Tom Vickers
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Sports writer for the @ChronandEcho, mainly covering Northampton Saints. Author of From Saints to Winners - out now: amzn.to/2gwuQPE.
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Articles by Tom Vickers
New leadership team set to take town forward
In a statement published on the club's website , Tubb admitted it had been a ‘challenging 12 months' for the Purple Army. But he was quick to stress that ‘our commitment to this town, our supporters and the future of the club has never changed'. Tubb has moved to ‘bring together a new leadership team made up of local businesspeople, committed supporters and individuals who genuinely care about Daventry Town FC'.
Town deliver five-star showing to secure welcome league win
The Purple Army had won just one of their eight GCE Hire Fleet United Counties Football League Premier Division South matches going into the game, but they showed no signs of a lack of belief. Instead, they kept going after enduring an early setback to eventually get over the line in style. Histon had gone ahead through a Ryan Sharman goal inside just two minutes, but Daventry remained undeterred.
Cup delight for Purple Army as they put four past Sherwood Colliery
There was cup delight for Daventry Town last weekend and they bounced back from a midweek defeat in style. The Purple Army had been beaten 4-1 at Sileby Rangers in the Northants Hillier Cup last week, with Cyrus Bruce's goal rendered meaningless. But they made no mistake against Sherwood Colliery at the Master Abrasives Stadium last weekend. Town came back from behind to secure a place in the second round of The Sports Ground Development UCL Cup.
Purple Army cruise through in cup as they put four past Radford
The Purple Army proved far too strong for Radford in the Sports Ground Development UCL Cup preliminary round clash at the Master Abrasives Stadium. The difference in levels was clear from the off as Daventry dominated. And Town took the lead inside just two minutes as Tom Iaciofano put the ball to the back post, where Daniel Gillard was waiting to pounce. As the rain came down, the Purple Army continued to pour forward, with the lead almost doubled from a corner two minutes later.
Purple Army get off the mark with convincing away win
The Purple Army marched to Highgate United and picked up a comfortable 2-0 win thanks to goals from Archie May and Tommy Kruck. Daventry had lost all four of their matches in all competitions to kick off the campaign, but they never looked in danger of suffering another defeat last weekend. Instead, they took the game to their struggling hosts, who were bottom of the GCE Hire Fleet United Counties Football League Premier Division South heading into the match.
Purple Army see red again as they bow out of FA Cup
The Purple Army had been beaten in all three league matches going into the extra preliminary round clash with Boston Town at the Master Abrasives Stadium. And the cup couldn't provide the cheer they craved as they were beaten 2-1 by step four opposition. Town, who had Lewis Patching sent off in their 3-1 loss to ON Chenecks earlier this month, saw red for the second match in succession as Merson Styles was dismissed on 43 minutes after receiving a second yellow card for dissent.
The Employment Rights Act Improves Trade Union Recognition: Amazon workers in Coventry helped make this happen
The Employment Rights Act is a significant step forward in improving the right of workers to have their trade union recognised by their employer. It not only creates new opportunities to collectively defend pay and conditions, but tackles some of the tactics used by unscrupulous employers to union bust workers’ attempts to build a union in their workplace. This is vital at a time when many people’s working lives are becoming increasingly precarious.
Benn drops in to deliver boxing masterclass at Far Cotton ABC
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Organizing Amazon Should Be a Priority for Labor Globally
There is no bright future for the global labor movement without strong, democratic unions at Amazon. Amazon represents the future of work for all of us. Ninety years ago, capitalists looked to General Motors as the model employer for perfecting productive efficiency, worker exploitation, and profit extraction.
Dowson explains what made Mallinder such a good Saints boss
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Building Worker Power Under Conditions of Fragmentation, Precarity and Regimentation
1. Introduction Essay 1: What We Have Achieved Is Not a List of Accomplishments, It’s a Transformation - Ceferina Floresca Javier 2. Introducing the GMB Union Essay 2: Managing an Organising Team in the Amazon Campaign - Amanda Gearing 3. Reaching the Whole Workforce Essay 3: How Amazon Tried To Persuade Workers Against the Union - Louveza Iqbal Essay 4: Stopping, Watching and Listening: The Importance of Mindfulness for Organising - Rachel Fagan 4.
Saints ace Angus can't wait to hear the Shoe Army roar in Cardiff
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Trio added to Saints' lengthy injured list after loss at Exeter
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Ella follows in the Barwell family footsteps as she gets set to become Saints chairman
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As Amazon workers prepare to strike on Black Friday, the story of one warehouse in the UK that pushed to unionise - podcast
Amazon workers in 20 countries are expected to strike or protest on Black Friday, pushing the company to respect their rights and commit to more action on the climate. The protests are coordinated by the Make Amazon Pay campaign, run by a global umbrella body of trade unions and workers’ rights groups. Amazon is known for its resistance to unions.
deserved recognition for Far Cotton ABC head coach Daly
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I spent months with Amazon workers in Coventry before they narrowly voted against unionising. This is what I learned Original
Amazon workers in Coventry have narrowly voted against a proposal that would have forced the retail giant to grant the GMB Union formal recognition. With a high participation rate of 86% of eligible voters, 50.5% voted against forcing recognition, a margin of just 28 votes. The ballot follows an extraordinary process of unionisation among the workforce at Amazon’s Coventry warehouse, with GMB membership growing from around 60 members in July 2022 to more than 1,400.
Spring in the step but work to do as Saints get set for quarter-final clash
Lewis Ludlam says there was 'a real buzz' around Saints last weekend. Watch more of our videos on Shots! and live on Freeview channel 276 Visit Shots! now But the club captain insists there is still much to work on ahead of Saturday night's Investec Champions Cup quarter-final clash with Vodacom Bulls. Saints will host the South African giants having seen off Munster in the last-16 clash at cinch Stadium at Franklin's Gardens last Sunday.
Dowson salutes injured Saints wing trio for 'pushing each other' during recovery
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Scott-Young ready to step up at No.8 for Saints
Angus Scott-Young is ready to help Saints fill the Juarno Augustus void at No.8. Augustus has been ruled out for at least a month due to needing surgery on a bicep injury sustained in training. It’s a big blow for Saints, who are already without skipper Lewis Ludlam, a strong contender to play at No.8, as he is at the Rugby World Cup with England.
Talented fly-half Smith has been so happy with his first year at Saints
Fin Smith admits he could never have imagined that his first year at Saints would have gone as well as it has. It was October 10 last year when Saints announced that they had signed Smith with immediate effect following the sad demise of Worcester Warriors. Dan Biggar left the black, green and gold almost a month later, opening up plenty of starting chances. And Smith took them with both hands, making 16 appearances last season, all of which were in the 10 shirt.
Saints are ready to kick on as start of league season edges ever closer
“It will be the second game for Fraser Dingwall, it will be the second game for Fin Smith, it will be the second game for Juarno Augustus and therefore those guys will be better.” Those are the words of Saints boss Phil Dowson, who fully expects another increase in performance when Bath come calling for a Premiership Rugby Cup pool clash on Saturday (kick-off 3pm). Saints have won one and lost two of their cup matches, following on from two defeats from as many games in pre-season.
Northampton Saints v Bath: Team news for Saturday's cup clash at the Gardens
Tom Pearson and Chunya Munga will make their Saints debuts in the Premiership Rugby Cup clash with Bath at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 3pm). The talented duo arrived following the sad demise of London Irish during the summer, and both players will start against Bath. Saints have named an extremely strong side with just two cup matches to go before the Gallagher Premiership opener at Sale Sharks on October 15.
Dowson backs soon-to-be Saints centurion Furbank to return to England picture
Phil Dowson has backed George Furbank to force his way back into the England picture. And the Saints boss believes the success of the black, green and gold can play a big part in helping the talented back to do that. Furbank is set to make his 100th appearance for Saints when Bath come calling at cinch Stadium at Franklin's Gardens on Saturday. The 26-year-old is a mainstay of the Northampton team, shining at full-back and fly-half.
Dowson so impressed as Iyogun comes back 'bigger and better' for Saints
Phil Dowson says Manny Iyogun has made sure his lengthy spell on the sidelines was far from wasted, with the prop coming back 'bigger and better' for Saints. Iyogun made his long-awaited return to action last weekend, coming off the bench in the 39-38 Premiership Rugby Cup defeat at Bristol Bears. It was the 22-year-old's first appearance since suffering an Achilles injury against Exeter Chiefs back in January. And Dowson was delighted to see Iyogun back.
Tough journey has made big Saints milestone even sweeter for lock Moon
Alex Moon says the journey he has taken to reach 100 appearances for Saints makes the milestone all the sweeter. Moon hit his century in the 39-38 Premiership Rugby Cup defeat at Bristol Bears on Saturday afternoon. It wasn't the result he would have hoped for on his big day, but the lock was still able to happily reflect on a special week and a special achievement. "It's taken me a while!" Moon said when asked about getting to 100 games for Saints.
Summer signing Langdon is loving life at Saints
Curtis Langdon is loving life at Saints. The hooker made his debut for the club in the 55-5 Premiership Rugby Cup pool stage win against Cambridge Rugby at cinch Stadium at Franklin's Gardens last Saturday. It was a largely impressive performance from the man who joined from Montpellier during the summer. And Langdon said: "I'm really enjoying it here and it didn't take long to settle in at all. "I knew a few of the lads before I arrived and it's a really good playing and coaching group.
Saints prop Ethan ready to find his best form after taking the pressure off
Ethan Waller feels the pressure he put on himself last season prevented him from playing his best rugby for Saints. But the prop believes he is now in a better position to deliver what he knows he can during this campaign. Waller returned to boyhood club Saints in the summer of 2022, coming back from Worcester Warriors. He had spent five seasons at Sixways but initially came through the Saints Academy system and made his debut for the black, green and gold in 2012.
England 'taking steps forward', says Saints star Lawes after win against Japan
Courtney Lawes believes England are 'getting better every day' after they made it two wins from two at the Rugby World Cup. The Red Rose claimed a hard-fought 34-12 bonus-point success against Japan in Nice, backing up the opening-night victory against Argentina. Lawes skippered England and grabbed a second-half score, while Lewis Ludlam was also on the scoresheet, bagging the first try of the tournament for Steve Borthwick's side.
Saints centre Thame 'loved every minute' of two-try showing against Cambridge
Toby Thame says he 'loved every minute' of his two-try performance against Cambridge Rugby on Saturday. Watch more videos on Shots! and live on Freeview channel 276 Visit Shots! now And he insists it is extra special to be playing for the first team alongside so many of his fellow Academy graduates. The 19-year-old, son of former Saints centre John Thame, impressed as the black, green and gold secured a bonus-point 55-5 Premiership Rugby Cup win at the Gardens.
Ludlam joins Saints team-mates in England's starting 15 for Japan clash
Lewis Ludlam comes in to start at No.8 for England against Japan on Sunday (kick-off 8pm BST). Watch more videos on Shots! and live on Freeview channel 276 Visit Shots! now Ludlam replaces Tom Curry, who is serving a suspension following his dismissal in the Rugby World Cup opener against Argentina last Saturday. England won that match 27-10 despite the fact they were forced to play with just 14 men for 77 minutes.
It's such an exciting time to be at the Saints, says head coach Sam Vesty
"It's a really exciting time to be a Northampton Saints coach." Watch more videos on Shots! and live on Freeview channel 276 Visit Shots! now Those are the words of Saints head coach Sam Vesty, who is delighted with what he has been seeing from the club's young players. "I get to see day in, day out, these young lads who have got so much potential and who are learning so very quickly about what professional rugby looks like," Vesty said. "You can see them growing every day on the training pitch.
Northampton Saints v Cambridge Rugby: Full team news for Saturday's cup clash
Curtis Langdon and Tom Seabrook will make their first competitive appearances for Saints when they host Cambridge Rugby in a Premiership Rugby Cup clash on Saturday (kick-off 3pm). Watch more videos on Shots! and live on Freeview channel 276 Visit Shots! now Saints stick with a blend of youth and experience, with seven Senior Academy players set to start as newly-promoted Championship side Cambridge make the short trip to Northampton for the first time ever.
Reliable Waller steps up for Saints again as injuries alter team selection plan
While the sight of Alex Waller wearing the Saints No.1 shirt is never a surprise, it wasn’t actually part of the plan for him to put it on so soon this year. Watch more videos on Shots! and live on Freeview channel 276 Visit Shots! now But with injuries biting Saints during pre-season, Waller has been thrust into action. He and Paul Hill have answered the prop call with the black, green and gold struggling for availability.
A Reinach replica! Saints boss Dowson salutes 'outstanding' back Garside
Garside, who predominantly plays at scrum-half, started on the wing in the exhibition game at cinch Stadium at Franklin's Gardens. And his day was to end with a standing ovation as the Saints supporters showed their appreciation for his incredibly energetic showing during the 48-12 defeat. Garside made some key defensive interventions while also showcasing his speed and fast footwork in attack.
Northampton Saints v Barbarians: Team news for Saturday's game at the Gardens
Waller and Hill join skipper Tom Cruse in an experienced front row. Callum Braley also gets his first game time of pre-season as he comes in to start at scrum-half. Two trialists will start for Saints as lock Theo Vukasinovic and No.8 Izaiha Moore-Aiono are named in the first 15. Angus Scott-Young returns to the back row having started in the second row in the 33-24 defeat at Bedford Blues last Saturday.
Scott-Young can't wait to square up to familiar faces as Saints battle Barbarians
Saints will welcome the Barbarians to the Gardens for an exhibition game, and the away side will contain plenty of Australian players. Scott-Young, who moved to Saints from Queensland Reds last summer, knows several of his compatriots well, and he can't wait to square up to them. "There's heaps of them I know!" Scott-Young said. “Jason Gilmore is the coach and he was actually my school coach at Churchie Grammar School in Queensland.
Saints bid to start home campaign on a high note as they square up to Barbarians
Only Leicester Tigers, Munster and La Rochelle managed to conquer cinch Stadium at Franklin's Gardens. Saints won 11 of their 14 home matches in all competitions, flooring some huge sides. And the message this week is very much that the black, green and gold want to do it all again. They make their long-awaited return to the Gardens for an exhibition game against the Barbarians on Saturday (kick-off 2pm). And it is an occasion that boss Phil Dowson and his players are relishing.
Summer signing Pearson now getting ready to start life with the Saints
The former London Irish flanker arrived at cinch Stadium at Franklin's Gardens for a medical last Friday but was given this week off following his involvement in England's World Cup training camp. Pearson played for England against Wales this summer but just missed out on a place in the squad for the tournament which starts in France in September. The 23-year-old is now focusing his attentions on settling in Northampton having made the move following London Irish's sad demise earlier this year.
Salakaia-Loto selected by Barbarians for clash with Saints at the Gardens
As reported by this publication earlier this month, the lock will make a rapid return to Northampton, having departed during the summer to join Melbourne Rebels. The 26-year-old made a big impact at Saints after arriving from the Queensland Reds ahead of the start of last season. He played 24 times for the black, green and gold, scoring two tries, but he decided to cut his stay short for family reasons.
Harold Childs: A Remembrance
Tom Vickers is a lifelong music fan who started as a journalist for Rolling Stone magazine. After an article on George Clinton and Parliament/Funkadelic, he became Minister of Information for Clinton’s PFunk empire. From there he worked at A&M as West Coast Publicity Director, Almo Irving Music as a Professional Manager and onward to A&R stints at Capitol and Mercury Records. At A&M, he met legendary record executive Harold Childs, whose life and career he will help commemorate in April.
'A truly outstanding rugby player' - Borthwick salutes England centurion Lawes
Lawes will start at six and captain his country against Fiji at Twickenham (kick-off 3.15pm) as he racks up his Red Rose ton. It is an incredible achievement for the 34-year-old, who made his England debut against Australia in 2009. And boss Borthwick said: “We couldn’t be prouder of Courtney on achieving his incredible milestone after 14 years of excellent performances for his country. “It has been a privilege to watch his journey and witness him develop into a truly outstanding rugby player.
Lawes to hit England century as Saints star is named skipper for Fiji clash
Lawes starts at six in the final Rugby World Cup warm-up match, with Saints team-mate Alex Mitchell also in the first 15 as he lines up at scrum-half. Saints captain Lewis Ludlam is among the replacements. Lawes, who made his debut for England against Australia in 2009, becomes only the fifth men’s player to reach a century of caps for the Red Rose.
Hooker Cruse 'hungry for more' as he targets successful season at Saints
The black, green and gold were beaten in the final four by Saracens, who went on to claim the title with a victory against Sale Sharks at Twickenham. Saints have now reached back-to-back Premiership semi-finals, but hopes are high that they can go even further this season.
Saints star Lawes insists England will be relentless in pursuit of improvement
The Saints star won his 99th Test cap last weekend, skippering the Red Rose in their 29-10 defeat to Ireland in Dublin. It was another hugely disappointing day for England, who had Billy Vunipola sent off. Steve Borthwick's side will now prepare to host Fiji at Twickenham on Saturday (kick-off 3.15pm) in what will be their final World Cup warm-up match. And Lawes said: "We won't give up.
Women's Rugby World Cup coming to town as Gardens is selected as a host venue
England hosts the 2025 tournament, and World Rugby has now confirmed the venues and tournament dates – with the Gardens set to stage several fixtures throughout the competition. Rugby World Cup 2025 is set to be the biggest-ever celebration of women’s rugby, and the home of Saints will be at the forefront throughout the tournament, which kicks off on August 22 before concluding in the final on September 27.
Saints wheelchair rugby continues to go from strength to strength as interest increases
In fact, so popular has it become that the club has added a second team, naturally named the Wanderers, to keep up with increasing demand for participation in the sport. Since the creation of the first team back in 2017, Saints have gone from strength to strength. And that progress shows little sign of halting any time soon. “The numbers are rising week on week, and the programme has been an absolute success," said Saints wheelchair rugby head coach Jamie Higgins.
Saints star Lawes to skipper England against Ireland in World Cup warm-up match
The 34-year-old will earn his 99th England cap at the Aviva Stadium as he starts at six, but Lewis Ludlam and recent call-up Alex Mitchell won't be involved this weekend. Following their narrow 19-17 victory over Wales last Saturday, the Red Rose will be looking for their third win of the summer. And England head coach Steve Borthwick said: “It is a great challenge against the number one ranked team in the world and we are all excited for this fixture.
Salakaia-Loto set for rapid return to Saints as he prepares to play for Barbarians
Salakaia-Loto is strongly rumoured to be one of several Australian stars in action for the match in Northampton. The players are set to be on standby for the Wallabies ahead of the Rugby World Cup, which starts in France on September 8. Saints will face the Baa-Baas in an exhibition fixture at the Gardens, giving supporters the chance to say a farewell to Salakaia-Loto, who left the club for Melbourne Rebels during the summer.
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