All posts by h716a5.icu

Leicester City may be looking for a striker to potentially replace Jamie Vardy this season or just planning ahead, however former Foxes defender Steve Howey admits that he can’t see Luis Suarez arriving at the King Power Stadium.

The Uruguayan enjoyed a stellar season with Atletico Madrid as they beat both Barcelona and Real Madrid to the La Liga title after being sold by the Catalan giants just last summer.

Suarez managed to find the net an impressive 21 times last season, only bettered by Gerard Moreno (23), Karim Benzema (23) and Lionel Messi (30), and after being linked with a move 12 months ago he may feel like a reunion with Brendan Rodgers could be a good way to go out.

Rodgers will obviously have a good relationship with Suarez as he managed the striker during his time at Liverpool, but Howey does not expect to see the 34-year-old linking back up with his former manager, as he exclusively told The Transfer Tavern:

“Rodgers knows him from his Liverpool days and Suarez got a few goals last season and obviously Atletico won La Liga, but I’d be surprised if he comes to Leicester to be honest.”

If the Foxes are looking for someone to replace Vardy, it would not be a 34-year-old striker that may only have a couple of seasons left in him at the top level and will surely demand a huge wage packet.

They appear to have found someone that could potentially take over from Vardy and that is Odsonne Edouard, who they are reportedly in talks with to bring in from Celtic and link up once again with Rodgers.

The Umer and Burhan Rashid Memorial Match which takes place on Friday 13 September 2002, is set to be an evening of all-round entertainment of cricket, music and fun, one which we are sure both the brothers would have enjoyed

Sussex CCC Media Release28-Aug-2002 which takes place on Friday 13 September 2002, is set to be an evening of all-round entertainment of cricket, music and fun, one which we are sure both the brothers would have enjoyed.The gates open at 4pm with speeches and special presentations to take place at 6pm. The match will start at 6.30pm.We will be having live music from LA Zakatek, a band from Croydon who have just signed a five-year recording deal in America. They have a wide following in the South East and before moving to the States in October have offered their support at the Memorial Match.Leon and Amber Zakatek, who front the band, are the children of Lenny Zakatek, former lead singer of The Alan Parson’s Project and Gonzalez and who had the Eighties hit `I Haven’t Stopped Dancing Yet’. Leon was a friend of Umer Rashid and will sing a number of songs, including some of Umer’s favourites, before the match and during the break in innings.As well as the entertainment on the pitch between a Sussex XI and Angus Fraser XI (team to be confirmed very shortly) there will be a family entertainment area including face-painting, bouncy castle, jousting and junior coaching.Entrance is by programme at £5 available on the gate or from the Club. Donations to the Umer Rashid Memorial fund are most welcome and should be sent to the County Ground.

Warwickshire Bears beat Norwich Union champions Glamorgan Dragons by 74 runs Cardiff as the cricket season came to an end

Farid Bakri22-Sep-2002Warwickshire Bears beat Norwich Union champions Glamorgan Dragons by 74 runs Cardiff as the cricket season came to an end. Matt Maynard’s half-century was the highlight of the Welsh side’s innings as they were dismissed for 201. Earlier Warwickshire had set an imposing 275 with a 114 run partnership between Dougie Brown and Dominic Ostler. Brown scored 73 off 52 balls while Ostler fell narrowly short of his century when he was caught by Robert Croft off the bowling of Adrian Dale for 97. Glamorgan’s bowling was at times no match for the batting side and in the end their batting was no match for their visitor’s bowling.Worcestershire Royals finished in second place in the table after defeating Leicestershire Foxes by 28 runs at New Road, while Taunton was the setting for Somerset Sabres final match of the season against an ordinary Durham Dynamos team. The home side won the toss andelected to bat and despite losing Jamie Cox and Piran Holloway early on used the pitch to their advantage as the middle-order batsmen piled on the runs. Matthew Wood scored 80 and Michael Burns a 42-ball 54 which included six boundaries and three sixes. Somerset made 254 for six and in reply their opponents fell apart. They lost their last eight wickets for only 25, five of them falling within the space of two runs. Peter Trego claimed three for 14 and Keith Dutch two for nought as the home side rounded off an otherwise poor season with a 175 run victory.It was a day of runs at The Rose Bowl as Hampshire Hawks entertained the crowd by chasing Northamptonshire Steelbacks’ 285 for six. The visiting side chose to bat first on a wicket offering very little to the bowlers. David Sales struck 93 and featured in a 127 run partnership for the third wicket with Mark Powell (64) as their side got off to a flyer. In response Hampshire’s Jamie Francis led the fight back with a wonderful hundred. He remained unbeaten on 103 off 87 balls. Zimbabwean Neil Johnson (73) and John Crawley (52) also played key part as their side won by six wickets with three balls to spare.Sussex Sharks lost to Essex Eagles at Chelmsford after the home side had earlier been dismissed for 189. Aftab Habib scored a slow 53 but helped beef up his team’s run tally. Darren Robinson and John Dakin also contributed to the below-par score. Sussex began positively in reply and at one point, Murray Goodwin (55) and Turk (36) put on 83 for the third wicket but they were both caught by John Stephenson. After this the batting fell apart and when Mark Waugh was introduced into the attack the collapse was complete, with the Australian claiming three for 14 to help Essex round off a superb season with a 29 run victory.Graham Thorpe returned to Surrey Lions’ line-up and roared his way past the Gloucestershire Gladiators to record a stylish 104 ball 114 before he was caught and bowled off Mike Smith, who claimed five for 30 at The Oval. Ali Brown was trapped leg-before to become Smith’s first victimand the bowler then claimed the wickets of Mark Ramprakash and Ian Ward with the score on 31. Thorpe though remained resolute and found the boundary on 14 occasions. Adam Hollioake and Jon Batty aided him along the way as their side made 263 for eight. In reply Gloucestershire never really got off to the start they needed and after Craig Spearman and Jack Russell’s opening stand had been broken, wickets fell cheaply and easily. Hollioake picked up figures of three for 15 as the home side won by 79 runs.Luck was on Yorkshire Phoenix’s side as they shot down Kent Spitfires to record a 79-run victory at Headingley. Once Steve Waugh had been run out for a run-a-ball 37, wickets fell regularly with Kent lasting 37 overs to score 220. Ed Smith and Mark Ealham, who smashed five fours and two huge sixes, had set the tempo early on but then found it hard to keep momentum going. Earlier, Yorkshire had been put in to bat and made full use of the pitch. Austrlian Matt Elliott set the standard with a deserved century and was savage to all of the visiting bowlers. He found the gap time and time and again and his running frustrated the fielding side. Along with Anthony McGrath (85*), he put on 198 for the fourth wicket to give Yorkshire a commanding total of 299 for three and in the end a deserved victory.Derbyshire Scorpions were indebted to Steve Selwood as they finished their season on a high with a comprehensive 22-run win over Middlesex Crusaders at Derby. The home side struggled early to Tim Bloomfield (three for 28) before Selwood settled in and played patiently for his unbeaten 81. He helped his side make 210 for eight, which in the end proved to be out of reach for Middlesex. They lost Sven Koening and Robin Weston to the first ball of the opening two overs. Ed Joyce and Jamie Dalrymple fought back with half-centuries after being reduced to 34 for four. Their hard work failed to make amends though as Graeme Welch struck six times to finish off his opponents. The visitors were finally dismissed for 188.

Crystal Palace target Jon Moncayola is unlikely to leave Osasuna this summer, La Liga expert Euan McTear has told The Transfer Tavern.

Moncayola is reportedly on Palace’s shopping list, with AS (via Football FanCast) claiming last month that the south London club could make a move for him this transfer window.

The 23-year-old midfielder was one of Osasuna’s standout players in La Liga last season. He finished the campaign with the best pass success rate (81.7%) in Jagoba Arrasate’s squad and also averaged 1.7 tackles per game, only bettered by Raul Navas’ average of three (via WhoScored).

McTear, however, cannot see Moncayola moving to England this summer after he signed a 10-year contract earlier this month.

“He’s signed a 10-year contract to 2031, which is… I’ve never seen anything like that,” the Spanish football expert said. “That kind of tells me he’s not moving this summer.

“I mean, 22 million release clause, I think they made it low enough that if someone comes, he could still leave before the 10 years. But I don’t imagine him signing a 10-year contract, announcing that to the fans and then disappearing.

“He’s been really good for Osasuna. He’s very different to your normal kind of northern Spanish, tough, battling midfielder. He’s a bit more technical than what they’re used to.”

Considering all of that, Moncayola does look like he would be a good signing for Palace this transfer window.

However, given the small problem of that 10-year contract, even with that release clause, it is hard to imagine the Spaniard leaving the El Sadar Stadium anytime soon.

New Zealand Cricket is making a whole-hearted effort to embrace the principles espoused in the Spirit of Cricket preamble to the laws of the game

Lynn McConnell17-Oct-2002New Zealand Cricket is making a whole-hearted effort to embrace the principles espoused in the Spirit of Cricket preamble to the laws of the game.Following on from chief executive Martin Snedden’s tough stance on player behaviour last year, the game’s administrators are going to ensure players at all levels of the game are getting the message about cricket’s virtues and traditions.The Spirit of Cricket was the theme for this year’s New Zealand Cricket Umpires’ Association annual conference, not because of any perceived problems in New Zealand, but because the concept was so topical.As a result stumps stickers will be sent to all Associations, clubs and schools before Christmas with messages regarding the Spirit of Cricket.Posters will also be distributed depicting enjoyment, fairness and some of the icons of fair play who have been part of the New Zealand game. These are designed to win prominent places in clubrooms all over the country.A pocket-sized card with the words from the message about the Spirit of Cricket written by former England captain and International Cricket Council president Sir Colin Cowdrey will also be given to every player.NZC umpiring manager Brian Aldridge said: “We want to impress on everyone that they have a responsibility to protect the game they are playing.”We want them to stop and think about it, about whether they are prepared to ensure the spirit and traditions of cricket.”Because if they are to respect the game, that requires an effort from the players.”There are bounds in the game and in the last 10 years some of those have been stretched a bit,” he said.Aldridge was part of the annual sweep around the country’s coaching structures last month and he did a presentation to all the country’s leading coaches on what was expected of them under the Spirit of Cricket and provided over 300 presentation packs for that message to be passed down through the grades at the coaches’ clubs and associations.”If we can improve the way players act, it will improve the spirit of cricket and it will also encourage parents to have their children play the game,” he said.

Tottenham Hotspur appear to be leading the race to sign the coveted Jules Kounde this summer…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, who delivered a fresh update on the 22-year-old’s future to the 4-4-Two podcast this week.

The Sevilla centre-back has been linked to Spurs as well as their Premier League rivals Arsenal and Manchester United but it now appear that the latter is out of the running.

“Man Utd will sign a new centre-back [this window]. Raphael Varane is a serious option, he’s one of the biggest names on the list. Kounde is no more a big option for United because Tottenham are going for him and keep an eye on Pau Torres,” he claimed.

Kounde, who is currently at Euro 2020 with France, has an €80m (£68m) release clause but is expected to be sold for less than that, with The Athletic’s David Ornstein recently mooting a fee in the region of £50m.

An exciting claim

Spurs’ managerial search may still be rumbling on well into a third month but it’s hugely encouraging news to see that the club is already targeting reinforcements in a key area.

The Lilywhites were amongst the worst defences in the top eight last term, conceding 45 goals from their 38 league games and that largely boiled down to a combination of individual mistakes and a lack of cohesion, with departed boss Jose Mourinho using over 16 different combinations at the back.

This time last year, the club were desperate for a new central defender and the Portuguese only just managed to secure Swansea’s Joe Rodon before the domestic deadline, but that was more in mind for the future than the here and now.

It leaves the Premier League outfit still in dire need of defensive additions, though it seems as if they will be rectifying that for whoever is appointed ahead of next season.

At just 22, Kounde has quickly proven himself at the very top, leading to a place in Didier Deschamps’ France squad. The versatile 5 foot 10 dynamo can play in the middle and at right-back and was named in UEFA’s Europa League Squad of the Season for 2019/20 after Sevilla’s triumph.

The Frenchman continued his fine form into last season, where he graded as Julen Lopetegui’s highest-rated player (7.01) ahead of 18-goal marksman Youssef En-Nesyri and assist-king Jesus Navas, as per WhoScored.

It’s no wonder La Liga expert Euan McTear dubbed Kounde “really special” to The Transfer Tavern. “He’s still so young, he’s got energy, great positioning too. All the centre-backs, not just in Spain I think, but if you look around Europe, he’s got to be one of the highest prospects,” he added.

If that’s not enough to have fans absolutely buzzing, then his average of three aerial battles won, 1.2 interceptions and an impressive 90.1% passing accuracy per league outing should do the job.

That suggests he’s an intelligent ball-playing defender, something that is very much lacking in N17 right now. If Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez have been dubbed one of the worst partnerships in the Premier League, then Kounde will look like an instant hero in a Spurs shirt.

Now with United seemingly out of the running, it’s all in Daniel Levy and Fabio Paratici’s court. They can really appease the fanbase with this move. Get it done.

AND in other news, Alasdair Gold reveals fresh twist in Nuno Santo pursuit…

Writing on Twitter, reliable club insider ExWHUemployee has backed reports of a significant contract update involving West Ham United star Declan Rice.

The Lowdown: Rice rejects new deal offers…

As reported by reliable outlets like the Guardian and the Evening Standard, Hammers star Rice is now thought to have turned down new contract offers as the club attempt to turn off summer suitors.

Indeed, despite West Ham’s eagerness to keep hold of the 22-year-old, who is currently shining at Euro 2020, the midfielder has apparently snubbed two improved deal proposals.

It is thought that he is not making a ‘concerted’ effort to leave but still wants to be informed of any incoming bids, with Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City all monitoring his situation.

The Latest: ExWHUemployee backs these claims…

Writing on Twitter, club insider ExWHUemployee has now backed these reports with a six-word claim.

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Reinforcing rumours that the player has indeed snubbed attempts by West Ham to tie down their star, Ex simply stated that ‘the information about Rice is true’.

Expanding on this development, Ex says that the offers were simply not befitting of Rice’s ability and the club will have to table far improved terms to secure his future.

Allegedly, the salary proposals were even below what Andriy Yarmolenko is currently earning at the club (£115,000-per-week, spotrac).

The Verdict: Big blow…

This could come as a Hammer blow to the club as they aim to keep their star man and ward off potential suitors, but a silver lining could be that Rice doesn’t seem to be pushing to leave.

ExWHUemployee’s update indicates that West Ham could potentially tie him down by coming back with a much improved offer, but the club may have to make this a top priority given his array of suitors.

As West Ham gear up for a busy campaign including the Europa League group stages, the last thing they will want is to lose their talisman.

In other news: West Ham make approach to sign ‘magnificent’ 34-cap ace for Moyes, find out more here.

The Western Australian Cricket Association today announced an Under-19 team for the forthcoming national youth championships.

Western Australia Cricket Association25-Nov-2002The Western Australian Cricket Association today announced an Under-19 team for the forthcoming national youth championships.The team is:Theo Doropoulos, Steven Jacques (vice-captain), Liam Davis, Dean Brownlie, Ryan Phillimore, Craig King, Matt Johnston, Ross Scali, Rhys May, Justin Coetzee, Brett Mathers, Ty Hopes, Graeme Atkinson and Hayden Patrizi.Former Western Australian off-spinner Bret Mulder will coach the team. Former WA batsman Doug Harris is manager.The team will contest the national titles in Canberra from December 11-22.Following is a brief critique of each player selected.Theo Doropoulos-25/4/85, Captain – Scarborough – This 17 year old bats at number five for the powerful Scarborough first-grade team and his outstanding leadership qualities have seen him named team captain.Steven Jacques-10/12/83, Vice-captain – Joondalup – The young right-arm quick bowls with genuine pace and is currently one of the leading bowlers in the SunSmart Cup.Liam Davis-2/8/84 – Scarborough – Davis is an aggressive opener who is a powerful striker of the ball.Dean Brownlie-30/7/84 – Joondalup – Brownlie is a solid middle-order batsman who bats to the situation in the Steve Waugh mould.Ryan Phillimore-26/10/84 – Bayswater-Morley – Phillimore is a very versatile cricketer, he bats in the middle-order and can bowl left-arm medium pace and finger spin.Craig King-16/3/84 – Wanneroo – King is a very dependable opener who featured in a record 309 run opening stand with Michael Hussey in the SunSmart Cup for Wanneroo earlier in the season.Matt Johnston-15/10/85 – Willetton – Johnston is the side’s all-rounder, equally adept with his probing right-arm medium pace or left-handed batting, he is young enough to qualify for the State Under 17’s.Ross Scali-9/4/83 – Perth – Scali is one of the sides leading bowlers with his accurate left-arm swing and seam bowling. He opens the bowling in the SunSmart Cup for Perth.Rhys May-10/12/84 – Bayswater Morley – May is a very correct batsman who works the ball into the gaps and bats in the middle-order for SunSmart Cup competition leaders Bayswater-Morley.Justin Coetzee-12/6/84 – Scarborough – Coetzee is a gifted left-arm swing bowler who has made an immediate impact opening the bowling for Scarborough in the SunSmart Cup.Brett Mathers-16/1/85 – Wanneroo – This medium-fast swing bowler was a member of the State Under 17’s last season and will look keep things tight opening the bowling into the breeze.Ty Hopes-4/4/84 – Scarborough – This leg-spinner is the fourth Scarborough player to be selected in the team indicating the side should gel together quickly.Graeme Atkinson-23/12/85 – Wanneroo – Atkinson bowls probing right-arm off-spin that has seen him become an integral part of Wanneroo’s SunSmart Cup campaign.Hayden Patrizi1/10/85 – Midland Guildford – The side’s wicketkeeper, Patrizi can still qualify for the State Under 17’s which indicates he plays with maturity that belies his years.

An update has emerged on West Ham target Matheus Pereira, regarding West Brom’s stance on his future…

What’s the talk?

Newly-appointed West Brom coach Valerien Ismael has admitted that he expects West Ham target Matheus Pereira to depart from The Hawthorns this summer. The Express reported last month that Leicester, West Ham and Leeds are all interested in the midfielder, with Ismael now opening the door for a potential exit.

He told The BBC:

“My expectation is that the two players (Pereira and Sam Johnstone) will leave the club.”

Fans will be buzzing

GSB could strike gold for the Hammers with a swoop for Pereira this summer. The West Ham board must sanction a swoop for the Brazilian now that West Brom have let it be known that he is likely to leave before the end of the transfer window.

It seems strange that Ismael would openly admit that Pereira and Johnstone will be leaving the club without any exits agreed already, but perhaps he is attempting to garner more interest in the pair by letting clubs know that they are available.

Fans will be buzzing as it increases the chances of the Hammers being able to land him, as West Brom have admitted that they will not be rejecting all interest in his services. Pereira could be an excellent signing for the London club as he is a player who could get supporters off their seats.

Ex-Nurnberg coach Nate Weiss once lavished praise on Matheus and labelled him as “genius”, whilst former Leeds forward Noel Whelan recently said that he would be excited if the attacker ended up playing at Elland Road for Marcelo Bielsa next season. Whelan has said that Pereira is a fantastic player and is at the right age for clubs to sign him.

He told Football Insider:

“He’s a fantastic player, he’s great on the ball, he can turn people inside out.”

Pereira was directly involved in 17 Premier League goals (11 goals & six assists) for the Baggies as they were relegated back down to the Championship, suggesting that he could be a great addition to David Moyes’ team. He has proven that he can score and create goals in the top-flight and that is why GSB must do all they can to bring him to the London Stadium ahead of next season.

AND in other news, Imagine him and Antonio: West Ham preparing bid for 31 G/A powerhouse, Moyes needs him…

A fine match winning performance by left-handed Mohammad Ali helped Southern Telecommunication Reign (STR II) beat Cantt Sports Club by four wickets in the Seventh Danish Trophy (Ramazan) cricket tournament played on Tuesday at the KGA ground

Sports Reporter13-Nov-2002A fine match winning performance by left-handed Mohammad Ali helped Southern Telecommunication Reign (STR II) beat Cantt Sports Club by four wickets in the Seventh Danish Trophy (Ramazan) cricket tournament played on Tuesday at the KGA ground.Batting first after winning the toss, Cantt Sports reached 152 for loss of eight wickets in their 20 allotted overs.Skipper Khursheed Malik in fine form with the willow smashed 67 runs off 44 deliveries. Zeeshan Ahmed also among the runs scored (25) and Rafiq ur Rehman (24).David Decruze opening the attack bagged two wickets for 23 and was ably supported by left-arm spinner Mohammad Ali two for 27.Set to score 153 runs for an outright victory, STR II reached the winning target in 18.3 overs after losing six wickets in the process.Mohammad Ali was indeed the toast of the winning team, slamming an unbeaten knock of 69 runs in only 46 deliveries laced with six scorching boundaries and two mighty sixes. David Decruze also excelled with the willow while scoring 21 runs and Khurram (20), was the other main scorer.Ali Gohar two for 25, Khursheed Malik two for 33 and Talim Shah two for 39 bowled a tidy line and length.On Wednesday, Rangers Gymkhana meet Khatri Sports at 1-30 p.m.