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Rangers have been deemed "too small" for Jose Mourinho as the ex-Chelsea & Manchester United boss has been urged to return to England and chase a fourth Premier League title. Mourinho is once again at a crossroads in his storied career after being dismissed by Fenerbahce just 14 months into the role. The Turkish giants pulled the trigger following a crushing 1-0 Champions League play-off defeat to Benfica, a result that ended their hopes of dining at Europe’s top table this season.

Mourinho sacked by FenerbahceGallas says Rangers “too small” for JoseEx-defender calls for Premier League returnFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The dismissal has sparked immediate speculation over where the self-styled “Special One” will land next. With Mourinho’s reputation for box-office drama intact, every managerial vacancy across Europe is now inevitably being tied to his name. One of the early rumours making the rounds is a potential shock switch to Rangers. Mourinho himself has previously spoken admiringly about the Glasgow club and is believed to be on the radar should Russell Martin step aside.

AdvertisementAFPWHAT GALLAS SAID

But not everyone is buying into the idea. Former Chelsea defender William Gallas has poured cold water on the prospect, claiming Mourinho is far too big for the Scottish Premiership stage.

"Absolutely not," Gallas declared while speaking to when asked if Mourinho could head to Ibrox. "There’s no way Jose Mourinho will go to Rangers. I mean no disrespect, but Rangers are just too small for Jose. He needs one last job at a big club. However the last few years have gone for him, you can see that he’s got the aura, got the magic. He still has that unique attitude."

He added: "Everyone wants to see him, he’s box office. But the problem is that life goes so fast, especially in football, and I don’t know if there’s a club that can match what he needs to succeed. It might be time for him to consider international management, where he’s still on a big enough stage for his talents."

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Closer to home, Nottingham Forest have found themselves unexpectedly linked with Mourinho amid reports of growing tension between boss Nuno Espirito Santo and owner Evangelos Marinakis. With the relationship reportedly strained, Mourinho’s name has been tossed into the rumour mill as a potential replacement. While the prospect of Marinakis and Mourinho working together is pure drama fodder, Gallas is unconvinced.

"I definitely want to see Jose Mourinho back in the Premier League," he said. "I think I’m one of millions who wants to see him, not just back in the Premier League, but lifting that league title one more time. I still want to see him be champion of Europe one more time.

"We know that the press will want him back, too. Every time there’s a job opening in the Premier League, they’re going to link him with it. With his personality, everyone will want him back in the Premier League. But it can’t just be any club in the league, it has to be one that can match his ambition."

Turning specifically to the Forest chatter, Gallas was dismissive.

"Nottingham Forest, I don’t see them convincing him to join them," he said. "Can you imagine Evangelos Marinakis and Jose Mourinho, what a combination! That would definitely have some sort of drama involved. I don’t think Forest, the owner or Mourinho need that right now."

AFPWHAT NEXT FOR MOURINHO?

For any club contemplating Mourinho, the decision is far from simple. His CV speaks for itself: three Premier League titles with Chelsea, Champions League glory with Porto and Inter Milan, and silverware almost everywhere he’s gone. But his last few roles, Roma and now Fenerbahce, have ended in acrimony and questions about whether his methods still resonate with modern players. If Forest, Rangers, or indeed any side were to make a play, they would be gambling on Mourinho’s experience and charisma outweighing the friction that so often follows in his wake.

Arsenal bounced back from what appeared to be a mini-crisis last weekend with a crushing 5-0 victory over Crystal Palace.

The boo boys were put back in their box and criticism surrounding their strikeforce quietened down at least for a few days.

However, the sad fact of the matter is that now with just a few days left in the January window, the Gunners are yet to acquire anyone.

Even if a five goal slapping showed Mikel Arteta his team can score goals, the long-term play should be to invest in a shiny new striker.

The idea of that happening in January has always felt unlikely unless late sales are made so it looks as though supporters will have to remain patient until the summer.

Arsenal's hunt for a new striker

Several players have been touted with a move to the Emirates Stadium over the last few weeks.

At one point Arsenal had submitted a bid to sign Getafe forward Borja Mayoral and they were also reportedly offered Karim Benzema on loan with his time in Saudi Arabia not satisfying the great Frenchman.

Arsenal could sign "the best No.9 in the world" to replace Gabriel Jesus

A striker tops Arsenal’s agenda during the January transfer window.

ByMatt Dawson Jan 14, 2024

However, there has been one constant this month and indeed in the build-up to January. Mr Ivan Toney.

The Brentford star hadn't kicked a ball all season until last Saturday's frantic clash between the Bees and Nottingham Forest. The reason? We all know it by now, but he was banned for betting offences.

Toney has worked hard to return and scored versus Forest, only piquing the interest further of those back at London Colney. Miguel Delaney of the Independent has previously claimed they "want" to do a deal. This feels very reminiscent of the Declan Rice move last summer. Edu and Co laid the groundwork in the months leading up to the summer before pouncing and sealing a £105m transfer.

A move this time around would still be an expensive one with an £80m price tag slapped on Toney's head.

What signing Toney would mean for Gabriel Jesus

Given Toney's recent ban, it might seem like a gamble (pardon the pun) to bring him in at such an expensive price.

That being said, Arsenal need goals and this is a man who scores them on a regular basis.

Before the club's win over Palace last week they had struggled significantly inside the opposition's penalty area. The three games prior to that meeting had only seen Arteta's side score once from 61 attempts at goal. It's pretty dismal stuff.

Therefore, signing Toney, a man who ranked in the top 2% of Premier League players for goals per 90 minutes last term, would be rather suitable.

Despite the England international's recent ordeal, let us not forget that he found the net on 21 occasions in all competitions last season, six more than Arsenal's triumvirate of top scorers in 2022/23.

#1 Erling Haaland

37

#2 Harry Kane

30

#3 Ivan Toney

20

#4 Mo Salah

19

#5 Callum Wilson

18

A "monster" forward, as described by his manager Thomas Frank, it does beg the question though of what it means for Gabriel Jesus.

The Brazilian took Arsenal to the next level when he signed from Manchester City in the summer of 2022. He wove midfield and attack together seamlessly, notably ranking in the best 8% of forwards in Europe's top five leagues for progressive passes received and the top 13% for assists per 90 minutes.

Yet, the fact of the matter is that Jesus doesn't score enough. This term he has found the net just three times in the Premier League for instance. if Arsenal want to win the league then finding that 20-goal-a-season man, a la Toney, would be the smart move.

Though, that doesn't have to mean the end for Jesus' Arsenal's career as he could be moved out wide.

Against Palace we saw the Brazil international drift into a position on the right-hand side with regularity. It was Jesus (seen below) who received David Raya's phenomenal distribution that set Arsenal away on the counter-attack for Leandro Trossard's goal that made it 3-0 in the second half.

As we can see, rather than Jesus being the man in the middle to receive the ball, he's acting as the provider. Well, this is something we could start seeing a lot more of if the Gunners sign a prolific centre-forward.

It's a task the 26-year-old undertook at Man City too where with Sergio Aguero charged with leading the line, Arsenal's current number 9 was used on the flanks.

It didn't happen often but he was rather prolific and has supplied ten goals from 24 outings on the right.

Centre-forward

255

112

49

1.5

Left wing

33

13

4

1.9

Right wing

24

8

10

1.3

It's important to raise the point that the right flank is totally locked down by a certain Bukayo Saka but with concerns surrounding fatigue and the amount of football the dazzling winger plays, Jesus could be a great alternative.

In this scenario, everyone wins. Arsenal sign their prized centre-forward, Saka gets a rest when he needs and Jesus still finds a way to get into the team. Make it happen, Arteta.

Manchester United have faced plenty of difficulties this season.

This is highlighted by their eighth position in the Premier League and the fact that they’re already nine points off fourth.

With that in mind, Erik ten Hag will look to sign a new forward this month to help fix their attacking woes.

Man Utd transfers latest – Roony Bardghji

As per Football Insider, Man United’s scouting department have been monitoring Roony Bardghji this campaign.

The winger's contract expires in December 2025, but the Red Devils are reportedly huge admirers of him.

However, a move this winter is unlikely unless outgoings occur at Old Trafford due to financial fair play guidelines.

January transfer window: All the deadline day deals from England and Scotland

Stay on top of all the latest transfer deals across the Premier League, EFL and SPFL as the January window closes.

ByCharlie Smith Feb 1, 2024 Roony Bardghji’s style of play

Since moving to Manchester for a whopping £86m, Antony has failed to impress. The former Ajax star has been unable to settle at his new club, with his performances unconvincing and underwhelming. Last season, the Brazilian scored eight goals and registered three assists across all competitions, but this term, he has failed to register a single contribution in 21 matches.

On the other hand, Bardghji has experienced his main breakthrough season since the summer, and the Red Devils have first-hand experience of the quality he possesses, as he scored the winning goal in Kobenhavn’s 4-3 win over United in the Champions League. The 18-year-old is an “unreal talent,” according to Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, as underlined by his 11 goals in 30 appearances this season.

Therefore, based on performances this term, it is reasonable to presume that the Swedish star would push Antony further down the pecking order, potentially making him the fourth-choice right winger behind Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho.

Nonetheless, Bardghji’s performance against United gave a glimpse of his quality, and the table below shows a handful of his statistics from that game.

Minutes

27

Goals

1

Shots

2

Dribbles (successful)

3 (3)

Pass accuracy

89%

Ground duels (won)

3 (3)

Despite only playing 27 minutes, the Swedish prospect showed the maturity and bravery of a seasoned professional. The occasion didn’t overwhelm the youngster, and his two shots, including the winner, displayed his goal-scoring instincts, which Antony clearly lacks.

The fact that he completed 100% of his dribbles also highlights his immense technical ability and agility. His small frame and 5 foot 8 height allows him to wriggle past opponents', and when that is combined with his direct approach, he can be unstoppable. However, he is also intelligent and knows when to retain possession, as shown by his 89% pass accuracy.

Furthermore, the left-footed whizz is a “pure diamond,” as per Kulig, as his technique is also backed by his strength and the ability to bounce off opponents. This is highlighted by his 3/3 ground duels won, which makes him almost similar to Bukayo Saka regarding his inevitability of keeping the ball even when he arguably shouldn’t.

Overall, Bardghji has all the attributes to become an elite winger, and Ten Hag must look to bring another Roony back to Old Trafford.

Cesc Fabregas has defended Como's recruitment strategy amid criticism over the lack of Italian players they have signed this summer.

Fabregas asked why he doesn't promote Italian youthSpaniard defends Como's strategy to sign Spanish playersEx-player would love to develop Italian youngstersFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Fabregas defended Como's strategy to recruit a host of Spanish players instead of promoting young Italian talents by claiming that he is better familiar with the Spanish market as they have "struggled to find" Italian talent.

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Como have made 11 signings in the transfer window this summer, but 29-year-old Luca Mazzitelli, who joined from Frosinone, is the only Italian among them. Fabregas has opted to bring in a contingent of Spanish players, with Jesus Rodriguez, Alvaro Morata and Alex Valle among them. New Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso has complained about the lack of promising homegrown talent being given the opportunity to shine in Serie A and Como's foreign focus seems to reflect the issue. 

WHAT FABREGAS SAID

Fabregas was grilled about the apparent lack of faith in Italian players, but he said he has not been able to find many young talents within his price range, with the most promising picking the Serie A's top teams over them.

"It's difficult. You look at us, I'm not talking about the others, but six or seven Spaniards have arrived, but I personally, together with the director, have tried to bring in as many Italians as possible," he said. "I swear to you: we analysed, we saw which players we could bring in to raise the level of the team, even young ones, but it was an incredible effort. The top Italian player plays for Inter, for Juve, and this level is more difficult for us.

"It's difficult for the game we want to play. We can start talking about the youth sector, I don't talk much about mentality because I don't know the dynamics here at other clubs well, but we haven't found the right space to bring Italians into our environment. We hope to find them for the future, we continue to look. If you look at the Primavera, we're trying to push hard to bring in, invest in, and train 15-16-year-olds in our own way."

He added: "I know the Spanish market much better, I feel confident because the Spanish talent right now, especially the players we're signing, is strong. There's so much potential there, but if I had to choose between an Italian and a Spaniard, I'd always go with the former, but we need to figure out how to find him or whether we need to train him for the future. If we have to go to a higher level to bring him towards our world, it's difficult. I'm no one to say what the problem is, but when I say we've struggled to find Italian talent, it's the truth."

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR COMO?

Como are off to a strong start in Serie A after beating Lazio in their opening game and will be out for a second victory when they meet Bologna on Saturday.

The disagreement arose over a project to refurbish Newlands and led to CSA suspending WPCA board

Firdose Moonda26-Nov-2019Cricket South Africa has lost its arbitration case against the Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA), with costs. That means the WPCA board, which was suspended by CSA in September over concerns relating to their governance and financial affairs, will need to be reinstated. On Wednesday morning, CSA confirmed it will not be challenging the decision.On September 22, CSA disbanded the WPCA board and installed veteran administrator Andre Odendaal in its place. CSA and the WPCA had disagreements over a construction project at Newlands Cricket Ground. CSA provided WPCA with a loan of R81 million (US$5,5 million) to complete the building work, which will house a college, offices and several other facilities but then expressed concerns over the progress of the project. CSA also hinted that spectator safety could be compromised during the New Year’s Test and suggested the fixture would be moved but then confirmed Newlands will host England from January 3.Three weeks after the board was suspended, the WPCA launched an urgent application for CSA’s decision to be overturned. The WPCA argued that CSA had “no right or entitlement,” to step-in and should have held a hearing before suspending the board. CSA and the WPCA went to mediation to attempt to resolve the issue but failed and then proceeded to arbitration, which was won by WPCA.CSA is also facing a second legal battle, against the South African Cricketers’ Association, who have taken the board to court over a proposed restructure to the domestic system. CSA wants to implement a 12-team provincial competition from the 2020-21 season which would wipe out the existing six-team franchise structure and create one domestic tier (South Africa currently has two).

Grimsby brutally trolled Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim with a hilarious line-up announcement following their Carabao Cup heroics. It was the first time in history that United had ever been eliminated from the competition by a team from the fourth tier of English football.

Grimsby knocked Amorim's men out of the Carabao CupThe Portuguese manager was at the centre of a meme festGrimsby troll Man United with line-up announcementFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Despite United being the favourites, they played with a level of disarray and lack of urgency that could only be described as embarrassing. By halftime, they found themselves 2-0 down, having been completely outclassed by their League Two opponents. Despite a brief late rally, which saw United equalise and push the match into penalties, they lost 12-11 following a dramatic shootout.

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As the cameras panned to the United bench, they captured Amorim sitting in the rain, hunched over a magnetic tactics board, meticulously rearranging counters as he tried to devise a plan to turn the tide. The sight of a drenched Amorim, leaning over his board in deep thought, while his team struggled to string together even the most basic of passes, was symbolic of United’s current malaise. The image instantly went viral, sparking a wave of jokes, memes, and jibes on social media.

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In an act of pure social media genius, Grimsby decided to play along with the meme frenzy and take it one step further. Ahead of their League Two clash with Bristol Rovers, they unveiled their starting XI using a magnetic tactics board, a clever, cheeky reference to Amorim’s now-infamous moment that had fans in stitches.

WATCH THE CLIP

Sheffield Wednesday have already recruited two new bodies into the building this January, with Danny Rohl utilising the loan market well to add James Beadle and Ike Ugbo to his relegation-threatened side.

The Owls are likely to push on even further and continue to flex their muscles in the transfer window with more additions, the South Yorkshire titans doing everything in their power to stave off the Championship relegation zone and an immediate return to the unwanted depths of League One.

Letting the likes of Tyreeq Bakinson move out on loan to Charlton this month too, it could well be a new-look side that Rohl fields past this hectic January time period.

EFL Championship done deals: Every January 2024 transfer

As the January transfer window closes, FFC has you covered for every in and out involving your club in the EFL Championship.

ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024

Aiming to keep their heads above water in the second tier, this is what a dream Wednesday starting XI could look like past January with four new faces present…

1 James Beadle

With Cameron Dawson often shaky in-between the sticks this season at Hillsborough – the Sheffield-born goalkeeper only picking up four clean sheets from 18 games played – the ideal scenario would be that James Beadle eventually comes in and takes Dawson's starting spot.

Starring out on loan with Oxford United away from parent club Brighton before being recalled to move to Wednesday, Beadle will now be up for the challenge of testing himself in the Championship with the Owls for the remainder of the season.

2 Liam Palmer

Liam Palmer will hope to still be Rohl's starting right-back after the transfer window is over, the Wednesday stalwart putting in promising displays under the German boss' tenure to date.

Notably, back in December, the 32-year-old defender shone even as the Owls fell to a 2-1 defeat at home to Cardiff City – winning all but one of his duels when on the pitch versus the victorious Bluebirds.

3 Michael Ihiewke

Bambo Diaby's time in the first team could however be up, the former Barnsley man having a horror show last match at St Mary's as Wednesday were trounced 4-0 by Russell Martin's ruthless Southampton.

His ex-Rotherham United teammate in Michael Ihiewke fared far better against the dangerous Saints attack, making a total of ten clearances in the one-sided contest to ensure the final scoreline wasn't a cricket score.

4 Di'shion Bernard

Played in a defensive midfield role in that sobering loss to the Saints, Di'Shon Bernard will more than likely revert back to the heart of defence in a more comfortable spot in the team alongside Ihiewke to accommodate for a new signing in the centre of the park.

The ex-Manchester United youngster turned Wednesday first-teamer has shone in patches for the Owls this season despite obvious difficulties on the pitch, even notching up two assists from the back.

5 Marvin Johnson

Looking as if he was heading for the exit under Xisco Munoz's dire spell in charge, Marvin Johnson has been a revitalised figure under Rohl.

The 33-year-old expansive full-back stole the show in Wednesday's recent 3-1 FA Cup win over Hull City, picking up a goal and an assist on the day.

The Wednesday number 18's creativity from down the flanks could be crucial when the South Yorkshire side are down on their luck and need a hero to step up to the mark, Johnson onto five goal contributions for the season now since coming back into the first-team fold.

6 Barry Bannan

Adored by the Wednesday masses, Barry Bannan's spot in the side is fixed regardless of murmurs around Hillsborough that a midfielder is a top priority on the shopping list this month.

Bannan also stood out from the emphatic Cup win over the Tigers to kickstart 2024, amassing a ridiculous 112 touches as a main creative focal point for Rohl's men.

Only misplacing five of his 96 passes in the victory, the Owls will need the Scotsman's unerring genius to shine in crunch matches to come in a bid to avoid the dreaded relegation zone.

7 Isaac Hayden

The second new addition to the lineup could be Newcastle United man Isaac Hayden, the Owls going after another fringe Magpies player with Jeff Hendrick currently on the books at Wednesday on loan.

Rohl should attempt to secure a deal for Hayden on loan too, the 28-year-old recalled from a short-term switch to Belgium with Standard Liege to offload him to a Championship suitor.

Reportedly missing out on a deal for Conor Coventry recently, Wednesday will hope lightning doesn't strike twice and Hayden decides to relocate to South Yorkshire to help shore up a susceptible Owls back four.

8 Anthony Musaba

Anthony Musaba has blown hot and cold this season so far for Wednesday, but when the Dutchman has been on-song for the Owls, he's proven to be a crucial figure in the team.

A purple patch in December saw the ex-AS Monaco man score two late winners for the Owls, Rohl hoping the winger can be equally as important when push comes to shove in the latter stages of this gruelling season.

9 Myles Peart-Harris

Another new signing that could come straight into the starting side is Myles Peart-Harris, Wednesday reportedly linked with bringing the promising young attacking midfielder to Hillsborough on loan.

Given cameos under Thomas Frank at Brentford in recent weeks in the top flight, a loan move to the Championship could be a formative experience for the exciting 21-year-old who managed ten goal contributions in total for Forest Green in League One previously away from the Bees.

10 Djeidi Gassama

Former Paris St.Germain winger Djeidi Gassama has shown in flashes for Wednesday his obvious pedigree since joining in the summer, helping himself to assists in narrow wins over Stoke City and Norwich City last month.

Rohl will want the tricky Frenchman to terrorise more second-tier defences in 2024, the 20-year-old twisting and turning Hull defenders in the FA Cup for fun on New Year's Day with a goal scored and four key passes tallied up.

Celtic will earn at least £17million if they qualify for next season’s Champions League, according to financial expert Dr. Dan Plumley.

The Lowdown: Nearing a Champions League return

Ange Postecoglou’s side are within touching distance of Scottish Premiership glory, leading Rangers by six points with three matches remaining this season.

A title win would see Celtic automatically go into next season’s Champions League group stage, allowing them to test themselves against some of Europe’s best teams.

Not only would it be an exciting challenge for Postecoglou and his players but it would also be a significant financial boost.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/key-latest-celtic-updates-5/” title=”Key latest Celtic updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Latest: Expert drops £17m claim

Speaking to Football Insider, Plumley claimed that a minimum £17million windfall would come the Hoops’ way if they get the job done in the league:

“If you base it on the prize money, each club gets just over £13m. You then have win bonuses, which are £2.4m for a win and just under £1m for a draw. So around £17m is what you’re looking at the very least.

“If you go straight into the group stage, you know you have that extra money to play with. Celtic do generate good revenue for where they are in that league. If you add another £17m on top, it becomes even more significant.

“In terms of future planning, you can target transfers accordingly because there is no jeopardy. You know you’re going to be there come September.”

The Verdict: Exciting time for Hoops

There is a feeling that a special era is growing again at Parkhead, with Postecoglou doing a fantastic job since arriving and the title now tantalisingly close.

The financial gains from reaching the Champions League are huge and it would allow more money to be available for transfers, not to mention a higher calibre of player coming in to play amongst Europe’s elite under a special manager.

Celtic must not rest on their laurels just yet, though, with work still to do in the league, starting with Saturday’s visit of Hearts.

In other news, a journalist has dropped a key Celtic transfer claim. Read more here.

Nottingham Forest have stepped up security measures for their players ahead of today’s clash with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The so-called “El CASico” comes on the back of UEFA’s ruling that saw Palace relegated from the Europa League, while Forest got promoted instead. The Metropolitan Police have also increased their presence as tensions rise between the two sides.

Nottingham Forest add player security ahead of Selhurst Park clashCrystal Palace fans furious after UEFA ban upheld by CASMetropolitan Police increase presence to manage protests and tensionsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to The Standard, Nottingham Forest have provided extra security for their squad ahead of Sunday’s Premier League showdown at Selhurst Park. The move comes amid expected protests from Crystal Palace fans following UEFA’s recent ruling, which demoted the Eagles from the Europa League to the Europa Conference League. The Metropolitan Police have also confirmed an increased allocation to manage the situation.

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Crystal Palace supporters remain furious over their club’s European demotion, which stemmed from former shareholder John Textor’s involvement with French side Lyon. Nottingham Forest’s role in writing to UEFA and attending Palace’s Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) appeal has further heightened the tension.

DID YOU KNOW?

Hundreds of Palace fans already staged protests earlier this summer, with groups like the Holmesdale Fanatics calling the ruling 'a terrible injustice'. The controversy deepened after UEFA upheld its punishment at CAS last week, with Forest’s legal presence angering supporters further. As a result, Sunday’s match has been labelled 'El CASico' by fans and media alike.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT?

As expected, Selhurst Park was a cauldron of noise and protest ahead of the start of the game, but both Forest and Palace will aim to keep focus on the football. Forest will be keen to prove they can thrive despite the off-field storm. Palace, meanwhile, will look to channel frustration into a strong performance in front of their supporters.

Ben McDermott, Jordan Silk and George Bailey hit half-centuries to lead a comfortable chase

Andrew McGlashan23-Oct-2019Nathan Ellis claimed his maiden five-wicket as Tasmania hauled themselves off the foot of the Marsh Cup table by overturning a star-studded New South Wales side at North Sydney Oval.Ellis, who made his Western Australia debut at the start of the competition, claimed 5 for 38 as New South Wales were bowled out for 237 with almost seven overs remaining.They had been set back early in the day when Riley Meredith continued his good time in Sydney by removing David Warner and Steven Smith inside the first six overs to follow the five-wicket haul he claimed in the Sheffield Shield match.On a small ground with a fast outfield New South Wales needed their international attack – featuring Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood in their first matches of the season – to pull the game out of the bag, but Ben McDermott warmed up for his return to Australia’s T20I set-up with a crisp half-century.McDermott began the chase by taking 12 off Mitchell Starc’s opening over with three drives and in all 46 off his 58 runs came in boundaries before he was bowled attempting a reverse sweep off Nathan Lyon.He had formed a brisk opening stand of 61 with Caleb Jewell to set Tasmania on their way in the chase until Jewell was bowled off his pads by Hazlewood as he walked across the crease. Hazlewood returned to trap Beau Webster lbw to give New South Wales a glimmer with Tasmania 3 for 113.From there, however, the stand-in captain Jordan Silk – covering from the injured Matthew Wade – and George Bailey eased towards the target with a stand of 118 in 21 overs. Bailey, who was left out of the Sheffield Shield match, moved to fifty from 59 deliveries and Silk matched that with a top-edged six off Cummins who recorded none for 62 off his 10 overs.Tasmania had put New South Wales into bat on a ground where it is difficult to defend. Meredith struck in his second when Warner toe-ended a pull back to the bowler and then again in his next when Smith clipped straight to square leg, to the disappointment of himself and the crowd that had come to watch in anticipation.Silk produced an excellent piece of fielding with an under-arm flick to run out Moises Henriques after Daniel Hughes called a risky single and Hughes became Ellis’ first wicket when he was given caught down the leg side.Matthew Gilkes gave another glimpse of his talent with some glorious shots in a better than run-a-ball 43 before driving a catch to cover. The lower all managed to chip in alongside captain Peter Nevill but couldn’t transform the innings as Ellis hit the stumps four times, the delivery take Cummins off stump being especially eye-catching.The defeat all-but ends New South Wales’ hopes of reaching the final.