Latest news with #WestStand
Evening Standard
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Evening Standard
Sunderland reach Championship play-off final as last-gasp Dan Ballard goal stuns Coventry
With the LED boards surrounding the pitch significantly closer than usual to the playing surface - perhaps no coincidence with Milan van Ewijk's long throw among the visitors' armoury - the game kicked off amid thunderous noise on a night when the hosts announced their decision to name the West Stand after 1973 FA Cup-winning goalkeeper Jimmy Montgomery.
The National
02-05-2025
- Sport
- The National
Toyosi Olusanya's St Mirren memories in his own words
The final whistle blew, and immediately Jonah Ayunga was in his arms in joyous celebration, a quick fist pump and encouragement to raise the volume in the stands was followed by singing and dancing in front of the West Stand at the SMiSA Stadium. A choreographed handshake for Richard Taylor, a point to the heavens and a huge smile across his face, the emotion seeped out of Toyosi Olusanya. Then, stop. A moment of sudden realisation, reflection and appreciation for his surroundings. This would be his final moment on the pitch as a St Mirren player in Paisley, the players and coaching staff he embraced would have the word former inserted before any future mention. As the jubilant scenes continued after a 3-2 win over Ross County to claim a third consecutive top-six finish, Olusanya took it all in with the bittersweet feeling that a life-changing period in his life was over with a contract at Houston Dynamo on the horizon. "We ended the game on Saturday and I was jumping around. We were celebrating, we were dancing and then at the back of my head, I was like, wow, like it sunk in then and there, that this could be my last game here. "Just to end the way it ended, you know, just celebrating getting top six, celebrating winning, you know, in front of the fans and stuff like would have probably been the cherry on top. "In terms of obviously the football, the pressure was on to get top six before anything about the move came about. So, you know, that would always sort itself out. "It played out perfectly, it worked out very well. We won, winning and getting top six. "For myself personally, I feel like we left on a high. Obviously, I just want the boys to carry on and see what, you know, what they can push and what they can get by the end of the season. "It's a squad thing and, you know, the day went how we wanted it to go and it's not always about me. "Hopefully, I'll be back in Paisley soon, if it's the end of the season here when I can visit. I've shown my appreciation to everybody, all the fans, the staff, the players. I just wish them all the best." Olusanya previously admitted manager Stephen Robinson has been something of a father figure to him during his time in Scotland. From a stern discussion with his future up in the air to becoming the first-choice striker, the St Mirren boss has played a key role - just as he did during his transfer decision. "The gaffer has been brilliant with me," said Olusanya. "He obviously has the best interests of the club, but he also has my best interests as well. So it was kind of like a clash. "He was the first person to call me and just tell me how proud of me he was and how happy he was for me. He wished me all the best." Read more: It speaks volumes to the high regard Olusanya was held in by his team-mates that a farewell message on Instagram was flooded with goodwill messages, even if Mika Mandon was taken aback by the lack of special mention. "I've spoken to all the boys even before it got announced," said the striker. "All the boys were dropping me messages and stuff like that, wishing me all the best. "We made relationships on the pitch and off the pitch. I wish them all the best and I'll be seeing them soon. We'll be in contact for sure." As for any supporters, particularly younger supporters left disappointed by his departure, Olusanya added: "Honestly, I don't even know, I've left a few people's children and nephews and stuff like that upset. "To them, I wish it played out a bit differently and I could have told people on my last day, but obviously, I wish everybody all the best." While there will be some disappointment at Olusanya not lining up in a St Mirren kit again, he undoubtedly leaves with a wealth of unforgettable moments for the club. "Ah, never forget moments, let me think," it didn't take long. "The equaliser against Brann, I would say, was very, very special. The Aberdeen goal last season with a 2-1 late win. A bit of Toyosi Time for you. "No, there are so many memories. Knowing we got top six again this year, it felt good. Securing Europe last season against Dundee away at Dens Park that was a special moment. "There's been so many, there's been so many, honestly, I can't pinpoint them. "Rangers, you know, being the Old Firm, home and away. Rangers, obviously, our place and at Ibrox was special as well."
The Herald Scotland
02-05-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Toyosi Olusanya's St Mirren memories in his own words
The final whistle blew, and immediately Jonah Ayunga was in his arms in joyous celebration, a quick fist pump and encouragement to raise the volume in the stands was followed by singing and dancing in front of the West Stand at the SMiSA Stadium. A choreographed handshake for Richard Taylor, a point to the heavens and a huge smile across his face, the emotion seeped out of Toyosi Olusanya. Then, stop. A moment of sudden realisation, reflection and appreciation for his surroundings. This would be his final moment on the pitch as a St Mirren player in Paisley, the players and coaching staff he embraced would have the word former inserted before any future mention. As the jubilant scenes continued after a 3-2 win over Ross County to claim a third consecutive top-six finish, Olusanya took it all in with the bittersweet feeling that a life-changing period in his life was over with a contract at Houston Dynamo on the horizon. "We ended the game on Saturday and I was jumping around. We were celebrating, we were dancing and then at the back of my head, I was like, wow, like it sunk in then and there, that this could be my last game here. "Just to end the way it ended, you know, just celebrating getting top six, celebrating winning, you know, in front of the fans and stuff like would have probably been the cherry on top. "In terms of obviously the football, the pressure was on to get top six before anything about the move came about. So, you know, that would always sort itself out. "It played out perfectly, it worked out very well. We won, winning and getting top six. "For myself personally, I feel like we left on a high. Obviously, I just want the boys to carry on and see what, you know, what they can push and what they can get by the end of the season. "It's a squad thing and, you know, the day went how we wanted it to go and it's not always about me. "Hopefully, I'll be back in Paisley soon, if it's the end of the season here when I can visit. I've shown my appreciation to everybody, all the fans, the staff, the players. I just wish them all the best." Olusanya previously admitted manager Stephen Robinson has been something of a father figure to him during his time in Scotland. From a stern discussion with his future up in the air to becoming the first-choice striker, the St Mirren boss has played a key role - just as he did during his transfer decision. "The gaffer has been brilliant with me," said Olusanya. "He obviously has the best interests of the club, but he also has my best interests as well. So it was kind of like a clash. "He was the first person to call me and just tell me how proud of me he was and how happy he was for me. He wished me all the best." Read more: It speaks volumes to the high regard Olusanya was held in by his team-mates that a farewell message on Instagram was flooded with goodwill messages, even if Mika Mandon was taken aback by the lack of special mention. "I've spoken to all the boys even before it got announced," said the striker. "All the boys were dropping me messages and stuff like that, wishing me all the best. "We made relationships on the pitch and off the pitch. I wish them all the best and I'll be seeing them soon. We'll be in contact for sure." As for any supporters, particularly younger supporters left disappointed by his departure, Olusanya added: "Honestly, I don't even know, I've left a few people's children and nephews and stuff like that upset. "To them, I wish it played out a bit differently and I could have told people on my last day, but obviously, I wish everybody all the best." While there will be some disappointment at Olusanya not lining up in a St Mirren kit again, he undoubtedly leaves with a wealth of unforgettable moments for the club. "Ah, never forget moments, let me think," it didn't take long. "The equaliser against Brann, I would say, was very, very special. The Aberdeen goal last season with a 2-1 late win. A bit of Toyosi Time for you. "No, there are so many memories. Knowing we got top six again this year, it felt good. Securing Europe last season against Dundee away at Dens Park that was a special moment. "There's been so many, there's been so many, honestly, I can't pinpoint them. "Rangers, you know, being the Old Firm, home and away. Rangers, obviously, our place and at Ibrox was special as well."
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Junior ticket offer at 'Luke Littler Stadium' for homecoming match
JUNIOR fans can watch Warrington Wolves' first Super League home game of 2025 and welcome home our newest sporting hero for a reduced price. When The Wire take on Catalans Dragons on Friday, February 21, at the renamed 'Luke Littler Stadium' in honour of our world darts champion, under 16s can watch the action from the West Stand for just £5. The Halliwell Jones Stadium is being renamed for one night only in order to celebrate Littler's homecoming after winning the World Darts Championship, with the 18-year-old Wire fan to parade the Sid Waddell Trophy to the crowd at half-time. The £5 junior ticket offer applies to the West Stand only, with adults able to buy a West Stand ticket for £10 (one allowed per junior ticket). The offer can be redeemed when buying tickets online or in-person at the club shop. We're pleased to announce that kids tickets are just £5 in the West Stand for our Home Opener against Catalans Dragons at The Luke Littler Stadium! — Warrington Wolves (@WarringtonRLFC) February 14, 2025
The Guardian
29-01-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Fire outside Etihad Stadium causes disruption before Manchester City game
An area outside the Etihad Stadium had to be evacuated before Manchester City's Champions League game against Club Brugge on Wednesday after a merchandise kiosk caught fire. The blaze broke out shortly before 6pm, close to where Pep Guardiola's City team had been due to enter the stadium at around 6.30pm. Supporters had gathered in the area for a pre-match entertainment show which included on-stage interviews with January signings Omar Marmoush, Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov. When the fire broke out, the show had already begun with women's players Rebecca Knaak and Aemu Oyama on stage. The event was suspended as flames took hold of the nearby kiosk. Stewards moved fans away before fire services arrived on the scene, with the remainder of the pre-match show cancelled. The area was quickly evacuated by stewards and security staff and a fire engine was on the scene within minutes. The fire soon appeared to be brought under control. It was announced at 6.22pm that the stadium was open and fans could enter but three entrance gates inside the cordoned-off area close to the scene were still closed. According to local reports, the team used a different entrance to access the stadium with the West Stand reception closed. The game, which City need to win in order to progress to the Champions League knockout stages, is due to kick off at 8pm GMT as scheduled. A club statement read: 'Manchester City FC can confirm that there has been a fire in one of the outside merchandise kiosks, located near the entrance to the Colin Bell West Stand. Emergency services are present at the scene and the fire has now been extinguished. 'The safety of all attending the match tonight is our top priority, and as such all events planned for West Stand reception have been cancelled, including the welcome event for new players, and the first team arrival.' A later update from the club added: 'All entrances are open, and fans can move around the Etihad Stadium as per usual. Thank you for your cooperation. We can confirm that tonight's match will kick off at 8pm as originally planned.' Emergency services have yet to provide an official update, but it is thought that the fire has been safely extinguished and nobody has been injured. This is a developing story
