All posts by h716a5.icu

It’s fair to say that Scotland fans were absolutely buzzing ahead of Euro 2020 and yesterday’s 2-0 defeat against the Czech Republic would have put a bit of a dampener on things. The tournament marks the long awaited return of fans in stadiums cheering on their home nation and former Scotland international and icon Ally McCoist sat down with Joe Cole, James Collins and Instagram sensation Munya Chawawa for Just Eat’s Home Advantage video series.

Just Eat’s Home Advantage  looks to bring the best of food and football together, as Munya orders a takeaway with some of the UK’s favourites footballers each week throughout the tournament.

The significance of Scotland’s participation is certainly not lost on former Rangers man, McCoist. Before the tournament McCoist did however voice some concern over the attacking output of the team. “Our lack of goals might be a problem. And I wouldn’t see us playing two up front in many games.”

When asked who we might expect to see some top performances from, McCoist praised Chelsea and Aston Villa youngsters, Billy Gilmore and John McGin. “I would like to see Billy Gilmore get a run. Hopefully John McGinn will be key for us and has a great campaign. If he does, we will be alright.“

Regardless of what happens, McCoist knows how special the tournament can be, recalling some of his favourite moments, the former Scotland international remarked, “As a wee boy, I can remember the original Penenka penalty. I remember him scoring it against Sepp Maier of West Germany. It was unbelievable. And I can also remember Van Basten’s volley against Russia, which was just an absolutely incredible goal. “

It certainly was and we’re sure Ally will be hoping for more of the same. Catch each week’s full episode of Just Eat’s Home Advantage below…

Glamorgan Dragons have taken another step towards the Norwich Union League Division One title with a five-wicket victory over Nottinghamshire Outlaws at Colwyn Bay

George Dobell26-Aug-2002Glamorgan Dragons have taken another step towards the Norwich Union League Division One title with a five-wicket victory over Nottinghamshire Outlaws at Colwyn Bay.An unbroken partnership of 54 for the sixth wicket between Dragons’ skipper Steve James and young ‘keeper Mark Wallace took the home side to victory, and a two point lead over Worcestershire Royals at the top of the table. The Outlaws’ place in division one is now held by a thread.James, playing the anchor role with a determined 54 not out, and 20-year-old Wallace, came together with their side wobbling on 173-5 in pursuit of the Outlaws’ 226-7 from their 45 overs. Wallace finished unbeaten on a 32-ball 37.Earlier Ian Thomas hit a fine 64 – his second half-century in the competition this year – to ensure a good start for the Dragons. But when he fell with the score on 111, and Matthew Maynard followed shortly afterwards, the game was in the balance.However, James’ third half-century in the competition this season, and Wallace’s best effort of the year took the Dragons to victory in front of a delighted home crowd.It was a brave effort from the Outlaws. They had set a competitive total based around contributions from the experienced Darren Bicknell (51 from 72 balls) and the youth of the in-form Bilal Shafayat (48 from 52 balls) after winning the toss and deciding to bat.The control of Adrian Dale (nine overs, 3-29) was the main stumbling block for the Outlaws. His medium-pace snared three vital wickets in Bicknell, Nicky Boje and the potentially destructive Kevin Pietersen as the visitors became bogged down in the middle of their innings.Useful late hitting from Paul Franks and Stephen Randall gave the Outlaws total a boost, but the force is with the Dragons and their game against Royals next week has all the look of a title decider.

Simon Jones and Mark Wallace have both received good news this morning following theannouncement of England`s 16-man party for the Ashes series, as well as the squadfor the E.C.B

Andrew Hignell10-Sep-2002Simon Jones and Mark Wallace have both received good news this morning following theannouncement of England`s 16-man party for the Ashes series, as well as the squadfor the E.C.B. Academy.Simon Jones, who has been troubled by a rib injury in the past fortnight, is one of the 16 namesin the England party for the Ashes tour. Jones is one of five pace bowlers in the party,alongside Andy Caddick, Stephen Harmison, Matthew Hoggard and Darren Gough, plus all-rounderAndy Flintoff.In announcing the party, Chairman of Selectors, DavidGraveney said “In choosing the make-up of this squad, we have opted for five pace bowlers, twospinners and one all-rounder. Reflecting on the team’s performances this summer, we have beenmindful of the need to strengthen our ability to bowl sides out twice and give ourselves a greaterchance of winning matches.””Simon Jones and Stephen Harmison are both terrific prospects who should find the conditions inAustralia to their liking and their inclusion will create genuine competition for places in thepace bowling department.””We will continue to monitor the fitness of Andrew Flintoff, Darren Gough, Simon Jones and MichaelVaughan in the run-up to departure, but at this stage we are confident that all four will befit and available to tour. “Mark Wallace is one of the 15 players named in the squad for the E.C.B. National Academy, and forthe second consecutive winter, the Glamorgan wicket-keeper will be `down under` with the Academy squad.

Tyrone Mings has been praised on the official Aston Villa Twitter account following a reputation-enhancing performance in England’s 0-0 draw with Scotland on Friday night [BBC].

Enjoying a solid game at Wembley for the Three Lions, Mings recorded his second clean sheet in as many games following his part in England’s 1-0 win over Croatia last week [Sky Sports].

The 28-year-old has been a key man for Villa in 2020/21, making 37 appearances in all competitions and registering four goal contributions, with two goals and two assists [Transfermarkt].

He has excelled in recent months, particularly in the air. On average over the last calendar year, the Aston Villa stalwart has won around 2.5 aerial duels per game for the Midlands outfit [WhoScored].

As he carried this form into international football so effortlessly, no wonder loads of Villa fans took to Twitter to sing his praises for his “outstanding” performances.

Villa fans react:

Replying to the club’s official Twitter channel, here is how some fans reacted to the post:

“my CB, been excellent last two games”

Credit: @catrinedwards18″Top class”Credit: @liam_davies7″Great player / person. He deserves this.”Credit: @SharkyWard2″Been outstanding every time he’s played”Credit: @Nothere57299246″England’s player of the tournament so far. Proving us right”Credit: @rad_nauseam”He was colossal in the air last night.”Credit: @BarranDjIn other news, these Aston Villa fans react to a worrying transfer report.

BRISBANE, Oct 18 AAP – Batsmen Matthew Phelps and Michael Clarke settled into the trenches at the Gabba today as NSW inflicted a rare day of pain on Queensland in a grinding Pura Cup cricket match at the Gabba.

Michael Crutcher18-Oct-2002BRISBANE, Oct 18 AAP – Batsmen Matthew Phelps and Michael Clarke settled into the trenches at the Gabba today as NSW inflicted a rare day of pain on Queensland in a grinding Pura Cup cricket match at the Gabba.Phelps and Clarke were celebrating centuries and thanking their luck after leading the Blues down the slow road to first innings points, reaching 4-343 at stumps on the third day, still 165 runs behind Queensland.Phelps batted through the day for 137 not out from 353 balls while Clarke confirmed his reputation as a rising star with 134 in front of national selector Trevor Hohns.The Queensland attack probably deserved more wickets but they couldn’t find the edge of the bat against the determined Blues pair and the contest remains as muddy as when the coin was tossed on Wednesday.The Blues are in a strong position to take some overdue points from the three-time champions but Phelps wasn’t expecting a miracle as the players prepared for temperatures of 33 degrees tomorrow.”If I keep batting at the same pace, we’ll probably get there after tea,” the 30-year-old Phelps joked.”I had never batted through a full day before so this is the most rewarding innings I’ve played and it’s against the best attack in Australia.”Phelps described his career as “chequered” after playing 10 first-class matches in five seasons but he has shown plenty of grit against the Bulls, lasting 481 minutes.A patient Clarke battled cramp and lower back stiffness during his 289-minute stay at the crease.The right-handers were given little width by the Bulls’ pacemen, who conceded 16 runs from 15 overs after lunch, but the batsmen tucked in to Stuart Law’s part-time leg-spin after tea.Their 233-run partnership ended when a weary Clarke chipped tireless Ashley Noffke (1-70 from 32 overs) to Andrew Symonds at backward point, and the Bulls were revived when all-rounder Grant Lambert was then dismissed for a duck.”The Queensland guys bowled really well and we really had to be patient,” Clarke said.”They were getting pretty frustrated at one stage and so were we because we kept playing and missing.”We were lucky not to nick one but we stayed there and finished with centuries so I’m thrilled.”Noffke was the pick of the Bulls’ pacemen, at one stage bowling 44 consecutive balls without conceding a run, while Joe Dawes (2-42) was sharp in his 21 overs.Michael Kasprowicz (1-72) struck the first blow when he outwitted former Test teammate Michael Bevan during a tough first hour.Bevan (23) did not add to his overnight score in 25 balls, eventually falling during a smart three-ball burst from Kasprowicz.He struck Bevan on the helmet, sent down another short ball and then lured Bevan into a pull shot which the left-hander edged to wicketkeeper Wade Seccombe.But it was uphill for the next five hours as the Blues gave Queensland some of its own medicine.

An update has emerged regarding Southampton’s interest in Farense midfielder Ryan Gauld this summer.

What’s the talk?

According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, as transcribed by Hampshire Live, Southampton remain interested in a deal to sign the Scot this summer. The report claims that Saints bosses are looking at the 25-year-old as a potential signing to bolster Ralph Hasenhuttl’s squad.

Gauld’s contract with Farense expires next week and the former Sporting attacker could be available for Southampton to sign on a free transfer.

Last year, Farense head coach Sergio Vieira lauded the Scottish midfielder as an intelligent and competitive player. He said: “Ryan’s got quality in his passing and dribbling and he’s now shown he can score goals too.

“He’s aggressive and competitive, despite his smaller size and tactically very intelligent. I feel he’s the complete player and as a person, he’s humble, ambitious and self-determined. He’s been easy to deal with, always listening and ready to improve.”

He won’t cost a penny

Martin Semmens must make sure that he is able to seal a deal for Gauld this summer as it could be a shrewd piece of business by the club. As his contract at Farense is running out next week, Southampton have the chance to sign the midfielder without spending a single penny on transfer fees, which that they can avoid having to splash out on a lavish figure to improve their squad.

For example, if Gauld had a few years left on his contract, then the Portuguese club could have demanded several million pounds to part ways with his services.

In terms of how he fits into Southampton’s team on the pitch, his versatility could be a quality which stands out to Hasenhuttl.

He is capable of playing anywhere across the front line, as demonstrated by his displays in Liga NOS this season, and he is able to play in either attacking midfield position or as one of the two forwards in the Austrian’s setup. His positional flexibility could also allow Hasenhuttl to tweak his tactics in-game, another reason as to why Gauld could be a good signing.

Gauld enjoyed a terrific season with Farense in Portugal. He produced nine goals and seven assists from midfield, which only Danny Ings could better in the Southampton squad for direct goal contributions. This suggests that he could be an upgrade on what the Saints currently have in the attacking midfield positions, which is why Semmens needs to ensure that he is able to win the race for the Scot’s signature ahead of any other interested parties in the coming weeks.

AND in other news, Southampton must swoop for £36k-p/w “leader” likened to Varane, fans would be buzzing…

The situation surrounding Declan Rice’s future at West Ham United is going to be something to watch this summer amid a new worrying claim…

What’s the word?

According to the Telegraph’s Matt Law, the 22-year-old midfielder is keen on making a return to his former club Chelsea, who are also thought to be interested in signing him.

And it’s something that Hammers fans have been warned to keep an eye on.

Speaking on the latest episode of the ‘London is Blue’ podcast, the reliable journalist said:

“I have to be careful with what I say on this, because I’ve got some information on this which will end up getting written at some stage which I can’t really talk about. Look, Chelsea are interested in Declan Rice and everyone knows that Declan Rice is interested in Chelsea.

“The problem’s West Ham, and the problem’s the asking price with West Ham. I mean, they’re telling everybody at the moment it’s £100m and Chelsea aren’t going to pay £100m for Declan Rice this summer.

“So it’s what happens from there, really, and I think there’s more to play on this. And it’s going to be an interesting summer, let’s say, around Declan Rice and Chelsea.”

Time to worry?

Rice, who is currently excelling for England at Euro 2020, has frequently been linked with an exit from the London Stadium, with both Manchester giants mooted with interest, on top of Chelsea, too.

Irons boss David Moyes has previously rejected the idea of selling the 6 foot 1 powerhouse, claiming: “Bank of England money would be required, and you might even need to add Bank of Scotland on to that as well because he has been so good.”

However, this latest claim is a fresh sign that Rice is keen to go back to Stamford Bridge and whilst their London rivals won’t pay the £100m asking price, Law suggests that this saga is only just getting underway.

“It’s going to be an interesting summer,” he hints.

That would perhaps suggest that after Euro 2020, a bidding war could ensue – or at the very least, Thomas Tuchel’s side will ramp up their pursuit.

The fact that both parties are said to want this deal leaves the Hammers in quite a powerless place right now, they don’t want to risk heading into the new campaign with an unsettled player, especially with a historic Europa League campaign on the horizon.

This claim will also leave much of the West Ham faithful absolutely terrified as no one will want to lose arguably their biggest star.

As per WhoScored figures, Rice ended the 2020/21 campaign as Moyes’ fourth-best player (7.01) but topped the charts for interceptions (1.8 per game) and wasn’t far behind for tackles (1.8 per game), too.

Evidently, he’s a hugely influential player on the pitch for the East London outfit but this update suggesting he wants to leave is a huge bombshell that’ll leave many, many supporters truly worried.

But at the end of the day, Chelsea are still a level above the Irons, having just won the Champions League. This is far from a finished story yet.

AND in other news, Forget Kral: Moyes must sanction West Ham swoop for “complete” £10m “special talent”…

THE Western Australian cricket selectors have named a 13-man squad for the Pura Cup match against Victoria starting at the WACA Ground on Thursday.

Western Australia Cricket Association12-Nov-2002The Western Australian cricket selectors have named a 13-man squad for the Pura Cup match against Victoria starting at the WACA Ground on Thursday.Australian Test stars Adam Gilchrist, Justin Langer and Damien Martyn have all been named in the provisional squad.Gilchrist will captain the Warriors for the first time this season. Langer is vice-captain, after the Test opener led the team in last month’s RE/MAX Cup game against England.World renowned leg-spinner Shane Warne will lead the Bushrangers.Fast bowler Paul Wilson has been chosen to make his first-class debut for the Warriors. Wilson joined the Warriors in July after a distinguished career with South Australia.Wilson, 30 next month, earned his call-up following outstanding form with club side Melville. He has taken 16 wickets at an average of only 8.44, in three matches, including two five wicket hauls of 5-29.The Warriors squad is:Adam Gilchrist (captain), Justin Langer (vice-captain), Jo Angel, Ryan Campbell, Michael Clark, Murray Goodwin, Brad Hogg, Michael Hussey, Shaun Marsh, Damien Martyn, Matthew Nicholson, Chris Rogers and Paul Wilson.

Surrey County Cricket Club is delighted to announce that it has signed two of Pakistan’s leading players, Azhar Mahmood and Saqlain Mushtaq, both on two-year contracts

Surrey CCC Media Release07-Nov-2002Surrey County Cricket Club is delighted to announce that it has signed two of Pakistan’s leading players, Azhar Mahmood and Saqlain Mushtaq, both on two-year contracts.All rounder Azhar was at the AMP Oval at the start of the 2002 season and was top of the Surrey bowling averages with 20 wickets at 17.25 as well as returning his Innings best bowling figures in first-class cricket of 8-61 against Lancashire. In his 21 Test Matches for Pakistan he has scored 900 runs at an average of 30 and taken 39 wickets. The 27 year old toured England with Pakistan in 2001.Off-spinner Saqlain has been at Club since 1997 and has helped Surrey win three Championships (1999, 2000 and 2002) and two Benson & Hedges Cups (1997 & 2001). Last season he took 53 wickets at 25.64 in 2002. In his 43 Test matches for Pakistan he has taken 183 wickets and in his 156 One Day International matches he has taken 271 wickets.Keith Medlycott, Cricket Manager stated:”Azhar made a big impression on the side during his short spell at the start of last season. He fitted straight into the team and I am extremely pleased that we have signed him on a two-year contract. Saqlain has been an Integral member of the team in the last 5 years and has been instrumental in our recent success.”

Club legend Steve Bull feels Wolverhampton Wanderers fans can expect to see a number of shocks this summer, with some key players possibly facing the chop under new boss Bruno Lage.

Former Benfica head coach Lage was appointed as Wolves’ new chief last month, following Nuno Espirito Santo’s decision to leave at the end of last season.

The Portuguese has moved quickly to add two promising youngsters to his squad, with 20-year-old defender Yerson Mosquera making the move from Colombian outfit Atletico Nacional and Francisco Trincão completing a season-long loan switch from Spanish giants Barcelona.

Lage is expected to be busy in the transfer window, with fears that Nuno could be looking to take some of his former charges to Tottenham Hotspur following his appointment in north London.

Bull, who is Wolves’ record top goalscorer, feels a number of players who have played a key role since the club’s Championship title win in 2018 could move on from Molineux.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “It all comes down to the new manager but I would keep all of the players, if I could, and strengthen on top of that.

“I think we’re going to see a lot of shocks. I know the manager has come in and there will still be a lot of players going out who no-one would have expected to leave.

“There will also be players coming in who no-one expected. Hopefully, when a player signs, he needs to get his feet under the table as soon as possible.

“On that first day of training, Lage needs a full and fit squad to have a good go next year.”