After an impressive return to the Scottish Premiership, Falkirk manager John McGlynn is targeting another top-six finish despite a summer of change.
The Bairns lost a number of their influential players at the end of last season, including top scorer Barney Stewart.
They begin their new campaign against St Mirren on Saturday, live on Sky Sports, with McGlynn continuing to set ambitious goals.
“If you can do it once, you can do it twice,” he told Sky Sports News.
Every match across the opening weekend is live on Sky Sports!
Friday July 31: Dundee Utd vs Rangers (8pm)
Saturday August 1: Falkirk vs St Mirren (3pm)
Saturday August 1: Aberdeen vs Hearts (5.30pm)
Sunday August 2: St Johnstone vs Kilmarnock (2pm)
Sunday August 2: Hibernian vs Motherwell (4.30pm)
Monday August 3: Celtic vs Dundee (7.30pm)
But we also understand that the second season is probably going to be more difficult.
“[There’s been a] bigger change-around in players; it’s the first time we’ve made such a big change.” We lost 15 players at the end of last season, including some big players.
“Barney is going to West Brom, Calvin [Miller] is going to Hearts, and we’re losing Dylan [Tait] to Dundee United – along with all the loan players who had done really well for us.
Image: Falkirk’s top scorer Barney Stewart has signed for West Brom
“We’re always ambitious. We want to do as well as we can. Like many teams, first and foremost, you’ve got to stay in the league.
“That’s what we tried to do last season. We targeted 15 points after the first 11 games. We managed to replicate that through the second lot of games and the third to get to 45 points, which got us in a very, very comfortable position.
“That’s a target we’ll be trying to achieve if possible. At this stage, we can achieve anything.
Committed to Falkirk amid Scottish speculation
Falkirk manager John McGlynn tells Sky Sports News he is flattered by links to the vacant Scotland job but insists he is fully committed to the Bairns.
Many have touted the 64-year-old as a potential Scotland head coach following Steve Clarke’s resignation after their World Cup exit.
While flattered, McGlynn insists he is concentrating on the new Premiership season.
“It’s wonderful for such high-profile people in the game to be pushing my name for that job,” the former Hearts boss added.
“I am obviously totally committed here, and I’ve had no contact whatsoever, so I’m very focused on the job, but it is very nice for the people who have been putting me forward and supporting me in that way.
“I think they know what I’m like and how well I’ve done, so it’s some kind of recognition. It’s nice to hear, but I’m focused on the job right now.
Image: Steve Clarke stepped down as Scotland boss following their World Cup exit
Asked if he would be interested if the Scottish FA made contact, he added: “Obviously, the SFA will need to go through the proper procedure and speak to the club and see where it goes if it comes to that.
Andy Burnham is set to unveil the biggest overhaul in education in 15 years.
ending a system that prioritises preparing children for university over technical training.
The prime minister is to announce the changes as part of a new drive to tackle “a lost generation” with 1 million young people unemployed or trapped outside education.
It comes after he revealed to the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg that he plans to bring down the welfare bill by making benefits conditional on people finding work, especially ones linked to mental health issues such as anxiety and stress.
But the move to value “the hard hat as much as the graduation cap” is another break with the legacy of former Labour prime minister Sir Tony Blair, which saw vocational qualifications downgraded in favour of getting 50 per cent of school leavers into university.
Ahead of the announcement, Mr Burnham said: “For too long, students in this country have been told they must take the academic path to succeed and be respected. The whole school system has been built around it, and that has let down young people seeking technical qualifications.
Andy Burnham is set to announce major education reform (AFP/Getty)
I want an education system based on parity between the academic and technical, which gives all young people a clear path in life. From today, Britain will value the hard hat every bit as much as the graduation cap.”
He added: “Fixing the youth unemployment crisis in Britain will require a major shake-up in how we do things – and that’s what this government will do. I want to ensure that our education system provides clear pathways for our young people. The changes we’re announcing today will just be the start of our work to restore opportunity and hope across the country.”
It represents the biggest shift in education since Michael Gove rolled out the school academies and free school reforms in 2011.
But the focus on vocational qualifications also comes at a time when graduates are being hit with massive levels of debt from paying for tuition fees while many are struggling to find employment.
The new pathways of prestigious technical routes will provide 14-year-olds with early access to technical skills, work experience and connections with local employers.
Mr Burnham believes that funding for the changes will come from the existing £570m investment to create additional college places across the country, alongside the wider Department for Education settlement agreed at the 2025 Spending Review, which will increase schools’ funding by £4.7bn by 2028-29.
The prime minister has made it clear that he is determined to put technical education on an equal footing with the traditional academic path and to ensure there are “no dead ends” for young people coming out of the education system.
This will mean that students, parents and employers value and respect high-quality technical education routes. In a message directly to students, he will say, “Whether you choose construction, coding or classics, you’ll get the skills you need and be given the respect you deserve.”
Under the plans, from age 14 (Year 10), students will have the chance to combine core academic subjects – including English, maths and science – with technical education linked to jobs available in their area. They will be able to spend time with employers and gain real-world experience.
Mr Burnham believes he will be building on initiatives which he championed as mayor of Manchester, such as the MBacc (Greater Manchester Baccalaureate), and the new technical routes will mean young people can develop the technical knowledge and skills needed to progress in areas like engineering, healthcare and digital technology, skilling them up with the specific knowledge and capabilities that local employers need.
Former health secretary Alan Milburn speaks to the media in late May about his interim report Young People and Work (PA)
As part of his devolution plans, regional mayors, local leaders, schools, colleges and employers will work together to shape the new technical education pathways, which can be tailored around local industries and growth sectors.
The prime minister will pledge that the government will prioritise funding for high-quality technical education and practical routes into work. The government will also change how it measures school performance. Inspectors will recognise schools that provide high-quality technical education and support young people in developing the skills, experience and confidence employers want.
It comes after former Labour cabinet minister Alan Milburn’s interim report warned that Britain is at risk of a “lost generation”, with over a million 16- to 24-year-olds now not in education, employment or training.
His findings painted a stark picture of a system that too often leaves young people leaving school without the skills, experience or connections they need to step into the world of work.
Mr Milburn said: “The changes the PM is announcing today are very welcome. They are a big step in the right direction and consistent with the findings of my review. A whole-system reset is needed across health, welfare and labour market policy, as well as in education and skills.
Business leaders and trade unions have also welcomed the move. Michelle Ovens, chief executive of Small Business Britain, said: “This is a significant step towards preparing young people for the future, which must include business skills and entrepreneurship as core to the changing world of work.”
TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: “Putting technical education on the same level as academia brings us closer to the international standard for skills.”
But Tory shadow education secretary Laura Trott said: “The announcements today do not come close to reversing the damage Labour has already done to the job market.
“Labour’s policies are driving youth unemployment to record highs. They are making it too expensive to hire young people and are destroying jobs with their jobs tax and employer red tape. When it’s easier for young people to claim benefits than get a job, it’s no wonder youth unemployment is rocketing.”
Benefit payment dates in August – with bank holiday changes.
Benefit payments will go out as usual for the most part in August, but there are bank holiday dates to be aware of depending on where you live. These include:
Universal credit
State pension
Pension credit
Child benefit
Disability living allowance (DLA)
Personal independence payment (PIP)
Attendance allowance
Carer’s allowance
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the Summer Bank Holiday is on Monday 31 August. Scotland has this holiday earlier, on Monday the 3rd. Payment dates that fall on bank holidays usually occur on the previous working day.
The start of the summer holidays also brings extra expenses for parents as kids enjoy their six weeks away from school. The summer is usually a time when cost-of-living pressures are less intense, with energy demand low and the shock of April’s bill increases becoming part of the normal expenses.
At the same time, concerns remain around the disruption caused by the US-Iran war, which has severely impacted the global oil trade. The conflict has brought knock-on effects to the price of essentials such as energy and fuel, with collapsed peace talks between the nations prompting fear of greater pressures to come.
Inflation fell to 2.6 per cent in the year to June, defying expectations of an increase. Easing prices for products like motor fuel, chocolate and beef contributed to the dip, although experts stilpredict that priceses will begin to rise again.
A record 7.4 million households are now unable to afford at least one essential item, recent research by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation found, up from 7.1 million a year ago.
The state pension rose by 4.8 per cent in April in line with annual earnings growth (PA)
Against this difficult economic backdrop, households should claim all the support they are entitled to. There are now around 24 million people in the country claiming some combination of Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) administered benefits, which include those drawing a state pension, representing around one in three people.
Yet research by Policy in Practice shows that £24bn worth of benefits goes unclaimed every year – you can use its helpful calculator to work out what you might be entitled to
The DWP has now completed its migration of all ‘legacy benefits’ to universal credit, it confirmed to The Independent in July, with just a few claimants remaining on the old system in exceptional circumstances.
Pension payment dates in August
The basic state pension is paid straight into bank accounts, similar to how benefits are paid. It is usually paid every four weeks, with the exact day you receive it corresponding to the last two digits of your national insurance (NI) number.
When will benefit rates go up?
In April 2026, all universal credit claimants received an above-inflation income boost of around 6.2 per cent to the standard allowance. For a single person over 25, this is a £6 per week increase, rising from £92 to £98.
Couples with one or both partners over 25 saw their weekly amount rise by £9, from £145 to £154.
Most other benefits were uprated by September’s inflation rate alone, increasing by 3.8 per cent. This included PIP, DLA, attendance allowance, carer’s allowance, ESA and more.
However, at the same time, the weekly payment rate for the health-related element of universal credit for new claimants was cut from £105 to £50. The rate for existing claimants will also be frozen until 2029.
This is a reduction of more than £200 a month, cutting the additional rate by around half.
The state pension rose by 4.8 per cent from April in line with annual earnings growth. This will bring the weekly amount to £241.05.
Other help available
For families: Great British Summer Savings
In May, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a package of measures to alleviate financial pressures for families over the summer holidays.
The key measure is a temporary VAT cut on family activities lasting from 25 June, when schools break in Scotland, until 1 September, when they return in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
This reduces the rate from 20 per cent to 5 per cent, with businesses expected to pass on the savings to families in reduced prices.
It applies to cinemas and theatres, attractions like amusement parks and zoos, and meals in restaurants. In all cases, the VAT cut is only applied to products available for families or children.
More help for parents
Parents with school-aged children who receive benefits-related free school meals can access the government-funded Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme during the six-week break.
Running nationwide across all local councils in England – with similar schemes operating in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland – it provides children who receive benefits-related free school meals with free holiday club places and a healthy hot meal.
Funding and eligibility criteria vary depending on location, so parents should check with their local authority’s website for more information.
And when the kids go back to school, it is well worth parents checking if their local council offers a school uniform grant to help with this extra cost.
Crisis and Resilience Fund
From April, councils have been able to administer Labour’s new ‘Crisis and Resilience Fund’, designed to support low-income households at times when affording the essentials becomes a struggle.
It will replace both the household support fund and discretionary housing payments.
Crisis payment
The first part of the new scheme is a ‘crisis payment’ to support low-income households that have experienced a financial shock or are at risk of entering a crisis.
As with the household support fund, councils will continue to have discretion over the exact eligibility criteria. However, the government’s guidance says councils should not limit it just to those in receipt of benefits.
The DWP has asked councils to take a ‘cash-first’ approach to the crisis payment, meaning cash payments should be awarded unless there is a fair reason not to do so.
In March, it confirmed that it was giving local authorities more funding to support those affected by rising heating oil prices.
Housing payment
A new ‘housing payment’ has also been introduced across the UK, aimed at providing financial support for housing costs for those in need.
The payment will usually be related to rent, such as needing rent in advance, a rental deposit, or a shortfall. It could also cover a lump sum associated with housing, like the cost of moving.
Unlike the crisis payment, the housing payment will be restricted to those in receipt of certain benefits. These are either housing benefits or universal credit with the housing element for rental costs. However, DWP says those who do not qualify but are still in need could be considered for a crisis payment instead.
Budgeting advance loans
The government offers a “budgeting advance loan” for people on universal credit who face an emergency lack of money. The loan has a maximum repayment period of two years.
These loans are interest-free and are automatically deducted from universal credit payments. You can borrow an ‘advance’ of up to:
£348 if you’re single
£464 if you’re part of a couple
£812 if you or your partner claims child benefit
Following Labour’s 2024 budget, a new cap was introduced on the amount the DWP can deduct from benefit payments to repay loans and debts, including budgeting advance loans.
Beginning in April 2025, deductions from universal credit have been capped at 15 per cent of the standard allowance, down from 25 per cent.
Charitable grants
If you are struggling financially, you may be eligible for certain charitable grants. There is a wide range of grants available depending on your circumstances.
However, these grants will typically require you to meet specific criteria and will only be able to offer limited funds.
Charitable grants are available for people who are disabled or ill, carers, bereaved, unemployed, students, and for many other reasons. The charity Turn2us has an online tool to search for grants that may be available to some.
Some energy suppliers offer assistance to those who aren’t able to afford their bills, including Octopus and British Gas (PA)
Energy provider help
Several energy suppliers offer help for those struggling with their energy bills. These include British Gas, Scottish Power, EDF, E.ON, OVO and Octopus. It is worth contacting your energy provider to find out if you are eligible.
Some also offer free devices like electric blankets for households with vulnerable residents to keep warm.
Social tariffs for broadband and water
For those struggling with household costs, social tariffs are available for both broadband and water bills. These measures will mean a reduced rate for certain eligible households.
For water, every company operating in the UK has a social tariff by law. However, the amount on offer can vary between regions and, because water providers can’t be chosen like energy providers, the support has been criticised as a “postcode lottery”.
For instance, some offer as much as 90 per cent off bills, while others cap support at a 20 per cent reduction.
To find out what support your water company offers, it is worth checking on its website or contacting the helpline. In all cases, households will need to be deemed to be on a low income and/or in receipt of certain benefits.
Similarly, many broadband providers offer social tariffs to those on certain benefits, such as universal credit or pension credit.
Council tax reduction
If you meet certain criteria or are on certain benefits, you may be able to apply for a discount on your council tax of up to 100 per cent (this type of assistance is sometimes called council tax support).
Your local council may still be able to offer you a discretionary reduction if you can demonstrate you are facing severe hardship and can’t afford to pay your council tax.
To apply for a council tax reduction, contact your local council via the government’s website.
Up to 30 hours of free childcare
From 1 September 2025, all working parents in the UK became entitled to 30 hours of free childcare for children up to the age of four. This concluded a gradual set of expansions that began in April 2024.
Parents must apply online and reconfirm their eligibility every three months, in time for each school term. Working parents can also apply for tax-free childcare, which gives back 20p for every 80p you put towards childcare, up to a maximum of £500 a year.
The next deadline is 31 August.
Energy price cap: Is it going up?
Ofgem’s energy price cap increased by £221 a year to £1,862 from July. The 13 per cent increase marks the highest level in over two years, triggered by spiking oil prices caused by the US-Iran war.
The energy price cap is the maximum amount suppliers can charge you for each unit of energy if you’re on a standard variable tariff. That includes most households. It is expressed as an annual bill for an average home.
Many experts, including Ofgem itself, recommend households consider a fixed tariff energy deal if possible. However, the US and Iran have seen fewer of these on the market than in previous months.
Ofgem is expected to announce the next price cap, covering October to December, on 26 August 2026.
Will there be another cost of living payment in 2026?
The DWP has not announced any continuation of the cost of living payment scheme that ran between 2022 and 2024. The final payment should have been made to eligible households between 6 February and 22 February 2024.
Mental health support
In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call them for free at 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.
Mind runs a support line on 0300 102 1234, which provides a safe and confidential place to talk about how you’re feeling. There is also an information line on 0300 123 3393 for nearby support, and a welfare benefits line on 0300 222 5782 to support the mental health of those navigating the benefits system
Disability charity Scope has a forum where people can have supportive chats with others going through the same experiences
The NHS offers an online mental health triage service
Cyan said he spent about four months developing a prototype for the game in 2025, which was “made for the publisher’s eyes only,” as the teaser video stated. “For various reasons, the project couldn’t move forward at this time, but we’re still proud of the team’s work — so we’re sharing a teaser of the prototype with you all now.
Since then, the fortunes of Myst and developer Cyan Worlds have improved significantly. The most recent game in the series, Myst 5: End of Ages, came out in 2005 and was reasonably well received but not a big seller; Cyan, after years of financial struggles, has moved on to games like Myst, including Firmament and Obduction, both of which rely on crowdfunding
Myst was a huge success: it was the best-selling PC video game of all time and helped launch the CD-ROM era, paving the way for new technologies and unprecedented levels of fidelity in gaming. In 1993, Myst was a major breakthrough.
Studio 2025 laid off its staff by “roughly half”, with Justin Wagner of PC Gamer writing that “it’s great to see a historic indie like Cyanworlds so badly hit by the brutal, ongoing contraction of the game industry”. Justin was certainly right about that, but some people are finding it even more fascinating: Over the weekend Cyan released a teaser for a new Myst game, codenamed Project Anglerfish, that looks really good — and then said it’s not in development because, apparently, publishers aren’t interested.
Latest videos fromPC gamer
A Road Not Taken: Project Anglerfish – YouTube
It’s definitely a Myst game alright, though I don’t remember ol’ Atrus being as loud and screechy as the raging long hair here. As a lapsed fan of the series, I think it looks great, and it’s disappointing that this video doesn’t herald a new game but instead just a look at what could be.
At the same time, it’s not difficult to understand why publishers would hesitate to return the mini-trick to a new Myst game. Myst disappeared for a reason, and there’s a growing chasm between the heavy hit of nostalgia delivered by a three-minute video and the reality of playing old-school adventure games with purposefully obscure puzzles. Is Myst’s brand of storytelling really in demand these days?
What really bothers me is that maybe it could work. A new Myst game might have a small audience (at least compared to, say, Fortnite or Roblox) but it’s also very dedicated and willing to make money as it wants. In other words, it sounds like an ideal candidate for a crowdfunding campaign—yet Cyan isn’t pursuing it. I wonder why that is, because the studio’s previous games, Obstacle and Atmosphere, were both Kickstarter successes, each raising over $1 million.
A new Myst game would almost certainly make even bigger numbers on the weight of the name alone: in 2018, Cyan ran a Kickstarter for it. The 25th Anniversary collection of Myst raised over $2.8 million. People love their Myst, and they want it too.
And who knows? Maybe, after all, they’ll get their Myst. It might be funny, but I find myself wondering if this little showcase is another way to gauge interest ahead of a potential campaign for a new Myst game—a non-teaser that’s actually an actual teaser for a game that’s not in active development. right now, but who can say what will happen in a month? It’s a little contrived, sure, but I like to think of it as more hopeful: you just have to believe, even if it takes some complicated thinking to get there.
A new property tax could be introduced now that Andy Burnham is prime minister. He has long expressed support for a property tax overhaul, proposing a Land Value Tax (LVT) in 2010 when he first attempted to become Labour leader.
“The LVT, an annual tax on the market rental value of land, would allow for the abolition of stamp duty – a tax that makes it harder for young people to settle down and get on with their lives,” he said.
More recently, he has repeated his calls for reform. “I’ve long been persuaded of the argument for a land value tax,” he said. “[Council tax] is a highly regressive tax. I see a strong case for changing land, property, and business taxation.
Burnham is understood to support proposals by campaigning organisation Fairer Share, which have received cross-party support and advocate for a new Proportional Property Tax (PPT).
Under the proposals, stamp duty and council tax would be scrapped, with homeowners instead paying a flat 0.48 per cent tax on the current value of their property. This, says Fairer Share, is the rate required to match the revenue from the current system.
Homeowners, meanwhile, would benefit from an initial cap, which means that the new tax would not cost more than £1,200 per year, or £100 per month.
Those moving house, meanwhile, will no longer need to pay stamp duty on their property purchase.
Some, though, will need to pay more. Under the proposals, second homeowners, foreign owners and empty properties will pay a higher rate of 0.96 per cent.
The revenue from the tax, which Fairer Share says would be the same, would be centrally distributed to local councils. Having a single, centralised point of collection, says David Fell at Hamptons, is potentially much more efficient than 300 councils each collecting independently.
Why is a new property tax needed?
The campaign’s main aim is to address inequalities in the way that property is taxed, where the owners of expensive homes pay less as a percentage of the property’s total value.
Council tax, for example, is based on an estimate of the property’s value in 1991, regardless of its current market value.
There are currently eight council tax bands, with the top bracket, Band H, having no ceiling above £320,000. This means that a £350,000 flat and a £10 million mansion would pay the same tax.
As a result, there have been repeated calls for reform in recent years, arguing that property taxes should more closely reflect property values.
Fairer Share estimates that its proposals would benefit 77 per cent of UK households—equivalent to 18 million people—with an average saving of £556.
Scrapping duty, it adds, would protect individual households from large bills when they buy a home, instead spreading the cost across the period of property ownership.
This, it argues, would remove a barrier to home ownership and make it easier for older households to downsize.
What would a new property tax mean for Londoners?
The bad news for Londoners is that the new tax is likely to raise bills. According to Fairer Share’s estimates, the average homeowner in the capital will pay £260 more per year, with Londoners paying £2.5 billion more as a whole.
The reason for this is because properties in London and the South East have seen the greatest increase in value since 1991, with homeowners paying proportionately smaller council tax bills.
In Kensington and Chelsea, for example, where the average property costs £1.273 million, a homeowner would pay £6,110.40 under the new tax, which would initially be capped at £1,200. They would currently pay £3,286.88 a year in council tax.
“Lower-income homeowners in higher-value areas like London would be hit hard,” says Mr Fell. “Typically, they can currently avoid paying stamp duty by staying put. Renters, who don’t currently pay stamp duty, may end up paying more, either in tax or via higher rents.”
Is a new property tax a good idea?
On the plus side, analysts argue that removing stamp duty will encourage people to move house and help to stimulate the property market, which has broader economic benefits.
But, says Tom Bill, head of UK residential research at Knight Frank, “Annual revaluations will turn house price growth into an ongoing tax liability, which would inevitably affect decision-making.
“The psychological difference between a one-off stamp duty bill and a recurring tax charge means up-sizers could think twice, particularly in London and the south-east, where payments are likely to be a proportionately larger share of income.”
There are also concerns about implementation, when some homeowners will already have paid stamp duty on their properties, and about how properties will be accurately valued when homes on the same street can vary wildly in price. As Mr Fell puts it: “Changes in values could mean uncertain income for councils and will be open to challenge.”
Bill also cautions against the potential pitfalls of raising taxes for landlords and developers at a time when landlords are leaving the market and housebuilding is needed.
“At a time when many landlords are struggling to make things stack up financially, any further disincentive is likely to result in less stock and higher rents, which hurts tenants.”
“The concept of taxing the asset rather than the transaction is sensible as it would improve social and economic mobility, generate tax revenue in other areas like VAT, get rid of a universally disliked tax and ultimately generate a more stable flow of revenue,” he adds.
“However, cross-party support or not, proposals should feel politically neutral to avoid replicating the unintended consequences seen with stamp duty changes in the last decade by ensuring a liquid property market that raises as much for the Exchequer as possible, irrespective of your postcode, which would be a real break from the past.”
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Having sold 40 per cent of influencer marketing agency Goat in 2021, Harry Hugo had made his fortune at 26 – and he realised that, by the age of 30, he would have the rare luxury of financial independence.
So, by his own admission, he was chasing “instant gratification” moments. But he also knew he needed to find a purpose.
One day, he and his friends, who had worked with him since he started his first business at age 16, visited a Ferrari garage. He had his eyes on a 458 Spyder in black.
“My mate asked me why I was considering buying it,” he tells Sky Sports.
Image: Farnham Town have earned three promotions in four seasons since Harry Hugo became chairman (Image: LJP Photos)
“My only answer was that it would be fun. That wasn’t a good enough answer, so I challenged my mates to come up with something that would provide as much fun for the money.
“The first suggestion was, ‘Why don’t we buy a football club?’ – and I thought that was quite a good idea!”
The group built a matrix to rank the non-League clubs within a 50-mile radius of his home. Leatherhead ranked highest, so Hugo followed the Tanners – then in the Isthmian Premier Division, one below the National League South – for six months.
Image: Hugo sold 40 per cent of influencer marketing agency Goat in 2021 and the remainder two years later (Image: LJP Photos)
When he met the board, he says, there was scepticism. I get that, first, it’s unusual for a young guy to want to go and spend loads of money on a football club, and, second, there have been a lot of negative stories in non-league football, where people have put loads of money in and then walked away.
Hugo was left deflated when a deal to take over did not materialise, yet he soon realised his love was for non-league football in general and “the raw emotion, the old-school nature of football in its purest form”, not for Leatherhead.
Town takeover leads to back-to-back-to-back
Number two on the matrix was Farnham Town. Hugo grew up locally and attended school in the town, about 11 miles from Guildford, Surrey, so there was a tie-in. The only downside? They were another two tiers down the pyramid.
But the board were instantly receptive and a deal was completed within five weeks.
Soon, the reality of what he had inherited became clear.
“When we walked in, it cannot be understated how shit it was here,” he says, overlooking the pitch at The Memorial Ground, which is looking in excellent condition despite the intense recent heatwaves.
“It was the clubhouse, a stand behind the goal… and that was it. A concrete block wall around the side of the pitch and a fence across the top. I was embarrassed to bring my wife down here!”
Today, it is almost difficult to believe it is the same stadium. But more on that shortly; to understand why this is the case, we must look at Farnham’s incredible rise, led on the pitch by manager Paul Johnson.
In 2022/23, Hugo’s first season, Farnham finished sixth in the Combined Counties Premier Division South.
In 2023/24, they won that same division with 108 points.
Image: Paul Johnson has been in charge of Farnham Town since November 2022 (Image: LJP Photos)
And in 2025/26, they finished second to Walton & Hersham in the Southern League Premier Division South before beating Gloucester City 5-1 in the play-off final to reach the National League South.
Before Hugo’s arrival, the club had never played above the ninth tier of English football. They will be competing in the sixth tier during the 2026/27 season.
Does Farnham have any recognisable faces?
Sam Hutchinson: Five Premier League games for Chelsea, 207 games for Sheffield Wednesday in all competitions
Brandon Mason: Two Premier League games for Watford, 36 League One games for Coventry City
Rakish Bingham: 64 Scottish Premiership games for Hamilton Academical
Billy Clifford: 31 League One game for Colchester United and Walsall, 43 League two games for Crawley Town
Aaron Kuhl: Six Championship games for Reading, five Scottish Premiership games for Dundee United
Wrexham links and the value of socials
Naturally, there have been comparisons to Wrexham, who are the most high-profile example of a club achieving three back-to-back promotions, from the National League to the Sky Bet Championship.
“I’m fine with that!” says Hugo, with a laugh.
“Like them, we also care about media, brands, images and experiences, and the biggest thing is they brought people up; they made more National League and EFL teams look at themselves and think they could be doing it.
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While the Red Dragons have their Disney+ series ‘Welcome to Wrexham’, Farnham produce ‘Non-League Diaries’, which is released weekly on YouTube.
Hugo harnessed his connections to get social media collective The Sidemen to sponsor the team in his first season, while last September, the club went viral after former Liverpool and England striker Peter Crouch walked out as a mascot as a forfeit for losing his Fantasy Football League.
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Due to a forfeit, Peter Crouch agreed to become Farnham Town’s mascot – and he drew a record attendance for the non-league side!
From 2023 until earlier this summer, Love Island runner-up Harry Cooksley was a key member of the squad and, on TikTok, they boast over 150,000 followers.
“Social media is huge commercially, from a fan engagement and brand-awareness perspective. It’s weird, the number of people who know about Farnham Town,” Hugo adds.
Image: Harry Cooksley (left) of Love Island fame played a key role in Farnham’s rise (Image: LJP Photos)
“They might not have ever come, but they know Crouchy walked out in a full kit as a mascot or we won the play-off final 5-1, or we hold the British record for the most wins in a row in a league campaign. Other clubs have done things like it, but they can’t get the message out; they can’t tell the story.
“We’ve done a really good job of doing that and it’s been a major focus because it’s my background. It’s the perfect distribution channel that allows us to tell that story.”
Rapid rise forces need for rapid growth
Online, some accuse him of just throwing money at it. He accepts that the criticism was “a legitimate point” in his second year, when getting out of the ninth tier became imperative.
“People who keep the lights on do a wonderful job and make sure these non-league football clubs exist; then there are the people who are trying to push it forward. That’s a positive thing for everybody,” he says.
“Farnham’s success on and off the pitch, achieved for the first time, drives everybody to be better.” People have gone from hating us to admiring us because they’ve seen someone who is genuinely invested in the club and wants to do it sustainably for the long term.
“I don’t hide in a corporate box and I genuinely love football. I’m Farnham’s number one fan and the chairman’s second. I have never been an anxious person, but I dislike the 90 minutes because it means so much to me, which is why I do commentary. It’s like therapy to me because I’m so nervous!”
Farnham’s rise on the pitch has put a welcome strain on Hugo and those off it. Each promotion has brought a nine-month deadline for the club to bring their stadium up to the requirements for that level. The official capacity is currently 2,300, but by March 31, 2027, it needs to be 3,000.
But they have not focused solely on that this summer. There are impressive new stands, but the whole club has received a makeover of the highest order. The transformation is striking.
“It’s constant money, but also planning. I love that, but I think it’s critical for people to understand it’s not just about winning on the pitch,” Hugo says.
“There’s so much you have to think about off the pitch if you’re as successful as we’ve been. It’s not just about throwing money at it; it’s about being strategic.
“The nice thing is we’re going to have brought a fanbase through that takes nothing for granted because they’ve seen where we’ve come from. Hopefully everyone comes down to support the football club because we’re going to need to put a lot of cash back in the coffers with the work we’ve done.”
On the financial side, Hugo is incredibly transparent on social media. He often posts details on X, highlighting the importance of the spend-per-head metric. Why?
“Because moving the dial from an average attendance of 1,000 to 1,500 is disproportionately harder than getting someone to spend £18, not £15, inside the ground. Once you get someone in and you give them opportunities to spend, that is way easier than trying to get someone brand new in.
“That’s not necessarily about putting prices up, but more about giving them opportunities to spend on better things.
“That metric has improved massively since we’ve been involved, without the ticket prices going up much at all. We offer a low-cost day out.
The EFL is no longer just a pipe dream
Farnham’s rise has been so quick that it is difficult to believe they are only two promotions from Sky Bet League Two. The ambition to get there is significant – and growing.
“The biggest thing that drives me is that Surrey doesn’t have an EFL team. That’s ridiculous,” says Hugo. How does one of the most affluent counties, so close to London, not have one of the 92 EFL teams?!
Surrey’s top non-League teams
National League: Sutton United, Woking
National League South: Dorking Wanderers, Farnham Town, Walton & Hersham
Woking and Sutton are in the league above us; when we started, Sutton was in the EFL, and we were in step five. Now there’s one league between us. Who’s to say Farnham can’t get in ahead of all the others? Three years ago, I didn’t even consider that.
“We know how to get promotions. I know it takes everything, so much that people don’t see, but we can stand up and say we think we can get to the EFL, and we’ve proved we know how to do it, though we know it’s going to get harder.
We will obviously try to get promoted again this season because that’s in our nature, but would it be the end of the world if we didn’t? Absolutely not. But we’ve only ever been promoted, so it will feel weird if we reach the end of the season without a pitch invasion!
Is he one to watch?
Local lad Owen Dean came through Farnham Town’s youth ranks and has since become the club’s prized asset.
The 23-year-old has played 202 games for the club since the 2021/22 season, scoring 87 goals and providing 39 assists.
“Some clubs will go through a chairman’s lifetime and never have one – we’ve had four in four years. I’m fine with our pitch not being invaded this year! It means we’d have time to figure out our facility and get it ready to be National League and EFL-ready.
A long journey undoubtedly lies ahead, but it would take a brave person to bet against Hugo and Farnham, who have already changed perceptions of what a modern non-League club can be.
Several years on from that day in the Ferrari garage, it is certainly fair to say Farnham’s young chairman has found the purpose he was seeking.
Two major London stations have been shut for three weeks as part of a £20 million upgrade, with commuters warned to expect disruption.
Work to replace nearly 2km of track, rebuild sections of platform and carry out repairs to the Hungerford and Waterloo East pedestrian links was already underway on Sunday, July 26.
Work to replace nearly 2 km of track is underway
Network Rail
The closures will affect Southeastern services, with trains that normally run into Charing Cross being diverted instead to London Victoria, London Cannon Street and London Blackfriars.
Some services will also terminate at London Bridge.
Passengers are being urged to check their route before travelling, as alternative services will be in place throughout the closure.
Here’s everything we know about the works…
When are the stations closing?
The main closures will last 22 days, from Sunday, July 26, to Sunday, August 16, to coincide with the summer holidays.
But there will also be additional weekend closures before and after for preparation and follow-up work:
Saturday, July 18
Sunday, July 19
Saturday, August 22
Sunday, August 23
Saturday, October 10
Sunday, October 11
Network Rail has warned that travel arrangements on these extra closure dates may be different from the main 22-day closure, so passengers should check before setting off.
Why are Charing Cross and Waterloo East closing?
The stations are closed to allow engineers to carry out a major £20million upgrade of the railway between them.
The work includes replacing around 1,800 metres of track and installing 16 new sets of switches and crossings — the equipment that allows trains to move between different tracks.
The new infrastructure will replace equipment that has been in place since 1990, which Network Rail says will help to improve reliability and keep journeys running smoothly.
At Waterloo East, track drainage will also be upgraded to help maintain track quality and allow trains to continue running safely at full line speed.
Meanwhile, parts of Charing Cross station are being rebuilt, with new foundations and surfaces installed at the country end of the platforms to keep them safe and accessible for passengers.
Structural repairs are also being carried out on the 175-year-old Hungerford Bridge, which takes the railway over the Thames, and the pedestrian link bridge between Waterloo East and London Waterloo.
The work will keep the structures open for decades ahead, Network Rail says.
What are the likely disruptions?
No trains will call at London Charing Cross or Waterloo East while work is carried out.
Southeastern has warned passengers to expect delays and cancellations.
Can I get a refund for pre-booked trains?
Passengers affected by the closures can claim a refund for all ticket types, including journeys made using reasonable alternative routes.
Southeastern has set up a dedicated refund form, which is available on the Southeastern website.
Scott Brightwell, the train services director on the Southeastern Railway, said, “The £20 million investment we are delivering will see 1990s track and platforms upgraded to make journeys safer and more reliable, and Victorian-era structures strengthened to remain fit for the future.
“By consolidating the work into a 22‑day closure, supported by preparation and follow‑up weekends, we can complete the work more quickly and with less disruption overall than the alternative options of 60 weekend closures or four to five 9‑day closures.”
He added: “We have planned the closure for the summer, when passenger numbers are around 20 per cent lower and schools are closed, to help manage the impact on customers.”
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Jimmothy, the viral raccoon, is becoming an earnable WoW pet, bringing one of the internet’s most beloved animal stars into the world of World of Warcraft. Blizzard Entertainment has announced that players will soon be able to unlock Jimmothy as a companion pet through in-game gameplay rather than purchasing it from the in-game shop.
The announcement has delighted both WoW players and fans of the famous raccoon, whose playful personality helped him become a social media sensation. By making Jimmothy an earnable companion, Blizzard rewards players with a fun collectible while celebrating a real-world internet icon.
Jimmothy the viral raccoon is joining World of Warcraft as an earnable pet.
Who Is Jimmothy?
Jimmothy is a raccoon that gained widespread popularity through videos and photographs shared online. His curious behaviour, playful expressions, and charming personality quickly attracted millions of views on social media.
Fans embraced Jimmothy as one of the internet’s favourite animal personalities, inspiring memes, artwork, and countless fan discussions. His popularity eventually caught the attention of Blizzard Entertainment, leading to his appearance in World of Warcraft.
Blizzard Brings a Viral Star Into Azeroth
Blizzard has a long tradition of adding unique companion pets inspired by community events, charity campaigns, and memorable pop culture moments.
Jimmothy’s arrival continues that tradition by giving players an opportunity to add a light-hearted companion to their growing pet collections.
Unlike premium shop pets, Jimmothy will be obtainable through gameplay, encouraging players to explore new content and complete the required objectives.
How Players Can Earn Jimmothy
Rather than requiring a cash purchase, Blizzard has confirmed that Jimmothy will be unlocked through an in-game activity or achievement.
Although exact requirements may vary depending on the update, players should expect tasks such as:
This change encourages exploration and achievement hunting.
Fans of Jimmothy have also welcomed the announcement, with many saying they are eager to bring the adorable raccoon along on their adventures across Azeroth.
Blizzard’s Growing Collection of Unique Pets
Over the years, Blizzard has introduced hundreds of companion pets inspired by the following:
Wildlife.
Dragons.
Mechanical creatures.
Magical beings.
Seasonal holidays.
Community celebrations.
Charity campaigns.
Jimmothy joins this expanding collection as one of the most recognisable real-world inspirations ever featured in the game.
Jimmothy joins World of Warcraft’s growing collection of collectible companion pets.
What This Means for Players
Making Jimmothy earnable instead of selling him through the in-game store is likely to encourage more players to engage with the associated content.
It also reflects Blizzard’s continued focus on rewarding gameplay with unique cosmetic items that celebrate both gaming culture and wider internet trends.
For collectors, completionists, and casual players alike, Jimmothy represents another enjoyable reason to return to Azeroth.
Conclusion
Jimmothy, the viral raccoon, is becoming an earnable WoW pet, giving World of Warcraft players a charming new companion inspired by one of the internet’s favourite animals. By making the pet available through gameplay, Blizzard is rewarding exploration and achievement while adding another memorable collectible to the game.
As players prepare to unlock Jimmothy, the announcement highlights Blizzard’s ongoing commitment to creating fun, community-focused content that keeps Azeroth feeling fresh and engaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jimmothy?
Jimmothy is a raccoon that became popular online through viral videos and social media posts.
How can players obtain Jimmothy in World of Warcraft?
Blizzard has announced that Jimmothy will be available as an earnable in-game pet through gameplay rather than as a premium shop purchase.
Can Jimmothy be used in Pet Battles?
Companion pets in World of Warcraft are often eligible for Pet Battles, though players should check the final update notes for Jimmothy’s specific abilities.
Why is Blizzard adding a viral raccoon?
The addition celebrates a well-known internet animal while giving players a fun new collectible companion to earn through gameplay.
Cheap Ingredient Makes the Best Stir-Fries, and surprisingly, that ingredient is cabbage. While many people focus on expensive cuts of meat or exotic vegetables, humble cabbage delivers outstanding flavour, texture, and value. Affordable, nutritious, and incredibly versatile, cabbage has become a favourite ingredient for home cooks who want to prepare delicious meals without spending a fortune.
Whether you’re making a simple vegetable stir-fry or pairing it with chicken, beef, tofu, or prawns, cabbage absorbs sauces beautifully while maintaining a satisfying crunch. It’s one of the easiest ways to create a filling and flavourful meal on a budget.
Fresh cabbage being prepared for a healthy stir-fry.Fresh cabbage being prepared for a healthy stir-fry.
Why Cabbage Is the Perfect Stir-Fry Ingredient
Cabbage has long been used in cuisines around the world, from Asian stir-fries to European comfort foods. Its firm texture allows it to cook quickly while retaining a slight crunch, making it ideal for high-heat cooking.
Some of the reasons cabbage stands out include the following:
Low cost and widely available.
Rich in vitamins C and K.
High in fibre and low in calories.
Absorbs sauces and seasonings well.
Pairs with almost any protein.
Keeps fresh in the refrigerator for several days.
Because it is inexpensive and long-lasting, cabbage is an excellent choice for meal planning and reducing food waste.
Health Benefits of Cabbage
Beyond its affordability, cabbage is packed with nutrients that support overall health.
Rich in Vitamins
Cabbage provides plenty of vitamin C, which helps support the immune system, and vitamin K, which contributes to healthy bones and blood clotting.
High in Fibre
Its fibre content promotes healthy digestion and helps you feel full for longer.
Low in Calories
If you’re watching your calorie intake, cabbage offers plenty of volume without adding many calories to your meal.
Contains Antioxidants
Red and green cabbage both contain antioxidants that help protect the body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals.
How to Make the Best Stir-Fry
The secret to a fantastic stir-fry is cooking ingredients quickly over high heat.
Step 1: Prepare Everything First
Slice the cabbage into thin strips and chop any additional vegetables before heating the wok or frying pan.
Many home cooks accidentally overcook their vegetables.
Avoid these mistakes:
Cooking cabbage for too long.
Using low heat.
Adding too much sauce.
Overfilling the wok.
Not preparing ingredients in advance can also affect the dish.
Small adjustments can make a big difference to flavour and texture.
A finished cabbage stir-fry served with steamed rice.
Why Home Cooks Love This Affordable Ingredient
Cabbage remains a kitchen favourite because it is reliable, economical, and easy to cook. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or feeding a family on a budget, it delivers excellent value without compromising on taste.
Its ability to absorb bold flavours while retaining a pleasant crunch makes it one of the best vegetables for stir-frying. Combined with fresh herbs, spices, and your favourite protein, cabbage becomes a satisfying meal in just minutes.
Conclusion
Cheap Ingredient Makes the Best Stir-Fries, and cabbage proves that you don’t need expensive ingredients to create delicious meals. Affordable, nutritious, and incredibly versatile, it is an excellent choice for anyone looking to cook healthy, flavour-packed dishes at home.
With the right cooking techniques and a few simple ingredients, cabbage can become the star of your next stir-fry. This humble vegetable offers outstanding flavour and exceptional value, whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding the whole family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cheap ingredient for stir-fries?
Cabbage is one of the best affordable ingredients because it cooks quickly, absorbs sauces well, and stays slightly crisp.
Can I use red cabbage in stir-fries?
Yes. Red cabbage works well and adds vibrant colour, but it may need slightly longer cooking than green cabbage.
How long should cabbage be stir-fried?
Usually 3–5 minutes over high heat is enough to keep it tender while maintaining a slight crunch.
What sauce works best with cabbage?
Soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, hoisin sauce, chilli sauce, and garlic-based sauces all pair beautifully with cabbage.
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