All posts by h716a5.icu

One area stands out above any other in terms of defensive recruitment at Celtic this summer.

The Hoops shipped 16 more goals than the league winners last term so Ange Postecoglou desperately needs to add to his ranks.

What’s the word?

Celtic have already wrapped up a deal to sign the defensively versatile Osaze Urhoghide but they will need more bodies than that.

A bizarre situation is ongoing with Kristoffer Ajer and he could still yet stay at Parkhead next season if the Bhoys hold firm over their £20m asking price.

That, however, means that Carl Starfelt is unlikely to become a Celtic player.

One man who could become a Bhoy is Brandon Soppy. The Glaswegian side were interested in signing the teenager last March and have seemingly renewed their pursuit.

That’s according to Fabrizio Romano who said on Saturday: “Celtic are interested in signing Brandon Soppy from Rennes [19, huge talent] as new left back. Talks opened – but there are also French clubs in the race.”

The right-back is currently valued at £6.3m via Transfermarkt.

Postecoglou needs him

Heading into the new campaign Celtic are incredibly strapped for options on the right-hand side of defence.

Jeremie Frimpong left last January and Jonjoe Kenny has headed back to his parent club.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-celtic-news-doig-nketiah-mccann” title= “Read the latest Celtic transfer news!”]

Consequently, Anthony Ralston and Lee O’Connor are their sole representatives in that third of the pitch.

This is rather bad news as they move towards their opening Champions League qualifying match in just over a week’s time.

The addition of Soppy, therefore, cannot come quick enough.

Heading into the November international break last season, he was ranked as the third-highest 18-year-old in the entire of Europe’s top five leagues.

Now 19 years of age, the Frenchman only played ten times in Ligue 1 for Rennes last term but impressed despite being inexperienced.

He was measured with his passing, completing 81.5% and was incredibly assured in the tackle.

Soppy completed 2.1 successful challenges per game in the French top-flight which for context is a higher number than any player at Celtic. Their best tackler was Ismaila Soro on 1.9 per match.

Crucially for the new manager, the defender also offers plenty in the final third. Described as “extremely dangerous” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the youngster recorded 0.9 dribbles per outing in 2020/21.

The only defenders who managed more at Parkhead were the aforementioned Frimpong and Diego Laxalt.

With that in mind, Soppy could bring a new dimension to the right-back role at Celtic. Postecoglou must get this deal across the line swiftly.

AND in other news, Celtic may unearth another Leigh Griffiths by signing “wonderful” 18-goal gem…

Sunderland have confirmed the signing of Jacob Carney, who has made the move to the Stadium of Light from Manchester United.

The Lowdown: Black Cats slow in the transfer market

The Black Cats have seen a number of players depart the club this summer, with Josh Scowen, Grant Leadbitter, Max Power and Charlie Wyke all leaving.

However, that exodus has not been counter-balanced by an influx of new arrivals as of yet.

The Latest: Sunderland sign Carney

Sunderland have confirmed their first new signing of the summer, though, as goalkeeper Carney joins them from Old Trafford (safc.com).

The 20-year-old has signed a two-year deal at the Stadium of Light.

The Verdict: Unknown quantity

Carney is something of a unknown quantity. Without a first team appearance for the Red Devils, he spent last season on loan at Portadown in Northern Ireland, and conceded 46 goals in just 26 games for the club (Transfermarkt).

However, Portadown boss Matthew Tipton had plenty of praise for him earlier this year (The Newsletter) when Carney won the club’s Player of the Month award for February, saying: “Most opposition managers single out Jacob after our games and I am just delighted with everything overall since he joined the club.

“I would love him to stay with us again next season and he has really settled in well since moving over to Northern Ireland.”

Having come through United’s academy, Carney has received perhaps the best footballing education possible, and there is no shame in dropping a couple of divisions to further his career. Lee Johnson and co will be hoping that the 20-year-old proves to be an astute signing, which certainly seems to be the case given Tipton’s glowing endorsement.

In other news, Kevin Phillips has urged Sunderland to sign this striker.

It looked like one of the most one-sided of one-day matches at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo when Pakistan ran up 302 for four and then removed four Zimbabwe batsmen for just 32 runs

John Ward23-Nov-2002It looked like one of the most one-sided of one-day matches at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo when Pakistan ran up 302 for four and then removed four Zimbabwe batsmen for just 32 runs. But the Zimbabwe later batsmen resisted strongly and enabled the side to go down with honour, remarkably beaten by only six runs. It could cynically be described as a typical Zimbabwe effort: a superb fightback once the match was already lost. In the event it captured the imagination of the crowd to the end, though Pakistan always had just enough in hand.On a hot day in Bulawayo, Pakistan won the toss and decided to bat on a flat pitch that promised plenty of runs for the batsmen.This match was designated as a warm-up for the World Cup, with all the elaborate security arrangements now universally required by the ICC in operation. Most Zimbabweans consider them totally ludicrous and unnecessary; Zimbabwe is still one of the safest places in the world to watch cricket and it is indeed an irony that the country should be considered by many an unsuitable World Cup venue, supposedly for security reasons.Such is Pakistan’s bowling strength that they were able to leave out both Saqlain Mushtaq and Mohammad Sami, relying instead on the all-rounders Azhar Mahmood and Shahid Afridi. To match this, Zimbabwe lacked the services of Heath Streak, Douglas Hondo and Travis Friend, all injured. They actually chose to play three debutants in batsman Stuart Matsikenyeri, who opened with Alistair Campbell, and all-rounders Barney Rogers, a batsman who can bowl off-spin, and Richie Sims, an off-spinner who can bat and recently scored a Logan Cup double-century.Zimbabwe struck an early blow, as Taufeeq Umar, after taking a single from Andy Blignaut’s first over, faced Sean Ervine, opening the bowling in a one-day international for the first time. Taufeeq tried to turn the first ball to leg and was found plumb lbw.Stuart Matsikenyeri almost made his mark on international cricket within minutes of stepping on to the field, a direct hit almost running out Yousuf Youhana as the batsmen stole a leg-bye. After that the batsmen settled down and Ervine was probably kept on too long, conceding 41 runs in his six overs. Youhana was in masterly form, reaching his fifty off 52 balls, while Saleem Elahi followed with his off 65 balls.Richie Sims bowled quite an impressive first spell of off-spin in international cricket, but made his mark first by picking up a mistimed slash at backward point off Grant Flower to dismiss Saleem for 53. Pakistan were 127 for two.When Inzamam-ul-Haq came in the scoring rate hardly slowed, and Zimbabwe called on eight bowlers to try to halt the momentum. Yousuf batted relentlessly onward, reaching his century off 110 balls and rarely seeming hurried, apart from when he chose to assert his authority over Sims with two big sixes. He was immediately dropped at midwicket off a very hard chance to Grant Flower.For the most part the batsmen were content to work the ball around the field, scoring ones and twos almost at will. Inzamam’s fifty came off 55 balls, as Zimbabwe were unable to provide any threat, although as often Grant Flower was the most economical. Inzamam fell for 55, hitting the expensive Olonga straight down the throat of Blignaut at long-on; Pakistan were 236 for three after another century partnership.Shahid Afridi scored only 4 before holing out to long leg off Grant Flower in the latter’s last over; he conceded only 33 runs off his ten overs. Younis Khan (33 not out off 18 balls) continued the onslaught, and Pakistan finished with 302 for four wickets. Yousuf Youhana, in from the second over, took out his bat for 141 off 147 balls, with three sixes and 13 fours, his best one-day effort and a match-winning innings.Wasim Akram, short of match practice, began with two leg-side wides, and then bowled three more, together with a no-ball, before completing his 12-ball over. However in his second over he picked up the wicket of debutant Stuart Matsikenyeri (1), who was perhaps unluckily adjudged to have edged a cut to the keeper. Andy Flower walked in to delighted chants of "Andy, Andy, Andy" from the noisily enthusiastic stands of black spectators who now form the majority in Bulawayo matches.Alistair Campbell never looked comfortable, and had only 4 to his credit when he was bowled neck and crop by a ball from Waqar Younis that went right through him. As if this was not enough, Grant Flower ran himself out without scoring off a no-ball, and Zimbabwe were helping to dig their own grave at 17 for three in the fifth over.It nearly grew worse, but Barney Rogers deserved his beginner’s luck as he escaped with a miscued chip shot that somehow cleared mid-on. Rogers (13 off 16 balls) continued to look aggressive, but a fine yorker from Waqar uprooted his off stump one ball after he survived a close lbw appeal.Craig Evans, plying his first international match for three years, came in to join Andy Flower with Zimbabwe 32 for four. Struggling against the two ageing but still potent Ws, he curbed his natural instincts, not scoring his second run until his 20th ball. Andy Flower found no alternative but to accumulate, which he did steadily, as any attempt on the target now would be futile.Evans tried a few fiddly and unsuccessful little sweeps when the spinners came on before finally obeying his instincts and hitting Taufeeq straight for six, followed by a four to square leg. Flower reached his fifty off 74 balls, immediately followed by the hundred partnership, and then Evans’s fifty, off 66 balls. Sadly a fine partnership came to an inglorious end in a mix-up as Flower changed his mind over a single and Evans was run out for 68 thanks to quick work by keeper Kamran Akmal. Zimbabwe were 167 for five after a stand of 135, in the 33rd over, but Evans had certainly justified his recall.Wasim returned and immediately dismissed Andy Flower (77), skying a catch into the covers off a leading edge as he aimed a leg hit; 185 for six. Blignaut and Tatenda Taibu continued the fight, but there was a further worry for Zimbabwe as Blignaut’s leg gave him increasing problems and he required Grant Flower as a runner. His fifty came off 36 balls, but soon afterwards he skyed a catch to depart for 55. Another run-out removed Sean Ervine, like Grant Flower out without facing a ball, a rare occurrence twice in the same innings.The required run rate was slowly increasing, until 31 were needed off the final two overs. Taibu emulated Doug Marillier, strangely omitted from the one-day squad by scooping Waqar to fine leg for four, but was then bowled for 35. Olonga mowed Waqar in unlikely fashion for two fours, leaving 19 required off the last over, bowled by Wasim, with the last pair together. But Wasim is just too good a bowler, and Zimbabwe finished just six runs short with one wicket in hand – Sims had 7 and Olonga 13.Ironically, had there been penalties for the side bowling second, Zimbabwe would surely have been declared winners, as the Pakistani over rate was so abysmal that they overran their time allocation by 35 minutes.

Queens Park Rangers are interested in a deal to bring Jack Rudoni to the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by talkSPORT, who claim that Amit Bhatia and the QPR hierarchy were impressed with the development of the AFC Wimbledon central midfielder last season, and believe that the 21-year-old has significant potential for the future.

As such, it is reported that Mark Warburton’s side are closely monitoring the situation of the youngster ahead of a potential move in the summer transfer window.

It had previously been reported back in January of 2020 that a number of Premier League and Championship sides were keen on a move for the midfielder, although he ultimately went on to sign a new contract with the League One side.

Bhatia must move

Considering just how impressive Rudoni was for Wimbledon last season, it is not difficult to see why the QPR bosses believe that the young midfielder has a bright future ahead of him in the game.

Indeed, over his 39 League One appearances for Mark Robinson’s side last term, the 21-year-old scored four goals, provided three assists and created four big chances for his teammates, in addition to making an average of 0.9 interceptions, 1.1 tackles and 0.9 key passes per game, as well as taking an average of 1.6 shots in each fixture.

These returns saw the £910-per-week man earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.82, ranking him as the Dons’ 10th-best performer in the third tier of English football, playing a huge role in ensuring the club’s survival in the division.

And, with a host of young talent already on the books at QPR, none more impressive than the likes of Ilias Chair, the addition of Rudoni would very much seem to be a fantastic addition to Warburton’s options in the middle of the park, not only for next season but for many years to come in the future of the Rs.

As such, it would appear to be highly advisable for Bhatia to do all he can to land the signing of the player Glyn Hodges dubbed a “tremendous” talent this summer, as Rudoni would indeed appear to have an exceptionally bright future ahead of him.

In other news: Massive transfer update emerges on “incredible” QPR target that will have fans buzzing

Following his record equalling five victims in the recent NUL National League match against Kent Spitfires on Sunday, Somerset wicket-keeper Rob Turner has been named as the new ‘Hero of the Week’

Richard Walsh10-Sep-2002Following his record equalling five victims in the recent NUL National League match against Kent Spitfires on Sunday, Somerset wicket-keeper Rob Turner has been named as the new ‘Hero of the Week’.When asked to nominate a new hero Somerset chief executive Peter Anderson had no hesitation in putting forward this year’s beneficiary as his candidate.The chief told me: "Of course amid the euphoria of a rare victory it is easy to lose sight of a telling contribution, and Rob’s four catches and a stumping on what turned out to be a difficult wicket just underlines what a great keeper he is and England must be mad to have overlooked him."Rob was born in Malvern but moved to Weston super Mare with his family when he was young.He played for Cambridge University between 1988 and 1991, and captained the side in 1991. Rob made his first class debut for the county that same year against Sri Lanka, and his championship debut followed a year later.In 1993 he played in six championship matches, and in 1994 he became the regular first team `keeper, a position he has held onto ever since.I caught up with Rob during a six a side tournament which was held as part of his benefit activities and he gave me the following answers to the `hero’ questions.Q1 What other sports apart from cricket do you follow.
A Over the years I have followed Aston Villa but this season they have not got off to a very good start. Sometimes I play golf, and last winter I had the good fortune to record a `hole in one’ at Oake Manor Golf Course.Q2 Who was your idol when you were young?
A The Australian wicket-keeper Rodney Marsh was always a hero of mine.Q3 Who is your favourite pop star or band?
A The Lightening Seeds are my favourite band at the moment.Q4 What do you do in your spare time?
A In truth I don’t seem to have very much spare time now that we have got Jamie, who is seventeen months old and starting to walk.Q5 Where did you go to school, and when did you start to play cricket?
A I went to Uphill primary School at Weston super Mare and then onto Broadoak School, before moving to Millfield School where I played in the first eleven for three seasons. I started to play cricket first at one of the Weston super Mare Cricket Club Tuesday youth nights, where my Dad and my brother were involved. I was probably about seven or eight at the time.Q6 What is your favourite food?
A No doubt about that one it has to be curry, and my real favourite is a chicken tikka bhuna.Q7 How much training do you do every week, are there any special exercises?
A In the winter I train regularly and in the playing season when there is time. My special exercise is a back strengthening exercise.Q8 What has been your most memorable match for Somerset?
A Without a doubt that has to be the Lord’s final in 2001 when we won the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy.Q9 Apart from the County Ground at Taunton, which is your favourite cricket ground and why?
A New Road at Worcester is next most favourite ground because it is very similar to the County Ground at Taunton.Q10 What is your cricketing ambition?
A I achieved my cricketing ambition to a certain degree in 2001 which was to win silverware at Lord’s. However my ambition now is to regain first division status and help to win the county championship for Somerset.Thank you Rob for your answers, and we all look forward to you achieving your ambition, hopefully next season.

Matt Swarbrick blazed a magnificent 143 as Bournemouth kept leading ECB Southern Electric Premier League duo BAT Sports and Havant within their sights with a nine-wicket mauling of South Wilts at Bemerton

Mike Vimpany (as published in Daily Echo)15-Jul-2002Matt Swarbrick blazed a magnificent 143 as Bournemouth kept leading ECB Southern Electric Premier League duo BAT Sports and Havant within their sights with a nine-wicket mauling of South Wilts at Bemerton.Swarbrick simply savaged South Wilts’ depleted attack, dominating Bournemouth’s first double-century opening partnership for 15 years as the Sports Club maintained third place in Division 1.Ironically, he was bowled by Dorset team-mate Tim Lamb – so depleted was the South Wilts attack that the Dorset wicket keeper had to bowl 7.3 overs – one short of Luke Ronchi’s season’s best 144 for Bashley against Calmore Sports the previous week.But, by the time he was dismissed, Bournemouth were 217-1 and well on course to pass South Wilts’ 229 all out.His opening stand with teenager Tom Webley, who carried his bat for a patient 70, was Bournemouth’s Southern League highest since Richard Scott hit 164 in a 231-run partnership with David Nesbitt in 1987 …. ironically, also against South Wilts !Bournemouth scored two immediate blows after Swarbrick had won the toss on a strip that provided assistance to the bowlers during the morning session.Left-armer Mark Mixer (3-55) had Jamie Glasson caught behind and then Tom Caines, a Dorset occasional several seasons ago, was run out at 13-2.Paul Draper (65) battled away and, after support from Jon Nash (23), Rob Wade (30) and Lamb, was fifth out at 138-5.By then, Jo Wilson’s on-the-spot bowling had begun to take effect – the balding Liverpudlian finishing with 5-66, including the scalps of Lamb (48) and Russell Rowe (23) as South Wilts slowly sank to 229 all out.When South African left-armer Shaun Adam suffered a back injury, South Wilts were left high and dry with barely any penetrative bowling.And how Bournemouth – and Swarbrick in particular – cashed in.The Dorset opener peppered the Bemerton boundaries on the way to a SL best 143 – his previous highest was 138 against Winchester in 1996 – as Bournemouth romped home in 42 overs.Somerset hopeful Webley, anxious to spend time in the middle, was happy to hit a circumspect 70.South African Christof Bothma returned a season’s best 5-33 as Calmore Sports crushed Andover, the early season pace-setters, by 139 runs at Loperwood Park.Bothma, who spent last summer at the South African Academy near Johannesburg, ripped out Andover’s entire top order to have the visitors reeling at 20-4.There was no way back for Andover, who had earlier dismissed Calmore for 225.James Hibberd maintained the pressure for Calmore, who eventually bowled the visitors out for a disappointing 86.Calmore’s 225 was based around a second-wicket partnership between Mark Boston (35) and skipper Tom Pegler (79), who was able to play after missing his flight to a cousins wedding in Denmark.Pegler was eventually seventh out at 201.Although Gareth Tate (5-41) worked his way through the lower order, Calmore’s 225 was always too many.Bashley (Rydal) had to settle for a draw at Liphook & Ripsley, where the relegation strugglers finished at 197-7, 23 runs behind the visitors’ 220-9.The saturated Ripsley Park strip was hardly conducive to quick scoring and Bashley’s total owed much to second-wicket pair Neil Thurgood (89) and Graham Pardey (33), who added 113 in 37 overs.Luke Ronchi, with 45 off 36 balls, enlivened proceedings, but Bashley’s later batsmen perished in the pursuit of quick runs – Alan Crawford finishing with 5-61 and Tim Wheatley 4-62 before the visitors closed at 220-9.Hampshire YCs all-rounder Chris Wright (50) gave Liphook hope, but his dismissal at 94-2 effectively ended any prospect of a positive result.South African Alistair Gray didn’t appear to appreciate the need to hasten the pace and went on to bat the best part of the Liphook innings for an unbeaten 82.Spin duo Dale Middleton (3-74) and Andy Sexton, who earlier hit 21, bowled in tandem for long periods before Liphook’s reply ground to a halt at 197-7.Former Hampshire left-arm spinner Raj Maru was the inspiration behind Portsmouth’s 59-run win over relegation-threatened Burridge, who are back in bottom place.Maru hit a league best 74 and later took 4-47 as Portsmouth moved into a highest-ever fourth spot on the log.Maru and Geoff Pike (52) shared a century opening partnership as Portsmouth, with subsequent support from Lee Savident (28), Michael Barnes (25), Warren Swan (21) and Steve Mitchell (21), moved on to 241 all out.Simon Creal toiled away for Burridge, finishing with a career-best 8-81 off a marathon 20 overs.Burridge were seldom in the hunt, Jo Dixon (56) top scoring in an all-out total of 182 (Ben Thane 31) – Maru completing a fine match with 4-47 and Savident taking 3-21.

Ashley Young has been linked with a return to Aston Villa, and plenty of Villa fans have been reacting to what Sky Sports have said on a potential deal.

Inter Milan are willing to let Young go this summer, with Villa, Watford and Burnley all keen on his services.

Sky Sports claim Villa are expected to open talks with Young’s representatives this week, with a move to Watford now looking unlikely following talks.

The 35-year-old, who helped Inter win Serie A last season by playing in three different positions, has turned down a new deal at the San Siro.

Villa have already signed Emiliano Buendia in a club-record deal and it appears as if Young could well be the next through the door in the Midlands, should talks go well.

Villa fans react

@villareport shared Sky Sports’ update on talks between the two expected to take place this week.

This is what these Villa supporters had to say in reply, with many thrilled.

“in tears can’t wait my hero is coming home”Credit: @DanAV___”Buzzing”Credit: @BackpostTrez2″Underrated move this. Big fan of it. You don’t play 26 games in a title-winning Italian team if you’ve “lost it” as some people have been saying. He’s been at top clubs competing for trophies since he left. His knowledge and experience alone will be brilliant for us.”Credit: @Jannetts_”bring him home”Credit: @catrinedwards18″OMG ITS HAPPENING”Credit: @AaronBatt05″If he brings back the snood I’ll pay his wages myself”Credit: @NCAVFC

In other news: Many AVFC fans react to Jack Grealish latest, find out more here. 

Former Premier League striker Dean Windass loves the idea of a Tammy Abraham and Callum Wilson strikeforce at Newcastle United.

Falling out of favour at Chelsea following the arrival of Thomas Tuchel, £36m-rated Abraham continues to be linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge.

According to The Northern Echo, St. James’ Park could be a possible destination for Abraham, with Newcastle said to be keen on bringing the 23-year-old forward and team-mate Billy Gilmour to the club.

For Windass, if Steve Bruce can pull it off and pair Abraham up front with Wilson, the Magpies could have quite the attack.

“I know Steve likes to play three at the back, so that means you can get two up top with Callum Wilson and Tammy Abraham,” the ex-Hull City star said to TT. “What a strikeforce that’d be in the Premier League.”

Indeed, it could be a very prolific forward line when you look at the records of the two strikers.

Wilson finished the 2020/21 season with 12 Premier League goals despite missing a lot of action due to injury, while Abraham was able to score 18 goals in all competitions back in the 2019/20 campaign when he was a regular under Frank Lampard.

Whilst their senior counterparts were putting paid to Worcestershire in the C and G at Taunton, Somerset Second XI enjoyed a successful day themselves

Richard Walsh18-Jul-2002Whilst their senior counterparts were putting paid to Worcestershire in the C and G at Taunton, Somerset Second XI enjoyed a successful day themselves.Batting first against Warwickshire at the Knowle and Dorridge ground at Solihull, Somerset amassed 408, with Pete Trego making 188.By the close of play Warwickshire had scored 153 for 2.

According to a report by Sky Sports, as relayed by West Ham Transfers, the Hammers are now in talks with defender Vladimir Coufal and his representatives over a new and improved deal at the London Stadium.

Coufal, who signed last summer from Slavia Prague for just £5 million, has arguably been one of manager David Moyes’ best buys with the right-back drawing acclaim for his consistent performances over 2020/2021.

The 28-year-old was a mainstay throughout the campaign, starting 34 Premier League matches under Moyes, with the club now seeing fit to reward Coufal with a new and improved deal.

Sky Sports claim that the Irons have commenced talks with the player’s representatives over the revised terms with his current deal running until 2023.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-updates-copy/” title=”West Ham updates (Copy)” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Only Tomas Soucek and Aaron Cresswell started more English top flight games this term, so a new deal seems like a fitting reward.

West Ham supporters certainly think so, with many of them flocking to social media in light of this development as one called it ‘absolutely huge news’.

Find all of their best verdicts down below.

West Ham fans buzz over Coufal talks

“Get it done @WestHam our best full back since Frank Lampard”

Credit: @RichardRf020370

“Deserves it. Unreal RB”

Credit: @joshbw13

“Give him what he wants”

Credit: @HR_WHU

“Lifetime contract pls. I want him teaching our kids.”

Credit: @jamiebaxter182

“Good! Deserves a significant pay rise”

Credit: @Joshua_Mbu

“Put your hand in your pocket the mans a star.”

Credit: @trevoroliver20

“This is absolutely huge news, love the man.”

Credit: @stephenlott

“Good news. He has been outstanding for us this season”

Credit: @FredJac07859045

In other news: West Ham fans flock to official club announcement, find out more here.