All posts by h716a5.icu

It is now nearly 11 weeks since Neil Lennon left his post as Celtic manager but the Hoops still haven’t been able to find a successor.

The Bhoys are thought to be close to finalising a deal for Eddie Howe but until he’s through the door and he’s signed on the dotted line, it is still a worrying scenario.

What’s the word?

There have only ever been three names recognised by the Celtic board as Lennon’s replacement.

An interview occurred with Roy Keane before they turned their attention to Howe. They have been in advanced discussions for the 43-year-old for over a month but it’s now been revealed the Hoops did actually seek an alternative.

In a report from Football Insider this week, they revealed that John Kennedy had been left completely in the dark over his role at Celtic.

In doing so, they also publicised an insightful tidbit of information regarding the full-time manager role.

We were already aware of the club’s interest in Lucien Favre but it’s been claimed that he has been interviewed for the position.

Fabulous Favre

We’ve waxed lyrical about the 63-year-old on a regular basis on Football FanCast but he would be an astute appointment for Celtic, one that could really excite the Celtic support and make them buzz.

First and foremost, the Swiss coach likes a dynamic and attacking brand of football. Last season, Dortmund scored 84 times, a number that was only second in the Bundesliga to Bayern Munich who netted 100 times.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/celtic-manager-transfers-eddie-howe-jesse-marsch-ryan-christie-siriki-dembele” title=”Read the latest Celtic managerial updates, transfer news, rumours and gossip!”]

Another string to his bow is the European experience he possesses. The Hoops need someone who can be flexible between domestic and continental action; something Favre could definitely provide.

He won 61.82% of his matches with Dortmund, losing just 24 of the matches he took charge of.

Favre could also be useful for a rebuilding job, something that’s desperately required at Paradise.

Speaking exclusively to FFC last month, Bundesliga expert Dan Pinder said: “Looking at it, he has done a decent job at rebuilding. Whether he can go into a job that’s already there all set up for him, I think that’s a different matter. But if he goes into a rebuild job, I think it’d be a pretty decent appointment.”

He entered Dortmund at a time when they were completely lost in transition, needing to ship on old players and bring in younger ones. That scenario is incredibly similar to the one that’s playing out at Celtic right now.

He was relatively successful too. Dortmund finished fourth by the skin of their teeth in 2017/18 under Peter Stoger but Favre then guided them to consecutive second-place finishes. In the process, he was described as “outstanding” by BVB star Mario Gotze.

Bearing his attributes and the qualities he brought to Dortmund, Celtic fans should be elated at the thought of him taking over in Glasgow. That said, they shouldn’t complain if Howe is appointed either. You don’t get from League Two to the Premier League without a precise method about you. The 43-year-old’s aesthetically pleasing brand of football would undoubtedly be welcome at Celtic.

If those are the two men in the frame to take over at Celtic, as it appears, then Hoops fans should be buzzing as either of them would be a very welcome appointment.

AND in other news, Celtic can axe McGregor by unleashing rarely-seen 20 y/o with a “wand of a left foot”…

Valuable tips from legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar and batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar helped India’s new opener Shiv Sundar Das tighten up his batting in the recently concluded Test series against the mighty Australians

27-Apr-2001Valuable tips from legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar and batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar helped India’s new opener Shiv Sundar Das tighten up his batting in the recently concluded Test series against the mighty Australians. “Gavaskar advised me to take the leg-stump guard and I followed the suggestion in the third Test at Chennai making 84 in the first innings”, Das told PTI here.”Till the Kolkata Test, I used to take a middle-stump guard, but Gavaskar pointed out that it left my leg stump exposed,” he said. The little master, Das said, advised him that as an opener, if he could play out the first one hour of the match, it would become easier in the subsequent hours. “It helped me immensely in the series decider.” Das met Gavaskar at a function at Chennai before the start of the third Test.Das had also been seeking advice from Tendulkar about the strategy he should follow against the Australians. “Tendulkar provided me psychological support and advised me to play my natural game without bothering about the bowling”, he said. Describing Glenn Mcgrath and Jason Gillespie as two of the best bowlers in the world today, the short-statured opener said Tendulkar often helped him prepare psychologically as to how to face their initial spells. Das along with lanky medium pacer Debasish Mohanty have been included in the list of 26 probables for the forthcoming tour of Zimbabwe.Das, the Orissa Ranji team skipper, said he learnt a lot during the series against the Aussies and was looking forward to the tour of Zimbabwe. “Many thought the series against Australia would be a litmus test for me. But I feel I have passed that test”, he said adding, “the way I faced the Australian attack, both pace and spin, gave me a lot of satisfaction”. Das said he batted with a positive approach throughout the series. “I had prepared by watching some of the Australians on the video and also watched their series against West Indies”.Regarding his back-foot strokes and negotiation of deliveries pitched outside the off-stump, which earned him kudos from cricket watchers, Das said he had benefitted immensely by practising on matting wickets at the club, under-16 and under-19 level in Bhubaneswar which had no turf wicket. “You get more bounce on such surface and that experience is paying dividends now”, he said.Besides, his one and a half month special training at the Australian academy, where he faced bowling machines, helped him hone his skills. Asked if he felt disappointed after getting out on 84 at Chennai, Das said “a century against the Australians would have definitely given me great satisfaction”. On his routine during his stay here, Das said besides regular practice, he was watching his own cassettes of the just concluded Test series and trying to iron out the mistakes. The team physio Andrew Leipus had also given a schedule for physical training to the players, he said.

In the end, Aston Villa were left to bemoan a familiar tale of Manchester United being handed a dubious penalty, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side taking full advantage and securing a 3-1 win on Sunday afternoon.

Dean Smith’s men took the lead thanks to an absolute stunner from Bertrand Traore, but saw the game fall apart thanks to a contentious penalty decision, a spot-kick that Bruno Fernandes duly dispatched.

Goals from Mason Greenwood and Edinson Cavani late on sealed the United comeback, and while understandably Smith will be furious with having another refereeing call go against them in a clash with the Manchester side, he may also have a major headache with the performance of Matty Cash.

The full-back had a difficult afternoon coming up against Paul Pogba and Luke Shaw, and while Traore did better than most weeks in trying to track back and help him out, he just couldn’t get going whatsoever.

As per Sofascore, he lost possession 16 times over the course of the game, the third-most of any Villa player, and being forced to go a bit more direct than he perhaps usually would have.

And then, arguably his biggest mishap on the day, was how he let Cavani ghost in front of him with a quick run and nod past Emi Martinez in the Villa goal – it was just a complete lack of concentration that rather typified his display.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/villa-dean-smith-transfer-gossip-rumours-news-premier-league-buendia-berge-mcneil-trezeguet-villa-park” title=”Read the latest Villa transfer rumours and news!”]

And, writing in his post-match player ratings, The Birmingham Mail’s Ashley Preece gave him a five, and said: “Up against Pogba and Shaw on United’s left and battled bravely. Cash was caught out on the odd occasion, though, and allowed Shaw to get beyond him for a strike at goal. Cash was in poor form and lacked conviction in his play as he was pinned back time and time again. The right-back was arguably at fault for Cavani’s header which wrapped it up as the Uruguayan ghosted past him to head home.”

With the Premier League season now reaching its end, Smith surely has the perfect opportunity to be handing out vital first-team minutes to some of the club’s brightest young talents.

And in the 18-year-old Kaine Kesler, he’s got a dream understudy to Cash just waiting for a chance to shine at first-team level.

While one poor performance should hardly see Cash just chucked out of the starting line-up for good, with only a couple of games left, surely it would do a lot more good for the development of Kesler for the teenager to be brought into the fold?

It’s a major headache for Smith but one that could pay big rewards for Villa in the long-term.

Meanwhile, Villa should finally unleash this academy starlet…

Hampshire threw away the chance of a second successive Rose Bowlchampionship victory against Gloucestershire

Pat Symes19-May-2001Hampshire threw away the chance of a second successive Rose Bowlchampionship victory against Gloucestershire.Needing 56 off the last ten overs of the match they had dominated, blindpanic saw them finish on 55 for six.At the start of the day it seemed they might finish off Gloucestershire intime to take in the final action at the Dell for the visitors were 181behind with only eight second innings wickets standing.And, when shortly before lunch three more prime batsmen had been sentpacking by Alex Morris and Alan Mullally, they were still 102 adrift.There seemed no escape but Dominic Hewson and Jeremy Snape turned thingsaround and finally showed the bottle to make a fight of it.Hewson, whose career-best 87 had come against Hampshire on his debut fivesummers ago, and Snape added 119 in 31 overs before Snape was leg before toMascarenhas.Hewson’s maiden century beckoned until on 89, after five hours at thecrease, he was bowled by Mascarenhas.The last three wickets squeezed the total to 272 and Hampshire’s target was56 but where a cool head was required they went for the big yahoo and whenthe last over came they still needed eight runs to win.That was reduced to four from the last two balls but they managed only threeand Gloucestershire escaped with a draw.

Leicester City are set to enter contract talks with Caglar Soyuncu as the club look to extend the defender’s stay at the King Power stadium.

The 24-year-old has impressed since establishing himself in Brendan Rodgers’ starting XI last season, making 80 appearances for the Foxes in all competitions.

A serious injury issue and coronavirus has limited the Turkey internationals playing time throughout the current campaign, but Soyuncu has returned to full fitness in recent weeks, managing to rediscover his best form along the way.

According to the Daily Mail, Leicester are set to reward the centre-back for his solid displays with fresh terms. Soyuncu’s current deal expires in the summer of 2023, and the Midlands outfit are keen to keep any potential suitors at bay with a new contract.

The former Freiburg man played the full 90 minutes over the weekend as Leicester secured the first FA Cup triumph in their 137-year history and talk has now turned to their top-four hopes.

Qualifying for next season’s Champions League would propel Rodgers’ charges on the pitch as well as off it as they look to break the domestic dominance of the ‘Big Six’.

The 2016 Premier League champions have sold a key player every year since their incredible success, but securing a place in Europe’s elite cup competition could see that pattern come to an end.

Tying down their top talent like Soyuncu is essential if Leicester want to be considered one of the countries top teams on a long-term basis, and if Rodgers’ previous assessment of the tough-tackling defender is anything to go by, it’s clear he’ll be delighted at this latest revelation.

“He has been absolutely fantastic, and he is only going to get better with experience,” said the Northern Irishman. “He will go to Old Trafford. He will go to Anfield. He is not frightened of anything.

“He is quick, he is aggressive. He can defend first and foremost. He has absolutely no qualms whatsoever of just smashing the ball over the stand. He wants to defend. But he can play football, and that’s important if you want to be a top team. You have to be able to defend, but you have to be able to play, and he can do that.”

Soyuncu has quickly established himself as a cult hero at the King Power amongst the Leicester supporters for his full-blooded, passionate displays, and if new terms can be agreed between the two parties, it could be a significant show of intent from the club’s hierarchy.

And, in other news…Leicester handed significant boost with ‘top-class player’, Rodgers surely buzzing – opinion

Hatton National Bank and Seylan Bank put themselves in line to win the Mercantile ‘A’ division league cricket title after torrential rain washed out all four matches of the Singer sponsored tournament on Sunday

Sa'adi Thawfeeq04-Jun-2001Hatton National Bank and Seylan Bank put themselves in line to win the Mercantile ‘A’ division league cricket title after torrential rain washed out all four matches of the Singer sponsored tournament on Sunday.The affected matches were : Singer v Sampath Bank at NCC, E-wis v SeylanBank at Bloomfield, Access v John Keells at Moors and Janashakthi v HNB atColts.HNB headed the standings after yesterday’s matches, but only on a slightly better net run rate from Seylan Bank. Both teams are fighting for the league title and their clash on Wednesday (June 6) at the NCC may well decide the outcome.HNB and Seylan have the identical playing record of four wins from fivematches and 17 points.Access, last year’s runner-up also have the same number of points, buthave played one game more than their two rivals and have only a slim chanceof winning the title following their defeat at the hands of HNB on Saturday.Three teams are fighting for the fourth place to qualify for the nextstage of the competition – the knockout.Sampath Bank, Janashakthi and John Keells all have nine points each andonly the nett run rate separate them. Sampath with a superior net run rateare better placed.Their clash with arch rivals HNB on Poya Day (Tuesday) at the Moors is a vital match and there is a possibility of security personnel being deployed at the venue to prevent any untoward incidents.From this year the competition is being run in two stages – the leagueand the knockout.The knockout for which the top four teams in the league qualify will beworked off on June 16 at the Moors and Bloomfield grounds, with the finalscheduled for June 24 at the NCC.

After a delayed start yesterday, the State Championship match between Canterbury and Auckland was underway on time in perfect conditions at the Village Green today

Jaimee Astle19-Mar-2002After a delayed start yesterday, the State Championship match between Canterbury and Auckland was underway on time in perfect conditions at the Village Green today.At the ground in the outer suburbs of Christchurch, all signs of rain had been driven away, and the forecast is for three further days of fine weather.Auckland resumed play on 127/5, and the first three overs proved full of drama.Ryan Burson began the day with a double wicket maiden, clinching his third wicket of the match. On the fourth ball of the second over Bradley Nielsen was out lbw for nine.Captain Brooke Walker came to the crease, but was out first ball, when he tried to push a delivery down which kicked up and was caught by Robbie Frew.Then Andre Adams came in to join Rob Nicol, but he denied Burson his hat-trick.Cleighten Cornelius joined the bowling attack in the third over, with brother and strike bowler Wade off the field with a suspected stress fracture.Auckland adopted a more attacking approach when bowlers Paul Wiseman and Peter Fulton came on. Nicol who only debuted this season, knocked up his half century with a drive down the ground for four off 128 deliveries.Burson took the new ball in the 81st over, but this was no challenge for Adams and Nicol who used the pace of the ball to bring up their 100-run partnership in the 89th over.Milestones kept on rolling and Adams brought up his half century off 72 balls, including eight fours.Right-arm medium-paced seamer Fulton was brought into the bowling attack shortly after, to try to get a breakthrough for the red and blacks, but Adams smashed him for 16 off one over.It was Wiseman who came up with the answer though – the spinner had Adams caught by Fulton at long on. He made 72 runs off 93 balls including a dozen fours. This was his highest score in first-class cricket.This ended their 133-run partnership, which was 10 off the record for an eighth-wicket partnership in an Auckland versus Canterbury game.Sanjeewa Silva came to the crease, but was back in the dressing room four balls later without scoring a run.Nicol, now on 99, was probably worried he would be left without a partner to score his century, but made this the following over off 206 balls, over a period of 259 minutes. His innings included ten fours and a six and was his second for Auckland this season.He was out for 104 off 213, which brought the first Auckland innings to a close, and Canterbury 272 to chase.Canterbury opening batsmen Frew and Shanan Stewart, were put in the hands of pace bowlers Adams and Gareth Shaw.When Silva took over from Adams at the northern end, he took the first Canterbury wicket when Frew edged a ball through to wicket-keeper Reece Young for 14.Michael Papps came to the crease, but soon after his partner was clean bowled by Shaw for 26, when he was just establishing his innings.Marcel McKenzie, appearing for the first time this season, was next in due to Chris Harris being called up to the New Zealand Test team. McKenzie was called in himself to field for Chris Cairns in the Test against England last week.Tama Canning and Nielsen continued bowling after tea, with Nielsen having two catches put down.Canterbury began to up their strike rate towards the 50th over, but took nearly three hours to get 100 runs on the board.Shaw was brought into the attack, after St John staff used the groundsman’s drill to release pressure welling up under his toe, with leg-spinner and captain Walker.Soon after Papps brought up his ninth first-class 50, and at stumps Canterbury had a total of 150 with Papps on 64 and McKenzie on 29.Umpires Gary Baxter and Dave Quested, called off play at the close of 96 overs, due to bad light. Both Shaw and Silva finished the day with a wicket apiece.New Zealand selector Brian McKechnie was among the ranks at the game today, possibly looking at future selection prospects.

Newcastle United are reportedly eyeing a move for Jacob Greaves in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Greaves impresses

Greaves has been ever present in a Hull City team that gained promotion back up to the EFL Championship from League One, playing in no fewer than 39 games in the division in the 2020/21 term (Transfermarkt).

His displays from the heart of the defence were vital, as he has won no fewer than 6.3 of his duels per game and also averaged 4.1 clearances, 1.4 tackles and 1.2 interceptions a match, keeping 15 clean sheets in the process (Sofascore).

The Latest: Newcastle eye Greaves

As per Football League World, Greaves has caught the eye of both the St. James’ Park faithful and Crystal Palace, who both hold an interest of signing him once the window opens.

The North East club will be hoping to beat the Eagles to his signature, and any other teams that decide to come in for him.

The Verdict: Newcastle should sign Greaves

Even though the step up to the Premier League is a big one, Greaves has all the tools to make it in the top flight.

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At six-foot-one, the central defender should have no problems in coping with the physical and aerial demands of the division, and his stats above show that he likes to get stuck in.

His manager Grant McCann claimed that he was ‘brilliant’ back in November as he was rewarded with a new three-year deal at the Tigers, and at just 20 years of age, the Magpies can benefit hugely from his continued development.

In other news, find out what insight Mark Douglas has dropped on potential takeover investors here!

Pakistan on Thursday once again confirmed that they are the most unpredictable cricket team with as much potential as the best of sides

13-Apr-2002Pakistan on Thursday once again confirmed that they are the most unpredictable cricket team with as much potential as the best of sides. Their performance in the second match against New Zealand was in sharp contrast to the one two days earlier on this very ground.They dominated New Zealand, a side which itself is buoyed after its recent performance against England, in all department, especially with the bat.Shahid Afridi batted much more sensibly than against Sri Lanka and Imran Nazir played with a sense of responsibility, knowing well that a failure in this tournament may well herald the end of his career.His only mistake was trying to cut an outgoing delivery very fine between the keeper and slips which proved curtains for him. But after two innings here, Imran has certainly proved the PCB and its selectors wrong and that the decision to keep him out for almost a year was unfair.Inzamam-ul-Haq’s innings of 68 (his 61st half century in ODIs) that helped Pakistan reach 288, was not the best of his performances. Somehow he was struggling throughout the innings and was never able to time his strokes. He will be required to do better in the next two matches.Comparatively, Younis Khan’s knock was better. He looked more confident on Thursday and the reason may be that he is more comfortable at number 6 position than number 3. On the other hand Abdul Razzaq disappointed with the bat as well the ball.New Zealand were handicapped due to the absence of skipper Stephen Fleming who injured his small finger during Sri Lanka’s innings and had to sit back. Craig McMillan entrusted to lead the side.Notwithstanding the lean season Fleming is passing through, he is one of the best leaders today. He is a better planner and always comes to a match with well thought strategy. Good that the injury is not serious and he is likely to lead his side on Sunday.

Former West Brom midfielder Carlton Palmer has told Football FanCast in an exclusive interview that Chris Wilder would win his old side promotion.

Wilder is said to be one of the leading candidates for the West Brom job as the Midlands club look to replace Sam Allardyce ahead of their return to the Championship.

Wilder has been out of work since departing Sheffield United back in March, who he could face next season from the Hawthorns dugout following their own relegation to English football’s second tier.

It would make for interesting viewing in a potential battle for promotion, and Palmer really fancies West Brom’s chances if they do go on to hire Wilder.

“I think he’s a really, really good manager,” the ex-West Brom player exclusively told FFC.

“The simple fact is Chris Wilder has done his apprenticeship. He is a top, top manager. If he’s ready to get back into the game, for me, West Brom shouldn’t even hesitate. Give him the resources and he’ll get them promoted.”

While Wilder and United had their struggles this season, the all-round job the 53-year-old did was impressive.

Though they did have their disputes this term, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp called Wilder incredible before coming up against him for the first time.