Latest news with #Dykes
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Tom Brady gets Lyndon Dykes fired up for Scotland resurgence as NFL legend 'more than just a face' at Birmingham
Dykes says Brady has been a presence around Birmingham City and is 'more than just a face' at the club Lyndon Dykes has revealed how NFL legend Tom Brady can help him return fit and firing for Scotland when World Cup qualifying kicks off. The Birmingham City striker's domestic season ended on February 22 with a calf injury against Reading. Dykes was desperate to work his way back via Scotland's June friendlies. But he's missed out on the action against Iceland and Liechtenstein and will need to wait until autumn to join up with Steve Clarke 's squad. Dykes insists he'll have the best of care for that bid thanks to a seven-time Super Bowl winner. Brady is a shareholder in the Blues as well as a minority owner with NFL franchise Las Vegas Raiders. The former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback is heavily engaged in improving the sports performance side at City. And Dykes said: 'It's great having someone like that who has been so successful in his own sport. 'He does pop in and out and I've met him a couple of times. He brings a different mentality and knowledge to certain things. 'He's got a lot of input, he's not just a face. He's around the place and he's got ideas about what he wants. 'Some of the stuff they've brought to the club has been really good, like the medical department. He's brought a different outlook to the physio room, with his own head of medicine and the way they try to do things so that there are fewer injuries. 'He's very inspirational. Going forward, I feel it's going to be very successful with him and the owners there, Tom Wagner and the Knighthead group. 'I actually do like the Raiders but I didn't really have an NFL team as such. Hopefully he can get me on an NFL pitch because I think I could be all right at that as well! I'd have to put a bit more muscle on because some of those boys are massive.' Dykes is targeting a fresh scoring streak for Scotland after going 13 games without netting. The Aussie-born ace hit goals in four consecutive games in 2022 World Cup qualifying. He scored as Scotland edged 1-0 wins over Moldova, Austria and the Faroe Islands as well as in the 3-2 thriller against Israel at Hampden. Scotland were beaten by Ukraine at the semi-final play-off stage to miss out on the Qatar finals. The 2026 renewal, hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico, is now firmly in the 29-year-old's sights. Dykes said: 'The best feeling in the world is scoring goals. I went on a great run last World Cup qualifying, scoring big goals when we needed it. 'That's what I aim to do again but it's not always about scoring goals. I just want to play my part for the team. As long as we're winning and performing, that's the main thing. I've been stuck on nine goals for a little bit now so I'm desperate to hit double figures. 'I told John McGinn a while ago that I was catching him but he's starting to slip away, so I need to pull my finger out and make sure I score a few more. 'The World Cup is the aim. I was lucky enough to play in the first Euros we qualified for. When I joined up with Scotland at first, that was one of my major goals and the World Cup was another. 'We've got the opportunity to do that now. I've got full belief in my team-mates, myself and the whole of this nation that we can qualify for the World Cup. I'm sure if we did, it would be amazing for the whole country.' Dykes has suffered much worse than an injury ruling him out of action for four months. A bout of pneumonia landed him on a drip in hospital in a terrifying health scare for the big striker and his family in January 2023. That frightening episode gives him valuable perspective when dealing with fitness issues in his career. 'It builds your character and makes you stronger in the long run,' added the ex-Livingston and QPR hitman. 'That's why I've switched my brain to think positives out of some things, such as going out to the Euros last summer and just being around the boys and doing a bit of TV work. 'Even though I was devastated not playing, this is football. It's been my most difficult season with injuries so far in my career. 'Obviously getting injured before the Euros was very disappointing. And the back end of this season, being injured for a while has obviously has been tough. I'm feeling good now.' Dykes scored five goals for Birmingham as they romped to the League One title and reached the EFL Trophy Final. A stunning late Dykes header against Bradford secured a Wembley place for ex-Celtic coach Chris Davies and his team. They lost to Peterborough in the showpiece but, over the long term, the Blues were miles clear of the rest. Dykes said: 'Obviously I didn't want to go down to League One but the way the club are building and what they're trying to do for the future is something that appealed to me. This season was a step backwards but it was two steps forward as well.'
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Lyndon Dykes tips Birmingham team mate for surprise Scotland call-up as he opens up on his own year of hell
'MOST DIFFICULT' Lyndon Dykes tips Birmingham team mate for surprise Scotland call-up as he opens up on his own year of hell Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BIRMINGHAM may have stormed their way to the League One title — but it's been a year to forget for hitman Lyndon Dykes. The Scotland striker was a big-name arrival from QPR last summer, but only scored one goal for the Blues in an injury-plagued campaign. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 But Dykes, 29, hopes to use the close season to get back to peak fitness. He said: 'It's been my most difficult campaign with injuries. Getting injured before the Euros was very disappointing, and being injured during the back end of last season too and being out for a long time has been really tough. 'But I was back on the grass towards the end of the month and I've been working a lot in the gym. 'I'm feeling really good. Being injured and being in a boot for so long, you have to focus on other things. 'I've been focusing on working as much as I can to put a lot of muscle on, and make sure I come back in the best possible shape. 'If you feel good on the pitch, you can perform. That's what I aim to do. 'I didn't want to go down to League One, but what they are trying to do for the future at Birmingham is something that appealed to me. 'This season was a step backwards but it was two steps forward as well. We had a great campaign, we beat the world record for points in a season — 111 points. 'The way Birmingham is growing and the way I'm feeling, it's going to be a very successful future. Hopefully I can be a part of that." Dykes was a key man in Scotland's 2022 World Cup qualifiers with key goals, including three winners against Moldova, Israel, Austria and the Faroes. He believes he can recapture that form — despite not having scored a goal for his country since the win in Norway in June 2023. Dykes added: 'The best feeling in the world is scoring goals. 'I went on a great run for Scotland in the last World Cup qualifying campaign, I got big goals when we needed them. That's what I aim to do again. 'I've been stuck on nine goals for a little bit now so I'm desperate to hit double figures. 'The World Cup is the aim. I was lucky enough to play in the first Euros we qualified for, now I want to be there next summer too. 'If we qualify for the World Cup it would be absolutely amazing for the whole country.' Dykes has been left out of Steve Clarke's squad for the friendlies against Iceland and Liechtenstein, but he insists they are vital to rebuild morale in the Scotland squad. He said: 'They are definitely important games. It can be difficult, having friendlies in the summer because it's a long season for boys, and there will be some guys playing with injuries. 'But there will be boys looking forward to being in a team environment and getting some minutes to get ready for next season.' Injuries aside, Dykes also spent eight days in hospital after being diagnosed with pneumonia two years ago, and it took him a while to recover. He added: 'I've been through a little bit, in the hospital with health stuff. You've just got to get through it — it builds your character and makes you stronger in the long run. 'That's why I've switched my brain to think about the positives of some things, like going out to the Euros last summer, and just being around the boys and doing a little bit of TV work there.' Dykes has tipped Blues midfielder Marc Leonard — a former Rangers youth player — as someone Clarke should be watching. He said: 'I definitely think he could make the step up. He hasn't featured in the full Scotland squad yet but he'a a great player. 'From what I've seen of Marc he's definitely got a future, and he could be someone we look to going forward.' Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CT rolls out new large-scale solar siting tool. It's aimed at making electricity more affordable
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has launched a new online tool for large-scale solar project siting in the state. The map tool, called the Community Renewable Energy Siting Tool, uses Geographic Information Systems mapping to display data in an easy-access format. It is free to the public and does not require specialized GIS software, DEEP officials said. The goal of the mapping tool is to allow for a more transparent and efficient siting and permitting process for large-scale renewable energy projects, while at the same time protecting Connecticut's environmental and natural resources, according to DEEP. Developed in partnership with the University of Connecticut's Center for Land Use Education and Research, the mapping tool allows for the display of data in a compelling, easy-to-access format using GIS technology. 'Large-scale renewable energy projects are an important component of our strategy to meet our energy supply needs, make electricity more affordable for residents and continue progress toward the state's target of a 100% zero carbon electric supply by 2040,' DEEP commissioner Katie Dykes said. Officials said that because Connecticut is the nation's fourth most densely populated state, it is important to ensure solar development is balanced with a wide variety of community needs that are also priorities for the state. Connecticut also has among the highest energy costs in the nation. The tool is being rolled out as part of DEEP's plan to highlight strategies Connecticut can pursue to achieve an affordable, reliable and clean electric supply over the next 10 years, according to officials. One element of the plan, mandated in Public Act 24-31, is for DEEP to produce an online map to assist with the 'potential siting of solar projects in the state' and further the goal of increasing the state's supply of zero-carbon energy. 'This new tool will inform the siting process and also provide greater transparency to the public,' Dykes said. UConn CLEAR is hosting a webinar with DEEP officials on June 18, at 1 p.m. to demonstrate how to use the new mapping tool. Anyone looking to get more information can register for the webinar at Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@
The Citizen
11-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Safari Rally to offer African riders exciting opportunities
South Africa is preparing to make motorsport history from May 18 to 22 as it hosts its first round of the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC), the prestigious SA Safari Rally. This landmark event signifies a significant milestone for South African motorsport and places Africa on the global Rally-Raid map. The rally, traversing some of the country's most rugged and breathtaking landscapes, will test the endurance, navigation, and technical skills of global competitors, elite factory teams, and top-tier talent. 'This is more than a race,' said Gillian Dykes, FIM Africa director and a member of the FIM Cross Country Commission. 'It showcases Africa's natural beauty, our organisational capacity, and the local talent. For many African riders, this event could be their long-awaited gateway to Dakar, without the financial and logistical barriers of competing abroad.' Confirmed in the bike category are homegrown talents such as Dwain Barnard, Mauritz Meiring, Ruan Burger, and Carien Teessen, who will compete against international stars like Ricky Brabec, Skyler Howes, Adrien van Beveren, and world champion Ross Branch from Botswana. The presence of factory giants like Honda, KTM, and Hero ensures South Africa will witness Rally-Raid action of the highest calibre. 'This rally is a game-changer,' said Vic Maharaj, CEO of Motorsport South Africa. 'It is not only a chance for African riders to earn valuable W2RC points and Dakar eligibility – it's also a major boost for local tourism, investment, and the motorsport industry.' Organiser Archie Rutherford confirmed preparations are on track. 'We are building this to world-class standards – logistics, route planning, safety, and including the media. The response from both public and private sectors has been phenomenal.' The confirmed attendance of FIM president Jorge Viegas and the FIM Africa president underscores the rally's global importance. 'Having the FIM president attend shows how much this event matters. It is a vote of confidence in African motorsport and local organisers, officials, and volunteers working tirelessly behind the scenes,' said Dykes. Dykes is excited about the upcoming Continental Training Session between May 14 and 15, which will precede the Safari Rally. This two-day technical seminar, led by Argentina's Andres Zalazar from the FIM Technical Commission, is targeted at FIM Africa and MSA officials and will focus on machine compliance, safety gear, and environmental responsibility. 'We need a formal commission, proper collaboration with FIA's car division, and strong sponsorship. This kind of motorsport is expensive, and it needs buy-in from the government and the private sector.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
11-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
South Africa gears up to make motorsport history with Safari Rally
South Africa gears up to make motorsport history with Safari Rally South Africa is preparing to make motorsport history from May 18 to 24 at Sun City, when it hosts its first round of the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC), the prestigious SA Safari Rally. Boksburg Advertiser reports that this landmark event signifies a significant milestone for South African motorsport and places Africa on the global Rally-Raid map. The rally, traversing some of the country's most rugged and breathtaking landscapes, will test the endurance, navigation and technical skills of global competitors, elite factory teams and top-tier talent. 'This is more than a race,' says Gillian Dykes, FIM Africa director and a member of the FIM Cross Country Commission. 'It showcases Africa's natural beauty, our organisational capacity, and the local talent. For many African riders, this event could be their long-awaited gateway to Dakar, without the financial and logistical barriers of competing abroad.' Confirmed in the bike category are homegrown talents such as Dwain Barnard, Mauritz Meiring, Ruan Burger and Carien Teessen, who will compete against international stars like Ricky Brabec, Skyler Howes, Adrien van Beveren and world champion Ross Branch from Botswana. The presence of factory giants like Honda, KTM, and Hero ensures South Africa will witness Rally-Raid action of the highest calibre. 'This rally is a game-changer,' says Vic Maharaj, CEO of Motorsport South Africa. 'It is not only a chance for African riders to earn valuable W2RC points and Dakar eligibility – it's also a major boost for local tourism, investment and the motorsport industry.' Organiser Archie Rutherford confirmed preparations are on track. 'We are building this to world-class standards – logistics, route planning, safety, and including the media. The response from both public and private sectors has been phenomenal.' The confirmed attendance of FIM president Jorge Viegas and the FIM Africa president underscores the rally's global importance. 'Having the FIM president attend shows how much this event matters. It is a vote of confidence in African motorsport and local organisers, officials and volunteers working tirelessly behind the scenes,' says Dykes. Dykes is excited about the upcoming Continental Training Session between May 14 and 15, which will precede the Safari Rally. This two-day technical seminar, led by Argentina's Andres Zalazar from the FIM Technical Commission, is targeted at FIM Africa and MSA officials and will focus on machine compliance, safety gear and environmental responsibility. 'We need a formal commission, proper collaboration with FIA's car division, and strong sponsorship. This kind of motorsport is expensive, and it needs buy-in from the government and the private sector.'
