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Tag: Athletics

  • Olympian Jessica Hull’s record-breaking year sparks Little Athletics boom

    Olympian Jessica Hull’s record-breaking year sparks Little Athletics boom

    At any other Olympic games, Jessica Hull would be returning home with a gold medal around her neck.

    But she had to run the race in front of her.

    In the final of the 1,500 metres at Paris, Hull was up against the greatest ever middle-distance runner – Faith Kipyegon.

    She did everything right; shaved ten seconds off her previous Olympic time and even ran faster than Kipyegon did when she won gold in Tokyo.

    Hull was fast, the Kenyan was faster.

    Rounding the turn into the last hundred metres with her rival in front, the 27-year-old had one thing on her mind.

    “I was just so focused on ‘I am getting a medal’, I didn’t really have any understanding of the time,” she said.

    A woman in athletics attire stands with her hands on her hips

    Jessica Hull finished with a personal best time to claim silver.  (Getty Images: Henk Jan Dijks/Marcel ter Bals/DeFodi Images/DeFodi)

    She crossed the finish line in second place, becoming the first Australian to win a medal in the event.

    It capped a remarkable season for the runner which included setting a new world record in the 2,000 metres at the Diamond League in Monaco.

    Hull ended the year with 15 podium finishes.

    Athletics Australia nicknamed her the smiling assassin after her record-breaking year.

    It is an clear reference to the runner’s sunny disposition and ruthlessness on the track.

    Athletics interest soars

    Hull has returned to where her Olympic dream started — her hometown of Albion Park on the New South Wales south coast.

    “I remember winning my first state title in the under 12s and it fuel the dream of maybe I can go to the Olympics one day,” she said.

    Jess with long blonde hair in a ponytail stands on a grass running track smiling with her arms around two young children.

    Jess Hull shares her Olympic journey with young athletes. (ABC Illawarra: Tim Fernandez)

    Her junior club, Albion Park Little Athletics, has become a breeding ground for Olympians.

    They have included fellow middle-distance runners Jye Edwards and Ryan Gregson.

    Hull said Gregson making the final of the 1,500 metres in Rio de Janeiro was a turning point for Australians targeting that event.

    “I think that was huge for the sport in Australia, to see an Australian make that final,” she said.

    Australia won seven medals at the Paris games, its best track and field performance since the Melbourne games in 1968.

    Hull said the games showed Australians could be competitive across athletics.

    “Our medals were so widespread that I think it is a good advertisement for little A’s,” Hull said.

    “Come down and try it and find your event.”

    Three girls smiling and talking

    Jess Hull shares her silver medal with Brooklyn McWilliams and Chelsea Nicol, two young runners hoping to follow in her footsteps. (ABC Illawarra: Tim Fernandez)

    Little Athletics memberships have climbed more than 20 per cent this year in the Illawarra.

    More than 45,000 kids have signed up across the state.

    The grass track where Hull trained as a kid hasn’t changed much since she first began her journey.

    But young athletes inspired by Hull’s exploits are turning up with dreams of following in her footsteps.

    Chelsea Nicol, 14, is turning heads by breaking records set by Hull.

    “Seeing her on TV running at such a high level and actually succeeding at what all us athletes are dreaming about is really cool,” she said.

    Two girls smiling

    Chelsea Niccol and Brooklyn McWilliams are dreaming of competing at the Olympics. (ABC Illawarra: Tim Fernandez)

    Meanwhile, 11-year-old Brooklyn McWilliams was inspired watching the Paris games to pursue her own Olympic dream.

    “I watched it, and I was like, ‘I want to be like her when I grow up,” she said.

    “I always remember Jess when I run, I remember how she does so well, and I want to be just like her.”

    Aiming for gold

    Hull has resumed her training program with another busy year of events on the cards.

    After narrowly missing out on gold, her ultimate goal is Los Angeles 2028.

    “It is crazy how quickly your mind goes to “I want a gold now’,”  Hull said.

    “It is no easy feat and just because you want it, there is a lot of work to do to put you in the position to do that.”

    Woman smiling holding medal

    Jess Hull says she wants an Olympic gold medal. (ABC Illawarra: Tim Fernandez)

    She said Australia would be competitive for years to come, with a home Olympics on the horizon.

    “I hope I’ve shown those girls that yes there is a medal in the middle distances,” she said.

    “Who knows when we have a home Olympics in 2032 who the superstars will be knocking on the door for maybe a gold by then.”

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  • Lindenwood Athletics Announces Fundraiser Raffle for Branded Golf Cart

    Lindenwood Athletics Announces Fundraiser Raffle for Branded Golf Cart

    ST. CHARLES, Mo. – Lindenwood University Athletics is excited to announce a special fundraiser raffle, offering participants the chance to win a luxurious Lindenwood-branded D5 Ranger 4 golf cart. The winner will be selected on March 29, 2025, during the 2nd Annual Black & Gold Benefit at the Ameristar Casino.

    Tickets for the raffle are priced at $30 each or four for $100, providing an excellent opportunity for supporters to contribute to a great cause while increasing their chances of winning. All proceeds from the raffle will go directly towards enhancing the student-athlete experience at Lindenwood University.

    The D5 Ranger 4 seamlessly blends state-of-the-art intelligence with an athletic design, redefining transport beyond the golf course. This forward-facing four-seater offers unparalleled comfort, advanced electric power, and a charisma that sets it apart. Tailored to the discerning individual, the D5 Ranger 4 features a multi-functional dashboard, powerful LED lighting, adjustable steering column, top-notch seats, and sliding air vents for a symphony of comfort. Its precise tire design ensures a smooth, turf-friendly ride, making every journey unforgettable.

    “We are thrilled to offer this unique raffle as part of our ongoing efforts to support our student-athletes,” said Lindenwood Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Jason Coomer. “The funds raised will help us continue to provide top-notch facilities, resources, and opportunities for our athletes to excel both on and off the field.”

    The winner will be announced at the Black & Gold Benefit, an event dedicated to celebrating and supporting the university’s athletic programs. The D5 Ranger 4, with its blend of elegance and efficiency, is a coveted prize for any supporter of Lindenwood Athletics.

    To purchase raffle tickets or for more information about the event, please visit https://lindenwood25.maxgiving.bid/itemsales or contact Jameson Adams at jadams2@lindenwood.edu

    About Lindenwood University Athletics: Lindenwood University Athletics is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive athletic program that fosters the personal, academic, and athletic development of its student-athletes. With a wide range of sports and a strong tradition of excellence, Lindenwood Athletics strives to create an environment where student-athletes can thrive.

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  • Charlton Athletic’s best and worst case transfer scenarios in January

    Charlton Athletic’s best and worst case transfer scenarios in January

    The outcome of the January transfer window could be vitally important if Charlton Athletic are going to mount a successful promotion push this season.




    The Addicks currently find themselves 12th in the League One table, four points adrift of the play-off places. Nathan Jones’ side have only won one of their last seven fixtures, although they are also unbeaten in four ahead of an important run of games against Exeter City, Peterborough United and Huddersfield Town.

    Charlton will have faith that they can still make a success of this season, especially considering that their latest league victory came against title-favourites Birmingham City, and the three consecutive draws that followed came against sides that will also be hoping to be in and around the top-six at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

    There is no doubt that the January transfer window could be decisive in terms of Charlton’s final position in League One, with a couple of key players currently due to be out of contract next summer, which could potentially attract the interest of other clubs.


    Let’s take a look at a few best and worst case scenarios ahead of the January transfer window.


    Worst case: Miles Leaburn leaves

    Miles Leaburn

    Arguably the worst case scenario for Charlton in January would be Miles Leaburn leaving the club with less than a year remaining on his current deal.

    The 20-year-old has recently returned from a long-term hamstring injury which had kept him out since last year, but his physicality and goalscoring ability could be crucial if the Addicks are going to be a threat to the rest of the teams vying for a play-off place during the remainder of the season.

    He scored twice against Chelsea Under-21s in midweek as Charlton booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Bristol Street Motors Trophy.


    Miles Leaburn’s League One stats for Charlton (Transfermarkt)

    Appearances

    Goals

    Assists

    52

    15

    3

    The striker has previously attracted transfer interest from Premier League clubs including Chelsea and Brentford, so it would be no surprise to see a top-flight club make an offer to sign him if he does not sign a new contract before the January transfer window opens.

    Best case: Lloyd Jones signs a new contract

    Lloyd Jones

    A best case scenario for the Addicks would be if centre-back Lloyd Jones signs a new contract ahead of the January transfer window.


    The 29-year-old, who is currently sidelined with an injury but should return before the end of the year, recently spoke about his desire to extend his stay at The Valley in an interview with London News Online.

    “I’ve got to keep putting in performances – that is my main focus,” said Jones.

    “Hopefully if I keep putting in good performances and focus on my football then a new contract will be here. I’ll have to wait and see.

    “Football changes so quickly but Charlton is a big club with a great fanbase, a great stadium and a top manager. Everything seems to be falling in place.”

    Best case: Tayo Edun leaves and Thierry Small pens a new deal

    Tayo Edun reacts to being sent off for Blackburn Rovers

    Another best case scenario for the Addicks would be Tayo Edun leaving the club in January.


    If Charlton are going to strengthen their squad, it is highly likely that one or two players will need to move on, and the left-back could be one of them.

    Jones already has Josh Edwards and Thierry Small to choose from in that area of the pitch, and Edun has yet to feature in the league so far this season.

    Small is another player who is out of contract at the end of the season, and he has plenty of potential at the age of just 20, so him signing a new deal alongside Edun departing would probably be the best case scenario for Charlton.

    Related

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    Charlton Athletic signed a player during the summer transfer window who will not be well known by other managers in League One.

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  • Charlton Athletic’s average attendance at The Valley now compared to 10 years ago

    Charlton Athletic’s average attendance at The Valley now compared to 10 years ago

    The average attendance at The Valley so far this season is the lowest since the COVID-affected 2020/21 campaign.



    A lot has changed at Charlton Athletic over the last decade.


    The Addicks are no longer owned by Roland Duchatelet, and they now play in League One rather than the Championship, but perhaps the biggest indication of how much they have regressed in the last 10 years is the average attendance at The Valley.

    In November 2014, Charlton were inside the top ten in the Championship table under the management of Bob Peeters, with the form of new signings Igor Vetokele and Johann Berg Gudmundsson giving supporters a reason to believe that the 2014/15 season could turn out to be a memorable one.

    Despite Peeters being sacked a few months later following a poor run of results, the Addicks managed to finish 12th in the second tier, after a respectable season in which players such as Frederic Bulot, Alou Diarra, and even Francis Coquelin had impressed for the South Londoners.


    However, instead of pushing on and establishing themselves as a team that could finish in the top-half of the Championship on a regular basis, they were relegated the following year and have spent eight of the nine seasons since in League One.


    The average attendance at The Valley during the 2014/15 season compared to now

    Charlton Athletic - The Valley

    Charlton‘s average attendance in the Championship during the 2014/15 season was 16,708, as per Transfermarkt.com, meaning that more than half of their 27,111 capacity stadium was filled on a consistent basis.

    So far this season, the average attendance at The Valley for League One games is 12,453, showing that thousands of fans who regularly attended 10 years ago no longer show their support at home fixtures.


    Average attendances at The Valley (Transfermarkt)

    Season

    Competition

    Average attendance

    2024/25

    League One

    12,453

    2023/24

    League One

    13,481

    2022/23

    League One

    13,436

    2021/22

    League One

    15,592

    2020/21

    League One

    217

    2019/20

    Championship

    14,884

    2018/19

    League One

    11,827

    2017/18

    League One

    11,846

    2016/17

    League One

    11,162

    2015/16

    Championship

    15,632

    2014/15

    Championship

    16,708


    The difference between ten years ago and now could be even bigger if some fans had not been staying away from The Valley in protest of Roland Duchatelet’s ownership during the 2014/15 campaign.

    More than 24,500 fans were at The Valley last weekend for the visit of Wrexham, and the 2-2 draw may have enticed some of the new visitors to return for another game before the end of the season, but in every other game so far this season the attendances have been lower than they were on average a decade ago.

    Related

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    George Dobson is proving an excellent signing for Phil Parkinson’s side

    The average attendance in SE7 has slowly decreased each season since it was 15,592 during the Addicks’ 2021/22 League One campaign, while it has not been as high as it was 10 years ago.

    It sounds obvious, but Charlton need to improve their performances on the pitch if the average attendance at The Valley is going to increase in the near future.


    Their average attendance in the Championship during the 2019/20 season was 14,884, and a number of home games that season were behind closed doors, so it is clear that fans could return if the team played in a higher division.

    The Addicks attracted an average of 17,402 spectators during their 2011/12 League One title-winning campaign, in which they accumulated an impressive 101 points, further highlighting that a successful team on the pitch is likely to lure more supporters to The Valley consistently.

    Charlton currently find themselves three points outside the play-offs in 11th place in the third tier, so they will need to pick up some good results in their upcoming games if they are going to mount a promotion push this term and bring higher attendances at The Valley.


    All figures taken before the weekend of 1-3 November


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  • University of Minnesota Athletics

    University of Minnesota Athletics

    Gopher Athletics and Dinkytown Athletes have expanded their partnership to include the Golden Gopher Fund. Building on the University of Minnesota’s commitment to provide a transformational academic and athletic experience for every Gopher student-athlete, individuals who support name, image and likeness (NIL) through Dinkytown Athletics will now receive Gopher Score priority points for their support of the Gopher student-athletes.

    The partnership will go into effect November 1, 2024, in alignment with the Golden Gopher Fund’s new annual fund year. This new partnership will add to the rewards supporters of Gophers’ NIL opportunities can enjoy. 

    “While we work to achieve competitive excellence at Minnesota, we also remain dedicated to our mission of providing a world-class education and to inspiring our community,” said Director of Athletics Mark Coyle. “Golden Gopher Fund contributions have always had a critical impact in supporting student-athlete scholarships, academic support services, sports medicine, mental health initiatives, nutrition and much more. This partnership now allows us to recognize and reward our donors and fans who have also stepped forward to support our student-athletes through NIL opportunities with Dinkytown Athletes.”

    “We’re thrilled to be partnering with the Golden Gopher Fund in adding Gopher Score points to the growing list of benefits that our members have access to.” added Dinkytown Athletes co-founder Rob Gag. “Dinkytown Athletes contributors and members are among the most passionate and dedicated in the Gopher fan base. Through in-person events, videos and interviews, our membership program connects fans with Gopher Athletes at a level that they’ve not before had access to. There has never been a better time to join in supporting your favorite Gopher athletes.”

    New Benefits for Contributions to Dinkytown Athletes

    For every $100 contributed to Dinkytown Athletes from memberships or one-time contributions, donors will earn ten (10) Gophers Score priority points from the Golden Gopher Fund within the current annual giving year (Nov. 1, 2024 – Oct. 31, 2025). 

    Gopher Score priority points are used to assign a ranking to each eligible Golden Gopher Fund member for the processes including season ticket upgrades, postseason ticket on-sales, priority for single game ticket on-sales and Gopher Loyalty Program benefit selection order. 

    Now through November 10, 2024, Nepsis is sponsoring a $1 million match campaign through Dinkytown Athletes. New memberships, upgraded memberships or contributions will be matched 1 to 1 by Nepsis. Matched funds will be used to benefit the Gopher Football and Gopher Volleyball programs. 

    MORE INFORMATION

    Please allow 14 business days for new Dinkytown Athletes contributions to be reflected in Gopher Score.

    About the Golden Gopher Fund

    The Golden Gopher Fund is the fundraising arm of Gopher Athletics and is responsible for providing the financial resources for Gopher Athletics to provide a transformational academic and athletic experience. The Golden Gopher Fund works toward that goal by connecting donors with our 600 student-athletes on a daily basis and works tirelessly to build a community of passionate supporters. We thank the Golden Gopher Fund members who have generously supported Gopher student-athletes. Golden Gopher Fund donors have collectively given more than $113.6 million over the past three years.

    DONATE HERE

    About Dinkytown Athletes

    Dinkytown Athletes is the official name, image and likeness (NIL) collective of Gopher Athletics, and provides a platform for student-athletes at the University of Minnesota to create and develop NIL opportunities with businesses and sponsors. NIL has created a pathway and support structure for athletes to monetize their name, image and likeness. Dinkytown Athletes works with athletes from the University of Minnesota to help them capitalize on this new opportunity.   

    CONTRIBUTE/BECOME A MEMBER HERE 

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  • World Athletics announces 2024 Track Athlete of the Year nominees

    World Athletics announces 2024 Track Athlete of the Year nominees

    Five Americans are among the 12 nominees for World Athletics Female and Male Track Athletes of the Year.

    Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, who broke her 400m hurdles world record at the Olympic Trials and the Paris Games, and Gabby Thomas, who won 200m, 4x100m and 4x400m gold in Paris, are among six Female Athlete of the Year nominees.

    For the men, 100m gold medalist Noah Lyles, 110m hurdles gold medalist Grant Holloway and 400m hurdles gold medalist Rai Benjamin made the list.

    All 12 athletes nominated won individual Olympic gold in Paris.

    Women’s Track Athlete of the Year nominees
    Julien Alfred (Saint Lucia, 100m)
    Beatrice Chebet (Kenya, 5000m, 10,000m)
    Faith Kipyegon (Kenya, 1500m)
    Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (USA, 400m hurdles)
    Marileidy Paulino (Dominican Republic, 400m)
    Gabby Thomas (USA, 200m)

    Men’s Track Athlete of the Year nominees
    Rai Benjamin (USA, 400m hurdles)
    Grant Holloway (USA, 110m hurdles)
    Jakob Ingebrigtsen (Norway, 5000m)
    Noah Lyles (USA, 100m)
    Letsile Tebogo (Botswana, 200m)
    Emmanuel Wanyonyi (Kenya, 800m)

    An international expert panel compiled the nominees.

    Two finalists for each award are determined by a three-way voting process from now to Sunday: World Athletics Council vote (50%), World Athletics family vote (25%) and public vote through Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram (25%).

    A like on Facebook and Instagram or a retweet on X counts as one vote.

    World Athletics changed its awards system this year, crowning overall women’s and men’s World Athlete of the Year awards, in addition to the three separate awards for women and men for track events, field events and out-of-stadium events.

    Field event nominees were announced last Monday.

    Once the finalists have been determined, a fan vote will open on the World Athletics Inside Track platform to help determine the overall Athletes of the Year.

    Last year, World Athletics divided its World Athlete of the Year awards into three categories for the first time.

    The 2023 winners were Lyles (men’s track), Kipyegon (women’s track), Swedish pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis (men’s field), Venezuelan triple jumper Yulimar Rojas (women’s field), Kenyan marathoner Kelvin Kiptum (men’s out of stadium) and Ethiopian marathoner Tigist Assefa (women’s out of stadium).

    Before 2023, the award winners were one male athlete and one female athlete across all events. In that era, the last Americans to win a singular World Athlete of the Year were McLaughlin-Levrone in 2022 for the women and decathlete Ashton Eaton in 2015 for the men.



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  • 2024 Cook Islands Games Athletics sees the future stars shine bright Oceania Athletics Association

    2024 Cook Islands Games Athletics sees the future stars shine bright Oceania Athletics Association

    Three National Records, 500 Athletes, 109 events, 40 officials, u18s, Opens, and Masters Athletes competing all together. All brought together by a successful collaboration between Cook Islands Sport and Oceania Athletics Association.

    The 3rd Cook Islands Games Athletics Competition, held on October 11th and 12th, 2024 in Nikao, saw 500 athletes compete across 109 events. Athletics was part of the two week multi sport event will featuring, rugby, netball and traditional canoe racing. The event aims to showcase local talent amongst the Cook Islands brining the 15 Islands together after the COVID-19 Pandemic.

    The event was a result of collaboration between Athletics Cook Islands, Cook Islands Sports, and the Oceania Athletics Association, providing a platform for athletes to compete at a national level.

    A total of 381 medals were awarded, and 40 officials oversaw the event. Athletes participated in Open, Masters, and Under 18 categories. The World Athletics ranking meet featured on the Global Calendar. The Cook Islands joins 6 other Federations in the Area to have their National Championships globally.

    Three national records were broken:
    •        Kingston Pupuke-Robati in the Under 18 Men’s Shotput with a throw of 15.50 m
    •        Metuaiviivitoa Herman in the Open Men’s Discus with a throw of 45.00m
    •        Tatjiana Areai in the Under 18 Women’s High Jump, clearing 1.63m

    Tatjiana Areai in the Under 18 Women’s High Jump, Image: Fe’ena Photography

    Prior to the competition Athletes Cook Islands hosted training sessions to help athletes maximised the opportunity to prepare for the Championships.

    President of Athletics Cook Islands Simone Fe’ao:
    We had an epic 2 days full of athletics. The weather looked like it was going to make it hard for us but after a short burst of sideways rain the weather cleared and we had some brilliant competition. Some new talent identified which bodes well for the future of our sport

    In addition to some great athlete performances, we had some great achievements as a federation. We were able to raise the standard this year with the inclusion of photo finish and electronic timing through our partnership with Oceania Athletics and have this event now included on the WA Global Calendar as a World Ranking Competition. Following our training academy earlier this year, we had 6 local officials complete their practical components and get signed off for the NAR certification. 

    This is a firm foundation for us to continue to build our infrastructure as we work towards hosting the Minigames in 2029.”

    For Yvonne Mullins, Executive Director, Oceania Athletics, this was her first time at the Cook Islands Games, but in her words ‘hopefully more to come’!

    “It was a great two days of competition, with athletes competing for their own regions. There was certainly rivalry between athletes who are usually on the same team, but there was also a sense of comradery. I have no doubt that the strength of Athletics in the Cook Islands over the years leading into the Pacific Mini Games in 2029, will hinge on this Cook Islands Games, where more rivalry will lead to more competitions and more great results. The Games, I hope will fuel local athletes to get more involved in athletics.”

    You can relive the action of the event by rewatching the live stream or viewing the photo galleries on the Athletics Cook Islands Facebook Page.

    Image: Fe’ena Photography

    –ENDS–

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  • Texas Tech athletics to get more financial support from university

    Texas Tech University budgeted $14.71 million of institutional operating and debt support to the athletics department for the fiscal year that started Sept. 1, a development that could become more common in a looming new age in which major-college sports programs will share revenue with their athletes.

    The settlement in the House v. NCAA case that would allow athletics departments to pay players more than $20 million per year received preliminary approval last week from a federal judge. It could go into effect in August 2025 if it receives final approval. The Texas Tech athletics budget this fiscal year is $128.97 million.

    Tech athletics director Kirby Hocutt has said Tech will share revenue to the maximum allowable, though he’s not sure if Tech will increase scholarships to equal new roster limits, even for Texas Tech football.

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  • How Wigan Athletic’s dream 2025 January transfer window may look

    How Wigan Athletic’s dream 2025 January transfer window may look

    Wigan Athletic managed to land a top-half spot in League One last campaign, despite beginning the season with an eight point deduction and being subject to a transfer embargo, which meant that Shaun Maloney only had youth academy products, loanees, free-agent signings and players signed by previous managers at his disposal.




    Due to the fact that the Latics were free from such restrictions ahead of the current campaign, many supporters were hopeful of an exciting summer transfer window and that their side could make a subsequent play-off push after performing unexpectedly well last term.

    While the Greater Manchester outfit did make many promising additions over the summer, such as the loan signings of Michael Olakigbe and Luke Chambers from Premier League sides Brentford and Liverpool respectively, as well as the permanent capture of former Chelsea man Dion Rankine, the club did not sign a senior striker during the summer window despite the exits of Charlie Wyke, Josh Magennis and Stephen Humphrys, and have struggled in the goals department during the early exchanges of the League One season.


    Following recent periods of financial uncertainty at the Brick Community Stadium, such as the Latics’ time in administration under a former ownership group in 2020, current owner Mike Danson has instilled a philosophy of financial sustainability, which has clearly had an impact on player recruitment.

    With this in mind, the Latics are likely to endure another quiet transfer window, but Football League World takes a look at what could be a dream January for Maloney and co.


    Sam Tickle stays

    sam tickle

    The best possible transfer business the Greater Manchester outfit can conduct in January is retaining the services of goalkeeping ace Sam Tickle, who was largely responsible for the fact his side maintained six consecutive cleansheets in League One prior to October’s international break.


    Tickle’s shot-stopping talents have not gone unnoticed, as he is an England Under-21 international who has attracted transfer interest from high calibre clubs such as Premier League giants Arsenal, as per The Athletic.

    But according to The Sun, the 22-year-old did not want to join the Gunners amid concerns over his gametime, while he is Maloney’s undisputed first-choice keeper.

    Meanwhile, it was revealed last November by Alan Nixon that Everton were also interested in the services of the Three Lions youth international.

    Once the January transfer window comes around, further advances for the Latics youth academy graduate are likely to surface, while Maloney would be thrilled to retain his star man.

    Alasanna Jatta signs

    meadow lane


    While the Latics have clearly impressed in the defensive department recently, with six consecutive clean sheets in League One, the same could not be said about their attack.

    Disappointingly for Maloney’s side, four of those six games saw them draw 0-0, although they did manage a 4-0 win away at Bristol Rovers as well as a 3-0 triumph over Peterborough.

    In their opening 10 League One fixtures, the Latics scored on just nine occasions, meaning that they must prioritise signing a striker come the January transfer window.

    Notts County forward Alassana Jatta could be an ideal addition for the Greater Manchester outfit, due to the fact he scored four goals and produced two assists in his first six League Two games of the season.

    While County are vying for a place in the third tier next season, Jatta could be tempted to make the jump to League One in January, especially if he continues his goalscoring exploits.


    Thelo Aasgaard retained

    Untitled design (10)

    The Latics’ main goal this January will be to retain the services of Tickle, as previously mentioned, but they would also love to keep hold of fellow homegrown talent Thelo Aasgaard.

    After Aasgaard managed his most productive season yet for Maloney’s side last campaign, with eight goals and three assists in League One, perhaps he has not pushed on in the manner he would have hoped, with just two goals in his first 10 third tier outings this term.

    Thelo Aasgaard 2023/24 League One stats

    Appearances

    35

    Starts

    31

    Goals

    8

    Assists

    3


    However, his technical ability is undeniable, and he attracted transfer interest from Championship outfit and local rivals Blackburn Rovers during the summer window, as per Nixon.

    And by the winter, the Norway youth international may well have rediscovered his best form, which would only intensify Wigan’s desire to retain their starlet.

    Kai Payne leaves on loan

    DW Stadium

    Latics boss Maloney will also be keeping an eye on the future during the January transfer window, and will likely decide which of his youngsters he will keep in his squad, as well as who he will send out on loan.


    One player who could benefit from a loan move is 19-year-old academy product Kai Payne, who made his League One debut from the substitutes’ bench during a 1-0 win over Crawley Town back in August, but did not make a single league appearance for his club during September.

    While Payne is a promising youngster, he is unlikely to gain a spot in the Latics midfield just yet, courtesy of competition for places from the likes of former Arsenal man Matt Smith and Ireland youth international Baba Adeeko.

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  • Texas Athletics surpasses $1 billion in fundraising

    Texas Athletics surpasses $1 billion in fundraising

    The University of Texas athletic department announced it has raised over a billion dollars in capital.

    The billion dollar mark was the department goal as part of the University’s “What Starts Here” fundraising campaign. Publicly launched in March 2022, What Starts Here has an overall capital fundraising goal of 7 billion.

    “This marks one of the largest, if not the single largest, campaign total for any athletics program in the nation,” reads the Longhorn Athletics website.

    The Longhorns are leaders in athletic finances by several other metrics as well. In 2023, the athletic department reported $273 million in revenue, a record among NCAA schools.

    In the swimming world, new Texas Director of Swimming & Diving Bob Bowman has the largest compensation base and ceiling in the NCAA swimming world. His base salary starts at $450,000, and he could receive up to $1.7 million in performance-based bonuses in the next six years.

    Demand plays a big role in this compensation level. Bowman is one of the world’s most prolific swim coaches, coaching names such as Michael Phelps, Allison Schmitt, and Léon Marchand to dozens of Olympic medals. He also has head coaching experience at two other Power Five NCAA programs. This year, he coached Arizona State to a men’s NCAA title.

    On Texas’ side of the deal, the men’s program has a rich history that includes 15 NCAA team titles. This no doubt makes the position highly regarded to many. An in-demand position filled by an in-demand candidate makes this NCAA-leading compensation intuitive.

    Demand aside, it’s also logical that a department with industry-leading capital is able to pay coaches more than other programs. 

    This capital fundraising milestone comes at a pivotal point in both Texas athletics and college athletics. Texas is in its first year as a member of the SEC, leaving its Big 12 conference contract a year early. 

    Additionally, new NIL rules are expected to raise the athletic department’s expenses. If House v. NCAA is settled with no more changes, schools will have to pay $2.8 billion to former athletes for missed NIL capitalization opportunities. Schools would also be allowed to share up to $22 million of revenue with their current athletes annually.

    Texas athletic director Chris del Conte expressed gratitude to donors for reaching this milestone in a Tweet

    “The Texas family is second to none.”



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