Latest news with #AndyNaylor
Daily Mail
21-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Burrito seller Tortilla Mexican Grill enjoys rebound in UK trade
Tortilla Mexican Grill's boss has hailed 'good progress' following a significant rebound in domestic like-for-like sales. The fast food chain revealed its comparable UK revenues improved from a 6 per cent drop in March 2024 to 6 per cent growth by December. They also expanded by 5.9 per cent in the first quarter of this year, outperforming the wider British restaurant sector by eight percentage points, and are up 6.2 per cent so far during the second quarter. While Tortilla's total like-for-like revenues marginally fell, its overall turnover increased by 3.5 per cent to £68million. The London-based firm said trading benefited from the addition of one UK company-owned site and a 'strong contribution' from its franchise sites, including those at travel hubs run by Upper Crust owner SSP. Tortilla's trade further benefited from the takeover of Fresh Burritos, the largest fast-casual Mexican restaurant group in France and the second-biggest in Europe. The £3.3million acquisition included 13 firm-owned leasehold restaurants operating across Paris and other big French cities, and 18 franchised locations. Due to costs related to buying Fresh Burritos, Tortilla's annual net losses tripled to £3.3million, with a further impact from impairments on some UK stores. Andy Naylor, chief executive of Tortilla, said: 'I am pleased to report good progress over the last 12 months towards our strategic goal of becoming a pan-European fast casual Mexican restaurant business.' Tortilla has continued to open stores with its franchise partners despite the subdued economic backdrop, including at Victoria and Liverpool Street stations in London, as well as Dubai's Silicon Central Mall and Circle Mall. It also launched a new central kitchen in Lille, which is three times the size of its UK facility, three months ago to help serve its venues at scale across France. While complex planning approval processes have stymied the firm's store conversion efforts in France, Naylor told investors that most French Burritos outlets will be converted to Tortilla by the end of 2025. Naylor replaced Richard Morris as Tortilla's boss in April 2024 after serving seven years as its chief financial officer. Tortilla was founded in 2007 by the Californian Brandon Stephens after he became frustrated at the lack of places selling high-quality burritos and tacos in London. Tortilla Mexican Grill shares were 1.2 per cent lower at 37.3p on late Wednesday afternoon and have contracted by around 28 per cent this year.
New York Times
09-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Premier League predicted line-ups: Who do our writers think will start in Gameweek 36?
As we approach another weekend of action in the Premier League, our writers have had a go at naming the starting XIs for the upcoming matches. There could be late changes or injuries, but our staff have predicted these line-ups given the information available at the time of writing. Ben Dinnery is also holding his weekly Fantasy Premier League live Q&A today. Follow the Premier League and FPL on The Athletic How to watch: Not available (UK); Peacock (U.S.) Notes: Reiss Nelson, Timothy Castagne, Sasa Lukic, Harrison Reed (injured); Rodrigo Muniz, Andreas Pereira (doubts) Justin Guthrie Notes: James Tarkowski, Jesper Lindstrom, Orel Mangala (injured) Patrick Boyland How to watch: Not available (UK); Peacock (U.S.) Notes: Wes Burns, Chiedozie Ogbene, Sammie Szmodics, Arijanet Muric, Jaden Philogene (injured); Leif Davis (suspended); Nathan Broadhead, Conor Townsend (doubts) Ali Rampling Notes: Aaron Hickey, Josh Dasilva, Fabio Carvalho, Vitaly Janelt (injured) Jay Harris How to watch: Not available (UK); USA Network, Fubo (U.S.) Notes: None Nancy Froston Notes: Rodri, Oscar Bobb, John Stones, Nathan Ake (injured) Thom Harris How to watch: Not available (UK); Peacock (U.S.) Notes: Yerson Mosquera, Enso Gonzalez, Sasa Kalajdzic (injured); Hwang Hee-chan, Jorgen Strand Larsen (doubts) Steve Madeley Notes: Solly March, Georginio Rutter, Ferdi Kadioglu, James Milner (injured); Joao Pedro (suspended) Andy Naylor How to watch: Sky Sports (UK); NBC, Fubo, Peacock (U.S.) Notes: Enes Unal, Luis Sinisterra, Ryan Christie, Dango Ouattara (injured) Dan Barnes Notes: Marcus Rashford, Youri Tielemans (injured) Jacob Tanswell How to watch: TNT Sports (UK); USA Network, Fubo (U.S.) Notes: Lewis Hall, Matt Targett, Joelinton (injured) George Caulkin Notes: Wesley Fofana, Marc Guiu (injured); Mykhailo Mudryk (suspended) Simon Johnson How to watch: Not available (UK); Peacock (U.S.) Notes: Diogo Dalot, Joshua Zirkzee, Lisandro Martinez, Ayden Heaven, Toby Collyer, Matthijs de Ligt (injured) Carl Anka Notes: Michail Antonio, Crysencio Summerville (injured) Roshane Thomas How to watch: Sky Sports (UK); USA Network, Fubo (U.S.) Notes: Callum Hudson-Odoi (injured); Murillo (doubt) Paul Taylor Notes: Mads Hermansen, Abdul Fatawu, Stephy Mavididi, Ricardo Pereira, Bobby De Cordova-Reid (injured) Rob Tanner How to watch: Not available (UK); Peacock (U.S.) Notes: Radu Dragusin, James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall, Son Heung-min (injured) Jay Harris Notes: Chadi Riad, Cheick Doucoure, Adam Wharton (injured) Matt Woosnam How to watch: Sky Sports (UK); NBC, Fubo, Peacock Notes: Joe Gomez, Tyler Morton (injured) Gregg Evans Notes: Takehiro Tomiyasu, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel, Kai Havertz (injured) Art de Roche (Top photos: Anthony Gordon, left, and Conor Bradley; Getty Images)
New York Times
02-05-2025
- Business
- New York Times
Brighton mailbag: Mitoma's future, Hurzeler's impact so far and summer transfer plans
Dull seasons are rare in the recent history of Brighton & Hove Albion. The last decade has packed in a promotion near-miss, reaching the Premier League, eight years in the top division spent under four managers while progressing from regulars in the bottom six in the table to the top 10, plus a first taste of UEFA competition. Advertisement That is reflected by the variety of questions posed by subscribers for our mailbag. Here, our correspondent, Andy Naylor, attempts to answer them, addressing everything from the futures of Kaoru Mitoma and Evan Ferguson, the job done so far by head coach Fabian Hurzeler, the recruitment model and areas of the squad that need strengthening. Is the club optimistic of extending Mitoma or is the writing on the wall? — A.i.G. It is hard to predict what will happen in the summer transfer window, especially with Brighton's quest for European qualification still in the balance with four games to go. So I will concentrate on what I know as things stand through sources in the player's camp and at the club (all sources in this article have asked to remain anonymous to protect relationships). Mitoma is very happy at Brighton. The unflustered way the club is run from the top is a perfect fit for his personality and he continues to thrive on the pitch. He has zero interest in a money-motivated move to the Saudi Pro League, while the rejected offers from Al Nassr of £54million ($72.1m) and £61m in the January window leave the club in a strong position. Mitoma is under contract until June 2027. There are bigger clubs in the Premier League and in Europe able to afford significant fees, but the number of potential suitors reduces when taking into consideration how many of those clubs need a left-winger and pursue a transfer model that would see them paying a large sum for a player who turns 28 later this month. There is also Mitoma's commercial value, stemming from the explosion of interest in the club in his native Japan and Asia in general, to take into account in what would represent a fair price and a good deal overall. Mitoma is ambitious, but he also appreciates what he has at Brighton. Qualifying for Europe would improve the chances that he stays. Do we have the squad depth to improve on our last European campaign or is the risk of suffering significantly in the league again the same? — Simon C Clubs with far bigger resources than Brighton have felt the impact of the addition of European football on their league form. Newcastle dropped by 11 points and three places to seventh last season after competing in the Champions League. Aston Villa are on course to suffer a similar fate this time around. Advertisement The squad does have more depth, but not as much quality and experience in the first-choice XI as the group that reached Europe under Roberto De Zerbi in 2022-23. The achievement of winning a Europa League group the following year containing Marseille, Ajax and AEK Athens should not be underestimated, even though the first leg tie at Roma in the last 16 went horribly wrong with that 4-0 defeat. Brighton are more likely this time to qualify for the Europa Conference League. The third tier competition brings benefits and disadvantages — more chance of a deep run, but more draining travel to far-flung European outposts. What is Fabian's tactical vision for our team as you see it? I still can't tell if he has one. Will there ever be 'Hurzeler Ball'? — Garrett C Intensity with and without the ball, combined with controlling games in possession. We have seen it in patches, but not consistently. There are good reasons for that. This is an inexperienced squad which has been ravaged by injuries. The constant chopping and changing has made it difficult for players to build connections with each other to enhance fluidity. I was struck by Hurzeler saying during the sequence of six straight wins, which followed the 7-0 debacle at Nottingham Forest, that the players were getting there but they were still not fit enough. It is still early days in his tenure; it remains a work in progress. It is far too soon to make cast-iron judgments. Do you think Fabian has learned and adjusted to managing in the Premier League throughout the year? And in what ways do you think he can continue to learn and grow if he is to become a permanent fixture in the PL? — David M. I don't know about you, David, but I am still learning through life experiences and I am knocking on towards 62, not 32! He's had plenty of those in his first year. Mistakes are part of the journey. The important bit is not to keep on repeating them. The fluctuating experiences in Hurzeler's first season both as a head coach in England and at elite level will stand him in good stead going forward. He has a hunger for self-improvement. Advertisement Do you think the decision makers at Brighton view this year's defensive weaknesses as a feature or a bug? In other words, are they willing to continue conceding goals as part of a high risk/high reward style of play, or do they see defence as an area to be improved, whether through recruitment, fewer injuries, or tactics? — Anonymous Every end of season is accompanied by analysis internally of areas where there is room for improvement. It cannot be any other way in the fiercely competitive environment of the Premier League. If you stand still, you go backwards. The past three seasons in which Brighton have progressed from a bottom-six club into a top-half club are a useful barometer. More goals (55) have been conceded in 34 games than in the 38 when qualifying for Europe in sixth place under De Zerbi in 2022-23 (53) and when finishing ninth under Graham Potter in 2021-22 (44). The current leakage rate also leaves Hurzeler's side on course to exceed the 62 conceded last season, when the drop to 11th for De Zerbi's team was accompanied by the distraction and extra strain of the Europa League. That the team is saddled with the worst defensive record of any team in the top 12 is a transparent area for gains to be made. Defending starts from the front and Hurzeler has been very unlucky with injuries in the back line. However, after concentrating on attacking areas in last summer's big splash on nine new signings, an injection of pace at the other end will assist Hurzeler's desire to defend with a high line. That tactics has been adjusted by necessity as the season has worn on to fit the personnel at his disposal. One of the most interesting stories for 2025-26 will be who is going to be our goalkeeper and who will be No 2. It's a big disappointment that Rushworth never played a game and probably never will. What are your thoughts ? — Simon W. Bart Verbruggen will be No 1 again unless speculation about interest in the 22-year-old Netherlands international from some heavyweight clubs in Europe progresses into a meaningful bid. He has made mistakes, but he is still developing. The experienced Jason Steele, 34, fits the bill as a No 2, which leaves no room for 23-year-old Carl Rushworth to satisfy his understandable desire for game time if the status quo continues. I can see him becoming a permanent first choice at a Championship club next season. Advertisement The depth in the goalkeeping department is impressive, but it is difficult to maintain, with Kjell Scherpen, James Beadle and Tom McGill in a cycle of loan spells. Matters could come to a head this summer with one or two departures. Over recent years we have included a handful of experienced Premier League pros in our squad and these have proved to be beneficial additions both on and off the field. Do you think there is any chance that the club will look to bring in Kevin De Bruyne for a season or two? — Mark H Wages and competition for his services might be an issue! Mats Hummels was a target before choosing what has turned out to be the 36-year-old German defender's final season before retirement at Roma. Jordan Henderson was also a player of interest last year before the midfielder, now 34, moved to Ajax from the Saudi Pro League. Losing the versatility and nous of James Milner, 39, to hamstring trouble after starting the first three league games of the season is one of the many injury blows suffered by the head coach. An addition of that ilk is possible this summer after losing Pascal Gross (to Borussia Dortmund) and Adam Lallana (back to Southampton) last year. Do the hierarchy view Malick Yalcouye as a squad addition for next season or a further loan? Similarly Ibrahim Osman? — Matthew F I am not avoiding a straight answer, but any current view can be impacted by variables — for example a departure opening up a place or a player catching Hurzeler's eye in pre-season. Who would have expected Yasin Ayari to feature so prominently in midfield this season after modest loan spells in the Championship at Blackburn and Coventry last season? Of the pair you mention, Malick Yalcouye has done particularly well at Sturm Graz. The 19-year-old Mali midfielder is still raw, but he has the potential to grow into a Premier League player. How soon that happens is hard to tell. Advertisement What's next for Evan Ferguson? My preference would be a loan to a Championship side. What do you think? — Nigel G A more beneficial loan than West Ham. That move made sense on paper, but the reunion with Potter in January has not worked out. Ferguson, 20, has made just one start and six substitute appearances out of a possible 10 matches when the idea was to secure more minutes than he had been getting under Hurzeler. No 9 competition at Brighton next season has already increased for the goal-starved Republic of Ireland international with the January window signing of Stefanos Tzimas from Nurnberg in Germany's second tier. The 19-year-old Greek talent was loaned straight back to Nurnberg. He will link up in July when the players report back for pre-season training. Is there any prospect of a movement in the business model towards keeping our standout players for longer before the sale or does the model remain as is? — Nicholas B There is a general misconception that Brighton have an open door policy to sell prized assets for a bumper profit at the drop of a hat. That is not the intention and nothing will change. The price and the circumstances have to be deemed suitable before they are willing to trade. They know where they are in the food chain. The fact is that a move to a bigger and more successful club, if the opportunity presents itself, will be attractive to their players nine times out of 10. (Top photos: Getty Images)
BBC News
26-03-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
🎧'Only one step from Wembley - why not?'
Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final against Nottingham Forest is Brighton's chance to reach a third Wembley semi-final in six seasons after reaching the final four in 2019 and 2023 campaigns. The Athletic's Brighton reporter Andy Naylor joined BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited podcast to discuss the side's chances of winning the competition."To win the first major trophy in the club's history would be quite something," he said. "Only one step from Wembley and the semi-finals now, so why not?"The Seagulls lost both their previous visits, 1-0 to Manchester City in 2019 before being knocked out on penalties by Manchester United in 2023. Given how the FA Cup has unfolded this season, Naylor sees a real opportunity for Fabian Hurzeler's side to get silverware."The competition is fascinating this season - it is nice to see it not being dominated by those big clubs," he said."You still have Manchester City in the competition, but they have a tough tie away at Bournemouth. You've got Crystal Palace v Fulham as a quarter-final - how do you call that? You'd probably fancy Aston Villa to get through at Preston North End, but that won't be an easy tie either. "It really is wide open."Listen to the full episode of Albion Unlimited on BBC Sounds
