Dan George

Oxford United midfielder Tyler Goodrham says the club is targeting an immediate return to the Championship after last season’s relegation to League One. The 22-year-old, who scored 10 goals in 51 appearances during Oxford’s 2024 promotion campaign, has returned from ankle surgery and a lengthy lay-off. Oxford begins its season at home against newly promoted MK Dons, with Goodrham acknowledging the strength of the league while insisting the team must work consistently to achieve promotion.

Reading manager Leam Richardson says he has full faith in the club’s ownership group and co-CEO Joe Jacobson to recruit the players and squad depth needed for a League One promotion push. Owner Rob Couhig has pledged further activity before the transfer window closes and backed Richardson, whose team finished 12th last season after he took charge in October. Reading begin their league campaign at home against Luton Town, with Richardson calling for strong performances, results and supporter backing.

Oxford United head coach Aaron Ramsey has firmly ruled out returning to playing, even if the club were permitted to register him during its temporary EFL transfer embargo. The 35-year-old Welshman, who retired in April after leaving Pumas UNAM, said his playing career is over and that he is focused on coaching. Oxford cannot register new players because it is not compliant with the EFL's salary cost management regulations, which have prompted the Professional Footballers' Association to begin legal proceedings against the league. The club and Ramsey remain confident that the restrictions will be lifted before the January transfer window.

Portsmouth midfielder Ebou Adams has urged his team-mates to play without fear in the Championship and believes they can compete with any side in the division. Despite a 3-1 Carabao Cup defeat by West Ham, Portsmouth impressed for much of the first half after Adrian Segecic opened the scoring. Adams said the team must become more ruthless in the final third and improve defensively to avoid another relegation battle, starting with their league opener against QPR.

Southampton midfielder Flynn Downes says the club’s exclusion from last season’s play-offs over the Spygate scandal has given the squad extra motivation to win the Championship. Southampton will begin the season with a four-point deduction while the Football Association considers coach Tonda Eckert’s punishment. Despite the deficit, Downes says the players and staff are united, in strong form after pre-season wins in Germany, and determined to finish top.

West Ham United midfielder Freddie Potts has joined Belgian Pro League champions Club Brugge on a permanent transfer for an undisclosed fee. The 22-year-old, who spent 16 years at West Ham, made 28 first-team appearances and played 22 Premier League matches last season after a successful loan spell at Portsmouth. Potts, who was part of West Ham's 2023 Europa Conference League-winning squad, described leaving his boyhood club as emotional while expressing pride in having fulfilled his dream of playing for West Ham.

Reading striker Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan has joined Danish Superliga club AC Horsens for an undisclosed fee. The 23-year-old academy graduate made 139 appearances for Reading, scoring 27 goals and providing seven assists, including 10 goals in 47 appearances last season as the club finished 12th in League One. Reading manager Leam Richardson praised his service, character and development before wishing him well.

Charlton Athletic have signed striker Karlan Grant on a two‑year deal, bringing him back to the club where he began his professional career. Grant returns as a free agent after leaving West Brom, having previously made 98 appearances for Charlton before moving to Huddersfield in 2019. The 28‑year‑old said he is pleased to return, citing his development since his departure and his long-standing affection for the club.

Hampshire Hawks reached the T20 Blast final by defeating Notts Outlaws by 27 runs at Edgbaston. Joe Weatherley led with an unbeaten 88, supported by James Vince’s 59, helping Hampshire post 187-3. Despite Joe Clarke’s 64, Notts collapsed from 100-1 to 160 all out, losing nine wickets for 60 as James Fuller claimed 4-26. Hampshire advanced to face Northamptonshire Steelbacks in the final.

Southampton manager Tonda Eckert says the Spygate judgement has been difficult to read after the club’s expulsion from last season’s Championship play‑offs and a four‑point deduction for the new campaign. He accepts responsibility for authorising the spying activities and has apologised, while the Football Association continues investigating the individuals involved. Despite backlash from rival clubs, owner Dragan Solak has confirmed his support for Eckert. The manager aims to refocus the squad ahead of the new season, stressing the need for improvement and unity as Southampton prepare for their opening match against Watford in August.

Southampton manager Tonda Eckert expresses regret and emotional strain over the Spygate scandal that led to the club’s expulsion from last season’s Championship play‑offs and a four‑point deduction for the upcoming season. The FA continues to investigate individual responsibility for the spying incidents involving several rival clubs, while the EFL has already issued its sanctions. Eckert describes the process as professional and says his focus is now on preparing the team for the new campaign. Club owner Dragan Solak publicly supports Eckert and rejects calls for his dismissal. The controversy has drawn criticism from figures such as Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg, and Eckert acknowledges the challenging season ahead as the team works to rebuild trust and performance.

Teenage para-swimmer Isabella Haynes aims to follow the success of multi‑medal winner Alice Tai as she prepares to compete for Team England at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Training in Dorset and previously a World School Games champion, she seeks strong performances in breaststroke and backstroke while valuing the experience of joining a team with seasoned Paralympic athletes.

Portsmouth captain Marlon Pack says he remains confident of contributing next season despite potential new midfield signings, stressing his support for moves that strengthen the squad. After two stable Championship seasons, he says the team aims to push beyond simply surviving and become more competitive in the division.

Oxford United manager Aaron Ramsey has appointed Chris Gunter as assistant head coach and Tom Hutton as first‑team coach, both of whom previously worked with him at Cardiff. Gunter brings extensive playing and coaching experience, including leading Wales’ Under‑19 side, while Hutton arrives from Cardiff’s youth setup. Ramsey said their energy and attention to detail will strengthen the coaching team. The appointments follow Oxford United being placed under a transfer embargo by the English Football League.

Oxford United have been placed under a temporary transfer embargo after failing to meet EFL salary cost management rules, preventing new signings for the summer window. The club expects compliance by January, citing shareholder investment and cost reductions. Supporters' group OxVox called the situation unsettling but believes it will be resolved quickly. New head coach Aaron Ramsey must work with the current squad as the club deals with the financial implications of recent relegation and regulatory changes.

Portsmouth sporting director Richard Hughes says the club is interested in bringing Abu Kamara back after his successful loan spell, though a deal would be complex given his contract with Hull City. Hughes confirmed Portsmouth had agreed a fee and personal terms with defender Luke Graham before he chose to join Stoke City, calling the outcome frustrating. With a higher transfer budget and the market gaining momentum, Hughes and the club continue working to strengthen the squad ahead of the Championship season, having already added Odin Bailey and Eoin Kenny.

Hampshire signed Rishi Patel and Fynn Hudson‑Prentice on all‑format contracts beginning in 2027 after their current seasons with Leicestershire and Sussex. Patel arrives as a leading run-scorer in Division One and a key contributor to Leicestershire’s recent promotion, while Hudson‑Prentice brings extensive all‑round experience from spells with Sussex and Derbyshire. Hampshire’s director of cricket highlighted the pair’s quality, depth and balance as important additions ahead of next summer.

John Mousinho confirmed that Bristol City expressed genuine interest in him earlier in the summer, but said the discussions never progressed beyond initial contact with his agent. He emphasised he did not pursue a move and remained committed to Portsmouth, where he has secured Championship survival and built strong support from fans. With pre-season underway, Mousinho expects to strengthen the squad and increase transfer spending as Portsmouth prepare for upcoming friendlies, the EFL Cup opener against West Ham, and early league fixtures.

Sonny Baker credits Kyle Abbott’s mentorship for helping him reach his England Test debut, reflecting on the support that shaped his development. After taking three wickets in the Test against New Zealand, he aims to build on the experience as he returns to county duty with Hampshire and prepares for England’s T20I series against India. Abbott’s guidance is highlighted as central to Baker’s progress across formats since joining Hampshire.