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Kieran Devlin thinks it is ‘unlikely’ that Celtic will turn to the Director of Football model for ‘the foreseeable future’ following the departure of Dominic McKay. 

The lowdown

On Friday, it emerged that McKay had parted company with Celtic after less than three months in the post of chief executive. He had been appointed as the replacement to Peter Lawwell, who announced his retirement in June.

‘Personal reasons’ were cited as the explanation for his exit, but it has been suggested that McKay made an ‘inauspicious impression’ on fellow high-ranking officials, who came to view him as an ‘imperfect fit’ for the role (via Celtic Way).

Michael Nicholson, formerly director of legal affairs, has taken over as CEO on an interim basis.

The latest

Addressing fans in The Athletic’s matchday discussion on Saturday, Devlin said: “I do believe the DoF plan was McKay’s.”

This was apparently ‘one of the points of friction’ which emerged with some members of the board, who were resistant to the change.

The journalist added that ‘unless something unexpected happens’, it seems that the Director of Football idea will be shelved for now.

The verdict

It’s a real worry for Celtic fans that there’s seemingly disagreement at the top level as to how the club should operate moving forward. The support could be forgiven for thinking that there isn’t a coherent plan at place.

Also, why did the issues with McKay’s appointment only emerge in the early weeks of his role, rather than during the recruitment process?

Celtic may be under new management in terms of their on-field activity with Ange Postecoglou, but this doesn’t feel like a new era at Parkhead given the board level disruption.

In other news, this journalist dropped a ‘revolution’ claim following McKay’s exit.

MatériaMais Notícias

A nona rodada da Série C terá seu pontapé inicial neste sábado, quando três partidas marcam a luta por uma vaga no G4 dos grupos A e B.

Neste sábado, às 16h, duas partidas dão início à rodada no Grupo B: no interior paulista, o Bragantino encara o Tupi, enquanto a Tombense recebe o Macaé, que vive fase de recuperação no campeonato

-As duas vitórias em casa foram importantes para nossa equipe. Hoje, os times veem o Macaé diferente. O grupo está embolado, estamos a três pontos do líder mas ao mesmo tempo um ponto da zona de rebaixamento. Pensamos jogo a jogo, com os pés no chão e com humildade, assim podemos fazer um bom campeonato – afirmou o meia Rodrigo Dantas.

Pelo Grupo A, o Moto Club encara o vice-líder Fortaleza no Castelão, e briga para se afastar da zona do rebaixamento. O jogo às 20h encerra o sábado da rodada.

No domingo, cinco partidas complementam a rodada. Pelo Grupo A, às 16h da tarde, o CSA luta para permanecer na liderança contra o Cuiabá, enquanto o Botafogo-PB tenta se manter no G4 contra o Sampaio Correa. Às 18h, Remo e Salgueiro fazem o último duelo do dia pelo grupo.

Pelo Grupo B, Ypiranga e Botafogo-SP protagonizam o duelo dos líderes às 15h, enquanto Volta Redonda e São Bento se enfrentam às 16h.

A nona rodada termina na segunda-feira, com duas partidas: pelo Grupo A, o Confiança recebe o ASA às 20h30, enquanto o Mogi Mirim duela com o Joinville, às 21h, pelo Grupo B.

Speaking to Football Insider, BBC Radio Leeds pundit Noel Whelan has been left thrilled by an injury update on Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack.

The Lowdown: Jack closing in…

There have been numerous timeframes mentioned when it comes to the return of Scotland international as manager Steven Gerrard waits cautiously for his anticipated return to the fold.

The 29-year-old has been out of action since the end of last season, missing out on his country’s Euro 2020 campaign, and it is believed that he is now back in light training (Jordan Campbell, The Athletic).

Ibrox sources have also told Football Insider that the Gers ace is ‘closing in’ on a return for Rangers as he looks to bolster his training load.

The Latest: Whelan reacts…

Reacting to the latter claim, Whelan has been left thrilled by the update and insists that it is ‘massive news for Rangers’.

“He is an integral player in that Rangers midfield,” the former Leeds United striker told Football Insider. 

“It’s massive news for Rangers and Steven Gerrard that he is closing in on a comeback. Getting him back on the pitch after so long will be like a new signing.

“You can see him much better Rangers would be with him, including on Thursday night against Lyon when his energy and leadership were sorely missed.

“Steven knows that Ryan Jack is irreplaceable as he is the heartbeat of the team.

“Yes, Rangers won the league without him and have won plenty of matches when he hasn’t played. But, when the team is struggling or needs dragging out of a hole, Ryan Jack is the player you want in the team.”

The Verdict: Big boost for Gerrard…

As Whelan has said, the return of Jack will come as a welcome boost for Gerrard as someone who can seriously strengthen his options in midfield.

A tidy midfielder, only Glen Kamara (90.7%) averaged a higher pass accuracy than the Scotland international (89.9%) out of any Gers player with more than 12 Premiership appearances last season (WhoScored).

That degree of composure will be needed as the Light Blues aim to fend off arch-rivals Celtic and retain their top-flight crown

In other news: ‘One of the best’…BBC pundit wowed as Gers eye move for ‘big game’ forward, find out more here.

The captain Chris Gayle scored his first hundred in three years as West Indies meandered to a 214-run lead with a day to play

The Bulletin by Marc Ellison22-Dec-2008
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
How they were out

Chris Gayle’s unbeaten 146 helped West Indies develop a useful advantage heading into the fifth day © Getty Images
The captain Chris Gayle scored his first hundred in three years as West Indies meandered to a 214-run lead with a day to play in the deciding Test of the series. Gayle mixed flamboyance with patience in his 146 not out from 325 balls, which included 13 fours and six sixes, as the visitors finished at 278 for 7, a total which keeps both teams in with a chance.Gayle was outstanding with his shot selection and judgment, keeping out the testing deliveries from both finger spinners and launching some lusty blows into the stands on the legside. This was his first Test hundred since scoring 317 against South Africa in 2005, an amazing 25 Tests and 47 innings ago.Gayle combined in a vital 124-run stand with Brendan Nash for the fifth wicket that lifted the team from the danger of 106 for 4 midway through the first session. However, Gayle was unable to find another suitable ally to build the innings around and his tactics changed during the final session. He was forced to curb his natural flair and opt instead for caution in order to ensure his side made it through to stumps.In the second session Gayle reached his eighth Test hundred with a nervous single to backward point after he spent 40 balls in the 90s. Pushing to Jeetan Patel, he called yes before Nash sent him back. However, Gayle slipped on the pitch just before Patel got to the ball, but the fielder fumbled and Gayle was able to waltz through to complete his century from 189 deliveries.Nash built on his well-compiled 74 in the first innings with an equally important 65. While his captain scored predominantly straight down the ground, Nash pushed and prodded square of the wicket, making life difficult for the New Zealand attack to adjust to each batsman.After leaving so consistently outside his off stump, Nash was gifted width on numerous occasions and made the hosts pay by punishing them through point. He also worked off his pads nicely, collecting at will as well as picking up a couple of boundaries. He brought up his fifty off 137 balls with a sweetly timed cover drive off Patel, the most successful bowler.Nash fought hard through to tea but shortly after the resumption New Zealand took the new ball and James Franklin was brought into the attack. Franklin peppered Nash with short deliveries for an over and he was soon struck on the gloves and the ball ballooned to Jamie How at second slip. The vice-captain Denesh Ramdin (6) followed when he drove loosely off the back foot to Daniel Flynn off Franklin, who collected 2 for 40.New Zealand needed the wickets, the first since Patel’s double breakthrough left West Indies four-down before lunch. Daniel Vettori, who allowed 69 runs from 42 overs, opted for spin for the majority of the day, only really using his seamers once the second new ball was taken. Despite the late bursts from Franklin and Iain O’Brien, Patel remained the hosts’ key destroyer with 3 for 83. He removed Xavier Marshall for 18 before following up next ball with the caught-and-bowled of Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who misjudged a full toss.After Nash departed West Indies shut up shop and Jerome Taylor joined his captain in opting for resolute defence ahead of following attacking instincts. Taylor paid the price when O’Brien out-thought him and trapped him leg before with a slower ball that the batsman didn’t pick up. Prior to his dismissal, Taylor had to deal with a barrage of bouncers from O’Brien and copped one on the chin. He was out for 8 and West Indies were 272 for 7.Gayle and Fidel Edwards played out the day safely and the captain holds the key for the visitors. If New Zealand can grab the remaining three wickets early on the final day they stand a great chance of winning. However, Gayle looks in fine touch and he is the man who can stop New Zealand from claiming a crucial series victory.

A round-up of the first round of matches of the National Cricket League in Bangladesh

Rabeed Imam17-Oct-2008National Four-Day League

Rajin Saleh’s 135 could not take Sylhet to victory, but it did earn him a Test call-up © AFP
Against the backdrop of the exodus of 14 players to the ICL and the home series against New Zealand coinciding with this year’s schedule it was quite natural that the start of the 2008-09 season would be an inauspicious one. Apart from Barisal Division, who have to do without only Shahriar Nafees, the other five Divisional teams have been badly affected by players moving to the ICL.But champions Khulna still had the fire power to stave off the challenges of Nabil Samad and Shubashis Roy of Sylhet, who claimed all 20 wickets together and pulled off a victory with a day to spare at Khulna. Challengers Rajshahi found an inspired Barisal hard to crack and had to settle for a draw at Rajshahi. Dhaka and Chittagong, meanwhile, fought rain and a waterlogged ground for two days and had no time left for forcing a result at Fatullah.Khulna’s batting performance reflected the absence of Habibul Bashar, playing in the ICL, and Shakib Al Hasan and Imrul Keyes, celebrating a win over New Zealand in the first ODI. The warning signs were not there for the home team though when openers Nazmus Sadat (43) and Robiul Islam Robi put on 58 after being sent in at Khulna but the breakthrough by left-arm spinner Nabil Samad, who cleaned up Robiul in the 21st over, was the beginning of a slide. Samad took the next seven wickets to finish with 8 for 61, and Khulna were bowled out for 178.Sylhet’s delight was short-lived as Ziaur Rahman, leading the attack, took three wickets in an opening burst while new ball partner Dolar Mahmud dealt a telling blow by dismissing Rajin Saleh for a duck and the visitors were precariously placed at 42 for 6 at close. Things did not get any better as Sylhet were bundled out for 74 the next morning and it was Khulna’s turn to push for the advantage. Again Samad and Roy did not allow Khulna to race away and each took five-fors to bowl them out for 187. Khulna’s first-innings lead of 104 was decisive and the target of 292 proved just beyond Sylhet. Reduced to 120 for 8 by Zia (4 for 63) and Robiul Islam (5 for 60), Sylhet were taken to 256 thanks to Saleh’ 135. They were bowled out 35 shy of what would have been an amazing chase.Former Bangladesh fast bowler Alamgir Kabir enjoyed the usual juice at Rajshahi after Khaled Mashud decided to field first. Kabir had Barisal reeling at 105 for 7 before but captain Imran Ahmed and No. 9 Sajidul Islam helped the score to 187 without any further loss by stumps on the first day. Imran, 43 overnight, went on to make 110 and the plucky Sajidul made 50 to boost the score to 273. The tireless Kabir finished with 7 for 76. Sajidul then proceeded to send back the first five Rajshahi batsmen and gave Barisal a 58-run lead early on day three. The game swung back Rajshahi’s way as they limited Barisal to 204, made from 103 overs, which ultimately left them with not enough time to chase 263. So they opted for batting practice and finished on 135 for 3.Chittagong were the worst hit by the ICL exodus. Nazimuddin was the previous season’s top run-scorer and Aftab Ahmed’s all-round skills were missing. Dhiman Ghosh, the wicketkeeper, was also a solid contributor and with long-serving captain Ehsanul Haque unavailable and Tamim Iqbal preoccupied with the national camp it was a largely new-look Chittagong who lined up against Dhaka at Fatullah. Dhaka were without bowlers Mohammad Rafique, Mosharraf Hossain and Mohammad Sharif. However, now a ball was possible in two days because of a soggy outfield. When play finally got underway Dhaka chose to bat but were undone by the left-arm spinner Mohammad Younus (5 for 59) while the persevering Tarek Aziz Khan grabbed four. Dhaka managed 210 and Chittagong looked solid at 48 without loss at stumps. It was a different story the next day as Arafat Sunny picked up 5 for 46 before Chittagong declared on 212 for 9 to deny the hosts bowling points. First class debutant Tariq Ahmed showed promise at number four for Chittagong with a positive 73, hitting three sixes and nine fours. Dhaka were 64 for 2 in 20 overs when the captains shook hands.Player of the week: Rajin Saleh
Out of the Test frame for 17 months, the game against Khulna was Saleh’s only chance to push for a spot in the series against New Zealand. Having failed in the first innings and with his side under threat of getting blown apart at 120 for 8 in the second, Saleh weathered the storm and then grafted and persevered for 135 that changed the face of the innings. It didn’t go unnoticed and a prompt recall to the Test fold followed immediately.

Manchester City fans want to sign Cristiano Ronaldo this summer after it was suggested the Portuguese striker has been offered to the Citizens.

Despite possessing a squad full of talent and recently adding Jack Grealish (mancity.com) to their plethora of attacking options, it has not been the best start to the campaign for City this term.

They lost the Community Shield against Leicester City and they followed that up with a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on the opening matchday of the Premier League season.

In a shock report, the Corriere dello Sport (via Marca) has suggested £40.5m-valued Ronaldo (Transfermarkt) has been offered to the Etihad Stadium outfit. While the 36-year-old may be approaching the end of his career, he has still managed 101 goals in 133 games for Juventus (Transfermarkt), showing he still has plenty of his legendary ability.

The news was shared on Twitter by @City_Xtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from the City supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Ronaldo news below

“PLEASEEEEEEEEE”

Credit: @ZinnySZN

“Yes him over Kane easy. plus a pen scorer”

Credit: @JrJrjuniorsjr1

“IMAGINE THE SCENES ‘Welcome back to Manchester’”

Credit: @Puttci0

“you love to see it”

Credit: @TomWoods_

“Imagine the goals he’d get with KDB behind him”

Credit: @JesusRole

“As much as I call him Penaldo, he is exactly what we need. Someone to just stay in the box and be at the end of crosses. His movements are probably amongst the greatest ever. The only concern would be his pressing.”

Credit: @RDragon7l

In other news, Man City fans slammed this man against Spurs.

An update has emerged regarding Leeds United’s interest in PSV Eindhoven forward Noni Madueke.

What’s the talk?

According to the Evening Standard, the Whites are among a number of clubs interested in signing the 19-year-old this summer.

The report claims that Tottenham, Crystal Palace and Bayern Munich are also chasing the England under-21 international, who left Spurs to join PSV in 2018.

Costa replacement

Last month, Football Insider reported that Jorge Mendes is working on a potential transfer for Leeds winger Helder Costa. The former Wolves man is now surplus to requirements at Elland Road, with Marcelo Bielsa ready to green-light a deal and Mendes eyeing up a La Liga switch for Costa.

He managed three goals and three assists in 23 appearances for the club last term, with two goals and one assist coming in the first two matches. This suggests that Leeds will need a player to come in and replace him this summer, as he was unable to provide consistent quality in the top flight.

Madueke could be that player. Victor Orta must secure a deal for the flyer in the coming weeks as he could be a terrific addition to the squad and add more goals and assists than Costa was able to provide. In the 2020/21 campaign, Madueke was directly involved in 14 goals in 11 starts for PSV, with 10 goals and four assists to his name.

Former England under-21 head coach Aidy Boothroyd called him a “powerhouse” and highlighted his ability to score and create goals. The 50-year-old said: “He’s a powerhouse of a player, technically very good, left-footed and likes to come in off the side of the pitch, off the right and go and link.

“He’s got a goal in him, he’s very creative. He’s got a massive smile, a lovely kid. The lads have taken to him, as they would because he’s a good player, he has that respect for what he’s done at PSV.”
This shows that he could have the potential to come in and make an impact in the Premier League for Leeds. Although it is difficult to judge the bridge in quality between England and the Netherlands, Boothroyd clearly feels that the winger has the quality to make it at the top, and he still has time on his side to improve further.
Madueke is eight years younger than Costa, so he has the potential to develop as he gains more experience in his career, whereas the current Leeds forward should be in his prime years and is not delivering the goods. Therefore, Bielsa could work with the 19-year-old PSV talent on the training ground to mould him into the perfect winger for his system.
This is why the teenager could be the perfect replacement for Costa, as he has shown that he has the potential to improve upon his goals and assists tallies. He could also have long-term value for the club, as he could be sold on for a profit in the future if Bielsa is able to help him take his game to the next level.
AND in other news, Exclusive: Carlton Palmer refuses to rule out Leeds move for speed demon amid Phil Hay claim…

Steven Gerrard has revealed Alfredo Morelos is unavailable for Glasgow Rangers’ Premiership opener against Livingston on Saturday.

The Lowdown: Gers to kick off season

The Gers will kick off their title defence on Saturday with a match against Livingston at Ibrox.

23,000 fans will be able to attend the stadium (The Herald) – the first time supporters have been allowed into Rangers’ home for a competitive match since before the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Latest: Gerrard provides Morelos update

Speaking ahead of the clash, Gerrard provided an update on the status of his squad (via The Daily Record). He said:

“We have a fully fit squad. The only absentee is Alfredo Morelos. Obviously Ryan Jack can’t be selected. We have two or three players that we are going to make late decisions on, whether they are ready for the squad just now. They have had slightly different programmes because they arrived late, but I will make a decision on them. The likes of Helander, Barisic and Kamara. In terms of training, we are 99 per cent fit and ready to go.”

The Verdict: Not too surprising

This, of course, is not too unsurprising. £10.8m-valued Morelos (Transfermarkt) only returned to Glasgow earlier this week after travelling to his homeland for a break following the end of the Copa America, and he therefore is still in quarantine as per the latest regulations.

However, it is no less of a blow to Gerrard that he will be without his star striker. Even despite the speculation linking him with a move away from the 55-time Scottish champions, he remains the best forward the Gers have at their disposal, as his record of 94 goals in 182 games illustrates (Transfermarkt).

Of course, Gerrard does have other options in the form of Kemar Roofe, Cedric Itten and Fashion Sakala – he will be hoping that trio can get the job done for him.

In other news, Rangers fans slam this club update.

According to a report by HommeDuMatch.fr, Tottenham Hotspur have tabled a bid to sign Sheffield United star Sander Berge and The Blades have already replied.

The Lowdown: Spurs in centre-midfield tussle?

The future of club record signing Tanguy Ndombele has been plunged back in doubt over recent days according to reports, with Daily Star reporter Paul Brown believing that he is again unsettled.

As such, Spurs are apparently weighing moves for centre midfield additions and have targets in mind – which include the likes of Joao Palhinha, Corentin Tolisso and Denis Zakaria (Daily Star).

Now, HommeDuMatch bring news of another target for Spurs with an offer now made.

The Latest: Spurs table Berge bid…

The news outlet claims Tottenham have now tabled a bid to sign Norway international Berge this summer – with the player’s current club Sheffield United already responding.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-gossip/” title=”Tottenham latest gossip!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

It is believed that the 23-year-old is ‘eager to leave’ Bramall Lane after their relegation from the Premier League and Spurs have become the latest club to try and offer him an escape route.

Indeed, the Lilywhites have apparently offered United  €20 million (£16.9m) for Berge’s services but that won’t be enough.

Slaviša Jokanović’s side are holding firm and have rejected Tottenham’s bid as they hold out for ‘no less’ than €25m (£21.7m).

The Verdict: Good option?

The 6 foot 4 powerhouse certainly stands out as a physical presence and one who has impressed in the English top flight before, with ex-Blades boss Chris Wilder lauding him as a ‘unique’ player (VG via CaughtOffside).

However, the midfield dynamo also suffered through his fair share of injury problems over 2020/2021 and missed a worrying total of 21 games due to surgery (Transfermarkt) – meaning it could be a gamble to pay over the odds.

Other targets like Palhinha, who played consistently last season whilst averaging more tackles per 90 than any Spurs player (WhoScored), arguably stand out as more priority targets.

In other news: ‘Wow’, ‘Fantastic’…Sky Sports pundit blown away by ‘huge’ claim involving Spurs, find out more here.

Arsenal chief Edu Gaspar risks making his biggest mistake since the signing of Willian.

According to talkSPORT last week, the Gunners are set to submit a £30m bid for Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale after having two bids already knocked back by the Championship outfit.

“It is my understanding that Arsenal have made the Sheffield United ‘keeper their no.1 target. They’ve been linked with Sam Johnstone as well, but it’s all in now for Aaron Ramsdale,” claimed transfer expert Alex Crook.

“I’m told they’ve already had two bids rejected for the former Bournemouth goalkeeper and they are lining up a third.  The fee could be as much as £30million. That would be music to the ears of Bournemouth as they have a sell-on clause.”

If these reports are to be believed, then it’s clear that the Brazilian supremo has not learned from his previous mistakes.

This time last year, the North London giants sanctioned a swoop for then-free agent Willian. That has turned out to be a very expensive gamble, with the 32-year-old winger thought to be on around £220k-per-week, which was more than Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, as per The Sun.

In return, the former Chelsea star scored just once in 37 appearances and provided only three assists after his impressive debut on the opening game of the season, coming in for some heavy criticism, and he’s now thought to be close to an exit.

There could be some similarities here with the £10.8m-rated Ramsdale.

Mikel Arteta already has a no.1 in Bernd Leno and sanctioned the exit of Emi Martinez last season, so there would have to be question marks over whether or not the Englishman would start between the sticks right away.

Spending £30m would therefore be a massive gamble to make, and that’s not considering the fact that he has been relegated twice in as many seasons.

At just 23, he’s far from reaching his peak as a goalkeeper, and undoubtedly he’s one for the future.

“He can become one of the best, especially in the country,” Everton goalkeeper Asmir Begovic claimed to talkSPORT. “He’s already proved that he can play at the highest level. He’s got a lot of potential still to fulfil.”

Jurgen Klopp has previously dubbed him “incredible” for his display against Liverpool, but as Gunners legend Nigel Winterburn has suggested, it’s a “huge amount of money” for someone who may not be an upgrade on Leno.

If Edu goes ahead with this deal, then he certainly will be putting his reputation on the line once again, especially as Arsenal could bolster so many other areas for that sum of money.

He must avoid repeating the same mistake twice.

AND in other news, Romano drops Arsenal transfer claim on £100k-p/w flop, fans will be buzzing…