All posts by h716a5.icu

Former Rangers defender Michael Ball has told The Transfer Tavern in an exclusive interview that he does not think Steven Gerrard is ready to leave Ibrox.

Given what the 40-year-old has managed to accomplish this season, some feel that he would be a good candidate for the Tottenham job, with Peter Crouch believing that he is the sort of manager the north London club should be interested in.

However, the retired striker, who played alongside Gerrard for both Liverpool and England, does not think he would leave Rangers for any outfit other than the Reds.

And it is a sentiment shared by Ball, who cannot see the legendary midfielder departing Ibrox now.

Speaking exclusively to TT about Gerrard’s future, Ball said:

“I think everybody probably knows what Steven’s end goal is. I don’t think Steven’s ready to leave Rangers right now.”

It is not hard to see why Gerrard would want to remain at Rangers next season and even beyond.

The Gers boss will surely want to have a go at defending the Scottish Premiership title against rivals Celtic, while what is likely to be his dream job, the Liverpool manager position, is not available and probably will not be for a while as Jurgen Klopp continues to succeed at Anfield.

As Manchester City followed up a stunning Champions League semi-final second leg win against Paris-Saint Germain with defeat to Chelsea on Saturday, putting the Premier League title champagne back on ice, many Sky Blues fans weren’t impressed with Benjamin Mendy’s performance.

Pep Guardiola’s side were looking to mathematically confirm their fifth league crown in total and third under manager Pep Guardiola with a win against the west Londoners, but a number of first team changes combined with Chelsea’s solid performance made it a day to forget.

City rested plenty of big names for the clash, with the likes of Phil Foden, Ilkay Gundogan, Riyad Mahrez, Kyle Walker, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fernandinho and Bernardo Silva all coming out of the first XI from the win over PSG. Kevin De Bruyne was also missing due to not being fully fit, while John Stones couldn’t take part with his domestic suspension (mancity.com), and it’s arguable that the Sky Blues missed them.

City did manage to take the lead, with Raheem Sterling poaching in an effort after a heavy first touch on goal from Sergio Aguero, but the Argentine’s attempted ‘Panenka’ penalty soon afterwards wasn’t able to thwart Edouard Mendy.

As a result, Chelsea came back in the second half with goals from Hakim Ziyech and Marcos Alonso giving them three points at the Etihad Stadium.

One particular problem area for the Sky Blues was their left flank, as both Mendy and Nathan Ake were troubled time and time again. Christian Pulisic and Reece James often bombed forward to good effect, leaving the pair exposed in a tough afternoon, although Ake arguably held his ground more effectively given his 7.0 match rating by SofaScore.

Mendy, on the other hand, lost the vast majority of his ground duels (6/8) and was dribbled past twice on that side (SofaScore), and a number of City supporters duly took aim at his “shocking” performance. One fan even dubbed the 26-year-old a “liability”.

Check out a flavour of the social media verdicts on the Frenchman below.

Man City fans slam Mendy

“Mendy needs to go in my opinion. Shouldn’t be near the team!”

Credit: @PaddyDavidson1

“Pep set up this lineup just to play Mendy and he was complete liability. Sterling is a talented player in poor form. Mendy is way beyond poor form, good form is a rarity for him.”

Credit: @ManchesterMike_

“Mendy and Ake must go this summer! Poor”

Credit: @THEK1NGPIN

“Mendy was shocking and isn’t City quality, dunno why you have an issue with that”

Credit: @MCFCAJ10

“Mendy definitely needs to be moved on. He was shocking today”

Credit: @1cornishblue

“Also before I sleep Mendy was a liability today, exposing Ake so many times”

Credit: @MCFC_Rez

“So why play him. He’s been consistently poor and getting worse. So out of his depth”

Credit: @Mike_Y_653

In other news: Man City fans were, however, excited by this new deal claim…find out more here.

Newcomers to the Redbacks squad are fast bowler Mick Miller, batsmen Ben Higgins and Nathan Adcock (previously in the 1999/2000 squad) as well as Rookies Cameron Borgas, Matthew Weekes and Mark Cosgrove

South Australian Cricket Association12-Jun-2001The SACA have contracted 22 players to the 2001/2002 Southern RedbacksSquad. The players are:Ben HigginsBen JohnsonBrad YoungBrett SwainChris DaviesDaniel HarrisDavid FitzgeraldGraham ManouJeff VaughanLuke WilliamsMark HarrityMichael SmithMick MillerNathan AdcockPaul RofePaul WilsonPeter McIntyreRyan HarrisShane DeitzRookiesCameron BorgasMark CosgroveMatthew WeekesThese players join the ACB contracted players Jason Gillespie, DarrenLehmann and Greg Blewett in the South Australian Team.This year the ACB have set down a rule for Rookies allowing young up andcoming players to be included in the squad in order for them to continue todevelop in the game.Under player movement regulations set down by the ACB, States must havesigned a minimum of 14 players by June 8th, allocating 90 percent of theirplayer payment pool. All states must finalise the complete list ofcontracted players and fully allocate their player payment pool by September30.Newcomers to the Redbacks squad are fast bowler Mick Miller, batsmen BenHiggins and Nathan Adcock (previously in the 1999/2000 squad) as well asRookies Cameron Borgas, Matthew Weekes and Mark Cosgrove. All three Rookieswere members of the South Australian Cricket Academy last year and have beenincluded in the Commonwealth Bank Cricket Academy Squad this season.

Sussex’s acting skipper James Kirtley led from the front with four wickets as his side eased to their first CricInfo Championship win of the season by an emphatic 162 runs against Nottinghamshire at Hove

Bruce Talbot12-May-2001Sussex’s acting skipper James Kirtley led from the front with four wickets as his side eased to their first CricInfo Championship win of the season by an emphatic 162 runs against Nottinghamshire at Hove.Kirtley took 4-65 while there were also four wickets for new ball partner Jason Lewry to give him 9-160 in the match as Notts, chasing 371 to win, were bowled out for 208.Sussex were in the driving seat by lunch having reduced Notts to 45-3. Kirtley removed Guy Welton and Usman Afzaal while Lewry accounted for Darren Bicknell.Kirtley struck again when he took the key wicket of Greg Blewett with the first ball after lunch when the Australian gloved a catch to wicketkeeper Matt Prior and Notts were soon reeling at 67-6 when Kevin Pietersen was caught behind off Lewry and Chris Read lbw to Kirtley offering no shot.Veteran Paul Johnson staged a brief recovery in partnership with Paul Franks, the seventh wicket pair putting on 63 in 17 overs before Robin Martin-Jenkins struck in successive overs to remove Franks and then Gareth Clough leg before.Johnson duly went to his second fifty of the match and finished on an unbeaten 88 from 126 balls with 14 fours, but Sussex wrapped up victory 35 minutes after tea when David Millns was leg before to Lewry offering no shot and Smith bowled by Lewry’s inswinger after an entertaining last wicket partnership of 52 in eight overs with the impressive Johnson.Earlier Sussex had batted on for an hour in the morning before declaring on 298-8 with a lead of 370. South African Smith took two more wickets to finish with 5-37 and a match haul of 10-101.

Queens Park Rangers centre-forward Lyndon Dykes is good enough to play at the highest levels of the game.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to QPR boss Mark Warburton, who recently told the Daily Mail (via Not The Old Firm) that the 25-year-old can play at a much higher level than he currently is with the Championship side.

And, if recent a report by TEAMtalk is to be believed, this could happen sooner rather than later, with all three of West Bromwich Albion, Fulham and Burnley thought to be considering a move for the £1.8 million-rated forward in the summer transfer window.

Warburton said: “For me, there is no doubt about what Lyndon can achieve. He can go and play at a much higher level — at the highest level… he has shown the outstanding work ethic that will get him there.”

Awkward timing

After joining QPR from Livingston in what was a £1.98 million deal last summer, life got off to a relatively slow start for Dykes at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium, as, despite scoring two goals in his first two league matches for the club, the striker scored a mere three goals over his next 30 Championship appearances.

However, the £8,000-per-week ace has burst back into life in recent weeks, scoring seven goals over his last eight league fixtures, in addition to registering three assists in the same period of time.

This form is what seems to have piqued a number of clubs’ interest in a potential move the 25-year-old, although fans of QPR will undoubtedly hope Dykes remains in west London over the summer in order to help the Rs mount a promotion push next season.

As such, Warburton’s remarks regarding the striker appear to have come at a rather awkward time, as, although they were obviously intended in a complimentary manner to the Scotland international, they also appear to reveal that the 58-year-old believes Dykes can play at a much higher level than he is currently – something which may come as slightly concerning news to the Hoops faithful, particularly amid the reports of interest from Premier League sides.

In other news: Get it done: Bhatia must seal QPR swoop for “brilliant” £630k-rated ace this summer – opinion

According to recent reports, Southampton are interested in the summer signing of Newcastle winger, Jacob Murphy.

The report by Football Insider claims that a Newcastle United source has revealed that Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side, along with Rangers and Watford, are keeping tabs on Murphy ahead of the summer transfer window.

It is then reported that, in order for Newcastle to part with the £25,000-per-week winger, any interested party will be required to pay the Magpies’ £3 million asking price for the former England U21 international.

However, Football Insider also claim that Steve Bruce is yet to make a decision on whether or not he would actually be open to selling the former Norwich City man, and could even offer Murphy a new deal in the summer.

Transfer Tavern Take

So far this season, Murphy has found his game time somewhat limited at St James’ Park, with the 26-year-old starting just 10 Premier League fixtures, as well as making a further nine appearances from the bench.

Over his total of 19 appearances, the winger – who has often been utilised at wing-back – has scored two goals and provided two assists, hardly a bad return for a square peg in a round hole playing in a struggling side.

As such, should Hasenhuttl wish to add greater depth to his wide options at the club this summer, for a fee of just £3 million, Murphy could prove something of an astute and cost-effective addition to the Saints squad, although, perhaps more as an option from the bench rather than a starter.

In other news: ‘Give him a lifetime contract’, ‘Love that’ – Many Saints fans gush at ‘brilliant’ contract talk – find out more here!

Celtic’s pursuit of a new manager is now in its ninth week but we are still no closer to discovering who Neil Lennon’s successor will be at Parkhead.

The Bhoys have had a number of head coaches on their radar but a deal still eludes the club’s hierarchy.

What’s the word?

One of the names on Celtic’s shortlist has seemingly been American coach Jesse Marsch.

He’s currently in charge of RB Salzburg and admitted a few months ago that it was an honour to be linked with the Hoops job.

Journalist Christian Falk revealed soon after that he wouldn’t be heading to Glasgow and indeed, that is now on the verge of being confirmed.

A number of other teams have been interested in securing Marsch’s services with Tottenham and Frankfurt making contact in recent days.

However, after Julian Nagelsmann decided to leave RB Leipzig to become Bayern Munich boss, it has left the door open for him to move to another Red Bull associated side.

Taking to Twitter, the ever-reliable Fabrizio Romano dealt a crushing blow to Celtic’s ambitions, saying: “Jesse Marsch is set to become the new RB Leipzig manager – ten Hag was also in the list.”

Disappointing news

With the idea of Eddie Howe arriving in Scotland becoming slimmer by the day, it surely won’t be too long before majority shareholder Dermot Desmond starts searching for other options.

Unfortunately, he won’t be able to target Marsch anymore.

This is a great shame for everyone at Celtic because out of the vast majority of candidates to be linked with the role, he was one of the most eye-catching.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-celtic-manager-and-transfer-news-howe-lampard-klimala-ajer-gossip” title= “Read the latest Celtic manager and transfer news!”]

He might not have the experience or honours of a certain Jose Mourinho but he’s proven adaptable and flexible in recent years with Salzburg.

After all, what Celtic need right now is a manager who can dominate the domestic scene but then prepare suitably for European football.

With a win rate of 67% under his belt, he certainly knows how to crush opponents and the way he took the game to Liverpool, losing 4-3 in the 2019/20 Champions League, shows he can adapt to playing bigger and better sides away from the Austrian Bundesliga.

They finished third in their group that season, ending up on seven points in a pool that included the holders at the time and Napoli. They only lost 3-2 to Atletico Madrid in this season’s Champions League too.

Celtic have long been underwhelming in Europe and ended their Europa League run this term having conceded 19 times in just six games.

Marsch, therefore, could have taken the Bhoys to a different level and made them a more respectable unit in Europe. Take into consideration his idea of pressing and it only adds further glamour to the idea of bringing him to Celtic.

Once more, that could have made them a tougher outfit to break down, something we alluded to when discussing why the club should consider Oostende boss Alexander Blessin.

Both coaches came through the ranks at Leipzig, learning the ways of Ralf Rangnick, the father of the modern-day press.

It’s a big blow to lose out on him when he was so willing to leave Salzburg; Desmond should be gutted.

AND in other news, Forget Howe: Celtic should hire jaw-dropping 47 y/o instead, he’s shades of Rodgers…

Speaking exclusively to Transfer Tavern, former Tottenham defender Graham Roberts believes some players do not want to be at his old club.

If latest reports are to be believed, then there are problems between Jose Mourinho and his squad, and Roberts is convinced some of those Spurs stars no longer wish to remain in north London.

That could especially be the case if Tottenham fail to qualify for the Champions League. Mourinho’s men are currently scrapping it out with the likes of West Ham, Chelsea and Liverpool and could easily miss out on European football’s top competition again, which would do nothing to improve the mood at the club.

On potential player unrest at the Premier League outfit, Roberts told TT:

“We have some great, great players, you know, and the bottom line of it is there’s a lot of unrest. Hugo [Lloris] came out after the Zagreb game and said there’s unrest in the camp, and you can’t have that in a football team and you can’t have that at a football club.

“The bottom line is that we have a football team [where] some of them don’t look like they want to be there. So if you don’t want to be there, then you have to go.

“Go and tell the chairman you don’t want to be there. And the chairman has to get what he can for you because you don’t want bad eggs in the football club as that will just deteriorate the whole club.”

The above is something Daniel Levy could consider as he has done in the past with the likes of Christian Eriksen and Kyle Walker. For now, though, the priority will be trying to win the Carabao Cup and securing a Champions League spot.

Crystal Palace came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw against Everton at Goodison Park on Monday evening.

Substitutes Jeffrey Schlupp and Michy Batshuayi combined late on, with the on-loan Chelsea man being the player to steer home the equalising goal after James Rodriguez had initially given the hosts the lead just ten minutes after the half-time break.

Whilst it was those who were on the bench who eventually had a decisive impact on the scoreline, Wilfried Zaha, who started the game, was a constant threat to the Toffees and probably deserved more than his contribution showed.

According to WhoScored, the Ivorian winger had 73 touches, with only Eberechi Eze, Luka Milivojevic and Patrick van Aanholt having more throughout the game. He also contributed 44 passes, completing them at a 79.6% success rate.

Whilst Zaha did not manage to contribute a goal or an assist throughout the 90 minutes, he went mightily close to adding to the nine Premier League goals and two assists he has already managed to plunder this term.

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The £40.5m-rated wideman produced five key crosses and a further three key passes, with no player on his team managing more. Whilst he was a creative force, Zaha was also an extremely threatening presence himself by firing in three shots – more than any player in the Eagles’ starting XI.

Eventually, Everton did find a way to stop Zaha. Having seen him complete an impressive three dribbles throughout the clash, the Palace winger was then fouled on three occasions by the home side. Only Jordan Ayew, Richarlison and Tom Davies won more free-kicks than Zaha.

Previously praised for his “excellent” performances by Palace manager Roy Hodgson, he will surely hope for a few similar displays from Zaha between now and the end of the campaign.

AND in more news, take a look at which World Cup winner Crystal Palace must sign ahead of Premier League opposition.

Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa should urge the club to make a move for Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard this summer.

What’s the story?

Reports last summer suggested that the Frenchman was on the Premier League side’s radar, but a deal failed to materialise before the end of the deadline, with the forward staying put at Celtic Park.

Now, former Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson has urged Leeds to make a fresh attempt at signing Edouard, insisting that he could prove to be great value for money.

Speaking to MOT Leeds News, Robinson said: “I think there’s a need in the summer to bring a striker in. £15m for Odsonne Edouard is a really great deal. If anyone can get him for £15m, it would be amazing.

“I’d love to see Leeds hijack that deal. Edouard can play as a nine and he’s strong. He’s a player who can also play behind the striker. If you can get him for £15m… I’d like to see Leeds hijack that deal but I think a lot of other clubs will be in for him too.”

Better than Bamford

While Patrick Bamford has led the line well for Leeds in their return to the Premier League this season (he’s bagged 13 goals in the top-flight alone), there’s no questioning that the Whites could do with someone to compete with him – he’s played every single game in the league so far.

In Edouard, Leeds could actually find someone who might actually be better than Bamford.

Described as “talismanic” by former Celtic boss Neil Lennon, the Frenchman has already netted 20 goals in just 33 games this season for the Hoops, and that’s for a side who are in some turmoil given their surrender of the Scottish Premiership title.

One of the crucial things in Edouard’s favour over Bamford is his sheer clinical nature in front of goal. It’s been one of the main criticisms levelled at the Leeds striker over these past few seasons that he needs a number of chances to score, and again, even this season has seen him fit that description – he’s missed 17 big chances and has a conversion rate of 18%.

In comparison, Edouard has missed just ten big chances and a far better conversion rate of 25% – to put that into context, Tottenham star Harry Kane is at 21%.

And, aside from being more ruthless in front of goal, Edouard also offers more in the way of his all-round game. Compared to Bamford, he manages more key passes per match (1.2 to 0.7), more successful dribbles (1.6 to 0.5), and wins more duels too (3.6 to three) – given Leeds play with just the one striker, having someone who can lead the line and excel at multiple areas of the game is hugely important.

It’s exactly why Robinson is right. Bielsa should absolutely urge Leeds to go back in for Edouard this summer

Meanwhile, this Leeds target could wreak havoc with Raphinha…