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Days after the International Cricket Council’s (ICC’s) highest officials – Malcolm Gray and Malcolm Speed – had assured that they would sit down with all concerned parties to sort out player contract terms, the sponsors have hastened to clarify their

Staff Reporter13-Sep-2002Days after the International Cricket Council’s (ICC’s) highest officials – Malcolm Gray and Malcolm Speed – had assured that they would sit down with all concerned parties to sort out player contract terms, the sponsors have hastened to clarify their stand, warning that charity would end with the ICC Champions Trophy.Even though the ICC agreed to compensate the official sponsors for damages incurred by the uncertainty of participation of a few major teams like India, Australia and England, sponsors are adamant that no more concessions will be made in the future.According to media reports, the two official sponsors for the ICC events, LG Electronics India and Hero Honda have spoken out strongly, warning that they would not sacrifice commercial interests for future fixtures. Atul Sobti, senior vice-president of Hero Honda, was quoted as saying, “In the interest of sending the best Indian national team, we agreed to reduce the 30 days provision to 17 days”.Sobti was emphatic that, as a business organisation, it was difficult to be charitable beyond a certain point, and that he wished to see the matter resolved immediately.With the 2003 World Cup only a few months away, there is a certain level of uneasiness in every camp with regard to the player terms. The ICC has inserted an ambush-marketing clause in the contract to protect the official sponsors, and the Indian team will be particularly affected by the clause. It is estimated that US$280 million of the us$550-million sponsorship deal with the ICC has come from companies with commercial interests in India, in view with the huge television audience in the country.The Indian players are now trying to set up a player-represetative body to negotiate on their behalf, and the sponsors are making a move in that direction as well. Ganesh Mahalingam of LG Electronics said, “The time is probably right for a sponsors’ union, because their interests need to be protected also, given the huge investments in the game.”Even though the concessions made by the sponsors ensured that all the nations have sent in their best team to the Champions Trophy, the issue of player terms needs to be resolved at the earliest. With the Indian players putting their feet down and refusing to sign the original contract, it is now the turn of the sponsors to fire warning shots about their equally firm position.

Division One favourites Surrey bowled relegation-threatened Hampshire out for 190 at The Oval

Farid Bakri22-Aug-2002Division One favourites Surrey bowled relegation-threatened Hampshire out for 190 at The Oval. Saqlain Mushtaq claimed five priceless wickets and Ian Salisbury three, as the County Championship favourites looked to extend their lead at the top of the table. South-African born Nic Pothas (58) produced a brave batting display to resist the ample spin the Surrey bowlers found. Will Kendall was the other main contributor, but apart from his 36, the visitors endured a nightmare day at the crease.Leicestershire were indebted to Iain Sutcliffe for a valiant century after Martin Saggers (three for 57) and Mark Ealham (three for 37) made life difficult at the crease at Canterbury. The bowlers shone on their home ground, but Sutcliffe was the batting star. He remains undefeated on 119, and without his efforts the visitors would have been in the field. At the close of play, Leicestershire are 240 for nine.Murray Goodwin and Tim Ambrose both struck half-centuries as Sussex hosted Lancashire at Hove. The home side were were dismissed fairly easily after Glen Chapple claimed four for 61. Peter Martin and Chris Schofield both struck three times as the home side were dismissed for 240. They lost their last five wickets for a mere 11 runs. Lancashire are well set in reply, mainly due to a poor bowling display (Jason Lewry ended with figures of 0/52 off seven overs). Mark Chilton is unbeaten on 39 and David Byas 20, but the extras column recorded 34 needless runs, including 19 wides to leave Lancashire firmly in control on 116 for one.Nick Knight was in the runs yet again, with 98 for Warwickshire after they claimed the last Somerset wicket in the third over of the day at Taunton. The home side had made 408 when Giles Wagg claimed his fourth wicket. The Midlanders began brightly. Knight found the going easy and was helped by his captain, Michael Powell, and Neil Smith. England hopeful Ian Bell scored 31 as everyone pitched in with a few runs. Then came the hosts’ spirited fightback. Jamie Francis claimed five for 73 as the visitors were dismissed for 304. Somerset then built on their lead to end the day on 35 for 0.On day two of their Division Two clash with Gloucestershire, Nottinghamshire went from strength to strength as the in-form South African, Kevin Pietersen scored 116 on his home ground. Usman Afzaal (61) was the first victim of the day with the score at 230-4. Pietersen then followed, leg-before to Mark Alleyne, but a 141-run stand for the fifth wicket between Peter Johnson (83) and wicket-keeper Chris Read (80) kept up the pace of the game. Read was the first of four wickets to fall for 14 runs as the home side made 476. Greg Smith and Richard Logan then ripped into Gloucestershire again, who lost five wickets before the close of play. The home side continue their late season revival and lead by 212 runs. Only a miracle can spare the visitors, 91 for five, from an innings defeat.Stumps were drawn early as bad light stopped play at Northampton with Glamorgan on the verge of defeat. The Welsh failed to make a solid start in their second innings after losing their captain and Ian Thomas in consecutive overs with the score on 26. Earlier Alan Penberthy had contributed 99 (16 fours, one six) in a fifth-wicket partnership of 150 with Matthew Cassar (68) before the last six wickets fell for just 20 runs. Northamptonshire made 375 all out with Michael Kasprowicz and Alan Davies picking up four wickets each. The visitors struggled in reply and when they lost Mark Wallace and Adrian Dale within the space of a few balls to Graeme Swann, their fate had almost certainly been sealed. On 164 for six, they need 67 more runs to make their hosts bat again.Middlesex eventually bowled Derbyshire out for 414 after Michael Di Venuto had carried his bat for 192. Ashley Noffke claimed his sixth wicket of the innings when David Nash held on to an edge from Kevin Dean for 24. Dean then used the new ball to devastating effect, dismissing Andrew Strauss, Sven Koenig and Ben Hutton to reduce the Division Two leaders to five for three. Owais Shah managed only nine but Ed Joyce (126*) and wicket-keeper Nash rallied with a 120-run stand for the sixth wicket. At stumps, Middlesex trailed by 139 runs, on 275 for six.Essex resumed on 25 for three but lost wickets at regular intervals, until 48 from Ravinder Bopara and a 52-ball 54 (five fours, three sixes) from Graham Napier helped them to a lead of 12 after being bowled out for 271. Neil Killeen claimed four for 49. Michael Gough was the only victim (caught Robinson bowled Napier) in his side’s second innings before bad light ended play early. Durham have a 53-run lead going into day three, closing on 65 for one.

Aston Villa goalkeeper Tom Heaton will put the finishing touches on his move to Manchester United this week, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Heaton set to leave Villa Park

Villa confirmed at the end of May that Heaton, along with Neil Taylor and Ahmed Elmohamady will leave the club when their contracts expire.

Heaton, who joined Villa back in 2019, is still technically a Villa player until the end of June.

The 35-year-old, who made 20 appearances for Villa, came through the ranks at United and will now return to Old Trafford when he becomes a free agent.

The Latest: Romano’s post

Heaton, who Paul Robinson described as ‘phenomenal’ back in April, will have a medical and pen a contract through to 2023 this week.

Romano shared the news on Twitter on Monday afternoon, insisting an official announcement is expected in July.

“Tom Heaton will undergo his medical with Manchester United this week then he’ll sign the contract until June 2023 + one more season option. Done, completed and here we go confirmed. Official announcement expected in July.”

The Verdict: Do Villa need a replacement?

With Heaton returning to Manchester, all Villa eyes could now be waiting to see if the club will bring in a replacement as cover for Emiliano Martinez.

Dean Smith will have Jed Steer as back up, but he may want to bring in a third experienced shot-stopper to be safe.

The likes of Marcus Bettinelli, Wayne Hennessey and John Ruddy are just three ‘keepers on the books of English sides who could end up becoming available for nothing in a matter of weeks.

One of those three could well be of interest to Smith and Villa, but you’d expect any addition would need to be content with serving merely as cover for the impressive Martinez.

In other news: Pundit claims he spotted Spurs man in Midlands and makes possible Villa transfer claim, find out more here. 

MatériaMais Notícias

A lista é inicial. Pode ser alterada se o Botafogo chegar à fase de grupos da Taça Libertadores. Mas diante das opções recentes, há uma surpresa: o zagueiro Renan Fonseca, que não foi incluído para a primeira partida contra o Colo-Colo, também não poderá jogar a partida de volta e nem a terceira fase, caso o Glorioso avance.

Ele se junta ao goleiro Jefferson, ao lateral-direitoLuis Ricardo, ao lateral-esquerdo e meia Yuri, ao zagueiro Emerson, aos volantes Bochecha e Fernandes e aos atacantes Sassá, Canales,Renan Gorne e Vinícius Tanque. Destes o capitão ainda não está próximo de voltar aos gramados e Luis Ricardo exige cuidados. O zagueiro vive impasse para a renovação contratual.

Sassá foi vetado, principalmente, pela questão comportamental; Canales pediu para não ser incluído. Os casos foram debatidos em reunião na sede de General Severiano. O “Barba Negra” conta com forte rejeição da torcida e de dirigentes alvinegros também.

Na próxima fase, cinco jogadores podem ser incluídos e, até a semifinal, pode haver mudanças, o que não decreta o fim das chances de jogadores como Jefferson viajarem pelo continente. O fato de o terceiro goleiro ter ficado com o número 1 indica essa possibilidade de inclusão mais à frente. Confira a lista com os números:

1 – Saulo
2 – Emerson Silva
3 – Carli
4 – Jonas
5 – Airton
6 – Victor Luís
7 – Montillo
8 – Bruno Silva
9 – Roger
10 – Camilo
11 – João Paulo
12 – Helton Leite
13 – Marcinho
14 – Marcelo
15 – Gilson
16 – Igor Rabello
17 – Rodrigo Pimpão
18 – Pachu
19 – Rodrigo Lindoso
20 – Guilherme
21 – Joel
22 – Dudu Cearense
23 – Leandrinho
24 – Matheus Fernandes
25 – Gatito Fernández

RelacionadasBotafogoEm treino fechado, Rodrigo Pimpão segue entre os titulares do BotafogoBotafogo31/01/2017BotafogoMontillo: ‘Se queremos fazer história, temos que começar por amanhã’Botafogo31/01/2017BotafogoJair Ventura minimiza ausências de Renan Fonseca, Rodrigo Lindoso e Sassá na Liberta: ‘Vários critérios’Botafogo31/01/2017

Alan Hutton has dropped a transfer claim on George Edmundson and his future at Rangers after developments of bids from south of the border.

The Lowdown: Bids in

According to Football Insider, the Light Blues have rejected a number of bids from clubs in England for Edmundson, and a source from the Glasgow outfit has shared that they are keen on taking advantage of him slipping down the pecking order at Ibrox.

Edmundson only played in two matches under Steven Gerrard in the 2020/21 season before being shipped out on loan to Derby County in the January window (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Hutton on Edmundson situation

Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton, who is now a pundit after playing as a right-back for both the Gers and Scotland, has claimed that they are in a strong position when it comes to Edmundson’s situation, and added that Rangers could still keep him if the right offer does not come in:

“They’re in a very strong position.

“Ultimately, there are two years left (on his contract) so they don’t have to sell him. He’s gone down to Derby and done really well. He got his name out there and his performances warrant the interest from other clubs.

“If you don’t get the money they’re looking for, whatever that may be, he can stay and try force his way back into Rangers.

“I know it’s not quite worked out to this point but this is the start of a new season. Everybody starts from fresh again so there’s an opportunity there.

“Rangers are very strong at the moment, they’ll be happy to hold on to him. However, if somebody comes in with the right offer, they have got cover at centre-half.”

The Verdict: Sell

Even though Edmundson did fairly well when he was on loan at the Rams in the EFL Championship, winning no fewer than 6.1 of his duels a game, while also averaging 3.5 clearances and 1.4 tackles per match (Sofascore), it is unclear whether he would have forced his way into Gerrard’s plans.

At 23 years of age, the Gers could also demand a decent fee for him, which could then be reinvested back into the squad.

Nonetheless, with the other central defenders available to Gerrard at Ibrox, Edmundson should be looking to further his footballing career elsewhere.

In other news, find out what Rangers transfer update has been dropped on this ‘outstanding’ Euro 2020 ace here!

A number of West Brom supporters have been hailing Sam Johnstone following an exceptional save on England duty over the weekend.

The Baggies may have been relegated back to the Championship last season, but the 28-year-old was one of the few positives to take from the campaign. He was arguably one of the Premier League’s standout players in his position, producing great consistency between the sticks.

Johnstone’s form has been rewarded with a place in England’s Euro 2020 squad and he started Sunday’s 1-0 win over Romania, making his debut for the Three Lions in the process.

Not only did the 28-year-old keep a clean sheet, he also made a magnificent save in the second half, ensuring England got the win at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium.

West Brom fan laud Johnstone brilliance

West Brom gave a shoutout to the goalkeeper’s moment of brilliance on their official Twitter account, excitedly posting “WHAT. A. SAVE.” followed by the heart-eyes emoji.

These Baggies fans replied to the tweet to heap praise on Johnstone, having produced a memorable moment on a proud day for him.

“Sam Johnstone doing @samjohnstone50 things”

Credit: @le_lebouf76

“England’s future number 1”

Credit: @Jevo_01

“MY KEEPER”

Credit: @JoshhhWBA

“Class”

Credit: @liamwba_

“Lifetime contract 100k a week”

Credit: @WBADyl

“Done himself proud”

Credit: @hovis8

In other news, West Brom are believed to be keen on signing a player who is appearing at Euro 2020 this summer. Find out who it is here.

Surely sooner or later, the Spurs dugout will realise that Eric Dier just isn’t a central defender, right?

It has long been his preferred position and after playing the bulk of his career in North London in midfield, he was finally granted that wish towards the latter stages of the Mauricio Pochettino era.

Although, he’s enjoyed the bulk of his time at centre-back under Jose Mourinho, and now interim boss Ryan Mason.

Yet recurring defensive mistakes and errors have been the one defining theme in Tottenham’s miserable campaign. It cannot be a coincidence with Dier regularly featuring at the back.

“Don’t make me please speak too much about the defensive mistakes that we made,” an agitated Mourinho pleaded to reporters after their FA Cup defeat to Everton, where they leaked five goals. “Because that’s obvious, and I don’t feel very comfortable to be speaking about it.”

Dier may not have featured that day but he has been involved in similar outcomes – the three goals conceded against Liverpool, both Manchester clubs, Dinamo Zagreb and now Leeds United.

Mourinho clearly had doubts himself as he ended up using over 16 different defensive combinations before his fateful sacking, and there was a string of six successive games which saw him drop his first-choice, Dier, from the starting XI.

Interestingly, they lost just once in that run.

Dier was up to his old tricks once again on Saturday afternoon. He was graded an embarrassing 3/10 by football.london reporter Alasdair Gold and given the most scathing of reviews.

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‘A tough afternoon for the player up against Bamford and was at fault for his goal as he was caught watching the ball as the Leeds ace nipped ahead of him to net. Not a good game at all from the England international in front of Gareth Southgate.’

On top of his statue-like defending, it was his woeful headed clearance that saw the home side clinch all three points as it came straight back for an easy third.

Danny Mills, on commentary for talkSPORT, described it as a “defensive calamity” and that’s certainly one word to describe Dier being a regular in defence for the club.

Many can lambast the performances of say, a Sergio Reguilon, who just has not looked the same since his injury but it is leaders like Dier that need to step up and be counted – he’s just not doing that. If anything, he is holding Spurs back when playing centre-back.

The £26m-rated star has attracted interest from Mourinho’s new club, AS Roma, this week, according to The Sun – to quote Albert Einstein, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.”

By all means, if Mourinho wants that major problem to follow him to the Italian capital, then Daniel Levy ought to consider a fair price.

It’s time for Mason to do himself, and the club, a huge favour. He must be ruthless and axe the £85k-per-week liability from his starting XI in the final few games of the season.

AND in other news,Levy could find his next Poch in 45 y/o who left “a lasting impression” on Spurs squad…

Aston Villa will reportedly seek to loan out Wesley in the summer transfer window following horrendous injury problems for the striker.

The Lowdown: Injury hell for Wesley

The Brazilian arrived at Villa Park in the summer of 2019, costing £22m and becoming the most expensive signing the club’s history at the time. He has since been usurped by Ollie Watkins in that respect, but it’s fair to say big things were expected of the striker.

Sadly, a cruciate ligament injury suffered at the beginning of last year halted Wesley’s progress significantly, with the 24-year-old playing just 15 minutes of Premier League football this season.

The Latest: Villa looking to sell striker

According to Football Insider, Villa don’t intend to keep Wesley in their squad for next season, moving him on to pastures new instead. The report claimed that Dean Smith had been unconvinced by the Brazilian even before his horrific injury in January 2020.

The plan is to loan him out and sign another striker, which suggests that he has no future at Villa Park moving forward.

The Verdict: Time to move on

There was so much promise when Wesley arrived, but unfortunately the severity of his injury means that he may never be the same player again.

There is a feeling that Smith’s side have moved on without him, too, with Watkins leading the line excellently in his place, scoring 13 goals in the league this season and justifying his club-record outlay.

Wesley will hopefully be a reliable player again one day, but with another striker potentially coming in, it is hard to see how he can revive his abortive Aston Villa career.

In other news, one Villa player has been linked with a shock move to a ‘big six’ club this summer. Find out who it is here.

Crystal Palace are eyeing up Steve Cooper as a potential alternative to Frank Lampard, following Roy Hodgson’s resignation as manager.

The Lowdown: Hodgson confirms Palace exit

On Tuesday, Hodgson confirmed that he would step down as Eagles boss at the end of the season, with his contract at Selhurst Park set to expire.

He took charge of Palace back in September 2017, keeping them clear of relegation to the Championship during that time – the primary objective for many supporters, but now those fans are eyeing more with the club solidified in the top flight.

The Latest: Cooper in the mix

Palace will now be on the lookout for a new manager, with Frank Lampard emerging as a front-runner to take over from Hodgson this summer.

Taking to Twitter, journalist Fabrizio Romano claimed that Swansea City manager Cooper is viewed as an alternative to the Chelsea legend, with a decision expected in the coming days.

The Verdict: Is Cooper ready?

Cooper’s future could well be decided by Swansea City’s performance in the Championship playoffs, with his side beating Barnsley 1-0 on Monday night, in the first leg of the semi-final.

Should the Swans secure promotion to the Premier League, he will surely stay put, trying his luck with the Welsh outfit in the top-flight.

If they fail to go up, however, Cooper could view Palace as an ideal next step in his managerial career, having won the Under-17 World Cup with England back in 2017 – a side that included Phil Foden and Jadon Sancho.

The 41-year-old may be a less high-profile option than Lampard, but he is actually more experienced and is arguably more well-placed to thrive at Selhurst Park, playing an exciting brand of attacking, high intensity football.

In other news, a pundit has claimed one Palace key man could leave the club this summer. Find out who it is here.

West Ham United have their sights set on a new striker this summer, if emerging reports are to be believed…

What’s the word?

According to TEAMtalk, The Irons are among several Premier League teams keeping a close eye on Young Boys forward Jean-Pierre Nsame ahead of the transfer window.

It’s claimed that the Cameroon international has emerged as a potential target for the East Londoners, though they’re likely to face competition from Newcastle United and Southampton, as well as Celtic.

Whilst no fee is mentioned in the report, Transfermarkt currently value the 27-year-old at just over £6m, with his contract due to expire in 2023.

The ‘Haller’ worry

The Hammers have been here before – a striker scoring for fun in Europe, so they must approach with caution.

Nsame has proven to be one of the most consistent goalscorers on the continent, bagging 78 goals in 120 appearances since joining the Belgian top-flight, also featuring in the Champions and Europa League, too.

That’s one goal every 1.5 matches, whilst this season alone, he has found the net 25 times in all competitions, including a pair of strikes against AS Roma, as per Transfermarkt.

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Back in 2020, the 6 foot 2 powerhouse was lauded for his ability by Young Boys manager Gerardo Seoane, who told kick442:

“Jean-Pierre Nsame has had an extraordinary season. He has really progress especially in terms of taking responsibility in the team. He is very physical, with an unbelievable ability in front of goal,” claimed the 42-year-old. “He is very present in the penalty area and all the balls that come, he puts them in the back of the net, thanks to his technic and strength.”

He also went onto suggest he was “hard-working” and “not egotistical,” which only bolsters claims to sign him this summer.

However, the blunder over Sebastien Haller must be considered with any talisman overseas.

Having cost £45m in 2019, the French-born Ivory Coast international moved to Ajax in January for less than half that price (£20.2m), via Sky Sports.

After a lucrative season for Frankfurt, bagging 20 goals in all competitions, everyone at the London Stadium had every reason to be excited for his arrival but in return, he struggle to adapt to the English top-flight.

The Irons saw him score only 14 goals in 53 appearances – once every 3.7 matches – and his time will always be remembered for the wrong reasons.

Belgium’s elite division is still some way off the standard in the Premier League, and we’ve seen players like Wesley and Mbwana Samatta come over and struggle.

GSB must approach any deal here with caution, otherwise, Moyes will be left in another sticky situation.

AND in other news, Hammers dealt hammer blow amid ExWHUemployee injury update, Moyes will be gutted…