All posts by h716a5.icu

Graham Thorpe has ruled out a return to first-class cricket with Surrey for the remainder of the season

Stephen Lamb20-Aug-2002Graham Thorpe has ruled out a return to first-class cricket with Surrey for the remainder of the season. The decision casts further doubt on his availability for England’s tour of Australia this winter.The 33-year-old Surrey left-hander decided to take a break from all cricket following England’s 170-run first Test win over India at Lord’s on July 29, afortnight after retiring from the one-day international scene.Thorpe said both decisions were taken to sort out his personal life, following the break-up of his marriage. His main priority is to spend time with his two young children, Henry and Amelia.Hopes that Thorpe would return for Surrey before the end of the summer appear to have been dashed following a meeting with Surrey chief executive Paul Sheldon.A Surrey spokesman confirmed: “It’s extremely unlikely that Graham will playfor Surrey again this season. The club have been very supportive of him during this difficult time and have no doubt he will return from this break reinvigorated and ready for next season.”Thorpe is highly regarded by the Australians, whose captain Steve Waugh said: “He’s a class player and he has made a decision that’s right for his family. You have to respect him for that. It’s a courageous decision when you are playing for your country and he wouldn’t have made it lightly. I just hope he comes back and plays Test cricket or one-day cricket again.”The Ashes party is due to be announced either before or after the final Testagainst India at the Oval, which starts on September 5.

Lots of Everton fans have been left to rage as a manager update emerged on Rafa Benitez.

As per Duncan Castles (via The Toffee Blues), Bill Kenwright is said to be pushing for the former Liverpool boss to succeed Carlo Ancelotti, as Nuno Espirito Santo has not been offered a formal deal by the Goodison Park faithful as of yet.

A lot of Merseyside club supporters simply do not want Benitez to be hired, as he used to manage and was so fondly remembered by Liverpool, given that he won the UEFA Champions League with them back in the 2004/05 season (Transfermarkt), while others believe that other candidates would be far more suited to the position.

Even though he does have the experience of managing in the Premier League, with Chelsea and Newcastle United too of course, the Spaniard has not done so since the 2018/19 season (Transfermarkt), and at 61 years of age, the Toffees may want to look for a younger coach with fresh ideas.

Everton fans on Benitez manager update

These Blues supporters fumed as the manager update was shared on Twitter:

“Sack the board”

Credit: @aGloversStory

“Of course he did! Get him out of our club”

Credit: @L91EFC

“How can Bill push for anything? Why is he still there?”

Credit: @TBlue29

“Oh dear”

Credit: @Barrygpearce

“If it’s true Kenwright, leave.”

Credit: @toffees_tiger

“Don’t you dare Bill”

Credit: @mcgrathto

In other news, find out what manager update has left EFC fans buzzing here!

Leeds United have one of the brightest young keepers in the Premier League with Illan Meslier who has impressed during his debut Premier League season, so former Leeds midfielder David Norris admits he can’t see the club bringing in free agent Paulo Gazzaniga.

6 ft 5 colossus Gazzaniga has eventually left Tottenham Hotspur after being at the club since 2017 and having made just 37 appearances, and with Leeds likely to sell Kiko Casilla this summer, the Argentina international could be set for another bench-warming role, this time at Elland Road, something fans would like to see.

The link between Marcelo Bielsa and Gazzaniga is obvious with them both being from the same country, however, if Gazzaniga had no chance of being the number one, it would make more sense to just promote from within their academy.

Meslier was only handed a few starts towards the back end of Leeds’ Championship winning season, however, he grasped his opportunity with both hands in the top flight so it would not make sense to bring in Gazzaniga this summer, according to Norris who made the strong claim exclusively to Football FanCast:

“I’d be surprised because I can’t see it happening as they’ve got Caprile as the third choice at the moment, and I’m not 100% sure if Casilla is going back to Spain.”

It would be quite impressive if next season Bielsa did trust Elia Caprile to be the number two at Leeds as that would give their goalkeepers a combined age of just 40-years-old.

Gazzaniga was always seen as a number two during his time with Spurs and considering he is now 29-years old it would likely be the best time for him to step up and be a number one at a club.

Somerset County Cricket Club are staging an Introduction to Cricket Coaching course during this coming October that is specifically aimed at young cricketers between the ages of fourteen and twenty years of age

Richard Walsh15-Sep-2002Somerset County Cricket Club are staging an Introduction to Cricket Coaching course during this coming October that is specifically aimed at young cricketers between the ages of fourteen and twenty years of age.The sessions will be held at the Centre of Excellence at the County Ground in Taunton, and will take place between 2pm and 4.30pm on Saturday’s October 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th.The intention of the course is to introduce young cricketers to coaching with the emphasis very much on developing communication, personal and cricketing skills.All the necessary equipment will provided for those who do not already have their own, and all that is required are cricket whites or tracksuit trousers and soft soled non-marking footwear.The Introduction to Cricket Coaching course will be staffed by fully qualified coaches and led by SCCC’c Brian Hoyle and Ben Wellington.The cost of the course will be £50 and further details of the course which is expected to generate considerable interest can be obtained by contacting Guy Wolfenden at the Centre of Excellence on 01823 352266.Somerset Cricket Development Officer Andrew Moulding said: "This is proving to be a very popular course among young cricketers who want to find out more about the game and get a start in the coaching field."

The Tasmanian Selectors have today announced an unchanged Cascade Tasmanian Tigers team to play the New South Wales Blues in the Pura Cup match from Friday, 8th November to Monday, 11th November 2002 at the SCG in Sydney.

Tasmanian Cricket Association04-Nov-2002The Tasmanian Selectors have today announced an unchanged Cascade Tasmanian Tigers team to play the New South Wales Blues in the Pura Cup match from Friday, 8th November to Monday, 11th November 2002 at the SCG in Sydney.CASCADE TASMANIAN TIGERS

Jamie COX (Captain)
Sean CLINGELEFFER
Graeme CUNNINGHAM
Gerard DENTON
Michael DIGHTON
Michael DiVENUTO
Shane JURGENSEN
Daniel MARSH
David SAKER
Shannon TUBB
Shane WATSON
Damien WRIGHT

Everton still have a chance to land Christophe Galtier as Carlo Ancelotti’s successor at Goodison Park.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by French publication L’Equipe (via Sport Witness), who claimed that the 54-year-old – who recently left Lille after guiding them to the Ligue 1 title – could still be an option for Everton as they seek to appoint Ancelotti’s replacement this summer.

It is reported that, despite Galtier appearing close to taking over at Nice, as well as Farhad Moshiri seemingly close to appointing Rafael Benitez at Goodison Park, there is still a window of opportunity for the Toffees to move for the Frenchman, with whom it is claimed Everton have been in talks about their vacant managerial position.

Fans would love Galtier

Considering just how firmly opposed to the potential appointment of Benitez large sections of the Everton fan base appear to be, with many celebrating a recent report linking the 61-year-old to the Fiorentina job, as well as how strongly many fans have backed the club’s links with Galtier – with a #GaltierToGoodison campaign having been started on Twitter – the news that there seemingly remains a chance of the club moving for the Frenchman this summer is sure to leave fans buzzing.

Also, considering the job the 54-year-old did during his three-and-a-half-year stint in northern France, it is unsurprising as to why many Evertonians would love to see the Frenchman, who Jose Fonte dubbed an “excellent” coach, in their club’s dugout next season.

Indeed, having taken over a Lille side which was fighting to stay in the top flight of French football back in late December 2017, Galtier picked up 19 points over the club’s 19 league games that season, seeing them survive relegation by a single point come the end of the campaign.

With the help of director of football Luis Campos, who made a number of highly impressive signings such as Jonathan Ikone, Zeki Celik, Rafael Leao, Renato Sanches, Victor Osimhen, Sven Botman and Jonathan David over the next three seasons, Galtier then led Lille on something of a meteoritic rise. They secured a second-place finish in 2018/19, a fourth-place finish in 2019/20 and finally achieved the almost impossible feat of knocking Paris Saint-Germain off their perch last season by winning the Ligue 1 title.

As such, with Everton looking to break into the top four in the Premier League in a bid to bring Champions League football to Goodison Park, Galtier would appear to be a perfect candidate for this task. We believe that Moshiri must do all he can to convince the 54-year-old of a move to the Toffees this summer, while simultaneously putting a move for Benitez on the backburner.

In other news: Imagine him & Dumfries: Brands must seal Everton swoop for £34.5m “absolute beast”

West Ham United have reportedly made an offer to sign out-of-contract Napoli defender Nikola Maksimovic, according to Corriere Dello Sport journalist Antonio Giordano (via Area Napoli).

THE LOWDOWN: DEFENDER SET FOR THE NAPOLI EXIT DOOR

Maksimovic’s contract with Napoli is set to expire this summer, and it appears as though he’s attracting interest ahead of the 2021/22 season.

He first signed for the club in 2016, and went on to make 99 appearances in total, although he found regular minutes in the 2020/21 campaign hard to come by on a consistent basis.

With Fabian Balbuena being released by West Ham at the end of his contract with the club, it seems as though David Moyes is keen to add to his defensive options at the earliest of opportunities.

THE LATEST: WEST HAM MAKE THEIR MOVE TO LAND MAKSIMOVIC’S SIGNATURE

According to Corriere Dello Sport journalist Antonio Giordano (via Area Napoli), West Ham have reportedly made an offer to land Maksimovic’s signature this summer.

The defender is available on a free transfer, and with no new agreement with Napoli in place, it seems as though he’s likely to be heading for the exit door in the near future.

“He has had offers from Betis, Sevilla, West Ham and Crystal Palace but has not decided,” Giordano claims.

It remains to be seen as to whether the defender is keen on a move to Moyes’ side, although the prospect of playing European football could make it a tempting proposition for the £9million-rated man.

THE VERDICT: IT COULD BE A SMART BIT OF BUSINESS BY THE HAMMERS

This would be a real statement of intent by the Hammers heading into the new Premier League campaign, which is set to get underway in August.

They’re going to need additional strength in depth in their team this term, as they’re competing in Europe, as well as domestically in the Premier League.

Maksimovic has experience of playing in the Champions League whilst with Napoli, so he could be exactly what West Ham need moving forwards, adding depth and know-how at the highest level.

On a potential free transfer as well, this could turn out to be an excellent bit of business for the Hammers this summer.

MELBOURNE – The Australian cricket team has been acclaimed as the bestin living memory by a member of Don Bradman’s Invincibles.

AAP19-Nov-2002MELBOURNE – The Australian cricket team has been acclaimed as the bestin living memory by a member of Don Bradman’s Invincibles.Keith Miller, regarded as Australia’s greatest allrounder and a memberof Bradman’s all-conquering 1948 tour of England, said Steve Waugh’s mendeserved every accolade they received.In a rare public appearance tonight, Miller said the current Australianside was the best he had seen and had the all-round skill and depth tocontinue dominating world cricket.”We have to be the best side that I’ve seen, without doubt,” Miller tolda dinner in Melbourne.”I think they’re brilliant.”The batting is outstanding, the bowling is pretty good too and thefielding is just brilliant, just brilliant.”He said Australia had an unrivalled depth in first-class cricket.Miller, 83 next week, is well qualified to judge teams having played ahandful of Tests with Bradman, including the 4-0 drubbing of England inthe 1948 Ashes series.In total he played 55 Tests and scored 2,958 runs including sevencenturies and took 170 wickets.Miller was also an outstanding footballer before he turned to cricketfull time, playing 50 VFL games for St Kilda in the 1940s andrepresenting Victoria.

The West Bromwich Albion squad has reconvened for pre-season training ahead of their return to the Championship. 

New manager Valerien Ismael, appointed following the departure of Sam Allardyce, has the chance to begin implementing his ideas.

The Baggies are looking to bounce back after amassing only 26 points over the course of 38 Premier League games last season, leaving them 19th in the final table, 13 points adrift of safety.

The club’s official social media channels have been posting images of the preparations getting underway in the Midlands, and one of those showed forward Callum Robinson in action, with the caption ‘fit and firing’.

Intriguingly, in the background of the shot, 17-year-old defender Rico Richards is visible.

Richards could make next step after impressing for West Brom youth

His involvement in the senior session perhaps bodes well for the teenager’s chances of making a first team debut during the 2021/22 season.

The attacking midfielder shone for the under-18s last season with seven goals in 13 appearances and that form saw him fast-tracked into the under-23s, for whom he played 15 matches.

Upon noticing him participating in first team training, these Baggies fans erupted with excitement:

West Brom fans delighted to see Richards in training

“IS THAT RICO RICHARDS THE GOAT?????? RICO FOR FIRST TEAM.”

Credit: @wbaollie

“Ricoooo”

Credit: @wbaliam

“Rrriiiccccooo”

Credit: @AndyCapp17

“Go on Rico lad”

Credit: @JamSohnstone

“Superstar Rico”

Credit: @YungNellss

“Ricooooo”

Credit: @Dubishh

In other news, some West Brom fans reacted to reported Premier League interest in this Baggies defender. 

South Africa captain Shaun Pollock admitted there was a “dressing room flutter” during a dramatic run chase on the final day of the second Test against Sri Lanka at SuperSport Park on Tuesday.

Charlie Austin19-Nov-2002South Africa captain Shaun Pollock admitted there was a "dressing room flutter" during a dramatic run chase on the final day of the second Test against Sri Lanka at SuperSport Park on Tuesday.South Africa collapsed to 44 for five chasing just 121 for victory, buteventually emerged victorious after crucial contributions from Neil McKenzie(39) and Mark Boucher (22*)."There were a couple of flutters in the dressing room as we knew that Muralihad a good chance of knocking over the tail," said a relieved Pollock afterwards."But Neil (McKenzie) and Bouch got stuck in and we knew that in those situations you just need one good partnership to see you through."Sri Lanka lost seven wickets for 65 runs in the morning but fought back bravely in the South African second innings."We knew that they would come at us hard," said Pollock. "There were some poor shots but when the you are in there and the ball is flying around, as a South Africa you feel like taking them on."The final day was particularly ill-tempered with verbal exchanges betweenRussel Arnold and Jacques Kallis and then later on between Pollock and KumarSangakkara.Umpires Darryl Harper and Russell Tiffen were forced to step on a couple ofoccasions but match referee Gundappa Viswanath decided to take no disciplinary action afterwards."It was a hard and competitive match," said Pollock. "They have identifiedmental toughness as an area for development and they want to have a presenceon the field. A couple of words were exchanged but the match was a great advert for Test cricket."However, Sri Lankan captain Marvan Atapattu said afterwards that players ofboth sides had overstepped the mark."In those tense moments players pass on the pressure – those things happen, it is part of the game but you should not go over the limit," he said. "I am not sure who started it and I am not going to blame one party but it was a bit too much in this game."Atapattu, although disappointed to have lost, was pleased with the attitude of the players."We knew we were up against tough opposition and had to put one foot forward. I thought we matched them for long periods of the game."