From trailblazer to mentor: Roland Butcher on changing the face of English cricket

From trailblazer to mentor: Roland Butcher on changing the face of English cricket

Roland Butcher’s story is one of resilience, trailblazing achievement, and deep love for the game. A former England international and Middlesex legend, he made history as the first black player to represent his country - a moment that changed English cricket forever.

Today, as a respected cricket speaker, Roland shares the lessons learned from a lifetime in professional sport, from overcoming barriers to building winning teams and nurturing future talent.

His insights reach far beyond the boundary, resonating with leaders, athletes, and audiences alike.

In this exclusive interview with the High Performance Speakers Agency, Roland reflects on his journey through cricket, the importance of representation, and what it truly means to perform at the highest level.

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EFL recap: Plenty from League Two, managerial changes in League One, the Championship’s Sheffield Wednesday special, and more from the midweek action

EFL recap: Plenty from League Two, managerial changes in League One, the Championship’s Sheffield Wednesday special, and more from the midweek action

Another late one this week as there were a few games set to be played on Monday and Tuesday this week, but nevertheless, no shortage of entertainment.

It was a week of cup games where Wycombe took Fulham to penalties and Grimsby Town were shrugged off by Brentford.

Read on for Sports News Blitz’s weekly EFL recap, written by Charlie Gardner, to find out what happened in the leagues.

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Horse racing news: Botti freshening up Giavellotto for Hong Kong in new World Pool video series
Horse racing, Horse racing news, World Pool news Sports News Blitz writer Horse racing, Horse racing news, World Pool news Sports News Blitz writer

Horse racing news: Botti freshening up Giavellotto for Hong Kong in new World Pool video series

In a new video series released by World Pool, ‘Giavellotto: The Hong Kong Vase Hero’, trainer Marco Botti, jockey Oisin Murphy, and head lad Andrew Morris discuss Giavellotto’s famous LONGINES Hong Kong Vase (G1) victory, what makes him different, his run in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, and how all roads now lead back to Sha Tin in December.

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Heineken become the global drinks partner for Premier Padel from 2026
Padel, Padel news, Premier Padel news Vanely Barumire Padel, Padel news, Premier Padel news Vanely Barumire

Heineken become the global drinks partner for Premier Padel from 2026

The rise of professional padel has been unmatched. In 2023, professional padel was worth €2 billion, and that number is estimated to rise by the end of 2025.

The sport’s top players are becoming icons in their own right, and major brands are noticing.

The Spanish padel equipment NOX received a recent €1.9 million investment from Oaskley Capital.

Millions are being poured into the fastest growing sport, and Heineken is the latest to toss their hat into the glassed ring.

Here, Sports News Blitz’s Vanely Barumire explores the deal.

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Mexico City GP: Lando Norris takes control of title fight, Haas’ Ollie Bearman battles the best for shock finish, Lewis Hamilton penalty controversy, and more
F1, F1 news, F1 2025 season news, Mexican GP news Henry Eccles F1, F1 news, F1 2025 season news, Mexican GP news Henry Eccles

Mexico City GP: Lando Norris takes control of title fight, Haas’ Ollie Bearman battles the best for shock finish, Lewis Hamilton penalty controversy, and more

To the sound of the Mariachi, F1 made its way to the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez for the Mexico City Grand Prix on Sunday, October 26. 

A championship-defining drive from Lando Norris, controversy between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, and a career-best finish for rookie Ollie Bearman - it was a weekend with no shortage of highlights. 

Sports News Blitz’s F1 writer, Henry Eccles, takes a look at the biggest talking points to come out of the Mexican GP. 

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When is the 2025 Breeders’ Cup? How to watch and the key trainers and jockeys to follow

When is the 2025 Breeders’ Cup? How to watch and the key trainers and jockeys to follow

Racing’s finest from across the globe — including major names from Britain, Ireland, France and Japan, will compete across 14 Championship races at the 2025 Breeders’ Cup, with more than $30 million (£25 million) in prize money on offer.

As another flat season draws to a close, Sports News Blitz looks at everything UK and international fans need to know about this year’s Breeders’ Cup meeting at Del Mar Racecourse, California.

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Champions League 2025/26: Outright Betting & Matchday 4 Preview
Soccer, Soccer news, Champions League, Champions League news, Betting news Sports News Blitz writer Soccer, Soccer news, Champions League, Champions League news, Betting news Sports News Blitz writer

Champions League 2025/26: Outright Betting & Matchday 4 Preview

The opening phase of the 2025/26 Champions League reaches the halfway stage during the first week in November.

Matchday 4 features some eye-catching fixtures, many of which will have a significant bearing on the race to progress to the last-16 of the competition.

Read on as we look at the latest betting for the Champions League, before previewing what promises to be a thrilling fourth round of matches.

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F1 news: Mexican GP winners and losers as Lando Norris overtakes Oscar Piastri in championship race
F1, F1 news, Mexican GP news Eloise Stevens F1, F1 news, Mexican GP news Eloise Stevens

F1 news: Mexican GP winners and losers as Lando Norris overtakes Oscar Piastri in championship race

Lando Norris won the Mexican Grand Prix on Sunday to move one point ahead of McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri at the top of the Drivers’ Championship standings.

Here, Sports News Blitz writer Eloise Stevens looks at the winners and losers from Mexico City as the fight for the championship gets ever closer.

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Man Utd news: Mbeumo, Cunha shine as Amorim’s resurgent Red Devils overcome tricky Brighton test

Man Utd news: Mbeumo, Cunha shine as Amorim’s resurgent Red Devils overcome tricky Brighton test

Manchester United beat Brighton & Hove Albion 4-2 at Old Trafford on Saturday to continue their recent resurgence under Ruben Amorim.

Here, Sports News Blitz writer Robert Bore reviews an exciting Red Devils performance.

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Horse racing news: William Hill applaud shrewd punter who turned tenner into nearly £50,000
Horse racing, Horse racing news, William Hill news Sports News Blitz writer Horse racing, Horse racing news, William Hill news Sports News Blitz writer

Horse racing news: William Hill applaud shrewd punter who turned tenner into nearly £50,000

William Hill have been hit by a remarkable weekend winner as one shrewd punter landed an each-way sixfold from just a £10 total stake, returning a cool £47,351.56.

The bet featured selections from Cheltenham, Doncaster, and Newbury, but unlike most big acca winners, only included one winning selection.

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Horse racing news: Harry Bentley lands first Hong Kong Group 2 win in £500,000 Premier Bowl
Horse racing, Horse racing news Sports News Blitz writer Horse racing, Horse racing news Sports News Blitz writer

Horse racing news: Harry Bentley lands first Hong Kong Group 2 win in £500,000 Premier Bowl

Harry Bentley landed the biggest prize of his Hong Kong career to date as Tomodachi Kokoroe sensationally catapulted himself into LONGINES Hong Kong International Races reckoning after running the second-fastest 1200 metre time in Hong Kong racing history in the HK$5.35 million (approx. £500,000) G2 Premier Bowl Handicap (6f/1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday 26 October.

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Premier League betting tips: Brighton to beat Man Utd, Jack Grealish to keep shining at Everton, and more

Premier League betting tips: Brighton to beat Man Utd, Jack Grealish to keep shining at Everton, and more

Alright? How are we getting on?

Tough week for me personally. In fact, I’ve just had a text from my missus saying, “We need a chat this weekend about your immature behaviour.”

As if that’s going to happen during conker season.

Read on for a breakdown of the best bets from the Premier League's TV games from Sports News Blitz’s punting laureate - The Bookie Basher - including a huge game for Liverpool against Brentford.

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NFL betting tips: Are the Tampa Bay Buccaneers overrated, will the Philadelphia Eagles dominate the New York Giants, and more
NFL, NFL news, Betting tips, NFL betting tips Sam Condy NFL, NFL news, Betting tips, NFL betting tips Sam Condy

NFL betting tips: Are the Tampa Bay Buccaneers overrated, will the Philadelphia Eagles dominate the New York Giants, and more

We are hitting the halfway point of the 2025 NFL season, and the action is yet to slow down.

The Eagles managed to finally find themselves back in the winners' circle, managing to hold off the Minnesota Vikings, despite a third-quarter resurgence from the Purple People Eaters.

Elsewhere, the Detroit Lions stomped the Tampa Bay Buccaneers into submission. Tampa Bay will be hoping to bounce back from its suffocating performance in week seven.

Here, Sports News Blitz’s Sam Condy breaks down his favourite picks ahead of another week of NFL action.

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Premier League on Sky Sports: Brentford vs Liverpool betting preview and tips

Premier League on Sky Sports: Brentford vs Liverpool betting preview and tips

The Gtech Community Stadium takes centre stage on Saturday night as Brentford welcome Liverpool to West London.

Here, Sports News Blitz outlines all the best bets and key stats ahead of the clash.

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Premier League on Sky Sports: Manchester United vs Brighton predictions, betting tips & preview

Premier League on Sky Sports: Manchester United vs Brighton predictions, betting tips & preview

Old Trafford braces for another test as Manchester United welcome Brighton in this weekend’s Premier League clash, on Saturday, October 25.

The hosts arrive fresh from a shock win at Anfield, while the visitors continue to punch above their weight with an impressive unbeaten run.

Saturday’s showdown could prove pivotal in shaping both clubs’ European ambitions.

Sports News Blitz previews Man United vs Brighton with betting tips, stats, and predictions.

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Ferrari F1 driver Lewis Hamilton crowned the World’s Most Marketable Athlete for 2025

Ferrari F1 driver Lewis Hamilton crowned the World’s Most Marketable Athlete for 2025

Lewis Hamilton’s name has long been synonymous with speed, success, and style. Now, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion has earned another remarkable title.

According to SportsPro’s 2025 rankings, the British driver has been named the World’s Most Marketable Athlete, a recognition that extends far beyond his performance on the racetrack.

Here, Sports News Blitz’s Noah Ngcobo reflects on the recognition, as well as Hamilton’s 2025 debut Ferrari season.

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Premier League on Sky Sports: Arsenal vs Crystal Palace predictions, betting tips & preview

Premier League on Sky Sports: Arsenal vs Crystal Palace predictions, betting tips & preview

The Premier League serves up a capital clash this weekend, on Sunday, October 26 as Arsenal welcome Crystal Palace to the Emirates for an all-London affair.

The Gunners are unbeaten at home since May, while Palace cross the Thames in fine scoring form of their own.

Expect goals, grit, and a fair bit of south-London defiance on Super Sunday.

Sports News Blitz previews Arsenal vs Crystal Palace with betting tips, stats, and predictions.

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Premier League on Sky Sports: Everton vs Tottenham betting preview and tips

Premier League on Sky Sports: Everton vs Tottenham betting preview and tips

Super Sunday’s action concludes on Merseyside as Everton welcome Tottenham to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Here, Sports News Blitz outlines all the best bets and key stats ahead of the clash.

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Premier League on Sky Sports: Leeds United vs West Ham preview, betting tips & predictions

Premier League on Sky Sports: Leeds United vs West Ham preview, betting tips & predictions

The Premier League returns to Elland Road this Friday night, October 24, as Leeds United host West Ham in a clash between two sides looking to shake off early-season struggles.

Both will see this as a chance to stabilise and build some momentum, though the pressure is beginning to mount on both dugouts.

Sports News Blitz previews Leeds United vs West Ham, with betting tips, stats, and predictions.

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