All posts by h716a5.icu

Resuming overnight at 340-2, Kent set off to achieve a giant score, with Australian Andrew Symonds and Ed Smith continuing where the innings left off.

Vic Isaacs20-Apr-2002Whilst travelling from Southampton to Canterbury on Thursday evening, I listened to an interesting radio conversation on the merits of the County Championship, and that this mediocre, almost Victoriana competition did not attract spectators.If any of these gentlemen were at Canterbury today on a fine sunny spring day, they would have watched County Cricket at it’s finest, and watched by a large crowd.Resuming overnight at 340-2, Kent set off to achieve a giant score, with Australian Andrew Symonds and Ed Smith continuing where the innings left off. The added 28 smart runs before with the new ball taken after the new 90 over rule, England Academy prospect Chris Tremlett with some extra bounce dismissed Smith and Walker in quick succession. Symonds however showed a superb array of shots before holing out to Robin Smith on the deep square boundary just before lunch.Early in the afternoon, Hampshire wicket-keeper Adi Aymes had to leave the field with knee ligament trouble, and Nic Pothas not unusual to the roll took over the gloves.Some late hitting by Hewitt and Patel allowed Kent to declare with 10 overs to bowl before tea,Surviving till the tea break, Kenway and Kendall both fell cheaply, but Robin Smith joined debutant John Crawley to see out time.Crawley played some exquisite shots to prove Hampshire’s keeness to obtain his services, and on a good wicket the visitors will be looking to achieve the task of scoring the 428 needed to avoid a follow on.

Manchester United are targeting a new defensive midfielder ahead of the upcoming transfer window, according to reports.

What’s the story?

Well-known journalist James Cooper recently made a huge claim on a Sky Sports News broadcast, linking Man United with a signing that would dramatically alter how their team sets up. He said (as posted on Twitter by United Journal):

“United could be in the market for a player that lessens the need for a double-pivot and frees up Paul Pogba to express himself.” 

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has often opted for a combination of Fred and Scott McTominay, aka McFred, for added protection in big games, but it appears as though the Red Devils boss is hoping to move away from that safety-first approach in the future.

Fans will be buzzing

The Old Trafford outfit made good progress in 2020/21, achieving a consecutive top-four finish in the Premier League for the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.

Winning the Europa League on Wednesday night in their first European cup final in four years would be the ideal way to end an impressive campaign for the English giants.

However, there is still a lot of work to be done to restore United to their former glory, with a 12-point gap to table-toppers Manchester City evidence of the distance between themselves and league title success.

Several star names have been linked with a move to Solskjaer’s charges in recent weeks. The likes of Jadon Sancho, Harry Kane and Raphael Varane are all reportedly attracting admiring glances from the club’s hierarchy, but it’s a less attractive position that appears to be taking priority.

In the modern era, a lot of Europe’s top teams, such as City and Liverpool, play with a single holding midfielder, allowing the other midfielders freedom to join the forwards in attack, creating a far more dangerous attacking unit.

City have had Fernandinho and then Rodri in that particular role, Liverpool have Fabinho and Real Madrid use Casemiro, but Solskjaer has very rarely felt comfortable enough to entrust that responsibility upon one man, instead opting to double up in the centre of the park.

What United gain in the defensive third, they lose at the top end of the pitch, and therefore, the club’s supporters will surely be buzzing at Cooper’s latest revelation that the manager plans to be a bit more attacking next year.

If Solskjaer can find the right man for the job, it will allow the likes of Paul Pogba license to roam forward and showcase their world-class creative talent much closer to the opposition goal, potentially causing havoc for opponents.

And, in other news…Forget Lindelof: Man United must swoop for “quality” £50m prodigy

Alan Nixon believes Roy Keane is desperate to become Celtic’s new manager.

The Lowdown: Keane’s previous links

Keane, a former Champions League winner as a player, has been linked with the vacant role in recent months.

The 49-year-old was in talks with the Hoops board in March and was back in the frame for the job a few weeks later.

Eddie Howe appeared to be Keane’s main rival for the job back then, however, a move for the Englishman fell through on Friday, with the Hoops now thought to be in advanced talks with Ange Postecoglou.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/celtic-updates-4/” title=”Celtic updates” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Latest: Nixon’s claim on Keane

Nixon was asked about the possibility of Keane landing the job over Postecoglou on Twitter by a Celtic fan on Saturday evening.

The Sun writer replied, dropping a huge three-word claim by believing Keane ‘wants it badly’. However, according to Nixon, the Hoops hierarchy don’t want him.

“Keane wants it badly. But people in power there don’t want him. Shame. Would have been fun.”

The Verdict: Hoops making the right call

Even though Keane seemingly wants to return to management after 10 years away, we think Celtic are making the correct decision by having no interest in giving him the job.

Martin O’Neill appears to be in Dermot Desmond’s ear, staking his claim for Keane to get the job, but it seems even the opinion of a Hoops hero hasn’t persuaded the owner to change his mind.

Celtic have held extensive talks with Postecoglou and have submitted an offer for the Yokohama F. Marinos boss, who was coy on a move to Scotland on Sunday.

Postecoglou has only had a three-month break from management over the last 12 years, so that experience could be a key factor in Celtic looking at him over the Irishman, who has simply been out of the dugout for too long to trust as a reliable option.

In other news: Anthony Joseph shares three factors why Eddie Howe move fell through, find out more here. 

It has been over three months since Neil Lennon packed his bags and left Celtic behind following a dismal campaign in the Parkhead dugout.

A swift resolution to their woes was needed but the Hoops hierarchy have found life difficult when it’s come to replacing him.

What’s the word?

Celtic were in advanced talks to bring Eddie Howe to Paradise for the best part of two months but after waiting for such a long period of time, a move collapsed.

The 43-year-old looked set to take charge with just his backroom staff to be agreed upon but a deal couldn’t be struck, leaving the Bhoys to consider alternatives.

Ange Postecoglou is now the frontrunner to become the new manager but the fallout to their chase of Howe continues to rage on.

Football Insider shared a new piece of information regarding their pursuit at the weekend, suggesting that Howe snubbed Celtic because he wants to take the Southampton job.

Ralph Hasenhuttl is currently in charge of the Saints but it’s thought a position could open up if they have a poor start to the new campaign.

Desmond can’t be happy

After the two parties pulled the plug on a deal a week and a half ago it can’t have left Dermot Desmond and co very happy.

They’d been waiting patiently and were refusing to panic as they sat about while Bournemouth’s promotion charge went on.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-celtic-manager-and-transfer-news-ajer-howe-lampard-wilshere-gauld” title=”Read the latest Celtic manager and transfer news!”]

Howe wanted to bring in a number of coaches from the Vitality Stadium but had to wait until their Championship play-off campaign had concluded.

Bournemouth didn’t get promoted but Howe failed to agree deals with his preferred backroom staff, leading to a U-turn on the situation from both the club and manager.

That appeared to be the primary reason for a collapse but if it is indeed interest from the Premier League that’s caused another stumbling block, Desmond should be rather angry.

Crystal Palace played a significant part in one of the delays as they reportedly interviewed Howe, only for him to flop during the interview process.

What’s even more peculiar is that there isn’t currently a position at Southampton for the Englishman to take.

They ended the season in a horrendous run of form, winning just five of the 22 league matches they’ve played in 2021.

Southampton started the campaign in good form and were sitting top of the table in November. If a similar eventuality occurs in the new term then it will leave Howe waiting even longer for a job.

If everything had worked out, he may well have been sitting in the Parkhead dugout with one of the most historical clubs in world football.

Desmond should be worried that Celtic aren’t being viewed as a big catch.

AND in other news, Celtic can replace Elyounoussi by signing 42-goal “speed demon”, he’s got “everything”…

Has someone in your club done well

Received Press Release18-Jun-2002Has someone in your club done well? Has there been an outstanding performance on the field, not only in the first XI but in the thirds or fourths, in the midweek side or within the colts league players?If so, then Cricket World magazine want to hear from you as they launch the Club and Youth Awards 2002 in their recent edition.SENIOR AWARDSEach month, Cricket World will present cricket equipment to the value of £200 for the most outstanding performance in club cricket. It may be the highest innings, a ten-wicket haul or an exceptional fielding performance. Whatever it is, Cricket World want to know about it.In addition, there will be prizes at the end of the season for:-
BATTING: Player who scores most centuries, fastest century in balls faced, most outstanding century, oldest player to score a century, club that scores most centuries, most runs by an individual.
BOWLING: Player who takes five wickets or more on most occasions, club whose bowlers take most five wicket hauls, quickest player to take five wickets by way of balls bowled, most wickets by an individual, most unusual performance, most outstanding performance by a woman.Performance submitting forms are available via the Cricket World web-site at www.cricketworld.com via the club link.YOUTH AWARDSEach month, Cricket World will present Cricket Equipment to the value of £100 for the most outstanding performance in youth cricket. It may be the highest innings, a ten-wicket haul, an exceptional fielding performance. Whatever it is, Cricket World want to know about it! Please send or e-mail top performances and if possible a photo. Each entrant will receive a signed certificate to mark their achievement.In addition, there will be prizes at the end of the season for:-
BATTING: Player who scores most fifties, Fastest fifty (Balls faced), Most outstanding fifty, School/Club that scores most fifties, Most runs by an individual.
BOWLING: Player who takes 5 wickets or more on most occasions, School/Club whose bowlers take most 5 wicket hauls, Quickest player to take 5 wickets (Balls bowled), Most outstanding performance, Most wickets by an individual, Most unusual performance, Most outstanding performance by a girl.Forms available at www.cricketworld.com via the youth link.

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans have gone wild as the club announced that manager David Moyes has penned a new three-year deal – coming after Everton showed an interest in the 58-year-old.

The Scotsman guided West Ham to a sixth-placed finish in the Premier League over 2020/2021, securing their qualification for the Europa League group stage next season. 

An arguably remarkable achievement given they narrowly avoided relegation the season before, West Ham have now seen fit to reward Moyes for his brilliant job at the London Stadium.

The announcement had been predicted sooner than this weekend, with reliable club insider ExWHUemployee expecting it to be confirmed last week (Twitter).

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest-news-2/” title=”West Ham latest news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The delay prompted some concern given Everton were said to be eyeing a move for their former boss, but with the news now official, it’s safe to say plenty of Hammers are ecstatic.

Find all of their best verdicts on the development down below.

West Ham fans go wild for new Moyes deal

“OHH YESSSSSSSSS”

Credit: @JoshVernege

“It’s coming home”

Credit: @Woodgeorge16

“Huge W”

Credit: @DerenChakWHU

“Absolutely over the moon Moyes has finally signed a new deal and wants to continue building on the season we have had. Truly deserved that he got this deal and new contract, let’s hope the board can back him properly this transfer window.”

Credit: @AzamWHUFC

“IROOOOOONS”

Credit: @AaronPStephens

“Fantastic news”

Credit: @TheChar10

“Absolutely best bit of news this year for all who are connected to West Ham. Onwards and upwards now!”

Credit: @Thehoss84

“Excellent news, outstanding performance this season”

Credit: @PBviews2020

In other news: ‘According to some sources…’ – Journalist relays enticing West Ham transfer development, find out more here.

New Zealand took only 20 overs to wrap up their six-game pre-tri-series programme unbeaten when thrashing Ireland by nine wickets at Trinity College in Dublin today

Lynn McConnell07-Jul-2002New Zealand took only 20 overs to wrap up their six-game pre-tri-series programme unbeaten when thrashing Ireland by nine wickets at Trinity College in Dublin today.With the ever-present rain of the Irish summer preventing a start until around midday, Ireland batted first after winning the toss and at one stage were 20/5. A lower-order recovery got them through to 90.New Zealand’s bowlers were completely dominant. Nicola Browne returned the best figures from a 10-over spell of four for 21. Rachel Pullar continued her build-up by taking two for 27 off 10 overs, while Haidee Tiffen’s nine overs produced two wickets for 12 runs.Kate Pulford took one for 14 off five overs while Anna Corbin bowled four overs for 13 runs and Aimee Mason one ball which resulted in the run out which ended the Irish innings.Nicola Payne and Tiffen opened the New Zealand innings. Tiffen hit a quick 33 before she was dismissed, allowing Sara McGlashan to join Payne in sealing the win. Payne was 32 not out and McGlashan 10 not out.New Zealand coach Mike Shrimpton said that compared with the second game in which he was disappointed with the fielding, yesterday’s effort had been outstanding.”We caught everything, bowled well on a low and slow wicket and did well to score the runs so quickly,” he said.Although the side had won five out of six and had one no result, the standard of the Netherlands and Irish teams meant it was difficult to get an exact line on where the team was.”We have not really been tested, or under any pressure,” he said.However, he was delighted by the fact the side had been able to manage scores of more than 250 on several occasions when batting.”The worry is the inexperienced bowling we have, since losing three key players after the CricInfo Women’s World Cup. There is no doubt about the talent we have, it is just the lack of playing experience.”We knew that before we came over here so this will be valuable for us in the longer term,” he said.The team leaves for Jersey tomorrow and has no problems with fitness or injury and such has been the form displayed by all players he is delighted to be faced with a selection headache before deciding on the team to play the first match of the tri-series.

A major update has emerged in Manchester City’s pursuit of a £58.5m-rated beast, and it could lead to Txiki Begiristain striking gold for the club.

What’s the talk?

According to The Athletic, the Premier League champions are actively considering a move for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice this summer.

In The Athletic’s “The Radar” feature, Manchester City and Manchester United have both been named as clubs who are heavily interested in the 22-year-old. Chelsea are also thought to be in the running for the defensive midfielder, who is currently away with England at the European Championship.

Jim White claimed earlier this year that David Sullivan told him it will take more than £100m for Rice to leave West Ham this summer. The presenter told talkSPORT: “Sullivan has already told me it’s got to be north of £100m or they won’t entertain it.”

Back in March, England manager Gareth Southgate lavished praise on the “outstanding” Rice as the 50-year-old highlighted the youngster’s impressive defensive work, but admitted that he needs to work on how he builds attacks from the defensive midfield position.

Southgate told West Ham’s official website: “He’s outstanding at recovering balls in midfield. I think there are only a couple higher in the league in terms of recoveries in those midfield areas.

“I think there is still more to come with the ball, that building of attacks, that receiving from defence and transferring the ball quickly forward. We see evidence of it and we see at times he has the athleticism to drive forward with the ball as well.

Bye-bye Fernandinho

Brazil international Fernandinho is due to leave the Etihad Stadium at the end of the month and it is time to say goodbye to him and welcome in a fresh, young, replacement in the form of Rice.

The 36-year-old is in the latter stages of his career and is not able to commit to being City’s defensive midfielder for another few years at his age, whereas Rice could be their starting man for the next decade. At 22, the Englishman has almost his entire career ahead of him, and City could land a key player for years to come by bringing him in.

Begiristain, City’s director of football, could strike gold by sealing a deal for Rice and must now attempt to sign him this summer. The England ace enjoyed a terrific season in the Premier League with West Ham and has proven in recent seasons that he is a top-class defensive midfielder. The 22-year-old has averaged a WhoScored rating of 6.93 or higher in each of his last three Premier League campaigns, with a score of 7.01 for the 2020/21 season.

The £58.5m-rated beast is active on the defensive end in the Premier League. He made 3.6 tackles and interceptions per game in the season just gone for West Ham, having averaged 5.1 in the 2019/20 campaign. Fernandinho averaged 2.6 last season and 2.5 in the previous campaign.

Therefore, Rice could be a superb replacement for the Brazilian, and City must work hard to get this deal done over the summer.

AND in other news, Pep handed major Man City boost over “exceptional” £140k-p/w star, fans surely buzzing…

News has emerged on Sheffield Wednesday’s transfer plans this summer, regarding Swindon Town’s Akin Odimayo.

What’s the talk?

According to Football League World, Sheffield Wednesday are set to step up their pursuit of Swindon Town centre-back Akin Odimayo this summer. Darren Moore wants to add the young defender to his squad as he attempts to build a team capable of securing promotion out of League One next season.

The report claims that Wednesday will need to fight off competition from their League One rivals Doncaster for his signature. Odimayo is out of contract at the end of the month and could be available on a free transfer, although Swindon are in the process of attempting to pin him down to an extension.

Odimayo was named Swindon Town’s Player of the Year for the 2020/21 campaign and was asked about his future upon receiving the award. He told the Swindon Advertiser:

“I don’t really know where my future lies, but if I do stay at Swindon, I’d continue to give it 100 per cent.”

Moore will love it

Moore will love it if Dejphon Chansiri is able to get this deal done. Chansiri must complete a swoop for Odimayo and make sure that he is in Moore’s squad come the start of next season to bolster his options at the back, with three centre-backs poised to depart from Hillsborough.

Tom Lees is set to leave the club at the end of the month and Julian Borner is reportedly closing in on a move to German side Hannover. Young centre-back Osaze Urhoghide has also rejected a contract extension with the club and looks to be leaving next month.

This means that Moore is in desperate need of reinforcements in the centre-back position. Therefore, Chansiri needs to get a deal for Odimayo over the line to make sure that his manager is not left short-handed.

Odimayo played 30 games in League One for Swindon and was, as previously mentioned, named as their Player of the Year. This shows that he knows how to perform at League One and that he could have the potential to be a key player for Wednesday.

The £1.5k-per-week prospect is not the finished article. Odimayo has only played one season of senior football in the EFL and still has room to improve at the age of 21. He is not a player who is likely to come in and consistently produce top-quality performances, as he averaged a WhoScored rating of 6.51 at centre-back for Swindon, but he could develop into a player who could do that with Moore’s coaching.

Odimayo has shown that he is capable of brilliant displays at League One level. He recorded two WhoScored ratings of 7.04 or higher in his last four appearances for Swindon but scored 6.28 or lower in the other two.

If Moore can iron out the inconsistencies in Odimayo’s game then he could turn into a quality addition for Wednesday in the future, which is why the former West Brom boss will be excited by this signing if Chansiri can get it done.

AND in other news, Worrying claim dropped about £12k-p/w “handful”, Sheff Wednesday fans will be gutted…

The West Indies Cricket Board is expected to meet with the players over the next week about the disputed contracts for the International Cricket Council Champions Trophy limited-overs series in Sri Lanka.

Derrick Nicholas23-Aug-2002The West Indies Cricket Board is expected to meet with the players over the next week about the disputed contracts for the International Cricket Council Champions Trophy limited-overs series in Sri Lanka.This follows news that the Australia Cricket Board had reached agreement with the Australia Cricketers Association over the ICC’s disputed “ambush marketing” clause that bars players from endorsing products conflicting with those of ICC sponsors 30 days either side of an event.”The ICC had worked with the ACB and ACA to develop a new agreement, a copy of which has been sent to cricket boards around the world including ours,” remarked Gregory Shillingford, chief executive officer of the WICB.He added: “We are studying the document to see how we can adapt it to our circumstances and are delighted a breakthrough has been achieved. We are optimistic that our players will follow the direction of the ACA.”The ICC Champions Trophy to be contested in Sri Lanka starts September 12.