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Daily Mirror
12 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Star Wrexham let go who wanted to stay makes statement that Ryan Reynolds will love
Veteran striker Steven Fletcher has praised Wrexham after being released from the club owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, calling it his most enjoyable football experience Veteran striker Steven Fletcher was forced to leave Wrexham despite wanting to prolong his career in Wales – but he has still spoken glowingly about his time at the club. The former Premier League goalscorer was let go at the end of last season after playing a key role in two of the Welsh side's three successive promotions. The 38-year-old scored eight goals in 40 League One appearances last term, many of them from the bench, as the Red Dragons secured automatic promotion. However, the former Scotland international was deemed surplus to requirements by manager Phil Parkinson as Wrexham began their preparations for life in the Championship. Fletcher, who played in the Premier League with Burnley, Wolves and Sunderland earlier in his career, said in a post on Instagram in May that he was departing "with a heavy heart" and "not by choice". But despite his disappointment, he has spoken warmly about his two-year spell at Wrexham and the positive environment at the club in words which will be music to the ears of Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Speaking on the Golf Life YouTube channel, Fletcher said: "There's something about it, the town, the club, the fans and the staff. There's just a massive togetherness. I've been in football for 20-odd years and it's the most I've enjoyed my football. "I've played in the Premier League, I've played at the highest levels, and no disrespect to the clubs I've been at, but in that moment I really enjoyed my football." Fletcher is now mulling over his next move and admitted he is "95 per cent sure" that his football career is over. He said his plans to retire come despite some of his old teammates encouraging him to keep going. He added: "I'm 95 per cent sure that I'm done. When you say it out loud, you get a weird feeling. There's a bit inside of me that wants to finish on a high and I don't want to go chasing something that I'm not going to find." Fletcher's efforts for Wrexham were clearly appreciated by the club's owners. Reacting to him being released on social media, Reynolds said he would miss his "leadership and wit". Addressing Fletcher directly, Reynolds said: "Words aren't agile enough to capture what you've brought to Wrexham, the sport, and the lives of myself and this whole town. You aren't a PART of greatness. You ARE greatness. "I don't really know what a co-chairmen is supposed to do or say in these moments and I don't much care. I'm gonna miss you. I'll miss your your leadership and wit and the way you remind everyone - including me - that this is also FUN. Like the first day we met, I'm here for you any time and any place. Always." McElhenney later opened up about how difficult he found saying goodbye to Fletcher while appearing on the podcast. It came after the It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia actor revealed enjoyed a round with golf with Fletcher in the US shortly before he was released. "Even just bringing up his [Steven Fletcher's] name is difficult because the brutal reality of football it just reminds me of how quickly you can go from spending all day with him here in Los Angeles promoting the show and playing golf," he said. "[Then] putting him on a plane, sending him home and within 24 hours, Phil released him from the club, and that was difficult." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Sign up to our newsletter! Wrexham is the Game is great new way to get top-class coverage Wrexham AFC is the arguably the fastest-growing club in the world at the moment thanks to a certain Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The Dragons have achieved two consecutive promotions and are cheered on by crowds from not only North Wales but also from all over the globe, thanks to the success of the Disney+ documentary 'Welcome to Wrexham'. But does it have a dedicated, quality source of information piped through to your inbox each week, free of ads but packed with informed opinion, analysis and even a little bit of fun each week? That's where Wrexham is the Game steps in... Available every Wednesday, it provides all the insights you need to be a top red. And for a limited time, a subscription to 'Wrexham is the Game' will cost fans just £15 for the first year.
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
BBC Strictly stars kick off rehearsals for 2025 series with two new glam pros
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 is just around the corner and the professionals looked delighted to be back in action as they rocked up for the first day of rehearsals The Strictly Come Dancing professionals were all smiles as they rocked up for the first day of rehearsals for the new series today. Fans of the BBC dance show can't wait for primetime programme to be back on our screens and they don't have long to wait! Ahead of its launch in September, a whole host of familiar faces were papped this morning as they made their way into the rehearsal studio - and they were joined by two new recruits. First to be seen arriving, was much-loved star, Amy Dowden, who is back in business after being forced to leave the show early last year while recovering from a foot injury. The Welsh wonder, who also underwent chemotherapy and a mastectomy in May 2023 following her breast cancer diagnosis, looked delighted to be back with her pals as she smiled for photographers, clutching a coffee and a Holland and Barret bag. Also flashing a smile a mile wide was last year's champion, Dianne Buswell. The Aussie, who lifted the Glitterball trophy with Chris McCausland, arrived at the dance studio sporting a tan waistcoat and matching boots with cut-off denim shorts alongside fellow pro, Kai Widdrington, who flashed the peace sign. Next to arrive was South African star, Joahnnes Radebe, who cut a striking figure, sporting a Protect The Dolls a paisley neckerchief and suede ankle boots. He was followed by Spanish champion, Gorka Marquez and Ukranian dancer, Nadiya Bychkova, who looked gorgeous in an all-cream ensemble with a Union Jack bag. Nadiya recently admitted that she and pro, Kai, no longer speak to one another after they briefly dated, so hopefully things will go smoothly in training today. Also seen at the studio were Vito Coppola, Lauren Oakley, Karen Hauer and Michelle Tsiakkas. They were joined by Jowita Przystal and Janette Manrara's husband, Aljaz Skorjanec. And finally, making their debut in the Strictly gang were new recruits, Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon. Alexis, hailing from the US, triumphed in So You Think You Can Dance in 2022, earning the title of America's Favourite Dancer and becoming the first female Ballroom and Latin dancer to win the accolade. Meanwhile, Julian, originally from Australia, started dancing at the tender age of 10, focusing on Ballroom and Latin American styles, and has proudly represented Australia in international competitions. Expressing his excitement about joining the show, Julian stated: "Joining the cast of Strictly really is a dream come true. "I've watched it for years, especially cheering on all the amazing dancers I know and work with who've been part of it. I can't wait to get stuck in, have some fun, and be part of something special!" And Alexis shared: "I've admired Strictly for years, so joining this incredible family is such an honour. I can't wait to step into the ballroom, pour my heart into every moment, and share my love of dance with the UK."
The Herald Scotland
9 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
Irvine Welsh puts in double shift on publicity round
EDINBURGH festival time and the quest for publicity is in full swing. Smart operators like Irvine Welsh know it's best to plug early and often, even if it means a Sunday morning shift. Sunday Brunch was a mix of celebrity chat, cooking, and anything else the producers could throw in the pot to fill three hours of live television, including a competition to guess the age of expired food. This was the 'zoo' format revived, with too many guests talking at once and the crew supplying chortles off. When not gabbing, the celebs stuffed their faces with whatever came out of the kitchen. Not an appetising sight at 10am. Welsh was there to flog his new book, Men in Love, and accompanying album. All was well until he referred in less than flattering terms to the vocal styles of some singers today. It was enough that the presenter, Tim Lovejoy, felt he had to apologise. Contrast this with Katie Razzall's Irvine Welsh: The Next Chapter, which has been aired on the BBC News channel and has its network debut on Monday. This was an old-school, pre-recorded sit-down, largely consisting of Razzall lining up a subject and allowing Welsh to talk at length. It didn't always work. On Scottish independence, for instance, Razzall asked if he thought 'the steam had gone out of the fight'. 'The steam's gone out of every fight now,' said Welsh. 'People are very despondent about the mainstream political institutions and their ability to change and adapt. Whether it's supporters of Scottish independence or supporters of anything, whether it's any kind of radical or revolutionary change or any kind of political change, people are just waiting for the system to fall apart rather than push it.' What did he think about the current political landscape in Scotland, or the swell in support for Reform UK? Detailed follow-ups might have produced tighter, more interesting answers. The chat occasionally wandered, at one point ending up in Alan Partridge territory. After footage of Welsh sparring, Razzall asked if boxing was useful to his writing. 'Boxing keeps me thin,' he said. 'Does that make you a good writer? 'Yeah, being thin does make you a good writer, because you have to be comfortable in a chair. If you're sitting down and you're overweight, it must be quite uncomfortable.' Was he being serious? It was hard to tell. Never mind, Razzall was on a roll. Should Trainspotting have won the Booker prize? 'Emphatically no, it would have been the kiss of death. Because I would just have been another writer, another writer who won the Booker prize. Because I became the anti-Booker prize writer, I was pushed into a different category, and it gave me a radical, anti-establishment cachet that I maybe didn't deserve even, but I'll take it anyway.' Did he still feel anti-establishment? Sir Irvine Welsh, if they came offering? 'I've no interest in that kind of thing. They've got nothing I want,' he said. Good publicity, though. Irvine Welsh: The Next Chapter, BBC2, 7pm tonight
