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      Ex-Chelsea star Sam Hutchinson reveals he had HEART ATTACK in game he scored winner that sent Wimbledon to play-offs

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      AFC WIMBLEDON defender Sam Hutchinson has revealed that he suffered a heart attack just six minutes into a crucial League Two match – and then went on to score.The 35-year-old endured the frightening ordeal against Grimbsy Town earlier this month.Sam Hutchinson has bravely opened up about his recent heart attackCredit: X/ AFCWimbledonHutchinson scored the winner in the match against Grimsby – after suffering the heart attackCredit: RexJust moments into the match, unbeknownst to him, Hutchinson suffered a heart attack while on the pitch.As he wasn’t aware of what was happening, the defender played on and completed the full match.He even scored the decisive goal in the 52nd minute as Wimbledon clinched a 1-0 win to secure a place in the League Two play-offs.But it wasn’t until after full-time that he realised something was seriously wrong.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRecalling the ordeal while speaking to Wimbledon club media this week, he explained: “It’s crazy really. Obviously I was experiencing a lot of pain then.”I look back as well and my mrs said: ‘Oh you didn’t look right when you had the interview,’ and then I got back on the coach, started getting more chest pains, the adrenaline wore off and we ended up making a pit stop in Nottingham.”He continued: “Bob [Bacic, head physio] took me in and basically they said I had a heart attack.”Then they said it could be an infection, so I was in there for five days.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I was like a pin cushion by the end of it, I was getting loads of tests done.”And then it turned out, yeah, I did actually have a heart attack.Incredible before and after video shows AFC Wimbledon’s progress fixing huge sinkhole after Carabao Cup clash postponed”A branch of an artery was blocked, 75 per cent, so I had an angiogram and they put a stent in. I had that in London and saw a top specialist who was unbelievable.”And I’m on the road to recovery now.”Hutchinson went on to admit that he “broke down” after being told he’d suffered a heart attack because he didn’t want his football career to end.But the specialist he saw insisted there is “no problem” with him continuing to play.AFC Wimbledon face Walsall in the League Two play-off final on Monday.And while he is “devastated” that he will miss the occasion, Hutchinson is looking forward to watching.He added: “I’m there to support the boys and fingers crossed we can get it over the line and do what everyone wants us to do.”I genuinely think I could play, obviously it would be dangerous but that’s just my opinion. I’m never going to but I’d love to.”Hutchinson joined Chelsea at the age of nine and graduated from the club’s academy to make the first team.However, he was limited to just six senior appearances in total.Read More on The SunThe defender was loaned out to Nottingham Forest, Vitesse and Sheffield Wednesday before completing a permanent move to Hillsborough.He then went on to play for Pafos and Reading before joining AFC Wimbledon in December.Hutchinson previously played for ChelseaCredit: PA:Empics Sport More

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      Man Utd legend agrees deal to manage in non-league after dismal season saw him relegated from EFL

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Mark Hughes will manage in the National League next season.The 61-year-old has agreed to remain as Carlisle United boss following the club’s relegation from League Two.Carlisle United have been relegated to the National LeagueCredit: AlamyMark Hughes is staying on as managerCredit: RexHughes thanked supporters in an official statement, which read: “I’m thrilled to be staying at the club.”Since joining back in February, the support I’ve received from the fans has been exceptional – thank you.”I hope to see more of the same next season as we aim for an immediate return to the EFL.”Carlisle chief Tom Piatak added: “Mark brought the squad together during the closing stretch of the season and gave us a fighting chance. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”His leadership, composure, and connection with the players was clear, and we’re confident in his ability to lead us forward.”Hughes’ relegation to the fifth tier comes just six-and-a-half years after he was managing Southampton in the Premier League.He has been in charge of Wales and six top-flight sides during his lengthy career in Blackburn, Manchester City, Fulham, QPR and Stoke.But Sparky has been in League Two since his initial shock return to the dugout with Bradford in 2022.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThough he lasted just 18 months at Valley Parade before being sacked.Managing in the lower leagues in England does not bother Hughes, exclusively telling SunSport: “I have no ego.Man Utd legend, 61, set to take charge of National League side as he says ‘it wouldn’t be beneath me’“Just because I played for United and managed clubs like 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.“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.”Back in his playing days, Hughes starred for the likes of Man Utd, Barcelona. Bayern Munich and Chelsea.He won two Prem titles, three FA Cups and the Cup Winners’ Cup in a glittering seven seasons at Old Trafford.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More

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      EFL play-off finals to kick off one minute later than scheduled as part of ‘truly groundbreaking’ campaign

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      EFL play-off matches at Wembley this season will all kick off one minute later than originally scheduled.The Home of Football is gearing up to host the Championship, League One and League Two playoff finals later this month. Wembley play-off matches will kick-off one minute later this seasonCredit: GettyLuton Town’s Tom Lockyer suffered a cardiac arrest on the field and is now a British Heart Foundation ambassadorCredit: PAEFL bosses have signed up to a new initiative alongside the British Heart Foundation.The Every Minute Matters campaign aims to inspire supporters to learn CPR.More than 270,000 people have already learned the life-saving skill thanks to the campaign, which launched during last season’s play-offs.In a bid to raise awareness, each match at Wembley will now kick off 60 seconds later than billed. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAs a result, Sunderland’s showdown with Sheffield United has now been scheduled for 3.01pm on May 24.Leyton Orient will face Charlton for a place in the Championship on May 25, with the game now underway at 1.01pm.And Walsall’s League Two playoff final against AFC Wimbledon will kick-off at 3.01pm on Monday, May 26.Luton Town’s Tom Lockyer suffered a cardiac arrest during a Premier League game against Bournemouth in December 2023.Most read in FootballThe 30-year-old is now a British Heart Foundation ambassador and is backing the initiative. Lockyer said: “I was just one of the more than 30,000 people who suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest every year in the UK. Tom Lockyer shows defibrillator fitted into his chest after Luton captain suffered cardiac arrest in Bournemouth clash”I am lucky to be alive today, but the reality is that less than 1 in 10 people usually survive, which is why it’s vital that we continue to raise awareness. “The symbolic kick-off times are the perfect way to make our lifesaving message impossible to ignore. “Over the course of the last year, the EFL community – fans, players and the clubs – have come together and united behind the Sky Bet Every Minute Matters campaign to achieve something I never thought possible. “And now, as we approach the business end of the season, the Sky Bet Play-Off Finals provide an incredible platform to continue to spread the word and bring the curtain down on a game-changing year in the fight against cardiac arrest.”Dr Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive of the BHF, added: “The Every Minute Matters campaign has been truly groundbreaking by encouraging hundreds of thousands of people to start learning vital CPR.  “With millions of eyes on the Play-Off Finals, it’s incredible to get the support of the EFL in our bid to encourage more fans to learn this lifesaving skill. “It only takes 15 minutes to learn with our free online tool RevivR, and knowing it could make the difference between life and death in the event of witnessing a cardiac arrest.” More

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      Man Utd legend releases EIGHT players including Newcastle fans’ favourite, 33, after EFL relegation

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Mark Hughes has released eight players at Carlisle including a former Newcastle star.Hughes was appointed manager of the Cumbrians in February but was unable to prevent them being relegated from League Two.Mark Hughes has released eight players at CarlisleCredit: GettyPaul Dummett is among the players let goCredit: GettyThe veteran boss penned a rolling contract and is in talks to stay on for next season.And he has overseen the departure of eight players as Carlisle look to start afresh in the National League.The biggest name to be let go is Paul Dummett, who joined Carlisle in January and played three games.Dummett, 33, left Newcastle last summer after making 213 appearances for the Magpies.READ MORE ON MAN UTDCarlisle have released seven other players – Ben Barclay, Taylor Charters, Anton Dudik, Callum Guy, Sam Lavelle, Dylan McGeouch and Josh Vela.While two players have been offered new deals – Matthew Dennis and Kadeem Harris.SunSport exclusively revealed in April that Hughes would be open to sticking with Carlisle in the fifth tier.Hughes couldn’t prevent relegation but oversaw a huge upturn in form.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe won the same number of matches in his 18 in charge as Carlisle did in their 32 games previous this season.Carlisle is Wrexham-born Hughes’ ninth managerial stint, having bossed clubs such as Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City and most recently Bradford. More

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      Wrexham confirm EIGHT players leaving after promotion to Championship including star who rejected new deal

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      WREXHAM have confirmed that EIGHT players will be leaving the club.The Welsh outfit have achieved a remarkable three promotions consecutively under Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.Wrexham have been promoted to the ChampionshipCredit: RexSteven Fletcher is one of eight players who have left the clubCredit: GettyHowever, their season in the Championship will not include a number of stars that helped them climb up the English football ladder.Wrexham has now confirmed that eight players have will leave the club upon the expiry of their contracts.This includes former Premier League star Steven Fletcher, who has previously stated that it was not his choice to leave.The striker formerly played for the likes of Sunderland, Burnley, Stoke City and even on loan at Marseille in France.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe joined Wrexham back in 2023 and made 77 appearances, scoring 16 goals.Fan favourite goalkeeper Mark Howard has also been released and he penned a touching tribute to the club.He wrote on Instagram: “From the moment I pulled on the Wrexham shirt, I have tried to bring professionalism, passion, and personality to the club.”As I reflect on what an incredible journey it’s been, I consider myself fortunate to have shared a dressing room with the best teammates.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”Everyday I have left with a smile on my face wanting to come back and do it all over again. Love you boys.”Being able to say I’m the only goalkeeper ever to do the 3peat. Back2Back2Back. I say tongue in cheek.’He’s got the fastest hands’ – Wrexham star James McClean tipped to beat up Jake Paul in boxing fightWrexham squad updateHere is a full rundown of players with updated roles at Wrexham…Released:Steven FletcherMark HowardSam DalbyJordan DaviesHarry DeanBrad FosterLiam HallJosh AdamOffered new deal:Callum EdwardsAutomatic extension:Aaron JamesDecision pending: James Rainbird”I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve had here.”Working alongside some of the most amazing staff on and off the pitch, giving me the encouragement to do more, I cannot thank you enough.”The connection with the fans was tough at times but now I feel part of the family, I would like to think you’ve all grown to love me.”At this stage I still feel like I have more football in me, so it’s not retirement yet, I still want to dive around while my body lets me.”Finally, a huge thank you to these two amazing people.”Jordan Davies, Harry Dean, Brad Foster, Josh Adam and Liam Hall have all also been released.The club also revealed that Sam Dalby as offered a new deal to stay but was turned down.Read More on The SunHe spent last season out on loan at Dundee United and netted 14 goals in 34 appearances in the Scottish Premiership.Meanwhile, Wrexham players were treated to a £500k party trip to Las Vegas after gaining another promotion.Owners’ tribute to two starsRyan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney shared a kind message to Steven Fletcher and Mark Howard after it was announced they would be leaving…Reynolds wrote: “Mr Steven Fletcher. Words aren’t agile enough to capture what you’ve brought to Wrexham, the sport, and the lives of myself and this whole town.”You aren’t a PART of greatness. You ARE greatness. I don’t really know what a co-chairmen is supposed to do or say in these moments and I don’t much care. I’m gonna miss you.”I’ll miss your leadership and wit and the way you remind everyone — including me — that this is also FUN. Like the first day we met, I’m here for you any time and any place. Always.”And Mark Howard— how on earth do we put into words the clutch work you do as a keeper. You have the hardest job in football. And you can’t have that ability without being a clutch person in life.”You have a beautiful family and you have a second family in Wrexham now and always. You’re the big beating heart of this team and the reason we have the best locker room in sports.”Fletch and Chomp, you’ve authored some of the greatest moments of my life. And so many others. All I can do is thank you.”McElhenney added: “This is truly the worst part.”I cannot say enough about these two men. Mark Howard and Steven Fletcher are not just players on the team.”They are my friends and people I admire. They are men of ability and principle and commitment and compassion.”They are men of character and fortitude who have achieved something beyond anyone’s imagination.”I greatly admire everything about them and have so thoroughly enjoyed every moment I’ve had to see them play, or to just spend time with them. Godspeed men.”I hope our paths cross again very soon. All I can say to these great men is THANK YOU.” More

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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