'Delighted' to win but Kettlewell wants improvements
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Reuters
24 minutes ago
- Reuters
Lions great Gibson misses Australia test due to Open responsibilities
PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland, July 19 (Reuters) - Of the 1,200 marshals on duty at Royal Portrush for the British Open, one of them, former British and Irish Lions rugby great Mike Gibson, had a reason to be distracted on Saturday morning. The 82-year-old Gibson, stationed all week at the scenic 13th hole of the Dunluce Links, made a record five Lions tours from 1968-1977 as a skilful attacking centre. So the fact the present-day Lions' first test against Australia coincided with the third round at The Open presented Gibson with a dilemma. Not that he was ever going to let anybody down, though. "I am committed to this and if they are one short it can be significant," Gibson, whose Royal Belfast Golf Club were one of the clubs providing marshals, told Reuters as former Open champion Jordan Spieth walked off the green. "This is my first time marshalling, I'm getting a close-up view of golf that I could never even dream about. The skill on show is wonderful." The Lions beat Australia 27-19 in the opening test in Brisbane and Gibson managed to keep a check on the score thanks to messages from his son. Gibson enjoyed a nice moment during Monday's practice round when he met up with an old friend in Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy for a chat and a photograph. "Everyone wants him to win, he's such a nice lad, a wonderful advert for Northern Ireland and for golf," he said. Gibson, who made 69 appearances for Ireland and played 12 tests for the Lions, still plays golf. "But with declining distance," he said.
The Independent
24 minutes ago
- The Independent
Eddie Howe confident Alexander Isak will stay at Newcastle as he misses friendly
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe excused Alexander Isak from travelling to their friendly with Celtic to shield him from transfer speculation but is confident the striker will remain at St James' Park. Isak went home as the rest of the squad returned from an Austrian training camp on Friday but he was never earmarked to play in Glasgow. The 25-year-old, who pulled out of Sweden's friendly double header last month because of a groin injury, has been linked with a potential move to Liverpool this summer and, more recently, with Saudi club Al-Hilal. Howe is desperate to keep the forward, who netted 27 goals last season. Asked to explain the absence of Isak and Joelinton after the 4-0 defeat, Howe said: 'Both players are fit but we just felt they weren't ready to play. 'Joe's coming back from a long injury, so we need to make sure when he's introduced he's ready. 'Alex has trained this week and is fine but we didn't want to take the risk with him. Alex was with us all the way through Austria but, with all the speculation and things that are going on, I decided to send him home. 'It's purely the last thing Alex wants, if he's not playing, to be sat in the stand. Being under that scrutiny, I don't think that's fair to the player.' Howe declared there had been no formal approach for Isak this summer but added: 'It's difficult for me to give 100 per cent clarity on any player. I'd never sit here and do that because it's football and you never know what could happen. 'All I can say is that Alex is happy at Newcastle. He loves the players that he plays with, the staff, the team. 'I've never had any issue with him other than really enjoying seeing his talent and seeing him express himself. Certainly I'm confident that he's going to be here at the start of the season. 'Your top players are so hard to find, they're so hard to recruit, they're so hard to develop and make them into those players. So when you have them, you need to treasure them. 'We certainly and the staff, recognise his talent and his ability. We're of course desperate to keep him part of our team. 'Alex has been really good and he's trained really well so far this season. So I know there'll be lots of noise around it and I can't really control that but from inside, he's been really good.' Howe has had his frustrations in the transfer market this summer. Forward Callum Wilson rejected a new contract and the Newcastle manager reluctantly allowed Sean Longstaff to join Leeds on Friday with Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules a major factor. 'Sean was someone I never wanted to lose from the squad,' Howe said. 'But as we know and I've said many times, finances, PSR etc, long-term planning meant that sometimes these decisions have to be taken. 'So he's a big miss from our squad. Sean was very, very popular in the dressing room, very popular on the pitch. He did a great job. He tactically understood everything that we needed him to do. 'He's been an incredible servant to Newcastle. But we have to move on now without him.' On the defeat by Celtic, Howe said: 'I think we looked a little bit jaded. Celtic, I thought were way ahead of us fitness-wise and sharpness-wise. But I think we'll be better for the game.'
Scottish Sun
24 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Dundee boss Steven Pressley sees pressure build just TWO games into reign as gaffer admits situation is ‘worrying'
A second straight League Cup loss to lower-league opposition has left Pressley under immediate pressure DEAR OH DEE Dundee boss Steven Pressley sees pressure build just TWO games into reign as gaffer admits situation is 'worrying' BIBLICAL rain rattled the corrugated iron roofs of the Recs. And down on the touchline, storm clouds gathered over brooding Dark Blues boss Steven Pressley. Advertisement 2 Steven Pressley is under pressure just two games into his Dundee reign Credit: Michael Schofield 2 The new Dee boss has seen his side lose back-to-back League Cup games to lower-league opposition Credit: Michael Schofield He took the rap and admitted his sluggish Dundee side are OUT of the cup after being humbled for the second time in seven days. But his players need a good long look at themselves after part-time Alloa Athletic did to them what Airdrie had last time out. A Steven Buchanan strike just after the hour made it three wins on the spin for Andy Graham's men – and what Pressley would have given for half the desire the home side showed. As hundreds of fed-up travelling trooped home in dismay, he admitted: "With the players we had out, we didn't do well enough – that's the harsh reality and I take ownership of that. Advertisement "I hoped we'd play with more intensity. We need to pass the ball quicker. We were laboured, predictable. "It looks like we're out. We have to concentrate on the next couple of games, make sure we see improvements and make sure we're ready for the first league game. "My message to be the fans would be that I believe in what we're doing. It's a big task, it'll take time. I'm a realist and I know we need reinforcements, that was evident here. "We need some dynamism in the team, some real legs. We need more speed and power, but finding the right players is difficult and I don't want to sign anyone who doesn't upgrade us. Advertisement "It's worrying for me that we need to improve the fitness of some players – in the second half in particular, you could see we need to bring some of them up to speed. "In future, if I'm here, I'd probably come back a week earlier and play a couple of friendlies prior to the League Cup. Before we faced Airdrie last week, some players had only played two lots of 45 minutes. Moment Dundee fans invade pitch after securing safety against St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park "But I say again, we still have to do better." Hulking frontman Emile Acquah, brought in from Barrow, had three huge chances from Drey Wright corners – but headed two wide and beat the turf as the other struck a post. Advertisement Apart from that, though, Finlay Robertson's bobbling 85th minute shot straight at home keeper Liam McFarlane was their only shot on target. And the truth is that the longer the game went, the more Alloa looked like pulling off a shock. One side of half-time, Kurtis Roberts almost caught keeper Trevor Carson out with a cheeky chip from 40 yards; the other, the midfielder played young striker Luke Rankin clean through only for the ball to bobble up off the plastic and his shot to fly wide. But then, a looping cross from the left flicked off a defenders' head, fell to Buchanan at the far post and stopper Luke Graham could only help it into the roof of the net. Advertisement It was officially given as an own goal, but on the last day before the pitch here is replaced, it was DEFINITELY Buchanan's. Delighted gaffer Graham said: "It's a great move and Steven does really well to turn it in – I couldn't believe it when the announcer gave it as an own goal, I was for running up and having a word, they can't take it away from him! "It was a great moment and to win three games in a week is testament to the fitness and togetherness of the players." Elsewhere, Falkirk maintained their unbeaten start to the new season, despite a goalless draw with League One side Cove Rangers. Advertisement Scott Bain came up with two huge shoot-out saves to keep his side within a point of Group A leaders, The Spartans. Curtis Main was at the double as Ayr United hammered Arbroath 4-0 in their home opener. Have YOU got a point for Kris Boyd? Kris Boyd and Roger Hannah chew over the big talking points each week SOMETHING you've just got to get off your chest from the weekend action? A burning Scottish football talking point you can't wait to bring up with Kris Boyd and Roger Hannah? SunSport's GoBallistic show wants to hear from you! So why not help set the Scottish football agenda for the week ahead! Have your say on the game's big topics by emailing us on: GoBallistic@ It's YOUR turn to Go Ballistic! Main's brace had Scott Brown's side looking comfortable, before debutant Jude Bonnar and George Oakley put the game to bed. John Robertson made it five goals in three matches as East Kilbride coasted to a 4-1 victory at Elgin. Advertisement Captain Jack Leitch had Kilby two to the good inside twenty minutes - before Jack MacIver halved the deficit from the spot. However, second half goals from Nathan Flanagan and Robertson put the game beyond reach. Elsewhere, Uche Ikpeazu was St Johnstone's hero in the Highlands, as his 90th minute winner against Inverness sealed an all important 1-0 victory, maintaining his side's 100% record. Dunfermline battered Dumbarton at The Rock, in a dominant 4-0 display. Advertisement Goals from Josh Cooper - who hit two - Chris Kane, and Andrew Tod sealed the deal for Neil Lennon's side. Ross County snatched all three points in the Borders after a close encounter with Queen of the South. A phenomenal strike from Jay Henderson was enough to pull County back within reach of the knockouts. Clyde pulled off an incredible injury time comeback as they defeated Peterhead 2-1 at Balmoor. Advertisement Kieran Shanks' late penalty had Peterhead looking home-and-hosed, but a 96th minute leveller from Craig Howie and subsequent own goal by Caleb Goldie saw the Bully Wee heading back to Glasgow with all three points. East Fife claimed victory in the Fife Derby, with a 1-0 victory over Kelty Hearts. Mick Kennedy & Si Ferry in dreamland as play-off win sparks wild pitch invasion as East Kilbride plot rise through SPFL Alan Trouten came up with the goods late on as the visitors claimed their first points of the group stage. Montrose battered Bonnyrigg 4-1 despite heading into the break a goal down. Advertisement Kallum Higginbotham sent the visitors into the break in front with an effort on the stroke of half time. But goals from Ewan Loudon, Terry Masson, Craig Wighton and an own goal by Corrie Fellows saw them remain rock bottom of the group in a second half collapse. The Spartans comfortably saw off Brechin in a 2-0 victory at Ainslie Park. Mark Stowe had the hosts up and running late in the first half, before Cillian Sheridan doubled the lead with an own goal. Advertisement Stranraer forced their second penalty-shootout of the group stage after a goalless draw with Edinburgh City. But this time, it was the opposing number one, Mark Weir who was the hero for City. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
