English football club, Stoke-on-Trent
Northern Ireland midfielder Shea Charles has joined Fulham for £30m, becoming the country’s most expensive player. Former international Stuart Dallas backs Charles and teammate Ethan Galbraith for Premier League success, while NI boss Michael O’Neill has built the side around him.
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.
Two developments in football's landscape are reshaping the sport: a high-stakes Championship season following Spygate revelations and Newport County's season-opening push under Hayden Mullins, as they look to stabilise after a managerial shake-up.
Coventry City has secured a first Premier League win since 2001, lifting spirits after a nightmare start that left them with four straight defeats and no goals. Lampard’s side capitalised on a late VAR call to beat Nottingham Forest, signaling a potential shift as the break approaches, though the wider reality of the season remains brutal for newly promoted clubs.
Andros Townsend has avoided serious injuries after a Thai pitch roller ran over his leg during warm-ups for PT Prachuap’s Thai League 1 match against Pattani. The 35-year-old former England winger has described the moment as terrifying but has continued to play, coming on as a late substitute in a 3-0 victory.
An independent commission has found Manchester City guilty of the vast majority of 115 Premier League financial-rule charges covering 2009–18, multiple outlets have reported. Sanctions have not been decided. City has said the process remains ongoing, has vowed to appeal and has told supporters the club will defend its position. (08 Oct 2026)
Scotland midfielder has confirmed he remains with Bologna after transfer talk linked him to Rangers. He says the future is uncertain but his current contract runs to 2028 with an option. He has maintained focus on Bologna this season.