Son of former England captain Stuart Pearce dies after tractor crash
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more The son of former England and Nottingham Forest defender Stuart Pearce has died after a tractor crash. Harley Pearce, from Marlborough in Wiltshire, died at the scene of the crash on the A417 Old Birdlip Hill in Witcombe, Gloucester, Gloucestershire Police said. Emergency services were called to the scene at about 2.30pm on October 16. The 21-year-old was the driver of the tractor, police said. His family have paid tribute to a “cherished son and devoted brother”. In a tribute released by the police, the family said: “Our family is truly shocked and utterly heartbroken at the loss of our cherished son and devoted brother, Harley. “A soul who left an unforgettable imprint on all who knew him. “He was a golden boy with an infectious smile, and this shocking tragedy will leave a huge hole in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to have known him. “With a quiet, understated strength and deep kindness, we are so proud of the young man he had become, exhibiting a wonderful work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit in the farming industry. “He will always be our shining star. Rest in peace, our beautiful son and brother. You will never ever be forgotten.” Forest posted on X: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Harley Pearce. “The thoughts of everyone connected with Nottingham Forest are with Stuart and his family at this truly difficult time.” West Ham posted on X: “We are saddened to hear of Harley Pearce’s passing. “Everyone at the Club sends their deepest condolences to Stuart and his family at this tragic time.” Manchester City, another of Stuart Pearce’s former clubs, posted on X: “Everyone at Manchester City sends their love and thoughts to Stuart and his family at this very difficult time.” Speaking at a press conference in Spain ahead of City’s Champions League clash with Villarreal, manager Pep Guardiola said: “On behalf of Man City, for the tragic news, the loss for Stuart Pearce and his wife and family about their son… I know there are no words for this huge tragedy, but our deepest love to him and his family.” Investigating officers are appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision or has any relevant dashcam footage to get in touch. Information can be provided to police online, quoting incident 284 of October 16.
Two new Orlando Pirates faces for Ouaddou to call upon
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s squad has been boosted by the return of two key players. The Buccaneers suffered a humiliating CAF Champions League loss over the weekend. Ouaddou’s side were thrashed 3-0 away from home by Congo’s Saint-Eloi Lupopo FC. The Buccaneers however could welcome two key defenders for the crucial return leg which takes place this weekend! Orlando Pirates duo set to return According to the latest reports, Orlando Pirates are set to welcome the return of two key players. Both Olisa Ndah and Thabiso Sesane missed the beginning of the campaign through injury. The good news however is that both of them are back on the playing field. The duo could return as early as this week and plug the holes in Ouaddou’s leaking Orlando Pirates defence. “The break helped them a lot. They were already back in light training before it, and they’ve continued to build up fitness,” a source told Soccer Laduma. “They’re not far off now, it’s just a matter of time and the technical team managing their workload carefully.” Busy week ahead for Buccaneers Next up for Orlando Pirates is a tricky home league clash. Ouaddou’s side welcome high-flying Polokwane City to the Orlando stadium on Wednesday evening. The turnaround time is then just two days before their next game! The Buccaneers host Saint-Eloi Lupopo in their crucial CAF Champions League return leg on Saturday afternoon. Ouaddou’s side will have to turn a 3-0 deficit around should they wish to qualify for the group stages.
Maccabi Tel Aviv blames Hapoel fans for derby cancellation chaos
Maccabi Tel Aviv blames Hapoel fans for derby cancellation chaos
Triple awards for Suva Futsal – FBC News
[Source: FFA / Facebook] Suva Futsal capped off a dominant campaign at the Extra Futsal IDC by not only defending their title but also sweeping all major individual awards. Suva’s Krishneel Singh shared the Golden Boot Award with Tailevu Naitasiri’s Abhishek Deo, with both players finishing the tournament on eight goals each. Veteran player and national vice-captain Filipe Baravilala took home the Golden Ball Award for his outstanding performance throughout the competition. Article continues after advertisement Baravilala’s experience and leadership were key in guiding Suva’s successful title defense. National goalkeeper and fellow vice-captain Kitione Baleloa won the Golden Glove Award after an impressive display in goal. Baleloa did not concede any goals in the final and played a huge role in Suva’s defensive strength, even helping execute a power play strategy towards the end of the match. Each award winner received a $250 shopping voucher from Extra Supermarket along with their respective awards. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Woolworths donates cancelled Cape Town Marathon food to charity
Sunday’s Cape Town Marathon was sensationally cancelled by race organisers just over an hour prior to the starting gun having been fired. Over 24 000 runners from all corners of the world had been due to tackle the 42.195km route around the Mother City. CONFIRMED | Sanlam to cover 2026 or 2027 entry costs for cancelled Cape Town Marathon runners Organisers cancelled the race due to “safety concerns”. The news comes as a devastating blow to the organisers’ hopes of having the Cape Town Marathon included as one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, a series consisting currently of seven of the largest and most renowned marathons in the world – London, Berlin, Chicago, Tokyo, New York, Boston and Sydney. READ | Nick Bester slams Cape Town Marathon organisers over cancelled race ‘No food wasted’ Many wondered what would happen to all the food that was distributed to the aid station at the halfway mark – and at the finish – by official food sponsors, Woolworths. The South African retail giants took to social media on Monday to confirm that no food went to waste. ‘As official food sponsor of the 2025 Cape Town Marathon, we had prepared to feed 24 000 marathon runners at the halfway mark and at the finish line. ‘When the cancellation of the Cape Town Marathon was announced at 04:45 on Sunday, our team sprang into action to ensure the fresh produce didn’t go to waste. By 10:00, all available food had been collected by 18 charities to be distributed to those who needed it most. ‘Woolworths had organised 26 000 bananas, 20 000 Clemengolds, 280kg of potatoes, 10kg of dried fruit, 5 000 apples, 4 800 dates, 1 800 sandwiches and 600 hot cross buns to be given to runners on the day. ‘Because the event was cancelled, instead of runners being fuelled by top quality fresh produce, charities in Cape Town were able to feed communities in need – and no food went to waste!’ Official statement by race organisers In a statement received by The South African, organisers stated: ‘Due to severe winds overnight that carried on into the early hours of the morning, the 2025 edition of the Cape Town Marathon unfortunately had to be cancelled at short notice this morning. ‘The decision to cancel was made at 04:45, and communications to all runners went out at 05:00 in the form of direct WhatsApp messages to all participants and a dedicated running club captains’ group, as well as statements on social media platforms and statements sent to local radio stations, event media partners and key stakeholders. ‘Around 24 000 runners were due to start the race at 06:15, and many were already at the venue or on their way into the city when the cancellation was announced. ‘The winds overnight wreaked havoc in the race venue in Green Point, with marquee tents damaged and branding being ripped off fences and scaffolding, prompting emergency meetings of the race organising team in conjunction with the Joint Operations Committee (JOC), which consists of representatives from the City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management and Safety and Security portfolios, as well as medical services and the South African Police Services (SAPS). ‘Cancelling such a huge event is not an easy decision to make, and Clark Gardner, Chief Executive Officer of the Cape Town Marathon, says “The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is devastated at the cancellation of our very special event. ‘We have worked for months on planning for all scenarios and conditions, but ultimately a bigger force had the final say, and we are so sorry for the situation. “We wish to thank our participants, sponsors and stakeholders for their ongoing support and understanding.” Speaking on behalf of the JOC shortly after the decision to cancel, Colonel Christo Engelbrecht of the SAPS said, “The route is unsafe, as the wind is constantly gusting in Woodstock, and the infrastructure at the start and finish venue has been compromised. “It’s unsafe for runners and pedestrians in that whole area, and that’s why the race has had to be cancelled. “It was a collective decision made by the whole team in the Joint Operations Committee.” The Mayor of the City of Cape Town, Geordin Hill-Lewis, echoed the thoughts of the organising team. “All the runners must be disappointed, as are we all. “But I’m grateful to the event organisers for taking a decision with runners’ safety in mind after heavy winds blew down some race infrastructure this morning. “The City is committed to hosting events of the highest global standards, and that includes sometimes managing difficult calls like this one.” Next year’s Cape Town Marathon will move from its usual October date to Sunday, 24 May. SEE | Cape Town Marathon: NO refunds after race CANCELLED This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version.
Sandro Tonali conspicuous by absence as Newcastle train ahead of Benfica clash
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Midfielder Sandro Tonali was conspicuous by his absence as Newcastle trained on Monday morning ahead of Tuesday night’s Champions League clash with Jose Mourinho’s Benfica. The 25-year-old Italy international did not take part in the open section of the session in front of the cameras at the club’s Darsley Park base. Tonali, a £55million signing from AC Milan during the summer of 2003, was replaced by Jacob Ramsey with 20 minutes of Saturday’s 2-1 Premier League defeat at Brighton remaining. The Italian has become a key member of Eddie Howe’s midfield alongside Brazilians Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton since returning from his 10-month ban for gambling offences in August last year. Tonali, a Carabao Cup winner with the Magpies in March, played all but a few minutes for his country in their World Cup qualifying victories over Estonia and Israel during the last international break. Head coach Howe will hope to have him at his disposal on Tuesday evening as Newcastle attempt to add to the three points they collected from a 4-0 victory over Union Saint-Gilloise in Brussels earlier this month after losing their opening fixture to Barcelona at St James’ Park.
Kativerata focused on building next generation – FBC News
Fiji Bati head coach Wise Kativerata says the ongoing Pacific Bowl Championship is not just about winning matches, but about shaping the future of Fiji rugby league. He believes the tournament provides a valuable opportunity for young players to develop their skills and gain experience on the international stage. Kativerata says the exposure will be crucial in preparing players for the next Rugby League World Cup. Article continues after advertisement “We’re blessed to be participating in this tournament so it can prepare our young players within the next two to three years, so that come World Cup they are matured and ready.” He reflected on how past opportunities have helped uncover new talents who have since become NRL regulars. Kativerata says the same pathway can now open doors for the current crop of emerging players representing Fiji. “Let’s just look back to 2023, no one knew about Caleb Navale, Kitione Kautoga and Kurt Donoghoe, and now they are regulars for their clubs in the NRL. That’s the importance of these kinds of tournaments.” The Bati coach says while the Pacific Bowl is a competition, the bigger picture is about development, both on and off the field. He believes giving players these chances early in their careers will help them not just as athletes, but as individuals. The Fiji Bati are on bye this week and will take on the Papua New Guinea Kumuls next weekend. All Pacific Championship games are live on FBC Sports. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Rangers manager update: Danny Rohl back in running for Ibrox
Rangers have reopened discussions with Danny Rohl with a view to him becoming their new head coach – less than a week after the German ruled himself out of the running. The development comes hours after a deal to bring Kevin Muscat to Ibrox collapsed during advanced discussions. Rohl, whose last managerial position was with Sheffield Wednesday in the English Championship, was favoured by some at Ibrox before attention turned to Muscat. Rangers say negotiations have continued with several candidates and that they are looking to appoint a successor to the sacked Russell Martin in the coming days. Martin was dismissed after 17 games on 5 October with Rangers eighth in the league, nine points behind champions Celtic and two more adrift of leaders Heart of Midlothian. Rangers also failed to qualify for the Champions League under Martin and lost both of their Europa League games. They now sit sixth in the Scottish Premiership – 13 points behind Derek McInnes’ side – with just one win from eight games, and face Brann (17:45 BST) in the Europa League on Thursday.
Next Rangers manager odds: Rohl Favourite After Muscat Rebuff
Betting sites have made ex-Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl the new favourite to be Rangers manager after talks with Kevin Muscat broke down. Rangers have endured a nightmare start to the 2025/26 campaign, with a dreadful first couple of months of the season culminating in the club deciding to sack manager Russell Martin. Martin managed just one win across the opening eight matches of the new Scottish Premiership season, while he also oversaw an embarrassing Champions League qualifying defeat to Club Brugge. But two weeks on from Martin’s departure, the Gers still haven’t appointed his successor with first Steven Gerrard and now Kevun Muscat having walked away from talks with the embattled Glasgow giants. Bookmakers had suspended betting amid reports former boss Gerrard was set to return to Ibrox, only for the ex-England international to withdraw from the running, citing issues around the timing of a potential return. Ex-Rangers player Muscat was the next target and football betting sites had made him no bigger than 7/20 to get the job, only for talks to collapse over the Australian’s insistence to see out the season with his current club, Shanghai Port. That news means that there is a new favourite for the Ibrox job, with former Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl back at the head of the market. Rohl, who departed Sheffield Wednesday due to the club’s financial issues ahead of the new season, has already been the favourite once, only to withdraw his candidacy. However, report indicating he’s had a change of heart and is back in the mix for the role.. Latest Rangers Manager Odds Note that according to the terms on most betting sites, “caretaker and interim managers completing at least 10 consecutive competitive games will be deemed the permanent manager”. It’s been a messy search for the next Rangers boss with first Gerrard, then Rohl and now Muscat having all reportedly spoken to the Gers hieracy and then withdrawan from the race. Muscat and Rangers were understood to be in advance negiotioans, only for talks to collapse due to Muscat wants to see out the Chineses Super League season with his side Shanghai Port, who are challenging foer the title. That would leave him unable to start work at Ibrox until late November. Attention has now switched back to Rohl, who seems to be interested in the job once more having previously decided against it. The 36-year-old is one of the youngest candidates on the list but his previous efforts under difficult circumstances at Hillsborough haven’t gone unnoticed. Rohl was an 18/1 shot in the football odds when bookmakers first published their market on the new Rangers boss, but has been cut to 1/2 to take the job. Next on the list is Bodo/Glimt’s highly-rated coach Kjetil Knutsen, who has guided his current team to the Norweigan title in four of the last five years and has masterminded their qualification for this season’s Champions League. However, like Next Rangers Boss Odds: Ex-PL bosses feature heavily on shortlist Some former Premier League bosses make up the outside shouts to take over at Rangers, with ex-Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjær emerging as a candidate. The Norwegian is a free agent after leaving Bestiktas at the start of the season having missed out on Champions League qualification. Slaven Bilic has been mentioned as a possible candidate, although his odds have drifted since then. He has been out of work since leaving Saudi side Al Fateh in 2024, though a CV that includes West Ham, Watford and the Croatia national team means that he is one of the leading candidates on paper in terms of top-level experience. Gary O’Neil is also in the mix to succeed Martin in places. O’Neil has been out of work since leaving Wolves in December 2024, and though parts of his tenure showed promise, it is likely that the task at Rangers – which should be winning the league rather than merely staying in it – will be too much of a jump at this stage. Next Rangers Manager Odds: Gers Consider SPL Raid Derek McInnes is another former Rangers player on the list. The current Hearts manager only took over the club ahead of the start of this season but he has the team flying in the Premiership, the Jambos moving five points clear at the top of the table with a win over Kilmarnock last time out. While it would likely be difficult to prise him away from Tynecastle Park, the former Aberdeen and Kilmarnock manager definitely has the most experience in the Scottish top flight out of anyone on the list. St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson is a similar price to McInness to move to Rangers with the Northern Irish coach having masterminded top-six finishes for the Buddies in each of the last three SPL campaigns. He signed a new three-year contract at the start of the season so wouldn’t come cheap if Rangers decided to move for him. Responsible Gambling Bettors should always practice responsible gambling. When using gambling sites be aware that sports betting can be addictive. Please take steps to remain in control of your time and budget. The same applies if you’re using slot sites, poker sites, casino sites, casino apps or any other gambling medium. Even the most knowledgeable punter can lose a bet, so always stick to a budget and never chase your losses. It’s particularly important not to get carried away by any free bets or casino offers you might receive, both of which are available in abundance on gambling apps, but must be approached with caution. You can stay in control by making use of the responsible gambling tools offered, such as deposit limits, loss limits, self-exclusion and time-outs. You may also want to visit the following free organisations to discuss any issues with gambling you might be having: We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps
Graham Potter: Former West Ham manager named as new Sweden head coach
Former West Ham manager Graham Potter has been announced as the new head coach of Sweden. The 50-year-old has accepted the role on an initial short-term basis in a bid to aid Sweden’s faltering World Cup qualification campaign. Potter said: “I am very humbled by the assignment, but also incredibly inspired. Sweden has fantastic players who deliver in the world’s best leagues during the weeks. “My job will be to create the conditions so that we as a team deliver at the highest level to take Sweden to the World Cup next summer.” Sweden had been seeking a new head coach since the dismissal of Jon Dahl Tomasson following their 1-0 loss to Kosovo on 13 October, a result that made automatic qualification from their group impossible. However, they could still reach the play-offs even without finishing in the top two of Group B as a result of their success in the 2024-25 Nations League, where they topped their group. Potter was sacked by West Ham at the end of September after a disappointing start to the season.