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Bancroft shared a WA Shield final record 188-run stand with Whiteman, who made 85

Alex Malcolm31-Mar-2022

Western Australia took a major step towards ending their 23-year Sheffield Shield title drought with Cameron Bancroft’s superb century putting them in a strong position on the opening day of the final against Victoria at the WACA ground in Perth.Bancroft posted his 15th Shield century and his first in a final, batting the entire day to finish 135 not out from 259 balls with 16 boundaries as WA racked up 290 for 3 at stumps.Having been sent into bat, Bancroft and Sam Whiteman, who made a classy 85, set a new record opening stand for WA in Shield finals, putting together 188 to surpass the previous mark of 155 set by Michael Hussey and Ryan Campbell in the last Shield final held at the WACA ground in 1997-98. It was also Bancroft and Whiteman’s sixth century stand together in Shield cricket.Victoria had little joy except for a late breakthrough in the final over, with Hilton Cartwright slashing the second last ball of the day from Will Sutherland to gully where he was brilliantly caught by Jono Merlo.Captain Peter Handscomb had no hesitation in bowling after the coin fell his way, perhaps spooked after seeing a very similar-looking pitch to the one that his side had been sent in on last week only to lose by an innings and 51 runs.But it turned into a lovely batting track for Bancroft and Whiteman.Bancroft, 29, showed why he was once Australia’s first-choice Test opener with one of his best Shield centuries. His often scrutinised balance and timing were on-song from ball one as Victoria’s quicks erred far too full to him in the opening session. He caressed a bevy of drives through the covers and down the ground.Whiteman was less fluent in the first hour and a half, having been tied down by the metronomic Scott Boland from around the wicket. Bancroft’s rhythm took the pressure off his partner as he reached his half-century off 83 balls with a sublime drive straight of mid-off.Whiteman’s innings was sparked when Merlo’s medium pace was introduced. He dropped short twice in two balls, and the left-hander unfurled two dismissive pull shots over forward square.WA reached 99 without loss at lunch, with Victoria managing just seven maidens in 29 overs in the first session as the ball didn’t swing or seam anywhere near as much as expected.Sam Whiteman and Cameron Bancroft shared a century stand•Getty Images

Victoria created some half chances after lunch as they stemmed the scoring for a period. Boland was particularly unlucky in the second over after the break. He found Whiteman’s outside edge with a superb delivery that zipped across the left-hander, but it somehow didn’t carry to wicketkeeper Sam Harper.Whiteman reached a patient half-century from 122 balls with nine fours but nearly ran himself out shortly after, taking on Merlo at midwicket for a sharp single, and he was fortunate the throw just missed. Bancroft hardly played a false shot, but he did slice Sutherland just high and wide of gully on 71.The pair cruised past 150 in the 47th over and past Hussey and Campbell’s record of 155. They had sights on a double century stand before Whiteman finally fell for 85 on the stroke of tea. He sliced Boland to gully attempting a square drive, and Sutherland took an excellent catch. Boland might have been fortunate not to have been called for a no-ball as replays showed he overstepped, however, the third umpire can only adjudicate on catches, run-outs and stumpings in this final with the limited technology available.Bancroft reached his century shortly after tea with a neat leg glance despite Victoria trying to set up a legside trap. He nicked a ball in the next over through a vacant second slip but continued on his dominance thereafter.Victoria were able to slow the game for a period in the first hour of the final session via their two spinners Jon Holland and Matt Short. Holland only bowled three overs in the first 48 of the day. Short was introduced with the arrival of the left-handed Shaun Marsh, and it was an inspired move by Handscomb. Marsh ran past one, beaten by clever flight, turn and bounce to be stumped by a mile for just 12.The spinners then tied down Bancroft and Cartwright as the game stalled before the second new ball. WA needed to be careful not to waste the start they had made given that first-innings bonus points could decide the final in case of a drawn match, with 0.01 of a point given for every run past 200 and 0.1 for every wicket taken in the first 100 overs of the first two innings of the match.WA were 250 for 2 when the second new ball was taken but Cartwright clattered 15 from Boland’s first over with the new ball to reassert their authority on the day.They scored 40 in 10 overs, but Cartwright will rue his false stroke right on stumps as he fell for 41 and left nightwatchman Matt Kelly one ball to face, which he survived.

The Paraguayan, a key player in winning the three consecutive titles, will play for Racing Club in Argentina.

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• In almost six years with América, Sánchez played 208 matches and scored 19 goals.

• He won six titles with

• He scored in the Apertura 2024 semifinal against Cruz Azul and in the final against .

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  After weeks of speculation, Richard Sanchez will finally leave Club America to join Racing Club in Argentine football. The deal was reportedly closed for $3 million, and the midfielder will sign a contract until December 2028 with his new club.

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  Sánchez was a key player in América’s three consecutive titles, as he scored against Cruz Azul in the semifinals and later against Rayados in the Apertura 2024 Final. With , he also found the net in the Apertura 2019 Final and the Apertura 2023 Final. The Paraguayan leaves the club with three Liga MX titles, one Campeón de Campeones, one Liga MX Super Cup, and one Campeones Cup.

  América did not make any signings for the Clausura 2025, so Sánchez's departure leaves them with an extra foreigner spot that will not be used.

• WHAT CLUB AMÉRICA SAID

  "Thank you very much for your amazing goals, your dedication, and your commitment to our colors, Ríchard Sánchez," Club America said in a statement. "We wish you the best of success in your next project, tricampeón!"

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Racing Club of Argentina had been interested in signing the Paraguayan player since last season, and they have now reached an agreement with América. The club has won 18 titles in Argentina’s Primera División but has not lifted the trophy since 2019.

TalkSPORT pundit Darren Bent has floated the possibility of West Ham United appointing a big name to replace the under-fire Julen Lopetegui, as speculation continues to surround his position at the London Stadium.

Lopetegui could be sacked by West Ham "at any moment"

Reports in the last few days have claimed that Lopetegui could be sacked by West Ham “at any moment”, as the Hammers hierarchy grow increasingly impatient.

What the West Ham boardroom are now really thinking about Julen Lopetegui

Pressure has grown on the Spaniard after a 3-0 slump to Forest.

By
Emilio Galantini

Nov 5, 2024

A poor run of results have left West Ham languishing 14th in the Premier League table, picking up just three wins from a possible 10, following a summer transfer window where they spent north of £120 million on new recruits.

This has led to other reports that West Ham are already considering alternative hires. It is believed by some that ex-FC Porto boss Sergio Conceicao is a contender to succeed Lopetegui, with the Portuguese boasting an excellent, trophy-laden record from his time in the Primeira Liga.

Meanwhile, a tactician very well known by supporters, former backroom member Edin Terzic, is also being considered by West Ham as an option.

Now, speaking on talkSPORT this week, Bent has suggested that current interim Man United boss Ruud van Nistelrooy, a Premier League all-time great, may also be a contender.

Bent says van Nistelrooy could replace Lopetegui at West Ham

The former Tottenham and Aston Villa striker believes east London is a potential landing spot for the Dutchman, with his future unclear beyond Ruben Amorim’s arrival on November 11.

Bent suggests van Nistelrooy’s next job could be at West Ham, and he does have trophy-winning experience in charge of PSV Eindhoven. The 48-year-old won both the Dutch Cup and Dutch Super Cup during his time in the Eredivisie, averaging an impressive 2.20 points per game (Transfermarkt), and now boasts top-flight know-how from his time working under the tutelage of Erik ten Hag.

“There’s West Ham,” said the pundit on a live broadcast (04/11/2024, via West Ham Zone].

“He [van Nistelrooy] might be going, ‘Do you know what? If I just do a good job, who knows? The footballing world is massive so I might get another manager’s job.’”

Lionel Messi is like a “kid playing and doesn’t want to lose”, says Javier Mascherano, with the Argentine GOAT remaining the “soul” of Inter Miami.

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Herons snatched point in MLS openerCaptain provided much-needed creativityAll-time great has lost none of his hungerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

It appeared as though Messi would suffer a first competitive defeat of 2025 on the opening weekend of MLS action, but he provided two assists as the Herons snatched a dramatic 2-2 draw with New York City FC in the 100th minute.

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The hosts took an early lead at Chase Stadium, but were reduced to 10 men midway through the first-half when Tomas Aviles saw red. Telasco Segovia rescued a point in the closing stages, with Messi – the reigning MVP of MLS – stepping up to provide much-needed creativity.

DID YOU KNOW?

Mascherano believes the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner offered a bit of everything to the Inter Miami cause against NYCFC, with the evergreen 37-year-old showing no sign of slowing down as he continues to demand the highest standards of himself and those around him.

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Getty Images SportWHAT JAVIER MASCHERANO SAID

Mascherano told reporters: “Messi is the soul of this team. You saw this on the pitch. He is a kid playing and he doesn't want to lose. So for us it's a big big advantage. So we just need to keep him with this spirit. Because it's not just what he does on the pitch.

“It's what he translates to his team-mates and all that he does with his 37 years. He's not just playing in attack, he helps us in defence, running the centre-back, running the whole midfield. So he's magnificent.”

The entire England squad will get together on Tuesday for the first time since landing in Australia and completing quarantine

Andrew Miller29-Nov-2021England’s Ashes campaign officially gets underway on Tuesday, according to Joe Root, the Test captain, with the emergence from quarantine of the multi-format players who featured in the recent T20 World Cup in the UAE, and the scheduled start of an intra-squad four-day match in Brisbane.Jos Buttler, Mark Wood, Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan and Chris Woakes, all of whom featured in England’s run to the semi-finals, will be available for selection in the fixture against England Lions at the Ian Healy Oval, after completing their 14 days of quarantine, with the tour’s coaching contingent of Chris Silverwood, Paul Collingwood, Jeetan Patel and James Foster also now able to link up with the rest of the squad.But to judge by the weather that the main Ashes party has been encountering on the Gold Coast since their own arrival at the start of the month, it promises to be a soggy reunion, with Root admitting that the players may need to focus on their mental preparation to compensate for their limited time in the middle.Related

Gabba no longer such a 'stronghold' for Australia, warns Root

Root: Stokes looks 'very promising' for first Ashes Test

England wary as new Covid variant raises prospect of tighter travel rules

Only 29 overs were possible on the opening day of the initial three-day warm-up against the England Lions last week, meaning that the openers Rory Burns and Haseeb Hameed, and the spinner Dom Bess – leant out to the Lions attack – are the only three members of the Ashes party to have had any match practice since the start of the tour.And for that reason, Root said the proposed first-class status of the squad match had been downgraded, to allow enough flexibility to give the team’s key players sufficient time in the middle – among them Ben Stokes, who has not batted in a red-ball match since the tour of India in February.”It’s been unusual,” Root admitted, “Having spent a period of time in quarantine and training within that quarantine phase, and then coming to Brisbane. We haven’t had that three-day game, as we would have liked, but it was always going to be the case that tomorrow was really the first day as a squad that we would get together, with those World Cup guys joining us.”So we always knew that this next phase was going to be the most crucial part, in terms of getting tight, getting clear and readying ourselves, and that’s going to be the real test for us.Joe Root is looking forward to a tough practice game against England Lions•Getty Images”We want that intensity to be as high as we can, as close to the Test matches as we can, and I expect it to be very competitive,” Root said of the four-day fixture. “The quality of the players will be there from both teams and, because of the lack of preparation that we’ve had in that previous three-day game, having that extra bit of flexibility to make sure we can get as many guys what they need throughout these four days is going to be crucial.”But it might be that, in the next couple of days, we get some similar weather and we don’t get the time out there in the middle. But whether you play those games in your mind a little bit more, visualise a little bit more, it’s really important you find different ways of making sure that, when that first ball comes down at the Gabba, we’re in the best place possible.”Stokes endured a dramatic 24 hours over the weekend, after briefly choking on a tablet that got lodged in his windpipe in his hotel-room, and then being struck on the forearm while facing throw-downs in the nets from the batting consultant, Jonathan Trott. And while Root was eager to downplay the latter incident, he acknowledged the blow would need to be monitored as he continues his return to action.”It was a bit of a concern,” Root said. “The wickets, because of the weather, have been slightly spicy and guys have really had to get stuck in. There have been a few little knocks here and there. To see Ben get hit like that was obviously a scary moment. We all know how crucial he is within our squad but he seems to have come through it pretty well.”He practised again today and again we’ll keep assessing, making sure it doesn’t have a prolonged effect on him. It’s going to be really important that he gets himself ready both physically and mentally for this series and to play a big part in it.”Either way, England could still find themselves with more match readiness going into that first Test on December 8 than Australia, whose own lack of red-ball game-time has been compounded by internal upheaval, following the resignation of Tim Paine as captain, and the appointment of Pat Cummins in his place.”It’s not really for us to worry about,” Root said. “For us, it is about readying ourselves as best we can. Playing against Pat, I know what a competitor he is and what he brings to their team. I expect him to do just that as a captain as well. But it is really important we focus on ourselves, get the most out of this lead-in and don’t get distracted by anything that Australia are doing.”There’s a lot of people that will want to prove things, and will want to show that they deserve an opportunity for that first Test match,” Root added. “This is a really good chance for us to get ahead of things, maybe get ahead of Australia in terms of preparation and game-time ahead of the series, and it would be silly for us to just cosy our way through the four days. It has to be good hard proper cricket that we’ll benefit from, going into the first Test.”

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Sem a contratação de um centroavante e às vésperas de estrear no Campeonato Paulista, o Palmeiras inicia nesta semana a sua reta final de preparação para a disputa do Mundial de Clubes antes da definição da lista de 23 nomes que serão inscritos para a competição. E com mais opções no elenco que vagas disponíveis, são 27 atletas ao todo atualmente no elenco, a disputa interna no grupo é para ver quem aparecerá na relação final para o torneio intercontinental da Fifa no próximo dia 24, data limite para o clube definir sua relação.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasPalmeiras encerra mais um dia de pré-temporada com treino físicoPalmeiras17/01/2022PalmeirasPalmeiras vai para tudo ou nada por um camisa 9, mas Abel já projeta time com Navarro no MundialPalmeiras17/01/2022PalmeirasPiquerez relembra sua famosa comemoração na Libertadores e fala da pré-temporada do PalmeirasPalmeiras17/01/2022

Segundo avaliação feita pelo LANCE! baseadanos trabalhos do Verdão na pré-temporada e o rendimento apresentado em 2021, 20 nomes do atual grupos estariam com vaga assegurada no Mundial dentro do que se propõe o técnico Abel Ferreira.

Curiosamente, as dúvidas pairam justamente em relação a alguns reforços contratados pela equipe para esta temporada. Dos cinco nomes que chegaram para o elenco, três estariam garantidos para a disputa nos Emirados Árabes Unidos: o goleiro Marcelo Lomba, reserva imediato do titular Weverton, o volante Eduard Atuesta, já com status importante no jogo proposto por Abel, e o centroavante Rafael Navarro, que ganha responsabilidade com a ausência de um nome de maior peso para o setor.

Outras duas contratações dependeriam ainda de avaliação, Jailson e Murilo. O volante está há um ano sem jogar e precisaria demonstrar que tem condições físicas ideais para aguentar a viagem.

Já Murilo, contratado do futebol russo, tem os cinco dias até a divulgação da lista para que mostrar que se encaixa no que o técnico português queria com a contratação de um zagueiro canhoto – um defensor para poder ajudar na saída de bola pelo lado esquerdo do campo, sem precisar sacrificar o lateral-esquerdo Joaquín Piquerez na formação defensiva.

Pelos quatro jogos-treinos realizados pelo Palmeiras até aqui na pré-temporada, a ideia é que Abel oficialize uma formação com três zagueiros, algo que já utilizava informalmente com Piquerez atuando recuado no setor. Essa escolha influenciaria a definição da lista.

Há ainda a questão Endrick. O Palmeiras consultou a Fifa e recebeu resposta positiva sobre a possibilidade de inscrever a joia de 15 anos da base. O torcedor sonha com a possibilidade e o LANCE! apurou que Abel quer levar o jovem atacante para compor o elenco de treinos em Abu Dhabi e assim dar mais experiência para ele junto ao elenco profissional. Mesmo assim, para os palmeirenses, com a revelação junto ao grupo, em caso de algo ocorrer seria a realização de um sonho tê-lo por perto.

Confira abaixo a situação dos jogadores do Palmeiras para o Mundial:

Quem estaria garantido (20 atletas)

Weverton
O goleiro, convocado até para a Seleção Brasileira por Tite, é peça fundamental e será titular em Abu Dhabi.

Marcelo Lomba
Foi contratado para ser o reserva de Weverton. E, como tal, está garantido no Mundial.

Vinícius Silvestre
O regulamento da Fifa obriga a inscrição de um terceiro goleiro. Exatamente a função dele no elenco atual.

Marcos Rocha
Muito se especulou sobre a chegada de um lateral-direito na janela. Mas o experiente jogador parece contar com a confiança de Abel e a posição garantida.

Mayke
Teoricamente reserva de Marcos Rocha, mas fez uma excelente final contra o Flamengo na Libertadores, não deve ficar fora da lista e ainda permite uma variação de estilo no esquema proposto por Abel Ferreira.

Gustavo Gómez
O paraguaio é titular e capitão do Verdão. Impossível não figurar na lista final de inscritos.

Luan
Não agrada parte da torcida, mas suas atuações no ano passado parecem ter feito Abel a elegê-lo como uma das principais peças do grupo.

Renan
Mais um jovem da base do Verdão no elenco que se destacou em 2021 com atuações de “gente grande”. Mesmo não sendo titular, é opção como zagueiro e até como lateral-esquerdo, se houver necessidade. Sua polivalência o levará a Abu Dhabi.

Joaquín Piquerez
Pela sua importância tática – que o permite até a voltar como zagueiro e fechar uma linha de três -, o uruguaio é mais um titular absoluto que vai para o Mundial.

Danilo
Titular absoluto, ídolo da torcida e sondado por gigantes europeus, é peça-chave do Verdão. estará na lista de inscritos.

Zé Rafael
O braço-direito de Danilo forma um dos setores mais sólidos do Verdão. Vai para Abu Dhabi.

Eduard Atuesta
Principal contratação do clube nesta janela, o colombiano encantou na pré-temporada, seja no campo, seja na sua entrevista de apresentação. Estará em Abu Dhabi e briga para ser titular.

Patrick de Paula
Mais uma cria da base que se consolidou no grupo principal nos últimos anos e, como parte do plano de Abel, peça fundamental no Mundial.

Raphael Veiga
Titular absoluto e fundamental na articulação ofensiva da equipe, não tem como ficar fora da relação dos inscritos.

Gustavo Scarpa
Outra peça fundamental do Verdão nas articulações do lado esquerdo do campo, nas finalizações de longa distância e na bola parada, além de ser uma opção pela ala. Tem vaga mais do que garantida.

Rony
Virou titular absoluto nos últimos dois anos pela capacidade de jogar pelo lado direito ou fechar como centroavante. Tem a confiança de Abel e estará em Abu Dhabi.

Dudu
Maior ídolo do elenco atual do Verdão e um dos melhores jogadores em atividade no país. Mesmo se não jogasse estaria na lista pela sua liderança sobre os companheiros e capacidade de mobilizar o grupo.

Rafael Navarro
Chegou do Botafogo e era para ser apenas uma opção de ataque. Pela ausência de um centroavante de peso, deve garantir a camisa 9.

Deyverson
O histórico gol do título da Libertadores em Montevidéu já o fez carimbar o passaporte. Mas havia sim risco por conta do contrato acabando e da chegada de um nome de peso. Como não aconteceu, vai como opção de ataque em Abu Dhabi.

Wesley
Uma das poucas opções do elenco que aliam velocidade e habilidade, sobretudo o “um contra um”. Tem se destacado nos treinos e é peça fundamental na construção dos esquemas de Abel.

Quem briga por uma vaga na lista (7 atletas)

Benjamín Kuscevic
Aparece como uma das principais opções do treinador português para a zaga e poderia estar garantido na lista final, mas com a chegada de Murilo pode acabar ficando fora dos 23.

Jorge
O lateral-esquerdo reserva não esteve bem fisicamente em 2021, e outros jogadores já mostraram capacidade de fazer sua função. Pode acabar cortado como consequência da priorização de outra posição na lista.

Jailson
Contratado nesta janela, o ex-gremista tem experiência em Mundial (foi titular do time de Renato Gaúcho e marcou Cristiano Ronaldo). Mas está há um ano sem jogar. Tem os quatro jogos do Paulista para mostrar que está bem e assim carimbar sua vaga

Gabriel Menino
Já foi até chamado por Tite para a Seleção e, pela polivalência, poderia ser uma peça fundamental de Abel para a disputa intercontinental, mas não fez uma boa temporada em 2021 e pode ficar fora da lista final.

Murilo
Se ele não for, é capaz que Abel sofra críticas. Mas o zagueiro, que virou símbolo da suposta falta de empenho para reforços acusada pela torcida, tem quatro jogos no Paulista para mostrar que pode atuar de fato pela esquerda, inclusive tendo o esperado passe de saída de bola por aquele lado, para mostrar que não só vai ao Mundial como será titular.

Breno Lopes
Os heróis improváveis do Verdão nas conquistas da Libertadores vivem cada um à sua maneira um drama. Deyverson acaba se beneficiando pela não chegada de um centroavante de peso. Mas Breno Lopes, que não foi ao último Mundial pelo prazo estipulado para contratações, deve ficar novamente fora pelas outras opções mais concretas do treinador para sua função.

Gabriel Veron
Opção nata de velocidade no ataque, é outra joia da base que conquistou seu espaço. Pela aposta do clube e seu rendimento em campo, não teria como ficar fora da lista. No entanto, pode acabar preterido pela priorização de jogadores com outras características.

O sonho do palmeirense

Endrick
O garoto prodígio de 15 anos chegou forte em 2022, ganhou manchetes pelo desempenho na Copinha e vive a expectativa de já assinar um contrato profissional com o Verdão, além de se tornar a maior revelação da história do clube. Abel o chamou para treinar com os profissionais, gostou do que viu e o Palmeiras se baseia no regulamento da Fifa para inscrevê-lo. É um sonho dos torcedores. Vai que, né…

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TABELA

> Veja classificação e simulador do Paulistão-2022 clicando aqui

> Confira o caminho do Verdão no Mundial de Clubes-2022 clicando aqui

> Conheça o aplicativo de resultados do LANCE!

Newcastle United suffered their first Premier League defeat of the season over the weekend as Fulham prevailed 2-1 at Craven Cottage.

The Cottagers were well worth their victory as Eddie Howe’s men delivered arguably their worst performance of the season, although it had been coming.

Several of the starting XI were disappointing during the defeat, most notably Anthony Gordon, who has been excellent in recent weeks.

Anthony Gordon’s game in numbers vs Fulham

The Englishman was deployed on the right wing with Harvey Barnes given a chance to shine on the opposite flank.

While the former Leicester City shone, scoring the club’s only goal, Gordon largely struggled to create any meaningful opportunities during the clash.

While he made two key passes and succeeded with two of his three dribble attempts, the winger struggled to make inroads into the Fulham defence, looking like a shadow of the player he has been in recent weeks. So poor was the England international that journalist Luke Edwards suggested it was “his worst performance for Newcastle.”

Four crosses were delivered into the opposition penalty area, yet only two were successful. Gordon even managed to lose possession a staggering 16 times while on the pitch, along with winning five of his 11 ground duels, showing that he was beaten more often than not in his one-on-one battles.

He was even given a match rating of just 5/10 by Newcastle World for his display, showcasing how poor he really was.

While the League Cup clash against AFC Wimbledon is postponed, Howe could certainly make a change to his starting XI for the league match against Manchester City, especially to freshen things up.

Might this see a summer signing given his first start for the club?

The best replacement for Gordon

William Osula is clearly ready to make an impression. The Dane was signed for a fee of £15m during the summer transfer window, joining from Sheffield United with hopes of becoming a first-team regular at St James’ Park.

Primarily a centre-forward, the youngster has operated on the wing numerous times throughout the embryonic stages of his career and this could see Howe make a few tactical tweaks to his team.

Last term, he made 24 appearances for the Blades, scoring three goals and his performances clearly caught the eye of Howe, who wasted no time in bringing him to the north-east.

Previously hailed as a “serious player”, Osula has all the required attributes to be a success at the Magpies, about that there is no doubt.

What he needs now is some minutes in the first team to demonstrate his abilities to the manager.

What better occasion than a match against the four-time reigning Premier League champions this weekend? It might be a big gamble, but considering how poorly they have played recently, it could be one which reinvigorates the team.

It would be a surprise to see the Toon claim anything against City, but stranger things have happened.

Newcastle wanted to sign future Ballon d'Or winner, they got Geremi instead

Sam Allardyce missed out on a future legend of the game back in 2007…

1

By
Ross Kilvington

Sep 22, 2024

Phil Parkinson has discussed seeing tempers boil over in Wrexham’s clash with Shrewsbury, as James McClean was pelted with objects from the stands.

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Cross-border derby at Croud MeadowHosts claim narrow win in feisty clashRed Dragons will accept any criticismFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Red Dragons headed to Croud Meadow for a cross-border derby date with local rivals. Emotions were always going to run high in a League One contest that had plenty riding on it, and so it proved as the hosts secured a hard-fought 2-1 win.

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McClean, as is customary, was targeted for abuse at regular intervals by the home support – with security staff having to step in at one stage as projectiles rained down on him from the crowd. The ex-Republic of Ireland international also lost his cool in the closing stages when being denied a corner – leading to him collecting a yellow card.

WHAT PARKINSON SAID

Parkinson says the 35-year-old wing-back will not be dwelling on the incidents as he is accustomed to receiving such treatment. Wrexham’s manager told : "He's fine. James is used to it wherever he goes. Fans get on his back home and away and sometimes it can be tough and spill over but he is used to it."

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Steven Fletcher ensured that Wrexham went into half-time at 1-1, but John Marquis’ second goal of the game – which was netted on the rebound after Arthur Okonkwo saved his second-half penalty – wrapped up all three points for Shrewsbury.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has used all his nous and experience to build a squad capable of qualifying for the Champions League during his spell in the Midlands, but he won’t stop there.

The Spaniard managed to sign players such as Amadou Onana and Ian Maatsen, who, if it weren’t for Champions League participation, might have joined another club instead.

So far, the club have shone this term, thanks to Emery’s transfer business. He isn’t afraid to place his trust in young talents, however, as Jhon Duran has been impressive whenever called upon – the Colombian scoring four league goals already this season.

When Matty Cash suffered an injury recently, the manager turned to Lamare Bogarde as his replacement at right-back, and the academy graduate has performed well since becoming a regular in the starting XI.

Lamare Bogarde’s season in numbers

The Dutchman made his senior bow for Villa during the 2020/21 season, playing in the FA Cup, before returning to the U21 side until an 18-month loan spell at Bristol Rovers during the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons.

Overall, he made 36 appearances for the club, gaining vital experience in the first team, which has clearly stood him in good stead during the early part of the current term.

The right-back started the games against Leicester City, Everton and BSC Young Boys in recent weeks, as the Villa Park outfit won all three ties.

In the Premier League, Bogarde has succeeded with 100% of his dribble attempts, won 6.5 total duels per game and averaged four tackles per game, showcasing both his defensive and attacking skills in equal measures.

At this rate, Cash may find it hard to return to the starting XI, indicating just how good a talent Bogarde is.

He certainly won’t be the last academy graduate to make his way from youth teams to the senior squad, not when there is a player such as Kadan Young knocking on the door…

Kadan Young’s youth stats

The 18-year-old is making waves in the academy, that’s for sure. Despite not turning 19 until January 2025, Young has made 27 appearances in Premier League 2, which is reserved for U21 teams, scoring three goals and registering eight assists in the process.

It is clear he is ready to perform at this level on a more regular basis, especially considering he has grabbed two assists in just two matches in the competition so far this term.

One of his former coaches hailed the youngster as being a “scary talent” back in 2023, while even stating that he’s got a likeness to a certain Kylian Mbappe:

“He’s so quick and an out-and-out winger which you don’t see enough of nowadays. He’s got that Mbappe about him, where he’ll run, slow his man down, wanting the defender to stand still almost, then he’ll put the burners on.”

Young surely will have taken great inspiration from watching Bogarde playing in the previous few games as a deputy for Cash, proving that the chances could be there, especially if injuries occur.

One player who Young might wish to follow is that of Jacob Ramsey, as the Villa midfielder was once in a similar position to the latest academy sensation and is now thriving under Emery.

Kadan Young could be the next Jacob Ramsey

Ramsey made his debut for Villa way back during the 2018/19 campaign, the season in which they secured promotion from the Championship back to the elite.

Since breaking through properly during the 2020/21 season, making 22 appearances in the Premier League, he has been a regular in the first-team squad.

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2023/24

21

1

2

2022/23

39

6

8

2021/22

35

6

1

2020/21

27

0

1

2019/20

1

0

0

2018/19

1

0

0

His positional versatility has seen him become a key part of the team under Emery, being able to operate in a multitude of positions in the midfield.

Injury issues hampered his progress last season, but upon returning to full fitness, Ramsey has since scored in the Champions League and started three league games under Emery in 2024/25.

His progress from academy star to first-team regular was signified even more during the summer transfer window, as Tottenham Hotspur were keeping a close eye on the midfielder.

Spurs were exploring a player plus cash deal for the talented Villa star, but it looks as though Emery has made the right decision by keeping him in the Midlands.

If he continues to perform well, there will be plenty of interest next summer, no doubt about that, but in Young, Emery could unearth his very next Ramsey.

Kadon Young's future at Aston Villa

Earlier this week, the club announced that Young had signed a new contract at Villa, keeping him there for the long term.

Academy Manager Mark Harrison praised the academy star for his progress, stating that the contract is a reward for all of his hard work recently.

“We are delighted Kadan has signed a new long-term contract,” he said.

“Over the past couple of seasons, he has trained regularly with the first team and has also been involved in matchday squads. This is a well-deserved recognition for his development, which the first team have endorsed and supported.

“We will look forward to seeing Kadan develop over the coming seasons and hopefully develop into a first-team player for many years to come.”

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast's In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

Could his debut come sooner rather than later, especially considering he has been in a few senior squads already this season?

Indeed, Young was named on the bench for the Champions League clash against Young Boys, just days after making the squad for the Premier League tie with Everton.

He wasn’t called upon in either game – nor in the win over Wolverhampton Wanderers – but the confidence this must give the youngster will allow him to keep working hard in order to finally make the breakthrough.

With a League Cup tie against Wycombe Wanderers taking place next week, could this be the perfect opportunity for the 18-year-old?

Rotation will be key for Emery, as the games are going to come thick and fast between now and Christmas. If Young gets an opportunity, he certainly has the skills in order to make a bright impression, no doubt about that.

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Kane Williamson, the New Zealand captain, has been ruled out of the second Test against England at Edgbaston because of a persistent elbow injury.Williamson had to miss an ODI series against Bangladesh earlier this year because of the same problem, which also caused him to miss the start of the 2021 IPL for the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Tom Latham, the regular vice-captain, will lead the team in Williamson’s absence, as he did against Australia at the SCG in January 2020 and West Indies in Wellington in December.Related

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“It’s not an easy decision for Kane to have to miss a Test, but we think it’s the right one,” Gary Stead, New Zealand’s head coach, said. “He’s had an injection in his elbow to relieve the irritation he’s been experiencing when he bats and a period of rest and rehabilitation will help maximise his recovery.”The injury is not expected to rule him out of the World Test Championship (WTC) final against India, which starts on June 18 at the Ageas Bowl. “The decision has been made very much with the ICC World Test Championship final at Southampton in mind and we are confident he will be ready for that match,” Stead added.”I’m sure he’ll be back [for the final],” Latham said. “From our point of view, it’s a precautionary thing. We’d love him to be available for this game but obviously we’ve got the eye on the final in a week’s time, so for Kane, it’s about giving himself the best opportunity to be fully fit and available for that game. The decision was made for him to rest and get that right for what we have coming up.”He’s fantastic as a captain. It’s well-documented how his personality and his calm nature out in the middle has been vital to this group. He’s very relaxed – doesn’t get too high, doesn’t get too low which I think has been great for this side in recent years. He’s obviously a wonderful leader and we’ve seen that throughout his captaincy career.”Williamson will be replaced in the New Zealand side by Will Young, the top-order batter who won both of his Test caps to date in the home series against West Indies in December.Young prepared for the series by playing four County Championship matches for Durham, scoring hundreds in two of his three most recent innings. He will bat at No. 3, with Latham and Devon Conway continuing to open the batting.”He’s been here a few weeks earlier [than the rest of the squad] and was playing cricket,” Latham said. “He had an opportunity back in our home summer and is coming off runs for Durham which is always nice when you get selected, especially in these conditions, so it’s another exciting opportunity for Will to put his hand up and try to put that performance on the board.”Trent Boult is set to play in the second Test•Pool/AFP via Getty Images

Latham also confirmed that Trent Boult will return to the side, with Mitchell Santner missing through injury, though he was yet to reach a final decision on the side before training on Wednesday afternoon. Ajaz Patel and the uncapped allrounder Rachin Ravindra are the two candidates to replace Santner, while Matt Henry, Doug Bracewell and Jacob Duffy will also be considered as New Zealand look to manage their seamers’ workloads ahead of the WTC final.”It’s a case-by-case situation,” he said. “There is an eye to what we have coming up in a week’s time but on the other hand this is obviously such an important game for us. We’ve got training now and then we’ll have a look at the wicket and have those conversations around what best suits the playing XI tomorrow. We’ve got a big squad to pick from.”While New Zealand’s thinking has clearly been influenced by the proximity of the WTC final, Latham said that the squad were not taking the opportunity to win a series in England for the first time since 1999 for granted.”Beating England is higher on our priority list [than the WTC final],” he said. “We’ve got such a great opportunity to come here and try to play our brand of cricket and put on a performance that we’re proud of. Yes, there is an eye to the final in a week’s time, but our focus is solely on this game and the next five days.”To win away from home is not an easy thing around the world nowadays, and if we can put the performance on the board that we know we’re capable off, fingers crossed that will give us a good chance to be successful after the five days.”Joe Root, England’s captain, acknowledged that Williamson’s absence was a big loss for New Zealand, but insisted that his team would be “respectful” of a side that has demonstrated its depth by qualifying for the WTC final.”He’s a big gun, No.1 in the world,” Root said. “He’s one of those players you spend a lot of time thinking about how you’re going to keep him quiet and get rid of him early. It will be a huge loss for them but we’re also very respectful that New Zealand have a strong squad and are involved in the WTC final because they have strength in depth.”We saw last week a debutant coming in and getting a double hundred. We’ve got to make sure we’re clear on our plans, clued up on whoever replaces him so we can find ways of keeping him quiet and dismissing him.”