Category Uncategorized

Somerset indebted to Rew for slim resistance as tough fourth-innings challenge beckons

Alan Gardner12-Apr-2025

Tom Haines made his first hundred of the season•Getty Images

You have to go back to September 2015 for the last time Sussex won a game in Division One of the County Championship – or May of the same summer for victory at Hove. And while it would be premature to say that decade-long wait is about to come to an end, they could hardly want for a more advantageous position after two days of this encounter with Somerset.Only two members of the 2015 squad are still involved at Sussex: Ollie Robinson, currently with a foot injury, and Fynn Hudson-Prentice, in his second spell at the club after being released (Tymal Mills, now in his benefit year, is another survivor but no longer involved in red-ball). As many as four are still playing for other counties – bonus point if you can name them* – which tells you something about Sussex’s tribulations in the intervening period.Under Paul Farbrace, they have finally hit upon the right blend of youth and experience. On the back of winning the Division Two title, Farbrace eschewed talk of survival and declared that Sussex were aiming for top four as a minimum. After acquitting themselves well in their opening-round trip to Edgbaston, they have lived up to such ambitions by dictating terms against Somerset.A handy 93-run lead on first innings was secured in large part thanks to the efforts of Sean Hunt, a strapping 23-year-old left-armer, in the side for Robinson, who claimed his maiden five-wicket haul. That provided the stage for Tom Haines, Sussex’s homegrown England Lions opener, to record his 13th career hundred – and his first in the Championship’s top tier.Haines was briefly catapulted into the captaincy during the upheaval that accompanied the departure of Ben Brown (you can have that one) in 2021, a season in which he scored 1000 first-class runs, but under Farbrace has been allowed to concentrate on his own game. This was a chanceless innings as he and Daniel Hughes put on a breezy opening partnership of 184 – his third century stand with Hughes since the Australian signed last year – to leave Somerset looking for snookers in their bid to avoid defeat.Haines went to three figures with his 12th four, to go with a brace of sixes, as he skipped out to smite Jack Leach’s left-arm spin through long-on. He and Sussex’s other Horsham Tom, No. 3 Clark, added an unbroken fifty stand to stretch the lead towards 350 with six sessions left in the game.Having been blunted for exactly 200 overs in Worcestershire’s second innings during their draw at Taunton, Somerset looked more than a little listless here, with the honourable exception of James Rew, whose busy, unbeaten 80 from 83 balls prevented the day from being a complete rout. Leach was the one bowler to enjoy success, Hughes edging an attempted cut behind as a century beckoned; their only consolation may be an easing pitch, lacking the moisture of day one, which could push Sussex towards a more cautious declaration.After Hudson-Prentice had provided the spark in a raucous conclusion to the first day, Sussex drove home the advantage during Saturday’s morning session – that despite a partnership of 110 for the eighth wicket between Rew and Lewis Gregory, which staved off the threat, however unlikely, of Somerset being made to follow on.Hunt sharpened their concern with two early wickets. Tom Lammonby was defeated by extra bounce and seam movement as he inside-edged through to the diving John Simpson, Sussex’s keeper-captain then clinging on at the second attempt to remove Kasey Aldridge as Hunt jagged one across the right-hander from over the wicket. That left Somerset in sickly mood at 79 for 7, with 21-year-old Rew shouldering much of the burden during a doughty, unbeaten knock.Rew was the support act last week, his 152 against Worcestershire outshone by Tom Banton’s triple-hundred. He looked in dapper form, pulling and driving with assurance as he glided along at close to a run a ball, his one moment of genuine concern coming when a half-formed jab at Jayden Seales flew over the slip cordon for a boundary that brought up the century stand.It took Hunt just four balls to separate the pair on his return to the attack, though Gregory will not reflect on the shot with any satisfaction as he chipped tamely to mid-on. At 6ft 5in and with the ability to swing the ball from a high action, it is not hard to see why Sussex signed Hunt out of Surrey’s academy in 2021, though it has taken him time to hone those raw attributes. Leaner and meaner – and not just because of the rogue moustache that is currently popular in the Sussex dressing-room – he wasted no time in docking the Somerset tail, Simpson taking his tally of catches in the innings to five.* Ben Brown, Luke Wells, Chris Jordan, Harry Finch

MatériaMais Notícias

Abel Ferreira ficou sem falar com a imprensa por cerca de duas semanas, período em que ele ficou suspenso e o Palmeiras instaurou a Lei do Silêncio, encerrada no domingo (16). Assim, a entrevista coletiva após o empate em 0 a 0 com o Internacional, em Porto Alegre (RS), foi um “combo” de assuntos reprimidos. O que mais chamou a atenção, porém, foi sua reflexão sobre seu lugar no futebol brasileiro diante dos acontecimentos recentes, especialmente as ações da CBF, as quais ele estranha por serem direcionadas apenas aos palmeirenses.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasVÍDEO: Abel Ferreira cutuca rival após eliminação do Palmeiras na Copa do Brasil: ‘Não sei quantos títulos ganharam’Palmeiras16/07/2023PalmeirasAbel se diz o maior culpado pela má fase do Palmeiras e resume momento: ‘Chegou a nossa vez de perder’Palmeiras16/07/2023PalmeirasGómez lamenta chances perdidas pelo Palmeiras contra o Inter, mas crê que as vitórias virão ‘naturalmente’Palmeiras16/07/2023

+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Há quem diga que entre as reflexões feitas por Abel, seria possível inclusive cogitar que ele estaria questionando sua permanência no Brasil e consequentemente no Palmeiras. Há quem diga, porém, que foi mais um desabafo sobre os tipos de briga que ele vai entrar daqui para frente, uma vez que entende que a entidade máxima do futebol nacional pode não estar agindo de uma forma equilibrada em comparação com os treinadores brasileiros. O português usou o comunicado da CBF após João Martins, auxiliar técnico. questionar o “sistema”.

– Eu conheço o futebol brasileiro melhor do que nunca e já dei aqui declarações muito fortes sobre o que me faz ficar aqui. Não vou tirar uma vírgula daquilo que eu disse. Quando você vê a CBF dar um comunicado somente para a equipe técnica do Palmeiras, para algo que outros treinadores brasileiros fizeram, e só houve um comunicado direcionado para a equipe técnica do Palmeiras, isso me faz pensar profundamente sobre o que eu quero, porque quando eu tiro o celular da mão de um jornalista, é um ato mal feito, pedi desculpas. Um outro jogador, dentro de um recinto, fez a mesma coisa, jogou no chão, e não é igual. Eu reflito sozinho, me faz pensar o que vale a pena e o que não vale. Se não, tenho que dizer “Abel, sempre foi assim, se gosta, gosta, se não gosta…”. Portanto, o que eu tenho que fazer é ajudar os meus jogadores.

continua após a publicidade

– Fico triste quando vejo entidades apontarem setas somente para um lado, quando vários treinadores tiveram desabafos, que foi o que aconteceu (na coletiva de João Martins depois do jogo contra o Athletico-PR). O diretor do Santos fez isso, o Renato Gaúcho, de forma delicada, apontou o dedo também. O Felipão também… Mas a carta veio endereçada somente com um nome, com um destino. Me faz refletir, talvez eu seja pequeno demais para estar no futebol brasileiro – completou Abel Ferreira.

+ ATUAÇÕES: Veiga decepciona novamente, e Weverton segura empate do Palmeiras com o Internacional

Com a sequência dos acontecimentos das últimas semanas, Abel Ferreira parece ter repensado suas atitudes em relação aos árbitros. Ele, inclusive, disse ao advogado do Palmeiras para ficar despreocupado, que as expulsões e julgamentos não irão mais acontecer. A única coisa que ele prometeu ficar atento é no que vai acontecer em relação ao seu auxiliar João Martins, que foi denunciado ao STJD e deve ser julgado em breve pelo desabafo que fez depois do duelo com o Athletico-PR. O português chegou até a falar em xenofobia entre os seus receios.

continua após a publicidade

– Embora não pareça, não adianta mais falar com os árbitros, vou deixá-los em paz. Já disse para o meu advogado ficar tranquilo, o Palmeiras pode mandá-lo embora, que comigo não vai ter mais problema nenhum, nem comigo, nem com a minha comissão técnica. Mas infelizmente querem caçar o João pelo que ele falou. O que eu vou ficar atento é o que vão fazer com o João e o que vão fazer com os outros que falaram a mesma coisa que ele. Aí eu vou entender o que quer dizer xenofobia. Eu nunca estive em um país que ouvisse tanto esse termos, nem sabia o que era isso. Xenofobia, racismo, preconceito, violência, nunca ouvi tanto quanto aqui. Não é isso que eu defendo, os valores que eu defendo.

O Palmeiras volta a campo no sábado (22), pela 16ª rodada do Brasileirão, para enfrentar o Fortaleza, no Allianz Parque. O elenco terá uma semana livre de treinos para buscar seu retorno para as vitória. No momento, o Verdão é o sexto colocado na tabela com 25 pontos.

علق ضياء السيد مدرب منتخب مصر الأسبق، على تولي ييس توروب تدريب الأهلي، موضحًا أن المدرب يمتلك فكرًا منظمًا ويعتمد على طاقم عمل قوي يتميز بالجدية والانضباط.

ومن المقرر أن تقام مباراة بين الأهلي وإيجل نوار بطل بوروندي يوم السبت المقبل، في افتتاح مشوار القلعة الحمراء ببطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

وقال ضياء السيد في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة “الأهلي”: “يبدو أن المدرب توروب يركّز جيدًا، وأرى أن علاقاته ستكون طيبة مع الجميع، وهذا أمر مهم، لأن وقت الأزمات يجب أن تكون تلك العلاقات مبنية على أسس قوية، وسأكون متعاونًا طالما الأمور تسير على ما يرام”.

وأكمل: “لا بد أن تأتي لحظات الشدة وهذا أمر مؤكد حيث تظهر العصبية والضغط، وهنا تبرز أهمية العلاقات الجيدة، فهي التي تساعد في مثل تلك المواقف”.

وواصل: “أعجبني فريق العمل، واضح أنهم مركزون جدًا، والسير الذاتية الخاصة بهم ممتازة للغاية، ومن الأمور المهمة أنهم عملوا في ألمانيا، وهي بلد تمتاز بالجدية والعلم والذكاء، وفضلًا عن ذلك، تمتاز بالحزم، وهنا لا يعني العنف أو القسوة، بل يعني الالتزام بتنفيذ العمل على أكمل وجه، فلا مجال لأن يُؤدى بنصف جهد، وأنا متفائل بطاقم العمل، لأنه دائمًا ما يكون العنصر الأهم في أي جهاز فني”.

طالع | توروب يٌعلن قائمة الأهلي لمباراة إيجل نوار في دوري أبطال إفريقيا

وأردف: “وطبعًا عادل مصطفى شخصية أثق بها جدًا، وهو رجل طيب، وإن شاء الله سيستفيد كثيرًا من هذه المرحلة، ويحرص على التعلم واكتساب الخبرة كما ينبغي، وهو مؤهل لذلك بإذن الله، وفريق العمل يثير إعجابي، ويبدو أنهم يقفون بتركيز كبير، وهذا سيظهر مع الوقت والعمل بإذن الله، خصوصًا مع مجموعة اللاعبين المميزة الموجودة في فريق النادي الأهلي، وأنا أرى أن النتائج ستكون إيجابية إن شاء الله”.

وبسؤاله هل مباراة إيجل نوار ستكون تحت مسؤولية ييس توروب؟، أجاب: “من المهم جدًا أن يكون جميع أفراد الجهاز متواجدين في الملعب ومسؤولين، وبالطبع سيكون لعادل مصطفى دور كبير في الصورة التي سيظهر بها الفريق”.

وزاد: “لا أعتقد أن المدرب سيرغب في إجراء تغييرات كبيرة في الوقت الحالي، لأنه لا يستطيع تطبيق فكره الكامل الآن، وحتى إن وجدت بعض التعديلات البسيطة، فستكون مجرد توجيهات محدودة، وأرى أن الأمور ستبدأ كما هي، وسيكون لعادل دور كبير، خصوصًا في هذه المباراة والمباراة التالية، إذ سيؤدي دورًا محوريًا في عملية التعريف والتواصل”.

واستطرد: “من المؤكد أن المدرب شاهد فريق الأهلي وأخذ فكرة مبدئية، لكن الانطباع الذي تحصل عليه وأنت تشاهد اللاعبين يختلف عن الانطباع الذي تكوّنه عندما تقترب منهم في التدريبات أو على مقاعد البدلاء، حين تتعامل معهم مباشرة وتبدأ في تطبيق أفكارك، ولذلك أرى أنه سيبدأ في فهم أفكار اللاعبين وطريقتهم في اللعب وأدوارهم في المراكز المختلفة، ليكوّن صورة أوضح، وطبعًا هدفنا أن نحقق الفوز، ونتمنى بإذن الله أن ننتصر في المباراتين ونعبر الدور”.

وأشار: “وردّ الفعل هو العامل الأهم في هاتين المباراتين، والمقصود بردّ الفعل هنا هو تفاعل اللاعبين مع المدرب الجديد، فاستجابتهم لشخصه ولمجهوده ستكون عنصرًا حاسمًا، وأعتقد أن هذا الأمر في أذهان اللاعبين، لأن وجود مدرب جديد غالبًا ما يخلق طفرة في الأداء، إذ يسعى كل لاعب لإثبات نفسه، وأن يكون ضمن التشكيل الأساسي وفي فكر المدرب القادم”.

وبسؤاله متى يضع ييس توروب يده على كل التفاصيل؟، اختتم: “بعد المباراة الثانية، لأننا نتحدث عن مدرب على مستوى محترم ومتميّز، وبعد المباراة الثانية في العودة مع ايجل نوار سيبدأ بالدخول في كافة الجوانب الفنية، وتكون لديه الصورة الكاملة، ثم يبدأ العمل الفعلي وتولي المسؤولية كاملة، ومع توقف الدوري بعد ذلك، ستكون هناك فترة إعداد جيدة تمكّنه من العمل بشكل أفضل”.

Despite Wyatt-Hodge and Knight’s fighting knocks, England fell short by six runs

Andrew McGlashan23-Jan-2025Australia secured Ashes outright despite a fine hand from Heather Knight when the skies in Canberra parted for long enough for the game to resume after England had been ahead of the DLS target. But the conclusion was dramatic with the umpires ruling the rain had become too heavy again with Knight having got the equation down to needing 18 off five balls.As the umpires took the players off, Knight threw the bat to the ground in frustration and remonstrated with the officials although later said there was no anger towards them and it was the correct decision to end the game. The requirement would still have been tough, but Annabel Sutherland was bowling with a wet ball. It ended England’s hopes of a drawn series in a way befitting of a campaign they would want to forget.Megan Schutt made the key breakthroughs to push England behind the requirement, ending a second-wicket stand of 52 when Danni Wyatt-Hodge picked out mid-off for a 40-ball 52, and then removing the well-set Sophia Dunkley. But Knight and Nat Sciver-Brunt added 65 off 37 balls to just about give England a chance only for Australia to again take the honours.Related

Heather Knight admits 'frustration' at rainy finish as Ashes hopes are washed away

Either side of the rain break it had been nip-and-tuck, rarely more than a run between England’s total and the DLS target. The last two deliveries before the players left the field in the ninth over showed how tight it was: had Australia completed a run-out chance with both batters mid-pitch they would have been ahead, but then Dunkley lofted the next delivery from Alana King for four.Having been put in, Australia’s innings went through a number of phases. Beth Mooney gave them a positive start but there was a wobble against England’s spinners. However, they were handed a powerful finish with stand-in captain Tahlia McGrath and Grace Harris added a record sixth-wicket stand of 71 off 35 balls.England fell just short despite Heather Knight’s efforts•Getty ImagesA ball-by-ball chaseEngland began their chase confidently. After a quiet opening over that went for four, 11 came from Kim Garth’s first and ten off King when she was introduced in the third over. As the rain started to approach, England were ahead of the DLS target although often not by more than a run or two.In the fifth over, the last needed to make it a match, Ellyse Perry bowled for the first time in the Ashes. A boundary for Maia Bouchier kept England on track and the batters clearly knew it because, after a lightning strike, they started to walk off the field at the end of the over but were called back by the umpires as played continued. Australia were clearly not impressed by England taking matters into their own hands.Bouchier then gave Australia an opening when she fell trying to scoop Sutherland and a tight over from Georgia Wareham left England behind. But then things changed again when Dunkley sent Perry for a four followed by a six straight down the ground to leave the score tied on DLS.Shining KnightWhen Schutt struck twice in the space of four balls in the 13th over, it left England with a tall order, but their two best players – the captain and the vice-captain – were in. The equation ballooned out to 84 needed off 36 when Wareham went for 13 followed by ten off a Garth over. Schutt’s figures were spoiled when her last over was dispatched for 17, leaving 44 needed off 18.McGrath bowled five excellent deliveries but Knight was just able to clear Perry at deep square for six. When Sciver-Brunt dragged Garth onto the stumps, Australia had breathing space in the last over, but no one will know whether Knight could have pulled off a spectacular finish.Beth Mooney was quickly into her stride•Cricket Australia via Getty ImagesDean’s doubleMooney dominated Australia’s powerplay, to the extent that after four overs Georgia Voll had faced two balls for zero runs before being run out by some good work in the deep from Bouchier. Mooney continued to enhance her spectacular record at Manuka Oval until she was smartly stumped down the leg side by Amy Jones off what appeared to be a plan that had come together with Sophie Ecclestone signalling to Jones before the delivery.Mooney’s wicket caused Australia to stall as Perry tried to play herself in and in the tenth over she skied to cover off Charlie Dean. Two balls later, Dean had Litchfield as well when the left-hander moved across her stumps and missed a sweep. All of a sudden Australia had lost 3 for 9 and needed to rebuild.McGrath and Harris finish bigSutherland threatened before picking out deep square to continue what has been a frustrating series for someone who came into the Ashes in such fine form. But not for the first time, the depth of Australia’s batting order was on show as McGrath and Harris dominated the latter stages of the innings.Harris clubbed her fourth ball for six and in the 18th over against Sarah Glenn collected two more off consecutive deliveries. At this point McGrath was 30 off 29 balls and, notwithstanding the need to prevent a more serious wobble, needed to finish strongly. She did just that with three consecutive boundaries off Ecclestone and another to close out an over that cost 18 and included another drop to England’s tally when McGrath was given a life by Dean at long-off.Lauren Bell was unable to bowl her full four overs having left the field due to illness but returned for the last with Harris twice finding the boundary. It made the difference.

Nottingham Forest are in “talks” with an “outstanding” player over a move to the club in the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.

Nottingham Forest willing to spend big in midfield

The Reds continue to be linked with moves to the City Ground before the new Premier League season gets underway, with AC Milan midfielder Yunus Musah seen as an exciting option before the window slams shut.

Forest are reportedly willing to pay as much as £26m for the USA international, with the Midlands outfit also hoping that they can “close the deal quickly”, enhancing Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad depth in the middle of the park.

Away from the Reds’ pursuit of Musah, other exciting options are also being targeted, including Ipswich Town winger Omari Hutchinson. Forest are said to be in talks over a summer move for the Englishman, with a £35m bid tabled.

Juventus ace Douglas Luiz has been heavily linked to the Premier League side, while RB Salzburg’s Mads Bidstrup has been mentioned as an alternative to the Brazilian.

Nottingham Forest in "talks" to sign midfielder

Now, according to Plettenberg on X, “talks have taken place” between Salzburg and Nottingham Forest over the signing of Bidstrup this summer, and with the player himself, who is open to a new challenge.

This is another encouraging update regarding the Reds acquiring the midfielder’s signature, with the Dane looking increasingly like a leading option to move to the City Ground before deadline day ends.

Bidstrup has now racked up 84 appearances for Salzburg, not to mention representing Denmark across five different youth age groups, and analyst Chris Kearney has heaped praise on him.

Still only 24, Forest would get the best years of Bidstrup’s career out of him, with his peak still likely to come, and he can provide welcome competition in midfield, as well as being compared in style to Luiz by FBref.

Related Hudson-Odoi 2.0: Nottingham Forest in talks to sign "outstanding" £35m star

Nottingham Forest are targeting attacking reinforcements

Posts ByJoe Nuttall Aug 7, 2025

The fact that the Salzburg man has the same agent as Taiwo Awoniyi could be a bonus in smoothing negotiations along, and if the Reds can strike a deal, it could prove to be vital business as they prepare to shine in both the Premier League and Europe this season.

Chelsea have now made contact with the agents of an “amazing” Premier League star, who is open to a move to Stamford Bridge this summer, journalist Simon Phillips has revealed.

Maresca looking to bolster his backline

Enzo Maresca is proud of the strides his side have taken since last summer, having recently been crowned Club World Cup champions, with the manager saying: “For me, the biggest achievement this season is that exactly one year ago, no one was talking about Chelsea for football (reasons), but talking about the big squad, big money.

“Now, no one is talking about this, but they are talking about the way we play, and the way we win games. This is personally the biggest achievement of this season.”

The Blues silenced a lot of critics with their shock 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain, but their squad arguably still needs to be trimmed down, with Nicolas Jackson now unhappy about potentially being behind Liam Delap and Joao Pedro in the pecking order.

More exciting than Rogers: Chelsea in talks to sign "exceptional" £52m ace

Chelsea could sign a more exciting talent than Morgan Rogers by snapping up this £52m ace.

ByKelan Sarson Jul 20, 2025

At the opposite end of the pitch, however, Maresca may still need some new recruits, given that Tosin Adarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah or Benoit Badiashile could be used as part of a swap deal for Aston Villa attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers.

As such, according to Phillips, Chelsea have now made fresh contact with the agents of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who is expected to cost around £40m, as he has now entered the final year of his contract and doesn’t plan to renew.

The journalist also added: “Guehi has a lot of interest and not just from Chelsea, and he is expected to depart his club this summer.

“Guehi is believed to be open to making a move back to Chelsea this summer but is also aware of other interest from big clubs in the Premier League.”

Guehi could be "amazing" signing for Chelsea

It could be difficult for the Palace defender to immediately force his way into Maresca’s starting XI, given that the Blues’ backline impressed considerably at the Club World Cup, keeping four clean sheets, including one against PSG in the final.

However, having proven himself in the Premier League over a number of years, the 25-year-old clearly has the talent to be a success at Stamford Bridge, with international teammate Harry Maguire even dubbing him as “amazing”.

The England international made 44 appearances in all competitions last season, displaying his leadership abilities by captaining the Eagles, while also impressing manager Oliver Glasner.

Guehi could be a fantastic signing at just £40m, and Chelsea should have the funds to make a deal, considering their recent Club World Cup triumph.

“We are not ashamed of talking about it – there is nothing to hide and it is not a stigma,” Thorpe’s elder daughter Kitty says

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Aug-2024 • Updated on 13-Aug-2024

ECB via Getty Images

Former England batter Graham Thorpe died after being struck by a train at Esher railway station, Surrey, the opening of an inquest into his death on Tuesday has heard. On Monday, Thorpe’s family had confirmed the 55-year-old took his own life following a battle with depression and anxiety.Speaking on Tuesday at Surrey Coroner’s Court in Woking, coroner Simon Wickens said Thorpe had suffered “traumatic injuries” after being struck by a train on the morning of August 4. Wickens offered “sincere condolences” to Thorpe’s family and to “all those touched by his life and career”. A date for Thorpe’s full inquest will be fixed at a later time.The coroner had received a referral regarding the incident from British Transport Police (BTP). On August 5, a spokesperson for BTP issued the following statement: “Officers were called to Esher railway station at 8.26 am on 4 August to reports of a casualty on the tracks. Paramedics also attended, however sadly a person was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be prepared for the coroner.”The loss of Thorpe was felt by all throughout the world of cricket, with many former and current players paying their respects to the left-handed batter, who later went into coaching. The Surrey and England man represented his country 182 times, and scored 16 hundreds in 100 Test matches.Thorpe had not worked in cricket since he was removed from his role as one of England’s assistant coaches in the aftermath of their 4-0 defeat in the 2021-22 Ashes. He was due to take over as Afghanistan’s head coach but never did after a previous attempt on his own life in May 2022. At the time, he was described as being “seriously ill” in hospital.Related

Joe Root dedicates record-equalling 33rd Test century to Graham Thorpe

England to pay tribute to Graham Thorpe during Old Trafford Test

The sadness is Thorpe will never know how much he was loved

A fighter whose honesty endeared him to England fans

“For the past couple of years, Graham had been suffering from major depression and anxiety,” Amanda, Thorpe’s wife, told the . “This led him to make a serious attempt on his life in May 2022, which resulted in a prolonged stay in an intensive care unit. Despite glimpses of hope and of the old Graham, he continued to suffer from depression and anxiety, which at times got very severe. We supported him as a family and he tried many, many treatments but unfortunately none of them really seemed to work.”Graham was renowned as someone who was very mentally strong on the field and he was in good physical health. But mental illness is a real disease and can affect anyone. Despite having a wife and two daughters whom he loved and who loved him, he did not get better. He was so unwell in recent times and he really did believe that we would be better off without him and we are devastated that he acted on that and took his own life.”She described Thorpe as “a free spirit” and said that he had been well enough to attend a dinner at The Oval in late 2022. “He had his own mind and his own way of going about things,” Amanda said. “My favourite memory of him is in Barbados, which he loved, enjoying a rum punch and listening to his favourite reggae after a swim… He was funny and he made us all laugh so much.”Thorpe’s elder daughter, Kitty, said, “We are not ashamed of talking about it. There is nothing to hide and it is not a stigma. We were trying to help him get better before and trying to protect him, which is why we said nothing. This is the time now to share the news, however horrible it is. We’ve wanted to be able to talk and share and we’d now like to raise awareness, too.”He had loved life and he loved us but he just couldn’t see a way out. It was heartbreaking to see how withdrawn he had become. He was not the same person. It was strange to see this person trapped in the body of dad. That’s why we’ve been so happy that the many reflections have been about his life before this illness took over. I’m glad that’s how everyone does remember him, rightly so, as the complete character he was.”

With Jobe Bellingham set to join Borussia Dortmund, Sunderland have instantly reportedly turned their attention towards the transfer market and an impressive Ligue 1 forward.

Borussia Dortmund set to sign Jobe Bellingham

Despite earning promotion to the Premier League, Sunderland have lost Bellingham to Dortmund this summer. The midfielder will follow in his older brother’s footsteps by swapping English football for the chance to play for the Bundesliga giants. It’s a path that led Jude Bellingham to Real Madrid and one that his younger sibling will hope to take with similar success.

As for Sunderland, whilst they’ll be frustrated to lose such a talented young player ahead of their Premier League return, they’ll at least have money to spend following his departure.

Bidding farewell to the 19-year-old in a deal which could eventually rise to as much as €40m (£34m), the Black Cats could instantly put that transfer fee to good use and set Regis Le Bris’ side up for first-time survival next season.

On that front, the rumours as to who could arrive have already been circling. Recent reports have mentioned names such as Tommy Doyle, who could replace Bellingham, and former Tottenham Hotspur defender Japhet Tanganga.

The latter would be a particularly impressive arrival. Following his Championship revival at Millwall, Tanganga is ready to step back into the Premier League and could yet do so courtesy of the Black Cats. It’s there that he could be joined by a talented Ligue 1 forward too.

Sunderland in direct contact to sign Matthis Abline

According to Sky Sports’ Sacha Tavolieri, Sunderland are now in direct contact to sign Matthis Abline after they ‘sounded out his entourage’, rivalling Marseille for the Nantes forward this summer in a deal worth €20m (£17m).

The Ligue 1 forward enjoyed an impressive campaign in France, scoring 11 goals in all competitions in a Nantes side that only escaped a place in the relegation play-off place by three points. Now, after a standout season for his side, the Abline could yet be on his way to the Premier League.

League stats 24/25 (via FBref)	Matthis Abline	Wilson Isidor
Minutes	2,768	3,174
Goals	9	13
Assists	2	2
Expected Goals	8.5	15.2

Of course, Abline wouldn’t be the first French striker to arrive at the Stadium of Light. It wasn’t so long ago that Wilson Isidor was arriving and he has thrived ever since – scoring 13 Championship goals last season.

Sunderland now plotting 8-figure move for hugely in-demand Asian talent

He could become a star at the Stadium of Light.

By
Henry Jackson

Jun 9, 2025

The Nantes forward, once dubbed a “top talent”, could be even better than the Sunderland star, however. After outperforming his expected goals last season, whilst Isidor underperformed significantly, Abline has the potential to only increase his numbers with better chance creation around him. And at 22 years old, he may just be getting started.

Aston Villa have opened direct transfer talks with one player over joining Unai Emery next season, according to reports, as the Premier League top five contenders attempt to build upon another impressive campaign.

Aston Villa seal vital win over Tottenham in Champions League race

Nerves were rife throughout Villa Park in their crunch encounter against Tottenham on Friday night, before their opening goal 30 minutes from full-time, with defender Ezri Konsa breaking the deadlock before Boubacar Kamara doubled their advantage.

Monchi now leading Aston Villa charge to sign "exciting" Serie A midfielder

Monchi is reportedly a fan of the Argentine midfielder.

By
Tom Cunningham

May 16, 2025

Villa eventually ran out 2-0 victors over Ange Postecoglou’s side and cemented a crucial win in their chase for Champions League qualification.

The result means Emery’s side are still right in the thick of it, as they contend for a top five finish heading into the Premier League final matchday, and it is shaping up to be a dramatic last game with six teams involved in the battle for Europe.

Race for Champions League qualification	Points
2. Arsenal	68
3. Newcastle United	66
4. Chelsea	66
5. Aston Villa	66
6. Man City	65
7. Nottingham Forest	62

Emery, speaking after their victory against struggling Spurs, heaped praise on his players for making their home ground a serious fortress.

“I’m very grateful for the supporters,” Emery said. “Here, we are feeling strong and we’re feeling comfortable. We only lost one match here in the Premier League, the first match against Arsenal. Progressively, we were getting better. Of course, we drew some matches in the way, and now we are missing some points from those moments, but we have to accept it.

“We have to accept the 37 matches we’ve played being consistent, more or less, and getting the moment we are in now, feeling good and in our best moment. We’re achieving the challenges we are facing. We enjoyed in the FA Cup and in Carabao Cup, but mostly our moment in the Champions League.

“The Premier League is the most important competition we are facing because through it we are getting again our main objective, and the objective is to be in Europe.

“We are in Europe next year, but we are in the running for the Champions League positions, and we can have chances in the last match in Manchester to get it.”

Aston Villa open talks with Axel Disasi over joining next season

The result of their Champions League chase will have direct effects on their recruitment plans off the field, but that hasn’t stopped NSWE and Monchi from making moves behind-the-scenes.

Chelsea loanee Axel Disasi could remain beyond 2024/2025, with the Frenchman very highly-rated by Emery, his coaching staff and Villa’s transfer chiefs.

That is according to Foot Mercato, who state that Villa have already opened talks with Disasi over joining them next season.

The 27-year-old cost Chelsea £39 million to sign from Monaco in 2023, and Fabrizio Romano recently claimed that they’re keen to sell him for profit this summer. It is unclear how much Villa would be willing to pay to keep Disasi in the Midlands, but he could be a significant addition.

The defender has been called a “leader” at times, and his experience at the top level could be invaluable for Emery.

Will Chelsea make a success of this season?

On Thursday, the Blues demolished Djurgårdens in the first leg of their Conference League semi-final, with Jadon Sancho and Noni Madueke both on target in Stockholm, before Nicolas Jackson bagged a quick-fire brace.

Thus, supporters are now pretty certain that their team will be in Wrocław for the final later this month, facing either Real Betis or Fiorentina.

Meantime, in the Premier League, Enzo Maresca’s side are currently fourth, desperate to cling onto the final Champions League spot, ahead of Sunday’s heavyweight meeting with recently crowned champions Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

Even with the Club World Cup on the horizon this summer, Chelsea are expected to be busy in the transfer market, as has very much been the case since Todd Boehly’s takeover, so could they sign a big-money new striker?

The latest on Chelsea's interest in Viktor Gyökeres

According to a report by Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Deutschland, Arsenal are “pushing” to sign Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres, valued at around £60m by the Portuguese giants, with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Chelsea “all in the race”.

The 26-year-old Swede has scored 95 goals in 98 appearances for Sporting, pretty impressive statistics, with a report by David Ornstein and James McNicholas of The Athletic claiming that Gyökeres is expected to be on the move this summer.

Nevertheless, with a high amount of competition for his signature, should Chelsea focus on other targets?

Chelsea's potential new striker

According to a report from Steve Kay of Football Transfers earlier this week, Chelsea ‘have approached’ Aston Villa, enquiring about the possibility of signing Ollie Watkins this summer, adding that the Blues ‘are willing’ to match the Villans’ £60m valuation.

TEAMtalk notes that Watkins has emerged as Chelsea’s number one target, due to concerns about Victor Osimhen’s wage demands, as well as fears that Gyökeres would choose to go elsewhere.

If Villa miss out on Champions League qualification, they may be forced to sell key assets to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules, hence why Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider believes they’d be looking to cash in on 29-year-old Watkins.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

So, would Watkins be a good signing for Chelsea?

Chelsea's best recent attacking signings

Since Clearlake Capital’s takeover of Chelsea in 2022, they have signed over 40 first-team players, spending in excess of £1bn, many of whom made little impact at Stamford Bridge, some of whom have been swiftly moved on.

Pretty much indisputably, the Blues’ best signing of the Boehly era is Cole Palmer, who, since arriving from Manchester City for £42.5m, has scored 39 goals for the club, named Chelsea’s Player of the Season as well as the PFA Young Player of the Year for 2023/24.

However, let’s analyse the impact made by some of the other members of the forward line.

Pedro Neto

£54m

40

6

7

João Félix

£45m

20

7

2

Omari Kellyman

£19m

Zero

Zero

Zero

Marc Guiu

£5m

13

6

Zero

Jadon Sancho

£25m

36

4

10

Cole Palmer

£42.5m

86

39

25

Nicolas Jackson

£32m

75

29

11

Christopher Nkunku

£50m

56

17

5

Deivid Washington

£17m

3

Zero

Zero

Ângelo

£13m

Zero

Zero

Zero

Diego Moreira

Free

1

Zero

Zero

Mykhailo Mudryk

£89m

73

10

11

Raheem Sterling

£47.5m

81

19

15

Noni Madueke

£28.5

82

20

9

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

£10.3m

21

3

1

David Datro Fofana

£11m

4

Zero

Zero

It would be a major understatement to say that Chelsea have signed a lot of attacking players in the last three seasons, and the table above certainly underlines that Cole Palmer has unquestionably had the biggest impact.

So, why would Watkins be any different?

Well, let’s assess his season statistics to find out.

Goals

15

7th

Goals per 90

0.6

6th

Assists

7

13th

Shots

76

11th

Shots on target

32

8th

Expected goals

14.5

6th

Goal-creating actions

11

31st

Touches in oppo penalty area

153

11

As the table outlines, Watkins is a very well-rounded striker, described by Statman Dave as “clinical”, both a potent goalscorer but also a chance creator too.

The concern about signing him would be the fact he is 29 years old, but the Englishman is showing no signs of slowing down, so could be the striker Chelsea require to go to the next level.

Better than Jackson: Chelsea want £25m "beast" who's outscoring Osimhen

Chelsea have wasted no time in targeting new forwards to strengthen Enzo Maresca’s side this summer.

ByEthan Lamb May 3, 2025