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Showing posts from 2025

Network News | Launch of Manchester United fans blog

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We are delighted to announce the launch of a new fans blog aimed at Manchester United fans The blog is titled  The View from K Stand . Author | Josh T Designed to provide match analysis , opinion pieces, and insider perspectives , the blog promises to be a fresh voice for fans seeking in-depth coverage of the Red Devils . What makes  The View from K Stand  unique is the team behind it. Every contributor is a season ticket holder at Old Trafford , all located in the K stand , giving them an up-close view of every match and the atmosphere inside the stadium.  This means the content will not only focus on results and statistics but also capture the experience of being at the heart of Old Trafford Super News Network will manage the blog, ensuring a professional editorial standard while giving the authors creative freedom to express their thoughts, reactions, and insights. Readers can expect pre-match previews , tactical analysis , player ratings , transfer commentar...

Rugby League News | Salford Red Devils ownership group issue statement

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More updates from Salford Red Devils Salford Red Devils’ ownership group have insisted the troubled Super League club “will not close” despite a worsening financial crisis. Author | Jack L A rare win for Salford Red Devils over Castleford Tigers earlier this season. A consortium headed by businessman Dario Berta took control on the eve of the season, but the campaign has been marred by late wage payments, a spate of player departures and a run of heavy defeats. READ MORE | Updates from Salford Red Devils on GM Super News Sunday’s thrashing at Hull FC came at the end of a turbulent week in which Chris Hankinson, Chris Hill, Jack Ormondroyd and Ryan Brierley all left the club. With a squad hastily assembled from loan players, Salford were overwhelmed 80-6, conceding 14 tries. In a statement , external issued late on Monday evening, the group said that bridge funding would be "available and settled" by the end of August, and that they remained "fully committed" to supp...

Football News | Opposition to La Liga's plans to play game in United States

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A very controversial announcement from La Liga  Villarreal’s league match against Barcelona in December could become the first European league fixture to be played abroad. Author | Jack L A classic La Liga match between the sides  Spain’s football federation approved plans to move the game to the United States. The RFEF will now seek permission from Fifa and Uefa to stage the match at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, which is due to host seven games at the 2026 World Cup. The fixture is currently scheduled for 21 December at Villarreal’s Estadio de la CerĆ”mica. The proposal has met strong resistance from supporters. Spain’s football fans’ association, FASFE, has joined with Barcelona and Villarreal fan groups to express “absolute, total and firm opposition” to the move. They have urged the federation and the national sports council to “stop this madness” and warned they would take legal action if the plan is approved. READ MORE | News and stories from European Super Football ...

Live Music Review | Oasis at Murrayfield Stadium

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The first Oasis gig in Scotland since 2009 Oasis opened their three-night residency at Murrayfield Stadium with a spectacular show, performing to 68,000 enthusiastic fans.  Author | Sean M Noel Gallagher and the band belting out " Don't Look Back in Anger " For many, it was a moment 16 years in the making and it certainly lived up to expectations. Fans who had followed the band through their rise, fall, and years apart gathered once more to witness a reunion that promised to recapture the spirit of a defining era in British music. The story of another memorable gig Like the other gigs in Cardiff , Manchester and London , the night opened with sets from Cast and Richard Ashcroft . Cast were impressive again then the former front man of The Verve entered looking "super cool." It was then time for the main act. As the minutes ticked down before Noel, Liam and Bonehead took to the stage, Underworld ’s “ Born Slippy ” blared through the speakers, prompting an...

Education | To university or not to university? That is the question...

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Have you thought about your next steps yet? Deciding what to do after college is rarely straightforward. Whether you’re considering university, an apprenticeship, employment or a gap year, the sheer number of options can feel daunting.  Author |  Sophie T Bournemouth University But making the right choice starts with understanding what’s available and what aligns with your aspirations. We are not experts but we have spent some time online looking for some advice and put it all in one place to try and help you out. Here are some key factors to conside when making this important decision. Know what your career requires For some professions, a degree is non-negotiable. If you have a specific career in mind, check whether a university qualification is a necessary entry point. There are useful websites and resources such as Start, National Careers Service and Prospects that are available for your research. You can also ask the careers advisor at your current institution. Univ...

Cricket | Why don't people like The Hundred?

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Now for a look at one of the most controversial additions to the game of cricket  The Hundred intended to attract new fans to the sport. Has it succeeded? Author | Peter Grainger Fans watching The Hundred in 2025 It's just not cricket! What is The Hundred? It is played in a unique 100-ball structure , it is designed to be shorter, faster, and more accessible than traditional forms of the game , with matches typically lasting around two and a half hours. Attendance and viewing figures have been strong, particularly in the early years, with encouraging signs of more diverse and younger audiences engaging with the game. However, debate persists about whether The Hundred is uniting or dividing English cricket . Criticism of the format Despite its modern packaging and appeal to new audiences, The Hundred has not been without its critics. From the outset, many within the cricket establishment expressed unease about the introduction of another format alongside the already well...

Education | What are T Levels?

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You've heard of A Levels. Have you heard of T Levels? T Levels are a relatively new qualification, designed to provide a more direct pathway from education into the workplace.  Author |  Sophie T These qualifications are combining classroom study with extended industry placements , they aim to equip students with the skills and experience needed for skilled employment or further study. They are becoming an increasingly viable alternative to A Levels and apprenticeships . But how do they compare to other options available to school leavers?  What is a T Level qualification? T Levels are a new type of technical qualification in England , designed to give students the practical skills and knowledge they need for work or further study. They combine classroom learning with an industry placement of at least 45 days.   When were T levels introduced? T Levels began in September 2020. To start, there were only a few subjects available, however, now there are over 2...

Cricket | India win classic test match to draw series

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India (224 & 396) beat England  (247& 367) by six runs England fell agonisingly short of a record-breaking run chase as India claimed a six-run victory in one of the most breathtaking climaxes to a Test match in living memory. Author | Ajay Stadium | Oval With 17 runs still needed to reach a target of 374, Chris Woakes emerged from the dressing room with his arm in a sling to support last man Gus Atkinson in front of a raucous Oval crowd. Woakes, met by a roar worthy of a century, took his place at the non-striker’s end as Atkinson tried to haul England to a famous win. As tension reached unbearable levels, the pair scrapped for every run in the face of deafening Indian support. Atkinson cleared Mohammed Siraj for six before Woakes scampered a bye to keeper Dhruv Jurel , who missed the stumps in a frantic effort to retain strike. India held their nerve.  Prasidh Krishna ’s over allowed Woakes to steal a couple of crucial runs and another single to hand Atkinson ...

Rugby Union | Australia 22 -12 British and Irish Lions

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Some pride restored for Australia It wasn't the perfect ending but still a memorable tour for the British and Irish Lions  Author |  Peter Grainger In torrential Sydney rain, with lightning strikes forcing a suspension in play, Australia salvaged pride with a riotous victory over the British and Irish Lions in the third and final Test at Stadium Australia . Though the series had already been clinched by the Lions with wins in the opening two matches, the Wallabies produced their most compelling performance of the tour, outscoring the visitors by three tries to two in wild, storm-lashed conditions. Dylan Pietsch ’s early try and a Tom Lynagh penalty gave the hosts an 8-0 lead by the break in what had already become a bruising, ill-tempered contest. Maro Itoje , Tommy Freeman and Lynagh were all forced off after failing head injury assessments, while James Ryan was knocked unconscious in a distressing collision with the knee of Will Skelton shortly after half-time. A...

Formula One | Verstappen confirms that he will remain with Red Bull for next season

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Max Verstappen has drawn a line under speculation about his future He has confirmed that he will remain with Red Bull for next season. Author | Sophie T Despite being contracted until 2028, the four-time world champion had attracted interest from Mercedes and was believed to be weighing up his options.  Verstappen recently spoke with the media at Hungarian Grand Prix , saying: "I've never really said anything about it because I was just focused on talking to the team about how we can improve our performance, future ideas for next year as well. And that's why I have nothing really to add ever." He later added: "I think it's time to basically stop all the rumours. And for me, it's always been quite clear that I was staying anyway." His decision leaves Mercedes’ driver line-up unchanged, with George Russell and rising talent Kimi Antonelli set to continue into 2026. Russell, who had anticipated Verstappen’s decision , said he felt no urgency t...

Rugby League | Super League will soon have 14 teams

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News | Super League votes to expand to 14 clubs from 2026 season Super League will return to a 14-team competition after its current 12 clubs voted in favour of expansion from next season. Author | Liam C Wigan fans celebrate against Huddersfield The change will be overseen through a combination of the existing club grading system and a newly formed independent panel, chaired by Lord Jonathan Caine . Caine was recently appointed to the RFL board and will also lead its strategic review sub-committee. The league confirmed that the top 12 sides under the grading criteria at the end of the 2025 campaign will be joined by two clubs recommended by the panel, provided their applications meet the required standards. It marks the first time since 2014 that the top flight will feature 14 teams, having reverted to 12 in 2015. Constant evolution or too much tinkering? KCOM Stadium | Home of Hull FC Since the reduction, Super League has filled its fixture calendar through a loop syste...

Cricket | England and India draw 4th test

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India 358 & 425-4 | England 669  India produced a remarkable display of defiance to earn a draw against England in the fourth Test at Old Trafford Author | Liam C Stadium | Old Trafford Cricket Ground After more than five sessions of resolute batting, the tourists closed on 425 for 4 in their second innings. With a lead of 114 and just 10 overs left in the match, both sides agreed to shake hands, concluding a gripping five days of play. England threw everything into the final day but were ultimately undone by India's composure, a docile pitch offering only occasional assistance, and a costly dropped catch by Joe Root. Ben Stokes, once again, carried the weight of England’s hopes. Despite not bowling the previous day, the captain pushed through physical discomfort to deliver two demanding spells. He struck early, trapping KL Rahul lbw for 90. READ MORE |  Third Test England seal 22-run win over India Jofra Archer gave England another breakthrough when he had Shubma...

Rugby Union | Australia 26 - 29 British and Irish Lions

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An historic win for the British and Irish Lions against Australia  Hugo Keenan’s last-gasp try secured a dramatic series win for the British and Irish Lions in a pulsating Test match against Australia in Melbourne. Author |  Peter Grainger In front of a crowd of more than 90,000 people, the tension was relentless throughout a contest destined to be remembered as one of the greats. Even Keenan ’s decisive score was followed by an agonising wait for the television match official’s verdict. Jac Morgan ’s intervention at the breakdown was ruled legal and the try stood, sparking wild celebrations. Remarkably, the Lions had trailed 23-5 after a breathless opening spell dominated by a ferocious Australian side led by Rob Valetini and Will Skelton . The hosts ran riot, with James Slipper , Jake Gordon and Tom Wright all crossing in a frenetic first half, while Tom Lynagh added early penalties. Gordon and Wright struck while Tommy Freeman was in the bin, as the Lions appeared...

Music | Five nights in Manchester that will live forever

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Oasis are well and truly back on top. Sunday 20th July, saw them performing for the final night at Heaton Park, and what could still be the very last time in Manchester. Author | Ajay Every night, there had been countless moments that highlighted how uniting this cultural phenomenon was. There had been so many memorable moments! The man in the wheelchair hoisted high above the crowd by a group of strangers for a better view.  The couple who got engaged moments before being swept into a sea of bucket hats.  The nightly crowds gathering on ‘ Gallagher Hill ’, drawn by the pull of something historic in the air. People singing Champagne Supernova outside the park and in The Ostrich Pub beer garden. Lots of celebrity spotting. Jack Grealish , Shaun Ryder and Andy Whyment off Corrie in the same frame of a video. Who can forget Orlando Bloom waving at fans. For many, the Oasis reunion has felt like Christmas morning ever since it was announced last year. That sense of anti...

Rugby League | Castleford Tigers 20 -14 Warrington Wolves

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An important win for Castleford on a bad day for Warrington Warrington Wolves' Super League play-off hopes were dealt a significant blow as they slipped to defeat against Castleford Tigers Author | Amy W Sam Stone’s early try gave the visitors a promising start, but Castleford responded with two quickfire scores. Daejarn Asi muscled his way over the line after brushing off several weak tackles, before George Lawler capitalised on a fumble from Lachlan Fitzgibbon to give the Tigers a 12-6 lead. Jake Thewlis crossed for Warrington just before the break, reducing the deficit to two points at half-time. However, the hosts extended their lead through a Chris Atkin penalty and a try from Josh Simm, who finished off a sweeping counter-attack after Marc Sneyd lost possession in the middle of the park. There was late drama when Stefan Ratchford touched down from a George Williams grubber, just after Alex Mellor had been shown a yellow card for a high tackle on Thewlis. Warrington appeal...

Rugby League | Catalans Dragons 6 - 34 Hull KR

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Hull KR back on track after win over Catalans Mikey Lewis returned to orchestrate a commanding Hull KR performance in the south of France, ending the Super League leaders’ two-game losing run with a convincing win at Catalans Dragons. Author | Oliver W The reigning Man of Steel , absent in recent defeats due to a head injury, scored twice and laid on another for Jack Broadbent as the Robins extended their lead at the top of the table to four points. That cushion was made possible by a surprise defeat for second-placed Wigan earlier on Saturday. Lewis had been sorely missed in losses to Leeds and Leigh, but it was not just his presence that proved decisive here. Hull KR also tightened up defensively, having conceded more points in those two defeats than in the previous seven matches combined. Against a faltering Catalans side, that resolve was rarely tested. Joe Burgess added a brace and Broadbent crossed twice as well, with Romain Navarrete providing a solitary reply for the hos...

Cricket | England seal 22-run win over India

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England win by 22 runs and lead series 2-1 England 387 (Root 104, Carse 56, Smith 51; Bumrah 5-74) & 192 (Root 40; Sundar 4-22) India 387 (Rahul 100, Pant 74, Jadeja 72; Woakes 3-84) & 170 (Jadeja 61*; Stokes 3-48, Archer 3-55) Author |  Peter Grainger Ben Stokes once again proved England’s heartbeat as they edged a gripping third Test at Lord’s , beating India by 22 runs on a nerve-shredding final day. The England captain delivered a tireless spell with the ball, taking three wickets as India were bowled out for 170 in their pursuit of 193. What had looked a straightforward finish unravelled into a tense stand-off, with Ravindra Jadeja leading a defiant rearguard. India had collapsed to 112 for eight when Jadeja was joined by Jasprit Bumrah . The pair held firm for almost 22 overs in a gritty partnership worth 35 runs, with Bumrah scoring just five from 54 balls. Eventually, Stokes lured him into a mistimed pull that was safely taken at mid-on. Even then, Jadeja was un...