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      Wrexham’s Paul Mullin and James McClean make dig at cancer-stricken King while partying with Rob McElhenney in Vegas

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      TWO Wrexham stars have made a dig at the cancer-stricken King while partying with Rob McElhenney in Las Vegas.James McClean, 35, and Paul Mullin, 29, were snapping pics while they boozed with a group of lads celebrating their promotion to League One in Sin City.Stars James McClean and Paul Mullin have made a dig at the cancer-stricken KingCredit: InstagramRob McElhenney joined his players for their party in VegasCredit: InstagramWrexham’s owners have cultivated a close relationship with the royals – and the King visited in 2022Credit: GettyPrince William visited Wrexham – after having a shot with McElhenney – last monthCredit: GettyBut the pair have now caused a stir after putting vile captions on Instagram posts.Star striker Mullin posted a selfie of him and McClean on his story with the words: “And we hate the f***ing King!”The 35-year-old winger then reshared it to his story with the caption: “We serve no King or Kaiser but Ireland! Sue me.” The snaps, which have now been deleted, were posted just days after King Charles returned to public duties for the first time since announcing was undergoing cancer treatment. READ MORE ON WREXHAMMcClean has long been known for his Republican stance – and once turned his back on the English national anthem while playing for Ireland. He also refused to wear a poppy during games played across Remembrance weekend.  Wrexham’s fan’s song for McClean features the line “He hates the f***ing King” – which he joined in with during the celebrations as the club sealed promotion to League One.The song has come about despite club owners McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds building a close relationship with the Royal Family. Most read in FootballIn April, just prior to the club’s promotion, Prince William visited the Racecourse Stadium and spoke to the players and staff about their remarkable EFL rise.King Charles and Queen Camilla also visited Wrexham’s stadium in 2022.Prince William downs shot after pulling ‘horrible’ pint with Wrexham owner Rob McElhenneyMcClean has now doubled down on his post. Sharing the MailOnline story on Instagram, he said: “Is this correct? Absolutely and I also sang at the top of my lungs.”Do I make any apologies for doing so? Absolutely not.”Mullin also made his opinions on the monarchy clear in his autobiography titled: “My Wrexham story.”He wrote about the King’s 2022 visit to Wrexham and said: “I’ll be straight: This visit might have been billed as a historic day for Wrexham, but it wasn’t for me. I’ve no interest in royalty.”I don’t see why anyone should have the God-given right to be born into such wealth, and then for us to pay for them as well. It just comes down to basic fairness.”The Sun has contacted Wrexham for comment. The Royals and Wrexham When the King visited the grounds in 2022 Reynolds and McElhenney were said to be“impossibly excited”. Charles and Queen Consort Camilla dropped in on Wrexham AFC, which the actors bought for £2million in 2020.Reynolds said: “We will do anything to uplift and elevate this community and this club and having the King pay a visit is certainly one way to do it.”Charles was shown the non-league side’s pitch and asked head groundsman Paul Chaloner: “This is proper grass isn’t it? Not that plastic stuff?”The King and Camilla walked through the players’ tunnel onto the pitch at the ground, where they met the celebrity owners, plus club executives and players.They greeted members of the first team before posing for a picture.And just last month Prince William downed a shot of whisky with McElhenney at The Turf pub in Wrexham. Wills headed into the pub, which sits next to Wrexham AFC, to hear about the successes in the local community.He listened to how the club and pub have had an impact on the area.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe prince then posed with fans on the street, and was snapped chatting to a little girl who handed him a daffodil.He was also passed a personalised Wrexham shirt with his name on it.Welsh flags were out in force in Sin CityCredit: InstagramHakkasan beamed their highlights onto the night club’s screensCredit: Instagram More

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      Ex-international captain and EFL cult hero announces retirement just days after being relegated into non-league

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      RICHARD KEOGH has announced his retirement – just days after Forest Green Rovers’ relegation to the National League.Rovers slipped out of the Football League last month after a seven-year stay and ended the 2023/24 season ROCK BOTTOM of League Two.Richard Keogh has announced his retirement from professional footballCredit: REXThe 37-year-old most recently played for Forest Green RoversCredit: RexThe Irishman has decided to call time on his career following Rovers’ relegation to the National LeagueCredit: RexAnd following their relegation, veteran defender Keogh has decided now is the perfect time to hang up his boots.In a lengthy X post, he wrote: “Thank you for the memories.”I wish I could play on forever, but we all knew this day would come. “So after 786 appearances over 20 years, I am announcing my retirement from football.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”My career surpassed all my expectations, full of unforgettable moments that not only made me a better player but a better person.”Wearing the captain’s armband for Ireland was the ultimate honour. ‘To represent the green jersey was the impossible dream and to play in a major tournament was a dream come true.”The camaraderie, the matches, the shared moments with fans, these are moments that will stay with me forever. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I look forward to the next chapter, where I am fully focussed on taking my next step into coaching.”Keogh – who twice captained the Republic of Ireland – was inundated with well wishes from his followers after announcing the news.Derby SACK Richard Keogh as captain refuses pay cut after car crash injuriesOne wrote: “Gutted to hear that, all the best and thank you for the memories at Derby.”Another said: “Good luck in the next chapter!”And another said: “Huge shame how it ended at our club. Wish you all the best.”One remarked: “Good luck in your next chapter mate.”Keogh ends his 20-year playing career with a whopping 781 club appearances, in which he scored 25 goals, to his name.The versatile defender amassed the impressive haul thanks to spells at Stoke City, Víkingur, Bristol City Wycombe Wanderers, Huddersfield Town, Carlisle United, Cheltenham Town, Derby County, MK Dons, Blackpool, Ipswich Town and Forest Green Rovers.Keogh played 26 times for his country and scored one goal, which came in a 4-0 friendly win over Georgia in 2013. More

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      Wrexham reveal their released list after promotion-winning season with two former Premier League stars set to stay

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      WREXHAM have revealed the club’s released list following promotion to League One.The Welsh outfit achieved back-to-back promotions as it continues to climb the English football ladder under its Hollywood ownership.Luke Young is one player on the released listCredit: GettyCaptain Ben Tozer has also been left without a clubCredit: GettySteven Fletcher and James McClean are both set to stayCredit: RexWrexham co-owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have taken the club to League OneCredit: ReutersWrexham was taken over by Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia actor Rob McElhenney in 2020.They have helped the club get out of the National League and will now compete in League One after a successful season in League Two.The club’s squad will have a very different look come the new season as EIGHT players have been released.This includes captain Ben Tozer, who made 131 appearances for the club during his four-year spell at the club.READ MORE ON WREXHAMOther notable players that will be on the hunt for a new club include goalkeeper Rob Lainton, defenders Callum McFadzean, Aaron Hayden and Jordan Tunnicliffe as well as midfielder Luke Young.Youngsters Owen Cushion and Dan Davies have also been released by the club.However, ex-Premier League stars Steven Fletcher and James McClean are set to stay.McClean has seen his contract automatically extended for the 2024/25 campaign.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhile Fletcher has been offered a new deal to stay at the Racecourse Ground.Manager Phil Parkinson has admitted that building the squad for League One will be a challenge.Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny’s amazing Wrexham stadium plans revealed and could fit ‘whole town’ insideHe said: “I have been very much focused on the team and getting the job done.”But naturally conversations are always going on about budgets, whatever division we were going to end up in and possible players”It is a really exciting summer that lies ahead of us.”The massive challenge for us is can we build this squad strongly to challenge in League One.”I am really looking forward to taking on that challenge throughout the summer months.”As for Wrexham’s targets for next season, executive director Humphrey Ker is eyeing a top half finish in League One.He has revealed the club are hopeful of finishing in upper mid-table on their return to the third tier.Ker told the Independent: “I think we’ve often talked about the idea that it takes three transfer windows to really build a squad into what you need to compete in any one division and next season will be one window shorter than that.”But I think the core of this team is very strong. They’re very strong personalities, good players and they love each other, so that’s a great basis to build from.”We’ll be adding players in the summer and sadly saying goodbye to one or two, which is sort of just the nature of football, and then we’ll sort of see where we wind up.”Inside the building, we’re like, ‘Look, our objective is get up and stay up, stabilise and build a good platform and go again the following year.’”But stranger things than promotion have happened – we might go through the division again.READ MORE SUN STORIES”To be honest, that would probably be too fast for us. It wouldn’t actually be that good for the club as a whole if we did go all the way through this year because we’d just be going so quickly.”Then we’d be trying to catch up with infrastructure and our facilities and everything would be a big, big challenge. So I think something nice and comfortable – upper mid-table, please! Tenth. I’d be very happy with that.”Executive director Humphrey Ker is targeting a top half finish in League OneCredit: GettyWrexham’s full retained/released listHere is a rundown of Wrexham’s full list of players that have been released and retained.

      Released:

      Aaron Hayden
      Rob Lainton
      Callum McFadzean
      Ben Tozer
      Jordan Tunnicliffe
      Luke Young
      Owen Cushion
      Dan Davies

      Offers:

      Steven Fletcher
      Mark Howard
      Aaron James

      Retained:

      James McClean
      Harry Ashfield
      Callum Edwards
      Liam Hall
      James Rainbird

      Decision Pending:

      Scott Butler
      Harry Dean More

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      EFL fans warned not to get arrested for ‘moment of madness’ this weekend as Championship reaches dramatic conclusion

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      EFL fans have been warned not to get arrested for a “moment of madness” this weekend as the season approaches its dramatic closing stages.Football League chiefs have warned they are prepared to take action in conjunction with police over fans that enter the field of play.Fans have been warned against pitch invasions this weekend and been told they risk arrest for entering the pitchCredit: MJ Photography/pictureexclusive.Pitch invasions have become common place throughout the Football LeagueCredit: RexFootball League CEO Trevor Birch told The Mirror: “My message to supporters would be: think before you act. “Going onto the pitch can have significant ramifications that may ruin your life. “One moment of madness can see you banned from attending football or given a criminal record, while some supporters have lost their jobs or gone to prison as a result of their actions.”Ugly scenes last month appeared to show a Portsmouth fan attacking a Barnsley player as Pompey celebrated promotion to League One with a massive pitch invasion.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWhile other pitch invasions, such as the ones at Wrexham and Derby went by without incident, there are real fears for the safety of players and officials should pitch invasions take place this weekend.Birch continued: “Before choosing to misbehave at a football match, supporters really need to weigh that up and ask themselves whether or not the risk is worth it. “Ultimately, the law is clear. It remains a criminal offence to come on to the playing surface without permission and there can be very tough consequences for those that do so.”Even if every single supporter means well and has no malicious intent, it gives the green light for that minority of people to enter the pitch who are intent on causing harm either to players or officials. Most read in FootballEFL Chief Executive Trevor Birch has warned fans risk arrest for entering the pitchCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”We must avoid this at all costs and even if it seems harsh at times of great emotional excitement to ask fans to stay off the pitch there can be no ambiguity; the pitch is for the players and the stands are for supporters.”Both promotion and relegation are still being played for in The Championship, making for a high chance of pitch invasions on Saturday.Fan confronts stewards armed with CORNER FLAG as Sheffield Wednesday fans invade pitch after all-but avoiding relegationReferee Josh Smith, who has taken charge of several EFL games this season told The Mirror there is always “fear” when a ref blows the full-time whistle on the final day of the season.He said: “Towards the last five minutes of the game, as you’re looking up at the fans, you can tell if they’re going to end up on the field of play and it’s always a shock how quickly it can happen.”My first thought when I blow the full-time whistle is to make sure all of the refereeing team get off the pitch and down the tunnel to a place of safety as soon as possible, which includes considering my assistant referees, who may have a much longer route off the pitch due to their positioning. “My main aim is to ensure they’re not intercepted by supporters on their way off and are safe but it is a fear in the back of your head when you blow the whistle.” More

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      Fans gobsmacked as EFL overturn ‘most blatant red card you’ll ever see’ just in time for club’s play-off run

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      ASTONISHED football fans have taken to social media following the decision to overturn Doncaster keeper Thimothee Lo-Tutala’s red card in time for the play-offs.Grant McCann’s men clinched a spot in the League Two play-offs with a 12-game unbeaten streak at the end of the season.Thimothee Lo-Tutala saw a header from his own defender looping over his headCredit: X / @RedAlexCreweHe pushed the ball away acrobatically with his hand while outside the areaCredit: X / @RedAlexCreweThe red card has been rescinded as it was deemed he did not deny an obvious goalscoring opportunityCredit: X / @RedAlexCreweBut on the final day things threatened to go awry for them when Lo-Tutala handled outside the area when they led 2-0 away at Gillingham.Fortunately for Donny, after conceding twice they managed to hold on for a 2-2 draw and will now face Crewe in the play-off semi-finals.And they have been handed yet more positive news as Lo-Tutala’s dismissal has been overturned, meaning he is eligible for the first leg on Monday.The incident in question saw a defensive mix-up lead to the keeper clearly parrying the ball away while several yards outside of his area.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAt the time, it looked an obvious red card, but the law dictates that a keeper only be sent off when denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity.The IFAB rules state: “A direct free kick is awarded and: a yellow card is shown if a promising attack was stopped, or. a red card is shown if a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity was denied.”As there were three covering Doncaster defenders, it was not a goalscoring opportunity for Gillingham, meaning Lo-Tutala was incorrectly sent packing.Yet fans on X simply could not get their heads around the decision to scrap the red card.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOne said: “This is the most blatant red card you’ll ever see. How on earth has it been overturned?!”Another added: “Wtf how? Bro stopped the ball from going towards the goal from outside the box ahahhaha.”‘I might’ve chinned him’ – Neil Warnock labelled ‘actually unreal’ as ex-EFL boss takes issue with post-match interview
      A third replied: “The most blatant red card this season overturned. No punishment for denial of a clear goal scoring opportunity.”
      And a fourth responded: “How an earth has this been overturned. You don’t need VAR to see that is outside the area.”Doncaster go to Crewe on Monday, before hosting the return leg on Friday, May 10.The winner will face Crawley or MK Dons at Wembley on May 19 for a place in League One next season.Lo-Tutala could play in Doncaster’s play-off semi-final first leg against Crewe on MondayCredit: Rex More

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      Former Premier League star, 38, wakes up unemployed and searching for 16TH club after release from League Two side

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      FORMER Premier League star Matt Derbyshire has been released by Bradford City.The League Two outfit announced the 38-year-old had been let go on the club website’s retained and released list.Matt Derbyshire has been released by Bradford CityCredit: GettyDerbyshire used to represent England at U21 levelCredit: GettyDerbyshire leaves the Yorkshire club having made just 23 appearances since joining in January last year.The former England U21 international joined Bradford from Indian first division outfit North East United where he had made just eight appearances in a six month spell at the club.Derbyshire will now have to search for a new club if he is to continue his journeyman-like career.Should he find a new home then he would be joining the 16TH club of his career which has seen him play in the Premier League and for one of Europe’s biggest clubs.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDerbyshire made 86 appearances in the Prem during his time with Blackburn Rovers and Birmingham City.And he was even part of the famous Blues side that wriggled their way into the 2011 League Cup final before beating Arsenal at Wembley to lift the trophy.Perhaps even more impressively he spent two seasons with Greek giants Olympiacos where he won the league title in 2009 and featured in two Champions League knockout games.His career has also seen him play for a number of teams across the Football League such as Wrexham, Nottingham Forest, Oldham, Plymouth and Blackpool.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDerbyshire is also no stranger to branching out to play further afield with spells in Australia, India and Cyprus on his CV.The striker has struggled for goals in recent years though and may find it hard to find a new employer with his record at his last two clubs.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersHe has scored just three goals in his last 31 appearances.Matt Derbyshire’s career so far
      2003 – 2005: Great Harwood Town
      2005: Plymouth (loan)
      2006: Wrexham (loan)
      2005 – 2009: Blackburn Rovers
      2009 – 2011: Olympiacos
      2011: Birmingham City (loan)
      2011 – 2014: Nottingham Forest
      2012: Oldham Athletic (loan)
      2013: Blackpool (loan)
      2014 – 2016: Rotherham
      2016 – 2020: Omonia Nikosia
      2020 – 2021: Macarthur
      2021 – 2022: AEK Larnaca
      2022 – 2023: North East United
      2023 – 2024: Bradford City More

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      Premier League cult hero set for 14TH transfer of career as he wakes up unemployed after release from League Two side

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      FORMER Premier League cult hero Charlie Austin has been released by Swindon Town.The League Two club announced that Austin has been let go on their retained and released list on the club website this morning.Charlie Austin has been released by Swindon TownCredit: RexAustin, 34, will now be a free agent and available to make his 14th career transfer if he chooses to continue playing.The striker only spent a season and a half with The Robins after joining from Australian side Brisbane Roar in January 2023.It was Austin’s second spell with the club after starting his professional career with Swindon back in 2011 during their days in League One.The Englishman went on to make over 100 Premier League appearances for QPR, Southampton and West Brom and netted 34 times in the process.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut will now have to search for a new home to continue his goal scoring exploits.Austin managed a successful individual campaign this term for Swindon scoring 12 goals and registering 6 assists in the league.He wore the captain’s armband for the majority of his 18-month second spell with the club but saw the side struggle to perform, ultimately finishing 19th in the league table.Austin managed to score twice in what proved to be his final game in a Swindon shirt , a 3-3 draw with Morecambe.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe has since released a statement on his Instagram thanking the club and fans for his return.It read: “Well… It seems my time at Swindon town has come to an end…Charlie Austin leaves Swindon crowd in stitches with hilarious comeback after confronting angry fan “It was an absolute pleasure to play back at my first professional club, to have the privilege of being captain and to score my 200th career goal in red.”The lads have been amazing, I enjoyed playing with you all and I’ve made some great friends this time, friendships that will stand the test of time and football. “I hope you boys know even though I’m not there on the pitch I am always there off it!”Swindon is a club I hold close to my heart, I watched games there as a child with friends and family, as did my wife, it’s where I was born. “And I hope it was clear that whenever I put the shirt on I always said and did what I believed was best for the club (even if at times it was controversial). I was always honest -that’s because I care.”Thank you Clem for giving me the opportunity to come back. I hope the great club you envision, and the great club we all know Swindon can be returns as soon as possible .”To the fans, thank you for all your support during this stint and my last.”You have and always have been amazing fans, who dig deep and support the team even when things are rough.”I know a few never shook the anger of me leaving the first time , but just like anyone, it was natural I wanted to progress in my career and thankfully it paid off.”I’m sure I will see you all again somewhere… As you saw Saturday, there’s plenty of life in the old dog yet!! 32 – over and out.””My performances sometimes have been okay, some have been below par, but trust me, I really appreciate your [the fans’] support.“What you did for me at the end of the game, I will always cherish that.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAustin wasn’t the only star to be released by Swindon either with a former Chelsea academy prospect also seeing his time with the club come to an end.George McEachran, who won the U17 World Cup for England alongside Phil Foden and Jadon Sancho, was also let go by Swindon.Charlie Austin’s career
      2007: Hungerford
      2008: Thatcham
      2008 – 2009: Poole Town
      2009 – 2011: Swindon Town
      2011 – 2013: Burnley
      2013 – 2016: QPR
      2016 – 2019: Southampton
      2019 – 2021: West Brom
      2021: QPR (loan)
      2021 – 2022: QPR (free transfer)
      2022 – 2023: Brisbane Roar
      2023 – 2024: Swindon Town
      2024: Free Agent More

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      Forgotten England wonderkid who won World Cup with Foden wakes up unemployed after release from League Two strugglers

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      A FORMER Chelsea starlet that was tipped for the top after World Cup glory has found himself unemployed today.George McEachran played alongside Phil Foden and Jadon Sancho for England at youth level.George McEachran (left) pictured in action for Swindon TownCredit: AlamyThe star helped England to win the U17 World Cup back in 2017Credit: GettyMcEachran was a team-mate of Phil Foden (No.7) for the Young LionsCredit: GettyHe has now woken up unemployed after being released by the League Two clubCredit: RexAnd that star-studded squad beat Spain 5-2 back in 2017 to be crowned U17 world champions under future Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper’s tutelage.McEachran, whose older brother Josh also came through the ranks at Chelsea before dropping into the lower leagues and is now at Oxford United, even achieved success with the Blues first-team.The midfielder was on the bench for the West London club’s 2019 Europa League victory over Arsenal as he collected another medal to add to his collection.He seemed destined for the very top as he headed to the Netherlands the following season Cambuur in the second tier for some regular senior football.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDespite only featuring twice in the league, he went Dutch again in the next campaign when joining MVV.Both of those spells away failed to propel him into the Blues squad.That led to him eventually being released by the Premier League giants after his contract expired in 2022 without making an appearance for the club he had been at since the age of nine.Fortunately for him Jody Morris and Ed Brand, who both coached him in the Stamford Bridge academy, were at Swindon Town.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd after months of being without a club, Robins boss Morris offered him the opportunity to revive his career in League Two in February 2023.Morris said at the time: “He’ll bring quality. Just in the experience I had with him a few years ago, he’s played at a really good level, he’s won a World Cup for his country and represented England at different age groups.Former Premier League wonderkid who snubbed TEN-YEAR Barcelona contract wakes up unemployed at 32“After his first training session, there were quite a few comments about what the players had just seen from him.“He’s hungry at the moment. His career has stalled for whatever reason and he hasn’t quite hit the heights that he would be hoping for, but I quite liked how he was at the moment.“He just wanted to get down to work and come and train – he messaged Ed (Brand) first and was asking about coming in. “But with the restrictions around bringing someone in at this level, I think the club deserve a big pat on the back for getting someone in of the quality of George.“Albeit, he has a lot to prove and he knows that – but he has a real opportunity here to show what he’s capable of.”He made 16 appearances and impressed enough to earn a 12-month extension last summer but Morris was axed shortly afterwards.McEachran remained a regular under new manager Michael Flynn, who was sacked in January, and current caretaker boss Gavin Gunning.He played 39 matches in all competitions but was unable to stop Swindon from finishing a disappointing 19th in League Two.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd now they have announced that he is one of 11 players, including ex-Premier League men Charlie Austin and Rushian Hepburn-Murphy, that are being released once their deals expire next month.A statement from Swindon read: “We would like to thank all the first-team players who will be leaving us upon the conclusion of the 2023/24 season, and we wish them all the very best in their future careers too.”Josh McEachran came through the ranks at Chelsea but failed to fulfil his potentialCredit: Getty More