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Former Premier League manager Lawrie Sanchez believes that Tottenham have lost their identity in recent seasons.

It wasn’t long ago that the north London outfit were top four regulars under Mauricio Pochettino and challenging for the biggest honours.

Spurs might have always fallen short under the Argentine, but they qualified for the Champions League in four consecutive years, were regularly competing for domestic trophies and famously reached the European Cup final in 2019.

But since Pochettino was sacked and replaced by Jose Mourinho in November 2019, they have lost ground on the sides around them and have failed to challenge for the top four in the previous two campaigns, whilst their painful wait for silverware now stands at 13 years.

Tottenham recently announced the arrival of new sporting director Fabio Paratici, who looks set to team up with Paulo Fonseca, and Sanchez exclusively told Football FanCast that the former could play a major part in the club moving forward:

“They’re not sure whether they want to give kids a chance or be in the top four? Top four is all they want; it doesn’t matter how they get there.

“So, a new sporting director will have to lay down the culture of the club. What are we? What are we looking for and take a longer-term view of season to season and this managerial merry-go-round which doesn’t add to any stability either?”

After suffering playoff heartbreak with Sunderland, Steven Gerrard should axe Rangers flop Jordan Jones from his squad at Ibrox this summer.

The former Kilmarnock man was sent on loan to the League One side in January and has been a regular in Lee Johnson’s side throughout the second half of the campaign.

The winger was one of several players to attend a house party in November, breaking the restrictions at the time, so it was no surprise to see him shipped out.

Since signing from Kilmarnock in 2019, he has gone on to make just 19 appearances for the Gers, contributing one goal and two assists, which suggests that his move has not worked out.

Unfortunately for Rangers, 26-year-old’s contract at Ibrox is set to expire in 2023, which suggests that they may well look to cash in on him in the next two years, rather than losing him for nothing at the end of his current deal.

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After his latest setback with Sunderland, which saw them fall to a 3-2 aggregate defeat against Lincoln City in the League One playoffs, Gerrard’s best course of action this summer would be to get rid of Jones for good.

The winger produced a disappointing defeat in the 2-0 defeat against Lincoln in the first leg, earning a 6.61/10 rating for his performance from WhoScored, whilst he was left on the bench for the 2-1 win in the second leg despite the North East side needing a goal, which certainly doesn’t bode well for his future.

Although he managed three goals and four assists in 20 appearances for the League One side, averaging a fairly solid 6.88 rating from WhoScored for his performances, it seems unlikely that he will ever be able to establish himself as a regular in Gerrard’s side at Ibrox.

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The “exciting talent” has unfortunately failed to impress during his time at Ibrox and given that Gerrard will be looking to add Champions League quality to his squad ahead of next season, it seems likely that Jones’ time with the Scottish Premiership champions might well be up and letting him go would be the correct call.

And, in other news… Wilson should return for “outstanding” beast after director’s huge claim

Sunderland manager Lee Johnson will be buzzing after the club’s sporting director Kristjaan Speakman confirmed that Elliott Embleton will be part of the first-team squad next season.

What’s the talk?

Embleton spent the second-half of the 2020/21 season on loan to Blackpool in League One and earned promotion to the Championship last weekend by winning the play-offs. Sunderland failed in their play-off campaign and then watched a player on their books help Blackpool seal promotion to the second tier.

His contract at Sunderland was due to expire this summer before the club triggered an extension to keep him at the Stadium of Light until 2022. Speakman has now claimed that he will impact Sunderland’s team in League One next season, rather than seal a permanent transfer to Blackpool. He told SAFC Unfiltered, via Blackpool Gazette:

“The easiest thing with Elliot would have been to loan him to League Two, and we held out and we held out because we were desperate to get him with the right club and the right coaching staff.

“Neil and the guys at Blackpool have done excellent with him, given him that platform and he’s gone and performed.“He’s demonstrated the ability to play at the level we need him to play at, so when he comes back here he can hopefully impact our team.”Sunderland midfielder Max Power praised the “brilliant” Embelton earlier in the campaign. He told SAFC unfiltered:“He’s technically one of the best players I’ve seen. A good mark of knowing someone’s technically good is he can take corners with both feet.“I think Elliot’s at that age now where he knows that he needs to stay fit. I know it must be tough for him because I thought last season, he was brilliant in pre-season and then he done his hamstring away at Sheffield United in the [League] Cup.” Johnson will be delighted

Johnson will be delighted that Sunderland have decided to keep Embleton at the club and integrate him back into the first-team picture for next season. Speakman could have opted to cash in on the 22-year-old after his impressive spell with Blackpool, especially given that they achieved promotion to a higher division than Sunderland, but Johnson now looks set to benefit from Embleton’s talents next term.

Embleton produced two goals and four assists in 17 starts for Blackpool. He averaged a WhoScored rating of 6.75 across 21 appearances and set up Blackpool’s equalising goal in the play-off final against Lincoln as he helped his side win 2-1 at Wembley. This shows that he has the quality to make a real impact at League One level and that he is built to perform in the biggest games, having done it in the play-off final.

The £4.3k-per-week midfielder could prove to be an upgrade on Aiden O’Brien. Johnson deployed O’Brien as an attacking midfielder and a winger during the game, as the Irishman played 33 times for Sunderland in League One, averaging a WhoScored rating of 6.61 and providing one assist for his teammates.

Embleton averaged a higher WhoScored rating and was able to create more for his teammates in the league for Blackpool, suggesting that he could improve Sunderland’s squad upon returning to the club this summer.

AND in other news, fans should be delighted as £4k-p/w beast has been backed to sign a new deal

A number of Liverpool supporters cannot believe that Jamie Carragher hasn’t included Mohamed Salah in his Premier League Team of the Season.

It has been an extremely difficult campaign for the Reds, who went into the campaign full of confidence having just been crowned champions. Everything seems to have gone wrong, however, with endless injuries to key players halting their progress, while VAR and no fans in stadia have made for a poor spectacle.

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One man who has continued to perform at a high level is Salah, with the Egyptian scoring 29 goals in all competitions. He hasn’t been totally blameless when it comes to Liverpool’s profligacy in front of goal, but he has stood well above his teammates this season.

Bizarrely, Carragher decided not to pick him in his Team of the Season on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, instead opting for Phil Foden, Son Heung-min and Harry Kane in attack.

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Liverpool fans fume at Carragher

These Liverpool supporters were hugely frustrated with Salah’s omission, taking to Twitter to vent their anger at Carragher, who has attracted the ire of many Kopites in recent weeks for other viewpoints.

“Son had a great season individually sure but still not better than Salah. Victim of his own success”

Credit: @plus7end

“Oh, Carra”

Credit: @MexicoCityLFC

“Boo this man. Mo Salah walks into it. Fabinho has had a better season than Kante too although Gundogan should take the 3rd midfield spot”

Credit: @ShakirSH35dv5e7

“I reckon Mo Salah could be THE most underrated player ever in the Premier League”

Credit: @Kjones1892

“The Salah agenda is real”

Credit: @GerrardEra

“No Salah, and Mount? What a clown”

Credit: @salim9081

In other news, Liverpool have received a potential major blow ahead of their clash with Man United. Read more here.

Just when you thought Wolves’ season was coming to a close without much drama, the club were rocked with some disastrous news on Friday afternoon.

They were dealt a major blow when it was announced that Nuno Espirito Santo would step down from his role as the club’s manager after their final game of the season on Sunday.

What’s the word?

Nuno has been linked with the likes of Tottenham and Arsenal since Wolves were promoted to the Premier League but this reveal came as a big shock.

The 47-year-old seemed to be stable in his job at Molineux, working well with Fosun to establish the Old Gold in the Premier League. He had taken them from mid-table in the Championship to a Europa League quarter-final within the space of three years.

The reason for his departure is up for debate but one source suggests that it could be down to the financial power Wolves are currently lacking.

Taking to Twitter, reporter Leah Smith shared a scary update on the club’s future. She wrote: “Spoke with one source just now about this news who suggested Wolves’ lack of funds probably prompted NES’ decision to leave. No money to spend and an expected summer of one way activity. Bleak.”

Fans should be seething

If seeing Nuno leave wasn’t bad enough, for Wolves fans to see that they have no real war chest to spend this summer will be incredibly disappointing.

After all, the club have been pillaged by a number of injuries this season, and without some of their star players, they’ve crumbled to a bottom half finish.

And we all know, that player injuries and team changes are one of the overall aspects that are considered to influence the sports betting odds. Some bookmakers and online casinos make a big deal about this, as it can change the way bets are placed on a certain game outcomes. To find the fastest payout casino with the highest betting odds can be a difficult task. Before wagering, it would be best to have all the right information, that it why fans usually check all possible sports accumulators and compare odds daily after knowing about a certain injury.”

Therefore, spending money to strengthen the club’s first team options was more than a requirement; it was an absolute necessity for Wolves to get back to Europe.

Tim Spiers revealed this week that the Molineux outfit had desires of strengthening the options available to the first team but, with a lack of money in order to do so, the quality of player coming in will be limited.

This is equally frustrating when you consider how poorly Jeff Shi and the Wolves chiefs spent last summer.

They shelled out £35.6m on Fabio Silva, who has scored just four goals since arriving in the Midlands. He may have plenty of potential but it feels like it’ll be another few years before that’s extracted fully.

Wolves also spent £27.6m on Nelson Semedo, who has been a liability from a defensive point of view this season.

Had Wolves spent more wisely last summer in the midst of a global pandemic, they may now been in a more vibrant position going into the transfer market in 2021.

Instead, they may have to cash in on the likes of Pedro Neto and Adama Traore in a few months’ time. Both of them have been linked with big-money switches to Manchester United and Leeds respectively.

Based on this update, it looks as though Wolves supporters may have to settle for more mediocrity. This can’t have been the way they thought they’d be losing Nuno, and the Molineux faithful shouldn’t be best pleased.

AND in other news, Wolves intend to buy “unpredictable” 23-goal Mendes client, he’s an upgrade on Podence…

Several Crystal Palace supporters have been reacting to an injury update regarding Nathan Ferguson on social media.

Palace signed the defender last summer on a free transfer from West Brom, but the 20-year-old is yet to feature for the Eagles under Roy Hodgson. He has been absent through knee and thigh issues, and it appears as if he has suffered a fresh injury during the recent international break.

Hodgson revealed on Friday that Ferguson had suffered the setback while training with the club’s under-23 side. The centre-back is now recovering from the latest knock, with the manager waiting to see when he is given the green light for the youngster to return to training.

Palace fans react

Journalist Sam Smith shared the injury update regarding Ferguson on social media late on Friday evening which, as to be expected, received plenty of attention.

Here is what some Palace fans had to say in reply, with one describing the news as ‘troubling’ for the Eagles.

“I’m getting worried now”

Credit: @Sumo08112

“Seems ludicrous signing him in the first place tbh.”

Credit: @Johnnylev23

“This really bad, sad and troubling news. Feel for NF. Hope we’ve not got another Jack Hunt on our hands.”

Credit: @typicalpalace

“can just tell we’re never going to see him in a Palace shirt”

Credit: @DanHuff23

“Surely not another Wickham!!!”

Credit: @RICHPM14

“Get rid!”

Credit: @MattYoung82

In other news: Many CPFC fans react to Zaha transfer update, find out more here. 

Many Sunderland fans have slammed comments from manager Lee Johnson ahead of their clash against Accrington Stanley this weekend.

The Black Cats are in action on Saturday as they look to consolidate their place in the League One play-offs. They will have been hoping to go up to the Championship automatically, but no wins in their last four matches, including three defeats (Sky Sports), means they will have to do it the hard way.

Speaking prior to the clash against Accrington, Johnson was asked about who will appear at left-back. Callum McFadzean has come under fire on a regular basis from Sunderland supporters throughout the season, but Johnson has backed the defender, saying that he is “as good as it gets really, as a lad” (Chronicle Live).

The comments were shared on Twitter by Sunderland reporter James Hunter, and they attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters. These fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts on what Johnson had to say.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the comments from Johnson below

“” I could find you ten or 12 clips where he has been really fantastic in terms of setting a move off, or his defensive position.” Oh here man…”

Credit: @Camer0nJohnson

“What a load of garbage. Does anybody believe a word that LJ is saying here? McFadzean has cost us multiple times, over several matches. He can’t play.”

Credit: @NiskyBaldMan

“LJ has to take all the blame, the buck stops with the manager.”

Credit: @paulbasnett10

“100% mate, I said the same thing, McFad didn’t put a leg in or even attempt to make any sort of block, I find it bemusing that he still persist with him.”

Credit: @GILESY1973

“he’s been tortured every game he’s played and LJ is ill picking him, if he’s in lineup tomorrow there’s something seriously wrong”

Credit: @steve2013

“LJ has been too slow in making necessary substitutions in several games recently, and this is a HUGE concern… Also, regardless of what Fadz is like as ‘a lad’, the stark reality is he’s nowhere near good enough on the pitch, and LJ is DELUDING himself to think otherwise…”

Credit: @RokerPark150705

In other news, Johnson has given an update on this Sunderland ace.

Former Tottenham Hotspur captain Gary Mabbutt insists that Gareth Bale has not done anything wrong by claiming that he could return to Real Madrid at the end of the season, telling Football FanCast that he did not say anything wrong.

Bale was at the centre of a media storm last week as he claimed that his current plan was to return to Spain at the end of the season, when his loan spell at Spurs ends.

He said: “‘The original plan was to do a season at Spurs and after the Euros still have a year left at Real Madrid.

“My plan is to go back and that’s as far as I’ve planned, to be honest.”

His agent, Jonathan Barnett, subsequently claimed that the Wales international’s comments had been taken out of context.

It remains to be seen what the future holds for Bale but reports have suggested that Spurs do have the option to extend his stay at the club by another season should they so wish.

Bale has, thus far, somewhat struggled for minutes in the Spurs first-team but he has made 25 appearances in all competitions, scoring 10 goals and laying on three assists.

Mabbutt, though, believes that the media have somewhat twisted Bale’s words, insisting that he simply said what he knew – as it stands, Bale will only be with the club until the summer unless that option is triggered for Spurs to keep him.

Speaking exclusively to FFC, he said: “He’s on a season-long loan from Real Madrid. He’s asked what’s going to happen at the end of the season.

“As far as he’s aware he’s on a season long loan at Spurs, then he’s asked about what could happen. He’s going back to Real Madrid because that is what the current deal is.

“There’s nothing in place to say he’s staying for five years on loan or he’s going to be signing for Spurs.”

Bale struggled for minutes at Real before his move to Spurs, making just 12 starts in La Liga and failing to play in any of their final seven games in La Liga in 2019/20.

Flocking to an ExWHUemployee tweet on Felipe Anderson, many West Ham United supporters have discussed the winger’s future as he continues to endure a less than successful spell on loan at FC Porto.

Anderson, who has started just one Liga NOS match all season for the Portuguese giants (WhoScored), has apparently been accused of not working hard enough by their manager as his future remains a point of debate.

ExWHUemployee, relaying that stance on Twitter, also provided an update – with the club insider believing he is still currently still their player in response to a supporter enquiring over Anderson’s situation.

Flocking to his tweet, many Irons dropped their wide array of verdicts on the 27-year-old – with some believing his time as a West Ham player could be coming to an end soon.

Others branded the attacker as ‘lazy’ and ‘lightweight’ – find all of their comments on the Irons man down below.

West Ham fans flock to ExWHUemployee claim on Anderson

“The lad’s an embarrassment, so much technical ability and speed..seems he just can’t be bothered, needs his head checked. I think he might be the most frustrating player ever”

Credit: @IronDragon87

“He is technically gifted and there is a good player in there as said on here but he’s not suited to the PL or Moyes, time to cut our losses (again) and move on.”

Credit: @theongarboy

“Lightweight to be honest, turns up when he feels like it”

Credit: @PeterBr36101171

“He’s right, he is lazy! Cannot see him playing another game in the premier league.”

Credit: @tonymonkwhu

“He doesn’t work hard enough? What a shock for the Porto scouts who suggested they move for him”

Credit: @BernardJakob

“Guess this confirms his not in moyes plans.”

Credit: @MoyesEffect

“What’s happened to our star boy it’s sad”

Credit: @Thehammerone1

“Maybe Ajax will take another talented waster off our hands.”

Credit: @tw25rw

In other news: West Ham are eyeing a move for this defensive colossus, find out more here.

With Leeds sitting top of Premier League 2, there are plenty of reasons to be hopeful for the future at Elland Road.

They have a plethora of young talent all beginning to compete for first-team places. We’ve already seen the likes of Niall Huggins, Sam Greenwood and Charlie Cresswell earn debuts this season.

Though, rather surprisingly, we’re yet to see some of their more talented forwards earn minutes.

That goes for Joe Gelhardt and Crysenscio Summerville, two young attackers who were playing senior football last term.

Gelhardt could now finally get his opening with Patrick Bamford injured but another man who deserves an opportunity in the senior side is Cody Drameh.

The right-back has been in scintillating form for the U23s but with Luke Ayling ahead of him in the pecking order, it’s easier said than done to get a look in.

However, Drameh is a marvellous talent who appears to be getting better all the time, standing out in the club’s 2-1 win over Newcastle this week.

He was given an 8/10 rating by Leeds Live reporter Joe Donnohue who gave him the following review: “Stood up to the task of facing a Premier League-calibre winger in Christian Atsu relatively well. Matched the Ghanaian physically and stepped out of defence as he likes to do.”

Atsu might not be the most dangerous winger in the Premier League but it bodes well that he was able to deal with a seasoned professional like that with such ease.

Considering Drameh’s best attributes are offensive, this was another plus point to tell Marcelo Bielsa about.

This performance came just weeks after the 19-year-old played a key role in the U23s win over Sunderland. He was described as a “box of tricks” by Leeds commentator Tom Hill before Donnohue waxed lyrical about him again.

“Drameh’s flicks, tricks and backheels were a welcome addition to his game. His constant running in behind meant Sunderland were pinned back on that side of the pitch, which contributed to Leeds’ complete dominance,” the reporter wrote.

Gelhardt has often been the most talked-about young talent at Leeds this term but Drameh deserves equal attention as the former Wigan forward.

With an impressive 2.5 tackles per game under his belt in this season’s Papa John’s Trophy, he is not just about the fancy tricks. Drameh has plenty in his locker and should be strongly considered by the management team at senior level.

AND in other news, Phil Hay thinks Leeds should sign 42-goal gem this summer, he could be their new Klich…