3 days ago
A grandmother has described being "shell shocked" at becoming one of the joint winners of the official Black Pudding Throwing World Championships.
June Weir, 73, from Wilpshire, Lancashire, said she was delighted to become the first female to win the annual event at The Oak pub in Ramsbottom, Bury, on Sunday.
Hundreds of people cheered on the throwers as they hurled black puddings at Yorkshire puddings in the quirky sporting event, which first began more than a century ago and raises money for charity.
Weir, who was one of four competitors who toppled six Yorkshire puddings from a ledge, said: "This was my third time, no training whatsoever... and I actually won it. I can't believe it."
June Weir says she won despite doing "no training whatsoever" [Family photograph]
#puddings #black #first
June Weir, 73, from Wilpshire, Lancashire, said she was delighted to become the first female to win the annual event at The Oak pub in Ramsbottom, Bury, on Sunday.
Hundreds of people cheered on the throwers as they hurled black puddings at Yorkshire puddings in the quirky sporting event, which first began more than a century ago and raises money for charity.
Weir, who was one of four competitors who toppled six Yorkshire puddings from a ledge, said: "This was my third time, no training whatsoever... and I actually won it. I can't believe it."
June Weir says she won despite doing "no training whatsoever" [Family photograph]
#puddings #black #first
4 days ago
Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom spoke to BBC Radio Lancashire following Saturday's 1-0 defeat by Lincoln City.
"It was no surprise in terms of how difficult that game was and the pattern of the game. We are really frustrated that 90 per cent of the time their threats, because we limited the number of corners and set-plays, we did deal with them," he said.
"But it's ultimately their biggest weapon and while we are not getting in front, they are going to have their opportunities with counter-attacks and set-plays.
"The only way to stop that noise (sounds of boos from some fans) at the end of the game is to win games.
"There is no lack of effort, I get that, but we are not the ones forcing the big moments to go our way."
#game #plays #heckingbottom #lincoln
"It was no surprise in terms of how difficult that game was and the pattern of the game. We are really frustrated that 90 per cent of the time their threats, because we limited the number of corners and set-plays, we did deal with them," he said.
"But it's ultimately their biggest weapon and while we are not getting in front, they are going to have their opportunities with counter-attacks and set-plays.
"The only way to stop that noise (sounds of boos from some fans) at the end of the game is to win games.
"There is no lack of effort, I get that, but we are not the ones forcing the big moments to go our way."
#game #plays #heckingbottom #lincoln
8 days ago
Rothesay County Championship, Division Two, Emirates Old Trafford (day one)
Gloucestershire 164-6: Ahmed 33*; Balderson 3-35, Anderson 2-33
Lancashire: Yet to bat
Bonus points: Lancashire 2pts, Gloucestershire 0pts
Match scorecard
#gloucestershire #county
Gloucestershire 164-6: Ahmed 33*; Balderson 3-35, Anderson 2-33
Lancashire: Yet to bat
Bonus points: Lancashire 2pts, Gloucestershire 0pts
Match scorecard
#gloucestershire #county
10 days ago
Tens of thousands of people have flocked to the coast for a kite festival in Lancashire.
The opening day of the annual three-day St Annes International Kite Festival was disrupted by 40mph winds on Friday.
However, the wind dropped for the last two days of what organisers say is the UK's biggest kite festival.
The skies have been awash with displays from more than 200 kite fliers from all over the world, including Australia and the US, and a new art trail bringing shop windows to life with kite design created by local school children.
The free event is a partnership between Fylde Council and kite fliers SmileFactor10, with support from St Annes Town Council.
#festival #annes #Lancashire #however
The opening day of the annual three-day St Annes International Kite Festival was disrupted by 40mph winds on Friday.
However, the wind dropped for the last two days of what organisers say is the UK's biggest kite festival.
The skies have been awash with displays from more than 200 kite fliers from all over the world, including Australia and the US, and a new art trail bringing shop windows to life with kite design created by local school children.
The free event is a partnership between Fylde Council and kite fliers SmileFactor10, with support from St Annes Town Council.
#festival #annes #Lancashire #however
14 days ago
Burnley boss Nicky Hayen spoke to BBC Radio Lancashire after their draw against Middlesbrough.
For a written selection of his quotes, click here.
Latest Burnley news, **** ysis and fan views
Ask about Burnley - what do you want to know?
#radio #Lancashire #middlesbrough #latest
For a written selection of his quotes, click here.
Latest Burnley news, **** ysis and fan views
Ask about Burnley - what do you want to know?
#radio #Lancashire #middlesbrough #latest
17 days ago
Mick Wadge, 88, gained over 5,000 TikTok followers after sharing videos of his weight training journey
Arnold Schwarzenegger praised Wadge's efforts and offered to connect him with his own coaches in the US
Wadge began weightlifting after his wife's death and now deadlifts 100kg, crediting fitness for keeping him active
A British grandfather is in shock after receiving a word of encouragement from the world's most famous former bodybuilder.
Mick Wadge had been training with Ross Starkie for about three years before the personal trainer set up a TikTok account for him, the BBC reported. Wadge, 88, from Lancashire, quickly racked up over 5,000 followers on the social media platform and a flood of supportive comments on videos of him weight training.
#training #mick #videos
Arnold Schwarzenegger praised Wadge's efforts and offered to connect him with his own coaches in the US
Wadge began weightlifting after his wife's death and now deadlifts 100kg, crediting fitness for keeping him active
A British grandfather is in shock after receiving a word of encouragement from the world's most famous former bodybuilder.
Mick Wadge had been training with Ross Starkie for about three years before the personal trainer set up a TikTok account for him, the BBC reported. Wadge, 88, from Lancashire, quickly racked up over 5,000 followers on the social media platform and a flood of supportive comments on videos of him weight training.
#training #mick #videos
18 days ago
Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray remained positive despite his side's 2-1 defeat against QPR.
The visitors came from behind to win at Ewood Park after Ryoya Morishita's spectacular strike had put Rovers ahead.
"I think there were lots of positives today," Mowbray told BBC Radio Lancashire.
"We played against a good team - I thought we managed them pretty well, to be honest - and it was a really tight game. We had spells where we were pretty dominant, and they had moments too.
"I've said to them in the dressing room: 'Lots and lots of positives today'. If we can maintain the performance from the first 60 minutes for 90 [minutes], we'll be fine.
#mowbray #blackburn
The visitors came from behind to win at Ewood Park after Ryoya Morishita's spectacular strike had put Rovers ahead.
"I think there were lots of positives today," Mowbray told BBC Radio Lancashire.
"We played against a good team - I thought we managed them pretty well, to be honest - and it was a really tight game. We had spells where we were pretty dominant, and they had moments too.
"I've said to them in the dressing room: 'Lots and lots of positives today'. If we can maintain the performance from the first 60 minutes for 90 [minutes], we'll be fine.
#mowbray #blackburn
19 days ago
Above a Methodist church at the end of a row of terraced housing, north of Rochdale town centre, Craig Kirby's phone is buzzing as he opens the door to his gym. The 50-year-old's latest TikTok video has just crept over 85,000 views.
It shows a personal highlights reel from one of his amateur football matches, filmed from the touchline by wife Lindsay, with a caption explaining how Kirby finds **** e and time on the bobbly park pitch. "Fitness and movement off the ball are 90% of the game," the text adds.
Kirby smiles at the video going viral. It has racked up more than 340,000 views by the time of writing, but it is nothing new.
The one pinned to the top of his profile has been seen 2.9 million times. It's a compilation of him playing for Whitworth Valley against Old Rivingtonians on a drizzly January afternoon, a backdrop of rolling Lancashire hills and a kids' playground, a simple **** le of: "Well beaten today. Not bad for 50 though."
That is one of his earliest videos from the beginning of last season - since then he has continued to post regularly across TikTok and Instagram, where the midfielder's 'Football at 50' profile has about 30,000 followers on each.
#rochdale
It shows a personal highlights reel from one of his amateur football matches, filmed from the touchline by wife Lindsay, with a caption explaining how Kirby finds **** e and time on the bobbly park pitch. "Fitness and movement off the ball are 90% of the game," the text adds.
Kirby smiles at the video going viral. It has racked up more than 340,000 views by the time of writing, but it is nothing new.
The one pinned to the top of his profile has been seen 2.9 million times. It's a compilation of him playing for Whitworth Valley against Old Rivingtonians on a drizzly January afternoon, a backdrop of rolling Lancashire hills and a kids' playground, a simple **** le of: "Well beaten today. Not bad for 50 though."
That is one of his earliest videos from the beginning of last season - since then he has continued to post regularly across TikTok and Instagram, where the midfielder's 'Football at 50' profile has about 30,000 followers on each.
#rochdale
27 days ago
A comedian has said "it's bonkers" to have scooped the top prize for the cheesiest joke of the year at his first Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Fil Milton runs the Make The Ferret Mad Again comedy nights at The Ferret in Preston, Lancashire.
He said he has been doing stand-up for four years after being inspired by Mark Simmons' one-liners at the Fringe in 2021.
Milton's winning joke was: "My brother convinced me to go halves on a used funeral car - I can't believe I was so easily co-hearsed."
Milton said the "easy bit" about comedy was "standing in front of people" but the hard part was "writing good material".
#comedy
Fil Milton runs the Make The Ferret Mad Again comedy nights at The Ferret in Preston, Lancashire.
He said he has been doing stand-up for four years after being inspired by Mark Simmons' one-liners at the Fringe in 2021.
Milton's winning joke was: "My brother convinced me to go halves on a used funeral car - I can't believe I was so easily co-hearsed."
Milton said the "easy bit" about comedy was "standing in front of people" but the hard part was "writing good material".
#comedy
30 days ago
Kent have re-signed all-rounder Bertie Foreman until the end of the 2026 season.
The 22-year-old originally signed for the county in May, on a short-term contract.
He made two appearances, taking a wicket in a Blast victory over his former county Sussex, and was part of the County Championship victory over Lancashire at Blackpool.
"Bertie is an extremely hard worker and provides another spin option for us as well as a left-handed batting option," said Kent's director of cricket Simon Cook.
"He deserves this opportunity to play more county cricket after contributing to two victories for us earlier in the summer."
#Kent
The 22-year-old originally signed for the county in May, on a short-term contract.
He made two appearances, taking a wicket in a Blast victory over his former county Sussex, and was part of the County Championship victory over Lancashire at Blackpool.
"Bertie is an extremely hard worker and provides another spin option for us as well as a left-handed batting option," said Kent's director of cricket Simon Cook.
"He deserves this opportunity to play more county cricket after contributing to two victories for us earlier in the summer."
#Kent
1 month ago
Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom spoke to BBC Radio Lancashire following his side's 2-1 defeat by Bolton:
"I said at half-time to the players I thought we could win the game. We were poor first-half in terms of the goals that we gave away," he said.
"Whether it was the first game or not but they were certainly not the goals that we want to give away.
"We gave ourselves a real mountain to climb and it was as simple as their enthusiasm, their energy about being in this league and the crowd - it seemed to catch us cold.
"One or two [players] won't play like that again. We need to be better but there were also some good moments and I'm pleased with some of the new boys."
#away #preston
"I said at half-time to the players I thought we could win the game. We were poor first-half in terms of the goals that we gave away," he said.
"Whether it was the first game or not but they were certainly not the goals that we want to give away.
"We gave ourselves a real mountain to climb and it was as simple as their enthusiasm, their energy about being in this league and the crowd - it seemed to catch us cold.
"One or two [players] won't play like that again. We need to be better but there were also some good moments and I'm pleased with some of the new boys."
#away #preston
1 month ago
One-Day Cup, Taunton
Lancashire 443-6 50 overs: Jennings 156 (127), Flintoff 123 (76)
Somerset: Yet to bat
Scorecard
Rocky Flintoff, the 18-year-old son of legendary former England all-rounder Andrew, hit his first senior professional century in Lancashire's One-Day Cup match against Somerset at Taunton.
#taunton #somerset #england #andrew
Lancashire 443-6 50 overs: Jennings 156 (127), Flintoff 123 (76)
Somerset: Yet to bat
Scorecard
Rocky Flintoff, the 18-year-old son of legendary former England all-rounder Andrew, hit his first senior professional century in Lancashire's One-Day Cup match against Somerset at Taunton.
#taunton #somerset #england #andrew
1 month ago
Lancashire have appointed Richard Kenyon as their new chief executive after he decided to resign from the same role at Nottinghamshire.
He will replace the outgoing Daniel Gidney, who is set to retire at the end of the year following 14 years at Old Trafford.
Kenyon became CEO at Notts in October but is leaving the current county champions after less than a year to move closer to his family home at Southport.
He previously spent a decade at Everton FC, holding roles as chief commercial and communications officer, as well as chief executive of Everton in the community - the club's charitable organisation - and was involved in the club's move from Goodison Park to Bramley Moore Dock.
"This is a club with a proud history, passionate members and supporters, and tremendous ambition. To have the opportunity to play a leading role in the next chapter of its journey is a real privilege," Kenyon told Lancashire's website.
#kenyon #executive #Lancashire #richard
He will replace the outgoing Daniel Gidney, who is set to retire at the end of the year following 14 years at Old Trafford.
Kenyon became CEO at Notts in October but is leaving the current county champions after less than a year to move closer to his family home at Southport.
He previously spent a decade at Everton FC, holding roles as chief commercial and communications officer, as well as chief executive of Everton in the community - the club's charitable organisation - and was involved in the club's move from Goodison Park to Bramley Moore Dock.
"This is a club with a proud history, passionate members and supporters, and tremendous ambition. To have the opportunity to play a leading role in the next chapter of its journey is a real privilege," Kenyon told Lancashire's website.
#kenyon #executive #Lancashire #richard
1 month ago
All but two of the nine teams in Group A remain in contention to reach the knockout stages of the One-Day Cup following a day of unlikely results including defeats for the top three in the section.
Pacesetters Leicestershire missed the chance to advance in their final game of the initial phase, with their fate now out of their hands after losing at Kent, who were helped by a sensational display from Daniel Bell-Drummond. They now join Nottinghamshire, Lancashire and Surrey in the chasing pack on 16 points each.
Middlesex won at eliminated Derbyshire to remain top of Group B and ensure they will advance, with Durham also in a strong position immediately behind second-placed Yorkshire following their home win against Essex, who now cannot progress.
Elsewhere in Group B, Glamorgan damaged Worcestershire's hopes of a knockout-stage place with the final ball of the game at Cardiff, while in Group A second-placed Nottinghamshire narrowly lost at Gloucestershire and third-placed Lancashire lost at second-bottom Warwickshire.
One-Day Cup group tables
#group #second #remain #knockout
Pacesetters Leicestershire missed the chance to advance in their final game of the initial phase, with their fate now out of their hands after losing at Kent, who were helped by a sensational display from Daniel Bell-Drummond. They now join Nottinghamshire, Lancashire and Surrey in the chasing pack on 16 points each.
Middlesex won at eliminated Derbyshire to remain top of Group B and ensure they will advance, with Durham also in a strong position immediately behind second-placed Yorkshire following their home win against Essex, who now cannot progress.
Elsewhere in Group B, Glamorgan damaged Worcestershire's hopes of a knockout-stage place with the final ball of the game at Cardiff, while in Group A second-placed Nottinghamshire narrowly lost at Gloucestershire and third-placed Lancashire lost at second-bottom Warwickshire.
One-Day Cup group tables
#group #second #remain #knockout
1 month ago
Burnley midfielder Josh Laurent has praised the open communication he has with new boss Nicky Hayen ahead of their upcoming Championship season.
Hayen has been vocal about being open to exits for players who wish to leave.
"He is very honest and very open, I think it's nice," Laurent told BBC Radio Lancashire.
"You know exactly where you are as people and as players and you can work from that. I don't think you could ever be angry with someone's opinion, and now it's clear.
"You want people that want to play football for Burnley. I think it's a mutual understanding between everyone and I think it can only be a positive thing."
#burnley #players
Hayen has been vocal about being open to exits for players who wish to leave.
"He is very honest and very open, I think it's nice," Laurent told BBC Radio Lancashire.
"You know exactly where you are as people and as players and you can work from that. I don't think you could ever be angry with someone's opinion, and now it's clear.
"You want people that want to play football for Burnley. I think it's a mutual understanding between everyone and I think it can only be a positive thing."
#burnley #players
1 month ago
Preston North End skipper Ben Whiteman has told boss Paul Heckingbottom he "has played his last game" for the club amid attention from fellow Championship side Wrexham.
The midfielder only missed three Championship games for Preston last season but Heckingbottom does not seem likely to welcome him back with open arms should a move over the Welsh border not materialise.
"Ben knew there was a line I didn't want him to cross and unfortunately he has," Heckingbottom told BBC Radio Lancashire.
"There's a valuation on him, I just hope for Ben's sake that Wrexham are willing to pay it otherwise he's put himself in a sticky situation.
"He's made his bed. I'm not bothered as long as I get another player."
#championship #wrexham
The midfielder only missed three Championship games for Preston last season but Heckingbottom does not seem likely to welcome him back with open arms should a move over the Welsh border not materialise.
"Ben knew there was a line I didn't want him to cross and unfortunately he has," Heckingbottom told BBC Radio Lancashire.
"There's a valuation on him, I just hope for Ben's sake that Wrexham are willing to pay it otherwise he's put himself in a sticky situation.
"He's made his bed. I'm not bothered as long as I get another player."
#championship #wrexham
2 months ago
LYTHAM ST. ANNES, England — Yealimi Noh took advantage of a surprising collapse by Haeran Ryu and found her rhythm at just the right time Saturday, with four birdies over the last 10 holes for a 2-under 69 that gave her a three-shot lead going into the final round of the AIG Women's Open.
Noh, the 25-year-old Californian with only one LPGA **** le, played bogey-free on the back nine at Royal Lytham & St. Annes and finished at 7-under 206 to lead over five players.
One of them is Ryu, who is trying to become the first player since fellow South Korean Inbee Park to win three straight majors in the same year. Ryu was headed in that direction with a pair of birdies on the front nine to build a four-shot lead.
Her slide began with a bogey on the par-5 seventh, the start of five bogeys in an eight-hole stretch that cost her the lead and put her in a chasing mode the rest of the sunny day along the Lancashire coast of England.
Ryu finished with four straight pars for a 74 and saw the bright side. She kept double bogeys off her card, including the 10th hole when she was against a back lip of a pot bunker. She chipped it forward in the sand and got up-and-down from there for bogey.
#bogey #birdies #three
Noh, the 25-year-old Californian with only one LPGA **** le, played bogey-free on the back nine at Royal Lytham & St. Annes and finished at 7-under 206 to lead over five players.
One of them is Ryu, who is trying to become the first player since fellow South Korean Inbee Park to win three straight majors in the same year. Ryu was headed in that direction with a pair of birdies on the front nine to build a four-shot lead.
Her slide began with a bogey on the par-5 seventh, the start of five bogeys in an eight-hole stretch that cost her the lead and put her in a chasing mode the rest of the sunny day along the Lancashire coast of England.
Ryu finished with four straight pars for a 74 and saw the bright side. She kept double bogeys off her card, including the 10th hole when she was against a back lip of a pot bunker. She chipped it forward in the sand and got up-and-down from there for bogey.
#bogey #birdies #three
2 months ago
The Women's British Open continues on Friday with second-round action, as the field of 144 players faces the pressure of the cut. After 36 holes, only the top 65 competitors and ties will advance to the weekend at the Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club in Lancashire, England.
Shiho Kuwaki and Yealimi Noh sit comfortably atop the leaderboard after two rounds, both with a six-under overall score and heading into the weekend leading the field.
Jeeno Thitikul, currently ranked second in the world, also made a strong start after two rounds, securing her spot for the weekend. Thitikul impressed in the opening round, carding a 7-under 64 with seven birdies and no bogeys. Although her second round was more challenging, producing just one birdie against three bogeys, Thitikul remains at five under par overall and will continue the battle for the top of the leaderboard on Saturday.
As the second round draws to a close, the projected cut line sits at four-over par. Here is a closer look at the bubble players, those hovering around the cut line, who are fighting to keep their championship hopes alive.
More: PGA Tour suspends Trey Mullinax for anti-doping violation
#overall
Shiho Kuwaki and Yealimi Noh sit comfortably atop the leaderboard after two rounds, both with a six-under overall score and heading into the weekend leading the field.
Jeeno Thitikul, currently ranked second in the world, also made a strong start after two rounds, securing her spot for the weekend. Thitikul impressed in the opening round, carding a 7-under 64 with seven birdies and no bogeys. Although her second round was more challenging, producing just one birdie against three bogeys, Thitikul remains at five under par overall and will continue the battle for the top of the leaderboard on Saturday.
As the second round draws to a close, the projected cut line sits at four-over par. Here is a closer look at the bubble players, those hovering around the cut line, who are fighting to keep their championship hopes alive.
More: PGA Tour suspends Trey Mullinax for anti-doping violation
#overall
2 months ago
The AIG Women's Open Championship is set to begin at Royal Lytham & St Annes in Lancashire.
Since it first began in 1976, the championship has become one of five majors in professional women's golf and it returns to Royal Lytham and St Annes for its 50th staging from 29 July to 2 August.
Thousands of spectators are expected to attend the championship, where 144 elite golfers will compete alongside the world's leading amateur players for the Smyth Salve cup.
As Royal Lytham & St Annes hosts the tournament for the sixth time, here is all you need to know about the championship.
The 50th AIG Women's Open Championship will run from 29 July to 2 August [Getty Images]
#annes #Lancashire
Since it first began in 1976, the championship has become one of five majors in professional women's golf and it returns to Royal Lytham and St Annes for its 50th staging from 29 July to 2 August.
Thousands of spectators are expected to attend the championship, where 144 elite golfers will compete alongside the world's leading amateur players for the Smyth Salve cup.
As Royal Lytham & St Annes hosts the tournament for the sixth time, here is all you need to know about the championship.
The 50th AIG Women's Open Championship will run from 29 July to 2 August [Getty Images]
#annes #Lancashire
2 months ago
Notts Outlaws maintained a perfect start to their One-Day Cup campaign with a comfortable victory over Leicestershire as Lancashire posted a second win in Group A with a victory over Kent.
Haseeb Hameed's side were following up comfortable wins against Somerset and Warwickshire in their opening two matches and a third was never in doubt against the Foxes at Trent Bridge.
After restricting the visitors to 199, Notts were never out of second gear to win by five wickets with 54 ****** remaining.
Foxes captain Stephen Eskinazi posted an unbeaten 93 from the top of the order, but his innings proved the exception to the rule as only one of his team-mates, Hamza Sheikh (35), made it past 20.
Joe Pockington, with career-best figures of 4-40, did the majority of the damage for the Notts attack, but Lyndon James and Brett Hutton both took 2-40 and Dillon Pennington was tidy for his 1-25.
#comfortable
Haseeb Hameed's side were following up comfortable wins against Somerset and Warwickshire in their opening two matches and a third was never in doubt against the Foxes at Trent Bridge.
After restricting the visitors to 199, Notts were never out of second gear to win by five wickets with 54 ****** remaining.
Foxes captain Stephen Eskinazi posted an unbeaten 93 from the top of the order, but his innings proved the exception to the rule as only one of his team-mates, Hamza Sheikh (35), made it past 20.
Joe Pockington, with career-best figures of 4-40, did the majority of the damage for the Notts attack, but Lyndon James and Brett Hutton both took 2-40 and Dillon Pennington was tidy for his 1-25.
#comfortable
2 months ago
Charlotte Naughton's golfing career was already on an upward trajectory, but the teenager will hit fast forward.
That is because she is preparing to tee up in the AIG Women's Open - the first major of her career.
Still 18, Naughton only secured her spot at Royal Lytham & St Annes this week by virtue of winning the European Ladies Amateur Championship in Sweden on Sunday.
Now the young amateur heads to Lancashire to take her place alongside Charley Hull, Nelly Korda and the other star names of women's golf when the tournament begins on Thursday.
"I've always dreamed about it," Naughton told BBC Radio Newcastle. "I never really knew it would come this quick but I'm so happy and so proud to be able to play."
#Career #open
That is because she is preparing to tee up in the AIG Women's Open - the first major of her career.
Still 18, Naughton only secured her spot at Royal Lytham & St Annes this week by virtue of winning the European Ladies Amateur Championship in Sweden on Sunday.
Now the young amateur heads to Lancashire to take her place alongside Charley Hull, Nelly Korda and the other star names of women's golf when the tournament begins on Thursday.
"I've always dreamed about it," Naughton told BBC Radio Newcastle. "I never really knew it would come this quick but I'm so happy and so proud to be able to play."
#Career #open
2 months ago
Carlisle United have signed Fleetwood Town defender Toby Mullarkey on loan until January.
The defender played 27 games for the Lancashire club in League Two last season, having joined from Crawley Town where he worked under Carlisle's new head coach Rob Elliot.
Mullarkey, 30, is the sixth player signed by the Blues this summer as they prepare for a second National League season.
"To join a team that's expected to be up there and winning is something I'm looking forward to," he told Carlisle's website.
#mullarkey #league #season #united
The defender played 27 games for the Lancashire club in League Two last season, having joined from Crawley Town where he worked under Carlisle's new head coach Rob Elliot.
Mullarkey, 30, is the sixth player signed by the Blues this summer as they prepare for a second National League season.
"To join a team that's expected to be up there and winning is something I'm looking forward to," he told Carlisle's website.
#mullarkey #league #season #united
2 months ago
Worcestershire batter Rob Jones has announced he will retire from professional cricket at the end of the current season.
The right-hander has been with Pears permanently since 2024, having joined the club on loan from Lancashire for the One-Day Cup the previous summer when he hit a career-best 122 against Northamptonshire.
He was the first arrival under new chief executive Ashley Giles, who gave Jones his first-class debut in 2016 during his spell as head coach and director of cricket at Old Trafford.
The 30-year-old has predominately played 50-over cricket during his time at New Road, scoring 779 runs in 24 innings in List A games so far, including a second hundred for the county as he averaged 47.20 in the Pears' One-Day Cup winning run last season.
Jones, who has not featured in the County Championship yet in 2026, has scored 593 runs with a top score of 90 in 18 first-class matches for Worcestershire.
#Cricket #worcestershire #class
The right-hander has been with Pears permanently since 2024, having joined the club on loan from Lancashire for the One-Day Cup the previous summer when he hit a career-best 122 against Northamptonshire.
He was the first arrival under new chief executive Ashley Giles, who gave Jones his first-class debut in 2016 during his spell as head coach and director of cricket at Old Trafford.
The 30-year-old has predominately played 50-over cricket during his time at New Road, scoring 779 runs in 24 innings in List A games so far, including a second hundred for the county as he averaged 47.20 in the Pears' One-Day Cup winning run last season.
Jones, who has not featured in the County Championship yet in 2026, has scored 593 runs with a top score of 90 in 18 first-class matches for Worcestershire.
#Cricket #worcestershire #class
2 months ago
Surrey and The Blaze warmed up for Friday's T20 Blast finals day with wins in their final group stage games.
The pair will meet in the first semi-final at The Kia Oval, with table-toppers Hampshire then facing Durham.
Phoebe Franklin hit an unbeaten 40 as Surrey chased down 133 to beat Hampshire, while Charli Knott hit a vital 84 not out to help The Blaze to a three-wicket win over Yorkshire.
Elsewhere, Lancashire needed an unbroken seventh-wicket stand of 60 between Skye Thomas and Kate Cross to beat Durham and Essex won by 41 runs at Somerset.
1100 BST: Surrey v The Blaze
The pair will meet in the first semi-final at The Kia Oval, with table-toppers Hampshire then facing Durham.
Phoebe Franklin hit an unbeaten 40 as Surrey chased down 133 to beat Hampshire, while Charli Knott hit a vital 84 not out to help The Blaze to a three-wicket win over Yorkshire.
Elsewhere, Lancashire needed an unbroken seventh-wicket stand of 60 between Skye Thomas and Kate Cross to beat Durham and Essex won by 41 runs at Somerset.
1100 BST: Surrey v The Blaze
2 months ago
The Blaze and Lancashire ended their group stage campaigns with victories in the T20 Blast.
Charli Knott hit a vital 84 not out as The Blaze warmed up for Friday's finals day by edging to a three-wicket win over Yorkshire at Headingley.
Meanwhile, Lancashire needed an unbroken seventh-wicket stand of 60 between Skye Thomas and Kate Cross to beat Durham at Emirates Old Trafford.
In Sunday's other games, Surrey are playing top-of-the-table Hampshire, while Somerset are hosting Essex.
A notable all-round display from Australian all-rounder Knott helped The Blaze to a helter-skelter victory over Yorkshire.
Charli Knott hit a vital 84 not out as The Blaze warmed up for Friday's finals day by edging to a three-wicket win over Yorkshire at Headingley.
Meanwhile, Lancashire needed an unbroken seventh-wicket stand of 60 between Skye Thomas and Kate Cross to beat Durham at Emirates Old Trafford.
In Sunday's other games, Surrey are playing top-of-the-table Hampshire, while Somerset are hosting Essex.
A notable all-round display from Australian all-rounder Knott helped The Blaze to a helter-skelter victory over Yorkshire.
2 months ago
The Clarettes announced news of the deals on Friday. Both players move to Turf Moor on free transfers.
The club first announced the arrival of midfielder Harrison-Murray. The 36-year-old has enjoyed a long career in the professional game in which she has turned out for the likes of ******* nal, Bristol Academy, Doncaster Rovers Belles, Liverpool and Birmingham City. Harrison-Murray's most successful spell arguably came at Birmingham City. She spent six years in the Midlands in which she captained the club and made 138 appearances in all competitions. She won Barclays WSL2 with Blues last season.
Harrison-Murray has signed a one-year contract at Burnley with the option of an additional year.
Centre-back Cooper's arrival at Burnley was announced soon after. She joined the Lancashire club following a two-year spell with Newcastle United. Cooper helped The Magpies to establish themselves in Barclays WSL2 and she will be hoping to do similar with Burnley. Cooper has top flight experience from her time with Chelsea and Reading.
Cooper has signed a two-year contract with Burnley with the option of a further year.
The club first announced the arrival of midfielder Harrison-Murray. The 36-year-old has enjoyed a long career in the professional game in which she has turned out for the likes of ******* nal, Bristol Academy, Doncaster Rovers Belles, Liverpool and Birmingham City. Harrison-Murray's most successful spell arguably came at Birmingham City. She spent six years in the Midlands in which she captained the club and made 138 appearances in all competitions. She won Barclays WSL2 with Blues last season.
Harrison-Murray has signed a one-year contract at Burnley with the option of an additional year.
Centre-back Cooper's arrival at Burnley was announced soon after. She joined the Lancashire club following a two-year spell with Newcastle United. Cooper helped The Magpies to establish themselves in Barclays WSL2 and she will be hoping to do similar with Burnley. Cooper has top flight experience from her time with Chelsea and Reading.
Cooper has signed a two-year contract with Burnley with the option of a further year.
2 months ago
Preston North End have made an ambitious attempt to sign the versatile Northern Ireland international Justin Devenny from Crystal Palace, though the 22-year-old is also admired by Leicester City and Southampton. (Lancashire Post)
Wolves have reportedly identified Aston Villa attacker Lewis Dobbin, 23, as a potential summer transfer target, with Middlesbrough and Southampton also linked with the English former Preston loanee. (Lancashire Post)
For more transfer news and rumours, read Thursday's full gossip column here.
Wolves have reportedly identified Aston Villa attacker Lewis Dobbin, 23, as a potential summer transfer target, with Middlesbrough and Southampton also linked with the English former Preston loanee. (Lancashire Post)
For more transfer news and rumours, read Thursday's full gossip column here.
2 months ago
"You're just in the bubble, any sports person will tell you that. You just do what you do and presumably if you're doing well maybe you get a chance, if there is a chance to promote you go on. That's what's happened to me."
Being called up to represent your country in any sport is a huge honour.
But when we think about being called up, we might ******* ume that sport is a young person's game.
Not so for Ian Barton, who at the age of 62 is preparing to represent England in a World Cup in Canada - but in the Over-60s Cricket World Cup rather than the ongoing football competition.
"I fly out on 5 August with a 16-man squad to try and win the World Cup," he told BBC Radio Lancashire.
Being called up to represent your country in any sport is a huge honour.
But when we think about being called up, we might ******* ume that sport is a young person's game.
Not so for Ian Barton, who at the age of 62 is preparing to represent England in a World Cup in Canada - but in the Over-60s Cricket World Cup rather than the ongoing football competition.
"I fly out on 5 August with a 16-man squad to try and win the World Cup," he told BBC Radio Lancashire.
3 months ago
Sergio Garcia has made a number of questionable decisions on the golf course in his career. So many it's hard to pin point any single one as "the worst."
Until Tuesday.
Garcia, who has competed in 26 Open Championships in his career, was attempting to lock up a spot in his 27th at Final Qualifying at West Lancashire in England. He got off to a great start, shooting a 68 on the first 18, a score he'd need to match or better to have a chance on the final 18. But first, lunch.
What was on tap for the former Masters champ? Lasagna. In England.
"I had a little bit of food there in the players lounge and it did not sit well with me," Garcia said after shooting a second-round 75 that spoiled his Open chances. And his stomach.
Until Tuesday.
Garcia, who has competed in 26 Open Championships in his career, was attempting to lock up a spot in his 27th at Final Qualifying at West Lancashire in England. He got off to a great start, shooting a 68 on the first 18, a score he'd need to match or better to have a chance on the final 18. But first, lunch.
What was on tap for the former Masters champ? Lasagna. In England.
"I had a little bit of food there in the players lounge and it did not sit well with me," Garcia said after shooting a second-round 75 that spoiled his Open chances. And his stomach.
3 months ago
Move over Shane Lowry ; this summer it's Tommy Fleetwood's turn to have a mural on display when fans descend on jolly old England and Southport, the staid holiday resort town on the coast of Lancashire and home to Royal Birkdale for the 154th British Open.
Honoring Southport's own favorite son, the large-scale artwork of Fleetwood has been created on the facade of Southport & Birkdale Sports Club by local muralist Paul Curtis, who has painted around 300 public pieces in the region — including Liverpool managers Jurgen Klopp and Bill Shankly, and the late Portuguese star Diogo Jota.
Covering the 164-foot by 65-foot wall, the work celebrates Fleetwood's connection to the area and the broader significance of the Championship returning to the region. Work on the mural — which takes inspiration from a photo of the 35-year-old competing in the 2023 Ryder Cup — began in mid-June with Curtis spending over a fortnight on-site to complete the installation.
"The biggest challenge during the project was working in the intense heat. Alongside the constant need to stay hydrated and regularly apply sun cream, the temperatures also created practical problems with the paint. If I left my palette for even a few minutes, I would often return to find the paint had become sticky or, in some cases, had dried out completely," Curtis said. "One of the most rewarding aspects of painting the mural was discovering just how much affection there is for Tommy within the local community. People regularly stopped to share stories of knowing him personally or to express how proud they are to see someone from Southport representing the town on the world stage."
Last year, Fleetwood won the Tour Championship, his first victory on the PGA Tour, and claimed the season-long FedEx Cup. He was also part of the victorious European Ryder Cup team, marking the fourth time he's represented Europe in the biennial team competition. Fleetwood entered this week ranked No. 7 in the Official World Golf Ranking.
Honoring Southport's own favorite son, the large-scale artwork of Fleetwood has been created on the facade of Southport & Birkdale Sports Club by local muralist Paul Curtis, who has painted around 300 public pieces in the region — including Liverpool managers Jurgen Klopp and Bill Shankly, and the late Portuguese star Diogo Jota.
Covering the 164-foot by 65-foot wall, the work celebrates Fleetwood's connection to the area and the broader significance of the Championship returning to the region. Work on the mural — which takes inspiration from a photo of the 35-year-old competing in the 2023 Ryder Cup — began in mid-June with Curtis spending over a fortnight on-site to complete the installation.
"The biggest challenge during the project was working in the intense heat. Alongside the constant need to stay hydrated and regularly apply sun cream, the temperatures also created practical problems with the paint. If I left my palette for even a few minutes, I would often return to find the paint had become sticky or, in some cases, had dried out completely," Curtis said. "One of the most rewarding aspects of painting the mural was discovering just how much affection there is for Tommy within the local community. People regularly stopped to share stories of knowing him personally or to express how proud they are to see someone from Southport representing the town on the world stage."
Last year, Fleetwood won the Tour Championship, his first victory on the PGA Tour, and claimed the season-long FedEx Cup. He was also part of the victorious European Ryder Cup team, marking the fourth time he's represented Europe in the biennial team competition. Fleetwood entered this week ranked No. 7 in the Official World Golf Ranking.
