Category Uncategorized

Football FanCast brings you the latest Liverpool transfer round-up.

While the Reds' last Premier League campaign didn't exactly go to plan, they did manage to secure a return to the Champions League and hand outgoing boss Jurgen Klopp a terrific send-off.

So with Arne Slot now in the Anfield hot seat, all eyes are on the transfer activity on Merseyside as the Dutchman starts to mould his Liverpool side.

Here we've listed the latest transfer rumours involving the Reds as they seek instant success under the former Feyenoord boss in 2024/25.

Latest Liverpool transfer rumours Transfers in

Andriy Lunin: With rumours swirling over the future of goalkeeper Alisson (see below), it appears that Liverpool are preparing for the worst by searching for his potential successor. That man could be Real Madrid's Andriy Lunin, who shone when asked to step up for the La Liga and European champions last season.

It is thought that while there are no direct negotiations taking place at present, Liverpool are monitoring the Ukrainian's situation amid the possibility of a goalkeeping shake-up in the coming weeks.

Joao Gomes: Liverpool have been named as admirers of Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes, though any move for the Portuguese ace may only happen further down the line, with midfield not a current priority for Arne Slot this summer.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, journalist Ben Jacobs said: "Midfield is not as high on their list of priorities as a centre-back and wide player. But, I don’t think we can entirely rule it out and Liverpool really like Joao Gomes as well, so that could be one to watch in the coming months. But for now, midfield is not the priority."

Gleison Bremer: Arne Slot's side are reportedly in a four-way battle for Juventus defender Gleison Bremer. The centre-back is not on sale in Turin, but Italian media have suggested that a bid in the region of £60m could force Juve to do business.

Joao Neves: Portuguese reports have claimed that Liverpool could steal Benfica's Joao Neves from under the noses of rivals Manchester United. He could cost a cool £85m, although if Benfica have their way and increase his release clause with a new contract, they could well be looking at a nine-figure sum.

Anthony Gordon: Despite rumours of Liverpool's interest in Gordon cooling in recent weeks, it appears the Reds have not given up on bringing the former Everton star to Anfield this summer.

Their previous move reportedly broke down over their reluctance to allow Jarell Quansah to move to Tyneside, though more recent reports earlier this week have claimed that a fresh bid is in the offing, suggesting this could yet turn into a transfer saga.

Lutsharel Geertruida: Arne Slot could make his first foray into poaching his former players by sealing a deal for Lutsharel Geertruida this summer. Reports in the past week claimed that the Dutchman has been contacted by the club ahead of a potential move, with his agents engaging in talks with Liverpool.

Leny Yoro: Liverpool remain in the hunt for the in-demand Leny Yoro, though may now have to act fast after Manchester United reportedly had a bid accepted for the teenager.

Reports had previously stated that the Reds were prepared to offer €60m (£51m), though they may now have to compete with United and the player's preferred destination – Real Madrid – in order to complete a deal.

Jeremie Frimpong: United are also set to battle Liverpool for Jeremie Frimpong, a compatriot of both bosses of the Premier League heavyweights. Last week, German media reported that Slot had personally spoken to Frimpong over a potential switch this summer, though the level of interest in the Bayer Leverkusen ace could complicate things – not to mention a relatively cheap €40m (£34m) release fee.

Adrien Rabiot: Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot looks set for a new club, having failed to sign an extension in northern Italy. Liverpool are among those interested in his services, with the Reds thought to have already made moves to bring the Frenchman to Anfield – though so have Newcastle United.

Transfers out

Alisson: The Reds' No 1 is a key target for Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr, with Cristiano Ronaldo's side aiming to test Liverpool's resolve as they look to seal a deal very soon. This comes despite their interest in Manchester City's Ederson, with Alisson believed to be their preferred target.

Nat Phillips: Liverpool are holding firm on their £8m asking price for Nat Phillips, recently rejecting a bid from Turkey worth £4m. Trabzonspor wanted to bring the centre-back to the Super Lig, but with plenty of interest in the 27-year-old elsewhere, the Reds feel they can double their money.

Latest Liverpool transfers 2024/25

Arne Slot is yet to make his first signing as Liverpool boss, though the club have already started saying goodbye to players whose contracts expired this summer. In terms of first-team players, they include defender Joel Matip and Spaniard Thiago Alcantara, with the latter recently announcing his retirement.

Fee

Fee

Calvin Ramsay (Wigan)

Loan

Joel Matip (Released)

n/a

Thiago (Retired)

n/a

Results Summary The Knights became the first team to record a win in this year’s first-class competition when they beat the Warriors by 179 runs in Bloemfontein. The match was Allan Donald’s first in charge of his home franchise and first as a head coach in South Africa.Whether the win would have been as resounding had the Warriors had a fully-fit squad to pick from is a matter of debate after six players were forced to withdraw ahead of this round of matches. As a result, the Warriors were without a significant number of their first-choice bowlers and it showed. Batting first, the Knights piled on 430 for 6, with all of their top five in the runs. In response, the Warriors managed only 158. The Knights’ 272-run lead gave them the luxury of being able to declare their second innings on just 93 for 8, setting the Warriors 366 to win. Given their first-innings effort, that was always going to be a bridge too far and they fell short by a distance.In Cape Town, the Titans came back from a first-innings deficit of 114 runs to beat the Cape Cobras by two wickets. They chased down 316 in the fourth innings of the game despite being bundled out for 150 in their first innings. The Cobras set the tone by declaring on 264 for 9 on day one, and took a big advantage into the second innings, where they scored 201. They would not have been too unhappy with setting the Titans a target over 300, but with several international batsmen and time on their side, the Titans won after lunch on the final day.Not long after that, the Dolphins joined the victory parade. They defied a rain-affected first-day to topple defending champions the Lions, who started proceedings with 258 in the first innings. If the Lions were wondering that was a middling total, the Dolphins replied with 458 for 3 declared, taking exactly the lead they would need – which was worth 200 runs – to push for an innings win. They didn’t get that, but needed just 11 runs to seal victory in a chase that lasted only 16 balls.Theunis de Bruyn plays the sweep•Associated Press

On the national radarPerhaps the best news for the new national selector Victor Mpitsang was that top-order batsmen performed well. Dean Elgar’s hundred made up more than two-thirds of the Titans’ first-innings total, while Theunis de Bruyn’s 127 took the Titans to victory.De Bruyn was dropped for last summer’s Tests but could force his way back in with form this season. Aiden Markram and Pieter Malan, two others competing for the openers’ role, could only manage scores of 2 and 48, and 51 and 1, respectively. Worryingly, Rassie van der Dussen’s returns were just 1 and 10 and Temba Bavuma, who was also captaining his franchise, made 43 and 25. Keegan Petersen, who trained with the South African squad last summer, made a strong case with his 173 for the Dolphins against the Lions.None of South Africa’s frontline Test bowlers were in action at home with all of them occupied at the IPL, but spinner Keshav Maharaj showed his ability to close out games. He opened the bowling for the Dolphins in the Lions’ second innings and took 6 for 101 to bowl his team to a win. George Linde, who made his Test debut in India last year, took nine wickets for the Cobras to become the early leader on the wicket charts, followed by Tabraiz Shamsi and Maharaj with seven wickets each, making the top three bowlers after round one all spinners.International allrounders Andile Phehlukwayo and Dwaine Pretorius were in action, with Pretorius carrying a heavier bowling load. He bowled first change for the Lions – after Beuran Hendricks and Sisanda Magala – and delivered 21 overs, which brought him 1 for 44. Phehlukwayo only bowled in the Lions’ first innings and sent down 13 overs, with a return of 1 for 49.Reeza Hendricks gets behind the line•Getty Images

Top performers The Knights’ Jacques Snyman became the first batsman to score a century in this first-class competition before lunch since Rilee Rossouw did it back in 2010 to register his first century at the franchise level. His opening partner Matthew Kleinveldt scored 73, as Raynard van Tonder got 85 at No. 3.Also at the top of the order, Sarel Erwee’s 199 set the Dolphins up for their big win. Reeza Hendricks made 76 for the Lions and although the Warriors did not have much success with the bat, Matthew Breetzke’s 77 at the top of the order also sent a message to the selectors. In the middle order, Kyle Verreynne’s second-innings 85 for the Cobras stood out in an otherwise lean scorecard.Lizaad Williams, who moved upcountry from the Cape this season, is the leading seam bowler after the first round with six wickets. He took 4 for 51 in the Cobras’ first innings and 2 for 23 in the second to finish with an average of 12.33.

The West Indies squad could provide a lucrative source of overseas signings for the BBL, after the competition added scope for a third foreign player in the XIs, if the tournament can take advantage of the travel bubble that exists with New Zealand.West Indies have a three-match T20I series in the country at the end of November followed by two Tests, and since earlier this month it is now possible to travel from New Zealand into New South Wales without needing to quarantine on arrival.The West Indies players will undergo managed isolation when they arrive at the start of the tour next month, but under current regulations, they will then be able to move around freely with the normal population unlike the restrictive biosecure bubbles which are in operation around the world. ALSO READ: BBL clubs to be allowed three overseas players in XIThat could mean they are able to fly directly to Australia to take up BBL deals without the need to quarantine for 14 days, although Cricket Australia (CA) stressed that all overseas players are subject to Australian Border Force approval. The T20I series finishes on November 30 and the second Test ends on December 15 in Wellington. The BBL, meanwhile, is expected to begin in the second week of the month.A significant number of the West Indies squad could be of interest to BBL clubs since it was confirmed there is now room for an extra overseas player, revealed by ESPNcricinfo earlier this week, which will be funded outside of the salary cap.Kieron Pollard is captain of the T20I side which includes Nicholas Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer, the latter who is also in the Test group. West Indies Test captain Jason Holder is not part of their T20 set-up but is currently at the IPL and could interest clubs as might fast bowler Kemar Roach who has previously played in the BBL.Andre Russell, who would likely gain plenty of interest, Lendl Simmons and Evin Lewis opted out of the New Zealand tour so they would need to go through 14 days quarantine to be part of the BBL. Dwayne Bravo recently withdrew due to an injury sustained at the IPL.The BBL is attempting to attract as many big-name overseas signings as possible to help compensate for the potential absence of more Australian internationals to the larger squads that will be needed this season. They’re also looking to ease tensions with broadcaster Channel Seven, although the postponement of New Zealand’s limited-overs tour in January means there is a clear window in the latter part of the competition. However, given the strains on multi-format players this season, it would appear unlikely the likes of David Warner, Steven Smith, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc will feature.Steven Smith and David Warner may not be able to play in the BBL this season•BCCI

“It’s such a fast-changing environment with borders and different considerations. Our clubs have been really innovative and agile to be able to adjust their recruitment strategies so that [bubble] is a good example of one that’s opened up recently and I know there’s conversations happening,” Alistair Dobson, the head of the BBL, said. “There’s a unique opportunity to capitalise on it if that’s the way our clubs decide to go, there are a players that are available and suit the contracting strategies. That would be a great result.””I think having the best players in the BBL is always a primary objective of our clubs. You can see by some of the announcements in recent days that they’ve been really ambitious. The third player on the list just adds another dimension, [more] depth and quality to the teams. The types of players we get, there will be some names you know and some up and coming stars. There’s plenty of history in the BBL of players leaving the competition with much bigger profiles than when they arrived.”However, while the bubble exists with New Zealand it could be harder to get their own players involved. Pakistan tour after West Indies and though that series finishes on January 7, there is no more international cricket until late February. When the schedule was announced, NZC made specific mention of having their leading names available for the T20 Super Smash, although some could well be attracted across the Tasman.”One of the silver linings is that our Super Smash competition, which will be played in that window, will now be boosted by the presence of Blackcaps and White Ferns,” David White, the NZC CEO, said last month. “It’s going to be the best Super Smash yet, I’m confident of that.”Dobson said: “I know there’s some players from New Zealand we’d love to have in the BBL if it lines up. I can see a way for them to be part of it. They’ve got their own commitments at the same time, [so] it all comes down to the unique requirements of each club, borders and contract strategies. But it certainly looks like there’s a unique opportunity this year with that bubble opening.”Outside of the potential advantages of the New Zealand bubble, Dobson said that all indications were that other overseas players would still require 14 days hard quarantine including the England contingent who will have come from a biosecure series in South Africa. The WBBL players recently completed the same protocols and were not allowed outside of their hotel rooms for that period, but Dobson added he had not received any significant concerns from the BBL players already signed.The schedule itself is expected to be confirmed shortly after the rubberstamping of the Australia-India fixtures. That tour received government approval on Thursday and is awaiting final BCCI sign-off. On Friday, Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison indicated that state borders, expect Western Australia’s, could be open again by Christmas which may give the BBL more flexibility with the fixturing.

Dawid Malan out first ball as Yorkshire slump to 104 all out

ECB Reporters Network16-Sep-2020

Matty Potts bowled Dawid Malan for a first-ball duck•PA Images via Getty Images

Durham won their third successive Vitality Blast game by beating Yorkshire in a low-scoring affair at Emerald Headingley, maintaining their hopes of quarter-final qualification.The visitors defended a 148 target against the under-strength Vikings, whose knockout hopes are all but over after a third straight defeat in which they were bowled out for 104 in the 17th over, losing by 43 runs.Durham have seven points from eight games and jump to third in the North, three points behind Lancashire in second – their next opponents at Emirates Old Trafford on Friday. The best two third-placed finishers from the North, Central and South also qualify. Yorkshire have six points from eight games.New-ball seamer Matty Potts led the Durham defence with a superb 3 for 14 from three overs, while Paul Coughlin also struck three times.The hosts were hurt by the continued coronavirus-related absence of Matthew Fisher, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Josh Poysden and captain David Willey, who missed their second game in three days after the latter and his wife Carolynne tested positive.ALSO READ: Willey tests Covid-positive, three team-mates ruled out of BlastHowever, all players met up outside of cricket on Saturday and must undergo the 14-day self isolation period. They are unavailable for the rest of the group stage.Durham reached 40 without loss after four overs, only to slip to 147 all out as South African fast bowler Duanne Olivier claimed 2 for 16 from four overs. In reply, Yorkshire lost England’s Dawid Malan for a golden duck and failed to recover.Yorkshire, for whom stand-in skipper Adam Lyth and Jordan Thompson also claimed two wickets, and Durham came into this game in contrasting form.And it was buoyant Durham who made a fast start having been inserted, with Graham Clark hitting three fours and a six in a brisk 28, the top score in the innings.But Clark and opening partner Alex Lees fell within two overs of each other – Lees caught and bowled by Lyth’s offspin and Clark caught at long-on off the same bowler as the score fell to 57 for 2 in the eighth.Ben Raine maintained Durham’s momentum with successive leg-side sixes to end the eighth over, but he was caught behind cutting at another offspinner, Jack Shutt – 78 for 3 in the 10th. Farhaan Behardien then dragged compatriot Olivier to mid-on in the 11th, leaving the visitors at 81 for 4.David Bedingham was caught at deep mid-wicket off Thompson’s seamers, undermining Durham’s chances of reaching 150.Brydon Carse counter-punched with a couple of lusty sixes down the ground off Shutt and Thompson, only to be caught behind the ball after hitting the second six as the score fell to 110 for 6 after 15.Olivier further applied the brakes by getting Coughlin caught at mid-off in the 18th before Liam Trevaskis was run out in the 19th, in which Ben Coad also had Matty Potts caught at long-on. Scott Steel was also run out in the last over.But that was far from the end of the drama. Lyth cut the first two legitimate balls of the innings from left-arm spinner Trevaskis for four, only to miscue Potts to mid-on in the second.Next ball Malan chopped on, and when Harry Brook also miscued the same bowler to mid-on in the fourth, Yorkshire were 22 for 3 with their big guns gone.Durham captain Nathan Rimmington then trapped Jonny Tattersall lbw as the score fell to 48 for 4 in the seventh, with 100 runs still required.Will Fraine top-scored with 28, only for him and George Hill to fall in successive deliveries in the 10th and 11th overs, leaving the score at 73 for 6. Hill was bowled by Coughlin and Fraine caught behind off Carse.The end came very quickly from there as James Wharton chipped Coughlin to cover. The same bowler later got Thompson caught in the deep.Either side of the Thompson wicket, wily Trevaskis had Ben Coad stumped and Olivier bowled, sealing the win with 20 balls to spare.

Arsenal are reportedly looking to sign an upgrade on Oleksandr Zinchenko this summer, which could see a rising star arrive from La Liga on a path already trodden by club captain Martin Odegaard.

Arsenal transfer news

The Gunners won't stop here after their sensational Premier League campaign, with Josh Kroenke remaining defiant in the fact that this is just the start for those in North London.

With that said, whilst the headlines will likely be dominated by their search for a ruthless goalscorer this summer, those at The Emirates are also reportedly looking to land a new left-back.

Arteta has privately called £40 million defender his ideal Arsenal signing

The Spaniard is a big fan.

ByEmilio Galantini May 18, 2024

According to reports in Spain, Arsenal are eyeing a move to sign Miguel Gutierrez, who has starred at Girona this season to help them secure a shock Champions League place. Earning a reported £6k-a-week, Arsenal could land a bargain deal if they trigger Gutierrez's €40m (£34m) release clause in the coming months.

Having come through Real Madrid's ranks, Gutierrez can now follow the same path as Odegaard by completing a move to North London and providing Mikel Arteta with a long term left-back solution. With Bayern Munich also interested though, the Gunners will have to act sooner rather than later if they want to kick off their summer plans with a bang.

Welcoming Gutierrez and others would certainly be the first step towards building a deep squad capable of competing for four trophies next season.

"Fantastic" Gutierrez would be an upgrade on Zinchenko

At just 22 years old, Gutierrez looks set to have quite the decision to make about his future this summer, especially if Arsenal turn their interest more serious. If the move does take place though, then it's one that should leave the Gunners in a position of strength down their left-hand side, with Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu handed quite the competition.

Assists

6

2

Progressive Passes

142

220

Key Passes

41

28

Ball Recoveries

200

103

The number of ball recoveries that Gutierrez manages is a particular positive and stands out as something that would slot straight into Arteta's attempt to suffocate teams on the front foot when Arsenal want to counter-press.

After such an impressive campaign, the left-back has earned plenty of deserved praise, including from Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig, who described his season as "fantastic". Things could now get better than ever this summer if Arsenal step up their interest and sign a player who is showing all the signs that there's plenty more to come yet.

In the most dramatic scenes imaginable, Middlesex secured their first County Championship title since 1993 when Toby Roland-Jones claimed a hat-trick, in a six-wicket haul, to bowl out Yorkshire out for 178 with 4.4 overs of the season remaining

George Dobell at Lord'sUpdated on 23-Sep-2016Middlesex 270 (Gubbins 125, Brooks 6-65) and 359 for 6 dec (Malan 116, Gubbins 93, Eskinazi 78*) beat Yorkshire 390 (Bresnan 142*, Rafiq 65, Hodd 64, Roland-Jones 4-73) and 178 (Bresnan 55, Roland-Jones 6-54)
Scorecard1:40

‘I’m staggered, bewildered’ – Franklin

Of course it ended in a hat-trick. Of course, on a day when supporters ran down the street to catch the final session at the home of cricket, in a season that ended with three teams’ title hopes live into the final half-hour, at a match that attracted more than 20,000 spectators and saw the initiative swing by the hour, it ended with a hat-trick.It was, as the hat-trick hero Toby Roland-Jones, put it “as good as it gets.”The short story is that Middlesex won the Championship for the first time since 1993. As the only unbeaten team in the land, few would deny they deserved their prize. They have, in the likes of Steven Finn, Nick Gubbins and, perhaps, Roland-Jones, produced players who could serve England cricket with distinction. Angus Fraser, the Middlesex director of cricket, and his coaching team have done a fine job since inheriting “a bit of a mess in 2009” (Fraser’s words) and there’s no reason the next few years cannot bring more success.The longer story is rather more complicated. There had been long passages of play in this match when it seemed impossible to separate these two well-matched teams. And as they traded blows, providing an outstanding advert to the virtues and values of Championship cricket, it seemed they might negate one another and allow Somerset to win their first Championship title. Had this game been drawn, Somerset would have been champions.In the end it took some invention to reach victory at Lord’s. After plodding along for the first three hours of the day – that is a little harsh; Gubbins and Dawid Malan, who completed his century before the declaration bowling, both batted beautifully on an unhelpfully slow surface – the sides agreed an equation. After the possibility of a target of 210 off 30 overs and 220 off 32 was rejected – negotiations took place, James Franklin the Middlesex captain later admitted, while he was on the toilet – it was eventually agreed that Yorkshire would be required to score 240 in 40 overs to win.To achieve that situation, however, Yorkshire were persuaded to serve up what might be politely be described as “help yourself” bowling. So Adam Lyth and Alex Lees delivered nine overs that cost 120 runs in the understanding that Yorkshire would then chase their target come what may.”I told James Franklin that we would go for it and I’m a man of my word,” Andrew Gale, the Yorkshire captain, said afterwards.It seemed, at the time, a somewhat generous declaration – 240 in 40 overs? In the age of T20? Easy! Indeed, so generous did it seem that Peter Trego, the Somerset allrounder, suggested on Twitter that it should have come with Gift Aid.But on a tired, late-season, fourth-day pitch on which Middlesex had scored at a rate of 2.48 in their first innings and Yorkshire at a rate of 3.34 in theirs, it proved an astute target. Tantalising enough to seduce Yorkshire but distant enough to defend, it was surely a declaration that would have pleased previous Middlesex captains such as Mike Brearley or Denis Compton.It may grate some – not least those in Taunton – that such contrivance was used. But it felt legitimate. It felt as if both sides had embraced the spirit of the occasion, their role as entertainers and the fact that a draw was little use to either of them. A game that could have petered out to a dull draw was rendered endlessly memorable. Both captains, both teams, both clubs deserve credit for that.”There was a bit of to-ing and fro-ing but at the end of the day we wanted to put a bit of a show on and a finale for the season at the home of cricket,” Franklin explained. “I guess Somerset will feel a little disappointed at how it panned out but, at the end of the day, we can only look after the game we’re involved in and both Yorkshire and us felt we were prepared to lose to win the game. Fair play to Yorkshire for being part of it. Unfortunately only one team comes away with the spoils.”There was much to admire in this Yorkshire effort. At several times in the match – several times during the season – it seemed their hopes of winning a third successive Championship title had been dashed. But every time – nearly every time – someone produced a performance to keep them in the fight.Typically, it was Tim Bresnan who top-scored for them in the fourth innings. And it was when he fell that their challenge finally subsided. The final six wickets were swept away for 25 runs.James Franklin, Middlesex’s captain, with the County Championship trophy•Getty Images

Perhaps a more pragmatic, less emotional team might have blocked for a draw. Or perhaps, by blocking for a few overs, they might have convinced Middlesex to throw up a few enticing overs themselves? But a promise had been made and a promise was honoured. These things still matter in Yorkshire. It would be nice to think they still matter in county cricket. Whichever side you were supporting, there is something comforting in that.Usually, on a day when Kevin Pietersen and Shane Warne were conducting a coaching session on the Nursery Ground, a crowd would gather around them. Not this time. Nobody wanted to miss a ball of the game on the main square. As the equation became 153 required off 20 and then 87 off 10, nobody could bear for it to continue or ever want it to end. There is always a bitter pang of regret at the end of the season. This year, that will be just a little smarter as the game has provided a late reminder of its charms. And, of course, we may never again have a 16-match season. It’s 14 next year. How long before it is 12 or 10?Defeat was clearly hard to take for Gale. He declined to confirm that he would continue as captain – “I need to take stock before thinking about that,” he said – but, in time, he will surely conclude that he has presided over a golden period of Yorkshire cricket. The sight of Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow in the dressing room spoke volumes for the spirit the club has engendered, though the absence of Adil Rashid raised questions. It will be fascinating to see how he reflects on the last few days in a decade or two. The chance to fight for a Championship at Lord’s doesn’t come along very often.”I never thought it was a generous declaration,” Gale said. “I always thought it favoured Middlesex. But we put up a hell of a fight. I knew it was slipping when Bresnan was out. We didn’t have many hitters. We’ve had a lot of England call-ups and injuries this season, but Middlesex are worthy winners. They deserve this.”This game also marked the end of Jason Gillespie’s spell as head coach of the club. It should not be forgotten that, when Gillespie was appointed, Yorkshire were in the lower division of the Championship and had gone longer than any of the first-class counties without a trophy. He has not only helped revive their fortunes – Martyn Moxon and many others have contributed, too – but he has done so by backing home-grown players and in spite of frequent and heavy calls upon his squad by the England teams. While some other foreign coaches come into the county game and make short-term decisions that might embellish their own CVs but take the club – and the English game – no further forward, Gillespie has done a fine job for Yorkshire and England. He departs having earned the enduring gratitude of both.It might be overlooked in the drama of the evening session, but the day started with Middlesex still facing a deficit. Had Gubbins, who passed 1,400 Championship runs during his innings of 93, and Malan not batted with such class and composure, Middlesex would never have had the opportunity to set up such a declaration.But it has been that way all season. When Middlesex stumbled to 133 for 6 against Somerset at Taunton in June, it seemed they were in deep trouble. But then James Harris and James Fuller – neither of whom were selected for this game – posted a ninth-wicket stand of 162 to set up an eventual two-wicket victory. Over the course of the season, despite relatively sparse contributions from their overseas players, they have always found someone to deliver.On the final day, that was Roland-Jones. Running down the hill from the Pavilion End, Roland-Jones exploited a slightly uneven surface and the desperation of his opponents with a mean display of bowling that forced them behind the rate and into reckless strokes.”The attitude wasn’t great when I started in 2009,” Fraser said. “There was a sense from some players that the club was lucky to have them rather than them being lucky to play for this club.”We’ve put the pride back into playing for Middlesex. They’re nice players but they’re also nice guys.”At the same time, most at Leeds or Lord’s will spare some sympathy for Somerset in general, and Marcus Trescothick in particular. But sympathy is the last thing that he or his club will want. At least they have the chance to try again next year. Even the most ardent Yorkshire or Middlesex supporter may wish they go that bit better.Long after the pain of defeat and the pleasure of victory has subsided, we may come to reflect on this match as the apogee of the two-division age of County Championship cricket. There is so much good in it. So much of value.We talk often of the worth of the Championship: its ability to develop players and contribute to the success of the England Test team. What we hear less frequently is the entertainment it offers. But anyone who saw the emergence of Haseeb Hameed, the development of Ben Duckett, the enduring brilliance of Trescothick or the improvement in Gubbins and Jake Ball, witnessed a brilliantly vibrant competition that continues to deliver players and delight its followers. And anyone who saw Rob Jones celebrate his first century or Jack Shantry thrash the second fifty runs of his own, witnessed how much this game still means to those involved and its ability to surprise. While Test cricket remains important to us, the Championship remains relevant and deserves protecting.

Mir, who made her debut in 2005, took 151 wickets in 120 ODIs and 89 wickets in 106 T20Is

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Apr-2020

Sana Mir in action•PCB

Sana Mir, arguably the greatest woman cricketer Pakistan has produced, has announced her retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to a 15-year career. Mir, who made her international debut in 2005, took 151 wickets at an average of 24.27 in 120 ODIs and 89 wickets at 23.42 in 106 T20Is. Apart from that, she also scored 1630 runs in ODIs at 17.91 and 802 in T20Is at 14.07.Last November, Mir had taken a break from international cricket and had missed Pakistan’s tour of England. Subsequently, she was left out of Pakistan’s squad for the 2020 T20 World Cup in Australia following a run of poor form.ALSO READ: ‘A true stalwart of Pakistan cricket, a catalyst for the women’s game'”Last few months have provided me with an opportunity to contemplate,” Mir said in a statement. “I feel it is the right time for me to move on. I believe I have contributed to the best of my ability for my country and the sport.”When I reflect on my debut, it gives me great satisfaction that I have been part of the process that has eventually resulted in a packed-to-capacity Lord’s for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 final, something that was further boosted by a record 87,000 spectators for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. These are great success stories for women’s cricket.”In her statement, Mir thanked her family and mentors and hoped to continue “serving” her departmental team Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL).”I also want to thank my family and mentors who provided unconditional support that allowed me to fulfil my dreams of representing Pakistan at a global stage and would also like to thank my departmental team ZTBL for their support throughout my career. I look forward to continue serving them if department cricket continues.”Mir retires as the leading wicket-taker for Pakistan in ODIs and second-highest behind Nida Dar in T20Is. Her most productive year was 2014, when he took 21 wickets in 11 ODIs at 12.57. In October 2018, she topped the ICC ODI rankings. She has two Asian Games gold medals from 2010 and 2014.She captained 72 times in ODIs, of which Pakistan won 26 and lost 45. In her 65 T20Is as captain, Pakistan won 26 and lost 36. She stepped down from the T20I captaincy after the 2016 Women’s World T20, and lost the ODI captaincy in 2017, when the PCB elevated Bismah Maroof to the role.Wasim Khan, PCB’s CEO, paid tribute to Mir: “On behalf of Pakistan cricket, I congratulate Sana Mir on a highly successful career. She has been the face of Pakistan women’s cricket for many years and the real source of inspiration for the young generation of women cricketers.”Through her determination and passion, Sana broke the glass ceiling for women cricketers in the country. Through her performances, she not only improved the profile of women’s cricket in Pakistan, but also enhanced the image of Pakistan globally. Sana is a true legend of women’s cricket who attracted, inspired and motivated young women athletes. Moving forward, I am sure she will continue to contribute positively to women’s cricket.”

كشف ياسر ريان، لاعب الأهلي الأسبق، عن حقيقة توقيع نجله أحمد ياسر ريان مهاجم فريق البنك الأهلي الحالي، على عقود الانضمام لنادي الزمالك.

وقال ياسر ريان في تصريحات عبر إذاعة “أون سبورت إف إم”: “أحمد ياسر لم يوقع لنادي الزمالك، لكن كان هناك تفاوض بين وكيله ومسؤولي القلعة البيضاء”.

وشدد: “من الصعب أن يلعب أحمد ياسر ريان لنادي الزمالك، نظرًا لتاريخه وتاريخي مع النادي الأهلي”.

طالع أيضًا | أنيس بن ميم: الجزيري “مش على رأسه ريشة” في الزمالك.. وأريده أن يكون محترفًا

أضاف: “يحيى عطية الله على المستوى الذي ظهر به أرى أنه من المفترض أن يُقدم أداءً أفضل من ذلك، لكن هو لاعب فنيًا جيد، لكن لا نُقارنه بـ علي معلول، الأخير عندما انضم للأهلي كان رتمه أسرع”.

وتابع: “يحيى عطية الله لاعب جيد، لكن في مركزه لعب نجوم كثيرين ربيع ياسين وسيد معوض وجيلبرتو وعلي معلول، ممكن عندما يدخل في مباريات ثقيلة يظهر بالمستوى المطلوب”.

واختتم: “مارسيل كولر المدير الفنى للنادي الأهلي، يتعامل بنفس شخصية البرتغالى مانويل جوزيه المدير الفني السابق للفريق، وهذا ما يحتاجه لاعبو المارد الأحمر على مر التاريخ، بسبب كثرة تواجد النجوم داخل غرفة خلع الملابس”.

تحدث السويسري مارسيل كولر، المدير الفني لفريق الأهلي، عن مباراة اليوم أمام زد، التي جمعتهما ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري، والتي انتهت بفوز الأحمر بهدف دون رد.

والتقى الأهلي مع زد، على أرضية استاد المقاولون العرب، في إطار مواجهات الجولة الثانية لبطولة الدوري المصري.

وقال كولر في تصريحات عبر قناة “أون تايم سبورت”: “بدأنا المباراة بشكل جيد جداً وسجلنا هدفًا، ولعبنا أمام خصم قوي ولكننا فشلنا في استغلال الفرص التي أتيحت لنا، لكننا سعداء بالفوز والنتيجة ولدينا أكثر من يوم الراحة والاستشفاء”.

طالع أيضاً.. فيديو | الأهلي يحقق فوزًا صعبًا على زد ويواصل صدارة الدوري المصري

وبشأن ضم صفقات لتدعيم مركز رأس الحربة، أفاد: “ليس في الوقت الحالي ولكن في هذا الشهر لدينا مباريات وفي يناير سندرس الموقف”.

ما هو تقييمك لصفقات الصيف؟ أجاب: “مقتنعين بها ولكن كل لاعب يختلف عن الآخر في مدى تأقلمه أي لاعب يدخل النادي الأهلي يحتاج لوقت من أجل التاقلم”.

وأكمل: “الإصابات أمر غير سعيد بالنسبة لنا ولذلك سعداء بفترة التوقف الدولي من أجل استعادة بعض المصابين وراحة اللاعبين الآخرين، وأنا كمدرب لا بد أن أفكر في الإصابات، وأبحث عن حلول وليس البكاء على اللبن المسكوب”.

وعن عدم مشاركة يوسف أيمن، قال: “خالد عبد الفتاح قدم مباراة جيدة، وشاهدت كوكا في التدريب يجيد اللعب في هذا المركز كما رأينا زد يضغط بشكل كبير، لذلك فضلنا الاستعانة بلاعبين موجودين في الملعب ويجيدون اللعب في نفس المركز لذلك فضلت الاعتماد عليهم بدلا من يوسف”.

وأتم: “في النهاية هناك حكم موجود في أرض الملعب عليه أن يتخذ القرارات بشأن اللعب العنيف ولدينا أكثر من حكم داخل الملعب والعنف في الملعب جزء من اللعبة لا بد أن نقبل هذا الأمر ونقف ضده أيضا”.

MatériaMais Notícias

Nesta terça-feira, tem início a “Era Sylvinho” no Corinthians. O treinador será apresentado no CT Joaquim Grava em coletiva de imprensa e começará o seu trabalho à frente do clube que o formou como jogador e como profissional na beira do campo. A escolha para esse “recomeço” do Timão se assemelha, com as devidas proporções, ao ano de 2017, quando Fábio Carille foi efetivado.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansApós completar 400 jogos pelo Corinthians, Fagner brinca sobre alcançar Cássio: ‘Nunca sai do time’Corinthians24/05/2021CorinthiansSylvinho fala pela primeira vez como técnico do Corinthians: ‘Nós somos garra e raça, é a nossa alma’Corinthians24/05/2021VídeoVÍDEO: Corinthians se reapresenta e treina de olho no River Plate-PARVídeo24/05/2021

TABELA
> Veja classificação e simulador do Brasileirão-2021 clicando aqui

GALERIA
> Veja os técnicos atuais dos 20 clubes que estarão no Brasileirão

Em 2013, Carille e Sylvinho eram os auxiliares de Tite na comissão técnica fixa do Corinthians. O primeiro permaneceu no clube quando o atual técnico da Seleção retornou, em 2015, enquanto o segundo reencontrou seu “mestre” justamente no selecionado brasileiro. Ambos tem ligação direta com aquele que é um ídolo da torcida corintiana por tudo o que revolucionou lá dentro.

Quando Tite deixou o clube, em meados de 2016, para assumir a Seleção, o Corinthians sofreu para encontrar um substituto, contratou Cristóvão Borges e Oswaldo de Oliveira, ambos com passagens para esquecer. Sem dinheiro para investir em 2017, o Corinthians olhou para dentro e efetivou um dos pupilos de Adenor, que estava há anos no clube: Fábio Carille, da comissão fixa.

A resposta foi rápida, e o novo técnico conquistou o Campeonato Paulista, quando o time era julgado como a quarta força do estado. Mais do que isso, a equipe acabou levando também o Campeonato Brasileiro, com um impressionante primeiro turno. No ano seguinte, antes de se aventurar no Oriente Médio, ainda foi campeão paulista pela segunda vez seguida.

Carille assumiu o time quando havia uma fase de transição no clube, baixo nível de investimento em contratações e pouca perspectiva de conquistas, mas surpreendeu. O momento atual é bem parecido com aquela passagem de 2016 para 2017, quase um recomeço, com um terreno “limpo” para semear novas ideias, principalmente de quem conhece tão bem a casa que vai (re)construir.

Sylvinho entra nesse mesmo espectro, de alguém que passou pela comissão técnica de Tite, que sabe o que é o Corinthians, conhece bem alguns jogadores do elenco e é colocado no cargo de treinador em um momento de pouca perspectiva, ou seja, qualquer evolução será celebrada e a cobrança pode até ser menor, dando mais tempo para o trabalho fluir e render frutos.

Parece ser um casamento perfeito, no momento apropriado, sem criar expectativa por títulos, mas com dedicação, alma e muita guerra, como já prometeu o no comandante. Para a torcida, resta acreditar que mais um discípulo de Tite trará resultados como já aconteceu em um passado recente. A esperança de dias melhores pode vir olhando novamente para dentro do clube.

continua após a publicidade