Latest news with #NottsCounty
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Notts will 'support and protect' Macari
Notts County will "support and protect" Lewis Macari after the defender was charged with breaching betting rules, says Magpies boss Martin Paterson. The 23-year-old is alleged to have placed 354 bets on matches between 25 February 2020 and 4 December 2022 and has had until Friday to respond. Macari started Notts' match against fourth division German club Stuttgarter Kickers on their pre-season trip despite being charged by the Football Association earlier this week. "Whatever happens is out of our control and is with the governing bodies," Paterson told BBC East Midlands Today. "My stance on Lewis is one of support and one of protection. We will just support the boy in terms of him getting help if he needs it." Notts' Macari charged with breaching betting rules The charges against the Scottish defender, who is the grandson of former Manchester United midfielder and Stoke City boss Lou Macari, pre-date his time with the League Two side. He was a youth player on the books at Stoke in the near three-year timeframe covered by the alleged breaches. Macari also had a loan spell with League or Ireland side Dundalk in that time. "It's an historical thing that happened many years ago and I'm not saying it's right or wrong at all, I wouldn't do that, but my job is to support the players good and bad," Paterson said. "It's a role I take responsibility for and I take with pride to make sure he is supported. "He will take it on the chin and he will be a bigger and better man for it because we all make mistakes."
BBC News
4 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Notts will 'support and protect' Macari
Notts County will "support and protect" Lewis Macari after the defender was charged with breaching betting rules, says Magpies boss Martin 23-year-old is alleged to have placed 354 bets on matches between 25 February 2020 and 4 December 2022 and has had until Friday to started Notts' match against fourth division German club Stuttgarter Kickers on their pre-season trip despite being charged by the Football Association earlier this week."Whatever happens is out of our control and is with the governing bodies," Paterson told BBC East Midlands Today."My stance on Lewis is one of support and one of protection. We will just support the boy in terms of him getting help if he needs it." The charges against the Scottish defender, who is the grandson of former Manchester United midfielder and Stoke City boss Lou Macari, pre-date his time with the League Two was a youth player on the books at Stoke in the near three-year timeframe covered by the alleged also had a loan spell with League or Ireland side Dundalk in that time."It's an historical thing that happened many years ago and I'm not saying it's right or wrong at all, I wouldn't do that, but my job is to support the players good and bad," Paterson said."It's a role I take responsibility for and I take it with pride to make sure he is supporter"He will take it on the chin and he will be a bigger and better man for it because we all make mistakes."
CAF
4 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Ashleigh Plumptre: The Super Falcons' Rock Driven by Heritage and Heart
Ashleigh Plumptre has emerged as one of the standout defenders of the TotalEnergies 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, earning her spot in the Team of the Group Stage. Known for her calm leadership and timely interceptions, the Al-Ittihad captain is proving crucial in Nigeria's pursuit of a record-extending 10th continental crown. 'My biggest growth as a player has come from my growth as a person. I don't feel like I have to prove myself anymore. I just want to be present for the team and give my all,' Plumptre told 'I have full trust in the team and what we're capable of. I've felt such an emotional connection with this squad and to be able to share these moments with them is something that I will forever be grateful for.' Background and Rise to Prominence Born in Leicester, England, Plumptre, began her football journey in England's youth setup, representing the country at U-15, U-17, U-19, and U-23 levels. Her club career saw her feature for Notts County, LA Galaxy OC, and Leicester City, where she helped them win the FA Women's Championship in the 2020/21 season. Ahead of WAFCON 2022, Plumptre made a pivotal decision to represent Nigeria, her paternal heritage, over continuing with England. It was a bold, heartfelt choice rooted in family and identity. Since then, the 27-year-old has become a key part of the Super Falcons, anchoring the defense and stepping up as one of the leaders on and off the pitch. Now the captain of Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, Plumptre has also demonstrated an eye for goal, notably during the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup Round of 16 clash with England and throughout her ongoing stint in the Saudi league. On Commitment to Country and Mental Fortitude Despite the twists and turns in her footballing journey from England's youth system to becoming a mainstay in Nigeria's defense, Plumptre has remained grounded and fiercely proud of her heritage. Her personal compass, she says, is built on values far deeper than the game. 'Playing for Nigeria means everything to me. I've always been proud of my roots and being able to represent that on the field is something I carry with a lot of honor,' she said. 'I've faced injuries, moments of doubt, and changes in environment, but I've always leaned on my values — being kind, working hard, and staying grounded. That's what keeps me going.' On Motivation and Long-Term Dreams For Plumptre, success isn't just measured in caps or clean sheets, it's also about leaving a legacy. The fullback has her eyes on a bigger goal beyond her playing days, determined to impact future generations, particularly in Africa. 'Football is part of who I am, but what motivates me is knowing that I can inspire others — especially young girls who look like me or come from similar backgrounds,' Ashleigh added. 'I've also started working toward my UEFA coaching license. I want to remain in the game, pass on what I've learned, and help shape the next generation — especially in Nigeria. That's something I'm very passionate about.' Father's Pride: Tim Plumptre on Ashleigh's Journey Ashleigh's father and agent, Tim Plumptre, offered heartfelt insight into his daughter's inspiring return to top-level football. 'Super happy because it's only been 15 months since her foot surgery and I wasn't entirely sure how her body would react and recover,' he shared. 'She worked so hard in her rehabilitation and was desperate to represent Nigeria in last year's Olympic Games, but she couldn't recover in time. That was so disappointing for her because it was always her childhood dream to play in an Olympics. 'But being able to be fully fit for the WAFCON is fantastic, and she is going to do everything in her power to win this competition for Nigeria. I never have any doubts in her performances as I know her capabilities, they are always at the top. She has worked so hard for so long, and this is her way of life. It's amazing that she's been recognised for her performances in this competition.' As her father and agent, Tim also acknowledged the bravery and sacrifice in Ashleigh's decision to switch her national allegiance from England to Nigeria. 'Incredibly proud, as she's had to put a lot of pressure upon herself when she could've taken an easier path by remaining within the England setup,' he exclusively told from his based in Leicester. 'Statistics bear out the minutes she played representing Nigeria, and she's earned this right through sheer hard work and determination, as there are so many talented players on the squad.' For Tim, Ashleigh's connection to Nigeria is not only career-defining, it's personal and intentional. 'It was absolutely vital for me to consciously raise Ashleigh with an understanding of her heritage. I took her to spend time with her grandfather, Harry Dotun Plumptre (RIP), and as many of her extended Nigerian family as possible. As a little girl, I made it a point to take her to New York, California, and London to visit her uncles, aunties, and cousins. 'This exposure was essential, as she wouldn't encounter many Nigerians in her day-to-day life. I wanted to ensure that she knew about Nigeria and her Nigerian family, and she has always been proud to embrace this aspect of her identity. 'Even at school, Ashleigh followed the women's U-17, U-19, and senior women's Super Falcons. Family means everything to Ashleigh, and that is why she treats her teammates as an extended family. This connection is evident both on and off the pitch, especially in the way she interacts with her Nigerian teammates when they score. She truly loves this team.' Madugu Recounts Plumptre's Consistency and Impact Super Falcons assistant coach Justin Madugu was full of praise for Ashleigh Plumptre following her inclusion in the WAFCON 2024 Team of the Group Stage. 'She [Ashleigh Plumptre] really deserves to be in the team of the group stage because we did marvelously well in both games that she featured. She was very outstanding defensively and offensively. 'The performance is there for everyone to see. She really did very well and I quite appreciate her performance and being part of the team for the group stage.' Madugu, who has closely observed Plumptre's steady rise since joining the Nigerian setup, stressed her growing influence in the squad. 'With every game, she keeps improving and generally as a team, our expectation is that we want to do well. We want to win. That is what we are here for and will be going for. 'Of course, she is very important to the team. She is an important member of the team. Looking at the role she played in both games she played, she really brought a lot to the team. 'She was quite outstanding. We expect that she will maintain such performance, standard, and even probably do better than what she did in both games.' As the nine-time African champions' Mission X intensifies, Plumptre is poised to be a defining figure in the West Africans' knockout campaign, blending heart, heritage, and high-level consistency to anchor their quest for a historic 10th WAFCON title.
Daily Mirror
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Man Utd icon's footballer grandson charged by FA for allegedly placing 354 bets
Lewis Macari, the 23-year-old grandson of Lou Macari, allegedly placed 354 bets on matches between February 25, 2020 and December 4, 2022 and has until July 18 to respond Notts County defender Lewis Macari has been charged by the Football Association for allegedly breaching betting rules. Macari, the grandson of former Manchester United midfielder Lou Macari, is alleged to have broken the rules over a three-year spell. The 23-year-old is alleged to have placed 354 bets on matches between February 25, 2020 and December 4, 2022. He has been given until July 18 to respond to the charge. Macari was a youth player at Stoke when he was alleged to have placed the bets. He came through the Potters' academy but made only one appearance for the senior side, spending time on loan with Irish side Dundalk during the period of alleged breaches. A statement from the FA read: "Lewis Macari of Notts County FC has been charged with breaching The FA's betting rules. It's alleged that the player breached FA Rule E1(b) 354 times by placing bets on football matches between 25 February 2020 and 4 December 202: Lewis Macari has until 18 July to provide a response." Notts County said in the statement: ' The FA have informed us that Lewis Macari has been charged in relation to alleged breaches of their betting rules. 'The alleged offences took place between 25 February 2020 and 4 December 2022. We will be supporting Lewis and his representatives throughout the investigation process and will be making no further comment at this stage.' Macari has made 61 appearances for Notts County since joining the League Two side from Stoke in 2023. The defender, who has represented Scotland at Under-18 level, made 33 appearances for County last season as they finished sixth in League Two. The club ended up missing out on promotion, losing to AFC Wimbledon in the play-off semi-final, and will begin their League Two campaign on August 2, when they are away to Newport County. Macari is the latest player to be charged by the FA for alleged betting breaches this year, following ex-Cheltenham and Shrewsbury striker Ryan Bowman and Wimbledon's Osman Foyo. Bowman was slapped with a three-and-a-half year ban for placing 6,397 bets over an eight-year period. Foyo, meanwhile, was charged last week over alleged bets placed on 252 occasions between October 2023 and March 2025. Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali served a 10-month ban for breaching betting rules following an investigation by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). The Italy international, who joined Newcastle from AC Milan in July 2023 for £55million, agreed to an 18-month disqualification, eight months of which will be commuted to "a therapeutic plan" to help "recovery from gambling addiction". The Professional Footballers' Association of Northern Ireland partnered with software provider Gamban to block the use of gambling in April. Melissa Etherington, partnerships executive at Gamban, said: 'Gambling addiction is a growing issue in football, which impacts mental health, finances and a player's performance on the pitch. 'It also has the potential to impact sports integrity. We are delighted to partner with PFA NI to raise awareness of Gamban among those most at risk from harms related to online gambling.'
Daily Mail
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Man United legend's grandson charged by FA for betting breaches - with EFL star alleged to have placed 354 bets in a three-year period
The Football Association has charged Notts County defender Lewis Macari with breaching its betting rules during a period of almost three years. The 23-year-old, who is the grandson of former Manchester United midfielder Lou Macari, is alleged to have placed 354 bets on matches between 25 February 2020 and 4 December 2022. In a statement on Monday. the Magpies confirmed the FA charge and insisted that they will be 'supporting Lewis and his representatives through the investigation'. The League Two club added that they will 'be making no further comment at this stage'. The timeframe of the alleged breaches predates Macari's move to the east Midlands from Stoke City, initially on loan, in 2023. The defender came through that Potters' academy but made only one appearance for the senior side after returning from the first of four loan spells away from the bet365 Stadium. Macari, who has represented Scotland at Under 18 level, has been given until July 18 to respond to the charge. The defender made 33 league appearances for Notts County last season as they finished sixth before falling to AFC Wimbledon in the League Two play-off semi-final. He is the latest player to be charged by the FA for alleged betting breaches this year. Former Cheltenham and Shrewsbury striker Ryan Bowman received a three-and-a-half year ban for placing 6,397 bets over an eight year period. Wimbledon forward Osman Foyo was charged last week over alleged bets placed on matches on 252 occasions between October 2023 and March 2025.
