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This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Dean Smith’s decision to move the Aston Villa captain onto the wing could help Conor Hourihane rise to prominence in the Premier League.

On the chalkboard

Hourihane was a key player in the Villa side that got promoted from the Championship last season, making 35 starts and 11 substitute appearances throughout the season and play-offs, scoring eight goals and assisting another 12.

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However, with Douglas Luiz and Marvelous Nakamba adding further competition for Hourihane, alongside John McGinn and Grealish, it was always going to be a struggle for him to get consistent minutes in the Premier League.

And that has proved to be the case, with the Republic of Ireland international starting just one of the first six games this campaign, being left on the bench for three of those.

Getting more game time

However, things have been looking up for the 28-year-old, as he has made four starts in the team’s last seven matches.

This upturn in game time for him directly coincides with Smith’s decision to move Grealish to the left wing, where he has stayed since the Burnley draw – that was the first of Hourihane’s starts after his period of obscurity.

Hourihane has shown that this can pay dividends for the team, as was the case on Monday against Newcastle United, with the midfielder getting a goal and assist, as well as completing 98% of his passes.

Another important aspect of this is that Grealish has not suffered from the move, as the club captain has managed two goals and two assists in the five games he has played out wide – Smith may have made a masterstroke with this tactical switch.

In other news, Grealish has received a message of support from a fellow English talent.

West Ham United are facing a cash flow hole of between £60 million and £80 million as a result of the lack of Premier League action, that is according to a report from Football London.

Football in England and most parts of the world is currently on hold due to a global pandemic which has had a major impact on life in general. As it stands the Premier League is currently suspended indefinitely (Sky Sports), meaning that there has been no games for a while and there are none on the horizon either.

With no action taking place it means that many clubs are being hit hard financially and it is no different for the Hammers. According to the report, they are paying out £10.5 million in wages per month to their players, whilst also paying off £44 million worth of transfer fees this year. Then on top of that they are now missing out on facility fees for live TV games worth £1.2 million each, whilst earnings from the club shop have stopped after it was closed, which is worth around £750,000 per month to them.

It is thought that David Moyes and his staff are willing to take pay-cuts in order to ease the pressure on the club, but these financial issues will certainly be a worry.

After seeing reports of the problems, many Hammers fans have been responding on Twitter. One even suggested that this means owner David Sullivan now has an excuse for not spending money in the next few years.

Here is what some had to say…

West Ham fans, are you worried about these financial reports? Let us know below…

Scott Brown is going to be remembered as a massive Celtic legend when he retires – if he isn’t already considered one.

13 years at the club. 566 appearances. Club captain.

The 34-year-old is entering the twilight years of his career but it’s clear to see that he still is playing his part under Neil Lennon having featured a whopping 50 times this season alone. He’s even bagged five goals, which has him well on course for his best-ever goalscoring campaign (Transfermarkt).

This week popular Hoops Twitter account @celticbible posted a clip of the veteran as he pulls off a “sublime” piece of skill to beat Rangers’ Graham Dorrans, and supporters have been salivating over it since.

There’s arguably no one who understands the Old Firm derby more than Brown having played in it so frequently over the course of his career.

Although, he’s not usually known for his silky technical ability but more his brute playing style and aggressive demeanour, so this comes as a nice alternative angle.

The greatest rivalry in world football: Test your Old Firm derby knowledge below…

Here’s how the Bhoys faithful have been reacting to the clip…

AND in other news, Celtic fans are really missing ex-defender Erik Sviatchenko…

Aston Villa fans have reacted to recent comments made by defender James Chester, who is due to leave the club on a free transfer this summer.

Chester who was part of Villa’s play-off winning side last season, struggled to gain sufficient playing time with the Midlands based club during the first six months of the current season.

Playing a bit part role at Villa Park in the Premier League, the centre-back was sent out on a six month loan deal to Championship side Stoke City.

He has now spoken about his situation at the club, claiming he hasn’t really discussed anything with them regarding his current contract which is set to expire on 30th June (The Athletic via @villareport).

Featuring for Villa on 126 occasions, it seems the Welsh international has left a good impression on the club’s fans judging by the reactions to his comments, and he is likely to gain interest from a number of sides this summer.

Dean Smith’s side currently sit 19th in the Premier League as things stand, potentially looking at a drop down to the Championship if results do not improve when football returns from the recent pandemic.

Reacting to Chester’s latest comments on his future, Villa fans responded via Twitter account @villareport. It seems that the majority would actually like him to stay at the club, despite having become a forgotten man in recent times…

Villa fans, should you keep James Chester? Let us know below…

Newcastle United’s prospective takeover by a Saudi Arabian-backed consortium is yet to be official but that hasn’t stopped transfer rumours circling around the northeast sleeping giants.

They’ve been linked to the likes of Gareth Bale, Philippe Coutinho and Kalidou Koulibaly – and now one of the latter’s current teammates.

According to Arena Napoli, the Magpies have ‘started talks’ with Mexican winger Hirving Lozano over a €40m (£35.8m) move this summer, although nothing is concrete although that hasn’t stopped supporters from discussing the potential transfer.

The 24-year-old has hardly been a prominent figure under Gennaro Gattuso this campaign, managing only 721 minutes in Serie A and a total of 28 appearances in all competitions, via Transfermarkt.

Lozano only joined Napoli from PSV in the summer where in his final season, he found the net 19 times as well as providing nine assists, per WhoScored.

Has life under Ashley really that bad? Maybe this quiz will change your minds, Newcastle fans…

He’s able to play anywhere along the front three and would certainly bolster Steve Bruce’s attacking armoury given that his only options out wide appear to be Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron.

Here’s how the Magpies faithful have been reacting to the latest report…

AND in other news, Newcastle fans react as Paul Dummett tweets…

Former Leeds United and Manchester City defender Danny Mills has claimed that the prospective new owners of Newcastle United have a big PR opportunity if they complete a Saudi-led takeover after the Tyneside club remained coy on season ticket refunds, according to Football Insider.

As per the outlet, the ex-England international suggested the Amanda Staveley-led consortium would gain immediate favour if they took over and subsequently refunded season ticket holders.

The Newcastle United Supporters’ Trust (NUST) sent a letter to the Magpies in late May asking if season ticket holders would be refunded for the games that are to be played behind closed doors.

However, the Toon are yet reveal their position despite the BBC requesting comment.

It is now eight weeks since the Premier League received the paperwork of Mike Ashley’s £300 million sale of NUFC.

When asked by the outlet if the radio silence regarding refunds was likely down to the proposed takeover in the North East, Mills said:

“It is a difficult situation for everybody. It is not easy for some of these clubs.

“Newcastle can afford it, especially if they get taken over by what would be some of the richest owners in the world.

“It would be a huge PR plus if the new owners take over and then give the season ticket holders their money back. That would get the new owners in favour instantly.

“Forget about buying players, fans would be delighted if they got their money back.

“Mike Ashley does not really care, let’s be honest. He is about to sell the club so he is not bothered.

“He will want to keep as much money as possible so that does not surprise us in any way, shape or form.”

Indeed, the deal with the would-be owners would end Ashley’s reign of 13 years at St. James’ Park, providing that Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), the Reuben brothers and Staveley can get their bid to finally be approved by England’s top flight.

However, due to this uncertainty over who exactly will be the owner of the club from next campaign onward, some fans may be forgiven for complaining about not having their season tickets refunded given this fact.

Perhaps Mills is correct when he suggests that the new owners can get on the right side of supporters immediately by refunding their tickets, which could spearhead the start of a brand new and fresh era for the Newcastle faithful.

Geordies, can United win a trophy next term if the takeover is completed? Comment below!

Tottenham Hotspur are monitoring West Brom defender Nathan Ferguson after a move to Crystal Palace failed to materialise, according to Football Insider. 

Palace were on the brink of signing him in January, but the deal fell through, and Tottenham are now ready to make a move for Ferguson this summer.

The 19-year-old is widely expected to leave the Hawthorns when his contract expires in July.

Ferguson will become a free agent next month, which will appeal to Spurs the most. Although he started the season as a centre-half, the 19-year-old can play on either flank.

While Palace are also likely to try to sign him again, a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is surely more attractive, amid interest from a number of European clubs including AC Milan and Schalke.

Despite their troubles, the Lilywhites still have the financial power to out-muscle the Eagles in a transfer battle.

Football Insider notes relations between the teenager and West Bromwich Albion have hit an all-time low, which is an opening Daniel Levy could exploit.

Following months of stagnant negotiations, Levy jumped on a plane to Croatia to convince Luka Modric, who was 22-years-old at the time, to move to White Hart Lane (The Independent).

The right-back position has proven to be particularly problematic, as Spurs have arguably struggled to fill the role since Kyle Walker left for Manchester City.

While Ferguson is yet to play at the same level as the England international, he has impressed for Albion over the course of the season so far.

Coupled with the fact he is currently available for £4m in compensation, he would certainly be a shrewd signing to make.

Tottenham fans, should Levy sign Nathan Ferguson this summer? Let us know down below!

Key Information about Rugby Park

Rugby Park is the home ground of Scottish Premiership side Kilmarnock, and it has been since it was opened in August of 1899.

The East Ayrshire based stadium is one of the oldest in Scotland and it has a large capacity of almost 18,000 and comprises four famous stands; the Chadwick Stand (away supporters), the East Stand, the Frank Beattie Stand, and the Moffat Stand (Kilmarnock ultras).

A history of Rugby Park

The first-ever match played at Rugby Park was a 2-2 draw between Celtic in August 1899, and Killie’s first win came on 16th September 1899 against St Bernards. It was not until October 1935 that Rugby Park received its first renovations – the Dundonald Road end underwent major improvements.

1953 marked the official opening of floodlights at Rugby Park which allowed night-time matches to take place for the first time. In the summer of 1959, the work was completed to erect a cover above the East Stand terrace, and this construction cost the club £13,500.

Further development of Rugby Park came in the summer of 1961 when the new West Stand was built, seating 4,200 spectators compared to the old stand which only held 1,900. A new enclosure in front of the West Stand was also built to hold almost 3,000 standing fans, as well as the addition of new offices, dressing rooms and a treatment room for players.

The record attendance of 35,995 at Rugby Park was set during a Scottish Cup Quarter Final tie against Rangers in 1962 which Killie lost 4-2. The first-ever competitive European Fixture held at Rugby Park saw Killie triumph against Germany’s Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1.

One of the most historic matches at Rugby Park was when the mighty European giants, Real Madrid traveled to Scotland ahead of the European Cup 2nd Round tie against Killie. The likes of Ferenc Puskas and Franciso Gento attracted a massive crowd of almost 25,000 – Kilmarnock did well to hold them to a 2-2 draw.

The standing enclosure in front of the West Stand was transformed into an all-seated stand in the summer of 1990, and brand new dugouts were installed.

The club’s largest development came in August 1995, this date marked the official opening of the all-seated Rugby Park and this was celebrated by the visit of English Premiership champions Blackburn Rovers who defeated Killie 5-0 in a friendly match – star striker Alan Shearer scored an impressive hat-trick on the day. Rugby Park hosted its first-ever international fixture in March 1997 as Scotland beat Estonia by 2-0 in front of almost 18,000 spectators.

Tickets to Watch Kilmarnock at Rugby Park

Season tickets are available to purchase for the upcoming 2020-21 season through the club’s official site. Adults can purchase a season pass for £370, over-65s, under-21s and students can purchase for £220, and under-16s for just £70.

Related Links

https://kilmarnockfc.co.uk/ – Official website of Kilmarnock FC

https://kilmarnockfc.ticketco.events/uk/en/e/kilmarnock_season_passes – Kilmarnock FC Ticket Office

Bristol City owner Steve Landsown is ready to make Glasgow Rangers manager Steven Gerrard the best paid boss in the Championship if he were to go to Ashton Gate, according to Football Insider.

Gerrard is currently on £50,000 a week at Ibrox, which is more than any Gers player.

Lansdown, though, is ready to improve that wage and make him the highest paid boss in England’s second tier. That would be more than the current best-paid manager, Marcelo Bielsa, who is on £60,000 a week – Gerrard would therefore earn more than £3.1m annually.

Lansdown is cleary desperate to take the former Liverpool man back south of the border – there have already been reports that Gerrard has absolutely no interest in leaving the 54-time Scottish champions as it stands (talkSPORT via Bristol Live), with him still having unfinished business in Glasgow.

With all due respect to the man in the Gers’ hot-seat, he has not really done enough to warrant such a pursuit – after all, he is yet to win a trophy north of the border, and although a run to the Europa League round of 16 is a positive result, his main goal is to get his hands on some silverware.

His playing career means that there will always be a desire to give him a chance as a manager, but his pedigree in this different role is not exactly through the roof yet – he has plenty more to do before he leaves the Gers.

Let us know what you think below!

Rangers are closing in on another summer signing, this time bolstering Steven Gerrard’s midfield armoury, but it could be the biggest gamble yet from sporting director Ross Wilson.

What’s the word?

According to Record Sport, Amiens enforcer Bongani Zungu is set to snub interest from Celta Vigo and Strasbourg in favour for a move to Ibrox soon.

It’s claimed that the 27-year-old is a massive Liverpool supporter and would be keen to learn from the Reds legend whilst Gerrard and Wilson have the South African high on their wanted list.

He could become the fifth transfer of he off-season after Ianis Hagi, Calvin Bassey, Jon McLaughlin and Leon Balogun as the Gers aim to close the gap to runaway leaders and arch-rivals Celtic.

Massive gamble

This move is a massive risk for Wilson and co as Zungu has barely featured for the relegated Ligue 1 outfit this campaign – in just 21 appearances (ten starts), he’s averaged 1.3 tackles, 1 clearance, 0.8 interceptions and a diabolical 0.1 key passes per game, via WhoScored.

The defensive midfielder is yet to play outside of the top-flights in either South Africa, Portugal or France, and it’s fair to suggest that Scotland brings a new level of physicality to the game, which only raises further question marks.

Even at just a reported €4m (£3.6m), it’s risky business as there’s been no clear signs of why he should be linked to Glasgow.

Vitoria sporting director Flavio Meireles has labelled him a “special talent” in the past, but if that was the case, then he surely would’ve joined a bigger club than Amiens following his exit from the Portuguese outfit.

Gerrard has Ryan Jack, Scott Arfield, Glen Kamara, Steven Davis, Joe Aribo and Greg Docherty as options in the role, so is Zungu really needed? It seems as if Wilson is playing with fire over this one.

AND in other news, Rangers eye 8-goal talisman as Morelos edges closer to exit…