All posts by h716a5.icu

Speaking live on Sky Sports News (via Football Daily), journalist Kaveh Solhekol has shared news on Tottenham Hotspur and their hunt for a new manager.

The Lowdown: Big past 24 hours

In the past 24 hours, we’ve seen a handful of major stories come out of the woodwork which could really affect Tottenham Hotspur and their search for an heir to Jose Mourinho.

Firstly, former Inter Milan boss Antonio Conte quit the San Siro on Wednesday over disputes regarding the club’s way forward (Fabrizio Romano) – with the Italian now a free agent.

The Athletic then lifted the lid on Spurs talks with former boss and fan favourite Mauricio Pochettino as he becomes a possible contender for the role.

The Latest: Solhekol shares all on Conte…

Sharing news on the Conte situation amid his links to Spurs, Sky Sports reporter Solhekol has now revealed what he knows after ‘talking to people close’ to the 51-year-old.

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“Obviously, we’ve been making some phone calls, talking to people close to Antonio Conte,” explained the journalist live with Sky Sports on Wednesday (via Football Daily).

“What they’re telling us this evening is they think that Spurs are looking for a softer manager who’s personality would be easier to manage.

“I don’t think you could describe Antonio Conte as somebody who’s a soft manager or somebody who has a personality who’s easier to manage.

“From people close to him, he doesn’t look like he’s going to Spurs.”

The Verdict: Makes sense…

Amid the huge news of Pochettino’s talks with Tottenham, it’s hardly surprising that Conte’s move to north London seems unlikely given the difference in profiles.

Tottenham had been thought to want an open, attack-minded manager in the image of Pochettino and the 51-year-old arguably doesn’t fit that bill.

One person who does, of course, is Pochettino himself – and the recently emerged negotiations to bring him back to Tottenham appear to be taking precedence.

However, it is believed that PSG will fight tooth and nail to keep him with chairman Daniel Levy possibly facing a difficult task.

In other news: Spurs now want this ‘nearly unplayable’ star, find out more here.

Former West Ham striker Brian Deane has told The Transfer Tavern in an exclusive interview that £25m is “cheap money” for Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham.

Back in April, it was reported by The Telegraph that the west London club would listen to offers of £4om for their forward this summer.

The MailOnline, however, have since claimed that David Moyes, who is thought to be keen on the player, is hoping to strike a deal at £25m.

Whether Chelsea would be willing to drop their asking price by that much remains to be seen, but if they do, Deane believes it would be tremendous business by West Ham.

“I think he’s got everything,” the retired Premier League forward exclusively told TT. “I think he just needs to be developed under the right person.

“I think the difficulty with him at Chelsea is that they actually play with a more fluid system than a system that needs a No.9.

“I think that [West Ham] could be a good move for him. Cheap money, cheap, cheap. I’d be surprised [if £25m’s the final fee].”

According to the same MailOnline report, Moyes does have alternatives, though that is unlikely to include World Cup winner Olivier Giroud.

The 34-year-old had been linked with a move to the London Stadium like his Chelsea team-mate but is now said to be close to joining AC Milan.

SYDNEY – Cricket NSW today announced the 17 players who will be offeredcontracts for the 2002-03 season, including former Test players MichaelSlater and Simon Katich.

AAP03-Jun-2002SYDNEY – Cricket NSW today announced the 17 players who will be offeredcontracts for the 2002-03 season, including former Test players MichaelSlater and Simon Katich.Both failed to have their Australian Cricket Board contracts renewedearlier this year.NSW has also been officially notified that South Australia hasapproached Mark Higgs and Victoria has sought out Graeme Rummans withregard to their playing futures.Young fast bowler Aaron Bird, who famously struck Slater in the headplaying for NSW first grade club side North Sydney against theUniversity of NSW in February, is one of five players who have beenoffered rookie contracts for next season.Changes have also been made to the NSW selection committee after JohnBenaud and Jim Robson stood down.Brian Taber, a NSW Selector from 1975-1990, is the new chairman ofselectors and former NSW player Marshall Rosen has also been added.Dion Bourne and Steve Smith continue as selectors.The NSW players offered contracts are: Shawn Bradstreet, Michael Clarke,Brad Haddin, Mark Higgs, Phil Jaques, Simon Katich, Grant Lambert, ShaneLee, Greg Mail, Paul Maraziotis, Don Nash, Matthew Phelps, Nathan Pilon,Corey Richards, Graeme Rummans, Michael Slater, Dominic ThornelyThe players offered rookie contracts are: Aaron Bird (North Sydney),Doug Bollinger (Fairfield-Liverpool), Jason Krejza(Fairfield-Liverpool), Stephen Phillips (Western Suburbs), Aaron O’Brien(Northern District)

Liverpool are yet to make any contact with Leeds United over the signing of Raphinha, according to Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth.

The Lowdown: Raphinha linked with move away

The 24-year-old is reportedly wanted by Liverpool this summer, following a superb season at Elland Road, having joined from Rennes.

Raphinha was arguably one of Leeds’ best players in an excellent first year back in the Premier League, dazzling supporters with his trickery and enjoying 15 goal contributions (six goals, nine assists).

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The Latest: Journalist provides update

Taking to Twitter to give an update on the current situation, Smyth offered Whites fans some encouragement, claiming Liverpool ‘definitely’ have interest but ‘have never made contact’ regarding signing the Brazilian.

While he does also admit that the Reds will definitely be interested in the idea of snapping up the winger, any potential deal seems a long way off, adding ‘you have to imagine’ a huge bid would be required.

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The Verdict: Exciting

As Smyth alludes to, only a massive offer will be able to prise Raphinha away from Leeds this summer – whether or not Liverpool have those funds remans to be seen.

In an ideal world, the Whites star would remain at the club for many years to come, but unless the team are pushing for European football every season, that seems unlikely.

Raphinha looks to have an incredibly high ceiling, so the sad likelihood is that he will end up moving on to a more successful club.

That said, if the Whites can get a few more good seasons out of him and then cash in for huge profit that would have to be considered a success, so Smyth’s claim that any immediate approach seems unlikely is hugely encouraging.

In other news, Leeds have reportedly set their sights on an established international midfielder this summer. Find out who it is here.

Somerset Under 11’s travelled to West Buckland School last weekend, to play against their Devon counterparts

Richard Walsh05-Jul-2002Somerset Under 11’s travelled to West Buckland School last weekend, to play against their Devon counterparts.Somerset won the toss and batting first amassed 199 for 7 before declaring. Will Robinson dominated the innings with a fine 85, and there were also useful contributions from Jamie Howson (15) Dan Tomkins (14) Chris Dent and Ross Jenkins who both made 12.In reply the hosts were dismissed for 142 to give Somerset victory by 57 runs.For Somerset Jack Leach enjoyed figures of 10 overs, 2 maidens, 3 wickets for 18 runs.

Pakistan will meet hosts Kenya in the opening match of next month’s cricket tri-series which was shifted to a neutral venue over security fears in Pakistan

Sports Reporter31-Jul-2002Pakistan will meet hosts Kenya in the opening match of next month’s cricket tri-series which was shifted to a neutral venue over security fears in Pakistan.World champions Australia, who cited security concerns over playing in Pakistan, is the third team in the competition to be held in Nairobi from Aug 29 to Sept 7.Australia play in the second match of the competition against Pakistan on Aug 30. The top two teams clash in the final on Sept 7.The Australian Cricket Board has approved the itinerary and Pakistan and Australian officials will visit Nairobi to oversee the final arrangements later this week.Meanwhile PCB official said Tuesday President Pervez Musharraf had contacted Australian Prime Minister John Howard to help convinced the Australian Cricket Board to undertake their Test tour of the country planned for OctoberTri-series schedule:Aug 29: Pakistan vs KenyaAug 30: Pakistan vs AustraliaAug 31: Rest daySept 1: Pakistan vs KenyaSept 2: Australia vs KenyaSept 3: Rest daySept 4: Australia vs PakistanSept 5: Australia vs KenyaSept 6: Rest daySept 7: Finals

Crystal Palace must avoid former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard this summer as they continue to search for Roy Hodgson’s successor.

What’s the story?

It seemed as though ex-Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo was set to fill the Selhurst Park vacancy earlier in the week before some last-minute demands from the Portuguese tactician saw the deal collapse.

According to The Mirror, Lampard is now back in the running to fill the Selhurst Park vacancy, with Swansea’s Steve Cooper and Burnley’s Sean Dyche also in the mix.

Worse than Nuno Espirito Santo

The retired England international was sacked as the Blues boss back in January after just 18 months at the helm of the west London outfit.

Lampard took over from Maurizio Sarri in 2019, guiding Chelsea to a fourth-place finish in his first season in charge, but a poor start to 2020/21 saw the capital club fall to ninth in the Premier League table after 19 games, 11 points behind leaders Manchester United and five points off Liverpool in fourth.

It was only the 42-year-old’s second managerial position after a single campaign with Championship outfit Derby County and it perhaps came too soon for Lampard.

His exciting, attacking style won several plaudits throughout his time in the dugout, although a win percentage of 46.2% sees him lagging behind previous candidate Espirito Santo, who boasts a 47.8% success rate.

Although football isn’t always this black and white, in management, the numbers very rarely lie, and these figures indicate that turning to Lampard would represent a compromise in Palace’s managerial pursuit.

After all, the Englishman has been available for many months, so if chairman Steve Parish was definitely sure the young manager was the right man for the job, he would surely have appointed him by now.

Lampard may go on to have an excellent career in the dugout and lead one of his future sides to glory, but the huge task awaiting Hodgson’s replacement at Selhurst Park requires a more experienced head given the sheer amount of turnover that’s expected to take place in terms of the playing squad.

The former England boss brought stability to south London, yet has left behind a side in a state of disrepair. Parish is better off turning to someone who has been there and seen it all before, rather than someone who is still very much learning the ropes.

And, in other news…Parish masterstroke: Palace must swoop for £9m-rated prodigy, he’s an “absolute tank” 

Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has tipped the Whites to pip Everton to the signing of Real Madrid legend Marcelo this summer.

The Lowdown: Leeds linked with Marcelo move

Marcelo Bielsa has reportedly eyed up an audacious swoop for the Brazilian left-back, as he looks to sign a new player in that position.

With Ezgjan Alioski widely expected to leave, Marcelo has emerged as a shock target for Leeds, having won four Champions League titles with Madrid.

The Latest: Kenny tips Whites to make signing

While nothing too concrete has arrived with regards to the move, someone who is confident about it happening is ex-Whites man Kenny.

Speaking to Football Insider, he claimed Leeds have more chance of acquiring Marcelo’s signature than Everton, who are also believed to in the race:

“I rate this. What a player he has been and what a career he’s had.  With Bielsa, they’ve got a chance at pulling that one off. He’d be an unbelievable signing, for me.

“Everton have stalled a bit at the moment. But Leeds are up-and-coming. So as it stands, it would have to be Leeds because they’re a club on the up compared to where Everton are at the moment.

“They play with a lot of freedom as well which Marcelo will like.”

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The Verdict: Potential special signing

If Leeds did manage to sign Marcelo, it would be an unbelievable coup, considering he is arguably the greatest left-back of the last 10 years.

At 33, he may not at his peak anymore, but he could still bring an invaluable winning mentality to the team, not to mention enduring top-class ability – his control on the ball is something very few defenders will ever get near.

With a lot of clubs expected to be interested – his Madrid contract expires next summer – Bielsa will do very well to entice Marcelo to Elland Road, but there would be understandable excitement if it happened.

In other news, Leeds have been linked with another move for a player this summer – find out who it is here. 

A lot of Wolves fans will be desperate for the club to make some signings this summer after a relatively poor season last time out, but someone who may be able to improve their starting line-up is Morgan Gibbs-White, who reminds Wanderers legend Steve Bull of Adama Traore.

Gibbs-White had a mixed season as he was recalled early from his loan spell at Swansea City which came after he was caught breaching COVID restrictions, but when given his chance at the end of last season he thrived at Molineux.

The 21-year-old burst onto the scene at Molineux during the 2018/19 season and at the end of the last campaign his skill, raw power and strength, coupled with great finishing ability, may have been enough to earn him a regular spot in Bruno Lage’s starting line-up for next season.

To have one Traore in your side can be frightening enough for the opposition, however, Wolves appear to have two players of that ilk and quality, according to Bull, who spoke exclusively to Football FanCast:

“I think he’s like Traore with the things he can do on the ball, and I saw him do it for 90 minutes against Brighton at the end of the season.”

Despite being just 21-years-old, Gibbs-White has already racked up 83 appearances for Wolves in all competitions so he will be wanting to shine in pre-season in front of Lage who will be bringing a different philosophy to Wolves compared to Nuno Espirito Santo.

Gibbs-White could be set for a bigger role this season with Pedro Neto still injured and not clear when he will be fit and match ready but also, Traore has been linked with a move away which would leave a massive hole in Wolves’ side that the 21-year old could fill.

The enthralling closing stages of the regional Under-19 three-day final were enough to send anyone over the edge, but Barbados captain Kenroy Williams was always confident his team would pull through

22-Aug-2002The enthralling closing stages of the regional Under-19 three-day final were enough to send anyone over the edge, but Barbados captain Kenroy Williams was always confident his team would pull through."It was very tense, but I never gave up," Williams said after Barbados’ heart-stopping one-wicket final victory over Trinidad and Tobago at Sabina Park on Monday."I know the heart of my players. I know Ryan Wiggins is a very good batsman and last man Ruel can also bat a bit. I never said die."When Brathwaite joined Wiggins, Barbados still needed another 16 runs to win, but both batsmen kept their heads on and victory was achieved with 4.4 overs remaining.It capped off an outstanding tournament for the Bajans, who won four of their five matches and captured first innings honours in a drawn semifinal against the Windward Islands."Our allround ability and our team-spirit and togetherness did it for us. Everything we do, we do together. It is a whole team effort," Williams said. "Most of the guys had a good tournament. Everybody chipped in."Along the way, there were centuries from Williams, Wiggins and Kirk Edwards, three successive second-innings half-centuries from Martin Nurse, and useful all-round contributions from Kirk Gibson.Diminutive off-spinner Jason Smith led the bowling with 25 wickets, while fast bowlers Corey Edwards and Ruel Brathwaite also made impact at some stages."When we asked anybody to put in an effort, they did without even looking away," Williams said. "Anytime I asked anybody to do anything, he gave of his best."It was Williams’ first experience as captain at a major level and he came through despite the challenges. "It was hard, but we had a very good team. We had a couple experienced players and that also helped me a lot."