Chris Harby

Wolves head coach Cesar Peixoto says the club is entering a new era after finishing bottom of the Premier League last season. Following a 3-0 pre-season win over Racing Santander, he said the squad had regained confidence, was adapting to his organized and attacking methods, and was working with a positive spirit. Wolves have re-signed Raul Jimenez and recruited Kieran Trippier, while Rafiki Said is their only addition since Peixoto replaced Rob Edwards. The Portuguese coach expects further transfers before the 1 September deadline as Wolves prepare to face Port Vale in the EFL Cup and then begin their Championship campaign against Blackburn.

Worcestershire head coach Alan Richardson says holding the One-Day Cup will motivate the team rather than create pressure as they begin their title defence against Derbyshire. Last year’s trophy win carries added significance due to the death of teammate Josh Baker. Despite injuries and a demanding schedule, Richardson expects the squad’s resilience to carry them through upcoming matches against sides including Hampshire and Glamorgan.

Shrewsbury Town head coach Gavin Cowan aims to add attacking players but says new signings depend on outgoing transfers as the club remains under an EFL transfer fee ban. Eight players have already joined, including Joe Gbode and Josh Davison, while Sam Clucas and Tom Anderson are available for sale. Stoke City winger Favour Fawunmi is a key loan target, with discussions ongoing as the club works within financial constraints.

Leigh Leopards secured a 24-18 Super League win over Castleford Tigers to strengthen their play-off challenge, surviving a strong Castleford fightback after surrendering an early 12-0 lead. Leigh regained control with second-half tries from Umyla Hanley and David Armstrong, who scored twice, while Castleford’s late score was not enough to change the outcome. Injuries, overturned tries and a contentious sin-bin shaped the match, with coaches Adrian Lam and Ryan Carr expressing contrasting frustrations and praise for their teams’ performances.

Leigh Leopards strengthened their Super League play-off pursuit with a 24-18 win over Castleford Tigers, reclaiming momentum after surrendering a 12-point lead at halftime. Key tries from Umyla Hanley and a second score from David Armstrong restored control before Castleford’s late push fell short. Coaches Adrian Lam and Ryan Carr reflected on momentum swings, penalties and injuries that shaped a tense match, leaving Leigh seventh and Castleford struggling after their fifth defeat in six games.

Wayne Madsen will retire from domestic T20 cricket after Derbyshire Falcons’ upcoming match against Leicestershire but will continue playing in longer formats and for Italy internationally. Madsen leaves as Derbyshire’s all-time leading T20 run-scorer and the fourth-highest in Blast history. Derbyshire, unable to reach Finals Day this season, praised his long-term impact and ongoing value to the club.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have signed Comoros international winger Rafiki Said from Standard Liege on a three‑year deal with an optional extra year. The 26‑year‑old becomes new head coach Cesar Peixoto’s first signing and the club’s third arrival of the transfer window. Said arrives after scoring eight goals and making five assists in Belgium last season, following previous spells in France. Peixoto highlighted the winger’s speed, strength and adaptability as key attributes expected to improve the team.

Lincoln City director of football Jez George defended the club’s decision to promote Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw to joint head coaches following Michael Skubala’s departure, stressing that continuity and internal stability were key considerations. George and CEO Liam Scully said the swift appointment prevented uncertainty and protected the pair from outside interest. They rejected comparisons with past unsuccessful joint-management models and emphasised the duo’s strong working relationship. Scully outlined the club’s balanced risk strategy following promotion to the Championship, alongside major stadium upgrades and expansion plans for the Elite Performance Centre, all of which remain on schedule and within budget.