davieG

They've moved into the county

How thoroughly depressing.

Do you have a link Dr?

Forcing fans who only watch the men’s or the women’s games for that matter to vote on something they know nothing about to give the women’s game an air of being at the same level as the men in terms spectator/ interested numbers. Charade: an absurd pretence intended to create a pleasant or respectable appearance.

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/may/10/from-send-to-cycle-lanes-how-reform-may-try-to-change-english-councils From Send to cycle lanes, how Reform may try to change English councils Nigel Farage’s party took control of a swathe of councils in the 2025 local elections. Its promises will now be put to the test Reform UK councillors face allegations of sharing far-right and Islamophobic content Ben Quinn and Patrick Butler Sat 10 May 2025 06.00 BST Nigel Farage’s Reform UK is now in charge of a number of councils across England, including 10 where it has overall control. Its haul of 677 council seats also means it is on the brink of power in at least four others where it emerged as the largest party. It also has two regional mayoralties – Greater Lincolnshire and Hull and East Yorkshire – with budgets and powers. But the coming to power of the rightwing populist party also means, for the first time, that its promises to radically reshape Britain will be tested and felt by communities. Here are some of the areas where there could be change: 1. Net zero Major solar and wind energy projects face threats from Reform-controlled councils whose members are instinctively hostile to net zero policies. “We will attack, we will hinder, we will delay, we will obstruct, we will put every hurdle in your way,” said the party’s deputy leader, Richard Tice, of such projects. A solar farm in Romney Marsh, Kent, which could power 20% of homes in the county, is in the crosshairs of party, which controls the council. In Staffordshire, a proposed windfarm in the county’s moorlands area and a solar farm in Cheadle will be opposed. Romney Marsh solar farm in Kent But Reform’s plans will also meet hostility from within communities. In Greater Lincolnshire alone, net zero industries contribute about £980m to the local economy, accounting for 12,209 jobs, according to analysis by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU). Legally, the picture is also unclear. Reform could try to block pylons and large solar farms through the judicial review process, though the new planning and infrastructure bill aims to make the challenges harder. 2. Send provision Farage’s unsubstantiated claims that doctors are “massively over-diagnosing” children with mental illness and special educational needs has sparked fears that Reform UK councils could further restrict or make dramatic cuts to special educational needs and disabilities provision (Send). The 10 councils where Reform have overall control are projected to have a combined deficit by March next year of £489m. It is as much as £95m in the case of Kent and £71m in Derbyshire. Reform councils could call for changes to the law to reduce access to education, health and care plans, which are much sought after by families of some children after years of state underinvestment in education. However, any moves to push for cuts or reshaping of policy also potentially risks sparking a backlash from both its own voters and splits within the party. Andrea Jenkyns, the mayor of Greater Lincolnshire, has spoken about her son having ADHD and appeared to contradict Farage. James McMurdock, a Reform MP in Essex, also cast himself as a champion of parents struggling to get Send support for children. Reform councils who unlawfully try to restrict access to Send support will face the prospect of being challenged at tribunals by families. 3. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policies In an echo of the axe taken by the Trump administration in the US, Farage has already warned: “If you are working in DEI or climate change then perhaps alternative employment is where you should be looking.” The party’s hostility to “gender ideology” could have repercussions for councils working with charities such as Positive Health, which runs sexual health promotion, education and HIV training for Lincolnshire. Any savings from cuts to supposed DEI-related schemes are likely to be minimal. Derbyshire and Lincolnshire have each pointed out they don’t have DEI schemes. 4. Immigration Farage has said that Reform-controlled councils will “resist” accepting any more asylum seekers, pitting then on a potential collision course with Westminster. Zia Yusuf, the party’s chair, has also said its legal team is examining planning law mechanisms to challenge the use of hotels for asylum accommodation. The moves would have consequences in places such as Kent, where the county council has been at the forefront of handling provision for unaccompanied minors. But again the law would not be on the side of councils. The responsibility falls to the Home Office, which selects the hotels and contractors for the scheme. 5. Heritage and culture Reform has said only the St George and union flag will be flown at council property, although it backtracked when it came to the question of county flags. The policy appeared to be aimed at the flying of rainbow flags in solidarity with LGBT+ people and to celebrate Pride. It would also spell the end of councils flying Ukrainian flags, serving as a reminder that Farage has frequently been accused by Labour of “fawning” over Vladimir Putin. Other potential culture wars could arise over council funding of museums or galleries with exhibitions that are deemed to denigrate Britain’s history or the empire. 6. Transport Opposition to 15-minute cities – an urban planning concept that has become a lightning rod for conspiracy theorists – and support for “pro-motorist” policies have long been red meat to Reform. Farage lashed out in the local election campaign at “cycle lanes that no one uses” while Reform’s likely leader of Worcestershire county council, Alan Amos, claimed: “All the other parties have bent over backwards to please a small minority.” At the same time, Amos was eager to emphasise that Reform was eager to support bus travel, a hot issue in a number of counties where Reform’s voter base has tended to be older. When it comes to cycling, existing policies at many councils are already advanced while there is strong public support for cycling schemes.

I'm sure you're jesting, well maybe but this is the potential result of forced voting.

How about two voting options? They're trying to increase interest in the women's game but it's a false premise and more likely to alienate fans. This a fundamental problem with the women's game they're trying so hard to mirror the men's game, which is hardly ideal but it's mostly false. It should have been allowed to grow organically. If it is deemed to be as popular as they think then that should work.

I refuse to add to and support their charade

LCFC Women · Follow 21h · All tickets scanned on the gates tomorrow will be entered into our draw to win a signed Yuka Momiki shirt!

Another example of the club being out of touch and out of reality. Just wanted to vote Vardy and El K as I have insufficient idea of how the women played but will not bother to vote now. Their loss another wedge planted between the club and I.

WW! always makes me angry as it was mostly just a massive royal family feud.

Apologies, that wasn't my intention I was just saying how I felt. I have no problem if others care and get enjoyment from discussing the possibilities.

Was expecting all that from Soumare

https://sportwitness.co.uk/leicester-city-in-mix-for-player-after-great-season-has-clubs-in-europe-circling/ Leicester City in mix for player after ‘great season’ has clubs in Europe circling By Sean Lunt - 9th May 2025 Leicester City are interested in Yverdon Sport midfielder Moussa Baradji, but face competition from Galatasaray. That’s according to Foot Mercato, who report that the 24-year-old has suitors after a ‘great season’ in Switzerland with his Yverdon. The website states that, according to their information, the French midfielder is being tracked in Turkey, England and Italy. Galatasaray, Leicester and Torino have recently expressed interest in the player, while two other Championship teams are also ‘heavily involved’ in any potential deal. Two unidentified French sides are also in the mix and interested in the midfielder, who moved to Yverdon in a €250,000 deal from Italian side Legnago in the summer transfer window. Discussion are currently taking place over Baradji, who has a contract with Yverdon until 2026 and is valued at around €2m. The Swiss club are currently fighting to stay in the Swiss first division, so a move elsewhere is surely going to prove tempting. Talks are already underway, and it appears that Leicester are in the mix as they plan for life back in the Championship next season following relegation from the Premier League this season.

Leicester City Football Club Wanya has his first goal and assist during his loan spell at De Graafshap

Van Nistelrooy on his future, Vardy's landmark and Monga's GCSEspublished at 12:45 12:45 Karan Vinod BBC Sport Journalist Leicester City boss Ruud van Nistelrooy has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Nottingham Forest (kick-off 14:15 BST). Here are the key lines from his news conference: On team news: "There is an update on Facundo Buonanotte who is back after his concussion against Wolves. He came through the process well and is available for Sunday." Van Nistelrooy has also confirmed that the players that were out before the Southampton game remain sidelined. He said Leicester "wanted to break the cycle" of the lack of home games with goals and were "motivated to do so" against Southampton. The Dutch manager was delighted with the minutes that the academy players had. On his future: "I wish I could share more and obviously we will when there is news. Sharing the information with the fanbase regarding the club is very important that I think we should do. When it's there, we will do it." On Jeremy Monga starting his GCSEs: "He is reporting everyday. And I am asking him the questions on maths and if he's studied it. Thank God Saturday and Sunday there is no school so he will be available. That's what a special talent brings to the table." Van Nistelrooy reiterated that there is a bit of frustration with the absence of "clarity" as it is important "to move forward" as the clarity "will only help". On Jamie Vardy chasing 200 goals: "13 years, all the goals he's scored and the trophies he's won and being so loyal to this football club in good and in bad. We all want to give him the best possible farewell and of course there is no better way to get him on the scoresheet than getting the ball in the areas where he can be dangerous and he will do his business. That is a big motivation not only in the players but the staff as well." On Forest: "It's a derby and it's a special game for both fanbases. Obviously, Forest being in a position where they can reach the Champions League is a big thing for them. So, they will be totally ready and totally the favourites but we want to perform to our best and show that we want to compete."

Pure speculation but then isn't it all that way. https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/centre-back-contract-could-cancelled-10168430 Centre-back contract 'could be cancelled' in Leicester City cost-cutting mission Centre-back Jannik Vestergaard has not even made the bench for Leicester City since February after finding himself out of the picture under manager Ruud van Nistelrooy ByJordan Blackwell 10:52, 9 MAY 2025 Jannik Vestergaard and Leicester City could negotiate an early end to the centre-back’s contract this summer as they look to cut costs, reports from Denmark have said. Vestergaard has two years remaining on his City deal after signing a fresh contract last summer. But with City needing to adjust to a much-decreased budget as they return to the Championship, Danish outlet Bold report that his contract could be cancelled. They speculate that the process would see City hand Vestergaard a year’s salary to get him out of the door now, writing off the second year. That feels like a last resort for the club, who would rather make back money by selling the centre-back should he be surplus to requirements. It certainly feels like he will be out of the picture should Ruud van Nistelrooy remain in charge, with the 32-year-old having not even made the bench since February. A regular starter under van Nistelrooy during the first few months of his tenure, the Dutch manager has not explained Vestergaard’s sudden absence. But there are no guarantees over van Nistelrooy’s future, and so there would still be scope for Vestergaard to turn around his career at the King Power Stadium, just as he did the last time they dropped into the Championship. Out of the frame under Brendan Rodgers, Vestergaard played an integral role in the club’s promotion last term under Enzo Maresca. It was that form that earned him the new three-year deal, which was only announced after the Italian manager had moved to Chelsea. In recent weeks, Wout Faes and Conor Coady have been City’s first-choice centre-back pairing, with Caleb Okoli on the bench. When Faes was injured at Brighton last month, Okoli started and van Nistelrooy chose not to have Vestergaard on the bench, saying James Justin and Luke Thomas offered cover at centre-back if needed. The futures of all four of City’s centre-backs is in doubt, but especially those of Vestegaard and Faes, the Belgian a strong contender to be sold. City have Ben Nelson coming back to the club from his loan and he’s expected to feature next term, while they also have Harry Souttar, although he may be out until the end of the year with an Achilles injury.

My Grandson is at Buckingham Palace today collecting his Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award Very proud of him

Am I the only one who doesn't care who the supplier is especially considering the state of the club. This should be the least of fan's concerns. We've gone from Champions to Bargain Basement.

https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/linked-leicester-city-manager-candidate-10167395 By Jordan Blackwell Rohl also suggested he has an unofficial agreement to leave Wednesday this summer. The 36-year-old has had a fine couple of seasons at Hillsborough, first guiding the Owls away from relegation and then up to mid-table this season. He said: “Personally, I had a fantastic time at Sheffield Wednesday. I’ve made no secret of the fact that I’d like to work at the highest possible level with the best players in the near future. “My situation in Sheffield is unofficially relatively clear. There’s a clear agreement with the owner about how I envision my future. Unfortunately, I can’t go into detail about that right now.”

POM

Wackadoodle

It's going to be Ruud? https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/ruud-van-nistelrooy-sets-out-10164087 Ruud van Nistelrooy sets out plan for Leicester City identity and summer transfer targets The manager spoke last week about the types of players he'd like to see the club focus on this summer transfer window as he looks to build a squad that meet his standards ByJordan Blackwell 07:00, 8 MAY 2025 Robust players with the potential to develop should form the identity of the Leicester City squad and inform their summer transfer business, Ruud van Nistelrooy believes. Rebuilding the squad in line with a Championship budget is one of the biggest tasks City face this summer, and van Nistelrooy, should he remain in charge, knows the kinds of players he wants. The Dutchman has been reluctant to publicly share his full plan for how he believes City should move into the future, but has dropped some clues while he waits for the club to show him they’re on the same page. He’s previously said he would like homegrown talents to form the foundations of the squad, and has now revealed he would want young, physically strong players to be targeted in the transfer window. Raising the standards has been a big topic in the camp during van Nistelrooy’s tenure and he said he has tried to make the team fitter since taking charge. Going forward, he wants the club to bring in players who have the physical attributes to prosper. Asked last week if he felt he’d needed to make the squad fitter, van Nistelrooy replied: “Yes.” Then asked if he felt the team had not been fit enough upon his arrival, he said: “No, but I felt there were possibilities to improve. “Together with the people here, there are so many possibilities to make things better and improve. That was one of them, of many. “Talking about standards, that’s part of that. You can speak about diet, training intensity, strength and conditioning, all the programmes with the professionals we have here, it’s been something we’ve been working on.” It remains to be seen if van Nistelrooy will lead the team in the Championship, and he cast doubt over that after City’s 2-0 win against Southampton. But if he is kept on, he wants players that have the mentality and fitness to meet his standards. “You need to be the fitter team,” he said. “Also in combination with recruitment, it’s important to get physically strong, robust players in, those at a certain age who can develop and have the mindset of what we’re trying to implement. “That’s what part of our ID is that I shared in moving forward.”

https://eflanalysis.com/transfers/leicester-city-among-four-championship-clubs-circling-manchester-united-defender-hes-been-told-he-can-leave/ Leicester City among four Championship clubs circling Manchester United defender, he’s been told he can leave Ailsa Cowen Thu 8 May 2025 9:18, UK EFL Analysis can exclusively reveal that one Manchester United youngster is attracting a lot of attention and hasn’t even packed his bags yet. The Red Devils academy graduate is confirmed to be leaving Old Trafford this summer. The Bolton-born teenager was signed by United from Morecambe at the age of 16. He has had a successful time at the club but has been allowed to move on after being part of United’s all-conquering double-winning Academy side from last year. He spent the latter half of this season on loan at Rochdale in the National League – as he gained valuable first-team experience. The youngster has already attracted interest from clubs including newly relegated Leicester City, Millwall, Derby County, and recently promoted Wrexham. Jack Kingdon could be heading to the Championship EFL Analysis understands that a host of Championship clubs are showing an interest in Manchester United defender Jack Kingdon. We have information from transfer expert Graeme Bailey to suggest a number of sides are already taking an interest in the Scottish youth international. The likes of Leicester, Millwall, Derby and Wrexham are all clubs who would be keen for his experience at a big club like United, despite his young age. Seeking an immediate Premier League return after conceding 76 goals in 35 matches (stat via transfermarkt), the Foxes, who could potentially replace Ruud van Nistelrooy with a history-making Championship manager, may find that a hungry young defender like Kingdon is exactly the new legs their defensive line requires. Having both experienced seasons where they narrowly missed key outcomes – Derby County narrowly avoided relegation and Millwall just missed the play-offs – both clubs arguably stand to gain from defensive reinforcements, a sentiment perhaps echoed in Ebou Adams’ tribute to the “amazing” John Eustace following Derby County’s “miracle.” Whereas the likes of Wrexham, the pull of a Hollywood backing could be enough to swing the youngster to a new, upcoming challenge. Jack Kingdon’s experience and journey to Manchester United Kingdon joined Rochdale on loan in January after four years with Manchester United, arriving from Morecambe’s academy in 2020. The now 19-year-old lifted the Under-18 Premier League title last season, signing his first professional deal in July. A former Scotland U-18 captain who has trained with United’s first team and made 10 U-21 appearances this season, Kingdon’s development earned him his first loan move for senior experience. He previously gained first-team environment exposure through United’s Pro Experience Scheme, including a stint training with Altrincham in the 2022/23 season, where he featured in the Cheshire Senior Cup. Kingdon has already played at Rochdale’s Crown Oil Arena this season, completing 90 minutes for Manchester United against Dale in the National League Cup.