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      Inside Wrexham stars’ boozy promotion celebrations as they sink Jagerbombs with fans and belt out songs at restaurant

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      WREXHAM’S promotion celebrations were in full swing over the weekend after securing their spot in League One.Following Saturday’s 6-0 victory over Forest Green the Hollywood-backed club will play in the English football’s third tier for the first time in 19 years.Wrexham have secured promotion to League OneCredit: RexThe Hollywood-backed team celebrated with a boozy mealCredit: https://twitter.com/FatBoarWXMPlayers and staff were spotted celebrating with fans at a local restaurant and barCredit: https://twitter.com/FatBoarWXMWrexham fans were treated to a night of singing, Jagerbombs, and celebration with the squad at a local restaurant and bar.The players and staff were all smiles as they posed for a group photo at The Fat Boar – which the local posted with the caption: “Winners get dinners & beers x.”With a lot of booze spotted in that team photo, the celebration soon became merry as the players and fans began to drink together.Wrexham shot-stopper Mark Howard was spotted on film drinking a jager bomb with one fan while toasting to “Up the f****** Reds”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd another pic saw striker Paul Mullin belting his heart out singing on a bar stool.The Fat Boar uploaded an image of that moment alongside the caption: “‘Same time next year?” as the club owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney hope they achieve a third-straight promotion.Deadpool star Reynolds said on X: “A few years ago, if you told me I would be crying tears of joy over a football match taking place in north Wales, you would be Rob McElhenney. “Congrats to Wrexham and to my co-chairman in crime. Double up the town! This is the ride of our lives.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERMcElhenney replied with “No words”, with a love heart emoji.The takeover by the pair in February 2021 has generated global attention for the club.Inside Wrexham’s wild dressing room celebrations as stars scoff Madri on pitch and Ryan Reynolds reduced to tearsMark Howard was spotted toasting ‘Up the f****** Reds’ with a fanCredit: https://twitter.com/TomiCawsThe goalkeeper then had a jager bombCredit: https://twitter.com/TomiCawsWrexham secured automatic promotion to League One with two rounds to go by defeating Forest Green and relying on MK Dons and Barrow to drop points.Wrexham dominated the game, leading 4-0 at halftime.MK Dons surrendered their early lead and lost 4-1 to Mansfield at home, while Barrow was defeated 3-0 by Gillingham.Fans at Wrexham stormed the SToK Cae Ras in celebration after the final whistle, despite warnings from the club to remain in the stands.Wrexham is currently in second place in League Two, trailing leader Stockport by four points. Stockport also secured a promotion on Saturday.The top three teams are automatically promoted to League One, and Wrexham cannot be caught by fourth-placed MK Dons.Manager Phil Parkinson praised his team, who won the National League title last season.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “I’m immensely proud of the lads today because, if you look at the Tuesday performance (a 4-1 win over Crawley).”And today, when it mattered most we’ve put in our two best performances of the season.”Wrexham secured automatic promotion to League One by defeating Forest GreenCredit: https://www.instagram.com/elliotlee9/Fans at Wrexham stormed the SToK Cae Ras in celebration after the final whistleCredit: Rex More

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      Story of Wrexham’s unstoppable rise from Hollywood backing to amazing Arsenal loanee – is Premier League now in sight?

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      WREXHAM have secured promotion to League One in the latest step of their rebirth under their Hollywood owners.Actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have transformed the club with the help of manager Phil Parkinson.Hollywood owners Rob McElhenney, left, and Ryan Reynolds have overseen back-to-back promotionsCredit: AFPFans invaded the pitch after promotion was sealed with a 6-0 win over Forest GreenCredit: RexWrexham return to League One after a 19-year absenceCredit: PAStriker Ollie Palmer celebrates with fansCredit: RexManager Phil Parkinson, right, has been key to Wrexham’s successCredit: RexThey sealed back-to-back promotions for the first time in their 159-year history in style, thrashing bottom-of-the-table Forest Green Rovers 6-0.Wrexham will return to the third tier for the first time since 2005, with owner Reynolds thrilled at the achievement.He wrote on social media: “A few years ago, if you told me I would be crying tears of joy over a football match taking place in North Wales, you would be Rob McElhenney. Congrats to Wrexham and to my co-chairman in crime. Double up the town! This is the ride of our lives.”It has been some journey for the Hollywood A-listers, who were greeted with trepidation when they first bought the club, with some members of the fan trust that previously owned Wrexham voting against their takeover.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the pair quickly put fans at ease by assuring Wrexham would remain a club at the heart of its community, and they won over some by recognising the mining disaster at Gresford where 266 people lost their lives on the back of the team’s shirts.It has not been plain sailing either as Wrexham missed out on promotion from the National League in the first season under the owners, while they had to produce a record points tally last year to beat Notts County to first place last season.Their rise has been documented by Disney series ‘Welcome to Wrexham’, which caused scepticism amongst some who thought the show was a “money grab”.The third season of the show will begin to air from next month and will document Wrexham’s continued rise, which could just be getting started.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHollywood ownersFriends Reynolds and McElhenney took over Wrexham in 2020 and quickly bought into the culture of the club and North Wales.They spoke Welsh to media and met fans in pubs next to the Racecourse Ground and got to grips with the years of hurt supporters felt from being in non-league.Inside Wrexham’s wild dressing room celebrations as stars scoff Madri on pitch and Ryan Reynolds reduced to tearsThe pair signed shirts and posed for photos to integrate themselves into the community, investing in local schemes and hiring voluntary staff like Wrexham’s disability liaison officer.Fast forward a few months and Reynolds was left sobbing in the stands after Wrexham’s dramatic FA Trophy victory over Stockport at the Racecourse.They used their acting skills to their advantage to promote the club’s previous shirt sponsor, Ifor Williams Trailers, before using their connections to take on board bigger brands, such as TikTok and Expedia.Reynolds and McElhenney helped promote the club further with appearances on The One Show and The Late Late Show in America, while bringing in big names to the club on and off the pitch – including former EFL chief Shaun Harvey.The A-list actors have invested more than just money into the clubCredit: GettyPremier League signingsThe new owners have invested heavily into the club and lured players down from higher divisions to help them win promotion to League Two last season, including top scorer Paul Mullin.That continued last summer with the additions of former Premier League stars James McClean and Steven Fletcher.They have provided a wealth of experience and set an example through their professionalism, as did goalkeeper Ben Foster when he arrived at the club last year.Foster retired in September after struggling to adjust to League Two, leaving Wrexham when they were 15th in the division after just one win from their opening four games.His replacement was the loan signing of Arhtur Okonkwo from Arsenal, who has proved a steady presence in between the sticks for the Red Dragons.Fans of rival clubs have criticised Wrexham’s spending habits and although the club has made losses, it is their huge revenue which has paid for the promotion-winning stars.James McClean has added Premier League experienceCredit: RexOn loan Arsenal goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has been a big presence between the sticksCredit: PAMajor investmentSeveral brands have been keen to join the Wrexham journey, boosting revenue to close to £20million for this season alone – a figure which rivals Championship clubs.Seven-figure sponsorship deals and the club’s pre-season tour of the US last summer has helped significantly, with the club’s presence across the pond seeing an increase in merchandise sales.United Airlines now sponsor the shirts while VistaPrint sponsor the sleeves, and Stok Cold Brew Coffee bought the rights to the stadium.’Welcome to Wrexham’ has added to the coffers, increasing revenue significantly from the £5.97m brought in during the Hollywood’s owners first full season in charge.And a second US tour this summer that will see Wrexham play Chelsea is set to boost the club further.How Ryan Reynolds has been watching Wrexham games in styleCO-OWNER Ryan Reynolds hasn’t been able to make it to Wrexham in recent weeks due to filming commitments.
      But that hasn’t stopped him from watching his team in style.
      Streaming the match on a laptop or even a TV was not grand enough for the Deadpool star as he worked on the set of his latest movie.
      With a giant green screen behind him, he could not resist broadcasting Wrexham’s recent game on to the huge projector.
      Reynolds and his crew watched on as the Welsh side notched their 23rd win of the season against Crawley Town.
      He looked enamoured as the game played on behind him while surrounding by various pieces of Hollywood machinery.
      And Reynolds captioned the moment: “Watching the Wrexham game at work: new level unlocked.”
      It’s not clear what project Reynolds was working on at the time, with the actor currently developing several new movies including sequels to smash hits Free Guy and Red Notice.

      Stadium upgradeRestoring the Racecourse Ground to its former glory is a high priority for the owners, but they have faced a few issues replacing the old Kop.The previous stand had not been used for years so was knocked down with the aim of building a 5,500 capacity all-seater by the end of the season.Those plans hit some obstacles so a temporary structure was erected in December, allowing for 2,289 more fans to roar on the team and ensure the stadium had fans on four sides.Construction on a permanent Kop End is set to begin from the end of the season and could take 11 months to complete.The old Kop End was demolished to make way for an all-seater standCredit: EPAWhat next?Reynolds, 47, will not want the “ride of his life” to end anytime soon and Wrexham’s ambitious owners will likely already be laying the groundwork for yet another promotion.They are prepared to wait for success too as Reynolds described their ownership as a “multidecade project”.Their ultimate ambition is to reach the Premier League, something Reynolds has not been afraid to dream of since buying the club.He said in January 2023: “We want to walk the walk, even as a fifth-tier club. We say this all the time, but we want to be in the Premier League, as crazy as that sounds to some people.READ MORE SUN STORIES”If it is theoretically possible to go from the fifth tier in professional football all the way to the Premier League, why wouldn’t we do that?”Why wouldn’t we use our last drop of blood to get there? We’re in it for the ride. This is a multidecade project.”Reynolds dreams of taking Wrexham to the Premier LeagueCredit: Reuters More

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      ‘Forever in HIS debt’ – Emotional Ryan Reynolds in heartwarming tweet to fan as Wrexham earn promotion to League One

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      EMOTIONAL Ryan Reynolds sent a heartwarming tweet to a die-hard Wrexham fan, following the club’s promotion to League One. The Welsh club went up in style following a 6-0 thrashing of Forest Green Rovers.Wrexham owner Ryan Reynolds shared an emotional tweet with a fan on XNeil, your dad knew many years ago what Rob and I – and the rest of the world – are only recently discovering. Wrexham is indeed magic. We are in HIS debt and many thousands of supporters like him. https://t.co/WQcJPVeP4p— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) April 13, 2024

      After the game, Red Dragons super fan Neil James shared an emotional tweet, accompanied with a picture of his late father.He wrote on X: “Literally back to where we were robbed of! @VancityReynolds @RMcElhenney the town are forever in your debt but @thehumphreyker you will always be our true hero for picking us!”Absolutely gutted my dad can’t be here to witness this after the miles we put in over the years.”Upon seeing the tweet, Reynolds felt obliged to reply.He wrote back: “Neil, your dad knew many years ago what Rob and I – and the rest of the world – are only recently discovering. Wrexham is indeed magic. We are in HIS debt and many thousands of supporters like him.”Reynolds was left in tears after Wrexham achieved promotion to League One on Saturday.Wrexham romped their way to League One with a 6-0 thrashing of Forest Green Rovers before wild scenes broke out in Wales.While the dominant victory on its own was not enough to achieve promotion, MK Dons’ 4-1 defeat at the hands of Mansfield meant Wrexham’s League One spot was confirmed.Most read in FootballThe announcement that MK Dons had lost sparked jubilant scenes and a pitch invasion.Reacting to Wrexham’s second promotion in two years, Hollywood owner Reynolds posted to X saying: “A few years ago, if you told me I would be crying tears of joy over a football match taking place in North Wales, you would be Rob McElhenney.Inside Wrexham’s wild dressing room celebrations as stars scoff Madri on pitch and Ryan Reynolds reduced to tears”Congrats to Wrexham and to my co-chairman in crime. Double up the town! This is the ride of our lives.”Co-owner McElhenney expressed his regret that he could not be in Wales to witness the promotion in person, and said the time away from the club to film in Hollywood was “killing him”.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe has since posted on X to celebrate his club’s promotion, tweeting Wrexham’s stadium announcer to say: “Hey @m_griffiths92 noticed you’re reading tweets. My son and I just wanted to say hi from Los Angeles. Quite a lovely day, huh? #askwxm”He then quoted a post from the club celebrating promotion saying: “No words ❤️”How Ryan Reynolds has been watching Wrexham games in styleCO-OWNER Ryan Reynolds hasn’t been able to make it to Wrexham in recent weeks due to filming commitments.
      But that hasn’t stopped him from watching his team in style.
      Streaming the match on a laptop or even a TV was not grand enough for the Deadpool star as he worked on the set of his latest movie.
      With a giant green screen behind him, he could not resist broadcasting Wrexham’s recent game on to the huge projector.
      Reynolds and his crew watched on as the Welsh side notched their 23rd win of the season against Crawley Town.
      He looked enamoured as the game played on behind him while surrounding by various pieces of Hollywood machinery.
      And Reynolds captioned the moment: “Watching the Wrexham game at work: new level unlocked.”
      It’s not clear what project Reynolds was working on at the time, with the actor currently developing several new movies including sequels to smash hits Free Guy and Red Notice. More

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      Inside Wrexham’s wild dressing room celebrations as stars scoff Madri on pitch and Ryan Reynolds reduced to tears

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      WREXHAM stars wildly celebrated achieving promotion to League One.The Welsh club completed their second promotion in as many years with a thumping 6-0 win over Forest Green Rovers.Wrexham stars were guzzling beer after gaining promotionCredit: X @Wrexham_AFCThe celebrations continued into the dressing roomCredit: X @Wrexham_AFCPlayers sang promotion songsCredit: X @Wrexham_AFCMore beer was sprayed by the players in the changing roomCredit: X @Wrexham_AFCRob McElhenney (L) and Ryan Reynolds (R) both took to social media to celebrateCredit: AFPWrexham have accumulated 82 points and to seal one of the three promotion spots in League Two.Stockport have also earned their spot in England’s third tier for next season, and need one more win to secure the title.But second place is more than enough for the Red Dragons, who went ahead through Elliot Lee before star man Paul Mullin doubled the lead.Forest Green defender Ryan Inniss put through his own net to make it three and Mullin struck again before half-time.READ MORE WREXHAM NEWSWith the result in the bag, Ryan Barnett and Jack Marriott rounded off the scoring to make it an emphatic six.While the dominant victory on its own was not enough to achieve promotion, MK Dons’ 4-1 defeat at the hands of Mansfield meant Wrexham’s League One spot was confirmed.And, at full-time, party mode was activated as stars could be seen celebrating on the pitch.Lee was one of the stars that could be seen scoffing a bottle of Madri lager on the pitch.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSManager Phil Parkinson was serenaded by fans as he lapped the pitch applauding.The rest of his team-mates joined him as they sprayed the beer in jubilation.Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson soaks up applause after winning promotion to League OneThe celebrations continued into the dressing room as the team was filmed singing “We are going up” with more beer being sprayed.Co-owner and Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds took to social media following the result.Reynolds admitted that he was in “tears of joy” at the promotion.He posted: “A few years ago, if you told me I would be crying tears of joy over a football match taking place in North Wales, you would be Rob McElhenney.”Congrats to Wrexham and to my co-chairman in crime. Double up the town! This is the ride of our lives.”He continued: “My soul feels like it’s left my body.”Unbelievable moment for the town, the club and the hundreds of people behind the scenes doing the hard stuff.”While co-owner Rob McElhenney also tweeted after the result as he wrote: “No words.”Last year, Wrexham won promotion from the National League and the players were rewarded with a trip to Las Vegas.The club’s highest finish in the English Football League was 7th in Division Two in 1998.How Ryan Reynolds has been watching Wrexham games in styleCO-OWNER Ryan Reynolds hasn’t been able to make it to Wrexham in recent weeks due to filming commitments.
      But that hasn’t stopped him from watching his team in style.
      Streaming the match on a laptop or even a TV was not grand enough for the Deadpool star as he worked on the set of his latest movie.
      With a giant green screen behind him, he could not resist broadcasting Wrexham’s recent game on to the huge projector.
      Reynolds and his crew watched on as the Welsh side notched their 23rd win of the season against Crawley Town.
      He looked enamoured as the game played on behind him while surrounding by various pieces of Hollywood machinery.
      And Reynolds captioned the moment: “Watching the Wrexham game at work: new level unlocked.”
      It’s not clear what project Reynolds was working on at the time, with the actor currently developing several new movies including sequels to smash hits Free Guy and Red Notice. More

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      Tyson Fury’s beloved Morecambe could lose manager Ged Brannan to Lancashire rivals after points deduction

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      MORECAMBE boss Ged Brannan is a shock target for old club Accrington.Stanley chief John Doolan wants his close pal as assistant — after Brannan had wanted him as HIS No 2.Ged Brannan is a shock target for Accrington StanleyCredit: RexThe Shrimps were slapped with a three point deduction following a ruling by the EFL that determined they breached financial rules.On Thursday, the club confirmed: “An independent Disciplinary Commission (IDC) has determined that Morecambe Football Club are to be deducted three points from the 2023/24 League Two table for failing to adhere to the terms of an Agreed Decision.”The Club had previously received a three-point deduction, to be suspended until 30 June 2024, after admitting a breach of EFL Regulations for failing to pay its player wages on or around 28 March 2023.”The Club’s ultimate beneficial owner was also required to deposit an amount equal to 125% of the forecast monthly wage bill in a designated Club account.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”Following the failure to keep the account at the required levels, the suspended three-point deduction has now been activated.”Owner Mr Jason Whittingham has also been fined £10,000, payable immediately, whilst a suspended fine of £20,000 has also been imposed, to be activated on 31 May 2024, unless he complies in full with his obligation to replenish the Deposit Account under the terms of the Agreed Decision dated 17 August 2023.”The ruling effectively ended Morecambe’s chances of making the League Two playoffs.The financial mismanagement of the club may peak the interest of Tyson Fury, who has previously expressed an interest in buying the historic outfit.Most read in FootballThe Gypsy King, who lives by Morecambe Bay, is known to love the club and once revealed his desire to purchase The Shrimps when speaking to TalkSPORT.Back in 2023, before the club’s relegation to League Two, he said: “I’m thinking about buying Morecambe Football Club.Tyson Fury reveals TEN-FIGHT plan including Usyk and Joshua – but looks scared at thought of facing ‘British Mike Tyson’CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”They’re in League One at the moment. So I was thinking I invest X amount of millions in them. Basically, throw it at them and keep them going up.“I’ve been offered to buy Morecambe Football Club. I own all the training facilities anyway and the training gym. So, who knows? You might be looking at a football club owner.”He already sponsors the club’s shirts. More

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      Ryan Reynolds in tears as Wrexham fans invade pitch after securing League One PROMOTION as Hollywood rise continues

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      RYAN REYNOLDS was in tears after Wrexham achieved promotion to League One.The Red Dragons romped their way to League One with a 6-0 thrashing of Forest Green Rovers before wild scenes broke out in Wales.MK Dons’ loss meant Wrexham were promoted to League OneCredit: PATheir promotion sparked a jubilant pitch invasionCredit: PAIt’s now back to back promotions for WrexhamCredit: PAThe club will be playing League One football next seasonCredit: PAWhile the dominant victory on its own was not enough to achieve promotion, MK Dons’ 4-1 defeat at the hands of Mansfield meant Wrexham’s League One spot was confirmed.The announcement that MK Dons had lost sparked jubilant scenes and a pitch invasion.Reacting to Wrexham’s second promotion in two years, Hollywood owner Reynolds posted to X saying: “A few years ago, if you told me I would be crying tears of joy over a football match taking place in North Wales, you would be Rob McElhenney. “Congrats to Wrexham and to my co-chairman in crime. Double up the town! This is the ride of our lives.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLCo-owner McElhenney expressed his regret that he could not be in Wales to witness the promotion in person, and said the time away from the club to film in Hollywood was “killing him”.He has since posted on X to celebrate his club’s promotion, tweeting Wrexham’s stadium announcer to say: “Hey @m_griffiths92 noticed you’re reading tweets. My son and I just wanted to say hi from Los Angeles. Quite a lovely day, huh? #askwxm”He then quoted a post from the club celebrating promotion saying: “No words ❤️”It’s unlikely the Red Dragons will catch league leaders Stockport, who lead them by four points with a game in hand.Most read in FootballFans stormed onto the pitch to celebrateCredit: PAMany of the players have been there since their time in League OneCredit: RexReynolds and McElhenney have overseen successive promotionsCredit: PACASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt’s been a remarkable rise from non-league to League One which has taken place in the space of just four years.A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney officially took over the club ahead of the 2020-21 season.The story of Wrexham’s incredible riseThey came agonisingly close to achieving promotion at the first time of asking, but lost 5-4 in the play-off semi-finals to Grimsby Town.The club achieved promotion out of non-league at the second time of asking last year, and have followed that up with a successive promotion to League One.How Ryan Reynolds has been watching Wrexham games in styleCO-OWNER Ryan Reynolds hasn’t been able to make it to Wrexham in recent weeks due to filming commitments.
      But that hasn’t stopped him from watching his team in style.
      Streaming the match on a laptop or even a TV was not grand enough for the Deadpool star as he worked on the set of his latest movie.
      With a giant green screen behind him, he could not resist broadcasting Wrexham’s recent game on to the huge projector.
      Reynolds and his crew watched on as the Welsh side notched their 23rd win of the season against Crawley Town.
      He looked enamoured as the game played on behind him while surrounding by various pieces of Hollywood machinery.
      And Reynolds captioned the moment: “Watching the Wrexham game at work: new level unlocked.”
      It’s not clear what project Reynolds was working on at the time, with the actor currently developing several new movies including sequels to smash hits Free Guy and Red Notice.

      The victory saw players celebrate with their fansCredit: Getty More

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      Gillingham vs Barrow DELAYED for 8 minutes after sickening tackle sees star subbed off ONE MINUTE after coming off bench

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      GILLINGHAM star Josh Walker has been stretchered off after taking a sickening blow to the head..He was on the end of a horror tackle just a minute after coming on as a 21st minute substitute against Barrow.George Ray went in high on Josh WalkerCredit: iFollowWalker was left crumpled in a heapCredit: iFollowWalker, 26, had replaced George Lapslie only moments earlier before being hacked down by a late, high challenge by George Ray.Barrow defender Ray, 30, was immediately shown a straight red card by referee Dean Whitestone.Walker was eventually taken off on a stretcher following eight minutes of treatment and replaced by Oliver Hawkins.Gills fans were left disgusted by Ray’s tackle.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne wrote on social media: “A definite red card!! That’s a horrendous tackle. We hope Josh Walker, who is currently receiving treatment, makes a speedy recovery.”While a second fumed: “Absolutely a red card all day. Glad the ref didn’t bottle it as so many have this season.”A third tweeted: “This is a stone wall red card with no subjectivity involved. Speed, distance, studs to the upper body.”And a fourth added: “Awful still on the ground players looked really concerned for him.”Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe incident occurred with the score level at 0-0.Both teams remain in League Two play-off contention, with Gills going into the game looking to narrow the gap on Barrow to four points.Gillingham took the lead on the stroke of half-time via Josh Andrews.I was released by Ryan Reynolds and am fighting to stay in the EFL while my brother battles to win the Premier LeagueThree minutes into stoppage time, the forward brilliantly rounded Barrow keeper Paul Farman before providing a cool finish.The ten-man visitors came close to levelling a few minutes later, but no one could quite get on the end of Elliot Newby’s teasing cross.Former Fulham youngster Walker is on loan at Gills from Burton.Prior to today’s brief cameo he had appeared 13 times for his loan club, scoring once.Walker is on loan at Gillingham for BurtonCredit: Rex More

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      My dad is a former England coach and top-flight star – now I have fourth most English league appearances in history

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      TONY BLAIR was Prime Minister, The West Wing was on TV and 18-year-old Dean Lewington made his senior debut for Wimbledon.And 21 YEARS later the defender is still going strong.Dean Lewington is still going strong after over 20 yearsCredit: GettyLewington started his career in the fallout of Wimbledon’s 2000 relegationCredit: PAHe is set to make his 939th appearance in a huge fourth-v-third clash when MK Dons host Mansfield today.Lewington sits fourth in the all-time English league outings with 814 — a feat bettered only by England legend Peter Shilton (1,005), Tony Ford (931) and Graham Alexander (833).Meeting for coffee in leafy Surrey, I asked what secret lay behind his astonishing career.He laughed: “I wish I knew because I’d sell it for a few quid! Probably being happy and lucky with injuries.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut for a man who turns 40 next month, there must be more to it?Lewington said: “I caught the back-end of old-school football when there was the drinking culture. “Yet I’ve been lucky to benefit from modern training methods and nutritionists.“The diet is nothing in excess, fruit and vegetables, all good stuff and looking after yourself.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAlthough he technically stayed at one club, he made 32 appearances for Wimbledon before they controversially switched to Milton Keynes in 2004 — with pre-MK history officially relinquished to AFC.Lewington started his career in the fallout of Wimbledon’s 2000 relegation from the Premier League and was in the team that moved to MK.Super League star wakes up unemployed after nightmare spell of just EIGHT games in which he forced a rewriting of rulesAFC Wimbledon were created, gaining EFL status, building a new stadium at Plough Lane, not far from their old ground, and now in the same division as MK.Lewington, the only MK player left from the ‘old’ Wimbledon, said: “It was a baptism of fire — but lucky most of us playing then were youngsters who came through the youth side.“Because of our age, we saw it as a good opportunity and didn’t worry about the side-effects.“Hindsight is wonderful and no one would want to repeat what happened.“But AFC have gone on and done well. There’s no animosity from me. I’m glad they’re doing what they’re doing but my focus is on MK.”Lewington has played in all three EFL divisions — enjoying three promotions but suffering five relegations.Last season’s drop into League Two came only a year after almost winning promotion to the Championship — following a heartbreaking loss to Wycombe over two play-off legs.He said: “I’ve been relegated twice and promoted twice on the last day. It’s been a career in the lower leagues, so unglamorous — but a happy one.The diet is nothing in excess, fruit and vegetables, all good stuff and looking after yourself.Dean Lewington“I’ve changed position slightly but was always a tall full-back, quite aggressive, composed on the ball, good passer. “But I’m not overly athletic so that’s held me back.”His career highlight was winning promotion to the Championship in 2015 under Karl Robinson with Dele Alli leading the way — prompting Tottenham to sign him for £5million.And Lewington said: “After relegations from the Championship to League Two, we wanted to get back there.“It took more than ten years but the club got into a positive place.“We had Dele coming through, the youth team was producing and everything was on the up.“Dele trained with us since he was 15. It was a pleasure to play alongside and see him fulfil his potential.“Getting into the Championship felt like a chance for the club to establish itself. It didn’t work out but that brief moment was the best.”’I was told I wasn’t wanted and could train elsewhere’The club were only in the second tier for a season, and two years after that they were back in League Two.Lewington’s stay with MK came close to ending twice.A swap deal involving Huddersfield’s Pawel Abbott in 2006 fell through when the Terriers man pulled out, and in 2017 Lewington was frozen out by ex-boss Robbie Neilson.The latter was Lewington’s lowest moment. He said: “Neilson banned me from the club for about six weeks. “I was told I wasn’t wanted and could train elsewhere. That’s when I thought, ‘Perhaps my time at MK is over’. But he got sacked and things changed.”During that time, his dad Ray — ex-Fulham, Brentford and Watford boss and England No 2 — was invaluable.He said: “With dad being in the game, I’ve learnt to realise it’s not personal. Managers try to pick their best XI and sometimes it doesn’t include you.“You feel like they don’t know what they’re doing and the world is against you but they’re trying to do their best.”His standout manager was current Southampton boss and former team-mate Russell Martin.Roy Hodgson with with assistant Ray Lewington during their England daysCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe explained: “Russ believes in what he does 100 per cent. There’s no Plan B — it’s his way and you stick to it.“Some managers, when hitting a tough patch, change things but not him. That’s what makes him effective.“He took over when we were fighting relegation from League One.“He changed us to complete football, which is the opposite of what teams usually do in those situations.“It was a real risk but he believed in it. It’s like going back to your childhood, playing free-flowing football.”His only regret is MK having not fulfilled chairman Pete Winkelman’s ambition to reach the Prem — or stay in the Championship.But Lewington said: “The reality is it costs a lot of money to get in the Premier League now. “When the club was formed, the gap between the top flight and the EFL was smaller.“The stadium and infrastructure are there so if someone wants to take it on, it could definitely happen.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSo with his 40th birthday approaching, what does the future hold?He said: “At some point I’ll go down the coaching route. But I’ll keep playing for as long as I can.” More