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Milner’s record pursuit poses potential issue for Brighton

James Milner is on the cusp of matching Gareth Barry’s record for the most Premier League appearances, with just one game standing in his way, but the impending milestone has raised questions about its potential impact on Brighton.

With 652 appearances in the Premier League, James Milner has had a storied career in the top flight.

As Brighton midfielder James Milner nears the all-time record for most Premier League appearances, he is on the cusp of a historic milestone.

The current record holder, Gareth Barry, accumulated 653 top-flight appearances during his time with Aston Villa and Manchester City.

Milner has the opportunity to equal Barry's record on Wednesday evening when Brighton faces Aston Villa, a moment that will likely be met with a mix of celebration and relief from fans.

Some supporters have expressed concerns that Milner's recent appearances off the bench may be motivated by a desire to break the record rather than benefit the team.

According to Scott McCarthy of We are Brighton, "The substitution of James Milner by Fabian Hurzeler against Fulham was puzzling and not the first instance this season where such a decision has raised eyebrows."

This perception has contributed to the notion that Milner is being given appearances solely to facilitate his pursuit of the record.

For example, Hurzeler's decision to bring on Milner at Anfield in December was seen as a symbolic gesture, allowing Milner to receive a warm reception from the crowd.

The move was met with skepticism at the time, with some viewing it as an unnecessary substitution.

Throughout his career, Milner has made significant contributions to the teams he has played for, demonstrating his value as a player.

His achievements include multiple Premier League titles with Manchester City and Liverpool, as well as a Champions League win with Liverpool.

As Milner has aged, his influence on the pitch has naturally diminished, and this season he has made 14 Premier League appearances, with 12 of those coming from the bench.

While he has scored one goal and provided one assist, Milner's impact extends beyond these statistics, offering intangible benefits to his team.

Former England and Newcastle striker Alan Shearer praised Milner, saying, "He is a reliable presence, and having him in your squad is a valuable asset."

Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards also spoke highly of Milner, highlighting his dedication and strong work ethic.

Richards noted that Milner's approach to training is exemplary, often pushing his teammates to improve their habits and preparation.

This level of commitment has earned Milner the respect of his peers and coaches alike.

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Pundits have been reflecting on James Milner's remarkable career, highlighting his achievements and contributions to the sport.

This season, Milner has played a total of 310 minutes, averaging 22 minutes per game across his 14 appearances.

In his last five Premier League appearances, Milner has been introduced in the final 10 minutes, prompting some fans to question the value of his contributions.

Scott McCarthy noted that while Milner's introduction against Liverpool was frustrating, it had no significant impact on the outcome of the game.

In contrast, McCarthy felt that Milner's introduction against Fulham was more problematic, as it disrupted the team's balance and allowed Fulham to score a winning goal.

The timing of Milner's substitution against Fulham, with 81 minutes played, was seen as particularly questionable, given the team's performance up to that point.

The frustration among some Brighton fans regarding Milner's late appearances is exacerbated by the team's current poor run of form, with only one win in their last 12 Premier League games.

A fan named Joe expressed his disagreement with the decision to keep Milner in the playing squad, suggesting that he would be better suited as a member of the coaching staff.

Another fan, Brian, shared similar concerns, feeling that Milner's introductions often disrupt the team's balance and are motivated by a desire to help him break the record.

In contrast, Graham defended Milner's role in the team, arguing that his experience and defensive capabilities make him a valuable asset.

Rozzer praised Milner's professionalism and dedication, believing that he deserves to break the record and has been a positive influence on the sport.

If Milner equals Barry's record on Wednesday, he will have achieved it with significantly fewer minutes played than Barry accumulated throughout his career.

Barry spent 54,439 minutes on the pitch, compared to Milner's 40,408 minutes.

However, Milner's productivity during his time on the pitch is notable, with 56 goals and 90 assists, statistics that compare favorably to Barry's record.

Milner's goal and assist numbers demonstrate his ability to make a significant impact on the game, even if he has not played as many minutes as Barry.

Milner's longevity in the sport is a testament to his endurance and dedication.

Since the Premier League's inception in 1992-93, nearly half of the players who have participated in the league have either played alongside or against Milner.

Throughout his career, Milner has faced 99.9% of the 876 players who have played at least 100 games in the last 24 Premier League seasons.

The only player who has not faced Milner is Brentford's Nathan Collins, although this could change when the two teams meet on 21 February.

Milner has also played under 21 different managers in the Premier League, a testament to his adaptability and enduring presence in the league.

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Aberdeen to unveil new manager soon with Docherty set to take assistant role

Aberdeen has bolstered its interim management team with the return of Tony Docherty, who previously served as an assistant manager, to support Peter Leven, amid anticipation of a permanent appointment announcement that sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel had indicated would be made “imminently”.

Ross County parted ways with Tony Docherty in December, and he has now taken on a new role.

Aberdeen have brought in former assistant manager Tony Docherty to support Peter Leven's interim management team, despite sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel indicating that a permanent appointment was imminent.

Docherty's return to Aberdeen comes just a week after Eirik Horneland, a former coach of Rosenborg, Brann, and Saint-Etienne, emerged as a top contender to succeed Jimmy Thelin, who was sacked earlier.

As Aberdeen delays making a full-time appointment, speculation surrounding Eirik Horneland's availability has arisen, with reports suggesting the 50-year-old Norwegian may not be able to take on the role until summer.

Since Jimmy Thelin's dismissal on January 4, Lutz Pfannenstiel has been leading the search for a replacement, and he confirmed that Tony Docherty would be joining the team to assist Peter Leven during the interim period.

Dundee Utd are facing a challenging schedule, with four matches in 14 days set to take place on a weather-affected pitch.

According to Stavrum, Eirik Horneland's coaching style, characterized by intensity, would be a good fit for Aberdeen.

Tony Docherty initially joined Aberdeen in 2013 as part of Derek McInnes' management team and spent eight years at the club.

Before his stint at Aberdeen, Docherty served as McInnes' assistant at Kilmarnock and later managed Dundee and Ross County, but his time at Ross County ended in December when he was let go with the team at the bottom of the Championship.

Lutz Pfannenstiel praised Tony Docherty's experience, stating that he has a deep understanding of the club and will be a valuable asset during the transition period.

Pfannenstiel highlighted Docherty's extensive knowledge of the Scottish Premiership, gained through his experience as both a coach and manager, which will be beneficial to the team in the short term.

The club's managerial search is nearing its conclusion, and an announcement regarding the new head coach is expected soon, according to Pfannenstiel.

Peter Leven, who is serving as caretaker manager for the third time, expressed his enthusiasm for Tony Docherty's appointment.

Leven welcomed Docherty's return, stating that his experience will be a significant boost to the team, particularly during the upcoming matches.

Leven noted that Docherty was eager to join the team and that his presence will provide valuable support during both training sessions and matches.

Eirik Horneland left his position at Saint-Etienne in early February, at which point his team was fourth in France's second tier.

If Aberdeen decides to wait until summer for Horneland to take over, it will be similar to the six-month delay that occurred when Jimmy Thelin joined the club from Elfsborg in the summer of 2024.

For the latest news, analysis, and fan perspectives on Aberdeen, visit our dedicated page.

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Peter Murrell faces allegations of misusing £459,000 in funds over 12 years

Allegations have been made that he bought various items, such as luxury goods, jewellery, cosmetics, two cars and a motorhome, in an improper manner.

Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the Scottish National Party, is facing allegations of embezzling £459,000 from the party over a 12-year period.

Peter Murrell looking off to his right while sitting in a room. He is wearing a black suit, white shirt and dark coloured tie.
Peter Murrell is due to appear in court next Friday for a preliminary hearing

An indictment document obtained by BBC News outlines the case against Murrell, who is the estranged husband of former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

The alleged embezzlement is said to have occurred between August 2010 and January 2023, according to the indictment.

It is claimed that Murrell used party funds to purchase luxury items, including jewellery, cosmetics, and vehicles, such as two cars and a motorhome.

The Scottish Sun was the first to report on the details of the indictment.

A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled to take place at the High Court in Glasgow on Friday, 20 February, where Murrell is expected to appear.

During his initial court appearance at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, Murrell made no plea and was subsequently granted bail.

Murrell's arrest in 2023 was part of Operation Branchform, a police investigation into the SNP's funding and finances, which led to him being charged with embezzlement in April 2024.

A police van and a police officer outside Murrell's home in April 2023.
Murrell was arrested in 2023 as part of a probe into the SNP's finances

Although Sturgeon was questioned by police as part of the investigation, she is no longer considered a suspect.

BBC News has obtained a copy of the indictment against Murrell ahead of his upcoming court appearance.

It is worth noting that the indictment is subject to change until the case is heard in court and may be amended throughout the judicial process.

The indictment alleges that Murrell purchased a £124,550 motorhome for personal use and created false documents to justify the expense as a legitimate party expenditure.

Murrell is also accused of using £57,500 of party funds to buy a Jaguar I-PACE car in 2019, and falsifying an invoice to conceal the true nature of the purchase.

Furthermore, it is alleged that when the Jaguar was sold in 2021, Murrell deposited more than £47,000 into his personal bank account.

The indictment also claims that Murrell embezzled £16,489 from the SNP to partially fund the purchase of a Volkswagen Golf in 2016.

A list of over 80 retailers is included in the indictment, where Murrell allegedly made purchases totalling more than £159,000 between 2014 and 2022, using party credit or charge cards for personal expenses.

The retailers named in the indictment include Harrods, the Royal Mint, John Lewis, Homebase, and Argos, among others.

It is alleged that Murrell used SNP credit or charge cards to make these purchases and then inserted false or inaccurate accounting codes and descriptions into the party's accounting systems.

The indictment also accuses Murrell of making purchases worth over £81,600 through Amazon using the same method.

Murrell served as the SNP's chief executive for 22 years before his departure.

Murrell and Sturgeon were married in 2010, but announced their separation in January 2025, after being together for many years.

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Bangladesh Nationalist Party Wins Landslide in Country’s First Poll Since Youth-Led Protests

The public is looking forward to a shift back to democratic governance, following a 15-year period of authoritarian leadership by Sheikh Hasina.

In a significant shift in the country's political landscape, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has achieved a decisive majority in parliament, 18 months after widespread protests led to the ousting of Sheikh Hasina, the country's longest-serving prime minister.

Supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) show a victory sign in front of a banner with Tarique Rahman’s photo, as the results project BNP's victory in the 13th general election, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, February 13, 2026. REUTERS/Mohammad Ponir Hossain
Tarique Rahman has been out of the country for 17 years. He has promised democracy will be restored

The BNP secured over two-thirds of the seats in the recent general election, with the Jamaat party, the main Islamist party in the country, coming in second; meanwhile, the Awami League, led by Hasina, was not allowed to participate in the election.

As the BNP's leader, Tarique Rahman is poised to become the next prime minister, facing significant challenges in revitalizing the economy and restoring democratic principles after 15 years of authoritarian rule under Hasina's leadership.

In a concurrent referendum, voters also expressed support for comprehensive democratic reforms, which are expected to shape the country's future.

Following Friday prayers in Dhaka, Tarique Rahman expressed gratitude to his supporters, stating, "I am grateful for the love you have shown me"; his party has chosen not to hold a victory procession.

Rahman, who was elected to parliament for the first time, was among the 212 successful BNP candidates; according to the Election Commission, voter turnout was 59.44%.

This marks a significant turnaround for Rahman, who spent 17 years in self-imposed exile in London before taking over as party leader after his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, passed away in December.

During his campaign, Rahman pledged to restore democratic principles and practices in the country.

The new government will need to address pressing issues, including economic revitalization, controlling rising food prices, and creating employment opportunities for the country's large youth population.

Rebuilding relations with neighboring India is also a key priority for the incoming government.

In the aftermath of his victory, Rahman received a congratulatory call from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who acknowledged his "remarkable victory".

Modi took to social media to reaffirm India's commitment to promoting peace, progress, and prosperity in both countries, citing their deep historical and cultural ties.

Although the BNP has pledged to bring about change, the party has faced criticism in the past for corruption and alleged human rights abuses during its previous tenure in government in the early 2000s.

The recent election represents a pivotal moment for the country, with one of the two main parties achieving a significant victory, presenting both opportunities and risks.

Proposed constitutional reforms include introducing term limits for the prime minister, establishing a directly elected upper house of parliament, strengthening presidential powers, and increasing judicial independence.

The reforms also aim to increase female representation in parliament, an area where significant progress is still needed, as evidenced by the limited number of successful female candidates in the recent election.

As the newly elected leader, Tarique Rahman will face intense scrutiny as he works to deliver on his promises to a predominantly young electorate eager for change, many of whom participated in the student-led protests that ultimately led to Hasina's removal and paved the way for the February 12 election.

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