All posts by h716a5.icu

Leeds United are in advanced talks to sign Birmingham City wonderkid Amari Miller, as reported by Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Leeds United gear up for the 2021/22 Premier League season

As the Whites get their ducks in a row ahead of 2021/22, they will be keeping a close eye on all recruitment avenues as they look to improve on their impressive 9th placed Premier League finish last time out [BBC].

Though they haven’t ventured into the summer transfer market as of yet, Marco Bielsa’s men have been linked with moves for Adama Traore and Andre Ayew respectively [Leeds Live].

It seems they are searching for at least one attacking reinforcement, and they have now turned their attentions to an 18-year-old winger.

The Latest: Leeds offer contract to Miller; Everton were also keen

As a Football Insider source revealed, Leeds have moved to offer an appealing contract to the youngster as they re-shape their squad ahead of the new campaign.

Birmingham City are not expected to stand in the way of any deal for the winger, as they look to imminently overhaul their youth structures moving forward.

The Elland Road side have also seemingly beaten off competition from Everton for his signature [SB Nation], in what would be the club’s first capture of the summer.

The Verdict: Miller would be a good addition at Elland Road

Undoubtedly, this news will should come as a welcome boost to the Leeds United support.

Picking up a supremely talented youngster, perhaps he can develop into an established Premier League player in the coming years with the right coaching, and Marcelo Bielsa has a reputation for offering chances to young talents.

Impressing in the final weeks of the 2020/21 season, Miller made five Sky Bet Championship appearances for the St Andrews side [Transfermarkt].

Very much in the infancy of his career, the opportunity to work at a top-class training establishment like Thorp Arch represents the ideal platform for the sensation to progress into a top-class footballer should the deal go through.

In other news, a Leeds United defender gears up for a potential exit.

Somerset face a massive target in their final if they are to avoid defeat at the hands of fellow strugglers Lancashire at Blackpool, after the home side had set them to get 407 for victory

Richard Walsh28-Aug-2002Somerset face a massive target in their final if they are to avoid defeat at the hands of fellow strugglers Lancashire at Blackpool, after the home side had set them to get 407 for victory.Resuming on 91 for 5 this morning Somerset wickets soon started to tumble, with Rob Turner being the first to go with the score on 96.Mike Burns had recovered from his knee injury sufficiently to bat and with Keith Dutch took the score onto 134 for 7 before the former Middlesex all rounder was LBW to James Anderson for 35.Burns followed one run later for 18, and shortly afterwards Somerset were all out for 140, with twenty year old Anderson ending with 6 for 41.Batting for a second time Andy Caddick and Richard Johnson each took early wickets and Lancashire had slumped to 83 for 5 before David Byas and Chris Schofield put on 122 for the sixth wicket.By the time that the veteran Byas became another of Caddick’s victims he had scored 81 and Lancashire had reached 205 for 6. Schofield stayed a little longer but he was eventually dismissed for 77.Lancashire were all out for 256 in the early evening and from the nine overs that they faced in their second innings Somerset had made 21 for the loss of Jamie Cox who was LBW to Peter Martin.At the end of the day Kevin Shine told me: "It been very hard day for us today, and tomorrow we are going to be really up against it."He continued: "It’s going to need an exceptional batting performance from us tomorrow, but the boys will fight their hearts out for us, just like they have all of the season."

Manchester City fans are livid after a mural dedicated to Sergio Aguero in the city centre was removed after his transfer to Barcelona.

Aguero, who moved to Barca this summer after his contract ended at the Etihad Stadium (fcbarcelona.com), is an unrivalled club legend.

The £16.2m-valued star (Transfermarkt) is the Citizens’ record goalscorer after spending 10 years at the club (mancity.com), and he will be forever remembered for the goal he scored in injury time against QPR in 2012 to clinch City’s first-ever Premier League title.

The iconic moment provided the inspiration for the mural, which was previously on show in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. However, to the dismay of many City supporters, it has now been removed. Given Aguero’s importance to City, it is surprising to see it stripped down so soon.

The news was shared on Twitter by @City_Xtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from the supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts, with one fan simply branding it as ‘disrespect’.

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

“This is sadistic. Why would anyone do that. How could the people removing it be able to do it.”

Credit: @MananAgarwal_

“WHY WHY WHY”

Credit: @AgueroProp

“Why would you put it up in the first place if it was going to be removed. Was it all for PR?? The disrespect.”

Credit: @Excelsiormcfc

“What was the point in painting it If it wasn’t there to stay just doesn’t make sense.”

Credit: @Woodsymoments

“What was the point of it then?”

Credit: @mcfctj_

“WHY ???”

Credit: @Everett26583864

In other news, Man City fans rage at this Euro 2020 news.

The TCA Selectors have today released the final two senior and two rookie contracts for the 2002-2003 season.

Tasmanian Cricket Association24-Sep-2002The TCA Selectors have today released the final two senior and two rookie contracts for the 2002-2003 season.They are:SeniorGraeme Cunningham and Andrew DowntonRookieLuke Butterworth and Shane McDermottThe full list of Tasmanian Contracted Players for the 2002-2003 Season are:ACB ContractRicky Ponting
Shane WatsonState Senior ContractGeorge BAILEY
Sean CLINGELEFFER
Jamie COX
Graeme CUNNINGHAM
Gerard DENTON
Michael DIGHTON
Michael DIVENUTO
Xavier DOHERTY
Andrew DOWNTON
Shane JURGENSEN
Scott KREMERSKOTHEN
Daniel MARSH
Scott MASON
Ben OLIVER
Matthew PASCOE
David SAKER
Shannon TUBB
Luke WILLIAMS
Damien WRIGHTState Rookie ContractLuke BUTTERWORTH
Brett GEEVES
Ben HILFENHAUS
Shane MCDERMOTT
Tim PAINE
Supplementary Players – ACB Cup SquadDane ANDERSON
Chris BASSANO
Adam GRIFFITH
Dene HILLS
Adam POLKINGHORNE
Tim SCOTT
Brad THOMAS
Players that were under contract last season and who have not been awarded contracts this season are:Dene Hills, Shaun Young, Todd Pinnington, Joshua Marquet, Brad Thomas and Adam Polkinghorne.Uncontracted players can be upgraded to a minimum level contract if they are selected in Pura Cup or ING Cup matches and gain the requisite number of points.

I am writing this to commend the ZCU for finally being on the right track for your domestic cricket season

26-Oct-2002DOMESTIC CRICKETI am writing this to commend the ZCU for finally being on the right track for your domestic cricket season. To limit the first-class teams to the four major provinces is certainly a big step in the right direction as it allows cricket the strongest breeding ground, for future Test players, possible at the moment in Zimbabwe. I have had a good look at the lineups for each team and I have come up with a list of players who have played either domestic and /or international cricket in the recent past who did not line up for varying reasons, they being:Murray Goodwin, Neil Johnson, Craig Wishart, Hamilton Masakadza, Brighton Watambwa, Guy Whittall, Doug Hondo, Ian Engelbrecht, Dan Peacock, Everton Matambanadzo, Sean Davies.There are probably others, and you would be more aware of this than I, but this is not a bad side in its own right. I know some of these players will be back, but how is Zimbabwean cricket going to deal with this ever-present leaking of quality players? Is there some type of lobbying going on to the ICC about accessing some global funding from other sources but your own to deal with:a) Player payments
b) Player conditions
c) Equipment
d) Training programs for future players, coaches and administrators
Or is there some way where the ZCU will accept overseas-based Zimbabwean players to be allowed to line up for the national team? (This is particularly pertinent in light of the current political climate.)The other thing I would like to add is this: is there any discussion regarding the expansion of your domestic competition to include other developing African nations such as Namibia, Botswana, Kenya, Uganda, etc.?And since your country has suffered more than any other I know regarding the emigration of players, with some lining up with other competing nations (Hick, Penney, Johnson, Goodwin, etc. – plus I know of a couple of very promising junior cricketers here in Australia who hail from Zimbabwe just can’t recall names at the moment), is there an active recruiting drive from your cricket people to attract those obviously talented cricketers from other developing African countries to play four-day, first-class cricket in your competition, with the possibility of qualifying for the national Zimbabwean team; i.e., do you chase the next Steve Tikolo, for instance? Some food for thought.If you haven’t picked up yet, I am a cricket expansionist who believes Africa has much to offer the cricketing world. I don’t believe enough is being done as far as competition and funding for recent and future Test nations. Cricket at the moment is a victim of its own elitism. There needs to be more creative thought and risks to be taken to further this great sport of ours.I have followed and had a deep respect for Zimbabwean cricket since they first showed up at the 1982 World Cup in England. You with your political and economical problems, small base of players and constant emigration have achieved so much and I believe do not in any way receive enough recognition for this. Respect is certainly the word required when talking Zimbabwean cricket and your cricketers. I now see the great trait of your people both black and white, that of courage and strength of character in the face of adversity. You will always have my respect. Cheers and best of luck!!Marty Lauritsen (Geraldton, Western Australia)Reply: Good points made. Midlands do have James Cornford available to play for them again, but firstly ZCU want to give first opportunity to local players with the reduction of teams from six to four, and secondly it is not easy to attract players from abroad at present. As for looking to the rest of Africa, maybe more could be done here, but finance is a major constraint.

Tottenham have opened talks with Bologna centre-back Takehiro Tomiyasu, as relayed by The Daily Mail.

The Lowdown: Tottenham gear up for 2021/22

Moving into 2021/22, many fans up and down the country will be intrigued to see how the Lilywhites bounce back from a disappointing seventh-placed finish last time out.

Although they have not yet ventured into the transfer market yet as they continue to search for a new manager, Spurs have been heavily linked with moves for Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Marcel Sabitzer respectively.

However, they now could be set to notch their first signing of the summer window following recent reports.

The Latest: Tomiyasu opens talks; Spurs confident of striking deal

As it stands, Tottenham have entered discussions about the possibility of bringing Tomiyasu to north London. Believed to be rated at around £15m, he is capable of plying his trade in central defence or at right-back [The Daily Mail].

Wage demands are not said to be an issue, whilst there is an increasing confidence from within the club that the Londoners will land the 1.88m (6 foot 2) stopper swiftly [The Sun].

As Tottenham remain on the lookout for a new manager, he could be in line to be the first recruit of any prospective new regime.

The Verdict: Tomiyasu would be an ideal addition

The 22-year-old defender would appear to fit the profile of signing needed to succeed in north London, particularly with the potential exit of Serge Aurier [The Independent] creating an opening at right-back and the club in the hunt for at least one centre-back if not two [football.london].

In 2020/21, Tomiyasu made 33 appearances for I Rossoblù, scoring twice [Transfermarkt]. Encouragingly, he also illustrated his resolve within the Bologna rearguard by making the joint-most clearances within their entire first team squad, posting 3.3 per match across the season [WhoScored].

Once labelled as ‘promising’ by Italian football analyst Tom Pearce [serieaanalysis.com], he has competed at an elite level, featuring 23 times for the Japanese international side along with his Serie A experience.

With pre-season fast approaching at Enfield Training Centre, Tottenham should look to finalise the deal as swiftly as possible.

In other news, a Tottenham pundit has dropped his verdict on a reported transfer target.

South African captain Shaun Pollock and vice-captain Mark Boucher frustrated the Sri Lankans with a record seventh wicket partnership to leave the home side with a clear advantage at the end of the third day of this second Test at SuperSport Park on

Charlie Austin17-Nov-2002South African captain Shaun Pollock and vice-captain Mark Boucher frustrated the Sri Lankans with a record seventh wicket partnership to leave the home side with a clear advantage at the end of the third day of this second Test at SuperSport Park on Sunday.The lower order pair came to the crease with the South African innings wobbling on 264 for six but quickly regained the initiative, first wiping out the first innings deficit and then building a valuable lead during the 132 run stand.They were separated when Boucher (63) drove a return catch straight back to Chamila Gamage, but by then the damage had been done and at the close South Africa were 421 for nine, already 98 runs ahead.For Sri Lanka it was a long hot afternoon of frustration. Unlike at Wanderers they retained their discipline and made South Africa work hard for their runs, especially during the morning, but they lacked penetration and by the time the top order had been winkled out they were running out of steam.The pair batted positively, raising the tempo after a slow scoring morning and early afternoon. They wiped out the deficit before tea and then pressed on purposefully after the break, delighting the largest crowd of the series that lounged on the grass banks that ring this ground.Shaun Pollock, who scored a century against the Sri Lankans at the same venue on the last tour, finished the day unbeaten on 78 from 139 balls having hit eight fours and one six. He will now be hoping that Makhaya Ntini can accompany him to a third Test century tomorrow.Even Muttiah Muralitharan was forced to toil, bowling a remarkable 49.2 overs before claiming his first victim. For a side that have reputation for being susceptible against spin, South Africa have handled the master spinner with surprising ease.Muralitharan did, at least, have the satisfaction of moving past Kapil Dev’s 434 Test victims to become the third highest wicket taker in Test history when, late in the day, he trapped Andrew Hall lbw for a duck and then had Steve Elworthy (5) caught at silly point late in the day.Sri Lanka are not out of the game. In theory all three results are still possible. However, with only two days now remaining, Sri Lanka will have to score very quickly if they are to overhaul the South African lead and set a target that gives them sufficient time to force a win. A draw appears the likeliest result.Muralitharan said afterwards that Sri Lanka were still looking for victory: “We wanted to get them out for somewhere around our score but we can still put pressure on them in the final day if we score around 300 tomorrow – chasing 200 on the last day will not be easy.”Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka had started well, ending a 139 run partnership for the third wicket between Jacques Kallis (84) and Herschelle Gibbs (92) thanks to a suicidal piece of running from Gibbs who was left stranded half way down the pitch after being sent back by Kallis.It was a major bonus for the Sri Lankans, who had rarely troubled the pair, and it was followed soon after by the fall of Kallis, who was bowled by a perfect leg-cutter from Hasantha Fernando, the medium pacer’s first ball of the day.At 219 for four Sri Lanka were pulling themselves back into the game. That became to 264 for six after lunch when Chaminda Vaas used the second new ball to good effect, surprising Ashwell Prince (20) with a sharp short ball, and Gamage trapped Neil McKenzie (28) lbw.

Liverpool have made the first move in their bid to bring Nicolo Barella to Anfield this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Calciomercato journalist Enrico Camelio, who revealed on the Calciomercato Show (via Sport Witness) that Jurgen Klopp’s side have made contact with Inter Milan regarding a move for the 24-year-old.

According to Camelio, the Reds have asked the Serie A side for information on the central midfielder, although Simone Inzaghi’s team are believed to have told Klopp that the Italy international is non-transferable this summer.

However, it is then claimed that Inter need to sell players in order to ease their financial troubles, with Sport Witness claiming that the sale of Barella is a possibility in the summer transfer window.

Klopp would love him

Barella was one of the most exciting players in Serie A last season and has starred for Italy at Euro 2020 so far this summer. With Georginio Wijnaldum recently leaving Liverpool on a free transfer, the signing of the 24-year-old is one which Klopp would surely love to get over the line ahead of next season.

Indeed, over his 36 Serie A appearances for the Nerazzurri last term, the £60m-rated Italian scored three goals, registered seven assists and created nine big chances for his teammates, as well as taking one shot and making 1.3 key passes per game.

The midfielder also impressed in more typical metrics for his position, with 0.7 interceptions, 1.6 tackles 4.9 successful duels per league fixture, in addition to averaging 65.8 touches and completing 43.4 passes in each game.

These returns saw the man who Alberto Zaccheroni dubbed a “warrior” earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.11, ranking him as Antonio Conte’s joint fifth-best performer in the Italian top flight as the 24-year-old played a huge part in the Nerazzurri’s first title win for 11 years.

Barella’s form has also continued for Roberto Mancini’s Italy side this summer, with the £80,000-per-week man scoring one goal and providing two assists over his four appearances at Euro 2020, earning an average SofaScore match rating of 7.20, ranking him as Italy’s seventh-best player in the competition, helping his side reach the semi-finals of the tournament.

As such, with Klopp having waved goodbye to Wijnaldum earlier this summer, the German will undoubtedly be looking to replace the 30-year-old prior to the kick-off of Liverpool’s upcoming Premier League campaign. Considering Barella’s recent performances for both club and country, as well as him being significantly younger than the aforementioned Dutchman, the 24-year-old would very much appear to be a fantastic addition to the Reds midfield if they can lure him to Anfield.

In other news: Liverpool dealt big transfer blow over “extraordinary” 15 G/A gem, fans will be gutted

West Ham United fans have been angered on Twitter, after the club posted an official communication regarding their pre-season camp at St Andrews in Scotland.

As 2021/22 pre-season preparations get underway for the Londoners, manager David Moyes has elected to take his squad on a five-day trip to his homeland [West Ham United Official].

During the short break, the Hammers will cross into Tayside as they visit newly promoted Scottish Premiership outfit Dundee in what will be a first ever clash between the sides [West Ham United Official].

Despite the excitement around the inaugural fixture of the new campaign, West Ham have only made one signing in the form of tying up Craig Dawson permanently on a two-year contract [Football London].

In light of the level of inaction on the transfer front, loads of Irons diehards took to Twitter to vent their frustration at recent developments, as footage posted from training dawned the realisation that the new season will soon be upon us.

WHUFC fans react:

Replying to the West Ham United official Twitter account, here is how some fans summarized their thoughts on pre-season beginning with an identical squad to last term:

“All that talk of selling Lanzini at the end of last season, considering we’ve bought absolutely no-one!? We need him. Next season he’ll be our one-man ‘squad depth’.”

Credit: @TheCam01491612″What happened to all the signings David Moyes wanted before pre season… Is this why an ally of Mr. Moyes has been appointed… Reducing the transfer power of Lady Brady and Messrs Gold and Sullivan We shall see”Credit: @stephenfield515″No kits, no signings, nothing at all…”Credit: @RokasWHU”#GSBOUT”Credit: @danielmoore1987″Where are the new signings?”Credit: @katanna72″Buy some players”Credit: @HHickfordIn other news, a pundit exclusively drops a bold claim about a rumoured West Ham target.

Matt Bulbeck who was Somerset’s leading wicket taker in the county championship in 2002 reflected on the season during a break in training at the County Ground

SOMERSET10-Nov-2002Matt Bulbeck who was Somerset’s leading wicket taker in the county championship in 2002 reflected on the season during a break in training at the County Ground.He told me: "I’ve got very mixed feelings about this season. Obviously its been really hard to see ourselves relegated in both competitions and I am bitterly disappointed, but from a personal point of view I felt happy to get through the season without suffering any injury. For the last three years I have struggled and now I have proved to myself that I can do it."During the 2002 season the Taunton born left armer bowled 504 overs and took 53 championship wickets at an average of just over 35 and scored 344 runs, as well as taking 16 NUL wickets.He continued: "It was great to get fifty wickets, including a career best 6 for 93, but I’m still not quite right and feel that my best is yet to come over the next two to three years."How did he feel about resuming training I asked. He told me: "I’ve had a good break and been away on holiday and now I feel ready to get back to it. Up until Christmas I shall be training four or five days a week and concentrating on my general fitness and strength levels and on my batting, which I would like to improve upon."Was he disappointed not to be selected for the England Academy trip to Australia this winter. He told me: "Obviously I would have loved to have gone with the Academy, but I’m not at my best yet so it would have been frustrating to have gone and not been able to give my best. It is better for me to wait another year hopefully by which time I will be able to give it my best shot."Looking towards 2003 he told me: "I shall be looking to take more wickets and more cheaply next season, and hopefully to scoring more runs and developing myself as an all rounder."He concluded: "I’m already looking forward to next season and I think that we are definitely good enough to get back up into the first division."