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      ‘It’s not fair’ – League One manager bites back at Wrexham and says success down to Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney

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      WREXHAM have been told their success is only down to “billionaire owners” Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.Shrewsbury boss Gareth Ainsworth bit back at the Red Dragons, calling their financial advantage “not fair”.Wrexham have been told their success is only down to owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenneyShrewsbury boss Gareth Ainsworth bit back at the Red Dragons, calling their financial advantage ‘not fair’Wrexham have enjoyed a meteoric rise up the EFL since Hollywood stars Reynolds and McElhenney purchased the club for around £2m in 2021.The Red Dragons are on course for an astonishing third successive promotion after clambering out of the National League, through League Two and towards the Championship.Their American co-owners have helped to make all of that possible, with nearly £6.2m spent on transfer fees since the summer of 2021.Wrexham splashed more than £4m in the January window, including £1m on proven ex-Reading striker Sam Smith, 26, who is a product of Manchester United’s academy.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut Ainsworth – who is against the National League’s three up, three down proposal – has taken issue with the Welsh outfit after becoming frustrated at being unable to compete on a level playing field.He told BBC 5 Live Sport: “If a team just can’t keep up financially for no other reason than the other teams have got billionaires coming in and millionaires, it’s not fair that they just sink out of the league and out of obscurity. It then all becomes all about money.“Wrexham have only done that because of the money they’ve had, you know. “And of course they’re competing well but they’ve had billionaire owners and it’s not fair. I don’t think that it should just be about that.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“And I’m speaking as an advocate from a club with a local businessman who’s put his money in and he just can’t compete with Wrexham because we’re not bringing American billionaires in. “So my argument would be, yes, these teams have done well, but have a look at the money that they’ve had invested in them as well.”Danny Devito celebrates Wrexham’s last-gasp win over Barnsley as he watches from virtual stadium in LATo clarify, actor Reynolds is an estimated net worth of £280m, while McElhenney is worth around £40m.Shrewsbury sit second bottom of League One but one of their six wins of the season came in a 2-1 victory against Phil Parkinson’s side in January.Smith’s deal marked the third time Wrexham had broken their own transfer record in six months – first signing Ollie Rathbone and then Modou Faal in a £590,000 deal last summer.Wrexham are fighting for promotion alongside League One’s biggest spenders Birmingham City, who count NFL legend Tom Brady as a minority investor.All 72 clubs in the National League have signed a letter to EFL chiefs asking them to back a vote of member clubs over changing to a three-up, three-down system between League Two and the fifth tier.National League clubs argue that the current system, where only one club gets automatic promotion to the EFL with a second place available through the play-offs, is inconsistent with the rest of the pyramid.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Ex-Premier League star John Fleck taken to hospital after ‘having fit’ on pitch before EFL clash as kickoff delayed

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      EX-PREMIER LEAGUE star John Fleck has been rushed to hospital after falling ill during a warm-up.League Two Chesterfield posted the statement on their social media page.Chesterfield confirmed John Fleck had been taken to hospital as a precautionary measureCredit: RexFleck fell ill in the warm-upCredit: CHESTERFIELDThe club said Fleck, 33, was taken to hospital “as a precautionary measure”.The full statement on social media said: “We can confirm that John Fleck has been taken to hospital as a precautionary measure after being taken ill during the pre-match warm-up.”Speaking after the game, Chesterfield manager Danny Webb said Fleck “had a fit of some sort” and it “didn’t look very nice”.But more positively, he said that as Fleck was taken away on a stretcher he was “smiling” and that he’s in “good hands”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFleck’s treatment saw the game’s kick-off delayed by ten minutes, moving it from 19:45 to 19:55.Chesterfield announced Michael Jacobs would replace Fleck in the starting XI for the clash against Doncaster.After six minutes of play, there was a second delay during the game due to someone in the crowd receiving medical attention.Another brief delay came 12 minutes later as the person who received medical attention was helped from the stands.Most read in FootballFleck, 33, joined the club as a free agent in September last year.The five-time Scotland international has played just four games for the club after nursing a shin injury for most of the season. I broke FA Cup record against Man Utd in final.. 20 years later I’m playing for non-league side in qualifying roundHe previously played for Sheffield United between July 2016 and February 2024, making 278 appearances for the Blades, including 65 games in the Premier League.Fleck has also starred for Rangers, Blackpool, Coventry and most recently Blackburn before signing for Chesterfield.Chesterfield won the game 5-2, moving them up to ninth in the table, while second-place Doncaster fell to seven points behind league leaders Walsall.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Man Utd legend and ex-Man City boss Mark Hughes lands shock new job with worst team in English professional football

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      MARK HUGHES has been announced as the new manager of Carlisle United.The former Manchester United legend joins with the club currently bottom of League Two. Mark Hughes has been appointed manager of CarlisleCredit: GettyThe ex-Wales boss is tasked with keeping the Cumbrians in the EFLCredit: RexHughes has been out of work since leaving Bradford City in 2023. Carlisle Sporting director Rob Clarkson said: “I’m delighted that Mark has agreed to join Carlisle United. “His experience and stature in the game speaks for itself. He is someone who will instantly command respect from all staff and players and I am really excited to work with him. “The players we have here will suit the way he wants to play and I’m sure our fans will really get behind him and the team in our remaining 18 games.”A two-time Prem winner during his illustrious playing career, Hughes began his coaching journey in 1999.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe took charge of the Welsh national team for five years, before joining Blackburn Rovers in 2004. Hughes has gone on to manage over 500 games in the Premier League.He has enjoyed spells with Rovers, Manchester City, Fulham, QPR, Stoke City and Southampton. The 61-year-old unexpectedly dropped down the divisions in February 2022 to take over at Bradford.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut he was unable to lift the Bantams out of the bottom tier – and lost out to Carlisle in the 2022/23 playoffs. The Cumbrian side are currently 92nd in the football pyramid.Carlisle boss Mike Williamson talks about his teams defeat to Swindon Town They were relegated from League One last season and appointed Mike Williamson to turn around a sinking ship. The club signed 12 players in the January window – but sacked Williamson earlier this week after falling five points adrift at the bottom of the league.Hughes will be partnered at Brunton Park by assistant coach Glyn Hodges.The pair have penned rolling contracts until the summer as Carlisle look to avoid dropping into the National League.Hughes’ first game will be on Saturday as Carlisle take on playoff contenders Grimsby Town. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Major overhaul to EFL promotion and relegation proposed as league gives plan unanimous backing

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      THE NATIONAL League has urged EFL clubs to back a promotion and relegation switch.All 72 clubs in the National League have signed a letter to EFL chiefs asking them to back a vote of member clubs over changing to a three-up, three-down system between League Two and the fifth tier.A major change to the EFL’s promotion and relegation system has been proposedCredit: HandoutBromley won promotion to the EFL via the National League play-offs last seasonCredit: GettyNational League clubs argue that the current system, where only one club gets automatic promotion to the EFL with a second place available through the play-offs, is inconsistent with the rest of the pyramid.And at a meeting last week which formally endorsed the “3UP” campaign, clubs in the National League’s three divisions unanimously backed the move.EFL bosses have previously spoken positively about the idea but a switch would need the formal backing of the clubs – with those in League Two likely to need more convincing.National League chairman Jack Pearce suggested the likely arrival of the Government’s new Independent Football Regulator this summer meant that the EFL had to respond.READ MORE EFL NEWSPearce said: “The Regulator’s stated objectives include providing financial sustainability, economic resilience and preserving the heritage of the sport.  “In terms of heritage, National League clubs are at the heart of towns and cities across the whole country, with clubs that are part of the fabric of their communities.  “An extra promotion place would create an invaluable aspiration for all these clubs and supporters – plus clubs in the leagues below.  We simply can’t wait any longer for parity within the game.”Pearce argues that three clubs switching each season would create a “fluid” pyramid while also providing greater opportunity for relegated clubs to “bounce back” into the EFL.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe top SEVEN clubs in the current National League table are ex-EFL clubs, with another six who have been in the top four tiers further down the standings.He added: “We have been consistently told that the EFL support our 3UP position in principle but are reluctant to progress any changes whilst they are consulting with the IFR and Premier League regarding their own redistribution of football income.  EFL club owner gives update on new £2bn ‘spaceship’ stadium included in mega plans for state-of-the-art complex “However, we believe the campaign goal is vital to the overall health of the game and the government’s objectives – therefore it should be as high on the agenda as any other matter this year.“Rick Parry, the EFL Chair, has often said that ‘the EFL should look down as well as up’ so we’d now like that to actually happen.” More

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      Former Premier League star, 41, sacked by Carlisle after just 25 games as they release blunt 56-word statement

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      A FORMER Premier League star has been sacked as manager of Carlisle after just 25 games.Ex-Newcastle defender Mike Williamson, 41, starred for the Magpies in the top flight from 2010 to 2015. Mike Williamson has reportedly been sacked as Carlisle boss after just 25 gamesCredit: GettyBut after a dire run since taking over the Blues in September, he has been relieved of his duties.That is despite being allowed to make 12 signings in the January transfer window including former Magpies team-mate Paul Dummett.Williamson was sacked on Monday morning.Carlisle said in a brief 56-word statement: “Carlisle United Football Club can confirm that head coach Mike Williamson has this morning been relieved of his duties and has left the club with immediate effect.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”Everyone at the club would like to thank Mike for his efforts during his time at the club.”The club will give a further update in the coming days.”That comes after Saturday’s humiliating 5-1 defeat at home to Swindon which left the Brunton Park side bottom of the League Two table, five points from safety.Fans chanted “out, out, out” as Williamson trudged down the tunnel.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd they got their wish with his dismissal as the club face back-to-back relegations. Williamson left his role at MK Dons in September to take over from Paul Simpson at Carlisle. Premier League clash descends into farce as VAR counts number of playersSimpson was in charge when they were relegated last season and oversaw three defeats in the club’s first four league games of the 2024-25 campaign. Mark Birch was interim boss for three weeks before the deal was struck with MK Dons for Williamson’s arrival. However, the ex-Wolves, Wycombe and Watford centre-back struggled to make the impact he wanted in Cumbria.In his 25 games in the dugout, Williamson managed just five wins, six draws and 14 defeats – a win rate of a mere 20 per cent. That included a nightmare run of five defeats out of six in 2025. Williamson started his managerial career with Gateshead as player-manager in 2019. He led the Tynesiders to promotion from the National League North before a 14th-place National League finish and a run to the FA Trophy final in 2022-23.Williamson left Gateshead sixth in the National League when he joined MK Dons in October 2023 but missed out on promotion in the play-offs last term. READ MORE SUN STORIESWilliamson made 134 Premier League appearances for Newcastle, scoring one goal and keeping 33 clean sheets for the Toon Army. He was even named the Toon’s Player of the Year in 2013-14 before finishing his playing days by dropping down through the EFL and into non-league. Mike Williamson racked up 134 Prem appearances for NewcastleCredit: AFP – Getty More

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      I was on Jobseeker’s Allowance and earning £60 a week – I never thought I’d end up playing in the Premier League

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      JORDAN HUGILL used to sign on the dole and queue up every two weeks for his giro.And when he did get a job — pulling pints in a Middlesbrough boozer — the idea of becoming a professional footballer felt like a pipe dream.Jordan Hugill never thought he’d make it to the PremLittle did he expect he would rack up 412 appearances —  and 92 goals.Rotherham striker Hugill went from earning £120 a fortnight to a reported £30,000 a week.And he is proud of a career that saw him get a £10million move to West Ham and £5m switch to Norwich, play in the Prem and win promotion from the Championship with the Canaries as well as from League One with Preston.Now the 31-year-old has his heart set on helping the Millers return to the Championship and win the EFL Trophy.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHugill — who has appeared for 17 different clubs in his 15-year career — said: “When I was 19, I was on Jobseeker’s Allowance so I’ve been on one hell of a journey.“Back then I never thought I would be a footballer, let alone make it to the Premier League.“That’s something no one can take away from me. I’m proud of what I’ve done and achieved and I’d like to think I’ve still got a good number of years to go.”Hugill hit rock bottom after damaging his ACL while playing for non-league Whitby and was out for ten months. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd his gloom was only exasperated by being out of work.He added: “I didn’t have a job, was visiting an NHS physio and it was at that point I said, ‘I can’t do this any more’ so got a job behind the bar at The Dickens Inn in Middlesbrough.EFL star, 24, ‘REFUSES to show up for game’ over transfer speculation weeks after shocking Premier League side“I worked as a barman for two years before getting my big break at Port Vale.”But after playing for the Valiants and Preston — as well as doing the hard yards on loan at the likes of Tranmere and  Hartlepool — he got another massive opportunity thanks to David Moyes.Seven years ago yesterday Hugill completed his move to West Ham   during Moyes’ first spell with the club — a brief six-month relegation firefighting mission.Hugill said: “Moyes was brilliant with me. He understood I wasn’t a signing that was going to  light the world on fire.I didn’t have a job, was visiting an NHS physio and it was at that point I said, ‘I can’t do this any more’ so got a job behind the bar at The Dickens Inn in Middlesbrough.Jordan Hugill“He knew with time he was going to develop me, so I was working with him every day to improve, and I got to be the best I’ve ever been.“Then at the end of the season they didn’t renew his contract, and I was left in the dark when Manuel Pellegrini came in.”After loan spells with West Brom and Cardiff, Hugill joined Rotherham two years ago — and helped the club stay in the Championship before they eventually went down last summer.This season he has mainly been used as a sub in the league.Striker Hugill joined West Ham for £10million in 2018He has come off the bench 14 times while making four starts — managing  a single goal against Stevenage back in October.Hugill is expected to be on the bench again as the Millers travel to leaders Birmingham today, sitting seven points off the play-offs.However, he has featured prominently in the EFL Trophy games — scoring four goals from four starts.And he hopes to shoot Rotherham into the semi-finals by beating League Two opponents Bradford at New York Stadium on Tuesday.Hugill continued: “I’ve enjoyed playing in the trophy games because I’ve not only been starting, I’ve been scoring too.“When I look back on my career, I’ve achieved an awful lot.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’ve got a Championship winners medal, I’ve got a League One promotion medal, I’ve got a nice case with a ball in it  that says I’ve made a Premier League appearance.“It would be great to add another medal to that collection.”Hugill was given a chance by David Moyes during his first managerial stint at West Ham More

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      Inside non-league club funded by Bitcoin whose owners are worth 20 times Wrexham bosses – and targeting Premier League

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      A NON-LEAGUE club funded by Bitcoin owners is aiming to reach the Premier League.Real Bedford currently tops the Southern League Central Division One in the ninth tier of English football.Real Bedford are aiming to hit the big time from non-leagueCredit: Instagram @realbedfordThe club is funded by bitcoin millionairesCredit: Instagram @realbedfordDirector Peter McCormack wants the club to merge with Bedford Town FCCredit: BBCThe club is co-owned by Peter McCormack who is aiming to make the club bigger than local rivals.He is keen to see the club overtake Kettering Town, then Northampton Town, MK Dons and then Luton Town.His end goal is to lead the promised land of the Premier League.McCormack wants has made a proposal to merge Real Bedford with Bedford Town FC.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe said: “As a proud Bedfordian, nothing would make me happier than seeing our town represented at the highest levels in men’s and women’s football.”We’ve made amazing progress with Real Bedford, but this merger unlocks the potential to achieve something truly special in the town.”I understand that fans of Bedford Town may feel some apprehension, but this only works if we come together to make it a success.”By combining the strengths of both clubs, we’re building a united front that can deliver league football to Bedford.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I’m excited about what lies ahead and look forward to working with everyone to achieve our shared ambitions.”The club benefited from investment from Gemini founders Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss in April 2024.Football stars’ weird phobiasThe club could merge with Bedford Town FCCredit: INSTAGRAM Bedford FCThe pair invested £3.6million into the club in Bitcoin and became co-owners with McCormack.McCormack believes that the investment can help propel the club up the football ladder.He claims that the pair are worth much more than Wrexham’s Hollywood owners, Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.He said: “I think Wrexham’s goal is the Premier League and they are up to League One now and they are backed by Ryan Reynolds and his wealth, but Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss are worth twenty times his net wealth and there are two of them.”He has revealed that the aim of the club is to reach the EFL in the next decade.He added: “The short-term goal was always football league for the men’s side in ten years.”If we go up this year, that will be three promotions in three years, leaving us with three left to do in seven years, and I think that is ambitious, but we think we can do that.”The clubs are still “waiting to hear back” from the FA and Southern League to approve the merger.It would then be decided where the club would be placed in the football pyramid.The legal agreement for the merger must be signed off by the end of March so it can be ready for the 2025/26 season.Bedford Town FC director Jon Taylor has released a statement on the potential merger of the two clubs.He has admitted that joining the clubs could “create something special”.He said: “As someone who has been deeply involved with Bedford Town FC for many years, I am incredibly proud of our club’s rich history and the role it has played in our community.”This proposed merger represents a unique opportunity to build on that legacy and take football in Bedford to the next level.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I understand that this news may raise questions or concerns for our loyal supporters.”However, I truly believe that by combining the heritage and passion of Bedford Town with the innovation and commercial success of Real Bedford, we can create something special.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Tyson Fury’s beloved Morecambe’s crisis hits new low as EFL not certain club will be funded to end of season

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      MORECAMBE’S board slammed the club’s ownership group as they confirmed that they cannot make any further January transfers.The cash-strapped Lancashire side are 23rd in League Two amid serious financial issues.Morecambe have endured a torrid few yearsCredit: RexBoss Derek Adams has had to work in difficult circumstancesCredit: RexMorecambe are owned by the Bond Group, whose director is Jason Whittingham.They have been up for sale since September 2022 and have since been relegated from League One.The Shrimps were placed under a transfer embargo last March due to the non-payment of a VAT bill.After the matter was settled with HMRC, boss Derek Adams was forced to cobble together a squad – signing 15 players on July 12 after the embargo was lifted.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt was later claimed that Kuljeet Singh Momi had agreed a deal with Whittingham to buy the club.But the credibility of Singh Momi’s bid is yet to be ratified by the EFL.Earlier this month, Morecambe co-chairmen Rod Taylor and Graham Howse were asked about the status of the club’s takeover during a fans’ forum.During the evening, Howse said: “The share capital which came in at the end of November is ring-fenced for the January budget.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAY”We have allocated that figure in the last couple of days and Derek (Adams) has been informed of that.”We believe he has a decent sum of money to do well in the market. We are looking at loan (players) predominantly.”Tyson Fury spotted filming series 2 of At Home With The Furys in Morecambe as Gypsy King takes break from Usyk training Morecambe have so far recruited Ryan Schofield and Callum Cooke this month to help bolster their survival bid.But in a fresh twist, a statement from directors have confirmed that they are “currently prevented from making further signings in the January transfer window, despite recent cup successes and capital injections”.They add that this due to the fact that “written assurances from Bond Group that the club will be funded to the end of the season have not been supported by sufficient proof of source and sufficiency of funding”.The statement goes on to claim: “Bond Group had assured the Club that it would meet these requirements and support additional player recruitment in January, but when proof of funding was requested, it failed to provide it.”Bond Group has informed the Club today that it is working on sourcing additional funds, but there is no guarantee that these will land in time to impact the rest of the transfer window.”Morecambe’s board of directors then took an incredible swipe at the Bond Group.’THE CLUB HAS BEEN LET DOWN BY ITS OWNER’Their statement added: “The board wishes to place on record that once again the club has been let down by its owner, undermining the efforts and hard work of the manager, staff, and directors at this critical time.”The EFL declined to comment on the matter when contacted, but SunSport understands that they remain in dialogue with Morecambe regarding adhering to league regulations.Shrimps were slapped with a suspended two-point deduction last month – having been deducted three last term.Morecambe are five points from safety with 21 games remaining.The Shrimps are former boxing heavyweight champion Tyson Fury’s local club.The Gypsy King has sponsored the club’s shorts in the past, and even claimed in 2022 that he was considering buying them.He told talkSPORT at the time: “I’m thinking about buying Morecambe Football Club, 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.READ MORE SUN STORIES”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.”Tyson Fury has worked with his local club beforeCredit: Morecambe FC More