Stoke-on-Trent Rugby Club has revealed who will be the first team captain for the 2020/21 season, with the new skipper receiving high praise from club personnel.
Miles Bloor steps into the role of club skipper for the upcoming campaign, with a spokesperson for the club stating: “Miles has grown in stature at the club over the last few years and has emerged as a natural leader within the group.
“Miles has been tasked with taking the first team to new heights next season! Congratulations Miles, we are all fully behind you!”
He replaces Sam Yorke who steps down from the position after two years in the role.
The spokesperson added: “We would like to thank Sam Yorke for leading the club in such a fantastic manner over the past two seasons.”
Head coach Chris Rowley has put his confidence in the new skipper to lead the team on the pitch
Stoke-on-TrentRugby Club head coach Chris Rowley told Sport in Staffs that his appointment to club captain was something always on the agenda.
“Miles has been at the club since returning to the area from university,” he explained.
“He has slowly grown in stature over the years and has developed into a real leader. He is intelligent, communicates well and his aggressive nature on the pitch inspires others to follow.
“Miles has been the vice captain to Sam Yorke over the past two seasons and the plan was always to give him the opportunity as captain at some point and it now feels like the right time.
“Sam will be mentoring George Boughey as a joint vice captain after George displayed great attitude and commitment throughout last season.”
2017 World’s Strongest Man champion Eddie ‘The Beast’ Hall from Staffordshire has accepted a challenge to a boxing match from 2018 champion and actor Hafthor Bjornsson.
The 6ft 9′ Icelandic, who played Gregor ‘The Mountain’ Clegane in TV series Game of Thrones, hit the headlines at the weekend after breaking Hall’s deadlift world record of 500kg by a single kilogram.
Bjornsson reportedly holds a grudge regarding Hall’s 2017 World’s Strongest Man’s title triumph after he claimed that officials did not count one of his reps in the Viking press event, before Hall went on to seize to crown.
Shortly after completing breaking the deadlift world record on Saturday, Bjornsson called out Hall to take him on in the boxing ring.
He stated: “CoreSports just offered me a seven-figure contract, I have signed it already. “I know he’s got the same deal. I’m ready. Are you ready, Eddie?”
Hall responded on Facebook in a video that showed him signing the contract, replying: “Thor: Are you happy? Has your dream come true?
Hall held the previous deadlift world record after hauling 500kg in 2016
“You get to go up against the guy who bested you at World’s Strongest Man – the man you called a cheat. I hope you’re happy, I’m happy.
“I hope you’re happy being the home-gym hero right now, everyone knows full well you haven’t got the balls to step into a competition and do what I did.
“I’ve got a little personal message for you. World’s Strongest Man 2017 – I trained for that like no other man did and I dominated that competition and like I didn’t for that I’m going to do exactly the same for the fight.
“I’m going to train for this like I’ve never trained for anything before. It all ends in the ring, and I’m going to teach you a ******* lesson.
“Good luck, you’re going to ******* need it and I’ll see you in the ring.”
Hall later re-affirmed confirmation the boxing bout on social media, stating: “It’s ‘official’ me vs Thor.”
The fight is due to be held in Las Vegas, USA, in September 2021 and has been branded “the heaviest boxing match in history.”
An ex-Hanley Town player and men’s reserve manager is running 10 kilometres every single day until August 16 – the day the regular football season would normally start – to raise money for the North West Counties Football League outfit.
Sean Hancock from Ball Green will run a combined total of 1,030 kilometres over 103 days to help his beloved club stay afloat financially after it, like most non-league sides, lost a vast amount of revenue due to the coronavirus pandemic.
This distance is almost the equivalent of running to Germany, with Sean having already started this incredible feat on Monday (May 4).
“I have been associated with Hanley Town for over 10 years, playing for most of that time and then managing the reserve men’s team for the last two years,” he told Sport in Staffs.
“I have now stepped down as manager for work reasons, however I still have as much to do on match days as I can and even still put a strip on, on the odd occasion.
“Hanley Town is a club close to many hearts in and around our community for many reasons, so for any way possible I will help out where I can.”
Like many non-league clubs, Hanley Town has felt the financial effects of coronavirus
Although he said he wasn’t an ‘experienced’ runner, Sean has ran lengthy races before.
“I am not an experienced runner really, I have ran a few distances in the past and did the Potters ‘Arf Marathon a few years back to again raise money for the club! This time I want to go further and raise more money!”
Sean encouraged people to donate to his gigantic fundraising effort, stating: “I would just ask people to give as little or as much as they can to a club which is loved by the community, from kids clubs on Saturday mornings to the adults games on Saturday afternoons.”
He is uploading each run to his ‘Go Fund Me’ page, where people can donate and keep track of his progress.
Sean has been associated with Hanley Town for over a decade
On the page, Sean wrote: “As you may know Hanley Town is local football club with two senior teams and an academy for younger football enthusiasts.
“With the current pandemic hitting a lot of people, it’s not just businesses that are affected but also sports teams. I am going to run 10 kilometres everyday until the beginning of the season (if it starts on the normal day, August 16), that is 103 days (as of May 4 when I started).
“I hope everyone can help as much as possible to keep Hanley Town FC running smoothly and prepare for the upcoming season.”
Upon hearing the news, Hanley Town tweeted:” Wow! What a fantastic gesture! Good luck to Shorty and a huge thank you from everyone associated with the club!”
Within just two hours after publishing his donation page, a total of £150 had already been donated.
English Football League (EFL) chair Rick Parry has revealed the date that Stoke City, Burton Albion and Port Vale’s season must end by.
Speaking at a Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee meeting on Tuesday morning (May 5), the former Liverpool chief executive stated: “Our end date, realistically, is July 31, because of the situation with players’ contracts.
“We can’t go beyond July. Players have been furloughed, staff have been furloughed, to expect our smaller clubs to come in and train now, to forego the furlough, only to find out in a month’s time they can’t play would be a complete mess.
“”The one plea I would made is that I think the Premier League and Government are working on a twin track approach, which is to decide it is safe to return to training and then make a decision on returning to play.
“That absolutely does not work for us. We need to be making decisions in days, so what we need is guidance for a return to play and we need that very, very quickly.”
Mr Parry went on to explain that the EFL is “heading for a financial hole of about £200 million cash hole by the end of September” and that it has “a great deal of uncertainty around next season.”
No games have been played in the Football League since mid-March
In regard to playing the remaining fixtures at neutral grounds, he commented: “We are modelling many scenarios.
“Our preference would be to play on the 71 grounds, we are not sure that there is an overwhelming argument, particularly if you go down our divisions, the probability of fans congregating is a major one.
“We are not going to take any decisions that will impose strain on emergency services.”
Parry also said that we was “a big believer on restricting squad sizes, particularly in the lower leagues.”
In the meeting he also stated that implementing salary caps may another avenue the EFL explores and that he is expecting that three clubs will be promoted to the Premier League.
In other news, Professional Footballers’ Association chief executive Gordon Taylor has suggested that one way forward may be to play halves that are shorter than 45 minutes to minimise the risks of coronavirus.
Parry said that although there hadn’t been any discussions in the EFL about this possibility, “I don’t think we should be ruling out any creative ideas.”
Staffordshire football club Stafford Rangers has surpassed the £50,000 mark in its fundraising efforts – money that will help to keep the non-league outfit afloat financially amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The club’s Stand Together campaign was launched at the beginning of the outbreak with the club, like nearly all non-league teams, losing out on a vast amount of revenue due to their season being cancelled by the FA because of the dangers of Covid-19.
The scheme enables supporters to attend ‘virtual games’ by donating money they would normally spend on a matchday to the club with the Northern Premier League side also allowing the purchasing of shares in Stafford Rangers Football Club.
The club said that it has had donations from all around the country as well as closer to home, and said it is now set out to try and bring in another £90,000 through “commercial activity with a goal to make the club debt free and ensure the club has a sustainable future.”
The initiative is being run by a ‘Business Continuity Group’, for whom a spokesperson stated: “We have the best fans in the country who love their football club and they have been so generous in their support.
“We now have a responsibility to look at all aspects of the club to deliver something very special to everyone that visits Marston Road. Our vision is to make Stafford Rangers the best club in non-league football both on and off the pitch.
Like all non-league clubs, Stafford Rangers has been affected financially because of coronavirus
“With support like this there is no reason why we can’t achieve this but despite the fundraising clubs like ours still face substantial challenges in the short term to balance budgets and find a way forward.
“We seek to try and meet our fans expectations but this has to be done very carefully as the future landscape is still an unknown.”
Northern Premier League chairman Mark Harris praised Boro’s fundraising efforts, saying: “Many congratulations to Stafford Rangers on breaking the £50,000 fund raising barrier!
“I am inspired by the innovative way in which the Rangers are reacting to the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic. The share sale and virtual match day experiences are superb ideas and it’s wonderful to see Rangers fans and those who care about non-league football coming together in this way.
“I hope that Rangers’ example will help other clubs to think creatively in keeping their clubs going until football can return. This is one of many fantastic initiatives being rolled out by our clubs and their incredible volunteers and supporters.
“To be fundraising and maintaining your profiles in your local communities is even more remarkable at a time when all traditional income channels have been severely impacted, if not wrecked completely.
“No-one knows how long this will last, so it’s more important than ever that – like the Rangers and its amazing fans – we all Stand Together.”
More than 900 Port Vale supporters have already renewed and bought their season ticket for the 2020/21 campaign, with club CEO Colin Garlick praising these fans before giving insight into what may be happening at the League Two outfit in the near future.
The current Football League season is suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic with no announcement made yet on how to go forward amidst the outbreak.
“I have to say a huge thank you to those people who have already committed to next season without even knowing when this season is going to finish, it’s phenomenal,” Mr Garlick said.
“I know Kevin, Carol and everybody at the club would like to thank the fans for their support, especially at the moment.”
Commenting on the suspension of professional football amid coronavirus, he said: “It was absolutely the right thing to do and the absolute correct thing to do is to thoroughly assess the situation before football returns.
“It’ll be a different competition when players go out of contract.
“Some players who have played with us for 80% of the season, might not be able to play past that 30th June deadline.
Mr Garlick confirmed that the League Two outfit has used the Government’s furlough scheme
“Obviously, we’d like everything to return to normal, but you cannot compromise the health and safety of players, staff and supporters, and we’ve all got to be mindful of that.”
Mr Garlick revealed that the club has used the Government’s furlough scheme and commented on players and staff returning to training.
“The players, backroom staff, academy staff and scholars have been furloughed, mainly because we’re obviously not operating in the way we do normally,” he stated.
“We’ve had some staff on-site to support the community activities, along with some staff, supporters and local residents who have volunteered to help us with the work we’re doing.
“Unfortunately, I don’t know how long we’re going to be on furlough for, but I imagine within the next week or two, there will be some decisions hopefully regarding playing and training.
“If not, I imagine there will be discussions about where we’re going to take this season and future seasons.”
He concluded with a message for Port Vale fans, saying: “We wish everybody well and we want you to stay safe.
“We’re desperate to see you back at Vale Park as soon as possible.
“We can only thank you for your wonderful support at this difficult time.”
A Staffordshire-born striker who formerly played for Newcastle Town and Stafford Rangers has been named the Player of the Season at a Football League club.
Josh Gordon won Walsall FC’s Player of the Season after scoring 12 times in all competitions for the Saddlers during the 2019/20 campaign.
The 25-year-old came through the ranks at Newcastle before eventually moving to Stafford Rangers via spells at Nantwich Town and Rhyl.
He netted 11 times in the 2016/17 season for Boro and subsequently earned himself a move to then Premier League champions Leicester City.
After 16 months at the Foxes, he signed for Walsall in search for more game time and went on to score his first professional goal in the club’s League Cup tie against Macclesfield Town in August 2018.
Gordon caught the eye of the then Premier League champions during his time at Stafford Rangers
He has scored a further 20 goals for the League Two outfit since then.
The Staffordshire University graduate had previously been on the books at Stoke City but was released at the age of 16.
After being named Walsall’s Player of the Season, Gordon said: Thank you to everybody who voted for me for Player of the Season.
“It was a lovely message to open, especially during these times.
“I just want to take this time to say thank you for your continued support throughout the season and hopefully we can see you again soon, when it is safe to do so.
“Stay at home, stay safe and, again, thank you for voting for me.”
A campaign set up by three cricket-enthusiasts from Staffordshire that encourages fans of the sport to grow facial hair for the NHS has ploughed through the £10,000 mark.
David Fairbanks from Audley and friends Craig Barker and David Edwards decided to launch ‘Smash The Tash – Cricketers Against Covid-19’ in the absence of the cricket season with all money raised from the initiative going to NHS Charities Together.
The organisers said they are delighted to have reached such a landmark milestone.
“I recently spoke to Craig and we are absolutely over the moon to reach the £10,000 mark,” David Fairbanks told Sport in Staffs.
“If we can have a positive influence on people’s lives during these sad and depressing times then we’ve agreed we must continue our efforts.”
A vast amount of cricket players, coaches and fans from all around the globe have contributed to the cause, including legendary Australian fast bowler Merv Hughes.
Even frontline NHS staff themselves have been getting involved
David stated: “Stone have now set the benchmark in setting up their own initiative. Rather than donating as a club, we want to encourage all clubs to do their own thing – it helps to pass the time especially on match days.”
The fundraiser has given many in the cricket community something to focus on amidst the delayed start to the season due to the coronavirus outbreak.
“It’s definitely helping us out,” David continued.
“We may not be able to don the whites just yet but what we can do is interact from club to club and talk to one another.
“It’s definitely been worthwhile and productive. The feedback we’ve had privately has been great so our aim to is keep pushing and raising awareness outside of North Staffordshire.
“We need to remember why we are doing it, though. Cricket does play a significant role in some people’s lives – most definitely mine – but if we stay patient and ‘dig in’ and help those who are helping us, then we might just see two umpires walking out to the wicket in the near future, fingers crossed.”
As of Monday afternoon (May 4), the total amount raised for the NHS so far is just shy of £10,800.
If you would like to donate to this cause, click here.
He never thought he would be entering his fourth season with Stoke-on-Trent Rugby Club in this way but despite the impact of coronavirus, head coach Chris Rowley has been working hard behind the scenes to prepare for the 2020/21 campaign.
The Midlands 1 West outfit has seen an influx of players already this off-season bringing in the likes of Nathan Caucau, Chris Yates and JJ Broberg.
Rowley spoke candidly to Sport in Staffs about his goals for the side, how coronavirus has affected the club financially and what the future may hold.
“Next season will be my fourth season as head coach, it has been a steep learning curve for me as I came into the role whilst still captain of the team as a 29-year-old,” he stated.
“There has been a lot of change in these years and for the first year in particular I was dealing with the fallback from previous seasons.
“It has then been a process of rebuilding and I am hoping next season will be the first season where I can really stamp my mark as a coach at this club.”
Rowley explained why he decided to bring in key personnel into the club ahead of the new campaign.
This will be Rowley’s fourth season as head coach
“As soon as the rumours started to circulate that the season was going to be cut short, I decided that it was a great opportunity to spend some time planning for the future,” he said.
“I assembled a recruitment group that have been using contacts to chat to players about their future rugby plans and to see if our club would be able to offer what they are looking for going forward.
“I think it has been a mix of players missing playing and having time to consider what they want from their rugby careers which has allowed them to reflect and feel the need for a change and us being proactive that has been the key.
“In terms of more new signings, we are hoping to sign a few more players.”
Rowley went on to explain that the club is seeking to bring in someone who won the league at the same equivalent step Stoke are at in York last season, as well as a few local players too in the hope of achieving his ambitions next term.
“Since I have taken over, I have never set a position that I want us to finish in the table,” he continued.
“I have set smaller, process goals that are the foundations for a successful first team. The main aim for the next season is to have a competition for places in every position resulting in a strong second team and intense training.
Stoke eventually finished 8th in Midlands 1 West last season
“With the RFU looking to restructure the league in the 2021/22 season, the end goal for us this season would be to get into the split that will put us in top section of the restructure for our league, whatever that may look like!
“It will be difficult – I have learnt that the start is crucial and as we currently do not know when that will be, which will present new problems, but I am lucky to have a very good supporting team around me and, for the first time since I have been the head coach, I feel that we are building a squad of players and have got the right people in the right job roles supporting.”
The Stoke boss also outlined how much the coronavirus pandemic had impacted the club.
“In terms of end position (in the table last season), we were not affected as badly as a lot of other clubs as we were in the mid-table positions and therefore, we were not in the group for promotion or relegation.
“We are having a virtual awards ceremony on Saturday night to formally conclude the season but it was very disappointing that we missed the remaining games of the season.
Like all sports clubs, Stoke has been affected by the coronavirus outbreak
“There were several events planned for the remaining first team home games so the club lost out on a lot of revenue there and with no money incoming at all, it is naturally a very difficult time for us and all other amateur sports clubs.
“We have managed to secure loans from the Staffordshire Rugby Union, RFU and the Government which we are hoping will continue to fund the club in preparing for next season.”
Rowley gave a message to Stoke Rugby Club fans and followers, stating: “Firstly, and most importantly stay safe and don’t put yourselves at risk!
“Secondly, I think it has been an amazing time to really value what rugby clubs are about. The community at Stoke is fantastic and has been very supportive to each other. We have been increasing our social media content whilst we have been on lockdown so please engage with posts and get involved in as many things as possible as you can.
“We are planning for next season to run as a traditional season until we hear otherwise. With so much going on since lockdown begun and a very abrupt end to last season, we can’t wait to get going again and be able to see you all every weekend!”
The captains of the men’s and women’s first teams at Stone Rugby Club have been announced, with both individuals stepping into the role for the first time.
Alex Walley has been unveiled as the skipper for the men’s side for the upcoming season, having had an excellent campaign last time around as he picked up the Most Improved Player award and coming second place in the Players’ Player of the Season award at the end of the 2019/20 campaign.
Last season’s captain Tom Parker (known as ‘Stan’), who was voted Clubman of the Year earlier this annum, will take on the role of vice-captain.
A spokesperson for Stone Rugby Club said: “The effort he puts in for the club is incredible and this year will be no different. To say Stan is a character is an understatement.”
On the women’s team – named the ‘Stone Roses’ – new signing Ros Wiggins becomes the first player ever to be named as a season-long captain.
Attaining an experienced CV having played rugby for over 13 years and featuring at National Championship 2 level, Wiggins is also a full-time rugby coach.
Her arrival from Crewe & Nantwich had made many at the club very excited.
Sally Reynolds has been named as women’s vice-captain having only picked up a rugby ball for the first time last year.
Meanwhile, full-back George Platt and utility forward Kevin Davies have signed on to play for the men’s first team next season, as has flanker Molly Boston and number 8 Annabel Perrin-Aldous for the Roses.
WE HAVE MOVED! 