Latest news with #Souness
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Graeme Souness demands councillors excuse themselves from vote in £350m deal row
SUNDAY MAIL EXCLUSIVE: Football legend Souness claims some North Lanarkshire councillors may have breached impartiality rules. Scotland football legend Graeme Souness has called for councillors to excuse themselves from voting on a £350million deal that could bring thousands of jobs to North Lanarkshire. Souness's Orchard Brae firm is proposing a development near Coatbridge which is due to be voted on this month, on June 12. The development would be built on green belt land between Calderbank and Carnbroe. Woodhall, Faskine and Palacecraig Conservation Group, which opposes the plans, has held several public meetings about the development. Souness claims he has 'evidence' attending councillors made their views clear on how they would vote on the application at these meetings – breaking impartiality rules. One attendee, Labour councillor Michael McBride, has previously stated he would 'oppose development on the green belt' on campaign material and was involved with the Woodhall campaign group. Souness said: "I believe there are more than just Michael McBride who have crossed that line and should exclude themselves. [McBride] has clearly excluded himself from my understanding of the rules. "I have evidence he is not alone in going to objectors' meetings and declaring a stance on it, which should automatically exclude them from taking part in a vote on this application." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. However, a spokeswoman for the Woodhall, Faskine and Palacecraig group said: 'At all meetings it has been clearly stated by the group, councillors are there to observe only and not to provide comment. 'Ultimately, the council's legal services will decide who is eligible to vote on this decision which will greatly affect the local communities surrounding this behemoth of an application site.' We revealed last week that Amazon and delivery firm Evri are in talks to operate from the site, which could create up to 2000 jobs following the closure of the Amazon depot in Gourock in 2023. Councillor McBride was contacted for comment.
Daily Record
25-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Graeme Souness plea to SNP over £350m job-boosting scheme
SUNDAY MAIL EXCLUSIVE: The project is set to go before North Lanarkshire Council next month but SNP councillors are understood to be planning to reject it. Rangers legend Graeme Souness has warned the SNP not to scupper his plans for A £350m development because he supports a Labour by-election candidate. Souness's firm Orchard Brae has proposed a massive development near Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire that could bring hundreds of homes and thousands of jobs to the area. The Sunday Mail can reveal that Amazon and delivery firm Evri are in talks to operate from the site, which could create up to 2000 jobs. But it is understood the SNP North Lanarkshire council group are planning to vote against the EuroPark proposals which have been in development for almost a decade. One senior SNP source told the Sunday Mail the stance was related to Souness's apparent backing of Labour and the party's Hamilton by-election candidate Davy Russell. They said: 'We have been whipped to oppose these plans even though many of us don't agree. It's a case of playing politics with people's lives and the economy, just because of Graeme Souness. ' The SNP' s group leader Tracey Carragher denied she's instructed her members to vote a certain way and a spokeswoman said the suggestion was 'slanderous' and an 'attempt to influence votes'. Souness appeared in a Rangers bar in Blantyre earlier this month alongside Russell, sporting a 'vote for Davy' badge. The former Scotland midfielder said he was of 'no particular political persuasion' and said: 'I was in Larkhall two weeks ago supporting a dear friend (Davy Russell) who is hoping to be elected as the next MSP for the area. 'Surely there wouldn't be any party politics involved when the Orchard Brae development proposal goes before the council. 'As well as the creation of over 2000 new jobs our plan includes new housing a two new primary schools, a medical centre and a state of the art £2.5 million football facility for the local community while retaining 64 per cent of the site as green space. 'All of this at a time when we are desperately in need of good housing good jobs and economic growth for the people of North Lanarkshire. ' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The development has caused controversy since it was first proposed in 2018 as it would be built on greenbelt land. The strip of land between the villages of Calderbank and Carnbroe was formerly owned by the daughters of Tory Home Secretary William Whitelaw, who died in 1999. Orchard Brae is run by the Souness family and one-time bankrupt Scott Gillespie, a member of the Gillespie mining dynasty who went bust owing £60million. The proposal is for almost 1000 homes, a community football facility, a community centre and two schools alongside three large zones for business development. More than half of the site will be kept as green space. Campaigners have called for the scheme to be rejected arguing it would have a 'catastrophic and irreversible effect on the nature and biodiversity of these areas'. The Woodhall, Faskine and Palacecraig Conservation Group said in its objection: 'The lighting from these buildings would also have a detrimental effect on protected wildlife such as bats, which are currently present on the site. As would the increased noise and pollution from the vehicles (including HGVs) that would be regularly accessing the site.' The SNP is the second largest group in the council with 24 representatives to the Labour administration's 33. Their vote could be crucial in deciding whether the plan gets the go-ahead, with the Tories understood to be voting against it. A spokeswoman for Carragher said: 'SNP councillors will have a free vote of this matter and, as always, will conduct their votes solely on the basis of the merits of the application.'
Scoop
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Pulse Boosted By Return Of Souness
Press Release – Netball Central Zone Against the backdrop of a shortened season, players trickling back from injury has been a welcome boost for Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse and their expectations of a successful ANZ Premiership netball campaign. Refreshed and repaired after a lengthy lay-off following ankle surgery, sparkling midcourter Whitney Souness made a successful return when going on to play three quarters of last week's opening round match while adding to the Pulse's playing stocks for their clash against the Mystics in Auckland on Saturday. Speed, agility, deft footwork and pin-point feeds are all part of the pivot's trademark skills and after several months of inactivity, she was quickly back into her work, defying her time away but conscious of needing to raise the bar against a well-credentialled Mystics. Both teams had opening round wins. 'After their first game, they'll be on a high and seeing them play, they've got flair, speed and experience, so they'll be ready to play hard,'' Souness said of the impending clash. 'We've just got to stop them early, bring the intensity from the first whistle and really take off from the outset. 'It's going to be tough, it's going to be fast, it's going to be physical and they'll bring it but we'll bring it too.'' Injured when playing for the Silver Ferns in the second test of the Taini Jamison Trophy series against England last September, Souness eventually underwent a total ankle reconstruction to repair the two ligaments, one of which was hanging upside down. The mercurial little midcourter mirrored her on-court presence with immaculate timing through her five months of rehabbing. Having just two pre-season hit-outs for limited minutes in the two weeks preceding the opening round of the ANZ Premiership, the plan of being ready for Round 1 couldn't have worked out any better. 'I'm really grateful for all the support from our physios, coaches, trainers and team-mates to get me there,'' she said. 'I probably just started doing court stuff about five weeks ago and up until then had not done any. 'Getting rid of a few cobwebs was important in that first game and just getting used to playing netball at that intensity and that level again. It wasn't just about me having to find my feet back on the court but also finding my netball mind, that took a bit of adjusting. 'Because I've been loaded and managed for a bit on the court, I haven't been able to train fully some days but I'm back to normal now, so hopefully from here, with more game time and more full trainings, I'll find my full confidence and be able to just keep pushing.'' The down time has given Souness a complete mental and physical break from netball, from which she has returned refreshed and invigorated. Having started a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Samoan Studies, some years ago, she has returned to the books with relish, completing four elective papers during summer school. Souness has welcomed the injection of former Australian Diamond midcourter Gabi Simpson and shooter Amorangi Malesala, as temporary injury cover, both adding to a vibrant Pulse mix. 'Gabi just brings a different intensity that we're not used to, so it's really cool having her in the group, her experience, her speed and her netball head,'' Souness said. 'There's lots to learn from her and she's always got some good feedback that we can take in and improve from. She's bringing real of value to this group. 'Having Amorangi come in and have an opportunity to play is great for her and both she and Gabi did really well in our first game. They've been training hard, they really want to be here and they're making their mark.'' Souness was happy with how the Pulse adjusted to the new rules in the first round, particularly the two-point shot, expecting as time goes on with more practical game-time experience, there will be refinement according to what works best and what doesn't. The match will be screened live and free to air on TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+ at 4pm on Saturday.
Scoop
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Pulse Boosted By Return Of Souness
Against the backdrop of a shortened season, players trickling back from injury has been a welcome boost for Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse and their expectations of a successful ANZ Premiership netball campaign. Refreshed and repaired after a lengthy lay-off following ankle surgery, sparkling midcourter Whitney Souness made a successful return when going on to play three quarters of last week's opening round match while adding to the Pulse's playing stocks for their clash against the Mystics in Auckland on Saturday. Speed, agility, deft footwork and pin-point feeds are all part of the pivot's trademark skills and after several months of inactivity, she was quickly back into her work, defying her time away but conscious of needing to raise the bar against a well-credentialled Mystics. Both teams had opening round wins. ``After their first game, they'll be on a high and seeing them play, they've got flair, speed and experience, so they'll be ready to play hard,'' Souness said of the impending clash. ``We've just got to stop them early, bring the intensity from the first whistle and really take off from the outset. ``It's going to be tough, it's going to be fast, it's going to be physical and they'll bring it but we'll bring it too.'' Injured when playing for the Silver Ferns in the second test of the Taini Jamison Trophy series against England last September, Souness eventually underwent a total ankle reconstruction to repair the two ligaments, one of which was hanging upside down. The mercurial little midcourter mirrored her on-court presence with immaculate timing through her five months of rehabbing. Having just two pre-season hit-outs for limited minutes in the two weeks preceding the opening round of the ANZ Premiership, the plan of being ready for Round 1 couldn't have worked out any better. ``I'm really grateful for all the support from our physios, coaches, trainers and team-mates to get me there,'' she said. ``I probably just started doing court stuff about five weeks ago and up until then had not done any. ``Getting rid of a few cobwebs was important in that first game and just getting used to playing netball at that intensity and that level again. It wasn't just about me having to find my feet back on the court but also finding my netball mind, that took a bit of adjusting. ``Because I've been loaded and managed for a bit on the court, I haven't been able to train fully some days but I'm back to normal now, so hopefully from here, with more game time and more full trainings, I'll find my full confidence and be able to just keep pushing.'' The down time has given Souness a complete mental and physical break from netball, from which she has returned refreshed and invigorated. Having started a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Samoan Studies, some years ago, she has returned to the books with relish, completing four elective papers during summer school. Souness has welcomed the injection of former Australian Diamond midcourter Gabi Simpson and shooter Amorangi Malesala, as temporary injury cover, both adding to a vibrant Pulse mix. ``Gabi just brings a different intensity that we're not used to, so it's really cool having her in the group, her experience, her speed and her netball head,'' Souness said. ``There's lots to learn from her and she's always got some good feedback that we can take in and improve from. She's bringing real of value to this group. ``Having Amorangi come in and have an opportunity to play is great for her and both she and Gabi did really well in our first game. They've been training hard, they really want to be here and they're making their mark.'' Souness was happy with how the Pulse adjusted to the new rules in the first round, particularly the two-point shot, expecting as time goes on with more practical game-time experience, there will be refinement according to what works best and what doesn't. The match will be screened live and free to air on TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+ at 4pm on Saturday.
RTHK
15-05-2025
- Sport
- RTHK
'Stars of the future' at HKFC Soccer Sevens: Souness
'Stars of the future' at HKFC Soccer Sevens: Souness Former Liverpool captain and manager, Graeme Souness (left), and Scott Semple, Chairman of the HKFC Soccer Sevens, said the Hong Kong Soccer Sevens is a great experience for young players. Photo: RTHK Football fans in Hong Kong are gearing up for the HKFC Standard Chartered Soccer Sevens this weekend, which is bigger than ever with more overseas, top-tier clubs taking part. The Main Tournament is open age (players must be at least 16) and generally features younger players from some of the top European clubs playing against more senior players from local clubs and teams around Asia. According to football legend Graeme Souness, rising stars from the English Premier League will be on show at the Hong Kong Football Club. "It should an entertaining affair, these are the stars of the future and I would say to anyone who's got an interest in soccer, come along and watch," the former Liverpool captain and manager told RTHK's Backchat programme. Current and former EPL aces like Jack Grealish, Gary Cahill and Glen Johnson are some of the young players who made a name for themselves in the tournament, which made its debut in the city in 1999. Brighton will defend their title, headlining a stellar lineup of high-profile clubs like Aston Villa, West Ham United, and Leicester City. Local favorites like the BC Rangers and Yau Yee League Select will take part as well. This year also brings exciting first-time participants, like AZ Alkmaar, Western United, Larne FC, and Macau FA. The Women's Tournament, meanwhile, will return with more teams after a making a successful debut last year. . Scott Semple, Chairman of the HKFC Soccer Sevens, said the goal is to keep growing the tournament internationally. "Having AZ Alkmaar from the Netherlands, they'll be very technical, the teams from England maybe a bit more physical, so different styles and ways of approaching the game," Semple said. He added that that the visiting players will get a chance to do some sightseeing around Hong Kong during their stay. As for Souness, who's also managed other prolific teams like Rangers and Southampton, said he's soaking in nostalgia – having made his first visit to Hong Kong back in 1979 as a player. "Welcoming, humid, the waterfront looks the same to me but I am sure it's changed with different buildings. I just love being here,' he said. 'I saw something coming into this building which we don't see in Europe -- people queuing orderly to get into the lifts, and it's such a warm feeling -- back in Europe it's every man for himself and the elbows would be up... [people are] so polite [here] and it's so nice to see.'
