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      Eagle-eyed fans absolutely love what Bromley captain did before winning penalty to secure promotion to League Two

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      FOOTBALL fans hailed Bromley captain Byron Webster for his brilliant smirk before he sealed the most historic win in the club’s history.
      Bromley clinched promotion to the Football League for the first time ever on Sunday as they beat Solihull Moors on penalties in the play-off final at Wembley.
      Bromley captain Byron Webster smiled and raised his eyebrows before scoring the winning penaltyCredit: X formerly Twitter / @footballontntBromley will be playing in the Football League for the first time in their historyCredit: GettyThe players piled on top of Webster after his winning penaltyCredit: X formerly Twitter / @footballontntAnd, after a 2-2 draw across 120 minutes, it was skipper Webster that netted the crucial spot-kick to spark scenes of ecstasy.But just moments before dispatching the penalty, the centre-back could be seen smiling and raising his eyebrows to the Solihull keeper – a remarkable feat of composure under the circumstances.He then went on to send the keeper the wrong way, before he stood with his arms outstretched in celebration as his team-mates stormed over to bask in the win.And football fans on social media were loving ex-Yeovil and Millwall man Webster’s antics before the penalty.One said: “Coolest head in the stadium.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother added: “Confidence from our skipper 👏.”A third replied: “Man like Byron 🩁.”A fourth responded: “Have you seen anyone more confident before taking a decisive penalty than CENTRE BACK Byron Webster 😳.”And a fifth said: “There’s backing yourself under pressure and then there’s this from Byron Webster. Outrageously big balls on him.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAs well as his confidence when taking the penalty, Webster was also wearing an EFL armband in a remarkable demonstration of confidence that Bromley were going to secure promotion.The defender has previously played in the Championship with Doncaster, Yeovil and Millwall.Man Utd’s best XI of academy graduatesHe has also played in League One for Scunthorpe and League Two for Northampton and Carlisle.Bromley celebrated wildly after booking their place in League TwoCredit: Getty 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 ÂŁ4.54billion 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

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      Wrexham’s Paul Mullin and James McClean make dig at cancer-stricken King while partying with Rob McElhenney in Vegas

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      TWO Wrexham stars have made a dig at the cancer-stricken King while partying with Rob McElhenney in Las Vegas.James McClean, 35, and Paul Mullin, 29, were snapping pics while they boozed with a group of lads celebrating their promotion to League One in Sin City.Stars James McClean and Paul Mullin have made a dig at the cancer-stricken KingCredit: InstagramRob McElhenney joined his players for their party in VegasCredit: InstagramWrexham’s owners have cultivated a close relationship with the royals – and the King visited in 2022Credit: GettyPrince William visited Wrexham – after having a shot with McElhenney – last monthCredit: GettyBut the pair have now caused a stir after putting vile captions on Instagram posts.Star striker Mullin posted a selfie of him and McClean on his story with the words: “And we hate the f***ing King!”The 35-year-old winger then reshared it to his story with the caption: “We serve no King or Kaiser but Ireland! Sue me.” The snaps, which have now been deleted, were posted just days after King Charles returned to public duties for the first time since announcing was undergoing cancer treatment. READ MORE ON WREXHAMMcClean has long been known for his Republican stance – and once turned his back on the English national anthem while playing for Ireland. He also refused to wear a poppy during games played across Remembrance weekend.  Wrexham’s fan’s song for McClean features the line “He hates the f***ing King” – which he joined in with during the celebrations as the club sealed promotion to League One.The song has come about despite club owners McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds building a close relationship with the Royal Family. Most read in FootballIn April, just prior to the club’s promotion, Prince William visited the Racecourse Stadium and spoke to the players and staff about their remarkable EFL rise.King Charles and Queen Camilla also visited Wrexham’s stadium in 2022.Prince William downs shot after pulling ‘horrible’ pint with Wrexham owner Rob McElhenneyMcClean has now doubled down on his post. Sharing the MailOnline story on Instagram, he said: “Is this correct? Absolutely and I also sang at the top of my lungs.”Do I make any apologies for doing so? Absolutely not.”Mullin also made his opinions on the monarchy clear in his autobiography titled: “My Wrexham story.”He wrote about the King’s 2022 visit to Wrexham and said: “I’ll be straight: This visit might have been billed as a historic day for Wrexham, but it wasn’t for me. I’ve no interest in royalty.”I don’t see why anyone should have the God-given right to be born into such wealth, and then for us to pay for them as well. It just comes down to basic fairness.”The Sun has contacted Wrexham for comment. The Royals and Wrexham When the King visited the grounds in 2022 Reynolds and McElhenney were said to be“impossibly excited”. Charles and Queen Consort Camilla dropped in on Wrexham AFC, which the actors bought for ÂŁ2million in 2020.Reynolds said: “We will do anything to uplift and elevate this community and this club and having the King pay a visit is certainly one way to do it.”Charles was shown the non-league side’s pitch and asked head groundsman Paul Chaloner: “This is proper grass isn’t it? Not that plastic stuff?”The King and Camilla walked through the players’ tunnel onto the pitch at the ground, where they met the celebrity owners, plus club executives and players.They greeted members of the first team before posing for a picture.And just last month Prince William downed a shot of whisky with McElhenney at The Turf pub in Wrexham. Wills headed into the pub, which sits next to Wrexham AFC, to hear about the successes in the local community.He listened to how the club and pub have had an impact on the area.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe prince then posed with fans on the street, and was snapped chatting to a little girl who handed him a daffodil.He was also passed a personalised Wrexham shirt with his name on it.Welsh flags were out in force in Sin CityCredit: InstagramHakkasan beamed their highlights onto the night club’s screensCredit: Instagram More

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

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

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      Wrexham reveal their released list after promotion-winning season with two former Premier League stars set to stay

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      WREXHAM have revealed the club’s released list following promotion to League One.The Welsh outfit achieved back-to-back promotions as it continues to climb the English football ladder under its Hollywood ownership.Luke Young is one player on the released listCredit: GettyCaptain Ben Tozer has also been left without a clubCredit: GettySteven Fletcher and James McClean are both set to stayCredit: RexWrexham co-owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have taken the club to League OneCredit: ReutersWrexham was taken over by Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia actor Rob McElhenney in 2020.They have helped the club get out of the National League and will now compete in League One after a successful season in League Two.The club’s squad will have a very different look come the new season as EIGHT players have been released.This includes captain Ben Tozer, who made 131 appearances for the club during his four-year spell at the club.READ MORE ON WREXHAMOther notable players that will be on the hunt for a new club include goalkeeper Rob Lainton, defenders Callum McFadzean, Aaron Hayden and Jordan Tunnicliffe as well as midfielder Luke Young.Youngsters Owen Cushion and Dan Davies have also been released by the club.However, ex-Premier League stars Steven Fletcher and James McClean are set to stay.McClean has seen his contract automatically extended for the 2024/25 campaign.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhile Fletcher has been offered a new deal to stay at the Racecourse Ground.Manager Phil Parkinson has admitted that building the squad for League One will be a challenge.Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny’s amazing Wrexham stadium plans revealed and could fit ‘whole town’ insideHe said: “I have been very much focused on the team and getting the job done.”But naturally conversations are always going on about budgets, whatever division we were going to end up in and possible players”It is a really exciting summer that lies ahead of us.”The massive challenge for us is can we build this squad strongly to challenge in League One.”I am really looking forward to taking on that challenge throughout the summer months.”As for Wrexham’s targets for next season, executive director Humphrey Ker is eyeing a top half finish in League One.He has revealed the club are hopeful of finishing in upper mid-table on their return to the third tier.Ker 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.”Executive director Humphrey Ker is targeting a top half finish in League OneCredit: GettyWrexham’s full retained/released listHere 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 More

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

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

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      Fans gobsmacked as EFL overturn ‘most blatant red card you’ll ever see’ just in time for club’s play-off run

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      ASTONISHED football fans have taken to social media following the decision to overturn Doncaster keeper Thimothee Lo-Tutala’s red card in time for the play-offs.Grant McCann’s men clinched a spot in the League Two play-offs with a 12-game unbeaten streak at the end of the season.Thimothee Lo-Tutala saw a header from his own defender looping over his headCredit: X / @RedAlexCreweHe pushed the ball away acrobatically with his hand while outside the areaCredit: X / @RedAlexCreweThe red card has been rescinded as it was deemed he did not deny an obvious goalscoring opportunityCredit: X / @RedAlexCreweBut on the final day things threatened to go awry for them when Lo-Tutala handled outside the area when they led 2-0 away at Gillingham.Fortunately for Donny, after conceding twice they managed to hold on for a 2-2 draw and will now face Crewe in the play-off semi-finals.And they have been handed yet more positive news as Lo-Tutala’s dismissal has been overturned, meaning he is eligible for the first leg on Monday.The incident in question saw a defensive mix-up lead to the keeper clearly parrying the ball away while several yards outside of his area.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAt the time, it looked an obvious red card, but the law dictates that a keeper only be sent off when denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity.The IFAB rules state: “A direct free kick is awarded and: a yellow card is shown if a promising attack was stopped, or. a red card is shown if a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity was denied.”As there were three covering Doncaster defenders, it was not a goalscoring opportunity for Gillingham, meaning Lo-Tutala was incorrectly sent packing.Yet fans on X simply could not get their heads around the decision to scrap the red card.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOne said: “This is the most blatant red card you’ll ever see. How on earth has it been overturned?!”Another added: “Wtf how? Bro stopped the ball from going towards the goal from outside the box ahahhaha.”‘I might’ve chinned him’ – Neil Warnock labelled ‘actually unreal’ as ex-EFL boss takes issue with post-match interview
      A third replied: “The most blatant red card this season overturned. No punishment for denial of a clear goal scoring opportunity.”
      And a fourth responded: “How an earth has this been overturned. You don’t need VAR to see that is outside the area.”Doncaster go to Crewe on Monday, before hosting the return leg on Friday, May 10.The winner will face Crawley or MK Dons at Wembley on May 19 for a place in League One next season.Lo-Tutala could play in Doncaster’s play-off semi-final first leg against Crewe on MondayCredit: Rex More

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      Former Premier League star, 38, wakes up unemployed and searching for 16TH club after release from League Two side

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      FORMER Premier League star Matt Derbyshire has been released by Bradford City.The League Two outfit announced the 38-year-old had been let go on the club website’s retained and released list.Matt Derbyshire has been released by Bradford CityCredit: GettyDerbyshire used to represent England at U21 levelCredit: GettyDerbyshire leaves the Yorkshire club having made just 23 appearances since joining in January last year.The former England U21 international joined Bradford from Indian first division outfit North East United where he had made just eight appearances in a six month spell at the club.Derbyshire will now have to search for a new club if he is to continue his journeyman-like career.Should he find a new home then he would be joining the 16TH club of his career which has seen him play in the Premier League and for one of Europe’s biggest clubs.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDerbyshire made 86 appearances in the Prem during his time with Blackburn Rovers and Birmingham City.And he was even part of the famous Blues side that wriggled their way into the 2011 League Cup final before beating Arsenal at Wembley to lift the trophy.Perhaps even more impressively he spent two seasons with Greek giants Olympiacos where he won the league title in 2009 and featured in two Champions League knockout games.His career has also seen him play for a number of teams across the Football League such as Wrexham, Nottingham Forest, Oldham, Plymouth and Blackpool.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDerbyshire is also no stranger to branching out to play further afield with spells in Australia, India and Cyprus on his CV.The striker has struggled for goals in recent years though and may find it hard to find a new employer with his record at his last two clubs.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersHe has scored just three goals in his last 31 appearances.Matt Derbyshire’s career so far
      2003 – 2005: Great Harwood Town
      2005: Plymouth (loan)
      2006: Wrexham (loan)
      2005 – 2009: Blackburn Rovers
      2009 – 2011: Olympiacos
      2011: Birmingham City (loan)
      2011 – 2014: Nottingham Forest
      2012: Oldham Athletic (loan)
      2013: Blackpool (loan)
      2014 – 2016: Rotherham
      2016 – 2020: Omonia Nikosia
      2020 – 2021: Macarthur
      2021 – 2022: AEK Larnaca
      2022 – 2023: North East United
      2023 – 2024: Bradford City More