Weekly Sport

WILL IT BE COMING HOME? ENGLAND VS SPAIN IN THE EURO 2024 FINAL! ⚽

Report by Duncan Williams for Weekly Sport

Tomorrow night, the UEFA EURO 2024 final will see England face off against Spain. The excitement is palpable as fans eagerly await this epic showdown.

The Three Lions secured their spot with a thrilling 2-1 victory against the Netherlands on Wednesday, marking their second consecutive European Championship final. Supporters across the nation are gearing up to cheer them on.

Fans are making plans to watch and support England. Many will enjoy the match from the comfort of their homes, gathering friends and family, perhaps with a BBQ in the garden. For those who prefer a lively atmosphere, local pubs and bars will be buzzing with excitement and big screens. Additionally, public spaces in various towns and cities will feature outdoor screens, creating a festival-like setting for fans to gather.

If you’re a local business showing the match, let us know! We are all behind England for the win.

The anticipation is high: Will it be coming home? Join us in supporting the Three Lions as they aim for European glory. Where will you be watching?! Let us know in the comments!

DEVON-BASED SPORTS JOURNALIST HUGH SOUTHON PASSES AWAY AT 79 - 🙏📰 ⚽

Report by Stephen Collier for News Advertiser newspapers

Hugh Southon, a beloved sports journalist renowned for ghost-writing the late Bobby Moore’s column and later founding a prominent football fan site, has passed away at the age of 79.

Operating as a national freelancer and a 'hired gun', Hugh Southon had been based in Devon for much of his latter career. He contributed to virtually every national newspaper, with his prominent bylines gracing the sports pages.

During the 1980s, Hugh ghost-wrote 'World Cup-Winning', known as Bobby Moore's column, in the Sunday Sport, before later going on to create Claret & Hugh, a popular fan website for Moore’s former club, West Ham United.

A self-confessed “40 f**s a day man” in his hectic early days, Hugh passed away peacefully at home after suffering for several years from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

West Ham football club owner David Sullivan was among those who paid tribute to Hugh Southon following his passing.

In a short tribute, Sullivan said, “He was a really nice man who I knew for over 40 years when he ghosted Bobby Moore’s column in the Sunday Sport.

“He invented and ran one of Britain’s best fan sites in Claret and Hugh, a must for West Ham United fans down the years. He’ll be missed by everybody at West Ham, where he was a supporter and season ticket holder.”

The site started out as a basic blogger hosted out of a Torquay flat but has gone on to be considered West Ham’s definitive daily online news source.

Fast achieving a weekly audience of more than 100,000, the website platform Claret & Hugh is now a business employing other journalists.

Despite his association with the Sunday Sport, Hugh was a devout churchgoer and reader of the Bible. He served as an advisory director for Son Christian Media Limited, the publishers of Sorted magazine, and played a pivotal role in the launch of The Son evangelical tabloid newspaper. The latter was a pastiche of the Murdoch redtop and was widely distributed in churches and communities across the UK.

Duncan Williams, a tabloid colleague and fellow SCM director, reflected, "Hugh and I spent many years living and working in Devon. We often engaged in amusing conversations about life, politics, and God.

"Hugh cherished his involvement with Christian media in his later years, much like his love for West Ham football club and the Rolling Stones."

Williams added, "Despite his paradoxical nature, Hugh was truly an old-school journalist with ink in his blood."

He leaves behind a daughter and several grandchildren. His funeral took place on 3rd May.

( Pictures: Sean Whetstone, C&H 📸 )

NIKE FACES BACKLASH OVER REBRANDING OF ENGLAND FLAG - ⚽🏆

Report by Duncan Williams for View News

Nike, the global sport brand, has sparked controversy and outrage by introducing a multicoloured version of the St George's Cross flag for England's new £125 European Champions kit, with critics, including Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, expressing their disapproval.

Sir Keir Starmer condemned the alteration, stating, "The flag is used by everybody. It is a unifier. It doesn't need to be changed. We just need to be proud of it."

Former England goalkeeper David Seaman echoed similar sentiments, asserting, "It doesn't need fixing. What's next, are they going to change the Three Lions to three cats? Leave it alone."

A petition on Change.org protesting the redesign has garnered over 17,000 signatures, highlighting the widespread discontent among the public.

Former FA managing director Adrian Bevington emphasised the significance of the St George's Cross as a national identity, stating, "It's our flag... I just don't really think it needs to be changed."

The backlash against Nike's decision underscores the deep-rooted attachment and reverence that people hold towards national symbols, particularly in the realm of sports where they serve as potent symbols of unity and identity.

What are your views on the flag rebrand? Fresh and timely? Or woeful and woke?

( Photography courtesy of Nike 📸 )

Come onnnnn, England!!! ⚽️♥️

We did it!! 🙌

⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️

In honour of the 9 year old boy tragically struck by lightning yesterday while at football training 😢 and to show compassion, solidarity and support to his family, friends and coaches.

We are hoping you'll all follow this small tribute and post 9 football's on your wall. In the hope that his family will see how very much they are truly in our thoughts at this most difficult time.

Let's show them they're not alone, we stand with you, we grieve with you.

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-lancashire-57080526

💔⚽️

Blackpool boy, 9, killed in lightning strike on playing field The boy, who was taking part in a football coaching session, was taken to hospital but did not survive.

Be aware... ❤️

From tomorrow, outdoor sports facilities such as tennis and basketball courts will reopen.

Go to gov.uk/coronavirus to find out more.

Cheltenham Festival, Day 4, Friday tips:

🏇🏻 1.20 Zanahiyr 6/5
🏇🏻 1.55 Third Time Lucki 8/1 EW
Eclair De Beaufeu 9/1 EW
🏇🏻 2:30 Torygraph 6/1
🏇🏻 3:05 Champ 5/1
🏇🏻 3:40 Staker Wallace 8/1 EW
🏇🏻 4:15 Elimay 4/5
🏇🏻 4:50 Galopin Des Champs 7/1 EW
Fire Attack 12/1 EW

Good luck!!