All posts by h716a5.icu

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Newcastle United Hall of Famer, Rob Lee, praised on-loan star Joe Willock for doing what a lot of other midfielders don’t like to do, which is get into the box and score goals.

Willock has been a tremendous signing since he arrived on deadline day having managed four goals in 10 games and the Magpies arguably missed his energy and willingness to get forward during their defeat to his parent club, Arsenal.

There have been reports suggesting that the Magpies may be able to sign the 21-year old for £20 million this summer and if the player wanted the move, it would appear to be a no-brainer for Steve Bruce.

Speaking on what Willock does so well for Newcastle and how it is a very rare feature for a midfielder to have, Lee told FFC:

“Midfielders don’t want to run into the box nowadays because all this academy football is very Tiki-taka and playing in front of the opposition, so nobody wants to run into the box anymore.

“Hopefully we can keep him because midfielders running into the box are a dying breed and if you get one that can score you 10 goals a season, he’ll be worth his weight in gold.”

The £20,000 per week midfielder has not started a game for Newcastle since their 3-0 defeat against Brighton on March 20th but he has scored goals against Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham and Liverpool when he has come off the bench.

Bruce has confirmed that Willock does not like to be labelled a super sub and if he was to be at the club beyond this season, it would not be a long-term role for the midfielder.

Zimbabwe won the Second Test match against Bangladesh at Harare Sports Club in mid-afternoon on the fifth day, by a margin of eight wickets

John Ward30-Apr-2001Zimbabwe won the Second Test match against Bangladesh at Harare Sports Club in mid-afternoon on the fifth day, by a margin of eight wickets. They bowled out the tourists for 265 and knocked off the 100 needed to win without undue trouble, for the loss of their openers. This was Zimbabwe’s fifth Test victory in exactly 50 matches, Andy Flower and Alistair Campbell having playing in them all, and their first proper series win at home, excluding their one-off victory over India in 1998/99.Bangladesh began the day steadily but again lost a vital wicket just as they were looking settled, Habibul Bashar (76) chasing a ball from Heath Streak that moved away to be caught at the wicket. Then Naimur Rahman (36), who had been looking determined and solid, attempted a second run to Gavin Rennie, substituting for Andy Blignaut who had a leg injury, and was run out. Bangladesh, at 264 for seven and only the tail left, appeared to be on their way out.As usual the tail did not last long. Enamul Haque (3) soon followed, caught at the wicket off Brighton Watambwa; Mohammad Sharif (0) was caught in the slips off Streak, and then Monjurul (0) snicked Watambwa to the keeper. Mushfiqur Rahman was unbeaten on 2 as Bangladesh were dismissed for 266, leaving Zimbabwe exactly 100 to win. Watambwa returned the best bowling figures with four for 64.Bangladesh fought hard and Guy Whittall at times seemed to be playing the ball with his midriff as often as his bat. But their bowlers are not as lethal as Courtney Walsh and Co in the Caribbean a year ago, and the openers survived until lunch. Then immediately afterwards they managed to achieve their fourth run-out of the match, casual running and fine fielding from Javed Omer at third man resulting in the dismissal of Dion Ebrahim for 10.Eight runs short of victory, Whittall was bowled for 60, attempting a big hit off Enamul Hoque that turned out of the rough, but two powerful leg-side hits by Stuart Carlisle settled the issue.

Mark Ramprakash has hit back at criticism of him by former England all-rounder Ian Botham

CricInfo14-May-2001Mark Ramprakash has hit back at criticism of him by former England all-rounder Ian Botham.Reacting to comments made by Botham that players such as Ramprakash and Hick have received enough opportunities, and applauding the decision of the selectors to look at different players, such as Ward and Sidebottom.But Ramprakash, who has begun the season at new club Surrey in fine form, feels Botham has singled him out for criticism.”I’ve been criticised before so that’s nothing new, but certainly Ian Botham does seem to get on my case a little bit. I don’t know why that is,” Ramprakash told Sportinglife.com.”It’s disappointing. Most players can accept constructive criticism, but when it appears to go beyond that then it’s disappointing.”From my point of view I would say I had 18 months in the side and averaged over 40. Then I was left out and I had a go at opener, which I was asked to do. I did my best but it didn’t work out.”I would hope that if I’m playing well and scoring runs then there’s not a line drawn through anybody’s name. I’m still working very hard to achieve all I can, and at the present time I’m very happy to be in the frame and be talked about as a possibility.”

Eddie Howe will become the new permanent manager of Celtic, succeeding Neil Lennon as Hoops boss, according to talkSPORT.

The Lowdown: Howe waiting on staff?

Howe had verbally agreed on a move to Celtic Park back in early April, but it seems as if the 43-year-old will now finally be heading to Glasgow.

Reports in recent weeks appear to show that Howe is looking to bring some members of staff from his previous employers with him to Glasgow.

Scout Mark Burchill, along with coaches Simon Weatherstone and Stephen Purches were names mentioned, however, they are currently preparing for Bournemouth’s playoff ties against Brentford.

Should the Cherries progress to the final at Wembley, that would keep them occupied until the end of the month, however, it seems as if a deal for Howe is already in the bag.

The Latest: Howe heading to Celtic

talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook, who covers Bournemouth and Southampton, was talking on the White and Jordan show on Wednesday.

He had this to say on Howe taking over at Celtic Park, admitting some of the 43-year-old’s backroom staff will come from the south coast.

“I’ve been told from very reliable sources that Eddie Howe is now heading to Celtic for the start of next season and is even starting to assemble his backroom team.

“Some of that backroom team will come from Bournemouth and one of the reasons for the delay is of course Bournemouth are part of the Championship play-offs, looking to get back into the Premier League, and that could hamper Eddie Howe’s chances of taking one or two of his former coaches with him to Glasgow.

“But Eddie Howe will be the new Celtic manager in time for the start of next season.”

The Verdict: Brilliant news for Desmond and McKay

In our opinion, this is great news for owner Dermot Desmond and new CEO Dominic McKay.

Desmond was the man who met Howe for talks in London back in April, and it seems as if Howe has been Desmond’s main target over the last six weeks, despite links to Roy Keane resurfacing.

It may also benefit McKay massively. With the Hoops having just one game left this season, plans for the 2021/22 campaign need to be pieced together as soon as possible, with a potentially major rebuild coming in the summer if the likes of Odsonne Edouard and Kris Ajer leave the club.

The longer the manager saga dragged on the more pressure it would heap on McKay, but with Howe looking likely to be the man in charge, all Celtic need now is a director of football in place so a Parkhead rebuild can really kick in.

In other news: Celtic source shares John Kennedy future latest, find out more here. 

Ian Bell, Warwickshire’s talented England Under-19 batsman, gave a hint of his rich potential with a maiden first-class century at Edgbaston

John Sheldon01-Jun-2001Ian Bell, Warwickshire’s talented England Under-19 batsman, gave a hint of his rich potential with a maiden first-class century at Edgbaston.England rate Bell highly after his performances with their Under-19 team over the last three years and for the A-team in the West Indies last winter but Warwickshire have kept him waiting.His only previous Championship innings was against Sussex in September 1999 when he made a third-ball duck but he looked entirely at home today.He appeared to have a good range of strokes and plenty of time to select them as he struck six fours and a clipped leg-side six in a patient 135-ball fifty.The disappointment was that he fell soon after when he drove a return catch to off-spinner Martyn Ball but he was given a warm reception by the small crowd who can expect to see much more of him in the future.Bell’s innings initially overshadowed his captain Michael Powell, with whom he added 119 for the first wicket, but Powell than took control as he moved to 97 not out by the close.Powell drove impressively against an attack that was weakened by a back injury to Jon Lewis which restricted the England A seamer to just five overs and he struck 14 fours and two sixes.Earlier Gloucestershire had batted on to make 360, their highest Championship total since August 1999, but it needed late acceleration from Ball and Tim Hancock in an entertaining eighth-wicket stand of 80 to get them there.Hancock’s fifty was his first in the Championship in 21 months and Ball, who reached his half-century from only 44 balls, was just three short of his career-best score of 71 when he holed out to mid-wicket.

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has revealed he is unaware how many players he will be able to sign this summer, given the funds available to him.

The Lowdown: Saints face difficult summer

It has already been confirmed that the Saints will lose Ryan Bertrand at the end of this campaign (southamptonfc.com), while speculation continues to link Danny Ings with a move away from St. Mary’s Stadium (Sky Sports).

On top of that, Hasenhuttl has previously suggested the south-coast outfit could be unable to sign players for more than £10m this summer.

The Latest: Hasenhuttl makes new admission

Now, speaking prior to the Saints’ match with Fulham, Hasenhuttl revealed he is unaware of how many players he will be able to bring in. He said (via Hampshire Live):

“I am not so sure how many players we can bring in with the money we have, but this is an issue we share with a lot of teams.

“It is not so easy [to judge] after the pandemic.

“We will see how many players will sell and how much money will be around, but it will be an interesting transfer window.”

The Verdict: Many needed

After what has been a mixed season for the Saints – they were top of the Premier League at one point and also reached an FA Cup semi-final before dropping to the bottom half of the table and disappointing in a 1-0 defeat to Leicester at Wembley – Hasenhuttl needs to backed in the transfer market.

Given the pandemic, it will be difficult for Southampton, amongst others, to make new signings this term, but they do need fresh impetus. Matt Crocker and co. must be clever, therefore, as they will need to work with a limited budget to give Hasenhuttl the best possible squad.

In other news, Southampton are interested in this striker.

Former Newcastle United winger Keith Gillespie has told The Transfer Tavern in an exclusive interview that he does not expect to see Jonjo Shelvey lining up in defence in the near future.

In what can only be described as a shock decision given that Shelvey’s trade has always been in midfield, manager Steve Bruce decided to drop the 29-year-old back into defence in Newcastle’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool at the end of last month.

Albeit a surprise, such a ploy is obviously not unheard of, with the likes of Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp having often done something similar with Fernandinho and Fabinho – usually because of injuries.

It is not something Gillespie thinks Newcastle fans will see with Shelvey going forward, though, stressing that the former Liverpool and Swansea City man belongs in the centre of the pitch.

“I don’t think that’s a long-term thing,” Gillespie told TT. “You want somebody like Shelvey in the middle of the park, getting on the ball, dictating games. He’s got a wide range of passing.

“It was a surprising one for me seeing that happen, but I don’t think it’s something that they’d be looking at long term.”

Indeed, definitely one of the more stranger things in what had already been a very strange Premier League season.

Sanath Jayasuriya will have a new opening partner during the forthcomingtriangular series in Sharjah next month, as Sri Lanka seek to make changesto the balance of their limited overs side in time for the 2003 World Cup inSouth Africa

Charlie Austin19-Mar-2002Sanath Jayasuriya will have a new opening partner during the forthcomingtriangular series in Sharjah next month, as Sri Lanka seek to make changesto the balance of their limited overs side in time for the 2003 World Cup inSouth Africa.Kumar Sangakkara, Sri Lanka’s first choice wicket-keeper batsman in Test cricket but hitherto an inconsistent performer in the one-day game, has beenidentified as the ideal candidate to face the new ball on seamer-friendlyconditions expected in England this summer, as well as in South Africa.The stylish left-hander averages just 22 after 40 ODIs, but has generallybatted in positions unsuited to his natural game, at number six and seven,where he is required to push the run rate from the start of his innings.But Sangakkara prefers to occupy the crease for longer periods of time, slowly raising the tempo of the innings, and the selectors, clearly impressed with ease with which he has settled into the role of an international number three, believe the time has come for a promotion up the order.The reshuffle was prompted by the realisation, gleaned in South Africa lastyear, that the role of a pinch-hitter is likely to be limited in the 2003 World Cup on the lively South Africa pitches where survival against the new ball will be the priority.With Jayasuriya having also now jettisoned his most flamboyant urges in aquest for consistency, Sangakkara’s new role thus draws a veil over a high-octane early overs strategy largely responsible for Sri Lanka winning the 1996 World Cup.As a result Avishka Gunawardene, a brawny left-hander rarely able to curb his attacking instincts, who averaged a respectable but insufficient 29.95 after 37 games, has been dropped from the 15-man squad.Romesh Kaluwithrana, Jayasuriya’s most famous opening partner, whose audacious exploitation of fielding restrictions in the first 15 overs at the 1996 World Cup forced the addition of “pinch-hitting” to the cricketing lexicon, remains in the squad and could still find a role within the middle order.But this appears unlikely. Kaluwitharana’s batting average remains disappointing – 22.48 after 170 games – with occasional good scores being marred by inconsistency and Sangakkara’s glovework has improved sufficientlyover the past year for him to keep wicket on a permanent basis.Instead, the selectors have identified Tillakaratne Dilshan for the vacantnumber six position. A player long admired for his natural ability, he has thus far failed to translate potential into performance at the highest level. However, unlike in the past, when he usually batted at number seven, he can now look forward to a proper opportunity to cement a place in the side.There would have been some deliberation over the pivotal all-rounder position at number seven. Unfortunately, Suresh Perera, previously considered the best long-term choice with his explosive hitting, lithe fielding and slippery medium pace, is struggling to regain form and confidence after his bowling action was reported by West Indian umpire Steve Bucknor last August.Although the World Cup need is for a batsman who can bowl medium pace, UpulChandana demands a place in the side because of his all-round exploits against Kenya last month, especially his ferocious batting, and he will bat at number seven if Sri Lanka opt for only two quicks.However, if three fast bowlers are required, as will probably be the caseagainst Pakistan, then Chandana may have to give way, meaning that Vaas orDharmasena bat at seven.The bowling department posed fewer problems for the selectors. Fast bowlersChaminda Vaas, Buddhika Fernando and Nuwan Zoysa pick themselves, as do spinners Muttiah Muralitharan and Kumar Dharmasena.Dilhara Fernando returns to the team after recovering from a stress fracture in his back and Pulasthi Gunaratne wins his first international tour after impressive performances in the A team.New Zealand and Pakistan are the other two sides competing in the triangular, which is scheduled to commence on 8 April.The squad for the tour of England will also be announced shortly, after thesemi-final stage of the domestic competition next weekend.Sharjah squad:Sanath Jayasuriya (Capt), Marvan Atapattu, Mahela Jayawardene, KumarSangakkara, Russel Arnold, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Romesh Kaluwithrana, UpulChandana, Kumar Dharmasena, Chaminda Vaas, Buddika Fernando, Nuwan Zoysa,Muttiah Muralitharan, Dilhara Fernando, Pulasthi Gunaratne.

For the first time in this long and dreary summer – only two days from its scheduled end and with each of those days shortening in the flood towards winter – a little weary sunshine shone on Otago’s back

Steve McMorran25-Mar-2002For the first time in this long and dreary summer – only two days from its scheduled end and with each of those days shortening in the flood towards winter – a little weary sunshine shone on Otago’s back.When they left the field at McLean Park tonight, outflanked by lengthening shadows and overlooked a light sky whitening towards evening, their step was a little more jaunty and their chins were held higher, their faces were less downcast.Because today and more obviously than on any of the 37 days of State Championship cricket which has preceded it, Otago had a day in the sun, a day on which their spirit shone – an excuse to smile and be proud.Otago dominated the second day of their Championship match against Central Districts, recovering their first innings which was a little faded by stumps on the first day, then gaining and enlarging a first innings lead which Central reduced partially and without wicketloss before stumps.Resuming at 59/3, Otago were given strength and confidence by Chris Gaffaney and Craig Pryor, then Pryor and Simon Beare, then Beare and Scott Waide and finally by Duncan Drew and Neil Rushton who put on 36 by their 10th wicket.With those various innings and various partnerships, Otago reached 268 in its first innings, replying to Central’s 178, to establish a 90-run first innings lead. By stumps and after nine overs, Central was 27/0 in its second innings and Otago’s lead was still 63, a little eroded but still impressive.Otago sides are well known for their spirit and admired for it. They have a determination belied by natural casualness, a steadiness and a sense of duty to each other and to their province. They demonstrated that today when, with steady application, they took charge of this 10th match of the season and made less likely a 10th consecutive loss.The season has inflicted on Otago nine losses in nine matches and it has been left to them in this last game, against a team placed third on the Championship table, to take all steps necessary to avoid a season without any redeeming feature. They produced the determination today to avoid a full card of losses.Otago progressed in the manner of a relay team of post riders to a first innings lead by the middle of the second session. They developed that lead after tea and had some control over their own fate when they allowed Central to bat again with nine overs remaining in the day.Gaffaney was the first man to take charge, to carry the baton which represented Otago’s hopes. He took his overnight score of 33 on to 66 in a fourth wicket partnership with Pryor which lifted Otago from 51/3 to 126/4, adding 75 runs.Gaffaney, who faced the first ball of the innings on Sunday afternoon, batted 201 minutes and punctuated his innings with six fours.When Gaffaney was finally out, caught by Campbell Furlong at slip from Brent Hefford in the 50th over, Otago were 52 runs from Central’s first innings total.Pryor then took charge and, in taking his score on to 38 in 174 minutes – an effort of remarkable application and much of it as Gaffaney’s lieutenant – lifted Central to 162/5. When he was out in the 65th over, Beare was at the crease well set and ready to lead Otago on to a first innings advantage.Beare dominated a partnership of 44 for the sixth wicket with Nathan Morland which lasted almost 15 overs and during which, around 2pm, first innings points were achieved. Of those 44 runs, Morland made only seven but he, too, gave his team good service.Beare’s was a fine innings – ambitious and decisive, well-paced and full of simple but effective strokeplay. He pushed the scoring on at its most regular tempo of the day: he made 60 in 140 minutes from 114 balls with seven fours. He played with balance and judgement off both feet and took his boundaries with crisp timing and careful placement.Beare was out in the 86th over when Otago was 217 and leading by 39 runs. Waide made 17 and was next out at 232/8 and Kerry Walmsley fell without scoring at the total, leaving Otago 54 ahead with one wicket in hand.But there was still spirit and a sense of clear purpose in the Otago side – a side with considerable batting depth in this match – and Rushton and Drew kept the innings alive for a further 15 overs. Their 36-run stand, epitomising Otago’s determination, left them in greater control of the day and the match.Ruston made 25 from 54 balls while Drew was left 11 not out.It would have been the crowning glory of the day if Otago had been able to claim a Central wicket before the curtain fell but they could not do so. Furlong and Peter Ingram saw Central through the last and important period of the day without loss.Ingram was 10 and Furlong 16 when drinks were taken.The advantage in the game, with Otago, is still a small one with two days remaining but if the visitors can bowl well in the first session tomorrow, expose Central’s middle then lower order, they might yet have the chance to end this summer with a last and pleasing moment in the sun.

As confirmed by the club, West Ham United will take on Scottish giants Celtic in a pre-season friendly on Saturday 24 July in Glasgow – with many Irons supporters raving over the ‘great news’ as they potentially get handed the opportunity to attend a prestigious encounter.

Indeed, with the club officially announcing it on social media, Hammers fans could watch their side in action as they take on 51-time SPFL champions Celtic at Parkhead.

Depending on COVID-19 protocol, supporters may be allowed to attend the match-up north of the border as West Ham gear up for what is set to be a very interesting 2021/2022 season.

David Moyes’ men qualified for the Europa League with a thrilling 3-0 home win over Southampton at the weekend and the Irons boss will now be able to watch as his current side face off against the club where he started his professional playing career.

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Flocking to social media, it’s safe to say many fans were thrilled with this announcement as one even called it ‘great news’ – and it’s little wonder given the prestige of their opponent and the potential for a memorable summer away day, depending on developments.

Find all of their best verdicts from Twitter down below.

West Ham fans rave as club confirm Celtic friendly

“Great news”

Credit: @garageland66

“Absolutely brilliant taking the Boss home for a friendly! Great history between the two clubs we have shared some outstanding players in the past. This will be a terrific day”

Credit: @ZaynafamilyMary

“Ooooooooo”

Credit: @joelitt78828048

“Buzzing”

Credit: @RileyConn_

“Cor this will have to be done”

Credit: @H_RICHY

“Oh my god…

Celtic away on my birthday – the dream weekend has finally happened

I AM SO EXCITED”

Credit: @Jacktheflippa

“The only thing standing in the way of this is Sturgeon, come on. I’m on my knees”

Credit: @DOWHU_1995

“Phwoarrrr I cannot wait for this. I’m in Blackpool the day before this as well should be a few good days!”

Credit: @AzamWHUFC

In other news: West Ham fans in awe as GSB allegedly eye this ‘perfect signing’, find out more here.