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      Inside Jack Grealish and Sasha Attwood’s sponsorships, from his seven-figure Pepsi deal to her fashion line with Boohoo

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      HE is football’s most marketable face – blessed with talent and good looks.She is the elegant model who has bagged fashion contracts with the likes of online fashion giant Boohoo, and continues to be the ultimate fashionista.Jack Grealish and Sasha Attwood have become football’s power coupleGlam Sasha has scored modelling contracts and fashion deals with the likes of BoohooCredit: InstagramGrealish has just signed a seven-figure deal with PepsiTogether, they are British football’s most marketable couple.From growing up in Solihull in the West Midlands as love struck teenagers to their epic rise as front page news, Jack Grealish and Sasha Attwood, both 28, are making a mint through endorsements.Grealish has signed a seven-figure deal with Pepsi to become the company’s latest brand ambassador.Speaking about the deal, he said: “I’m buzzing to partner with Pepsi Max as a global brand ambassador.Read more Jack Grealish news”Pepsi Max has a great heritage working with the biggest names in world football, and I’m excited to join their mission to unlock enjoyment for football fans around the world and encourage everyone to play the beautiful game!”Sasha is also raking it in by using her beauty and online presence – and some 250,000 followers on Instagram – to draw attention to a variety of beauty and fashion brands.Rich pickingsIncredibly, Jack is on course to make £100million BEFORE he turns 30.While industry insiders have said that he could make £1million a year from his exploits on and off the pitch.Most read in FootballEarlier this year, he signed a staggering boot deal with German sportswear giant Puma for a reputed £10million a year.Jack Grealish’s dog did ‘the biggest s***’ on Man City’s training pitch as England star reveals unusual habitsGrealish said of his £200,000-a-week Puma deal: “They are a brand that’s really caught my eye in the last few years.“Especially recently, the collabs they are doing with other brands — the people they have on board now in NBA, F1 and football — it’s really eye-catching and it was a no-brainer for me.”Off the pitch, Jack cuts a fashionable figure.Shortly after his exploits at Euro 2022, and signing for Man City in a £100million deal, the down-to-earth Brummie got a call from Gucci.The Italian fashion house, famous for using A-listers like Jared Leto and Harry Styles in their ad campaigns, chose Grealish to wear their stylish clothing.He was reportedly paid £10million for the privilege to model the designer threads.Before that, the footballer also signed a deal with online retailer boohooMAN.Again, that one was worth big money. He was paid somewhere in the tune of £1million to showcase his own range.It is understood razor brand Gillette is also eyeing up Jack to join their stable of global sporting personalities.Gucci signed Grealish up to be one of their global ambassadorsFashionista Grealish shows off his love of Gucci with this outfitCredit: GettyBoohooMAN signed Grealish up to front one of their fashion linesCredit: BOOHOONot to be left behindBusiness is booming for Sasha too.Before Jack was the £100million man, she had established herself as a model.She was discovered aged 13 on a shopping trip to Birmingham with her mum.After that, she appeared in various campaigns, including for House of Fraser.But it’s since Jack and Sasha have emerged as a football power couple that things have really taken off for the Solihull beauty.She has signed with Elite Model Management and has built up a huge online social media following.An incredible 264,000 followers on Instagram make her an attractive proposition for brands.Skincare is a huge market for her, with L’Oreal featuring in paid partnerships online and make-up tutorial videos she posts.In 2021, Sasha followed Jack in working with Boohoo, and she is also regular model for Pretty Little Thing.Blessed with stunning looks, Sasha is a hit with fashion and beauty brandsCredit: Instagram @sasha__rebeccaSasha dazzles for Pretty Little Thing – one of her many endorsers – in a glam photoshootCredit: PrettyLittleThingSasha also modelled maternity gear for a Boohoo rangeCredit: BooHooWith 250,000 followers online, Sasha is a huge pull for brandsUnlike the Three Lions star, she didn’t have her own line. Instead, she modelled various ranges.That included maternity wear – with Sacha wearing a fake bump for the photoshoot.The new Posh and BecksJack and Sacha have been labelled the ‘new Posh and Becks’.And although they haven’t been seen wearing a matching leather look, they are well on their way to becoming a commercial success like those two.READ MORE SUN STORIESOne source told The Sun: “Jack and Sasha are being jokingly called the new Posh and Becks by some of his mates because of their fashion deals.“He is the man of the moment in football but he’s got plenty of female fans too, and with Sasha, those around them think they could become a new power couple. They’ll be laughing all the way to the bank.”Grealish and Sasha have been compared to Posh and Becks by friendsCredit: Instagram @sasha__rebeccaBut they are yet to commit a fashion faux pas like the Beckhams did back wearing matching leather suitsCredit: GettyExpect Grealish and Attwood to continue to rake it inCredit: Instagram More

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      ‘Psychopathic’ Arsenal Invincible ‘would have been a criminal if it weren’t for football’, jokes former team-mate

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      EMMANUEL PETIT claims football “saved” fellow Arsenal legend Martin Keown from a life of crime.Petit revealed the ex-hardman “reminded me of psychopaths” but controlled his behaviour as he knew he was being watched on TV.Martin Keown famously confronted Man Utd’s Ruud Van NistelrooyCredit: GettyEmmanuel Petit says he and fellow midfielder Patrick Vieira were ‘so happy’ to have Keown playing behind themCredit: Action Images – ReutersKeown, 57, now a BBC and BT Sport pundit, won the last of his three Premier League titles with the Gunners as one of the 2003-4 “Invincibles”.But French World Cup winner Petit reckons only the discipline of sport kept the former England centre-back on the straight and narrow.The ex-midfielder, 53, told talkSPORT: “I always told him that football saved his life. Otherwise he would have been a criminal.”You know, the rules on the pitch… the fact that he could fight on the pitch, but with referees, things like this, he knew that television was looking at him, fans were looking at him, so he had to behave – with good manners as well.READ MORE TOP STORIES”But I remember so many things with him. This guy sometimes reminds me of psychopaths.”Petit smiled as he added: “I told him football saved you. Otherwise you’ll be in trouble in normal life because he’s such a nice guy but all of a sudden in the space of one second he can change.”Keown was at the centre of one of English football’s most notorious images – aggressively taunting Manchester United Ruud van Nistelrooy over a missed penalty in September 2003.But Petit gave another dramatic example of what he believes was the defender’s sensitive temperament.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe explained how Arsenal team-mates intervened against Sheffield Wednesday when Keown got his fingers around Paolo Di Canio’s throat.The former Chelsea and Barcelona star said: “You could see his eyes – he was not there anymore. He just wanted to kill Paolo Di Canio.The Wags of the North London Derby”So the way he plays, the way he used to take care of the strikers all the time – me and Patrick (Vieira) in midfield were so happy to have Martin at the back for you.”Petit also joked that Keown’s defensive partner Tony Adams was “clever” at “managing Martin just like someone who is walking with his dangerous dog”.Arsenal defensive icons Tony Adams and Keown hold the Prem trophy in 2002Credit: Getty More

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      in Boxing

      Major protocol change for Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk REJECTED after shock ’emergency petition’

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      A SHOCK proposal to increase the number of judges scoring Tyson Fury’s showdown with Oleksandr Usyk has been rejected.WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman made a stunning call for the number of ringside officials to be increased from three to SIX earlier this year.Tyson Fury faces Oleksandr Usyk for all the heavyweight marbles on May 18Credit: EPAWBC president Mauricio Sulaiman wanted to implement six judges for the historic showdownCredit: REUTERSBob Arum has revealed the proposal has been rejectedCredit: GettyThe head-honcho of the Mexican sanctioning body demanded the addition of more judges to ensure next month’s undisputed title fight isn’t ruined by a dodgy scorecard.And he even went as far as to issue an “emergency petition” to all those involved.But the proposal has been rejected due to fears over potential teething problems marring the biggest heavyweight fight in nearly 25 years.Fury’s co-promoter Bob Arum told Boxing Scene: “You don’t put in something like that for the first time dealing with a major fight from the standpoint of visibility and importance.READ MORE IN BOXING”Maybe six judges are better than three. I doubt that, but maybe.”Nobody knows because it hasn’t been done. “But at least you experiment with that with fights that are not as prominent.”Arum, 92, isn’t completely against the idea but believes it should be trialled out in a fight of significantly less magnitude.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE UNDISPUTED HEAVYWEIGHT BOUTHe said: “With all due respect to my friend Mauricio – who’s a really good guy.”[He] loves the sport of boxing and has done a great job with the WBC – I wouldn’t do it for this fight.Sun sport’s panel question if Tyson Fury’s trash talk is ‘cringe’ ahead of Usyk showdown”I don’t believe the judging becomes better because you have six judges rather than three.”The winner of Fury vs Usyk will be crowned the first undisputed heavyweight champion in nearly 25 years, a title the former believes he’ll win with ease.He said: “If I didn’t train a day for this fight and was 25 stone and drank 15 pints of Peroni the night before, I would still beat him the next day.”What would he do, just jib and jab me? “I would need at least 15 pints of Peroni for a proper ding dong.” More

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      in Soccer

      Love rat Ryan Giggs was slammed as a ‘liar, womaniser & cheat’ by OWN lawyer – has he finally settled with Zara Charles?

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      HE is regarded as one of the greatest footballers of his generation but Ryan Giggs has never been far from controversy.His name conjures up pictures of two distinctly different men – the pitch legend who dazzled at Manchester United and the love cheat accused of abusive behaviour.Ryan Giggs, 50, and lingerie model Zara Charles, 36, are having a baby togetherCredit: ZenpixGiggs and his ex-wife Stacey Cooke in the Royal Box of Wimbledon in 2012Credit: AFPThe Man United legend was a quiet maestro on the pitch, but his personal life has been far less sanguineCredit: Getty – ContributorEarlier this year, Giggs’ brother, Rhodri – left deeply wounded after Ryan’s infamous affair with his wife – told the legendary player to “grow the f*** up” after “banging everything in sight.”As The Sun reveals Giggs is about to become a dad again aged 50, could it be that he has finally taken on his brother’s advice?A source said Ryan – who already has two kids – and lingerie model Zara Charles, who has a child from a previous relationship, were “thrilled at the prospect of becoming parents again”.The source added: “They have a solid, loving relationship and are building a long-term future together.”Read More in SportIt follows a tumultuous few years after Giggs was arrested in November 2020 on allegations of assaulting ex-partner Kate Greville as well as being a coercive and controlling partner. He was also charged with assaulting Kate’s sister, Emma.Giggs stepped back from his role as Wales manager as scandal engulfed him for a second time – the first being the notorious affair with his sister-in-law, Natasha.While the case against him collapsed at court, his reputation had been yet again tarnished, with his own barrister called him a “cheat, a womaniser, a liar and an adulterer”.Most read in FootballRyan has a notorious affair with Natasha Giggs, the wife of his brother RhodriCredit: CollectNineties star Dani Behr and Ryan Giggs were a famous power coupleCredit: Rex FeaturesGiggs’ controversial love life has dominated front pages over the yearsCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdGirlfriend Zara Charles, 36, stood by him throughout the case.But, as they look forward to a new life together, the question will be whether Giggs can rebuild the image he once had as a clean-living family man. Roy Keane opens up on Ryan Giggs feud which saw Man Utd legend stop speaking to team-mate for six monthsRollercoaster childhood Giggs made his name playing for the most famous football club in the world after he was scouted at the age of 14 by Sir Alex Ferguson in 1987.Ferguson pulled up outside Giggs’ family home in Salford in a gold-coloured Mercedes and signed the young player after watching him perform at Manchester City’s School of Excellence.The Giggs family moved to the Manchester suburb when Ryan was just six and he said his first memories were making friends with kids in the street and playing football.His dad, Danny Wilson, is a former rugby union and Wales international rugby player, while mum Lynne worked as a children’s nurse.But their marriage was not an entirely happy one, according to Giggs.He wrote in his 2006 autobiography: “It was a fiery relationship which would occasionally spill over into real unpleasantness. There were many arguments, and too many of them became physical.”His parents finally split when he was 16 and Giggs said it may have “contributed to that inner steel where I can block things out”.He said: “When I was playing football, I never thought about the arguments between my mum and dad. Everyone’s childhood shapes who they are and what they do.”String of flingsGiggs’ grit and determination on the field made him one of the most decorated players of all time.He made his first-team debut aged 17 and went on to become the first player to win two consecutive PFA Young Player of the Year awards.As his star rose on the pitch, his boyish looks – along with fancy cars, a luxury house and designer gear-  bought inevitable adulation from women.Soap star Patsy Kensit has a fling with the footballerCredit: Dave HoganCaroline Stanbury was another former flameCredit: Rex FeaturesRyan and then-wife Stacey Cooke in 2007Credit: GettyGemma Atkinson and Giggs were rumoured to be together, but insisted they were just palsCredit: Flynet Pictures His first high-profile relationship was with TV presenter Dani Behr.One of the first big showbiz-footballer couples, they split after a year and Dani later said: “It was difficult because of manager Alex Ferguson.“I lived in London and Ryan was in Manchester and he didn’t like his team travelling a long way to that was difficult. He controlled Ryan.”Dani went on to date Les Ferdinand before marrying restauranter Carl Harwin in 2005.There were three people in my marriage and one of them was Ryan GiggsDamian BurkeIt girl Davinia Taylor, the daughter of a multi-millionaire, was his next regular girlfriend in 1995 but Giggs said it never got to the moving-in together stage because she was only 17 to his 22.The pair were seen arguing in a nightclub, which allegedly ended in Giggs throwing a glass in Davinia’s direction that smashed on a nearby pillar.When the couple split, brief flings with models Paula Hamilton and actress Patsy Kensit followed, but it wasn’t long before he and Davinia were back on with talk of wedding bells.But it all came to nothing when the heiress told the papers that Ryan didn’t give her enough attention and spent too much time with his pals.Giggs’ legendary football career
      During his glittering career with Manchester United, Ryan Giggs became known as one of the best players Britain has ever produced. His career in stats:
      1986 – The year Sir Alex Ferguson watches Giggs score a hat during a match for Salford Boys.
      1987 – Ferguson turns up at Giggs house and signs him u,p promising to turn him professional within three years. 
      1989 – Giggs captains England at schoolboy level, playing at Wembley against Germany.
      1991 – He makes his Manchester United debut aged 17.
      963 – Times played for Manchester United between 1991 and 2014
      632 – Number of appearances in the Premier League
      109 – Goals scored in the PL
      162 – Number of goal assists in the PL
      13 – Number of Premier League medals
      4 – FA Cup medals
      9 – FA Community Shields medals
      64 – Number of times Giggs played for the Wales national team between 1991-2007
      2007 – given an OBE for services to football

      Their final split came as Manchester United stablemate David Beckham started dating ‘Posh Spice’ Victoria Beckham and they became the couple of the moment.In 1998 Ryan and new sweetheart Emma Gardner suffered heartbreak when they lost a much-wanted baby.Ryan said the miscarriage taught him there is more to life than football but, again, long-lasting love was not to be.Giggs finally met the woman he was to marry, Stacey Cooke, in 2002 at a music festival. By the time they wed in a low-key ceremony in 2007, they already had four-year-old daughter Liberty and baby son Zachary.The marriage was rocked by Giggs’ infidelity as an exasperated Stacey stuck by him.Ryan Giggs leaves the Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester in 2022Credit: AFPGiggs at Manchester Crown Court watching ex-girlfriend Kate Greville giving evidence on police videoCredit: PAGiggs and Kate Greville before their splitCredit: BackGridThree years after son Zachary was born, Giggs had a six-month fling with Welsh model and Big Brother contestant Imogen Thomas. He took out a super injunction to stop The Sun revealing their affair, which led to weeks of speculation until MP John Hemming used parliamentary privilege to name the footballer in a Commons debate in 2011.Giggs lost £150,000 in legal fees in the process.It soon emerged the Premier League star had also been sleeping with sister-in-law Natasha Lever, who was married to his younger brother Rhodri, also a footballer.The affair started when Stacey was pregnant with the couple’s first child.Natasha revealed that she aborted Ryan’s baby weeks before marrying his brother Rhodri, who is three years younger. She said the cheating footballer gave her £500 toward the costs of the procedure. Stacey was devastated but the pair stayed together.His relationship with brother Rhodri has never recovered.’Grow the f*** up’In January Rhodri laid into his brother on The Central Club podcast, saying he could have done serious damage to his brother had he sold stories about the affair.Rhodri said: “I’m not that bitter and not that twisted, but he needs to be careful, because I could have. Giggs’ love life under the microscopeBy Jo Hemmings, relationship expert
      To say Ryan Giggs has had a chequered relationship history would be an understatement.
      Being catapulted into fame at a young age – Giggs was only 14 – followed by his parents splitting up two years later after a fiery and abusive relationship, it’s perhaps no wonder that he ended up in a series of poor relationships alongside reckless and controlling behaviour.
      Without the anchors of a stable parental relationship, nor the usual hanging out with friends and growing up in a typical teenage environment, it seems that Giggs took a long time to understand the maturity, compromise and effort that having an enduring relationship takes.
      It’s almost as if he has lived his life in reverse – stardom when just a teen and all the adulation that goes with that, robbed him of the opportunity to grow up in a healthy, grounded environment, looking to the future for his ambitions rather than living them out at young and impressionable age.
      Now he’s 50, a moment when a lot of men take stock of their lives for personal and professional reasons, wondering if they have achieved enough, Giggs – with the blessing of his former wife Stacey – seems to have found the emotional security and balance missing from his youth and can focus on his personal life and fulfilment moving forward.

      “A lot of people could have, but they didn’t, and it’s all from him making the choices he’s made, no one else. You can’t go through life and this nice, innocent family man when you’re banging everything in sight. How old is he, 48, 49? He needs to grow the f*** up.’”Giggs’ long-suffering wife Stacey finally walked away from the marriage in 2016 after tiring of her husband’s womanising ways.The Sun reported how the final straw came when Stacey heard the footie hero had flirted with waitresses at a restaurant he owns close to their £6million mansion in Worsley, near Manchester.You can’t go through life and this nice, innocent family man when you’re banging everything in sightRhodri Giggs on his brotherTheir divorce was a costly affair.He fought over giving his wife a chunk of his extensive fortune but they came to an agreement out of court.A year later Giggs was pictured with PR expert Kate Greville on holiday in Italy. They met when she was tasked with helping to plan the launch of Giggs and Gary Neville’s Hotel Football business.It was the start of yet another stormy relationship.Kate’s ex husband Damian Burke claims she dumped him by text and told a pal: “There were three people in my marriage and one of them was Ryan Giggs.”His words echoed that of late Princess Diana who famously said there were three people in her marriage.In August 2022 Giggs appeared in court charged with causing Kate, 37, actual bodily harm and engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour between December 2017 and November 2020. He also denied assaulting Kate’s sister, Emma.The United ace celebrates with his children, Zach and Libby, after winning the league in 2011Credit: AFPSir Alex Ferguson scouted the future star when he was just a teenagerCredit: Getty – ContributorGiggs was accused of headbutting Kate during a row as well as trying to control her.She told Manchester Crown Court how she “became a slave to his every need and every demand” and alleged that Giggs once told her she ‘did not deserve to be a parent’ during a blazing row.Giggs was also accused of having ‘full-on’ relationships with eight other women during the ‘toxic’ six-year relationshipDuring the case an  email emerged in which Giggs accused Kate of making him look stupid over a trip to Scotland with his friends.He wrote: ‘’Only an evil, horrible c*** does that. Utterly astonishing. Now I look like a t*** telling my three of my friends I am going to Scotland at the weekend. I simply cannot believe you f****** did that. I am so f****** mad right now and I am scaring myself because I could do anything.’”Giggs’ own barrister told the court that being a cheat, a womaniser, a liar and an adulterer isn’t a crime.Chris Daw QC told jurors his client was not on trial for “being flirtatious”, being a “compulsive womaniser”, an “adulterer” or a “liar” or a “cheat”.The QC said. “If they were crimes, just think how many prisons we would need.”After a highly-charged four-week trial a jury was discharged after failing to reach verdicts on any of the charges.A retrial was planned for July 2023 but the CPS dropped the charges shortly before.Prosecutor Peter Wright KC said Kate had “indicated an unwillingness” to give evidence in a re-trial as giving evidence in the first trial had “taken its toll” on her and her sister, Emma.New chapterGiggs, who has won 64 caps for his country, stepped down as manager of the Wales international team in the wake of the allegations.He is now a director at Salford City, which he part owns.Giggs has had a glittering career,  winning 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League trophies, four FA Cups and three League Cups.Nobody can doubt his prowess on the field and he has been compared to the late, great George Best.Whether he can now deliver off the field and finally commit long-term to a loving relationship remains to be seen, but friends are confident.READ MORE SUN STORIESA source said: “Ryan was nervous about what his kids would think but they’ve got to know Zara over the last few years and really like her.“They’re happy because they know he’s happy.” More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd legend Ryan Giggs to become dad for third time aged 50 with lingerie model girlfriend, 36

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      RYAN Giggs is set to become a dad for the third time aged 50.The Manchester United legend and girlfriend Zara Charles, 36, are expecting a baby later this year.Ryan Giggs, 50, is expecting a baby later this year with girlfriend Zara Charles, 36The Manchester United legend with kids Zach and Libby after a Premier League title win in 2011Credit: ReutersStacey, who divorced Giggs in 2017, is said to have given the couple her blessingCredit: The Picture Library LtdGiggs, who has two kids from a previous marriage, and mum-of-one Zara are said to be “delighted”.Friends of the couple said they were excitedly planning for their baby’s arrival later this year.Giggs is already dad to Sheffield United footballer son Zach, 17, plus daughter Libby, 19, from his marriage to Stacey Cooke.Lingerie model Zara — his partner since 2021 — also has a daughter from a previous marriage.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe delighted couple have told close family, and their exes, about their happy news.A source said: “Ryan was nervous about what his kids would think but they’ve got to know Zara over the last few years and really like her.“They’re happy because they know he’s happy.“But they’ve joked that he might struggle with the early mornings and lack of sleep.Most read in Football“Ryan and Zara are thrilled at the prospect of becoming parents again.“They have a very solid, loving relationship and are building a long-term future together.Ryan Giggs is cleared and WON’T face another retrial as domestic abuse case over ‘attacking ex Kate Greville’ collapses“Their life is very simple, they go for walks, they go for coffees and love keeping fit.”A separate source said Stacey — who divorced Giggs in 2017 after ten years of marriage — has also given her blessing.’Blended family’She, Giggs and Zara spent Christmas together in December 2022 as a “blended family”, a source confirmed.They added: “Stacey approves of Zara. Her and Ryan have been through a lot but they have moved on and she’s only interested in him being happy, because that makes him a good dad to their kids. There is no animosity.”In November Giggs celebrated his 50th birthday with a trip to Dubai with Zara, who surprised him by having red rose petals scattered across their hotel bed.She posted: “Yesterday was my best friend’s Big Birthday. Happy 50th, Ryan. “So grateful we got to spend it in one of our happy places. I will love you forever.”Zara and Ryan are said to be ‘delighted’ at the news, the pair pictured this monthCredit: BackGridFriends of the couple said they were excitedly planning for their baby’s arrivalCredit: BackGridStacey approves of ZaraSourceThe couple live in a £2.1million, seven-bedroom mansion which Giggs bought last year.Zara supported him through his assault trial after he was charged with attacking his ex-lover Kate Greville and her sister Emma during a drunken row at his home in Worsley, Gtr Manchester, in November 2020.He was also charged with controlling coercive behaviour towards PR executive Kate during their three-year relationship.During the trial, the jury was told how Kate had accused Giggs of cheating on her with several women, including Zara.In a goodbye letter Kate penned to Giggs, she wrote: “You and Zara were also in a full-on relationship for a year. “I could go on but I think that’s enough. You got your guy from Harrods to send her shoes, bags, and dresses.”A jury failed to reach a verdict in August 2022 and Giggs — who always denied any wrongdoing — made a point of publicly thanking “my girlfriend Zara” for support.He faced a retrial but in 2023 the Crown Prosecution Service withdrew all charges after Kate said she did not want to give evidence, citing the toll the first trial had taken on her mental health. Judge Hilary Manley then told Manchester crown court: “I formally enter not guilty verdicts in respect of each of the three counts.”Giggs’s lawyer Chris Daw said at the time: “Mr Giggs is deeply relieved the prosecution has finally come to an end after almost three years in which he’s been fighting throughout to clear his name.“He’s now been found not guilty of all the charges and going forward would like to rebuild his life and career as an innocent man.”Giggs stepped down from his job as Wales national team manager in June 2022 ahead of the first trial. He has since been trying to rebuild his life out of the spotlight.Last month it emerged he was working again as Salford City’s director of football.Giggs is co-owner of the League Two club along with his ex-United team-mates Gary and Phil Neville, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes.Ryan and Zara are thrilled at the prospect of becoming parents againSourceFlying winger Giggs joined the Red Devils as a 14-year-old and went on to win 13 Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups and two Champions Leagues.He made 963 appearances and managed the club for four games at the end of the 2014 season after David Moyes was sacked.He then worked as an assistant to Louis van Gaal for two years before leaving when Jose Mourinho was appointed manager.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe won 64 Wales caps and was appointed national team boss in January 2018. Current boss Rob Page was appointed in his place in 2022.Giggs and his girlfriend live in a £2.1million mansion which he bought last yearCredit: Getty – ContributorThe football legend outside Manchester Crown Court during his trialCredit: PA More

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      Jurgen Klopp’s slow death march is a boost for next man in Liverpool hotseat as Arne Slot edges closer to deal

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      RARELY can the wearing of a half-and-half scarf be justified.Particularly on the occasion of a passionate Merseyside derby with so much at stake for Everton and Liverpool.Arne Slot might find Anfield less daunting after Liverpool’s title woeCredit: PAJurgen Klopp’s recent plight as Liverpool boss could help his successorCredit: GettyYet if Arne Slot wrapped his neck in red and blue, while squirrelled away in his Rotterdam living room this week, it would be just about acceptable, if not advisable.Replacing outgoing Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp at the end of this season must be exhilarating — but slightly more terrifying for anyone being seriously  considered for the job.Feyenoord chief Slot, 45, has emerged as the No 1 candidate and while it’s the opportunity of a lifetime, it is also one of the toughest gigs going.Klopp has won seven big trophies in eight years but, moreover, restored a sense of entitlement at Anfield.READ MORE TOP STORIESThe feeling that the club is back where it belongs among football’s top feeders.Even if the imposing German was only half his 6ft 3in, those would be big shoes to fill.Wednesday’s 2-0 defeat at Everton has torpedoed the Reds’ title hopes.And, with them, romantic Scouse visions of Klopp, 56, being carried shoulder high through the Shankly Gates with a second Premier League winner’s medal hanging off him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKEROvernight, the team looks weary and in need of a makeover similar to the manager’s cosmetic tooth job and laser eye surgery.But doom for Klopp is delight for Slot.Most dramatic Premier League’s final daysIt is now odds-on that  the man who has come to symbolise the renaissance on red Merseyside will head off into the sunset with only the Carabao Cup to go with his carriage clock.And how much easier  that makes it for Slot — or whoever takes over — to pick up the baton.Who wants the job of  trying to lead the Kop giants into an entirely new era when the trophy cabinet is bulging with bright, shiny new trinkets?Nobody wants to follow on from a legend.Whichever massively underpaid no mark eventually takes on my job will find it a breeze — because the only way is up. See what I mean?David Moyes found out  to his cost what it’s like attempting to remould Manchester United in his own image as the successor to Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013. Every aspect of life at Old Trafford, from the boardroom to boot room, was soaked in the angry old Scot’s DNA.Even Fergie’s Glaswegian blood brother Moyes felt alien at United.Just to make it even harder, Britain’s most  successful manager signed off in style by winning the  Premier League title by a whopping 11 points from Manchester City to assert United’s local dominance.That’s the stuff of dreams for the bloke being put out to pasture with a trumpet fanfare.But a nightmare for the man coming in needing to get a new tune out of the same instrument.Mo Salah will need replacing and Darwin Nunez must discover consistencyCredit: APMan United still haven’t solved the problem 11  years on.The next Liverpool gaffer will have to replace Mo Salah, even if the 31-year-old Egyptian goal machine does not bunk off to Saudi Arabia this summer.He must turn Darwin Nunez, 24, into a consistent threat who doesn’t shrink on big occasions.Virgil van Dijk is 32 and not the force of nature he once was. The defence needs work with one new centre-back, maybe two.That’s some to-do list, but far better to come in when the team is at a low ebb  to make picking it up that much simpler.The fact Liverpool are contriving to turn what was a genuine shot at a goodbye quadruple for Klopp into a slow death march should at least make one man happy, at least on the QT.HAVE A RETHINKSHOULD Arsenal go on to win the Premier League title, boss Mikel Arteta knows who to thank.Pundit Craig Burley has been a repeat critic of Kai Havertz this term — pulling no punches in his analysis of the German forward following his £65million move from Chelsea last summer.Kai Havertz scored twice vs old club Chelsea to show his value to ArsenalCredit: RexThe former Blues midfielder said in August: “There is nothing in this  Havertz performance or performances that suggest  he is any different, not one iota, from the player who was performing for Chelsea.“The only difference is he’s wearing a red shirt.”Burley went as far as to urge Arteta to drop Havertz,  labelling him the ‘elephant in the room’ regarding Arsenal’s weaknesses.The Gunners battered  Burley and Havertz’s old Blues side 5-0 on Tuesday — with the German netting twice in the second half — to go back to the  top of the table.Havertz has averaged a goal every other game in the past 14 matches and is now considered  a cornerstone of a team making huge strides at home and in Europe.Burley may well have been right in what he said at the start of the season.But you’d have to pay a  fortune for that kind of reverse psychology on Bupa.BAD VIBE ON AMOWHAT a shame West Ham’s attempts to land Ruben Amorim as their next manager look to have collapsed.No surprise there as relations between the Hammers and Amorim’s current club Sporting  Lisbon can’t be that warm.It’s no surprise West Ham’s interest in Ruben Amorin is flounderingCredit: GettyBack in 2017, Sporting infamously labelled West Ham’s porn baron owners David Sullivan and David Gold the “dildo brothers” in a row over a transfer deal.No way was Europe’s most sought-after coach going to come quietly.BREWTIFUL GAME, EH?JOACHIM ANDERSEN and his fellow Crystal Palace players have a WhatsApp group where they discuss their love of coffee.The defender told GQ magazine: “It’s massive for me. We have some connoisseurs here, you know?“I’m in a WhatsApp group called ‘Coffee Talk’ and we talk about everything  —  beans, machines, where to get the best coffee at away games.”How embarrassing that all is!  Whatever happened to good, old-fashioned X-rated pics?BIGWIGS CAN’T LAY INTO REFSNOTTINGHAM FOREST have done nothing new.Football fans have been questioning the integrity of referees for years.And their assistants and VARs when results don’t go their way.Often en masse and at great volume with choice words included as part of a chant.What Forest said on the record last weekend about VAR Stuart Attwell’s allegiance to relegation rivals Luton Town is only what most punters consider ‘bantz’ in the pub.Fans, like the clubs, are also what we call  ‘stakeholders’ in today’s  game.But there is a difference and this is what Forest have forgotten.Whoever sanctioned the  daft statement insinuating Attwell’s judgment could have been swayed by his love of the Hatters reduced themselves to a terrace barrister.While the club’s threat of legal action because pundit Gary Neville labelled them a ‘mafia gang’ only made it worse.However frustrating it might be to see your team going down the gurgler, a few people in the inner circle at a top club cannot behave like the 25,000 in the stands.That’s the price you  pay for making football your job.READ MORE SUN STORIESTOM’S TURNSO it’s congratulations to Tom Cleverley on his appointment as the new permanent boss of Watford — their 11th in the last six years.Given the high turnover  of managers at Vicarage Road, you have to wonder if they even bother with permanent markers to sign the  contracts. 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      Man Utd best XI of academy graduates would walk the Premier League and boasts two Ballon d’Or winners

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      MANCHESTER UNITED reached the historic milestone of handing 250 academy graduates their debuts last night.With his late introduction in the 4-2 win over Sheffield United, Ethan Wheatley landed the honour of being the club’s 250th homegrown player.Ethan Wheatley became the 250th Man Utd academy graduate to make the first team when he came on against Sheffield UnitedCredit: GettyThe club has a rich history of bringing through talentCredit: GettySome 117 of these debuts have come at Old Trafford, with Wheatley’s bow being the 35th in the Premier League era.The club’s two greatest managers, Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson, built dynasties off the back of the Red Devils academy.Busby famously said “If you’re good enough, you’re old enough”, while Ferguson said: “Giving young people an opportunity is a fantastic thing and they very seldom let you down.”These lads never let me down when they put that jersey on.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDSince 1937, every single Man Utd matchday squad has featured an academy graduate.The Class of 92 and Busby Babes are the most famous generations of recruits, but across the club’s illustrious history there have been some real titans of football emerging from the youth ranks.Below we take a look at the best XI of academy players to play for the club… and some of the massive names who didn’t quite make the grade.GK – David GaskellDavid Gaskell won two league titles with Man UtdCredit: Rex FeaturesDavid Gaskell, 83, stood in goal for Man Utd over a 13-year career, making 113 appearances for the club and becoming the the youngest-ever player when he made his debut in 1956.Most read in FootballGaskell played largely as a deputy to the likes of Alex Stepney under Busby but won a Community Shield and FA Cup before retrospectively being awarded medals for the 1965 and 1967 Division One titles. CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRB – Gary NevilleGary Neville was one of the club’s famous Class of 92Credit: PA:Empics SportOne-club man Gary Neville was of the Class of 92 and was a stalwart at right-back for almost two decades at Old Trafford, making more than 602 appearances.With a CV including 12 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues and four FA Cups among other accolades, it’s little surprise he has found talking about the game on Sky Sports so easy.Inside Sir Alex Ferguson’s Biggest Bust-UpsCB – Duncan EdwardsDuncan Edwards looked set to become an all-time great before his death in the Munich air disasterCredit: PA:Press AssociationDescribed by Busby as “the most complete player I’ve ever seen,” Duncan Edwards looked destined to become one of the all-time great defenders for both club and country.But the Munich Air Disaster of 1958 robbed Edwards, who had made 151 league appearances for United and won 18 England caps by the age of just 21, of forging a legacy like no other.CB – Bill FoulkesBill Foulkes, left, survived the Munich Air Disaster and went on to star for 17 years at Man UtdCredit: PA:Press AssociationLike Edwards, Bill Foulkes is a name synonymous with the club’s tragic past. He was one of the lucky few to survive Munich and went on to define the club’s resolve and determination to be the best in Europe.Foulkes starred at the club for 17 years and played in 688 matches, scoring only nine goals – though one of those put Man Utd into the 1968 European Cup final. He passed away in 2013 at the age of 81.LB – Phil NevillePhil Neville won six Premier League titles with Man UtdCredit: GettyThe younger of the Neville brothers, Phil made 383 appearances for United. He won six Premier League titles and was a key part of the Treble-winning team of 1999.Neville swapped Old Trafford for Goodison Park in 2005, where he developed into a central midfielder and made more than 300 appearances. CM – Nobby StilesNobby Stiles was a 1966 World Cup winner and 1968 European Cup winnerCredit: PAMaking his debut in 1960, Nobby Stiles went on to make 395 appearances for the Red Devils as a key part of Busby’s engine room.Stiles, who could also play centre-back, won two Division One titles, the European Cup in 1968 and was a member of England and Sir Alf Ramsey’s 1966 World Cup winning team. He died in 2020 aged 78.CM – Paul ScholesPaul Scholes was one of the best passers the Premier League has seenCredit: Getty – ContributorAnother graduate from the Class of 92, Paul Scholes made 718 appearances for the club up to his full retirement in 2013, scoring 155 goals and winning 11 league titles, two Champions Leagues and four FA Cups.The 49-year-old’s quality can perhaps best be summarised by Ballon d’Or winner Zinedine Zidane, who said: “One of my regrets is the opportunity to play alongside him never presented itself during my career.”CM – Bobby CharltonBallon d’Or winner Sir Bobby Charlton is the club’s all-time leading academy goalscorerCredit: GettyThe first Ballon d’Or winner on this list was another member of the Busby Babes. Over a 15-year career at United, Charlton scored 249 goals.There is no higher praise from a club than to name a stand after you, and with the “Sir Bobby Charlton stand” opening in 2016, the 1966 Ballon d’Or and World Cup winner achieved that goal. He died aged 86 in October 2023.RM – George BestGeorge Best was football’s first rock-and-roll superstarCredit: PA:Empics SportThe second Ballon d’Or winner on the list, George Best was arguably football’s first true superstar and defined the rock-and-roll lifestyle.When he was found by Man Utd scout Bob Bishop, he wrote to Busby saying: “I think I’ve found you a genius.”He wasn’t wrong, and the Belfast Boy landed Busby two English titles, the European Cup and the FA Cup. He died in 2005.LM – Ryan GiggsRyan Giggs is the Premier League’s all-time assist leaderCredit: Getty Images – GettyAnother of the Class of 92, Ryan Giggs’ trophy cabinet in English football is second to none, with his longevity in moving from an exciting winger to cultured midfielder showing his quality.He is miles clear in the all-time Premier League assists with 162. He also leads the charts for trophies won, with 13 titles to his name. In all he played 961 games for the Red Devils.ST – Mark HughesMark Hughes, left, was the ace that led Man Utd to the first two Premier League titlesCredit: Getty – ContributorMark Hughes graduated from the club’s academy but did not earn his status as a club legend until he had returned to Manchester from spells with Barcelona and Bayern Munich.Hughes played 435 times for United and scored 151 goals to help the Red Devils land their first two Premier League titles, as well as three FA Cups, the European Cup Winners’ Cup and the Uefa Supercup.Man Utd’s best academy graduates on paperA number of big names missed out on places in our xi, but that is not to diminish their standing as Man Utd greats.Two members of the Class of 92, David Beckham and Nicky Butt, who a raft of trophies with the club.There were also steady stars from the mid 2000s such as John O’Shea, Wes Brown and Darren Fletcher, not to mention the likes of Gerard Pique who went on to be a dominant defender for Barcelona.Arthur Albiston only narrowly missed out on a spot at left-back, but we opted to for Neville’s trophy record despite Albiston’s years of faithful service to the Red Devils badge in the 1970s and 1980s.The likes of Sammy McIlroy and Norman Whiteside are other stars from the 1980s who do not get the recognition they deserve due to Man Utd’s relative struggles in the period.Then there are the modern ballers of Man Utd’s academy. World Cup winner Paul Pogba could not restore Man Utd to it’s glory days after returning to the club in a club-record £89million transfer deal, though his talent was undeniable.Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford is the face of the club’s academy today.READ MORE SUN STORIESA poor season for him has hindered peoples impression of him, but not many players can boast 399 games and 131 goals for the club at the age of 26.Stars such as Kobbie Mainoo are billed as the club’s next generation who fans hope will lead them back to the top of the game. More

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      Savvy Ryan Reynolds turning Wrexham stars into ‘money machines’ OFF the pitch with power of £273m Hollywood fortune

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      FEW football clubs have seen their fortunes change quite as dramatically as Wrexham AFC. But it’s not just the fans who are benefiting from Hollywood star owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, with the players punching way above their lower league status too – on and off the pitch.Ryan Renolds and Rob McElhenney bought Wrexham for £2million in November 2020Credit: AlamyFans believed they spotted Wrexham star Ollie Palmer (right) in the background of the new Deadpool trailerThe striker, 32, joined the football club back in 2022Credit: AlamyThis week, Reynolds appeared to confirm Wrexham star Ollie Palmer has a cameo in the star’s new Marvel film Deadpool & Wolverine. The actor, who is worth £273million, wrote “keen eyesight” in response to a fan’s social media post asking whether the striker, 32, was in the background of the movie trailer.   Brand and culture expert Nick Ede claims the A-list owners, as well as the popularity of doc series Welcome To Wrexham, could open “a golden door” for the club’s best players, who could become famous ‘money machines’ in their own right.Nick told The Sun: ““Ryan and Rob have made a massive impact, all eyeballs have been on the club because of them and their huge TV show. READ MORE ON SPORT“It’s enabled them to give a voice to the players but also gifted them a bigger following, meaning players can get other big opportunities.“We have seen Ollie get a cameo or an extra role in the new Marvel film but that’s just the beginning. Some of the standout stars will make a lot of money from endorsements and deals.”Here Nick takes us through some of the potential ways Wrexham stars could benefit – from striking “Beckham-style” modelling deals to landing £100,000 pay cheques.Building the brandIt proved a game changer for Wrexham when Ryan and Rob bought the Welsh club for a reported £2million back in November 2020.Most read in FootballThe team has since achieved two back-to-back promotions, meaning next year they will play in League One – two below the Premier League.  Many of the players, who would previously have only been known by lower league fans, are now famous and have supporters across the world thanks to the Disney+ show Welcome To Wrexham.Ryan Reynolds all but confirms Wrexham star’s cameo in new Deadpool movie as striker ‘spotted in bar scene’Ryan and Rob lifting the Vanarama National League trophy last year after Wrexham were promotedCredit: GettyOllie launched WXM Clothing in November 2022Credit: Instagram/olliep9_His business has been supported by Ryan and Rob who have posted snaps wearing his clothes onlineCredit: Facebook/VancityReynoldsIt’s enabled some of the players incredible opportunities, including Ollie Palmer bagging a part in the third Deadpool film.Away from his footballing career, the striker has also launched the brand WXM Clothing in November 2022, which could prove to be another wise money-spinner.Crucially, the business venture has been supported by Ryan and Rob, who have regularly worn his gear in pictures on social media, where they collectively have nearly 54million followers.Nick says: “Having the guys wearing Ollie’s actual brand is a great way of endorsing what he does and will definitely help him to build his brand.“He is one of the players who ticks every box and is a star in the making, whether he carries on in Hollywood, who knows, but I suspect he will be endorsing lots of different things.“I can see him doing modeling and it could lead to him becoming a bit like David Beckham.”All eyes are on him. He’s a really good player and there may be a bidding war for him in the next for years.Nick Ede, brand and culture expertNick also believes coming from “an underdog football team” could bag Ollie more fans and describes the footballer’s future as “very exciting”.  He adds: “Ollie is someone brands are going to want to jump on now while his star is on the rise because he will make money for them and will be loyal to them. But also he will make a lot of money for himself.“I could see someone like Ollie, who is a rugged, sexy man, doing an aftershave or a fragrance launch, which could demand good fees of around £100,000 up to £250,000 as he becomes a bigger star.” Incredible bond with players and city
      FANS have been won over by Wrexham AFC owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney – and it’s no wonder after a series of generous and thoughtful acts to help others.
      Ryan helped the wife of Wrexham defender Anthony Forde get a second opinion after she was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer and given months to live. He arranged for Laura, who was planning her own funeral, to speak with one of the leading neurosurgeons in the US. They later confirmed the mass in her brain was benign and the initial diagnosis was wrong last year.
      Wrexham legend Martyn Chalk, who played for the club between 1996 and 2002, received money from the club owners to cover for his medical bills. They donated £1,000 each to a fundraiser after he broke his femur and fractured his legs in Thailand, in December 2023.
      The family of Louis Perrin, four, received a £10,000 donation to help convert their home to meet the disabled child’s needs. Parents Aaron and Charlotte were “blown away” by the sum, in February. They said it would help make life easier for their son who has TUBA1A, which causes leg spasms, limited mobility, epilepsy and cerebral palsy.
      Charity football match organisers were “overwhelmed with happiness” last year when Ryan and Rob donated £5,000. The money was being raised for the children’s ward at Wrexham Maelor Hospital. 
      Last year, it was revealed that Ryan visited a terminally ill fan in hospital and gifted them one of his original gloves from the film Deadpool. The other was gifted to the club’s goalkeeper Ben Foster.
      Former Wrexham footballer and Dementia sufferer Gareth Davies was invited to be a “guest of honour” at Wembley Stadium in 2022. Ryan and Rob personally reached out after spotting a post on Twitter. In response, Rob wrote: “He showed up for Wrexham AFC and we’ll show up for him.” 
      When footballer Jordan Davies and his partner Kelsey Edward’s’ son was stillborn, the Wrexham duo donated £10,000 to their fundraising page. They were raising money for the charity Stillbirth & Neonatal Death Society (SANDS) in 2022.

      ‘Stand-out star’While there’s much intrigue about Ollie’s future after his apparent Marvel debut, Nick believes there’s an even bigger “stand-out star”.Paul Mullin was listed as a GQ Men of the Year Honouree after a superb season with Wrexham last year when he netted an impressive 38 goals. Nick says some of the players could carve out David Beckham-style modelling careersNick tips Wrexham striker Paul Mullin as one of the ‘stand-out stars’ to watchCredit: PAIt’s led to the footballer writing his autobiography, Paul Mullin: My Wrexham Story, and a mural of him being painted on the side of a local pub.Nick suspects Paul will be a popular choice for brands in the next few years as he continues to prove himself at the club. “All eyes are on him,” Nick says. “He’s a really good player and there may be a bidding war for him in the next for years. We could even see a musical next, who knows? We’ve seen Bend It Like Beckham: The Musical and a play about The Three Lions so it could happen. Nick“I can see him landing great endorsements, commentary roles and various TV opportunities, as footballers are very popular on these shows.“Paul is an inspiration to a lot of people so he could earn good money from public speaking and while working with brands, whether that is alcohol or apparel.” Giant sponsorsThe club’s exposure has enabled them to land impressive sponsorship deals too, including a deal with US giant Gatorade earlier this month. Since buying Wrexham, the club went from having one shirt sponsor to three – and has pulled in huge names including TikTok, Expedia, United Airlines and Vistaprint. Nick explains that landing such big brands, who hope to take advantage of the club’s TV deal and international following, not only benefits the club’s finances but the players too.“Most of these clubs wouldn’t receive this kind of endorsement, they may get sponsored by a local business or business associated with the counties they are in.Wrexham AFC managed to land United Airlines as one of its sponsorsCredit: GettyThe clubs fanbase has grown since Welcome To Wrexham first aired in 2022He said: “To have huge brands associate with a minor club is brilliant and all down to the star power of Ryan and Rob. “Having a TV show, which is potentially watched around the world, is a good way for advertisers and sponsors to get good bang for your buck. “It’s a win-win for anyone who wants to be associated with Wrexham but also offers big opportunities for the club’s stars.”Movie spin-off?Nick says Ryan and Rob have delivered “absolutely genius PR” since taking over the club and believes part of the success is they are “credible and authentic”.He notes the multiple charitable donations made by the duo and investment in community projects to help the locals of Wrexham too. Nick says: “Who would have thought that this small Welsh town would suddenly become one of the biggest TV hits in the world and have all eyes on them.“I can compare it to what Taylor Swift has done when she’s gone to different countries and her concerts have helped to grow mini economies thanks to fans buying food and drink and celebrating.”He believes the Wrexham owners should continue “carrying on doing what they are doing” to draw attention to the club, which will in turn benefit the players.But Nick suggests other ventures that could increase the club’s popularity, spread their story to more fans and expand the interest around the area as a whole. “I can imagine they might make a movie about Wrexham’s rise, it’s such an interesting and compelling story,” he says. “It could focus on the regeneration around Wrexham, showing how the football club helped to rebuild the community, which would create even more of a buzz.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We could even see a musical next, who knows? We’ve seen Bend It Like Beckham: The Musical and a play about The Three Lions so it could happen. “Especially with Ryan Reynolds, he loves a good old singsong so it could next on the cards and they get an Oscar for it.”  More