Latest news with #ChampionshipPlayeroftheMonth
Daily Record
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Anton Dowds hands Ayr United pre-season boost by signing new deal at Somerset Park
The striker was in red hot form before his season was cut short last year with a serious knee injury. Anton Dowds has given Ayr United a huge pre-season boost by agreeing a new deal at Somerset Park. The striker, 28, was forced to miss the majority of last season after rupturing his cruciate ligament following a flying start to the campaign. Dowds had banged nine goals in 11 games and was named August's Championship Player of the Month as United got off to a sizzling start. But he was cut down in the prime of his best ever campaign and had to watch on from the sidelines as Ayr ultimately went on to lose out in the promotion play-offs. One of Britain's top knee surgeons - who has helped the likes of Virgil Van Dijk recover from a similar injury - operated on Dowds, who has since been undergoing nine months of rehab. Dowds has now committed to staying on with Scott Brown's side and delivers a fresh boost in a week where the club added experienced trio Stuart Bannigan, Liam Dick and Shaun Want to their ranks. United are continuing to cast the net for new additions and are in advanced talks over the establishment of a partnership agreement with a Premiership club. The new SFA-backed Cooperation System could see up to three players made available to United, should a deal be agreed.
The 42
10-06-2025
- Sport
- The 42
Ireland's Izzy Atkinson on the hunt for new club after Crystal Palace exit
CRYSTAL PALACE HAVE announced the departure of Republic of Ireland international Izzy Atkinson. Atkinson is one of five players leaving the Eagles this summer, following their relegation from the Women's Super League. The 23-year-old winger joined from West Ham in January 2024, and made 18 appearances in all competitions. She was named Championship Player of the Month in February 2024 after goals against Southampton and Blackburn Rovers, and helped Crystal Palace to promotion alongside fellow Irishwomen Abbie Larkin and Hayley Nolan. Advertisement But Atkinson made just four appearances in the WSL last season, often going unselected for matchday squads and seeing limited action from the bench. The 2023 World Cup squad bolter has also fallen down the pecking order with Ireland. Carla Ward named Atkinson in her first squad in February, but she didn't play and has not been included since. 'She is out of favour (at Palace). There was a question about whether we should call her up but I am a big believer in giving people an opportunity to see what I can do to help and get them back on track,' Ward said at the time. 'When she comes in, we will sit down, probably give her some tough love and say, 'We need you'. She has got huge potential. She is a great young player.' The 18-cap international is now on the hunt for a new club after her Palace exit, having previously represented Shelbourne, Celtic and West Ham.
