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      ‘Not by choice’ – Former Premier League star, 38, claims he’s being forced out by Wrexham in emotional statement

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      STEVEN FLETCHER claims he’s being forced to leave Wrexham after their promotion to the Championship.It comes as Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney oversee a staff shake-up ahead of their return to the second tier.Steven Fletcher has announced he is to leave Wrexham this summerCredit: GettyThe former Stoke striker helped fire the Dragons to a third successive promotionCredit: GettyFormer Burnley striker Fletcher credited the Welsh side with helping him “fall in love” with football again.Fletcher has scored 15 goals in 71 games since joining Wrexham in the summer of 2023. The 38-year-old netted crucial goals this season – mostly off the bench – to help fire the club to the second tier. But he announced on Thursday he is being released – and it was “not by choice”.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFletcher wrote in an emotional statement on Instagram: “It’s with a heavy heart, and not by choice, that I unfortunately have to announce my departure from what I can only describe as the most magical club I have ever played at!”In my 22 years of stepping onto a pitch, I have never experienced anything like this club.”I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to come here and fall back in love with the game!”Wrexham achieved a third-straight promotion as they finished second in League One behind runaway champions Birmingham. Most read in FootballIt continued a remarkable rise for the club since being bought by Hollywood superstars Reynolds and McElhenney in the National League four years ago.Fletcher continued: “To have had the experiences and the opportunities that this club has given me has been just incredible.Wrexham stars celebrate in iconic Las Vegas casino and hijack luggage cart after Hollywood owners splash £500k on party”And this group of lads are the best that I have ever shared a changing room with.”It’s not just a team or a changing room. This group of boys, fans and staff have been my family for the past two years.”You welcomed me with open arms and open hearts and made me feel like I had a purpose again.”SunSport has contacted Wrexham for comment.’The worst part’Co-owner McElhenney said on social media that exits such as Fletcher’s were “the worst part” of ownership. Wrexham’s success has been built on ruthless decision-making behind the scenes, with a high turnover of personnel expected this summer. McElhenney added: “They are not just players on the team. They are my friends and people I admire”.Wrexham director Humphrey Ker posted he was “slightly in awe” of Fletcher “on account of his extraordinary career at the very top of the game”.He continued: “Now, after two glorious years in his company, I’m even more in awe of him, on account of his abilities, his leadership and friendship. Read More on The Sun”[He’s a] man who’s given me moments of joy that’ll last a lifetime.”It was announced yesterday that fan-favourite Mark Howard is also leaving the club. More

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      Olivia Attwood’s husband Bradley Dack, 31, left in limbo as Gillingham release SEVEN players after dismal EFL season

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      OLIVIA ATWOOD’s husband is on the cusp of being unemployed due to a ruthless end-of-season cull by Gillingham.The League Two outfit has released SEVEN PLAYERS following the culmination of the season, which they ended in 17th place.Bradley Dack’s future with Gillingham is in limboCredit: GettyThe 31-year-old, the hubby of former Love Islander Olivia Attwood, is in talks over a new deal with the clubCredit: GETTYBut he could end up joining the seven players already culled by the GillsCredit: SPLASHAnd hubby of former Love Island star Atwood, Bradley Dack, could end up joining them.The Gills have announced that Dack is one of four players they’re in talks with over a new deal at the Priestfield Stadium.An excerpt of a statement read: “The club remain in discussions with: Max Clark, Bradley Dack, Conor Masterson [and Euan Williams.”Dack, 31, is no stranger to an emotional exit from Gillingham.READ MORE EFL NEWSHe left the club eight years ago to join Blackburn Rovers in a deal worth a cool £1million.He’d move to Sunderland in the summer of 2023 on a free transfer but would leave the Stadium of Light the following year on a free.His exit from Wearside paved the way for an emotional return to Gillingham.Upon the announcement of his return, Dack said: “I can’t wait to get going, to be honest.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”It’s nice to be back, I feel like my body is in the right place.”I just need to get match fit, I want to score goals and affect football matches.”Olivia Attwood ‘can’t roll a football’ without hitting someone her hubby’s slept with but is GLAD of his womanising pastDack made 20 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring one goal and providing a solitary assist. More

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      ‘The situation is grim’ – Iconic EFL club facing financial oblivion after major issues ‘effectively shut us down’

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      ACCRINGTON STANLEY have confirmed they are facing a “grim” future amid serious financial problems.Stanley finished the season 21st in League Two – just two places above relegation.Accrington Stanley confirmed they are facing a “grim” futureAccrington Stanley are dealing with a dire financial situationBut even though Accrington remained in the EFL, they are still facing some dire economic issues that forced them to close their academy last week.The club also lost its stadium’s live music licence – except on matchdays due to repeated noise complaints.Now the Reds’ chief executive Warren Eastham has issued a serious warning about the cub’s situation and accused the council of providing nothing but “empty words of support”.This comes after Stanley owner Andy Holt announced he would be stepping down last month.Read More on FootballHolt also accused the authority of a “vendetta” due to a long-running row over the club’s hospitality suites built in contravention of planning permission.This situation puts the iconic club, who rose prominence thanks to an unforgettable milk advert in 1989, in a situation where they face financial oblivion.Eastham’s statement to the Local Democracy Reporting Service read: “Since joining the club in August last year, I have been in ongoing discussions with the council.“I’ve made numerous phone calls, attended meetings, sent emails, and submitted countless support requests to both the council and their officers. Yet, despite all this, nothing meaningful has come of it. Most read in Football“I will, of course, gladly accept the meeting—one I’ve both requested and attended many times before. I’ve done my best to bring reason to the table, but all I’ve received in return are empty words of support.“What we need now is action, not platitudes. I’ve warned repeatedly about the risks of Andrew Holt walking away, and now what do we have – a letter.“I’ve been given a year to make the club sustainable but this cannot be achieved with temporary fixes. We need real, lasting change. This is a club that lost £1 million in the 2023/24 season, a deficit covered entirely by Andrew Holt.“The 2024/25 season was only balanced thanks to the Liverpool FA Cup draw, but that money is now gone and the mounting costs from the summer remain. The situation is grim: the academy’s March figures revealed a significant financial loss.’Broken promises’“April shows no improvement, worsened by steep increases in National Insurance and the minimum wage across the club, including the players. Right now, Accrington Stanley has no revenue stream until July.“The ongoing issues with planning, noise abatement, and licensing have effectively shut us down.“Now, with the council’s statement out in the public domain, I truly hope this marks the beginning of meaningful collaboration to safeguard the future of this fantastic club.“Let me be clear: the closure of the academy is down to one thing only – a lack of income and mounting financial losses. Andy’s position is clear: he will fund the club to a £250,000 loss next season, but no further.Read More on The Sun“After years of broken promises and a lack of appreciation for the £6million he has invested in this club over the past decade, he has reached his limit. This club belongs to the town and its fans. I will work tirelessly to ensure its future is secure.“Accrington needs Accrington Stanley, and I am determined to see us through this challenging time.” More

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      Premier League cult hero and ex-England star’s son, 23, closing in on EFL transfer after lighting up non-league

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      FORMER England winger Trevor Sinclair’s son looks to be getting a chance at Accrington Stanley.Midfielder Isaac, 23, plays for Curzon Ashton in National League North but is set to join The ‘Owd Reds.He is the son of Premier League hero Trevor SinclairIsaac Sinclair looks to be getting a chance at AccringtonCredit: GettySinclair Jr was at Blackpool as a teenager — like his dad — but this will be his first shot at the EFL.He has scored six goals and provided three assists in 45 games for Curzon Ashton this season.Isaac plays in a similar right-wing position to his dad for the Manchester-based non-league side.Sinclair’s day job sees him design clothes and sportswear, while he also helps out at his brother’s scaffolding company.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut that is set to change with a move into professional football with League Two side Accrington.Stanley marginally avoided relegation from the football league this season after finishing 21st in the table, as Morecambe and Carlisle went down. Isaac made headlines at the start of the season after scoring a wonder goal against Oxford City.Dad Trevor made 360 Premier League appearances throughout his playing career.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHaving started at Blackpool in 1989, the winger went on to play for Queens Park Rangers, West Ham, Man City, Cardiff City, Lancaster Gate and Squires Gate.He scored 52 goals during his time in the Premier League and provided 36 assists.The 52-year-old was also capped 12 times by England.The Sun exclusively revealed last month how he was facing bankruptcy over an unpaid £36,000 tax bill. Sinclair Sr enjoyed five-and-a-half seasons with West Ham More

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      ‘Celebrating with someone’s nan’s dinner plate’ – Bradford trolled over trophy for finishing third in League Two

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      BRADF0RD CITY sealed a remarkable final-day promotion last weekend, but they have found themselves on the end of social media ridicule for their ‘trophy’ lift.The Bantams sealed promotion back to League One with a 1-0 win over Fleetwood Town on the last day of the campaign. Rival fans joked about the size of Bradford’s silverwareCredit: RexRichie Smallwood and Andy Cook celebrate Bradford’s promotionBradford are looking forward to League One football next seasonThey pipped Walsall to third spot, with the Saddlers needing to better the Yorkshire outfit’s result to have any chance of going up automatically.However, Graham Alexander’s men emerged victorious in the dying embers, with Antoni Sarcevic’s 96th-minute winner sending them up and Valley Parade into raptures. Bradford join champions Doncaster Rovers and Port Vale in League One next term. They will be joined by one of Walsall, AFC Wimbledon, Notts County, and Chesterfield, who make up the play-off contenders. Read more FootballDespite the sheer delirium that washed across the city, fans on social media decided to poke fun at the “trophy” the Bantams were given to celebrate their third place finish.One Doncaster fan tweeted: “Congrats #BCAFC after all the banter I’d much rather have you in league 1 than Walsall. “Great scenes. Not sure why you’re celebrating with someone’s nan’s dinner plate though”.A Port Vale supporter wrote: “Celebrating a season and a job well done, you’re trying to banter a 2nd place trophy in a season where Bradford got someone’s nan’s plate for coming 3rd.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAnother said: “Bradford City won a dog bowl trophy.”Andy Cook, the longest-serving player in the Bradford squad, sported a personalised shirt with his face on at the promotion parade.Bradford v Tranmere delayed after medical emergency in crowd with visitors’ keeper raising alarm (1)Cook, who scored 12 goals this season, said that going up “means everything” as the players and a sea of Bantams fans celebrated in Centenary Square in the city.Bradford have spent six season in the basement division – a far cry from their Premier League glory days of the early 2000s.It is the first time the Yorkshire side have achieved automatic promotion since 1999 – when a 3-2 win away at Wolves saw them reach the promised land of the top flight.But the 24 years that followed have been populated with despair and relegations.Fans flood the Valley Parade pitch as Bradford finally returned to League One More

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      Iconic manager Ian Holloway suffers horror swelling on face after skin cancer scare as concerned fans send well wishes

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      IAN HOLLOWAY has opened up on his recent skin cancer scare.The iconic boss, 62, went under the knife last week to remove a growth on his face.Ian Holloway spoke about his skin cancer ordealHolloway, 62, was on the touchline last Saturday despite going under the knife just days earlierCredit: Rob NoyesDespite his recent surgery, Swindon Town boss Holloway was in the dugout as his side faced MK Dons on Saturday.The former Blackpool, Crystal Palace and Queens Park Rangers boss appeared on the touchline with a scar on his face.Ahead of the 0-0 draw, Holloway opened up on his worrying ordeal.The Bristolian said: “I’m in a wonderful time in my life now. I’m getting all sorts of bits and pieces falling off me.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”You can see it, but I used to go out in the sun, I get skin cancer problems.”My advice to anybody is please don’t do it. Don’t let your kids get burnt. Don’t go out there if you’ve got fair skin like I have.”Put [Factor] 50 on, keep covered, because I can’t do anything about these bits, and I’ve got a huge scar on the right-hand side of my face now.”Luckily they cut it out and they’re sending it off to see. There’ll probably be more bits of me in a jar somewhere than there is sat here.Most read in FootballHolloway made an impassioned plea to fans”It looks like I’ve had a fight with a bear and lost. You can’t hide that fact.”Swindon’s draw with MK Dons on Saturday saw them finish 12th in League Two.Cult hero Ian Holloway spent four years out of football enjoying his hobby as a painter After the game, the Robins’ X account posted: “Speedy recovery, Gaffer.”Plenty of concerned fans responded, with one writing: “Get well soon Ollie. What a guy!”While a second commented: “Wishing you a speedy recovery, Ollie.”A third posted: “Get well soon, football is better with you involved.”And another added: “What a bloke. All the best Ian.”In March, Holloway penned a contract extension to stay with Swindon until June 2028.Read More on The SunThe experienced boss joined the Robins following nearly four years out of management.Town were just three points above the drop zone when Holloway was appointed, with the popular boss going on to guide them into the top half. More

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      ‘Pinnacle of tinpot’ – Fans can’t believe why MK Dons have changed their badge as they release new design

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      MK DONS have been slammed after they revealed their new badge.The League Two side revealed their new crest on social media on Tuesday.Supporters were given a choice of three new crests to pick fromScott Lindsey was dismissed from his post after he could not turn MK’s slump aroundCredit: RexMK, who finished in 19th in the fourth tier, have had a dismal second season back in the Football League’s basement division. That has led to uproar amongst the club’s fanbase, and they have been ridiculed on X since the announcement of their new logo. In a statement on the club’s website, MK said that the new crest was more than a badge.”It’s a reflection of who we are and where we’re going. It brings together our heritage, ambition, and modernity in a way that’s built to stand the test of time.”Read more footballIt delved deeper into the process behind the switch, acknowledging Milton Keynes’ roundabouts as a key inspiration. “The circular shape represents unity and strength, echoing our belief in ‘One City, One Club’,” the announcement continued. “But it also nods to something closer to home, Milton Keynes’ iconic roundabouts. It’s a subtle tribute to the city’s unique identity, woven seamlessly into the heart of our new look.”BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKOne fan said that MK were the “pinnacle of tinpot”, while another commented: “That looks horrendous! You’ve saved me money on kits going forward as I won’t be wearing one with that on it.”Most read in EFL”Who voted for this? Not good,” another comment read. Daniel Farke turns into DJ for Leeds’ bus parade as 150,000 fans cheer on their promotion heroesOne fan went even further, tweeting: “You know there’s f*** all historically to your club when you base your new badge on roundabouts”, adding laughing and pointing emojis.Port Vale, who went up automatically from League Two this season, have mocked their rivals on X. The Valiants posted jokey annotations of their current crest in a reply tweet to MK’s original post. Those included “Two of these” and “Not a steak bake”, with corresponding arrows pointing to menial parts of their badge. The post had fans in fits of laughter, with one commenting: “Admin I love you”, and another “Sharp wit is an understatement Admin”. The Buckinghamshire oufit finished fourth last term under Mike Williamson, the former Newcastle United manager, but were thrashed 8-1 on aggregate by Crawley Town in the play-offs.The scoreline was the largest play-off defeat in EFL history. This term, more misery has been piled onto MK, with promotion hopes dashed prematurely after a run of four defeats in the club’s opening six games. That included a 3-0 humbling at the hands of arch-rivals AFC Wimbledon, which included a late brace from Callum Maycock. That result prompted Williamson to leave his post, with Scott Lindsey dropping down from League One Crawley to take the reins. Read More on The SunHowever, his tenure was short-lived, as he was fired in March after just two wins in 14 games. Paul Warne, the former Derby County boss, took over at the helm with four games to play, and he oversaw three draws and a win in that time. More

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      EFL play-off semi-final moved due to fixture clash with Premier League club 120 miles away

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      AN EFL play-off semi-final has had its date changed due to a fixture clash with a Premier League game.The top-flight affair takes place 120 miles north of the play-off match, but the Premier League has taken priority in the scheduling pecking order. Lloyd Jones opened the scoring in Charlton’s 4-0 win over Wycombe in April – their play-off game has been movedCredit: AlamyMorgan Gibbs-White and Forest need to beat Leicester to aid their Champions League pushCredit: PAThe EFL clubs in question are Wycombe Wanderers and Charlton Athletic, with the pair set to meet in the League One promotion lottery. Wycombe will host the first leg at Adams Park, and were supposed to kick off at 7.45pm on Saturday. May 10, but that has since been changed. The reason for that is that Nottingham Forest play east Midlands rivals Leicester City the day after and crucially, Forest’s city rivals Notts County are set to face AFC Wimbledon in the League Two play-offs that same day.Both games were scheduled for the same day in Nottingham, and as a result, County’s game – which was supposed to kick off at 6.30pm on Sunday, May 11 – has now been moved to the Saturday, swapping with Wycombe’s clash with Charlton. Read more footballAs such, Mike Dodds’ side will now take the 6.30pm kick-off on Sunday, with Notts to face Wimbledon on Saturday evening at 8pm at Meadow Lane. Forest kick off against Leicester at 2.15pm on Sunday at the City Ground as they look to turn around their lapse in form in their hunt for Champions League qualification.Nuno Espirito Santo’s side fell out of the top five in the Premier League table with home defeats by Manchester City and Brentford, and they were held to a 1-1 draw by Crystal Palace on Monday night.They sit sixth with three games to play, two points off fifth-placed Chelsea, who beat champions Liverpool 3-1 on Sunday. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIt will be the first time ever that the Chairboys and the Addicks have played each other in play-offs. Nathan Jones’ south east Londoners did the double over the Buckinghamshire side in the regular season, thrashing them 4-0 at Adams Park in the third-last game of the campaign. Enzo Fernandez and Noni Madueke lead Chelsea’s dressing room celebrations after win over LiverpoolAt The Valley, they scraped a 2-1 victory thanks to a double from Miles Leaburn. More