Bristol Rovers Recruiting New First-Team Coach

Bristol Rovers is actively seeking a new first-team coach as the League One season approaches. The club recently saw departures from coaches Kevin Bond and Anssi Jaakkola. Bond, who returned part-time in November 2023, assisted interim manager Andy Mangan and was retained by current manager Matt Taylor until the season’s end. Jaakkola, a former goalkeeper for the team who transitioned from player to coach last summer, also announced his departure on social media.

Taylor previously appointed Jamie McAllister as his assistant in December 2023 and Individual Player Development coach Wayne Carlisle in February 2024. The job advertisement highlights responsibilities like player development, overseeing loan arrangements, and feeding talent into the professional game. Candidates need a UEFA A license, with a Pro License being desirable. The application deadline is June 17, 2024, and pre-season training begins on July 1, 2024, with the first friendly match at Melksham Town on July 5.

Three Teens Arrested for Hit-and-Run in Stoke-on-Trent Park

Staffordshire Police have arrested three teenage boys following a hit-and-run incident on June 2, 2024, in Central Forest Park, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent. The incident left a five-year-old girl severely injured after being dragged 20 meters by off-road motorbike riders who fled the scene. The arrested include two 17-year-olds and a 15-year-old, all from Stoke-on-Trent, on suspicions of failing to stop after a collision and vehicle theft. The investigation continues, while the local community and the girl’s school have shown substantial support for her recovery.

Tributes Paid to Canoeist Who Died in Welsh River

Leon Vernon-White, a 24-year-old from Tewkesbury, died on June 6, 2024, when his canoe capsized in the River Teifi near Cardigan, Ceredigion. A large-scale search was conducted, and his body was recovered the following morning. Leon was visiting his mother in Cardigan at the time. His family fondly remembered him as a “caring and loving free spirit” and expressed gratitude to the emergency services for their efforts during the search.

Knypersley and Woore Secure First Wins in Cricket League Division Four

Woore and Knypersley secured their first wins of the season in North Staffs and South Cheshire League Division Four. Woore defeated Church Eaton by four wickets, with notable performances by Michael Griffiths and Lauren Kenvyn. Knypersley clinched a one-run victory against Kidsgrove, aided by Mitchell Edwards’ unbeaten 125 and key wickets from Jack Baker and Toby Fallows. Eccleshall 2nd XI, Ashcombe Park seconds, Oakamoor 2nd XI, and Silverdale seconds also recorded victories in their respective matches.

No Evidence of Gunshots in Kidsgrove Incident

Staffordshire Police responded to reports of suspected gunshots in Kidsgrove on June 11, 2024, leading to a primary school lockdown. The altercation involved three men and a motorist on Lamb Street. Despite a loud bang being heard, no evidence of firearm use was found. The police are investigating and seeking information from possible witnesses.

North East UK Braces for Rain and Thunderstorms

The North East of the UK is set to experience rain and thunderstorms over the weekend, with temperatures expected to remain below seasonal averages. The Met Office forecasts scattered showers and possibly frost in some regions due to a mid-Atlantic jet stream influencing weather patterns. Warmer conditions are anticipated as late June transitions into July.