All posts by h716a5.icu

Former Portsmouth midfielder David Norris is hopeful that the club can re-sign Ben Thompson from Millwall.

Thompson spent the first half of the 2018-2019 season on loan at Fratton Park, scoring three goals and adding three assists which saw him become a popular figure with the Pompey faithful, who have been wanting him to return ever since.

However, the midfielder’s excellent performances saw him become a key part of Millwall’s side, although a hamstring injury suffered in December 2019 has stalled Thompson’s momentum at The Den – with starts extremely hard to come by last term.

He started less than half of Millwall’s Championship games last season, and the recent addition of George Saville won’t have helped Thompson’s chances of playing more regularly.

Dan Cowley has already been busy in the transfer window, bringing in six new faces, including Thompson’s former Millwall teammate Shaun Williams, and Norris exclusively told Football FanCast that Thompson can be the next to come through the door at Fratton Park:

“Hopefully, with the other lad coming in, hopefully with the connection.

“On paper, it seems like it could, so hopefully that one would work.”

Virender Sehwag: lacked support from team-mates to make century count New Zealand utilised an adherence to basic disciplines to severely punish an Indian team that forget theirs to go 2-0 up with a 35-run win in the National Bank

Lynn McConnell29-Dec-2002
Virender Sehwag: lacked support from team-mates to make century count
New Zealand utilised an adherence to basic disciplines to severely punish an Indian team that forget theirs to go 2-0 up with a 35-run win in the National Bank Series match at Napier today.India were all out in the 44th over, for 219, chasing New Zealand’s total of 254/9.Things couldn’t have gone much better for New Zealand, nor much worse for India.New Zealand won without having to use their fast bowler Shane Bond. All of their batsmen got time in the middle, although some of them didn’t use it as well as they might have in the perfect conditions for a One-Day International, their bowlers got a workout and they demonstrated yet again the virtues of being competitive in the field throughout their bowling effort.India, by comparison, produced a fielding so performance so poor that it is difficult to remember anything in recent history in this country that could compare. They also bowled their overs so slowly they were docked two overs in their chase, as well as losing 10% of their match fees.They did have the satisfaction of producing one batting performance of note.The pocket-sized Indian battleship, Virender Sehwag called into Napier last evening and gave a demonstration of the powerhouse qualities to his batting that have been unseen until this match on the tour of New Zealand. He was eventually run out for 108 when he lost a contest with Daryl Tuffey who sprinted through on his run through, dived and hit the wicket with his underarm lob.Nicknamed “Mini-Me”, a play on the Austin Powers character because of his likeness to Sachin Tendulkar, by the New Zealanders after they struck him at the start of his international career in Sri Lanka last year, Sehwag gave a great demonstration of his abilities in a hard-hitting display which resulted in his fourth ODI century, scored off 111 balls and which included eight fours and two sixes.It was an innings in which he refused to be dictated to by circumstances. He lost his captain Sourav Ganguly in the first over and then other batsmen at regular intervals. It was batting with a like-minded spirit in Mohammad Kaif that he was his most dangerous, but fortunately for New Zealand, Tuffey caught the edge of Kaif’s bat when he had taken only 24 runs out of the home attack.Then after Sanjay Bangar took advantage of a gap at first slip to take four runs off a ball from Jacob Oram, he tried to repeat the shot next ball, but he wasn’t quite as accurate in his placement and wicket-keeper Brendon McCullum took the edge to leave India struggling at 187 for six wickets and with the required run rate back up to 6.35.New Zealand’s innings was dominated by the 136-run stand between Nathan Astle and Mathew Sinclair. Apart from the fact that it offered runs of a quality, and a quantity, not seen this summer, it was just the sort of stand needed to bolster the New Zealanders after the frustrations that have visited both sides during the series.Astle was not quite his commanding self, but there were signs enough to suggest the Indians are going to be on the receiving end of an Astle special before too much longer in the series.There were not quite as many chances as he would have liked square of the wicket on the off side, although he did pierce the two gully field set for him with a lovely boundary all the way along the ground. But if unable to get as much away there as he wanted, he compensated for that with some lovely drives, none better than the lofted off drive for six runs from Bangar’s bowling.His 50, his 31st in ODIs, came up off 71 balls and he was out, attempting another big hit over the mid-wicket boundary which fell short of the intended target and into the hands of Zaheer Khan from Ganguly’s bowling.Sinclair weighed in with great support at the other end and hit the fourth ODI half century of his career while making 78. He had some hesitant moments while getting underway but started to hit the ball cleanly and his advance down the pitch to loft Harbhajan Singh for six runs over extra cover was clear evidence of his improving state of mind.But with Craig McMillan having come and gone so quickly, Lou Vincent used the quick singles option to get his innings going and to keep the momentum rolling for the side. But in the process, Sinclair loosened up and tried an unnecessary reverse sweep which he hit directly into Rahul Dravid’s gloves.Having lost some key support, it was the opportunity for Sinclair to take New Zealand through to the 50-over mark, but his choice of shot that led to his dismissal was symptomatic of some bad decisions made right through the latter part of the innings which could be an important lesson in the overall context of the season.Vincent’s running was a revelation and a timely reminder that offensive running can be invaluable in breaking up the efforts of the fielding side.The New Zealanders were a much more competitive unit in the field and their efforts were typified by McCullum with the gloves. He equalled the New Zealand record of five dismissals in an innings, set by Adam Parore against the West Indies at Goa in 1994/95.McCullum made four catches and a stumping for his haul.The bowlers were given a solid workout with Kyle Mills coming back from an early mauling to take three wickets while Tuffey completed another first over special and ended with two for 35.All in all, the sort of performance which while satisfying for its execution, had enough in it to demand even more effort in the next match in Christchurch on New Year’s Day.

Raphinha’s arrival at Leeds United 12 months ago has to go down as an inspired piece of business.

The Brazilian arrived from Rennes and has settled into English football with absolute ease.

He has bought into Marcelo Bielsa’s ethos and has improved his game in unorthodox ways. Bielsa doesn’t do things by the book, something his vicious game of murderball proves.

It’s not every day you find a flashy winger who’s willing to work hard, press and track back all at the same time.

However, that’s exactly what he’s brought to Elland Road. Raphinha contributed to 15 Premier League goals last term and was mesmerising with the ball at his feet.

The winger was successful with 1.9 dribbles per game and was emphatically creative, providing 2.1 key passes a match.

In terms of his work rate, only seven more players at Leeds recorded more presses to the opposition than the 24-year-old.

He has been a ball of fun on the right-hand side of the pitch but they could find a similar player for the left this summer.

That’s because Bielsa and Victor Orta are eyeing a move for Hertha Berlin attacker, Matheus Cunha.

Valued at around £26m, the Whites would have to spend a significant outlay on him but it would surely be worth it.

Like Raphinha, he knows where the goal is and he’s capable of picking out his teammates with a defence-splitting pass. Last term, the 22-year-old contributed to 11 goals in the Bundesliga.

Speaking about Cunha last year, former Hertha Berlin boss Bruno Labbadia said: “Matheus has something special. He can always produce something with a moment of individual brilliance.” 

That’s evident in the youngster’s game as he recorded a dazzling three dribbles per match and was fouled on 2.8 occasions per appearance.

Tricky with the ball at his feet, he’s exactly like Raphinha in the way he takes on an opponent.

He’s also not afraid to work hard for the team. For instance, no player at Hertha last term applied more pressures (492) than the Brazilian.

It’s safe to say that Bielsa would absolutely adore a player of his qualities in Yorkshire. He is perfectly suited to Leeds’ way of playing.

AND in other news, Orta must seal Leeds swoop for 17-goal “phenomenon”, he’s a big upgrade on Harrison…

Tottenham Hotspur are said to be amongst several teams plotting a move for relegated Schalke 04 star Matthew Hoppe this summer.

That’s according to 90min, who claimed last week that the 2.Bundesliga outfit are bracing themselves for bids from a number of Premier League sides, including Spurs, Southampton and Newcastle United.

Since the arrival of Nuno Santo in North London, they have been linked to an array of strikers and that should come as no surprise as it seems as if the newly-appointed Portuguese is ready to deploy a two-man attack in N17.

Therefore, Fabio Paratici and the rest of the club’s recruitment staff will need to work hard to find someone to partner Harry Kane besides Heung-min Son, who could still play a pivotal role out wide.

Schalke are facing plenty of financial problems and that has worsened since their relegation from the German top-flight, which could work in favour of Spurs driving up a decent bargain, especially as it’s been a difficult year off the pitch in London, too.

It remains to be seen just how much Hoppe would command, with Transfermarkt valuing the American at just £4.05m.

Despite all of their struggles at the Veltins-Arena last season, it was still a breakthrough year for the young 20-year-old forward as he provided seven goals and two assists in all competitions.

A hat-trick and a Man of the Match display against Hoffenheim in Matchday 15 drew particularly high praise, so much so that he was likened to Robert Lewandowski by Bundesliga.com.

‘Tall and lithe but with a strong frame, the American has a knack of losing his marker at just the right time, his clever movement creating pockets of space inside the penalty area,’ they wrote before going on to laud his overall progression.

Hoppe has also impressed former Spurs boss Christian Gross, who waxed lyrical about his ex-striker, via the same website. He said:

“He’s a boy who’s unbelievably ambitious, has tremendous commitment and only thinks about Schalke. He wants to do whatever it takes to get us out of this situation. He really is a model professional. Even though he’s still very young, he doesn’t shy away from working extremely hard. Of course, he’s still very young and still has lots to learn in order to become a top-rate finisher, but we’re working on that.”

Lewandowski is indeed one striker that the American gem has looked up to, as is Kane, so he may well be an ideal fit in North London right off the bat.

If Nuno and Paratici want a cheap solution to their striking needs, then they must look to pounce on the financially struggling German side.

Hoppe could be a very smart and effective option under the right management.

AND in other news, Paratici closing in on his first summer signing at Spurs…

MSK Prasad, the former India wicketkeeper, has announced his retirement from all forms of the game. Prasad, who was appointed Andhra captain in 2007, was the first player from the state to represent India

Cricinfo staff18-Jun-2008
MSK Prasad: “I felt that it was time to quit. And I don’t have any regrets upon looking back” © AFP
MSK Prasad, the former India wicketkeeper, has announced his retirement from all forms of the game. Prasad, who was appointed Andhra captain in 2007, played six Tests and 17 ODIs for India in which he effected a total of 36 dismissals as wicketkeeper.Prasad, 33, said he wanted to step aside to give more chances to younger players in the Andhra squad. “I have been asked by the Andhra Cricket Association secretary V Chamundeswaranath to continue for one more season as the association has started taking innovative steps to give a new look to the sport,” Prasad told the .”Even though I am very thankful for the gesture, I felt that it was time to quit. And I don’t have any regrets upon looking back.”It was a huge honour to represent the country at the highest level, and especially being the first one to do so from Andhra. That too at a time when everyone gave very little chance for cricketers from the state to even represent the South Zone.”It was an injury to Nayan Mongia, following the 1999 World Cup that gave Prasad his big chance in the national side. In the 1999-2000 season he played in six Tests, three against New Zealand at home and three in Australia, acquitting himself creditably, besides playing in many ODIs. But he was dropped after a poor tour of Australia where he averaged 8.66 with the bat. In the seven seasons he played for Andhra following his exit from the national side, Prasad scored 2644 runs at 33.46.Prasad hit his purple patch as a batsman-wicketkeeper in the 2002-03 season – scoring 754 runs, including two hundreds and five half-centuries, and effecting 32 dismissals from 11 matches – it was the only time in his career he averaged over 40 with the bat.

Justin Langer, the former Australia batsman, has extended his contract with Somerset

Cricinfo staff10-Jul-2008
Justin Langer led Somerset to the Division Two title in 2007 © Kieran Galvin
Justin Langer, the former Australia batsman, has extended his contract with Somerset. Langer, who captained the county to promotion in both the County Championship and the Pro40 last year, will return for the 2009 season, his fourth with Somerset.”It’s a great vote of confidence in the team and the club,” Richard Gould, Somerset’s chief executive, told BBC Radio Bristol. “It’s going to give us the stability and the platform to maintain the good momentum we’ve had recently.”The negotiations with Justin are never difficult because he’s such a straightforward chap,” Gould said. “There was always an indication he wanted to return.”However, Langer will miss the start of the 2009 season because of his commitments with the Indian Premier League. Langer is contracted to the Rajasthan Royals, the Jaipur-based team that won the league’s inaugural edition. Langer, though, didn’t take part this year but is expected to join the side next season.”He signed a three-year deal with them,” Gould said. “And, as part of that, he said he had to return to us for the start of this season. He was true to his word so I know he will want to be true to his word back to the IPL.”I suspect he’ll miss three to four weeks. We’ll be missing him, but we’d rather have him for that period than not at all.”

Chris Hughton’s Nottingham Forest side have received a number of offers for Jordan Gabriel.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football Insider, who claim that both Sunderland and Blackpool have submitted an offer for the Forest right-back, with Dane Murphy’s side believed to be considering whether or not to sanction the sale of the 22-year-old.

The report goes on to touch on the fact that the defender only penned a new four-year deal at The City Ground prior to joining the Tangerines on a season-long loan deal last summer.

A previous report also claimed that Portsmouth are considering a move for Gabriel, before adding that Hughton is assessing the right-back in pre-season before deciding whether or not the youngster will feature in his first-team plans as of next season.

Big mistake

Having only joined Forest earlier this month, deciding the future of Jordan Gabriel is a rather big call for Dane Murphy to make so early in his career as the CEO of the club.

And, considering how much potential the 22-year-old appears to possess, as well as the fact that the Reds are not exactly blessed with depth at right-back, it is a very easy argument to make that it would be something of a mistake by the chief executive to let him go.

Indeed, over his 29 League One appearances for Blackpool last season, the £225k-rated man helped his side keep a whopping ten clean sheets, as well as making an average of 0.8 interceptions, 0.9 tackles, 1.5 clearances and winning 4.6 duels per game.

The £1.2k-per-week Englishman also impressed in an attacking capacity, providing one assist and creating one big chance for his teammates, in addition to making an average of 0.7 key passes per league fixture.

These metrics saw the man Matt Scrafton dubbed an “important” player earn an average SofaScore match rating of 6.75, playing a key role part in helping his side achieve promotion via the play-offs.

Furthermore, with Cyrus Christie having returned to Fulham following the expiry of his loan deal at The City Ground, as well as Carl Jenkinson looking set to leave the club this summer, Gabriel could well end up being the Garibaldi’s only option at right-back as of next season.

As such, taking all of the above into account, unless Murphy has plans to bring in two new players at right-back this summer, letting the 22-year-old leave the club could well prove to be a huge mistake by the new CEO.

In other news: Forest dealt knockout blow over “influential” £14k-p/w dynamo, Hughton’s surely gutted

Walter Chawaguta, the former Zimbabwe Under-19 coach, has taken charge of the national team

Cricinfo staff16-Aug-2008Walter Chawaguta, the former Zimbabwe Under-19 coach, has taken charge of the national team, Cricinfo has learnt. Chawaguta replaces Robin Brown, whose contract expired in July, making him the third person to coach Zimbabwe in a year.Chawaguta, 35, is regarded as a decent coach but hopelessly raw and the consensus is that he cannot hope to stand up to the more political elements within the board who are pushing to control selection and impose racial quotas. His appointment is more down to the need to be seen to act quickly and also the acceptance that in the present climate, Zimbabwe Cricket cannot hope to attract any overseas coaches.After playing one first-class game for Mashonaland in 1997-98, Chawaguta turned to coaching, first with the U-19s and then the A team. He was briefly a selector in 2004, and was a contender for the national coach in 2005, but lost out to Kevin Curran. Chawaguta, though, was part of the national set-up as Brown’s assistant when he took over in August, 2007.

An update has emerged on Newcastle target Omar Colley, regarding Sampdoria’s valuation of the defender…

What’s the talk?

According to SampNews24, as relayed by Sport Witness, Newcastle are one of a number of clubs keeping close tabs on Sampdoria central defender Omar Colley this summer. Fellow Premier League sides Leeds and West Ham are also said to be keen on the enforcer, whose future in Italy is said to be uncertain at this moment in time.

The report claims that Sampdoria’s president, Massimo Ferrero, is unwilling to budge on his valuation and will not allow Newcastle, or anyone else, to negotiate a fee under £8.5m for the centre-back.

Better than Fernandez

Mike Ashley must ensure that he can get a deal over the line for Colley in the coming weeks as he could be a fantastic signing for Steve Bruce’s squad. He would up the quality of the ex-Villa boss’ centre-back options and that could make the £8.5m fee a dream deal for Newcastle.

Federico Fernandez started 24 of Newcastle’s Premier League matches last season and averaged an unimpressive WhoScored rating of 6.64. The 32-year-old was not a weak link in the side or a consistently poor performer, but his displays suggest that the Magpies could improve on his position in the team. He could revert to the role of a back-up and provide strong competition for places, with Bruce knowing that he can come in and do a reliable job when needed.

Colley, however, could come in and be an impressive player at the back. The 28-year-old averaged a superb WhoScored rating of 6.92 in 28 Serie A starts for Sampdoria, which shows that he is a stronger centre-back than Fernandez at the top level. He made 2.3 interceptions per game compared to Fernandez’s 0.7, suggesting that he is able to read the game more effectively than the Argentine.

Therefore, the Sampdoria beast could be a superb signing for Newcastle and good value for money at £8.5m. He is in the peak years of his career, at 28, and has proven himself to be an excellent performer on the pitch. Hopefully, Ashley will be able to oust West Ham and Leeds in the race for his signature and add the towering 6ft 3 powerhouse to Bruce’s squad ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

AND in other news, “Absolutely worth a punt” – Exclusive: Pundit urges NUFC to seal bargain deal for 6 ft 4 beast…

Stephen Fleming will not make a decision on whether he continues to play domestic cricket for Wellington until he sees the season’s fixture list

Cricinfo staff28-Aug-2008
Stephen Fleming has growing business interests after retiring from Tests in March © Getty Images
Stephen Fleming will not make a decision on whether he continues to play domestic cricket for Wellington until he sees the season’s fixture list. Fleming, who retired from Tests in March, remains involved through the Indian Premier League and also has growing business interests, including a sports marketing company and being a Cricket Wellington board member.Fleming said in the Dominion Post he did not want to drift in and out of the Wellington set-up, but has previously told the coach Anthony Stuart he would like to lead the one-day and Twenty20 teams. “Until those dates are out, I haven’t really thought about any decision,” Fleming told the paper. “I’m setting up a company so that’s my main focus, to be honest.”Fleming does not have a contract with Wellington and is due to play for the Chennai Super Kings in the Champions League Twenty20 tournament in India in December. He has two years left on his IPL deal.While Wellington wait to discover who will lead their teams this summer, Central Districts have named Mathew Sinclair as their captain. Sinclair, who is unlikely to be part of New Zealand’s plans after being dropped again for the tour of England, made his debut in 1995-96 and has appeared in 71 first-class games and 105 one-day matches for Central Districts.