|
|
Post by Colyton Gas. on Apr 24, 2023 14:08:59 GMT
Do hope Notts County make it too.At the other end Torquay who joined us going into the Conference have dropped down again to the anonymity of the National League South.Sad to see a West Country team on the slide.Scunthorpe too have been relegated yet again.Rochdale out of the EFL.Heartbreaking times for their fans but on reflection visiting;Nuneaton,Braintree and Alfreton wasn't that bad but perhaps I wouldn't be saying that if we hadn't bounced back.
|
|
bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,738 
|
Post by bluetornados on Apr 24, 2023 14:49:50 GMT
Wrexham team set for £250,000 promotion bonus from Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney..by Sinead Butler
Wrexham are no doubt feeling on top of the world after winning promotion to the football league after 15 years in exile - and now the team are also going to receive a £250,000 bonus for the feat courtesy of their Hollywood owners.
After they completed their takeover of the Welsh club in 2021, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney put in place a bonus scheme which captain Shaun Pearson accepted on behalf of the squad.
“Rob and Ryan wanted to recognise the players’ confidence that they can reach this season’s play-offs and provide an added financial incentive to achieve this," executive director Humphrey Ker told the club’s official website in 2021.
“There was no obligation to address this, but it felt like the right thing to do in order to support the existing playing squad who are all playing for their futures at the club.
“With the transfer window shut, we all need to get behind this group of players and Rob and Ryan wanted to be at the forefront, demonstrating their support."
Players will receive £200 for each win and £50 for a draw according to Ker, on the condition that Wrexham remain in a play-off position, while £250,000 pot would be rewarded on the grounds of promotion - which the team have achieved after defeating Boreham Wood 3-1 on the weekend.
Ker continued: “We have talked already about next season and the recruitment of new players.
“The current players are in the best place to stake their own claim to be part of the club’s journey.
“There won’t be any contract discussions with the existing senior squad until the end of the season, which is another reason we thought it was right to put the incentive scheme in place for the current players.”
Elsewhere, upon Wrexham winning the English National League, both Reynolds and McElhenney took to Twitter to celebrate.
"Everything I own smells like champagne, beer and grass. I’m still somewhere between giggling and sobbing.
"This town and this sport is one of the most romantic things on earth. Thank you, @wrexham_AFC," Reynolds tweeted.
While, McElhenney wrote: "I have no words other than THANK YOU."
As a result of being promoted to League Two for 2023/24 season, Wrexham will receive £1.1 million from the English Football League (EFL) which will include TV income and sponsorship, as well as the annual Premier League solidarity payment.
|
|
|
|
Post by lostinspace on Apr 26, 2023 13:18:59 GMT
Just wondering if any ex directors of this particular club are calling the owners to book about how they run their football business ... my mate is interested 🤔
|
|
bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,738
|
Post by bluetornados on Apr 29, 2023 5:51:39 GMT
|
|
bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,738
|
Post by bluetornados on Jun 22, 2023 19:30:40 GMT
League Two fixtures 2023-24: Hollywood-owned Wrexham start against MK Dons on opening weekend..
ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/1416E/production/_130168228_gettyimages-1252087243.jpg
The Hollywood of Wrexham welcomed to League Two..
ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/1490D/production/_130173248_gettyimages-1484215677.jpg
Hollywood stars Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have transformed the fortunes of Wrexham since they bought the club in February 2021Wrexham's 15-year non-league exodus was ended in record-breaking fashion last season as they topped the National League with an all-time high 111 points. It took an epic battle for Phil Parkinson's side to edge out Notts for the solitary automatic promotion spot. The drama and intrigue of the race to get out of the National League has received Tinseltown treatment, with the production of the second season of hugely popular documentary series 'Welcome to Wrexham' - which is scheduled for release later this year. It is not known if their EFL return will be subject of a third season, but the opening fixtures promise to produce entertaining viewing with their opener against newly relegated MK Dons followed by a trip to AFC Wimbledon, a side that that finished only two places clear of the drop zone last season. They then host Walsall and Swindon Town in back-to-back home games. Wrexham host Newport County in their first Welsh derby of the season and first league meeting for a decade on 23rd December. In a fascinating meeting of high-profile owners, Wrexham take on Salford City - a club that counts former Manchester United stars Gary and Phil Neville, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Nicky Butt among its stakeholders - on 14th October. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/5EAD/production/_130173242_gettyimages-1252087264.jpgAll League Two fixtures are scheduled to kick-off at 15:00 BST on Saturday, 5th August. The first mid-week fixtures of the campaign following 10 days later on Tuesday, 15th August. The 2023-24 season will conclude on Saturday, 27th April 2024.
|
|
|
|
Post by lostinspace on Jun 23, 2023 7:28:52 GMT
so it seems the hype will continue through this season.....wonder how the press will report on the "fan incedents" that may rise its ugly head when their followers come up against clubs with a large body of support ready to"take them on"
|
|
eppinggas
Administrator
Ian Alexander
Don't care
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 8,600
|
Post by eppinggas on Jun 23, 2023 8:32:25 GMT
so it seems the hype will continue through this season.....wonder how the press will report on the "fan incedents" that may rise its ugly head when their followers come up against clubs with a large body of support ready to"take them on" League 1 & 2 (and National League) don't get a lot of media coverage. Although Wrexham are getting more than their fair share, I think that anything that promotes the lower leagues is on balance a 'good' thing. I've not seen any reports of 'unpleasantness', so fingers crossed on that one... |
|
|
|
Post by lostinspace on Jun 23, 2023 10:22:50 GMT
so it seems the hype will continue through this season.....wonder how the press will report on the "fan incedents" that may rise its ugly head when their followers come up against clubs with a large body of support ready to"take them on" League 1 & 2 (and National League) don't get a lot of media coverage. Although Wrexham are getting more than their fair share, I think that anything that promotes the lower leagues is on balance a 'good' thing. I've not seen any reports of 'unpleasantness', so fingers crossed on that one... Somewhat on a par when Rovers visited the NL and had a couple of rumbles from what I gathered, Wrexham also had a few on their travels last season,big numbers on the road equate to some brainless in the bunch, so no surprises there.. |
|
bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,738
|
Post by bluetornados on Jun 25, 2023 11:18:52 GMT
Wrexham: EFL's throw-in towel ban could 'ruin my career', jokes Ben Tozer..ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/05B3/production/_130195410_gettyimages-1464129322.jpgWrexham defender Ben Tozer insists long throw-ins are not "anti-football" following moves to curb their use from next season. The English Football League (EFL) has banned players from using towels to dry match balls for throw-ins. Instead, the EFL will introduce a multi-ball system to all its competitions for the 2023-24 season to increase the time the ball is in play. However long-throw expert Tozer joked the rules were jeopardising his career. "I might have upset someone in the EFL because they're trying to ruin my career. I nearly had to hand my retirement straight away," he said. "I understand it because some people see it as anti-football, but it's part of football. Throw-ins are just like a corner or a penalty, they are set pieces. "We had a bit of an advantage but there are ways around everything and I've got the shirt that I'm wearing. I can still dry the ball with that. "I'm sure there will be other ways around it as well but it's just one of those things you just have to get on with." Wrexham travel to the United States for the first time next month for a pre-season tour that includes a glamour tie against Manchester United in San Diego on 25 July. They return to host MK Dons in League Two on Saturday, 5 August in their first EFL fixture for 15 years following promotion from the National League. Tozer said Wrexham were already eying the Welsh derbies against Newport County at the Racecourse on 23 December and Rodney Parade just four weeks later on 20 January. Newport beat Wrexham for a place in the football league when they won the play-off final at Wembley in 2013 and knocked them out of the FA Cup in their last meeting in 2018. "There's obviously history there, the history of the play-off final defeat and things like that so it will be a great rivalry," said Tozer, who spent two seasons at County between 2016 and 2018. "They [Newport] are trying to improve on last season and we're a team trying to kick on and progress. "We respected every opposition we played last season and will do the same again next season. Just because we won the league it doesn't mean we've cracked it. "It's going to be even harder so we're going to push even harder but we've got that team morale, team spirit and it's an exciting time for the club. You never know where it could take us."
|
|
bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,738
|
Post by bluetornados on Jun 26, 2023 7:58:17 GMT
Alpine: Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney part of group taking 24% equity stake in F1 team..
ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/2864/production/_130204301_rob.jpg
Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds (centre) took over at Wrexham in 2021 and watch the side win promotion back to the Football League in 2023Wrexham Football Club owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are part of an investor group taking a 24% equity stake in Formula 1 team Alpine. Alpine's parent company, Renault, announced on Monday the two Hollywood actors are investing alongside Otro Capital and RedBird Capital Partners. The 200m euros (£171m) deal values Alpine Racing, which is based in Britain, at about £706m. Alpine are fifth in this year's F1 constructors' championship. Reynolds and McElhenney completed their takeover at Wrexham in 2021 and the Welsh club were promoted back to the Football League after a 15-year absence when they won the National League title in April. US investment firm RedBird is an investor in Fenway Sports Group, the owner of Premier League side Liverpool and the Boston Red Sox baseball team. RedBird bought Italian Serie A club AC Milan in August 2022 in a 1.2bn euro deal and also has a controlling stake in French Ligue 1 side Toulouse. Alpine chief executive Laurent Rossi said: "This association is an important step to enhance our performance at all levels." Rossi added the investment would "boost" the F1 team's media profile, which in turn would support Alpine's "performance over the long term".
|
|
bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,738
|
Post by bluetornados on Jul 6, 2023 2:18:03 GMT
Wrexham Women: Ten players awarded first semi-professional contracts..i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article29727361.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200d/0_2023-04-16-Wrexham-v-Briton-Ferry-80.jpgWrexham Women have awarded 10 players semi-professional contracts, the first in their history, after securing promotion to the Adran Premier. Wrexham secured their place in the top flight after being granted a tier one licence and beating Briton Ferry Llansawel in April's play-off final. Genero Adran North player of the season and top goalscorer Rosie Hughes has signed a two-year contract. Former Wales Under-17 international Lili Jones also gets a two-year deal. Rebecca Pritchard, Del Morgan, Amber Lightfoot, Erin Lovett, Katie Sharp, Phoebe Davies, TJ Dickens and Mari Gibbard have all signed one-year contracts. Manager Steve Dale said: "We are delighted to have our first players signed up to semi-professional contracts, after the role they played in our promotion last season. "These players have proved their ability on the biggest stages we've played on, and we are delighted that they have signed up to become Wrexham AFC Women's first semi-professional players. "The preparation has already begun behind the scenes for our first season back in the top flight, and this is an important step as we look to finalise the squad for the challenges that lie ahead." Wrexham co-chairmen Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney pledged investment into the women's programme when they took over in February 2021. "The backing that they have given us is absolutely fantastic and were very thankful for what they've done for us so far," Dale told BBC Sport Wales. "As soon as they came in on day one it was one of their values and missions to make sure the women's team were supported the same way as the men were. "We've embraced having that opportunity from the club and they've provided this platform for us. "We'd like to think so far we've rewarded their support and we're looking to go into the next division and build on that success." i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article29727383.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_Wrexham-v-Briton-Ferry.jpg
|
|
bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,738
|
Post by bluetornados on Jul 12, 2023 16:39:31 GMT
Wrexham 'good enough to win League Two - Foster..Aled Williams, BBC Wales Sport.ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/7/12/a1084c20-3af4-48a7-910c-3b25bb6e55c2.jpgSpeaking of veteran footballers, Ben Foster says he "knew straight away" that he wanted to re-sign for Wrexham and feels the club can win League Two next season. The ex-England goalkeeper came out of retirement to help Wrexham win promotion as National League champions. Foster, 40, signed a one-year extension before their return to the EFL. "You can say that we want to finish in the top half, top six or top two but I don't think we're going to look at it like that," he said. Ben Foster says he is glad to be a goalkeeper having witnessed the 'brutal' pre-season his Wrexham team-mates are going through. Players are being put through their paces before Wrexham's two-week tour of the United States, where they will play Chelsea, LA Galaxy, Manchester United as well as Philadelphia Union II.
|
|
bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,738
|
Post by bluetornados on Jul 14, 2023 14:23:26 GMT
Elliot Lee: The 'surreal becomes normal' at Wrexham, says striker..By Rob Phillips, BBC Sport Wales football correspondent.
ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/164AB/production/_130370319_gettyimages-1484215706.jpg
Elliot Lee lifts the National League trophy with his Wrexham team matesIt's not every day the unknown number which flashes up on your phone turns out to be a call from Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds. Even fewer footballers can say they were having a pre-game massage only to be wide eyed as Will Ferrell casually dropped by to say 'hi'. And how often do promoted teams squads get treated to a break in Las Vegas as a reward? But as striker Elliot Lee says: "The surreal at Wrexham becomes normal." "You ask any of the lads, we laugh about it sometimes. I remember when Will Ferrell walked in we all just laughed at each other. This is before a game. I was like 'this is crazy.' That is just what it is. "We are going to be going out to America soon [for a pre-season tournament] and it will be crazy again. "It's just Wrexham. That is literally what I have tried to tell people back home. It is hard to describe until you get here." Lee joined the so-called Hollywood club in July 2022, scoring twice on his debut. He went on to play a key role in Wrexham's extraordinary National League title success to end a 15-year wait for a return to the Football League. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/633C/production/_125840452_gettyimages-1337517560.jpgWrexham signed former Chatlton forward Elliot Lee on a three-year contract in July 2022Durham-born, Lee's dad Rob notably played for Newcastle and West Ham, earning 21 caps with England. His brother Olly was also a footballer at Gillingham until injury forced premature retirement, he now coaches at the Tottenham Hotspur Academy. Lee is used to rubbing shoulders with high profile characters. He talks fondly of family barbecues with his dad's close Newcastle team mates Alan Shearer and Shay Given. The late Wales manager Gary Speed would also stop by the house with his guitar. "My dad and Alan were best friends at Newcastle, our mums are best friends. They have three kids, mum and dad have three kids of similar ages, so we have basically grown up together. We have a WhatsApp family group chat of their family and my family. "Any time someone does something good there are always loads of celebrations going on in the chat. Any time I score I get the Elliot Lee chant in the group chat. It's nice. It's a bit surreal but as I said he's like my dad's best friend. It's your closest family friend that's what they are to us. I suppose it's not bad when it's Alan Shearer." Surreal is a word Lee resorts to a lot during the chat. The former West Ham player had been on loan at Charlton from Luton when Wrexham came calling. Like most football folk, Lee had taken an interest in the Wrexham story from afar, as soon as Deadpool star Reynolds and "Always Sunny in Philadelphia" creator Rob McElhenney arrived.
ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/152B3/production/_130370768_gettyimages-1240832714.jpgDavid Beckham, Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell came to watch Wrexham in the FA Trophy Final against Bromley at Wembley"My agent rang me and said 'I have one for you but I am not sure what you are going to think about it.'"
The agent also rang Lee's dad Rob before putting the proposition to his player.
Lee had never played in the National League, but after a couple of conversations with manager Parkinson, he joined the club on a three-year deal.
"It's been unbelievable and I say to people now it's probably the best decision I have made in my life. I am loving life on the pitch.
"Off the pitch, it's so special to be a part of this club. What we achieved last season was something which will live with me and my family for ever."
So will the phone call Lee received just after joining.
"I had just signed and was staying in a local hotel. I had an American number pop up on my phone. I don't answer unknown numbers. I thought I will leave that. It took me three or four seconds but then I thought it's an American number, could it be?"
Just as well, Lee answered. "It was just Ryan introducing himself and welcoming me to the club telling me how much he loves it, how, if he could be at every game, he would be. I think he has done that with a few of the players if not all of them.
"It's just made them special owners and special people, because they actually take an interest in who you are as a human being.
"I met Rob shortly after that in person and it took a few months for Ryan to get over and I met Ryan. They are just as genuine as they come across on the TV. If you ask any of the lads they go above and beyond for all of us. That is not a common thing in football."
i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article29846558.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_Wrexham-v-Boreham-Wood-Vanarama-National-League.jpgElliot Lee was left stunned when he was called by Ryan ReynoldsPromotion achieved with suitably unforgettable celebrations at the Racecourse, a trip to Las Vegas was the reward for the victorious squad. "Surreal (that word again!) really," says Lee. "I don't think most clubs would be treated how we were in Vegas. All the lads, we are so grateful." And now Wrexham prepare for a pre-season campaign featuring a return to the USA to play Manchester United, Chelsea, Philadelphia Union 11 and LA Galaxy. "That is what we do. Sometimes we just laugh because it is incredible the stuff that happens at this club. I don't think any of us dreamed about doing stuff like this. "We are back in the EFL and we want another successful season and will be working hard all season to do that. "Some of us were saying there you don't need a bigger carrot than the celebrations we had after we won the National League. We had the best celebrations ever, then we went to Vegas. "If the lads needed an incentive then we already have it. We want to have a successful season again, push this club on and on and on and we want to do it for the community and the fans all around the world. "It is something we are very determined to do and we will be giving our all this season to make sure this happens." Does it all sound a bit surreal? This is Wrexham - it's just normal.
|
|
bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,738
|
Post by bluetornados on Jul 26, 2023 7:36:56 GMT
Manchester United 1-3 Wrexham: League Two side earn win over youthful opponents..
ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/8779/production/_130518643_gettyimages-1555308049.jpg
Wrexham's Paul Mullin was able to walk off the field after sustaining his injury
ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/1893/production/_130519260_gettyimages-1555312309.jpgWrexham beat 10-man Manchester United 3-1 but the newly promoted League Two club's victory was overshadowed by an injury to talisman Paul Mullin. Mullin, 28, suffered a punctured lung in a collision with goalkeeper Nathan Bishop, part of a United side mostly comprised of Under-21 players. Goals from Elliot Lee, Aaron Hayden and Sam Dalby sealed victory for Wrexham. Marc Jurado scored in first-half injury time for United, who had Dan Gore, 18, sent-off shortly after the restart. Ryan Reynolds was unable to attend but Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney was present as Phil Parkinson's side earned a memorable win in front of a sold-out 34,248 crowd at Snapdragon Stadium in California. United boss Erik ten Hag, whose senior players have travelled on to Texas before tomorrow's match against Real Madrid, watched his youthful side's performance from the bench. The Premier League club's starting line-up also featured the experienced Jonny Evans, who has returned on a short-term deal after leaving Leicester City at the end of last season. Striker Mullin, who scored 46 goals in all competitions as Wrexham ended a 15-year absence from the football league last season, required lengthy treatment before walking off the field with an oxygen mask around his neck early in the first half. Lee opened the scoring after 29 minutes and Hayden headed in a second seven minutes later - but 19-year-old Spaniard Jurado's side-footed finish halved the deficit. United's Gore was dismissed after receiving a straight red for a tackle on Andy Cannon early in the second half, before Dalby headed in Wrexham's third from close range. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/16DF1/production/_130518639_gettyimages-1555229376.jpgWrexham owner Rob McElhenney was in attendance to see his side's victory
ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/0EC5/production/_130518730_gettyimages-1570975138.jpg
Elliott Lee opened the scoring for Wrexham, who lost 5-0 to Chelsea last week
ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/AB05/production/_130518734_gettyimages-1571051440.jpg
Marc Jurado spent time at Barcelona's academy
ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/17625/production/_130518759_gettyimages-1555405158.jpg
Dan Gore signed a new contract at Manchester United on Monday
ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/8FAD/production/_130518763_gettyimages-1555116116-1.jpg
Wrexham goalkeeper Ben Foster played for Manchester United from 2005-2010
|
|
bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,738
|
Post by bluetornados on Jul 27, 2023 22:00:00 GMT
Nathan Bishop: Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds sends message to Man Utd star after Paul Mullin injury..ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/F757/production/_110691336_gettyimages-1125400050.jpgNathan BishopWrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds has taken a cheeky dig at Manchester United goalkeeper Nathan Bishop, after he punctured the lung of the Welsh team’s star man Paul Mullin in a friendly. A youthful Man Utd 11 lost 3-1 to the Dragons in San Diego on Wednesday, but the EFL newcomers’ victory was overshadowed by the 12th-minute clash between Bishop and Mullin – which saw the latter forced off requiring oxygen. Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson was incensed, warning Bishop to “stay away from Wrexham” – a remark which is said to have angered United – but Reynolds seemed altogether more understanding of the incident. The Hollywood actor – who bought Wrexham with fellow star Rob McElhenney in 2020 – has been in the UK filming Deadpool 3 and addressed the fallout while meeting UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. “Rob would have joined [us], but he’s currently having a word with Man Utd's youth team goalie,” he joked. Bishop had earlier apologised to Mullin for the coming together, insisting that it was “a genuine accident with 0 malicious intent at all”. That might have been the 23-year-old’s last involvement for Man Utd, though: Championship side Sunderland have agreed a deal to sign him on a permanent basis. Bishop joined the 13-time Premier League champions from Southend United three-and-a-half years ago but has never made a first-team appearance – although he did feature in the matchday squad four times last term. He spent the 2021/22 season on loan at League Two Mansfield Town and was due to join League One Wycombe Wanderers on the same basis in 2022/23, only for the move to collapse at the last moment. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/10368/production/_119080466_gettyimages-1229470429.jpgNathan Bishop
|
|
|
|
Post by lostinspace on Jul 28, 2023 9:29:04 GMT
It seems the high flyers are indeed regular flyers, 16 away games last season in the National League involved flights of approximately 43 minutes, departing and arriving from Manchester airport..
|
|
bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,738
|
Post by bluetornados on Jul 28, 2023 15:29:22 GMT
Wrexham: Study finds club took 16 domestic flights in National League promotion season..By David Lockwood, Editorial Sustainability Lead, BBC Sport.
ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/FCAD/production/_130558646_wrexhamus.jpg
Wrexham have been in the United States on a pre-season tourWrexham's Premier League ambitions have seen them rubbing shoulders with some of the world's biggest clubs on a pre-season tour of the United States, taking on Chelsea and Manchester United in front of packed stadiums in Florida and San Diego. Flying to North America for high profile fixtures would appear to make commercial sense for the newly promoted Welsh side riding the wave of interest generated by their high-profile owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. But as Wrexham returned to the football league after a 15-year absence last season, BBC Sport research showed they also took eight domestic return flights to non-league rivals including Eastleigh, Gateshead and Barnet. Fourteen of those 16 journeys departed from and returned to Manchester Airport. The shortest flight was just 29 minutes and the average flight time was 43.5 minutes. Many Premier League clubs choose to fly to domestic games to aid with player recovery around a crowded fixture schedule, but the environmental damage caused by short-haul flights means they have become increasingly controversial in sport in recent years. The BBC found no evidence of any other clubs flying in the National League last season. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/15630/production/_130500678_wrexhamflights.jpg
|
|
bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,738
|
Post by bluetornados on Aug 5, 2023 17:18:34 GMT
Wrexham 3 MK Dons 5 - Saturday 5th August 2023 - By Aled Williams, BBC Sport Wales at the Stok Racecourse.
ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/12030/production/_130667737_gettyimages-1578434387.jpg
Ryan Reynolds (left) with Deadpool 3 co-star Hugh Jackman at Wrexham's game against MK DonsWrexham's first game back in the EFL after a 15-year absence ended in disappointment as MK Dons secured an impressive away win. Eoghan O'Connell's own goal and Mo Eisa gave Dons a two-goal lead early on with Jacob Mendy replying. Jonathan Leko's second-half brace put MK Dons firmly in control before Jordan Davies grabbed a late Wrexham second. Daniel Harvie scored a fifth for MK Dons in stoppage time before Anthony Forde got a third for the hosts. It was a first win for Graham Alexander as MK Dons boss but for a packed Stok Racecourse, including co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney and guest Hugh Jackman, it was a disappointing afternoon. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/BBCC/production/_130667084_gettyimages-1594181908.jpgThis was the first time since the 2007-08 League Two season that the sides had met, a campaign in which MK Dons had won the title and Wrexham suffered relegation. But 15 years on, Wrexham secured the National League title to secure promotion while MK Dons were relegated from League One, which had resulted in the appointment of former Salford City and Motherwell boss Alexander in May. Wrexham were making their return to the Racecourse for the first time since clinching the title and promotion on a memorable Saturday evening against Boreham Wood in April. Phil Parkinson's side spent the pre-season on a four-match tour of the United States which included games against Chelsea and Manchester United as well as embracing the club's ever growing support in north America. Such is now the interest in Wrexham that the opening game of new season was sold out within an hour of going on sale and the packed Racecourse also included Australian actor Jackman along with Reynolds and McElhenney. It was the travelling support who were celebrating inside the opening five minutes as Ethan Robson whipped in a free-kick into the area and O'Connell headed into his own net. Harvie struck a post for the visitors and although Ryan Barnett flashed an effort from the right flank wide of the post in response, a minute later Dons had gone further ahead as Eisa weaved his way through the Wrexham defence before slotting past Ben Foster. Wrexham looked laboured in response and lacked the fluency which had brought them so many plaudits last season with Elliot Lee firing high over the crossbar having him found himself with time and space on the edge of the area. But the hosts pulled a goal back four minutes before the interval with Billy Waters, on his home debut, having his shot parried by Craig MacGillivray before Mendy followed up to score from the rebound. Wrexham made a purposeful start to the second half but they found themselves further behind with Leko's fine left-footed strike finding the bottom corner. The 24-year-old striker capped off an impressive performance with his second goal, shrugging off the challenge of Wrexham's defenders before firing home. Ollie Palmer had an effort saved by MacGillivray and fellow substitute Davies fired over the crossbar before finding the net with a fierce short during the final 10 minutes. Wrexham rallied in the closing minutes chasing the game but they were stunned in stoppage time when Harvie found himself on the edge of the box to fire home his side's fifth. There was time remaining for substitute Forde to scored a third for Wrexham but it was a disappointing return to the Football League for the Welsh side. Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson said: "We were frantic at the start and played it as if it was a World Cup final and wed didn't settle. "I was disappointed in that because we've had a lot of big games here and it's important you get the arousal levels just right, where you're up for the game but you're in control and make good decisions. "We gave a good team a two-goal start. The minute we started linking passes together we looked dangerous and got back in it. "But if we're honest, in all departments of the game we were a long way off it today." Match Stats: Possession 64% - 36% - Shots 23-8 - On Target 5-6 - Referee: Tom Reeves - Attendance: 10,205
|
|
bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,738
|
Post by bluetornados on Aug 5, 2023 18:31:48 GMT
|
|
bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,738
|
Post by bluetornados on Aug 9, 2023 8:09:32 GMT
TUESDAY 8th AUGUST 2023 - EFL CUP - FIRST ROUND NORTH
Wrexham 0 Wigan Athletic 0
Wrexham win 4-2 on penalties
ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/12FAB/production/_130693777_gettyimages-1585127746.jpg
Wigan's Thelo Aasgaard's penalty miss ensured Wrexham secured their place in the second round
ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/8/9/409ae2d3-7077-4648-b813-8e3a81202486.jpgFootball League new boys Wrexham knocked League One Wigan Athletic out of the Carabao Cup 4-2 on penalties. Neither side could be separated in an evenly matched 90 minutes at the Stok Racecourse and the tie went straight to penalties. Wigan's Charlie Hughes and Thelo Aasgaard blazed their penalties over the crossbar to hand Wrexham victory. The Dragons are through to the second round of the EFL Cup for the first time since 2007. Back then they lost 5-0 at home to Aston Villa, when Shaun Maloney scored twice for Villa. Nearly 16 years on the former Scotland international was again in opposition, this time as Wigan boss. Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson had promised changes after his side's defeat to MK Dons in their League Two opener and only three players kept their places, while Wigan's team showed four changes from the one that won 2-1 at Derby County. Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson said: "It was important we responded to the weekend, which was an uncharacteristic Wrexham performance, and we did. "We put in a very structured, disciplined performance and that was very important because sometimes when you need to get your season off and running, that's' the way to do it. "We got the fundamentals of our game back in place tonight and despite Wigan having possession, we probably had the best chances in the game to have won it in 90 minutes." Match Stats: Possession 33% - 67% - Shots 20-7 - On Target 7-3 - Referee: Sam Allison - Attendance: 9,736
|
|
