All posts by h716a5.icu

In what has been a rather disappointing end to the Premier League season, Aston Villa played out a goalless draw against Everton on Thursday evening.

Dean Smith’s side were very much in contention for a European place for next season, but Jack Grealish’s untimely injury has proven to be a major stumbling block; and while the England international made his return yesterday, he couldn’t inspire a late winner.

The Villa manager has some big decisions to make over the summer, and over these final couple of games – not least keeping Ross Barkley away from the starting line-up.

The Chelsea loanee has endured a difficult campaign at Villa Park after a promising start, failing to score in the top flight since the end of January when he netted against Southampton in a 1-0 win.

Against his former club on Thursday, Barkley was nowhere to be seen once again. As per Sofascore, he finished the game with a 6.5 match rating, the lowest of any Villa player on the pitch, and only just higher than Everton’s Allan (6.4).

He had no shots on goal, failed to complete either of his two attempted dribbles and failed to provide an accurate cross. All in all, he lost possession on 13 separate occasions, the joint-most of any Villa player alongside Bertrand Traore, while he lost 100% of his duels on the night – an incredibly lightweight performance from someone who has been well off the pace. (Sofascore)

In his post-match player ratings for the Birmingham Mail, Ashley Preece gave him a score of 5.5, writing: “Started with a spring in his step on what was his final appearance at Villa Park knowing he cannot play against parent club Chelsea on the final game of the season.

“Barkley looked confident but, when Villa needed some magic, he failed to produce and was far too deep at times as Davis looked for someone to play with. It was another underwhelming performance from Barkley which have been all too commonplace this season.”

Make no mistake about it, Villa must not contemplate signing the £18m-rated midfielder on a permanent deal this summer and must let him head back to Stamford Bridge.

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Even before then, Smith must make the ruthless call and drop him from the team, instead giving those vital first-team minutes to the likes of Jacob Ramsey and perhaps even Carney Chukwuemeka, who are both waiting in the wings for an opportunity to impress.

Meanwhile, this Villa player let Dean Smith down against Everton…

Hampshire marked their first appearance at their new ground with aresounding 124-run victory over Worcestershire in an extraordinary day’scricket in which 20 wickets fell

Pat Symes11-May-2001Hampshire marked their first appearance at their new ground with aresounding 124-run victory over Worcestershire in an extraordinary day’scricket in which 20 wickets fell.Hampshire began the day in a powerful position 89 runs ahead at 16 without loss in their second innings but fell away in overcast conditions to 159 all out midway between lunch and tea.All the Worcestershire pace bowlers got among the wickets with AlamgirSheriyar finishing as the most successful for the second time in the matchwith figures of four for 30. This gave him match figures of eight for 115,reflecting his accuracy and hostility .For Hampshire, opening batsman Derek Kenway grafted 28 overs for his 30 but it was not until bright sunshine replaced the clouds that the home side concocted some resistence. Adrian Aymes, a man who loves just such situations, batted two and a half hours for his unbeaten 37 and sharing in an important stand of 41 for the ninth wicket with Alex Morris.Worcestershire were left with more than four sessions to get the 233 they needed to win but they never looked like doing so. Phil Weston, Graeme Hick importantly, Vikram Singh and David Leatherdale were all dismissed for single-figure scores and at 33 for four there was no way back.Spinner Shaun Udal ran through the middle order and the only prolongedresistence came in contrasting ways from opener Anurag Singh and AustralianAndy Bichel. Singh took 90 balls to reach 33 while Bichel went on the attack, hitting five fours in his 30.It did not last. Worcestershire lost their last five batsmen for nine runs, Udal taking four for 32 and Morris four for 27.The umpires, Barrie Leadbeater and John Steele, were happy enough withthe new batting strip, attaching no blame to the groundstaff but they diddeprive Worcestershire 0.25 of a point under new regulations for not bowlingthe required 16 overs an hour throughout the match.

In an exclusive interview with The Transfer Tavern, David Norris, who made 36 appearances for Leeds United, has claimed that Ezgjan Alioski is all set to leave Elland Road when his contract expires this summer.

Alioski has been linked with a controversial move to Galatasaray as a free agent with many Leeds fans not taking the news very well, considering the hatred between the two clubs after the UEFA cup semi-final riots in 2000.

There has been a new twist in the Alioski saga though as in the last 48 hours reports have emerged that Galatasaray can’t afford his wages anymore and the defender doesn’t want to receive backlash from Leeds fans so he won’t be moving to Turkey.

Speaking on how it appears to be time up for Alioski at Leeds and how a deal may already be in place, Norris exclusively told The Transfer Tavern:

“If I’m honest, I think it’s probably time up for him because when it drags on this long and you haven’t got something sorted, it normally means that it is already done and dusted.

“If Bielsa wants to keep him I think he stays because at Leeds whatever Bielsa wants he gets, so it looks like it’s already agreed and has been done on the quiet.”

The 28-year old defender has been a regular starter for Leeds since joining in 2017 and he has been able to make the step up into the Premier League smoothly this season at left-back.

His ability to play anywhere down the left-hand side has allowed Stuart Dallas to be deployed in the centre of midfield and showcase both his attacking and defensive qualities.

March: Cambridgeshire 269 (RJ Rollins 83, NT Gadsby 58, DG Wilson 50no)

CricInfo27-May-2001March:
Cambridgeshire 269 (RJ Rollins 83, NT Gadsby 58, DG Wilson 50no).
Hertfordshire 53-2.Bovey Tracey:
Wiltshire 141 (PM Warren 5-16). Devon 91-3 (NA Folland 63no).Thame:
Shropshire 277-6 (MJ Marvell 141no). Oxfordshire 27-1.Dean Park, Bournemouth:
Dorset 272 (M Swarbrick 149; KE Cooper 5-57).
Herefordshire 86-1 (NW Round 50no).Grantham:
Lincolnshire 296-6 (JC Harrison 117, RWJ Howitt 64), Bedfordshire 32-1.

The Sri Lankan selectors have named a 24-man squad – Upul Chandana andKaushalya Weereratne will join the 22-man squad when they have recoveredfully from injury – for the forthcoming triangular against India and NewZealand and Test series against

Dav Whatmore06-Jun-2001Dav Whatmore
National CoachThe Sri Lankan selectors have named a 24-man squad – Upul Chandana andKaushalya Weereratne will join the 22-man squad when they have recoveredfully from injury – for the forthcoming triangular against India and NewZealand and Test series against India. It provides us with a Test squad witha nice blend of youth and experience and a One-Day squad that could providethe foundation for World Cup success in 2003.Sri Lanka’s recent tour of South Africa was a humbling experience. We went,we saw, but we certainly didn’t conquer. Nevertheless, we gained valuableinsights into the necessary ingredients for success in 2003. Make nomistake; preparations for that tournament have already begun. We want to beworld champions again.One conclusion that we came to is that we need to have medium-fast bowlerswho can bat. The Sri Lankan sub-continental formula of two fast bowlers andthree spinners will not win us the cup on the fast true pitches of SouthAfrica. We may need to play four fast bowlers and therefore two promisingplayers, both of whom have now recovered from longstanding injuries, haverejoined the squad.Suresh Perera and Dilip Liyange are talented all rounders. Both have playedinternational cricket and, crucially, both are hungry for further success.Suresh Perera played against England at the Oval in 1998, but then suffereda stress fracture of the back. He is now back to full fitness and is muchstronger having put in the necessary time in the gym (fast bowlers simplyhave to be gym junkies, there is no alternative to hard work). He bowls witha classical sideways on action, moves the ball in the air and has theability to push the ball through at a reasonable pace. Moreover, he will adddepth to the batting as he has a solid technique and a good eye with theblade.Dilip Liyange is older and made his international debut in the mid-1990’s.He too suffered from injuries, this time to his ankle and knee. Despitethese setbacks, however, he has pulled himself back into contention thanksto hard work and a fine season with Colts Cricket Club this season, for whomhe has taken plenty wickets with his outswingers and scored important runs.The young Kaushalya Weereratne and Akalanka Ganagama, both of who madeencouraging starts to their international careers, are also included to makeup a promising seven man fast bowling pool with Chaminda Vaas, Nuwan Zoysaand Dilhara Fernando. All these guys are now working hard with RumeshRatnayake, who will now be working as an official fast bowling assistant. Inaddition the group have benefited from video analysis by Terry Oliver, aQueensland coach of distinction, who recently spent two-weeks in Colombo.The other noteworthy selection is that of Hashan Tillakaratne, who hasforced his way back into the squad through the sheer weight of runs he hasscored in first-class cricket during the past two seasons. It is a welcomereturn to the international fold too because he remains very fit, is anexcellent fielder, and is a determined batsmen, who places a high price onhis wicket. Hashan is no dasher, but he is a tenacious accumulator who canbat for long periods of time and is thus particularly well suited to Testcricket.There is no reason why the selectors would not consider playing bothAravinda de Silva and Hashan Tillakaratne in the Test series against India.It is now up to them to show their hunger and prove to the selectors thatthey deserve a berth. Moreover, they should be looking to offer share theirexperience to younger players and adhere to the common goal of improving asa group. I have little doubt that they will do so.Likewise, the youngsters – Tillakaratne Dilshan and Indika de Saram – havefurther opportunities to prove their worth. They, however, need to provethat they can perform under pressure if they are to secure a regular placein the Test team. There is no doubt in my mind that they have the necessarytalent and technique to perform at the highest level.The training squad chosen by the selectors provides us, I believe, with thebuilding blocks for future success in both Test and One-Day cricket. I amgenuinely excited for the long term – although I know, and fans mustappreciate too – that the road ahead could be bumpy. Lets keep our eyesfixed on the major goal ahead, support the players and save judgment untilSouth Africa 2003.

Southampton have been linked with Giorgos Giakoumakis recently and the Greek striker could add a completely new dimension to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s attack next season, should he make the move to St Mary’s this summer.

The Saints were linked with the VVV Venlo star recently, with TEAMtalk suggesting that the South Coast club, along with Norwich City and Brighton, were keen on bringing him to the Premier League this summer.

The 26-year-old has enjoyed a phenomenal season in the Eredivisie, contributing 26 goals in just 30 appearances in the Dutch top-flight, which has helped him average a superb 7.30 rating from WhoScored.

It is not just his goals that would make him an excellent fit at Southampton however.

While Giakoumakis may only be six foot tall, he has averaged four aerials won per game in the Eredivisie this season, which is more than any Southampton player has managed in the Premier League, with six foot six Jannik Vestergaard’s 3.4 aerials won per game the best of any player in Hasenhuttl’s squad.

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Danny Ings and Che Adams, Southampton’s main strike force this season, have managed 0.8 and 1.5 aerials won per game respectively, which suggests that going long isn’t really a viable option for Hasenhuttl at the moment. Meanwhile, Southampton have attempted the third-fewest crosses of any team in the Premier League this season, suggesting that they need a striker who can capitalise from crosses into the box.

Giakoumakis would certainly add that, as he is obviously a threat in the air as well as on the ground, and would surely capitalise from the quality of crosses that James Ward-Prowse can deliver from set-piece situations at Southampton.

Therefore, with recent reports suggesting that the “very special” striker could be prised away from VVV Venlo for less than £10m this summer, Martin Semmens should definitely be looking to bring him to St Mary’s, as he could offer something completely different in Hasenhuttl’s squad.

And, in other news… Southampton could sign their ideal Ings heir with swoop for “magnificent” 19-goal beast

Roy Hodgson is being disrespected on his way out of Crystal Palace, says former Premier League striker Brian Deane.

The 73-year-old managed his last game for Palace over the weekend and the south London club are now searching for a new manager.

Hodgson’s future had been up in the air all season due to his expiring contract, resulting in constant talk about the likes of Frank Lampard and Scott Parker potentially taking over.

For Deane, it has left a bit of a sour taste in his mouth, not happy with how some have spoken about Hodgson, especially compared to Lampard and Parker, who are both still quite inexperienced in this department of the game.

Speaking exclusively to TT about Palace’s manager situation, the ex-Sheffield United and Leeds United forward said:

“I’ve heard a couple of people on the radio say Scott Parker will be a good fit there or Frank Lampard. Listen, Roy Hodgson, he knows more on one hand than both of those guys put together. I think it’s [some of things that have been said] disrespectful.

“Yeah, people can turnaround and say they don’t play the most exciting football, but I think the balance is good because if you’re going to throw everything at games, then you’re going to lose more than half of them in the Premier League.

“I think what he’s done is he’s built a very good foundation.”

Indeed, over the last few seasons, Palace have looked like a solid team and one that rarely came into any sort of real relegation danger.

Hodgson definitely deserves a whole lot of credit for that after picking up a Palace side that were going absolutely nowhere under Frank de Boer.

Central Districts found themselves in an imposing position when bad light, winning out over floodlights, brought an early end to the second day of their State Championship match against Wellington at McLean Park today

Steve McMorran19-Mar-2002Central Districts found themselves in an imposing position when bad light, winning out over floodlights, brought an early end to the second day of their State Championship match against Wellington at McLean Park today.There were only 2.3 overs still to be bowled when stumps were drawn shortly after 5.30pm, when the floodlights were no longer able to alleviate the gloom of an early-autumn twilight.Central were then 114/3 in their second innings and, with the added cushion of a 38-run first innings lead, led Wellington by 142 runs with seven second innings wickets standing and two days to play.They had achieved that lead and two valuable first innings points when they dismissed Wellington for 180, shortly before tea, in reply to their own 218. Their lead might have been larger but Mark Jefferson, with a defiant half century, had managed to build his own small edifice from the rubble of Wellington’s innings.Ben Smith was 30 not out when stumps were drawn and batting with some of his familiar poise and command. This has been a mixed season for Smith, given early impetus by a double century against Canterbury but having since lost much of that momentum.Glen Sulzberger was with Smith at stumps, six not out, and batting capably.Wellington had managed to balance the match a little when they dismissed Mathew Sinclair for 41 five overs before stumps were drawn. Andrew Penn, with the second ball of his 12th over, caused Sinclair to shape a shot to leg and the ball eluded him, seaming slightly and knocking back leg stump.Sinclair had been the personification of Wellington’s weakened position when he added 68 runs in 20 overs with Smith for Central’s third wicket. He had faced 68 balls and his innings incorporated six fours and a fine hooked six from the third ball of Mark Gillespie’s first over.Central seemed likely to hold all the cards in the match when they reduced Wellington to 78/6 this morning after they had resumed at 21/2. Wellington’s third wicket, that of Richard Jones, fell when they were only 30 and eight overs after the resumption. They recovered to 78/4 as Leighton Morgan, on debut, and Grant Donaldson added 48 runs for the fourth wicket.But 78 became an ill-omened number for Wellington and they lost three wickets at that score, finding their innings suddenly and demonstrably in ruins.Morgan was out for 27, a bold knock from a young man batting for the first time in a first-class match, and Donaldson soon after for 22. Chris Nevin followed without scoring, bowled by Lance Hamilton and after suffering an injury – a badly-bruised toe – which prevented him from keeping wicket during Central’s ensuing innings.Jefferson, an undervalued player who has carried the drinks for Wellington around New Zealand, provided the bulwark on which a recovery could be built.He batted 107 minutes through the latter part of the Wellington innings for his 53 runs, putting on 76 with James Franklin in a seventh-wicket partnership which was of inestimable value to his side.Franklin was out for 22 when Wellington was 154 and Jefferson nine runs later at 163. Their last two batting partnerships carried them to 180 and left them 38 runs behind Central when the innings ended.Central lost Campbell Furlong at 33 and Peter Ingram at 35 before Sinclair and Smith gave their second innings a touch of authority. When they were separated by Sinclair’s dismissal, Central were the game’s dominant side.

Veteran batsman Darren Lehmann expects Ricky Ponting to steer Australian one-day cricket to a higher level after shining in South Africa during his first series as national captain.

Michael Crutcher08-Apr-2002Veteran batsman Darren Lehmann expects Ricky Ponting to steer Australian one-day cricket to a higher level after shining in South Africa during his first series as national captain.Ponting will end the series unbeaten if Australia wins the seventh match in Cape Town tomorrow night but his reputation as an aggressive captain has been cemented just three weeks after taking over from benchmark leader Steve Waugh.With Lehmann as a valuable on-field adviser, Ponting and vice-captain Adam Gilchrist have sparked one of Australia’s most impressive series in recent years.”He’s going to be a very good captain for Australia,” Lehmann said.”Who knows where he’ll be in 12 or 18 months? He’s developing into a bloody good captain.”Even from the Test series (last month) to here he has really stepped up his game. Maybe he was that sort of guy who needed those leadership roles.”Selectors harvested Ponting’s leadership skills at the right time because the Tasmanian had become a fixture in Australian Test and one-day teams with little formal responsibility.But he has developed the same ruthless and demanding signs that Waugh showed during his reign, even admitting his bowlers will be “embarrassed” by SouthAfrica’s massive 3-326 during Saturday’s match in Port Elizabeth.It was a straight answer from a captain who enjoys the full support of his players despite replacing one of Australian cricket’s favourite leaders.Ponting heads the Australian run tally with 282 runs from six matches, including 92 from 106 balls in the record-breaking run chase of 7-330 on Saturday.But Lehmann’s reputation has climbed alongside Ponting after he became the middle-order replacement for Waugh.Lehmann made 91 from 94 balls during a 183-run partnership with Ponting, becoming one of the “finds” of the tour despite his years of experience.Aged 32, and with 75 one-day international matches, Lehmann’s worth was well-known across the cricketing world but he has never seemed more important than during this tour, becoming an on-field general behind Ponting and Gilchrist.Ponting has rated Lehmann one of his most valuable players just three months after the left hander was deemed not good enough to play for Australia.”He’s one of the best one-day players in the world – I don’t think there’s any doubt about that,” Ponting said.”He loves playing cricket and being part of a successful team and it’s good for the young blokes to see that sort of thing, knowing they can come into the team and be themselves.”It’s important to have different characters around the team and he’s obviously a character and he enjoys himself.”He moves around his crease and changes the bowlers’ thinking process and it’s great that we have someone like him and Michael Bevan in our middle order toreally control an innings or a game for us.”The Australians will start short-priced favourites at Newlands without any argument from the South African fans, who are changing their view of the tourists.The home fans were originally depressed at the Proteas’ miserable Test and one-day performances against Australia this summer, but the visitors have earned a reputation as perhaps the best team to visit South Africa in the post-apartheid era.The Australians will fly out of Johannesburg for home on Wednesday having established themselves as the early favourites for the World Cup in Africa nextFebruary.

An encouraging update has emerged in West Ham United’s mooted pursuit of Patson Daka this week…

What’s the word?

According to Turkish journalist Ekrem Konur, the Irons haven’t given up hope of securing the RB Salzburg sensation despite interest from sister club RB Leipzig.

Back in January, the East London outfit were originally linked to the 22-year-old following the departure of Sebastien Haller, who departed for Ajax in a £20m deal, as per the Mirror.

Now it appears that David Moyes seems keen to revisit the target when the transfer window reopens this summer, though any move could cost the Hammers in the region of £25m.

Perfect striker?

It’s well-known that West Ham will look to sign another forward to bolster Moyes’ frontline this summer and Daka would certainly be some statement.

The Irons have every chance of securing him now, too, having qualified for the Europa League, which will make them an instantly move attractive destination for many of their targets.

Since the turn of the year, the Scotsman has only been able to call upon the injury-prone Michail Antonio to lead his line but his profile could provide clues into the sort of striker that he wants to sign.

Daka has to be amongst the most perfect of options.

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“He is a modern centre-forward, quick, capable of working hard and making the difference because he is skilful and has good movement,” suggested ex-Zambia head coach Herve Renard.

Whilst he has earned lofty comparisons to Premier League great, Thierry Henry.

“When I saw Patson Daka, what came into my mind is this guy is the next Thierry Henry – and in no time he has proved it,” once claimed his former Power Dynamos manager Dan Kabwe before further adding: “He is an intelligent boy and full of talent.”

The £18m-rated marksman has been in electrifying form this campaign, providing a whopping 34 goals and 12 assists in 42 appearances in all competitions, via Transfermarkt.

That’s one direct goal contribution every game, or once every 63 minutes.

Daka also works incredibly hard off the ball, drawing further inspiration to why he might be a perfect fit under Moyes. He averaged 1.2 tackles per game across both European competitions this term, via WhoScored. And despite it being a small sample size, it is a significant feat for a centre-forward.

By comparison, Antonio averaged 0.3 tackles per league game this term, and he’s considered to be a big workhorse in this current side, so Daka’s returns speak volumes.

This has even been reinforced by his current boss Jesse Marsch, who claimed: “He is a great lad on and off the pitch, he is hardworking and he is a little fast. It’s a just lot of fun working with him and I hope he continues with this development he has a lot of potential, he is just a fantastic player.”

A player of this calibre would surely have no problem in adapting to the fast pace of the Premier League and in beating Leipzig, Sullivan and co could land themselves a masterclass.

They must sanction a £25m move for the prolific marksman this summer.

AND in other news, David Moyes set to receive major West Ham transfer boost, claims insider…