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      Former Premier League star, 33, lands first management job after being left unemployed by 13th club of his career

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      NATHAN DELFOUNESO has been named the temporary manager of AFC Fylde.The former Premier League star was without a club after leaving Hednesford Town.Nathan Delfouneso has taken charge of AFC FlydeCredit: https://twitter.com/Hednesford_TownHe starred for Blackpool during his careerCredit: Getty Images – GettyDelfouneso played for Aston Villa between 2008 and 2014Credit: Dave Pinegar – The SunDelfouneso, 33, has taken charge of the team on an interim basis after manager Chris Beech and his assistant Nick Anderton left the club.The striker will be joined by former Shrewsbury Town and Port Vale goalkeeper Chris Neal in the dugout.They will be preparing the team for their National League clash against Southend on Tuesday night.Fylde are currently 23rd in the division, having won just once in their first eight games.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDelfouneso came through the youth ranks at Aston Villa and went on to make 52 appearances for the club, scoring nine times.He left Villa Park in 2014 for Blackpool in the Championship but left after a single year to Blackburn.After a loan at Bury and a stint at Swindon Town, he returned to the Seasiders.During his three-year spell between 2017 and 2020, Delfouneso featured in 125 league games and scored 24 goals.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDelfouneso left Bloomfield Road again in 2020 and joined Bolton for two years.He then had spells at Accrington Stanley, Flyde, Chorley before joining Hednesford in February earlier this year.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelDelfouneso showed plenty of promise in his youth as he featured for England’s youth teams.He played for the U16s, U17s, U19s and U21s and scored 19 goals in 55 appearances.However, he never earned a cap for the senior Three Lions side.He played for England’s youth teamsCredit: PA:Press AssociationWho are these famous footballers? More

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      Meet the EFL icon, 36, with more hat-tricks than Haaland this season in ninth tier as he’s dubbed ‘absolute cheat code’

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      ERLING HAALAND has been sensational so far this season but has not scored as many hat-tricks as this ninth tier hero.Brett Pitman has shown that the Manchester City star is not the only striker to be on fire this season.Brett Pitman has scored three hat-tricks this seasonCredit: @BMRFCHe has managed one more than Erling HaalandCredit: GettyThe former EFL ace – wo played for a number of top sides – has scored three hat-ticks this season for Baffins Milton Rovers FC in the Wessex League Premier Division.Pitman, 36, netted his latest three goals in the 3-1 win over Cowes Sports and it’s quickly seen him dubbed a ‘cheat code’ by fans.He netted his first with a clinical first-time finish before firing home from the spot.The striker completed his hat-trick with a thumping effort from the edge of the box.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBaffins’ manager Danny Thompson hailed the striker’s latest performance.He told club media: “The two goals he scored from open play, especially the third, was a great finish.”You know what you are going to get from Brett when he is in front of goal, you back him all day long to finish.”Pitman’s success in front of goal since joining Baffins has seen him lauded by fans on social media.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOne posted: “An absolute cheat code.”A second wrote: “Put my mortgage he could do it week in week out for City.”Daniel Sturridge suffers wardrobe malfunction live on Sky Sports during Chelsea’s defeat to Man City A third commented: “His finishing has always been top drawer.”A fourth said: “Might be the best player ever to be honest.”Another added: “Thinks he’s a Prime Higuain.”Pitman started his career at Bournemouth and helped the club to reach the Premier League in 2015.Former Cherries boss Eddie Howe has admitted that Pitman is “one of the best” he has ever worked with.However, he remained in the Championship after moving to Ipswich Town.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe striker continued his career in the EFL with stints at Portsmouth, Swindon Town and Bristol Rovers.Pitman dropped into non-league football in 2022 as he joined AFC Portchester before moving to Shaftsbury and now Baffins.He started his career at BournemouthCredit: Action Images – ReutersPitman also spent three seasons at PortsmouthCredit: Rex FeaturesWho are these famous footballers? More

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      I made 110 appearances for Man Utd but I got more joy out of playing for Wrexham and earning £14

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      IT IS the A-list showdown they are calling the League One Clasico — an all-star clash between big spenders with even bigger dreams.A pair of Hollywood giants in Wrexham red against the seven-time Super Bowl champion and NFL legend bedecked in Birmingham blue.Wrexham owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have transformed WrexhamCredit: GettyThe Red Dragons take on Birmingham in League One, co-owned by NFL icon Tom BradyCredit: AlamyTonight’s third-tier meeting with top-tier interest across America — never mind North Wales and the Midlands — between sides whose recent fight was for survival, not silverware.That was before the silver screen duo of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney rode into Wrexham like the 7th Cavalry — and suddenly the road to oblivion became a path to the Premier League.And then gridiron great Tom Brady became a minority owner in the Brum takeover, as last season’s Championship drop-outs began their own money-no-object march to the top.It has been an astonishing transformation for both clubs and Mickey Thomas, a Red Dragons hero from the days they bloodied noses as cup giantkillers, is loving it.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe former winger is known to many for the free-kick which helped dump top-flight champs Arsenal from the FA Cup in 1992.Yet before that stunning swansong, there were many more in his first spell at Wrexham.Not least his double in a League Cup triumph at Spurs and a fairytale run to the last eight of the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1976, before he headed for the big time at Manchester United.And Thomas, 70, was not the only one to move on.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBoyhood pal Joey Jones, a double European Cup winner at Liverpool, is the best known.But plenty more headed to brighter lights. Back then, pre-season tours were to the Isle of Man, not the USA, and the current average weekly wage of £4,000 was more than Thomas earned a year, before his 1978 United move. Inside ‘Little Wales’ some 8,000 MILES from the UK where all the signs are in Welsh & people LOVE WrexhamThat League Cup win over a Spurs side containing Glenn Hoddle was worth £14, plus a crowd bonus of £80.Even at today’s valuation of £620, it is hardly life-changing.But while the rewards for Wrexham’s current unbeaten table-toppers are jaw-dropping, there is no jealousy from Thomas — only delight at progress he hopes will continue.The Welshman said: “I don’t begrudge current players a thing, believe me.“I’m just so happy to see things change for the better.“You’ve got to realise it wasn’t about the money for me.“The dream was to be a player. It was about winning, not wages.“I turned down Tottenham, Aston Villa, Newcastle and Sunderland — all in the top division — because I wanted to play every week. But United were just too big to say ‘No’ to!Now I’m a fan and no one will be happier than me if the current Wrexham team ends up as their greatest everMickey Thomas“But to be honest, although I played 110 games for them, I always felt intimidated as the pressure was awful.“There was no mental health awareness like now and I really struggled to handle it.“That said, of course, there were some really great times as well. But I had more joy at Wrexham than anywhere.“Coming through the ranks with Joey, getting my chance off the manager John Neal, the cup runs, the wins, the laughs…“And although the goal against Arsenal at the end of my career is always mentioned, the best one I ever scored was when we won at Spurs.“I got two in that game that night and one was a half-volley which flew past Pat Jennings and into the top corner.“And when we went down the tunnel at half-time, Big Pat was waiting for me and I’m thinking, ‘Aye aye, what’s going on?’“He had huge hands and he put out his right one to shake mine and said, ‘I’d never heard of you but I think I’ll do so a lot in the future — that was a great goal, well done’.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I had nine great years at Wrexham but my time has gone.“Now I’m a fan and no one will be happier than me if the current team ends up as their greatest ever.”Mickey Thomas scored a memorable FA Cup goal against Arsenal in 1992Credit: AlamyThe Red Dragons stars celebrate their FA Cup shotCredit: GettyThomas struggled to enjoy his spell at Old TraffordCredit: PA:Empics SportThomas is happy now to watch his former side Wrexham as a fanCredit: Getty More

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      Stockport County coach’s dream move to Real Madrid COLLAPSES at last minute in blow to Carlo Ancelotti

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      STOCKPORT assistant coach Andy Mangan’s dream move to Real Madrid has fallen apart.Mangan, 38, was scouted by Real and seemed set to moving to the Santiago Bernabeu after sparking up a close relationship with manager Carlo Ancelotti’s son Davide.Stockport assistant boss Andy Mangan’s dream move to Real Madrid is offCredit: RexReal Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti wanted Mangan to ‘refresh’ his coaching staffCredit: GettyCarlo’s son, who is an assistant manager behind his dad at Los Blancos, undertook a coaching course with the Stockport tactician.SunSport exclusively revealed that Mangan was in talks with the reigning European champions.According to the Sunday Times, however, the sensational move is now “off”.That is because Mangan was denied a work permit in Spain.Read More on FootballThat is a major blow to Carlo as he wanted him to “refresh” his coaching staff.The Ancelottis are understood to have been looking for an English coach with experience in the EFL.It is also reported that Davide plans to take Mangan with him when he embarks on his own managerial career.Since joining Stockport in July, Mangan has been credited with playing a key role in their rise to the top spots of the League One table.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe has built a reputation as an “attacking specialist” and that is what attracted Real’s attention.Prior to his foray into coaching, Mangan had a lengthy career in the lower leagues as a player.Watch Jude Bellingham’s expletive-laden instructions to Mbappe and Co at half-time of Real Madrid drawFollowing his two-year spell as assistant manager with Bristol Rovers, he was even given a chance to take over as caretaker boss. More

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      Premier League clubs don’t give a s**t about little clubs… I’m frightened to death about the future, says EFL legend

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      PETERBOROUGH chief Barry Fry has slammed the Premier League for “not giving a s**t” about the little clubs.League One Posh pocketed a £4million sell-on fee from Ivan Toney’s £40m move from Brentford to Saudi club Al-Ahli last week.Barry Fry claims the Prem does ‘not giving a s**t’ about the little clubsCredit: GettyPeterborough chief Fry is ‘frightened to death’ about the future of EFL clubsCredit: GettyBut Fry, 79, Posh’s outspoken director of football, says EFL teams have just experienced the worst transfer window he has ever known.Premier League clubs splashed out a staggering £2billion in the summer, with Chelsea the biggest spenders at a whopping £208m.And that is £1bn more than Italy’s Serie A clubs, the next-highest spenders in Europe’s major leagues.But what irritates Fry the most is the way the top-flight outfits are holding back on a new funding deal for the 72 EFL clubs.Read More on FootballFry, one of the best transfer operators in the lower divisions, hit out: “I am frightened to death about the future of EFL clubs.“I’m a lover of football and unless Financial Fair Play gets sorted out, clubs are going to go under in the lower leagues.“Premier League clubs don’t give a s**t about anybody but themselves — they forget where they’ve come from half of them.”West Ham’s vice-chairman Karren Brady argued in her SunSport column last week that the “lower leagues are earning and generating more cash than ever before”.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSShe pointed out that Championship clubs enjoyed £300m in player sales business, with Sky paying out £935m to EFL football across five years.Brady also noted that under chief executive Richard Masters, the Premier League were adding £1.6bn over three years to “help the game flourish right down to park  leagues”.Top ten Premier League managers’ WagsBut Fry, who managed Birmingham City when Brady was managing director of the Blues, believes the EFL are getting a raw deal from the top-flight clubs.He added: “We have, going through the EFL right down the pyramid, the best system in the world, and it’s going to be destroyed by the Premier League.“We do not have a distribution which is fair or getting the Government to put a regulator in there to determine what  they do.“I feel that there is no way the Premier League will allow the Government to dictate to them and they are leaving it as late as possible to come up with a deal.“But it doesn’t help the clubs in the EFL, who are under enormous pressure, as this is the worst window ever in dealing with transfers for the lower leagues.“Look at the money being spent? F*** all! It’s frightening and we needed it sorted out, like yesterday!’Like a pack of cards’“It’s like a pack of cards. Once one or two clubs go to the wall, a load of them will fold.”And Fry believes the business climate is not helping club owners to cope with all the financial pressures of running a football team either.He said: “It is very, very difficult for owners because all these people are  struggling in their own businesses now.“They haven’t got the spare cash to help out their football clubs.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We have the greatest pyramid system, ever, ever in the whole world, and we should be bending over backwards to keep it and help every club up and down the country.“That’s because every club is so, so important to their community and they should be treasured.”Can you name the famous fathers? More

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      Get Barnsley, Wrexham and Notts County all to win at 4/1, plus get £60 in free bets with William Hill

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      INTERNATIONAL weekend is upon us but there’s still plenty of action down the English football pyramid.William Hill are offering a fantastic price boost with Barnsley, Wrexham and Notts County all to win available at a boosted price of 4/1!Wait, there’s more! Brand new William Hill customers who register an account and stake £10 will be rewarded with £60 in free bets and bonuses to spend on the footy!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereGet Barnsley, Wrexham and Notts County all to win at 4/1 – CLAIM HEREHow to claim..William Hill £60 welcome bonusVisit the William Hill website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: T60Once your account is registered, click ‘opt in’ on the ‘Vegas Promotion’ pageDeposit a minimum of £10 in your main account to receive a £20 Vegas Bonus for use on Selected GamesThen place a bet with a minimum stake of £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any football marketOnce that’s settled, your account will be credited with £40 in free betsWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Just the three games in League One this Saturday and William Hill have boosted two of the sides to win with the addition of Notts County from the division below.Barnsley have won two on the bounce and are looking to make it three when hosting Bristol Rovers.Wrexham have started life in League One well and are second after four games.Shrewsbury head for the Racecourse Ground on Saturday looking to end the unbeaten start, though the Shrews have just three points to their name at this stage.And finally Notts County are at home to Accrington, with the visitors notching just two points at the start of this season.If YOU think these three will collect maximum points, then take advantage of William Hill’s price boost with the trio now available at 4/1 to all win their matches on Saturday.Get Barnsley, Wrexham and Notts County all to win at 4/1 – CLAIM HEREWilliam Hill free betsNo William Hill account? No problem!This is your opportunity to take advantage of William Hill’s welcome offer, which is giving brand new customers a whopping £60 in free bets and bonuses!If you’re new to William Hill, you can sign-up using the links provided on this page and then you can reap the rewards!Simply register an account using the Promo Code: T60. Once your account is registered, click ‘opt in’ on the ‘Vegas Promotion’ page. Deposit a minimum of £10 in your main account to receive a £20 Vegas Bonus for use on Selected Games.After that, place a bet with a minimum stake of £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any football market. Once that’s settled, your account will be credited with £40 (4 x £10) in free bets.*18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

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      League One coach set to leave for REAL MADRID after being recommended by Carlo Ancelotti’s son

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      STOCKPORT assistant coach Andy Mangan is set to join Real Madrid, according to reports.Mangan, 38, has been chosen to join the Spanish giants after sparking up a close relationship with boss Carlo Ancelotti’s son.Stockport County assistant coach Andy Mangan is set to join Real MadridMangan (left) was recommended by Carlo Ancelotti’s sonDavide Ancelotti, who is an assistant manager behind his dad at Madrid, undertook a coaching course with Mangan.And now the League One coach will swap the gloomy north of England for sunny Spain.SunSport exclusively revealed last month that Mangan was in talks with the European champions.Now, according to The Athletic, he is waiting for his work permit, although no date has been set for his exit.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHowever, should everything go according to plan, the 38-year-old will leave Edgeley Park for the Santiago Bernabeu.Mangan’s arrival is, at Ancelotti’s request, part of Madrid’s broader effort to refresh their coaching set-up after the Los Blancos won their 15th European title this summer. The Ancelotti’s are understood to have been looking for an English coach with experience in the English Football League.It is also understood that Davide plans to take Mangan with him when he embarks on his own managerial career.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSince joining Stockport in July, Mangan has been credited with playing a key role in their rise to the top of the League One table.Mangan moved into coaching in 2018 and held roles alongside pal Joey Barton at Fleetwood and Bristol Rovers before his time with Stockport.’We had a can of beans between 20′ Charlton’s Matt Godden on struggles at old club – What the EFL?!Prior to his foray into coaching, Mangan had a lengthy career in the lower leagues – dotting around a number of clubs.The Englishman retired in 2019 after 15-years playing as a centre-forward for the likes of Accrington, Wrexham, Forest Green Rovers and Tranmere.Following his two-year spell as assistant manager with Bristol Rovers, Mangan was even given a chance to take over as caretaker boss.Barton was sacked in October 2023, giving Mangan the job on a temporary basis until the club appointed Matt Taylor. More

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      Steve Bruce dealt huge blow days after becoming Blackpool boss as ex-Man Utd ace banned for appearing to SLAP opponent

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      BLACKPOOL ace Ashley Fletcher has been hit with a three-game ban for misconduct after appearing to SLAP an opponent.Steve Bruce returned to management to take over at Bloomfield Road on Tuesday – but he will be without the services of his frontman.Steve Bruce has suffered a blow just days after taking over as Blackpool bossCredit: GettyBlackpool ace Ashley Fletcher has been given a three-game banFletcher appeared to slap Wycome Wanderers ace Daniel HarvieFletcher admitted that his behaviour constituted violent conductFletcher will miss the games against Exeter City, Sheffield Wednesday and CharltonBut Bruce, 63, will be without Fletcher, 28, in his first three matches in charge of the Tangerines.The striker, who was once on the books at Man Utd, was penalised following a clash with Wycombe Wanderers’ Daniel Harvie during Saturday’s 2-2 League One draw at Blackpool.The former England Under-20 international appeared to slap Harvie before Kyle Joseph equalised for the hosts in the 32nd minute.According to the BBC, Fletcher admitted that his behaviour constituted violent conduct.Read More on FootballBruce will now be deprived of the centre-forward’s services after the international break.Fletcher will miss the games against Exeter City, Sheffield Wednesday and Charlton Athletic.Bruce returned to management two years after his dismissal from West Brom.The Manchester United legend joined Blackpool on a two-year deal and brought along his long-term assistant Steve Agnew.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBruce said: “I’m delighted to be back in football and to take charge of this fantastic football club.”I’d like to thank Simon, Julian and David for giving me this great opportunity.Steve Bruce gives excited first interview after being named Blackpool boss”I look forward to meeting all of the staff and players in the coming days as we prepare for what we all hope will be an exciting season at Bloomfield Road.” More