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    ‘He’s a cultural architect’ – Chelsea make surprise hire of rugby league legend to help turn flailing season around

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    CHELSEA have made a surprise hire by naming Willie Isa in a player support role.The rugby league legend has been recruited from the Wigan Warriors.Willie Isa has started working at ChelseaCredit: GettyMatt Peet has backed Isa to make an impact at the clubCredit: GettyIsa, 36, retired from playing in January after winning four major trophies with the Warriors in 2024. During his career, he also impressed at Australian sides Penrith Panthers and Melbourne Storm.It was when he moved to England in 2011 he enjoyed a trophy filled decade which included two club world championships.Isa has been baked to make a positive impact at the club by Warriors head coach Matt Peet.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe told The Athletic: “I don’t expect the supporters to ever physically see the impact he has at Chelsea.”But he is a cultural architect.”He will make the environment better and all the individuals around the environment better.”Ignore the different shape of the ball that he is associated with, Willie’s skill set is all about high-performing teams, leadership and dealing with people.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Everyone at Wigan and in rugby league understands why Chelsea have made this move.”It’s intelligent.”‘Pressure shouldn’t be on the coach’ – Gary Neville slams Chelsea board for ‘unforgivable’ mistakeMARESC IS HISTORYENZO MARESCA is struggling again in the second half of the season – as he did at Leicester last term, despite their promotion…LEICESTER 2023-24 (All comps)Before Christmas – Games 25 Wins 21 Win rate 84%After Christmas – Games 27 Wins 15 Win rate 56%CHELSEA 2024-25 (All comps so far)Before Christmas – Games 27 Wins 18 Win rate 67%After Christmas – Games 10, Wins 3 Win rate 30%TOTAL (All comps)Before Christmas – Games 52 Wins 39 Win rate 75%After Christmas – Games 37 Wins 18 Win rate 49%Chelsea fans will be hoping that Isa has an immediate impact on Enzo Maresca’s squad.The Blues have dropped off in recent weeks, with only two Premier League wins in their last five games.This run of form has seen the club fall away in the race for the top four just two months after they were being considered as title challengers.The downturn has seen Maresca come underfire from some Chelsea legends.Former defender Frank Leboeuf took aim at the club after the defeat to Brighton as he criticised the lack of fight from the players. He said: “I saw a team that gave up after the second goal. We didn’t want to fight and didn’t know what to do.“That was so bad and so unprofessional.”William Gallas even hit out at the start of the season to claim there was not enough quality in the team.He said: “I’m looking at this squad of players and I don’t see nearly enough quality.“There is no way they’d get into the best Chelsea teams – half wouldn’t even get on the bench.“They aren’t good enough to win a title, which should always be the aim of a club like Chelsea.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Are they good enough to quality for the Champions League? I have serious doubts.“I don’t recognise this version of Chelsea anymore.” More

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      Former Premier League stadium given bizarre new name but there’s a heartwarming reason why

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      A FORMER Premier League stadium has received a bizarre new name – but there is a heartwarming reason behind it.Wigan Athletic won promotion to the top-flight in 2005 under Paul Jewell.A former Premier League ground will be is now known as The Brick Community StadiumCredit: RexThe 24,000-seater ground’s new name starts from May 13Credit: GettyAgainst all the odds, the Latics managed to defy the odds and stay up for eight years before finally suffering relegation in 2013.However, even that year saw the club make history as they famously beat Manchester City to lift the FA Cup.The 25,138-seater DW Stadium, which opened in 1999 and is also home to Rugby League giants Wigan Warriors, hosted all of the ups and downs throughout that period, including Europa League matches after their Wembley success.However, things have continued to go downhill since and they now find themselves in League One.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever, under boss and former midfield star Shaun Maloney, hopes are high that years of struggles are coming to an end and they can try and push for promotion next term.And that will all be done at their newly-named home – The Brick Community Stadium.Fans were initially in shock at the news, but now the club have explained the reason behind the switch.A statement explained: “The renaming of Wigan’s historic multi-sports stadium is in partnership with local charity, The Brick, whose work began over 100 years ago to improve the lives of those in the town most in need. Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“The Brick delivers effective solutions to address poverty and homelessness across the Wigan and Leigh Borough, providing supported and emergency accommodation services, street outreach services, wrap-around person-led support, a food community, and affordable furniture and essential household items to make a house a home.”It added: “The inspirational charity, which was Latics’ Official Charity Partner in both 2017/18 and 2018/19, has a long-standing affiliation with the Football Club, collectively raising much-needed funds to help people who are homeless, in poverty, or facing a debt crisis. Wigan and Bolton stars clash in huge brawl after feisty League One derby“The name will initially remain in place until the end of 2025 with further support for local charities to be announced in the coming weeks.“Both clubs will also continue to work together to secure a long-term commercial stadium partner for 2026 and beyond.”Both clubs have also vowed to work closely with The Brick to explore other ways that the partnership can benefit the town.Wigan Athletic chairman, Ben Goodburn, said: “The Stadium is a spiritual home for so many of our loyal fans across both clubs, many of whom will have been, in some way, impacted by the positive work of The Brick.”The ground has hosted Premier League and Europa League action over the yearsCredit: RexWigan’s ground will be called ‘The Brick Community StadiumCredit: Instagram @laticsofficial More

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      Charlton’s mystery takeover bidders revealed as Lenagan family – owners of Rugby League giants Wigan Warriors

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      CHARLTON ATHLETIC’S mystery takeover bidders are the Lenagan family — owners of Rugby League giants Wigan Warriors.The League One outfit have been a target for several parties but now the Lancashire-based family are close to a deal.
      Charlton’s takeover bidders have been revealed as the Lenagan FamilyCredit: Getty
      Family head Ian Lenagan is the RL club’s chief but has big football interests from his time at Oxford and as EFL chairman.
      His son Simon may be the family representative who steps in at Charlton as their main man if they conclude a move to buy 80 per cent of the club.
      Owner Thomas Sandgaard wants to sell the majority of the Addicks and recently brought in a new management team.
      Director of football Andy Scott was at Oxford during Lenagan’s reign while “deal fixer” Charlie Methven had links with the U’s before moving to Sunderland.
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      Methven also has allies at Charlton with the new regime and — despite denials — is a main player behind the scenes.
      The group should have no problems with approval for their plans.
      Charlton are 12th in the League One table amid a turbulent campaign.
      Dean Holden replaced Ben Garner as Addicks boss last month after a disappointing start to the season.
      Most read in Football
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      Holden’s side earned a 2-1 win over Lincoln on Saturday after beating Portsmouth in midweek.
      The Addicks are nine points above the third tier’s relegation zone and the same amount off the playoffs. More