All posts by h716a5.icu

Sergio Ramos is pulling down the curtain on an illustrious career at Real Madrid which will have surely alerted many clubs to the free-agent, but Carlton Palmer doesn’t believe that he has many games left in his legs and he couldn’t perform for Manchester United.

The Red Devils have long been on the hunt for that perfect partner who accompanies Harry Maguire, so they would ideally like a defender who has pace and is agile as that is what Maguire is clearly lacking.

If they need a quick centre back at Old Trafford, then reports suggesting that they could move for Ramos are pretty wide of the mark, even though he would bring a ruthless streak and a winner’s mentality which could help them claim their first piece of silverware since 2017.

£300,000-a-week man Ramos has won everything there is to win at both club and international level so no team would turn down that sort of player, however, his wage and length of contract demands could be what turns teams away from the Spaniard, and Palmer explained why Man United should not be signing Ramos when he spoke exclusively to Football FanCast:

“I wouldn’t take him now because I think he’s had better days, but he’s had a fantastic career although he has played very few games this season.

“He’s not played football this season so that tells me that they don’t believe he’s got games in him now. So, if he hasn’t got games in him at Real Madrid, he hasn’t got games in him for the Premier League.”

Despite being 33-years old, you just have to look at the impact Thiago Silva has made at Chelsea for proof that despite being on the wrong side of 30, defenders can still perform at the top level and have a big influence.

Minehead Cricket Club won the final of the six a side cricket tournament that was held at the County Ground in Taunton on Monday

Richard Walsh09-Sep-2002Minehead Cricket Club won the final of the six a side cricket tournament that was held at the County Ground in Taunton on Monday .When the six teams arrived for the event that was organised as part of Rob Turner’s Benefit Year the rain was already falling so it was decided to transfer the event indoors into the Centre of Excellence, where they were split into two groups of three and played each other on a round robin basis.Each team had the services of a Somerset professional and Minehead with Graham Rose in their line up fought their way through to the final where they played Callington Cricket Club.Batting first the Cornishmen restricted the Somerset side to 62 runs. When Callington batted they lost Trego early on when he was caught by the veteran Graham Rose, and going into the final eight ball over they were some way off their target, but with two balls left they needed eleven to win, which in the end just eluded them to allow Minehead to run out the winnersBeneficiary Rob Turner who played for the Rowan Dartington team who were knocked out by Callington in the semi final told me at the end of the day: "Despite the rain outside we have had a great day inside and many congratulations to Minehead on winning the event."Before the end of his busy year Rob has several more events planned including a Cowes Solent Sailing Day and Dinner,Golf Days at Weston super Mare and at Taunton and Pickeridge Golf Club’s, an evening of Cricket Talk on September 20th with Phil Tufnell and Dermot Reeve at the Playhouse in Weston super Mare an End Season Dinner on September 27th and a Lord’s Long Room Dinner.Details regarding any of Rob Turner’s Benefit events can be obtained by contacting Doreen Barnes on 01455 230489.

Somerset’s reserve wicket-keeper Carl Gazzard who hails from Penzance has just flown out to the sunshine of Perth in Western Australia where he will spend the winter training and playing cricket

Richard Walsh14-Oct-2002Somerset’s reserve wicket-keeper Carl Gazzard who hails from Penzance has just flown out to the sunshine of Perth in Western Australia where he will spend the winter training and playing cricket.Whilst he is `down under’ Carl will be living with Piran Holloway, another Cornishman who is on the Somerset staff, and will play for Scarborough Cricket Club who are coached by Holloway and who are one of the top Western Australian League clubs.Looking back over 2002 the twenty year old wicket-keeper batsman told me: "I feel pretty happy with the way that things went for me this season and I have come back well from a finger injury in the final second team game."He continued: " From a cricketing point of view I did all that was asked of me. I made my first class debut against West Indies A and developed as a cricketer which is what I want to continue with."At the end of the season `Gazza’ was given a new two year contract about which he is delighted. He told me: "It’s nice to know that the club want me to stay. My two years take me up to the end of Rob Turner’s contract, so by that time we will all know exactly where we stand.""I’m going out there to work hard at my batting and when I come back before the start of the new season I want to be a first class cricketer. I know that I can play at that level and aim to put the pressure on Rob Turner for the number one spot. I want to play first team cricket from the start in 2003."

West Ham United remain interested in Youssef En-Nesyri this summer…

What’s the word?

That’s according to El Desmarque, who claim the Irons are willing to pay beyond the €40m (£36m) mark to sign the 24-year-old Sevilla talisman this transfer window.

It’s believed that the Morrocan international is among their priorities before the start of the new season, having attempted to bring him to the London Stadium in January following the departure of Sebastian Haller.

The Hammers are also said to have promised that En-Nesyri would be amongst their top earners should he agree to a move, though that may prove hard as it seems as though he doesn’t want to leave the La Liga outfit.

Sign him up!

With that in mind, West Ham’s hierarchy must be prepared to break the bank for someone who scored 24 times during the 2020/21 season as he’d be a dangerous addition to David Moyes’ barren frontline.

Right now, the East Londoners will be heading into a Europa League campaign with just one recognised striker, an injury-prone Michail Antonio.

At 6 foot 2, En-Nesyri would offer a different dimension to the 31-year-old, allowing the Scotsman to either play two up top, with the Sevilla star being the perfect foil for the shorter, more explosive forward or even deployed by himself, where he has quickly emerged as someone who can create chances for himself.

Speaking about his qualities to This is Futbol, La Liga expert Euan McTear waxed lyrical, also making a lofty comparison to one of the game’s current greats.

“He’s not someone that will move out wide and create a chance, he’s very much a centre-forward, if he’s moving out of the box to create something, it’s usually for his own good – a bit like Benzema, but he does that well and scores a lot of goals.”

Indeed, En-Nesyri has failed to provide a single assist at Sevilla but has found the net 30 times across 78 appearances, as per Transfermarkt.

An average of 2.5 aerial duels won per game suggests he’s more than capable to the physical demands of the Premier League, whilst an average of 2.1 shots per match would see him sit third in the current Hammers squad.

“When you look at his attributes, he’s as good in the air as anyone now. Not only is he tall, [but] he’s got that athletic ability to leap as well. He seems to really enjoy aerial challenges,” claims Sky Sports’ Spanish football commentator Terry Gibson, who also deemed him a “world-beater” at times.

If Moyes is to truly keep the Hammers competitive next season, then GSB needs to be making signings like this one. The £36m-rated machine must be secured this summer.

AND in other news, Moyes could take West Ham to next level by signing “dangerous” £18m-rated goal machine…

Arsenal have rejected another bid for academy graduate Emile Smith Rowe…

What’s the word?

That’s according to The Athletic’s ever-reliable David Ornstein, who claims the Midlands side returned with a £30m offer after having had a £25m bid rejected the first time around.

The Gunners are said to be refusing to entertain interest in Smith Rowe’s signature and are adamant that he’s remaining at the Emirates Stadium.

Smith Rowe has two years to run on his current £20k-per-week contract but has been in talks over a long-term extension, though there has been no breakthrough so far.

Here to stay?

This latest claim from one of the most reliable sources around should  not just come as promising news but it should leave many excited too as it seems as if the 20-year-old England youth international is set to remain an Arsenal player.

The Croydon-born dynamo, who is currently valued at around £45m by CIES Football Observatory, originally joined the North London giants at the age of ten and has progressed into the first team under Mikel Arteta, who has often turned to the youngster for creativity in attack.

After successful loan spells away at RB Leipzig and Huddersfield Town, Smith Rowe provided the Gunners with four goals and seven assists across both domestic and European competitions in 2020/21, whilst he ranked first for chances created having averaged 1.4 key passes per league outing, via WhoScored.

In total, the youngster has provided 14 direct goal contributions in his 45 senior appearances, as per Transfermarkt.

The 6-foot midfielder has also displayed crucial versatility in being able to play through the middle, on the left and up top and that only helps Arteta more in terms of fitting him in as he’s able to play pretty much anywhere in the attack.

It’s clear that the Spaniard is a huge fan of Smith Rowe, describing him as “extraordinary” to Sky Sports (via the Independent) back in January this year.

The fact that the Gunners’ hierarchy are remaining firm in their stance over their talented youth product is hugely encouraging and goes to show how much faith Arteta and co have in him.

As a result, this should leave the Emirates faithful absolutely delighted as it means they should keep hold of their potential star of the future going into the new campaign.

Currently without a no.10, the midfield sensation could easily cement his name down as Arteta’s first-choice option in the near future.

AND in other news, Bye-bye Xhaka: Edu could land Arsenal their next Vieira in £49.5m-rated “huge talent”…

Australian vice-captain Adam Gilchrist was today passed fit for the Ashes series opener against England at the Gabba on Thursday

05-Nov-2002Australian vice-captain Adam Gilchrist was today passed fit for the Ashes series opener against England at the Gabba on Thursday.Gilchrist was discharged from a Brisbane hospital at about mid-day today after receiving treatment for an infected elbow.Australian team physiotherapist Errol Alcott was satisfied Gilchrist was ready for the first Test. The wicketkeeper will join training tomorrow morning.

ADELAIDE – England fast bowler Andrew Caddick will know on Wednesday ifhe is fit enough to face Australia in the third Ashes Test.

PA26-Nov-2002ADELAIDE – England fast bowler Andrew Caddick will know on Wednesday ifhe is fit enough to face Australia in the third Ashes Test.Caddick underwent a scan on his injured back today after sustaining aback spasm during the second Test, in which he batted at number 11 asEngland slumped to an innings-and-51-runs defeat at the Adelaide Oval.He failed to improve this morning and a scan revealed “wear and tear” onhis back.Caddick will have a steroid injection into his back tomorrow, with afitness test scheduled for Wednesday.England physio Kirk Russell said: “The scan has revealed long-standingwear and tear consistent with a fast bowler of Andrew’s age which iscontinuing to cause him pain.”He will have a steroid injection into his back in Perth tomorrow andhis fitness will be reassessed at nets on Adelaide. At this stage he hasnot been ruled out of the third Test.”The tourists have cover in Alex Tudor and Chris Silverwood if Caddickfails to make a recovery.

An update has emerged regarding West Ham’s interest in Hellas Verona midfielder Antonin Barak.

What’s the talk?

According to a report from Corriere di Verona (print edition, June 2nd, page 14), as transcribed by Hammers News, West Ham manager David Moyes is weighing up a potential swoop for the 26-year-old this summer, who has been reportedly valued by his club at around £17m (€20m).

The report claims that the London club have been keeping tabs on the Czech Republic international and are continuing to track him, with a quarter-final clash against Denmark in the European Championship to come for him this evening.

Imagine him and Soucek

Imagine a midfield including Barak and Soucek in the Premier League for the Hammers. The pair already play together at national team level, along with Vladimir Coufal, and could strike up an instant connection at the London Stadium. As they have already played alongside each other in midfield, Moyes would know that they can already work together as a unit.

This could duly limit any period of adaptation needed in terms of what Barak can expect from his team-mates, so Soucek and Barak could be linking up in West Ham’s midfield in the Premier League next season. Irons fans could enjoy watching their connection on the pitch, assuming the 26-year-old is able to hit the ground running in England.

Moyes typically deployed a midfield three last season, with Declan Rice and Soucek holding and Jesse Lingard operating further up the pitch ahead of them. Barak has been utilised as a central midfielder and an attacking midfielder for club and country, which means that he could be used in a variety of roles. Moyes could either drop him back into a traditional 4-3-3 with all three midfielders in close proximity, or he could play him in Lingard’s role as the advanced playmaker to supplement the attack.

Manuel Lanzini was the Hammers’ backup option in that role last season, but the Argentine failed to make the most of his opportunities and was largely restricted to a place on the bench. He started five Premier League matches, with a further 12 appearances off the bench, and averaged a modest WhoScored rating of 6.41 as he registered one goal and one assist.

Meanwhile, £17m-valued maestro Barak enjoyed an impressive season with Verona in Serie A. He scored seven goals and set up another three in 32 starts, averaging an eye-catching WhoScored rating of 6.86 in 26 starts as an attacking midfielder. This suggests that he could be the upgrade Moyes needs in that area of the pitch, which is why West Ham should be looking to seal a deal for the midfielder in the coming weeks, especially as he would already be familiar with Soucek’s game.

AND in other news, Moyes handed huge transfer boost in West Ham’s pursuit of “phenomenal” 14 G/A dynamo…

After confirmation of Gjanni Alioski’s departure, Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa could sign his club a new cult hero in Wolves maverick Adama Traore.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days have suggested that the Whites are interested in signing the winger this summer, with claims late last year initially revealing that Bielsa’s side were keen on luring him away from Molineux.

And, with news coming out of Leeds that Alioski will indeed leave Elland Road for good after seeing his contract expire at the club, Whites fans will be looking around for the next real character to make Yorkshire their home.

Leeds’ new cult hero

While Traore may not be in the same mould as Alioski in terms of being a real wind-up merchant who can get on opposition players’ nerves, the Spaniard is already a sensation at Wolves for his playing style and the unique tricks he employs to dominate.

Named by The Birmingham Mail in their compiled list of cult heroes from Molineux, Traore really caught everybody’s attention when he started putting baby oil on his arms to give himself a new advantage.

Traore himself said: “Opponents were grabbing my arm for me not to move, pulling my shoulder. If you put on the oil, it’s impossible for them to grab me, especially if I’m moving as well.

“In the first game it was very funny because many players grabbed my arm and they couldn’t catch me. They were asking, ‘What happened?’ and I kept saying I didn’t know! Everyone knows now but it doesn’t matter. It’s important for me because players have to use another tactic. Now I have the oil on my arm, I can slip (away).”

The baby oil trick is just a snapshot of the kind of unique player that he is, and having been hailed as a “machine” and someone who’s “been scaring defenders” by former England star Rio Ferdinand just last year, the £100k-a-week earning Traore is the kind of frightening winger who players hate coming up against.

Averaging an impressive 4.1 dribbles per game – the highest in the top-flight last season – and being fouled 2.3 times per match, the third-most in the division, the £26m-rated Spaniard causes chaos whenever he’s on the pitch.

Built like a battering ram but with the speed of an Olympic sprinter, Traore gets people off his seat and has everybody watching his every move.

Not every cult hero becomes one for the same reason. While Alioski has endeared himself into the hearts of Leeds supporters with his antics over the years, Traore could do the same but by doing his talking on the pitch.

Two unique players for two different reasons.

Meanwhile, Leeds could sign a massive Helder Costa upgrade in this man…

South Africa’s supremacy in this one-day series continued at Goodyear Park on Friday night as they completed a comfortable six wicket against Sri Lanka in the final One-Day International

Charlie Austin06-Dec-2002South Africa’s supremacy in this one-day series continued at Goodyear Park on Friday night as they completed a comfortable six wicket against Sri Lanka in the final One-Day International.South Africa chased down the Sri Lankans 229 run target with ease despite the resting of their star performer, man of the series Jacques Kallis, with Neil McKenzie scoring a timely unbeaten 70 from 101 balls, hitting five fours.There were also good contributions from Boeta Dippenaar (36), with whom McKenzie appears to be competing for a place in South Africa’s World Cup squad, and Herschelle Gibbs, who blazed 47 from 45 balls at the start.Jonty Rhodes, needing to spend time at the crease before the tough Pakistan series that starts Sunday, finished off the game with a breezy unbeaten 25, a target reached with 4.5 overs to spare.For the Sri Lankans it was a now familiar tale: a stuttering performance by the top order, ill-disciplined bowling and sloppy fielding.The Sri Lankan selectors will sit down over the weekend to sift over the debris and try to pick a side capable of being more competitive in the forthcoming VB Series in Australia.It will be no easy task. This tour was supposed to be the ideal springboard for their World Cup preparations but seven weeks later there is there is less, not more, certainty over the best personnel and strategy for that tournament.The visitor’s parlous situation is sharply contrasted by that of South Africa – their selection dilemmas concern who should be left out of the final 15-man squad. Compared to Sri Lanka they have an embarrassment of riches.Youngster Monde Zondeki threw his hat into the ring today with a lively performance with the ball, becoming only the second South African to take a wicket with his first delivery in a One-Day International.The quickest bowler on show, he ended Sri Lanka’s hopes of posting a competitive total as Marvan Atapattu, who had been in sublime form once again, edged a rising delivery to first slip via Mark Boucher’s right glove.Atapattu was holding the innings together having scored 53 from 63 balls with eight elegant boundaries after the early loss of Sanath Jayasuriya (2), Aravinda de Silva (0) and Mahela Jayawardene (3).The last two were the unfortunate victims of beautiful deliveries from Shaun Pollock – the pick of the South African bowlers, picking up the man of the match award after taking two for 23 from his ten overs – but Jayasuriya’s demise was self-inflicted: a lame square cut straight into the hands of Jonty Rhodes at backward point.When Zondeki snared Atapattu the tourists were wavering on 84 for four, in danger of being dismissed for another humiliating low score. But Kumar Sangakkara finally found some form after four consecutive failures.The left-handed wicket-keeper batsman lacked fluency but showed greater application, batting for just short of three hours for his unbeaten 77, his eighth one-day fifty, which included eight fours and a last over six.He repaired the early damage, adding 61 runs for the fifth wicket with Russel Arnold (36) and then 57 with Thilan Samaraweera (33), who replaced Hashan Tillakaratne to play his first game of the series.The partnerships were steady but Sangakkara, mindful of a fragile lower order that could have all too easily been swept away by South Africa’s fast bowlers, was only able to cut loose in the final over when clobbered 14 runs off Donald.Sri Lanka now return home to Colombo for three days rest before departing for the Australian tour, their final chance to turn things around before the World Cup in February.South Africa, meanwhile, start a five-match series against Pakistan on Sunday at Durban, an intriguing contest against one of the frontrunners for the World Cup – a far sterner test than the woeful Sri Lankans.