All posts by h716a5.icu

Heavy overnight rain put pay to any thoughts of play in Glamorgan`s final match of their pre-season tour to Cape Town yesterday, and the 50 over match against the Hermanus club was called off without a ball being bowled

Andrew Hignell10-Apr-2002Heavy overnight rain put pay to any thoughts of play in Glamorgan`s final match of their pre-season tour to Cape Town yesterday, and the 50 over match against the Hermanus club was called off without a ball being bowled.Despite the loss of this final one day game, as well as over three hours of play in the three day game against Boland Academy, the tour has given the Glamorgan squad valuable outdoor practice and some competitive warm-up games as they prepare for the start of the new season next week.

Celtic have reached an agreement with Eddie Howe over becoming the club’s new permanent manager, according to credible journalist Stuart Hodge.

The Lowdown: Howe finalising his backroom staff

Links with the former Bournemouth boss replacing Neil Lennon emerged at the beginning of April, but they appeared to die down after the 43-year-old reportedly had second thoughts about taking the Parkhead gig.

He spoke to Crystal Palace about potentially succeeding Roy Hodgson at Selhurst Park, but it seems as if Sean Dyche is the Eagles’ number one choice to replace the former England manager.

It now appears as if a move to Glasgow is back on for the ex-Cherries boss, though, with Howe reportedly finalising his backroom staff at the end of April.

The Latest: Announcement in ‘very near future’

According to Hodge, who shared the news on Twitter on Saturday, an announcement on Howe is expected in the ‘very near future’.

The journalist added that the 43-year-old will become Celtic’s 21st permanent manager, stating:

“Hearing from various sources now that an Eddie #Howe agreement has been struck and that #CelticFC will announce him as manager in the very near future. The Englishman will become the 21st manager in the history of @CelticFC.”

The Verdict: Howe must be motivated by Hoops job

To us, this is a huge boost for the club, as it looks as if they have finally got the man Dermot Desmond met in London for talks six weeks ago.

During that time, Roy Keane and interim boss John Kennedy have been linked with the full-time managerial position at Celtic, but neither of them has the experience Howe boasts. He has more than 500 games of experience in the dugout, with Keane and Kennedy having fewer than 200 combined.

Howe admitted back in November that his next role in management would have to be one which ‘really motivated’ him, and it seems as if he is fully on board with the Hoops’ rebuild after Hodge’s enlightening update.

In other news: Source shares big Celtic transfer development; ‘magnificent’ star seems to have chosen new club, find out more here. 

Despite doubts over India playing Pakistan in Pakistan, the Asian Cricket Council has expressed its ‘fullest confidence’ that India will take part in the Asian Test Championship match against its neighbour scheduled to be played in Karachi in

02-Jun-2001Despite doubts over India playing Pakistan in Pakistan, the Asian Cricket Council has expressed its ‘fullest confidence’ that India will take part in the Asian Test Championship match against its neighbour scheduled to be played in Karachi in September this year.”We have no doubt the Indian tour to Pakistan this September will takeplace as scheduled and we are going ahead with the preparations for the grand event,” ACC general secretary Zakir Hussain Sayeed told PTI from Islamabad.Sayeed said both Pakistan Cricket Board and ACC were sure the Indian team would come as per the commitment made by BCCI President AC Muthiah at the ACC General Council meeting at Lahore late last month.”We are fairly certain about the visit as the Indian Government’s letter to the BCCI, which was shown to us at the ACC meeting clearly said India could play against Pakistan in all multilateral tournaments,” Sayeed said.The Indian team’s visit to Pakistan, the first in 12 years, came under a cloud after Sports Minister Uma Bharti questioned the BCCI committing itself for the Test without prior Government consent.According to the schedule announced by the ACC, India is to play the Asian Test Championship match against Pakistan from September 13 to 17 in Karachi.Both Sayeed and PCB Chairman Lt Gen Tauqir Zia, who is also the ACC Chairman, will step down from the their posts in the continental body and hand over the reigns to Bangladesh at the forthcoming ACC AGM scheduled to take place in London on June 20.Prior to the AGM, the Asian Cricket Foundation will meet on June 16 inLondon to finalise its development programme, Sayeed said.The ACC office-bearers are elected on a rotation basis. Sri Lanka held the post first following its formation, followed by Pakistan.Sayeed said the ACC has made considerable progress in developing a special identity for the region by securing $6.5 million aid from the ICC to develop cricket in 11 countries in Asia.Besides initiating development programmes, the ACC conducted the Asian Cricket Championship and the Asia Cup limited overs matches.The highlight of the forthcoming ACC meeting would be the finalisationof the new constitution which has been prepared to synchronise with the constitution of ICC, Sayeed said.

Speaking to Italian broadcaster Sport Mediaset, via Inside Futbol, former Serie A star Francesco Graziani has dropped a Tottenham claim involving Inter Milan boss Antonio Conte. 

The Lowdown: Conte linked with Spurs move

There have been reports of Tottenham holding an interest in the Nerazzurri manager since Jose Mourinho was dismissed last month, with Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness) even going as far as to say talks have already been held over his possible appointment.

Indeed, another report from Italy, this time courtesy of Calciomercato24.it, claimed that Tottenham are willing to offer a ‘monstrous’ contract of €17 million-per-season (£14.5 million) over three years.

However, despite these updates coming from the continent, sources closer to home dismiss Conte’s links with Spurs (Alasdair Gold).

The Latest: Graziani drops Conte claim

Speaking to Sport Mediaset (via Inside Futbol), 1982 World Cup winner Graziani has still touted Spurs as a credible option for Conte despite the 51-year-old having just lead Inter to their first Serie A title in 11 years.

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“Anything can happen [with Conte’s future],” he explained.

“If the club [Inter] do not find financial stability and the possibility to plan for a certain future, it is clear if Conte could go to Tottenham, with important goals, he could think about going.

“He wants to understand if from now there are the conditions to continue to be competitive.

“He is hungry and it seems right that he checks.”

The Verdict: Take it with a pinch of salt…

While Conte enquiring over the Tottenham vacancy is a possibility from his side, it is debatable whether Spurs will reciprocate that interest despite claims in the Italian media.

His reported sky high salary could make him a tough acquisition amid the financial plight caused by coronavirus and reliable correspondent Gold is under the belief he is not on the Spurs radar as of this moment (football.london).

That being said, we believe he would be a truly brilliant appointment in north London, however unlikely.

Former Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara is among his many admirers, with the pundit calling him ‘brilliant’ in an interview with talkSPORT (via the Boot Room) recently.

As well as this, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has heralded Conte as a tactical ‘master’ (via Reuters).

His credentials are there, evidently, but it could be notoriously difficult to pull off a move and arguably out of Tottenham’s reach.

In other news: Journalist relays ENIC promise to supporters after big development, find out more here.

One-day Tournament (Associations): Match Report

Mahmood Ahmed29-Apr-2001Karachi Cricket Association Blues trounced Lahore Cricket Association Blues by 6 wickets in the first match of the One-day Tournament (Associations), played at the LCA Ground, Lahore.Asked to bat first on a grassy track, Lahore Blues got to a fine start, with their openers – Aamer Manzoor and Kamran Akmal – posting 33 on the board in about 7 overs. However, disaster struck when they lost three wickets with the addition of only 5 runs, reducing the home team to 38 for three by the 8th over.It was then up to a fine effort by Mohammad Ashraf Ali (67 off 110) to hold the innings together. however, there was little support for him at the other end, with the middle order just failing to make any worthwhile contribution.Losing 7 of their top batsmen for just 108, even 150 looked a remote possibility. However, Ashraf found an able ally in Ahmed Khan. Both batted with responsibility, taking the score to 170, after adding 62 for the 8th wicket.After the departure of Ashraf at this stage, all the resistance just fizzled out, the remaining batsmen even failing to play out their full quota of overs. they were eventually all out for 198 in the 50th over, with Ahmed Khan remaining not out on 40 (68 balls, 4 fours).For Karachi, Rajesh Ramesh, Rizwan Qureshi, Mansoor Khan and Rizwan Saeed bowled well, getting 2 wickets each. Harris Ayaz bowled tidily for his ten overs, bagging one wicket for just 27 runs.Karachi Blues had not a confident start to their innings, losing Tariq Haroon for naught with only 8 on the board. But then a second-wicket partnership of 73 in around 11 overs between Zahid Ghouri (77 off 67 balls, 12 fours) and Atif Ali Zaidi (37 off 37 balls, 6 fours) completely turned the tables.Thereafter, it was just a matter of time when Karachi overhauled the required target of 199 in the 41st over, with Mansoor Baig and Bilal Murtaza remaining not out on 42 (67 balls) and 16 (40 balls), respectively.Lahore skipper employed seven bowlers in an attempt to thwart the Karachi’s cruise towards victory. However, none of them, except Salman Qadir could impress the batsmen. Salman bagged two wickets for 42 in 10 overs.

Alex McLeish has been having his say on Roy Keane after the 49-year-old came back into contention to land the vacant Celtic manager position.

According to Football Insider, the former Hoops midfielder, who was interviewed for the position last month, is back in the running to become Neil Lennon’s long-term successor.

That’s because talks with Eddie Howe have failed to progress, with the former Bournemouth boss having second thoughts on a move to Scotland.

McLeish was talking to Football Insider following the latest update on Keane, with the 62-year-old labelling the Irishman’s winning attitude as ‘mental’ and ‘incredible’ .

“I’ve met Roy a few times and knowing his character, he’s box office on television.

“He is really good and I like to watch him and listen to him. He’s got experience but not only does he have experience, he’s also got an incredible mental, winning attitude.

“You would think, with his association to Celtic in the past, that he would definitely be on that list.”

Transfer Tavern take

Keane may well be ‘box office’ as a pundit, however, he’s been out of the managerial game for over a decade, so making him the new Hoops boss could be a gamble.

We feel as if Celtic need to step up their search for a new manager with Dominic McKay now through the Parkhead door or they risk a summer of chaos. However, to do that, it seems as if they’ll need to fill their newly created director of football role first.

Reports last month suggested that the club plan to have a DoF in place prior to appointing a new manager, and with the summer window opening in a few months time, the Hoops may need to get a move on over the coming weeks.

In other news: New DoF candidate emerges who Hoops fans may remember, find out more here. 

Leicester City missed the chance to strengthen their hold on a Champions League place as they were held to a 1-1 draw against 10-man Southampton on Friday night.

Jannik Vestergaard was sent off in just the ninth minute of the game but Brendan Rodgers’ Foxes could not find a way through before the interval, even falling behind to James Ward-Prowse’s second half penalty before Jonny Evans rescued a point.

A huge culprit of Leicester’s failure to earn three points at St Mary’s on Friday was in-form striker Kelechi Iheanacho. Despite having scored 14 goals in all competitions since early February, the Nigerian was a disappointment on the south coast last night.

According to WhoScored, he had three shots throughout the game, failing to draw Saints stopper Alex McCarthy into any strenuous work with any of them.

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He provided two key passes and it was his cross which was headed home by Evans for the eventual Leicester equaliser, but that does not quite tell the whole story of Iheanacho’s evening.

The £13.5m-rated striker could only accumulate a woeful pass accuracy rate of 58.3%, which was by far the worst from a Leicester player. This is compounded by the fact that Iheanacho lost possession on 16 occasions throughout the 90 minutes according to SofaScore as he continually struggled to control the ball.

Having also failed to complete a dribble and being flagged offside once, the Nigerian served to frustrate his team.

To compound that frustration, the former Manchester City man was at fault for the hosts’ goal, with his handball directly resulting in a penalty kick being awarded and then converted by Ward-Prowse.

Considering that the Foxes were up against ten men for almost the entire match, Rodgers will surely be fuming at Iheanacho’s hugely wasteful performance against Southampton.

AND in more news, find out why Leicester have been boosted in their pursuit of a La Liga star…

Two early first-half goals were enough to see ten-man Queens Park Rangers to victory this weekend, but it could’ve been a different story thanks to the sorry display of one struggling Hoops star.

Defensive duo Rob Dickie and Lee Wallace – who scored his first-ever goal in the Championship – had the west London outfit two-up inside 20 minutes before Middlesbrough grabbed one back before the break.

Mark Warburton then saw his goalkeeper, Seny Dieng, sent off on the hour mark as he brought down Ducan Watmore with a rash and late challenge, though he can be forgiven as it was his bravery and impressive shot-stopping that had kept QPR in the match until that point

In fact, the 58-year-old revealed the coveted gloveman was actually playing with a broken nose and his replacement, Joe Lumley, equally stepped up to the plate and delivered.

Warburton can count his lucky stars that they walked away with three points, let alone one – or at worst, none – because young defender Osman Kakay proved to be a liability in the back three.

Indeed, the 23-year-old was graded as the Rs’ worst-performing player on the afternoon, as per SofaScore ratings, where he was given a 6.1 and that was lower than Dieng (6.5), too.

Something that would be backed up by West London Sport in their post-game review. ‘Started at right centre-back and was given the runaround on occasions by the wily [Yannick] Bolasie,’ they wrote.

Kakay struggled immensely with the threat of Bolasie and Watmore, losing four of his five duels (80%), both on the ground and in the air. He also earned a yellow card for his troubles – the only other player to receive a booking besides the sent-off goalkeeper.

In addition to that, the Loftus Road academy graduate was hugely wasteful in possession, losing the ball 20 times, which was the most of anyone that featured and six more times than any other visiting Rs star, as per SofaScore.

It means the right-sided defender lost the ball once every 2.5 touches and once every 4.5 minutes, so it’s no wonder that Boro edged possession (51%) as the QPR ace regularly gifted the ball back to the home side.

Kakay was also poor in the passing game, making just 57% of his 37 attempts, comfortably the worst of any QPR starter besides Lyndon Dykes, but strikers aren’t supposed to be outstanding in possession compared to a centre-back who needs to play the ball out from the back.

All in all, Warburton is lucky that Boro didn’t punish this shocking display further as it could have certainly seen them drop a valuable three points.

Kakay’s performance very nearly cost QPR and his place in the starting XI must be questioned going into Tuesday’s game with Swansea City.

If ever there was an audition for the vacant manager’s role at Celtic, then it was passed with flying colours on Saturday afternoon at Parkhead. The Bhoys were at their free-flowing best putting in a performance that rolled back the years.

Celtic smacked their opposition for six, displaying arguably their best form of the entire season yet.

It was an outcome that could prove timely for their interim manager. John Kennedy may only have a few more weeks left in the job with Eddie Howe so relentlessly linked with a move to Paradise.

Though, Kennedy staked his claim beautifully this weekend as the Hoops finally rid themselves of the tight shackles that have been holding them back.

Moi Elyounoussi has found a rich vein of form and added to his strike against Rangers by netting twice on Saturday and picking up an assist. From an attacking point of view, there was much to savour in a 6-0 rout of Livingston.

That being said, those in the defensive ranks were near perfect. Celtic’s backline has been questionable at best this term. They shipped 19 strikes in six Europa League outings and have conceded 14 more goals than Rangers in the Scottish Premiership.

This, however, was one of their most comfortable afternoons yet. Kristoffer Ajer defended well and played a role in Elyounoussi’s opening strike.

Yet, it was Stephen Welsh who was arguably the most dominating. This has been a breakthrough campaign for the defender and on Saturday, he looked a player beyond his years.

Like Ajer, the centre-back was quick to step forward and it was his constant pressing that ultimately led to Celtic’s third goal of the contest.

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Welsh was competent with the ball at his feet and completed an eye-catching 93% of his passes. In total, he completed 107 passes, 29 more than anybody else on the field of play.

The 21-year-old also took more touches (128) than anyone else by 33. It was a combative display from the young Scotsman, a player who appears to be getting better by the game.

He was strong in the tackle and won a whopping 88% of his defensive duels. That means that Welsh only lost one duel throughout the entire game.

Celtic may have won the game 6-0 but a rare clean sheet will do this team wonders. With Ajer and Welsh pressing from defensive positions, it allowed the Hoops to get further up the field and score goals in abundance.

This was a near-complete performance from the Glaswegians.

AND in other news, Celtic may sign their best striker since Larsson with move for “powerful” £45k-p/w ace…

Celtic would be taking a huge ‘gamble’ if they appoint Enzo Maresca as their new manager, according to Kevin Phillips.

The Hoops are weighing up the candidates for Neil Lennon’s permanent replacement after the Northern Irishman resigned in February.

Maresca has been one name mentioned as a potential successor, with Italian journalist Nicolo Schira even claiming he was Celtic’s ‘first target’ for the job.

Phillips explains why Maresca may not fit the bill

However, Phillips – the English Premier League’s Golden Boot winner in 1999/2000 – has issued a warning.

He pointed out that there is a requirement for immediate success at Parkhead and that swiftly dethroning Rangers may be too big an ask for Maresca, currently in charge of Manchester City’s under-23s.

“It would be a risk because Celtic need to be challenging next year at the very minimum. They really need to win the league,” Phillips told Football Insider.

“To take a young manager, who has no experience of Scottish football or managing a first team is a big ask.

“Rangers are flying so I think Maresca would be a big risk. If it was a long-term rebuild and they hadn’t won the title in years then maybe. It would be like when Rangers appointed Gerrard.

“But next season Celtic need to be challenging for the league at the very least. Maresca would be a gamble.”

Enzo Maresca’s credentials

As Phillips mentioned, Maresca has not taken charge of a team at senior level before, but he has been an assistant coach at Sevilla and West Ham (Transfermarkt). He worked under Premier League-winning manager Manuel Pellegrini at the London Stadium during the 2018/19 season.

The 41-year-old Italian is doing an excellent job with Man City’s youth side. They are two points clear at the top of Premier League 2 with a game in hand and their goal difference of +30 dwarfs that of the teams below them.

The big question, of course, is whether he can make the step-up to senior football management.

Transfer Tavern verdict

As much as Rangers’ celebrations are a galling sight for Celtic fans after watching their side win nine consecutive titles, perhaps they could actually afford to exercise some patience.

The Gers will take some catching regardless – they’re 20 points ahead with six games remaining and they haven’t lost a league game all season.

Perhaps the Hoops should be willing to accept a little more short-term pain for long-term gain. After all, their Glasgow rivals have bought into a project with a previously unproven coach in the form of Steven Gerrard, and the signs are very promising for him. Maybe Celtic could have similar success if they take a punt on Maresca.

In other news, this former Celtic player is reportedly interested in the job.