Latest news with #SteveNicol
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former Liverpool Star Heaps Praise on ‘World-Class' Hugo Ekitike
Liverpool Ready to Welcome Hugo Ekitike: Steve Nicol Shares His Excitement Liverpool are closing in on the signing of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, and while some fans had their hearts set on Alexander Isak, there is every reason to be optimistic. The Reds may not have secured their first-choice target, but they are still adding a hugely exciting talent to Arne Slot's Premier League-winning squad. Ekitike Deal Moves Forward After Isak Setback The past few days have been hectic on Merseyside as Liverpool's hunt for a new striker heated up. Reports emerged earlier this week of a bold approach for Newcastle's Alexander Isak. However, the Magpies stood firm, making it clear that Isak was not for sale. Liverpool quickly turned their attention to Ekitike, lodging an opening bid with Eintracht Frankfurt. While the fee will still be substantial, early signs suggest it will be at least £30 million less than the cost of prising Isak from Newcastle. Some supporters may have felt disappointment at missing out on Isak, but there is no need to dwell on what could have been. According to former Liverpool defender Steve Nicol, Ekitike brings world-class qualities that will thrill the Anfield faithful. Nicol: Ekitike Can Score Every Type of Goal Speaking about the transfer, Nicol made it clear just how highly he rates the French forward. 'I think Isak would be my first option but only slightly behind Isak is Ekitike,' the Liverpool legend explained. 'This guy can score every type of goal possible. He doesn't just score goals in the penalty box, he scores goals from outside the box as well. He links play up, he sets people off, he scores goals with his head, he can do everything.' For Nicol, the financial and age advantages make Ekitike an even more attractive prospect. 'So, if Liverpool don't get Isak and they've got to take Ekitike, I for one wouldn't have a problem with it. It would be, what, £30m less than Isak, he's younger than Isak, you can't lose. Whichever way you go, whether it's Ekitike or Isak, Liverpool don't lose. They get an absolutely world-class talent.' Liverpool's Attacking Future Shines Bright Under Arne Slot, Liverpool have already lifted the Premier League trophy in his debut season. Adding Ekitike only strengthens an already formidable attack, even if dreams of a front three led by Isak are now in the past. Nicol had earlier imagined an eleven featuring Isak flanked by Gakpo and Salah, with Wirtz operating just behind. 'It would be a 433, but I would expect Mac Allister and Gravenberch to be a lot deeper. And so Wirtz can operate pretty much in and around the middle of the park between the halfway line and the attacking third. I mean going forward that looks fantastic, it's got goals everywhere!' Swap in Ekitike for Isak, and the shape remains just as thrilling. With the Frenchman's versatile skill set, Liverpool can look forward to a season packed with goals, creativity and attacking flair. Final Thoughts Liverpool fans have every reason to be excited as Hugo Ekitike edges closer to Anfield. Steve Nicol's endorsement only underlines what an impressive addition he will be. Arne Slot's Reds are building a team not just for today but for the future, and Ekitike could well become a key figure in Liverpool's next chapter of success.
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Liverpool Legend ‘Isn't Comfortable' with £30m Arne Slot Signing
Liverpool's £30m Frimpong Gamble: Nicol Questions Fit in Slot's XI Liverpool legend Steve Nicol has cast doubt on the club's £30 million signing of Jeremie Frimpong, questioning whether the former Bayer Leverkusen full-back suits Arne Slot's plans. Speaking on ESPN, Nicol delivered a critical take on the Dutch international's place in the starting line-up, despite Frimpong's impressive attacking output last season in the Bundesliga. Advertisement 'In the starting XI, everybody's fit, I don't see… no, I'm not comfortable with Frimpong at right-back,' Nicol said. 'I'm interested to see what Arne Slot wants him to do. Because right now, in my head, I'm thinking, 'is he going to get in Salah's way?' That's what I'm thinking.' It's a bold assessment given Frimpong's reputation as one of Europe's most dynamic right-sided players. At 24, he recorded five goals and 12 assists as Leverkusen finished second in Germany's top flight. Yet for Nicol, who lifted the European Cup with Liverpool in 1984, questions about the player's defensive capabilities outweigh his attacking prowess. X: @LFC Tactical Reshuffle Under Arne Slot Slot, who led Liverpool to a Premier League title in his first season, is now faced with the challenge of reshaping the right-hand side of his team following the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid. While Frimpong offers a clear attacking outlet, Slot's system will need to absorb and compensate for the same defensive frailties that often shadowed Alexander-Arnold. Advertisement 'Defensively, it's not good. It's just the same as Trent, he's not that great a defender,' Nicol added. That verdict not only questions Frimpong's one-v-one defending but also how his positioning could affect the balance when paired with Mo Salah on the same flank. Bradley's Emergence Adds Pressure Conor Bradley's return from injury complicates matters further. The 20-year-old Northern Irishman missed a substantial chunk of the past two seasons but is now fully fit and ready to push for a regular starting role. Nicol sees him as the more natural choice. 'Absolutely, if everybody's fit Bradley starts, I don't think Frimpong starts. I don't see where he fits in, I really don't,' he stated. That assessment aligns with wider conversations among pundits and supporters. Alan Shearer has already offered his own preference between Frimpong and Bradley, and the competition at right-back could define Liverpool's early season narrative. Slot's Long-Term Vision Tested Early Frimpong, a product of Manchester City's academy who found his feet at Celtic before starring in Germany, has long been admired by Liverpool scouts. His signing signals long-term planning, particularly with the unpredictability surrounding Mo Salah's future and potential positional tweaks. Yet if Nicol's doubts prove well-founded, Arne Slot could be forced into a rethink sooner than expected. Whether Frimpong becomes a mainstay or remains a luxury option will depend not just on his adaptability, but on Slot's tactical clarity and willingness to risk disruption to one of Liverpool's most productive zones.
The Herald Scotland
07-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Aberdeen oil services group Wood issues major North Sea news
The company announced this morning that its securing of the 'trio of reimbursable contract extensions' would see it continue to deliver operations and maintenance solutions for Shell UK, Dana Petroleum and CNOOC International's UK business. Wood added that it would, through the extensions, continue to 'support operations for an extensive offshore portfolio'. This includes Shell UK's Shearwater, Gannet, Nelson and Penguins assets; CNOOC's Golden Eagle, Buzzard and Scott fields; and the Triton and Western Isles FPSOs (floating production, storage and offloading vessels) for Dana Petroleum. Read more Under the cost-reimbursable arrangements, Wood recovers costs incurred in executing the contracts from the clients, and earns a profit margin. As it announced its success in extending this North Sea work, Wood highlighted its securing last year of all of its contract renewal and extension options across its UK North Sea portfolio. Wood announced on April 14 that it had received a 'holistic non-binding conditional proposal' from Dubai-based Dar Al-Handasah Consultants Shair and Partners Holdings Ltd (Sidara), including a possible offer of 35 pence in cash per Wood share to acquire the entire issued and to be issued share capital of the company. A 35p a share offer would value Wood at around £240 million. Shares in Wood were last July, before they were hit by a series of negative updates from the company, trading significantly above 200p. On April 17, Wood announced its board had requested, and the Takeover Panel had consented to, an extension to the deadline by which Sidara is required either to announce a firm intention to make an offer for the Aberdeen company or to announce that it does not intend to make an offer to 5pm on May 15. This deadline can be further extended with the agreement of the board of Wood and the consent of the Takeover Panel. Steve Nicol, Wood's president of operations, said today: 'We have an unmatched legacy in operating and maintaining North Sea energy infrastructure. Our longstanding clients continue to partner with us to enhance operations and improve production efficiency to ensure a reliable, safe and sustainable energy supply. 'In 2024, we secured 100% of our contract renewal and extension options across our UK North Sea portfolio and continuing this success in 2025 reinforces our position as a trusted long-term partner for operations solutions in the region.'
Press and Journal
07-05-2025
- Business
- Press and Journal
Troubled firm Wood says new North Sea contracts will support 500 Aberdeen jobs
Troubled Aberdeen firm Wood has secured three North Sea contracts worth around £88 million. The engineering group will continue to deliver operations and maintenance solutions for Shell UK, Dana Petroleum and CNOOC International's UK business. Wood shares are currently suspended after the group did not file its accounts for the 2024 financial year in time. It is undergoing an independent review, which has already highlighted 'inappropriate management pressure' as well as issues with project contracts. The contracts will continue to be supported by around 500 employees in the north-east. Aberdeen firm's 'unmatched legacy' Wood president of operations Steve Nicol said the firm has an 'unmatched legacy' in operating and maintaining North Sea energy infrastructure. Its contracts will see it support operations for an 'extensive' offshore portfolio including Shell UK's Shearwater, Nelson and Penguins assets. Mr Nicol said: 'Our long-standing clients continue to partner with us to enhance operations. 'And improve production efficiency to ensure a reliable, safe and sustainable energy supply. Steve Nicol, Wood's president of operations. Image: Wood 'In 2024 we secured 100% of our contract renewal and extension options across our UK North Sea portfolio. 'And continuing this success in 2025 reinforces our position as a trusted long-term partner for operations solutions in the region.' Wood shares suspended as takeover talks continue Last week, Wood issued a statement confirming that its accounts wouldn't be published in time. It said: 'As a result, Wood's shares will be temporarily suspended from listing and from trading on the main market of the London Stock Exchange with effect from 7:30am on May 1 until its FY24 results are published.' Wood said temporary retrospective waivers for its debt facilities have been extended until June 30 2025. Aberdeen-based Wood Group has secured extensions to three North Sea contracts. Image: Kenny Elrick/DC Thomson It is the latest setback for the firm, which is the subject of a fresh takeover bid from Dubai-based group Dar Al-Handasah, known as Sidara, made in February. The deal would be worth 35p per share – around £242m in total. It would also see a further £340m injected into Wood after Sidara confirmed it made 'significant progress' with due diligence. Wood's share price is suspended at 18.2p.
Associated Press
06-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
TRU Announces Commencement of Drilling at Golden Rose
TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / May 6, 2025 / TRU Precious Metals Corp. (TSXV:TRU)(OTCQB:TRUIF)(FSE:706) ('TRU' or the 'Company') is pleased to report that drilling has commenced on an approximate 1,800 metres 2025 diamond drilling program at the Golden Rose Project ('Golden Rose'). Golden Rose is strategically located along the gold deposit bearing Cape Ray - Valentine Lake Shear Zones in Central Newfoundland. The target area for the 2025 drilling program is focused upon a portion of the Mark's Pond to Rich House 'exploration fairway.' ( see News Release dated April 03, 2025 ). This exploration fairway was selected for the 2025 drill program based upon its interpreted prospectivity and to comply with certain drilling commitments required prior to early July 2025 pursuant to the terms of the Option Agreement with Quadro Resources, as modified, on the Staghorn licenses, which comprise part of the exploration fairway. (see News Releases dated June 16, 2022 and August 18, 2022 ). The Staghorn licenses represent less than 12% of the total Golden Rose licenses area. Concurrently, the Company has recently completed its revised and refined geological and structural property-wide synthesis of Golden Rose and is now advancing an assessment of the outcomes of this work. The completed models identify numerous targets with potential for orogenic gold mineralization across the nearly 300 sq. kilometres ('km') land package. This pipeline of quality exploration targets will be validated by field work prior to drilling. TRU CEO Steve Nicol commented: 'We are very pleased to announce the commencement of the 2025 drill program at the Mark's Pond to Rich House exploration fairway which represents the first area to be tested among the multiple prospective targets emerging from our geological and structural site-wide model. I look forward to updating investors on the results of this initial drilling program, and upon our ongoing assessment of other emerging target areas, as results from each become available.' Figure 1: Initial Exploration Fairway at Golden Rose About TRU Precious Metals Corp. TRU (TSXV:TRU, OTCQB:TRUIF, FSE:706) is on a mission to build long-term shareholder value through prudent natural resource property development. The company's flagship project is the Golden Rose Project a regional-scale 297.50 km2 land package in Central Western Newfoundland (includes a 33.25 km2 package of claims over which TRU has an option with TSX-listed Quadro Resources to acquire up to an aggregate 65% ownership) which straddles a 45 km strike length along the gold deposit-bearing Cape Ray - Valentine Lake Shear Zone, directly between Calibre Mining's Valentine Project and AuMEGA Metals' Cape Ray Gold Project. TRU is currently focused on efficiently discovering the full gold and copper potential at Golden Rose, targeting continuity along this proven gold bearing trend. The Golden Rose Project is currently subject to an Earn-In Agreement with TSX-listed Eldorado Gold Corporation ('Eldorado'), whereby Eldorado has the option to fund CAD15.25M in cash payments and exploration expenditures over 5 years to earn an 80%-interest in the Golden Rose project. Please refer to the July 30th, 2024 press release for further details of the agreement. TRU is approximately 36%-owned by European strategic investor Ormonde Mining plc (AQSE:ORM). For further information about TRU, please contact: Steve NICOL CEO TRU Precious Metals Corp. Phone: 1-855-760-2TRU (2878) Email: [email protected] To connect with TRU via social media, below are links: X (formerly Twitter): YouTube: LinkedIn: Instagram: Facebook: Acknowledgement TRU would like to thank the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for financial support through the Junior Exploration Assistance Program and the Federal Government for its critical mineral assistance funding for the exploration activities at Golden Rose. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. These statements are based on numerous assumptions regarding Golden Rose, the Company's exploration programs and results, and commodities prices that are believed by management to be reasonable in the circumstances, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including without limitation: mineralization hosted on adjacent and/or nearby properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization hosted on Golden Rose; the exploration potential of Golden Rose and the nature and style of mineralization at Golden Rose; risks inherent in mineral exploration activities; volatility in precious metals and base metals prices; volatility in economic conditions and financial markets; and those other risks described in the Company's continuous disclosure documents. Actual results may differ materially from results contemplated by the forward-looking statements herein. Investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements herein except as required by applicable securities laws. This press release is solely the responsibility of TRU, and Eldorado is not in any way responsible or liable for the contents hereof. Neither TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: TRU Precious Metals Corp. press release
