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Afghan Refugees Move Into Wearside
Following the rapid takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban in August, Sunderland City Council immediately volunteered itself to participate in a resettlement program led by the government to assist the families of those fleeing the war torn country. The refugees started to arrive in Wearside last month, with numbers rising throughout November, but not everyone has been met with a warm welcome.
The community however have responded to this news with a mixed reaction. Whilst some residents have been supportive and concerned for the wellbeing of the family, others have been less pleased. Currently no incidents have been reported and let’s hope it stays this way. Residents of the city are being subsequently encouraged to welcome and support the refugees with open arms and compassion, as opposed to venting fear and unwelcoming sentiments.
This follows refugees settling in Redcar and Cleveland after fleeing the Taliban in Afghanistan last month. Under the existing refugee resettlement scheme, two families who worked for the British in Afghanistan have been placed in the borough.
According to ITV News, Councillor Steve Kay, Redcar and Cleveland Council Cabinet Member for Health, Housing and Welfare, said the council has a ‘proud record of supporting those fleeing conflict and seeking sanctuary’. He added: “We have been part of the Syrian Refugee Resettlement Scheme for a number of years and many families have successfully settled in our borough under that programme. We have already started to help Afghans resettle in this borough and will continue to meet our humanitarian commitment in line with central government guidance.”
The council have now announced further plans to accept more refugees under the newest government scheme. Redcar and Cleveland council are among many who have pledged to welcome and support families fleeing conflict in Afghanistan.
North East councils including Newcastle, Northumberland, Sunderland and Durham have all announced their plans on how they will contribute to the rehoming of Afghan citizens.
A spokesman for Gateshead council said: “We have a team of people in Gateshead dedicated to supporting and integrating refugees. We work with the North East Migration Partnership to help deliver the Government’s Resettlement programmes here in the region. Via this partnership Gateshead has been communicating with the Ministry of Defence and the Home Office to respond to the crisis in Afghanistan. In the past month we have welcomed a number of families and individuals from Afghanistan and going forward we will support more people.”
In September, the UK Home Office announced a scheme for Afghans that aims ‘to resettle around 5000 Afghan nationals at risk in 2021 and up to 20,000 in the longer term’ with priority issued to ‘women, girls and religious and other minorities’.
UK charities have also pushed the government to create safe routes into the UK for Afghans to claim asylum.
Last year, Redcar and Cleveland housed over 200 Syrian refugees under the governments Syrian resettlement scheme.
What do you make of refugees moving in to your local area? Let us know!
Newcastle United boss wants to extend the contracts of two players before losing them.
Eddie Howe has expressed in a recent fan Q&A his intentions to keep two out of contract players this summer, Loris Karius and Paul Dummett, according to the Athletic’s Chris Waugh, with both players current contracts set to end this summer.
6 players are currently set to become out of contract come June 1st, Loris Karius, Paul Dummet, Mark Gillespie, Matt Ritchie, Matty Longstaff and Ciaran Clark. However, it is only Karius and Dummett that appear to be safe of getting the chop.
Loris Karius has spent this season as Newcastle United’s third choice keeper, with only one appearance coming in the 2-0 defeat to Manchester United in the Carabao Cup Final. Despite the loss, Karius did little wrong and contributed some wonderful saves late on in that game.
Paul Dummett has had the same treatment, with only one appearance coming his way, a Carabao Cup tie in the second round against Tranmere Rovers back in August. The 31-year-old Welshman is an experienced head and will no doubt have great respect within the dressing room having signed for the club back in 2012 making 205 appearances in that time.
Both players can expect new contracts from Eddie Howe as he has made it known that he wants them both to remain at the club next season.
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10 players Eddie Howe could look towards with contracts expiring at the end of this season.
The free agent’s market is the absolute cheat code for clubs across the board, being able to avoid the rising transfer fees and getting players through the door through verbal agreements makes life much easier for clubs during the transfer window.
We have compiled a list of 10 free transfers NUFC could sign this summer from Europe’s top five leagues giving them a rating of the potential of them signing and the impact they would have.
- Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund)
The 29-year-old full back has his contract expiring this summer and with NUFC already being hinted at as his potential new club, this one is worth keeping an eye on over the next few months. He would slot straight in at left-back to have healthy competition for fan favourite Dan Burn and add a burst of class and pace to that left hand side. The Portugal international already has an impressive CV and would be looking to show that off to the St. James faithful.
Potential – A
Impact – A
- Yerry Mina (Everton)
With Everton potentially facing the drop this season, a jump from Merseyside to Newcastle could suit the centre back to a T. The 28-year-old Columbian international would add to NUFC’s already in form back line and bring some South American heat as they look to progress further next season. Mina possesses dominance, aggression, and a great ariel threat and would be a top addition to the magpies this summer.
Potential – B
Impact – A
- Jonathan Bamba (Lille)
An explosive winger who made his name known as Lille snatched the league title in 2021 in France, the 26-year-old is still yet to receive a contract extension from the club and could be looking elsewhere in the summer. Adding pace, flair, and drive to an already exciting front three for NUFC could be what fans need going into next season.
Potential – C
Impact – A
- Youri Tielemans (Leicester City)
Reportedly being close to leaving in the summer window of 2022, Youri Tielemans would be a fine addition to NUFC’s midfield being able to operate in a slightly deeper role to allow Bruno to push further up the field and do what he does best. The 25-year-old has his contract expiring this summer and with him and James Maddison already being linked to the club, this transfer seems to make so much more sense and would add heaps of quality to the centre of the field.
Potential – B
Impact – A
- Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace)
Drive, power, and flair are the 3 best words to describe Crystal Palace star man Wilfried Zaha. The 30-year-old could be looking to depart his beloved club in the hope for European football next season and NUFC could be just the place for him. Being able to operate either on the left or down the middle, Zaha would thrive under Eddie Howe and be a fantastic addition to the front line.
Potential – B
Impact – A
A Sunderland football player on loan to Lincoln FC has had his loan terminated after he was charged with rape.
Jack Diamond, 23, had been arrested after a sexual assault in Washington, Tyne and Wear, last year.
Northumbria Police launched an investigation, but have now charged him with one count of rape and one count of sexual assault.
Lincoln City FC said the player’s loan contract had been terminated “with immediate effect”.
His home club, Sunderland AFC, said he had been suspended pending the outcome of legal proceedings.
In a statement, it said: “Sunderland AFC has been notified that criminal charges have been brought against Jack Diamond by the Crown Prosecution Service.”
“As this matter is subject to a legal process, the club will not be making any further statement at this time”.
The incident is alleged to have happened in May last year.
Mr Diamond, of Fatfield, also Washington, is due to appear before South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court in May.
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