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Durham misses out on UK City of Culture 2025 to Bradford

Durham has missed out on the coveted City of Culture 2025 title leaving thousands in the region disappointed at missing out on millions of pounds worth of investment and a unique programme of events.
County Durham’s 2025 bid team and other influential people gathering at Beamish Museum on Tuesday evening as they watched on as Culture Secretary announced on BBC’s The One Show that Bradford had landed the prize, beating off compeititon from Southampton and Wrexham.
Following the big reveal there were a lot of disappointed faces after putting 18 months’ worth of work and effort into the region’s bid. Tuesday’s decision means that County Durham has missed out on a reported 15 million visitors, an injection of hundreds of millions of pounds into the economy and the creation and safeguarding of thousands of jobs.
The shortlist was compiled from a record group of 20 that had initially registered bids to take over the title, currently held by Coventry.
The then longlisted winners received a £40,000 grant to strengthen their applications. They additionally included Cornwall, Derby, Stirling and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon.
The advisory panel, chaired by Sir Phil Redmond, visited the then four shortlisted places before making their final recommendation in May, which was later approved by Ms Dorries.
Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said: “Congratulations to Bradford, which is a worthy winner of UK City of Culture 2025.
“Art and culture should be accessible to everyone and this prestigious title will help Bradford deliver unforgettable events for communities on their doorstep.
“There was stiff competition and I thank County Durham, Southampton and Wrexham County Borough for their excellent bids.
“Coventry has shown us how powerful the UK City of Culture title is at boosting investment, attracting visitors and leaving a lasting legacy for local people.”
It’s not clear at this time whether bid directors would be making another attempt for the 2029 City of Culture.
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Sunderland AFC has announced the departure of Head Coach Tony Mowbray

The Club expressed gratitude to Tony and his assistant Mark Venus for their positive contributions over the past two seasons, stating that they will always be welcome back at the Stadium of Light and wishing them success in their future endeavors.
Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman praised Tony’s impact, acknowledging his high regard among players, staff, and supporters. Speakman highlighted Mowbray’s role in guiding the team to the Sky Bet Championship Play-Offs and his significant contribution to team development. He emphasized that while a difficult decision, it aligns with the club’s ambition and strategy.
Emphasizing the commitment to their long-term strategy for sustainability and success, Chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus thanked Tony for his hard work and affirmed the club’s focus on implementing a high-performance culture and a strong playing identity.
The club reiterated the importance of fan support in their progress and invited supporters to the Stadium of Light during the festive period and into 2024.
During the interim period, Mike Dodds, supported by the existing coaching team, will oversee the first-team’s training and match preparations until the appointment of a new Head Coach is finalized.
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VAR official PUNISHED after Champions League PSG vs Newcastle howler

Following a contentious late penalty awarded to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) during their 1-1 draw against Newcastle, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) official involved in the decision has been replaced for an upcoming Champions League fixture. Tomasz Kwiatkowski, the Polish VAR official on duty at Parc des Princes, deemed a handball by Newcastle’s Tino Livramento, leading to Kylian Mbappe converting a 98th-minute penalty, salvaging a point for PSG managed by Luis Enrique.
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This outcome potentially affects the Champions League group standings significantly, as PSG retains their second position, edging two points ahead of Newcastle, with one group game remaining. The penalty call didn’t originate from referee Szymon Marciniak but was reversed after Kwiatkowski prompted him to review the incident on the VAR screen.
Originally slated for VAR duty in the upcoming Real Sociedad versus RB Salzburg clash, Kwiatkowski has been replaced, according to reports. The replacement for the Polish official hasn’t been disclosed yet. Kwiatkowski, 45, frequently officiates in Poland’s top football league and possesses experience in European competitions.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe expressed dissatisfaction with the VAR decision, emphasizing its timing and impact, stating, “I feel it is a poor decision and it’s hugely frustrating for us, as you know how little time there is left in the game. There is nothing we can do about it now.”
For Newcastle to secure a spot in the last 16 of the Champions League, they must defeat AC Milan at St James’ Park on the final matchweek while hoping PSG doesn’t secure a victory against Borussia Dortmund.
A geordie cover of the infamous ‘Allez, Allez, Allez’ football song to raise money for the the Newcastle Foodbanks ahead of Christmas. You can donate to the Warm Newcastle Christmas Meal appeal here – https://neoffers.co.uk/products/changing-lives-christmas-meal-appeal-north-east
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