All posts by h716a5.icu

Ian Healy and Brad Haddin headed a group of former and current wicketkeepers conducting a week-long wicketkeeping camp at the Bupa National Cricket Centre (NCC) in Brisbane

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Jun-2016Ian Healy and Brad Haddin headed a group of former and current wicketkeepers conducting a week-long wicketkeeping camp at the Bupa National Cricket Centre (NCC) in Brisbane.Eight young wicketkeepers – six men and two women – attended the camp, which also featured mentors such as Australia’s current Test wicketkeeper Peter Nevill, South Australia wicketkeeper Tim Ludeman and former South Australia coach Mark Sorell.Wicketkeepers camp participants

Josh Inglis, Sam Harper, Alex Reardon, Jake Doran, Lewin Maladay, Tom Healy, Beth Mooney, Megan Banting

Haddin, who retired from international cricket last year, had the chance to get a taste of coaching, having just completed his Level III coaching certificate at the NCC.”I’m just trying to help the guys understand the basics of wicketkeeping, and showing them drills that will help them get better but also explaining why you do this and that,” Haddin told .Haddin praised the youngsters at the camp for their attentiveness and emphasised the importance of smart training, as opposed to simply logging the hours. “What I like to see is they’re always training to get better,” he said. “I think sometimes [you can fall] into the trap of training for long periods of time rather than concentrating on training to get better.”All the training we do here is so that when we’re put under pressure in a game we don’t second-guess our techniques, and in those big moments we go back to basics and we’re confident we can get through.”Jake Doran, a promising young wicketkeeper from Tasmania and one of the participants in the camp, said the opportunity to pick the brains of accomplished wicketkeepers like Haddin and Nevill had been invaluable.”It has been good to have that experience there to get their knowledge and pick their brains,” Doran said. “The main thing they’ve reiterated to us is the importance of the basics – be really, really good at your basics and then, anything else that happens outside of that, your natural instincts will take over.”

Fans have reacted online after goalkeeper Ben Foster hinted that he could be keen to stay at Wrexham for two more seasons during the club’s promotion celebrations.

What’s the latest on Ben Foster’s future?

After a 15-year absence, the Red Dragons have finally managed to secure promotion back into the Football League after pipping rivals Notts County to the automatic promotion spot up into League Two.

Playing a pivotal role in that success, Foster agreed to come out of retirement for the remainder of the 2022-23 season, having initially hung up his boots at the end of the campaign prior with Watford.

Most notably, the 40-year-old saved a 97th-minute penalty in a 3-2 win against Notts County in one of the club’s biggest games under new owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

After that incident, Foster told the press (via 90min): “Rob kissed me fully on the lips and Ryan called me a double handsome b*****d. I’ll take that,” Foster revealed.

“They’re so happy, if you could order an absolute bob on, top of the class, top of the range owner, then you would just package them two up because they are as good as it gets.”

With all that in mind, the veteran shot-stopper had every right to enjoy the recent bus parade and judging from the footage it seems as though the celebrations have been pretty wild.

During all the joy, the Wrexham faithful could be heard shouting to Foster: “One more year, one more year!”. However, instead of agreeing to that, he raises two fingers, suggesting that he could be sticking around for another few seasons.

And while there has been plenty of talk about getting Gareth Bale to come out of retirement too, it sounds as though fans will be more than satisfied if their current goalkeeper decides to commit his future to the club.

Supporters showed their love for Foster on Twitter and here are some of the best reactions…

They certainly love him at Wrexham.

Sky Sports journalist Peter Smith​ has slammed Tottenham Hotspur defender Pedro Porro for his "pathetic" defending in the club's shocking loss.

What's the latest on Pedro Porro and Spurs?

Spurs suffered an absolutely humiliating defeat against Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon as they lost 6-1 in the Premier League.

Coming up against a main rival in their hunt for Champions League football, Tottenham shipped five goals in 21 minutes away at St James' Park.

Indeed, a brace each from Jacob Murphy and Alexander Isak with Joelinton also scoring put Newcastle out of sight before halftime. Harry Kane did pull one back in the second 45, but Callum Wilson then added the cherry on top to make it 6-1 at full-time.

Understandably, all the players came in for heavy criticism in the media but one moment when Porro failed to halt a Joe Willock run really seemed to irk Smith.

Indeed, he told Sky Sports: "That piece of 'defending' from Porro just now against Willock really sums up the attitude Spurs have taken into this game.

"A pathetic, half-hearted waft of a leg as Willock glides into the final third…"

How bad was Porro for Spurs?

It's not been a good time for the £85k-p/w defender of late and after last week's loss to Bournemouth, he sent out a defiant message online saying: " "You never know how strong you are, until being strong is the only option you have left."

However, it's safe to say Porro didn't back up his talking with a performance on the pitch. That much is evident in the player ratings by journalist Alasdair Gold for football.london.

The right-back picked up a 2/10 for his efforts, with Gold writing: "Breezed past too easily by Joelinton in the opening moments and was nowhere near Wilson for Newcastle's sixth.

"Doesn't look like a natural full-back. Tried to get balls into the box at the other end and hit one shot into the side-netting."

When you look at his stats on SofaScore, it makes for ugly reading too. Indeed, the 5.8-rated Porro was terrible in possession, losing the ball 20 times (the most of any player on the pitch) and completed just 29/43 (67%) of his passes – only Ivan Perisic was worse in the Tottenham starting line-up.

What's more, he didn't defend well either as he was dribbled past twice, made two fouls, and win just 3/9 duels attempted.

All in all, another bad day at the office for the January signing who is fast becoming a bit of a flop.

Tottenham Hotspur have 'definitely' looked at appointing Brentford boss Thomas Frank as Spurs search for a new manager, according to Alasdair Gold.

What's the latest Spurs manager news?

All eyes are on chairman Daniel Levy and who he may appoint to succeed Antonio Conte, with it now being over three weeks since the Italian parted company.

Despite Spurs still being well in contention for a top-four Premier League finish, tension boiled over when Conte launched a scathing post-match rant after their recent 3-3 draw at Southampton, eventually spelling the end of his tenure.

Having left north London, Conte's exit has paved the way for a host of managers to be linked with the post.

While interim boss Cristian Stellini and assistant coach Ryan Mason take charge in the meantime, Levy may be working on Conte's replacement in the background.

Perhaps most notably, the likes of Mauricio Pochettino, Luis Enrique and Julian Nagelsmann stand out as the big three who have been linked with a move to Spurs – while Zinedine Zidane was also rumoured to be a target by Sky Sports.

In-work managers aren't completely ruled out either, as the likes of Arne Slot and Vincent Kompany reportedly entice Spurs.

Now, sharing an update on the Tottenham managerial search, reliable football.london correspondent Gold has made a claim on Bees boss Frank.

When asked how likely it is the 49-year-old could get the job, the reporter explained in a Q&A:

"Thomas Frank will definitely have been looked at. He's done a great job at Brentford but I wonder whether Spurs see him as enough of a name or trophy winner. They seem to have been drawn to those types in recent years."

What could Frank bring to Spurs?

While he may not arguably be as prestigious a candidate as Pochettino and Nagelsmann, we believe Frank could be a solid outside contender.

The former Brondby boss has turned Brentford into a very hard side to play against, with only Manchester City, Arsenal and Newcastle United losing fewer league games than them this season.

Frank, who favours the 3-5-2 formation, has also been praised for his 'extraordinary' job at Brentford by members of the media, with journalist Ryan Taylor emphatic:

He explained:

"What Thomas Frank is doing with Brentford is simply extraordinary. Now regularly outcompeting & outperforming the Big Six with expressive, attractive football despite operating with the lowest budget in the Premier League. Incredible."

We couldn't have summed it up any better than Taylor, with it being little surprise Spurs are thought to be taking note.

Newcastle United are reportedly among the "favourites" to snap up Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby during the summer transfer window.

Is Diaby having a good season?

The 23-year-old is part of a Leverkusen squad currently thriving under Xabi Alonso, proving to be an important figure. This season, he has scored nine goals and registered six assists in 26 Bundesliga appearances, as well as three goal contributions in the Europa League, helping them reach the quarter-finals of the competition.

Diaby's performances have understandably caught the eye of a number of clubs across Europe, with a summer departure potentially on the cards. The Frenchman's current deal expires in the summer of 2025 and it could be that the best chance for Leverkusen to receive big money for his services is at the end of this season.

With Newcastle looking for a memorable summer in the transfer market, more attacking firepower is perhaps required in their squad – particularly with a European campaign next season looking likely – and the Leverkusen star could be just the man to help solve that issue.

Are Newcastle signing Moussa Diaby?

According to SportBILD (via Sport Witness), the Magpies are "among the favourites" to acquire Diaby's signature this summer, seeing him as an exciting option to add more quality in the final third. A number of top clubs are believed to be "getting serious" about signing him, with the player himself also claiming that "it’s fun when many clubs are interested in you".

It is stated that Newcastle were keen on bringing in Diaby during the January transfer window, but a move failed to materialise at that point. Anthony Gordon's struggles are mentioned in the report, having "failed" to make an impression so far – he is yet to get a goal or an assist in seven Premier League appearances, suggesting that Diaby would be considered an upgrade on the former Everton man.

We think Diaby could be a great signing for Newcastle, with his end product speaking for itself this season, while nine caps for a star-studded France team also outlines his pedigree. He has been hailed as "incredibly dangerous" by Freiburg coach Christian Streich, and his overall record of 94 goal contributions (48 goals and 46 assists) in 162 appearances for Leverkusen is highly impressive.

At 23, he also has his best years ahead of him, meaning he could be an immediate key man as well as a future potential superstar at St James' Park.

All things considered, we feel there is every reason for Eddie Howe to splash the cash on the winger this summer.

Everton have found themselves yet again struggling to retain their Premier League status this season and Sean Dyche has been tasked with the challenge of damage control at Goodison Park by securing survival over the remaining fixtures.

The Toffees are currently teetering on the edge of the relegation zone as only goal difference is saving them from being in the bottom three and with just eight games left to play, there is no room for error going forward until the end of the season.

Indeed, if the former Burnley boss can save the Merseysiders this season, there is no doubt that he will be keen to make his own mark on the squad to prompt improvement and resolve the disastrous decisions of those who preceded him.

One player who has been sparking media attention for all the wrong reasons yet again this week is Frank Lampard's signing Dele Alli, with the player banished from his loan club Besiktas this season and now suffering an injury that has left him unavailable to play for the remainder of the campaign.

Will Everton cut ties with Dele Alli?

Despite paying no transfer fee to sign him, there is no doubt that Alli has been one of the worst signings secured on the blue side of Merseyside in a while which is some achievement considering the club is renowned for their transfer disasters over the years.

The former Tottenham Hotspur playmaker made the move to Goodison Park on the same day that Lampard became the new permanent manager, back in January 2022.

After tallying up just 13 appearances over six months and averaging just 27 minutes per game with only three yellow cards to show for it, talkSPORT's Simon Jordan blasted Everton for signing Alli last summer:

"An awful transfer! This was how it was always going to end," he began. “Dele Alli’s career is going one way and I don’t think he can get it back.”

At first, a season-long loan move to Turkey for the troubled £100k-per-week talent looked promising with three goals scored in 17 appearances, however, it wasn't long before the Besiktas boss Senol Gunes became the latest manager to grow frustrated with him and delivered a scathing assessment on the player:

"Dele Alli has had a good career. But he doesn't deserve to play at the moment. The current situation has not met our expectations as a team,

"We expect him to contribute to the team, but we think he cannot contribute at the moment. We will evaluate it with him and the club."

Since then, the England international has seemingly not returned to Turkey after coming back to the UK with a knee injury and it has been reported in the last few days that Everton are considering their options to cut ties with the player once and for all.

With that being said, considering Everton's financial concerns, it would be wise for them to finally end Lampard's transfer disaster by letting go of the 27-year-old as soon as possible, in order to eliminate one of their many problems heading into the summer.

After previously premature suggestions that Manchester United were potential title contenders, the reality is that Erik ten Hag's side are now set for a scrap just to secure a top-four berth, following another abject display on the road against Newcastle United on Sunday.

Goals from Joe Willock and Callum Wilson secured a deserved 2-0 win for the Magpies on the day at St James' Park, with the visitors having now won just three of their last nine Premier League games.

A major concern for United at present will be their shortcomings in attack, with the Carabao Cup winners having now failed to score in each of their last three top-flight games, having also been rather lifeless before Fulham's late implosion in the FA Cup quarter-final clash prior to the international break.

While there will undoubtedly be focus on the woes of January arrival, Wout Weghorst, who has scored just twice in 19 successive starts for the club, the Dutchman was not the only forward player to have distinctly underwhelmed on Tyneside, with teammate Marcus Rashford also proving rather "anonymous" – as per journalist Thomas Hammond.

How did Rashford perform against Newcastle?

Having enjoyed a well-earned rest over the past week or so after pulling out of the England squad through injury, the 25-year-old would likely have been hoping to get back firing again against Eddie Howe's men, although was ultimately something of a spare part in truth yesterday.

The previously prolific marksman – who has 27 goals in all competitions this season at club level – produced a "really bad" display against the Tynesiders, according to journalist Thomas Alencar, with his 6.1 match rating, as per Sofascore, the worst of any United player.

That grim rating was frankly warranted as the £200k-per-week ace lost 100% of his ground duels and squandered possession on ten occasions as a marker of his woes both defensively and offensively, while his tally of 31 touches was even lower than that of teammate David De Gea (42) in the sticks.

Such a surprising lack of impact – which also saw Rashford fail to complete his two dribble attempts nor register a single key pass – was seemingly noted by his manager post-match, with Ten Hag stating that his side offered "nothing" down the left side.

The Englishman's grim outing was epitomised late on as he merely passed the ball straight into the gloves of compatriot Nick Pope after attempting to slide a teammate through on goal, having been merely 'ineffectual' on the right or left flank, as per Manchester Evening News journalist, Samuel Luckhurst.

While Rashford had previously appeared something of an "unstoppable" attacking weapon – as per his manager – on the evidence of recent games the academy graduate has been more of a blunt instrument, having now gone three league games without a goal, while also coming up short against the Cottagers.

The 5 ft 11 gem's last goal came in the Europa League, second-leg win away at Real Betis, although even that stunning effort had come following what was a 'sloppy' individual display, as per Luckhurst, with concern perhaps brewing that the wide man is beginning to lose momentum following what has been a breathtaking individual campaign to date.

Perhaps it is merely a case of injury or the result of simply being overworked, yet Rashford has not looked like his usual self in recent games – albeit with a brief downturn in performances perhaps expected after a relentless run of standout showings over the past few months.

With the Manchester native having largely shouldered the goalscoring burden on his own this season – with Bruno Fernandes the only other player to reach double figures for goals in all competitions – it now appears time for someone else to step up to the plate.

Trying to see just who that might be, however, seems rather difficult at present…

Tottenham Hotspur were in ‘very close’ talks with former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel recently, but now there’s a big problem.

The Lowdown: Conte leaving?

Spurs still haven’t officially announced what they intend to do in regards to current head coach Antonio Conte nearly a week after his astonishing post-Southampton rant.

The Italian had already been tipped to leave N17 upon the expiry of his contract, which is set to run down this summer, with sporting director Fabio Paratici having drawn up a shortlist of candidates.

Last week, Sky reported that former Lilywhites boss Mauricio Pochettino is in contention for the post alongside Roberto De Zerbi, Luis Enrique, Marco Silva, Thomas Frank and Tuchel.

The latter man has been billed as one of the standouts, especially when considering his free agent status and successful experience in the Premier League.

Tuchel’s CV boasts a Champions League winner’s medal and coaching some of world football’s biggest superstars, leaving little wonder pundits have urged Daniel Levy to make a move.

The Latest: Journalist shares recent Tuchel talks…

Writing on social media, reporter Georg Holzner, who works for German news outlet Kicker, has shared an interesting update on Tottenham’s chances of hiring the 49-year-old.

He claims Spurs were in ‘very close talks’ with Tuchel recently, and while he ‘could well imagine’ the project in north London, Bayern Munich have now swooped in after an overnight decision to sack Julian Nagelsmann.

As a result, the former Paris-Saint Germain boss is now expected in Bavaria.

Holzner said on Twitter:

“According @kicker information, Thomas #Tuchel should sign [with Bayern] tomorrow or the day after. Tuchel was recently in very close talks with #Tottenham , he could well imagine the project. But now Bavaria is acting.”

The Verdict: Disappointment for Spurs…

Bar Enrique and Pochettino, who are also illustrious free agent managers currently available for hire, Tuchel was certainly a very good candidate to succeed Conte.

The German is a self-proclaimed childhood Spurs supporter, which could’ve theoretically worked in Levy’s favour, even despite his links to London rivals Chelsea.

Zero fee would’ve been required to appoint Tuchel too, making the would-be proposed move far less hassle than going for an elite manager currently in work.

Of course, with the Bayern job reportedly about to become available, Tuchel has clearly seen an opportunity to manage one of Europe’s most prestigious footballing sides.

The Bundesliga giants are also still fighting for a league title and the Champions League, with a crunch quarter-final encounter against Man City on the horizon.

Sky Sports have provided a major update on the Manchester United takeover saga following Wednesday’s deadline for second bids.

The Lowdown: Jassim and Ratcliffe

Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe have appeared to be the front runners to take over from the Glazers in recent weeks, with both parties holding Old Trafford talks last week.

The pair were set to submit second offers for the club this week, with Fabrizio Romano one of many reporters to state that those bids were made ahead of the 9pm deadline. However, it looks as if that was not the case, with Sky Sports sharing an update late on Wednesday evening.

The Latest: Sky Sports update

Sky Sports shared some ‘huge’ developments regarding a United takeover after the 9pm deadline on Wednesday. Chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol said that both Jassim and Ratcliffe’s bids were not completed in time and have asked for an extension from the Raine Group in New York, describing it as ‘incredible’.

‘This is incredible what we’re about to talk about now. I’ve seen lots of things but I don’t think I’ve seen anything like this.

‘We’ve been telling you that Sheikh Jassim had made a world record bid for Manchester United. I’m now being told by a very, very senior source that the bid has not been received yet. It needed to be sent to the Raine Group in New York, and I’m being told that bid has not been received yet.

‘I’m also being told that Sheikh Jassim’s delegation have asked Raine for an extension and Raine have agreed to accommodate that request. ‘And what’s more, the same goes for Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS. Now my understanding is, from being told by someone very senior that said to me ‘why would we lie to you’, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, the bid has not gone in.’

The Verdict: Crazy

It does seem extremely bizarre that both Jassim and Ratcliffe missed the deadline and have asked for an extension, but it appears as if a takeover involving one of the two isn’t out of the question just yet after their request for an extension was approved – Romano says ‘bids will still go in’.

However, both parties will need to be on the money going forward when it comes to new deadlines, especially as several other groups interested in buying a smaller percentage of United did meet the initial Wednesday deadline.

Jassim and Ratcliffe’s improved offers are set to be world-record bids, worth around £5billion, so it could be an extremely important few days.

Arsenal journalist for football.london Kaya Kaynak says that academy winger Amario Cozier-Duberry is ‘like’ Bukayo Saka.

The Lowdown: Cozier-Duberry profiled

Cozier-Duberry is a 17-year-old right-winger coming through the Arsenal Academy, where he has already played 51 times at youth level in total over all competitions, scoring 15 goals and making a further 11 assists (Transfermarkt).

He has not yet made a competitive senior appearance for the Gunners, but has been named on the Premier League and the UEFA Europa League this season, while he also looked lively during a 2-0 mid-season friendly loss to Juventus at the Emirates Stadium back in December.

Nonetheless, Cozier-Duberry will be hoping to get his chance to impress in the senior team, much like Saka has over the years coming from the Hale End as well.

The Latest: Cozier-Duberry is ‘like Saka’

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Kaynak says that Cozier-Duberry is ‘like Saka’ in the way he plays, and also compared his transition from a left-back to a right-winger, much like Saka did in his early Arsenal career:

“He’s a similar player in the sense that he’s left-footed, can drift central, and can play a creative midfield role.

“He generally tends to play on the right-wing but he’s very versatile and can play a lot of different positions.

“Much like Saka did when he first broke into the team. He started off at left-back, now as a right-winger and who knows, Cozier-Duberry is definitely someone who could do that.”

The Verdict: His time will come

As shown with Saka and the likes of Eddie Nketiah and Emile Smith Rowe among others, Arsenal and Mikel Arteta are willing to give youngsters from the academy chances in the first team if they are good enough.

After the path that Saka has taken, where he now currently has 24 times and gone to a FIFA World Cup with England, Cozier-Duberry can have ambitions that he can eventually do the same if he is given the same chance to impress.

An alternative for him would also be to go out on loan next season, much like Charlie Patino and Folarin Balogun have done in this campaign, and try to impress enough to be recalled into the senior squad.

Nonetheless, Cozier-Duberry is certainly another exciting talent that supporters will hope can also come through over the next few years.