six times for the London club, but took his career in a different direction instead.After loan spells with Nottinham Forest and Vitesse, Hutchinson signed for Sheffield Wednesday on a permanent basis in 2014 where he went on to make over 200 appearances.Speaking to the Guardian back in 2017, Hutchinson recalled what it was like retire at such a young age and how he later managed to return to form with The Owls.He said: “It wasn’t a big call at the time [to retire] because I hated it.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSam Hutchinson’s career so far
      2007 – 2010: Chelsea
      2010 – 2012: Retired
      2012 – 2014: Chelsea
      2012 – 2013: Nottingham Forest (loan)
      2013 – 2014: Vitesse (loan)
      2014 – 2022: Sheffield Wednesday
      2020 – 2021: Pafos FC (loan)
      2022 – 2024: Reading

      “I just wanted to stop the pain and stop everything. I never wanted to come back.”I didn’t want to play for Chelsea either because I blamed them for it, even though it wasn’t [their fault], it was just what happened.”Chelsea’s top summer transfer targetsHe added: “I just needed to take control and make my own decisions and just be a man about it. “That’s what I’ve done at Sheffield Wednesday. As soon as I took charge of my own career, that’s when I started being happier and when I started reaping the benefits.”Hutchinson also spoke about the mental fortitude it took to return to the pitch after a period away and the difficulties of battling through such a serious injury, explaining: “I probably did as much work mentally as I did physically to come back.”After eight years at Wednesday, Hutchinson joined Reading where he has spent the last two seasons.He made just 26 appearances across those two campaigns after once again struggling with injury and has now seen his time at the Select Car Leasing Stadium come to an end. Hutchinson is joined on the Reading released list by Matty Carson, Nesta Guinness-Walker and Clinton Mola.A club statement following the announcement read: “We would like to place on record our thanks and best wishes to Matty, Nesta, Sam and Clinton who will all depart the club following the expiration of their contracts this summer.”Hutchinson spent most of his professional career with Sheffield WednesdayCredit: PA:Press Association More

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      Major broadcasting change as 3pm blackout SCRAPPED for opening weekend of EFL season as part of new £930m deal

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      EVERY EFL game will be streamed live on the opening weekend of next season – including the matches kicking off at 3pm.Sky’s new deal with the league means 10 matches across the three divisions will be shown every weekend, with six of them shifted to the 12.30pm Saturday slot.Sky Sports have agreed a bumper new deal with the EFLCredit: GettyThe deal will see more games televised from the Championship, League One and League TwoCredit: GettyBut the expansion to more than 1000 live games per season means fans of all 72 EFL clubs are guaranteed to be able to see their club in action at least 20 times.Sky’s £930m five-year deal with the EFL kicks off in August, when the broadcaster will launch a new free streaming channel as part of current subscriptions.Sky Sports+ will offer 50 per cent more live sport and up to 100 streams at once.It will see five Championship matches and five more from across Leagues One and Two each weekend in the current broadcasting slots.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAll matches played midweek and on Bank Holidays will also be available for fans to watch.Every Championship match will be covered by at least six cameras, with four cameras at the League One grounds and a minimum two in the bottom tier, with commentary for all matches.Jonathan Licht, Sky Sports managing director, promised: “We are making a commitment to every club in the EFL and this is a big step-change for League One and Two.“This season, 20 of the 48 clubs in those divisions were not covered live even once.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“But we will also announce in July all the games we are screening live up until the first week in January. “And by the start of November that will be extended to the beginning of March, to give fans as much notice as we can.”The opening weekend plans from Friday August 9 are possible because the FA only applies for the 3pm “blackout” rule to apply when 50 per cent of Prem and Championship matches are kicking off – with the top flight starting a week later.Licht added: “This is going to be a huge moment for football fans up and down the country and a fitting way to kick off our ground-breaking new partnership with the EFL.” More

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      Sky Sports pundit left stunned and says he’s ‘not too sure about this’ with what Bolton players did after play-off win

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      SKY SPORTS pundit Jobi McAnuff was left stunned by Bolton’s antics after their play-off win against Barnsley.The two sides went into last night’s League One semi-final looking to cement a spot in this month’s final at Wembley.Bolton were criticised for their post-match celebrations after reaching the League One playoff finalCredit: RexFans flooded the field after the 5-4 aggregate win over BarnsleyCredit: RexSome players went into the stands and drank beers to celebrateCredit: Sky SportsHosts Bolton won the first leg 3-1 but lost 3-2 in a dramatic second tie on Tuesday.However, the result saw them emerge overall winners over Barnsley with a 5-4 aggregate score.And they will now play either Peterborough or Oxford United to claim a spot in next season’s Championship.At the final whistle, Bolton fans flooded the pitch to celebrate reaching the final.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut instead of taking their celebrations inside, the players bizarrely stayed on the pitch to party too.Several swigged beers and even climbed into the stands to toast their win alongside supporters.And the scenes were reminiscent of a side that had already done the business in the upcoming final.Former Championship star McAnuff was certainly not impressed with Bolton’s premature antics.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe claimed it sent out the wrong message to their next opponent, showing that their minds were already one step ahead of the showpiece game at Wembley.And McAnuff urged Bolton to play a more cautious hand in the future to avoid potential embarrassment.Wigan and Bolton stars clash in huge brawl after feisty League One derbyJobi McAnuff explained how Bolton’s antics could be a huge boost to their final opponentsCredit: Sky SportsMcAnuff told Sky Sports: “I’m not too sure about this, I’ve got to say. My thing with this, and you might want to call it old school, you’ve still got work to do.“Absolutely, go into the changing room, celebrate getting to the final. “But not up in the stands with beers in your hands. There’s still a massive game to come. “It just seems it feels that they have already got promoted. I personally would have liked to see that confined to the dressing room.“A pat on the back, one step further than last year, which is a slight improvement on where they were.“But the big job’s still to come and I’d be really wary and conscious of the message I’m sending out to my potential opponents who I play next.” More

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      Flop League One manager ‘amazed’ by how bad Man Utd are and shows how his team defended throw-ins better

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      FORMER Burton boss Dino Maamria revealed he was “amazed” by Manchester United’s defending against Crystal Palace as he gave manager Erik ten Hag a lesson in how to set up for throw-ins.The Red Devils were hammered 4-0 at Selhurst Park on Monday night, their 13th Premier League defeat of the season.Former Burton boss Dino Maamria was stunned by Manchester United’s defending from a throw-inCredit: X / @Dino_MaamriaHe highlighted how his Burton side defended throw-ins during his time at the clubCredit: X / @Dino_MaamriaMaamria gave two examples of Burton’s shape after an opposition team had taken a throw-inCredit: X / @Dino_MaamriaThey received huge criticism for how they conceded the opening goal, leaving huge space in midfield direct from a throw-in.Palace threw the ball straight to Michael Olise who drove at the Man Utd defence before breaking the deadlock with a low finish.This caught the attention of ex-Burton head coach Maamria, 50, who was sacked by the third-tier side in December after 15 months at the club.He took to social media by posting the clip of the Palace goal, along with two examples of his old Burton side defending throw-ins.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd alongside the videos, he also shared some words elaborating on his point.He said: “Amazed to watch @ManUtd organisation last night which led to @CPFC first goal…”I am going to share how we defend throw-ins @burtonalbionfc in League One!”This have been drilled to my players in the meeting room and on the grass.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”@premierleague v @EFL.”This led to much reaction online as many were left baffled as to why Maamria appeared to be giving Ten Hag some words of advice.Ten Hag’s six worst defeats as Man Utd managerOne said: “Sheer arrogance.”Another added: “Didn’t know we defended anything at Burton Albion. What was the goal difference when you left?”And a third replied: “Don’t call Burton ‘we’ you ain’t here anymore, cheers 👍🏻.”Ex-Stevenage and Oldham head coach Maamria won just 27 of his 73 matches in charge of Burton.They finished 15th in his only full campaign at the helm, before he was sacked five months ago with the club winless in six and four points above the relegation zone.Martin Paterson replaced him at Burton in January but won just five of 20 matches as they narrowly avoided relegation on the final day.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, Man Utd boss Ten Hag is under huge pressure as his future remains uncertain.His side have slipped to eighth in the Premier League table, but could still end the season with a trophy as they prepare to face Manchester City in the FA Cup final on May 25.Dino Maamria was sacked by Burton after just over a yearCredit: Getty More

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      How little-known rule led to Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham culling eight promotion winners including former captain

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      WREXHAM have released eight promotion-winning stars as they prepare for life in League One.The Red Dragons will compete in the third tier for the first time since 2005 after coming second in League Two under boss Phil Parkinson.Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham have had to make some tricky decisionsCredit: PAExperienced midfielder Luke Young has not had his contract renewedCredit: GettyStalwart Ben Tozer has also been releasedCredit: GettyFollowing back-to-back promotions, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s men are set to retool in order to compete as best they can.In the days following the conclusion of the League Two season, Wrexham made eight players aware that they would not be having their deals renewed.These included former captains Ben Tozer and Luke Young, with the Plymouth-born duo departing having made 377 appearances between them.Aaron Hayden, Rob Lainton, Callum McFadzean, Jordan Tunnicliffe and Owen Cushion have also been let go.READ MORE WREXHAM NEWSExplaining the difficult decisions, Parkinson, 56, said: “People are not completely aware of that rule.”We have got to work towards the 22-man squad and inevitably, the only way we can bring players in is by letting people go.”The aim has always been to improve what we have got in each transfer window but also maintaining our key players.”That’s what we will be aiming to do this time. It is going to be an interesting summer, we have got ideas how we would like to see the squad shape up.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPhil Parkinson has explained Wrexham’s decision making processCredit: Rex”We will take our time and hopefully get a squad which can be competitive.”Clubs in League One must submit 22-man squad lists, featuring a minimum of eight homegrown players. Ryan Reynolds reveals ‘absolute idiocy’ Wrexham gaffe that cost him and Rob McElhenney a fortuneGoalkeepers or players under 21 do not need to be registered on the list.Wrexham have offered new deals to Steven Fletcher, Mark Howard and Aaron James.While Irish international and former Premier League star James McClean is among the players that have been retained.The Red Dragons’ executive director Humphrey Ker is hopeful of a top half finish upon his side’s return to the third tier.Here is a rundown of Wrexham’s full list of players that have been released and retained.Here is a rundown of Wrexham’s full list of players that have been released and retained.
      Released:

      Aaron Hayden
      Rob Lainton
      Callum McFadzean
      Ben Tozer
      Jordan Tunnicliffe
      Luke Young
      Owen Cushion
      Dan Davies

      Offers:

      Steven Fletcher
      Mark Howard
      Aaron James

      Retained:

      James McClean
      Harry Ashfield
      Callum Edwards
      Liam Hall
      James Rainbird

      Decision Pending:

      Scott Butler
      Harry Dean

      ‘Stranger things than promotion have happened’He told the Independent: “I think we’ve often talked about the idea that it takes three transfer windows to really build a squad into what you need to compete in any one division and next season will be one window shorter than that.”But I think the core of this team is very strong. They’re very strong personalities, good players and they love each other, so that’s a great basis to build from.”We’ll be adding players in the summer and sadly saying goodbye to one or two, which is sort of just the nature of football, and then we’ll sort of see where we wind up.”Inside the building, we’re like, ‘Look, our objective is get up and stay up, stabilise and build a good platform and go again the following year.’”But stranger things than promotion have happened – we might go through the division again.READ MORE SUN STORIES”To be honest, that would probably be too fast for us. It wouldn’t actually be that good for the club as a whole if we did go all the way through this year because we’d just be going so quickly.”Then we’d be trying to catch up with infrastructure and our facilities and everything would be a big, big challenge. So I think something nice and comfortable – upper mid-table, please! Tenth. I’d be very happy with that.”Humphrey Ker has outlined Wrexham’s ambitions for next seasonCredit: Getty More

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      ‘Now that’s a manager’, say fans as Kieran McKenna joins Ipswich fans cleaning park after Premier League promotion party

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      IPSWICH manager Kieran McKenna received mass praise as he joined fans who cleaned up after their recent Premier League promotion party.The Tractor Boys sealed their Prem return after 22 years by finishing second in the Championship, marking McKenna’s second consecutive promotion after leading his team out of League One last season.Now that’s a manager a team. Should be proud off!Too many football managers just care about figures and fame.Ours ain’t even from Ipswich but he’s out looking after the town who’s football club he manages. Serious respect for Kieran Mckenna!#ITFC #kieranmckenna pic.twitter.com/pLPdK6gplC— 𝕜ΐო𝒃𝓮𝖗𝖑ΐ𝖓𝓪89 (@xkimberlina89x) May 7, 2024

      Kieran McKenna joined Ipswich’s open bus celebration after their Premier League promotionCredit: PAMcKenna then joined Ipswich fans cleaning up the morning after the partyCredit: AlamyThe Blues went around town to party in an open bus on Bank Holiday Monday and the whole town joined them for a boozy evening that went until the early hours of Tuesday.McKenna, 37, was at the centre of all of it as he joined the team and fans in jubilation.But that didn’t stop the ex-Manchester United coach from showing up the next day at 8am to link up with the cleaning crew.And a smiling fan shared a selfie of himself with the Northern Irish tactician bright and early.Read More on FootballHero Site Solutions Ltd posted on Facebook: “The morning after the night before, 8:00am – Tuesday”Amazing that Super Kieran McKenna came and said hi this morning whilst we were tidying up the park.”He truly is a Legend.”Ipswich fans were left in awe as they stormed the comments’ section to praise McKenna.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne fan posted: “The guy is a machine!”Another commented: “What a top bloke.”EXCLUSIVE: Kieran McKenna addresses his Ipswich future, what he learned from Jose Mourinho and wanting Premier League footballA third wrote: “Now you won’t get many Premier League managers going litter picking!”This fan said: “Man of the year.”That one stated: “What a guy! That’s awesome.”And finally another Ipswich fan shared the following comment: “Now that’s a manager a team should be proud off!”Too many football managers just care about figures and fame. Ours ain’t even from Ipswich but he’s out looking after the town who’s football club he manages. Serious respect for Kieran Mckenna!” More

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      ‘Game changer’ billionaire on Forbes rich list rivals Wrexham, Birmingham and Charlton with takeover of League One club

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      WYCOMBE WANDERERS have been taken over by a Kazakhstan billionaire.Mikheil Lomtadze’s Blue Ocean Partners Ltd has purchased 90 per cent of the club that was owned by American businessman Rob Couhig since 2022.Mikheil Lomtadze has bought 90 per cent of WycombeCredit: AFPHe will rival Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham next seasonCredit: GettyWycombe finished 10th in League OneCredit: PALomtadze, 48, is worth £4.54billion and is the 532nd richest person in the world.He is the founder and CEO of a leading tech company Kazakh-based Kaspi.kz.The purchase of the club has been described as a “game changer” by PwC.Wycombe fans will hope that his arrival at the club can help them climb up the English football ladder.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLomtadze said: “Our goal is to achieve long-term success both on and off the pitch whilst building a financially sustainable club.”The football world is evolving very fast and our priority will be to integrate data analytics and technology to elevate the club’s performance to new levels.”I am also a strong believer in youth development and it will be fundamental to the club’s vision.”We aim to re-open and build a leading high-performance academy which will become an essential part of our long-term strategy of developing a club that consistently performs at the top level.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWycombe finished 10th in League One and face another tough season to gain promotion next season.Birmingham City, Huddersfield and Rotherham dropped into the division from the Championship.Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fanWhile ambitious Wrexham gained promotion from League Two thanks to the help from Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.Couhig has insisted that Lomtadze shares his values and is excited for the future of the club.He said: “I am excited for the future of Wycombe Wanderers”Last year, I announced that I had begun looking at a possible succession plan for our ownership.”Since then, I met with a significant number of well qualified people. Last fall, Mikheil and I met and decided to explore his potential role with the club.”It was apparent from that first meeting that Mikheil and I shared similar values of speaking directly and honestly with each other.”I came to understand that his goals for the club were similar to mine. “Important to me, although often separated by a 12-hour time difference, we became friends.”The logical conclusion to those discussions was culminated today with the transfer of Feliciana EFL Limited to his company.“The board of Wycombe Wanderers Football Club will have three new directors, Mikheil, Eduard Vyshnyakov, and Daniel Rice.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The board has asked me to convey its and the Wanderers family’s appreciation for the great work that Missy Couhig and Pete Couhig have done for the Club and community since June 2019.”As for me, Mikheil has asked and I have agreed to continue as Chairman during the transition of ownership. Please join me in welcoming Mikheil, Eduard and Dan to the club.” More