Why Iceland could prove a real thorn in Northern Ireland's side in intriguing clash of friendly fire
In footballing terms, the country's heart soared with the odyssey that ended Roy Hodgson's tenure as England boss with a famous victory in the Euro 2016 Round of 16 before going out to host nation France at the Quarter-Final stage.
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Scotsman
4 days ago
- Scotsman
Former Hearts and Derby County star in surprise non league transfer as he makes summer move
He counts Hearts amongst former clubs alongside the likes of Derby County and QPR. Sign up to our Hearts newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A former Hearts star has signed for a non-league club as the ex Derby County and QPR man goes down a different career direction. The Jambos have been one of Scotland's busiest clubs in the transfer market. There are former players on the move too and one of them has taken a major decision after an exit from Derby County at the end of last season. Conor Washington started his career in the lower leagues at St Ives before moving up the leagues down south. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He featured for the likes of QPR before a short lived stint at Sheffield United preceded playing with Hearts. Washington played 22 times for Hearts between 2019-2020 before heading back south, and left Derby County earlier this summer. He now signs for Matlock Town, who are currently part of the Northern Premier League Division One East. Why former Hearts, Derby County and QPR star has signed in non league Taking to social media, the striker said: 'An emotional day as I drop out of full time football and back into the part time scene where it all began. From Step 5 to Step 4 in 13 years , with some other stuff inbetween. In my wildest dreams I couldn't have imagined the career I've managed to have and I'm grateful for every single memory. From never setting foot in an academy, turning pro at 19 in the Conference in 2012 to lacing them up against Germany in Euro 2016 - seems like a fairy tale. 'Three promotions , a relegation and some amazing clubs along the way. The setbacks , my god there was plenty, but I wouldn't have it any other way ! Really looking forward to combining playing for a really ambitious club and starting the next chapter of my football career.' A club statement adds, with reference to time at Hearts: 'Matlock Town are pleased to announce the signing of Northern Ireland International forward Conor Washington, formerly of Derby County. Kent-born Washington netted seven times in League Two for Newport County in the first half of the 2013/14 campaign before sealing a move to League One with Peterborough United. He went on to score on a further five occasions during a campaign that ultimately ended in play-off defeat. Tallies of 13 and 15 followed over the next two seasons, including a first-ever career hat-trick during 2015/16, taking the striker to 33 goals in 94 games for the Posh.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Why non league side have signed Conor Washington They add: 'His fine form saw him earn a seven-figure switch to Queens Park Rangers of the Championship in January 2016 and Washington scored 14 times in 98 appearances before joining Sheffield United for the 2018/19 campaign where he played a part in the Blades earning promotion to the Premier League. The 2019/20 season was spent with Heart of Midlothian in Scotland. 'However, the COVID-19 outbreak ended the campaign prematurely. Washington returned to England with League One outfit Charlton Athletic in the summer of 2020 and scored 11 times in each of the 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons for the Addicks. This form earned him a move back to the Championship with Rotherham, where he found the net six times. Washington would make the move to Derby County for an undisclosed fee in the summer of 2023, where he would spend two seasons before departing at the end of his deal this summer. 'On the international stage, Washington has been a regular in the Northern Ireland squad for many years, scoring six times in 43 appearances. Now back fully fit and hungry to get back in the goals, we are excited to welcome Conor to the Gladiators and look forward to seeing him at the Proctor Cars Stadium.'
BBC News
16-07-2025
- BBC News
Wales goalkeeping great Hennessey retires
Wales goalkeeping great Wayne Hennessey has retired from 38-year-old's career lasted almost two decades, during which he played 109 times for Wales - a national record in his position - and was part of the side that reached the semi-finals of Euro made his professional club debut in 2006 for Wolverhampton Wanderers, playing on loan for clubs including Bristol City, Stockport County and Yeovil Town, before permanent moves to Crystal Palace, Burnley and his final club Nottingham Forest."I have decided to bring my playing career to an end, I look back with gratitude and forward with optimism as I take the next steps on my footballing journey," Hennessey said on social to follow.
The Sun
12-07-2025
- The Sun
Fans can't believe who former England manager Roy Hodgson sat next to at Lord's for England vs India Test match
FANS were left stunned after seeing former England manager Roy Hodgson sat next to cricket legend Alec Stewart. The icons formed an unlikely pair at Lord's as England played India in their latest Test match. 6 6 Ben Stokes' barnstorming performance saw his side remain in the hunt for Third Test glory. But fans were more concerned with who was watching from the crowd. As the camera panned round Lord's, it picked up former England boss Hodgson in the stands. The 77-year-old, most recently in charge of Crystal Palace until February 2024, looked to be in good spirits as he watched the action unfold. Hodgson managed England between 2012 and 2016, winning 33 of his 56 matches. He also spent time at Liverpool, Fulham and Watford in a managerial career starting in 1976. But things got even better for cricket buffs when they realised that Hodgson was sat next to ex-England captain Stewart, 62. The former batsman is his country's fifth-most-capped player in Test matches with 133 outings. He played for England between 1989 and 2003, and was part of the side which reached the 1992 World Cup final. After retiring, he has enjoyed several backroom roles with old side Surrey County. 6 6 And Stewart also looked on proudly as he watched successor Stokes hold India level to 387 runs apiece. Fans were certainly delighted to see the unlikely pair sat together. One said: 'Legends only! What a duo.' Another declared: 'It gives me, I think they call it, 'endorphins'.' One noted: 'Lord's turning into a Hall of Fame hangout.' Another added: 'Two English greats link up.' The match at Lord's on Saturday also saw Zak Crawley at the centre of a furious time-wasting row with India captain Shubman Gill. Crawley exchanged angry words with Gill as tempers flared and fingers were wagged. 6 6 Gill cupped his hand and appeared to tell Crawley: 'Grow some f***** balls!' Openers Crawley and Ben Duckett were determined they would face only one over when they went out to bat in England's second innings with six minutes remaining. They kept re-marking their guards, talking between deliveries and wandering slowly back to their positions. And then Crawley called for the physio when he was struck on the glove by Jasprit Bumrah's fifth ball of the over. That made certain there would not be a second over but the Indians accused Crawley of exaggerating his injury. As soon as Bumrah finished his over, Crawley turned and marched off to the pavilion with a torrent of abuse from Indian fielders ringing in his ears. England scored 2-0 in that single over after India had been dismissed for 387 - exactly the same as England's first innings total. England fast bowling consultant Tim Southee, the former New Zealand bowler, said: 'It was an exciting way to finish, showing a bit of energy at the end of a long day. 'But I'm not sure what they were moaning about given that Shubman Gill was lying down having a massage on the field yesterday.' On Crawley's finger, Southee added with a smile: 'He'll be assessed overnight and will hopefully be good to go in the morning.'
