Latest news with #PlayeroftheYear
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Rangers officially miss out on major summer transfer target as deal ‘100% done'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) RUSSELL MARTIN is moving quickly to kickstart his Rangers revolution ahead of the club's crucial Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos next month. The former Southampton and Swansea boss has already brought his old Norwich pal Max Aarons to Rangers on loan for the season, while Lyall Cameron has linked up with his new manager and team-mates after penning his pre-contract from Dundee earlier this year. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Russell Martin has several targets already lined up Credit: PA 2 First summer signing Lyall Cameron arriving at Auchenhowie for his first training session Credit: Kenny Ramsay Martin still wants at least a couple of more bodies in the door before the season officially gets underway in just a matter of weeks. One area he's looking at is a new winger to replace Vaclav Cerny who has returned to his parent club Wolfsburg after spending last season in Glasgow. Martin did have a promising player lined up to take the Czechia international's place in the Gers first team. However, the manager will need to change his plans after seemingly losing out on the race to sign him. The player Martin wanted to sign was Kwame Poku, who was Peterborough United's Player of the Year last term following a standout campaign in EFL League One. He was also named in the division's Team of the Season after he scored 12 goals and provided eight assists in 27 league outings. The 23-year-old is out of contract this summer and Rangers were one of the many clubs that expressed interest in signing him. At one stage it looked like Poku had all-but sealed a stunning move north of the border to become one of Martin's firs recruits in Scotland. The ship has since sailed, though, as we told you last week how he was closing in on a switch to Queen's Park Rangers instead. Now transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has claimed the deal is now official and he's set to be unveiled as Julian Stephan's first signing after taking over as boss at Loftus Road this week. Sir Sean Connery's secret £1 MILLION investment in Rangers revealed Delivering the major update on social media, Romano wrote: "🔵⚪️✍🏻 Kwame Poku has signed in as new Queens Park Rangers player right now. All sealed. Deal 100% done. Excellent addition for QPR." It's a major blow for the Light Blues as Martin now has less than a month to land another target before the first Champions League showdown against the Greek giants. Rangers will host the first tie on July 22 and the return leg has been scheduled for the following week on July 30. They face Club Brugge in their first pre-season friendly on Sunday, July 6. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Irish Examiner
14 hours ago
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Esther McCarthy: As my nephew waits for a kidney donor, a chat today is worth a life tomorrow
He doesn't go to soccer training anymore, even though he was player of the year for Kanturk AFC, not so long ago. He doesn't bother trying to get tickets for the hurling semi-final between Cork and Dublin, even though he'd LOVE to see his county get through to the All-Ireland. He knows he can't go. He's stopped asking his mam if he can go to the local disco. The answer will be no. He doesn't worry about end-of-school exams; he didn't even get to sit them, he was too tired to make it into school. My nephew Kieran is 16. He's on the kidney donor list. And all the things that he used to take for granted are out of his reach now. Kieran suffered complete renal failure, out of the blue, in March last year. Since then, he's gone from travelling from Bweeng with his mam to Temple Street three times a week, to transferring to CUH when he turned 16 in October. But his mam couldn't go in with him for his treatment any more, there's no space, and in medical terms, he's an adult now. So when the nurse asks how he is, he just says fine, even when he's not. He's too embarrassed to say he was vomiting for hours that day. Or that he was scared watching a resuscitation team try to save the man on the bed next to him with a crash cart. He can't find the words to say he's worried the line into his heart is infected. So Kieran and his mam got trained to do dialysis themselves at home this month. Four times a day, every four hours. While his friends are talking about discos and penos, Kieran is practising tying off lines and helping order an IV pole online. Learning how to disinfect and insert things he shouldn't know about. And they never have any reprieve or break, because every day is parcelled into sickness slots; getting ready for dialysis, hooking up to the machine; cleaning up and disposing the waste, then prepping to do it all again, hoping they're doing it right, because one mistake could be deadly. He's one teenager who won't be given out to about having his phone on him all the time, he's watching, hoping, for an unknown number, his bag is packed, ready by the front door. Waiting for the unimaginable to happen to another family, for their loss to be his salvation. It's a tough thing for a 16-year-old to manage. And for his brother. And his dad. And man-oh-man, it's hard for his mam. Kieran Harkins from Bweeng Co Cork in June 2023 when he won Player of the Year at Kanturk AFC. Kieran is waiting for a kidney donation after suffering renal failure in March 2024. Life is different now. The constant fatigue — he can't get out of bed the whole day sometimes. The restricted diet — he's either starving or can't eat at all. The upset stomach. The fear of going anywhere where there are crowds — if he gets a simple bug, his compromised immune system won't cope. The complications around toileting. The missing out on simple, silly things, like just hanging around with his friends. We can talk about these things. He has a great sense of humour, he doesn't complain, he's a sunny, funny kid. We don't talk about the fear. The concrete block in the stomach. We don't talk about the worry. The constant, gnawing, tumbling thoughts that don't turn off. What if? What if? The legislation that kicked in this month simply means everyone over 18 in Ireland is now automatically presumed to consent to donate their heart, lungs, liver, pancreas, or kidney — unless they specifically opt out. And that's their prerogative. Of course it is. But please, do know that even under the new system, donation can't proceed if your family objects. A designated person still must confirm there's no known objection from the deceased. Kieran never got to meet his maternal grandfather, but we often tell him the story about his fake eye. He had a tumour when he was in his 50s, but the eye itself was perfect, and he donated the cornea and the sclera, so two people benefited from his loss. We, as a family, were proud of that; we always had a donor card in our wallets. I know none of us wants to talk about our own death. It's not easy. But it could be the most important conversation you have today. Just let your family know your thoughts on it all. If your legacy might be giving someone a chance at life, isn't that worth a chat? Kieran is one of 500 or so people in Ireland waiting for a kidney transplant. And of course, legislation is just one piece of a much larger, complex puzzle involving trained staff, hospital processes, and the health system logistics. So when you hear about the law, don't let it drift past like just another headline. Think of the boy with the bag by the front door. The one who ties medical lines instead of lacing boots for training. Who doesn't ask to go out anymore, because he already knows the answer. Think of Kieran — and the hundreds like him — whose lives are held in place, quietly, painfully, while they wait for that call. All this law asks is that we talk. That we tell the people we love what we would want, should the unthinkable happen. One conversation — it won't cost you anything. But to Kieran, it could mean absolutely everything. Please visit for more info
Daily Record
16 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Brad Spencer reveals the Falkirk title message from Brian Graham moments after Patrick Thistle heartbreak
The then-Thistle striker had dealt a hammerblow to the Bairns title hopes - before joining them in the Premiership for the new season Brad Spencer trudged off the pitch with his head spinning and Brian Graham's consoling arm draped round him – but kind words were the last thing on his mind in Maryhill. A stoppage-time sickener from Partick Thistle substitute Terry Ablade had sealed a 2-1 defeat – Falkirk 's third winless clash – putting the title party on ice and giving Livingston a shot at reeling them back in. The Bairns had looked nailed on for the crown at the outset of April but as the whistle blew at Firhill, Spencer could only stew. Then came Graham, Thistle's co-boss and the man who had opened the scoring, offering a few words of solace. Spencer's first instinct may have been to tell him where to go – little did he know that place was Falkirk in a summer double deal along with former Celtic keeper Scott Bain. John McGlynn's men held their nerve a week later for title glory and a long-awaited return to the top flight as Spencer, now 29, capped it all by being named PFA Scotland Championship Player of the Year. Looking back, that chat with Graham didn't sting for long – in fact, he's grateful for it now. The vice-skipper said: 'Brian came up to me after the game at Firhill. I was speaking to him before about the Player of the Year and stuff like that. 'He said something about it being a great year for myself and then 'just go on and win it', he's 'desperate for us to win it', we deserve to win it and 'you'll go get the job done next week'. In the end we did. 'I definitely had different words in my head than those that came out at the time to tell Brian just because I was annoyed at how the game went! 'He was being professional, it was lovely words and in the end there were people who were rooting for us to go out and do the job because we consistently were the best team in the league. It was nice from Brian. 'Looking back now, it was the best way we could've done it – at home in front of our fans and enjoying the night like that was magic. 'Taking it into the last game obviously wasn't good at times for people's nerves but we always had strong belief in the squadwe would get it done.' Now Spencer reckons the old guard – 37-year-old Graham, 36-year-old Scott Arfield and 33-year-old Bain – can form a solid spine for a young squad stepping into the big time. He added: 'I've known Brian for a while. Playing against him, you get to chat. 'Scott seems a lovely lad also, another good character the gaffer has picked. He's got a knack of picking good players to have around the dressing room. It would be daft not to lean on their experience. 'They've both been around the game for a long time, along with Scotty. It's an experienced group, compared to last year when we were a wee bit younger. 'We've got a wee bit of a mixture – we've got pace, we've got experience. It's exciting. 'We had success last year against a couple of Premiership teams and still played our way in those games. At times wehad to sit in, soak up a wee bit more pressure and rely on a wee bit of luck or Nicky (Hogarth) to make saves. 'So it's going to be different. We just need to add different strings to our bow and try to find the best way to win games. 'The gaffer has always stressed about keeping the continuity and feelgood factor around the place. If you start ripping everything apart, you're starting from the bare bones. 'Whereas we're two, three years into our journey. We know what to expect from the gaffer and Smudger (assistant Paul Smith) which suits a lot of us. 'It has worked. That's how we get the best out of people like myself, Dylan (Tait), the wingers and everybody else. 'There's no point in coming up and being spooked. It's just about trying to continue what we've done that's got us success.' No one can say Spencer's had it easy as he gets set for his Premiership debut seven years after exiting Kilmarnock without a top-team appearance. The midfielder, who spent his youth career in the States withPortland Timbers and Houston Dynamo, said: 'I've certainly taken longer to get to the Premiership than I'd have liked. 'But everybody's got a different path, there are late developers. I came back from America and I was wet behind the ears, didn't know enough about professional football and playing the men's game. 'It shows there are people out there who just need a chance and they can do well.'
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Breaking: Liverpool Confirm the Arrival of Fifth Summer Signing
Liverpool Move for Freddie Woodman Adds Depth Behind the Scenes Liverpool have taken another calculated step in bolstering their squad ahead of the new campaign, agreeing to sign goalkeeper Freddie Woodman on a free transfer. The 28-year-old will link up with Arne Slot's title-winning side when pre-season begins at the AXA Training Centre next month, following the expiry of his contract with Preston North End. Goalkeeping Reinforcements for Slot's Second Season Fresh from winning the Premier League title in his debut season, Arne Slot is shaping a Liverpool squad that can sustain challenges on multiple fronts. With Champions League football returning to Anfield, depth across the pitch is essential. The addition of Freddie Woodman, who made 138 appearances in three years for Preston North End, offers experience and reliability without altering the club's wage structure. Advertisement Woodman was a standout figure at Deepdale and was rewarded with Preston's Player of the Year award in the 2022–23 season. At 28, he is entering the peak years for a goalkeeper and brings a solid foundation built at clubs such as Newcastle United, Swansea City and Kilmarnock. Experience Built from Lower Leagues to Top Ambitions Though Woodman never nailed down a long-term role in the Premier League, his experience across the English Football League and in Scotland has forged a mentally strong, technically sound shot-stopper. His consistency at Preston North End, a side often punching above its weight in the Championship, made him one of the more respected keepers outside the top flight. He will not be expected to challenge for Liverpool's number one shirt immediately, particularly with the arrival of Giorgi Mamardashvili earlier in the window. However, his signing offers vital coverage and competition during what promises to be a packed fixture calendar. Woodman will join fellow newcomers Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez as part of a well-planned summer rebuild. Slot's Strategy Emphasises Stability and Opportunity The signing also reflects the evolving structure under Slot. While marquee names capture headlines, deals like Woodman's hint at a methodical approach. Slot wants his squad built not only for quality, but also for cohesion, balance and adaptability. As Liverpool prepare for another intense campaign, adding a dependable figure like Woodman without transfer fee outlay is a reflection of strategic squad management. 'Freddie Woodman has agreed a contract with the Reds to bolster the goalkeeping ranks upon the expiry of his previous deal with Preston North End,' the club confirmed. His move is low-risk but potentially high-reward in maintaining Liverpool's high standards across all competitions.
The Citizen
a day ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Four Springboks who need to impress against BaaBaas to stay in the frame for Italy
The pressure is on new and older Springboks after attack coach Tony Brown said good performances will be required for them to keep their spots. Attack coach Tony Brown said that Springbok players need to perform well in this Saturday's fixture in order to be granted an opportunity in the match the following weekend. The Springboks take on the Barbarians invitational team at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 5.10pm) before playing the first of two Tests against Italy, at Loftus, next weekend. Bok boss Rassie Erasmus named four uncapped players in the matchday squad against the Barbarians, which features a mix of experienced internationals from around the world. While it is easy to say all four Springbok debutants need to shine, there is enough pressure in Erasmus' 45-man squad for the early season to demand standout performances from some of the stalwarts. Here are four who'll be keen to impress on Saturday. Manie Libbok It will take a while for Libbok to prove to critics that he is worthy of a Springbok jersey after his goal-kicking was so underpar at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Playing from the bench for starting flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Libbok gets the nod ahead of Springbok veteran Handré Pollard, who only arrived in camp last week. While he may not be called on to kick for posts, he could utilise his hallmark cross kicks and play-making to build greater trust and confidence. Especially since he only carried a 50% kicking success rate in this year's URC (slotting one penalty and seven conversions while missing eight kicks). Marnus van der Merwe One of the rookies in the line-up on Saturday, the 28-year-old hooker plays from the bench thanks to a breakout season for Scarlets. The former Cheetahs player slotted in well in his first season at the Welsh side, winning the second-most lineouts in the URC, securing the third-most turnovers, and scoring 10 tries across the URC and Challenge Cup. His inclusion in the Springboks' early-season squad came at the cost of Johan Grobbelaar, who is increasingly becoming a force for the Bulls, and Stormers youngster André-Hugo Venter. Van der Merwe will have to follow up his form to show he is not a one-hit wonder, but is worthy of a place in the side. Asenathi Ntlabakanye The 26-year-old tighthead prop is also set to make his debut against the Barbarians. Reportedly weighing over 150kgs while playing for the Lions, he has had to slim down to get himself up to Springbok standard. He also took part in special training sessions with Bok scrum guru Daan Human. While his size and performances made him a powerhouse for the Joburg side, it remains to be seen how he will do on the highest stage and if he is worthy of a spot ahead of URC SA Player of the Year nominee Wilco Louw. Damian de Allende By all rights a Springbok mainstay who will perhaps go down as a national legend — once he reaches 100 Tests. De Allende is starting at inside centre, a position another in-form Springbok usually plays (André Esterhuizen, who is on the bench). This while Erasmus said 22-year-old Ethan Hooker will also be given opportunities in the centre (with inside being Hooker's most accomplished position). Double World Cup winner De Allende said he could learn a thing or two from the youngster after an impactful URC campaign. But maybe he will need to ensure he is too good to drop in the squad.
