Ian Woodcock

Former Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Phil Parkes has died aged 79. He spent 18 years with Wolves, made 382 appearances, helped the club reach the 1972 UEFA Cup final and later served its former players association before entering the club's hall of fame in 2023. Former teammate John Richards remembered him as a protective, big-hearted presence within the Wolves family. Parkes ended his playing career in North America after spells with Vancouver Whitecaps and Chicago Sting, and had remained under medical supervision following a fall at home in 2025.

Rotherham United have signed former Wrexham striker Paul Mullin on a two-year contract. Mullin scored 91 league goals in 148 appearances for Wrexham during their rise from the National League to the Championship, but struggled recently, scoring four goals in 29 League One appearances on loan with Wigan Athletic and Bradford City. Rotherham hope he can rediscover the form that helped Cambridge United and Wrexham achieve promotion, with a potential debut against West Brom in the EFL Cup on 8 August.

Hull KR recovered from a 12-0 deficit to defeat Hull FC 34-20 in a feisty Super League derby. Tries from Tom Amone and Arthur Mourgue levelled the match before Jack Broadbent, Joe Burgess and Jordan Dezaria scored after half-time. The victory ended KR's losing run, extended their derby winning streak to nine matches and moved them into fifth place, while Hull FC suffered a sixth consecutive defeat and remained second-bottom. The match was Willie Peters' final derby as Hull KR coach.

Doncaster Rovers have rejected a bid for midfielder Luke Molyneux after the 28-year-old turned down a new contract. Molyneux has one year remaining on his deal and has scored 36 goals in 170 league appearances for the club. Manager Grant McCann said negotiations over the bid are ongoing. McCann is more optimistic about extending captain Owen Bailey’s contract, with discussions described as close and the club holding a 12-month extension option.

Hull FC owners Andrew Thirkill and David Hood apologised for the club’s poor season, accepting responsibility for mistakes and pledging to rebuild. The team sits second from bottom in the Super League after a string of losses and managerial upheaval, including John Cartwright’s early departure. Interim coach Andy Last acknowledged fan frustration following another defeat and challenged the squad’s character. The club offered free coach travel for supporters to remaining away games as they prepare to face local rivals Hull KR.