All posts by h716a5.icu

All former West Indies players and some of the region’s most loyal supporters will soon be afforded the opportunity to enter grounds around the Caribbean without having to pay a cent

29-May-2002All former West Indies players and some of the region’s most loyal supporters will soon be afforded the opportunity to enter grounds around the Caribbean without having to pay a cent.During its meetings here last weekend, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) decided it would issue a West Indies ID pass to anyone who had played for the regional team."They are the ones who have made our cricket famous and it is only fair and fitting that we should provide them with passes so they can enter grounds without any hassle," said WICB chief executive officer Gregory Shillingford.The board also took the decision to honour supporters who had attended 75 matches or more. Among them are Trinidadians Peter Matthews, "Uncle Lester" and his wife, and their travelling companion Harry Persad."There are others, but we are developing a mechanism to verify the attendance at matches – both at home and away – of other supporters so that we can officially recognise them," Shillingford said.

David Fulton calmly hit a career-best 82 to take Kent Spitfires to a four-wicket victory over Yorkshire Phoenix at Headingley in Division One of the Norwich Union League

David Warner10-Jun-2001David Fulton calmly hit a career-best 82 to take Kent Spitfires to a four-wicket victory over Yorkshire Phoenix at Headingley in Division One of the Norwich Union League.Opening the innings as Kent chased a 190 target, Fulton was not out until the penultimate over when he fell lbw to Paul Hutchison but by then the game was as good as over and skipper Matthew Fleming drove the winning boundary a few balls later.Fulton faced 118 balls and struck six boundaries, putting on 54 for the third wicket with Matthew Walker and 63 for the fifth with Paul Nixon who survived a sharp return catch to Darren Lehmann early in the stand.Yorkshire debutant seamer Tim Bresnan, at 16 years and 102 days the second youngest player ever to turn out for the county, bowled four overs for 15 runs but did not manage to pick up a wicket.Put in to bat, Yorkshire lost three cheap wickets but were rallied by a 108 stand in 23 overs between left-handers Michael Lumb and Vic Craven who each registered their best scores in the competition.Lumb was the more aggressive, slamming six fours and a six in his 66 which came off 91 balls while Craven went to his 55 at a more sedate pace, facing 88 balls and hitting six fours.Craven then became one of four batsmen to fall to the medium pace of Walker who also achieved his best figures of four for 24 from eight overs.

Speaking to Football Insider, pundit and former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie has dropped an Irons transfer claim involving Jesse Lingard.

The Lowdown: Lingard eyed by Hammers

West Ham wanting to sign loanee Lingard on a permanent deal this summer is absolutely nothing new, with club insiders ExWHUemployee and Claret & Hugh both backing reports of their recent interest in the Englishman.

It was even claimed that GSB will ‘move heaven and earth’ to get a deal done at the end of the season, hardly surprising given his sensational spell in east London overall since joining temporarily from Man United.

The Latest: McAvennie drops Lingard claim

However, according to McAvennie, in an interview with Football Insider, it turns out West Ham won’t be moving for Lingard after all.

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Indeed, dropping a major claim, the 61-year-old has heard from his sources that the Hammers may not have the available funds now to sign on Lingard a permanent deal – especially after seeing their Champions League hopes quashed.

“I’m hearing from sources they won’t sanction a move for Lingard,” McAvennie explained.

“I hope that’s wrong, they have to go all out to get him for Manchester United.

“If the boy wants to stay, give him all the money he wants. Unfortunately, money is tight at the moment.

“For West Ham to challenge again next season, they need players like Lingard.”

The Verdict: Big blow for West Ham

The 28-year-old has been a revelation since signing for the Irons on loan in January, scoring an incredible nine goals and assisting his teammates four times in 15 Premier League starts (WhoScored).

Over that period, he is also the most threatening West Ham player by shots taken per 90 – averaging 2.6 attempts on goal every match (WhoScored).

Therefore, McAvennie’s big claim that they will no longer sanction a permanent deal comes as a truly damning blow to supporters.

Manager David Moyes will also be hoping that GSB do back him in the summer transfer market as he aims to strengthen in key areas.

In other news: West Ham fans rave over this official club announcement, find out more here.

Former Manchester United midfielder Keith Gillespie has exclusively told The Transfer Tavern that it’s impossible not to like Paul Pogba.

The French World Cup winner has often been criticised for failing to live up to his world-record fee following his move from Juventus back in 2016.

But Pogba has performed impressively for United in recent months and is just 90 minutes away from securing a second Europa League title later this month after their victory over Ajax four years ago under Jose Mourinho.

And the 28-year-old’s numbers epitomise his good form. Pogba has been involved in 14 goals in 39 appearances in all competitions, scoring six times, whilst chipping in with eight assists.

The £290,000-a-week ace is back to playing some of his best football under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with the Frenchman recently praising the United boss for never going against his players when taking a swipe at former boss Mourinho at the same time.

He starred once again at Aston Villa on Sunday, assisting Edinson Cavani’s goal to seal yet three more points on the road.

And Gillespie told The Transfer Tavern that he’s a huge fan of the midfielder:

“I think it’s hard not to be a Paul Pogba fan when you see how good he can be. But it’s just about getting that consistency.

“Sometimes you think, is his head in the right place? He’s so strong on the ball at times – he can make things happen.”

Sussex have a Dutch master of their own to admiretonight after Bas Zuiderent made a maiden first-classhundred to give his side the upper hand againstNottinghamshire after the first day of the CricinfoChampionship match at Hove

Bruce Talbot09-May-2001Sussex have a Dutch master of their own to admiretonight after Bas Zuiderent made a maiden first-classhundred to give his side the upper hand againstNottinghamshire after the first day of the CricinfoChampionship match at Hove.The 24-year-old, who only made his first one-daycentury for the county on Monday, maintained hisexcellent form by scoring an undefeated 122 to helphis side reach 310-5 before bad light forced theplayers off with two overs of the day remaining. His score is the highest in first-class cricket by a Dutchman.Zuiderent has got his chance because of injuries toskipper Chris Adams and Tony Cottey and grabbed hisopportunity with both hands as he repaired the earlydamage done by Notts’ burly South African seamer GregSmith.Smith removed both openers Richard Montgomerie andMurray Goodwin with just 15 on the board beforeZuiderent and left-hander Michael Yardy, in his firstChampionship appearance of the season, led a recoverywith a stand of 92 which ended on the stroke of lunchwhen Yardy edged Smith to second slip after making36.In the afternoon Zuiderent and Will House continuedthe rebuilding job with House making 46 before heedged Usman Afzaal’s occasional left-arm spin to thewicket-keeper.A 14th boundary clipped off his legs took Zuiderentto three figures off 233 balls in a shade over fivehours and, despite the murky light, he was stillgoing strong at the end.With him was Robin Martin-Jenkins who had made 38 off50 deliveries in an unbroken sixth-wicket stand of68. Smith was the pick of the Notts’ attack,maintaining a consistent line and length all day tofinish with 3-39 off 21 overs.

David Moyes will hope to see an instant response from his players following last weekend’s 3-2 defeat at Newcastle when West Ham United host Chelsea on Saturday evening.

The Hammers fell two goals and a man down at St. James’ Park before mounting a second-half comeback, only to leave Tyneside without a point after Joe Willock headed home in the closing stages.

Chelsea then compounded the misery by retaking fourth spot in the Premier League table when held to a goalless draw by Brighton & Hove Albion in midweek, but only sit above the Irons on goal difference due to a superior defensive record.

Craig Dawson’s first-half red card will ensure Moyes is forced to make changes from the side that lost at Newcastle. So, with that in mind, here’s a potential line-up the West Ham boss could field featuring three alterations…

Dawson being unavailable for his first Premier League fixture since his West Ham debut on December 29 leaves Moyes with a decision to make, over sticking with a five-man backline or adapting his system with the inclusion of an additional midfield option.

Fabian Balbuena will expect Moyes to favour continuity and start the Paraguayan – who journalist Sam Delaney believes was “brilliant” last season – for his first opening call in 17 top-flight games, having come on for Aaron Creswell when leading against Leicester City.

Moyes decided against calling on Balbuena at Newcastle with West Ham going a goal behind in the move that led to Dawson’s sending off, but may now opt to recall the centre-back with Creswell potentially available to retake the left-back position from Ben Johnson.

Cresswell was unavailable in the North East due to the hamstring injury he sustained at home to Leicester, but Moyes confirmed on Friday that he is closing in on a return and will take a late fitness test to see if the 31-year-old has recovered sufficiently to face Chelsea.

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Michail Antonio (hamstring), Arthur Masuaku (knee) and Declan Rice (knee) have been ruled out of Saturday’s London derby, while Jesse Lingard is expected to be fit after being withdrawn at Newcastle due to cramp.

Rice being unavailable will likely see Mark Noble and Tomas Soucek anchor the engine room once again, while Antonio’s absence will be expected to see Jarrod Bowen and Lingard lead the attack for the third successive Premier League game.

Pablo Fornals has started each of West Ham’s last three fixtures after overcoming a groin injury during the March international break, but struggled to shine at Newcastle where his influence fizzled out and his loose backpass led to Dawson receiving his initial caution.

Moyes could now look to bench the Spaniard – who he lauds for having “incredible” energy and enthusiasm – and replace him with Said Benrahma, who has offered one more assist than Fornals despite playing 964 fewer minutes in the Premier League this term.

AND in other news, a £34.5m West Ham target has confirmed clubs are in contact with his agent over a summer switch…Mo

Aston Villa must avoid selling Anwar El Ghazi as major news emerges from Bodymoor Heath about Dean Smith’s position on the matter.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days have revealed that El Ghazi’s teammate, Trezeguet, is set to be out of first-team action for the best part of a year after suffering an ACL injury in the clash against Liverpool.

And now, Football Insider claim that because of the Egyptian’s lay-off, he has made a U-turn on El Ghazi’s future at the Premier League club.

The report suggests that both Smith and the Villa hierarchy were prepared to cash in on the Dutchman in the summer, but that stance has now been changed given Trezeguet’s injury blow.

Dean Smith would be making a mistake

With eight goals in 23 games, El Ghazi certainly has a very impressive goal-scoring record this season in the Premier League, so it beggars belief that Smith wanted to get rid of him.

There’s no questioning that he’s got the ability to be a real game-changer for the side when he’s on song – you only have to look at his back-to-back goals against West Brom and Everton in Villa’s last two games to see that.

And, speaking after his goal against Crystal Palace earlier this year, former Premier League midfielder Michael Brown said: “Dean Smith told me his training in how he executes those finishes is there for all to see. Craig Shakespeare then backed him straight up when I ran into him later, he just said ‘what a technician he is.’

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“He’s practising in training, he has a bad week against Burnley: eight shots, great chances, can’t put one away. Then he scores against West Brom, then goes and puts one in the top bins like he did last night… Magnificent is the word we’re all looking for.”

Smith must avoid an unforgivable mistake by selling the £9m-rated El Ghazi this summer. And given Trezeguet’s injury update now, it would be even more of a foolish blunder on the part of the Villa boss to get rid of him.

Meanwhile, Villa are eyeing a move for this “great leader”…

Aston Villa must avoid selling Ollie Watkins amid Lee Hendrie’s transfer claim that rival clubs could look to sign him.

What’s the story?

Dean Smith’s side signed the £75,000-per-week star last summer from Brentford and he has since been a revelation for Villa, bagging an impressive 14 goals in 33 games across all competitions.

Hendrie has now suggested that, were someone like Jack Grealish to leave, it could spark an exodus from Villa Park, with Watkins one of the players he fears would consider a move away.

The 43-year-old told Football Transfer Tavern: “There’s been a lot of interest for certain players. I think when you look at the bigger picture of it, you know, if someone like Jack Grealish left, I think that’s when it does maybe happen where it might be that Ollie Watkins thinks, ‘well, there’s no ambition here. We’re going to have to move on; we’re going to have to go to a different football club’.

“When they’re playing well, there’s always going to be interest for players. So, yes, there’s elements that you do want to keep your best players because I feel that if Villa are going to go and push on and be a European side and possibly get into the Champions League at some stage, they’re going to have to build around these key players that they’ve got – Ollie Watkins is one of them.

“I still feel there’s more to come from him, but I do worry (about interest from top-six sides).”

Dean Smith would be fuming

Speaking earlier this season, The Athletic’s Gregg Evans waxed lyrical about the kind of transformation Villa have had thanks to Watkins’ arrival.

He said: “I really think he’s making a big difference actually, to Villa, I think that he’s given them a new dimension and his hold up play is great, he creates space for others and that’s helping the midfielders flourish.”

After the 25-year-old helped Villa to a superb 3-0 victory against Crystal Palace in December after being down to ten men, Smith raved: “I said to them at half-time in the dressing room, ‘There’s nobody I could choose out of the Premier League to lead the line with 10 men’ with Ollie Watkins. I thought he was outstanding today and the only thing missing was his goal.

“Listen, the numbers he produces in terms of his high-speed running and sprinting distances is incredible. The lads really appreciate the work he puts in.”

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Watkins’ rise to becoming a bona fide Premier League star began with his performances at Brentford, with the Bees’ programme editor Chris Deacon telling The Athletic: “Ollie transformed himself into a physical specimen. We’d call him a machine because it looked like he would set himself into third gear and then cruise along at the front while everyone else was blowing.”

While transfer interest in him would be an indication of just how well the striker has done, Villa would be making an unforgivable mistake by looking to cash in on him and/or just letting him walk.

Smith’s side have improved dramatically since last season thanks to key signings like the 25-year-old, and that they’re still within a shout of European football is a testament to that.

The Villa boss would be absolutely fuming if the club decided to take the money on Watkins when they really should be strengthening the team around him.

Meanwhile, Villa should unleash this starlet amid reported transfer interest…

KV Mechelen boss Wouter Vrancken had admitted that talks with Celtic over extending Marian Shved’s stay in Belgium are on hold.

That’s because of numerous off-field changes at Parkhead, with wide midfielder Shved thought to be keen on a Parkhead exit this summer.

The Ukrainian is currently on a season-long loan and has made 16 Jupiler Pro League appearances during the current campaign, scoring three times and providing two assists.

Vrancken, whose comments were covered by Het Laatste Nieuws and relayed by Sports Witness, admitted that changes in Glasgow have prevented a potential deal materialising.

“Only there is a whole change going on at Celtic.

“There will be another trainer and technical director. The people we talked to are gone now.

“Marian has clearly indicated that he likes being here and wants to stay. I also think that’s best for himself. He needs stability.”

Transfer Tavern take

Shved has made just three Hoops appearances since joining for £1.8m in 2019 and his £7,900-a-week contract at Parkhead expires in 2023.

Therefore, we feel as if the club have a big decision to make on the wide midfielder over the coming months – either give him a chance to impress under the new Celtic manager or cut ties with him completely.

Another loan deal could work against the Hoops, as Shved will then have just 12 months left on his deal in the summer of 2022.

That could then leave the club in a tricky situation, so we feel it’s best if they make a firm call over the summer when a new manager and director of football are in place.

In other news: Celtic interested in signing record-breaking teenager from English side, find out more here. 

Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie has exclusively told Football FanCast that James Forrest should come straight back into the side for Sunday’s Old Firm Derby.

Forrest spent six months on the sidelines after fracturing his ankle against Riga in the Europa League back in September, only returning to action in Celtic’s goalless draw at Dundee United earlier this month, the day Rangers were crowned Scottish Premiership champions.

The winger, who reportedly earns £16,200-a-week, replaced captain Scott Brown with 12 minutes remaining at Tannadice Park, handing the managerless Hoops a major boost ahead of their third meeting of the season with Rangers, as they hope to salvage some pride from what’s been a miserable campaign.

Despite that late cameo being Forrest’s only first-team competitive action since his long-term injury, McAvennie believes that the Scottish international has to be picked by John Kennedy to start the game at Celtic Park, providing his fitness allows him.

He told Football FanCast: “I think if he’s fit enough, I think he’s a must. They’ve been playing Christie in there, and he keeps coming into the middle, he’s not a winger.

“I think him and Jonjoe Kenny can form a good partnership, so if he’s fit, he’s a stick on to come back into the team. I would get an hour off him, then you know if he’s got it. I don’t agree with giving him half-hour because the guy is a talent and will cause him problems.”