All posts by h716a5.icu

Southampton’s process of clearing some of the ‘deadwood’ St Mary’s this summer has officially begun, as it was confirmed earlier this week that centre-back Wesley Hoedt has completed a permanent move to Anderlecht, which brings an end to his nightmare spell with the Saints.

Hampshire Live journalist Tom Leach confirmed the news on Twitter that the Dutch defender was gone for good, and you need only look in his replies to see that Southampton fans are delighted to see him finally leave.

The 27-year-old has endured a torrid time at St Mary’s since joining the club for £15m from Lazio in 2017 and whilst no fee is mentioned, it seems likely that the Saints will have to have taken a serious loss on him in order to sell him to the Pro League side.

However, it is still a boost for the club as he had one year left on his deal with the South Coast side, and would inevitably have spent another season out on loan or out of the squad had he remained with Ralph Hasenhuttl’s squad for next season.

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In the four years he has spent with Southampton, Hoedt has managed just 45 appearances for the first team, in which he has contributed one goal and one assist.

His last appearance for the club came in the 2018/19 Premier League season and he has subsequently spent time on loan with Celta Vigo, Royal Antwerp and Lazio, who were clearly not convinced to exercise their option to re-sign him this summer.

Having never made an appearance under Hasenhuttl, it seems clear that the Austrian would also have been desperate to see him leave permanently this summer, and hopefully, the money saved on his wages can go towards some summer signings.

Southampton have a number of centre-backs such as Jannik Vestergaard, Jan Bednarek, Mohammed Salisu and Jack Stephens who would have been ahead of Hoedt in the pecking order, so the Dutchman surely wouldn’t have got a look in next season, and Saints fans will surely be buzzing that he is finally off the books.

And, in other news… Ignored by Reed, now wanted by LFC: Southampton endured nightmare with £40m PL star

Hampshire welcome back skipper Robin Smith and John Crawley for the must-win Frizzell County Championship Division One match against fellow strugglers Somerset at the Rose Bowl, starting on Wednesday (August 14)

Richard Isaacs12-Aug-2002Hampshire welcome back skipper Robin Smith and John Crawley for the must-win Frizzell County Championship Division One match against fellow strugglers Somerset at the Rose Bowl, starting on Wednesday (August 14).Smith pronounced his fitness by travelling at Old Trafford last Saturday to join the rest of the squad, proving he was fully recovered from the recent outbreak of chicken pox that laid him low for a fortnight.The hosts will be hoping that John Crawley, who has not played a Championship game for the county since the drawn Leicestershire match at Grace Road over a month ago, can continue his rich vein of form that England have so enjoyed, including a century at Lord’s in the First Test.Alex Morris is once again relegated to the second team as Hampshire name 13 with James Tomlinson, 12th man at Lancashire, vying for a place.Squad: Jason Laney, Will Kendall, John Crawley, Robin Smith (capt), John Francis, Neil Johnson, Nic Pothas, Adrian Aymes (w-k), Dimitri Mascarenhas, Shaun Udal, Chris Tremlett, Alan Mullally, James Tomlinson.

Everton have reportedly been close to appointing two head coaches as their new manager but so far, talks have stalled.

Nuno Santo was on the verge of being announced until concerns arose over his background staff while the Toffees are seemingly struggling to conclude a deal for Rafa Benitez.

What’s the word?

It was claimed towards the end of last week that Everton were incredibly close to announcing the appointment of Benitez.

However, we haven’t received official word from the Merseyside club with around eight managers still being considered for the position.

One of the reasons a deal could be stalling was provided by Football Insider this weekend. In a fresh twist to the story, they revealed that the Spaniard’s advisors were telling him to reject Everton.

Why were they doing that? Well, in the hope that Newcastle offer him a position in the northeast again.

Benitez left St James’ Park in 2019 but there has been a clamour to bring him back ever since.

Good news for supporters?

It’s safe to say that if Benitez was appointed as the new manager of Everton, it would not go down well.

It is hard to deny his qualities and indeed his CV. After all, he’s won multiple league titles and taken home the Champions League.

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Though, when it comes to the 61-year-old and Merseyside, it’s Liverpool that will always hold a special place in his heart.

Everton were his rivals for six years and he even dubbed them a “small club”, something he has since apologised for.

When it was suggested that he could be given the reins at Goodison Park, some supporters were understandably upset.

Coincidentally, after finding out he could reject them, some members of the Toffees faithful were rather elated that this twist could be about to occur. In a selection of tweets uncovered by Football Transfer Tavern, Everton fans celebrated the idea of Benitez not being in the dugout next term.

One supporter went as far as to suggest it was the best news they’ve received all week.

If Benitez does reject Everton then it would leave Farhad Moshiri and co back at square one. They have already failed in their pursuit for Nuno and you sense a new manager is needed as soon as possible.

Without one, their transfer plans will be difficult to carry out. The Toffees need someone in place quickly, even if it is the unpopular pick of Benitez.

AND in other news, Benitez can win over Everton fans by signing 94-cap gem he tipped to become “the best”…

Hampshire batsman Derek Kenway has stunned his home town club by leaving so he can develop his wicketkeeping and his batting on a ‘better wicket’.

Daily Echo reporter11-Sep-2002Hampshire batsman Derek Kenway has stunned his home town club by leaving so he can develop his wicketkeeping and his batting on a ‘better wicket’.Botley-based Kenway, 24, was under contract until the end of the 2004 season but yesterday he handed in a written request to leave, which was accepted.He said: “The main reason I’ve decided to leave is because I haven’t had the chance to keep wicket since I returned from the England Academy.”I love Hampshire Cricket to death and it was not an easy decision. It’s my home town club and I’ve got a lot of friends here but the wicket helped me make my mind up.”The Rose Bowl isn’t the greatest place to bat at the moment and I don’t know how long it will take to settle down.”I don’t want to regret anything at the end of my career so I’ve decided that now is the right time to move on. I’m looking for a club that will give me one-day wicketkeeping duties as well as being a frontline batsman on a very good batting wicket.”I’m not going to get that at Hampshire. Iain Brunnschweiler, Nic Pothas and Adie Aymes are all top quality wicketkeepers and I need a new challenge – a kick up the backside.”After Hampshire reluctantly agreed to Kenway’s request, director of cricket Tim Tremlett said: “We’re sorry to lose a player of Derek’s potential but we don’t want to keep an unhappy player.”Kenway arrived back from his year with the England Academy in March determined to challenge for a place in the England one-day side as a wicketkeeper-batsman.But, after spending last season as Hampshire’s gloveman in the Norwich Union League, he was replaced by Nic Pothas behind the stumps.Then, at the beginning of July, Fareham-born Kenway was dropped from the championship side after the draw with Sussex, having scored 238 runs at a disappointing average of 18.30.Like most of his teammates, he struggled for runs on a Rose Bowl track that cost the club eight championship points.He has not played championship cricket for more than two months and will now leave the county he represented at schoolboy level with a first class batting average of 31 – and a lot of good memories.Kenway, who attended Botley primary and St George’s secondary schools, has also been left out of the last six NUL games but is adamant that was not the reason to look for pastures new.”I didn’t deserve to get back in the side,” he admitted.Kenway made his Hampshire debut in 1997 but his annus mirabilis was 1999, the year he scored his maiden hundred and hit 1,000 first class runs.It was a purple patch in July last year, one month after he had been awarded his county cap, that helped secure his place on the Academy.Kenway followed up a career best 166 against Nottinghamshire at The Rose Bowl with a spectacular 70 in the win against AustraliaHampshire will reveal which out of contract players will be released early next week.Giles White, Jason Laney, Alan Mullally, Iain Brunnschweiler and James Hamblin are among those whose deals expire at the end of the month.

Test discard Ijaz Ahmed said Tuesday thathe was fit enough to command a place in the Pakistan team

By Our Sports Correspondent23-Oct-2002Test discard Ijaz Ahmed said Tuesday thathe was fit enough to command a place in the Pakistan team. Talking to reporters Tuesday, Ijaz said that he has been invited by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and that he would prove his worth with the bat.Ijaz, a veteran of 60 Tests and 250 One-day Internationals, claimed that he was still the most suitable batsman for No 3 spot. He said that both Inzamam-ul-Haq and Yousuf Youhana liked to bat in the middle-order.ijaz, who skipped domestic’s first-class tournaments last season, boasted that no other batsman could perform more impressively at the crucial No 3 position than him.In reply to a query, he said that he was ready to perform in domestic season but at present no tournament for seniors was being played in the country.The outspoken batsman questioned PCB’s decision to include Saeed Anwar in the team despite the lef-hander’s absence from domestic tournaments.It may be mentioned here that PCB chief Lt Gen Tauqir Zia has announced that every player had to prove his fitness before trying to get a place in the national team.Ijaz, who last played in the ICC Knock-Out trophy in Bangladesh, said that he was having weight training and net practice regularly.Ijaz, meanwhile, did not agree with PCB’s decision to change the existing slab system to pay the cricketers on seniority basis with the new one, which will be based on performance.He said that there must be respect for seniority and a senior must have edge over a junior. However, he added, special incentives could be paid to any one who showed talent and performed better than the seniors.

West Brom have registered their interest in Liverpool’s Harry Wilson, according to a report from The Athletic. 

The Reds are said to value the 24-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Cardiff City, at £13m. Benfica have already made an official approach for the Welshman, while newly-promoted Brentford are also in the hunt.

Wilson is ‘open to the idea’ of making a permanent exit from Anfield after being sent out on loan on five occasions. He has only made two senior competitive appearances for the Reds, most recently starting a Carabao Cup tie against Arsenal last autumn.

Pereira out, Wilson in at West Brom?

Wilson, who can play on either flank and in a central attacking midfield position, could potentially be a replacement for Matheus Pereira if the 25-year-old leaves The Hawthorns.

Pereira topped both the goals and assist rankings for the Baggies last season as they suffered relegation from the Premier League. A number of top-flight clubs are said to be monitoring the Brazilian.

Fan feed WBA Report relayed The Athletic’s news about the club’s reported interest in Wilson, and here’s what some fans made of it, with one calling the Welshman a “class player”.

West Brom fans urge the club to sign Harry Wilson

“Please to God let this be true. Phillips isn’t doing it for me anymore so this is a massive upgrade, young, agile and can make things happen”

Credit: @bryngill16

“I hope we can pull him in, will be good start to our rebuild”

Credit: @jamie11brennan

“Class player – seen him on loan at Derby & Cardiff, set piece specialist too”

Credit: @trussellgeorge

“Harry Wilson would be a good signing for WBA.”

Credit: @hammermatt1

“This would be a top signing. Get it done.”

Credit: @BiffyBoy1982

“I would definitely take him!”

Credit: @Welshyy21

In other news, West Brom are also keen on this 21-year-old.  

This summer is one of the biggest in recent history for Celtic as new manager Ange Postecoglou desperately tries to repair the rubble from a disappointing campaign.

The Hoops have already welcomed Liam Shaw and Osaze Urhoghide to the club but they need to press on and welcome more new faces to Parkhead.

On the chalkboard

One of the biggest areas of concern this summer is in the middle of the park. Scott Brown has departed Celtic after exiting for a player-coach role with Aberdeen and that has left a significant void not just in terms of his technical and physical ability, but also in terms of his leadership skills.

Shaw could fill in for Brown in the middle, while Ismaila Soro is a name who should now earn more minutes, but both players are still particularly raw.

The Ivorian caught the eye on a number of occasions last season, prevailing in 2.2 tackles per game and winning as many as ten successful challenges against Lille in the Europa League. However, like Brown in his formative days, he still lacks tactical discipline.

The Bhoys have been linked with a move for somebody who Postecoglou knows well in Aaron Mooy, but their perfect Brown replacement lies elsewhere.

The solution

Speaking on the Cynic podcast about midfielders Celtic should have on their shortlist, they suggested St Pauli youngster Finn Ole Becker as a potential acquisition.

The midfield general is just 21 years of age but has all of the qualities which would enable him to thrive in Glasgow.

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Described as “very exciting” on the podcast, the German started 27 times last term in Bundesliga 2, combining progressive ball carrying with eye-catching defensive work.

The Cynic lists one of Becker’s strengths as defensive positioning, something which can be seen in his 1.3 tackles per game last season.

Although he lacks a huge physical presence, his slight and agile frame allows him to move about the pitch in a swifter way compared to Brown in his final few campaigns at Celtic.

Pivotally, he also possesses the ability to progress the play. Becker ranks in the 78th percentile across similar leagues for dribbles per 100 passes (7.7) and is in the 84th percentile for key passes per 90 minutes.

The German’s decision making is intelligent, something which sets him apart from Soro, who has a tendency to be erratic with his choices.

Becker wouldn’t be a like-minded Brown replacement but he’d still be able to provide a similar screening in front of the back four. His ability to roam forward could also be important when transitioning between defence and attack.

Valued at £2.5m to £4m, he’d be a bargain for Postecoglou to snap up in the coming weeks.

AND in other news, Celtic open talks to sign £8.5m gem of the “highest quality”, Ange will love him…

PERTH, Oct 25 AAP – Clear the hospital beds in Brisbane – the England cricket team is arriving next week.

Tom Wald25-Oct-2002PERTH, Oct 25 AAP – Clear the hospital beds in Brisbane – the England cricket team is arriving next week.The injury-ravaged tourists suffered another blow today with opener Marcus Trescothick taking a painkiller for a niggling shoulder injury.The 26-year-old spent most of today off the field as the tourists’ two-day match against Western Australia petered out to a draw at the WACA ground.In reply to England’s 221, WA finished on 6-313 with the son of former Australian player and coach Geoff Marsh, Shaun, topscoring with 92 as England’s bowlers continued to look pedestrian.Trescothick, who carried the injury into the tour, was given a painkilling injection today but England captain Nasser Hussain played down the seriousness of the injury.”Marcus has had a jab in it, it hasn’t really affected his batting that much, although he did a little bit yesterday and that is why he had it jabbed,” Hussain said.”Bowling and fielding have been a problem.”The big left-hander is a key player for England’s hopes of being competitive against Australia this summer.His partnership at the top of the order with fellow casualty Michael Vaughan (knee) is crucial for the tourists to register decent totals in the Ashes series starting Thursday week in Brisbane.Trescothick and Vaughan are the only two batsmen in the England squad with Test averages of more than 40.The England list of walking wounded seems to be growing every day with young quick Simon Jones (side strain) in doubt for next week’s three-day match against WA, while Darren Gough and Andrew Flintoff are still on the mend from knee and hernia operations respectively.Despite the disappointing start to the tour, Hussain remained upbeat because the tourists had batted when the pitch was its most lively yesterday.”Yesterday was a good test and you always want to be tested batting because that is the way the first Test is going to be with their (Australian) bowling attack,” he said.Hussain said nothing had surprised him in the first week of the tour, even though three fringe WA players in Kade Harvey, Callum Thorp and Marsh had starred against his side.”There has been no easy rides in Test cricket wherever we have been, to Sri Lanka, Pakistan and everywhere,” he said.”Nothing that has happened has surprised me. There are no easy games out here at all, the (state) players are all very fine players.”WA and England have another look at each other in a match starting Monday at the WACA ground.The Warriors were expected to field a much stronger line-up before England flies to Brisbane on Thursday.And the gloom in the England camp wasn’t brightened today with WA openers Michael Hussey (48) and Chris Rogers (57) putting on a century partnership.The tourists’ pace attack couldn’t maintain a consistent line and length early on, forcing captain Nasser Hussain into some very defensive field settings.But England quick Andy Caddick (2-57) lifted the visitors’ hopes in the middle session with the wickets of Rogers and Murray Goodwin (14).Marcus North (38) and Marsh steadied the home team with a 88-run partnership to ensure WA overhauled England’s first innings tally as the match moved towards a draw.England found few answers to the fast bowling problems displayed in its 58-run loss in the opening tour match against an Australian Cricket Board Chairman’s XI on Tuesday.Matthew Hoggard (2-49) bowled valiantly but couldn’t maintain his accuracy while Caddick at least kept it fairly tight.But young quick Stephen Harmison continued his wretched start to the tour with some wayward bowling.He finished with figures of 1-89 off 19 overs after being harshly dealt with early on for bowling too short.”He’s struggled, he’d be the first to say that if he came in here but look he’s a young lad, he’s very raw and no one has said Steve Harmison is the answer to all our problems,” Hussain said.

Ben Smith, Worcestershire’s 30 year-old right-handed batsman, has been appointed as the county’s captain in succession to Graeme Hick

Ralph Dellor15-Nov-2002Ben Smith, Worcestershire’s 30 year-old right-handed batsman, has been appointed as the county’s captain in succession to Graeme Hick. Hick was relieved of the post after three seasons in charge in somewhat controversial circumstances in that he expressed profound disappointment at the decision.Smith had been vice-captain of Leicestershire in 2001 but left at the end of that season to join Worcestershire. He enjoyed a successful first season with his new county and led the side in the final Norwich Union League match of the season – against Leicestershire – when Hick was absent with a broken thumb.Having been a part of Leicestershire championship-winning teams in 1996 and 1998, he knows what it takes to reach the pinnacle of the county game and wants to emulate those performances now he is in a position to lead Worcestershire.On his appointment he said: "I am thrilled to have been given the honour of leading the county during what promises to be a very exciting period. I have settled into the club extremely well both on and off the pitch and am looking forward to building on the progress we made as a side last season."I know Graeme was disappointed not to continue in the job but I have spoken to him and he has assured me I have his full support and I have no doubt he will continue to be a huge asset to the side as he has been throughout his career with the club."Director of cricket at New Road, Tom Moody, commented on Smith’s appointment by saying, "I am confident Ben will take us to new heights and lead us with great success. The club feels that the time is right to move forward with the captaincy of the team and Ben has all the attributes as a leader to take us to the next level."Smith’s first task will be to lead Worcestershire out of the second division of the championship. It is thought that failure to achieve that last season was influential in the decision to change the captaincy.

Leeds United are set to miss out on reported target Jacob Murphy as he is close to signing a new deal with Newcastle United [Football Insider].

The Lowdown: Leeds United gear up for 2021/22 as rumours swirl

With 2021/22 pre-season fast approaching, many excited Whites supporters will be keen to see how Marcelo Bielsa plans to improve on their commendable ninth placed finish last term.

In recent times, the Yorkshire club have been linked with moves for Wolverhampton Wanderers wide-man Adama Traore, alongside Calgiari midfielder Natihan Nandez.

However, one man who definitely will not be making the move to Leeds is former Norwich City man Murphy.

The Latest: Murphy close to penning long-term Newcastle United contract

The 26-year-old is said to be close to penning a long-term contract in the North-East, following months of speculation surrounding his future [Football Insider].

The Elland Road side were known to hold admiration for the winger, whilst Porto and Burnley were also rumoured to be interested in his services [Sky Sports].

The Toon had triggered a 12-month option in his deal to keep him at St James’ Park until 2022, but have now decided to open talks with Murphy in order to provide further security over his future, with a source telling Football Insider that talks are ‘advanced’ for a ‘long-term’ deal.

https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-7/

The Verdict: Bitter blow for Bielsa, Murphy would have slotted in nicely at Elland Road

Upon reflection, this news will come as a bitter blow to the Leeds United hierarchy. Impressive in 2020/21, the right-sider chipped in with seven goal contributions in 31 fixtures for the Geordie outfit; three goals and four assists [Transfermarkt].

He averaged 1.5 dribbles per 90 minutes across the season [WhoScored]. Known for his industrious endeavour and appetite to get forward, he was once labelled as a ‘fantastic player’ by pundit Noel Whelan [Football Insider].

Moving forward, Leeds United will have to look somewhere else to buff up their right flank, but Murphy would have been an excellent signing given his ability to play so many positions from right-back all the way up to right-wing, improving the depth in several places at once.

In other news, Leeds United are set to miss out on a reported signing target.