Leicester Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill has admitted his side are a "bit behind defensively" as new coach Phil Blake puts his systems in place.

The 50-year-old Aussie arrived in Leicester a couple of weeks ago after finishing his commitments Down Under with club side Manly.

Their qualification for the end-of-season play-offs in Australia delayed his arrival at Oval Park.

As a result, Cockerill said Tigers are still learning the way that Blake wants things done and are naturally getting used to that with the season already under way.

Tigers head to Exeter on Saturday after conceding two tries in the win against Newcastle last weekend.

Although Tigers had the firepower to battle back from that to record a comfortable bonus-win over the Falcons, bigger tests await at Exeter and Bath in the next two rounds.

"Our defence was a bit disorganised at times against Newcastle and we need to improve on that," said Cockerill.

"Phil Blake is working hard on that. I would have liked him here two months ago and we are behind a bit defensively.

"He is putting the foundations in that should have been done in July. But that is the circumstance we find ourselves in.

"With most good people, you have to wait for them and we have had to wait for Phil."

Tigers are also having to wait for the return of several of their big-name stars who are beginning the new season on the sidelines with injury.

Ant Allen did not feature last weekend while Tom Croft was a late withdrawl after being named in the side on Friday.

Cockerill said that it was not worth taking the risk with either man at the start of a long campaign.

"Tom Croft has a shoulder problem," he said. "He could have played but Jamie Gibson was one of our stand-out players last season and has been really good.

"We want to look after Crofty in a long season. There is no point pushing him when Jamie can step in.

"Ant is still recovering from his knee operation in the summer.

"He is training well and recovering. He was just not quite ready to play yet and it was sensible not to use him."

Tigers were also without Ed Slater, Louis Deacon, Miles Benjamin, Gonzalo Camacho, Dan Cole, Scott Hamilton, Pablo Matera, Geoff Parling, Laurence Pearce, Michele Rizzo, Adam Thompstone and Brad Thorn against Newcastle.

Marcos Ayerza is also away on international duty with Argentina.

Being two similar-sized Midlands clubs, Leicester City and Stoke have often been like ships that pass in the night. Whenever we meet, one or the other of us is on the up, or the down.

On Saturday, we meet up again in the top flight for the first time in 30 years.

Stoke have been there since 2008, and represent something that Leicester need to aspire to – a club living comfortably in the Premier League, rather than clinging on for dear life with the odd FA Cup final appearance thrown in for good measure. That's the life for me.

I can recall vividly that last top-flight meeting with the Potters, in January 1985, for several reasons.

Firstly, it was a 0-0 draw in which nothing of note happened at all. We agreed it was the most boring game we had ever seen (although Stoke probably considered it a highlight in a season where they were relegated with 17 points).

Secondly, it was absolutely freezing and, for some idiotic reason, we had elected to go in a draughty and half-empty Double Decker rather than nestle among the warm crowd at the back of Pen Three.

I recall at one point we were so cold our teeth were uncontrollably chattering. And finally, the Midland Fox buses were on strike and we had to walk the seven miles home.

The fashion requirements of the mid-80s meant that coats were frowned upon and, by the time we got back to our firesides, I was lucky not to have lost my core heat to an irretrievable measure.

Another Stoke game that stands out in the memory was City's last-ever trip to the old Victoria Ground.

Garry Parker beautifully struck home the only goal to send City to Wembley for a meeting with Crystal Palace in the 1996 Play-Off final.

Stoke never recovered their momentum from that night and soon found themselves in the third tier, while Leicester enjoyed six seasons in the Premier League.

The tables were dramatically turned on May 4, 2008, at the Britannia Stadium, when Stoke fans were celebrating automatic promotion to the Premier League on their pitch while Leicester's forlorn followers sat dumbstruck in the away stand having just witnessed their club being relegated to the third tier for the first time in their history.

Whatever happens in the Potteries on Saturday, we can't feel as bad as we did that day.

But it is a vital game for City, who need to build on the promising start they made before the international break.

With the mini-injury crisis easing, and some new faces in the squad, I am really looking forward to this one.

This is the first game of the rest of the season. I'll be happy with a point (I'll be ecstatic with three).

Ellistown & Ibstock United welcome one of the FA Cup's most famous names when they entertain Hereford United in the first qualifying round on Saturday.

Hereford might not have won the trophy but they will be forever remembered for producing what is still regarded as one of the greatest shocks in the competition's history.

In February 1972, they dumped First Division side Newcastle United out of the third round with a dramatic 2-1 replay victory at Edgar Street.

Hereford were non-leaguers then and, despite earning a passage into the Football League, a fall from grace now sees them back in the Southern League.

Ellistown, of the East Midlands Counties League, will relish the opportunity of causing an upset of their own.

The match has been switched to Coalville Town's Owen Street ground, and there will be no lack of confidence, either, after Tuesday's 4-0 league win over Aylestone Park.

Barwell have improved after a poor start to their Northern Premier League campaign and picked up a 2-0 win over Stamford on Tuesday, with Jon Stevenson firing both goals.

They will be well tested, though, at Coleshill, who are second in the Midland Football League top flight.

Blaby & Whetstone Athletic were in the spotlight on Monday as they took on Leicester City in the Westerby Cup Winners' Cup final and they will not be too downhearted by the 4-2 reverse.

They have home advantage on Saturday as they face MFL outfit Tipton Town.

Coalville Town travel to Evo-Stik Premier Division side Belper Town having suffered their first home league defeat of the season in midweek to Spalding United.

Despite taking the lead through Joe Davies, two second-half goals saw them lose 2-1.

Shepshed Dynamo travel to Sheffield FC, billed as the 'world's first football club'.

The first thing that Dynamo have to do is exorcise the memory of last week's collapse at Lye Town, where they led 4-0 only to lose 5-4.

Holwell Sports have made a slow start to the EMCL season with just one win to date from five starts. They travel to Spalding, who are mid-table in the NPL Division One South.

The memory of last season's Aviva Premiership play-off defeat to Northampton Saints still rankles with Leicester Tigers back-row forward Julian Salvi.

Tigers crashed out 21-20 to their great rivals at Franklins Gardens having led 17-6 at half-time.

The hosts, though, snatched a last-gasp victory leaving Salvi, his team-mates and Tigers' supporters in a state of despair.

"We could have got through to the final," said Salvi ahead of Saturday's trip to Exeter Chiefs.

"It was a matter of two minutes at the end when we fell off our guard. 

"We defended for the whole second half which isn't ideal in any sense but we just pulled up short."

The memory of that defeat will only add to Tigers' desire to get back to the top this season, according to the 28-year-old flanker.

They have made a good start, with an opening-day 36-17 win over Newcastle at Welford Road.

"For a lot of players who were part of that defeat at Saints, there is that drive to get back to winning ways and get back to where we should be," he said.

"We have that quality to be pushing for trophies in every competition we play in.

"I don't want to be in that position I was in last year, bowing out in the semi-final. That's not the Leicester way.

"It was the first time I have experienced it and I don't want to experience it again. We are here to be in finals."

Injuries bit deep last season but Tigers still managed to reach the play-offs.

Salvi believes that, with the new faces acquired between seasons, Leicester are well placed to deal with whatever issues come their way in what is always a highly physical and demanding season.

"It is probably one of the better squads that has come together since I have been here," he said.

"There is the quality and depth to be able to call on other players through matches and have that talent and knowledge available. That is crucial.

"It may also allow us to rotate a bit more and give guys a bit more opportunity to rest before the bigger matches."

Tickets are still available for Leicester's trip to Exeter's newly-extended Sandy Park.

Contact the Chiefs' ticket office for further details on 01392 890890 or at: www.exeterchiefs.co.uk

It is with great pleasure that I am able write my column with some good news after a tough few weeks on and off the park. We were all chuffed to bits when our left-arm quick Atif Sheikh took a hat-trick at Bristol this week.

It was great to see stumps flying all over the place as 'The Boss', as he is known, put his name in the record books with three-in-a-row on a flat wicket at Bristol on Wednesday.

There is genuine excitement when keeping to a quick bowler so, hopefully, the kid can kick on and work hard on his game with Lloyd Tennant during the winter.

The second team claimed their second trophy during the week with an easy win in the 50-over competition against Lancashire.

Mike Thornely scored another 50 and Neil Pinner hit 76 to continue the good work he has put in with us this year.

Next up for 'Jose Mourinho', as Lloyd is known in the dressing room, is the four-day final against Essex at Chelmsford next week.

Young Angus Robson tipped over the 1,000-run mark for the season in making 97 at Bristol, and what an achievement it has been for our new opening hero. At the start of pre-season it was unclear who would open up with Greg Smith, but pre-season runs got Robson in the side.

He was left out after a couple of matches but was recalled when Matt Boyce went down sick, and he has fully taken advantage of the opportunity and will be thrilled to bits as we all are for the young 'Horse' (his nickname).

Looking back on England's one-day series with India, and the one-off T20 game, it was good to see England register a couple of wins.

After speaking to some recently-axed England players, they seem convinced that the players prefer it when Eoin Morgan is captain and feel there is more swagger and a higher intensity about their cricket when the Irishman is at the helm.

Joe Root stood up and scored a super ton, and it was needed as the vultures were starting to hover.

But he has had a wonderful summer, and form is temporary and class permanent.

Joe Root is a class act, but I think the fans who booed Moeen Ali should be ashamed of themselves and I was disgusted by it.

Mo has taken it all in his stride and been the model pro, while many people tried to rectify the situation.

We get stick from crowds all over the world at international level – even at county level – and you have to get used to it, but it doesn't make it right.

Switching to football, what a huge weekend we have in store in the Premier League with Leicester City at Stoke and my boys, Everton, at West Brom.

Stoke away will be a tough game and Leicester could do with picking up points against these sort of sides. In the long run, it will be these fixtures that count and I hope City can do the job against the Potters.

Niall O'Brien's column is sponsored by Clifton Packaging.

An adult and a baby have been rescued from the first floor of a building after a kitchen fire.

Fire crews were called to the fire in Coleman Road, Leicester at 1.10pm this afternoon.

A spokesman from the fire service said:"We have attended and rescued two people using a short extension ladder. They were rescued from a first floor window.

"We have extinguished the fire by using two breathing apparatus and one hose reel.

"Two people have received first aid from the ambulance service.

"The fire is extinguished and everyone is safe."

The fire service received calls from a neighbour who could see that something was on fire.

The cause of the fire is believed to be a kitchen pan left on the cooker. Fire crews left the scene at 1.50pm. The adult and baby is now in the care of East Midlands Ambulance Service. 

Leicester City fans have 28 football banning orders according to figures released by the Home Office today.

The figure puts them 15th in the Premier League table as at September 3, 2014:

1. Newcastle United: 127

2. Chelsea: 91

3. West Ham: 67

4. Manchester United: 61

5. Tottenham Hotspur: 46

6. Manchester City: 45

7. Liverpool: 40

8. Sunderland: 40

9. Arsenal: 39

10. Crystal Palace: 36

11. Hull: 34

12. Aston Villa: 31

13. Everton: 30

14. Burnley: 29

15. Leicester City: 28

16. Southampton: 24

17. Stoke City: 24

18. Swansea: 21

19. West Bromwich Albion: 20

20. Queens Park Rangers: 15

Rivals Derby had 25 and Nottingham Forest 23.

Home Office football banning orders report

Today's drawing shows one of the two lodges at the entrance to Abbey park, on the northern side of Leicester's inner area.

Both were designed by James Tait, a local architect, and are late Victorian in origin.

Abbey Park, as we know it today, really consists of two quite separate areas of open land, divided by the now contained and regulated River Soar.

Originally, the land was low-lying, marshy and flooded in winter, as did many other rivers in wide, flat valley floors until Victorian engineers got to work and straightened river courses, built weirs and increased the height of the banks.

To the west of the river are the foundations of Leicester Abbey, a large Augustinian friary founded in the 1100s.

It was a magnificent building, with a large church, residential accommodation for the friars, cloisters, etc.

Its main claim to fame is that Cardinal Wolsey died in it in 1530, on his way back to London from York.

He had been summoned by Henry VIII to face a trial for treason because he had failed to get a divorce agreement for the king from the Pope.

A few years later, the abbey was demolished on the orders of the king, some of the stone being used to build the nearby Cavendish House and the boundary walls we can still see today.

To the east of the river, on land donated by William Tollemache, the 9th Earl of Dysart, plans for a public park were created in the late 1870s and it was formally opened on May 29, 1892, by Queen Victoria's eldest son, Edward, Prince of Wales, and his wife, Alexandra.

The park is not a wilderness area but has a more formal layout with a boating lake, a bandstand, a miniature railway, islands of trees, flower beds, open grass spaces and a welcoming cafe across the very elegant multi-arched bridge.

Leicester City midfielder Matty James has returned to full training after injury, but won't be ready to face Stoke City on Saturday, manager Nigel Pearson has said.

James has returned from a shin injury which has delayed the start of his Premier League season and has trained fully this week, but having missed several weeks, Pearson said he needed more training before being ready for match action.

City are also waiting on the return of ta few of their internationals, including Riayd Mahrez, before discovering if all seven of his internationals had returned fully fit for the trip to the Britannia Stadium.

"We've still got two or three players to get back so can't update on the squad. It is a typical international week," he said.

"We've had several away this week and we still don't have everyone back.

"Some federations are more forthcoming than others. One or two lads have played for African Nations and the logistics are more complicated.

"We're very happy with how the squad has trained and have the bonus of Matty James being back with the squad.

"All in all we are getting nearer full strength and that's a big plus."

City have several new players who are vying to make their full debuts on Saturday.

Nick Powell and Tom Lawrence joined from Manchester United on transfer deadline day, while Esteban Cambiasso and Danny Simpson are also competing to make their first full appearance.

"Tom's been away with Wales so his first day with the squad was today," he said.

"Nick has been with us all week and has fitted in well.

"But where they are in terms of selection, means they come in contention like anyone else. But the squad is best suited to that specific game.

"All the players we've added, we've been pleased with how they've been integrated. We have different styles and that's always handy."

Leicester's first free Sikh school could be a step closer to opening.

Falcons Primary, in Gipsy Lane, was due to open on September 3, but had its funding from the Department for Education (DfE) pulled at the last minute because of a "breakdown in relationship".

The move prompted angry calls from parents due to send their children there for the cash to be reinstated.

A meeting between the school's Sikh trustees and Lord Nash, parliamentary under secretary for schools, took place on Wednesday. Following this, the DfE has said that providing the trustees can meet a number of conditions, the school could still open this academic year.

A spokesperson for the DfE said: "We continue to support the idea of a Sikh ethos school in Leicester and have been working closely with the trust of Falcons Primary to see if we can open the school soon. The trust must meet a number of strict conditions before this can happen - for example on staffing, governance and pupil numbers - but good progress has already been made.

"We will continue to support and work with them to try and open the school soon and would like to pay tribute to members of the local community who have put in a lot of time and effort over recent days to secure the future of the Sikh ethos school that we all want to see."

Around 69 children had been due to take up a place at Falcons Primary.

However, a spokesperson for the department has previously said that a minimum of at least 90 youngsters should be starting there.

It's understood that new governors with substantial experience have been found.

The meeting between the trustees and Lord Nash was brokered by Leicester East MP Keith Vaz, who is keen to see the school open as soon as possible.

Trustee Harminder Singh Jagdev said: "The support of the Sikh community and from the wider community has been really overwhelming. We will do all it can to ensure that Falcon Primary becomes an outstanding school and would like to thank Keith Vaz for his vital intervention, as well as Councillor Vi Dempster at Leicester City Council and the Sikh Council UK, for their ongoing commitment and support."

Mr Vaz said: "I am delighted with this news.

"The discussions between the trustees and the Government have been a great success. At the heart of all these matters has been the best education for the children. Aiming to open the school at half term will give the new trustees an opportunity to bed down.

"This is a great day for Falcons and all those who are have struggled so valiantly to open it. My special thanks to John Nash who has been an outstanding minister and who has kept his promise to me and the community."

Problems first arose when the Affinity Teaching School Alliance, a partner of the school trustees based in Kibworth, pulled out at the 11th hour.

Paul Stone, chairman of Affinity has said that it acted with "complete integrity" but felt it could no longer support the school and withdrew.

He said: "We were happy to hand over and have a transition period to another body and have always had the absolute desire to see it open."

Councillor Dempster, assistant city mayor for schools, said: "I'm very pleased there has been progress, but the families and their children need certainty, and this announcement does nothing to provide that. The DfE really needs to get behind the community and give them a firm date."

The building in Gipsy Lane has had a £1 million refurbishment in recent months. 

Youngsters from a city school met Brian Conley, the star of Curve's latest show, Barnum, today.

Excited pupils from Forest Lodge Primary, in New Parks, gathered outside the Leicester theatre to be presented with a bespoke coach by the cast of Barnum.

The specially designed vehicle has been part sponsored by The Mackintosh Foundation and the show itself is produced by Cameron Mackintosh.

Beaming pupil Milan Coltman, 10, said: "The coach is absolutely amazing and being able to see Barnum is brilliant."

Fellow pupil Henry Kapishe, 10, said: "I really like our new bus and meeting Brian Conley."

Forest Lodge head teacher Claire Caldwell said: "We applied for the bus through children's charity, Variety, who helped us find a sponsor in the Mackintosh Foundation which put £10,000 towards it. The school itself has match funded the cost and now we have this fantastic new bus to help transport pupils on trips. It's a huge asset for us to have and will help enhance curriculum opportunities. We're very grateful.

"The children have been so excited about getting it and have thoroughly enjoyed their VIP treatment at the Curve."

A spokesman for the Mackintosh Foundation said: "We're very proud to be sponsoring this coach and delighted to offer support to young people who deserve to participate in every aspect of school life and to spread their wings into the community. This coach will enable them to do this."

Musical Barnum follows the irrepressible imagination and dreams of Phineas T Barnum, (Brian Conley) an American showman who created Barnum and Bailey's Circus. It follows the story of his life and his marriage to Chairy, and their creative imagination which made them a success.

A former soldier competing for Britain in the London Invictus Games has shared a bit of light-hearted banter with their patron, Prince Harry.

Steve Gill, from Cosby, is one of two amputees from the county testing themselves against ex-service personnel and veterans from 13 other countries.

The 45-year-old lost both his legs and an eye in a bomb blast while serving with the British Army in Belfast, in 1989.

He was chosen to compete in the archery competition, alongside fellow Melton Mowbray Archery Club member Leigh Bland, from Sileby.

Steve had his second royal encounter with the prince in a matter of weeks at the official residence of the US ambassador, in Regent's Park, where American rock band The Foo Fighters were performing a concert for the athletes.

He said: "A few weeks ago, when the British team was unveiled, I teased him about losing his speech notes to a gust of wind.

"It told him 'you can't read from that now'. Anyway, at the ambassador's house, after he spoke to everyone, he recognised me and came over for a chat.

"I said 'that was much better, looks like you sorted your notes out this time' and he laughed.

"I took the opportunity to take a selfie with on my phone with him an he was happy to.

"If I keep bumping into him like this, i said I'm going to have to start calling him 'H', not Your Royal Highness!"

The garden party, staged by Prince Harry, saw US President Barack Obama wish the athletes well by video message on a large screen.

Steve, who only took up archery a year ago, has made it through to the semi-finals in the 'open recurve bow' category of the archery competition, which will be screened live from the Olympic Park, from 10am, tomorrow, on BBC One.

He said: "It's been absolutely mad! Crazy. I made it through the heats earlier this week and was up against this lad from the Netherlands.

"I was just doing my stuff and firing away. I didn't even know what I was shooting at half of the time.

"So whey they said stop and told me I'd won, I couldn't believe it!"

Steve added: "To be in the semis is just amazing, especially having only taken up archery last year.

"But the pressure's on me now, knowing I'm going to be competing on TV.

"I'm no shrinking violet, but it's going to be nerve-wracking."

Steve was joined by Leigh, a Royal Air Force technician who had a leg amputated below the knee following a fall in training in 2009, at the Game's opening ceremony, shown live on television on Wednesday.

Unfortunately for Leigh, who was not available to be interviewed, the 34-year-old had already been knocked out of his competition after making the last 16.

Steve said: "I really felt for him. He was absolutely gutted, but still did really well and will be sticking around during the games to support everyone else..

"We both really enjoyed the opening ceremony, where Prince Harry made another really inspiring speech.

"It was very moving when we entered the stadium and all the crowd was applauding us, and when the three soldiers sang the Invictus anthem, by the Coldplay singer Chris Martin.

"There was this Danish competitor in front of me in absolute bits, in floods of tears."

Steve said the experience of taking part in the world's first international games for wounded servicemen and women had been "fantastic".

"It's been a real privilege" he said. "I've met soldiers from all over – from Estonia, Georgia, even Afghanistan – there's is a definite bond, real solidarity, between us all."

The games will conclude on Sunday.

Five-year-old Albert Tansey who was born with half a heart is recovering after a life-saving heart transplant.

News of the operation was posted on Facebook and the social media site You Tube around 12 noon today.

The caption read: "I've got a bit of news I need to share, not sure how this happened, destiny? Incredible coincidence? A miracle? But I like to think it's because of all you wonderful people out there."

The video describes the donation as "an act of remarkable generosity" and with "combined with incredible bravery Albert received his gift of life."

Within minutes of the news messages began pouring in for the youngster.

They ranged from "fantastic news. Here's to a speedy recovery and getting back home soon" to "wow, so touching, so happy for you all."

The You Tube includes pictures of Albert, who was just seven days old when he had his first open heart surgery, with his parents Adam and Annita (corr).

The operation is understood to have taken place in Newcastle

It was only a week ago that the Leicester Mercury told the story of Albert's version of the ice bucket challenge, tipping beans bags instead of ice.

It won the imagination of a nation as it gained national media coverage and raised awareness of the importance of organ donation.

At the time dad Adam said he had been overwhelmed by the response and added: "People have messaged me from all over the world telling me they have joined the register.

"The more people there are, the more chance we have of finding one for Albert."

Nigel Pearson has admitted his Leicester City side need to start converting their encouraging displays into victories.

City travel to Stoke tomorrow (3.0) still searching for their first Premier League win of the season.

They have picked up two points from their opening three games, which were all tough encounters against Everton, Chelsea and Arsenal, and Pearson said his side can take great confidence from the way they have performed so far.

He is confident the wins will come if his players maintain the standards they have set so far, starting tomorrow at the Britannia Stadium.

"The performances have been good," he said. 

"We'd like more points, that speaks for itself, but the players have shown they are capable of performing at this level.

"We now need to find the ability to win enough points.

"The performances have been encouraging against good opposition and we are up against a very good side again tomorrow.

"I've heard it mentioned in other quarters that the games get easier but I'd disagree with that observation. I don't think that is the case at all.

"The sides you play in the Premier League offer you different sorts of challenges. We have played some outstanding sides so far. 

"Tomorrow presents a very tough obstacle in Stoke."

City have certainly adopted a positive approach to their games so far, despite facing three of last season's top five sides.

Pearson believes that will be the key to their survival if they can maintain that approach.

"It's important we continue to play positively," he added.

"We've tried to win the games we've played so far and we will endeavour to do the same tomorrow.

"If we continue to show the same desire, I'm a big believer we will do well this season.

"There's no doubting we need to convert chances when they come along, but the collective performances so far have been very good."

Only long-term injury absentee Matthew Upson will be missing for City, although Matty James is unlikely to be risked after returning to full training following a shin injury.

Stoke are waiting on the condition of Mame Diouf, who only returned from international duty with Senegal yesterday, before deciding on whether to change the side that picked up a shock win at champions Manchester City last time out.