Luton Town have signed defender Mark McGuinness from fellow Championship side Cardiff City and former Swansea midfielder Liam Walsh.
The Hatters confirmed the double signing today (20/08), with the new recruits becoming Luton’s third and fourth new signings of the summer 2024 transfer window.
McGuinness joins Luton from Cardiff for what the Hatters describe as a “significant” undisclosed fee. He has signed a contract of undisclosed length to move to Kenilworth Road.
The Republic of Ireland youth international and former Arsenal academy graduate made 85 appearances in 3 seasons at the Cardiff City Stadium, including being a regular last season with 31 appearances in all competitions.
Talking about McGuinness to the official Luton Town website, Rob Edwards said he was a big signing reflective of the club’s ambition.
He said, “He’s a big, big player for us – and a signing which shows our intent. He might be only 23 but he’s a leader. We see him as a big influence in the dressing room and on the pitch.
“He’s had a great upbringing, played lots of games, and is a threat in both boxes. He wants to defend but he can play, too.
“Last year it showed that we needed bodies in defence, but now, with Amari’i Bell back and Reece Burke and Mads Andersen resuming training, we’re starting to look really strong in that area.
“Mark believes we’re the right club for the next step in his career. He wants to play in the Premier League and he sees us as the opportunity to do that, so this further highlights how strong of an acquisition he is for the football club.”
Walsh has signed for Luton after being released by Swansea City, with the 26-year-old having been without a club since leaving the Swans.
Walsh, who has previously been contracted to Everton and Bristol City and who made loan moves to Yeovil, Birmingham, Coventry and Hull, has also signed a deal of undisclosed length with the Hatters.
The midfielder signs after three weeks of training with Luton at their training ground at The Brache.
Edwards said, “It’s a really positive signing. Liam’s a super talented footballer, with a great football brain and technically very good.
“I saw him when he was 16 playing for Everton and thought then he’d go onto a be a real superstar. There’s no reason in the future he can’t kick on again, and we’re backing him.
“He made 20 appearances for Swansea last season, working well for them in a team that saw a lot of the ball, and we’ve had the benefit of having looked at him in training over recent weeks.
“He’ll be the first to admit that he needs to stay fit now, and that’s his and our challenge that we’ll work on together.
“He’s not one who is going to come in and play 90 minutes straight away, but he can certainly come onto the pitch, help us get control of the ball when we need it, or find that killer pass.
Northampton Town have signed midfielder Samy Chouchane on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion.
The 21-year-old French born Tunisian youth international will join Brighton a season-long loan, with Chouchane’s arrival seeing him confirmed as the Cobblers’ 11th new signing of the 2024 summer window.
Chouchane has previously won 10 caps for the Tunisian under-20 national team and has played games for Brighton’s youth team in the EFL Trophy.
This will be Chouchane’s first loan move to an EFL club, with the move seeing Chouchane become the latest midfielder to make a loan move from Brighton to Northampton after the Cobblers borrowed Marc Leonard for the last two seasons.
Northampton manager Jon Brady told the club’s official website, “As supporters will know, we have an excellent relationship with Brighton, there is a lot of trust there and we thank them for allowing us to add Samy to the squad.
“He has risen through the levels at Brighton to be involved with the first team squad and we have been impressed with his attitude, his ability and his progression.
“We look forward to welcoming him in to the squad.”
Police are appealing for witnesses following a sexual assault in Milton Keynes.
Thames Valley Police are appealing regarding an incident that happened between 5pm and 5.30pm on Friday (16/8) along Lodge Lake behind the Great Holme housing estate.
The victim, who was a woman in her twenties, was running along the lake when she was approached by a man on a mountain bike, who cycled past the victim and sexually assaulted her by touching her over her clothes.
The offender is described as a man of mixed ethnic background, in his late teens or early twenties. He has short dark hair and was wearing a grey t-shirt.
Investigating officer PC Ricky Martin, based at Milton Keynes police station, said, “I am appealing for any witnesses to this sexual assault to please come forward.
“Anyone with information or footage relating to the assault should call 101 or make a report on our website, quoting reference number 43240394172.
“Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via its website.”
Milton Keynes Museum have announced the return of their popular 1940s weekend, taking place from 7-8 September.
Patrons are encouraged to pack their kit bags, and bring your family and friends together for a showcase of the history of an era dominated by World War II.
Displays and re-enactors present all weekend will include The Oxfordshire Home Guard, which preserves and promotes the memory of those who volunteered to defend mainland Britain’s shores during the conflict. They will be dressed up and ready to answer your questions, along with the Hertfordshire Home Guard.
The RAF Bomber Command, GI 44-45, and the women of the American Red Cross will be colouring up the event, too.
The Resistance worked across the channel, helping pilots and spies to escape the enemy – pay them a visit to learn how they did their work, and explore the equipment they used.
Speaking of undercover agents, young visitors will be invited to ‘hunt the spy’ with a game which will be just as much fun for grown-ups.
Wartime was tough, and everyone was expected to do their bit for King and Country, but when there was time for a little fun, communities made the very best of it – flocking to dances to relax, and maybe even find a significant other!
A good old sing-song and boogie did wonders to raise the spirits, and Museum favourite Lola Lamour will bring the tunes, with support from Mick Wilson’s Skylark Music
Those so inclined can show off their Lindy Hop or dance the Jitterbug or, if that sounds a bit too energetic, simply pull up a chair and enjoy a nice hot brew served by one of the Nippy waitresses, while you watch others tear up the dance floor.
Outside in the Museum grounds, brilliant vintage singer and entertainer Johnny Victory will be putting on the ritz in the Band Stand, and traders will be selling vintage clothing, accessories and bric-a-brac. A military trader will see you stocked up with all your combat gear needs.
You’ll be able to visit the emergency shop, explore the bombed out house set up for perusal, and military vehicles will be dotted around the grounds.
Railways at War will deliver a first class display in the Field Study Centre, and the Street of Shops will be bustling with store keepers on hand to talk you through shopping lists from back in the era.
Wartime on not, there is no excuse for not keeping a tidy home – Mrs Skivvy will be sharing tips on how to ensure everything is kept spick and span.
On Sunday, a Dad’s Army reenactment will cheer the mood – Captain Mainwaring and members of his platoon will be attending!
The Museum’s director Bill Griffiths said, “If you’ve not joined us for this event in previous years, make sure you visit this time – it’s a fantastic weekend that has plenty on offer for all ages. The displays and visitors will depict life in England, not only during the WWII years, but from the entire decade.
“Rationing was brought in during wartime, and continued right through until 1954, but we can guarantee there will be absolutely no restricting the enjoyment on offer at this event.”
Standard admission applies. For more event information visit miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk
The Milton Keynes-born football star Leah Williamson opened a community pitch named after her in Newport Pagnell last week.
The England football captain and Arsenal defender opened the Leah Williamson Pitch in an event at Newport Pagnell Town football club last Tuesday (13/08), with the pitch built and opened following a grant from the Premier League, the FA and the UK Government’s Football Foundation.
The pitch in Newport Pagnell is one of the first to be opened under the grant, which has been named the Lionesses Futures Funds, and is intended to help to provide women and girls across the country gain access to gold standard facilities and experiences, through reserved peak-time slots and welcoming changing rooms.
Newport Pagnell’s site was one of 14 across England to receive funding directly from the Lionesses Futures Fund grant, with community pitches being opened and named after players who helped England win the 2022 Women’s Euros and reach the 2023 Women’s World Cup Final.
The grant is part of a greater approach to improve at least 30 facilities across the country to help women and girls have access to football pitches. Figures released by the FA found that 68,000 more girls are playing football compared to before England won the 2022 Euros but that badly lit pitches, unsuitable changing facilities and late-night kick-off times can put women and girls off taking to the pitch.
In a statement, Williamson said, “It is such an honour to be here to see one of the first Lionesses Futures Fund pitches come to life, something I know the squad is incredibly proud of. This pitch will provide the very best playing experience for local women and girls, ensuring they can play at decent times and on a state-of-the-art pitch.
“To meet some of the players who will get the opportunity to lace up their boots to play on this great pitch has been magic! I feel so proud to be a Lioness and proud of the whole team for inspiring women and girls to play football.”
Robert Sullivan, CEO of the Football Foundation, added, “It’s a real pleasure to be here to unveil one of the first 3G pitches that a Lionesses Futures Fund Grant has made possible. For the pitch to be named after local footballing legend Leah Williamson in recognition of the Lionesses recent successes will be incredibly inspiring for the players here at Newport Pagnell Town.
“This Fund builds on the Football Foundation’s biggest ever commitment to providing equal access to grassroots facilities for women and girls.
“Over 8,500 women’s and girls’ football teams were playing at sites that have benefitted from Football Foundation funding last season, whether that be for new goalposts, improved grass pitches or brand-new changing pavilions and 3G pitches.
“Thanks to the funding from the Premier League, The FA and Government, we’re delivering 30 pitches like this across the country to support the growing demand for football we’ve seen following the Lionesses’ inspirational success.”
The government’s Sports Minister, Stephanie Peacock, also said, “Thousands more women and girls are playing football since the Lionesses lifted the Women’s EURO 2022 trophy, so building welcoming facilities for them to get on the pitch is now more important than ever.
“As captain of the Lionesses, Leah Williamson has provided leadership both on and off the pitch and this facility in Newport Pagnell will give many more women and girls the chance to follow in her footsteps.”
