Latest news with #TylerJames
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
A day that Bury will never forget
Bury FC fans are celebrating a day they will never forget after the Shakers were crowned champions following a knock-out match against Burscough. The 4-0 win will finally see the team promoted back up the football pyramid, after six 'desperate' years trying to recover from a devastating loss in Radcliffe. The club were expelled from the League in 2019 what was the darkest day in the club's 140-year history. Fans were left devastated. But after a two year push for change by supporter-led groups, the Shakers are now 'back where they belong', according to fans. Almost 9,000 supporters crowded into the stadium at Gigg Lane to watch the match. They needed just a point at home to Burscough in order to be crowned North West Counties League Premier Division champions - and came out with four killer goals and a ticket to the next League. READ MORE: Husband's gruesome act of 'pure hatred' after discovering wife's affair READ MORE: 'I couldn't ignore what I found at beauty spot - there are families here' While many fans entered with little more than cautious optimism, the atmosphere quickly turned jubilant after Aiden Walker scored a goal in the 19th minute, and another followed from Tyler James four minutes later. After two more goals in rapid succession during the second half, the crowd knew exactly where the game was headed and promptly started a mosh pit at the barriers. Storming the pitch after the final whistle was still ringing out across the stadium, fans celebrated ecstatically. Supporters of all ages sang, launched flares, chanted and danced together in the players' honours. There were tears and many, many drinks spilt. Speaking after their champions' status was officially confirmed, long-term fan Liam Murphey, 37, said: 'I'm ecstatic. I've been a fan since 1993. I was broken when we were expelled from the league, I was there when we restarted. Today has been full of emotion and it's been bloody brilliant. 'I've not seen a crowd like this for a long time. It's been worth it. Worth all the heartache to come back and see this today, fans united together to watch a team like this playing fantastic football. Get in there.' And long-term fan Rachel Lewis, 56, who attended the game with her son Aled, 29, was almost in tears as she exited the stadium. 'It's really emotional,' she said. 'Everything we've been through these last few years. It's been a long time coming.' Fans shared they were off for drinks or chippy teas in Bury and Manchester to celebrate the victory. 'I'm sure Bury will be buzzing tonight. They deserve a good night out,' Rick Ramsden, 38, said, adding that this was 'just the beginning' and he hoped to see a few more promotions in the coming years. In total, 8,719 fans crowded into the stalls at Bury today - a huge number for the ninth tier of English football. Fans' commitment have kept the club alive. And it's clear there's already a next generation of Bury loyals are also well on the way. It was three-year-old Charlie's first football game with dad, Andy, 33. "It's always been my dream to bring my own little boy to a Bury football match, and here we are!" And Hannah, 24, attended the final with four generations of her family and, 'honorarily' her out-of-town boyfriend. Hannah was 'born into' the Bury FC loyalty. "Dad had me in Shakers' stompers before I could walk," she said. And even Shakers' veterans were out in force today. Roger Lightbown, 79, has been watching Bury games since 1952. His son and carer Graham, 55, 'makes it a priority that he never misses a game' even after all these years. Whether old or young, today's game will be one the Bury FC fans won't be forgetting in a hurry.
USA Today
18-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Five biggest takeaways from Notre Dame football's annual 'Pot of Gold Day'
Five biggest takeaways from Notre Dame football's annual 'Pot of Gold Day' It was another busy 'Pot of Gold Day' for Notre Dame football, as they offered over 90 players on the day according to Tyler James. The Irish once again dominated the headlines on St. Patrick's Day, which is essentially the goal. It's safe to say that the mission was accomplished, and then some. Notre Dame made a big personnel move as well, as the hiring of Jourdan Blake to the recruiting staff. There was plenty that we learned about the direction of the Notre Dame football program on Monday, and here are my five biggest takeaways. Notre Dame does not look at recruiting rankings While we all love to see 5-star prospects commit to the Irish, that is not how this coaching staff goes about its business. They have often given out scholarships and have taken commitments from lower ranked players, only to coach them up to perform at a high-level. It's clear that Notre Dame does its own player assessments, pretty much ignoring what the recruiting experts say. It is working, so there shouldn't be complains about star rankings. Former Irish & NFL players son's continue to be a focus It has really become a reoccurring theme with this coaching staff, they want former Irish players along with NFL players son's on their roster. They continued that trend with offers out to legacy Julius Jones Jr., and former NFL tight end Jason Witten's son Cooper. Not only that, they offered a current player Junior Tuihalamaka's brother Alifeleti. Like the Irish have done with its scouting, they don't look like they're going to be stopping trying to sign recruits with football bloodlines. Notre Dame could see its hard work paying off soon Elite edge rusher David Jacobs and his younger brother, Dawson, will be on campus later this week. — Matt Freeman (@mattfreeman05_) March 18, 2025 Not all of these offers were strategic, but more than a few were. Multiple prospects have already scheduled spring visits to South Bend, and now that they have offers in-hand, there could be an inclination to end the process and pull the trigger to commit to Notre Dame in the coming months. Yes, they offered a huge amount of players today, as they know not all of them will wear the Blue and Gold. However, for more than a few, it will work out for the Irish in the end. All Notre Dame staff members were on the same page A lot of credit has to go out to Notre Dame's head coach Marcus Freeman, as he has really elevated this day since it began in 2021 according to the They also noted that in each year the number of offers have risen, this year to a high of over 90 after hitting 87 last year. It might be hard to top that number going forward, but it's still progression. Every staff member was involved, which meant this was a team effort. It was impressive to see. The announcement of Jourdan Blake wasn't by mistake I love the timing of this hire, as you had to know that the Irish have been trying to fill a hole in its recruiting staff for a few weeks. Freeman knew that the excitement surrounding all the offers would be a cherry on top with Blake entering the fold. You have to wonder when he was actually hired, and how much of an impact he had on what transpired today. Either way, it's a good hire, as Colorado, his former home, made drastic improvements from year-one to year-two. Notre Dame football celebrates St. Patrick's Day with offers out on 'Pot of Gold Day' Report: Jourdan Blake set to head to Notre Dame Notre Dame football recruiting update ahead of 'Pot of Gold Day'
