Latest news with #LeagueOneTeamoftheSeason


Scottish Sun
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Rangers ‘tracking future £30million Premier League star' as several clubs eye 20 goal contribution winger
He'd be available for next to nothing RANGERS are reportedly interested in an out-of-contract English League One star. A right-winger with a proven ability to contribute goals and assists, he could be the ideal replacement for Vaclav Cerny after the club were unable to strike a permanent deal for the loan star. Advertisement 2 Rangers are reportedly eyeing Peterborough winger Kwame Poku Credit: Getty 2 He made League One Team of the Season and lifted the EFL Trophy last season Credit: Getty Several clubs are eyeing Peterborough's Kwame Poku alongside the Gers, say the Rangers Review. He notched 12 goals and eight assists in 27 league matches last season and lifted the EFL Trophy at Wembley. The 23-year-old is a one time cap for the Ghanaian national team, but that was back in 2021. An injury to Poku just before the turn of the year prevented selling him for a fee in January before he reached the end of his deal. Advertisement Now he can be swooped up for a fairly nominal tribunal fee as he joined the Posh when he was a teenager. The club have already confirmed that the man who made the 2024-25 League One Team of the Season won't be signing an extended contract with them. Chairman Darragh MacAnthony said on his podcast: "Kwame probably won't go to the Premier League straight away, but he will get a high-end Championship club. "He will be a Premier League star in the future and that next move will probably cost £30 million.' Advertisement Poku's agent also deals with former Gers and current Manchester United star Amad and his teammate Alejandro Garnacho. With new manager Russell Martin appointed on a three-year deal at Ibrox last week and fresh sporting director Kevin Thelwell also coming in the door, the side have been linked with a number of players. SunSport reporters clash over Russell Martin as he's revealed as new Rangers boss It was today reported that prolific Croatian striker Matija Frigan is on the watchlist, but he's also being tracked by clubs in Germany and Spain. Another target to help strengthen the frontline was Israel striker Dor Turgeman but reports suggest the Glasgow team have been told to 'significantly increase' their rejected offer of £4million. Advertisement Previous England international and star of Leicester, Wolves and Everton Conor Coady is a big name who has been linked with a Govan move. And Martin has received no favours from his old club Southampton, as a massive £10million price tag has been slapped on midfielder Flynn Downes who's said to be a priority. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page

Leader Live
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Leader Live
Awards and another promotion for Wrexham star Max Cleworth
The centre-back has had another brilliant campaign in defence, helping Wrexham finish runners-up in League One to secure an historic third successive promotion. When he scooped the accolade at the presentation afternoon which was held in front of Reds' supporters at The Racecourse, a video was shown of a number of Cleworth's team-mates speaking highly of the 22-year-old who says he will cherish the gong. "It feels good to get that," said Cleworth. "I've had the Young Player of the Season award before but the Players' Player award means a lot. "I'm not really one for looking back but when you get such nice, kind words off your team-mates and lads who have had the careers they've had, it does mean a lot. "It's a good award to win. I'd like to think I don't annoy the lads too much and I'm a fairly quiet lad but I like to play my part in the team." Cleworth scored seven goals in 42 league games, with another strike coming in the EFL Trophy, and a series of impressive displays in the Reds' back-line earned him the Young Player of the Season award for the third time in four years. Phil Parkinson, who gave Cleworth his league debut against Solihull Moors in his first competitive game as Wrexham manager in August 2021, presented his player with the trophy. "I over the gaffer a lot with what he's done for me in my career," said Cleworth. "He's almost made it really in terms of giving me the chance and I'd like to think that I've repaid him a fair bit. "To get those words off him as well means a lot and to win Young Player of the Season three out of four years is something to be really proud of. "This club is known for producing young players and I hope the likes of Harry Ashfield, who's done really well this year, and Aaron James are the next ones to come through. "And there's plenty more in the youth team that have certainly got a bright future at this club." There has been more recognition for Cleworth who was named in the League One Team of the Season alongside team-mate Ryan Barnett. "That sort of caught me by surprise," admitted Cleworth. "I think I've had a pretty decent season but to get that outside recognition is really nice as well. "To be in it with Barney who's had a really good season and is a good mate, to experience that together was brilliant." Cleworth has played his part in all three promotions under Parkinson and he insists team success comes before individual recognition. "I'm just proud to be part of the team. It's something I don't take for granted," he added. "We got our overall team goal and that achievement outweighs any individual award."


North Wales Live
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
Wrexham star 'ends up in A&E' as players and fans enjoy wild promotion party
After Wrexham sealed an emphatic 3-0 victory over Charlton last Saturday, the final whistle set off exuberant celebrations at the ground. Ecstatic fans took to the pitch, with players hoisted onto shoulders amid the festivities, while owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney looked on, evidently astounded by the sight. Securing their third successive promotion, Wrexham's leap from League One to the Championship was nothing short of spectacular. Club manager Phil Parkinson lovingly embraced his medal, paralleled by Reynolds and McElhenney embracing the on-pitch jubilation. The Hollywood duo partook gleefully, drenching CEO Michael Williamson with red Gatorade in a nod to Super Bowl traditions. Meanwhile, inside the locker room, the team and coaches initiated their own celebration; Ollie Rathbone, the first goal scorer, revelled by dancing on a table. As the merry atmosphere extended into the Racecourse Ground's suites involving family members, the copious flow of Wrexham Lager - the brand purchased by the celebrity ownership - flowed freely, reports the Daily Star. Simultaneously, fans maintained fervour on High Street, boosting local commerce with their patronage, their chants of "Back to back to back, ole ole" merging with the glow of flares. A festive air dominated; some climbed lampposts while others spectated from the Midland pub, with police officers discreetly monitoring the joyful display. The celebrations were marked by camaraderie and joy, as the players hastily departed the stadium to mingle with fans in the vibrant local bars. A focal point of the revelry was The Ironworks bar, where a significant number of the team congregated. Notably, striker Ollie Palmer stepped behind the counter, taking on a temporary bartending role as he poured pints for the jubilant supporters, who continued their merriment late into the evening. Nearby, at the Golden Lion pub, karaoke participants creatively reworked song lyrics to pay tribute to the newly promoted Wrexham team. Early Sunday, defender Max Cleworth and wing-back Ryan Barnett were spotted at a McDonald's, visibly worse for wear. Despite this, they managed to attend the EFL Awards later that day, where they were honored for their inclusion in the League One Team of the Season. Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone Wrexham's community director Humphrey Ker demonstrated remarkable dedication by completing the Manchester Marathon the next day, securing substantial donations for the Wrexham Miner's Project charity. Upon crossing the finish line, he was greeted by McElhenney, who acknowledged nursing a "bit of a headache" from the previous night's festivities. Maintaining a cherished tradition, the Wrexham squad reunited on Sunday for a meal together. The celebrations continued unabated at the Fat Boar restaurant, where the atmosphere was buoyed with an abundance of drinks. The festivities featured bold chants and a shirtless George Dobson, with hushed mentions that one of the squad's key players had to be taken to A&E following a mishap with glass. Paul Mullin, the team's star striker, opted for a more familial celebration, as videos surfaced on social media showcasing him singing Jamie Webster's 'Weekend in Paradise' during karaoke night in his hometown Liverpool. As Mullin's playing time in League One has been limited this season, speculation swirls around his tenure with the club. Yet, any talk concerning his future is currently put on hold, while both the city and the football club revel in the triumph of securing a spot in the second tier for the first time since 1982. All you need to know about Wrexham is in our newsletter - sent every Thursday The promotion was clinched with remarkable style, encapsulated succinctly by Reynolds in an Instagram update. He posted: "Somebody said the Welsh have the 'heart of a poet and the fist of a fighter.' That's what I love about this place. I wish the whole world could visit Wrexham. Diolch."


Wales Online
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Wrexham's promotion party with star left in A&E, players pouring pints and X-rated chants
Wrexham's promotion party with star left in A&E, players pouring pints and X-rated chants Wrexham secured a third consecutive promotion with victory over Charlton on Saturday, sparking wild celebrations in the Welsh town as fans and players partied into the night Wrexham players celebrate promotion at the Fat Boar restaurant (Image: @FatBoarWXM ) Moments after the final whistle sounded, Wrexham's stunning 3-0 win against Charlton last Saturday set off vibrant celebrations. The pitch soon became awash with jubilant supporters who lifted players on their shoulders as owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney looked on in sheer amazement. The North Wales club spectacularly notched up a third consecutive promotion, moving from League One to the Championship. Wrexham's manager, Phil Parkinson, affectionately kissed his medal, while the Hollywood pair ventured onto the field themselves. They joined in the festivities by dousing CEO Michael Williamson with red Gatorade, borrowing from Super Bowl victory scenes. Inside the changing rooms, the team and coaching staff kicked off their celebrations, with midfielder Ollie Rathbone, scorer of the opening goal, dancing atop a table. Wrexham fans celebrate promotion on the city's High Street (Image: Liam Randall ) The revelry then continued into the Racecourse Ground's function rooms, accompanied by spouses and children, where plenty of Wrexham Lager – acquired by Reynolds and McElhenney – flowed freely, reports the Daily Star. Out on High Street, fans kept the energy high, supporting local shops' sales rush, as the air shimmered red with the light of flares. Then came the chanting: "Back to back to back, ole ole", as some climbed lampposts and others peered out from the Midland pub windows. A few apprehensive police officers observed the scene. Article continues below Wrexham co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney celebrate promotion to the Championship (Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire ) The celebrations were entirely friendly, and the players quickly made their way from the stadium to the bustling local bars and pubs to join in with the fans. The Ironworks bar was a particular hotspot for most of the team. It was there that striker Ollie Palmer tried his hand at bartending, serving pints to the elated supporters as the festivities continued well into the night. Over at the Golden Lion pub, karaoke enthusiasts were tweaking song lyrics to pay tribute to the newly-promoted heroes. Wrexham's Ollie Palmer serves drinks to fans as the team celebrates (Image: @RichWXM ) Defender Max Cleworth and wing-back Ryan Barnett were seen looking rather worse for wear in a McDonald's during the early hours of Sunday. Despite their condition, they managed to make it to the EFL Awards later that day, where they received accolades after being named in the League One Team of the Season. Wrexham's community director Humphrey Ker might have had second thoughts about running the Manchester Marathon the following day, but he pushed through and impressively raised significant funds for the Wrexham Miner's Project charity. At the marathon's finish line, he was welcomed by McElhenney, who confessed to nursing a "bit of a headache" from the night before. In keeping with tradition, the Wrexham squad reconvened on Sunday afternoon for a meal. A Wrexham fan scales a street light in celebration (Image: Liam Randall ) The revelry didn't stop there, with more drinks being enjoyed at the Fat Boar restaurant. The merriment included some risqué chants, a shirtless George Dobson, and even whispers that one of the team's stars ended up in A&E after an unfortunate incident involving glass. Star forward Paul Mullin chose to mark the occasion with his loved ones, as footage emerged on social media showing him belting out Jamie Webster's 'Weekend in Paradise' at a karaoke venue in his native Liverpool. Wrexham striker Paul Mullin celebrates in a Liverpool karaoke bar (Image: @m0rganaaaa ) Mullin's future with the team is under scrutiny after limited playtime in League One this campaign. However, any decisions regarding his career are paused for the time being, as both the city and its football club bask in the glory of ascending to the second division for the first time since 1982. Article continues below The promotion was achieved with undeniable flair. Reynolds captured the sentiment perfectly in an Instagram post. His message read: "Somebody said the Welsh have the 'heart of a poet and the fist of a fighter.' That's what I love about this place. I wish the whole world could visit Wrexham. Diolch."