Latest news with #Gayle
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Unity Cup final offers identity and bragging rights to London's diaspora
Where are you from? This simple question can be a minefield for anyone with a hyphenated identity. Depending on who is asking, I could be British, Nigerian or Jamaican. In Britain I'm black. In Nigeria I'm an innit innit boy. In Jamaica I'm foreign. I'm from here but I'm not from here. Each layer of my cultural backdrop explains so much and complicates even more. The Unity Cup validates the experiences of many people like me who are a part of London's diaspora communities. The friendly football tournament brings together Ghana, Nigeria, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago across five days to compete for nothing more than the love of game, the celebration of culture and the chance to earn unassailable bragging rights. Advertisement It's a sequel to the 2004 Unity Cup that hosted Nigeria, Ghana and the Republic of Ireland at the Valley in Charlton. Nigeria won the round-robin competition 21 years ago and they will face Jamaica in the final of this year's single-elimination tournament at Brentford's Gtech Community Stadium after Jamaica beat Trinidad & Tobago 3-2 on Tuesday and Nigeria beat Ghana 2-1 on Wednesday at the same venue. Former Wimbledon, Watford and Brentford striker Marcus Gayle was at the 2004 edition of the Unity Cup as a commentator after ending his international career with Jamaica two years after the Reggae Boyz reached the 1998 World Cup. For Gayle, now an ambassador for Brentford, the competition is as much about bringing people together as it is about the results on the pitch. 'The last time this happened was 21 years ago, so there are many fans that were not even born [then] who can witness this event and I think that's a healthy thing' he says. 'They can see what their nations can produce [while staying] in their local area.' Gayle was born in Hammersmith to a Barbadian mother and Jamaican father. Despite representing England at youth level, he ultimately decided to play for Jamaica at senior level. It was a decision that was not taken lightly. 'I had to go through some politics at the time,' Gayle remarks. Advertisement The 54-year-old's response alludes to debates about English-born players with heritage elsewhere playing for England or for their country of origin. 'It's about what's prestigious' says Gayle, referring to England's chances at a major tournament compared to Jamaica's, and the calibre of players in the respective national setups. 'There also should be a sense of pride in who you are, your identity and what makes you.' Once Gayle joined Jamaica's national setup with fellow English-born players such as Fitzroy Simpson, Deon Burton and Paul Hall, he immediately felt at home. 'It was like my DNA connected to the soil,' he says. We felt integrated. There were stories that we all had [in common], but it was just 4,000 miles apart.' He also found himself learning from the homegrown players. Used to the strict nutritional regimen of the Premier League, Gayle ate small portions of pre-match staples such as porridge and a banana while his teammates piled their plates before games. He would ask them: 'How are you going to eat that and then still run around?' Little did he know that the hot conditions would force him to match his teammates with plates full of hard food. 'I was underfueling myself because of how I was brought up in football,' Gayle says. 'I was burning calories galore so I had to adapt. I had to entwine with the culture, which is beautiful.' For Gayle, the Unity Cup is an opportunity for others to connect with their culture in a similar way. 'I hope it will encourage the younger generations to look at representing their countries with pride and dignity,' he says. Advertisement This sense of pride and dignity has trickled down to the fans who enjoyed a jovial atmosphere at the semi-finals. Jamaica versus Trinidad & Tobago felt more like a carnival than a football game and, if social media is anything to go by, the 'Jollof derby' was just as joyous. Jamaica versus Nigeria is a fitting final as both countries given how much both nations have shaped Britain and its culture, albeit the match represents something of a personal dilemma. Regardless of the score on Saturday, the Unity Cup is fostering a sense of pride among the respective countries and their communities at home and abroad.
Scotsman
6 days ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
Hibs players 'almost begged' board to keep David Gray as head coach
Veteran striker Gayle impressed with rookie boss Sign up to our Football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Dwight Gayle has admitted that the Hibs players were 'almost begging' with the club's hierarchy not to part company with head coach David Gray earlier in the season when the rookie manager was under pressure. Dwight Gayle was impressed by David Gray at Hibs. | SNS Group While Hibs went on to finish third in the Premiership, they were bottom of the table in November and Gray - in his first permanent job - was given a vote of confidence by the board. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Their faith was rewarded as Hibs went to seal the 'best of the rest' tag and a place in the Europa League qualifiers in July. And Gayle - who retired at the end of the season - sang the praises of Gray and the work he has done at Hibs. Dwight Gayle was impressed by David Gray at Hibs. | SNS Group 'The club is in good hands with the gaffer here,' said Gayle. 'You can see the trust that the boys have in him, even from when things weren't going well. 'The boys were so emotional and almost begging the club not to part ways with him. Because the boys knew it was their fault - and it was only a matter of time before we were able to turn it around. 'The coaches have obviously thanked us for what we've been able to achieve and helped towards it, but at the same time it ultimately comes from him. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'So I think going into next year, like I said before, he's got the core players that are going to be able to relay messages to all the new players. And I think he'll be able to start the season well - and hopefully have a good season again.' Strikers catch Gayle's eye Gayle was also impressed by fellow strikers Kieron Bowie and Martin Boyle, with the former called into the Scotland squad for the first time. The 22-year-old joined Hibs from Fulham last summer and despite a serious hamstring injury, the ex-Raith kid made a big impression on the veteran English hitman. 'He's got all the attributes that you'd want as a striker,' Gayle continued. 'He gives the team that pivotal point to look for. Like I say, he's learning things and it's important that he starts to develop other parts of his game, maybe out of possession. 'But you can all see what he brings to the table when it gets to 60 minutes, and he comes on. It's like a breath of fresh air for him to come on for us and he's so powerful.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Dwight Gayle and Martin Boyle. | SNS Group And on Boyle, Gayle admitted that he voted for his Australian teammate Nectar Triantis as player of the year despite being hugely impressed by the 20-goal forward. 'I almost felt a bit guilty,' added Gayle. 'We obviously had the Players' Award the other day and I voted Nectar. I felt a bit guilty coming away from it because Boyle has given the team so much and he's been ever consistent with his goal-scorings and he's such an outlet for us when we're counter-attacking.
Scotsman
6 days ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
Hibs players 'almost begged' board to keep David Gray as head coach
Dwight Gayle was impressed by David Gray at Hibs. | SNS Group Veteran striker Gayle impressed with rookie boss Sign up to our Football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Dwight Gayle has admitted that the Hibs players were 'almost begging' with the club's hierarchy not to part company with head coach David Gray earlier in the season when the rookie manager was under pressure. While Hibs went on to finish third in the Premiership, they were bottom of the table in November and Gray - in his first permanent job - was given a vote of confidence by the board. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Their faith was rewarded as Hibs went to seal the 'best of the rest' tag and a place in the Europa League qualifiers in July. And Gayle - who retired at the end of the season - sang the praises of Gray and the work he has done at Hibs. Dwight Gayle was impressed by David Gray at Hibs. | SNS Group 'The club is in good hands with the gaffer here,' said Gayle. 'You can see the trust that the boys have in him, even from when things weren't going well. 'The boys were so emotional and almost begging the club not to part ways with him. Because the boys knew it was their fault - and it was only a matter of time before we were able to turn it around. 'The coaches have obviously thanked us for what we've been able to achieve and helped towards it, but at the same time it ultimately comes from him. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'So I think going into next year, like I said before, he's got the core players that are going to be able to relay messages to all the new players. And I think he'll be able to start the season well - and hopefully have a good season again.' Strikers catch Gayle's eye Gayle was also impressed by fellow strikers Kieron Bowie and Martin Boyle, with the former called into the Scotland squad for the first time. The 22-year-old joined Hibs from Fulham last summer and despite a serious hamstring injury, the ex-Raith kid made a big impression on the veteran English hitman. 'He's got all the attributes that you'd want as a striker,' Gayle continued. 'He gives the team that pivotal point to look for. Like I say, he's learning things and it's important that he starts to develop other parts of his game, maybe out of possession. 'But you can all see what he brings to the table when it gets to 60 minutes, and he comes on. It's like a breath of fresh air for him to come on for us and he's so powerful.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Dwight Gayle and Martin Boyle. | SNS Group And on Boyle, Gayle admitted that he voted for his Australian teammate Nectar Triantis as player of the year despite being hugely impressed by the 20-goal forward. 'I almost felt a bit guilty,' added Gayle. 'We obviously had the Players' Award the other day and I voted Nectar. I felt a bit guilty coming away from it because Boyle has given the team so much and he's been ever consistent with his goal-scorings and he's such an outlet for us when we're counter-attacking.
Scotsman
6 days ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
Why 'emotional' Hibs players were 'begging' Easter Road hierarchy to stand by gaffer
Premier League veteran backs Scotland hopeful Bowie Sign up to our Hibs football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Veteran striker Dwight Gayle has revealed how Hibs players were virtually 'begging' the club not to sack David Gray before he'd even reached halfway in his first season as a manager. And the former Premier League star says new Scotland call-up Kieron Bowie has everything needed to become an elite centre forward. Gayle retired from playing after the final game of the season, the former Newcastle and Crystal Palace favourite bowing out with a feeling of satisfaction after helping Hibs finish third in the Scottish Premiership. That distinction looked anything but likely as Gray, appointed last summer after standing in as interim boss following the sacking of Nick Montgomery, came under intense pressure during the opening months of the season. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Famous Five record equalled as striker bagged Edinburgh derby winner With just one win in their opening 14 league games, Hibs scuffled along at the wrong end of the table – and were put back on the bottom as recently as early December. But the first-year head coach turned things around in spectacular fashion, his team putting together a 17-game unbeaten run in the league, equalling a club record from way back in 1948, when the Famous Five were building their reputations as all-time greats. Gray has repeatedly said that he never once felt he'd lost the support of his players, regardless of how bleak things became. And senior leadership figures at Easter Road have also testified that the visible and vocal support Gray received from the squad was a factor in deciding to stand by their former club captain. Gayle, a free agent signing who made the most of one final year as a frontline player, revealed just how desperately players wanted to keep Gray in situ, declaring: 'Yeah, definitely, the club is in good hands with the gaffer here. You can see the trust that the boys have in him, even from when things weren't going well. 'The boys were so emotional and almost begging the club not to part ways with him. Because the boys knew it was their fault - and it was only a matter of time before we were able to turn it around. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'The coaches have obviously thanked us for what we've been able to achieve and helped towards it, but at the same time it ultimately comes from him. So I think going into next year, like I said before, he's got the core players that are going to be able to relay messages to all the new players. And I think he'll be able to start the season well - and hopefully have a good season again.' Ex-Crystal Palace man owes Hibs skipper Boyle an apology for POTY snub Gayle, whose six goals included a memorable Edinburgh derby winner at Tynecastle, is confident that Hibs will cope without his contribution up front next season. In aspiring Scotland No. 9 Bowie and established Socceroos star Martin Boyle, he sees firepower enough to make any defence uneasy. Speaking about Bowie, still just 22, Gayle said: 'He's got all the attributes that you'd want as a striker. He gives the team that pivotal point to look for. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Like I say, he's learning things and it's important that he starts to develop other parts of his game, maybe out of possession. But you can all see what he brings to the table when it gets to 60 minutes, and he comes on. It's like a breath of fresh air for him to come on for us and he's so powerful.' The 35-year-old, moving into player agency, has been blown away by the work of stand-in skipper Boyle over the course of the season, revealing: 'Yes, I almost felt a bit guilty. We obviously had the Players' Award the other week and I voted Nectar Triantis. 'I felt a bit guilty coming away from it because Boyle has given the team so much and he's been ever consistent with his goal-scoring - and he's such an outlet for us when we're counter-attacking. 'His pace has been unbelievable, and he's been so good finishing and he's been playing every single game. So I apologise, Martin, for not voting for you!'
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
L.A. Fleet Week now open to the public
Gayle Anderson reports L.A. Fleet Week 2025 officially opens to the public today, Friday, May 23rd, 2025. It's described as 'Southern California's largest Memorial Day event!' It's free! L.A. Fleet Week® is an annual, multi-day celebration of the nation's Sea Services is held on the LA Waterfront at the Port of Los Angeles over the extended Memorial Day Weekend. Events include: Active-duty ship tours Military displays and equipment demonstrations Live entertainment Neighborhood Activations Downtown San Pedro and Wilmington Welcome Parties Aircraft flyovers Galley Wars culinary cook-off competition between Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force and Army teams Competitions including Dodgeball and Military Has Talent Military band performances across L.A. The weekend event is free to the general public! The Battleship Iowa Museum in San Pedro hosts the L.A. Fleet Week Expo, where visitors will find military displays and equipment demonstrations. This is also the location for shuttles to take visitors to the active warships on Berth 46. There is no public access to the ships. The four active-duty vessels from the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard available for tours are: *USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) is the lead ship of its class of landing ship dock of the United States Navy. This ship supports amphibious operations, including landings via Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC), conventional landing craft, and helicopters, onto hostile shores. *USS Carl Levin (DDG 120) is an Arleigh Burke-class Aegis guided missile destroyer that provides multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities. Destroyers operate independently or as part of carrier strike groups or surface action groups. *USV Mariner (OUSV-4) is an Overlord unmanned surface vessel operated by the U.S. Navy. The vessel is designed as a low-cost, high-endurance ship that can be reconfigured with various modular payloads, including anti-surface warfare and strike payloads for unmanned missions. *USCGC Eagle (WIX 327) 'America's Tall Ship' trains cadets and officer candidates, teaching them practical seamanship skills while indoctrinating them in the Coast Guard's afloat leadership laboratory. The new digital line queue allows attendees to access free public tours of the active-duty ships. To enter the digital queue, attendees must be physically located in the city of San Pedro and visit to submit their name and contact details. (Note: location services must be enabled on the mobile phone.) Attendees will receive a notification and instructions when it is time to enter the shuttle line for the active-duty ship tours. Important information regarding the do's and don'ts of public ship tours, including shuttle pick-up locations, security requirements, and tour restrictions, is available on the L.A. Fleet Week website. If you have questions, please feel free to contact Gayle Anderson at 323-460-5732, email Gayle at Facebook: Gayle Anderson, Instagram and Threads: KTLAChannel5Gayle, X (Formerly Known As Twitter:) KTLA5Gayle and Gayle Anderson reports for KTLA 5 News on May 23, 2025. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
