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Archive May 3, 2025

Ups, downs and the race for Europe

Reuters/PA Media

Recent confirmed promotions, relegations, titles & qualifications

3 May – Leeds clinch Championship title

3 May: League One relegation for Luton and Plymouth.

Doncaster clinches League Two on May 3rd.

3 May – Bradford promoted to League One

Falkirk promoted to the Scottish Premiership on May 2.

Premier League

Mohamed Salah takes a selfie with Liverpool fans after winning the titleReuters

Liverpool clinched the Premier League title on 27 April with a 5-1 win over Tottenham at Anfield.

The top five teams are guaranteed qualification for the Champions League’s league phase, with Arsenal’s victory over Real Madrid on April 8 guaranteeing that England will be one of the two associations with the highest Uefa coefficients for 2024-25 and clinching a fifth place in addition to the usual four.

There are also places in the league phase reserved for the winners of this season’s Champions League and Europa League, regardless of their domestic league positions.

The sixth-placed Premier League team will qualify for the league phase of the Europa League, along with the FA Cup winners. If the FA Cup winners have already qualified for the Champions League, that Europa place reverts to the league.

Newcastle United‘s victory in the Carabao Cup final means that at worst they will qualify for the Conference League play-off round. However, that Conference League spot will revert to the league if they are unable to qualify for Europe due to their position in the league.

Chelsea will advance to the Europa League’s league phase if they win the Conference League but do not advance to the Champions League.

Women’s Super League

Chelsea celebrate after winning the  Women's Super LeaguePA Media
Chelsea defeated Manchester United 1-0 on April 30 to claim their sixth consecutive WSL title. They will enter the league phase of the Champions League, with the runners-up entering at the second round and the third-placed side in the first round.

Both Arsenal and Manchester United are close to sealing their Champions League spots.

Championship

Leeds United players celebrate after clinching the Championship titlePA Media

Leeds United and Burnley both clinched automatic promotion to the Premier League on 21 April when the Clarets beat Sheffield United 2-1. Leeds secured the title on the final day of the season with a 2-1 win at Plymouth.

Sheffield United, Sunderland, Coventry City and Bristol City will contest the play-offs for the third promotion place.

League One

 Birmingham City celebrate promotion after winning at PeterboroughPA Media
When Birmingham City won 2-1 at Peterborough on April 8th, it was the first time anyone in England’s top five divisions to advance. Four days later, Wrexham drew 0-0 at Wigan, Birmingham City won the title without conceding a kick. With a 3-0 win over Charlton, Waxham secured their second automatic promotion spot on April 26.

Stockport, Charlton, Wycombe and Leyton Orient will contest the play-offs for the third promotion place.

League Two

Robert Street celebrates after scoring for Doncaster against Notts CountyPA Media

Rovers of Doncaster and Port Vale were automatically promoted to League One on 26 April, as Rovers beat Bradford 2-1 and Vale won 2-0 at AFC Wimbledon. Doncaster secured the title with a 2-0 win at Notts County on the final day of the season, when Bradford City claimed the final automatic promotion place by beating Fleetwood 1-0.

Walsall, AFC Wimbledon, Notts County and Chesterfield will contest the play-offs for the final promotion place.

National League

With a game to go on April 26th, Barnet defeated Aldershot 4-0 to claim the title and the only automatic promotion spot.

The play-offs will feature teams from York City, Forest Green Rovers, Rochdale, Oldham, Halifax, and one more team (Southend or Gateshead, who meet on the final day of the season).

The bottom four teams will be relegated to National League North or South, and will be replaced with the champions and play-off winners of those two divisions.

After drawing 3-3 with Aldershot on March 22, Ebbsfleet United, who became the first team in England’s top five divisions to be relegated, and AFC Fylde, who lost 1-0 to Halifax, joined them on April 18 as they bid to relegate themselves. Between Maidenhead, Wealdstone, Dagenham &amp, Redbridge, and Braintree are the final two relegation places.

Scottish Premiership

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With a 5-0 victory over Dundee United on April 26, Celtic won the Premiership. Rangers will join the Champions League play-off round while Rangers will join the second qualifying round.

The Premiership has now split in half after 33 games – with each club playing the others in their ‘ half ‘ for a fourth and final time.

The third-placed Premiership team will enter the Europa League after the second qualifying round, while the fourth-placed team will enter the Conference League after the second qualifying round.

Aberdeen will advance to the Europa League in the play-off round if they win the Scottish Cup, regardless of their position in the league. If Celtic win the Cup, “their” Europa place reverts to the league and will go to the third-placed Premiership team, with the fourth-placed team entering at the second qualifying round and the fifth-placed team entering the Conference League at the second qualifying round.

Scottish Championship

Falkirk celebrate with the Championship trophyPA Media

Champions Falkirk are promoted to the Scottish Premiership, having secured the title on 2 May with a final-day 3-1 win over Hamilton.

The 11th-placed Premiership team will face off against Livingston, Ayr United, and Partick Thistle.

Bottom club Hamilton Academical were deducted 15 points on 17 April for a breach of SPFL rules, and their relegation to Scottish League One was confirmed two days later after a 0-0 draw with Queen’s Park. The Accies lost a subsequent appeal against the deduction.

Scottish League One

Andy Winter celebrates scoring for Arbroath against StranraerSNS

Arbroath were promoted to the Scottish Championship after beating Stranraer 4-0 on 12 April to clinch the title.

Play-offs will be held between Cove Rangers, Queen of the South, and Stenhousemuir against Championship side Airdrieonians, who are ninth-placed.

Bottom club Dumbarton are relegated to Scottish League Two. They became the first SPFL team to be relegated after drawing 0-0 with Queen of the South on 22 March.

Scottish League Two

Peterhead celebrate with the  League Two trophySNS

Peterhead clinched the title and automatic promotion to Scottish League One by beating East Fife 1-0 on 26 April.

East Fife, Edinburgh City and Elgin City will enter a play-off with ninth-placed League One side Annan.

Related topics

  • Hamilton Academical
  • Peterhead
  • Arbroath
  • League Two
  • Cardiff City
  • AFC Fylde
  • Falkirk
  • Port Vale
  • Rovers of Doncaster
  • Birmingham City
  • Cambridge United
  • Luton Town
  • Morecambe
  • Bristol Rovers
  • Burnley
  • Shrewsbury Town
  • Premier League
  • League One
  • Plymouth Argyle
  • Wrexham
  • Ebbsfleet United
  • Carlisle United
  • Championship
  • Crawley Town
  • Football
  • Barnet
  • Bradford City
  • National League
  • Dumbarton
  • Leeds United

Prince Harry ‘detonating yet another bomb’ as he makes baffling contradiction

According to one royal expert, Prince Harry has made some perplexing claims following his jaw-dropping BBC interview because the Duke wants a family reconciliation with his family.

The Duke of Sussex has remarkably shared his hopes of a “reconciliation” with his family, but his claims are contradictory, according to one royal expert.

Prince Harry, 40, spoke out in a bombshell interview shortly after he lost his Court of Appeal challenge over his security arrangements on Friday.

The prince told BBC: “Of course, some members of my family will never forgive me for writing a book. Of course, they will never forgive me for lots of things. But you know, I would love reconciliation with my family. I’ve always, there’s no point in continuing to fight anymore.

Life is precious, I said, and I was right. It would be nice to reconcile with my father, but I don’t know how long he has been hiding from me because of this security stuff.

READ MORE: ‘Resentful’ Prince Harry ‘like a small child’ as he mirrors Meghan Markle gesture

Harry expressed hopes of reconciliation with his father (Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

However, Dr. Tessa Dunlop, a royal historian and expert, claimed that Harry’s actions contradict his claims that he wants to reconcile with his family. On the one hand, he claims to want reconciliation and doesn’t know how long his father will live, she told Sky News.

Continue reading the article.

“But still pressing on painful buttons and deeply personal ones at the same time as actually detonating yet another bomb, essentially putting his father’s lack of security protection at risk.”

He really implies that the King is engaging in unconstitutional meddling… There is a strange contradiction between the palace’s courts and Harry’s, because they are His Majesty’s courts, but they also say things like that. Harry is aware that doing so won’t make his father feel any closer to him.

It comes after Harry and Meghan quit royal life and publicly criticised the royal firm on several occasions, including spilling royal private moments to the world.

It’s led to the couple becoming estranged from the family and leaving them angry. With Prince William in particular being especially angry by his brother’s ‘betrayal’ including the time when Harry’s tell-all book was released.

Alleged friends of the Prince and Princess of Wales previously told The Daily Beast: “Both sides understand each other’s position clearly now. William and Catherine felt completely betrayed by Harry’s memoir. They don’t speak to Harry and Meghan.”

Do you have a tale to tell? Message niamh . kirk@reachplc.com

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Israeli attacks kill two more as Syria government reaches deal with Druze

At least two civilians have been killed in Israeli airstrikes in Syria over the course of the night because Israel has claimed to be conducting attacks to protect the Druze minority from government violence, a position that the Syrian Druze community itself rejects.

After 15 air raids hit several locations in Syria after midnight on Saturday, with at least eight attacks hitting Damascus, at least eight people were reported injured.

Without providing further details or proof, the Israeli military confirmed the attacks on Saturday, claiming its forces “struck a military site, anti-aircraft cannons, and surface-to-air missile infrastructure in Syria.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would not allow Syrian forces to deploy south of Damascus nor “tolerate any threat to the Druze community” following Israel’s attack on the day before the incident.

This week during fighting between pro-government forces and Druze fighters in Syria, more than 100 people were killed.

Imran Khan, a reporter from the suburb of Jaramana in Damascus, reported that there was a shaky calm on Saturday.

“Many people had absolute fright. During the clashes on Tuesday, the fighters entered from various directions, but the security forces eventually placed Jaramana under a two-day curfew.

He claimed that security would return when a Druze delegation arrived to reassure people at that time.

Agreements were reached between Druze leaders in Damascus and the Druze stronghold of Suwayda province in the country’s southern region to increase security and remove some of the heavy weapons fighters had in storage.

As part of the agreement here and in Suwayda, a local force from the Ministry of Defense will now be in charge of security, according to Khan.

However, it is claimed that the armed fighters were rebelling against the ousted Bashar al-Assad regime. That’s a real concern because many Syrians believe that elements are attempting to destabilize the nation by stoking sectarian tensions.

The Druze community has been sceptical of Israel’s claim to protect the Druze, he added.

They claim they have internal control over this problem and don’t require Israel to intervene. They also mention how frequently the Druze are mistreated in Israel and how they have been forced to flee their homes and communities to make way for illegal Israeli settlements. The Israeli prime minister appears to be using this to pressure Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and launch attacks on Syrian targets.

Geir Pedersen, the UN Special Envoy for Syria, stated on Saturday that he “strongly condemns Israel’s continued and escalating violations of Syria’s sovereignty, including numerous airstrikes in Damascus and other cities.”

Despite being condemned internationally, the Israeli military, which continues to occupy parts of Syria, including the Golan Heights, has continued to launch attacks across the nation.

Nothing can stop us from defending our people or pursuing our duty toward our people, said Ammar al-Hariri, a commander with the Syrian security forces, from the Suwayda town of al-Soura al-Kubra.

Salman Olaiwi, a Druze resident of al-Soura al-Kubra, inspects his damaged home in Suwayda province, Syria, on May 2, 2025. [Karam Al-Masri/Reuters]

Residents of the town, Salman Olaiwi, said that when they learned about the agreement between the government and Druze leaders, they felt “relieved.”

Lewis Capaldi surprises fans as he performs for first time in two years

At a surprise concert for the Campaign Against Living Miserably charity, Lewis Capaldi performed a number of hits on stage alongside Tom Walker, who also performed live.

Lewis Capaldi made a sensational return to the spotlight in Edinburgh on Friday night(Image: Getty Images)

Lewis Capaldi made a surprise appearance at a charity concert on Friday night, stunking music fans. The 28-year-old Scottish singer hasn’t performed on stage since 2023 and has been out of the spotlight in recent months.

Fans were relieved when he performed at an event for the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) at the end of the week in Edinburgh’s Assembly Rooms. Tom Walker, the Forget Me singer, and Tom Walker, the chart-topping artist, performed six songs.

Many people who were present were enthralled by the reclusive music star’s arrival, who had been teased by the guest appearance. While a report claimed Lewis had battled anxiety and that he had Tourette’s syndrome in 2023, he made an announcement that he was “very nervous” to perform in front of the crowd.

Those present were instructed not to film the event, and they were also required to pack their cell phones in sealed bags before entering the venue. In advance of the event, Headliner Tom issued a warning to fans to get ready in a cell-free environment.

He stated online that “we’re keeping this gig super intimate, and that means we’re going old-fashioned,” not to mention cameras and phones. Just me, the music, and you.

A photo of Tom Walker performing in Liverpool in 2024
Tom Walker headlined the event which was in aid of the charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)(Image: Getty Images)
Continue reading the article.

The venue will use YONDR pouches to implement a “phone-free experience” (you’ll keep your phone locked until after the show). Please bring a physical payment card and some cash along with photo ID that matches your ticket name because you won’t be able to access your phone during the event.

Lewis later expressed his joy over the fact that the star had joined him on stage thanks to his advanced warning, which kept his involvement a secret. The Just You and I singer thanked Lewis for making the decision to do it at the last minute. He’s a total legend after we’ve repeatedly bumped into each other onstage at fezzys (festivals) and events.

“I am aware of the pressure that this industry can occasionally put on artists, especially after a short break. Therefore, it was perfect for him to be able to play a small secret gig in a secure setting away from the noise, expectations, and distractions. I’m enthralled to have been a part of it.

Lewis last performed on stage in 2023
Lewis last performed on stage in 2023(Image: Getty Images)

Fans took to social media to congratulate Lewis’s return to the spotlight – his first performance since he appeared at Glastonbury in 2023. One wrote on Instagram: “LEWIS YOU WERE INCREDIBLE TONIGHT! Thank you for such an incredible night, I’ll never forgot it.”

One person wrote, “Genuinely could not believe wtf was happening! “, while others were shocked to learn that the chart-topping star had the surprise guest of the night. I anticipated a guest would be a fan of the red hot chili peppers, but I regret not being more in the front seat.

Lewis has been open about his struggles in the past, and he has largely disappeared from the public eye in recent months both online and in person. The chart-topping artist opened up about his struggles in January by sharing lyrics over a video that showed shadows dancing in candlelight on Instagram.

If I’m honest with myself, my heads are a living hell, if I’m honest with myself, x #newmusic #mentalhealth, he wrote a caption next to the short clip of footage.

The lyrics to his 2023 song, A Cure For Minds Unwell, read, “If I’m being honest, I couldn’t tell you this is all I wanted,” were in the lyrics. The house seems spooky, so I have to sleep in.

Continue reading the article.

“Filled with the shadows of regret, and the words I should have said, to the words I laid to rest. And lately, I’m concerned that all of my youth is fading. It’s so painful for a man to grow older.

Is there a treatment for mental illness? Because my head is living hell. If I’m open to myself.

Brooklyn Beckham feud explained as his appearance at dad’s 50th hangs in balance

With his attendance at his father’s 50th birthday party in London rumored to be in dispute with his family, Brooke Beckham is rumored to be having a feud with his family. He allegedly snubbed the Miami bash.

According to reports, the Beckhams are engaged in a dispute.

With David Beckham set to celebrate his 50th birthday in style tonight all eyes are on his son Brooklyn Beckham amid an alleged family feud. Brooklyn has been notably absent in recent weeks and reports of a feud between him and his brother Romeo over Romeo’s current girlfriend Kim Turnbull who has a romantic history with Brooklyn.

Their eldest son has remained silent on social media on both his mother Victoria Beckham’s recent birthday and dad David’s. In fact, he skipped Victoria’s birthday entirely to be at Coachella with wife Nicola Peltz.

Romeo’s romantic relationship with Kim allegedly led to Brooklyn and Romeo breaking up with one another. Kim is rumored to have had a few years of relationships with Brooklyn, but it turns out that this is not the beginning of their dispute.

Kim’s involvement in dating his younger brother is said to be controversial, and Brooklyn claims she has no regard for his best interests. According to sources, Brooklyn and his Nicola were unable to attend David’s pre-birthday party because of the ongoing rift between them.

The Beckhams
Brooklyn and Nicola snubbed Victoria’s birthday to attend Coachella(Image: Instagram)

Romeo and Nicole will not attend any family gatherings where Kim is present, according to TMZ, who confirmed their attendance at the time.

Continue reading the article.

Romeo shared a picture from his party on Instagram alongside the caption “Family is everything.”

Notably, Romeo did not mention Brooklyn or Nicola. The pair also missed Victoria Beckham’s fashion show in March, according to the outlet, and Kim’s attendance at the event is alleged to have been a result.

Around December 2024, Brooklyn and Romeo reportedly argued, but it’s said that David and Victoria have faith and aren’t concerned about her getting involved with Romeo.

Brooklyn isn’t happy about being with Kim, however, and despite having no negative feelings for his brother, he is, according to reports. Romeo and David and Victoria live in London, while Brooklyn and Nicola reside in Los Angeles.

The Beckhams
Brooklyn and Nicola have snubbed both David and Victoria’s birthdays on social media(Image: Instagram)

Romeo and Kim and David and Victoria were present at a soccer game in Los Angeles last month, but Brooklyn and Nicola were not present for David’s Inter Miami’s game against LAFC. Their inability only adds to the rumors of rifts that are already spreading.

Continue reading the article.

It’s unknown whether Brooklyn will be present at David’s London party tonight. Celebrities gathered for his celebrations in Miami last month, including David Gardner, David Gardner, and Ben Winston, who David affectionately referred to as “friends for life” in a loving update.

David’s colleagues from his team Inter Miami were also in attendance with Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and superstar Lionel Messi joining the Beckham’s to party.

Lorraine Kelly in hospital and undergoing surgery after ‘not feeling well for a while’

After “being unwell for a while,” ITV presenter Lorraine Kelly made a video of her revealing to her Instagram followers that she is having surgery.

Lorraine Kelly revealed she’s undergoing surgery after ‘not feeling well for a while’. The 65-year-old ITV talk show presenter took to her Instagram page to share a video she filmed from a hospital bed as she explained to followers the reason behind her ‘preventative’ operation.

The actress reassured fans that she will be “totally fine” despite saying she needs her ovaries and tubes removed. Lorraine smiled for the camera as she entered the video and said, “Just wanted to let you know I’m having a wee procedure today. I had some scans and tests, and I had my ovaries and my tubes removed because I haven’t felt well in a while.

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Lorraine said she’s undergoing keyhole surgery(Image: Handout)

It’s purely preventative, she continued. Keyhole surgery is incredible, I’m getting excellent care, I’ll see you very soon, and I’m going to be fine. “I’m going to be fine,” I said.

She wrote, “I feel very lucky to have been treated so well – thank you Dr. Raafat and all the staff,” in the caption.

Friends and fans rushed to the comment section to share their well wishes, with fellow ITV star Katie Piper writing: “Hope you make a speedy recovery,” and Dr Amir Khan posting: “Wishing you a speedy recovery – you are the best!”

Continue reading the article.
Lorraine Kelly in hospital bed
Fans and friends were quick to share their support(Image: Handout)

Good Morning Britain’s Susanna Reid added: “Sending you all the love in the world,” while Adele Roberts posted: “Lots of love to you Lorraine! Get well soon.”

Additionally, Matt Baker, Vanessa Feltz, Julia Bradbury, and Charlotte Hawkins publicly backed the presenter. Following her comforting Adele on her show, Lorraine made the announcement a few days later.

The touching moment unfolded after the presenter chatted with ex-BBC Radio One presenter Adele about her recent London Marathon success.

The Scottish host had a heartfelt surprise for the 46-year-old star waiting for them as their conversation progressed. Everyone is so proud of you, and your moma nurse Elaine sent a heartfelt message to you, Lorraine said.

As a nurse’s video of Adele’s transformation appeared on-screen, Elaine said, “You have inspired so many people and patients with stoma’s throughout. You have been a true godsend and a model for others to strive to be. What a fantastic accomplishment, and I’m so grateful for supporting us along the way.

Continue reading the article.

Adele apologized to Lorraine for her emotional reaction after being overwhelmed by the gesture.

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