New Orleans Saints special teams coordinator Phil Galiano says Charlie Smyth’s future as a permanent member of the squad is “up in the air”.
Saints head coach Kellen Moore confirmed on Tuesday that the kicker will make his home NFL debut against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday (21:25 GMT).
Former Gaelic footballer Smyth is set to start his third successive NFL game after featuring in the defeat at the Miami Dolphins and last weekend’s win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
NFL rules say a player can be elevated three times from the practice squad before they must be made a permanent fixture in a team’s 53-man roster.
That means that if Smyth impresses against the Panthers, the Saints would need to sign him before selecting him for a fourth match, but Galiano would not be drawn to comment on the 24-year-old’s future.
“All of that is up in the air, our focus is on one game at a time and what we’re trying to do is go and win this game,” he said.
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Smyth earned his opportunity after regular kicker Blake Grupe was waived by the Saints, and he came through a competition against veteran Cade York to earn his shot at the NFL.
The former Down GAA goalkeeper landed a 56-yard field goal and a rare onside kick on his debut but had mixed fortunes in the surprise victory over the Buccaneers.
Smyth missed a 48-yard field-goal attempt in the driving rain, but his 30-yard effort tied the game in the closing stages of the third quarter.
He was perfect from his three extra-point attempts, but failed to hit the landing zone late in the game from a kick-off although the Buccaneers could not capitalise on the error.
Galiano was pleased with Smyth’s reaction after his first missed field-goal attempt and believes there were plenty of positives to take from his first two appearances.
“I thought it was good as he missed it and came over to the sideline, I grabbed him and said, ‘hey, you got your first miss in the NFL out the way, so how are you going to respond to it?'” added Galiano.
Briton Dalton Smith’s world-title challenge against WBC light-welterweight champion Subriel Matias remains on, despite the champion returning adverse drug-test findings.
The Puerto Rican tested positive for the banned substance Ostarine in a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) out-of-competition test taken on 9 November.
A ‘B’ sample also returned an adverse finding, but the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) says the concentration detected was below the threshold used by major boxing jurisdictions, meaning the fight in New York on 10 January can proceed.
“The New York State Athletic Commission is aware that Mr Matias, who is currently licensed, has received an adverse analytic finding from VADA concerning an out of competition test,” the commission told BBC Sport.
“The reported concentration was below the applicable threshold used by multiple jurisdictions, including Nevada, California, and New York.”
The commission added that Matias has been cooperative but that the situation remains under review and he will be subject to additional testing.
It added: “At this time the fight is scheduled to proceed on 10 January 2026.”
Ostarine, a non-steroidal drug used to support muscle growth, has been on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s banned substance list since 2008.
Following the initial A-sample finding, the WBC said it had identified mitigating factors in Matias’ case.
The sanctioning body indicated the adverse result was linked to the fighter’s use of supplements known to carry a risk of Ostarine contamination, adding that the levels detected were low and consistent with accidental ingestion.
However, the organisation has placed him on a 12-month probation period.
The WBC also warned that any further positive test during the probationary period would result in an indefinite suspension, pending further investigation.
Sheffield’s Smith, 28, has won all 18 of his professional bouts, and his team have said he will not pull out of the contest.
Legendary Scottish actor and comedian Stanley Baxter has died aged 99.
Baxter launched his career as a child performer on BBC Scotland before rising to fame through his television comedy programmes. Born in Glasgow on May 24, 1926, he made his stage debut at the tender age of six.
His friend and biographer Brian Beacom announced the star’s death, and said he died on Thursday (11 December) in a care home for those in the entertainment industry in North London. Baxter had been living at Denville Hall for two years and was only a few months away from his 100th birthday.
His breakthrough on the small screen arrived with the comedy sketch programme On the Bright Side. Appearing alongside Betty Marsden as co-host, he subsequently received a BAFTA for Light Entertainment Performance.
The performer also had his own eponymous programme which aired from 1963 to 1971 – The Stanley Baxter show. Baxter would also host standalone comedy extravaganzas on ITV’s London Weekend Television and the BBC. At their peak, the shows reached more than 20 million viewers.
For many years, he remained one of Scotland’s most celebrated pantomime performers, with one reviewer calling him “the dame of the century”. The comic received awards for his comedy and acting throughout his career, and won a lifetime achievement award at the British Comedy Awards. He also won Bafta Scotlands Outstanding Contribution to Film and Television award in 2020.
The star was also the subject of two TV tribute programmes. Earlier this month, BBC Scotland announced that an hour-long documentary featuring rare archive footage and candid interviews will air on New Year‘s Eve as the actor’s 100th birthday approached.
Being Stanley Baxter is set to feature a raft of stars who were close to him, including actor Bill Paterson and actress Amanda Barrie, as well as Mark Gatiss and Alan Cumming.
Baxter also had parts in a number of films, such as Geordie from 1955, Very Important Person from 1961, The Fast Lady from 1962 and And Father Came Too! from 1963.
In an interview with Radio Times in 2014, Baxter said he had written an autobiography which was to be published after his death. However he released a biography, co-written with Beacom, in 2020.
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Cotonou, Benin – The Dantokpa market in Cotonou is once again a whirlwind of activity, just days after a failed bid to topple the Beninese government.
Pedestrians and cart pushers jostle in the narrow streets, a sign that daily life is returning to normal following the brief but intense crisis.
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Among the bustling crowds, petty traders like Abel Ayihuonsou are back to selling their goods, eager for information about the attempted putsch and what it means for the nation’s future.
“For the moment, everything is back to normal. And that’s very good for the country and we are happy,” Ayihuonsou said, summarising the widespread relief.
The failed putsch
The crisis began on Sunday morning when a group of soldiers seized the national television station and announced the deposition of President Patrice Talon.
However, the attempted coup was swiftly defeated by forces loyal to the president, critically supported by the Nigerian Air Force.
While former colonial power France and regional country Ivory Coast offered Benin support, Nigerian forces, alongside loyalist troops, were instrumental in quashing the rebellion.
Nigeria deployed military jets to target the mutineers, as forces loyal to Benin’s president surrounded a base where the plotters had holed up. This coordinated action forced the coup leaders to retreat from both the state television station they had occupied and the presidential palace they had tried to take by force.
By Sunday afternoon, the interior minister had released a statement saying Beninese army leadership had “foiled the attempt”. And that evening, Talon appeared on state television promising to punish those responsible.
“I would like to assure you that the situation is completely under control and therefore invite you to calmly go about your activities starting this very evening,” the president said.
Benin’s President Patrice Talon in Cotonou, on August 1, 2022 [File: AFP]
Beninese journalist Moise Dosumou highlighted the strategic nature of the intervention, suggesting that although Benin requested help, Nigeria’s prompt reaction was key as a regional power.
“A threat of instability at its doorstep would inevitably spill over onto both Nigeria and ECOWAS,” Dosumou observed.
Nigeria’s role in Benin, although commended by the African Union, regional bloc the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and other international bodies, drew criticism at home.
Some Nigerians wondered how Nigerian fighter jets thwarted a coup in a foreign country, while seemingly unable to do the same to bandits and armed groups terrorising villagers at home.
A region in flux
The failed coup comes at a precarious time for the region.
Several West African countries have witnessed coups in recent years, including Benin’s northern neighbours, Niger and Burkina Faso, as well as Mali, Chad, Guinea and, most recently, Guinea-Bissau, where soldiers seized power last month.
A successful takeover in Benin would have further weakened ECOWAS, which suspended Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger following the successful military takeovers there. These three nations then formed their own confederate alliance known as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
Many in the AES states welcomed the initial announcement by the Beninese coup leaders on Sunday.
Analysts believe that a successful coup in Benin could have led the country, which is also battling armed groups, to join the AES, further isolating ECOWAS.
The government maintains that the coup was homegrown, but suggests the scope of the investigation is broad.
“But if investigations allow us to trace it back to a foreign country or foreign forces that contributed to it, we will also, within the framework of international cooperation, express our disapproval and condemnation to those actors,” said Wilfried Leandre Houngbedji, spokesman for the Benin government.
People walk at the Dantokpa market, two days after the country’s armed forces thwarted the attempted coup against the government, in Cotonou [Charles Placide Tossou/Reuters]
The coup’s shock isn’t limited to Benin politics. The small West African country is an important maritime hub. Many countries in the region, especially the landlocked nation of Niger, relied heavily on the port of Cotonou for imports and exports.
That relation took a hit after the military takeover in Niamey in 2023. Benin’s implementation of ECOWAS sanctions in the aftermath of the coup damaged relations between the two neighbours. Niger now relies on supplies from Togolese ports that are rerouted through Mali and Burkina Faso, forcing up the cost of goods because of the additional logistics.
The instability is not limited to Benin. ECOWAS also recently suspended Guinea-Bissau after the military seized power there following a contested presidential election.
Across the region, many people are disgruntled by the attitude of politicians. It’s little surprise that coups in the region, whether failed or successful, receive at least some support from the individuals who see politicians as nothing more than an elite group mostly concerned about their own interests.
Benin officials, however, said the country isn’t where it is supposed to be, but remarkable progress has been made in various sectors, like infrastructure development and investments, in apparent reaction to a string of accusations levelled against the president and his government.
The future of Benin’s democracy
President Talon, who survived the attempt, is set to complete his second term, backed by ECOWAS, whose forces have been deployed to help secure the country’s 34-year-old democracy.
The attempted coup, however, has fundamentally shaken the nation’s confidence that its democratic stability was permanent.
Presidential elections are scheduled for next April. Although Talon is not running, some critics perceive his influence in the weakening of the opposition, potentially smoothing the path for the governing party’s candidate.
It remains unclear how long Nigerian fighter jets and ECOWAS troops will be deployed to deter future attempts by disgruntled soldiers.
Meanwhile, for people in the region, the failed coup is a stark reminder that stability can be fragile. And many fear that the recent surge in successful and failed coups across the continent means West Africa risks reclaiming its notoriety as a region prone to military takeovers.
Military armoured vehicles take position in front of the headquarters of Benin’s radio and television station, a day after the country’s armed forces thwarted an attempted coup against the government of Benin’s President Patrice Talon [Charles Placide Tossou/Reuters]
Stacey Solomon has shared the affordable cosy fleece shacket she’s wearing on repeat, and fans have been rushing to snap it up for just £20 in six different colours
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Stacey’s cosy shacket is great for layering in winter(Image: Stacey Solomon/Instagram)
She might love the occasional bit of glitz and glamour, but Stacey Solomon also knows all too well how important it is to have wardrobe staples you can wear every day. And one such piece that she’s been wearing on repeat this winter is her Fleece Jacket from Amazon.
Stacey has been spotted wearing the jacket on a few occasions on Instagram, and her fans were desperate to know where they could buy one for themselves. Thankfully her exact jacket is ultra-affordable for those on a budget, and you can pick it up for just £20.15.
READ MORE: Emma Louise Connolly’s cosy M&S winter coat feels like a hug and ‘hangs so nicely’
READ MORE: Millie Mackintosh’s under-£50 cashmere jumper is the ‘best base to every look’
The Fleece Jacket comes in six different colours, including Stacey’s beige version that’s easy to pair with anything. Other colours include black, burgundy, khaki and pink, so there’s a colour to suit your style. Or of course you could snap it up in multiple colours, considering how affordable it is.
It’s worth noting that a couple of colourways are slightly different in price, although still budget-friendly. Whilst the khaki, black and beige options are all £20.15, the sage green on is £21.32, the pink is £21.56, and the burgundy shade is the priciest at £24.07.
It comes in sizes small to extra large, and is made from a warm fleece material that’s a great layering piece to wear in winter, but is still lightweight enough to wear in the spring or autumn on its own. The relaxed, oversized fit means it’s also perfect for throwing on over chunkier knits without being too bulky or snug.
Stacey’s Fleece Jacket has a classic collared neckline, with voluminous sleeves and patch pockets on the chest for a cool utilitarian look. It also fastens with press stud poppers up the front, so you can wear it open like a jacket or fastened like a shirt.
Next shoppers could also pick up a similar Fleece Shacket for £32, which comes in cream or khaki and has a more streamlined design with side pockets. Alternatively, the Polar Fleece Shacket (also from Next) is £25 and comes in a range of prints if you want something a little more colourful or bold.
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Alternatively, the Borg Lightweight Hooded Jacket is £40 at Marks & Spencer if you want something a little cosier and snuggly for the cold weather. It comes in four chic neutral colours, and has a 4.6 star rating from shoppers who’ve praised how comfortable it is to wear.
Adam Peaty has given fans a sneak peek into his stag do festivities ahead of his upcoming nuptials to Holly Ramsay later this month.
Following recent headlines about the Peaty family feud, which included retracted invites and threats of violence, Adam took to social media to share a montage of happier times.
He captioned the series of snaps: “A few good weeks to backend the year [salute emoji].” One photo featured him donning a T-shirt adorned with fiancée Holly’s face and the words “wife 2 be”.
The 30 year old swimming ace was seen strolling alongside a mate in an airport en route to Budapest for the lads’ weekend.
Adam shared a picture from his stag do
Another image showed him casually sitting on the bonnet of an Aston Martin, possibly belonging to his soon-to-be father-in-law, celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay.
A third snap captured Holly, 25, beaming during a cosy festive date night at a bustling restaurant, while another saw Adam decorating a Christmas tree with his five year old son George perched on his shoulders.
Fans thought the shout outs to Holly could be seen as a dig at his mum after taking his wife’s sad following the upset over her hen do.
As Adam and Holly tie the knot this month, Adam’s mum Caroline won’t be in attendance amid a growing feud in the family, which kicked off when Caroline wasn’t invited to Holly’s hen party. Holly’s mum and Adam’s sister were in attendance, alongside family friend Victoria Beckham.
Caroline took to social media to say she’d been hurt most by the people who love her after she was left at home caring for Adam’s young son while the festivities went on in the Cotswolds.
Adam recently broke his silence to share a statement about the feud. In a statement, he said: “For those who know me personally, you know that I work so hard on trying to improve myself as a person who wants to contribute to making the world a better place.
“I am continuing to learn about myself and how I can be the man I want to be; a worthy partner, father, businessman, friend and athlete; even through these challenging times. Bethany, Holly and I will get through this – we do not ask for sympathy. We just need people to be aware that there are always two sides to every story. To those of you who have reached out and shown kindness and understanding – thank you. It is deeply appreciated.”
Adam and Holly with Adam’s mum in much happier times ( @adam_peaty/Instagram)
Adam’s comments came after his mum gave a big interview, where she said her son was “in Gordon Ramsay’s clutches”. She also issued a personal message to Adam through the media.
In a direct message to her son, she said: “I know it’s the end. But please, the message I want Adam to hear is no matter what happens in the future, please know I love you, your dad loves you, you can come home and talk to me at any point.
“There’s nothing you’ve done that I would not forgive. I love you so much. I hope your marriage is a good one, I don’t wish any ill on you and I want you and Holly to have a long and happy marriage. The reason I’m speaking out is I want all this to end.”
Since then, Adam’s mum has seemingly taken a fresh swipe at her son amid reports that Bethany and her partner will be attending the wedding. Bethany and Adam remain close.
The quote she shared read: “I don’t remember every gift I opened when I was 5, 6, or even 10. I remember the smell of the kitchen, the glow of the lights, the way love felt louder in December. It wasn’t the presents it was the presence of my parents who did everything they could to make the magic happen.” Adam and Holly will tie the knot at Bath Abbey on December 27th in a Christmas wedding.
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