I've been close before but Northern Ireland debut is my major goal: Linfield striker
The Linfield Women striker came agonisingly close to selection for the tournament, having been part of the full-time training squad in preparation for the adventure in England.
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Glasgow Times
8 minutes ago
- Glasgow Times
Former England bowler David Lawrence dies aged 61 after MND battle
It was revealed almost exactly a year ago that Lawrence, who took 18 wickets in five Tests for England between 1988 and 1992, was the latest sportsperson to be diagnosed with motor neurone disease. The announcement was in the same month ex-England and Leeds rugby league great Rob Burrow died after a long battle with the incurable illness, which progressively damages parts of the nervous system. David Lawrence was made an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours (PA) A statement from Lawrence's family given to the PA news agency said: 'It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dave Lawrence MBE following his brave battle with motor neurone disease. ''Syd' was an inspirational figure on and off the cricket field and no more so than to his family who were with him when he passed. 'A proud Gloucestershire man, Syd took on every challenge with everything he could and his final contest with MND was no different. His willingness to encourage and think of others right up to the end was typical of the man he was.' As well as his six outings for England – having played a lone ODI against the West Indies at Lord's in 1991, collecting four for 67 – Lawrence bagged 625 wickets in 280 matches for Gloucestershire. A strapping fast bowler who was renowned for being one of the quickest on the county circuit, Lawrence began to establish himself in Tests and a five-for against the West Indies in 1991 helped England seal a series-levelling win at the Oval, with Desmond Haynes and Viv Richards among his haul. Gloucestershire Cricket is devastated to learn of the passing of former player and Club President, David 'Syd' Lawrence MBE, aged 61. Everyone at Gloucestershire Cricket would like to send their best wishes to David's family during this terribly sad time. — Gloucestershire Cricket 🏆 (@Gloscricket) June 22, 2025 But Lawrence's career all but ended the following year as he badly fractured his kneecap after falling awkwardly when running into bowl on the final day of a Test against New Zealand in Wellington. His England days were immediately over aged 28 but he made a brief county comeback in 1997, playing four first-class games for Gloucestershire before hanging up his boots – 16 years after he first played professionally. Lawrence became a competitive bodybuilder following his retirement and he was also a nightclub owner in Bristol. After Lawrence detailed his experiences of racism during his playing career, Gloucestershire issued an unreserved apology in September 2021 and six months later he became the county's first black president. The county side posted on X: 'Gloucestershire are devastated to learn of the passing of former player and club president, David 'Syd' Lawrence MBE, aged 61. 'Everyone at Gloucestershire would like to send their best wishes to David's family during this terribly sad time.' Following his MND diagnosis, there were emotional scenes when Gloucestershire went all the way in the T20 Blast last year, with captain James Bracey presenting the trophy to Lawrence at Edgbaston. Lawrence's family statement added: 'As president of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, Syd took on the role with incredible pride and passion and loved every minute of it. 'Syd's wife Gaynor and son Buster thank everyone for the kindness and support that has been shown to them and the family so far and would ask that they are now given some time and space to grieve in private.' Only last week, Lawrence received an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours for his outstanding services to cricket, while he had been working to raise money and awareness of his condition. He said: 'It is an incredibly proud moment. It is not something that I ever thought would sit after my name, but I am absolutely delighted that it will do so for however long I am here and will be a part of my legacy when I am gone.' Lawrence's MND diagnosis hastened his autobiography as he worried he would lose the ability to speak. Titled 'In Syd's Voice', written with the help of Dean Wilson, the book was published this month.
North Wales Chronicle
8 minutes ago
- North Wales Chronicle
John Stones reflects on ‘dark days' during recent injury setbacks
The Manchester City and England centre-back made only six Premier League starts in the 2024-25 season after thigh, foot and other undisclosed issues. That came after he also missed two months at the start of the previous campaign with a hip injury. These setbacks have prevented the 31-year-old building on what was an outstanding season in 2022-23 when, playing a hybrid defence-midfield role, he helped City win the treble. Stones said: 'Yes, there have been points where you think: you've been giving all this effort, you dedicate all your life, especially how I approach or go about my life and football, I give everything on and off the pitch to be here or be ready to play games and… those are the dark days. 'I think everyone's been through them and thinks, 'Why is this happening?' You wish it would go a different path. It's self-doubt, a lot of things. 'It is frustrating for me. I put a lot of pressure on myself. I find it very challenging mentally. 'I have had some very low points in the past season. I just have to (try to) come back but, once you come over those things, you can't really see the end of the tunnel when they keep happening. 'All of us have been through different upbringings and challenges through life and what did we do within those situations – was it fight or was it give up? 'I was a fighter from a young age. In difficult moments, you have to look at the bigger picture and realise what your morals are, what you believe in, and fight to make it worthwhile.' Stones has now battled his way back to fitness and is hoping to play a big part in City's challenge at the Club World Cup in the United States. He has not featured since February when he was forced off after just eight minutes against Real Madrid. He was an unused substitute in their opening game of the tournament against Wydad Casablanca on Wednesday. Speaking to media ahead of their second game against Al Ain of Abu Dhabi in Atlanta, Stones said he was 'raring' to go. He said: 'I feel great, I'm back fit and ready to help the team when called upon. I'm excited to get going. 'Mentally it's been difficult dealing with the injuries and the process, but now I've put that behind me. 'I've been back in training a few weeks now and that's been going great. I'm super excited.' Manager Pep Guardiola is pleased to have Stones back in contention but will ease him back into action. Guardiola said: 'Him playing football, I want that. We have been together for almost one decade and he's an incredible human being. 'But the important thing now is at training sessions, he feels better. Games are another issue, another rhythm.'
The Guardian
9 minutes ago
- The Guardian
David ‘Syd' Lawrence, former England cricketer, dies aged 61
David 'Syd' Lawrence, the first British-born Black cricketer to play for England, has died at the age of 61. It was revealed almost exactly a year ago that Lawrence, who took 18 wickets in five Tests for England between 1988 and 1992, was the latest sportsperson to be diagnosed with motor neurone disease. The announcement was in the same month ex-England and Leeds rugby league great Rob Burrow died after a long battle with the incurable illness, which progressively damages parts of the nervous system. A statement from Lawrence's family read: 'It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dave Lawrence MBE following his brave battle with motor neurone disease. 'Syd' was an inspirational figure on and off the cricket field and no more so than to his family who were with him when he passed. 'A proud Gloucestershire man, Syd took on every challenge with everything he could and his final contest with MND was no different. His willingness to encourage and think of others right up to the end was typical of the man he was.' More details soon …
