Latest news with #Scouser
Belfast Telegraph
2 days ago
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Discount retailer announces £5m investment and 76 new jobs as it opens second store in NI town
The company said it will unveil its second spot in Carrickfergus on Saturday, with the creation of 76 new jobs. The new location is at Shore Commercial Park on Belfast Road in the town, joining the existing store at De Courcy Centre. Home Bargains, which sells branded goods at lower prices, has more than 600 outlets around the UK and typically opens around 50 stores a year. Adrienne Wady, Carrickfergus 2 store manager, said: 'I'm so proud to be opening our brand-new Home Bargains store in Carrickfergus, the very town where I grew up and still live today. "Carrickfergus means the world to me, and to be able to bring something so positive to the community is a real honour. "We are not only opening a store - we are building a team, serving families, and becoming part of the daily life for many residents within the community. "It is exciting to be part of something that will not only offer great value to our local community but also provide job opportunities to those in surrounding areas.' The 24,994 sq ft store will sell homewares, health and beauty essentials, sweets, snacks and drinks, as well as fresh and frozen food. It will also have a Home Bargains bakery, café and garden centre. In January, Home Bargains revealed that sales in 2024 had broken through the £4bn barrier, with pre-tax profits up 35% to £454.8m. The company was founded nearly 50 years ago in Liverpool, where its founder Tom Morris is known as the richest Scouser who ever lived.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Trent Alexander-Arnold is joining Liverpool's rivals - you can understand why fans would boo
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. As media, quite often you attend a match with an idea of what angle you'll be writing about post-match and sometimes the events of the match dictate the angle. At Anfield on Sunday it was both, as the party mood in the stands turned sour by the introduction of Trent Alexander-Arnold. Liverpool fans, with the sun again making for a perfect day on Merseyside, extended their party from Tottenham two weeks ago. The stands were awash with red shirts and plenty of banners and flags pointing to the club's 20th league title success, plus a couple referencing another trophyless season for their opponents. 'Where's your European Cup,' chanted The Kop, which later turned to 'Best team in Europe, you're having a laugh' as Arne Slot's side raced into the lead thanks to two goals in 87 seconds. But, while Liverpool looked great on the pitch and sounded superb in the stands, there was an elephant in the room, lurking on the Reds' bench. This was the first game since Alexander-Arnold had announced his decision to leave Liverpool, with a free transfer move to Real Madrid set to bring down the curtain on his association with his boyhood club. Slot had already explained that Conor Bradley, the heir to the throne at right-back, would start the match, but the question was whether Alexander-Arnold would be in the squad. For any supporter arriving at Anfield, they knew that Alexander-Arnold being in the squad would mean a sideshow for what was to come. It was inevitable that the reception would be mixed - although, to many, quite how negative the reception was was a little surprising. Many hoped Alexander-Arnold would simply be ignored. It would be the best way to handle the situation. And that's how it began. There was little reaction when his name was read out pre-match, and again while warming up in the first half (albeit in front of the less vociferous Main Stand). But with Bradley on a yellow card and having not completed 90 minutes since the start of February, Slot needed a sub. 'I have a world-class full-back on the bench, I bring him in,' he said pragmatically post-match. As Alexander-Arnold put on the red shirt on the bench, The Kop made pointed references to loyalty by belting out the song for Steven Gerrard - 'a Scouser born and bred' - followed by 'Bring on your Internazionale' which features the lyric 'Real Madrid, who the f**k you trying to kid…' It's at this point that it's worth noting that Liverpool supporters see Real Madrid as a main rival. They are two of the three sides to have won the European Cup the most times and have contested two Champions League finals in the last decade, the Reds losing both. In that time there's also been a quarter-final loss and a knockout defeat that inflicted Liverpool's heaviest home European loss in the process. Said Alexander-Arnold himself in an interview earlier this season, referring to Man City and Real Madrid: 'Probably they are our two biggest rivals in Europe and domestically over the last five or six years.' Liverpool fans see the Spanish club as not just a main rival but also the antithesis of what Liverpool as a club and a city stand for. They're the Ballon d'Or club - something that Alexander-Arnold has outlined his desire to win, seeking individual acclaim over the team. Liverpool is a club that celebrates hard-working, humble heroes. "I believe in everyone working for each other, everyone having a share of the rewards,' said Bill Shankly in one of his most famous quotes. 'It's the way I see football, the way I see life.' Alexander-Arnold has chosen a different life, a life where celebrity and ego go hand in hand in Madrid. That's his choice and, in his own words, he knew the decision would not sit well with the fanbase. 'People won't be happy with the decision,' he said in his farewell video. It is, though, quite sad that this has become a distraction when the club are celebrating its first title with supporters in 35 whether a supporter agrees or takes part in the booing is almost irrelevant, it's a distraction that need not happen. Slot could have put a line under it all by announcing before the match that he would use only players who are committed to the club for next season. Nobody would have argued it, even Alexander-Arnold would have surely understood it. Instead, Slot, has explained that he will continue to use Alexander-Arnold in the final two matches, including the final home game against Crystal Palace that will see the Reds lift the Premier League trophy at Anfield. Insisted Slot: 'The thing I consider is I want to win a game of football and if we think we can win this one with Trent, I owe it to his teammates and to the fans, because they hired me to win as many games of football as possible.' It's a line of thinking which is understandable but also pretty flawed, with Alexander-Arnold's introduction proving counterproductive in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal, being introduced with Liverpool ahead at 2-1. This is where Slot's insistence that Alexander-Arnold's introduction wasn't a distraction is quite baffling. As Alexander-Arnold arrived onto the pitch, Mohamed Salah made a gesture towards The Kop to stop the boos, actions that were repeated post-match by Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai. It quite clearly soured the atmosphere in the stands, and players are only human, they too would have been shocked by their teammate and friend receiving such a reception. Andy Robertson spoke well on his feelings, saying: 'There's a lot of emotion around it [..] it is, of course, an emotional decision and it's not been an easy one, but he's made the decision and it's not nice to see your friend get booed and it wasn't nice. We can't tell people how to act, but I can tell you how I feel about it.' Again, this is quite sad given the incredible scenes the players and supporters shared together on that same pitch a fortnight ago. Slot, though, doesn't think it could prove a problem in celebrating the title: 'I don't think there is any possibility whatever can happen that can 'take the edge' off us winning this 20th league title.' Again, a line of thinking that appears pretty flawed by the evidence of Sunday. As for the supporters, it's a shame that the divide over the reaction has caused friction at what should be a time of harmony. It is, though, quite strange to suggest that Liverpool supporters should be sending one of their best players off to Madrid, in his prime, with their best wishes. Quite what message does that send to others in the squad, such as Ibrahima Konate who has been linked with a move to Real and whose contract is up in a year? No Liverpool supporter or player should see Liverpool as a stepping stone or a feeder club for Real Madrid. Liverpool is the destination and Liverpool supporters regard their club alongside Real Madrid as the biggest in the world. If this was a Barcelona player opting to make the move to Madrid in their prime, the reaction would have been far worse, just ask Luis Figo. As Alexander-Arnold himself admitted, Real might not be a domestic rival but they are a European rival, challenging for the same trophy that Liverpool supporters have a strong affinity to win. Alexander-Arnold has chosen, rather than helping win European Cups for his boyhood club to actively work against that happening. No wonder some fans aren't happy clapping him off to Madrid.
Irish Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Business
- Irish Daily Mirror
Gerrard rejects Rangers in 'lifestyle' choice after discussing move with wife
Steven Gerrard is on the verge of officially withdrawing from the race to become the next Rangers manager, just hours after Dave King personally recommended him for the role. It was reported last week that despite being the favourite with bookmakers to return to his former Ibrox position, Gerrard was actually facing a significant challenge in persuading his wife Alex that it was the right time for the family to leave their luxurious lifestyle in the Middle East. However, former chairman King insisted on Wednesday that Gerrard should be seen as the clear frontrunner for the job, and encouraged the incoming new management to prioritise the Scouser over both Davide Ancelotti and Russell Martin. Despite King's late endorsement, sources in the region believe Gerrard has chosen to remain in Bahrain for at least another year and remove himself from contention to succeed Philippe Clement. It's understood that Gerrard's team had initial talks with those leading the search for a new manager. But, as previously reported, he requested time to consider his options and discuss the potential move with his long-term partner, reports the Daily Record. Now, it seems the couple have decided to stay put for at least another 12 months, in what is being described as a 'lifestyle' choice. The decision is not believed to be related to tax implications, as Gerrard is now exempt from a multi-million pound HMRC penalty on the substantial earnings he accumulated during a two-year stint in Saudi Arabia with Al-Etifaq. However, it remains uncertain whether the 44-year-old former England captain is still awaiting severance payments or gardening leave compensation following his dismissal from the club. Adding to the uncertainty, it's rumoured that Gerrard may be open to a future return to the Ibrox hot seat, but not at this particular juncture. Speculation is rife in Merseyside that he could be a top contender for the role of assistant manager to Arne Slot, with the Dutch title-winning manager's current deputy, Johnny Heitinga, linked with the vacant managerial position at Ajax. Whether the prospect of an emotional homecoming to Anfield might trigger a swift change of heart remains to be seen. However, if Gerrard does remove himself from contention for the Rangers job, it appears to be a direct contest between Ancelotti and Martin, with incoming owner Andrew Cavenagh likely to make the final decision. Cavenagh has tasked sporting director Kevin Thelwell and Gretar Steinsson of the San Francisco 49ers with leading the search for a new manager and narrowing down the list of potential candidates. However, it's believed that the health insurance magnate is just days away from completing his multi-million pound acquisition of the club, and he will have the final say on who will spearhead the new era from the touchline.
North Wales Chronicle
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Liverpool celebrate Premier League success with fans in city centre parade
Red smoke canisters were let off as the team's open-top bus – emblazoned with the words 'Ours. Again' – crawled its way through the heaving mass of supporters who defied the rain to celebrate a record-equalling 20th championship. They and the club had been denied this occasion when they ended a 30-year drought in 2020 due to coronavirus restrictions but they made up for the missed opportunity on a dank day by the Mersey. Nearly 😅 — Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 26, 2025 The 10-mile long parade took three-and-a-half hours but the finale on the Strand was worth the wait for those who had gathered in the shadow of the Liver Building before 10am to ensure a prime spot. Liverpool City Councillor John Hughes estimated in excess of one million people were attending, beating the 750,000 present for the 2019 Champions League parade. Hundreds ignored police advice not to climb on structures – or adhere to the 'no pyro' request – as every vantage point, ranging from multi-storey car parks, scaffolding, rooftops, on top of petrol stations, traffic lights and lamp posts, was taken. Head coach Arne Slot said it was the best day of his career. 'By far the number one, far more than you could expect or dream of maybe,' he said. 'I won a few things before but this cannot compare with anything.' It began at Allerton Maze in a relatively calm environment with Henry, in dark glasses and dressed in a red hoodie and poncho to keep out the rain, availing himself of the refreshments aboard the bus early on. The players were taking Van Dijk's advice to make sure they enjoyed the moment, with Toxteth-born Curtis Jones front and centre for most of the route alongside Dominik Szoboszlai and the departing Scouser Trent Alexander-Arnold at the back of the bus, standing on the seats to hold the trophy above his head. Jones said: 'Unbelievable. It's my second one (title) but this one feels more special as I've played more of a bigger role in this.' The first two and a half miles raced by in 40 minutes with the streets fully lined but not packed. The remainder of the route was more of a crawl, often stop-start, and where the bus made the turn towards the city centre at the Jolly Miller pub the crowd was 20 to 30 people deep in places. That had almost doubled by the time they reached the closing stretch where on-board DJ Calvin Harris, originally recruited by fellow Scot Andy Robertson for the 2022 cup double parade but requested by Van Dijk this time, cranked up the fans' favourite tunes.
Glasgow Times
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Liverpool celebrate Premier League success with fans in city centre parade
Red smoke canisters were let off as the team's open-top bus – emblazoned with the words 'Ours. Again' – crawled its way through the heaving mass of supporters who defied the rain to celebrate a record-equalling 20th championship. They and the club had been denied this occasion when they ended a 30-year drought in 2020 due to coronavirus restrictions but they made up for the missed opportunity on a dank day by the Mersey. The 10-mile long parade took three-and-a-half hours but the finale on the Strand was worth the wait for those who had gathered in the shadow of the Liver Building before 10am to ensure a prime spot. Liverpool City Councillor John Hughes estimated in excess of one million people were attending, beating the 750,000 present for the 2019 Champions League parade. Hundreds ignored police advice not to climb on structures – or adhere to the 'no pyro' request – as every vantage point, ranging from multi-storey car parks, scaffolding, rooftops, on top of petrol stations, traffic lights and lamp posts, was taken. An estimated one million people turned out to watch Liverpool's title parade (Peter Byre/PA) Head coach Arne Slot said it was the best day of his career. 'By far the number one, far more than you could expect or dream of maybe,' he said. 'I won a few things before but this cannot compare with anything.' It began at Allerton Maze in a relatively calm environment with Henry, in dark glasses and dressed in a red hoodie and poncho to keep out the rain, availing himself of the refreshments aboard the bus early on. The players were taking Van Dijk's advice to make sure they enjoyed the moment, with Toxteth-born Curtis Jones front and centre for most of the route alongside Dominik Szoboszlai and the departing Scouser Trent Alexander-Arnold at the back of the bus, standing on the seats to hold the trophy above his head. Mohamed Salah (left), Dominik Szoboszlai (second left), Curtis Jones (centre left) and team-mates on the bus during Liverpool's parade (Peter Byrne/PA) Jones said: 'Unbelievable. It's my second one (title) but this one feels more special as I've played more of a bigger role in this.' The first two and a half miles raced by in 40 minutes with the streets fully lined but not packed. The remainder of the route was more of a crawl, often stop-start, and where the bus made the turn towards the city centre at the Jolly Miller pub the crowd was 20 to 30 people deep in places. That had almost doubled by the time they reached the closing stretch where on-board DJ Calvin Harris, originally recruited by fellow Scot Andy Robertson for the 2022 cup double parade but requested by Van Dijk this time, cranked up the fans' favourite tunes.
