Welsh football club in England’s League One, with a Championship past.
The WRU plans to cut from four professional men’s teams to three by 2028 are facing backlash and political pressure. Scarlets and Ospreys are vying to be the sole west Wales representative, Cardiff and Dragons are safe, while former first ministers and board members weigh in on the future. The timeline and governance remain unsettled as clubs prepare for the new URC season.
Rangers focus on strengthening ahead of the new season as multiple targets are linked. John Souttar and Danilo remain in transfer talks, while clubs in Scotland, England and abroad monitor a range of players from the Ibrox squad.
Manchester City’s new manager Enzo Maresca faces a midfield puzzle as Rodri undergoes back surgery, with questions over his return and possible moves in a window that also sees new signings like Elliot Anderson and cautious talk around James Trafford and Jack Grealish.
Liverpool is pushing to reboot under Andoni Iraola after a turbulent pre-season, with Szoboszlai and Elliott reflecting on last season’s upheavals. New signings and young players are in focus as the manager shapes a cohesive unit ahead of the new campaign.
The Carabao Cup second round has been drawn, with Chelsea and Tottenham entering the competition alongside other Premier League clubs not in Europe. The draw is sectional (north and south) and ties will be played the week of 24 August. The nine top-flight teams in Europe this season join in the third round.
Arsenal have begun their title defence with a convincing 3-0 win over Manchester City in Cardiff, with Christos Tzolis contributing two assists and Kai Havertz scoring. Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard anchored the midfield as the Gunners dominated from early in the second half.
Newport County have added six loanees and a Fulham academy graduate as they strengthen under coach Hayden Mullins. The acquisitions include Tanatswa Nyakuhwa from Cardiff, Jacob from Hull, Adu-Poku, Etete and Nyakuhwa, with Dibley-Dias joining to bolster midfield. The club aims to build a competitive squad after finishing last season safe from relegation.
Arsenal has started the new season by winning games and sitting top, with key players like Odegaard and Havertz contributing. Chelsea and Villa confront heavy spending and shifting lineups as the window closed, while Arsenal maintains momentum through a mix of old and new faces.
Bielik has been involved in a physical clash with a fan at Fratton Park as Portsmouth beat Cardiff City 2-0. Hampshire Police are investigating a suspected assault on a teenage spectator. Portsmouth FC and Cardiff City say safeguarding is paramount while inquiries continue.
Wales manager Craig Bellamy has reaffirmed his commitment to the national team after Burnley approached him about a return to club management. He has chosen to remain in charge of Wales, saying unfinished business and a goal to lead Wales to Euro 2028 influenced his decision. Wales’ Nations League schedule begins with away games in Portugal and Denmark.
BBC and Guardian reports converge on the long-awaited Dockers Derby as Millwall hosts West Ham at The Den for the first time in nearly 15 years. The match underscores London football’s fierce rivalry, the emotional pull for fans, and the policing measures expected around a high-stakes clash.