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      I was sacked as a factory worker, the next day I was playing along Mesut Ozil at Arsenal – I was gobsmacked

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      COHEN BRAMALL was training with Arsenal’s first team including World Cup winner Mesut Ozil – just days after being sacked by car giant Bentley.The current Rotherham’s left-back was “gobsmacked” when he was shoved straight into Arsenal’s senior practice under Arsene Wenger in 2017.Cohen Bramall impressed at an Arsenal trial, the day after he was made redundant from a factoryBramall now plays at League One side RotherhamBramall played for Hednesford in the Northern League Premier Division on a part-time basis, while working full-time at a car factory.He told BBC Sport: “I got made redundant by Bentley on the Tuesday [20 December], which was crazy because I didn’t know what I was going to do.”My agent Lee Payne rings me on the Wednesday saying you’ve got a trial at Arsenal. I was like ‘what?’ – I was gobsmacked.”He said pack your stuff and get to this postcode, so I packed all my stuff in about an hour, got there as fast as I could, slept for a bit, then the next minute I’m in training with the first team.READ MORE ON ARSENAL”It was crazy how quick everything happened, how I met everyone and they just took me straight in. I had to take the opportunity with both hands.”A trial match with Sheffield Wednesday U23s had been watched by Arsenal scout Brian McDermott, who called Bramall’s agent.The following morning, he was training with Arsenal’s first team after expecting to meet up with the reserves.He said: “I got chucked into a 5-vs-5 with some of the best players in the world, like Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Petr Cech. It was crazy.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”The tempo and movement was outstanding. It was a special moment for me.”He’d also played in a reserve game at Crystal Palace.Inside Arsenal’s new £300m+ stadium plans with futuristic Emirates project set to dwarf Spurs groundBramall’s four Arsenal appearances all came in friendliesAfter two days, Arsenal submitted a bid to Hednesford Town and signed the then 20-year-old left-back.The Gunners agreed terms on a reported £40,000 deal in January.At the time, Wenger said: “Bramall is a young, promising left-back who has a lack of experience at the top level but who has fantastic ingredients.”He has tremendous pace, a good left foot, a great desire to do well. Overall, he’s a very exciting prospect.”But the Crewe-born player spent the remainder of the season with the U23s.Bramall made his senior debut in a friendly against A-League side Sydney FC in July 2017.But he and Arsenal team-mate Carl Jenkinson were loaned to Championship club Birmingham City in August.On Bramall’s return to Arsenal, he played three times for their under-21 team in the 2018–19 EFL Trophy.But the club confirmed he would be released when his contract expired in the 2019 summer window.Bramall later played against Mason Greenwood at Old Trafford for ColchesterHe has since worked his way up the EFL pyramid and boasts 58,000 followers on InstagramUp the EFL ladder After his time with Arsenal was up, Bramall signed a two-year contract with League Two club Colchester United in 2019.He was sent off for the first time in his professional career that August for violent conduct during Colchester’s 3–0 win against Swindon Town in the EFL Cup.And he scored his first professional goal with a well taken free kick in a 3–0 win over Carlisle United in December.Next up was a multi-year contract at League One side Lincoln City in February 2021. Bramall made 46 appearances for Lincoln City before RotherhamBramall then climbed the football pyramid again after Championship side Rotherham matched his Lincoln release clause.The now 28-year-old became a first XI staple, racking up 75 Championship appearances, before Rotherham were relegated in May.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has since found himself playing second fiddle to former Man Utd youth player Reece James under manager Steve Evans.He told the Rotherham Advertisier: “This is a challenge and it’s good for my character. If I know I’ve not been doing great, I’ll definitely tell myself that.”Bramall enjoyed a trip to New York during an October international breakHe signed for Rotherham in 2022 More

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      EFL club’s former stadium now housing estate with tiny strip of grass remaining from where old centre-circle once stood

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      A FOOTBALL stadium site that once played host to one of the EFL’s longest-reigning clubs is now a housing estate.But council developers ensured to keep a small strip of grass where the centre-circle once stood to remember the old ground by.A current EFL club was forced to leave their home in 2008The stadium was called Layer RoadThe site is now occupied by a council housing estate, with a strip of grass left roughly where the old centre circle was once foundCredit: Google EarthThe grass in the middle of the estate contains a fitting tribute to an EFL club’s former homeFrom the highs of promotions to the agony of relegation, the ground witnessed plenty of ups and downs.Built in 1907, Layer Road stood for 101 years before it was closed in 2008 and pulled down in 2012.In its pomp it was even able to house 19,000 passionate supporters.But capacity had dropped to just 6,320 by the time of its July 2008 closure for safety reasons, following closure of parts of the ground.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIt was current League Two strugglers Colchester United’s home for 71 years.In it’s early days, the ground was first used by the British Army and Colchester Town, an amateur side until 1937.But Colchester United moved in two years before the Second World War began.In 1948, 19,072 fans packed into a record capacity at Layer Road for an FA Cup tie against Reading, with the match later abandoned due to fog.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe following decades saw Colchester United float between Division Three and Four, with club debt mounting.As early as 1981, the club’s chairman Maurice Cadman announced that Layer Road was in need of £280,000 of basic safety improvements to meet legislation.Inside Arsenal’s new £300m+ stadium plans with futuristic Emirates project set to dwarf Spurs groundWith the club struggling financially, sections of the ground were closed off, reducing the capacity to 4,500.And in 1990-91, Colchester United was forced to sell Layer Road back to the Borough Council for £1.2m to help clear club debts. The council began started to identify potential sites for a new stadium, with Colchester briefly relegated from the Football League between 1989 and 1991.But anyone visiting the spot where it once stood these days will be greeted by a much-different sight – a cosy housing estate. The last first team match at Layer Road took place on 26 April 2008, when Colchester lost 1–0 to promotion chasers Stoke City.Richard Cresswell scored the last professional goal at the stadium.Colchester fans made their way to the last ever match at Layer Road in 2008The square and approach road from Layer Road is known as Turnstile Square and a statue commemorates the old stadiumThe U’s had made it all the way to the Championship by 2008, but suffered relegation in their final season at Layer Road.In 2011, Colchester Borough Council sold the 3.63 acre stadium site to developer Abbey New Homes in a deal worth around £1.5 million.Planning permission was subsequently granted to build 58 homes on the site, a mixture of flats and houses, with a central open grassed space to be left to reflect its history as a football ground.And as a mark of respect to supporters who had their ashes scattered on the pitch as an expression of their love for the club.In mid-2012, Layer Road was demolished with the construction of houses commencing immediately.In 2015 a bronze statue of Colchester United’s ‘Player of the Century’, Peter Wright was unveiled.Wright joined the club in 1951, making over 400 appearances and scoring 93 goals over a 13 year spell.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe inscription below the statue reads: “ON THIS SITE Football was played 1907-2008. This was the home of Colchester United FC from its birth in 1937 until 26th April 2008.”The square and approach road from Layer Road is known as Turnstile Square.General view of Layer Road ahead of the last ever match at the ground.Colchester Borough Council bought the land in 1991Colchester United now play at the JobServe Community Stadium More

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      EFL club’s former stadium now a Morrisons supermarket after ground saw disastrous back-to-back relegations

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      IT’S been a tale of hope to despair and back again.In 1990, a West Midlands club, that once played host to Liverpool great Alan Hansen, left their stadium after 94 years following back-to-back relegations down the footie pyramid.A current EFL club was forced to leave their iconic ground in 1990The stadium was called Fellows ParkThe site is now occupied by a Morrisons supermarketBut anyone visiting the spot where it once stood these days will be greeted by a much-different sight – a Morrisons supermarket.Relocation plans were put in place after a perimeter wall collapsed during a League Cup semi-final clash against Liverpool in 1984.In fact, Liverpool captain Graeme Souness joined in the rescue by memorably carrying an injured child to safety before the Reds won 2-0.In truth, by 1989 Fellows Park had seen better days before it was demolished in 1991.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSEven by that decade’s standards, the toilets were the stuff of legend.The Hillary Street roof flapped in high winds and showered fans with rusty water during matches on wet days.The ground was home to Walsall – who currently sit top of League Two and are odds on to go up.But in 1990, Walsall had dropped from the second to the fourth tier, in fact finishing bottom of the table each time.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Saddlers are one of only seven clubs to have suffered relegation in both of their final two seasons before moving home.By the time the last game at Fellows Park came around it was certain that Walsall would start life at Bescot in Division Four.Inside Arsenal’s new £300m+ stadium plans with futuristic Emirates project set to dwarf Spurs groundThe site was situated next to a railway line but now hosts one of the four big supermarketsIn their final campaign at Fellows Park they sacked John Barnwell as manager in March and brought former Aston Villa striker Gary Shaw for the last three months, but it was too late to save them.Despite its shortcomings, however, for Walsall’s 6,000 or so regular fans Fellows Park was home.Walsall’s record home attendance was when 25,453 fans flocked in to watch them play Newcastle in the Second Division on 29 August 1961.And the new ground at the Bescot Stadium was anything but a high-end product in 1989.Walsall fans were sorry to leave Fellows Park – but in truth, it was falling apart by 1983In fact, owner Terry Ramsden was effectively shifting them to a brownfield site underneath the M6.Walsall’s current digs were built in 1989–90 by GMI Construction, with a reported build cost of £4.5m.It was opened on 18 August 1990, by Sir Stanley Matthews, prior to a friendly against rivals Aston Villa in front of 9,551 spectators. Matthews was the inaugural winner, and first English player, to win the Ballon d’Or in 1956.But the arrival at the Bescot Stadium saw some stability brought back to the club as it was taken over by Jeff Bonser in 1991.Kenny Hibbitt managed the Saddlers for four years, setting the groundwork for a golden era that would follow soon after his dismissal in September 1994.New manager Chris Nicholl led the club to promotion back to the third tier in his first season.And Bonser only left Walsall in 2019, as current owner Leigh Pomlett acquired his 76 per cent majority stake.Ironically, in 2024, the ground was renamed the ‘Poundland Bescot Stadium’ for sponsorship reasons.READ MORE SUN STORIESA reminder of Fellows Park remains in the Bescot ground, in the name of the H.L. Fellows Stand.Harry Leslie Fellows was a club director during the 1930s.Liverpool legend Alan Hansen played at Fellows Park in 1984 when a wall collapsedIts record attendance was 25,453 spectators in 1961 More

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      Awkward moment League Two star literally has his pants pulled down as Doncaster go on to score

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      A LEAGUE TWO star was caught with his pants down as his side conceded to Doncaster.Tranmere Rovers defender Jordan Turnball was trying to stop an attack when he was caught in the awkward position.Jordan Turnball was caught in an awkward position against Doncaster RoversCredit: X @SkyBetLeagueTwoThe defender’s pants fell down before his side concededCredit: X @SkyBetLeagueTwoTurnball, 30, was contesting a ball with Doncaster winger Luke Molyneux.The ball bounced goalside of the two players and as the defender turned his shorts fell down.He stopped his movement to pull them up, but before he could, Patrick Kelly had pounced onto the loose ball.The midfielder then dribbled away from Turnball and slotted home to double Doncaster’s lead.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe moment has since gone viral on social media, leaving fans in hysterics.One posted: “Woopsy haha.”A second commented: “Caught with his pants down lol.”A third wrote: “We are a meme club.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA fourth said: “The league are even laughing at us now, Our standards as a club are non existent.”Another added: “The close-up is even funnier.”Premier League cult hero Charlie Adam SACKED by Fleetwood after disastrous run of resultsMolyneux, 26, also responded to the clip on social media as he posted three laughing emojis.Kyle Hurst made it 3-0 for the hosts in the 77th minute before Tranmere’s Sol Solomon netted a late consolation.The defeat leaves Tranmere 19th in League Two while Doncaster have climbed up to third.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Wrexham clash descends into huge brawl at full-time as tempers flare after fiery League One clash

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      WREXHAM and Bristol Rovers players got into a heated brawl after their League One clash came to an end.The Red Dragons and Rovers played out a 1-1 draw after Promise Omochere cancelled out Elliot Lee’s opener at the Memorial Stadium.Wrexham and Bristol Rovers players got into a heated brawlCredit: RexWrexham and Bristol Rovers played out a 1-1 drawCredit: RexAn intense altercation between Steven Fletcher and James Wilson led to a fiery rowCredit: RexThankfully the fracas between the two sides didn’t last longCredit: RexWrexham ace Lee opened the scoring after just 18 minutes but the hosts managed to find an answer four minutes before full-time.However, an intense altercation between the visitors’ Steven Fletcher and Bristol Rovers’ James Wilson led to a fiery row between both teams.Both sides tried to separate the two players and for a moment tensions flared up.But thankfully the fracas didn’t last long and the two opponents made their way down the tunnel.Read More on FootballWrexham are now third in the League One table after their draw in Bristol.Phil Parkinson’s men are tied in points with second-placed Birmingham and trail leaders Wycombe by two.Bristol Rovers, on the other hand, are 19th with five points off the bottom three.This is Wrexham’s second consecutive draw after playing out a 2-2 tie with Cambridge United last week.Most read in EFLThe game with Cambridge brought an end to a winning streak of five games across all competitions.Wrexham are looking for an immediate Championship promotion under Hollywood superstar owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.Wrexham stars including ex-Premier League ace party with Hollywood hunk Channing Tatum after Cambridge drawThe Welsh outfit made it to League One just a year after their return to the EFL. More

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      Elon Musk told which EFL club he should buy if he wants to follow Ryan Reynolds and Tom Brady into English football

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      ELON MUSK has been urged to buy an EFL football club.The X owner, 53, is now said to be worth more than £300bn ($400bn).Elon Musk is worth more than £300bnCredit: ReutersRyan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney co-own WrexhamCredit: PATom Brady co-owns Birmingham with majority owner Tom Wagner, leftCredit: GettyMusk has previously joked that he will buy Manchester United.But football financial expert Dr Rob Wilson feels that the multi-billionaire should emulate the likes of Ryan Reynolds and Tom Brady by looking further down the pyramid.Per RDG Today, Wilson said: “If Elon Musk wants to get into football club ownership, Cheltenham Town are an extraordinarily interesting prospect, particularly to the US market.”Millions of people in the US love British culture, particularly quintessential Middle England and the Cotswolds where Cheltenham is based.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”You’ve got these beautiful rolling hills in the background, you’ve got the racecourse so there is a really powerful story and a powerful narrative at a club like Cheltenham.”They are up and coming and could be a great prospect.”Cheltenham Town currently find themselves 13th in League Two.The Robins were relegated from League One last term, having struggled for several years to maintain a spot in the third tier.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMusk has been urged to buy Cheltenham TownCredit: PAHollywood A-lister Reynolds, 48, has enjoyed incredible success with Wrexham.Alongside It’s Always Sunny star Rob McElhenney, Reynolds has helped Wrexham climb from the National League to League One.Danny Devito celebrates Wrexham’s last-gasp win over Barnsley as he watches from virtual stadium in LAThey now find themselves in a promotion battle with Birmingham City, who are owned by American Tom Wagner, with NFL icon Tom Brady possessing a stake.Wrexham were watched by Hollywood superstar Channing Tatum at the Racecourse Ground yesterday, with the actor joining pal Reynolds at the game.Elsewhere, A$AP Rocky has been linked with a shock swoop for Tranmere Rovers.While another financial expert has tipped Kim Kardashian and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to move for EFL clubs.Kim Kardashian has been urged to purchase an EFL clubCredit: GettyA$AP Rocky has been linked with Tranmere RoversCredit: Splash More

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      Title-winning memorabilia of Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham being sold for staggering £100,000 on eBay

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      WREXHAM promotion-winning memorabilia was reportedly being sold on eBay for £100,000.The Red Dragons have enjoyed back-to-back promotions from the National League to League One under the Hollywood ownership of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.Memorabilia from Wrexham’s last two promotions was reportedly put on eBayCredit: PAThe listing seemingly featured three match-worn shirts and two medalsCredit: EBayThe price increased from £40,000 to virtually £100,000Credit: eBayTheir return to League Two in 2023 ended their 15-year absence from the EFL. The fairytale story has attracted a wave of interest on both sides of the Atlantic due to the American links – thanks in no small part to the popular Disney+ doc Welcome To Wrexham.And, according to the Daily Mail, one unnamed Wrexham player was offering a superfan the chance to get their hands on the ultimate signed goodies.It is claimed a private seller, called “2013goods” had placed three Macron match-worn red home Wrexham shirts up for sale on eBay. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTwo of those were seemingly from last season – with one signed by the squad – while the third was from the previous campaign.Alongside the shirts were two medals – one with the Vanarama ribbon from the National League title success and the other with the SkyBet branding from their League Two promotion when they finished as runners-up. The private seller, who allegedly has sold 81 items with a 100 per cent positive rating, described the listing: “This is an amazing opportunity for football fans to own a piece of history. “The owners Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney Wrexham AFC Official Promotion Medals 22/23 23/24, along with the match jerseys and signed top, make this a must-have for any collector of sports memorabilia.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”This unique item is perfect for fans original piece signed by the players themselves. “The memorabilia includes signed shirt, making it a valuable addition to any collection. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to own a piece of football history.”I’ve tried for the last three years to join Wrexham but I think my surname will stop me, admits ex-Premier League star James Chester The Mail report adds that the items were initially put up for sale for £40,000.However, it was then said to have been bumped up to 1p shy of £100,000 with a delivery charge of £13.35 on top of the six-figure sum.It is claimed 54 eBay users were watching the listing that was only available as a “buy now” option and no bidding auction. However, the post is unable to be found by the public and the Mail claim it has ended.But the report does not state whether the unavailability is because the items were purchased for the £99,999.99 price or if the listing was removed and deleted by the seller. Wrexham could be on course for a hat-trick of successive promotions this season.They currently sit third in League One, just two points behind leaders Wycombe and one off Birmingham. Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds oversaw the return to the EFL after 15 yearsCredit: GettyIt is unclear who was selling the items and whether they were bought or the listing was deletedCredit: AlamyWrexham are looking to make it three promotions on the bounceCredit: PA More

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      English manager SACKED by EFL club in shock move with fans left in disbelief as 84-word statement released

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      DES BUCKINGHAM has been SACKED from role as Oxford United manager.The Championship strugglers confirmed his exit on social media.Des Buckingham has been sacked by Oxford UnitedCredit: GettyBuckingham, 39, helped the club get promoted from League One after being appointed last season.However, his time in charge of the club came to an end following the 3-1 defeat to Sheffield on Wednesday at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday.A statement read: “Oxford United can confirm that Des Buckingham has left his role as men’s first team head coach.”Des was appointed in November 2023 and led the club to promotion to the EFL Sky Bet Championship at the end of the 2023/24 season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The club would like to place on record its thanks to Des for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future.”The appointment of a new head coach will be confirmed in due course.”Fans have been left in disbelief over Buckingham’s departure from the club.One posted: “You’ve lost your minds.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA second wrote: “Not impressed with that.”A third commented: “Completely unexpected but got to see who the next guy in is and support them.”Football teams that controversially changed their badgeA fourth said: “Well, that’s ruined my enthusiasm for this season. We must have an incredible name lined up as a replacement. Otherwise, we’re going to look silly.”Another added: “Well that’s a decision I can’t get my head around.”Oxford’s last win under Buckingham came in the 1-0 victory over Hull City on November 5.Since then, the club has lost five of six matches, including a 6-2 drubbing by Middlesborough.In October he was forced to have medical attention after the draw with Derby County.Who are these famous footballers? More