Latest news with #Simic
Wales Online
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
I knew something was off about Cardiff City transfer — and it points to a bigger problem
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info 'About Roko Simic I cannot speak many things," said Erol Bulut, Cardiff City's manager on the day the striker was to sign for the club. "It's a club signing, so, from what I know, he will get loaned to Kortrijk. Maybe in the future he will be good for Cardiff, but for now I cannot say any more." That answer from Bulut set off immediate alarm bells for me and, understandably, supporters who read them on this website. Bulut had been desperate to add a starting striker and some pace on the wings in the final throes of last summer's transfer window, instead he got a player not deemed ready for Championship football who was loaned out to Belgium without kicking a ball. A Yousef Salech-type signing back then might have just made a big difference. Equally, there were wingers Cardiff were keen on but couldn't get done for one reason or another. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community Simic's addition raised eyebrows from the off, though, particularly given Bulut's apparent lack of knowledge about him and the fact Cardiff had forked out a not-insignificant £1.7m for him. Last weekend he sealed a loan move to Karlsruher in the Bundesliga 2. Our understanding is that the loan deal includes an obligation to buy once the striker hits a certain threshold of games, meaning Simic might never kick a ball for Cardiff. The fee would be around £1.3m if the sale clause is triggered, however RB Salzburg did insert a 10 percent sell-on agreement when they transferred him. Opinions differ on the 21-year-old, who endured a rotten loan spell at Kortijk, plagued by injuries, a lack of form and a struggling team which had to change manager during his stint there. Some believe he clearly wasn't good enough not to be fancied by two Kortrijk managers, Omer Riza or Aaron Ramsey. Others insist he should have been given an opportunity, pointing to chances afforded to Michael Reindorf and other academy players. Either way, the whole thing has been handled dreadfully and it felt like he had to prove more than anyone else he was worthy of game time. He might not have pulled up trees at under-21s level, but his scoring record was not to be sniffed at. In an interview with WalesOnline, he insisted he was ready if Riza wanted to try to change things up in a bid to arrest a woeful run of form — which ultimately led to relegation. The call never came. Ramsey took him to Norwich City for the last game of the season, but he remained an unused substitute in the final-day defeat. A video of him angrily throwing his unused playing shirt into the crowd did the rounds on social media afterwards and it's hard not to sympathise with him in that situation. If he was ever going to be thrown a bone it was that day – I think everyone thought his time might be up there and then. If he really was brought in as a club project, with nothing riding on the final game, surely there was value in playing him? Again, opinions differ. Perhaps there was more value in bringing on a young talent like Tanatswa Nyakuhwa, who was handed his debut on the wing that day. No one sees what goes on on the training ground, of course. Riza insisted he just wasn't doing enough to get in front of Salech or even Yakou Meite in the latter stages of the season. That might well have been the case, but the striker has clearly got talent and has a solid, if unspectacular, record at a number of clubs across varying standards. It all points to the misalignment in strategy at the club, particularly in relation to transfers, something which needs to be addressed moving forward. It's why supporters have been banging the drum to appoint someone to help lead that and bring together all footballing aspects of the club in harmony. One positive, on the other side of the coin, is that the other club signing of a similar nature, Ryotaro Tsunoda, has been pictured training with the first team during pre-season over the last week. The Japanese centre-back earned rave reviews in Belgium for his style of play, which, if reports are to be believed, will likely suit Barry-Murphy's own footballing philosophy. He's a player you'd likely forget about because he, like Simic, is yet to kick a ball for Cardiff, despite being contracted for the last 18 months. Football is, for the most part, a meritocracy and Simic's critics will say that if he was good enough he would have been given the nod. And I can see that logic. But the whole thing just seemed doomed from the start. Who was in his corner? Who was going in to bat for him or who was advocating for the long-term benefit of this transfer? Tough questions to answer. For Simic, though, he now has a clean slate out in Germany to prove his detractors in this corner of the world wrong. And no doubt there will be many Cardiff eyes will be tracking how he does there. Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here.
Wales Online
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Tonight's Cardiff City transfer news as striker in talks over exit and fierce rivalry reignited
Tonight's Cardiff City transfer news as striker in talks over exit and fierce rivalry reignited The latest Bluebirds news from Cardiff City Stadium Roko Simic of Cardiff City (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency ) Here are your Cardiff City headlines for Wednesday, June 25. Simic in talks over exit Roko Simic has not reported for pre-season duties at The Vale this week as he pursues a move away from the Welsh capital this summer. The striker was signed last summer but is yet to feature for Cardiff, despite being named on the bench four times during Omer Riza's tenure as manager. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community A frustrating spell at KV Kortrijk, which saw injury, manager change and a lack of selection all contribute to a rotten three months, preceded him arriving back in Cardiff in January in hope of a fresh start. However, as Cardiff slipped towards relegation, neither Riza nor Aaron Ramsey called upon the former Croatia under-21 international, who was forced to play for the Bluebirds' under-21s. Simic is in Zagreb and it is understood he is likely to seal a move away. A move, at this stage, is thought to be most likely a loan. NK Osijek are just one of the clubs thought to be interested in signing the 21-year-old. Article continues below Bluebirds drawn against County in Vertu Trophy Cardiff City will go head-to-head with local rivals Newport County in the group stages of the 2025/26 Vertu Trophy, with both clubs having been placed in Southern Group A alongside Exeter City. The Bluebirds will renew their rivalry with Newport in a fixture sure to catch the eye of supporters across south Wales. The fourth team in the group will be one of 16 invited under-21 sides from Premier League clubs, with the full Group Stage draw to be made live on Sky Sports tomorrow at 2.30pm. The Premier League academy sides entering the competition include youth teams from the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool. One of those Category One academies will join Cardiff, Newport and Exeter in the final line-up for Group A. The Vertu Trophy, formerly known as the EFL Trophy, features 64 teams divided into 16 regional groups — eight in the North and eight in the South. All clubs enter at Round One, with the top two teams from each group progressing to the knockout stages. Short of a South Wales derby against Swansea this season, following relegation from the Championship, the Bluebirds' clash with Newport is likely to represent a fiercely-contested fixture, and with group-stage progression on the line, it promises to add an extra edge to this season's competition for Brian Barry-Murphy's side. It'll be the first competitive match between the two sides since the FAW Premier Cup clash in 2008. That game ended in a penalty shoot-out win for County at Ninian Park. The last league meeting between the two sides was a 4-0 win for the Bluebirds in Division Four back in April 1988. Malaysian champions added to pre-season schedule Cardiff City have confirmed the addition of a final fixture to their 2025 pre-season schedule, with Brian Barry-Murphy's side set to face Malaysian treble winners Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) in Spain next month. The Bluebirds will kick off their summer preparations against the reigning Malaysian Super League, Malaysia Cup, and FA Cup champions at the Pinatar Arena in Murcia on Wednesday, July 9, with kick-off scheduled for 7pm local time (CET). The fixture marks the first time Cardiff will face a club from the Malaysian Super League. JDT, owned by the Crown Prince of Johor, Tunku Ismail Idris, are managed by former Watford and Sheffield Wednesday boss Xisco Muñoz, and will compete in the newly-revamped AFC Champions League Elite this season. Cardiff City has previously worked with Malaysian clubs at youth level, hosting young players from Kedah Darul Aman FC as part of owner Vincent Tan's desire to football development in Malaysia. Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here. Cardiff City 2025 pre-season fixtures in full: Article continues below
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
5 Vacations That Are Nothing Like Disney (That You Might Actually Find More Worth Your Money)
Looking for some fun, family destinations but Mickey just isn't your vibe? No one would blame you. Waiting in long, hot lines with coughing and screaming children is an acquired taste. According to Diana Peng, traveler and blogger at Just Wanderlust, a mid-range four-day, three-night Disney trip (sans airfare) for a family of four is pushing $4,000. And you may find more enjoyable destinations offering higher value for that kind of money. Explore More: Check Out: Here are five vacations to consider if you're tired of Disney. Who needs Disney when you can head to Washington, D.C.? It's educational, has something for all ages, and, according to Cynthia Matthews von Berg of Sharing the Wander, offers mostly free attractions. Plus, in the summer, there's a nice mix of air-conditioned spaces and outdoor activities for when you either need a break from the heat or wish to have a picnic under the cherry blossoms. Younger kids will love the Air & Space Museum or Wegmans Wonderplace in the Natural Museum of American History; older kids will love the Spy Museum; all ages will enjoy a tour of the White House or Capitol Building, or a night tour of the National Mall when all the monuments are lit up. Von Berg recommended a three-to-four-day trip, and said hotels run approximately $200 to $250 per night to sleep a family of four. For food, budget roughly $50 per day per person. On the high end, that's already less than half the price of Disney! Trending Now: Vukan Simic, founder and CEO at FishingBooker, described the Carlsbad Caves as akin to stepping into a subterranean wonderland. Here's why: Hidden beneath the surface of the Chihuahuan Desert are more than 119 caves that formed when sulfuric acid dissolved limestone, leaving behind stalactites that cling to the roof. 'The natural path of entry is a discovery because children observe formations with imaginative names like Whale's Mouth and Iceberg Rock,' stated Simic. And there's also a sunset bat flight tour which 'produces a natural spectacle more memorable than a fireworks display.' The Carlsbad Caverns National Park charges a $15 entrance fee for adults; kids under 15 years of age get in free. While prices for accommodations can vary depending on season and availability, Simic estimated $100 to $200 per night could typically sleep an entire family. A meaningful alternative to a commercialized theme park, Costa Rica is the ultimate 'anti-Disney,' according to Casey Halloran, CEO and co-founder at Costa Rican Vacations. Offering an off-the-grid experience, families can view sloths in treetops, learn about medicinal plants on a jungle hike and even encounter whales on a catamaran cruise. 'Cultural immersion goes beyond staged shows,' stated Halloran. 'Visitors grind cacao with indigenous families, paint traditional ox carts in rural mountain towns and learn to make tortillas on a working farm.' Forget Magic Kingdom — Halloran claims Costa Rica offers a natural magic you won't forget. He said the price of a seven-night vacation for a family of four (including lodging, on-site transport and tours — but not airfare) runs roughly between $3,500 and $5,500 depending on season, number of destinations and type of lodging. Easy-going and vibrant with delicious cuisine to boot, Peng described Oaxaca as the heartbeat of Mexico. And it doesn't hurt that the dollar goes a lot farther there, too. 'We found a whole plaza dedicated to ice cream, a cat café, chocolate making classes, free museums, fun parades every week and even an old railroad stop turned into a kids' discovery museum,' stated Peng. And if parents need alone time, they can venture just outside the city to see the ancient ruins of the Zapotec, tequila factories or a stunning, petrified waterfall known as Hierve El Agua. Excluding airfare, Peng estimated a family of four could visit Costa Rica for four days at a cost of roughly $1,100. This includes four nights in a two-bedroom villa in June ($550), meals ($320), transportation ($50) and additional entertainment and attractions. Those looking for the opposite of a theme park might consider visiting Sintra, Portugal, advised Daniel Ponce, founder of Yes, You Deserve! A resort town in the foothills of the Sintra Mountains and a mere 40-minute drive from Lisbon, Sintra is tranquil, culturally-rich and fairly cost-efficient. It was also the first center of European romantic architecture in the 1800's when the cooler climate enticed Portuguese nobility to construct their summer residences there. Full of real-life castles, opulent palaces, gardens, forest trails and wells, both kids and adults can enjoy immersing themselves in a combination of nature and history. With airfare excluded, Ponce estimated that a family of four can visit Sintra for four nights and five days for roughly $1,600 (including lodging, food, full-day tours and admission to monuments). More From GOBankingRates These 10 Used Cars Will Last Longer Than an Average New Vehicle This article originally appeared on 5 Vacations That Are Nothing Like Disney (That You Might Actually Find More Worth Your Money)
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
5 Vacations That Are Nothing Like Disney (That You Might Actually Find More Worth Your Money)
Looking for some fun, family destinations but Mickey just isn't your vibe? No one would blame you. Waiting in long, hot lines with coughing and screaming children is an acquired taste. According to Diana Peng, traveler and blogger at Just Wanderlust, a mid-range four-day, three-night Disney trip (sans airfare) for a family of four is pushing $4,000. And you may find more enjoyable destinations offering higher value for that kind of money. Explore More: Check Out: Here are five vacations to consider if you're tired of Disney. Who needs Disney when you can head to Washington, D.C.? It's educational, has something for all ages, and, according to Cynthia Matthews von Berg of Sharing the Wander, offers mostly free attractions. Plus, in the summer, there's a nice mix of air-conditioned spaces and outdoor activities for when you either need a break from the heat or wish to have a picnic under the cherry blossoms. Younger kids will love the Air & Space Museum or Wegmans Wonderplace in the Natural Museum of American History; older kids will love the Spy Museum; all ages will enjoy a tour of the White House or Capitol Building, or a night tour of the National Mall when all the monuments are lit up. Von Berg recommended a three-to-four-day trip, and said hotels run approximately $200 to $250 per night to sleep a family of four. For food, budget roughly $50 per day per person. On the high end, that's already less than half the price of Disney! Trending Now: Vukan Simic, founder and CEO at FishingBooker, described the Carlsbad Caves as akin to stepping into a subterranean wonderland. Here's why: Hidden beneath the surface of the Chihuahuan Desert are more than 119 caves that formed when sulfuric acid dissolved limestone, leaving behind stalactites that cling to the roof. 'The natural path of entry is a discovery because children observe formations with imaginative names like Whale's Mouth and Iceberg Rock,' stated Simic. And there's also a sunset bat flight tour which 'produces a natural spectacle more memorable than a fireworks display.' The Carlsbad Caverns National Park charges a $15 entrance fee for adults; kids under 15 years of age get in free. While prices for accommodations can vary depending on season and availability, Simic estimated $100 to $200 per night could typically sleep an entire family. A meaningful alternative to a commercialized theme park, Costa Rica is the ultimate 'anti-Disney,' according to Casey Halloran, CEO and co-founder at Costa Rican Vacations. Offering an off-the-grid experience, families can view sloths in treetops, learn about medicinal plants on a jungle hike and even encounter whales on a catamaran cruise. 'Cultural immersion goes beyond staged shows,' stated Halloran. 'Visitors grind cacao with indigenous families, paint traditional ox carts in rural mountain towns and learn to make tortillas on a working farm.' Forget Magic Kingdom — Halloran claims Costa Rica offers a natural magic you won't forget. He said the price of a seven-night vacation for a family of four (including lodging, on-site transport and tours — but not airfare) runs roughly between $3,500 and $5,500 depending on season, number of destinations and type of lodging. Easy-going and vibrant with delicious cuisine to boot, Peng described Oaxaca as the heartbeat of Mexico. And it doesn't hurt that the dollar goes a lot farther there, too. 'We found a whole plaza dedicated to ice cream, a cat café, chocolate making classes, free museums, fun parades every week and even an old railroad stop turned into a kids' discovery museum,' stated Peng. And if parents need alone time, they can venture just outside the city to see the ancient ruins of the Zapotec, tequila factories or a stunning, petrified waterfall known as Hierve El Agua. Excluding airfare, Peng estimated a family of four could visit Costa Rica for four days at a cost of roughly $1,100. This includes four nights in a two-bedroom villa in June ($550), meals ($320), transportation ($50) and additional entertainment and attractions. Those looking for the opposite of a theme park might consider visiting Sintra, Portugal, advised Daniel Ponce, founder of Yes, You Deserve! A resort town in the foothills of the Sintra Mountains and a mere 40-minute drive from Lisbon, Sintra is tranquil, culturally-rich and fairly cost-efficient. It was also the first center of European romantic architecture in the 1800's when the cooler climate enticed Portuguese nobility to construct their summer residences there. Full of real-life castles, opulent palaces, gardens, forest trails and wells, both kids and adults can enjoy immersing themselves in a combination of nature and history. With airfare excluded, Ponce estimated that a family of four can visit Sintra for four nights and five days for roughly $1,600 (including lodging, food, full-day tours and admission to monuments). More From GOBankingRates 6 Hybrid Vehicles To Stay Away From in Retirement This article originally appeared on 5 Vacations That Are Nothing Like Disney (That You Might Actually Find More Worth Your Money)
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
HYPR Continues Global Expansion with New Belgrade Office Amid Shift to Passkeys and Rising Deepfake Threats
Company Announces New SVP of Worldwide Sales Following Record Growth NEW YORK, April 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, HYPR, the Identity Assurance Company, announced a significant acceleration of its global growth strategy with the opening of a new European Center of Excellence in Belgrade, Serbia. This strategic second physical office will amplify the company's capacity to serve its rapidly expanding worldwide customer base while leveraging the region's deep reservoir of technical talent. Further fueling this global momentum, HYPR also announced the promotion of Douglas McLaughlin to Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales, a strategic appointment that underscores the company's response to the surging demand for its passwordless authentication and identity verification solutions across key sectors like financial services and healthcare, where cyber threats are reaching critical levels. Identity Renaissance Drives Market Demand HYPR's recently released 2025 State of Passwordless Identity Assurance Report, conducted in partnership with S&P Global Market Intelligence 451 Research, reveals a critical inflection point in authentication security driven by a concerning reality. In 2024, nearly half (49%) of organizations suffered a breach, with an overwhelming 87% attributed to identity vulnerabilities. These breaches resulted in substantial financial losses averaging $2.5 million per incident, alongside legal ramifications forcing many organizations to reduce headcount and implement executive changes. Adding to this challenging landscape, the report also uncovers one of the most alarming findings: nearly 40% of organizations experienced a GenAI-related security incident in the past year, with a staggering 95% encountering some form of deepfake attack—including altered static imagery (50%) and manipulated live (44%) and recorded (41%) audio/video. However, amidst these escalating threats, the report highlights a historic shift in the authentication landscape. For the first time in its five-year history, FIDO passkeys and hardware keys are on track to become the dominant authentication method by 2027, offering a potential pathway to a more secure future. Global Expansion and Hiring Initiatives To better equip organizations for the escalating battle against identity-based attacks and to fuel its ambitious growth trajectory, HYPR has strategically expanded its operational footprint with a new European Center of Excellence in Belgrade, Serbia. This critical addition will significantly enhance the company's ability to serve its increasing global customer base with localized expertise while tapping into the region's robust technical talent market. "Our new Belgrade office represents a strategic investment in HYPR's future," added Simic. "As threats like sophisticated phishing campaigns and the alarming trend of North Korean hackers infiltrating IT departments continue to make headlines, organizations worldwide are recognizing that robust identity assurance is non-negotiable. We're actively hiring across multiple functions in both the US and internationally to meet this surging demand." The company's HYPR Affirm identity verification solution has seen strong adoption across organizations of all sizes, from nimble SMBs to large enterprises, as identity fraud and verification challenges affect businesses regardless of scale. Organizations are leveraging HYPR Affirm to address critical identity challenges including employee onboarding fraud prevention, detection of fake workers, secure account recovery for helpdesks, and verification during high-risk transactions. This growth aligns with the report's finding that identity verification tools are now the most widely deployed IAM tool (63%) and a top choice for post-breach implementation (68%). When combined with HYPR's passwordless authentication capabilities, customers create a comprehensive identity assurance framework that significantly reduces risk across the identity lifecycle. Leadership for Hypergrowth Douglas McLaughlin has been named SVP of Worldwide Sales. Over the last six years, McLaughlin has been instrumental in HYPR's growth trajectory, personally cultivating strategic partnerships with one of the top four US banks, a top five healthcare organization, and one of the nation's largest credit unions, among other marquee accounts. His leadership has been pivotal in establishing HYPR as the trusted identity assurance partner for enterprises seeking to eliminate credential-based attacks. Additionally, Doug has played a crucial role in building and enhancing HYPR's channel partner program, significantly expanding the company's market reach and creating mutually beneficial relationships with strategic technology and service providers. "Doug has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and an unwavering commitment to our customers' success," said Bojan Simic, co-founder, CEO and CTO of HYPR. "His deep understanding of the evolving threat landscape and ability to translate our technical innovations into tangible business value for customers makes them the ideal leader to scale our global sales operations. This promotion reflects not only Doug's individual achievements but also our company's commitment to recognizing and elevating top talent." Customers consistently cite McLaughlin's ability to guide them through complex digital transformations, providing the confidence needed to undertake significant authentication modernization initiatives that deliver both enhanced security and improved user experiences. About HYPR HYPR, the Identity Assurance Company, helps organizations create trust in the identity lifecycle. The HYPR solution provides the strongest end-to-end identity security, combining modern passwordless authentication with adaptive risk mitigation, automated identity verification and a simple, intuitive user experience. With a third-party validated ROI of 324%, HYPR easily integrates with existing identity and security tools and can be rapidly deployed at scale in the most complex environments. Media Contact:Fabienne Dawson 917.374.6860Sign in to access your portfolio
