Robinson 'would love' to bring Alebiosu back to St Mirren
Stephen Robinson is eager to bring full-back Ryan Alebiosu back to St Mirren for next season but admits "bigger offers" could scupper his hopes.The 23-year-old Arsenal youth product joined during the winter transfer window on loan from Belgian side Kortrijk and played a big role as the Buddies secured a third successive top-six finish."I would love to bring him back," manager Robinson told BBC Scotland."He changed our whole dynamic in terms of the way we play and he was more like a winger, and it was the same with [Declan John], they gave us something different."Alebiosu and John arrived after a three-month period where Robinson was shorn of three first-team players as Shaun Rooney, Jaden Brown and Kevin van Veen all cut ties with the club amid off-field issues early in the season."The problem with that was we weren't able to replace them," the Northern Irishman added. "It was outside the transfer window so we had to wait until Christmas."Obviously it was circumstances no manager wants to deal with anyway, but not being able to replace them and enhance the squad was tough. But we got there."We thought Declan was a fantastic player, but he hadn't played for months so we knew that was going to take a long time to get him up to speed."Nobody wanted Ryan, nobody wanted to take a chance on him. He'd been at Kilmarnock and done okay. We tried to sign him when he was at Arsenal, but we didn't have the funds."I believe he's got bigger offers and bigger football clubs interested now unfortunately."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
37 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Viktor Gyokeres shares transfer update as Arsenal's four-man shortlist emerges
Arsenal are keen to strengthen their squad this summer and the club has vowed to back manager Mikel Arteta in the transfer market, following the appointment of new sporting director Andrea Berta Arsenal are looking to mount another Premier League title challenge next season and they are ready to invest in their squad this summer. The Gunners have finished second for the past three seasons and are desperate to go one better and win the league for the first time since 2004. Arsenal are set to sign midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, but Mikel Arteta also wants to strengthen a number of other positions. "We plan to invest to get behind winning and doing better next season," Arsenal co-chairman Josh Kroenke said. "We're delighted we have our sporting director, Andrea [Berta], who will play an important role in this. "He is part of a unified and strong team, supported by the board, who are crystal clear on exactly what we need to do and the way in which we want to do it. The right way. The Arsenal way." With all that in mind, Mirror Football brings you some of the latest news and rumours from the Emirates... Gabriel's new deal Gabriel Magalhaes has signed a new four-year contract that will keep the Brazilian at the Emirates until 2029. Gabriel has been central to Arsenal's progression under Arteta, forming a key partnership at the back with William Saliba. "It's an amazing club and I'm so proud to sign a new contract," Gabriel said. "I love this club, I love the fans, my teammates, I love this stadium - I'm so proud and thank you for all the support. I arrived here as a young player, and [now it's] almost five years at this club. I'm so happy, and I've learned a lot here." Gyokeres update Viktor Gyokeres has delivered an update on his future, with Arsenal among the clubs interested in signing the Sporting striker. The Gunners are said to be weighing up a £60m move for the forward and Gyokeres has admitted he wants to move somewhere with a similar culture to the one in Lisbon that he has become accustomed to. "After living in a warm country, it would be difficult [moving back to Sweden]," he told Swedish Vogue. "In Sweden, people work hard during the week and only socialize on the weekends. Here there is more life during the week. They have dinners with friends, a glass of wine on Monday. I like that." Four-man shortlist Arsenal are also in the market for a new left winger and Real Madrid star Rodrygo is their top target, according to a report from Sky Sports. It is claimed that Rodrygo's future at the Bernabeu is unclear and he is set to hold talks with new boss Xabi Alonso in the coming days. Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams, Bayern Munich's Leroy Sane and Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers are also on Arsenal's radar.
BBC News
40 minutes ago
- BBC News
Reaction & analysis as Sinner and Alcaraz reach French Open final
Update: Date: 22:00 BST 6 June Title: Thanks for joining us Content: That's everything from us as the men's semi-finals draw to a close. So, it's world number one Jannik Sinner and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz to meet in the final on Sunday. We'll be back tomorrow for the women's singles final when it's also world number one Aryna Sabalenka against second seed Coco Gauff. We will also be covering the men's doubles final when British duo Neal Skupski and Joe Salisbury meet Spain's Marcel Granollers and Argentina's Horacio Zeballos. Here's a little bedtime reading in the meantime: Update: Date: 21:59 BST 6 June Title: What is the prize money? Content: Victory for Jannik Sinner keeps him on track for a huge payday if he comes through against Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday. The total prize money for the French Open is 56.352m euros (£47.5m) - an increase on last year of 5.21%. The men's and women's singles champions will win 2.55m euros (£2.15m), with the runner-up taking home 1.275m euros (£1.07m). Update: Date: 21:57 BST 6 June Title: Top-tier finals Content: Sinner 6-4 7-5 7-6 (7-3) Djokovic The top-two players in the world have reached the finals in both the men's and women's singles at a single Grand Slam event for the first time since the US Open 2013 (Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka). Update: Date: 21:55 BST 6 June Title: 'It will be an amazing final' Content: Sinner 6-4 7-5 6-6 (7-3) Djokovic Andrea PetkovicFormer world number nine on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds The thing that Novak Djokovic tried to do today is Carlos' natural game. The variation, the drop shots, coming to the net. Novak can do it, but he would like to be as machine-like as Jannik Sinner. Carlos Alcaraz will play very well within a comfort zone. I'm sure it will be an amazing final and I can't wait for it. Update: Date: 21:52 BST 6 June Title: Post Content: Sinner 6-4 7-5 7-6 (7-3) Djokovic On Sunday, two players born in 2000s - Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner - meet in a men's singles final at a Grand Slam event for the first time. Let's do an early poll. Thumbs up if world number one Sinner wins or thumbs down for defending champion Alcaraz. Update: Date: 21:50 BST 6 June Title: Get Involved Content: #bbctennis, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply) The way Djokovic played as a 38-year-old just shows me how far away Sinner is to his level at his peak. Best male tennis player to grace the game. To be the sixth best player in the world at his age is an indictment on the talent pool at the moment. Lauren, Oldham Update: Date: 21:47 BST 6 June Title: 'My head-to-head doesn't look great against Carlos' Content: Sinner 6-4 7-5 7-6 (7-3) Djokovic Jannik Sinner on facing Carlos Alcaraz in the final: "My head-to-head lately doesn't look great against Carlos, but let's see what I can do. "I am happy to be here in the final, and we will see what we can do. "Of course, I enjoy these moments. These are rare and special moments in my career. "This is a special place for me. Thank you for being so nice to me throughout the full tournament." Update: Date: 21:42 BST 6 June Title: 'Djokovic is the best player in the history of our sport' Content: Sinner 6-4 7-5 7-6 (7-3) Djokovic Jannik Sinner on his win: "Well, first of all, thank you so much for coming and for supporting us, me and Novak. "It was such a special occasion for me playing against Novak in a semi-final of a Grand Slam. "It was so amazing, I had to step up and play the best tennis I could. It shows again what a role model for all of us, especially for young players. "What he is doing is incredible. I wish him only the best for the rest of the season. We are so lucky to see him play high-level tennis. "He achieved so many things. He is the best player in the history of our sport. Playing against him here is amazing. "Of course, I tried not to think about this, but before you're on court you feel the tension. I tried to prepare myself in the best possible way. "I am very happy with how I did that today." Update: Date: 21:41 BST 6 June Title: Post Content: Sinner 6-4 7-5 7-6 (7-3) Djokovic Jannik Sinner now boasts four successive wins over Novak Djokovic, dating back to November 2023. He is yet to drop a set at this year's French Open and will delighted to have seen off Novak Djokovic in straight sets as he now switches his attention to Carlos Alcaraz. Let's hear from the Italian. Update: Date: 21:37 BST 6 June Title: Stunning Sinner Content: Sinner 6-4 7-5 7-6 (7-3) Djokovic Jannik Sinner is just the second Italian in the Open era to reach the men's singles final at Roland Garros after Adriano Panatta in 1976. The 23-year-old is the youngest player to reach three consecutive men's singles finals at Grand Slams since Pete Sampras in 1994. He is also the first player to reach eight consecutive ATP-level event finals since Novak Djokovic did so in 2015. Update: Date: 21:35 BST 6 June Title: Post Content: Sinner 6-4 7-5 7-6 (7-3) Djokovic Novak Djokovic's quest for a standalone record 25th Grand Slam goes now switches to Wimbledon next month. The Serb just couldn't find a way to chip away at world number one Jannik Sinner this evening. He took his bag off and took a moment to wave at the crowd before leaving Philippe Chatrier. Was it a farewell? Will we see him again at the French Open? Update: Date: 21:31 BST 6 June Title: 'Take a bow Djokovic' Content: Sinner 6-4 7-5 7-6 (7-3) Djokovic Andrea PetkovicFormer world number nine on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds Those were three hard-fought sets. High quality sets and take a bow Novak Djokovic. The way he played today, I think he should be in the circle of contenders at Wimbledon. Update: Date: 21:30 BST 6 June Title: Sinner reaches French Open Final Content: Sinner 6-4 7-5 7-6 (7-3) Djokovic Novak Djokovic puts into the net and Jannik Sinner is through to his first French Open final. Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz awaits. Changing of the guard? Update: Date: 21:28 BST 6 June Title: Tie-break Content: *Sinner 6-4 7-5 6-6 (6-2) Djokovic Novak Djokovic goes long and Jannik Sinner has four match points. Update: Date: 21:26 BST 6 June Title: Post Content: Sinner 6-4 7-5 6-6 (5-2) Djokovic* Andrea PetkovicFormer world number nine on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds It's like in football when you have a team pressing on you and at one point you will make a mistake. That's how it feels to play Jannik Sinner. Update: Date: 21:26 BST 6 June Title: Tie-break Content: Sinner 6-4 7-5 6-6 (5-2) Djokovic* Jannik Sinner with a booming forehand and Novak Djokovic, forced deep behind the baseline, can only return into the net. Djokovic needs a break back quickly or his dream of winning a 25th Grand Slam title will be put on pause until Wimbledon. A couple of holds and Sinner is firmly in control. Update: Date: 21:25 BST 6 June Title: Get Involved Content: #bbctennis, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply) Before this ends and we give Sinner his rightful plaudits. A word for Djokovic at 38 years of age, still fighting with the best young player in the world and battling like he's the same age. Too disliked in his time, he will be better recognised once he's gone. Zac Update: Date: 21:24 BST 6 June Title: Tie-break Content: *Sinner 6-4 7-5 6-6 (3-2) Djokovic Back on serve and Novak Djokovic quickly moves on from that error. A couple of points in the bag will do his mood the world of good. Update: Date: 21:23 BST 6 June Title: 'Djokovic stopped moving his feet' Content: Sinner 6-4 7-5 6-6 (3-0) Djokovic* Andrea PetkovicFormer world number nine on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds We just had a replay and Novak Djokovic stopped moving his feet. Update: Date: 21:23 BST 6 June Title: Tie-break Content: Sinner 6-4 7-5 6-6 (3-0) Djokovic* Jannik Sinner with another wide serve to extend his lead. Oh no. Novak Djokovic is teed up with the easiest of shots to volley but he gets it's all wrong and it's straight into the net.
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
All the shops closing this weekend including iconic department store shutting after 124 years
A HOST of stores are shutting for good this weekend including a historic department store. Retailers have struggled over recent years as shoppers' wallets and purses take a hit from high inflation. 1 An increase in employer National Insurance contributions and wage costs since April has added to the pressure. Combined with soaring business rates, energy and rental costs, some retailers have been forced to hike prices and even shut stores. It's worth bearing in mind of course that retailers close shops for a host of reasons and not always because of a poor economic backdrop. Sometimes chains will shut a poorly-performing branch in one area and open another further afield where they think they'll see better footfall. Plenty of retailers are moving away from high streets and towards out-of-town retail parks too. In any case, five shops will shut this weekend including a more than 120-year-old department store. Here is the full list of shops we know are closing down permanently. Ginger Norwich-based Ginger will pull down its shutters for the final time on Saturday. The shop was founded by David and Rodger Kingsley in 1978 following the success of their sister company Jonathan Trumbull in 1971. But current store manager Beckie Kingsley said the store will close due to the economic climate and aftermath of Covid-19. Britain's retail apocalypse: why your favourite stores KEEP closing down She said: "It's with truly heavy hearts that, after 46 unforgettable years, we have made the incredibly difficult decision to close the doors at our beautiful, beloved and historic Timber Hill home. "We've weathered many storms over the decades, but there's been ongoing challenges of today's financial climate - coupled with the lasting impact and huge shifts within the retail landscape since Covid. "This led us to ask - does it still work for us? After deep reflection, the answer, sadly, is no." Daniel of Ealing Historic department store Daniel of Ealing, in London, will shut for good on Sunday, after opening 124 years ago. Prices have been slashed across homeware, fashion, toys, sportswear and shoes, with up to 50% off. Shoppers finding out the iconic shop will close have shared their dismay online. One posted saying: "Loved this shop and it's top floor restaurant." While another added: "Ealing has lost its heart, soul and uniqueness!" The Works Stationer The Works is shutting its Margate store on Sunday, with shoppers' next nearest branches in Westwood Cross Shopping Centre or Ramsgate Garden Centre. A spokesperson for the chain said the decision to shut the branch had been made "as part of ongoing plans to optimise our store portfolio". The move has been met with sadness by shoppers, with one online stating: "No I love The Works." Another dejectedly added: "Be nothing left in the town soon." Emporium Worthing Independent bar and shop Emporium Worthing is closing to the public on Sunday "with a heavy heart". The owners posted a lengthy statement on Facebook announcing the closure. It said: "We share the challenging decision to close Emporium Worthing after five memorable years of serving you. "This has been a tough choice for us, but after careful reflection, we believe it is the best path forward and the right choice for us at this time." A huge closing down sale has been launched to clear stock, even including fixtures and fittings from inside. It's not all bad news though as the Emporium will be moving online and selling hardwares. New Look New Look is closing its branch in the Northfield Shopping Centre, Birmingham, on June 8. A picture recently posted on Facebook of the shop window advertised the closure and signposted customers to the retailer's website. Customers finding out about the closure have been left gutted. One posted on Facebook: "Will soon be a ghost town, absolutely nothing left." A New Look spokesperson said: "We would like to thank all of our colleagues and the local community for their support over the years. "We hope customers continue to shop with us online at where our full product ranges can be found." RETAIL PAIN IN 2025 The British Retail Consortium predicted that the Treasury's hike to employer NICs would cost the retail sector £2.3billion. Research published by the British Chambers of Commerce earlier this year shows that more than half of companies planned to raise prices by early April. Separately, the Centre for Retail Research (CRR) has also warned that around 17,350 retail sites are expected to shut down this year. It comes on the back of a tough 2024 when 13,000 shops closed their doors for good, already a 28% increase on the previous year. Professor Joshua Bamfield, director of the CRR said: "The results for 2024 show that although the outcomes for store closures overall were not as poor as in either 2020 or 2022, they are still disconcerting, with worse set to come in 2025." Professor Bamfield has also warned of a bleak outlook for 2025, predicting that as many as 202,000 jobs could be lost in the sector. "By increasing both the costs of running stores and the costs on each consumer's household it is highly likely that we will see retail job losses eclipse the height of the pandemic in 2020."
