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Matthew Hoggard took 5 for 56 to rupture Somerset’s innings, but Craig Kieswetter fought back with a fine 83

John Ward at Headingley12-Jun-2009
Scorecard
After a rather insipid first day’s play, the second more than brought the game to life, with some strong individual performances swinging the balance of the match throughout the day. Pride of place goes to Matthew Hoggard, who tore apart the Somerset top-order with a superb spell of swing bowling. Behind him comes Craig Kieswetter, the man who led the visitors’ fightback, followed by Alfonso Thomas, who carried on the job, along with several other sturdy performers. Their efforts mean the match is intriguingly balanced, with the likelihood of a result – a situation not common enough in an era of high-scoring draws.Yorkshire, who began the day on a less-than-glorious 269 for 8, added only eight more runs before their innings closed, with scarcely a ball struck in anger. Charl Willoughby and Thomas took a wicket each, thus both finishing the innings with three, though Willoughby’s economy (30 runs off 23.3 overs) was the more impressive.After their insipid batting, however, Yorkshire fought back with a roar, mainly in the form of the once (and perhaps still future) England bowler Hoggard. He came steaming in from the Kirkstall Lane End to bowl one of the best his spells in years. Marcus Trescothick contributed to his own downfall; shades of David Gower, he drove loosely at the fourth ball he received, which moved away to brush the edge on its way to the keeper. Two balls later Justin Langer fell to an even better delivery, fencing at a ball that moved away and giving Gerard Brophy another chance. Somerset were rocking at 0 for 2 in the first over.Rather surprisingly, Rana Naved opened at the Rugby Stand End instead of Tim Bresnan, and at first did not altogether keep the pressure on, although he later improved. James Hildreth decided attack was the best method of defence and hit five boundaries, two in the same over from Hoggard, in his 20 before he steered a ball from the latter to third slip. With Zander de Bruyn trapped lbw first ball, Craig Kieswetter found himself required to save the hat-trick, which he did by jamming down on a good yorker. The noble Hoggard was rested after a spell of 7-2-25-4; to quote the Yorkshire coach Martyn Moxon: “That’s what he’s capable of with the new ball, a bit of swing and seam, a bit of bounce, that’s him at his best. He’s been working hard in the nets on his bowling, but it’s different in a match and this is a nice start back for him.”One outstanding performance begat another, however, and Kieswetter was the man who led a stirring Somerset fightback. He soon overtook the surviving opener, a rather moribund Arun Suppiah, and scored most of the runs with little apparent difficulty and very little fuss. He lost Suppiah for 20 in the over after lunch, lbw to the left-arm spinner David Wainwright, and then Peter Trego (3) to a brilliant catch by Andrew Gale at second slip off a full-blooded slash – off Hoggard. But he then found a capable partner in Thomas, a big hitter who played with admirable restraint, and the recovery began. Their eventual partnership of 52 finally lost momentum as Kieswetter himself seemed to lose his touch after reaching the seventies; finally, on 83, he slashed at a widish ball from Ajmal Shahzad and Brophy took a fine diving catch.Yorkshire again showed their annoying inability to complete the job quickly as the largest stand of the innings followed, 66, with David Stiff playing a noble innings of 28, his best in first-class cricket, before edging a sharp spinner from Wainwright to slip. The spinner followed up with a beautifully flighted ball that had Michael Munday edging to slip, before Thomas, with the last man at the crease, hammered him for a fine straight six. It was as well he did so, as in the next over Willoughby, showing nifty footwork for a tailender as he constantly retreated far towards square leg, was bowled as soon as Shahzad got one in the blockhole.Thomas, whose 50 took him 115 balls and included only two fours, was unbeaten with 64. Hoggard finished with 5 for 56, while Wainwright’s 3 for 49 was also a very creditable performance. The total was 230; Yorkshire led by 47 runs – more than they would have expected at the start of play, less than they would have expected soon after lunch.Yorkshire had 13 overs to face before the close. Jacques Rudolph went for his shots from the start, playing some fine strokes, but also taking a few risks. Just two overs from the close, one of these brought about his downfall, for 22 off 28 balls, through a mis-hit into the covers off the deserving Willoughby. With Somerset batting last, on a dry pitch Moxon believes will take increasing spin, Yorkshire can be said to have a slight advantage – but, after the events of today, it is clearly still anybody’s game.

Liverpool maintained their 100% record in the early stages of the Champions League, comfortably seeing off Porto 5-1 in the Estadio do Dragao.

The Reds were impressive throughout the 90 minutes as they maintained their advantage at the top of Group B, with Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino each bagging a brace while Sadio Mane slotted in his fourth goal of the season.

But arguably more impressive than the goalscoring exploits of Salah and co. was the eye-catching display of 20-year-old midfielder Curtis Jones.

The academy graduate was starting his second consecutive game after bagging in the 3-3 draw with Brentford over the weekend and once again firmly grasped his opportunity to impress.

He played a pivotal part in four of the five goals on Tuesday night, claiming two assists for his outstanding exploits against the Portuguese giants.

Jones helped to get Liverpool on their way in the 18th minute, bursting down the left wing before cutting inside and shooting at home goalkeeper Diogo Costa’s far corner. And the young shot-stopper could only parry into Salah’s path for an easy tap in.

Things then got even better for Jones on the hour mark. After dispossessing a Porto player in the middle of the park, he surged forward, driving at the opposition defence before picking out an unmarked Salah with a simple pass, and the Egyptian made no mistake with the finish.

The England Under-21 international then grabbed his second assist setting up Firmino for his first of the evening courtesy of some suspect goalkeeping before the Brazilian striker then pounced on the rebound of his blocked volley to wrap up the victory.

It was a magnificent performance from start to finish for Jones, and his underlying numbers back up his exploits on the pitch.

As per SofaScore, the youngster received a match rating of 8.5 out of 10, the joint-highest total awarded to any player. He made three key passes during the 90 minutes, completed all four of his attempted dribbles and won a whopping seven duels.

Jones also achieved a passing accuracy of 89%, created one big chance and had 89 touches, highlighting his influence over proceedings in midweek.

Jurgen Klopp will be hoping for more of the same after his midfield maestro proved to be the real hero on what could have been a tricky night of European football.

And, in other news…Bought for £4.4m, now worth £27m: Liverpool sealed masterclass over “sensational” gem 

Pakistan’s tail offered no resistance at all, but with Danish Kaneria at the forefront of a superb bowling performance, they still managed a 66-run first-innings lead

The Bulletin by Dileep Premachandran21-Jul-2009
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
How they were out
It was a welcome return for Danish Kaneria•Associated PressPakistan’s tail offered no resistance at all, but with Danish Kaneria at the forefront of a superb bowling performance, they still managed a 66-run first-innings lead. By stumps on the second day at the SSC, Pakistan had lost Khurram Manzoor, playing on to Rangana Herath, while adding 16. Sri Lanka’s 233 was largely down to a classy 79 from Mahela Jayawardene and attacking cameos from Kumar Sangakkara (45) and Tillakaratne Dilshan (44), and their plight might have been worse if not for some largesse from the Pakistan fielders.Jayawardene continued his love affair with the ground where he had four successive Test hundreds – it was his 14th fifty-plus score here, a record for a batsman at any venue – but with Pakistan’s slow bowlers bowling beautifully, it was a real tussle for supremacy after lunch. Jayawaredene anchored the innings and a partnership of 71 with Angelo Mathews allowed Sri Lanka to recover from the depths of 82 for 4.Mathews counterattacked from the outset, but he had made just 12 when Kamral Akmal put him down off Saeed Ajmal’s bowling. He drove powerfully down the ground and square of the wicket as Sri Lanka recovered from the loss of Thilan Samaraweera, undone by an offbreak that turnedprodigiously. The star of the show was Jayawardene though. Whether it was driving down the ground, sweeping fine, or clipping precisely through midwicket, he played with all the confidence of a man who knows the venue inside-out.Sri Lanka had lost both openers early, but it was the wicket of Sangakkara just before lunch that tilted the scales in Pakistan’s favour. Sangakkara had been reprieved twice earlier, and had taken just 56 balls for his 45 against bowling that could best be described as erratic.Twice, Manzoor could have had him off Mohammad Aamer’s bowling. The first chance went to his at face-height at gully, while the second brushed his outstretched fingertips and went for four. The first reprieve was especially costly, with Pakistan right on top of proceedings. Younis Khan had just brought himself on to bowl the sixth over, and struck with his second delivery as Tharanga Paranavitana misjudged one that swung in from round the wicket.Malinda Warnapura had lasted just one ball, playing a terrible shot across the line to an Umar Gul delivery that darted back in. But Sangakkara was in fine touch from the moment he arrived, clipping wayward deliveries through midwicket and stroking the ball beautifully down the ground. There was plenty of aggression, and a bit of lip, from both Aamer and Gul, and even Younis had a frustrated shy at the stumps with Sangakkara taking guard several feet outside the crease.On the stroke of lunch, with Jayawardene also threatening to find his groove, Pakistan had much to ponder. But then Ajmal struck with the final ball of his second over, though there was considerable doubt over whether the ball had pitched in line before striking Sangakkara’s pad.The end of the Pakistan innings had been swift, in keeping with the collapses that had cost them the series. Kaneria went leg before to Nuwan Kulasekara and both Akmal and Ajmal choppped deliveries back on to leave Thilan Thushara with figures of 5 for 83.Thushara was to play a part later too after Kaneria, recalled after sitting out the first two Tests, had hauled Pakistan back into the game with a magnificent spell. After being treated for cramps, Jayawardene misread a straighter one that crashed into his stumps. Chaminda Vaas hadbeen trapped leg before minutes earlier, and Dilshan should have followed too without scoring, but Ian Gould failed to spot a gloved paddle-sweep to backward short leg.Kulasekara edged Saeed Ajmal to slip and Herath was given out leg before to Kaneria, before a 29-run partnership between Dilshan and Thushara held up Pakistan. Dilshan, who had come in at No.8 after sustaining a finger injury on the opening day, smashed sixes off Kaneria and Umar Gul and protected the tail-end batsmen by rotating the strike.It took a freakish incident for his defiance to end. Dilshan top-edged a sweep, and the ball sneaked through the helmet grille to cut his eyebrow. Soon after, he went for a cut and Akmal managed to hold on to leave Kaneria with 5 for 62. On a pitch where the ball was starting to turnsharply, it could yet be a winning contibution.

Manchester United have suffered a double selection setback ahead of their Premier League clash with Leicester City a week on Saturday after it was revealed both Edinson Cavani and Fred are expected to be unavailable due to their national team commitments.

What’s the word?

The Red Devils have won just one of their last four fixtures in all competitions, falling to defeat against West Ham United and Aston Villa while a weakened Everton side held them to a draw last time out.

United’s poor form and underwhelming performances have seen manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer come under increased pressure in recent weeks, and now his preparations for their upcoming encounter at the King Power Stadium have taken a significant blow.

According to BBC Sport reporter Simon Stone, South American pair Cavani and Fred are unlikely to feature against the Foxes due to the late final game on international duty.

He tweeted: “Along with others, Man Utd expecting Fred and Edinson Cavani to play in all three South American WC qualifiers, first one overnight, third 0130 kick-off BST next Friday morning, so little chance of them being involved at Leicester the following day.”

Brazil are set to face Uruguay on Friday with a 1:30 am kick-off (BST), and the short turnaround between that match and United’s Saturday fixture at 3 pm, means Fred and Cavani are unlikely to be ready to play.

Solskjaer will be gutted

News that the duo are likely to miss what is set to be a tricky game in the Midlands will surely leave Solskjaer feeling gutted.

While Cavani has only started one Premier League game for the Red Devils this season due to a variety of reasons, he was instrumental in their success last term, bagging 17 goals in all competitions.

Cristiano Ronaldo may have been signed and Marcus Rashford is on the comeback trail but he remains an important part of the furniture, especially on the substitute’s bench.

Meanwhile, Fred has continued to play a pivotal part for the 20-time English champions in the current campaign, starting six of their seven top-flight fixtures to date.

Therefore, their expected absence will be a significant blow to United upon the resumption of domestic football, and Solskjaer will be hoping his side can get back to winning ways without two key players.

And, in other news…Man Utd set to receive big injury boost ahead of Leicester, Ole will be delighted 

For clubs like Crystal Palace, being effective in the transfer market is imperative to their future success, but the south London outfit’s endeavours haven’t always been that productive.

The likes of Mamadou Sakho and Christian Benteke have arrived for hefty fees without producing much on the pitch, but the club’s hierarchy have struck gold over a handful of deals in recent years.

One of Palace’s more fruitful purchases was undoubtedly Dwight Gayle. The striker joined the Eagles back in the summer of 2013 for £4.5m after enjoying an impressive surge up the football pyramid.

Gayle was in the Essex Senior League with Stansted until 2011 and was on loan at Bishop’s Stortford in 2011-12, but his outstanding displays certainly caught the eye.

Having scored 57 goals in the 2010/11 season for ninth-tier Stansted, Gayle got his first break in professional football after being snapped up by League Two outfit Dagenham & Redbridge.

However, he was immediately loaned out to Bishop’s Stortford in the Conference North, and the diminutive forward bagged a further 42 times in all competitions the following campaign.

Gayle signed a new contract with Dagenham upon his return to the club, yet he was shipped out on another loan to Peterborough United soon after, and the Posh snapped him up on a permanent deal just six months later.

And his meteoric rise wasn’t finished there. Peterborough were relegated from the Championship despite the now 31-year-old notching up 13 goals and six assists in 29 league appearances, prompting Palace to make their move.

“The chance came, and I had to grab it because I might not get another,” Gayle said upon his unveiling as a Palace player.

“To be playing in the Premier League from where I’ve come from is a big achievement really. I’m just really looking forward to it, and hopefully, I can take the opportunity with both hands and do well.”

But things didn’t quite go to plan for Gayle during his time at Selhurst Park. During his three-year spell with the capital club, he scored just 15 top-flight goals in 64 outings, ultimately leading to his return to the Championship with Newcastle United.

The Magpies paid £10.8m for his services in 2016, earning the Eagles a healthy profit, and that deal has looked better and better for Palace chairman Steve Parish ever since.

Gayle has failed to find the back of the net on a regular basis in the Premier League throughout his career, and as a result, his market value has plummeted to just £3.6m despite him still being in his prime years.

This shows Parish was right to release the Englishman when he did, banking a tidy fee for his services in the process.

And, in other news…Signed for £9.45m, released for free: Palace endured transfer nightmare over 31y/o ace 

Australia’s batsmen refused to suffer further from the team’s Edgbaston curse as they raced to 126 for 1 on a first day significantly curtailed by rain

Peter English at Edgbaston30-Jul-2009Australia 126 for 1 (Watson 62*) v England
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
Shane Watson played confidently in his new rule of Test opener•Getty ImagesAustralia’s batsmen refused to suffer further from the team’s Edgbaston curse, which robbed them of the wicketkeeper Brad Haddin after the toss, as they raced to 126 for 1 on a first day significantly curtailed by rain. Shane Watson, who had come in for the discarded opener Phillip Hughes, quickly eliminated any doubt over his unorthodox promotion to add his second Test half-century in his ninth match, an innings which helped justify Ricky Ponting’s decision to bat despite the potential for swing and seam.England’s bowlers were treated like Australia’s on the first day at Lord’s, giving up 85 in 19 overs before they picked up Simon Katich. By then they knew they would not be receiving any significant support from a placid pitch, although they had already benefited from the visitors’ misfortune. Following a long delay when nothing happened quickly, Australia were suddenly thrust into frantic behind-the-scenes action while Ponting was at the toss.All the team discussions over how Australia would recover from a 1-0 deficit required an instant re-think when Haddin suffered a suspected broken finger in the warm-up. With the team sheet already handed in, they had to ask permission to replace Haddin with Graham Manou, the South Australia gloveman, who received an unthinkable debut. The tourists were floored in similar circumstances here four years ago when Glenn McGrath hurt his ankle on the morning of the game, an event which started Australia’s fall to a 2-1 loss.None of this bothered Watson, who knew of his promotion on the eve of the match, and he took guard for the first ball and was soon sending it through cover, point, midwicket and square leg during the 30 available overs. Entering the game with a Test average of 19.76, Watson played like he had been part of the team for years as he drove and pulled with freedom and power. He had failed as an opener with Queensland a couple of seasons ago but gained confidence from his stints there in the limited-overs sides.By stumps there were no immediate regrets over his elevation after he pumped 10 boundaries, including a drive off Graham Onions that was so straight it bounced over the umpire, during an assured 62 off 105 deliveries. His only moment of serious discomfort came in the same over Graeme Swann removed Katich, with Watson missing a sweep and surviving a loud lbw appeal on 37.Moving on quickly, his 89-ball half-century arrived with a clipped two to the legside. It was just what Watson, an allrounder who has fought a series of untimely injuries, needed and his fast-bowling will also provide cover for Mitchell Johnson, the out-of-sorts attack leader.With 11 overs remaining Watson was joined by Ponting, who held firm to finish on 17, eight short of Allan Border’s Australia record of 11,174 runs. Ponting was required when Katich grew too confident and aimed a hefty pull to his first offering from Swann, falling lbw when struck on the front leg. He was unhappy to exit in such ugly fashion for 46 from 48 balls after such a smooth start.James Anderson took the new ball with Andrew Flintoff but both bowled too short before Onions and Stuart Broad experienced some harsh treatment in front of a subdued sell-out crowd. Watson unfurled a crisp off-drive for four from Onions’ second ball and then pulled another to midwicket in the same over. Broad also gave away two early boundaries when he aimed at Katich’s legs and was twice caressed through square leg.Play eventually started at 5pm after rain fell in Birmingham on Wednesday and Thursday morning, but the skies cleared after lunch and the match began in beautiful summer sunshine. The umpires Rudi Koertzen and Aleem Dar were particularly concerned by the soggy run-ups and the damp outfield and called Ponting and Andrew Strauss on to the field during two inspections before they agreed the conditions were suitable.England’s only change from the outfit that won at Lord’s last week was Ian Bell coming in at No. 4 for the injured Kevin Pietersen, but the unaltered bowling attack must re-focus in the morning if they are to trouble their opponents. Both sides need to make an early impact if they are to pursue a positive result as further weather disruptions are expected on Saturday and Monday.

Ricky Ponting has endorsed Michael Clarke to succeed him as Australia’s Twenty20 captain

Alex Brown11-Sep-2009Ricky Ponting has endorsed Michael Clarke to succeed him as Australia’s Twenty20 captain. Despite the strong cases presented by Cameron White and Brad Haddin to assume the 20-over captaincy, Ponting insisted his current vice-captain deserved the promotion and the opportunity to turn around Australia’s fortunes in what is their weakest format.Ponting announced his retirement from Twenty20 international cricket in the aftermath of Australia’s Ashes defeat. An announcement on his successor will be made at the conclusion of Cricket Australia’s board meeting next month but Ponting’s public backing will be difficult to ignore.Australia’s selectors revealed their intended succession plan two years ago when they installed Clarke as Ponting’s deputy in all three forms of the game. Clarke has excelled with the bat in the Test arena ever since but his declining strike-rate in the limited-overs formats has prompted questions over whether he is the man to lead the Twenty20 side.White will presumably come under consideration, having led Victoria to all four finals of Australia’s domestic Big Bash tournament, while Haddin has twice captained the Australian 20-over side this year. Ponting, though, was adamant Clarke follow him into the leadership role and seek to restore confidence to the side ahead of the World Twenty20 tournament in the Caribbean next year.”Michael has done a terrific job in my absence, be it in Twenty20 or 50-over cricket,” Ponting said. “He’s continued to grow as a player and a leader. I know Cricket Australia said at my announcement they would wait until later in the year before they name the captain but Michael’s done everything right and deserves the first crack at it.”Ponting reiterated his belief that standing down from Twenty20 internationals would enhance his prospects of playing through to the 2011 World Cup and the 2013 Ashes. Should he achieve the latter goal, Ponting would join a select group of Australian players to have completed five Ashes tours.”Not playing the World Twenty20 was the hardest thing to do; retiring knowing that was just around the corner and is such a big event,” he said. “It wasn’t that I wanted to get out of that tournament.”[Retirement from Twenty20 internationals] is hopefully going to give me a better opportunity to be able to [play the 2013 Ashes series] and come back here. It was about me wanting to play at the level I feel I can play at in 50-over cricket and Test cricket. With 20-over international cricket there at the moment it was just making it harder to be physically fit and mentally sharp for every game that I was playing.”

Tottenham Hotspur academy graduate Oliver Skipp is in line for a new contract after his impressive breakthrough into Nuno Santo’s first-team this season…

What’s the word?

That’s according to football.london’s Alasdair Gold, who dropped an intriguing claim during a recent online Q&A with supporters.

When asked about the 21-year-old’s long-term future amid speculation he was in line to receive a bumper new deal, the ever-reliable reporter seemingly confirmed such news.

The Sun reported last month that Spurs were preparing to hand the young midfielder a new deal worth £40k-per-week, an increase from around £25k-per-week.

Gold said: “I think it’s just a matter of time.

“He’s a key starter now and he’s only going to get better. He loves it at the club and is a far more developed player than the one who signed a four-year deal 15 months ago, so I think that will be sorted sooner rather than later.”

Fans will be delighted

This would be just desserts for his fine form and emergence in the starting XI in 2021/22.

He has started six of their eight league games, as well as both their UEFA Europa Conference League group matches and the win over Wolves in the Carabao Cup, via Transfermarkt.

In that time, he has seen his value soar to £13.5m, having been £9m less than two-and-a-half years ago, just a few months after making his first-ever start in the Premier League in a 1-0 win over Burnley.

His presence at the base of midfield has been crucial in recent weeks.

He has averaged 2.4 tackles per game, a feat only bettered by the more senior Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Emerson Royal, whilst no player who has started two games or more has done better with the ball at his feet, having averaged a 90.5% passing accuracy, as per WhoScored.

Skipp is widely thought to be a leader in the making after former manager Jose Mourinho tipped him to one day become the team’s captain. He told reporters, via the Evening Standard: “I think he’s genuinely Tottenham’s future”, before later adding: “I see this kid being one day a future captain here by his character, by his personality.”

More recently, England U21 head coach Lee Carsley dubbed him “underrated”, also claiming:

“He’s one of those players that when they are not in the team you notice them. He goes about his business really well. Works on his game. I think he’s still got a lot of development to do.

“He’s going to get better, he’s going to get stronger. Physically he’ll improve the older he gets. He has outstanding ability and I’m sure Tottenham see that as we have as well over the years.”

Much of the Lilywhites faithful have also been left impressed by the young midfield terrier, as seen by their reactions in games against Newcastle United this weekend and during the aforementioned Carabao Cup clash.

They will therefore be absolutely delighted by this exciting development.

AND in other news, Alasdair Gold has also dropped an exciting Spurs transfer claim ahead of January…

One contemporary star lines up alongside greats including Hobbs, Hutton, Barnes and Larwood in England’s side

Cricinfo staff27-Aug-2009Kevin Pietersen is the only player from almost the past two decades to make it into the all-time England XI chosen by Cricinfo, with Ian Botham the next most-recent star to make the cut.Pietersen’s selection, by a panel of renowned cricket writers, journalists and commentators, confirms the impact he has had on the game since he made his Test debut in 2005, but there are no places for anyone else who contributed to England’s Ashes victories in 2005 and 2009.The opening positions are taken by Jack Hobbs and Len Hutton, two of thetrue legends of the game, and they are followed by Walter Hammond at No. 3 and Ken Barrington at No. 4. Pietersen, who is still in the early part of his career but is already recognised as a match-changing batsman, only just made it to final XI, beating off strong competition from Denis Compton, who captured the hearts and the minds of English fans in the post-war years.Andrew Flintoff and Tony Greig both made it to the shortlist for allrounders,but Botham won that contest hands down. “A proven century-maker, unlike Andrew Flintoff, and capable of bowling either fast like Harold Larwood, or outswing like Fred Trueman,” Scyld Berry, the editor of , wrote about Botham. “Hammond at first slip and Botham at second would make a formidable cordon beside Alan Knott.”Knott was the unanimous choice as the wicketkeeper. Sydney Barnes and Harold Larwood won the premier fast bowler’s positions by an overwhelming majority, but it was a closer contest for Fred Trueman who had stiff competition from Frank Tyson. Bob Willis was the only modern fast bowler who came close to selection.The sole spinner’s position went to Derek Underwood, who beat Jim Laker by a single vote.Last month Cricinfo produced a definitive all-time great Australia team, which didn’t include any members of the current Australian line-up. Over the coming year, the website will turn its eye to all of the top Test-playing nations and round off the deliberations with an all-time World XI.Cricinfo also asked readers to select their all-time XIs and the only two differences were that David Gower was voted into the middle order ahead of Barrington and Laker took the spin position from Underwood.For more details click here.The nomineesOpeners
Jack Hobbs, Len Hutton, Herbert Sutcliffe, Mike Brearley, Geoff Boycott, Graham Gooch, Mike Atherton, Michael VaughanMiddle order
Wally Hammond, Ken Barrington, Kevin Pietersen, Colin Cowdrey, Peter May, David Gower, Stanley Jackson, Frank Woolley, Ted Dexter, Denis ComptonAllrounders
Ian Botham, Tony Greig, Andrew FlintoffWicketkeepers
Alan Knott, Bob Taylor, Les Ames, Jack Russell, Alec StewartFast bowlers
Sydney Barnes, Harold Larwood, Fred Trueman, Bob Willis, Alec Bedser, Frank Tyson, John Snow, Darren Gough, Brian StathamSpinners
Hedley Verity, Wilfred Rhodes, Jim Laker, Derek Underwood

Athletic journalist George Caulkin has dropped a big Newcastle update, regarding the managerial situation at the club.

What’s the talk?

In response to a question about Paulo Fonseca on an Athletic post-match Q&A, Caulkin made it clear that PIF are yet to make a decision on Steve Bruce’s replacement. He wrote:

“I was told last night that things aren’t as advanced as that and that no formal decisions have been taken. I think there’s still a way to go in this process and more people to speak to.”

This comes after The Telegraph reported that Newcastle are ready to offer a £6m contract to the Portuguese head coach, with Caulkin playing down those claims.

Buzzing

Newcastle fans will be buzzing by this update from Caulkin as it leaves the possibility of Erik ten Hag taking over at St. James’ Park alive and kicking. Whilst Fonseca could be a solid appointment and has an impressive C.V, the Ajax boss has now emerged as a potential candidate.

The Magpies are reportedly looking to bring Marc Overmars in as director of football and he would like to bring his fellow countryman with him. However, Fonseca coming in would, obviously, rule out any chance of ten Hag coming to Tyneside, which is why this response from Caulkin could leave fans feeling rather excited.

PIF are taking their time with this decision and are prepared to play the long game, which could benefit Newcastle if they are able to attract someone of ten Hag’s talents. That is not to say the Portuguese would not be a solid manager for the club, as he averaged 1.77 points per game in charge of Roma in Serie A across 101 matches. He showed that he can manage a top club and do a respectable job.

As for the Dutchman, he has averaged 2.34 points per game whilst in charge of Ajax in the Eredivise across 180 matches, winning five trophies along the way. He has also led the club to 14 wins in 27 Champions League group stage or knockout matches, showing that he can manage a team successfully at the very top level.

Therefore, supporters will be delighted that Caulkin’s comments leave the door open for a potentially more exciting manager to arrive as Bruce’s replacement ahead of Fonseca. PIF are still looking at other candidates and, hopefully, Overmars will be brought in as the director of football and be able to bring his current employee along with him.

AND in other news, Forget Wilson: Newcastle beast with 8 clearances stole the show vs Palace…