Latest news with #Poole
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Journalist: Liverpool Have Agreed £40m Fee to Sign Milos Kerkez ‘Imminently'
Liverpool Closing in on £40m Deal to Sign Milos Kerkez from AFC Bournemouth Liverpool's recruitment strategy under Arne Slot continues to impress, and the imminent £40 million signing of Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth might just be their sharpest move yet. Described by many as a rough diamond, Kerkez embodies the modern full-back, one capable of blending defensive tenacity with rapid transitions into attack. He is, as Lewis Steele of The Daily Mail describes, a 'free-flowing full back' and 'an all-round good guy' — but make no mistake, this is a player of serious footballing steel. Advertisement His standout moment last season came against Spurs, when he surged 70 yards to assist Marcus Tavernier. It was vintage full-back play — reminiscent of peak Andy Robertson — and an early preview of what the Anfield faithful can expect. Kerkez's contribution for Bournemouth was impressive across the board: 2 goals and 6 assists, starting all 38 Premier League games. As Alexander Smith from the Bournemouth Echo put it: 'He was among the Cherries' most consistent performers this season.' Photo: IMAGO From Poole to Premier Class Born in Serbia, raised in Hungary, and developed in Austria, the Netherlands and England, Kerkez has gathered experience and maturity far beyond his 21 years. Liverpool fans can thank Richard Hughes for keeping ties strong with his former club, Bournemouth, where a £45 million fee has been negotiated down slightly. Advertisement Slot and his team have identified a player with not just ability but character. Adam Bogdan, former Liverpool keeper and a fellow Hungarian, noted: 'He has had two very good seasons in the Premier League… He is absolutely top class.' This is not just about physical attributes or technical flair. 'He is so eager and self-assured… His focus is purely on football and family.' That commitment is echoed throughout his journey. Whether it was catching the eye of Paolo Maldini at Gyor, dazzling at AZ Alkmaar where he earned a Golden Boy nomination, or dominating at Bournemouth — Kerkez has never stopped evolving. Brian Wijker, an AZ journalist, summed it up simply: 'Milos is out-of-this-world good.' Humble Heart, Ruthless Talent Despite his blossoming profile, Kerkez remains grounded. He lives with his parents in Poole and values simple pleasures, famously stating: 'I would rather go home for my vacation… than travel to Ibiza.' His humility is matched by a readiness to make his mark at Liverpool. As Bogdan explained, 'He is not the sort to come into a building and be quiet… He will settle in straight away.' Advertisement Yet, for all his laid-back charm, Kerkez's fierce competitiveness comes through clearly. 'At his local team in Hungary… he was like a 'young horse', kicking everybody but with sheer commitment,' one coach recalled. That same energy and attitude are what Liverpool will be banking on as he competes with and learns from the legendary Andy Robertson. Photo: IMAGO Slot's Vision Coming to Life With Jeremie Frimpong already signed and Florian Wirtz on the verge of joining, Kerkez represents a key piece of Slot's evolving tactical puzzle. These aren't just talented individuals, they are versatile, intelligent players ready to thrive under a dynamic, aggressive system. Advertisement Kerkez's defensive maturity, attacking instincts, and evident mental strength make him tailor-made for life under Slot. His friendship with new Manchester City man Tijani Reijnders, forged at AZ, hints at a player comfortable in elite circles. Now, he has the platform and pressure to match his ambition. Our View – Anfield Index Analysis Liverpool fans have every right to be buzzing. Kerkez feels like the type of signing that turns a great team into a dominant one. At 21, he has the legs, lungs, and the mentality to own that left flank for the next decade. While Andy Robertson remains an elite figure, having someone of Kerkez's calibre push him — or eventually replace him — is the type of planning that wins you not just titles, but eras. What really hits home is his story. Kerkez isn't some academy golden boy handed every opportunity. He's fought, failed, adjusted, and come back better each time. Milan didn't work out? No drama. He went to AZ Alkmaar and tore it up. Bournemouth weren't the biggest stage? He used it as a platform. Advertisement You want character? He's got it. You want energy? Watch that 70-yard dash again. You want quality? He was nominated for PFA Young Player of the Year for a reason. With Frimpong on one side and Kerkez on the other, Slot could be building one of the most athletic, attacking full-back duos in world football. If Wirtz walks through the door next week as expected, Liverpool fans can dare to dream again — of domination, not just success. Kerkez might be called a 'young horse', but Liverpool's thoroughbred revolution is in full gallop.
Telegraph
2 days ago
- Telegraph
Watch: Motorist in ‘high-speed chase' with hit-and-run driver
A hit-and-run incident that sparked a high-speed chase through residential streets in Dorset has been described as a 'moment of complete stupidity' in court. Dashcam footage released by the Crown Prosecution Service shows driver Gavin Webb being hit by another vehicle, which mounted the kerb and cut him up in Poole on Feb 4. Mr Webb is then shown speeding after the driver who crashed into him, overtaking other cars while calling 999 to report the incident. The 48-year-old later handed the footage to police, who instead used it to prosecute him for dangerous driving. The other motorist involved did not face any charges, with Dorset Police saying that 'no evidence was found to warrant prosecution'. His insurance also paid for the damage caused in the initial collision. After the initial chase, Mr Webb, a sales accounts manager for a historic coin company, managed to block the other driver's path with his own vehicle. He then stepped out of his car to inform the other driver that the police were on their way. The driver eventually managed to speed off by 'ramming' Mr Webb out of the way, and he again decided to follow the car. Mr Webb later found the Vauxhall car abandoned on a dead end road, and immediately gave his dashcam footage to two police officers, who he claimed informed him he had done a 'good job'. The other driver was later identified and attended a voluntary police interview, but was not charged. Mr Webb, a father of three, faced the prospect of jail if he did not admit the charge. 'Pure' intentions James Moore, the defendant's lawyer, told the court that his intentions were 'pure', and that the 'system' had gone 'after the good guy'. He added: 'This is an incredibly unique offence. The chap who made off is the instigator and protagonist of this whole incident. 'He illegally and dangerously cuts up Mr Webb, who is moving forward and there's a collision. He was not responsible for that accident. 'He rings 999 and says 'please come as quick as you can'. Not once does the controller say desist, don't follow him. He is actively encouraged to pursue. He was driving in a manner which is in control, and gives a very informed commentary. He has not collided with any vehicles, he has not injured any persons. 'If the guy who had been driving that car had been found with a load of weapons or drugs, [Mr Webb] wouldn't be here today – he would be applauded for apprehending him. But Nicola Rees, prosecuting, said the dashcam video showed Mr Webb driving dangerously through residential roads at high speeds. She said: 'He captured the initial incident on dashcam – he could have reported it. Instead, he went on a high-speed chase through busy streets and residential roads, dangerous driving himself. It was a deliberate decision to ignore the rules of the road. He sped significantly in excess of the limit.' Michael Harris, the chairman of the bench, said it was a 'moment of complete stupidity', adding that Mr Webb was lucky he did not hit a pedestrian or car pulling out from a side road. Mr Webb was given a 12-month community order with a requirement to carry out 30 hours of unpaid work, and was banned from driving for 12 months. He was also ordered to pay a £114 victim surcharge and £85 prosecution costs.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Daily Mail
'Good guy' motorist who chased hit-and-run driver but ended up in court instead is banned from roads for 12 months
Police have been accused of 'going after the good guy' after a motorist who pursued another driver who had collided with him ended up in court himself. Gavin Webb willingly handed police dashcam footage of him following the driver who had just hit his car and sped off without stopping. But instead officers used the video against the 48-year-old who was charged and prosecuted while the other motorist got off scot-free. Webb's Audi A5 was hit by the impatient Vauxhall driver when he allegedly mounted the kerb and cut him up in Poole, Dorset, on February 4 this year. The driver did not stop after the collision so Webb decided to follow him. He called 999, reported what had happened and told the operator he was following the culprit before delivering an 'informed commentary' of the other driver's overtaking manoeuvres and alleged speeding in a residential area. At one point he can be heard telling the call handler 'he's going to have a head on crash'. The dashcam footage shows the Vauxhall driver turn his car around after getting blocked in, prompting Webb to get out and tell him the police were on their way. The video shows the driver then 'ramming' Webb - still on foot -out of the way and driving off again. Webb, a sales accounts manager for a company that sells historic coins, followed him again before finding the Vauxhall in a dead end road. A court heard Webb immediately gave his dashcam footage to two police officers who told him 'good job'. But when the footage was later reviewed a decision was made to charge the defendant with dangerous driving. The other driver was later identified and attended a voluntary police interview over the matter but was not charged. Webb, a father-of-three, faced the prospect of jail had he not admitted the charge. He was banned from driving for 12 months and ordered to carry out community service. His lawyer told the court Webb's intentions were 'pure' and the 'system' has gone 'after the good guy'. James Moore said: 'This is an incredibly unique offence. 'The chap who made off is the instigator and protagonist of this whole incident. 'He illegally and dangerously cuts up Mr Webb, who is moving forward and there's a collision. He was not responsible for that accident. 'He rings 999 and says 'please come as quick as you can.' Not once does the controller say desist, don't follow him. He is actively encouraged to pursue. 'He was driving in a manner which is in control and gives a very informed commentary. 'He has not collided with any vehicles, he has not injured any persons.' Mr Moore said the other driver's insurance had paid out for the damaged caused in the initial collision. He added: 'The prosecution present this as he was angered, lost the plot and pursued this chap. No, Mr Webb is concerned the driver of that vehicle is a risk to other members of the public and might be in a stolen vehicle. 'If the guy who had been driving that car had been found with a load of weapons or drugs, (Webb) wouldn't be here today, he would be applauded for apprehending him. 'This is well-intentioned. Ten years ago he would not be here, but we live in a world now where everyone is held to the book regardless.' He said a prison sentence would be appropriate 'for people who aren't insured, under the influence or evading the police – this is the flipside' Mr Moore told Poole Magistrates' Court his client was a 'member of the public who has slightly crossed the line' while thinking he was doing the right thing. He added: 'He's a decent, law-abiding guy. Sometimes the system should use a bit of discretion and not go after the good guy.' But Nicola Rees, prosecuting, said the dashcam video showed Webb dangerous driving at high speeds through residential roads. She said: 'He captured the initial incident on dashcam, he could've reported it. Instead he went on a high speed chase through busy streets and residential roads, dangerous driving himself. 'It was a deliberate decision to ignore the rules of the road. He sped significantly in excess of the limit.' Michael Harris, chair of the bench, described it as a 'moment of complete stupidity'. Sentencing on Monday, he said Webb was lucky it wasn't more serious, as a pedestrian could have stepped out between two cars, or a car could have pulled out from a side road. Mr Harris said: 'We are going to deal with this as leniently as we can. But this offence is so serious we could have imposed a custodial sentence. 'We have gone outside the guidelines based on what we have heard about you and our understanding of what happened.' Mr Harris said if Webb had not admitted the offence and been found guilty after a trial he would have been facing custody. The maximum sentence for dangerous driving is two years' imprisonment. Mr Harris told Webb: 'I want you to understand how close this is to the edge. This was a strange one. I feel confident we won't see you again.' Webb, of Poole, was given a 12-month community order with a requirement to carry out 30 hours of unpaid work and banned from driving for 12 months. He was also ordered to pay £114 victim surcharge and £85 prosecution costs. A spokesperson for Dorset Police confirmed the other driver had attended for a voluntary police interview but 'no further action' was brought against him.
BBC News
3 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Dorset charity borne from woman's grief helps thousands
About 650,000 people a year experience bereavement, but despite the profound effect it has on people's lives, it remains something that is rarely Magistris from Poole said she felt "lost and alone" following the death of her partner, TV director Graham Theakston, in struggles led her to launch the Good Grief Trust which has helped thousands of people find mission to help others has seen her presented with a Prime Minister's Point of Light award and, most recently, she was appointed OBE for her services to the bereaved. The former child actor first met Mr Theakston on the set of BBC children's drama Grange Hill in the late 1970s but it was not until three decades later that a chance encounter sparked a romantic after eight years together, Mr Theakston died, having been diagnosed with a rare soft-tissue carcinoma. Ms Magistris said: "I was on my knees after losing Graham."I was living in London at the time and I realised then that we needed to bring an umbrella organisation together for the UK, to help the bereaved as well as professionals, because they really struggled to help me to find support."Ms Magistris said she learned about her OBE by email instead of the customary letter."My letter went to an old address in London and they had been trying to find me for three weeks," she said."About a month ago I got an email, which I couldn't believe at all - I had to telephone them to check."Although she is named in the King's Birthday Honours list, Ms Magistris says the accolade is recognition of the charity's team and volunteers."You cannot to this by yourself and it's a team effort," she said."Let's hope this honour will drive that work forward." You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Telegraph
3 days ago
- Business
- Telegraph
Meat mogul's £15m home sparks neighbour row
A meat mogul millionaire is locked in a dispute with his neighbours over his plans for a luxury home on Sandbanks. Philip Heffer paid £3.6 million for a tired-looking bungalow on the exclusive resort in Poole, Dorset. He was granted permission to demolish the 1950s property and replace it with a multi-million-pound home that will have five balconies. By the time it is finished, the four-storey beachfront mansion will be worth £15 million. But the scheme has upset some of Mr Heffer's neighbours, including his piano teacher, Vivien Shiplee. The 68-year-old is angry that Mr Heffer's new property, in particular the balconies, will overlook her holiday home next door. She claims Mr Heffer will be able to look straight down into her front and back gardens. She is also concerned that the flat-roofed property will overshadow hers and cause a loss of light. 'Major flood risk' The Sandbanks Neighbourhood Forum has also raised concerns about the new home. In a statement, the Forum said that full height obscured screens should be placed on either side of Mr Heffer's home to protect the privacy of the neighbours. It said the height of the property 'will significantly increase the overlooking of the adjacent houses' rear gardens'. The property is on the 'panhandle' of Sandbanks and will look out on Poole Harbour on one side and the sea on the other. The narrow strip of land has also been identified as a major flood risk in the years to come, with experts predicting rising sea levels. Up until now, planning officials at Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Council have backed Mr Heffer's plans. No different from other properties Despite complaints about privacy and overdevelopment, they say such concerns come with the territory of living on Sandbanks. Planning officer Claire Moir said the size and design of the new mansion are no different to others that have been built in recent years. She said the 'inevitable overlooking' from balconies was now commonplace due to the 'pattern of development' and was something Sandbanks residents had to accept. Although Mr Heffer was granted planning permission and building work is now underway, he has gone back to the council seeking to amend the scheme and make the whole building slightly taller. Philip Heffer is the co-founder of Hilton Foods, a supplier of pre-packed high-quality meat. He stepped back from his role as chief executive last year after revenues rose to £3.85 billion.
