Lancashire

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  1. Edwards signing a 'significant coup'published at 13:43 3 February

    Shamoon Hafez
    BBC Sport football news reporter

    Marcus Edwards in action for SportingImage source, Getty Images

    Championship promotion hopefuls Burnley have claimed a significant coup with the loan signing of former England youth international Marcus Edwards from Sporting.

    The 26-year-old was linked in the past to top six teams in the Premier League, but it seems like his stock has fallen recently, not playing for the Portuguese side since November.

    Club insiders have said the appeal of working under ex-Tottenham coach Scott Parker was the major contributing factor in Edwards joining the Turf Moor outfit.

    Having also brought in Jonjo Shelvey, Ashley Barnes and Oliver Sonne during the transfer window, Edwards might well be the final arrival this winter.

    In terms of outgoings, defender John Egan looks like he may be heading to Hull and other outgoings are not currently anticipated, although a big bid for one of the squad could change that.

  2. NI duo Maxwell and McDaniel leave Reds to join Burnleypublished at 13:43 2 February

    Louise McDaniel and Danielle Maxwell with the Irish CupImage source, Pacemaker Press
    Image caption,

    Maxwell and McDaniel helped Cliftonville to a domestic treble last season

    Northern Ireland internationals Danielle Maxwell and Louise McDaniel have left Women's Premiership champions Cliftonville to join Burnley.

    Both players played a key role Cliftonville's two title winning seasons in 2022 and 2024.

    Maxwell managed 11 league goals and McDaniel netted the opener in the 5-0 Irish Cup final win against Lisburn Rangers as the Reds won a domestic treble last season and enjoyed an 'invincible' Women's Premiership campaign.

    Winger Maxwell, who previously had a short stint at Blackburn Rovers, won the Women's Premiership Player of the Year award in 2023 and 2024

    The 22-year-old has won 16 caps for Northern Ireland, scoring two goals.

    McDaniel joined John McGrady's side in 2021 after spells with Linfield, Hearts and Blackburn Rovers.

    The centre midfielder was part of Northern Ireland's Euro 2022 squad and has won 17 caps, becoming first Northern Ireland women's player to score at Windsor Park, when she netted in a 4-0 victory over Latvia in 2021.

    The two players will link up with international teammate Brenna McPartlan at the Clarets, who sit third in Women's Premier Division.

    "It's a very competitive league and it's a big step for me, but from what I've seen of the club it's very professional," Maxwell told the club's website.

    "I'm here to help with goals and assists but ultimately, the most important thing is that the team keeps getting results.

    "It's an exciting time at the club with some clear goals in mind and they align with my own ambitions, so I thought it was a really good fit," McDaniel added.

    "I spoke to Brenna and she told me everything about the club. Having been here for a few days now it has surpassed my expectations."

  3. Preston 'too easy to play against' - Heckingbottompublished at 13:30 2 February

    Paul HeckingbottomImage source, Getty Images

    Preston head coach Paul Heckingbottom says his side were not good enough in their 2-1 loss at Lancashire rivals Blackburn Rovers.

    Makhtar Gueye's first-half header and Todd Cantwell's penalty after the break put the hosts in control before Brad Potts' stoppage-time finish gave the visitors late hope.

    "We were too easy to play against in the first half in terms of not causing them enough problems, playing in front of them too much, and our attacking players weren't positive enough," Heckingbottom told BBC Radio Lancashire.

    "We put ourselves in a horrible position being 2-0 down - we'll always focus on what we do, what we can do better, what we get right and wrong, but it's frustrating how the game ended."

    The loss saw Preston remain in 15th place in the table, but they had a very late penalty appeal turned down after Gueye appeared to catch Potts with an arm to the face.

    "I've never seen a penalty given for a clash of heads but I have seen them all the time for elbows in faces - simple," added Heckingbottom.

    "We've not decided the game, that's the big issue, and when it's really frustrating."

  4. Parker praise Burnley resilience after drawpublished at 18:32 1 February

    Burnley boss Scott Parker watches on as his side draw 0-0 against Portsmouth at Fratton ParkImage source, Rex Features
    Image caption,

    Scott Parker's Burnley have only conceded nine league goals all season

    Burnley boss Scott Parker said his side were below par in their 0-0 draw away against Portsmouth.

    Parker told BBC Radio Lancashire: "It's a difficult place to come as you can see from their results over the past few weeks.

    "They are a different animal at home, an aggressive team who put you under pressure constantly with a real intent and we had to stand up to that.

    "That's the one positive because this game could have looked a lot different if we didn't have that resilience about us.

    "On the flip side, we weren't at our best. We lacked a little something.

    "We knew what was coming and the way they play causes you problems. We couldn't really gain any control and that's down to them. They put us under a lot of pressure but it's a good point."