Latest news with #FearlessinDevotion
Daily Mirror
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Liverpool's new goalie coach was so bad he was branded club's worst-ever keeper
Xavi Valero has returned to Liverpool as head goalkeeper coach after spells with Inter Milan, Real Madrid and West Ham, but his playing days weren't quite as prosperous A goalkeeping coach branded as Wrexham 's worst-ever keeper has rejoined Premier League champions Liverpool. Xavi Valero has returned to Anfield as the Reds' new head of goalkeeper coaching after a seven-year spell at West Ham. The Spaniard has carved out an impressive coaching career after first joining Liverpool under Rafael Benitez in 2007. The 52-year-old later followed his compatriot to Inter Milan, Chelsea, Napoli and Real Madrid, before later linking up with the Hammers in the summer of 2018. However, Valero's playing career was less distinguished after it began with Spanish teams like Castellon and Lagrones in the late-1990s and early-2000s. Following spells in the Spanish Segunda Division and Segunda Division B, he arrived on British shores in January 2005. Valero's move to Wrexham happened after the club's first-choice goalkeeper suffered a thigh injury, leaving them without a senior shot-stopper. Denis Smith was Wrexham's manager at the time and made the decision to sign Valero on a one-month deal, despite previously only having seen video footage of him. His stint with the Red Dragons was both short and disastrous as he, conceded nine goals in three appearances in League One, dropping several howlers along the way. Valero was hooked off by Smith at half-time during his final game against Chesterfield after the keeper's teammates told the manager they weren't comfortable playing with him. Former Wrexham coach Kevin Russell previously revealed he had major reservations about the signing before it was even agreed. Talking to the Fearless in Devotion podcast, he said: "We got a video sent through of him. We were watching it with Denis, and there was a big crowd. Denis said, 'He looks alright, I think I might sign him.' I said, 'That might not even be him. I'm not comfortable signing him like that.' "We played Chesterfield away, and it's got be the worst f***ing 45 minutes I've ever had in terms of a goalkeeping experience. Denis goes, 'I'm f***ing taking him off.' I said, 'Take him off? I wanted to get him off after the first ten minutes.' Russell added: "I say that, but what a coaching career that boy has had. He must not work on catching the f***ing football." Valero's return to Liverpool follows the departure of Fabian Otte and Claudio Taffarel from the Reds' goalkeeping department. His arrival was announced alongside that of Giovanni van Bronckhorst, who takes the position of Arne Slot's assistant coach after it was vacated when John Heitinga took over as the new Ajax boss this summer. In contrast to his playing days, Valero's talents as a coach are clear to see and not just isolated to assisting goalkeepers. He was once praised by former Liverpool striker Fernando Torres for helping to improve his finishing. Speaking in 2008, Torres said: "We've a Spanish goalkeeping coach and he has been a genius at telling me every week exactly what kind of task lies in front of me in the following match. Nobody has ever worked with me like this before. It's outstanding. "Basically, I know days before the next game exactly the best way to finish a chance against the keeper I'm about to face. Xavi Valero tells me precisely what each keeper tends to do – stay big, go down early, if they have a preferred side they try to push you to. It's vital information. I've refined the way I take chances as a result." 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.
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's true colours with Wrexham star who broke down
Ben Tozer captained Wrexham to promotion from the National League in 2023, but his joy was short-lived after his father Keith died suddenly following the end of the season Ex-Wrexham star Ben Tozer has spoken candidly about the moment he was overcome with emotion and cried during a pre-match warm-up following his father's death. The former club captain valiantly led the Red Dragons to a momentous promotion from the National League in 2023. His proud dad Keith witnessed him hoist the trophy at the Racecourse Ground after a triumphant 3-1 victory over Boreham Wood in April. However, Keith tragically passed away suddenly from leukaemia just months later, leaving Tozer heartbroken Despite his profound grief, Tozer returned to training the very next day before soon embarking on Wrexham 's pre-season tour in the USA in July. During a warm-up before a friendly match against Chelsea in North Carolina, Tozer's sorrow surfaced as he wept openly. He has since opened up about that painful time, revealing the critical support he received from club physio Kevin Mulholland, as well as owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, and manager Phil Parkinson, that helped him begin to process his father's sudden passing. Discussing how he coped with his loss in a forthcoming episode of the Fearless in Devotion podcast, Tozer said: "My dad had just died, but I came back the next day after it happened, and just tried to be normal. I didn't want any sympathy whatsoever. "I probably should have gone down to the gaffer and said, 'Can you take me out of the firing line,' but I suppose a bit of pride kicks in. After it happened, I went straight to America, and we played against Chelsea. "I was crying when I was doing the warm-up. I'm thinking, 'Wow, this is raw.' We then played in Philadelphia on the last day before we came home, and I couldn't sleep the night before. "I was up all night, because we were away in America, and it was almost like I'd run away from it. I went down to breakfast, sat at the table and I was a bit quiet. I walked off as if I was going to the toilet. "But I went outside and I just completely broke down. Kev, the physio, saw me and had a little chat with me. The gaffer was great. He gave me four days off to go back to Plymouth so that I could see my grandma and uncle." Tozer praised the support network provided by his club, adding: "It's not just the gaffer, it's Humphrey [Ker], Ryan and Rob, they're all brilliant. They're all there if you need them. It's more the fact that they're open to me ringing them or texting them and saying how I feel." Despite battling personal loss, Tozer helped Wrexham secure another promotion from League Two during the 2023/24 season. However, he admitted that his father's passing made it difficult to fully enjoy football. Tozer said: "I wasn't right throughout the whole season. I was trying to fight it but it catches up with you. I was so honest with the gaffer and it's hard because it's true, but my flame for playing died when my dad died. "With the way that I play a game, I need to be fully focused, pumped up and completely at it. I was going out for games, and I was looking in the stand, looking for my dad and he wasn't there. "A bit of me died and it's quite sad, because my dad was there for my first ever game. He was the one who I played for more than I played for myself." Tozer was released by Wrexham when his contract expired in May 2024. He had a stint at Forest Green Rovers before announcing his retirement from football last month. Reflecting on his departure from Wrexham, Tozer said: "I felt like it wouldn't have been right, even if Wrexham offered me a contract then, for me to stay. I wanted to be the best version of myself. "I spoke to the gaffer afterwards and we had a good chat. It was right for both parties to separate and it's worked out for the best. I wish nothing but the best for the club." 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.
Wales Online
5 days ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's kind act to Wrexham star who broke down crying in warm-up
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's kind act to Wrexham star who broke down crying in warm-up Ex-Wrexham captain Ben Tozer has opened up about breaking down during a pre-match warm-up after his father's sudden death in 2023, crediting the club's support for helping him cope Ex-Wrexham captain Ben Tozer has discussed how club owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney helped him after his father died (Image: Matt Lewis - The FA via Getty Images ) An ex-Wrexham star has opened up on how he broke down in tears during a pre-match warm-up following the death of his father. Former club captain Ben Tozer had not long celebrated leading the Red Dragons to promotion from the National League in 2023 when he suffered a devastating loss. His dad Keith had been there to watch from the stands as the defender lifted the title trophy at the Racecourse Ground in April of that year following a 3-1 win over Boreham Wood. However, he died suddenly of leukaemia in July just days after being diagnosed with the illness. Tozer was left devastated by his dad's passing, but returned to work only a day later, shortly before heading off on a pre-season tour of the United States with Wrexham. The emotional impact soon took its toll on him as he burst into tears during the warm-up ahead of friendly against Chelsea in North Carolina. He has now revealed how it was only an intervention from club physio Kevin Mulholland, as well as kindness from Wrexham's owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney and manager Phil Parkinson, which helped him start to come to terms with his loss. Speaking on an episode of the Fearless in Devotion podcast being released early next week, Tozer said: "My dad had just died, but I came back the next day after it happened, and just tried to be normal. I didn't want any sympathy whatsoever. Defender Tozer broke down before a pre-season friendly against Chelsea in the US (Image:) Article continues below "I probably should have gone down to the gaffer and said, 'Can you take me out of the firing line,' but I suppose a bit of pride kicks in. After it happened, I went straight to America, and we played against Chelsea. "I was crying when I was doing the warm-up. I'm thinking, 'Wow, this is raw.' We then played in Philadelphia on the last day before we came home, and I couldn't sleep the night before. "I was up all night, because we were away in America, and it was almost like I'd run away from it. I went down to breakfast, sat at the table and I was a bit quiet. I walked off as if I was going to the toilet. Wrexham's players, including Tozer, celebrate winning the National League (Image: Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images ) "But I went outside and I just completely broke down. Kev, the physio, saw me and had a little chat with me. The gaffer was great. He gave me four days off to go back to Plymouth so that I could see my grandma and uncle." He added: "It's not just the gaffer, it's Humphrey [Ker], Ryan and Rob, they're all brilliant. They're all there if you need them. It's more the fact that they're open to me ringing them or texting them and saying how I feel." Tozer went on to win a second promotion with Wrexham from League Two during the 2023/24 season. But he said the death of his father made it difficult to enjoy playing football, despite the support he received from the club. Watch Welcome to Wrexham season 4 on Disney+ This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more from £4.99 Disney+ Get Disney+ here Product Description Welcome to Wrexham is back on Disney+ for a fourth season. Fans can watch the series with a £4.99 monthly plan, or get 12 months for the price of 10 by paying for a year upfront. "I wasn't right throughout the whole season," he said. "I was trying to fight it but it catches up with you. I was so honest with the gaffer and it's hard because it's true, but my flame for playing died when my dad died. "With the way that I play a game, I need to be fully focused, pumped up and completely at it. I was going out for games, and I was looking in the stand, looking for my dad and he wasn't there. "A bit of me died and it's quite sad, because my dad was there for my first ever game. He was the one who I played for more than I played for myself." 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. Sign up for Wrexham is the Game here Article continues below Tozer was released by Wrexham after his contract expired in May 2024 and spent last season at Forest Green Rovers back in the National League. He announced his retirement from football last month, but still keeps a close eye on how the Welsh side are getting on. He said: "I felt like it wouldn't have been right, even if Wrexham offered me a contract then, for me to stay. I wanted to be the best version of myself. "I spoke to the gaffer afterwards and we had a good chat. It was right for both parties to separate and it's worked out for the best. I wish nothing but the best for the club."
Wales Online
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Ryan Reynolds told to go for broke and rub salt in Swansea's wounds with £3.5m signing
Ryan Reynolds told to go for broke and rub salt in Swansea's wounds with £3.5m signing Wrexham's Hollywood owners have been encouraged to splash their cash on Nottingham Forest midfielder Lewis O'Brien, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Swansea Ryan Reynolds' Wrexham have encouraged to try and sign Lewis O'Brien who was recently on loan at Swansea (Image:) Wrexham's owners have been encouraged to invest their Hollywood wealth in a Premier League star valued at £3.5million this summer. Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are currently rejoicing after their club secured a third consecutive promotion in April, propelling them from League One to the Championship. The actors are expected to make significant investments during the transfer window to bolster manager Phil Parkinson's squad. Wrexham have already been linked with several top-tier stars, including Leicester's Jamie Vardy and West Ham pair Aaron Cresswell and Danny Ings. The North Wales team is now being urged to place a bid for Nottingham Forest midfielder Lewis O'Brien, who made a strong impression while on loan at Swansea City in the second tier during the latter part of last season. The Swans are reportedly keen on signing the 28-year-old permanently after he started 16 matches for the club following his arrival in early February. However, with one year remaining on his contract, financial constraints are said to be a major obstacle preventing his move. Wrexham have also been mentioned in reports linking them with a move for O'Brien, and former Red Dragons and Swansea star Lee Trundle believes he would make a significant impact at the Racecourse Ground. Speaking on the Fearless in Devotion podcast, he said: "Lewis wants to play further up the field and go and drive at players and make things happen. I think he would be a great addition. The only thing I would say about Lewis is he's still contracted to Forest, and he would be on a very good contract. Article continues below Lewis O'Brien was a big hit at Swansea City and has also been linked with Wrexham (Image:) Watch Welcome to Wrexham season 4 on Disney+ This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more from £4.99 Disney+ Get Disney+ here Product Description Welcome to Wrexham is back on Disney+ for a fourth season. Fans can watch the series with a £4.99 monthly plan, or get 12 months for the price of 10 by paying for a year upfront. "It's whether the wages could get matched, because I know that was a stumbling point at Swansea. That's the other problem when you move into the Championship, because we're not only talking about the quality of the players, but the wages as well. "It is a big chance to take on people if you give them a three-year contract on so much [money]. That can also hurt you in a way, but I don't think the owners think like that. I do think that they just look forward and everything that they've said, they've been true to their word." The upcoming season will be the first time Wrexham have competed in the second tier for 43 years. Some analysts have voiced doubts about their ability to secure an unprecedented fourth consecutive promotion. However, Trundle didn't dismiss the possibility of Wrexham making it to the Premier League, despite warning them about the challenges of competing in the Championship. He also urged the club's supporters to remain united even if the initial results are disappointing. 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. Sign up for Wrexham is the Game here "I don't think it's unrealistic to think that way [about promotion]," Trundle said. "I went to a Bristol City side which had just been promoted out of League One, and we ended up getting to the Championship play-off final that year, where we got beaten by Hull. "I wouldn't say it's out of reach, especially with the way Wrexham are doing as well. When you're used to winning and you've got a winning mentality, I think that goes a long way. But I would say that there could be some heavy defeats and you're not going to get everything the same way that you've had it for the last couple of years. Article continues below He added: "The most important thing now is for the fans to realise how far the club has come in that short space of time, and all stick together. You're going to need to strengthen going into the Championship. But I think fans around British football would love to be a Wrexham fan and in the position that the club is in."
Daily Mirror
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Ryan Reynolds urged to splash out on bumper deal to £3.5m Premier League star
Wrexham's Hollywood owners, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, are being encouraged to bolster their squad with a Premier League talent after securing a third consecutive promotion Wrexham's owners have been urged to splash their Hollywood cash on a £3.5million-rated Premier League star this summer. Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are currently celebrating after their club achieved a third successive promotion in April, lifting them from League One into the Championship. The two actors have been tipped to spend big during the transfer window as they look to provide manager Phil Parkinson with the backing to improve his squad. Wrexham have already been linked with several top flight stars, including Leicester's Jamie Vardy and West Ham duo Aaron Cresswell and Danny Ings. The North Wales team are now being encouraged to make a bid for Nottingham Forest midfielder Lewis O'Brien, who impressed on loan at Swansea City in the second tier during the latter half of last season. The Swans are said to be interested in signing the 28-year-old permanently after he started 16 games for the club after arriving in January. However, O'Brien still has one year left on his contract and finances are said to be a major barrier preventing him from joining. Wrexham have also been the subject of reports connecting them with a move for O'Brien, and ex-Red Dragons and Swansea ace Lee Trundle thinks he would make a big impact at the Racecourse Ground. Speaking on the Fearless in Devotion podcast, he said: "Lewis wants to play further up the field and go and drive at players and make things happen. I think he would be a great addition. The only thing I would say about Lewis is he's still contracted to Forest, and he would be on a very good contract. "It's whether the wages could get matched, because I know that was a stumbling point at Swansea. That's the other problem when you move into the Championship, because we're not only talking about the quality of the players, but the wages as well. "It is a big chance to take on people if you give them a three year contract on so much [money]. That can also hurt you in a way, but I don't think the owners think like that. I do think that they just look forward and everything that they've said, they've been true to their word." Next season will mark the first time Wrexham have played in the second tier for 43 years. Some pundits have expressed scepticism over whether they will be able to push for an unprecedented fourth successive promotion. But Trundle said he would not rule out the possibility of Wrexham reaching the Premier League, despite cautioning them over the difficulty of competing in the Championship. He also called on the club's fans to stay united if results don't go their way initially. "I don't think it's unrealistic to think that way [about promotion], Trundle said. "I went to a Bristol City side which had just been promoted out of League One, and we ended up getting to the Championship play-off final that year, where we got beaten by Hull. "I wouldn't say it's out of reach, especially with the way Wrexham are doing as well. When you're used to winning and you've got a winning mentality, I think that goes a long way. But I would say that there could be some heavy defeats and you're not going to get everything the same way that you've had it for the last couple of years." He added: "The most important thing now is for the fans to realise how far the club has come in that short space of time, and all stick together. You're going to need to strengthen going into the Championship. But I think fans around British football would love to be a Wrexham fan and in the position that the club is in." 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.
