All posts by h716a5.icu

Virender Sehwag provided spectators with something to smile about at Derby, although there wasn’t much else to watch besides the scintillating right-hander as the Indians’ tour match ended in a predictable draw.

Stephen Lamb30-Aug-2002Virender Sehwag provided spectators with something to smile about at Derby, although there wasn’t much else to watch besides the scintillating right-hander as the Indians’ tour match ended in a predictable draw.Sehwag made 104 off just 97 balls (four sixes, 14 fours) and assured himself of impeccable form ahead of the decisive final Test at The AMP Oval next week. There was also a half century from Shiv Sunder Das as India closed on 182 for three.Earlier Rawait Khan fell nine runs short of a hundred and James Pyemont made 47 as Derbyshire’s under-strength team extended their first innings to 358. Ashish Nehra finished with four wickets and Anil Kumble three.

According to a report by Calciomercato Web, the future of West Ham United forward Andriy Yarmolenko is ‘already decided’ as a major contract claim emerges.

The Lowdown: Yarmo and the Hammers…

The Ukraine international has been dazzling at Euro 2020, but the same certainly cannot be said at club level for West Ham.

Suffering from a variety of injury issues combined with lack of chances under manager David Moyes, reports have surfaced in recent weeks speculating over his future in east London.

Now, Calciomercato Web claim to have some answers.

The Latest: Future at West Ham ‘already decided’

As per the outlet, Yarmolenko’s future as a West Ham player is ‘already decided’.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest/” title=”West Ham latest!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Indeed, they explain that the 31-year-old has now firmly decided not to renew his contract at the London Stadium but it’s not clear whether he will seek an exit this summer or leave as a free agent at the end of next season.

His great tournament at the Euros so far, however, could attract suitors this window and present the player with an ‘opportunity to be seized’.

The Verdict: Time is up…

Given his brilliant few games for Ukraine, Yarmolenko’s market value could indeed soar and make it easier for West Ham to recuperate a sizeable fee for him this summer.

We believe that’s exactly what West Ham should do, especially if Moyes wants three positions filled in a permanent deal for Jesse Lingard, new striker and a centre-back (Claret & Hugh).

West Ham are set for a busy 2021/2022 campaign after their Europa League qualification and the club arguably need a small overhaul in key areas of the pitch, shifting out players like Yarmolenko to make room for new additions.

In other news: West Ham now frontrunners to sign ‘top class’ £115,000-per-week ace for Moyes, find out more here.

Rangers’ hopes of signing IF Elfsborg defender Joseph Okumu this summer look to be over as he is reportedly in Belgium finalising a deal with KAA Gent, which could well prove to be a huge loss for Steven Gerrard’s Ibrox outfit.

Rangers have been regularly linked with the Kenyan centre-back in recent months, with the Gers’ Old Firm rivals also credited with an interest in the young defender.

However, it seems as if Gent have won the race to sign him this summer, with Goal reporting that negotiations with the Belgian Pro League side are ongoing and if everything is agreed on he will sign a deal in the near future.

The Kenyan international has won a lot of admirers during his time playing in Sweden and could’ve been a great addition for the future in Gerrard’s side next season, had he opted to make the switch to Ibrox instead.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-rangers-transfer-rumours-and-news” title=”Read the latest Rangers transfer rumours and news!”]

Elfsborg’s sporting director Stefan Andreasson certainly rates Okumu highly, as he sang his praises earlier this year, saying:

“Okumu has been talked about a lot since he came to us.

“We understood that this was a very good player, then he showed maybe the whole of Sweden last year, and also Europe. It is clear that Okumu is one of the best.

“I have said it once before, that he is the best centre-back that has ever been in the Allsvenskan – you can say that sometimes.

“He is destined to have a career outside Scandinavia, which is positive. We must enjoy him as long as he’s here.”

Considering current Rangers centre-back Filip Helander once featured in the Swedish top-flight and was a key player for Gerrard’s side last season as they won the title, it is difficult to argue that Okumu wouldn’t have been a success had Rangers won the race for him this summer.

[freshpress-quiz id=“593776″]

Therefore, Rangers fans should be gutted that their side has missed out on a player of Okumu’s obvious ability and potential, especially to a side that could only muster a seventh-placed finish in the Pro League last season.

And, in other news… Linked in 2020, zero goals since: Rangers dodged a bullet with “outstanding” flop

Sri Lankan coach Dav Whatmore praised Sri Lanka’s players after their crushing victory against Pakistan, particularly man of the match Sanath Jayasuriya and veteran Aravinda Silva

Charlie Austin14-Sep-2002Sri Lankan coach Dav Whatmore praised Sri Lanka’s players after their crushing victory against Pakistan, particularly man of the match Sanath Jayasuriya and veteran Aravinda Silva.Sri Lanka won with 13.5 overs and eight wickets to spare after Pakistan were bowled out for 200. Jayasuriya (102*) and De Silva (66*) guided the hosts home with an unbroken 156 run stand.”I just felt that the boys were really up for it,” said Whatmore. “We had spoken the previous evening about the game and had vowed that it didn’t matter whether we won the toss or not, we had to just get on with the job.”The players enjoyed the thrilling atmosphere created by 30,000 flag waving fans.”I think it was a hellish advantage to be playing in front of a full home crowd – it was a nice atmosphere to be part of,” he said.”Pakistan are the kind of side that can beat you on any day, but they looked to be lacking confidence in the top order.””But I also thought we bowled really well and the catching in the deep was very good. However, our ground fielding can be improved,” he added.”Sanath’s performance was brilliant,” he said. “When he makes a good contribution we usually win.”He admitted to a moments concern when Jayasuriya decided to bowl three overs despite having only bowled a couple of balls at practice since dislocating his shoulder during the Morocco Cup 2002.”It was always part of the plan for him to bowl a couple of overs, but there was a risk considering that we were batting second,” he revealed. “But it was ok, although I think he experienced some pain when playing certain shots.”Aravinda de Silva also impressed Whatmore: “He looked very focused and ready for the competition. He played very straight and looked in control – it was just what you require in this kind of tournament.”

Football Insider pundit Paddy Kenny believes Ashley Young will be a ‘massive’ signing for Aston Villa both on and off the pitch.

The Lowdown: How Smith will use Young…

Young sealed a return to the Midlands earlier this month on a free transfer from Inter Milan.

The 35-year-old, who left Villa for Manchester United back in 2011, signed a one-year contract at Villa Park.

He spoke with Watford and Burnley but decided to return to Villa, where Dean Smith will reportedly use him in two different positions.

According to The Athletic’s Villa correspondent Gregg Evans, Smith sees Young as cover for left-back Matt Targett and right-back Matty Cash.

The Latest: Kenny’s claim

Kenny, 43, was talking to Football Insider and had this to say about Young, believing he will be a great influence on the Villa dressing room.

“I’ve heard in the game he comes across as the sort of bloke who’ll be great to have in the dressing room.

“He’s experienced and you can’t beat experience. He’s still got the legs, that physicality, and he can still run too.

“He’s gone to Inter Milan and won the title so what a signing that is to get him back after so long.

“I’m sure he’ll be a massive addition to their squad. They are looking ambitious and Dean Smith could have a really good season with them.”

The Verdict: A shrewd signing by Villa

Young knows just what it takes to turn out in front of the Villa faithful, and his versatility on a free transfer could prove to be an extremely shrewd signing by Smith.

The Englishman mainly played as a left-midfielder for Inter Milan last season but has turned out as a full-back on over 100 occasions throughout his career.

He’ll be able to serve as backup to both Targett and Cash, and who knows, should Smith be short of wide attacking options, he could well decide to play Young further forward.

Villa are thought to be after two wide forwards this summer and have already signed one in Emiliano Buendia. If they don’t add to their attacking ranks, they may rely on Young in even more ways than expected.

In other news: ‘Please don’t’, ‘There’ll be riots’ – Many AVFC fans say the same thing after club post, find out more here. 

SYDNEY – Steve Waugh wants to go out on his own terms – unlike twin Mark- but won’t put a date on it for fear of creating more pressure.

Valkerie Mangnall29-Oct-2002SYDNEY – Steve Waugh wants to go out on his own terms – unlike twin Mark- but won’t put a date on it for fear of creating more pressure.The Australian Test captain believes his brother’s sacking yesterdaycould ease some tension within the team but is well aware the selectionfocus on his own batting performance will intensify as a result.Waugh admitted today it would feel odd walking onto the Gabba for thefirst Ashes Test in nine days’ time without Mark in the side.But the 37-year-old relished the challenge of scoring runs to maintaincontrol of his own future and wouldn’t rule out playing well beyond theAshes cricket series.”I haven’t put a date on when I’m going to finish,” said Waugh, whoeased the pressure on himself with his unbeaten 103 against Pakistan inthe third Test in Sharjah this month — his first Test century in 14months and 17 innings.”I don’t know whether it’s going to be this season or next season orwhenever, but I’d like to continue playing well.”I don’t really want someone to say, ‘I think your time’s up’. In someways it’s in my own hands when I’m going to finish.”Waugh believed setting a retirement date was unwise.”I really don’t want to put a date on it because I think you playaccordingly,” he said.”I think you can stifle yourself by saying, ‘this is my last match’, andget bogged down and just focus on that too much.”Waugh accepted Mark’s axing as part of the tough job asked of selectors.The captain’s form has been less consistent than Mark’s since they bothscored centuries in the fifth Test against England in August last year.Steve had averaged 28 since while Mark averaged 30.5.The need for a sparkling summer is just the type of challenge thefiercely competitive Waugh thrives on.”I’m not going to lie and say every moment’s been enjoyable playing forAustralia,” said Waugh, reflecting on a tumultuous past year that formsthe basis of his latest Captain’s Diary book launched in Sydney today.”It’s been challenging and that’s certainly the case still, but that’swhy I love it.”I love going out there and coming back from adversity. I think that’sthe greatest part about sport, not when you’re going well, it’s how youcome back from when you’re struggling.”Waugh admitted ongoing selection debate over he and Mark had affectedhis team.”Maybe in some ways there will be a little bit of easing of thepressure,” he said.”There’s no doubt that when someone’s under pressure or beingscrutinised pretty closely, you do feel for that player and it probablydoes put a little bit of extra pressure on the side.”But I thought the team was handling it pretty well.”He welcomed 32-year-old Darren Lehmann’s selection as his brother’sreplacement and thought calls for his young NSW teammate MichaelClarke’s inclusion were a little premature.”The guy [Clarke] is a talent but I’d like to think, ‘give him a littlebit more time’,” said Waugh.”He’s talented but you’re forgetting quite a few other guys like [Simon]Katich, [Michael] Bevan, [Jimmy] Maher and [Martin] Love and [Brad]Hodge.”There’s a lot of good players out there and I think Darren Lehmanndeserved his chance.”

Canterbury were put through their paces today at Jade Stadium in fitness tests, in one of the few summer-like days of the season to date

Lynn McConnell14-Nov-2002Canterbury were put through their paces today at Jade Stadium in fitness tests, in one of the few summer-like days of the season to date.A full programme over the next fortnight has been set up for the under-performing side of the last couple of seasons, and with the prospect of having international players available for the start of the summer, and perhaps later, coach Michael Sharpe is keen to have the side hitting the State Championship running and ready to take every opportunity they can.Early points may well be vital with so much international cricket on later in the summer.After their full training session today, the players were being given tomorrow off as it is a public holiday in Canterbury. They will have club cricket on Saturday and then a two-day trial match at Hagley Park on Sunday and Monday.Tuesday has been set aside for pool rehabilitation and peripheral activities with sports psychology and nutrition on the agenda.The selectors are looking to name their team on November 22.Sharpe said there is good all-round strength in the region this year and after the good first seasons last year for Wade Cornelius, Michael Papps, Shanan Stewart and Peter Fulton, he is looking for them to build on that and to benefit from having the international players for the first two matches of the year.”They always add something to the team and it is good for the young players to rub shoulders with them,” Sharpe said.”It is very, very good to have them for some of our play and when they move into the internationals it gives others chances.”The recent good form shown by Canterbury sides in the national age-group competitions was starting to bear fruit by strengthening up the next tier of the game.Players had enjoyed a lot of club cricket on grass so far this summer, especially when compared to other regions and it was a case of everyone getting into the groove and going forward together he said.

Lots of Wolves fans have been left to fume as a transfer update emerged on Dion Sanderson.

As per The Daily Mirror, Newcastle United have had a £1.5m bid rejected by the Midlands club to sign the central defender in the summer window.

Sunderland have also had their own bid rejected, as they look to sign the player that spent the 2020/21 season on loan at the Stadium of Light on a permanent deal.

The Molineux faithful currently value him at £2m, but should really be demanding more, given that he is English, played well on loan last season and is only 21.

Sanderson played a big part in the Black Cats reaching the EFL League One play-offs, making no fewer than 26 appearances in total in the division (Transfermarkt), and is clearly a prospect for the future.

Wolves fans on Sanderson transfer update

These WWFC supporters fumed as the exit news was shared on Twitter, as some simply do not wish to sell him, while others feel as if they should be demanding more money:

“I read this as £11.5m which would still have been an insult.”

Credit: @dsandford125

“Don’t sell, keep as back up pls. Can defo see him becoming class in a couple years.”Credit: @adenwwfc_”If he’s good enough to play for Newcastle he’s good enough for us. Pre-season under Lage and let’s see”Credit: @Ry_Oakley”Keep him”Credit: @jshwwfc”If so many teams want him we should and need to keep him.. young English talent…one for the near future.”Credit: @Banksy66Paul”Only £1.5m, so undervalued”Credit: @JonWill47124708In other news, find out what transfer update on one Euro 2020 ace has Wanderers taking here!

Leeds United look set to announce the signing of Junior Firpo from Barcelona in the coming days, which will be a huge boost for Marcelo Bielsa ahead of next season.

According to Adam Crafton of The Athletic, Firpo has arrived in England to complete his £12.8m move from the La Liga giants, with a deal likely to be announced this week after he completes a medical.

Bielsa’s side have seen off interest from AC Milan and Southampton in order to sign the former Real Betis man, who was never really able to impose himself at the Nou Camp, playing second fiddle to Jordi Alba for the majority of his time at the Catalan club.

In total, he would make just 41 appearances for Barcelona in his two seasons at the club, contributing two goals and three assists in that time.

However, he was highly regarded during his time at Real Betis and at just 24-years-old, still has plenty of time to realise his potential with Leeds United.

When he first signed for Barcelona, former Betis and Barcelona manager Quique Setien sang his praises, saying:

“Barca have made a good deal. It’s a boy with enormous potential, youth, desire, excitement and quality. He’s worth the gamble.

“He will make progress at Barca because he has the desire and potential for growth. He has things to improve, of course.

“Barca have made an excellent deal. He has some qualities to polish, and good things that will come in handy.”

Whilst things didn’t work out for him at the Nou Camp, these quotes certainly bode well for his future at Elland Road, and Leeds fans will surely be excited to see him join.

Considering Ezgjan Alioski featured at left-back for much of last season but has now left the club after his contract expired, an upgrade was required at left-back, and Leeds have acted very quickly to bring in a player of Firpo’s quality, which will delight Bielsa and the Elland Road faithful.

Left-back could have been a problem area going into next season, but Leeds have acted quickly to address it and that will be music to the ears of their veteran manager.

And, in other news… Bye-bye Raphinha: Orta should seal Leeds summer swoop for “very talented” wonderkid

PERTH, Dec 21 AAP – Darren Lehmann will open with fellow left-handed batsman Matthew Hayden in Australia’s day-night cricket match against Sri Lanka on Sunday in Perth

Tom Wald21-Dec-2002PERTH, Dec 21 AAP – Darren Lehmann will open with fellow left-handed batsman Matthew Hayden in Australia’s day-night cricket match against Sri Lanka on Sunday in Perth.Australian one-day captain Ricky Ponting said he had left it up to Damien Martyn and Lehmann to decide who would walk out to the crease with the big Queenslander at the WACA Ground.”He’s done it before for us as had Damien Martyn, but I just left it up to those two guys to see who wanted it the most and Darren was the one,” Ponting said.Lehmann, 32, will also shoulder the vice captaincy in the absence of Adam Gilchrist who is sitting out the match with niggling injuries.It will be just the fourth time the South Australian has opened the innings for Australia in 84 internationals.Ponting said the match against the struggling Sri Lankans would be a good test for the home team without injured spin king Shane Warne and Gilchrist.He said it would be a good opportunity to grab a psychological edge over the tourists before next year’s World Cup in Africa.The last time the two sides met Sri Lanka defeated Australia in the semi-finals at the ICC Champions Trophy in Colombo in September.They meet this time with contrasting form with the men from the subcontinent being thrashed in South Africa and losing their opening two matches of the tri-series in Australia to England.Meanwhile, Australia has been untouchable this summer.”Not having Gilly and Warney around, two of the more senior members, will be a little different for me,” Ponting said.”But saying that, we still have a lot of very experienced guys in the team like McGrath and Bevan and Lehmann – it will be a test for all of us tomorrow,” he said.The tourists have been disappointing in their opening two one-day matches with batsman struggling on bouncy wickets at the WACA and the Gabba, and fieldsmen missing eight regulation catches in two matches.Classy left-arm paceman Chaminda Vaas and young right-arm quick Dilhara Fernando were excellent in their side’s 95-run loss to England last night but were badly let down in the field.Sri Lankan coach Dav Whatmore bemoaned his team’s dropped catches which included a straightforward opportunity to dismiss century maker Paul Collingwood on 11.He said the team’s lack of confidence in the field was spreading like cancer while captain Sanath Jayasuriya looked totally devastated after last night’s loss.”We are just not playing well at the moment, the confidence is down obviously,” Whatmore said.”It is almost like a cancer isn’t it, it just runs through a team and we’ve all experienced it before.”Jayasuriya said his team had no excuses for not adapting to the lively WACA pitch despite being used to the much flatter tracks of their homeland.”We have played well here before, we have won matches here before and I think there are no excuses that we can’t play well here at the moment,” he said.England lead the tri-series competition by a single point but have played two more games than both Australia and Sri Lanka.