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South Wales Argus
a minute ago
- South Wales Argus
Neville urging fans of EFL clubs to back local small businesses
Neville has teamed up with Sage, Official Accounting Software Partner of the EFL, on a new UK-wide campaign to champion local businesses, with fans across all 72 EFL clubs invited to nominate the matchday heroes in their community. Three winning businesses will have the chance to win bespoke club partnerships with the aim to gain exposure and drive growth. Additional finalists will receive business grants from Sage and promotional opportunities at EFL matches. 'Local businesses thrive on matchdays,' Neville said. 'Small businesses know how important football clubs are and clubs know fans need hospitality and service on those days. They need the local businesses to still be there to support the fanbase. 'A football club can never forget where it has come from, that is one of my constant messages. It needs to be the beating heart of a community and sit there to help people, support people, be the release, the energy, the life, the laugh. 'There are very few things in life that make your veins pop out like when your team score a goal or make you as angry as when your team lose. 'That emotion and feeling is absolutely critical.' Neville, who represented Manchester United on 602 occasions between 1992 and 2011, has since turned his hand to various entrepreneurial enterprises alongside his award-winning punditry with Sky Sports. He co-owns League Two outfit Salford City with some of his 'Class of 92' teammates and has a lifelong insight into how crucial football clubs are to their surrounding small businesses, and vice-versa. 'Growing up in Bury, being an owner of Salford and supporting (Manchester) United, I have seen the importance of football to local towns, cities, communities and local businesses at all levels,' he said. 'Manchester United not being in Europe this year has a massive impact on the city of Manchester. Manchester United doing well and City doing well has a huge impact on the city. It's the same with Salford, the same with Bury. 'Football clubs are not just important economically, they are important for the spirit in the city, the feeling of energy. 'That can largely be defined sometimes by how the football team is doing. It has such an impact on the local community.' The 85-cap England international is working with Sage to spotlight the vital role of small businesses in the EFL ecosystem, a partnership he is delighted to be a part of. 'It's hard work setting up a small business,' he added. 'Everyone does it with great enthusiasm and passion, I've done it myself here in Manchester, but you need systems, you need processes, I call it a defence. 'The nuts and bolts is making sure your defence is looked after and you're not conceding goals. 'Small businesses need that more than ever in what is a challenging time to operate and Sage do great work helping with that.' Gary Neville is encouraging fans to celebrate the businesses behind the badge on behalf of Sage, the Official Accounting Software Partner of the EFL. To nominate your local business hero and a chance to win VIP hospitality tickets, visit
South Wales Argus
a minute ago
- South Wales Argus
Lionesses enjoy late-night Euros celebrations in London ahead of Mall parade
Thousands of fans are expected to descend on central London on Tuesday after the team defended their Euros title with a penalty shootout win over Spain in the final in Basel, Switzerland. The Lionesses and their head coach Sarina Wiegman will make their way along The Mall near Buckingham Palace just after midday, before a trophy ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of the palace. Members of the squad were pictured arriving by taxi in groups for celebrations at the Little Italy restaurant in Soho on Monday evening. The team sported more casual wear for the gathering after earlier attending a reception at Downing Street, hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and sports minister Stephanie Peacock. Mark Bullingham, chief executive of the Football Association (FA), said: 'We are so proud of all of the players, Sarina and the support team who have all been part of this incredible achievement. 'They have all worked unbelievably hard and we know the nation shares our pride. Sarina Wiegman takes a selfie with some of her team in the garden of Number 10 (Richard Pohle/The Times/PA) 'The victory celebration in London on Tuesday will give England fans an opportunity to celebrate with the players, and be part of history. 'We've had amazing support from our fans both in Switzerland and at home throughout the tournament, and we look forward to celebrating together and creating some lifelong memories.' The celebrations on home soil began on Monday afternoon when the team landed at Southend Airport in Essex. Hundreds of fans waited patiently to catch a glimpse of Wiegman's side and the trophy, which captain Leah Williamson held up in front of jubilant crowds. England fans erupted into cheers when the Lionesses left Southend Airport, with captain Leah Williamson holding the trophy (Yui Mok/PA) Number 10 was decorated for the occasion, with St George's flags draped over windows and bunting along the railings. Wiegman and some of her Lionesses spoke to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer via video call from the garden of No 10. The Dutchwoman said 'Hello Keir, nice to see you', adding 'it's lovely here'. Sir Keir said: 'Fantastic to see you all and welcome to Downing Street. I just wanted to say a huge, huge congratulations to you and to the whole team. 'It was an absolutely amazing victory and you must've felt the eyes and ears of the whole country on you last night.' At the reception, Wiegman congratulated her team and called for more investment in the women's game, saying: 'The team is just incredible, we won the Euros but making the final, we're already legendary, what the team has done and the team behind the team.' Speaking a few hours before the Government announced a new package of measures to boost access to grassroots football, she added: 'This incredible team won the Euros and then straightaway sent a letter to you, the Government, asking for attention and asking for access to football for all girls. 'Steps have been taken but we're not done yet, we have to keep moving forward and we need a little bit more.' In a post shared on X on Monday evening, Ms Rayner described the Lionesses as 'absolute legends', adding: 'So proud of what they've done for women's football and representing England with such brilliance. 'Let the celebrations continue!!' On Monday night, the Government announced plans for priority access to grassroots football pitches for girls and women to be more than doubled over the next five years to meet the expected increased demand after the Lionesses' dramatic win. England forward Chloe Kelly at Downing Street on Monday evening (Richard Pohle/The Times/PA) As well as the Prime Minister, the King also congratulated the European champions, saying in a statement posted on X: 'You have shown through your example over past weeks that there are no setbacks so tough that defeat cannot be transformed into victory, even as the final whistle looms. 'Well done, Lionesses.' The Prince of Wales was spotted in the stands in Basel on Sunday applauding with those around him, including Princess Charlotte, and royal celebrations could continue as a trip to Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle may be arranged for the team as plans for a reception in the autumn are being explored by royal aides, it is understood.
South Wales Guardian
a minute ago
- South Wales Guardian
Tensions, Stokes' fitness, Bumrah dilemma – talking points ahead of fifth Test
Here, the PA news agency looks at some of the key issues ahead of the fifth match. Harry Brook says England must ditch their "nice guy" persona 🏴#ENGvIND — England's Barmy Army 🏴🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy) July 22, 2025 Relations between the sides have become increasingly strained, with a time-wasting spat at Lord's, some overly aggressive send-offs, plenty of sledging and the handshake row at Old Trafford. With just three days between games there has barely been a chance for cooler heads to prevail, and another highly charged contest must be expected. The team that channels their emotions best in the finale could claim an important edge. England skipper Ben Stokes has had a wonderful series, including player-of-the-match performances in each of the last two games. But it is no secret that his body is creaking under the weight of his workload. He has already sent down 140 overs and faced almost 600 balls, with bouts of cramp and concerns over his knee, calf and bicep. It is almost four months until the start of the Ashes but the one thing England cannot countenance is their captain breaking down. Will anyone be able to stop him pushing himself too far? India tied their hands unnecessarily at the start of the tour by repeatedly committing to the idea that the world's number one bowler Jasprit Bumrah would only play three Tests. The rationale, to prevent exaggerating existing back issues, was sound but the policy was always too rigid. Now they find themselves in a must-win situation with Bumrah's allocation already used. The temptation to bust their own guidelines will surely win out. If it does not, England's batters will be the ones breathing a sigh of relief. Well worth the wait, Daws! 🙌 Jaiswal caught by Brook off Dawson 🤲 🇮🇳 1⃣2⃣0⃣-2⃣ — England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 23, 2025 Shoaib Bashir's broken finger led to a recall for Liam Dawson, eight years after his previous Test outing. The Hampshire stalwart struck early in the first innings but did not bag another wicket, leaving him with just one success in 62 overs. He was tidy but toothless for long spells and England may conclude that they are better loading the attack with pace and relying on Joe Root for occasional bouts of spin. It is a combination that some favour for Australia and now could be the chance to take a look. The combination of unresponsive balls and flat pitches has made for a run-fest this summer, with all four matches going the distance as bowlers toiled away for long, taxing spells. In all there have been 18 centuries and a further 22 fifties. Might the Kia Oval finally offer a plot twist, with ball getting the better of bat? Surrey have been known to prepare greener surfaces and there is a steady pattern of teams bowling first to exploit early movement. Neither side have suffered a batting meltdown yet but the conditions for a collapse could come together in south London.
