All posts by h716a5.icu

Serie A expert Conor Clancy has criticised Fabio Paratici ahead of his possible appointment as Sporting Director at Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs are reported to be in talks with the former Juventus supremo, who oversaw the club’s recruitment in recent years, as they look to appoint Antonio Conte as their new manager.

The pair worked together while Conte was at Juve, between 2011 and 2014, and it seems as though negotiations to bring the pair in are ongoing.

Paratici joined Juve in 2010 and spent a total of 11 years at the club, but Clancy, who is the editor-in-chief for Forza Italian Football, has criticised his record when it comes to both bringing players in and moving them out.

Indeed, Joao Cancelo and Miralem Pjanic are two players Juve moved on, to be replaced, relatively unsuccessfully, by Danilo and Arthur respectively.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Clancy said: “It’s unbelievable that they had Joao Cancelo there, they let him go for Danilo. They had Miralem Pjanic who was one of the best midfielders in Italy and Europe.

“They did a weird swap deal with Barcelona that has worked out for neither Juventus nor Barcelona nor either of the players.

“And he [Paratici] has proven himself incapable of selling. He had all of these players on huge wages.”

It remains to be seen what kind of power Paratici is afforded if he does move to Spurs, though reports suggest it will place the job of Steve Hitchen, their current technical performance director, in doubt.

South African batting legend Barry Richards will join the Sri Lankan team as a consultant batting coach during the early stages of their 10-week tour to England

CricInfo20-Apr-2002South African batting legend Barry Richards will join the Sri Lankan team as a consultant batting coach during the early stages of their 10-week tour to England.Richards, contracted last year to conduct four two-week batting workshops before the 2003 World Cup, will stay with the team during their warm-up matches at Canterbury and Northampton."Barry Richards will work with the batsman for two weeks, helping them to adapt to English conditions, which will be the key to being successful there," said Sri Lanka coach Dav Whatmore.Richards, widely regarded as one of the most gifted batsman to have played the game, scored 28,358 runs at 54.74 during a first career that also included 80 centuries. He retired in 1983 and is now a respected television commentator.Sri Lanka will be play three Test matches – their first three-Test tour of England – and a triangular series, also involving India, during the course of the tour.His appointment follows that of Western Australian Darrel Foster as a specialist bowling advisor and coaching assistant for the Test match leg of the tour. Foster will also join the side shortly after their arrival in London on Sunday.

The Pakistan Cricket Board said Tuesday that scrutiny of clubs in Islamabad was done as per rules and that the May 2 elections of the Islamabad Cricket Association were held as directed by the Lahore High Court

Sports Reporter22-May-2002The Pakistan Cricket Board said Tuesday that scrutiny of clubs in Islamabad was done as per rules and that the May 2 elections of the Islamabad Cricket Association were held as directed by the Lahore High Court.The PCB submitted its reply to two separate petitions, one filed by Muhammad Yousaf and the other jointly by Kh. Muhammad Mustafa, Zahid Mehmood and Ch. Abdul Ghaffar, before Justice Mian Mohammad Jehangir of the Lahore High Court (Rawalpindi Bench).PCB’s legal counsel, Asghar Haider submitted the reply and said that the petitions were not maintainable for a number of law points.Top legal practioner Dr. Babar Awan, representing 14 cricket clubs also filed written statements in response to the petitions that have reportedly sought cutting down of the powers of the PCB and its chairman in matters of scrutiny of clubs and elections in Islamabad.The court adjourned the case till May 27.

Everton are reportedly set to open talks with Nuno Santo over their vacant managerial role…

What’s the word?

According to Sky Sports, the Merseyside outfit have made the 47-year-old their leading candidate to replace Carlo Ancelotti at Goodison Park.

It’s thought that the Portuguese boss, who departed Wolves after the final game of the 2020/21 season, is in pole position with him receiving strong support from the Toffees’ hierarchy.

Majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri is said to have been impressed by Wolves’ development under Nuno, and he sees him as a perfect fit to work with the current Everton squad.

Shades of Big Sam

The Everton supremo must not have witnessed this campaign as the Midlands outfit declined immensely under Nuno.

Having enjoyed promotion to the Premier League and qualification to the Europa League in just two years, Wolves slipped to 13th place, where they were amongst the lowest scorers in the division.

No team 16th or better scored fewer than their 36 goals, even relegated West Brom were only one strike from matching that tally. Of course, a lot can be attributed to the fact that they devastatingly lost leading talisman Raul Jimenez early on in the season.

However, Nuno introduced a new style of play during his final season that the Telegraph’s John Percy has insinuated was quite negative as they now see Bruno Lage as the man to take them forward with a fresh, attacking and entertaining system.

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He has earned the praise of many top coach, including Pep Guardiola, who dubbed him an “excellent manager” whilst Reds boss Jurgen Klopp once lauded him “incredible.”

It’s certainly a gutting blow to lose Ancelotti, who has been their best manager since Howard Kendall – during his first spell – in terms of win percentage but a move for the former Wolves coach could see them go in the opposite direction.

The Italian brought an exciting brand of football to Goodison Park and that was backed up by his signings in the transfer market, bringing in the likes of James Rodriguez and Allan.

Nuno is more Sam Allardyce, notorious for his negativity on the pitch, than another Ancelotti or even a Roberto Martinez.

Big Sam won just ten of his 26 matches in charge of the Merseysiders and the fanbase never truly warmed to him.

For example, after one win over Newcastle, the 66-year-old told reporters: “What was wrong with our style tonight?” and that subsequently left many at Goodison Park reeling as the Toffees’ only shot on target fortuitously saw them clinch all three points.

As evident above, Wolves struggled to score under Nuno this season, with club-record £35m signing Fabio Silva scoring just four times in 32 appearances. That should worry Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and that should worry the Everton faithful, too.

Again, there are further comparisons to be had between Big Sam and Nuno, as the Englishman’s big-money signings – namely Theo Walcott and Cenk Tosun – flopped massively.

On the above evidence, director of football Marcel Brands risks playing with fire if the Portuguese is genuinely amongst his top candidates for the vacant role.

It could prove to be a disaster for the Toffees.

AND in other news, Everton could find their next Pienaar in 22 y/o who can “torment defenders everywhere”…

With Harry Kane’s future up in the air, Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with an interesting potential replacement…

What’s the word?

According to FC Inter News, Spurs have entered the race to sign Lyon forward Memphis Depay, who is expected to leave the Ligue 1 outfit this summer following the expiry of his contract.

It’s claimed that the 27-year-old seems destined for Barcelona but he is yet to reach an agreement with the Catalan giants, which has resulted in interest from the North Londoners, as well as Inter Milan.

Depay is thought to be asking for a €5m-per-year (£4.3m) contract for three seasons, with the option for a fourth year.

An absolute bargain

Spurs are going to be in for a long summer of speculation surrounding their leading talisman after Sky Sports revealed his desire to leave his boyhood club last month.

Both Manchester sides and Champions League winners Chelsea are thought to be now tracking the situation.

It’s thought that Daniel Levy could command in excess of £150m for the England international, so if he was sold, the Lilywhites wouldn’t be short on funds to find a viable successor.

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However, that money could be spent in an even better way as the squad is in dire need of a drastic overhaul, particularly in defence, where individual mistakes and a lack of cohesion have been the root of their downfall.

Kane is pretty much the only irreplaceable player in this team but by bolstering other areas, whoever is in the dugout can make Spurs a competitive outfit once again.

Which is why Depay on a free transfer could make a ton of sense. It won’t cost Levy a penny in terms of a transfer fee, he’ll fill the gap left behind by Kane, and it’ll leave them with plenty of funds to bolster other areas.

After struggling at Manchester United as a winger, the 63-cap Dutch star has seen his career transformed in France by becoming an out-and-out centre-forward.

In this campaign alone, the £40.5m-rated dynamo has provided 22 goals and 12 assists across Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France, which merely builds on his total of 17 goal contributions during 2019/20, as per Transfermarkt.

Furthermore, Depay wears the armband for Lyon, even despite his contractual situation, so if anyone was concerned about losing the England captain, then the 27-year-old alleviates another problem, given his experience.

Once lauded a “special talent” by Marco van Basten, it appears that the Dutch international is finally living up to his potential and if Spurs do lose Kane, he could become an intriguing option in the English capital.

AND in other news, Forget Alli: £45m-rated flop could have his Spurs career saved by “remarkable” 51 y/o…

Havant’s reward for beating South Wilts by three wickets in the south zone final is a plum home draw at the opening national round stage of the ECB Club Championship

Mike Vimpany (as published in Daily Echo)03-Jul-2002Havant’s reward for beating South Wilts by three wickets in the south zone final is a plum home draw at the opening national round stage of the ECB Club Championship.They will entertain Optimists & Clifton, the powerful West of England Premier League club, in the sixth round at Havant Park on Sunday week, July 14.A century partnership between Bevis Moynan (65) and Steve Snell (53) set up Havant’s victory after South Wilts had totalled 207-9.Tom Caines (44), Jon Nash (38), Rob Wade (35) and Andrew Haywood (26) top scored for South Wilts, with Mark Copping taking 3-35.Despite a four-wicket spell by Adam Smith (4-32), Havant reached 208-7 with time to spare, skipper Dominic Carson (39) making a key contribution.

Australian International Shane Lee will fill Worcestershire’s overseasplayer slot for the final two months of the season as a result of AndyBichel’s return to Australia

Worcestershire CCC Media Release24-Jul-2002Australian International Shane Lee will fill Worcestershire’s overseasplayer slot for the final two months of the season as a result of AndyBichel’s return to Australia. Bichel’s final match for his adopted Countywill be on Sunday 28th July against Yorkshire and Lee is expected to playhis first game against Glamorgan on Sunday 4th August.Lee has played 45 One day internationals for Australia since his debutduring the 95/96 Season against West Indies. He has a strike rate of 95.4with the bat and a bowling average of 25.9. He is regarded as one ofAustralia’s leading contemporary all-rounders and has experience of playingin England during 1996 with Somerset when he topped their batting averages.Director of Cricket, Tom Moody, welcomes the arrival of such an experiencedand seasoned performer to replace the popular Bichel. “Shane has been ableto rest during the Australian winter and will come to us fresh and ready togo. Every Australian cricketer is striving for a World Cup place this yearand his two months with us gives him an early opportunity to impress. Hewill play a vital role in our final push for honours this season.”Shane Lee was surprised but delighted to receive the call from Tom Moody. “Ithoroughly enjoyed my season in England back in 1996 with Somerset and amreally looking forward to joining a Worcestershire team striving hard forsuccess in a number of competitions. I’ve even promised I’ll try to bringsome warm weather over with me!”Moody also paid tribute to the departing Bichel. “Andy has been a top classsigning for the County since his arrival last year. He has cemented hisplace in the Australian Team and his work ethic and consistent level ofperformance has been a great example to all his playing colleagues.”For further information contact Tom Moody on 07770570802 or Mark Newton on01905 337926 or 07768 558096.

Aston Villa have been handed a hugely exciting update about Emi Buendia’s move to the club, amid claims that Arsenal were also interested in signing him.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days and weeks had suggested that Dean Smith’s side were in a straight shoot-out for the Argentine, and in the end, it was Villa who clinched a big-money deal for the play-maker.

And now, writing for The Athletic, Norwich correspondent, Michael Bailey, said: “Make no mistake, Villa was the move the forward wanted. That had been made clear to Norwich and rival suitors Arsenal during a bidding process that began on the last day of May.

“Villa chief executive Christian Purslow and Norwich sporting director Stuart Webber have known each other since working together at Liverpool a decade ago, and that certainly helped the deal move swiftly.

“While Villa’s first bid was big enough to show they were serious, it was rejected by Norwich. Worried about getting into a bidding war with Arsenal, whose interest had been well documented, they put forward an improved bid by the middle of last week.

“That was also turned down by Norwich and followed by Arsenal’s opening offer, which matched their second one and was also met with a no from Carrow Road. Rather than top what Arsenal had put on the table, all Villa really needed to do was match Norwich’s valuation.”

Fans will be buzzing

Given that it was a battle between Villa and Arsenal, the fact that Buendia chose Smith’s side over the Gunners from the start of proceedings is a real momentum booster with the transfer window only just getting officially started.

Mikel Arteta’s side have been falling off in recent seasons and ended the last Premier League campaign outside of the European places for the first time in more than two decades.

And while Villa may have finished below the north Londoners, there’s no questioning that it’s the Midlands club who seem to be on the way up.

Had Jack Grealish not been injured for the closing weeks of the season, then a Europa League place may well have been their just rewards for what was a truly outstanding campaign, especially after only just surviving Premier League relegation the year prior.

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So, news that in a transfer tussle between them and one of the Premier League’s traditional ‘big six’, a main transfer target chose to move to Villa over Arsenal, will have fans absolutely buzzing and dreaming of some more high-profile signings as the transfer window remains open.

Meanwhile, Dean Smith is eyeing a move for this Premier League star…

Millwall will allow centre-forward Jon Dadi Bodvarsson to leave The Den this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by London News Online, who claim that Gary Rowett will listen to offers for the 29-year-old striker in the summer transfer window, as the 47-year-old looks to free up space in his squad in order to bring in his own attacking targets.

The report goes on to state that Bodvarsson is eager to play regular first-team football next season, suggesting that he too would be open to a move away from The Den this summer.

Bodvarsson must go

Having been a Neil Harris signing for Millwall from Reading in what was a £765k deal back in 2019, it would appear to be a fair statement to make that the Iceland international has not quite lived up to expectations for the Lions.

Indeed, having played a total of 75 games in all competitions for the club, Bodvarsson has so far managed just seven goals and six assists.

Over his 38 Championship appearances last season, only 13 of which came as starts, the £810k-rated striker scored one goal, registered two assists and created three big chances for his teammates, as well as managing an average of just 0.2 shots on target and 0.2 key passes per game.

These returns saw the 29-year-old earn a disappointing seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.64, ranking him as Rowett’s fifth-worst performer in the second tier of English football, out of all 27 Lions’ players to have featured in the competition.

As such, it would appear highly advisable for Rowett to move the centre-forward whom the Birmingham Live writer Ryan Leister dubbed a “powerful” player on to pastures new this summer, as Bodvarsson’s returns simply do not warrant the £10k-per-week wages he is reported to earn at The Den.

Furthermore, with the money generated from his potential sale, in addition to the money that would be saved on his salary, waving goodbye to the Icelandic hitman should afford Rowett a decent amount sum to bring in a more cost-effective attacking option this summer.

In other news: Millwall dealt huge blow over “fabulous” 18 y/o beast that will leave Rowett gutted

Canada today earned a second Red Stripe Bowl victory, this time over the Rest of the Leewards Islands, but only after a nail-biting 20 run last wicket partnership between Nick de Groot and Barry Seebaran

Dave Liverman22-Aug-2002Canada today earned a second Red Stripe Bowl victory, this time over the Rest of the Leewards Islands, but only after a nail-biting 20 run last wicket partnership between Nick de Groot and Barry Seebaran. The Canadians almost threw away the chance of victory that had bee gained through hard work in the field with some adventurous but perhaps unwise batting by the upper order.In front of a small crowd, the Leewards chose to bat after winning the toss, but were in immediate trouble against the Canadian pacers. Watt was caught by Seebaran off Joseph with the score on 17, and his opening partner Crafton followed, lbw to Codrington two runs later. Harris and Eugene built a partnership of some promise until Eugene was stunningly caught by Davison at short extra, diving to snap up a hard drive inches above the ground. Joe Harris changed his bowlers intelligently and the spinners Davison and Seebaran both bowled well, not afraid to challenge the batsmen by flighting the ball. Seebaran reaped immediate reward for this tactic when Harris skied a drive to Billcliff. Nick de Groot also bowled well, yorking top-scorer Sylvester for 34, and Joseph came back to mop up the tail. Joseph took 3/32, and his figures would have been even better if he could have controlled a few wayward leg-side deliveries. The two spinners bowled 20 overs for 47 runs and three wickets, and de Groot finished with 2/26. The Leewards certainly did not field a powerful batting line-up, but this was another strong performance by Canada in the field, with Bagai again impressive behind the stumps.The Beausejour wicket has not yielded many high totals, and definitely offers bowlers considerable assistance. The Canadians tried a change of tactics when faced with the comparatively small target of 139, and came out with all guns firing. The opening two overs were almost non-stop action, featuring 2 sixes, 2 fours and two wickets. Ishwar Maraj cut a lovely four in the first over, then played on to Thomas. John Davison, elevated in the order as a pinch hitter, hit his first ball for four, his second for six over extra cover, and was bowled off his third as he advanced down the wicket and missed a slower deivery. Fazil Sattaur also got into the action with a hooked six off his second ball, and with Joe Harris stroking a couple of boundaries the score had reached 35/2 after just four overs. Sattaur tried another big shot and skied a high catch, and then Ian Billcliff, playing his first match in the series edged a catch to the keeper. Four wickets had gone down for just 43 runs, and some stability was desperately required. Bagai provided this, playing carefully and letting Harris continue the attack from the other end. Joe Harris was looking untroubled by the bowling until he attempted to pull a long-hop from Shillingford over the longest boundary on the ground, only to be well caught by George as he slipped and fell. At 70/5 the match was in the balance. Nick de Groot fully justified his place down the order with some eminently sensible batting, and he and Bagai took the total past 100. Bagai had played a couple of classy cover drives before he was very well caught by keeper Phillips diving far to his right.The balance of the match switched completely as Samad fell to Thomas for just a single, Codrington was bowled by Shillingford for a duck, and Joseph soon followed. Canada still needed 20 more runs with only Barry Seebaran to accompany de Groot. Thomas, by far the Leewards best bowler (5/33) had finished his 10 overs, and so Lewis had to turn to his 5th bowler the medium pacer Sylvester. With the tension mounting, de Groot hit two boundaries off Slyvester, and with Seebaran batting sensibly, Canada squeaked past the target with 9 overs remaining.Canada will be pleased with another win, but were perhaps fortunate that their batting tactics did not back-fire. A quick win certainly would have helped their net run rate, which may yet come into play in deciding the semi-finalists, but they were rather closer to losing a match they should have won easily than they would have liked. They face Trinidad and Tobago in their final match with a place in the semi-finals on the line, and will have to bat much better to stand a chance of an upset.