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      Fans spot something awkward in trophy reflection after Doncaster boss posts pic of himself in bed ‘sleeping’ with cup

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      EAGLE-EYED fans were left in hysterics after spotting something awkward in the Doncaster manager’s trophy picture in bed.Rovers secured promotion from League Two this season and went up as champions, too.Doncaster won League Two – securing top spot on the final day of the seasonCredit: GettyGrant McCann led Rovers to the titleCredit: PAHis bedroom selfie with the trophy left fans in hystericsCredit: X @grantmccann11They were presented with the trophy on Saturday after they beat Notts County away and Port Vale lost at home to Gillingham.And boss Grant McCann was allowed to take the EFL trophy home with him.McCann, 45, took to X on Sunday, posting a photo of himself seemingly sleeping next to the silverware in bed as has become a trend in recent years.The ex-Northern Ireland midfielder, who won League One with Hull in 2020-21, captioned the snap: “Afternoon kip with this beautiful thing,” and added a heart-eyes emoji. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, it did not take long for supporters’ eyes to be caught by the reflection in the trophy.Because while McCann appeared to be fast asleep, not all was quite as it seemed. In the reflection, McCann’s arm can be seen holding his phone and taking the selfie.And that sparked a wave of hilarious responses on social media – including one which was just a string of laughing emojis.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOne said: “Generational stinkerAnother wrote: “Haha that reflection – much deserved pose!!”Burnley stars serenaded by chart-topping Noughties legend in surprise scenesA third added: “How did you take this while you were asleep mate?”And a final user typed: “School boy.” More

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      EFL club sack manager after horror run of just one point in their final 10 games

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      BRISTOL ROVERS have confirmed that Ingo Calderon has been sacked.The EFL outfit swung the axe on the manager less than 24 hours following the end of the League One season.Bristol Rovers have sacked Inigo CalderonCredit: PAHe has called his time at the club a ‘true honour’Credit: RexCalderon, 43, oversaw a disastrous end of the season that saw the club win just ONE POINT in their final ten games.The Spaniard was only appointed in December having signed a two-and-a-half-year deal.However, following relegation to League Two, he has been sacked by the club.A statement read: “Bristol Rovers can confirm that Inigo Calderon has departed his position as Men’s first team Head Coach. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”Miguel Llera, who has been assisting in the coaching department since March, has also left the Club.”Everyone at Bristol Rovers would like to thank Inigo and Miguel for their hard work, dedication and commitment and wish them both every success in their respective future careers.”A thorough process to recruit a replacement is underway and the club will be making no further comment at this time.”Calderon has also released his own statement following the decision.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe insisted that it was a “true honour” to lead the club and paid tribute to the fans.He wrote: “This is my time as Bristol Rovers manager.Football’s weirdest contract clauses revealed including non-Arsenal agreement and a private jet promiseHe spent six years at Brighton during his playing daysCredit: Getty Images – Getty”It has been a true honour and pleasure to have been part of this great club, obviously without the results I would have liked and that this club deserves, but still the pride and clear conscience of having tried everything possible to achieve the best.”Boxing Day at Exeter, the first home game on New Year’s Day, my family celebrating from the stands, the first win at Cambridge, the unconditional support in away games, and especially the games played at the Mem are unforgettable moments that I will always remember.”I’ve always said that a club is made great by the fans and the people who work behind the scenes, and this club is giant.”It’s a time for unity. I can only reiterate my gratitude to the entire Gasheads family, fans, players, staff, board. Now more than ever.”Calderon started his career as a player at Deportivo Alavés.He left Spain for England in 2010 as he joined Brighton and Hove Albion.He played a key role at the Seagulls as he helped them win promotion to the Championship in 2011.He spent six years on the South Coast before having spells with Anorthosis and Chennaiyin before retiring.Read More on The SunBristol Rovers was his first job as a manager and it came to an end after losing to 4-1 to Blackpool on Saturday.The club had already seen their relegation confirmed on Tuesday after Burton Albion drew with Wigan. More

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      Class of 92’s promotion hopes ruined by former team-mate after final day draw drops them out of the play-offs

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      CLASS of 92-owned Salford City’s promotion hopes were ended by a familiar face as they failed to beat relegated Carlisle United.Former Manchester United player Mark Hughes’ side went 2-0 up in 17 minutes, forcing visitors Salford to mount a comeback that they couldn’t quite complete.Ryan Giggs oversaw his team fail to beat Carlisle and miss out on playoffsCredit: ShutterstockThis meant the Manchester team finished the day one point away from Chesterfield who beat Accrington Stanley away from home to claim the final play-off spot in League Two.Goals from Salford’s Cole Stockton and Hakeeb Adelakun cancelled out Carlisle’s Stephen Wearne and Matthew Dennis.But it could have been worse as Matty Young managed to force a brilliant save to deny the hosts late on.Carlisle were relegated before the game kicked off with Hughes, who joined on a rolling contract in February, unable to prevent their slide.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWhile the Red Devils-owning Salford had been looking upwards towards promotion, the one at the helm of Carlisle might be looking in the other direction.Hughes has said, despite managing Premier League clubs previously, that he is open to following his team down to the National League.The Welshman said: “I have no ego. This has been a tough challenge but one I’d still be up for, so we’ll see.”He took charge with 18 games to go and five points adrift at the bottom of League Two.Most read in EFLBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHughes has improved Carlisle’s form but could not avoid relegationCredit: GettyBut after winning three-in-a-row towards the end of the season he could be the man to bring them back.Since being taken over by former Manchester United players Nicky Butt, Phil Neville, Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes in 2014, Salford have gone from strength to strength.Man Utd legend, 61, set to take charge of National League side as he says ‘it wouldn’t be beneath me’In pursuit of the Premier League, the club climbed to the fourth tier from the eighth in only five years. The draw today will add to Salford’s stalling progress as they are forced to wait another season to reach League One. More

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      Bradford clash SUSPENDED with club seconds from promotion as fans storm pitch BEFORE full-time

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      BRADFORD’S clash against Fleetwood was suspended just seconds before their promotion to League One after fans stormed the pitch.Bradford scored a 97th minute winner to seal third place in League Two and secure a move up the divisions.Bradford fans invaded the pitch BEFORE full-time after a last-gasp winner sealed promotionAntoni Sarcevic’s looked to have sealed a place in League OneBradford players urged the fans off as the game was not actually over yetStewards worked hard as the field was quickly clearedBut with the game being just seconds away from finishing, it was brought to a halt as fans prematurely invaded the field.The supporters were delighted after Antoni Sarcevic’s strike looked to have sealed a place in League One.Sarcevic’s goal was deflected into the goal, sparking joyous scenes as fans joined the players on the pitch to celebrate.However, the game was technically not over as fans continued to flood on to the grass.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBradford players appeared concerned as they urged supporters to return to their seats, knowing the job was not yet done.Stewards also worked overtime to clear the field.The game was held up for more than 10 minutes before the final few seconds of the match were allowed to resume after the last supporters had made their way back to the stands.But there was no late sting in the tail as the final whistle blew moments later.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSIt allowed Bradford fans to finally celebrate in style.And once again they charged onto the field to toast their success with the club’s players.Match suspended as striker brings digger on to pitch to fill sinkhole after rival swallowed up by the ground Fans went back on the pitch when full time was eventually confirmedThey mobbed players in delightful scenesIt was truly party time at BradfordThe club can now look forward to life in League OneJubilant supporters lit flares as they hugged various Bradford stars.The mood was one of jubilation after their timely late winner.The result saw Bradford move above Walsall into third, with the latter having looked set to go up with a 1-0 win over Crewe Alexandra.Walsall will now face Chesterfield in the playoffs, while AFC Wimbledon will take on Notts County.Doncaster Rovers went up as League Two champs, with Port Vale finishing third. More

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      ‘Undervalued’ EFL club Cristiano Ronaldo and Elon Musk could invest in revealed by football finance expert

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO and Elon Musk have been urged to forget the glamour of Man United – and invest in Cheltenham Town instead.That’s according to football finance expert Dr Rob Wilson, who says the League Two side are one of the most undervalued clubs in English football.Cheltenham Town currently sit 15th in League Two and play at Whaddon RoadCredit: GettyRonaldo, 40, is tipped to make a move into club ownership once he hangs up his boots. And while many might expect him to target Old Trafford, Dr Wilson thinks he should cast his eye a little lower down the football pyramid.Speaking to Genting Casino, the Sheffield Hallam University professor said: “I’d be amazed if Ronaldo didn’t invest in an English football team.”I would imagine he’ll be trying to sniff around getting into a club like Manchester United as a strategic investment or a minority owner somehow.”READ MORE ON CRISTIANO RONALDOMusk has previously been linked with a move to buy Liverpool when Fenway Sports Group opened the door to outside investment, though no formal bid ever materialised. But Wilson believes Cheltenham Town is the smarter play.He said: “Cheltenham Town is a massively undervalued asset with great financial fundamentals.”So if an investor wants to look at a football club, they would do no worse than have a look at Cheltenham Town Football Club.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe Robins currently sit 15th in League Two after being relegated last season and operate on one of the smallest budgets in the EFL.But Robins thinks a megastar backer could transform the club’s fortunes.How PSG tricked Arsenal to gain Champions League semi-final advantageRonaldo appeared to argue with himself on the pitch in his latest game for Al-NassrCredit: Getty”The reality for Musk or Ronaldo now is, with the greatest respect, it’s pocket change to them because they are that wealthy,” he added. “It can have a transformative impact on the club and bring a huge amount of benefit.”But Wilson also pointed out that investors are often chasing big returns and European glory.He added: “You’re not looking for a few million,” he said.”You’re looking for tens of or hundreds [of millions] or Champions League trophies that you can boast about.”Ronaldo’s former team-mate Gary Neville is a co-owner of Salford City, while the likes of Wrexham and Bournemouth have attracted big investors. But Cheltenham could be next on the list – if Musk or CR7 fancy a footballing project a little of the beaten track. How does Elon Musk’s net worth compare to his Premier League rivals?By Joshua JonesELON MUSK is said to be interested in buying Liverpool FC.He’s the world’s richest man – but incredibly, he WOULDN’T be the wealthiest owner in the Premier League.Here, we run down the 10 richest owners, and where Musk would slot in…1. Newcastle United – Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund – £538bnFar and away at the top of the pile is the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund. The PIF invests on behalf of the country’s government and therefore has astronomical cash reserves, with a latest estimate of around £538bn.2. Manchester United – Sir Jim Ratcliffe – £29.7bnSir Jim successfully obtained 25 per cent of Manchester United just over a year ago. The lifelong supporter made his billions through his petrochemicals company Ineos, which has delved into sport to buy stakes in Ligue 1 side Nice, Lausanne in Switzerland and F1 team Mercedes.3. Manchester City – Sheikh Mansour – £17bnSheikh Mansour purchased the club in September 2008 and has transformed them into a trophy-winning machine, culminating in the 2022-23 Treble. Mansour comes from the royal family in the United Arab Emirates and is both vice president and deputy prime minister of the gulf state.4. Arsenal – Stan Kroenke – £12bnWeighing in fourth is Arsenal boss Stan Kroenke at £12bn. The Gunners chief made his money through real estate development, particularly shopping centres and apartment buildings.5. Fulham – Shahid Khan – £9.7bnLike Kroenke, Shahid Khan has plenty of interest in American sports as the owner of NFL side Jacksonville Jaguars. He also co-owns All Elite Wrestling with son Tony.6. Aston Villa – Nassef Sawiris – £5.8bnNassef Sawiris invested in Aston Villa in 2018 following their play-off defeat to Fulham. He is the youngest of Egyptian billionaire Onsi Sawiris’ three sons – with his dad launching the Orascom engineering and construction conglomerate.7. Crystal Palace – Josh Harris – £5.7bnHarris may only have 18 per cent of Crystal Palace but the American owner of Apollo Global Management is a big-time player. He has teams in the NBA, NHL and NFL on top of his involvement in a motorsport racing side.8. Joe Lewis – Tottenham – £5bnJoe Lewis first got into business through helping at his dad’s London catering company before selling it off and delving into currency trading. He is now worth around £5bn and invests in many companies, including the ENIC Group, co-owned by Daniel Levy who is worth £500m, that has full possession of Spurs.9. Chelsea – Todd Boehly – £5bnBoehly is the face of the new era at Stamford Bridge after fronting the £4.25bn takeover of Chelsea in May 2022. The American oversaw a staggering £1bn worth of spending in just three transfer windows in West London.10. Liverpool – John Henry – £4.2bnJohn W Henry is Liverpool’s current owner and heads up the Fenway Sports Group that runs the Merseyside club as well as the Boston Red Sox. Henry grew up as the son of soya bean farmers and used that expertise to get into business and went on to become a multi-billionaire.NEW ENTRY: Elon Musk – £339bnThe outspoken entrepreneur’s net worth fluctuates on the value of his companies Tesla and SpaceX but he’s currently the world’s richest man. He also owns Twitter and more recently has become a political player after cosying up to President elect Donald Trump. At his current worth, he would rank as the SECOND richest owner in the Premier League. More

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      Man Utd legend Jonny Evans and England striker among stars Wrexham could target after promotion to Championship

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      MANCHESTER UNITED star Jonny Evans is among Wrexham’s major targets as part of their Premier League push, according to reports.The Welsh club celebrated promotion to the Championship over the weekend after Leyton Orient beat Wycombe Wanderers.Jonny Evans fits the profile of stars Wrexham want to sign this summerCredit: GettyThe Welsh club celebrated promotion to the Championship at the weekendCredit: RexIt marked a record-breaking third successive promotion to make it to England’s second tier, just two years after the club owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney was playing in the National League.However, the Hollywood duo have made no secret of their ambition to reach the Premier League, and have suitably bankrolled a number of lucrative deals to bring the club up the leagues so quickly.The Championship will represent arguably Wrexham’s toughest challenge yet, but a number of top flight players could become available to help them achieve their next goal.Manager Phil Parkinson said the club was “always planning” but admitted that while they have not spoken about anyone in particular they do have a profile of targets who are free agents.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “We haven’t really spoken about anything. We’ve always got our eye on players who are free transfers and are going to be available.“I think it’s interesting because the jump in salaries is incredible, mind-blowing. Even coming up to this level, the jump to get players of Championship quality is expensive.“But obviously the next level, I don’t think people outside football quite realise. “They think players in League One must be multi-millionaires, but the drop-off from what people read in the press about Premier League players is huge.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK“That is a challenge but what we’ve always tried to do is make sure the culture in the club is right. “No superstars, no egos in the dressing room, and we’ve got to try to get that balance right again, to make sure the right people come into the building.”Danny Devito celebrates Wrexham’s last-gasp win over Barnsley as he watches from virtual stadium in LAPremier League internationals over the age of 30 who are out of contract this summer could be ideal candidates to bolster the squad with a combination of quality, experience and attainability.The likes of Man Utd’s Jonny Evans, Newcastle’s Callum Wilson, Everton’s Michael Keane, Leicester’s Jamie Vardy or even Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne all fit this category.While some of these names may seem far fetched, Wrexham accounts show a remarkable robustness, making the possibility of making one of these signings more realistic.Club accounts going up to June 2024 covering their season in League Two show revenues of £26.7million – which is a figure greater than seven Championship clubs including ex-Prem champions Blackburn -with the average revenue for a club not receiving parachute payments said to land at around the £22m mark.Sponsorship for that season had risen to £13.1m from £1.8m thanks to deals with United Airlines and Stok coffee.That figure is likely to rise when the next set of accounts emerge and detail their League One books, while there will almost certainly be a new season of Disney+ documentary “Welcome to Wrexham”.The latest series of the show will Premiere on May 16, with industry experts calculating every episode to be worth £300,000 to Reynolds and McElhenney’s production company.Wrexham also have the third-highest payroll in League One at an estimated total salary of £10.7m this season, all while operating at a reported loss of £2.7m and a £15m loan repayment to Reynolds and McElhenney.The Times report that sum comes from new minority owners, the billionaire Allyn family, who have a background in medical devices and are described as the driving force behind the club’s Premier League push.Speaking about the challenge of the next level, six-time promotion winner Parkinson said: “I think everybody knows the jump is huge. “I remember when I took Bolton up [in 2016-17], it was, ‘Phew! This is huge!’ in terms of the physicality and power in the division.Read More on The Sun“But I’m confident we will be well prepared for that. I think that a lot of tough decisions will be made this summer, but let’s see if we can build a squad to compete at that level.”Only two other clubs in English football history – Truro City (South Western League to Southern League between 2005 and 2009) and Shaw Lane (Sheffield and Hallam County Senior League to Northern Counties East Premier from 2011 to 2015) – have achieved four promotions in a row across the English pyramid.How Wrexham could line up next season2025 Premier League free agents over 32A list of select Premier League stars over the age of 32 who are becoming free agents this summer:Kevin De Bruyne, 33 – Manchester City Jamie Vardy, 38 – LeicesterCallum Wilson, 33 – NewcastleBen Davies, 32 – TottenhamJorginho, 33 – ArsenalAbdoulaye Doucoure, 32 – EvertonVladimir Coufal, 32 – West HamDanny Ings, 32 – West HamJoel Veltmam, 33 – BrightonPablo Sarabia, 32 – WolvesMichael Keane, 32 – EvertonChristian Eriksen, 33- Man UtdRaul Jimenez, 33 – FulhamWilly Boly, 34 – Nottingham ForestIdrissa Gueye, 35 – EvertonTom Cairney, 34 – FulhamCraig Dawson, 34 – WolevsNathaniel Clyne, 34 – Crystal PalaceFraser Forster, 37 – TottenhamJames Milner, 38 – BrightonAdam Lallana, 36 – SouthamptonBen Mee, 35 – BrentfordAshley Young, 39 – Everton More

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      ‘Last straw’ – EFL chief reveals he’s stepping down over ‘VENDETTA’ against his club in lengthy statement

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      AN EFL chairman has confirmed they will be stepping down after a “vendetta” against his club.Andy Holt will be leaving Accrington Stanley after Saturday’s home game against Chesterfield.Andy Holt will step down as chairman of Accrington StanleyCredit: RexHe will leave the club at the end of the League Two seasonCredit: GettyThe League Two outfit are safe and are nine points clear of relegated Carlisle.Holt has claimed that he has had enough of a “vendetta” from the local authorities.The club have been hit with a series of sanctions which include the removal of a planning permission and a licence to sell alcohol on non-matchdays.Accrington Stanley have also been handed a noise abatement order.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThis has led Holt to announce his decision to step down from the club at the end of the seasonA statement read: “This is the last straw.”Accrington Stanley Ladies Day, an event that never happened until we started it, was held at Fence Gate during the DAYTIME, whilst our multi-million pound facilities stand empty, silence because of the council and councillors working against their club behind my back, as though I didn’t know what was going on.”The undermining of the club has gone on since day one. And I mean day one, long before I took the club on.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”The councillors voted to remove our planning permission because of the noise complaints.”Following advice from the head planner, we paid to reapply, only for the councillors to turn it down again. After council advice to appeal and more wasted cash, they did the same.Former Premier League star, 39, sent off after 55 seconds for headbutting rival’s BACK in EFL clash”Not content, the council’s staff snooped on the club to build evidence to put a noise abatement order on us.”Not content with that, they removed our licence to sell alcohol on non-matchdays.”It’s been a vendetta, with some councillors actively working against THEIR OWN CLUB.”Whether we had planning permission or not, they have powers to stop the club trading.”Whether they stripped us of our licence or not, they still have the power to stop us trading. Now they have imposed conditions on matchdays that cannot possibly be adhered to.”The club has no opportunity to generate income bar putting prices of tickets etc. up. Prices that are high enough already enough for hard-pressed supporters.”We are not Premier League and don’t have the desire or opportunity to rip fans off.”It’s a mistake for the council to think I will continually replace funds, missing as a result of not being able to trade, forever.”I’m not wasting any more of my life arguing with the council, councillors or MPs that should support the best asset in the town. If they can’t see the blindingly obvious, that’s their problem.”Holt continued in his statement to insist that he has had a “great” time at the club.”I have done my ten years after next week’s home finale. We’re safe, and having thrown many points away through naivety this season, we’re a young team that is getting better.”We have a great club, great staff, more organised than ever, run properly by two top managers, a great medical team, and rigid training routines.”I’m so proud of what we’ve done as a team, turning Accrington Stanley Football Club into a professional club. It has the opportunity to feed the town for generations to come, if only the council, councillors and MPs support it.”I’ve had a great ten years, including with Coley [John Coleman] and Jimmy [Bell]. Players like Billy [Kee}, Seamus [Conneeley], Yosser [Mark Hughes], and Seany [McConnville] will always hold a special place in my heart, as will the rest of them. In John [Doolan] and Ged [Brannan], we have two top quality professionals.”Two of my friends. We have a great group of fans, they give everything for their club. I know many of them personally now, a major plus for me.”I will end my time at the club in any executive capacity after the last game on Saturday.”The club must become financially stable if the great future in front of it is to be realised.”Read More on The SunHolt joined the board of Accrington Stanley back in 2015 and assumed control of the club later that year.The club was on the verge of folding when he took over.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Man Utd legend, 61, set to take charge of National League side as he says ‘it wouldn’t be beneath me’

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      MARK HUGHES is preparing to take another step down to help Carlisle back up into the Football League.The Manchester United legend racked up 569 games as a Premier League boss after five years in charge of Wales.Mark Hughes was unable to steer Carlisle United away from relegation to the National LeagueHughes did everything he could to save the Cumbrians after being hired in FebruaryCredit: PANow he looks certain to remain in charge of the Cumbrians in next season’s National League after they were relegated with defeat at Cheltenham.Hughes, who also spent 20 months as Bradford City chief, sees no problem in finding himself in the fifth tier of English football, declaring: “I have no ego.“Just because I played for United and managed clubs like Manchester City, or led my country, doesn’t mean being in charge of a National League team would somehow be beneath me.“Maybe other people might feel that but not me, even if I recognise  it would be pretty unique for someone with some of the high spots I’ve had in my career.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS“I showed how much I still love being a manager by going to Bradford — when you’ve been a manager as long as I have you just miss that buzz of standing on the touchline at three o’clock on  a Saturday afternoon.”The 61-year-old — who won two Prem titles and enjoyed a clutch of cup  successes at Old Trafford — also bossed Blackburn Rovers, Stoke, Fulham, QPR and Southampton.After being sacked by the Saints in 2018, he spent more than three years out of the game before shocking the football world by turning up at the Bantams.Hughes then replaced Mike Williamson in February with Carlisle five points adrift at the bottom of League Two and had won five and drawn five of 16 games before the near–inevitable happened on Saturday.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordRelegation or not, the indications are that he will stay after signing a rolling contract three months ago.Hughes added: “The owners are good people and they still have some big plans.Danny Devito celebrates Wrexham’s last-gasp win over Barnsley as he watches from virtual stadium in LA“Discussions have taken place about me staying and plans for the future. This has been a tough challenge but one I’d still be up for, so we’ll see.“We have around 18 players under contract for next season. “The core of the side is already there and we’ve seen how well they’ve responded over the last couple of months against all the odds.”Americans Tom and Patty Piatak bought Carlisle 17 months ago, announcing ambitious plans to reach the Championship. Instead, the logistics millionaires from Florida have overseen successive relegations.And the owners said they were “deeply sorry for putting the fans through so much pain”.But there was also a huge hint that Hughes will be staying on, with their statement declaring: “Planning for next season is already in motion. “Discussions with Mark Hughes are ongoing and positive.“In recent weeks, Mark has helped rebuild the connection between the team and supporters.Read More on The Sun“It’s a small but important step.“It shows what this football club can still become — and underlines how far we still have to go.” More