All posts by h716a5.icu

Injuries to paceman Alan Mullally and wicket-keeper Nic Pothas sees Hampshire go into their Norwich Union League Division Two match with Middlesex with their youngest side yet

Richard Isaacs30-Aug-2002Injuries to paceman Alan Mullally and wicket-keeper Nic Pothas sees Hampshire go into their Norwich Union League Division Two match with Middlesex with their youngest side yet.Second XI keeper Iain Brunnschweiler steps in for Pothas, who strained ligaments at the back of his knee and is rested in an attempt to get him fit for the vital Championship visit to Hove on Thursday. Brunnschweiler will make his competitive first XI debut having played in tourist and university first-class games.James Adams keeps his place from that beaten by Surrey in the floodlit clash at The Oval, while James Hamblin and Lawrence Prittipaul are also included.But there is no place for John Crawley, who has been ordered by the England management to rest before the fourth and final npower Test match against India at the Oval, starting on Thursday.Team: Jason Laney, Neil Johnson, James Adams, John Francis, Will Kendall (capt), James Hamblin, Lawrence Prittipaul, Dimitri Mascarenhas, Shaun Udal, Iain Brunnschweiler (w-k), James Tomlinson.

A major update has emerged on Manchester United’s Jacob Carney, regarding Sunderland’s pursuit of his services.

What’s the talk?

According to The Sun journalist Alan Nixon, Sunderland are closing in on a deal to sign 20-year-old goalkeeper Jacob Carney on a free transfer from Premier League side Manchester United.

The Sun on Sunday (14/05/2021, p59) claimed that Burnley and Brighton are also interested in Carney, with the former said to have made an offer to Carney. Lee Johnson’s Sunderland now look set to beat both of them in the race to land his signature.

Earlier this year, Portadown manager Matt Tipton lavished praise on the “excellent” shot-stopper, who was on loan to the Northern Irish side from Manchester United. He told News Letter:

“Manchester United are in contact with me after every game and obviously regularly with Jacob directly, so they seem pleased with his progress at Portadown.“It is unfortunate for Jacob not yet to have that clean sheet but it should not take away from his excellent performance levels.” Fans will be buzzing

Sunderland fans will be buzzing by this update. It shows a sign of intent from the club to snap up a talented young prospect ahead of serious interest from clubs in higher divisions.

As the report stated, Premier League side Burnley have made a contract offer to Carney, yet it still appears as though he is set to join Sunderland instead of Sean Dyche’s team. This also shows that Sunderland are an attractive club to join despite being in League One, which the supporters will surely be delighted about.

Lee Burge is set to be the only senior goalkeeper on Sunderland’s books next month as Remi Matthews is due to leave in the coming weeks. This means that there is a gaping hole in Johnson’s squad that now needs to be filled ahead of next season.

Having three first-team goalkeeper options is ideal for the club, as it only takes one injury to end up with no cover if you have two on the books. Therefore, bringing in young Carney may allow Johnson to use him as the club’s U23s goalkeeper as well as his third-choice in the first-team.

At the age of 20, Carney could also have plenty of potential to improve as a player. Although Manchester United are allowing him to leave, he must have impressed for Premier League teams to show an interest in him, with Burnley and Brighton in the race.

That suggests that he’s shown enough to prove that he has a bright future in the game – perhaps just not at the very top level. Sunderland fans can get excited about a talented prospect joining the club this summer.

AND in other news, Sunderland dealt blow on £3k-p/w ace with “glowing reports”, fans will be gutted…

Somerset chief executive Peter Anderson has apologised to members and supporters for his teams poor performances this season

Richard Walsh20-Sep-2002Somerset chief executive Peter Anderson has apologised to members and supporters for his teams poor performances this season.Speaking at the County Ground he told me: "We have had a very poor season despite a Lord’s Final appearance, and all I can do is apologise to members and supporters for the disappointing results."Somerset supporters will need no reminding of the fact that their team, who last year enjoyed probably the best ever season in the history of the club, have this year struggled in all but the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy and been relegated in both the county championship and the NUL National League.The Somerset boss spoke frankly about the situation: "It is easy to say sack the coach, the players or even the chief executive but that doesn’t solve anything. Vic Marks, will chair a discussion with the coach and some of the senior players to try to find out just exactly what went wrong."Mr Anderson continued: "It is puzzling that the same players who last year won the C and G Trophy and finished runner’s up in the county championship were so poor this year."He concluded: "We are making financial provision to sign a second overseas player and to sign two or three more players from the domestic scene. We operate with a small squad and this is because we have to live within our means."

Graham Smyth has delivered an update on Leeds United left-back Gjanni Alioski amid recent speculation he could sign a new contract at Elland Road.

What’s the story?

Writing initially on Twitter, Smyth said: “One more outing in the shop window for Gianni Alioski today before be decides his Leeds United future. The club’s position is unchanged.”

And then, adding via The Yorkshire Evening Post, he said: “The 29-year-old has had interest from elsewhere, including clubs in Turkey, but Leeds, who felt their post-season discussions with Alioski were positive, are adamant he remains very welcome to stay and would be open to further discussions with the player and his representatives.

“With Leeds in the market for a new left-back and quietly confident they can land their prime target, Alioski’s game time is under threat.”

Fans will be buzzing

While Alioski had his moments of madness and questionable performances last season in the Premier League, the North Macedonia international certainly put it all on the line for Leeds while playing in that left-back role – something Alex McLeish has praised him for.

He said: “For me, he’s been amazing, that guy. Alioski was like a jumping jack, a firework, the way he would do some really clever things, run at people and get balls in the box. Then all of a sudden he’s been asked to become a defender and a wing-back.

“I’ve got to say Leeds’ season was a big success and he was one of the players that helped to make it a big success. He’s had a cracking season. He’s probably short of being a top-class wing-back but he’s made certainly made a great attempt at it. Alioski is a player who’s surprised me very much in the wing-back role.”

Alioski played 36 of the 38 Premier League games last season, with the only two fixtures he missed coming in the opening five matches – the versatile ace even chipped in with three assists in the last eight games in the top-flight too as Leeds enjoyed a superb end to the season.

Given the way he’s transformed himself into a starting left-back for Bielsa, and how he’s endeared himself into the hearts of supporters with his all-action performances, Leeds fans will surely be buzzing at Smyth’s latest update.

Whites supporters have already made their feelings clear about wanting Alioski to stay, so this news should have them delighted.

Meanwhile, Graham Smyth has revealed Leeds United’s transfer plans…

MELBOURNE, Nov 2 AAP – Victoria removed the Tasmanian openers in the hour before lunch on the final day of their Pura Cup cricket match here today at the MCG.

AAP02-Nov-2002MELBOURNE, Nov 2 AAP – Victoria removed the Tasmanian openers in the hour before lunch on the final day of their Pura Cup cricket match here today at the MCG.The Tigers were 2-111 chasing 365 for the outright win, with Michael Dighton 12 and Shane Watson on nine.hTasmania resumed at 0-50 and had few troubles putting on another 39 runs, before wicket keeper Darren Berry took a sharp catch down the leg side off part-time spinner Brad Hodge, removing Jamie Cox for 26.Ten runs later, Michael Di Venuto played back defensively to a Shane Warne delivery and after hitting the ground the ball fizzed back onto his off stump for 55.Victoria declared yesterday afternoon at 2-236, having bowled out Tasmania earlier in the day for 224 in reply to the Bushrangers’ 9 (dec)-353.

Writing on his Patreon, reliable club insider ExWHUemployee has backed reports of GSB and West Ham United eyeing Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah this summer.

The Lowdown: New striker enters the fray?

As per a previous claim by ExWHUemployee, the original striker shortlist was said to be made up of four names – which included Tammy Abraham, Ivan Toney, Adam Armstrong and Youssef En-Nesyri.

Claret & Hugh believe that signing a new striker is an absolute priority for manager David Moyes this summer alongside the acquisition of a new centre-back and permanent deal for Jesse Lingard.

Recently, another reliable source in Fabrizio Romano lifted the lid on West Ham’s interest in Nketiah, with the Italian reporter claiming that the Hammers are eyeing him alongside Watford, Crystal Palace and Bayer Leverkusen (Twitter).

The Latest: Ex backs Nketiah reports…

Backing Romano’s claim involving Nketiah and West Ham, club insider ExWHUemployee has also stated that the Hammers hold an interest in signing the 22-year-old forward.

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The young striker’s contributions for Arsenal over 2020/2021 mostly came in the Europa League, with Nketiah averaging an impressive 2.8 shots on goal per 90 over his six starts in the competition (WhoScored).

Ex, writing on his Patreon, believes West Ham are now interested in the player and Arsenal could be open to selling him this summer for a reasonable price.

The Verdict: The answer for West Ham?

We can safely say this one would surely be a resounding no from Hammers fans.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has praised Nketiah for his contributions, lauding the ‘powerful’ forward last year (The Metro), but his lack of game time over 20/21 means West Ham should look at other options.

Signing him to help bolster the Irons forward line would be a big gamble while proven goal scorers like Armstrong and Toney could be available.

If West Ham are going to maintain a solid European run next year and stay at a high level, GSB cannot cut corners this summer in the transfer market.

In other news: ‘Have started negotiations’…Journalist drops exciting West Ham transfer claim, find out more here.

PERTH, Oct 25 AAP – Western Australia was closing in on England’s total at tea on the final day of a two-day cricket tour match at the WACA ground.

AAP25-Oct-2002PERTH, Oct 25 AAP – Western Australia was closing in on England’s total at tea on the final day of a two-day cricket tour match at the WACA ground.In reply to the tourists’ 221, the Warriors were 3-199 with Shaun Marsh not out 39 and Marcus North 31.After resuming at 0-3, Chris Rogers and captain Michael Hussey (48) were rarely troubled in their 103-run opening partnership.But Hussey was dismissed just before lunch when wicketkeeper Alec Stewart took a fine diving catch to his left off Matthew Hoggard’s bowling.For the most part, the England quicks bowled too short and Rogers and Hussey feasted on any wayward deliveries in their two-hour stand.Searching for answers against an understrength WA team during the opening session, England captain Nasser Hussain introduced spinner Ashley Giles with the score at 0-73.But the opening pair was not cracked until Hoggard (1-42) finally got his line and length right to force an edge from Hussey.Quick Andy Caddick (2-35) lifted the tourists’ hopes just after lunch by ending Rogers’ industrious knock (57) and removing Murray Goodwin (14) cheaply.Caddick had Rogers caught behind swiping at a wide ball while Goodwin flashed at another wide delivery and sent it straight to Stephen Harmison at third man.However, young left-handers North and Marsh steadied the ship for the home team with an unbeaten 61-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

Aiden McGeady has signed a one-year contract extension at Sunderland, keeping him at the Stadium of Light for the 2021-22 season [Sunderland AFC Official].

Enjoying a sparkling 2020/21 campaign, the Irishman chipped in with an unbelievable 23 goal contributions from 36 encounters; six goals and 17 assists [Transfermarkt].

Spending a fourth consecutive season in Sky Bet League One, the Black Cats will be hoping to count on his quality and experience as they vie to rise up the pyramid once again.

The embodiment of consistency, across his time in the North East the former Celtic man has been a pivotal fixture; scoring 33 goals and laying on a further 30 for his teammates [Transfermarkt].

In light of this contractual news, no wonder loads of Sunderland diehards took to Twitter to revel in these latest developments.

Sunderland fans react:

Replying to the Sunderland AFC official Twitter account, here is what some ecstatic supporters had to say upon hearing the ‘fantastic news’:

“Absolutely delighted with this news now add some quality to help him”

Credit: @mackem49000″Get us out of this league u beautiful man”Credit: @joe_112233″The last dance”Credit: @CarlDorward”Fantastic news!!”Credit: @bobbyspout”Brilliant news”Credit: @GavinEvs”Good start, hopefully gets the ball rolling #safc”Credit: @ParkersafcIn other news, Sunderland are set to sign a highly-rated defender.

Bologna defender Takehiro Tomiyasu is reportedly preferring a move to Tottenham Hotspur over Italian side Atalanta this summer, according to The Athletic. 

The lowdown: Spurs make eight-figure offer for Tomiyasu

Tottenham Hotspur’s interest in signing Tomiyasu has been well-documented ahead of the 2021/22 campaign, and it appears as though they’re confident of reaching an agreement to land his signature.

Tomiyasu made 33 appearances in total for Bologna last term, as they finished 12th in the Serie A table, whilst under the management of Siniša Mihajlović.

The 6 foot 2 defender still has three years remaining on his contract with the Italian side, and Spurs have reportedly made an offer in the region of £12.9million for his services, with Tomiyasu having a valuation of £18million according to Transfermarkt.

The latest: Tomiyasu outlines future plans

The Athletic have claimed that Tomiyasu is reportedly keen on a move to Spurs, despite interest from both Manchester United and Atalanta this summer.

It’s reported that the Japanese international isn’t one of Manchester United’s primary targets ahead of the new season though, with the Red Devils seemingly have their sights on signing Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane.

Tottenham’s new managing director of football, Fabio Paratici, is leading the negotiations over a potential deal for Tomiyasu, so it’ll be up to him to make sure the player’s choice isn’t all for nothing.

Newly-appointed boss Nuno Espirito Santo has also been briefed on the efforts to sign the 22-year-old.

The verdict: It’s a promising update in Spurs’ race to get the deal over the line

This will be pleasing to hear for Spurs supporters, who will be keen to see additional depth added to their squad ahead of the 2021/22 league campaign.

Tomiyasu is a player that Paratici and co clearly rate highly, and they’ll be keen to get an agreement in place at the earliest of opportunities, as they look to avoid the risk of losing out to either Manchester United or Atalanta this summer.

At the age of 22, you would imagine that he’s still got his best years ahead of him, and the Spurs supporters will be hoping that it’s with them moving forwards, after he was hailed as a “giant” in defence by Italian media earlier this year.

He boasted an average of 1.5 tackles, 1.7 interceptions and 3.3 clearances per game this season, and if Tomiyasu can hit the ground running with Nuno’s side, then this could turn out to be a smart investment by the Premier League side in the long-term.

Looking out across a sunny County Ground in Taunton earlier today Somerset chief executive Peter Anderson reflected on England’s defeat in the first Test match of the Ashes tour

SOMERSET11-Nov-2002Looking out across a sunny County Ground in Taunton earlier today Somerset chief executive Peter Anderson reflected on England’s defeat in the first Test match of the Ashes tour.He told me:"In messages back to the club both Andy Caddick and Marcus Trescothick have expressed their complete disappointment over the result and don’t offer up any excuses."The chief continued: "I am backing both of our players and we should not be drawn into stinging criticism after only one match. Australia are a very good team, but there are still four matches to go.”He continued: “The time for criticism if any is warranted is at the end of the series and not after the first Test."Regarding the Cidermen’s paceman he added : "With all of the bowling injuries, England are very lucky indeed to have Andy Caddick who never shirks anything."