All posts by h716a5.icu

Wolverhampton Wanderers are among the clubs interested in signing Huddersfield Town midfielder Lewis O’Brien, according to a report from TEAMtalk. 

The lowdown: Ruben Neves successor?

The 23-year-old central midfielder has amassed 174 career club appearances across spells at Huddersfield and a loan stint at Barnsley and could be ready for a step up to the Premier League.

Such a step could be forthcoming in one-way shape or form as the Yorkshire club embark on a Championship play-off semi-final clash with Luton Town for a shot at promotion.

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However, with talismanic Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves heavily linked with a move out of Molineux this summer, Bruno Lage may already have pinpointed a possible successor…

The latest: Wolves ‘keen’

As per the report from TEAMtalk, Wolves, Leeds United, Crystal Palace, Burnley, Brighton and Southampton are all ‘keen’ on O’Brien.

It’s claimed that the Midlands outfit could land the man described as an ‘exceptional player’ by Huddersfield boss Carlos Corberan owing to his supreme versatility by triggering a £12million release clause.

Furthermore, the report states that the future of O’Brien ‘could depend’ on the ongoing promotion bid as it is ‘highly unlikely’ the Englishman stays at the club should they fall short.

The verdict: Bargain fee

Albeit unproven at the Premier League level, O’Brien has forged a stellar second-tier career and this season earned a superb 7.00 average Sofascore rating whilst completing 2.0 successful dribbles, winning 7.5 of his duels and making 2.2 tackles on average per game – evidence of a well-rounded overall midfield package.

Under contract until 2025 (Transfermarkt), the opportunity to sign the workmanlike midfielder for the mooted £12million release clause is one the Wolves hierarchy shouldn’t pass up.

Whether or not Lage and co can persuade Neves to stay at Molineux beyond this summer remains to be seen, however, the club would be wise to make a move for O’Brien either as a provision or even as a future successor to Joao Moutinho.

In other news, Premier League side could join the race for ‘amazing’ Wolves star. Find out more here.

Newcastle could make a move for Liverpool’s Nat Phillips in the remaining days of the transfer window, according to The Athletic’s Chris Waugh. 

The lowdown

Newcastle are hopeful of signing a centre-back in a bid to address their woeful defensive record – they have the poorest expected goals against (xGA) tally in the entire Premier League.

Their top target is Sevilla’s Diego Carlos, and while he would like to join the Magpies, negotiations with Sevilla are proving difficult.

Phillips was heavily involved at Liverpool last season, helping the Reds to secure a top-four finish in the absences of Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez. However, with that trio back fit and Ibrahima Konate signed during the summer, the 24-year-old centre-back has only made four appearances this season.

The latest

Waugh wrote for The Athletic that Newcastle are beginning to pursue ‘back-up options’ in case they can’t strike a deal for Carlos.

They are ‘debating’ whether to bring in ‘domestic defenders’, and Phillips is one of the England-based options named.

The verdict

When you see that Phillips ranks in the 99th percentile among positional peers for clearances and successful aerial duels, you might assume that he’s an ‘old-fashioned’ centre-back (via FBRef). Indeed, that’s how one former team-mate in Andy Lonergan described him, adding that “he’d head a brick wall if he could”.

While Newcastle fans may love that battling spirit, it might be something of a mischaracterisation. Phillips is also reasonably comfortably on the ball, slotting into the 85th percentile for progressive passes.

Liverpool are said to value Phillips at £15m, so this deal could be a lot simpler than their pursuit of Carlos.

In other news, this one-time superstar could land at St James’ Park

Former Everton player Wayne Rooney has hinted that he could take up the vacant managerial role at Goodison Park, with the 36-year-old currently in charge at Championship strugglers Derby County

What’s the story?

According to The Daily Express, the Toffees have a three-man shortlist to replace Rafael Benitez, who was sacked earlier this week, with Rooney joining former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard and Fabio Cannavaro on the reported wish list.

It has also been reported that Everton chairman Bill Kenwright would be keen to see the former Evertonian take the managerial vacancy, but it is also believed that owner Farhad Moshiri could block the move given the 36-year-old’s lack of dugout experience.

However, when quizzed on the possibility of taking the job, Rooney stated: “I think maybe down the line, maybe one day. I’ll always dream about becoming Everton manager, but of course, I’ve not quite got that experience.

“My job at the moment is to take the upcoming games, steady the ship, and the club will go through a process identifying the new manager. I’m sure they’ll do that, and they’ll bring the new manager in.”

The 36-year-old added: “You never know in football, do you? But at the moment, my job is to focus on the next game. That’s it.

“I focus on the next game, and what happens down the line will be up to the club. We’re always looking for the best managers in the world, and I’m sure we’ll find that.

“I’m the same as everyone else. I see the speculation on social media and in the newspapers and, of course, Everton is a club I grew up supporting.”

The Derby manager has been praised for his efforts amid an ongoing crisis for the Rams on numerous occasions this season, with Sky Sports pundit Glenn Murray saying that “Derby got their tactics perfect” after a 1-0 victory over promotion-hunting West Bromwich Albion during the festive period.

Everton should hire Wayne Rooney

Everton Football Club finds itself in the middle of an identity crisis. The Toffees will appoint their sixth permanent manager in five-and-a-half years with their replacement for Benitez, who lasted just over six months in the job.

The Merseyside outfit find themselves in a position well below where they aspire to be, but they still have four months to turn their campaign around, so they have to get this appointment right.

With Duncan Ferguson as caretaker manager, the Toffees are in good hands, with someone who cares extensively about the club and has taken on a similar role in the past. However, the 50-year-old doesn’t appear to be in contention for the role permanently.

By hiring Rooney, the Goodison Park faithful will likely be buzzing given that they would find their team in a rare scenario where they’re managed by a boyhood fan of the club, rather than an overseas coach like Benitez, Carlo Ancelotti or Ronald Koeman whose ties might not be as strong.

The 36-year-old’s strong connection with the Toffees and demand for a turnaround could ultimately prove refreshing and exactly what the club needs.

Granted, experience is a limiting factor with the Derby job his only permanent role to date, and the Englishman may be keen to see the season through in the Midlands. However, should Everton come knocking, it could prove to be an offer that Rooney cannot refuse.

In other news: Everton could be without one player for much longer than feared

Sulieman Benn, the West Indies left-arm spinner, has been suspended for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during his team’s third Test match against South Africa in Barbados

Cricinfo staff10-Jul-2010Sulieman Benn, the West Indies left-arm spinner, has been suspended for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the third Test against South Africa in Barbados last month. South Africa had asked the ICC to take disciplinary action against him last week following his altercation with fast bowler Dale Steyn on the third day of the Test.Benn pleaded guilty to a Level 2 breach of the code and was penalised by match referee Jeff Crowe. His previous disciplinary troubles means he now faces a ban of one Test or two ODIs or two Twenty20s, whichever comes first.The incident took place during lunch on the third day at the Kensington Oval when Benn barged into the South African dressing room and taunted some of the players and management. This followed the dismissal of Steyn a few overs before lunch when the fast bowler appeared to spit in the direction of Benn as he walked towards the pavilion. That cost Steyn his entire match fee, though the match referee agreed that Benn had provoked Steyn in the overs leading up to his dismissal.”Whatever had gone on before Sulieman entered the Proteas’ dressing room, while helping to explain his behaviour, cannot justify it,” Crowe said. “Clearly, Sulieman has acted inappropriately here and in a way that is contrary to the spirit of cricket.”Benn has had behavioural issues over the past year, including a dust-up with Mitchell Johnson and Brad Haddin during the Perth Test in December, which earned him a two-ODI ban. He was fined his full match fee by the West Indies management last month after he was ordered off the field by captain Chris Gayle for failing to follow his instructions during the fourth ODI against South Africa.His spat with Steyn was not the only ugly incident in an ill-tempered final Test in Barbados. Fast bowler Kemar Roach lost half his match fee after a run-in with Jacques Kallis during the closing stages of the match. He repeatedly walked up to and exchanged words with the batsman after testing him with a series of bouncers. The stand-off threatened to escalate and required the intervention of the umpires and West Indies fielders to come under control.

Wolves midfielder Connor Ronan is attracting interest from multiple clubs according to a report from the Scottish Daily Express. 

The lowdown: Loan sensation

With Ruben Neves looking more and more likely to leave the Black Country this summer, it looks like Ronan may not be too far behind.

Signed from Rochdale in 2014, he came through the youth ranks at Molineux before making a senior debut in 2016 against Nottingham Forest.

The 24-year-old has made 13 appearances for the Wanderers’ first-team altogether but has spent a majority of his professional career out on loan with spells at Walsall, Portsmouth, Dunajska Streda, Grasshoppers and Blackpool.

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Having been sent to St Mirren for the duration of the 2021/22 campaign, Ronan is now attracting interest for a permanent move…

The latest: Permanent deal?

As per the Scottish Daily Express, St Mirren, Aberdeen and St Pauli are all keen on landing the Republic of Ireland youth international.

It’s claimed that the German Bundesliga.2 side have ‘registered an interest’ in Ronan ahead of the summer transfer window.

The report does however state that the man described as being ‘valuable’ by ex-teammate George Dobson is ‘keen’ to return to Wolves and break into Bruno Lage’s plans.

The verdict: Cash in

Under contract at Molineux until 2024 having signed a new deal in September 2020, Ronan would be well within his rights to fight for a place in the first team next season.

However, despite a stellar campaign on loan this term containing eight goals and five assists in 29 appearances across all competitions, at 24 and without a single Premier League minute under his belt, a move permanent move would perhaps be the best bet for all parties.

Even with the possible departure of Neves widely speculated, Lage would surely look to replace the Portuguese star in the market as opposed to from within and the 14-cap Under 21 international should seriously consider the reported suitors.

In other news, Wolves are reportedly eyeing up a move for an exciting player. Find out who it is here.

Sri Lanka’s chairman of selectors Aravinda de Silva gave no indication that Sanath Jayasuriya and Chaminda Vaas would be in contention for a spot in the final 15

Sa'adi Thawfeeq14-Dec-2010Despite including two former World Cup heroes – Sanath Jayasuriya and Chaminda Vaas – in the provisional 30-member squad for the tournament’s 2011 edition, Sri Lanka’s chairman of selectors Aravinda de Silva gave no indication that they would be in contention for a spot in the final 15.”We felt that, in the 30 we need to have a combination of experience as well as youth,” de Silva, also a member of the 1996 World Cup winning side, said. “We have mainly considered performances and also, to a certain extent, experience. Putting everything together that is what we ultimately came out with.”You know what Vaas and Jayasuriya can do but you also have to consider the current form. We have seen the potential of some of the guys we have tried out. It is only if there is an absolute requirement or necessity that we need experience as well as good performances, will we look at them.”Vaas, 36, last played for Sri Lanka in August 2008 and the 41-year-old Jayasuriya’s last one-dayer was in December 2009. de Silva hinted that the youngsters who have been a part of the set-up in recent times were likely to be prefered.”At the moment if you take some of the fast bowlers who are doing pretty well we need to persevere with them,” de Silva said. “We must also consider the fact that Vaas has not played one-day cricket for a little while. If you take Sanath into account, there are guys like Tharanga Paranavitana who we wanted to try. All this time we didn’t include Jayasuriya in the team because we didn’t have a requirement. That is why we went with the present team. We have a basic idea of about 10-11 players but there are a few places which we need to work out, and if we can get some cricket before the final selection it would be ideal.”de Silva also mentioned that unity would be essential to the team’s cause, and that the selectors were guarded against allowing divisive influences to creep into the side’s make-up. “If there is any antagonism or issue in the team of someone being included, who is going to create any sort of problems within the team, that will be the main reason for leaving them out of the squad,” he said. “That sort of thing will be very hard to tolerate especially during the World Cup because you need unity if you want to succeed. We can’t have any divisions within the team.”Sri Lanka’s lead-up to the World Cup has been strong, with victories in the Dambulla tri-series and in Australia, but weather dealt a setback to the final plans, forcing a postponement to the home series against West Indies.”Missing those five ODIs against West Indies was very crucial because we were really looking at finding an ultimate combination before picking the final 15,” de Silva said. “There were things which we wanted to try in the five ODIs. It was very unfortunate we missed out on it, but nevertheless we have a basic idea of what we are looking for. There are a couple of things we would have loved to have tried out and made sure before the World Cup.”If we are unable to get some international fixtures we’ll have to take the risk and go with our gut feeling in selecting the final 15. That is why we are here to take certain decisions on the experience we’ve had and what we seen. My co-selectors and the team management are quite confident we will put out a strong squad.”de Silva underplayed the notion that Sri Lanka would lose the home advantage because they haven’t been able to familiarise themselves with the three Sri Lankan venues for the World Cup – Hambantota, Pallakele and R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. “When I saw the wickets and how they played I didn’t see much of a difference from the past,” he said. “It is all a mental game. Even when you play at a familiar venue on that particular day the conditions can defer. As international cricketers, there is no excuse to say that you haven’t had enough cricket on a particular ground or a wicket. It’s unfortunate the West Indies series had to be postponed but they will have enough practice under lights at these three venues.”

It says much about Warwickshire’s season that the loudest cheer of the day came when they avoided the follow-on.

George Dobell at Edgbaston05-Jun-2010
ScorecardIt says much about Warwickshire’s season that the loudest cheer of the day came when they avoided the follow-on. How their supporters’ ambitions have fallen. Once they targeted victories and championships; now they seem pleased if their side makes the opposition bat twice.Perhaps such an attitude is not surprising. This was the fourth championship game in succession in which Warwickshire have failed to pass 150 in their first innings (after scores of 113 against Lancashire, 127 against Somerset and 100 against Durham) and none of their top seven in this match have yet recorded a century this season. After eight championship matches, Warwickshire have claimed just nine batting bonus points. It’s the least of any side in either division.There are, on this occasion, some mitigating factors. This is a desperately difficult pitch for batsmen and losing the toss – as they have done in all home fixtures this season – is a notable disadvantage. Indeed, bearing in mind their struggles against spin bowling, Warwickshire may reflect on the wisdom of preparing pitches that offer so much assistance to them.Somerset’s bowlers also harnessed the conditions well. Left-arm spinner Murali Kartik, gaining sharp turn and bowling with pleasing flight and variation, was particularly impressive in claiming the 28th five-wicket haul of his career. He must wish he could play Warwickshire every week. Barely 10 days ago, he took 6 for 61 against them at Taunton.But the loss of 17 wickets in a single day tells its own story. This is a not a good pitch. The bounce is irregular – with some balls rearing and a few beginning to scuttle – rendering it an unequal battle between bat and ball. It was something of a surprise when the umpires declared themselves content with the pitch and ruled out a call to the pitch inspector.In the context of the game, Ben Phillips’ belligerent innings of 44 was the performance of the day. Coming to the crease with his side wobbling on 72 for 6, Phillips batted sensibly. He used his long reach to nullify the spin, his strength to put away the poor ball and, unlike many of the top order batsmen on either side who lunged forward hopefully, played back to the spinners with some success. While Phillips crunched six fours and one pulled six off Rikki Clarke, no-one else managed more than 27 on the second day.Until Phillips’ late contribution, the bowlers had been on top. Though Warwickshire showed welcome fight, it was always an uphill struggle to defy the bowlers in such circumstances. Troughton overcame painful blows to the hands to both his first two deliveries, while Chopra survived an edge between slip and gully, but neither hinted at permanence.Chopra and Clarke were both drawn into playing at probing deliveries on or around off stump, before Troughton was caught off bat and pad at leg slip and Botha missed a slog-sweep. Johnson and Woakes were both beaten by sharp turn and edged their defensive prods to slip.Not that all the batsmen were blameless. Darren Maddy pulled directly to the man positioned for the shot on the square-leg boundary while Imran Tahir edged a wild slash. Apart from them, all eight wickets owed more to good bowling and tricky conditions than poor batting.Somerset had things little better in reply. Trescothick played down the wrong line to one that swung back at him, before Buttler was set-up by an outswinger and beaten by one that came in. Suppiah was bowled off the inside edge, prodding forward to one that bounced on him, before Hildreth fell to a googly, Kieswetter to a topspinner and Trego was powerless to keep one out that kept low.The flurry of wickets briefly raised Warwickshire’s spirits, but their joy may well prove short-lived. While a fourth-innings target of around 300 may not look intimidating in normal circumstances, on this pitch it seems mountainous.

With Sheffield Wednesday currently sat ninth in the League One table, 13 points away from Rotherham United and Sunderland at the top of the pile, the January transfer window could give the Owls the best opportunity to strengthen their squad so that they can make a strong push towards a play-off place.

However, it seems as though Wednesday fans may have to sit tight for the time being when it comes to seeing any potential new players come into the club.

What’s the latest?

In a recent online Q&A for Yorkshire Live, Howson was asked if there are currently any new signings in the pipeline for Darren Moore’s side.

In response, he said: “As things stand, there is nothing close. I am not expecting a new player to come in before Plymouth. Wednesday are working hard behind the scenes on a number of deals. DM has a few irons in the fire.

“The issue is clubs are hoarding players. They are worried about the possibility of being hit by a [virus] outbreak. Clubs don’t want to leave themselves short in the second half of the season.”

Sheffield Wednesday fans could be sweating

With just three centre-backs, one left-back and two right-backs in their squad at the moment according to Transfermarkt, it seems as though the Owls could do with adding some defensive reinforcements to their ranks at some point this month.

Given how Moore’s side have conceded six goals in their two previous league outings, this only highlights the need for some extra stability and strength at the back if they are to have any chance of making their way up the table in the coming weeks and months.

Moving forward, with just over two weeks left until the January transfer window closes, Wednesday will need to ensure that the “irons in the fire”, as Howson put it, will materialise into one or two new recruits at Hillsborough, particularly in defence. Otherwise, Owls fans could well be sweating over the possibility of facing up to another season in League One.

In other news: Howson drops transfer claim on “key component” at Hillsborough which will have fans buzzing

This was the game the summer so desperately needed. A tight contest, in front of a full house, fought to the bitter end as England held their nerve, securing a four-wicket victory with three balls remaining to ensure Andrew Strauss’s fantastic 126 didn’t

The Bulletin by Andrew McGlashan at Headingley12-Sep-2010
Live scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsAndrew Strauss scored his fifth ODI hundred to power England’s challenge•Getty ImagesThis was the game the summer so desperately needed. A tight contest, in front of a full house, fought to the bitter end as England held their nerve, securing a four-wicket victory with three balls remaining to ensure Andrew Strauss’s fantastic 126 didn’t go to waste. For a while that looked a close-run thing as the middle order stuttered in the final 10 overs, but Michael Yardy and Tim Bresnan retained their composure to keep the home side’s winning run going, and hoist them up to No. 2 in the World ODI rankings.Strauss and Jonathan Trott added 146 for the second wicket to break the back of a stiff 295-run chase after Pakistan’s most complete batting display of the tour. England were never in total command of the asking-rate, but the requirement was looking more challenging than they would have liked after some less-than-clear thinking during the batting Powerplay. After 40 overs they were 221 for 3 – exactly the same score that Pakistan had reached- however, Strauss fell lbw sweeping at Saeed Ajmal before Eoin Morgan, England’s cool-headed finisher, picked out the only fielder on the off-side boundary at deep point. Ravi Bopara then failed to clear long-off against Ajmal in the penultimate over to keep the punters on tenterhooks.But Yardy is also proving himself to be a consummate closer of run-chases having twice been in the middle during the Twenty20 internationals, and he collected a pair of vital boundaries off Umar Gul and Ajmal. Needing 13 off the last two overs, all that was required was clear thinking, but Bopara tried to take advantage of the fielding restrictions and failed, which left Bresnan to guide the side home in front of his home crowd. He cut his first ball through the covers then, in the last over from Gul, top-edged a pull off the keeper to level the scores and extinguish the doubts.Bresnan had shown calmness earlier in the summer against Australia, at Old Trafford, as England nicked a one-wicket win having looked like throwing victory away, but it was fitting that this win was secured in marginally shambolic fashion as Bresnan chanced a non-existent single to mid-off only for Fawad Alam’s throw to miss. So after a few deep breaths and nervous moments England could celebrate a 2-0 cushion in the five-match series and it would have been harsh on Strauss if his innings had ended in a losing cause.There are still those who question Strauss’s place in the one-day side because of a concern his style – dominated by square-of-the-wicket shots – won’t be so successful on the slower subcontinent pitches England will face during the World Cup. But he can do no more than score a bucketload of runs, which he has done in recent one-day matches with this being his second hundred in three games following the 154 he struck against Bangladesh at Edgbaston.Strauss’s game is also evolving and while he will probably never plunder runs between mid-off and mid-on, they are still viable scoring areas. His swipe for six over midwicket off Shahid Afridi to reach fifty showed how his game has developed against slow bowling since his return to the one-day arena 18 months ago. It was his 21st six in seven years of ODI cricket. Eleven of those have come since June.Pakistan will rue two moments; firstly when Mohammad Irfan spilled a catch at short fine-leg with Strauss on 23, then when he was on 38 as Kamran Akmal held a superb catch diving down the leg-side off Gul and Pakistan were convinced there was a glove. Billy Doctrove, however, was unmoved. Still, though, the visitors’ fielding was poor with too many fumbles and poor arms in the outfield.Steven Davies had given another eye-catching glimpse of his ability with 26 off 21 balls to help launch the innings positively before edging behind against Shoaib Akthar and then Strauss was joined by Trott in the crucial partnership. Trott continued to bat in the bubble he has occupied all summer, content to work the gaps while his captain was batting so fluently.His fifty came from 67 balls and progress was serene for England with barely more than a run a ball required over the last 17 overs. That changed, though, when Trott was run out from short third-man having survived an lbw shout only to charge down the pitch for a reaction single. Paul Collingwood again couldn’t get his innings going and picked out long-off against Afridi with Pakistan suddenly believing. They couldn’t quite pull off a comeback, but there were continued signs of improvement throughout.Kamran led from the top with a powerful 72-ball 74. That was followed by a maiden one-day fifty from the impressive Asad Shafiq while Mohammad Yousuf contributed a calm 46. England were below their usual high standards especially with the ground fielding, while Stuart Broad’s 4 for 81 was the most expensive four-wicket haul in ODI history.James Anderson was the only bowler to offer early control as Kamran took to Bresnan and Broad in an opening stand of 122 with Mohammad Hafeez – Pakistan’s best in any international during their stay in England. Kamran collected his second consecutive fifty, this one at a run a ball, before playing across the line at Collingwood’s second delivery.However, for once the middle order had a platform set for them which allowed Yousuf and Shafiq to consolidate before attacking again. Yousuf, who offered one very tough opportunity on 18 when Morgan couldn’t quite make up considerable ground at deep midwicket, fell when he tried to guide Broad to third man, but Shafiq continued to show his talent when he skipped down the pitch and launched Graeme Swann over long-on.But Pakistan didn’t make full use of their Powerplay as Broad, despite being expensive, claimed three wickets in seven balls while Bresnan and Anderson had their yorkers on target. That lack of late ignition meant the total didn’t cross 300 and that proved crucial in the final outcome.

Brian Lara has been invited by the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board to represent the side in domestic Twenty20 events if he is interested

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Dec-2010Brian Lara has been invited by the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board to represent the side in domestic Twenty20 events if he is interested.”There is only one Brian Lara in this world, and if he is interested in representing T&T at T20 cricket, I am sure the selectors will be more than willing to give him a very serious look,” TTCB president Azim Bassarath said. “Brian has done a lot for cricket. He is a hero, a legend and we have to take care of our heroes. I would like him to know that the TTCB stands ready to support him in his future endeavours.”Lara retired from the international game in 2007, but returned to action in October this year when he turned out in the Zimbabwe domestic Twenty20 tournament. He has also expressed an interest is participating in the 2011 edition of the India Premier League, and has been included in the preliminary auction list, at the highest base price of $400,000.Bassarath hoped Lara would play in the Cricket Festival T20 series starting Tuesday. “I spoke to Brian and offered him an opportunity to play in the T20 invitational,” Bassarath said. “However, he flew into Trinidad on Thursday night and said he would be off again on Monday so it will be difficult to take part in the series.”Earlier Lara told ESPNcricinfo that the league in Zimbabwe was not the toughest. “If I was to give myself a chance to play in the IPL, then I need to start now,” he said. “I tried negotiating with Surrey in May and that fell through. I am not going to say that I am ready for the IPL. The option is around the corner, and I have put my name in the hat. But I need to play cricket regularly from now till then to get fit and capable of doing justice to the game and to my form in such a highly competitive league.”