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      Gary Neville is ‘bored’ of the Glazers and wishes they were more like Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Gary Neville praised Wrexham’s Hollywood star owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney as he aimed a fresh dig at the Glazers.Neville hasn’t held back on his criticism against the Glazer family during a seven-month takeover saga that could see the unpopular owners leaving Old Trafford after 18 years in charge.
      Manchester United legend Gary Neville slammed the GlazersCredit: PA
      Gary Neville wishes the Glazers were more like Wrexham’s Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenneyCredit: Getty
      The Sky Sports pundit believes the Americans have handled the bidding war so poorly he is now feeling “bored”.
      The former right-back hinted he wished they were more like Reynolds and McElhenney, who always “turn up” for League Two newbies Wrexham.
      That is despite the fact the Welsh outfit still has a long way to go to make it to the big leagues after returning to the EFL only a month ago.
      Neville said: “Everyone’s bored now. Honestly, I think everyone has got the point whereby what the Glazers do, they erode every little last bit of energy out of everything that they do.
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      The United hero added: “They turn up there [Reynolds and McElhenney].
      “They’ve done it well at Wrexham and they’ve got obviously a long way to go to get to probably where they want to be, Championship, Premier League, and probably that might take three years, eight years, 12 years, who knows.”
      However, Neville’s frustrations may soon come to an end as Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani appears to have won the takeover race.
      Sheikh Jassim has been vying with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos to buy United from the Glazers.
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      Ratcliffe had been the front-runner to purchase a 60 per cent stake, which would have seen the Americans stay on in a reduced role at Old Trafford.
      But according to newspaper Al-Watan, which is owned by Sheikh Jassim’s father, the Qatari bid for the Red Devils has been successful and an official announcement is imminent.
      The Qatari banker’s latest offer for a 100 per cent stake in the club is thought to be worth around £5billion. More

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      Former Premier League star and Wales international ‘SNUBS Wrexham’ in favour of transfer to League Two rivals

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      JONNY WILLIAMS is joining Bradford on a three-year deal.The ex-Wales midfielder, 29, saw his contract at Swindon expire at the end of last season.
      Jonny Williams looks set to join Bradford after leaving SwindonCredit: Getty
      Williams will link up with Mark Hughes’ League Two side, who are desperate to win promotion after losing out in the play-offs to Carlisle.
      Bradford have already sold 17,000 season tickets for next season.
      Williams is believed to have turned down offers from fellow League One side Northampton as well as League Two trio Wrexham, Notts County and Gillingham.
      That means the playmaker will not be part of Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s popular project.
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      This comes after Reynolds and McElhenney tried to convince his former star team-mate Gareth Bale to join their revolution.
      The 33-cap Welshman represented his country at two Euros finals in 2016 and 2020 and at last year’s World Cup before retiring from international football in March.
      Williams’ senior career kicked off in 2011 when he was promoted from Crystal Palace’s youth squad.
      The Welshman underwent a series of loan stints during his time at Selhurst Park.
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      The versatile midfielder played for Ipswich, Nottingham Forest, MK Dons and Sunderland.
      Williams managed 70 appearances his eight-year stint at Palace before moving to Charlton.
      Two years later he joined Cardiff for a few months before signing with Swindon. More

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      Carlisle United 1 Stockport County 1 (5-4 pens) – League Two play-off final LIVE RESULT: Blues promoted after epic pens

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      CARLISLE UNITED have been promoted to League One after a dramatic penalty shootout at Wembley.Stockport’s Isaac Oloafe’s deflected cross looped over Tomas Holy into the Carlisle net to put the Hatters in front.
      And United put things level terms right at the death courtesy of Omari Patrick.
      The tie could only be decided by a penalty shootout which saw Ryan Rydel’s penalty saved which granted promotion to Carlisle.

      LIVE RESULT: Carlisle United 1-1 Stockport (5-4 pens)
      Carlisle XI: Holy, Whelan, Huntington, Mellish; Senior, Moxon, Guy, McCalmont, Armer; Gordon, Ganer
      Stockport XI: Hinchliffe, Wright, Horsfall, Hussey, Knoyle, Camps, Croasdale, Sarcevic, Rydel, Olafe, Madden

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      Follow ALL the action from Wembley with our live blog below…
      Big attendance
      The final attendance for the fixture was 34,004.
      Credit: PA
      Fans in heaven!
      Carlisle fans will be partying long into the night after witnessing their side gain promotion to League One.
      Credit: PA
      What is left in the EFL?
      After Luton Town’s promotion to the Premier League, Notts County’s jump to League Two and Carlisle’s success today there is still the matter of the League One play off final.
      Barnsley will take on Sheffield Wednesday at Wembley Stadium tomorrow for a spot in the Championship nest season.
      The trophy lift!
      Credit: PA
      Time for the bubbly
      Carlisle captain Paul Huntington has lifted the trophy after his side won the League Two play-off final.
      The moment Carlisle won promotion
      Credit: PA
      Loss a “massive blow”
      Former Stockport defender Liam Hogan has spoken after his old club suffered a penalty heartbreak at Wembley.
      He told the BBC: “It’s a massive blow. If you got back to open play, the Akil Wright moment, we could have sealed the win in normal time.
      “When the dust settles there will be a realisation of what they’ve achieved this season. Playing an event like the League Two final is a massive achievement in itself.
      “Within the club there’s a big foundation and this could be a stepping stone to keep progressing.
      “There’s a squad there that they can build but it will be a strong league next season with the likes of Wrexham and Notts County coming up.
      “To be so close, going back into the dressing room having lost will be a massive disappointment.”
      Charters hails promotion
      Carlisle star Taylor Charters has admitted that achieving promotion “means the world”.
      He told Sky Sports: “I can’t put it into words. It means the world.
      “I tried to block everything out.
      “I remember coming to watch the team as a kid and we have had years of disappointment so it’s great to have some joy.”
      Holy on the heroes
      Fresh off his penalty save, Tomas Holy has hailed his team-mates for their effort during the final.
      Holy told Sky Sports: “I am not the hero, these guys are the heroes.
      “They ran around for 120 minutes, I just did my little part, but these guys are the heroes.”
      Joy for Carlisle

      Cruel football
      Commiserations for Rydel and Stockport, but it was a great save from Holy to give Carlisle the advantage in the shootout.
      Credit: PA
      CARLISLE PROMOTED
      Taylor Charters’ winning penalty will go down in history for Carlisle as it has sent them up to League One.
      While Ryan Rydel’s effort that was saved by Tomas Holy proved to be costly for Stockport, who will remain in League Two.
      Shootout – Carlisle 5-4 Stockport
      Charters slots it in and wins promotion for Carlisle!!!!
      Shootout – Carlisle 4-4 Stockport
      Collar nets the vital penalty for County.
      Shootout – Carlisle 4-3 Stockport
      Carlisle’s Moxon steps up and sends the keeper the wrong way, one more goal is needed to send them to League One.
      Shootout – Carlisle 3-3 Stockport
      Stockport’s Stretton hammers it into the top corner.
      Shootout – Carlisle 3-2 Stockport
      Edmondson to take for Carlisle.. and he slots it in.
      Shootout – Carlisle 2-2 Stockport
      Hippolyte to level it back up and he… scores!
      Shootout – Carlisle 2-1 Stockport
      Mellish steps up for Carlisle and rams it home!
      Shootout – Carlisle 1-1 Stockport
      Rydel up for County and it is SAVED!
      Shootout – Carlisle 1-1 Stockport
      Dennis is first up for United and buries it.
      Stockport first up
      Evans starts the shootout and…scores.
      Stockport first up
      Evans starts the shootout and…scores.
      Coin toss
      The penalties will be taken toward the Stockport fans.
      ET FT Carlisle 1-1 Stockport
      And that is it one last peep from the whistle, penalties it is…
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      Man who lived in FOOTBALL STADIUM reveals favourite thing about home – and impact it had on his relationship

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      A MAN who lived in a football stadium has revealed his favourite things about his unusual home.Ben was one of a group of lucky tenants who could walk just a few yards from his sofa to watch the live action from the director’s box-style balcony of his stunning flat.
      One flat in the stadium went up for sale this year for just £350,000Credit: Triangle News
      Ben, who lived in another of the property’s, was one of a group of lucky tenants to enjoy this stunning pitchside viewCredit: Andrew Butler
      The apartments are within Leyton Orient’s home groundCredit: Andrew Butler
      They are tastefully furnished and open-planCredit: Triangle News
      That’s because he lived in one of the blocks situated at each of the four corners of the Matchroom Stadium in Leyton, Greater London, home to League Two table-toppers Leyton Orient.
      Perks include top-quality matchday seats from the comfort of your own home and the ability to drink alcohol in view of the pitch, which is banned in the stands due to English ground regulations.
      Speaking to The Sun in 2017, Ben explained the best bits of living in such a unique home.
      He said: “The idea of living in a football stadium was hard to ignore – I’d invited half my mates round before we’d signed the contract and God knows how I convinced my girlfriend to say yes to the idea.
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      “We stumbled upon the flat when we were looking for somewhere to live. The pictures stood out.
      “Once I saw the balcony I’m not sure I even bothered to look at the kitchen or bathroom.”
      He added that he was “really surprised” that the flat cost no more than the others in the area despite its view.
      Ben beamed: “Living in what’s essentially a director’s box, you see all the behind the scenes stuff you wouldn’t as a typical fan.
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      “Like the groundsman doing his rounds, players letting their kids on the pitch post-match, the warm downs, briefings of the stewards and press activity.
      “It is really nice. You can sit out on a Tuesday evening with your dinner and a cuppa watching a professional football match while your other half is watching Bake Off on the sofa within shouting range.
      “And we don’t even need to buy a second telly.”
      There aren’t really any drawbacks to the apartments for footie fanatics, with no need to queue up, buy tickets or pay stadium prices for food and drink.
      Even when away fans have been known to chant “We can see you washing up” it has only served to lighten the matchday mood even more.
      It comes after one of the other flats in the stadium went up for sale earlier this year.
      Even though it boasts the same birdseye view of the soon-to-be League One side’s pitch, it went on the market for a cool £350,000 – more than reasonable for London prices.
      And they come with a stunning view of the pitchCredit: Triangle News
      Even the bedrooms provide a bird’s eye viewCredit: Triangle News
      It means Ben can hop up off the sofa and catch the live action from his director’s box-style balconyCredit: Andrew Butler
      He’s even allowed to drink while in view of the pitch, unlike fans in the standsCredit: Andrew Butler More

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      Carlisle United vs Stockport County: TV channel, live stream and kick-off time for League Two playoff final

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      CARLISLE UNITED are bouncing after a comeback win over Bradford City, which fired them into the League Two playoff final.They face Stockport County, who beat Salford City on penalties to land a day at Wembley.
      Stockport County celebrate beating Salford City to reach WembleyCredit: Reuters
      Both sides will hope to have a glorious day out in the capital – and it is a LONG journey home for the loser of this tie.
      When is the League Two playoff final?
      Carlisle United vs Stockport County takes place on Sunday, May 28.
      The match kicks off at 1.30pm.
      The showpiece League Two playoff final will be played at Wembley Stadium.
      What TV channel is it on and can I live stream it?
      The match will be broadcast on Sky Sports Football.
      Coverage begins at 1pm.
      The match is followed by Sky Sports’ coverage of the Premier League’s final day.
      What are the odds?
      Carlisle United win 11/5
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      Draw 2/1
      Stockport County win 11/8
      Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes are correct as of Friday, May 26. More

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      Stockport boss Dave Challinor aiming for seventh heaven by going from Colwyn Bay to Wembley

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      DAVE Challinor aims to go to seventh heaven by going from Llanelian Road to Wembley.And the Stockport boss believes the same things apply as he goes for a League One place as when he guided Colwyn Bay to elevation from the then Evo-Stik Premier Division.
      Stockport aim to make it seven promotions for boss Dave Challinor on SundayCredit: PA:Press Association
      The surroundings will be very different from 2011 – about 50,000 are expected at Wembley on Sunday when his first success was secured in front of 2,000.
      However, memories of 12 years ago remain vivid and despite much larger financial rewards, the same theories will apply against Carlisle.
      Challinor said: “I played in most of the games of the first promotion, so it was different – and I wasn’t very good!
      “But it’s not too dissimilar. I remember the first one well, Colwyn Bay v FC United in a play-off game and Jon Newby scored the winner.
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      “It’s the polar opposite in terms of where the clubs were but getting a club the size of Colwyn Bay into Conference North isn’t dissimilar to getting Stockport promoted to League One.
      “It was an amazing feeling and those feelings, whether it was that one or the most recent one in terms of play-offs, with Hartlepool, don’t change.
      “They’re unbelievable and I hope I experience it again on Sunday.”
      County missed out on automatic promotion on the final day but secured their first Wembley place since 2008 by defeating Salford City on penalties.
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      However, a dodgy start after ending an 11-year Football League exile is still rued – but the first day ‘reality check’ of being 3-0 down after half an hour against Barrow helped, even though Challinor did not lose belief.
      As he weighs up whether to hand Will Collar, Ryan Rydel and Antoni Sarcevic starting spots, he added: “I wanted to get to half-time first and foremost but I told the players, whether it was me being stupid or not, I don’t know, ‘I think we can still win the game.’
      Challinor remembers promotion number one ahead of facing Carlisle at WembleyCredit: DAVE PINEGAR
      “We’d made three individual mistakes that had cost us three goals. We still should’ve got something from it, though.
      “I’d suggest that wasn’t the making of us, we won two of our first 11 – not the greatest of starts – but I still had belief in the group, that didn’t change after 45 minutes.
      “Maybe from the outside, that was a bit of a reality check of where we were and what we needed to be. Some of the players were maybe dented from it but we’ve built.
      “To still have that chance of success is a massive compliment to how they’ve adapted and found a way – hopefully on Sunday we can find that final way.” More

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      Football fans slam Sky Sports as ‘absolute shambles’ feed cuts out deep into extra-time of League Two play-offs semi

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      FANS were left fuming at Sky Sports as their play-off feed cut out deep into extra time.Carlisle’s dramatic win over Bradford vanished from screens near the end of the League Two semi-final second-leg.
      Fans were left fuming as Bradford’s defeat to Carlisle cut out on Sky Sports late on
      Carlisle beat Bradford 3-2 on aggregate to seal their place in the League Two play-off finalCredit: Getty
      And supporters quickly piled on social media to slam the “absolute shambles.”
      One said: “Sky Sports lost the the picture for the Carlisle Bradford game with 2 mins of extra time left. You’d be fuming.”
      Another declared: “Watching the Carlisle Bradford game and its just switched off completely. Nice one Sky.”
      One noted: “The blank screen of Carlisle vs Bradford is exactly why we’re playing Sky a criminal amount per month – didn’t want to watch it anyway.”
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      Another added: “Are Sky Sports taking the p**s with the Bradford game?! Absolute shambles.”
      One said: “Bradford Carlisle coverage has been a shambles on Sky, went to an ad break 3 minutes early in normal time, and now this went on for a good 5 minutes in extra time.”
      Another added: “You’d be sick if you were a Carlisle or Bradford fan watching this on Sky. Absolute shocker.”
      One noted: “Watched that game for 118 minutes for you to get a technical fault now. F**k off Sky. Imagine being a Bradford fan who couldn’t go.”
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      Bradford were left heartbroken at full-time as Carlisle sealed a 3-1 win to win 3-2 on aggregate.
      Bradley Halliday’s own-goal put Carlisle ahead in the 21st minute.
      And after the game went to extra time, they took a 98th minute lead through Callum Guy.
      Bradford then levelled eight minutes later thanks to Matt Derbyshire’s strike.
      But Ben Barclay pounced in the 112th minute to put Carlisle ahead again and seal their place in the League Two play-off final. More

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      Premier League cult hero says ‘I’d love to play for Wrexham’ and is desperate to meet Hollywood superstar Ryan Reynolds

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      PREMIER LEAGUE cult hero Morten Gamst Pedersen has revealed he would “love” to play for Wrexham. The 41-year-old, who now plays with Ranheim in Norway’s second tier, declared his intention to return to England with an eye on a move to the National League champions.
      Premier League cult hero Morten Gamst Pedersen has revealed he wants to play for WrexhamCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      He is impressed with the project Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny are buildingCredit: Getty
      While also revealing he would love to meet the Deadpool starCredit: Rex
      Owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny, Wrexham gained promotion to the football league with a record-breaking 111 points.
      Ahead of their League Two campaign next season, Pedersen lavished praise on the Welsh club and revealed his desire to rub shoulders with Deadpool star Reynolds.
      Speaking to Sportbible, he said: “It’s unbelievable what they [Wrexham] are doing.
      “I think it’s so cool. Yes, they get promoted and everything, but they are also building a brand from a club that’s quite far down in the system.
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      “It shows that if you get the right people and the right attitude, and everybody drags in the same direction, you can do a lot.
      “Aren’t they the second-oldest club in the UK as well? They have a great history.”
      Asked about the possibility of playing for Wrexham, Pedersen added: “Yeah, I would love to. Why not? Of course.
      “Maybe if you tag me in a social media post, Ryan Reynolds could read this, and we get a chance to meet…”
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      Pedersen previously played in England with Blackburn, making 348 appearances between 2004 and 2013.
      The Norwegian revealed he still maintains a strong relationship with the club and its fans.
      On leaving Ewood Park, he said: “A few English clubs were interested but I’m going to be honest. It would have been really, really tough to sign for another English team.
      “The love I had for Blackburn and the people that worked there. It wasn’t easy just to walk away.
      “I’ve been a loyal person to Blackburn and they’ve been loyal to me. That’s why I still have good connections with them.
      “Even last summer when they were discussing a new manager, the owners called me and asked what I thought about some of the options. I really appreciated that.”
      Pedersen is among a rare group of footballers who have continued to play into their 40s, but he insisted this was down to consistent work to maintain his fitness levels.
      “If you’re going to build a house, you need a good base, and I feel I’ve got that now,” he explained.
      “I’d say the strength work is probably the most important. You can lose some power as you get older, so that’s the most important thing to be on top of.
      “Of course, pace is the first thing you lose. I’ve never been the fastest player in the world but you try and lose as little as possible.
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      “That’s a major part of football. I’m working hard to stay on the same fitness levels as everyone else.
      “Sometimes you have to think of your limitations. There is a life after football but at the moment, I can still focus on the things I want to do and challenge myself.” More