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Stoke’s Heaney joins forces with Frank Warren

Stoke-on-Trent’s favourite boxer Nathan ‘Hitman’ Heaney has been signed by Hall of Fame promotor Frank Warren and a broadcasting giant.

The 31-year-old announced on Wednesday that he was teaming up with Warren’s company Queensbury Promotions as well as BT Sport.

Warren has managed a plethora of boxing household names over his career such as Amir Khan, Joe Calzaghe and Tyson Fury.

He said: “I am delighted to confirm that hugely popular 10-0 Stoke middleweight Nathan ‘Hitman’ Heaney has joined the Queensberry Squad!”

In his ten bouts, Heaney has dealt three knock-out victories, one of which came at Arena Birmingham in November at the ‘Midlands Mayhem’ event organised by Warren, beating Nelson Altamirano by technical knock-out in the fifth round live on BT Sport.

Upon the news, Heaney said: “I’m proud to finally announce that I have now been signed by Hall of Fame promotor Frank Warren (Queensbury Promotions) and BT Sport.

“This really has been a dream come true and something I never thought would happen, even though I always did my best as an amateur and professional to try and make it so.”

He also gave tribute to his late father, who sadly passed away last year.

Heaney is undefeated in all of his ten professional bouts

He stated: “I hold this promotional company close to my heart, as growing up in my late teens and early 20s my Dad would always say to his mates: ‘One day he will be signed with Warren’, but I doubt they ever believed him.

“And you know what, I didn’t believe him either as I always underachieved in the championships. As always though, you were right Dad.”

The Stoke City supporter, whose ring walk song is ‘Delilah’, thanked his staff and partner Louise Martin before giving a message for his fans too.

“All I can say is thank you to every single one of you who has supported me along the way. You are all the reason I am in this position and I honestly can’t wait to see us Stokies absolutely taking over the arenas and BT Sport!”

“I’ve always said I want to bring the biggest boxing nights to our city, and now I have a chance. Once a fight date and venue is set I’ll let you all know.

“Thank you again guys and I can’t wait to see what nights await us. Just got to keep winning!”

Heaney has been ranked inside the top 15 middleweights in the UK and claimed the IBO Continental Super Middleweight title last month after comfortably beating Christian Schembri on points in their bout in March, taking his professional undefeated record to 10-0.

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Influx of talent at Stone Rugby Club

Stone Rugby Club has been very busy during the lockdown period, welcoming in a host of new players and already confirming the retention of a majority of their squad ahead of the 2020/21 campaign.

The big news is that Senior Mens Head Coach Tom Hughes signs on for next season and takes up the title of Head of Senior Rugby at the club.

He stated: “I am pleased to announce that I will once again be working with Stone Rugby next season as Head of Senior Rugby.

“I am excited with how the club continues to push forward and with the ambition the club continually shows.

“The opportunity to develop both the ladies and the mens sections is exciting.”

Max Jennings will join his management team as he steps into the role of Senior Coach, stating: “After joining part way through last season I am thrilled to be on board once again with Stone Rugby.”

Among the new recruits are centres Vaughan and Ieuan Hodson.

A spokesperson for Stone Rugby Club said: “We welcome two new additions to the Stone squad and what a pair of acquisitions they are! The hugely talented Hodson boys join the club this season and we couldn’t be more delighted.

“Both lads are currently studying at university but are committed to coming back to run out for Stone when needed. “Just two more examples of where we are going as a club and two big players in ensuring we make a mark in the league.”

Stone look like they will be a force to be reckoned with by the time next season kicks off

Following closely behind is second rower Joe Oldacre, who is described as “the kind of player you want on your side rather than on the opposition.”

Meanwhile, after playing for Stone sporadically last season, Liam Jones joins the set-up on a full-time basis while full-back Jamie Palmer returns to the set-up after a year away.

“Great acquisition” Ewen McDonald also comes through the door, as does fellow back row talent Sam Bradbury.

Hooker Shane Ballard and scum half Daniel Pover will pull on the colours of Stone for the first time next campaign as they sign on the dotted line too.

A large number of last season’s squad have also been confirmed as Stone players for next year, including “club legend” David Shufflebotham and Ed Borgman who will have represented Stone over across four decades in his next appearance.

Also to sign on for the next season are as follows: Jake Pederson; Alex Potts; Dom Bould; Conor Moore; Sam Henson; Curtis Bates; Kieran Allen; Josh Cheadle; James Brough; Daryl Fox; Joe Baggaley; John Bekalo; Ollie Reynolds; Rich Meredith; Conor Norton; Marcus Reynolds; Luc Podmore; Steven Loughhead.

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Heath Hayes donates more than £600 to the NHS

Staffordshire football club Heath Hayes has donated its players end of season fund to NHS Charities Together to help frontline medical workers combat the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

In total, the club gave £636 to the charity and with gift aid this figure rises to £795.

One club follower told Sport in Staffs that the end of season fund is a collection of fines given to players throughout the season, such as turning up late for training or forgetting kit, and that this pot of money goes towards a night out at the conclusion of the campaign.

He stated: “I think it was for a good night out at the end of the season which they have sacrificed for the NHS – take into consideration that these lads don’t get a penny for playing.”

A message attached with the donation said: “Heath Hayes would like to donate the players end of season fund to thank the NHS for all of their hard work and care during these unprecedented times.”

A spokesperson for Heath Hayes stated: “A wonderful gesture from a great team of lads.

“Look forward to thanking them personally when all this is over and football has returned to The Coppice Colliery Ground. Well done lads.”

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Managerial duo depart Eccleshall

The joint-managers of North West Counties Football League side Eccleshall have announced that they have stepped down from their roles.

Kyle Adams and Craig Bould tweeted the news that they had both had left the club, both departing with fond memories of the club.

Adams stated: “(It was) A difficult decision to step down at Eccleshall after a fantastic 16 months. Wonderful club with great people.

“A big thanks to the players, committee, supporters and all volunteers for all their help/efforts during my time there.”

Speaking to Sport in Staffs, Adams said: “I’ve loved my time there and it’s a fantastic club with some great people.

“I just feel that after the excellent season we had this year there aren’t quite the things in place in order to push on.”

On Friday night, Bould also wrote about his exit, saying: “Well that’s my time at Eccleshall FC over. Some good memories and some good people and most of all a great group of players.”

Kyle Adams (pictured) and Craig Bould had a positive 2019/20 campaign with Eccleshall prior to the decision to void the non-league season

The duo had guided Eccleshall to 7th place in the NWCFL First Division South when their season was cancelled due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Adams previously told Sport in Staffs that there was “no clear answer” in regards to the various possibilities of how the non-league football season could have been ended.

Fans were quick to thank the pair and laud praise on them both for their efforts during their tenure.

One supporter wrote: “All the best Kyle, did a great job.”

Another also stated that Bould and Adams did “a great job” adding: “Good luck with whatever is next.”

“You have done a great job! Hope you’re safe and well and back in the game soon,” a fellow follower commented.

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Stafford Town announce new first team managers

Midland Football League club Stafford Town has unveiled two new first team managers.

On Friday evening, the MFL Division 1 outfit announced that Dom Heath and Steve Barrow would take over as joint first team managers with immediate effect.

Previous boss Jake Robinson was thanked by Stafford Town for his contribution during his tenure at the club.

A spokesperson for Stafford Town said: “A new management team has been appointed. Dom Heath and Steve Barrow will take over as joint first team managers with immediate effect.

“We would like to thank Jake Robinson for his efforts and contributions to the club over the last few seasons and wish him all the best for the future.”

Stafford Town were bottom of the division after picking up just 16 points from 30 league games when the 2019/20 season was declared void amid the coronavirus pandemic.

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Staffordshire cricket-lovers start viral fundraising campaign – and it goes global

A campaign started by cricket-lovers in Staffordshire has already raised thousands of pounds for the NHS amid the coronavirus pandemic.

David Fairbanks from Audley and friends Craig Barker and David Edwards decided to launch ‘Smash The Tash – Cricketers Against Covid-19’, which encourages fellow cricket players and fans to grow a moustache, two days before the cricket season would have started to raise money for the NHS.

The initiative encourages people to donate the money usually used for subs and refreshments to the cause, also asking participants to grow facial hair throughout the lockdown and then on the eve of their first game.

The fundraiser has already brought in over £6,000.

David Fairbanks told Sport in Staffs: “The idea started about 10 days into lockdown two days prior to our first game.

“A string of WhatsApp messages between me, Craig Barker and David Edwards basically passing the time exchanging cricketing anecdotes and taking the mickey out one another branched off towards who could grow the most facial hair until a ball was bowled.

“I then slept on it and thought it had the genuine potential to be a good fundraiser for our NHS heroes on the frontline. The other lads agreed – so we then started targeting we’ll know lads around in the local cricketing community. They were all on board straight away.”

The domestic cricket season was due to start earlier this month

David explained how their target has been greatly surpassed.

“Our target initially was £500. That was surpassed in two hours. Credit must go to all the lads on this because the news spread pretty rapidly around north Staffordshire.

“Seven days in and we’ve past £5,500 which shows you how proud we are in the area and how cricket means to us.

“We’ve now had to set up an official twitter and Instagram account because we want to raise awareness beyond the Stoke-on-Trent ‘boundary rope’.”

Smash the Tash has now reached a global audience with messages of positivity and support from people in many different countries in other continents such as the USA, South Africa and Australia.

“We haven’t put a timescale on it as yet as we want this to keep people’s spirits high, to use it as platform to see if they can be proactive and make any kind of difference,” David continued.

“The weekends are always going to be tough so we want people to keep checking in on us to see how they can help as it’s also a good distraction from what’s going on in the world right now.”

An endless number of cricket clubs in Staffordshire have shown their support and donated to the initiative.

To view and donate to the fundraiser click here.

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Two further new recruits join Stoke

Stoke-on-Trent Rugby Club has increased its number of new signings further by welcoming two new players into its set-up.

On Saturday, the Midlands 1 West outfit announced the return of hooker JJ Broberg from Chester RFC.

The 22-year-old spent his juniors days at Stoke before featuring for the Midlands Under 20’s, going on to be a squad member of Championship side Nottingham RFC.

A day later, back-rower Jaoji Waqanivere was unveiled as the latest former player to come back to the club.

Also experienced in rugby sevens, the 23-year-old joins from Newcastle after spending several years at Stoke prior to his departure.

The club has announced many a signing since the start of April, including former Longton player Nathan Caucau and former member Chris Yates.

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ECB launches emergency loan scheme for cricket clubs

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has launched an emergency loan scheme for cricket clubs and leagues across the country amid the coronavirus outbreak, which could help many Staffordshire outfits.

This scheme consists of a package that will assist in covering any shortfall in maintenance and running costs until “normal recreational activity can be resumed.”

This includes facilities such as utility costs, security and insurance as well as any equipment and rental charges.

Any club affiliated to the County Cricket Board in 2019 or 2020 can apply and this scheme will run for a maximum of 12 months.

Clubs that have a junior section can apply for a loan of up to £5,000 while adult-only teams can borrow up to £3,000.

The ECB has also set up a ‘Return to Cricket Grant Scheme’ that will help struggling clubs who are in exceptional circumstances, such as those where there is a high risk of default in paying back a loan.

The domestic cricket season was scheduled to start on April 16

This will only be an option for clubs and leagues that are prevented from using the emergency loan scheme and have a turnover of less than £15,000.

Clubs that have a junior section can ask for up to £3,000 while those that are adult-only can claim up to £1,000. Leagues that cater to any age can get up to £2,000.

ECB Director of Participation & Growth, Nick Pryde, said: “This is a very difficult time for our sport and for everyone involved in the recreational game across England and Wales.

“ECB understands the concerns of everyone involved in cricket and we want to be able to support. We hope that these Emergency Support Measures will be beneficial to you and your club.

“We would like to thank you for your efforts in working for your club, for your league and for the game throughout this difficult period, we understand it hasn’t been easy.

“All of us at ECB will continue to listen to the recreational game and work with you to help support and guide. Together we can help our game overcome this challenge.”

For more information on how clubs can apply and what the specific terms and conditions are, click here.

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FA Trophy-winning manager announced as Pitmen’s new boss

Southern League Central outfit Hednesford Town unveiled its new manager on Friday – a man who has won the FA Trophy.

The Pitmen announced that former Wrexham and Coventry striker Andy Morrell would be taking hold of the reins ahead of the 2020/21 season.

The 45-year-old took Wrexham to Wembley twice in his first job as a manager. As well as winning the FA Trophy in 2013, his side it all the way to the National League play-off final too.

Morrell also had a spell at Staffordshire rivals Tamworth where he took the Lambs from send bottom to just missing out on a play-off spot in the National League North in the 2014/15 season, going onto stay at the club for another three years.

During his playing days, Morrell played over 500 senior games, scoring more than 130 goals along the way.

His prolific 34-goal season for Wrexham in the 2002/03 campaign saw him named in the PFA Team of the Year.

Morrell was a highly rated Football League striker in his playing days

Speaking on signing for Hednesford Town, Morrell stated: “I am very grateful for this opportunity to become manager of Hednesford Town at this very exciting time and along with the new owners and staff developing a football club that the community and fans can be proud of”.

The club announced a change of ownership last month with new owners Graham Jones and Hayden Dando coming in at the helm.

In a joint statement regarding the appointment of Morrell, they said: “We would again like to place our thanks on record to Danny Glover, Dean Glover and Ben Bailey for guiding the club through a difficult period last season.

“Whilst we had a number of candidates available to us, from the moment we first spoke with Andy we were impressed by his level of knowledge, enthusiasm and genuine excitement at the project here at Keys Park.

“Andy’s career has seen him stay in his previous management roles for over three years which in football says a lot about the character of the man; his attitude, expertise and ability are a fantastic fit with our ‘one club one badge ethos’.

“We are very excited about the season ahead with Andy in charge and we look forward with real enthusiasm to the season ahead.”

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Club legend returns to Rocester

A goalkeeping legend who racked up more than 450 appearances for Midlands Football League Division 1 outfit Rocester has returned to the club.

Richard ‘Froggy’ Froggatt re-joins the Romans as part of Paul Wright’s coaching staff ahead of the 2020/21 season.

The club said he would be a “huge help” to nurturing its young squad.

The 39-year-old was part of Rocester’s 2003/04 Midland Football Alliance title-winning campaign before going on to play for the likes of Newcastle Town, Belper Town and Leek Town.

He then returned to the club in 2008 and won all three Player of the Season awards in 2010.

Froggatt went on to make 462 appearances for Rocester before retiring at the conclusion of the 2016/17 season.

A spokesperson for the club said: “Rocester Legend Richard ‘Froggy’ Froggatt is re-joining the club for the new season. Froggy has agreed to join Paul Wright’s coaching staff and will be a huge help for the young lads.”

Froggatt tweeted: “I’ll sign as cover but we’ve got a far better keeper in Charlie Wood than I ever was so I’m not competing for the shirt, just hopefully offering advice when it’s asked for.”

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