Youth captain Simpson-Pusey keeps options open
Manchester City's Premier League 2 winning captain Jahmai Simpson-Pusey has kept his options open for next season as he wants to "play first-team football".Simpson-Pusey, 19, led City to a record fourth title in the competition and also became the first defender to claim the PL2 player of the season award.City's injury crisis allowed Simpson-Pusey to break into the first team this season, making six appearances in the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.Now he feels he has completed his business at academy level, saying: "I feel like I've done what I've needed to do with the under-21s. I just want to play first team football."Asked if it would be at another club, Simpson-Pusey told BBC Sport: "I guess we'll see [what happens]. That's not on my mind yet. I'm definitely ready."I've not spoken to anyone about it. I'm sure some people will feel the same, especially after winning the league."City's elite development squad coach Ben Wilkinson told the Manchester Evening News:, external "He has had a great season. Who knows what is next but he probably wants to leave U21 football."The fact he can leave it having lifted the Youth Cup at the end of last year and the PL2 trophy this year means he can be really proud of his academy journey."
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Daily Mail
22 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Sam Thompson in complete agony and breaks down in tears as he FINALLY completes gruelling Soccer Aid challenge and raises £1.5M for Unicef after battling horrendous injuries
Sam Thompson broke down in tears as he finally completed his gruelling Soccer Aid challenge, raising £1.5 million for Unicef. Despite suffering horrendous injuries, the Made In Chelsea star, 32, battled through agonising pain to complete the 260-mile journey, crossing the finish line at Manchester's Old Trafford ground on Friday. As Sam took the final steps, he was embraced by his emotional sister Louise, her fiancé Ryan Libbey and their son Leo, The star then struggled to hide his shock as it was revealed he had raised £1,516,433 for Unicef during the five-day journey. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. As Sam kicked off the final day of his challenge, he was thrilled to hear a message of support from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. He's captured the attention of the nation during the grueling journey, after suffering a calf injury which has left him battling through agonising pain in order to complete his mission. Host Fleur East, 37, told Sam: 'We've got a very special message for you from the Prime Minister.' To which the elated star responded: 'Shut up! No you don't! The Prime Minister!' Sir Keir's message read: 'My message to him is he's doing a fantastic job. 'I've seen footage of him running including with that injury and I have to say its pretty inspiring and he's doing an absolutely incredible job - all tribute to him. 'We all applaud what he's doing, it's really hard work particularly with an injury and Soccer Aid is always good so I'll do everything to support him I can.' Sam was left in utter disbelief after hearing the message, describing it was 'one of the most mental things' he's ever seen. 'He knows my name! I can't imagine Sir Keir looking at my 'gram,' he added. That wasn't the last of the surprises however, with Sam also treated to words of support from a host of other stars including Diversity, Olympic athlete Greg Rutherford and even actor Olivia Colman. 'Sam, I've been watching your incredible challenge,' Peep Show star Olivia said. 'Wow! It looks so so tough and you are doing amazingly. Everyone at Unicef is behind you and I encourage everyone watching to support you and donate. Lots of love, you're amazing!' The final leg of Sam's brutal challenge saw him travel from Goodison Park in Liverpool to his final destination, Old Trafford in Manchester. With his leg in 'absolute pieces', the reality TV star completed the fourth leg of the mission on Thursday, travelling from Stoke-On-Trent to Merseyside. Speaking to MailOnline before he began, the Made In Chelsea star said: 'Today is a tough day. It's wet, it's cold, it's windy. My leg is in absolute pieces, but we go again. 'We passed the half-way point yesterday and it was such a great day. I've got to try and channel that mindset and spirit. 'Today is going to be one step in front of the other. Also, the fact that we have raised over £600,000 is keeping me going – that will warm anyone's soul! 'The love and outpouring from people has been so immense and I'm so glad people are donating to UNICEF's work for kids around the world. I've seen it firsthand and know the difference it'll make.' As he prepared to set off, Sam received yet another surprise from one of his close pals Josh 'JP' Patterson, who ran with him for the first part of Thursday. Josh said: 'I want to support my friend through possibly one of the most vulnerable experiences of his life, but he's doing it for the most wonderful cause. I want to help raise as much money as we can, so when he steps across the finish line, he knows he's given it every single ounce of himself. 'He's been phenomenal. For someone who doubts himself so much, I hope one of the things he takes from this challenge is ''he is the guy''!' After completing the race, the news was broken to the determined personality that he had already smashed the £1million mark. He responded: 'Yes!!! One milly baby!!! Come on!!! I'm so happy, thank you so much. I'm so grateful to literally everybody. 'I've said this before, I'll say it again. They are all the heroes, the people who are putting their hands in their pockets.' After completing the gruelling third day of his challenge, Sam was surprised with a motivational message from close pal Jamie Laing. After suffering in his own gruelling charity marathon, Jamie, 36, knew exactly how Sam was feeling as he reached the halfway mark. The BBC Radio 1 presenter had the whole nation behind him as he ran 30 miles for five consecutive days across the country in March, raising an incredible £2.3m. 'It's day three baby, it's the worst. It's the worst', Jamie laughed. Sam screamed: 'I can't move man! My Leg!' Jamie said: 'Listen, I've been there. I know how hard it is and your body is screaming for you to give up. Every single moment, you just keep going. One foot in front of the other, you don't stop.' Sam teared up: 'Seeing your face just then has literally just made my day. I remember watching you doing your runs and being like your an inspiration man. 'The fact that you're just giving me your energy and your time man, I'm so grateful.' Jamie said: 'You're doing the best thing ever, you're doing it for the best cause. Let's keep going, I adore you, I love you, everyone's behind you, you're the greatest.' 'You got this Sam!', Jamie's wife Sophie Habboo cheered in the background. Day three saw him set off from Villa Park, Birmingham and pass through Walsall, Cannock, Stafford and Stone on his way to Vale Park in Stoke-on-Trent. The 'you can!' refers to a now infamous Made In Chelsea scene where Zara begs for Sam back after cheating on him during her time on Celebrity X Factor in 2019 Pete Wicks hilariously parodied Sam's ex Zara McDermott's famous 'you can!' moment from Made In Chelsea as he supported him on his challenge on Wednesday. The 'you can!' refers to a now iconic Made In Chelsea scene where Zara begs for Sam back after cheating on him during her time on Celebrity X Factor in 2019. Zara and Sam then split for good earlier this year - with the former Love Island now moving on with One Direction star Louis Tomlinson. In a video shared on Pete and Sam's Staying Relevant podcast TikTok page Pete is seen screaming 'you can!' at Sam - sending him into fits of giggles on his bike. The sign read: 'You can do it... YOU CAAAN!' as Pete shouted it in the same tone that Zara had as she insisted that Sam could forgive her for her infidelities all those years ago. Earlier in the day Sam broke down in tears as pal Pete surprised him to mark half way of his 'intensely painful' challenge. Sam, who sustained a 'significant' injured his calf earlier in the week, threw his arms around his friend, 37, before telling MailOnline the reunion 'made his day'. As Pete strolled up, Sam became overwhelmed to see the friendly face amid day three of him cycling and running another whopping 49 miles. Before setting off on Monday, Pete shared a gushing tribute to his pal on Instagram writing: 'Tomorrow this man embarks on a mental and physical challenge for an amazing cause' The TV star was given the task to travel a mammoth 260-mile journey on both bike and foot to deliver the match ball to its new home in Old Trafford, with the hope of raising much-needed funds for Unicef. He told MailOnline: 'Seeing Pete half way made my day. The pain is so intense but this has put a smile on my face'. Before adding: 'Please donate if you can, I'm so grateful for all the support'. Before setting off on Monday, Pete shared a gushing tribute to his pal on Instagram writing: 'Tomorrow this man embarks on a mental and physical challenge for an amazing cause @Unicef.' 'Mate I couldn't be prouder of you as a friend, a brother and as a man. You are gonna push yourself to the limit and I can't wait to watch you complete this f**king mammoth task. I know how much work you've put in and I know you're doing it for the right reasons'. He continued: 'Just so you know, you're doing it with every single one of your friends and family right behind you. I hope the nation follows your journey and helps you along the way in donations and support. You are an inspiration to me and many others and I admire the man you've become this year more than any other year I've known you. Good luck brother, you've got this' Still battling forwards with an injured calf and given the green light by the medical team, the reality star was determined to complete the challenge. He said: 'This is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. I now have to accept that I've done damage to my calf and running is very difficult'. 'But I can and will carry on, not matter what, on two feet and two pedals, I'm still going to get there and get across the finish line on Friday. It's just going to be longer, harder but my reason for doing it still hasn't changed. I really hope people are digging deep for UNICEF, seeing what I'm trying to do and are getting behind this challenge.' Speaking about Sam's injury, on the road physio, Gary Lewin said: 'Sam has got a significant injury to his calf. We tried to take the weight off of it yesterday by giving him a bike day and in the afternoon he said it felt better, so we tried a bit of walking'. 'He can't put much weight on it. My advice today is we're going to start out with a walk today and then cycle and see how we get on. He's in safe hands and medical advice is he can continue'.
South Wales Argus
24 minutes ago
- South Wales Argus
Friday briefing: Lamine Yamal stars for Spain and ‘no crisis' for Sarina Wiegman
England boss Sarina Wiegman named her squad for Euro 2025 – insisting there was no 'crisis' in the Lionesses' camp. Russell Martin was announced as the new Rangers manager and Wales geared up for their next World Cup qualifier in Cardiff on Friday night, when Scotland and the Republic of Ireland will both play friendlies. Lamine Yamal stars as Spain edge Les Blues An all-time classic in the Nations League semi-finals 🤯#NationsLeague — UEFA EURO (@UEFAEURO) June 5, 2025 Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal scored twice as holders Spain beat France 5-4 in an entertaining heavyweight clash in Stuttgart to book their place in the Nations League final against Portugal. Goals from Nico Williams and Mikel Merino in the space of three minutes midway through the first half had put the European champions in control. Yamal, 17, slotted in a penalty soon after the restart, with Pedri then swiftly clipping home a fourth before Kylian Mbappe pulled a goal back for France from the spot in the 59th minute. After Lamal showed more fine close control to slide in a second goal, Lyon winger Rayan Cherki marked his debut off the bench when he crashed in a volley with 10 minutes left. A late own goal from Dani Vivian saw France claw back another before Randal Kolo Muani headed in during stoppage time. Spain, though, held out to make a third straight Nations League final, which will be played in Munich on Sunday. Sarina Wiegman shuts out the noise England boss Sarina Wiegman insisted there was no 'crisis' as she named a 23-strong squad for Euro 2025 following a tumultuous month for the Lionesses. It has been a far from settled few weeks as England prepared to defend their European crown, opening the campaign against France in Zurich on July 5. Both goalkeeper Mary Earps and attacker Fran Kirby had announced their retirement from international football, while defender Millie Bright pulled out of the tournament to prioritize her mental health, with Chelsea later confirming she had undergone minor knee surgery. Sarina Wiegman feels 'happy and excited' as focus sharpens ahead of Euro 2025 (Martin Rickett/PA) Wiegman, though, dismissed the idea the Lionesses camp is unsettled. Chelsea striker Lauren James, recovering from a hamstring injury, has been included in the squad, alongside 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang. 'We're going with this 23 to the Euros and I'm comfortable, happy and excited. For me it doesn't feel like a crisis at all,' Wiegman said. 'There is always noise, so we expect noise before we go into a tournament. The difference is in my first tournament, the attention and visibility with the women's team has increased. 'We have to deal with it and move on and focus on football.' Craig Bellamy wants Wales in focus Wales head coach Craig Bellamy wants his team in the right mindset against the rank outsiders (Adam Davy/PA) Wales boss Craig Bellamy says one of the world's worst football teams Liechtenstein have given him sleepless nights ahead of their World Cup qualifier. Liechtenstein – ranked 205th out of FIFA's 210 nations – have not won a competitive game since September 2020, and lost their opening two World Cup qualifiers in March. Bellamy, though, warned against any sense of complacency from his side in Cardiff on Friday night. 'We've prepared for Liechtenstein as we did for Turkey and everyone else – it doesn't matter who we play against,' the Wales boss said. 'I was up late last night. I didn't sleep well. Does that tell you something? I treat every team the same.' Russell Martin ready for Ibrox challenge Russell Martin is ready to meet the challenges head on at Ibrox (Steve Welsh/PA) New Rangers head coach Russell Martin has told sceptics he is looking to prove them wrong. News of the former MK Dons, Swansea and Southampton manager's three-year deal at Ibrox has not gone down well with some supporters. However, former Scotland defender Martin, who had an unsuccessful loan period at Rangers in 2018, is ready to meet the challenges head on. 'My whole career has been based on proving people wrong, really. At every level I got questioned,' former Norwich captain Martin, 39, said. 'I got to the Premier League as a player, I wasn't convinced I could do it, but I managed to establish myself there for a little while, played international football, which I'm incredibly proud of. 'So it's the same again as a manager – I had to prove people wrong at every opportunity.' What's on today? England manager Thomas Tuchel will speak to the media ahead of Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Andorra (Bradley Collyer/PA) England boss Thomas Tuchel will hold a press conference on Friday afternoon ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Andorra in Barcelona. Wales later take on Liechtenstein in their Group J fixture in Cardiff, while Scotland play a friendly against Iceland as do the Republic of Ireland when they host Senegal. Ahead of all that on Friday morning, England under-21s coach Lee Carsley will name his squad for the upcoming European Championships in Slovakia.
BBC News
26 minutes ago
- BBC News
Norwich sign Argyle goalkeeper Grimshaw
Norwich City have signed goalkeeper Dan Grimshaw from Plymouth Argyle for an undisclosed 27-year-old made 21 Championship appearances for the Devon side last season after joining from Blackpool in who has signed a three-year deal, becomes new Norwich boss Liam Manning's first signing and has played under him previously during a loan spell at Belgian club Lommel SK in the 2020-21 former Manchester City trainee endured a difficult campaign at Plymouth, including conceding six goals in a hammering at Carrow Road in November, before being replaced by the returning Conor Hazard in January."I've known of the interest for a little while and as soon as I heard about it, it was a place I really wanted to come - a big club with big ambitions, so it matched what I wanted to do," Grimshaw told Norwich's club website., external"We want to push for promotion - I'm here to give everything I have and hopefully we'll achieve that together."The Canaries released previous first-choice goalkeeper Angus Gunn at the end of the season after they finished 13th in the Championship table.
