Archive September 26, 2025

Potter won’t get ‘caught in noise’ over future or face swaps

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Graham Potter, the club’s manager, claims he has had “positive conversations” with the management over his future and that he is laughing at the idea of becoming a meme on social media.

The Hammers are currently second in the table, trailing only by three points from their first five Premier League games.

Multiple sources informed BBC Sport that the club had begun looking for potential replacements for Harry Potter following last Saturday’s defeat by Crystal Palace.

The former Chelsea and Brighton boss, who has been the subject of a face-to-face trend on social media this week, claims he has board support.

Although they were positive, Potter said, “We all understand where we are at and we want to improve.”

No one is content with where we are right now, he continued, “But you have to look at the context and avoid getting swept up in the noise.”

I don’t pay attention to it, and it doesn’t bother me. It is what you sign up for, and it is a part of the Premier League’s noise.

West Ham is scheduled to travel to Everton on Monday at 20:00 BST, along with former manager David Moyes.

Before leaving at the end of the following year and resigning as manager at Everton in January 2025, Moyes led the Hammers to a renowned Conference League triumph in two spells.

The Scot felt sorry for Potter and faced harsh criticism while playing for the Scot at London Stadium.

Moyes continued, “I never believe it’s correct when managers are subject to any significant criticism.”

“Graham Potter is a fantastic manager. You can’t get the positions [he has] unless you have some leadership experience.

Potter won’t suffer from “lauricity.”

In January, West Ham appointed a successor for Julen Lopetegui, but the 50-year-old has lost 14 of his 25 games and drawn 5. Potter has lost just six of those matches.

They lost to Wolves last month in the second round of the Carabao Cup, and they have won just three of their last 17 games in all competitions.

Potter has since become a viral trend on social media after poor pitch results, with users using AI to mimic other celebrities like Barbie, Donald Trump, and the Chuckle brothers.

Potter cautions against taking it too seriously, saying, “You have to accept what comes with the job [the job] the job.

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Helen Skelton’s new coat range includes a £40 insulated jacket that’s ‘light but warm’

With Go Outdoors, Heather Skelton has unveiled a brand-new winter coat line that includes all of her favorite £40 insulated and shower-resistant jackets.

The latest collection from Helen Skelton’s label Go Outdoors is the place to shop if you’re looking for a coat that will keep you warm through the winter, fall, and spring. The outdoor brand has a great collection for the TV presenter, who is well known for her love of the great outdoors.

Helen is a huge fan of and wears the brand’s Peter Storm Women’s Blisco III Hooded Jacket frequently, and there are a lot of new colors for her most recent collection. Helen models several different colors for the campaign, with 14 different colors available to choose from.

Shop Stacey Solomon’s oversized sweater, which is “delectable for winter and autumn” for more.

READ MORE: My waterproof jacket saved me from rainy autumn dog walks and now costs £35 less.

The Blisco III Hooded Jacket retails for $40, which is already a reasonable price for a great winter/winter jacket. However, it is currently only £15, and a year’s membership is just £5, which means you can get it for just £20.

Helen’s jacket is insulated with heat-retention continuous-filament insulation, which keeps it ultralightweight and cozy at the same time. You can layer it up and wear it while doing everything from hiking to dog walking because the lining doesn’t restrict movement.

It has cuff elastic and hem elastic, which prevent heat from escaping while it’s cold and windy. The Blisco III Hooded Jacket has a shower-resistant coating that will withstand those brief showers, but it won’t keep you dry in a torrential downpour.

The Berghaus Women’s Deluge Pro 3.0 Insulated Waterproof Jacket costs $170 and is both waterproof and insulated to keep you warm and dry in all conditions. The Women’s Birchdale II Waterproof Jacket is currently available for less than £100 at Regatta.

When the cold starts to set in, the Blisco III Hooded Jacket also has a hood and two hand warmer pockets. When trying to fasten the jacket up, there is even an internal zip guard that prevents the fastening from catching on jumpers or layers. The jacket comes in eight to twenty-eight sizes and comes in a variety of colors.

The Blisco III Hooded Jacket, the earlier model, has positive reviews from customers, with one saying, “Worn frequently on hikes,” while the previous model has no reviews. hardly weighs anything and easily fits into a rucksack. Weather-proof, warm, and ideal for hillside winter days. dries quickly and is worn in showers. Great value, indeed!

Another stated, “Black Friday sale.” Far outperformed my expectations. The hood is the right size, making it extremely warm but still very light, which is a huge plus for me. Excellent value that I would suggest to anyone.

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Although it was stated that it was too small when I purchased this coat today. I needed to go a second size up, which is two sizes bigger than my regular size.

BBC’s Ozzy Osbourne documentary gets new release date after being pulled from schedules

Fans have a personal and intimate look at Ozzy Osbourne’s final three years in the UK thanks to the “intimate” BBC film documenting his passing.

The BBC has confirmed a new release date for an ‘intimate film’ about the late Ozzy Osbourne’s life after it was mysteriously pulled from TV schedules last month.

Sharon & Ozzy Osbourne: Coming Home will now air at 9pm on Thursday October 2 and will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer shortly after being broadcast on BBC One. Shot over three years, it will document the final chapter of the Black Sabbath frontman’s life following his death at the age of 76 on July 22 shortly after his last ever gig with the band in his beloved hometown of Birmingham.

Ozzy had numerous surgeries and years of chronic illness, including Parkinson’s Disease and a spinal injury. On his death certificate, the Prince of Darkness listed Parkinson’s disease and coronary artery disease as contributing causes, which were also listed as contributing factors. His industry included the roles of “rock legend, songwriter, and performer.”

READ MORE: Sharon Osbourne’s ‘final gift’ to husband Ozzy before death revealed

Fans will have “unique and intimate access to the entire Osbourne family,” according to the new one-hour long BBC documentary, including Kelly, 40, and Jack, 39, Ozzy’s beloved wife of 43 years.

The final chapter of Ozzy’s life is followed by the intimate movie, which was shot over three years with his wife Sharon, their two children Kelly and Jack, as well as their close friends.

He and Sharon decide it’s time to move back to the English country house in Buckinghamshire where they once raised their family after 25 years living in LA. But before he retires entirely, he also has a burning desire to give his loyal fans one more performance.

It follows the star as he pursues his goals with the determination, blistering honesty, and razor-sharp sense of humor that have endeared him to millions for more than 50 years.

Ozzy and Sharon moving back to the UK was originally intended to be a series called Home To Roost. However, the project “performed” into the one-hour film as Ozzy’s health “deteriorated,” according to the BBC.

The rock legend’s life was then turned into a documentary when the depressing news of his passing broke two weeks after his final concert at home. The impact of this working-class hero is undoubtedly palpable, according to the BBC. The film paints a candid and moving portrait of Birmingham’s favorite son and the Birmingham family that cherished and supported him throughout his final performance and life’s final chapter.

We are honored to have had the chance to film with Ozzy and his family, said Clare Sillery, head of BBC Documentaries. As they prepare to return to the UK, the movie provides an inside look at their journey.

It features family occurrences, humor, reflection, and a strong sense of community that made Ozzy a household name. As Ozzy’s fans and viewers remember and celebrate his extraordinary life, we hope it brings comfort and joy to them.

Executive producers at Expectation, Ben Wicks and Colin Barr, described their time with Ozzy as well as Sharon, Jack, and Kelly as “unreal privileges.” Our film is an inspiring and moving account of how much Ozzy aspired to return to the UK and perform on stage once more.

In the final years of his life, Ozzy was adored by millions all over the world for his sense of mischief and honesty, both of which he was known for. However, one thing stood out to us that was even more profound: Ozzy’s deep affection for his extraordinary family, who remained by his side throughout.

*Watch Ozzy Osbourne and Sharon &amp on BBC One starting at 9 p.m. on Thursday, October 2.

Continue reading the article.

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RAF and plumbing: The lives of England’s stars

Images courtesy of Getty

Since the introduction of professionalism in the women’s game six years ago, hooker Amy Cokayne is one of the few English players with a day job.

This Saturday will mark her third successive Women’s Rugby World Cup appearance for the 29-year-old, but she also serves as a police officer in the Royal Air Force.

Cokayne can concentrate on her dream of winning the World Cup while preserving her military career in the background thanks to the Elite Athlete Scheme of the Royal Air Force.

The Flight Lieutenant will aim to keep Twickenham’s Canada pack in check over the weekend before eventually returning to her role of keeping the planes in order.

She stated this week on the Barely Rugby podcast on BBC Radio 5 Live, “I’ve never arrested anyone.” “I’ve done all my training, but I don’t think I’ll do it because I’m an officer, so I’d just send someone.”

After England lost the World Cup final, Cokayne, who is a member of a military family, joined the RAF in 2017 and even gave up rugby for the following year.

She told ESPN, “I felt like I needed something other than rugby to figure out a career after the World Cup loss.”

“I think taking that break and realizing I still love the sport have actually helped my rugby career.” When I put my boots on, I still have that career to pursue.

When England last won the World Cup in 2014, an entirely amateur side defeated Canada in Dublin before returning to their daily lives shortly afterward, is a very different scenario.

Sarah Hunter worked for the RFU as a university rugby development officer, while Captain Katy Daley-McLean taught in Sunderland’s primary school.

Marlie Packer, a veteran back rower, was a member of the 2014 winning squad, and a week after winning, she was back at her job as a plumber after taking seven weeks of unpaid leave to prepare for and participate in the World Cup.

Amy CokayneImages courtesy of Getty

“I absolutely adored teaching.”

Packer stated at the time that she hoped to return to plumbing and play rugby professionally for a while. She may never have to put down the rugby ball and wrench again given the recent landscape change for women’s rugby in England.

I’m currently pursuing my level three coaching award. She stated to BBC Radio Somerset in May that she has had her level two for years.

I believe the sport has given me a lot, not just because of who I am today, but because I’ve traveled extensively and made friends all over the world.

One of the few women’s rugby teams with fully professional teams has helped them become the top player in the world and the favorite to win the World Cup final.

Marlie Packer in 2014Images courtesy of Getty

However, many of the stars who will line up at Twickenham this weekend had to find other ways to support themselves before reaching that level. The top of the English game is able to properly support professional athletes.

Before turning pro, Lark Atkin-Davies, a front-row legend, was a primary school teacher.

She said, “It’s nice to reflect and observe the journey you’ve taken.”

“I think there were some difficult times, and it’s not always been smooth sailing for me,” I said. “It’s absolutely love it, being professional for the past six years.

I believed I would spend the rest of my life driving for Amazon.

Meg JonesImages courtesy of Getty

Before professional rugby started, Hannah Botterman, a fellow player in England’s pack, almost completely changed.

She described her experience as “a true van life,” adding, “I was a painter and decorator.” For one of my mother’s friends, I worked as an apprentice. I worked at the Harvester from 7 am until 4 p.m. each night before going to bed.

The intention behind the painting and decorating was for me to continue the business while the woman I worked for gave birth. But as soon as I was competent enough to handle it myself, I signed a contract with England and fired it.

When the coronavirus pandemic struck, even the young, cutting-edge women’s rugby players experienced the strain of a working life. While the RFU continued to play the XVs on furlough, players on sevens contracts did not. During the covid, several players were made redundant.

Meg Jones is unquestionably the best player at this World Cup because of her speed, strength, industry, and ability to perform in the right situations at the right moment.

She was considering a future working for Amazon, however, during the Covid lockdown.

Toilet breaks are not exactly a thing. You arrive at 5 am, and you leave without having to wee, Jones said, who had by that point already attended a Rugby World Cup final. She had been outside the center of New Zealand’s 2017 defeat.

It was frightful. My entire life was suddenly gone, and I had never had a job before. For the rest of my life, I just assumed I would be an Amazon deliveryman.

Instead of aiming for their first World Cup triumph on their own soil on Saturday, Jones and the team will aim to do so.

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Slovak constitutional change promotes anti-LGBTQ ‘national identity’

Slovakia has approved a constitutional amendment to limit the rights of same-sex couples.

The country’s parliament on Friday approved the change, which states that male and female will be the only recognised genders, and that school curricula must respect the cultural and ethical positions set out in the constitution.

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The amendment was approved with the minimum necessary 90 votes in the 150-seat lower house with the help of some conservative members of the opposition.

The vote marks a sweeping change for the European Union (EU), as a national law takes precedence over EU law, potentially posing a challenge to the functioning of the 27-nation bloc.

Nationalist Prime Minister Robert Fico has billed the constitutional change as “a dam against progressivism”.

After the vote, Michal Simecka, leader of the strongest opposition party in parliament, Progressive Slovakia, said the amendment “will hurt the people of Slovakia and call into question Slovakia’s place in the EU and its legal space”.

After the amendment was proposed in late January, Fico framed the need for it as a way of upholding “the traditions, the cultural and spiritual heritage of our ancestors” to construct a “constitutional barrier against progressive politics” and restore “common sense”.

“There are two sexes, male and female”, defined at birth, the proposal states – an echo of United States President Donald Trump’s inauguration speech.

“Sex cannot be modified except for serious reasons, according to procedures that will be established by law,” it continues.

The amendment also authorises adoption only for married couples, with rare exceptions.

Slovakia’s constitution already defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman, following an amendment from 2014, when Fico was also prime minister.

It also states that Slovakia’s “sovereignty” regarding “cultural and ethical questions” should override EU law.

MP Maria Kolikova, of the centre-right Freedom and Solidarity party, warned that the constitutional change could jeopardise EU funds for Slovakia and undermine its membership of Europe’s top rights organisation, the Council of Europe.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission warned about “the need for the definitions of ‘national identity’ and ‘cultural and ethical issues’ not to create a conflict with the existing international obligations of the Slovak Republic”.

The legal advisory body also cautioned “that entrenching a strict binary understanding of sex in the Constitution should not result in justifying discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in subsequent legislation or state measures”.

Amnesty International also criticised Slovakia’s amendment, saying the changes targeted LGBTI+ and reproductive rights.

“This is devastating news. Instead of taking concrete measures to protect the rights of LGBTI+ people, children, and women, our parliament voted to adopt constitutional amendments that put the constitution in direct conflict with international law,” Amnesty Slovakia chief Rado Sloboda said in a statement.

Since his return to power in 2023, Fico has faced a series of protests in his 5.4-million-strong country over this drive to curb rights. He has tightened his grip on what he deems “hostile” media and replaced leading figures in the country’s cultural institutions.