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EFL Season Preview: Notable Newcomers, Contenders and Relegation Battlers

This Saturday’s EFL lineup will feature several key matchups, and according to BBC Sport, there are five notable aspects to anticipate.

Millwall and Bolton currently trail the automatic promotion spots by six points in the Championship and League One, respectively.

As some EFL clubs focus on the FA Cup, others will aim to gain an advantage by earning points this weekend.

While Middlesbrough and Coventry fans wait for their Monday night Championship matchup, attention turns to Saturday's fixtures.

Ed Still will make his Watford debut with the top six within reach, and Millwall could potentially join the automatic promotion conversation.

Leagues One and Two feature first versus third matchups, as well as play-off pushes and relegation battles.

Here are five key storylines to watch.

Ed Still has previously managed Charleroi, KAS Eupen, and KV Kortrijk in Belgium.

Watford's appointment of a new head coach is not unusual, but hiring Ed Still is notable.

Despite his brother Will's struggles with Southampton in the Championship, Ed Still is undeterred as he enters the competitive world of Vicarage Road.

Still's first match is against Preston, and a win could propel Watford into the play-off spots, despite being winless in six games.

Still described the Championship as "super, super, super-competitive" in an interview with the BBC's 72+ EFL podcast.

He emphasized his role as a head coach, stating he is "100% a head coach" and "just a cog in Watford FC."

However, Watford's history of frequently changing coaches poses a challenge for Still, who faces a tough test at Preston.

Millwall recently defeated promotion rivals Wrexham, boosting their chances.

A potential automatic promotion spot may have seemed unlikely for Millwall, but a win at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday could leave them just three points behind second-placed Coventry.

Millwall have conceded only one goal in their last three matches, including a win over Wrexham, and will look to build on this momentum.

The team still has challenging matches ahead, but a trip to Hillsborough is the immediate focus for boss Alex Neil.

Neil cautioned against complacency, stating that his team must approach the game with the right mindset.

"We need to attack this game and try to win it," Neil told BBC Radio London, emphasizing the importance of a strong performance.

Sam Dalby has scored four goals in Bolton's last three games, contributing to their recent success.

Cardiff City and Lincoln City have set a high pace in League One, but Bolton Wanderers are working to prevent their promotion.

Bolton's four consecutive wins have propelled them into contention, and they will face second-placed Lincoln on Saturday.

Head coach Steven Schumacher acknowledged the challenge of playing at Lincoln but expressed confidence in his team.

Both teams have earned 16 points from their last six matches, but Lincoln holds a six-point advantage over Bolton.

Despite Schumacher's comments, the meeting between Bolton and Lincoln appears crucial for the visitors' promotion hopes.

Luke Williams led Notts County back to the EFL in 2023, and now manages Peterborough.

Williams is known for his proactive approach, having worked as a customer care assistant at Bristol Airport during his time between management jobs.

Since arriving at Peterborough in October, Williams has made a significant impact, guiding the team from the bottom of League One to eighth place.

Williams' team will face Bradford City, who occupy the final play-off spot, on Saturday.

Bradford has struggled with four defeats in six matches, leaving them vulnerable to chasing teams like Peterborough.

The Bantams' recent form has created an opportunity for Williams' side to gain ground in the play-off pursuit.

New Barrow boss Dino Maamria has previously managed Burton, Oldham, and Stevenage in the EFL.

Promotion from the National League can be a significant achievement, as seen with teams like Bromley and Notts County.

League Two leaders Bromley host Notts County on Saturday, while Barrow faces a different challenge.

Barrow's return to the EFL in 2020 was a notable story, but their current season is marked by struggle.

The team's history includes a notable injustice in 1972, when they were voted out of the league despite finishing above other teams.

Barrow's return to the EFL was facilitated by a vote to curtail the 2020 season due to Covid, declaring them National League champions.

The team has since experienced close calls, including a near miss with the play-offs in the 2023-24 season.

This season, however, has been bleak, with the sacking of boss Paul Gallagher and the appointment of Dino Maamria as their sixth permanent boss in fewer than four years.

Maamria faces a significant challenge in turning around the team's fortunes and avoiding a return to non-league football.

Barrow's current position gives them a three-point cushion above the relegation zone, with a crucial match against Colchester United, who are pushing for a play-off spot, scheduled for Saturday at 15:00 GMT.

Following the Colchester match, Barrow will face Harrogate, the team currently at the bottom of the table, and then host Newport, who are second from bottom, on the final day of the season – a scenario Barrow hopes to avoid.

Cumbria has had a presence in the EFL for the past 22 years, but that streak is under threat; manager Maamria must act swiftly to prevent this from becoming a reality once again.

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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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