Luke Powell

Former Chelsea and Liverpool defender Glen Johnson believes Alejandro Garnacho’s loan move to Aston Villa can help the Argentine winger mature, regain his scoring form and contribute double-digit goals and assists. Johnson praised Garnacho’s pace, dribbling and threat while identifying his end product as an ongoing concern. Garnacho joined Villa after a difficult spell at Chelsea and missed the UEFA Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain following concussion protocols.

Raul Jimenez personally funded and organised Wolves-themed “Si Senor” scarves for supporters in Molineux’s South Bank before the club’s Championship opener against Blackburn Rovers. Jimenez and his partner, Daniela Basso, laid out the scarves themselves and thanked fans for their enduring support, including during his recovery from a life-threatening head injury in 2020. The gesture followed Jimenez’s emotional return to Wolves after leaving in 2023, with the club hoping he can help secure promotion back to the Premier League.

Walsall defender Vincent Harper has returned to Exeter City on a season-long loan, rejoining the club he left for Walsall in June 2025. The 25-year-old Kenyan made 65 appearances for Exeter, then featured 37 times for Walsall across all competitions last season, recording two assists. He also made his senior Kenya debut in a 2026 World Cup qualifying win over Burundi.

Matt Vigurs produced a 411-yard hole-in-one on the par-four third hole at Great Barr Golf Club, an achievement that resulted in an albatross and may rank among England’s longest recorded aces. The Worcestershire golfer initially thought his ball was lost before finding it in the cup. The feat followed a club championship win at Droitwich and a Worcestershire County Championship victory, capping a remarkable return to regular golf after eight years abroad. England Golf described the shot as an exceptionally rare achievement, while Vigurs hopes the club will commemorate it with a flag or plaque.

Kidderminster Harriers have signed Shrewsbury Town striker Callum Stewart on loan until November 7. The 24-year-old, who was transfer-listed by Shrewsbury, returns to the National League after loan spells at Brackley Town and Aldershot Town. He made 15 League One appearances in 2024/25 and five League Two appearances last season, while Kidderminster prepare for their return to the fifth tier after winning the National League North play-offs.

Hednesford Town have signed 19-year-old forward David Abimbola from Bolton Wanderers for an undisclosed fee ahead of their National League North campaign. Abimbola made four League One appearances for Bolton and spent the second half of last season on loan at Accrington Stanley. After helping Bolton's under-18s win two youth competitions, he made his senior debut under Steven Schumacher. Abimbola said Hednesford's ambitions and focus on his development attracted him, and he aims to score goals and help the club secure a third successive promotion.

Aston Villa are reportedly preparing a £30 million bid for Barcelona midfielder Marc Bernal, who made 33 appearances during the 2025/26 campaign and is viewed by Hansi Flick as part of the club’s future. Separately, former West Bromwich Albion loanee Toby Collyer has allegedly been told he can leave Manchester United permanently this summer after loan spells at West Brom and Hull City.

The 2026/27 non-league season features Hednesford Town as the standout promotion story after back-to-back rises to the National League North. Manager Kelvin Davis has overseen a major squad rebuild, including the signing of Sam Hornby from Walsall, and believes around 100 points may be needed to win the division. Kidderminster Harriers return to the National League under Paul Wotton after Adam Murray’s departure, while Rushall Olympic, Stourbridge and Halesowen Town have their own promotion or consolidation ambitions. Stafford Rangers, Lichfield City and Chasetown are also beginning new chapters under ambitious ownership or new managers.

Martyn Irvine has left West Bromwich Albion Women by mutual agreement only weeks after being appointed interim head coach on June 22. He replaced Siobhan Hodgetts-Still while she takes maternity leave, but assistant coach Charlie Fripp will now lead the team until her expected return in the new year. Irvine had overseen pre-season preparations, including a 5-0 win over Leafield Athletic. West Brom will play Portsmouth and Wolves in behind-closed-doors friendlies before opening their 2026-27 FA Women's National League Northern Premier campaign at Stoke City on August 16.

Lucas Herbert won the LIV Golf UK individual title at JCB Golf & Country Club in Staffordshire by finishing 30 under par. He earned $4 million from the $30 million individual purse and an additional share of $3 million after his Ripper GC team won the team competition. Tyrrell Hatton finished second and Bryson DeChambeau third, while the event’s long-term return to the venue remains uncertain.

Lucas Herbert won LIV Golf UK at JCB Golf & Country Club in Staffordshire by six shots after finishing 30 under par, including a final-round 62. The Australian earned the $4 million individual prize and a share of a further $3 million after his Rippers GC team won the team title. Tyrrell Hatton finished second, Bryson DeChambeau third and Cam Smith fourth. LIV Golf's future is uncertain after Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund said it would stop funding the circuit at the end of the year, leaving the league seeking about £260 million in new investment.

Lucas Herbert won LIV Golf UK at JCB Golf & Country Club in Staffordshire with a record 30-under-par total, including a course-record 61 and a closing 62. He attributed his performance to the confidence gained from matching the lowest score in major-championship history at The Open the previous week. Herbert held off Tyrrell Hatton and Bryson DeChambeau, set LIV records for the lowest winning score and most tournament birdies, and earned $4 million. His Ripper GC also won the team title, while Cameron Smith finished fourth.

Tommy Doyle believes Cesar Peixoto’s tactical system can bring out his best at Wolverhampton Wanderers by allowing him to operate higher without the ball in a 4-4-2 and drop into a 4-5-1 when in possession. After playing 73 minutes alongside Andre and Marshall Munetsi in Wolves’ pre-season defeat by Real Sociedad, Doyle said the setup suits his ability to cover ground, tackle and contribute in possession. The midfielder, returning after a loan spell at Birmingham City, welcomed the chance to play in front of Wolves supporters and said the team is using pre-season to practise Peixoto’s ideas and learn from mistakes.

Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti suggested that Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez wants to leave the club and that Juventus is seeking greater competitiveness, although it already has two goalkeepers. Martinez has been linked with Juventus after previously attracting interest from Manchester United. Aston Villa maintains that the Argentina international will stay, with director of football operations Damian Vidagany calling his future settled and emphasizing his importance to the team.

Stafford Rangers maintained their unbeaten pre-season record with a win over Bedworth United, while Kidderminster Harriers cruised to a 5-0 victory against Stratford Town. Hednesford Town were denied victory by a late Connah’s Quay equaliser. The round-up also covers Matt Hearsey’s move from Stafford Rangers to Chasetown, Chasetown’s 4-0 win, Lichfield City’s victory over Darlaston Town, Stourbridge’s defeat by Malvern, Halesowen Town’s draw with Tamworth and Rushall Olympic’s comeback win over Shifnal Town.

Wolverhampton Wanderers has defended an academy player involved in footage of a fight at an England Under-16s camp in Turkey in October 2025. The club said the 58-second video showed only the final part of a longer sequence in which the player had allegedly faced repeated distressing behavior. Wolves condemned the online sharing of the footage and threats or abuse directed at the player, some of which have been reported to police. The Football Association said the incident had already been dealt with internally and that no further action would be taken.

Lucas Herbert followed his strong Open Championship performance by shooting a record 11-under-par 61 in the opening round of LIV Golf UK at JCB Golf & Country Club in Staffordshire. His nine birdies and eagle placed him three shots ahead of Bryson DeChambeau, while Tyrrell Hatton also made a strong start and defending champion Jon Rahm struggled to a one-over-par 73. The tournament was accompanied by uncertainty over LIV Golf’s future in Britain, with the Saudi-backed league reportedly seeking about £260 million in new investment after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund said it would stop funding the circuit at the end of 2026.

LIV Golf returns to the JCB Golf & Country Club in Staffordshire amid uncertainty over the league’s future as it seeks $300 million in new investment before current funding from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund ends after the season. Top players including Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and Joaquin Niemann headline the event, which adopts a new four‑day format and marks the start of the tour’s final stretch. With strong attendance expected and favourable weather, the tournament may be the last held at the venue if additional financing is not secured.

Joao Gomes is set to leave Wolverhampton Wanderers for Aston Villa after departing the club’s training camp in Portugal to undergo a medical for a £38 million transfer. His three-and-a-half-year spell at Wolves featured a dramatic debut goal, a contentious FA Cup red card, a standout Premier League run that earned him a Brazil call‑up, and multiple end‑of‑season awards despite Wolves’ relegation. Initial complications during his 2023 transfer from Flamengo, notable performances including a brace against Tottenham, and a near‑move to Atletico Madrid preceded the agreement with Villa, marking a record transfer between the West Midlands rivals.

Jude Bellingham’s rapid rise from a teenage debutant at Birmingham City to a key figure for England is traced through his record‑setting milestones, major transfers and standout performances. His development included success at Borussia Dortmund, a high‑profile move to Real Madrid and influential displays in Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup, where he has become instrumental in England’s run to the semi‑finals.

Mick Joiner reflects on six decades of involvement with Chasetown Football Club, highlighting his commitment to helping the club grow from its early local‑league roots to its current non‑league status. His contributions include securing a permanent ground, supporting notable FA Cup runs, and guiding long-term development at The Scholars Ground. The club honoured his service with a Lifetime Achievement Award and by naming its hospitality suite after him. Despite challenges over the years, Joiner describes the journey as rewarding and continues to support and contribute to the club's operations.

Belgium overturned a 2–0 deficit against Senegal to reach the World Cup round of 16, with Youri Tielemans scoring a late equaliser and a record‑breaking 124th‑minute penalty. Romelu Lukaku initiated the comeback before a VAR review awarded the decisive spot‑kick. The win marked the latest point in World Cup history for a match‑saving goal and denied Senegal progression amid an already difficult year for the team. Tielemans highlighted pride in the performance while noting the need to analyse the early defensive lapses.

Wolves have made enquiries for Midtjylland winger Aral Simsir, last season’s Danish Superliga Player of the Year, while Aston Villa are preparing an initial £15 million bid for Celta Vigo midfielder Ilaix Moriba despite the club reportedly valuing him at around £25 million.

James Connolly signed a two-year contract with Walsall after declining a new deal with Crewe Alexandra, citing head coach Lee Grant’s ambition and football philosophy as key factors. The defender, who previously helped Bristol Rovers achieve promotion, aims to contribute leadership and defensive solidity. Grant welcomed the signing, emphasizing Connolly’s experience, composure and potential impact as Walsall continue to build their squad for the upcoming season.

James Connolly joins Walsall on a two-year contract after rejecting a new deal from Crewe Alexandra, becoming the club’s fourth summer signing under new head coach Lee Grant. The 24-year-old defender previously played for clubs including Blackburn Rovers, Cardiff City, Bristol Rovers and Morecambe, and has represented Wales at Under-21 level.

Wolves’ final pre‑Fosun match in May 2016 serves as a marker before the club’s takeover, with each player from that lineup now traced through their subsequent career paths. Former stalwarts such as Carl Ikeme, Matt Doherty and Conor Coady are highlighted alongside others who moved across English leagues, MLS and abroad. The piece details retirements, free agency and current clubs while reflecting on how the squad evolved following Fosun’s arrival ten years ago.