Nathan Heaney eyes one more fight after Stoke-on-Trent victory
"I think the only thing we deserve... is [a fight at] the ground. Just for that final once-in-a-lifetime event for the city," he said.Ahead of the match against Dennis, Heaney said he was determined to "win and it will remind Frank Warren why he signed me all those years ago."
Reacting to the points win over Dennis, Heaney said he felt "relief, more than anything when they said 'Nathan Heaney.. the winner'"."There were times when I was thinking 'am I letting him hit me with too many shots?'"They only have to catch you with one hook and the judges will sway to them."He expressed disappointment in not achieving a knockout in the final round.Nonetheless, Heaney thanked his home crowd for an "incredible" reaction to the victory."That's why now I'm just saying the only fight now is Stoke [City FC]. I've given my all throughout my career, and I think the only thing we deserve as a city, and myself, is [a match at] the ground."
Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
24 minutes ago
- Metro
7 films celebrating women in sport after the Lionesses win Euro 2025
England is celebrating after the Lionesses brought home the Euro 2025 cup following a nail-biting final against Spain. In a repeat of the 2023 World Cup final, the Lionesses avenged that heartbreaking defeat in Sydney two years ago by clawing back the win during penalties. After a nervy 120 minutes, Hannah Hampton was the hero in the shootout, saving three penalties, giving Chloe Kelly the chance to score the winning spot-kick. It marks the first time an England team has won a major trophy on foreign soil, so naturally, fans of the sport are over the moon. Women's sporting achievements are often overshadowed in the public eye, with the Lionesses' win shining a light on their importance for younger generations dipping their toes into sports. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. Various films across the decades have celebrated women in sports, whether that be football, boxing, cricket, or more obscure activities. Following the Lionesses' Euro win, dive into these seven flicks available to stream and rent right now, highlighting incredible sportswomen both fictional and in real life. Where to watch: ITVX and Disney Plus Is there a more perfect film to celebrate the England women's football team than Bend It Like Beckham? And what's more, we'll have a sequel to enjoy soon, too. Released in 2002, Bend It Like Beckham starred Keira Knightley and Parminder Nagra and is credited with inspiring a generation of girls to take up football. Its plot follows Jesminder Bhamra (Nagra), who dreams of a career in professional footie. However, her Sikh parents want her to study for a law degree and get married. She meets Jules Paxton (Knightley), a white female striker who invites Jess to join the local women's team. Where to watch: Available to rent on Apple TV Despite being financially unsuccessful, Whip It gained a cult following while also highlighting the incredible sport of roller derby to the masses. Directed by Drew Barrymore and based on Shauna Cross' 2007 novel Derby Girl, it follows Texas teen Bliss Cavendar (Elliot Page), who is falling out of love with the beauty pageant world. She attends a roller derby match between the Holy Rollers and the Hurl Scouts and falls in love with the sport, joining the latter behind her parents' backs. Where to watch: Available to rent and buy on Prime Video Fight like a girl with Girlfight, directed by Karyn Kusama, who wrote the screenplay after learning the sport herself. Starring Michelle Rodriguez in her film debut, it follows a troubled Brooklyn high school student, Diana Guzman (Rodriguez), who regularly finds herself in trouble at school. She channels her aggression into becoming a boxer, despite the disapproval of her father (Paul Calderón) and her competitors in the male-dominated sport. Where to watch: Available to rent on Prime Video, Apple TV, and the Sky Store Starring Madonna, Geena Davis, and Tom Hanks, A League of Their Own is a sports comedy with real heart. Set during World War II, sisters Dottie (Davis) and Kit (Lori Petty) are drafted into an all-women's baseball league. They are led by Jimmy Dugan (Hanks), an alcoholic former star who struggles to manage the team and coach them to victory. Where to watch: Netflix Nyad is based on the real-life record-breaking American sports figure Diana Nyad, and was a box office and critical success at the time of its release. Nyad sees four-time Oscar nominee Annette Bening play swimmer Nyad, who, with support from her best friend and coach Bonnie Stoll (Jodie Foster), starts training at the age of 60 to finally attempt achieving her life-long dream: a 110-mile open ocean swim from Cuba to Florida. It co-stars Rhys Ifans as Nyad's chief navigator on her quest, John Bartlett, as well as Anna Harriette Pittman as the young version of Diana, Erica Cho, Luke Cosgrove, Eric T. Miller, and Garland Scott. Where to watch: Available to rent on Prime Video and the Sky Store Jeff Bridges, Missy Peregrym, and Vanessa Lengies star in the 2006 sports comedy Stick It from Bring It On writer Jessica Bendinger. It follows Haley (Peregrym), a gifted athlete who, after her final brush with the law, is sentenced by a judge to join an elite gymnastics academy. Under the tutelage of legendary coach Burt Vickerman (Bridges), she harnesses her natural ability for the sport while her rebellious attitude wins both friends and enemies alike. Where to watch: Available to rent and buy on Prime Video More Trending The Oscar-winning Million Dollar Baby is one of the most influential sports films of modern times, often being cited as one of the greatest films of the 21st century. Starring Hilary Swank, Clint Eastwood, and Morgan Freeman, it follows cantankerous boxing trainer Frankie Dunn (Eastwood), who agrees to train Maggie Fitzgerald (Swank), a waitress and aspiring boxer. Maggie fights her way through the amateur tournaments, earning herself a reputation for quick knockouts, but she must battle with her self-doubt, her underappreciative coach, and the disapproval of her parents to achieve victory. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: 'If that's not a sign…' – Ella Toone shares poignant tribute to 'angel' dad after Euro 2025 win MORE: Emmerdale celebrates the Lionesses' Euros victory with last minute special scene MORE: England Euro 2025 hero second favourite to win Sports Personality of the Year
The Independent
24 minutes ago
- The Independent
Transfer news live: Arsenal strike Eze agreement, Liverpool want Isak after Diaz exit, Man United learn Watkins verdict
The summer transfer window is about to enter its final month with hundreds of millions already splashed on some major signings. Arsenal have completed the signing of Viktor Gyokeres, closing out a deal worth £63m for the forward who was unveiled as a new Gunner during their pre-season match against Newcastle on Sunday. The Gunners have also confirmed the signing of Cristhian Mosquera in defence and they now have their sights on Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze. Liverpool have signed Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt in a £79m deal having beaten off interest from Newcastle to secure his signature. The Reds have also agreed to sell Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich which could challenge the resolve of Newcastle who are holding firm in their valuation of Alexander Isak. Isak has requested to 'explore his options' away from the club with a move to Liverpool seemingly the likeliest destination as the Premier League champions aim to strengthen their forward line. Elsewhere, Manchester United have completed the signing of Bryan Mbeumo who joins Matheus Cunha in Ruben Amorim's new-look attack though the manager is still hopeful of securing a No.9 before the start of the season. Marcus Rashford has completed a loan move to Barcelona while Jadon Sancho is drawing interest from Juventus as the club also focus on outgoings. Meanwhile, Chelsea have their sights on a Dutch duo of Xavi Simons and centre-back Jorrel Hato. Arsenal strike agreement with Eze? Football365 and French media oulet, Sports Zone report that Arsenal have a reached an agreement with Eberechi Eze over personal terms for a possible transfer to the Emirates stadium. The Gunners still need to negotiate terms and fees with Crystal Palace but should the clubs come to an understanding Eze will be poised to join Mikel Arteta's side. Eze holds a £68m release clause in his contract with the Gunners hoping to negotiate a price closer to £60m. Mike Jones28 July 2025 11:14 Leeds sign Lyon goalkeeper Lucas Perri as Daniel Farke shores up newly-promoted squad Leeds have made their seventh summer signing by bringing in Brazilian goalkeeper Lucas Perri from Lyon for an initial €16m (£13.9m). The fee, which could rise by a further €2m in add-ons, takes Leeds' summer spending to around £75m as they bolster their squad in a bid to stay in the Premier League. The 27-year-old joins from Lyon, who he helped reach the quarter-finals of the Europa League last season in a campaign when he kept 13 clean sheets, after goalkeeper was a problem position for Leeds last season, even as they won the Championship. Leeds sign Lyon goalkeeper Lucas Perri as Daniel Farke shores up newly-promoted squad Leeds have strengthened in goal as they bid to stay in the Premier League after promotion Chris Wilson28 July 2025 11:13 Muller decides to continue career Thomas Muller has decided to continue his playing career and move to the MLS, according to Sky Sports. LAFC are one of two clubs in the race to sign the German, who left Bayern Munich last season after a 25-year association with the German club. Mike Jones28 July 2025 11:00 Napoli interested in Sterling Napoli are said to be interested in a surprise move for Raheem Sterling. The 30-year-old is not in Enzo Maresca's plans at Chelsea and the Blues want to sell him this summer. Calcio Mercato report that Napoli have placed Sterling on their shortlist as they look to strengthen in attack and they could secure him for around £20m. Mike Jones28 July 2025 10:52 Dortmund want Brighton midfielder? Sky Sports reports that Borussia Dortmund want to sign Brighton midfielder Facundo Buonanotte. The 20-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Leicester, joined Brighton in 2023 for a fee around £5m. He has three years left on his contract at the Premier League club, and it is not known what sort of fee Brighton would want. Mike Jones28 July 2025 10:45 Chelsea refusing Chukwuemeka loan? Fabrizio Romano says that Chelsea are in talks with Borussia Dortmund over a move for Carney Chukwuemeka. The German side prefer a loan move for the midfielder but Chelsea want to sell. The Blues are reportedly sticking to their stance or a permanent transfer or no move at all. Additional reports suggest that RB Leipzig are also interested in Chukwuemeka, which could help Chelsea as the Blues are interested in the Xavi Simons, who plays for the German club. Mike Jones28 July 2025 10:37 Wrexham make surprise move for Eriksen Wrexham are trying to punch above their weight (slightly) and have approached Christian Eriksen over a potential move. The Dane is a free agent having left Manchester United at the start of the summer and was impressed by their proposal. However, Wrexham are in the Championship and are seeking a fourth successive promotion having swept through the lower leagues under the ownership of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Eriksen hopes to remain at the top level of football whether that is in the Premier League or at one of the top leagues in Europe. Mike Jones28 July 2025 10:30 Trafford to undergo City medical James Trafford is set to begin his medical at Man City today ahead of his £27m move from Burnley. Trafford has agreed a five-year contract plus an optional extra year and will compete with Ederson for the number one shirt, with Steffan Ortega expected to leave this summer. Chris Wilson28 July 2025 10:24 Son to leave Spurs? Tottenham's Europa League winning captain could potentially depart ahead of the new season in what would be both a blow and a well-earned farewell. The Athletic report that Son Heung-min is drawing interest from the MLS. Apparently, Los Angeles FC are said to be 'pushing hard' to sign the South Korean and talks with Spurs are ongoing. Son is not expected to play a prominent role under Thomas Frank next season and could emulate former manager Ange Postecoglou is leaving the club in a blaze of glory after ending their 17-year wait for a major trophy win. Mike Jones28 July 2025 10:22 Arteta addresses Mosquera acquisition Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said: 'We're delighted to welcome Cristhian to Arsenal. As a 21-year-old defender, Cristhian has already performed consistently well with significant experience in La Liga. 'He is an intelligent player with good pace, who can play centrally and on both sides. He is a young player with exciting talent and enormous potential, who will fit well into our squad as we continue to prepare for next season. 'Cristhian adds good quality to our squad, and we look forward to working with him and making him feel at home with us. From all of us, we welcome Cristhian and his family to the club.' Sporting director Andrea Berta added: 'We're very happy and excited to have signed a hugely talented young player in Cristhian Mosquera. We identified Cristhian as one of the strongest young defenders in European football, and he is an important signing for our future. "Cristhian is a versatile defender who will strengthen our squad. We cannot wait to see him playing for us. Together with everyone at the club, we warmly welcome Cristhian and his family to Arsenal." Mike Jones28 July 2025 10:14
The Independent
24 minutes ago
- The Independent
The sweary gift Sarina Wiegman used to inspire Lionesses before Euro 2025 final
Sarina Wiegman used a sweary toiletry bag to motivate her England players before the Euro 2025 final, revealing the message 'b****es get sh** done' as part of her team talk. Wiegman sensed the opportunity to lighten the mood before England's semi-final against Italy and delivered the same words before the Lionesses faced Spain in Sunday's final. Their dramatic victory on penalties means Wiegman has now won three Euros titles in a row with the Netherlands and England - in a tournament she described as 'chaotic and ridiculous" as the Lionesses came from behind in the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final. Beth Mead revealed: 'Sarina had a certain little way of motivating us, it was great, it was funny, it was everything. She did it again tonight. 'She had a little toiletry bag that said, 'B****es get sh** done', and b****es got sh** done today. That is it, drop the mic.' Wiegman also told her players to enjoy the final and urged them to make the most of an experience they 'couldn't even dream of' when they were kids. Captain Leah Williamson said Wiegman gave the team the belief that they could beat the world champions Spain, while the manager has also inspired their never-say-die attitude. 'You can have all those words, and in sport words are circulating all the time, but it's brave to put that into action and decide you're going to go through with it,' Williamson said. 'You leave yourself vulnerable and if you really try hard and it doesn't come off it's an awful feeling. If you put yourself out there like that the reward is so great and that's the key to the team. 'Sarina, she believes in us so much and it's hard not to believe in that yourself. She said we don't have to win, we want to win, and we're capable. And we did it.' Wiegman is the first manager in the men's or women's game to reach five consecutive finals in their first five major tournaments, and she is the first England manager to defend a title. The Dutch coach was described as 'priceless' by FA chief executive Mark Bullingham before the final and Wiegman said her final message to the players was a simple one. 'Well I've said a couple of things, but right before we went on the pitch, I just said, I can't use all the words I said, but the main message was enjoy it,' Wiegman said. 'We've got so far now in this tournament. I think we all created something again together. So these are the moments where you dream of , well some couldn't even dream of because it wasn't possible when they were little kids. But go out there and enjoy it and play your very best game.'
