All posts by h716a5.icu

Tottenham have joined Crystal Palace in the race to sign right-back Max Aarons this summer.

That’s according to a report from Football Insider, cited by Football League World, and, as to be expected, Palace’s interest has had a number of Eagles fans talking on social media.

Aarons, on £17,000-a-week, helped Norwich City return to the top flight at the first time of asking this season.

He’s been linked with a number of sides recently, with Palace just one of a plethora of clubs who have asked to be kept informed of his situation.

Spurs have now joined the hunt for the 21-year-old though, with a club source claiming landing a new right-back is one of the club’s main priorities this summer.

Palace could also do with a new right-back ahead of the 2021/22 season, as their three right-backs on the books right now are all out of contract in a matter of months.

Palace fans react

@CPFCtransfersHQ shared Football League World’s report on social media on Monday lunchtime, with a number of Palace fans interacting with the post.

This is what some had to say, with one referencing the club’s interest in Aarons from 2019…

“Would love this signing but wouldn’t come cheap at all”Credit: @CPFANUSA”Ha ha we haven’t got £2.50 let alone £25m”Credit: @NoContextHumour”Why do u think u can fool me”Credit: @SellyMenace”Huh”Credit: @Mark_CPFC”Feels like 2019 again”Credit: @localpla9tic”Would be a great signing but no chance we get him LOL”Credit: @DrizzyCPFC

In other news: Many Palace fans react to Paulo Fonseca update, find out more here. 

Article: PCB invites expatriate families to send children for cricket coaching and trials

Mahmood Ahmad29-Apr-2001In a revolutionary and unprecedented move, the PCB has invited interested Pakistani expatriates to send their children to Pakistan for cricket coaching and training under the supervision of Board officials. If good enough they can also appear in trials for domestic or senior teams.This move has come in the wake of thousands of e-mails and letters, coming from virtually all parts of the world, asking the PCB to patronize aspiring youngsters living abroad. It is a well-known fact that many families living especially in Europe and America are devoted followers of cricket, what to speak of those whose children want to be a part of Pakistan’s national cricket team. However, failing to find a right channel, they only end up living in obscurity. The latest decision by the PCB must be a breath of fresh air for these talented youth.The name of Lahore Cricket Academy is relevant in this regard. Run by Intikhab Alam, arguably the most successful of Pakistan’s cricket captains and a former coach and manager of the national team, the LCA is located within a modern country club of international standards. Apart from providing coaching to aspiring youngsters, the Academy arranges tours to and from Pakistan. The Academy is fully equipped for coaching as well as allowing its trainees a chance to play competitive cricket. They also arrange for trials to pick out talent for local or national teams.In recognition of these services, the PCB has authorized LCA to organize the arrival and stay of youngsters coming to Pakistan. The Board would arrange for their training and coaching at a nominal cost.Interested families can get further details of tour and coaching packages from Lahore Cricket Academy or write to Pakistan Cricket Board directly or email at [email protected].

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Manchester United winger Keith Gillespie has criticised Fred and does not believe a midfield pairing of the Brazilian and Scott McTominay can go on for much longer.

Fred underwhelmed in United’s disappointing 4-2 loss to rivals Liverpool last night before being taken off, and has since come under fire.

The 28-year-old joined the Red Devils from Shakhtar Donetsk for big money back in 2018, but for Gillespie, he has simply not lived up to his price tag.

Speaking exclusively to FFC about the Brazil international and the balance of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s midfield, the ex-United player said:

“I don’t think it’s [Fred, McTominay pairing] long term. I think most United fans would agree with that. I think Fred, he gives you all the hard work and the graft, but I mean, that’s the least you’ve got to expect – that’s his job.

“You have to have more on the ball. I don’t think he gives you enough. I think he’s very sloppy, gives stupid balls away, stupid free-kicks. For me, he’s not the answer.

“So, Fred, for me, has never worked. I’ve not been a fan of Fred since he got into the club.”

Despite his limitations, £120,000-a-week man Fred has been a player Solskjaer has heavily relied on this season.

He has been a regular in both United’s Premier League and Europa League campaigns, while the former Shakhtar Donetsk player also featured frequently for his side when they were still in the Champions League earlier this term.

We’ve just come to the end of our busiest week since arriving in London

Stephen Fleming22-May-2001We’ve just come to the end of our busiest week since arriving in London. Our games this week were up in Durham which is an long four hour drive from London, and that’s if you get a good run with the traffic.I must say though, that I prefer travelling to venues by car compared to the flying that we have to do back home. The amount of down time cricketers would spend in airports is massive, at least you can control your trip a little better by road.In saying this Durham did test the patience levels especially when you have to travel back straight after the game. The mood wasn’t helped in the car by the fact we were beaten in the last over in a game we should have won. It was a 45-over game that was played straight after a CricInfo Championship four-day match which was drawn.We batted first in the one-dayer stuttering to 181, a competitive score on a worn wicket. It turned out to be very competitive, and dare I say it, it would have been enough had it not been for a strange turn of events.We grabbed the seventh and eighth wickets in successive balls, or so we thought.Unfortunately, one of our boys stayed back on the boundary instead of being inside the circle. This was missed by all concerned, including the skipper who, for the first time in Middlesex colours, was me!As we gathered to celebrate I heard the no-ball call and realised straight away what had occured.I believe the square leg umpire had missed it, but the crowd picked it up and alerted him to the mistake.Worse was to come – the ball had deflected off the stumps down to the boundary. The no-ball is worth two and the boundary four, so instead of a wicket we had just gifted them six runs with an extra ball to be bowled.We lost with a ball to spare!My championship form held firm again this week, posting my second 100 for the club. One of my goals is to redevelop this skill of scoring hundreds so I’m please with my progress.On the international scene, England achieved a very impressive victory over Pakistan.After losing the first day’s play, they never took a backward step, finishing with a day to spare.They played Pakistan in exactly the right conditions on a pitch that offered good bounce and a little bit of sideways movement, very similar to the wicket in Hamilton.The question I still ask, is what on Earth were we doing playing on the wicket that we did in the first Test in Auckland? A portable pitch that had never been used before.I’m a strong believer that you play to your strengths when you are at home. When you tour India you get wickets that turn, when you’re in Australia and South Africa you get wickets that bounce. When you’re in England or New Zealand you expect to get wickets that seam.It’s not doctoring wickets because you still want the best possible surface to play on. But each surface has its own characteristic.The old Eden Park wickets weren’t ideal but as home players we knew their nature and that always gave us an advantage.I am in favour of portable pitches but they need more experimentation, but not at Test level. To advance as a Test side we need to play on more wickets like Hamilton and Dunedin.

The Somerset Board XI are in action on Sunday when they take on Gloucestershire Board XI at the most attractive North Perrott Cricket Club

Richard Walsh16-Jun-2001The Somerset Board XI are in action on Sunday when they take on Gloucestershire Board XI at the most attractive North Perrott Cricket Club.In their previous match against Cornwall at Falmouth a couple of weeks ago, Somerset were beaten by the weather and after restricting the home side to 187 in their 50 overs they had to settle for a share of the points as the rain prevented the match from being completed.Team manager Peter Robinson told me that the line-up to face Gloucestershire would be very similar to that which faced Cornwall, with the only likely change being a replacement for Joe Tucker who suffered a suspected stress fracture to the foot playing against Northants Seconds recently .The Somerset side will again be skippered by Kevin Parsons from Taunton St Andrew’s and will include Chris Hunkin, Kevin Sedgebeer, and Matt Dimond,(all Taunton St Andrew’s) Gareth Andrew, Tim Burt and Wes Durston, (all Glastonbury) Richard Pannell,(Keynsham), Ian Jones(Somerset CCC)and an extra batsman.The match will be played over 50 overs a side and gets under way at 11am. North Perrott’s delightful ground is situated about three miles east of Crewkerne just south of the A30. Refreshments will be available all day.

Rangers have been tipped to sign Liverpool winger Harry Wilson this summer, but their hopes of bringing him to Ibrox ahead of next season have suffered a blow after the Anfield outfit named their asking price, which will surely frustrate Steven Gerrard.

In a recent interview with This Is Futbol, former Rangers defender Michael Ball suggested: “Steven’s got that connection with him. He knows of him, so that personal relationship could be a bonus. The money, we’re not too sure what they have to spend, so it all depends if any players move out as well at Rangers.

“If [Alfredo] Morelos moves on, the big money that they’ll get would give Rangers the opportunity to bring Harry and maybe a few others in.”

Rangers have been linked with a move for the Wales international in the past and he will surely be well known by Gerrard, who managed Liverpool’s under-18 side before moving to Ibrox.

However, Wilson is now 24 and at the stage in his career where he needs to move away from Liverpool permanently, as he has spent the last four years on loan with Hull City, Derby County, Bournemouth and Cardiff City.

During his spell with the Cherries last season, his manager Eddie Howe was full of praise for the winger’s ability, saying: “I think he’s been hugely impressive.

“We are going to need those players to really step up quickly and Harry is one of those who really has done.

“He understands how we play. He has picked it up really quickly and full credit to him for that.”

This season saw Wilson join Cardiff City on loan in the Championship, which was perhaps a surprising move after his decent return in the Premier League last season, but it was clear that he was desperate for first team football away from Anfield.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-rangers-news-transfer-rumours-and-more-copy-copy” title=“Latest Rangers news, transfer rumours and more from Ibrox!”]

During his spell with Mick McCarthy’s Bluebirds, he managed seven goals and 11 assists in 37 appearances, averaging a solid 6.96 rating from WhoScored, which certainly suggests that he could be an excellent addition to Gerrard’s side if he moves to Ibrox.

Unfortunately, Rangers’ chances of signing the Welshman this summer appear to have been dashed after it was revealed by The Athletic journalist James Pearce that, whilst he is for sale this summer, he would cost prospective suitors around £15m, which may well mean that only Premier League clubs can afford him.

Considering that Rangers’ record arrival under Steven Gerrard was Ryan Kent, who joined for just short of £7m according to Transfermarkt, it is difficult to see them splashing out £15m on Wilson.

[freshpress-quiz id=“593776″]

Gerrard will surely be frustrated that his old club are demanding so much for a fringe player like Wilson, as he could have been a superb addition at Ibrox this summer.

In other news… Rangers dodged a bullet with “outstanding” £3.15m-rated flop, he’s scored one goal in 19 games.

Barbados suffered yet another defeat in the 2002 Regional Under-15 Cricket Competition as Trinidad and Tobago romped to the title for the third successive year yesterday

Louis Holder04-Apr-2002Barbados suffered yet another defeat in the 2002 Regional Under-15 Cricket Competition as Trinidad and Tobago romped to the title for the third successive year yesterday.Following defeats to Guyana and Leeward Islands, Barbados lost to the hosts by 31 runs at the Diego Martin Recreational Ground after they were set a target of 172.It was the fourth straight win for Trinidad and Tobago who moved to an unbeatable 16 points ahead of tomorrow’s final round of matches.Barbados, desperately looking for a much-needed victory to restore some of their lost pride, won the toss and asked the Trinidadians to take first knock on a good pitch.Before a sizeable and vociferous home crowd, the Trinidadians got off to a good start as Barbados’ decision to send them in appeared to have backfired.Openers William Perkins and Deon Bennette were associated in a stand of 46 and were not troubled by the pace attack of Nhamo Winn and Javon Searles.But, as has been so often the case in this tournament, the introduction of spinners spelt immediate success for Barbados.Off-spinner Gary Belle, a model of consistency throughout the tournament, had immediate success, removing both openers in quick succession.Soon after, captain Nicholas Squires called on another off-spinner, Simon Steel, and he too struck immediately.He removed the dangerous Trinidad and Tobago captain Jason Mohammed for 27 and the hosts collapsed from a healthy position of 95 for two to 171 all out.Steel, a thinking player, sliced through the lower part of the batting to finish with four for 17 off nine productive overs.Both Belle and Omar Phillips lent admirable support, taking two for 17 and 16, respectively.Barbados got off to an ideal start, with captain Squires and Steel delighting the crowd, which included some Barbadian supporters, to some sweet strokes on both sides of the wicket.They were untroubled by the opening attack of pacer Dilip Basdeo and off-spinner Rakeesh Ramkisson, posting 52 for the first wicket.The partnership was broken when Steel was deceived by left-arm spinner Ravesh Kantasingh and was caught and bowled for 21.Squires quickly followed for 30 and then Kerwin Elias completely misread a Kantasingh top-spinner and was bowled without scoring.At 58 for three, Barbados again found themselves in trouble, but were temporarily revived by an enterprising fourth-wicket partnership of 46 between the in-form left-handed pair of Omar Phillips, who made 33 and Orman Kellman, 21.When Kellman was fourth out, lbw to another off-spinner Ansil Bhaggan, wickets fell regularly around Phillips.When Phillips was eighth out, the writing was on the wall.Kantasingh finished with five for 18 and Bhaggan four for 15.Barbados will play Windward islands in their final match tomorrow.

Portsmouth striker John Marquis has attracted significant interest from clubs already in the 2020/21 close season, even though the regular season only finished a week ago. Despite reports suggesting newly promoted Championship side Peterborough United are keen on taking Marquis to London Road, Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony has said publicly that a bid for Marquis is not on the table with Pompey.

Hampshire Live revealed that Posh were one of three sides to have made enquiries about the availability of Marquis since the season’s close. Peterborough are said to be resigned to losing star striker Jonson Clarke-Harris to Scottish champions Rangers this summer. Although Marquis is not a player that Pompey are keen to sell, the former Doncaster and Millwall powerhouse has just one year remaining on his current deal at Fratton Park. MacAnthony took to his highly active Twitter account to refute the story but insist that Posh “haven’t gone on holiday” in their pursuit of new faces to strengthen their squad for second tier football.

Who else is interested in the former Doncaster hot shot?

The two remaining teams said to have enquired to the Pompey hierarchy over Marquis are League One rivals MK Dons and an unnamed Scottish Premier League (SPL) team. Portsmouth boss Danny Cowley has made no secret of his desire to bring in a new centre forward that can improve his team’s ball retention in the final third – linking the play and bringing the wide men into the game. At the present time, Marquis and Ellis Harrison are the only senior strikers on the books at Fratton Park, following the recent departure of Jordy Hiwula at the end of his contract. Cowley admitted to HampshireLive that “every player at League One level” undoubtedly “has a price” on their head. He added that it was important to “stay open-minded” about any potential offers that could be used to “better the squad”.

It’s not yet known whether the Blues will have to sell more before they can buy, although Pompey’s former CEO Mark Catlin has long warned about the long-term stability of EFL clubs adding that many are at a “real pinch-point” financially this summer. Catlin is well aware of the impact of a tightened commercial landscape for EFL clubs. In 2012, he joined Portsmouth voluntarily to work alongside the Pompey Supporters’ Trust and Presidents to help save the club from extinction. He has worked tirelessly to cement the club back in the third tier of English football and just last week opted to leave for a new role with The Topps Company.

Danny Cowley given assurances over summer recruitment by outgoing CEO

Prior to Catlin’s departure the former Fratton Park CEO insisted that boss Danny Cowley would have full control over the team’s recruitment policy this summer. That’s despite Portsmouth’s scouting network including two members appointed by former manager Kenny Jackett in the shape of Phil Boardman and Roberto Gagliardi. Catlin’s last comments before leaving his Pompey role reinforced that Cowley is “absolutely key to the [transfer] decisions that we make”.

Cowley’s former Lincoln players almost certain to be on his close season hit-list

Like most managers, Cowley has made no secret of his desire to sign players he has worked with in previous jobs – players he can trust. This has raised suspicions that Cowley could look to snatch left back Harry Toffolo from Huddersfield Town in the summer, as well as midfielder Jack Payne. Both of whom Cowley worked with at Lincoln City. In addition, winger Harry Anderson could also be in Cowley’s sights with the 24-year-old out of contract at Sincil Bank this summer.

Anderson was one of Cowley’s trusted lieutenants during the early stages of his managerial reign, helping the Imps out of the National League and back into the EFL big time. Although Anderson has featured 38 times for Michael Appleton’s playoff hopefuls this term, he played just three of the last ten games of the regular season. With Ronan Curtis almost certain to leave Fratton Park this summer in pursuit of Championship football and Ryan Williams also not certain to sign a new contract with Pompey, a player like Anderson could be a shrewd replacement for either departure.

Both Tottenham and Everton are keen on landing Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha this summer, according to Goal.

And, as to be expected, a number of Eagles supporters have been having their say on the transfer news on social media.

Goal claim that both Spurs and the Toffees will look to pursue a deal in the summer window, with a feeling that a transfer could be agreed at £40m.

Palace will reportedly look to keep hold of Zaha, who has just over two years left on his Selhurst Park deal.

The Ivory Coast international recently admitted that he would be open to a move away from the Eagles, as he wants to win trophies. He’s made just under 400 appearances for Palace, and it seems as if he’ll be a man in demand once again this summer.

Palace fans react

@CPFCtransfersHQ shared the news on Zaha on Twitter on Tuesday lunchtime.

These Palace fans were quick to poke fun at both Tottenham and Everton in regards to Zaha’s willingness to win trophies.

“Lol”Credit: @cpfc_sean”Obviously decided he doesn’t want to win anything”Credit: @Ukhilal1957″Also, £40 million…Am I missing something!?”Credit: @ststove”But I thought he wanted to go somewhere where he can win things”Credit: @NoContextHumour”Thought he wanted to win trophies?”Credit: @cpfcjadey”He wants trophies why would he go to any of these clubs”Credit: @CPFCH10

In other news: Many CPFC fans unimpressed with specific Matt Woosnam post, find out more here. 

Article: NatWest Series, by Imtiaz Sipra

Imtiaz Sipra16-Jun-2001LONDON. The statistical result of this ongoing triangular Series notwithstanding, on record is achievement of another kind. Barring very minor omissions, this contest is, so far, less acrimonious and certainly scandal free and controversy free if one discounts Shoaib Akhtar’s theatricals. The code of conduct is an effective deterrent but what one sees as a positive factor is that all teams reflect players competitive, yet keener to play and follow the spirit of the game. It is this commitment that stands out brightly in the current contests.The Australians certainly stand out as the one’s to follow in conduct and character, and the English, though not always angelic, are no less. But the surprise is the Pakistan team, a model of behaviour, even counting the Palmer ‘wide’ protest at Lord’s. They are no longer cocky, arrogant and short of patience as previously. If they had no appetite for being ‘second best’ previously, it does not feature now in their mannerism. And seems well sated due that Test series loss to England in Pakistan. They no longer think of themselves as all-conquering heroes and do not take affront to any relief denied them on the field. Humble and humane, they willingly get themselves photographed with fans and sign autographs. This has endeared them even to the local tabloids and missing are those unrelenting attacks on them in previous tours, notably 1992.Another factor that may have influenced this ‘amicable’ nature from Pakistanis, could be the approach of Alec Stewart and Steve Waugh, who like Waqar Younis, emerge as captains of heart and soul, supported by other players as keen to be honest competitors. It is this commitment that has served them well this contest and augurs well for the coming matches. And the future too.Waqar Younis, a little unsure at start of the tour, has led his charges well, leading from the front. It is no new responsibility for him, yet he so does under the shadows of living legends like Imran Khan, Javed Miandad and Wasim Akram, with expectations high. A lion he may not be, yet no less a tiger he is. And his bowling under pressure at Lord’s epitomised that and reminded one and all of his last five balls at Sharjah, 1991, when hit for a six by Bishop off the first ball of the last over, bowled four dot balls before bowling Bishop last ball for a one run win for Pakistan. Wounded Lions (England) and Prowling Tigers (Australia) still await him and his team at matches ahead and he need not drop his guard.Waqar Younis’s team has given its 100% so far, sweating and straining beyond their limits and potential. They have to retain their passion to be so committed and reflect their infinite resoluteness, confidence and pluck in coming matches, more so against Australia. And even England. This because, England undeterred by back-to-back losses, plan to come back in the last match, and the Australians on the roll.Much that Pakistan takes heart from the fact that England are out of the final spot, Pakistan must maintain consistency in matches to come. They play Australia at Chester-le-Street on 16th and then days later at Trent Bridge on the 19th in a D/N encounter. First and foremost in their minds must be the heart to make a match of these encounters and not face the humiliation England suffered at Australian hands at Old Trafford. Conceded that McGrath and others reflect penetrative consistency, they also have batsmen to countermine that. Required is the application to stay at the crease and runs will flow as desired.Likewise, they should not take England lightly at Headingley on 17th June. As Steve Waugh puts it so correctly ‘if you are losing it always creates a few little doubts’. Thus a win is a must at Headingley to take Pakistan into the final at Lord’s on June 23 with an appreciably higher morale. And morale can get up if they are able to post at least one win against the Australians in the coming two matches.It has often been stated that no man or woman was ever so much deceived as by him or herself. And, that the most deluded are the self-deluded. This the Pakistan team should keep in mind. If they retain and sustain their ‘never-say-die’ attitude reflected at Old Trafford and Lord’s, there is no reason why they should not be worthy opponents to Australia in the final at Lord’s. A day, which may reverse the result of the 1999 World Cup final.