Latest news with #Preston-born
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Arsenal hijack Liverpool transfer move for wonderkid as Gunners repeat trick
Arsenal have gazumped Liverpool's bid for Salford City striker Will Wright, who has caught the eye of several clubs with his regular goal scoring for the League Two club Arsenal have reportedly muscled in to poach a highly-regarded young striker from under the noses of Liverpool. The Reds had been in pole position to sign Will Wright from Salford City after making the League Two club an offer. But Liverpool have now accepted defeat in the race for the 17-year-old striker after Arsenal gazumped them. Wright has attracted attention from Manchester City, Brentford, Leicester City and Burnley with his goal scoring exploits. The 6ft 3in striker scored more than 50 goals at all levels for Salford last season and has been on fire in pre-season. He has bagged four goals in friendlies for Karl Robinson's side to continue his ascent after making four first-team appearances last season. But it now seems as though his future lies away from the club owned by Gary Neville and David Beckham. The Sun reports that Arsenal have submitted a bid worth £250,000 plus add-ons for Wright. They are confident that will be enough to land the young striker, with Liverpool having only offered around £100,000 plus add-ons. The Liverpool Echo says Liverpool have now walked away from the deal and the situation is similar to that of Martin Zubimendi, albeit at a lower level. Zubimendi has joined the Gunners in a £51million transfer this summer after a similar move to Liverpool collapsed last summer. Salford manager Robinson is well aware of the talent he has in his squad in the form of Wright. Speaking after he scored both goals in a 2-2 draw with FC United of Manchester, he sang his praises. 'He's top,' he said. 'He's a local lad and one we are incredibly proud of, and he showed all of his qualities today… He's certainly a goal scorer, no doubt about that, we see it every day.' Wright, meanwhile, has been revelling in the opportunity to play regularly up front in pre-season. 'I feel great, I'm ready. For all of us, it's a fantastic opportunity,' he said recently. 'Just to be even playing games, let alone training with the first team. 'Getting the opportunity and gaining the experience and taking things back to the B team and academy where we can influence them and hopefully bring more and more up, hopefully bring more people through and get more debuts.' Wright is likely to go into the Arsenal under-21s if he does join the north London side. The Preston-born forward is currently in the second year of his scholarship with Salford, having been spotted playing for local sides Euxton Villa and Fylde just two years ago. The transfer fee will come as a boost to Salford, who have been stuck in League Two since their promotion from the National League in 2019. Despite the fortunes invested by the Class of 92, they have only made the play-offs once with a number of managers coming and going during that period.
Scottish Sun
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Freddie Flintoff shares major update on hit series Field of Dreams
Will the cricket legend continue to help a new generation chase their sporting dreams? Dare to Dream Freddie Flintoff shares major update on hit series Field of Dreams FREDDIE Flintoff has finally spilled the beans on the future of his smash-hit BBC series Field of Dreams. The cricket champ-turned-presenter, 47, first launched the heartwarming show back in 2022, building a team of young hopefuls from his hometown of Preston in a bid to change lives through sport. Advertisement 3 Cricket legend turned telly fave Freddie Flintoff has officially confirmed a third season of his hit BBC series Field of Dreams Credit: Getty 3 The Preston-born star revealed he's wrapped filming on the new series, which will feature three brand-new teams Credit: PA Fast forward two years - and two years on from his terrifying Top Gear crash - Freddie returned with Field of Dreams: On Tour, taking the same lads on an unforgettable cricket trip to India. The series struck a chord once again, even landing Freddie an RTS Award nomination, and left viewers desperate for more. Now, after months of whispers and speculation, it's looking like season three is a go - despite the BBC staying tight-lipped when reports first surfaced in April 2024. Freddie revealed he's wrapped filming on the new series, which will feature not one, but three brand-new teams: two boys' squads from Bootle and Newton Heath, and a girls' team based in Blackpool. Advertisement Speaking to The Telegraph, the dad-of-four said the experience has been 'life-changing." He shared: 'All the boys are doing well. But what I didn't envisage is what I got from it. Going to India with these boys helped me so much… it's getting bigger and bigger.' He added: 'If you give kids a chance, they're all right, aren't they? Kids are good!' Producers say the new season reflects the show's mission to promote equality and expand its reach, aiming to air later in 2025 on BBC One. Advertisement Fans can also expect a possible fourth season - with speculation mounting about an overseas tour for these new teams. It's shaping up to be Freddie's busiest year yet. Freddie Flintoff almost joined WWE under brilliant new name Alongside Field of Dreams, he's fronting ITV's Bullseye reboot and preparing for a Disney+ docuseries on his recovery post-Top Gear crash. And in a shock twist, Freddie also revealed he once turned down 'obscene' money to become a WWE wrestler and even got 'beaten up left, right and centre' during a trial run with a top American company. Advertisement If he'd signed on the dotted line, Freddie could've joined fellow Preston lad Stu Bennett, aka WWE's Wade Barrett, in the wrestling ring. Instead, he's stuck to cricket bats over body slams - and fans are thankful for it. Freddie Flintoff's Field of Dreams is available to watch on BBC iPlayer. 3 Freddie Flintoff's Disney+ film will chart his recovery as well as look back on his incredible sporting career Credit: PA
The Irish Sun
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Freddie Flintoff shares major update on hit series Field of Dreams
FREDDIE Flintoff has finally spilled the beans on the future of his smash-hit BBC series Field of Dreams. The cricket champ-turned-presenter, 47, first launched the heartwarming show back in 2022, building a team of young hopefuls from his hometown of Preston in a bid to change lives through sport. 3 Cricket legend turned telly fave Freddie Flintoff has officially confirmed a third season of his hit BBC series Field of Dreams Credit: Getty 3 The Preston-born star revealed he's wrapped filming on the new series, which will feature three brand-new teams Credit: PA Fast forward two years - and two years on from his The series struck a chord once again, even landing Freddie an RTS Award nomination, and left viewers desperate for more. Now, after months of whispers and speculation, it's looking like season three is a go - despite the BBC staying tight-lipped when reports first surfaced in April 2024. Freddie revealed he's wrapped filming on the new series, which will feature not one, but three brand-new teams: two boys' squads from Bootle and Newton Heath, and a girls' team based in Blackpool. Speaking to He shared: 'All the boys are doing well. But what I didn't envisage is what I got from it. Going to India with these boys helped me so much… it's getting bigger and bigger.' He added: 'If you give kids a chance, they're all right, aren't they? Kids are good!' Producers say the new season reflects the show's mission to promote equality and expand its reach, aiming to air later in 2025 on BBC One. Most read in Reality Fans can also expect a possible fourth season - with speculation mounting about an overseas tour for these new teams. It's shaping up to be Freddie's busiest year yet. Freddie Flintoff almost joined WWE under brilliant new name Alongside Field of Dreams, he's fronting And in a shock twist, Freddie also revealed he once turned down 'obscene' money to become a WWE wrestler and even got 'beaten up left, right and centre' during a trial run with a top American company. If he'd signed on the dotted line, Freddie could've joined fellow Preston lad Instead, he's stuck to cricket bats over body slams - and fans are thankful for it. Freddie Flintoff's Field of Dreams is available to watch on BBC iPlayer. 3 Freddie Flintoff's Disney+ film will chart his recovery as well as look back on his incredible sporting career Credit: PA
Daily Mirror
02-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Chelsea sign free agent who claimed he'd discovered his release on social media
Chelsea's newest signing, Kian Best, was released by hometown club Preston North End last month and claimed that he only found out about the decision from social media Chelsea have snapped up England youth international Kian Best for their development squad. Best, 19, is a free agent after leaving Preston North End at the end of the 2024-25 campaign. The talented left-back has represented his country at under-19 level, where he has won seven caps. Mirror Football understands Best has completed a medical and put pen to paper on a deal with the Blues. The Preston-born star made headlines in May when he claimed that he'd only found out about being released from his hometown club via their social media platforms. Best had been sent out on loan to Irish club Bohemians until June. His contract at Deepdale was due to expire this summer and the Lancashire club posted: "We'd like to wish the players leaving us this summer the very best of luck for the future," alongside a slideshow of those who were leaving. "Thank you, Besty," Preston added as the caption on his image. In response, the 19-year-old wrote: "Good way to find out through Instagram." Best later appeared to delete the post and CEO Peter Ridsdale later denied that Best only learned his fate on social media. In a subsequent post, Best thanked PNE by saying: "Thank you to everyone at @pnefcofficial for the past 12 years. From joining at 7 to making my debut 10 years later it's been some journey. Being a Preston lad I would have loved for it to continue but that's football. "Thank you to all the players and staff that helped me on the way. Lastly, I am grateful to the fans for the support. I'll always be one of your own. UTW." The defender was linked with Fulham after his breakthrough at Preston while Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq reportedly had an approach turned down last summer. Best won the club's Young Player of the Year award in the 2023-24 season but only made two appearances under new manager Paul Heckingbottom, both as a substitute in the Carabao Cup against Harrogate Town and Arsenal. Best's arrival at Stamford Bridge follows the £60million signing of Brighton forward Joao Pedro which was announced on Wednesday afternoon. The Brazilian will be eligible to play for the Blues at the Club World Cup, as a registration period is open from June 27 and July 3. Chelsea have had to be more patient with Jamie Gittens, though. Despite reportedly agreeing a £55m deal to sign the winger from Borussia Dortmund, the German side have also reached the quarter-final stage and want Gittens, 22, available for selection. 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.
Metro
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
WWE fans in awe as 'freakish' star finally debuts after 12-month wait
WWE fans were stunned as a new face made a massive impression at Night of Champions 2025. Former New Japan Pro Wrestling star Hikuleo – who was previously a member of Bullet Club and Guerrillas of Destiny – was reported to have signed with the company back in July 2024. It's been a year since the towering star left NJPW, and 11 months since he was said to have inked his WWE deal. Finally, he reappeared and made his debut during Saturday's Night of Champions event in Saudi Arabia just hours after a historic King of the Ring win for Cody Rhodes. He had a defining role to play in the United States Title match which saw Jacob Fatu putting his gold on the line against Solo Sikoa. 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. After Tonga Loa returned from a seven month injury layoff to turn the tide in Sikoa's favour, the former Bloodline enforcer had another trick up his sleeve with Hikuleo appearing to cost Fatu the title. Taking to X after the match, WWE boss Triple H retweeted a photo of Solo celebrating with his allies and wrote: 'By any means necessary…#WWENOC' It's been a long wait, but now he's joined his for GoD teammates – and real life cousin Loa and brother Tama Tonga – on the WWE main roster. Commentators Michael Cole and Wade Barrett avoided saying Hikuleo's name, which suggests a change in moniker is on the horizon for the newcomer, who stands at 6ft 8ins. However, Preston-born Barrett immediately hyped up the big man, branding him an 'absolute freak', while fans watching on Netflix were in awe of his size. 'Huge surprise with Hikuleo helping Solo! Great twist in the title match. #WWENOC,' raved @LaurenMill62673 on X. 'HIKULEO IS HUGE MY GOD,' shouted @ChefOsco, with plenty of fans stunned by his hulking frame. 'Hikuleo is him! Dude is massive af. #WWENOC,' added @ShinTails77. He's a newcomer to WWE fans, having only recently appeared in so-called dark matches, which are off-air bouts for the live crowd. In his first on June 13, he overcame Pretty Deadly's Kit Wilson, while last week he beat Ryan Matthias before SmackDown. Before joining WWE, he made his name in New Japan, where he became Strong Openweight Tag Team Champion on two occasions with El Phantasmo, while the duo also won the IWPT Tag Team Titles. View More » He's also a former Strong Openweight Champion, having wrestled in the United States for TNA and All Elite Wrestling. King of the Ring final : Cody Rhodes pinned Randy Orton : Cody Rhodes pinned Randy Orton Street Fight : Rhea Ripley beat Raquel Rodriguez : Rhea Ripley beat Raquel Rodriguez Sami Zayn pinned Karrion Kross United States Title : Solo Sikoa defeated Jacob Fatu (c) : Solo Sikoa defeated Jacob Fatu (c) Queen of the Ring: Jade Cargill beat Asuka 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: 'It's a hell of a ride!' Your favourite shows like Squid Game MORE: Netflix WWE SmackDown live stream cuts out with millions unable to watch MORE: TV fans torn between bingeing Netflix hit series or 'anxiety-inducing' drama this weekend
