Latest news with #McKeown
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Shotts boss' relief as Clydebank win means top-flight safety
Shotts were one of four teams that faced the drop, had Bankies not reached the Lowland League Shotts boss John McKeown admitted relief after their West of Scotland Premier League status was secured on Sunday, as Clydebank reached the Lowland League. The Bankies' 2-0 win over Musselburgh Athletic, 3-1 on aggregate, meant that only three teams dropped down from each of the top three leagues, rather than four, had they fallen short. Shotts ended the season in 13th place, five points above Benburb, who were one of three teams dropping into the First Division. As it is, Shotts now face a derby against McKeown's local team, Rutherglen Glencairn, in their second season in the top flight. A delighted McKeown said: 'We hired Bankies TV and we're absolutely over the moon. 'We need to build on this. We're a wee bit fortunate to stay in the league due to Gartcairn's circumstances [15-point deduction] , so we're not naive enough to ignore that. 'I felt we started the league really poorly but went from strength to strength, and had we had five more games we'd have been more than safe. 'But we need to make sure that we're good to go at the end of July.' McKeown added: 'We should be nowhere near the Premier League, in terms of resources and budget, so these boys deserve all the credit. 'We have a team spirit that I don't think many clubs have, and it has kept us up.'
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
EA FC 25 Paulo Dybala TOTS Honourable Mentions SBC tasks, solutions, and more
Image via EA The Serie A TOTS is live in EA FC 25 , and the same has resulted in the arrival of the new Paulo Dybala TOTS Honourable Mentions SBC . Although he couldn't find a space in the team, the Argentine forward delivered remarkable performances, earning him an honourable mention. If you are looking to get your hands on a solid attacking midfielder, completing the SBC will be the perfect option. You will have to finish a total of 7 tasks to get the 95-rated Paulo Dybala card in EA FC 25. This article provides a detailed guide on the EA FC 25 Paulo Dybala TOTS Honourable Mentions SBC. EA FC 25 Paulo Dybala TOTS Honourable Mentions SBC tasks The following are the seven tasks of the ongoing Paulo Dybala TOTS SBC in EA FC 25: by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Stylish New Mobility Scooters Available for Seniors (Take a Look) Mobility Scooter | Search Ads Search Now Undo Task 1 – Argentina Squad rating: Min. 85 No. of Argentine players in the squad: Min. 1 No. of TOTS / TOTW players in the squad: Min. 1 Task 2 – 87-Rated Squad No. of players exactly 87-rated: 8 Task 3 – 88-Rated Squad No. of players exactly 88-rated: 8 Task 4 – 89-Rated Squad No. of players exactly 89-rated: 8 Task 5 – Serie A Squad rating: Min. 90 No. of Serie A players in the squad: Min. 1 Task 6 – Top Form Squad rating: Min. 90 No. of TOTS / TOTW players in the squad: Min. 1 Task 7 – 91-Rated Squad Squad rating: Min. 91 It will take you approximately 450-470 thousand coins in completing the Paulo Dybala SBC. EA FC 25 Paulo Dybala TOTS Honourable Mentions SBC cheapest solutions Here are the cheapest solutions for the new EA FC 25 Paulo Dybala TOTS Honourable Mentions SBC: Task 1 – Argentina Grealish 84 Russo 85 Pablo Barrios 88 Di Maria 83 De Gea 84 Caruso 84 Coman 84 Mahrez 85 Mamardashvili 85 Pavard 84 Guirassy 84 Task 2 – 87-Rated Squad Sommer 87 Rice 87 Saka 87 Saliba 87 Karchaoui 87 Lavelle 87 Popp 87 Swanson 87 Task 3 – 88-Rated Squad Lewandowski 88 Messi 88 Foden 88 Griezmann 88 Ruben Dias 88 Ederson 88 Bernardo Silva 88 Oblak 88 Task 4 – 89-Rated Squad Courtois 89 Wilson 89 Salah 89 Donnarumma 89 Martinez 89 Alisson 89 Mapi Leon 89 Odegaard 89 Task 5 – Serie A Hummels 85 James 86 McKeown 94 Oberdorf 86 Dembele 86 Girelli 93 McCutcheon 92 Adams 92 Kimmich 86 Little 86 Roord 86 Task 6 – Top Form Unai Simon 86 Grimaldo 86 Frohms 85 Rolfo 86 Cristiano Ronaldo 86 McKeown 94 Adams 92 Girelli 93 Benzema 86 McCutcheon 92 Earps 86 Task 7 – 91-Rated Squad McKeown 94 Renard 88 Patri Guijarro 88 Messi 88 Mead 88 Adams 92 Endler 88 Rudiger 88 Weidauer 93 Girelli 93 Bernardo Silva 88 You can end up using these cards to complete the SBC and receive the 95-rated Paulo Dybala card in EA FC 25.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
UK economy grows 0.7% in first quarter of the year
The UK economy grew faster than expected in the first quarter of 2025, according to official figures. Gross domestic product (GDP) — the standard measure of an economy's value — grew 0.7% in the first quarter of 2025, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said. This ahead of market estimates of 0.6% and a marked improvement of the 0.1% growth recorded over Christmas. Services (+0.7%) and production (+1.1%) both grew, while construction (0.0%) was flat. Liz McKeown, director of economic statistics at the ONS, explained that growth in services, retail and computer programming all had a 'strong quarter' along with car leasing and advertising. 'The economy grew strongly in the first quarter of the year, largely driven by services through production also grew significantly, after a period of decline,' McKeown said. On an annual basis, real UK GDP is estimated to have increased by 1.3%, compared with the same quarter a year ago. GDP expanded 0.2% in the month of March, which similarly beat expectations. No growth at all had been forecast for the month. Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: 'Today's growth figures show the strength and potential of the UK economy. Read more: Savers making costly 'bad decisions' around pensions as 15 million risk retirement poverty 'In the first three months of the year, the UK economy has grown faster than the US, Canada, France, Italy and Germany. 'Up against a backdrop of global uncertainty we are making the right choices now in the national interest. Since the election we have already had four interest rate cuts, signed two trade deals, saved British Steel and given a pay rise to millions by increasing the minimum wage. 'Our Plan for Change is working. But I know there is more to do and that is why I'm determined we go further and faster to make working people better off.' The UK's 0.7% growth in Q1 2025 shows it was the fastest-growing economy in the G7 during the last quarter. The eurozone grew by 0.4% in the last quarter, while US GDP contracted slightly due to a surge of imports due to president Donald Trump's trade war. Read more: Bank of England may keep interest rates higher for longer, warns chief economist Lindsay James, investment strategist at Quilter, said: "This robust performance will offer reassurance to policymakers, especially coming so soon after the Bank of England's first rate cut of the cycle to 4.25%. While today's data doesn't radically shift the economic picture, it does suggest that the UK is on slightly firmer footing than previously feared. "However, challenges remain. Clearly some sources of strength could be put down to factors such as the change of the stamp duty land tax threshold, which brought forward purchases. "Furthermore, the UK-US trade agreement signed earlier this month, though politically symbolic, is unlikely to deliver immediate economic dividends. While tariffs on select goods such as steel and automotive parts have been eased, a 10% duty remains on many other exports, and concerns are already emerging that the deal could strain UK-China relations, particularly around sensitive technologies." At 0.7%, the UK's quarterly growth rate has hit its highest level in a year — since the end of the recession at the start of 2024. Scott Gardner, investment strategist at digital wealth manager, Nutmeg, said: 'Looking forward, while the first quarter saw decent growth, there is some uncertainty ahead. The rise in national insurance contributions for business has not shown up so far in labour market data. "Elsewhere, Manufacturing and Service PMIs have slowed consistently through the quarter. Alongside the fallout from recent tariff announcements, this slowdown could provide a headwind in the second quarter, potentially stalling UK economic growth.' Read more: Best credit card deals of the week The latest data was collected before the 2 April announcement by US president Donald Trump of sweeping new tariffs, including 10% duties on imports from the UK. Although some of the measures have since been scaled back, economists warn the trade actions could weigh on global growth in the coming quarters. Alfie Stirling, director of insight and policy at JRF, said: "As the chancellor has pointed out herself, families experience the economy not in terms of percentage points of GDP but by the pounds in their pockets. A parliamentary term that ends with families worse off than when it started will prove a difficult record to defend at the ballot box, with this month's local elections offering an early indication." Real GDP per head is estimated to have grown by 0.5% in in the first three months of 2025, following two consecutive quarterly falls. Isaac Stell, investment manager at Wealth Club said: "With the winds of tariff turmoil whipping up economic seas, today's better than expected GDP figures for the UK show an economy that has so far been able to navigate itself to calmer waters."
Daily Record
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Shotts boss on why he'll be a Clydebank fan for next fortnight as side face relegation sweat
John McKeown's side have finished outside the relegation zone in the West of Scotland Premier Division but could still go down Shotts boss John McKeown admits they face a nervy waiting game to avoid relegation - despite victory on the final day of the season keeping them out of the drop zone in the West of Scotland Premier Division. McKeown's men came from behind at home to Gartcairn on Saturday with Liam Craig's double cancelling out Adam McGowan's opener for the visitors. That was enough to keep Bonny out of the relegation zone in the top flight, as they finished five points clear of nearest rivals Benburb. However, Premier champions Clydebank's potential promotion to the Lowland League means Shotts can't celebrate survival just yet. The Bankies play East of Scotland Premier champions Musselburgh Athletic in a two-legged play-off over the next fortnight to determine who comes up to the Lowland League and if Clydebank fail, it will be bad news for Shotts. McKeown explained: 'It is all up in the air and a strange situation. There is this situation with Clydebank being promoted that is making it awkward. 'They have got to play Musselburgh in a play-off to go up to the Lowland League, but if they don't win it would mean they stay down. Broomhill, who finished bottom of the Lowland League, are getting relegated into our league, so if Clydebank don't go up it means that four teams would need to go down. 'It means it is a bit of a waiting game for us, which is really annoying. For me, that's not the way it should be but, unfortunately, that is the way the leagues have worked it. 'It is something the leagues need to look at, things like that need to be decided by your last game of the season, rather than sitting about waiting for a couple of weeks. 'Last season when Beith won the league, they didn't have the SFA licence to go up so there was no change, it was a lot more straightforward. 'Saturday should have been a big day of celebration after retaining our league status, so it does put a bit of a dampener on it, although we are hopeful Clydebank can do the job and go into the Lowland League. 'We will need to keep the champagne on ice and sit tight.' Clydebank travel to Musselburgh this Saturday, followed by the return leg at Holm Park on Sunday, May 25. And McKeown admits he will be cheering them on He added: 'I'm getting my Bankies top on as we speak! I'm just hoping they can go and do us a wee turn now. 'I don't want to curse it, but Clydebank will be the bookies' favourites. They are an excellent side and it is over two legs, so you would hope they have enough to get through. We'll certainly be supporting them.' Shotts have pulled off quite the turnaround to finish 13th in the 16-team division, having been rock bottom at the turn of the year. So McKeown is proud of his players, no matter what unfolds. He said: 'Our boys have done all they can do, which is massive. I am delighted for them and their form since the turn of the year has been magnificent. 'It was a bit subdued and we weren't getting carried away because they know it isn't completely 'job done' yet. 'We were dead and buried at Christmas. We had a good chat with them at that time, changed our shape and worked really hard. 'They have really stuck together. It would have been easy to chuck the towel in, but they've shown a real steely mentality and put themselves in a great position. We're really proud of them.'
Daily Record
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Benburb win is a huge step towards Premier Division safety for Shotts
Benburb win is a huge step towards Premier Division safety for Shotts Boss John McKeown watched his side move three points clear of Bens Shotts bagged a last-gasp goal to secure a vital win over Benburb that gives them a great chance of staying up (Image: Gavin Campbell ) Shotts took a huge step towards safety with a dramatic late 3-2 win over fellow strugglers Benburb and boss John McKeown admitted watching his side recently has not been good for the old ticker. The Bonny have been guilty of conceding late equalisers in three of their last four games, but struck in stoppage time themselves on Saturday through Taylor Evans to get what would prove to be the winner. However, they still made their gaffer sweat on the victory, conceding in the 93rd minute to make for some nervy final seconds. The victory, which was also aided by goals from Robbie Torrance and Ally Small, put Shotts three points clear of Bens in the last relegation slot, going into the final two games this week. 'We just like to keep things interesting and give me heart problems,' said McKeown. 'But I think it was a deserved three points. In the second half we were magnificent and their goalkeeper has made some fantastic saves to keep them in it. McKeown (centre) was delighted with the win, but knows there is still a lot of work to be done (Image: Gavin Campbell ) Article continues below 'It would have been very harsh if we'd conceded again, but the boys were excellent and I am over the moon for them. Conceding late again was on my mind so there is no doubt it was on the players' minds as well. That's what happens in football, sometimes you can overthink things. Motherwell star wants solid end to the season as he eyes new contract READ MORE: 'But over the piece we were great and we'll just concentrate on the positives. Our finishing was really good at the goals and I thought we looked a threat throughout the game. 'But I still think there is work to be done. Obviously that is Gartcairn and Darvel relegated, but us and Benburb are still alive. 'We've both got two massive cup finals to come now so we can't take anything for granted.' Gartcairn hope to be celebrating as they host Auchinleck Talbot tonight (Wednesday) and Gartcairn on Saturday (Image: Gavin Campbell ) Shotts have two bites at the cherry to get the win they need and have the added advantage of a vastly superior goal difference over Benburb, sitting 23 goals better off. They host Auchinleck Talbot tonight [Wednesday] at 7.15pm, before welcoming Gartcairn to Hannah Park on Saturday, kick-off 2pm. Article continues below McKeown added: 'We just need to concentrate on ourselves and we know that one more win would be enough because of our goal difference, so we need to dig deep to get that win. 'That is six undefeated and that is very difficult in this league. We've had two wins from our last three so the form is good.'
