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Move to 12/6 conference-style Championship also favoured by players’ union

ESPNcricinfo staff18-Jul-2025The Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) has called for a reduction in both County Championship and Men’s T20 Blast games, urging county chairs and CEOs to “prioritise the welfare” of players ahead of a vote on restructuring the domestic game from 2026 onwards.A majority of male county cricketers in England and Wales favour reducing the number of Championship games played from 14 to 12, according to data collected by the PCA. The players’ union is also recommending a cut to the Blast schedule to help ease the number of back-to-back fixtures which it believes put players at risk.Players would also back a proposed move to a conference system for the Championship with a 12/6 split – two upper divisions of six above a lower division of six, with promotion and relegation as well as a grand final between the conference winners.Related

Counties agree to cut in men's Vitality Blast games for 2026

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Reduced County Championship on agenda for latest domestic review

England allrounder Chris Woakes, the PCA’s England Men’s representative, said the call for change was not about playing “less cricket because they don’t want to – it’s about being able to produce the best cricket on the field as possible”.”Welfare is extremely important and not just players but coaches and staff,” he said. “We need to get the scheduling right to give players the time to prepare, recover and make sure they’re in the best state physically and mentally.”The game is now played at a greater intensity and faster rate, especially in white-ball cricket. When you’re having to play back-to-back games it’s almost impossible to be at 100%. Having gaps between games and with safe travel is very important.”The ECB announced on the eve of the new season a review into the domestic structure – the third in the last seven years – overseen by the Professional Game Committee. Consultation has been ongoing, with a vote on the proposals expected later this month.Recently, a number of counties have begun making their preferences public: Surrey and Somerset have called for maintaining 14 Championship games, with a return to eight teams in Division One and 10 in Division Two; Durham and Lancashire support the 12/6 conference plan, while Middlesex have backed sticking with the Championship as is, with two divisions and 10 teams in the top tier.The PCA expressed concerns about the current schedule at the start of the summer, saying 83% of respondents to a survey cited physical concerns over their workload and 67% called the fixture list detrimental to their mental health.Olly Hannon-Dalby, PCA chair, suggested that “a change in format of the County Championship to 12 league games is the only reasonable option” and that it would “breathe new life” into the competition.”We are at a critical moment regarding the future of professional cricketers in England and Wales,” he said. “The schedule has always been a contentious issue and we have seen too many reviews with no change but the feeling in recent seasons due to ever-increasing intensity of fixtures has led the game to a position where positive action has to be taken immediately and as an opportunity for the game to grow.”We understand the process is not straightforward and all counties have their own prerogative, however, the game needs to come to a consensus on a way forward to prioritise a duty of care to its players who are asking for reform, not just for their own health but also for an improved product on the field.”We have over 400 male players and we recognise the different career paths available … to protect the majority, a change in format of the County Championship to 12 league games is the only reasonable option and would breathe new life into what I believe would become the best red-ball competition in the world.”Daryl Mitchell, the PCA’s chief executive, said: “Cricket has always been an incredibly innovative sport and relaunching the Blast and Championship with an optimum schedule would see clubs, supporters and players benefit from being involved in world-leading domestic cricket.”We have been pleased the consultation has provided space for player views to be heard and there is a consensus that back-to-back Blast games need to be drastically eased with the aim for the competition to change to 12 regional group games.”With the One Day Cup to stay alongside The Hundred, the congestion of the intense schedule cannot be improved enough by losing two 20-over games across a six-month season alone.”As employers, every county needs to understand the player concerns while looking at the positive outcome a 12/6 split would have in the Championship. The welfare of the players should be at the heart of the decision-making process and we urge all county Chairs and CEOs to consider this when taking their vote.”Ultimately, the right decision would serve to future-proof our game with clarity and commitment to a new era.”

Dimitar Berbatov has commented on the plight of Kobbie Mainoo, saying the English midfielder is in a "cruel situation" under Ruben Amorim's management. The ex-Manchester United forward spoke glowingly about the 20-year-old's talents, and questioned whether he should pursue a move away from Old Trafford to continue his development. Mainoo has started just one game in all competitions this season.

Berbatov heralds Mainoo's talent

Berbatov made the comments in an interview with . The Bulgarian striker was fan favourite at Old Trafford during his four-year spell at the club, with his beguiling touch and languid style demonstrating a level of confidence that bordered on arrogance. He sees many of those traits in Mainoo, whose talent he greatly admires. 

The ex-Tottenham, Fulham and Bayer Leverkusen star also expressed sympathy towards a player who seemed to have the world at his feet just 15 months ago. Mainoo went from a young upstart, to a Manchester United regular and eventually a key cog in Gareth Southgate's England side that went to the finals of the European Championship over the course of the 2023-24 season. Amorim's apparent lack of trust in his ability to start games has been the first real roadblock in his ascent, but it has proven one to be almost impossible to traverse for the 20-year-old. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMainoo in a 'very tough situation' at Man Utd

Berbatov said: "It's a very tough situation, especially for a young player.

"It shows you how football can be a really cruel game at times because Kobbie Mainoo was playing, he reached the England national team, he was going up, up, and up. All of a sudden he is not being picked.

"Now the question is, does he stay positive, patient, and wait for his moment again? Or he needs to move to a different place to play regularly to get his confidence back and come back to United and start playing more regularly?

"I'd like to see him play because the talent is there to see, that decision-making, that calmness and arrogance which you need with the ball at your feet is there, even at his age. I like that. But at the moment, the manager doesn't see something he can use from the first minute of the game."

Mainoo's frustrating 2025-26 season so far

Mainoo's fall from favour under Amorim has seen his time on the pitch cut dramatically. During his breakout season in 2023-24, the highly-rated youngster finished the season with 21 consecutive starts in the heart of Erik ten Hag's midfield, bagging the winning goal in the Red Devils' shock upset of Manchester City in the FA Cup final. 

A calf injury sustained in February, derailed the midfielder's momentum somewhat, but he still started 19 league games last year, with many of those appearances coming under Amorim following Ten Hag's dismissal. 

This term, Mainoo has started just one fixture: United's embarrassing League Cup defeat on penalties to League Two minnows Grimsby Town. He has logged just 138 minutes in the league, making seven appearances from the bench. He was a unused replacement in United's 2-2 draw away to Forest last weekend, and did not travel to London as part of Amorim's match day squad to face Tottenham due to a knock. 

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AFPWill Mainoo push for a loan deal?

The 20-year-old requested to leave on loan in the summer transfer window, but the move was blocked by Amorim. The Portuguese suggested that Mainoo is competing for a spot with club captain Bruno Fernandes, making any chance of him finding regular minutes in the manager's rigid 3-4-3 formation seem increasingly unlikely. Recent reports suggest West Ham are willing to test Amorim's resolve, and will table a loan move in the January transfer window with the player's representatives again expected to request a temporary move away from Old Trafford. 

The push for a loan move suggests that the academy graduate wants to remain attached to his boyhood club, but for how long will he remain committed to United if he cannot continue to develop as a player? A loan move would seem to make the most sense for all parties, but the longer this drags on, the more likely it is that Mainoo's long-term future lays outside of Manchester. 

Manchester United supporters have become accustomed to incredible late drama over the years – with numerous moments producing incredible memories for the fanbase.

In recent history, Amad Diallo has produced his own late magic, doing so in one of the biggest games for the club – the Manchester Derby against Manchester City.

The Ivorian scored a 90th-minute winner against Pep Guardiola’s men at the Etihad last campaign, securing a 2-1 victory after trailing with just a handful of minutes remaining.

However, one of the most iconic late goals was scored by Ole Gunnar Solskjær against Bayern Munich in the Champions League final back in 1999.

Such a goal helped the Red Devils claim another major trophy, but most importantly secured the club a treble after previously winning the Premier League and FA Cup.

In the present day, Ruben Amorim has his very own clutch player who has continued to produce the goods within the latter stages of numerous crucial outings.

Ranking Harry Maguire’s most clutch moments for Man Utd

After forking out £80m for Harry Maguire’s signature in the summer of 2019, very few United fans would have predicted the impact that the centre-back would have in attacking areas.

In his six years at Old Trafford, the 32-year-old has racked up 17 goals for the Red Devils, finding the back of the net in every 14 matches he’s appeared in.

Numerous of his strikes have been late goals to secure the first-team vital results, with his third-most important effort coming against Norwich City in the FA Cup quarter-final back in 2020.

His 118th-minute winner secured the club a place in the semi-final, with such an effort the first time Maguire popped up and demonstrated his clutch ability in front of goal.

The centre-back also demonstrated his last-gasp antics in the Europa League last season – subsequently producing one of the most memorable games for the fans in recent history.

Maguire leapt highest at the back post in the 121st minute to secure a phenomenal late comeback against Lyon, resulting in a 7-6 aggregate win in the quarter-final.

However, despite his antics at Old Trafford back in April, the defender’s latest strike for the Red Devils is one that could help kickstart Amorim’s tenure in charge at the Theatre of Dreams.

The former Leicester City man scored an 84th-minute winner against bitter rivals Liverpool, subsequently securing the club’s first win at Anfield in 12 years.

Such a victory will certainly live long in the memories of all the supporters, with Maguire once again writing himself into the club’s history books forever.

The United star who’s becoming one of Amorim’s most clutch players

Maguire has managed to constantly produce the goods within attacking areas for United – but Amorim has desperately needed to address the options within the final third.

It’s all well and good having a defensive player popping up with key contributions, but the side have lacked the out-and-out presence to impress in front of goal.

His side could only muster a tally of 44 goals in their 38 league outings last season – with their measly average of 1.1 per 90 the fifth-lowest in the division.

As a result, the hierarchy handed the 40-year-old boss funds in excess of £200m to make the changes he desired to his first-team squad in Manchester.

One of the additions made by the board was that of forward Bryan Mbeumo, as he joined the Red Devils in a deal totalling £71m, including any future add-ons.

The Cameroonian arrived with huge expectations at Old Trafford and understandably so after he netted 20 league goals for Brentford last season – ending the year as one of only five players to hit such a milestone.

Since such a transfer, the 26-year-old has immediately captured the hearts of the fanbase with his impressive showings in recent weeks under Amorim’s guidance.

He’s already found the net on three occasions, with his latest strike coming in the first couple of minutes in the iconic triumph over Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.

The strike has added to his league tally, with Mbeumo also scoring against Burnley at Old Trafford back in August – subsequently helping secure their first victory of the campaign.

Games played

9

Goals scored

3

Pass accuracy

78%

Successful crosses

2.1

Chances created

1.8

Dribble success

52%

Fouls drawn

1.5

Shots on target

1.2

As a result of his recent antics in the Red Devils first-team, one analyst has since labelled him as “one of the most clutch players” – often popping up in key moments when the side needs him most.

He currently sits joint-top of the club’s top goalscorer charts in the league, with his recent form showcasing that the board made the right call in forking out a pretty penny for his signature.

Mbeumo also ranks second for chances created in the top-flight in 2025/26, already providing an assist in the triumph over Sunderland – highlighting his complete nature in the final third.

Maguire’s antics as of late have certainly seen the Englishman receive a whole heap of praise, but some of which desperately needs to be directed to the Cameroonian.

The board took a huge risk with his addition this summer, but they have so far been proved right – with his ability potentially allowing the manager to create new history at Old Trafford.

Amorim has unlocked the new Bruno Fernandes in "world-class" Man Utd star

Manchester United already have a player on the books who can emulate Bruno Fernandes at Old Trafford.

1 ByEthan Lamb Oct 22, 2025

The Dodgers regained control of the NLCS with an 8-0 win against the Mets at Citi Field in Game 3.

With a 2-1 series lead, the Dodgers will try to take a commanding advantage in this series with its best pitcher on the mound, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who will be making his first road postseason start. Can the Dodgers ace navigate a Mets lineup desperate for some timely hitting?

Here's our betting preview for Game 3.

Dodgers vs. Mets Odds, Spread and Total

Run Line

Dodgers: -1.5 (+126)Mets: +1.5 (-150)

Moneyline

Dodgers: -142Mets: +120

Total: 7 (Over -118/Under -104)

Dodgers vs. Mets How to WatchDate: Thursday, October 17thGame Time: 8:09 PM ESTVenue: Citi FieldHow to Watch (TV): FOXDodgers Lead 2-1Dodgers vs. Mets Probable Pitchers

Los Angeles Dodgers: Yoshinobu Yamamoto (1-1, 5.63 ERA)

New York Mets: Jose Quintana: 2-0 (0.00 ERA)

Dodgers vs. Mets Key Players to WatchLos Angeles Dodgers

Shohei Ohtani: Ohtani parked a monster three-run homer that ended any hope of a late Mets rally in Game 3, his first home run of the series. The hope is the Dodgers' designated hitter can get it going now, as he entered just 2-for-7 in the first two games as the Mets have made a point to pitch around him. He has been walked three times in the first two. 

New York Mets

Pete Alonso: Alonso only has one hit this series, which isn’t going to cut it against a potent Dodgers lineup. Hitting in the heart of the Mets order, the club will lean on the slugger to get going after smashing three home runs in the prior two postseason series. 

Dodgers vs. Mets Prediction and Pick

The Mets are undervalued heading into this one with an in-form Quintana taking the mound and a lineup that has proven it can put runners on base all series long. 

While Yamamoto is off a sterling five innings of shutout work against the Padres in an elimination game, he also was pulled after three innings of work in his postseason debut against San Diego with only one strikeout. 

With a thin bullpen that has been taxed throughout this postseason behind Yamamoto, the pressure can turn to LA quickly. If the Mets can continue to work counts and get him out of the game early, the advantage can lie with New York, who has more options in the pen given the construction of each team’s pitching staff. 

So far in this series, the Mets are stranding runners at an alarming rate, including going 0-for-4 with RISP and stranding eight total batters in Game 3. 

This series is far too competitive to skew too far towards the Dodgers. I’ll play the home underdogs. 

Juan Soto came through in the clutch for the New York Yankees in Game 5 of the ALCS when he crushed a game-winning three-run home run in the 10th inning against the Cleveland Guardians.

While Soto and his teammates rode on the high of the fact that they're going to their first World Series in 15 years, there was one thing looming in the back of some of his teammates' minds: Soto is set to be a free agent this offseason.

Soto's future with the Yankees will likely be the first order of business in the offseason, as it seems that the general consensus is that the team wants to keep the outfielder. He's currently signed to a one-year, $31 million contract that was agreed upon to avoid arbitration.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. in particular really wants the Yankees to deliver a huge contract to Soto.

"Pay my guy! Pay Juan Soto!" Chisholm said during the locker room celebration. When asked by YES Network's Meredith Marakovits how much Soto should earn, Chisholm didn't hold back: "700 million!"

Giancarlo Stanton also talked about Soto's future on the team during the celebration, saying that the Yankees need to "bring him home."

The Yankees need to get through the World Series first, though. They will face either the Los Angeles Dodgers or New York Mets for a chance to win their 28th title.

Napoli are training without Antonio Conte this week after the Italian coach took agreed leave in the aftermath of Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to Bologna, a result that deepened concerns around the Serie A champions’ fading form. With pressure intensifying after five losses this season and whispers of resignation spreading online, the break arrives at a complicated moment for a team struggling for goals, rhythm and identity.

Conte’s absence highlights Napoli’s mounting concerns

Napoli returned to training after their damaging 2-0 defeat to Bologna, but without Conte on the pitch. As previously agreed with the club hierarchy, the coach has taken several days off, spending time with family in Turin before returning to Castel Volturno on November 17. Assistant Cristian Stellini is leading the sessions, with half the squad away on international duty, according to . The situation is not unusual for the Italian, who has taken similar mid-season breaks in the past, but the unusual length of this one and the timing of it has intensified the spotlight. 

Gli Azzurri have now suffered five defeats across all competitions and sit fourth in Serie A, already two points behind Inter and Roma and just one point ahead of Bologna. Their form has collapsed sharply: No goals scored in their last three games, two defeats in their last five league outings, and increasing tactical confusion. Inside the club, the mood has reportedly fluctuated between frustration, fatigue and tense reflection with Conte’s recent outburst in Bologna adding fuel to rumours about a potential parting of ways. This week’s training session, conducted without the head coach or most of the internationals, underlines the fragility of the moment and sets the stage for Conte’s own words on where the club must go next.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportConte demands accountability after Bologna defeat

Speaking after Sunday’s loss, Conte took full responsibility for the team’s dip and delivered some of his strongest comments of the season: “Everyone has to take responsibility. I'm the first to be held accountable. Heart transplants aren't an option. Each of us needs to rediscover our spirit and our grit. I'm disappointed because I'm not finding the energy in the guys again; it means I'm not doing a good job.”

He also reminded the club of the historical warning signs from 2023-24 season, when Napoli finished 10th, just a year after winning the Scudetto: “We must never forget that in Naples, after a Scudetto, we finished 10th. I'm sorry to have to dig up the bones of the past. I'll talk to the club, who already knew what I thought.”

Conte’s tone made it clear that discussions over direction, standards and responsibility are on the horizon even if no immediate meeting with Aurelio De Laurentiis is scheduled.

De Laurentiis shuts down resignation rumours

In the midst of speculation surrounding the 56-year-old's future, president De Laurentiis moved quickly to silence talk of a resignation. His statement delivered a firm defence of the coach and rebuttal of online reports.

“I came across the fairy tale of Conte's resignation on the web. I love social media a lot because they're a contemporary and fast way to spread thoughts. But you know that thoughts aren't always right or shareable.

"Between me and Conte there has always existed a special harmony that unites men who use the 3 "C"s [Character, Competence, and Courage]… which are very popular with Neapolitans and not only.

"To the fans who've read some nonsense, I say: I'm proud to have by my side, and by the side of Napoli and the players, a real man like Antonio Conte, capable of sacrificing every second of his life for his profession, with extreme generosity and dedication.

"This is the most important guarantee that can be given today to a club, to the players, and to demanding fans like those of Napoli."

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Getty Images SportConte returns next week as Napoli brace for Atalanta test

Conte is expected back on the training ground on November 17. By then, the squad will also begin returning from international duty and immediately face a major test.

Napoli’s next match is a crucial Serie A showdown with Atalanta, a side capable of exposing any defensive or mental fragilities. After three matches without scoring, and with Bologna breathing down their necks, the champions must demonstrate fresh intensity, structure and unity. All eyes will be on Conte’s return and whether a week away provides clarity, renewed energy or deeper complications for a Napoli side teetering between recovery and crisis.

Captain Harmanpreet believes “fearless cricket” is the reason for the team’s success in recent times

Vishal Dikshit11-Aug-20250:45

Harmanpreet on her 171*: ‘A lot of things changed in women’s cricket’

India’s senior duo of Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana is banking on the team’s recent form, collective confidence and their changed methods of preparation to “break the barrier” and lift India’s maiden ODI Women’s World Cup.The 2025 tournament, which features eight teams, will kick off on September 30, with India taking on Sri Lanka in the opening game. India failed to make the semi-finals of the last ODI World Cup, in 2022. Their best result at an ODI World Cup so far has been the runners-up place – twice, in 2005 and 2017, both times under Mithali Raj. They will hope to go one step further with home advantage and recent form on their side.”Playing in front of a home crowd, that is always special, and hopefully, this time we will give our 100% and try to break that barrier which all Indian fans and we are waiting for,” Harmanpreet said at an ICC event in Mumbai to start the 50-day countdown for the World Cup.India have had a good ODI year so far, having won nine of their 11 games. The results include a 3-0 whitewash of Ireland, a tri-series victory in Sri Lanka (also featuring South Africa), and most recently, a 2-1 series win in England, who are ranked second in ODIs.Related

Harmanpreet embraces 'happy headache' with India's depth on the rise

India lift their fielding to the next level in bid to 'dominate no matter what'

India are shedding their over-dependency on Mandhana and Harmanpreet

What are India’s confidence levels like right now heading into the World Cup? “To be honest, very high – because the amount of cricket we have played in the last couple of years, that has really given us a lot of confidence. And touchwood, the way we are playing [for] the last couple of years, we just want to continue with that. I think it is all about mindset and [the] fearless cricket we have been playing,” Harmanpreet said.The ODI series win against England also followed a 3-2 T20I series win – India’s first such win on English soil.”We were not surprised with the results [in England] because we knew the kind of preparation we have done,” Harmanpreet said. “We knew that we can do this easily. I think we have been working very hard for it, but I think at the same time, we kept things very simple, and we knew that we can easily win any series or any tournament. We were only talking about how we can win, how we can improve ourselves. So, for us, it was not like we have done something great. [The result] was because of our routines and we want to keep doing the same things, again and again.”Mandhana, the vice-captain in white-ball formats, said the recent team form was a result of their off-field preparations.”The amount of training we are doing and the efforts we are putting in our training camps, that is finally giving us a result and hopefully this World Cup will be very special for us,” she said. “In the last one-and-a-half month in UK, I just felt that a lot of things. Even off the field was very right about the team, in terms of how everyone came together and we, as a team, are really big on it in terms [of how] we are working hard here each day, day in, day out.1:37

Rodrigues’ memories of the 2017 World Cup as a 16-year-old

“For all the youngsters to come in… and I remember Kranti [Goud] taking six wickets [in the third ODI], I mean to watch her go was just amazing. So sometimes, the environment kind of really helps all of them.”Mandhana has had a dream run since last year, with a tally of 747 in 2024 (average 57.46) and 628 (average 57.09) this year, with a higher strike rate of 107.53 in 2025 compared to 95.15 in 2024. She has struck 12 sixes this year, the most for her in a calendar year, and she is also the highest scorer in ODIs in 2025.”I think more than my mindset, the work ethics have changed quite a lot in the last two or three years,” Mandhana said. “And because of that, there is a lot of calmness around how I want to go about my cricket. So that’s one thing which has changed massively. What happens in the field is a very secondary thing. Our primary job is to do the job. And not only for me – I think the whole team is heading into that direction, [where] we know where we actually have to work hard. So, we all are pretty clear with those sort of things. And that creates a lot of calmness.”I would say that in the last one-and-a-half-odd years, that’s been a massive change for me personally, and also, within the team.”The team’s recent change in regime and mindset has led to a winning streak this year•ICC/Getty ImagesIndia have another assignment before the World Cup – a three-match ODI series at home against defending champions and world No. 1 Australia, which will finish just ten days before the World Cup kicks off.”Well, whenever we play against Australia, that is always challenging because they are very competitive and you always have to know where you are standing, and what are the areas you need to improve [on] as a team,” Harmanpreet said. “I think right before the World Cup, that series is going to give us a lot of clarity, and hopefully along with that, we will play our best cricket, and I think the same momentum will continue before the World Cup.”Australia had, however, failed to make the final of the T20 World Cup last year, which New Zealand won. To see two teams apart from Australia in the final was a welcome change, Harmanpreet said.”Now every team has improved a lot,” she said. “You don’t know which team is going to be there in the top four. So, I think that is something which is really good because earlier, as Smriti said, they were very dominating. One team was always sure they are going to play in the finals. But right now, it’s always open, so it’s only about playing good cricket on that particular day and giving your best.”

Although it’s not time to breathe a sight of relief just yet, reports have suggested that one Sheffield Wednesday candidate has travelled to Hillsborough and a bid for the club is expected.

The Dejphon Chansiri era is officially over, but the Owls entered administration as a result and were handed a 12-point deduction to turn their Championship survival push into their very own mission impossible.

The good times, however, are on their way. Fans flooded to the club shop when Chansiri’s exit was confirmed, before they packed out Hillsborough in a 1-1 draw with Norwich City. This is, at long last, a club pulling in the same direction from top to bottom and co-administrator Kris Wigfield took time to thank supporters earlier this week.

Timeline for Sheffield Wednesday takeover as candidates move to next stage

A positive sign for the Owls.

ByTom Cunningham Nov 6, 2025

The Begbies Traynor managing partner said: “Ahead of the Norwich game, we wanted to give a brief update as best we can to keep fans informed.

“Whilst we are bound by confidentiality for much of this process, it is worth saying that the fantastic support of the fans through attending matches and buying merchandise from the club shop has been vital to running the club and the ground day-to-day – this includes paying the wages of employees and players.”

Regarding prospective buyers, there’s been plenty of interest in Sheffield Wednesday. Several parties have reportedly presented proof of funds worth £50m and the likes of John McEvoy and former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley have been mentioned.

Administrators have set an loose deadline of November 21 for when they want new owners through the door and the latest update suggests that they are on course to meet that deadline this month.

Sheffield Wednesday takeover candidates take Hillsborough tour

As confirmed by Wigfield, an unnamed Sheffield Wednesday takeover candidate has now travelled to Hillsborough for a tour of the stadium and a look at other facilities such as the training ground. Other parties are set to follow suit and opening bids are expected to commence as the Owls move closer and closer to welcoming new owners.

The 12-point hit dealt Sheffield Wednesday an undeniable blow but with Chansiri finally gone, things are beginning to look up at Hillsborough.

Liam Cooper alert to transfer possibility as Sheffield Wednesday hold EFL talks

For much of this offseason, the Chicago Cubs have been connected to free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman—a staple of the Houston Astros' glory years.

However, should the Cubs come up short in the still-unresolved Bregman sweepstakes, it appears they have a backup plan.

Chicago has kicked around signing veteran first baseman and designated hitter Justin Turner, according to a Monday afternoon report from Patrick Mooney and Ken Rosenthal of .

"The Cubs remain in the mix for both free agents, whose markets overlap to a degree," Mooney and Rosenthal wrote. "Turner is drawing interest from some teams that are also tracking Bregman."

Turner, 40, has played for six different franchises over his 16-year career. He is best known for his years with the Los Angeles Dodgers, with whom he hit .296 and made a pair of All-Star Games.

In 2024, the Long Beach, Calif. native played 91 games for the Toronto Blue Jays and 48 for the Seattle Mariners. He slashed .259/.354/.383 with 11 home runs and 55 RBIs.