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The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Chelsea earn 50 times more than Morecambe's wage bill for Club World Cup win with National League side on brink
I WAS at Wembley four years ago as Morecambe enjoyed the proudest moment in their history — promotion to League One. And they spent two seasons competing in the third tier, which was their highest level. 5 5 5 But, unbeknownst to everyone, it set off a ticking timebomb that has led to their 105-year existence being under threat. Competing in a division with huge clubs like Sunderland and Sheffield Wednesday, they had to stretch their finances. But they still had one of the lowest budgets and, ultimately, did not stand a chance. Until two years ago, the Shrimps had NEVER suffered relegation in their history. They spent the first 48 years in the Lancashire Combination, then 27 years in the Northern League Premier before 12 more in the Conference. Morecambe won promotion to the EFL in 2007 and spent 14 years in League Two before that historic day at Wembley. but could cease to exist in just over a fortnight. National League chiefs have already suspended them from the competition — just like the EFL did to Bury in League One before expelling them in 2019. I've been told by a well-placed Shrimps insider that if they are not sold by this FRIDAY, the death knell will shortly be sounded on this historic club. Most probably on August 20 when the National League meet to decide the club's fate. Chelsea legend Eden Hazard reveals he was huge fan of Blues' rivals before becoming their tormentor As things stand, the club only have FOUR senior players. Whoever takes over will have just five days to sign another 12 to meet the minimum National League requirement of 16. Jason Whittingham's Bond Group Investments — their owners — have had two offers to buy the club from Panjab Warriors and a consortium led by businessman Jonny Cato. It would be a disgrace if he failed to agree a sale, given he says he no longer has the cash to fund the Shrimps. The club belongs to the town, community and fans — not him. All this brings into sharp focus how a football club can implode when owners try to break through their glass ceiling and show ambition. The pyramid system is wonderful when you see clubs like Brentford and Luton reach the Premier League. But then you see what happened to the likes of Bury, Macclesfield and now — possibly — Morecambe. Last season, the Shrimps travelled to Chelsea in the FA Cup. The Blues went on to win the Conference League, secure Champions League football and lift the Club World Cup. And Chelsea made around £85MILLION from the summer tournament in the States. That is 50 TIMES Morecambe's wage bill last season. It seems outrageous while the Prem elites keep coining it in, small lower-league clubs are in danger of going bust. Top-flight toffs have looked down their noses at EFL paupers for years. The money they filter into the lower leagues is chicken feed compared to the huge amounts relegated teams get in parachute payments — creating a ridiculously unlevel playing field. They argue fewer top-flight clubs will be able to try to compete with giants Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea if the parachute payments are not in place. And this is why the football regulator cannot come soon enough — although I fear that it will not be in time for Morecambe. Surely one of the first things the regulator should do is to help pave the way for clubs in League One and Two to be able to install 4G pitches — enabling them to raise much-needed revenue. Morecambe would almost certainly not be in trouble if they had one at their stadium. It was ridiculous that Sutton United had to rip up their highly successful 4G pitch at Gander Green Lane to enable them to get promoted in 2021. How absurd that when lower-league clubs are struggling enough, there is this stupid rule to cut off a money-maker. It is not like these pitches are those awful plastic ones they had at Oldham's Boundary Park and Luton's Kenilworth Road back in the 1980s and early 1990s. Let's hope that the current owners, Jason Whittingham's Bond Investment Group, regain control of their senses and sell up to one of the two interested buyers this week. Or the town's most famous resident, former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, weighs in and saves the club. As the town's most famous son Eric Morecambe famously sang: 'Bring me Sunshine.' It is time for that big ball of fire in the sky to start shining brightly on great little football clubs like this. 5 5
Los Angeles Times
02-08-2025
- Sport
- Los Angeles Times
The Times' City Section preseason football rankings
Let's offer a preseason top-10 rankings in high school football for the City Section: 1. BIRMINGHAM: The Patriots have weaknesses (lack of a passing game), but a big offensive line, two transfer running backs and a big-play weapon in receiver Paul Turner make them the team to beat. They have a 49-game winning streak against City teams thanks to forfeit wins against Narbonne. 2. SAN PEDRO: Junior quarterback Seth Solorio takes over as the starter behind a veteran offensive line. There's speed and kicker Dylan Moreno starts out as the most accurate in the City Section. 3. CARSON: A new coach but lots of talent. Quarterback Chris Fields will have plenty of weapons. The defense needs to prove itself. 4. GARFIELD: New coach Patrick Vargas learned from the retired Lorenzo Hernandez. Vargas might call a few more passes but has a top running back in Ceasar Reyes. 5. PALISADES: The passing combination of quarterback Jack Thomas throwing to Bishop Alemany transfer Demare Dezeurn is going to be fun to watch. Dezeurn is one of the fastest athletes in California. 6. EAGLE ROCK: The Northern League favorites return quarterback Liam Pasten, who passed for 3,600 yards as a junior. Their opening game against Kennedy should provide clues whether they are an Open Division team. 7. DORSEY: A new quarterback to team with receiver Deuce Johnson should benefit the Dons, who went 5-0 in the Coliseum League in a breakthrough last season. 8. KENNEDY: Valley Mission League favorites will rely on All-City quarterback Diego Montes. 9. BANNING: Must break in new quarterback but lots of players to build around, including linebacker Keshawn Galloway and defensive back Alonzo Ruiz. 10. VENICE: Quarterback Bennett Dome, defensive back Joshua Aaron and receiver Aaron Minter are standouts on a team capable of winning the Western League.
Yahoo
31-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kendal Town start Northern League season with mixed results
Kendal Town's opening week of the Northern League season was marked by contrasting results. The Mintcakes managed to secure three points from their first two matches. The season's curtain raiser at The Westmorland Flooring Stadium, however, did not go as planned. The team suffered a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Newcastle Benfield. Jack Milburn (Image: Richard Edmondson) This early setback could have dampened spirits, but the Mintcakes showed character by bouncing back with a commendable 4-1 victory at Marske United four days later. A hat-trick from Josh Winder and a goal from club captain Bailey Kenny ensured Kendal Town's solid response to their opening day defeat. Manager Matt Flynn's side put on a commanding display in one of the longest away trips of the season. On Tuesday night, Kendal Town started with great intensity, dominating Marske United, despite the latter playing their first home game of the season. James Bailey celebrates after scoring on Saturday (Image: Richard Edmondson) The Mintcakes forced three well-crafted corners early on, and Josh Winder's ball at the back post was almost turned into an own goal by Marske United. Marske United's Christopher Cheetham made a good save to deny the visitors, who were close to opening the scoring against the run of play. But the deadlock was broken by Kendal Town in the 13th minute when the Marske United goalkeeper's clearance landed at Josh Winder's feet. From 40 yards out, Winder lobbed the ball into the net, setting the tone for the night. Tom Kilifin (Image: Richard Edmondson) Marske United threatened to equalise four minutes later, with Cheetham stopping a fierce strike from a tight angle. However, Kendal Town continued to impress, almost catching the hosts on the counter. Thomas Russell drove forward, and Jack Milburn's shot from the edge of the box just missed the target. Kendal Town's dominance was evident as they dictated the play. Josh Winder (Image: Richard Edmondson) Josh Winder's cross was parried by the keeper, with James Bailey initially setting up the move. Marske United had two opportunities close to halftime, applying pressure with a header over the bar from a corner and a penalty appeal turned down by the referee. Kendal Town came out strong in the second half, with Josh Winder scoring his second goal just two minutes after the restart. He found the bottom corner following some hold-up play by James Bailey. The Mintcakes continued their onslaught, creating more opportunities. Tom Kilifin (Image: Richard Edmondson) Zach Walker's effort on goal was tipped over by the goalkeeper, making the most of a goalmouth scramble. Kendal Town went 3-0 up in the 61st minute, with Bailey Kenny heading the ball into the net from James Stanley's free-kick from deep. Marske United managed to score a consolation goal in the 76th minute before Josh Winder completed his hat-trick. He showed composure to poke the ball past the keeper, rounding off a superb performance on the road. The opening league game of the season on Saturday was a different story altogether. Kendal Town suffered a 3-1 defeat to Newcastle Benfield. Manager Matt Flynn's side started well, with James Bailey heading the ball at the keeper. However, the visitors opened the scoring when Kyle Fryatt capitalised on some poor defending, rounding Cheetham and putting the ball into the empty net. Kendal Town created two more opportunities in a disjointed first half, with Jack Milburn and James Bailey both going close. The Mintcakes managed to equalise six minutes into the second half, with James Bailey heading the ball into the net from Niall Cowperthwaite's cross. The home team pressed after Tom Kilifin had a goal ruled out for offside, playing well and creating opportunities. Kendal Town almost went 2-1 up, with Zach Walker forcing the keeper into a save. However, against the run of play, Newcastle Benfield went 2-1 up in the 88th minute, with Fryatt scoring his second. Newcastle sealed the win in the 95th minute, with Joe Ames scoring, as Kendal Town fell to defeat. Kendal Town have a busy schedule ahead, with an away trip to Crook Town on Saturday in the Extra Preliminary Round of the FA Cup, and a visit to Guisborough Town on Wednesday, August 6.
Yahoo
26-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
How Cumbrian clubs fared on Northern League opening day
Carlisle City and Penrith got their Northern League Division One campaign under way with creditable opening-day draws. City held highly fancied Shildon to a 0-0 draw at Gillford Park. And Penrith came away from West Auckland Town with a 2-2 draw in the league curtain-raiser. The Cumbrian clubs made it an unscathed start to the 2025/26 campaign. Dan Kirkup's Carlisle City had a tough opening assignment against a Shildon side who finished second in the table last season. City, who were 18th last term, were watched by 163 fans as they included summer signings Tom Short and Kelvin James in their starting XI. Callum Birdsall and Lewis Mitchinson had first-half chances for Kirkup's side with Adam Gordon going close after the break, Tom Mahone denied by the visiting keeper and captain Josh Simpson hitting the bar. READ MORE: Carlisle City head into new season after "brilliant" help from Paul Simpson Next up for City is another home game, against Northallerton Town, on Tuesday night. Jim Nichols' second spell in charge of Penrith saw his side pick up a point on the road in their first game of the campaign. Luke Hunter gave the Bonny Blues - who finished 17th last term - a half-time lead before Conor Hammell added another in the 68th minute. But West Auckland fought back to level with goals by Craig Moody and Luke Bailey in the space of four minutes in front of a 207 crowd. Penrith's XI included the teenage Carlisle United goalkeeper Thomas Randall, with the returning Jamie Armstrong also in their side. Nichols' team take on Birtley Town on Tuesday night in their first home game of the league campaign. Cumbria's other Northern League club, Kendal Town, got off to a losing start with a 3-1 home defeat to Newcastle Benfield. James Bailey levelled for the Mintcakes early in the second half but two late goals saw the north east visitors claim the points. Kendal go to Marske United on Tuesday night.
Daily Mail
22-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Moment vigilante Italian councillor catches female pickpocket in the act in Venice before alerting crowds of tourists
This is the dramatic moment a gang of would-be pickpockets targeting unsuspecting tourists in Venice are caught by a crime fighting councillor. Monica Poli, known as Lady Pickpocket, spends her time touring the piazzas and ferry jetties of the famous lagoon city while keeping an eye out for the crooks. The modern-day Artful Dodgers – made famous in the Charles Dickens classic Oliver Twist – are the scourge of Venice, which sees more than 30 million tourists a year. Although the majority of visitors leave with no issue, so far 900 have been victims to pickpockets. Armed with just her phone Mrs Poli - who is a Northern League councillor - tours Venice and knows the majority of the 'dippers' by sight. When she sees them, she screams out in Italian and English 'Attention Pickpockets', usually sending the would-be thieves running. In one of her most recent videos, Mrs Poli caught a female pickpocket red handed as she targeted an unsuspecting tourist in Venice. Dressed smartly, the young woman easily blends in with other travellers as she follows her target over the famous Rialto Bridge. Using a map as cover the girl manages to unfasten her victim's handbag but is thwarted as the woman quickens her pace. At that moment Mrs Poli confronts her and asks in Italian:'What are you doing ?' before the clip ends with the pickpocket scowling as she tries to hide her face. In another video which Mrs Poli shared with MailOnline, three young girls, who are known pickpockets, can be seen in a square in the centre of Venice, but when they see they are being filmed, they disappear. Another video shows Mrs Poli confronting three men on a jetty while they try to board a crowded boat carrying tourists. One is dressed in a yellow T shirt, bucket hat and carrying a rucksack and as he spots that he is being filmed he darts off into the street as Mrs Poli alerts tourists: 'Pickpocket, watch out thieves.' An accomplice of the man is also seen leaving the jetty after being pointed out and a third tries to blend into the crowd before deciding that he too will make good his escape and run up the street. Shouting at him in Italian she says: 'Off the jetty, thief, get off the jetty,' as he waves his arms in frustration at her while tourists look on and some even applaud her for her quick thinking. Mrs Poli's crime fighting exploits caome as Venice's deputy police chief Gianni Franzoi revealed 900 wallets and purses had been recovered since the start of the year – enough to fill 15 black bin bags. Officials said that 100 pickpockets and bag snatchers had been arrested but they were also fighting a losing battle as gangs were now using children as young as 12 and 13 and so therefore under the age of criminal responsibility. Favoured spots for pickpockets in Venice include crowd boarding ferries, the streets leading to St Mark's Square and the Rialto bridge which are tiny and cramped and so when a pickpocket brushes past the victim and helps themselves, they know nothing. But it's not just tourists who have fallen victim, Diplomats based in the city and an Arab sheikh have also fallen foul of the young pickpockets who even if they are caught are usually released without charge because of their age. Mrs Poli said: 'This is a real problem for us in the city, the age of these criminals because they are so young the police can do nothing but let them go. 'They should be at school or playing with their friends not out stealing wallets and purses for Mr Bigs – it really is like something from Oliver Twist and the bad guys are just like Mafias.' Mrs Poli – who also runs a campaign group called Non Distratti (don't get distracted) – has been fighting for years to tackle the problem and regularly posts on social media clips of herself confronting pickpockets. One video has amassed an amazing two million clicks as she confronted one pickpocket who took flight – but not before spitting at her as he fled the pontoon jetty. Both Mrs Poli and Mr Franzoi highlighted how a law change in 2022 has also made it more difficult for pickpockets to be convicted even if they are caught and charged. Known as the Cartabia reform after former Italian MP and justice minister Marta Cartabia introduced it, the measure changed the way in how minor crimes were handled by the country's justice system in an attempt to speed up cases and clear backlogs. With regard to pickpockets it meant the victim had to make a formal complaint and then also turn up at trial and if they didn't the charge was annulled – but as both Mr Franzoi and Mrs Poli pointed out many victims are 'overseas tourists' and simply don't bother. Mr Franzoi added: 'We have been tasked with tackling pickpockets since the 1990s and we have a dedicated squad but over the years the number of incidents has increased considerably. 'In the early 2000s it was mainly Romani men and women but in recent years it's younger people and especially girls, mainly children who live in camps outside Venice and they are all part of organised gangs. 'They are very accomplished and know that they can act with impunity because of their age and all we can do is give then a sheet of paper telling them to leave the city limits which they do but then they just come back. 'The Cartabia reform has really made it difficult for us to secure prosecutions because it needs the victim to make a complaint and turn up for the trial but a foreign tourist is not coming back for a trial over a stolen wallet or purse.' Mrs Poli added:' The city of Venice is a labyrinth of alleys and side-streets and by the time you call the police and they arrive the pickpockets have gone but they all know me, and I know have to be very careful. 'I've been threatened and spat at but I am not going to back down and will carry on, what really upsets me is when I see old people and disabled people being pick-pocketed, that makes me so angry and makes me want to fight on.' Mrs Poli also shared her tips for not being pick-pocketed in Venice and did say the chances were small but advised: 'Keep your bag in front of you with the zip shut and put your hands over it if you can. 'Be careful in crowds especially in the streets and if someone brushes past you double check to make sure you have your wallet or purse – the problem is pickpockets dress just like you and me in Venice. 'A lot of it is common sense, don't keep important documents with your credit cards, keep them separate and if you have a bag make sure it has an inside zip pocket.'
