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كشف الظهير الأيسر للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ليفربول، كوستاس تسيميكاس، عن سر تألق صديقه، محمد صلاح، خاصة في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

ووصل محمد صلاح إلى الهدف رقم 20 في الموسم الحالي وللموسم الثامن على التوالي ويتصدر قائمة الهدافين في الدوري الإنجليزي برصيد 17 هدفًا حتى الآن بفارق 3 أهداف عن، إيرلينج هالاند.

اقرأ أيضًا.. جماهير ليفربول تختار أفضل لاعب في مباراة وست هام بـ الدوري الإنجليزي

وتحدث تسيميكاس عن سر تألق محمد صلاح في تصريحات لقناة “ليفربول” الرسمية، وقال: “أراه أكثر شغفًا للفوز بلقب الدوري وكل بطولة يخوضها مع الفريق”.

وتابع: “أعتقد انه يريد أن يظهر للجميع في هذا الوقت أنه أفضل لاعب في العالم، بالنسبة لي شخصيًا هو كذلك”.

واستمر: “كل ما يفعله على أرض الملعب استثنائي وأمر مذهل لا يُصدق، الأرقام التي يحققها في كل مباراة وتدريب، يؤكد أنه يستحق كل شيء يحققه مع ليفربول فهذا نتاج ثمار عمله وسعيد من أجله”.

Leeds United have added Lukas Nmecha, Jaka Bijol, and Sebastiaan Bornauw to their first-team squad ahead of their return to the Premier League next season.

The Whites have quickly moved to bolster their defensive options with Bijol and Bornauw, who are both centre-backs with experience in major European leagues, in Italy and in Germany.

Daniel Farke and the recruitment team are not done with the defence there, though, as the club are also looking to add to their left-back options after Junior Firpo’s exit.

Journalist Graham Smyth claims that the West Yorkshire outfit are closing in on the signing of Sweden international Gabriel Gudmundsson from Lille, although it remains to be seen how much money they will have to spend to bring him to Elland Road.

The Championship champions are in dire need of a left-back, with zero senior players in that position at this moment in time, which is why this is a deal that could make a lot of sense.

Why Gabriel Gudmundsson is a good signing for Leeds

With the caveat that there is no potential transfer fee to judge the deal on at this stage, Gudmundsson could be a very shrewd signing for Leeds to cover the hole at left-back.

The 26-year-old ace would come in as a proven performer at the top level, having played 103 times in Ligue 1 for Lille, which means that he could hit the ground running at the start of the season, as opposed to a young and inexperienced player who may need more time.

This suggests that he will be ready to perform immediately for Leeds and that is what they need after Firpo’s exit from the club was confirmed, as it will allow Farke to slot the defender straight into the team.

His performances in Ligue 1 during the 2024/25 campaign also suggest that Gudmundsson will be a solid, if unspectacular, addition to the squad for next season.

Appearances

30

Starts

20

Goals + assists

2

Tackles + interceptions per game

1.8

Dribbled past per game

0.4x

Ground duel success rate

54%

Aerial duel success rate

57%

Duels won per game

3.7

As you can see in the table above, the Swedish brute did not deliver outstanding performances defensively or offensively, but he was incredibly solid, rarely being dribbled past whilst winning the majority of his duels.

This suggests that the Lille full-back could be a dependable and reliable option for Farke at left-back in the club’s bid to avoid relegation, which is why the defender could be a valuable signing, despite not being an exciting one.

If they can get Gudmundsson through the doors at Thorp Arch this week, then it could provide them with a chance to go with a riskier, more exciting, player as competition for him.

Leeds eyeing £22m full-back signing

According to the Sunday Mirror (6 July, page 77), as relayed by MOT Leeds News, Leeds United are one of a number of teams interested in signing El Hadji Malick Diouf this summer.

The report claims that the Whites, West Ham United, Atalanta, and Nottingham Forest all want to secure a deal to sign the Slavia Prague full-back in the coming weeks.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

It states that the Hammers have already had an opening salvo of £17.25m turned down by the Czechia-based outfit, who are looking for a fee closer to £22m (£21.6m) to allow their star youngster to depart.

However, it now remains to be seen who is leading the race for the versatile full-back, or if West Ham are prepared to go back in with another offer for him.

If Leeds can strike a deal for the Senegal international in the coming weeks, though, they could land an even better signing than Gudmundsson at left-back.

Why Diouf would be an even better signing than Gudmundsson

Diouf could be an even better piece of business for the Championship champions if they can get a move over the line because of his quality, his versatility, and his potential.

Gudmundsson may be a better addition in the short-term, given that he could hit the ground running as an experienced addition, but the Sparta Prague youngster could be a better long-term signing.

At the age of 20, he is six years younger than the Sweden international and has more potential, therefore, to grow and develop as a player, which could lead to his value soaring as well.

Diouf, who analyst Rohit Kumaran described as “physically dominant”, has yet to prove himself in a major European league like Gudmundsson has, which is why it is a riskier signing, but he has shown signs of immense potential, particularly in the Europa League.

xAG

0.23

Top 11%

Assists

0.15

Top 21%

Shot-creating actions

4.21

Top 6%

Progressive passes

6.77

Top 6%

Progressive carries

3.31

Top 16%

Successful take-ons

1.51

Top 11%

As you can see in the table above, the 20-year-old starlet showed plenty of attacking and progressive quality in possession in the Europa League last season, whilst the Lille defender only managed two goals and zero assists in Ligue 1.

Diouf also scored seven goals and created ten ‘big chances’ in 27 matches in the Czechia top-flight for Slavia Prague, whilst playing as a left-back, a left wing-back, or as a left winger, which further speaks to the quality he can provide in the final third.

The versatile dynamo clearly offers more of an attacking threat than Gudmundsson, who is more of a solid and steady option, which is why he could be even more exciting for supporters.

If Diouf can translate his performances for Slavia Prague over to the Premier League, the young gem could be an electric player for Leeds for many years to come, as a full-back who can score and create goals on a regular basis.

Farke's new Rutter: Leeds now showing strong interest in £11m star

Leeds United are still in need of attacking reinforcements, ahead of their Premier League return

1 ByRobbie Walls Jul 6, 2025

However, as aforementioned, he is unproven in a major league, and that is why Gudmundsson could start over him initially, but with a view to Diouf being the superior and more exciting left-back option in the long-term, making him a better signing overall.

Football shirts are big business, and fashion has become as big a part of football as having a pie and a pint with your mates. In this modern age, football clubs have to walk the tightrope of making money through sponsorships, but also having a kit that looks good.

In this exploration of iconic football pairings, Football FanCast journeys through time and leagues to uncover the stories behind some of the most memorable alliances.

From Barcelona's historic collaboration with UNICEF during their golden era to PSV Eindhoven's record-breaking bond with Philips, each pairing tells a unique story and has helped to create some of the most memorable shirts in history.

In this list, shirts are ranked by the look on the shirt itself as well as its standing in football culture.

13 Dr Martens West Ham United 1998-2003

Talk about knowing your audience. Dr Martens' sponsorship of West Ham is an almost perfect match; the only way it could have been made any better is if Stone Island made the kits instead of FILA. Paolo Di Canio was stomping about the old Boleyn Ground wearing this, which is very fitting.

The partnership came to an end in 2003, lasting just five years. In that short period of time, the boot company helped make some of the best claret and blue shirts in history, not just for West Ham. Seeing them dotted around the new Olympic Stadium is a throwback to where West Ham came from.

12 Unicef Barcelona 2006-2012

Having previously gone sponsor-less entirely, Barcelona's commitment to the charity UNICEF came at arguably the most successful period of their history. Between the years of 2006-2011, players like Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi, and Andres Iniesta were sporting the logo while banging in goals and winning trophies.

"FC Barcelona is highly committed to work with UNICEF to advance the global message of the importance of children's issues and to promote education and sport," said ex-Barcelona director Ramon Pont. The partnership yielded around €19m for the charity, but in the end, money won out, and the Catalan club ditched Unicef for the Qatar Foundation in 2011.

11 Parmalat Parma 1987-2004

From the late 90s to the early 2000s, Parma were a major force in Italian football. Gianluigi Buffon, Hernan Crespo and Fabio Cannavaro were all ripping it up in the picturesque Italian city before the club went bankrupt in 2004. Parmalat, a food and dairy corporation, were with them all the way.

Parma aren't the only football club Paramalat have sponsored, Benfica, Boca Juniors, Palmeiras, and even Real Madrid have had the brand strewn across the front of their shirts. The company sponsored their hometown club as they got promoted to Serie A in 1990.

Interestingly, the period of time Parmalat sponsored Parma also turned out to be when the fraud began. The company is still operating, but it's a shell of its former self, much like Parma Calcio.

10 Philips PSV 1979-2016

PSV and Philips is the only duo on this list to be in the Guinness Book of World Records – it's the longest sponsorship of a sports team in history. The technology company founded the club in 1913 as a pastime for its employees.

The history of both club and sponsor are so deeply interlinked, it would be impossible to imagine one without the other. PSV's ground is called Philips Stadion, which is just a few minutes from the company's headquarters in central Eindhoven. They ended their shirt sponsorship deal in 2016, but Philips still works with the club in other ways.

9 Quilmes Boca Juniors 1994-2002

For good and bad, beer goes hand in hand with football. This won't be the only brewery sponsorship on this list, but it is arguably the coolest. Football hipsters across the globe weep tears of joy when they spot a Quilmes-sponsored Boca shirt out in the wild.

It's Juan Roman Riquelme, it's late-career Diego Maradona, it's La Bombanera going nuts. If you close your eyes and think of a Boca shirt, it probably has Quilmes on the front. The beer is pretty good, too.

8 T-Mobile Bayern Munich 2002-present

Bayern Munich being sponsored by T-Mobile just feels right. Their minimalist, no-nonsense logo suits a club with the ruthless efficiency of Bayern. The partnership started in 2002 and has coincided with a period of unprecedented dominance for the Bavarians.

Bayern have now won 11 Bundesliga titles in a row, and could yet win another without breaking much of a sweat this season (unless Bayer Leverkusen are able to maintain their superb start). T-Mobile are the biggest telecommunication company in Germany, and Bayern are the biggest club. It was meant to be.

7 Carlsberg Liverpool 1992-2010

Fernando Torres' beautiful, long blonde hair blowing in the wind as he runs off to celebrate yet another goal is exactly what comes to mind when we think of Liverpool and Carlsberg. There isn't a better advert than that; in the end, that's what sponsorship is all about.

Although not technically against the rules, alcohol shirt sponsors have dwindled in the UK. There hasn't been a Premier League club sponsored by an alcohol company since 2017/18, they're all betting companies instead now.

6 Opel AC Milan 1994-2006

It's no coincidence that a lot of these sponsors coincide with a very successful time in the club's history. Who remembers the sponsor AC Milan had on their shirt when they were relegated in 1979/80? (They didn't have one, but the point still stands).

When German car manufacturer Opel sponsored AC Milan, Italian football was at its best, and I Rossoneri were the poster boys. Maldini, Kaka and Shevchenko won Champions League with Opel front and centre of their iconic shirts.

5 O2 Arsenal 2002-2006

O2, an iconic sponsor for an iconic club at the most iconic time in its history. Wenger's Invincibles, arguably the best side in Premier League history, won the league title without losing a single game. The Gunners weren't the only ones who struck gold – think of all that sweet, sweet publicity O2 got by being associated with that team.

Arsenal have had their fair share of iconic short sponsors; JVC or Dreamcast could both have easily made this list, but it's hard to look past that famous Henry kneeslide. The partnership ended in 2006, and with it, Arsenal's ability to win Premier Leagues…

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ByAlex Roberts Dec 7, 2023 4 Vodafone Man Utd 2000-2006

Old Trafford used to be where megastars were made. Becks with his long, dirty blonde hair was pulling in enough sponsorship money that he might end up buying the club if the Glazers ever sell up. Rooney was pre-hair transplant, and Cristiano Ronaldo was a skinny boy with something to prove. All of these players' careers started with Vodafone.

None of us here were privy to what was said in either Vodafone's or O2's boardrooms, but do we think it's a coincidence that two of the country's biggest telecommunications companies sponsored Arsenal and Manchester United at a time when their rivalry was at it's fiercest.

Somerset have announced the signing of seamer Jack Brooks on a three-year contract from Yorkshire

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Aug-2018Somerset have announced the signing of seamer Jack Brooks on a three-year contract from Yorkshire. The 34-year-old will move to Taunton at the end of the season.Brooks’ impending departure, first reported by ESPNcricinfo, is a blow to Yorkshire, who face a rebuilding job over the winter. England quick Liam Plunkett has already signed for Surrey – with Mathew Pillans moving in the opposite direction – while opener Alex Lees was granted a switch to Durham.Although Brooks has never quite done enough to win England selection, he is a vastly experienced bowler at county level. A later-starter with Northamptonshire, he soon became a distinctive figure on the circuit, with his long hair, trademark headband and impassioned celebrations. He moved to Yorkshire in 2012, helping the club to win back-to-back Championships in 2014 and 2015. He has also played for England Lions.”I’m extremely excited to be joining Somerset at a time when they are building a special team capable of challenging for trophies,” Brooks said, “I truly believe this Somerset team can create something special.”When I met Andy Hurry, Jason Kerr, Tom Abell and Andrew Cornish I was impressed straightaway with their vision for the team and club. Their togetherness and desire reminded me a lot of Yorkshire when I joined them.”I look forward to continuing my cricketing journey and to the fresh challenges that await. My mum and her family are from Bath and I’ll be nearer to my family in Oxfordshire, so it feels a little bit like I’m coming home. Somerset have a fantastic reputation as a strong family club which I look forward to being a part of.”Although in his mid-30s, Brooks has fine record in red-ball cricket, in particular, taking 291 wickets at 26.56 in six years at Headingley. He claimed 68 wickets to help Yorkshire to their first Championship title since 2001, and was their leading wicket-taker for three seasons in a row between 2014 and 2016.However, while Yorkshire now find themselves battling at the wrong end of the Division One table, Somerset, in their pursuit of a first-ever Championship, have emerged as Surrey’s closest challengers. They also secured a spot in Vitality Blast Finals Day with victory over the holders, Nottinghamshire, on Monday.As well as being closer to home, the prospect of being involved in all three formats was perhaps a factor in Brooks moving to Taunton – he only played in 12 List A and 23 T20 fixtures for Yorkshire.Somerset’s director of cricket, Andy Hurry, said: “We are delighted that we have secured a player of Jack’s proven quality, experience and character to add to one of the most exciting bowling attacks in the country. It’s a great reflection of our ambition, and the progress that the club has made, that a player of his quality sees his ambitions of winning silverware with Somerset CCC.”Alongside his experience of winning silverware, which will add to our ability to achieve our aspirations of winning trophies, he is incredibly competitive, driven and will be a great fit in the changing room. I have no doubt he will become a big favourite with the Somerset membership”.

The Pakistan captain is wary of the challenges posed by Australia and the Zimbabwean conditions, but is confident of the team doing well in the tri-series

Umar Farooq27-Jun-2018

Sarfraz Ahmed promoted himself up the order to make a crisp 89 off 49 balls•Peter Della Penna

Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed wants to continue batting at No. 4 in limited-overs cricket.Sarfraz kicked off his T20I career in 2010 batting at No. 8, and had floated around the middle order without much success; his first 400-odd runs came at an average of about 25. It didn’t take much for head coach Mickey Arthur to convince him to bat higher up earlier this year in T20s, a move that worked immediately. The emergence of allrounders Shadab Khan and Faheem Ashraf to provide cover down the order has also helped Pakistan and Sarfraz make this move. Steady performances at that position could encourage the team management to push him up the order in ODIs as well, ahead of the 2019 World Cup.”I have been continuously batting at No. 4 [of late] and I would like to continue there,” Sarfraz said, as Pakistan prepared for the T20 tri-series in Zimbabwe. “We are basically trying to build ahead of the World Cup. If you look at the ODI side, we haven’t made many changes. Fakhar Zaman, Shadab, Haris [Sohail] who is back in the side, Babar Azam at the top, [Mohammad] Hafeez and [Shoaib] Malik are around. So we are settling and it is good that the team is performing and we are going in the right direction with the right combination.”Pakistan, according to Sarfraz, were wary of Australia – the third team in the tri-series – and the conditions in Zimbabwe, but remain confident of performing well. “Our preparation is good. We got a couple of days here (in Lahore) and three days there (in Zimbabwe) to train before the series,” he said. “We will definitely go with our best preparation, as in T20s no team is easy to beat.”We know Australia is a strong team and, although they have got many new players, they know exactly how to adapt themselves.”I have toured Zimbabwe twice, and on both occasions, the conditions were different. In 2013 it was grassy with some bounce and in 2015 it was slow with moisture. This time around, I’ve got to know that it will be colder and I feel the toss will be vital. So we need to assess the pitch to make our decisions. Overall, we are in a good position and hopeful of good results. But this tri-series is going to be tough and you can expect some competitive cricket.”Pakistan are currently ranked No. 1 in T20Is; Sarfraz said that did not add any additional pressure on them. “We actually don’t really think about being No. 1 or ratings. When we were not No. 1, we never thought about the rankings so all we have to do is to play naturally without getting into such details. I only urge the players to give their best and leave all other things aside.”The boys are backing each other and this is something that’s quite evident in the field. Even if someone fields well in the covers or at the boundaries, or has taken a good catch, they all respond to it and back each other up.”Following the T20I tri-series, Pakistan will play a five-match ODI series in Zimbabwe. Sarfraz admitted to being under pressure as an all-format captain, but said he tries to quell that with his on-field performances.”Obviously as a captain you are under pressure because you have to look around at a lot of things, but I always look to grab an opportunity to lead from the front. Whenever I get a chance, I try to win the game with my contribution. I am aware of my individual form and I’ve been working hard to contribute with both the bat and behind the wicket.”

Unbeaten century seals third win in a row and cement Warwickshire’s place at the top of Division Two

ECB Reporters Network13-May-20182:11

County round-up: Red-hot Henry too much for Sussex

ScorecardWarwickshire recorded their third successive Specsavers County Championship victory by beating Northamptonshire by six wickets on the third day at Edgbaston.Facing a victory target of 179, no formality on a pitch offering some variable bounce, the home side were reduced to 44 for 3 by an excellent pre-lunch burst of 7.3-2-9-3 by Ben Sanderson.But opener Will Rhodes stayed firm to lodge his maiden first-class century against a Northamptonshire attack already missing the injured Richard Gleeson and further deprived of Steven Crook, off the field with a hamstring injury.Rhodes ended with an unbeaten 100 (165 balls, 13 fours, one six) to see his team over the line with four sessions to spare. Warwickshire’s win cemented their place at the top of Division Twp and leaves them well placed to challenge hard for promotion straight back up.Northamptonshire’s promotion ambitions have been hammered by a haul of just 15 points from their first four games. They could use some better luck on the injury front, but also need their batsmen, too many of whom perished on the offensive in this match, to give their impressive bowling attack something to work with.Trailing by nine runs on first innings, Northamptonshire resumed on the third morning on 160 for 7 and added only another 27 as Olly Stone completed a five-for against his former team-mates.Doug Bracewell left a ball too late and feathered Stone to wicketkeeper Tim Ambrose, Chris Wright knocked out Brett Hutton’s off stump and Rob Keogh (29, 58 balls, three fours) pulled Stone to long leg and fell to a fine catch by Henry Brookes right on the boundary.Stone finished with 5 for 49, taking his wicket haul in the last three championship innings to 15 at 12.4 runs apiece.Northamptonshire needed to strike early and did through Sanderson whose fifth ball was chipped to square leg by Dominic Sibley. Rhodes and Ian Bell added 36 in 12 overs but then Sanderson struck two big blows. Bell was pinned lbw by an excellent delivery and Trott fell in similar fashion on the stroke of lunch to send Northants into the interval scenting their first victory of the season.That scent faded as Rhodes and Sam Hain added 50 in 16 overs. Hain later edged Luke Proctor to Ben Hutton at slip but Matt Lamb (23 not out, 62 balls, three fours) provided Rhodes with staunch support in an unbroken stand of 86 in 22 overs.David Ripley, Northants coach, is left to face a season that has not remotely matched the confident predictions that the county could press for prtomotion. He said: “We won nine championship matches last year and have the same squad so we know we are a better side than the league table shows at the moment but it’s a tough division and if you don’t play well you are going to get beaten. At the moment, particularly batting, we are proving to be brittle. We only have three championship fifties and no hundreds – we have got to improve that to be competitive and stay in games for longer.”

Kraigg Brathwaite provided Australia with a reminder of how much steel West Indies have added since Darren Sammy and Ottis Gibson took charge of the side

Daniel Brettig at Kensington Oval07-Apr-2012Robert Samuels does not occupy a place of much glory in the long and undulating tale of West Indies cricket. The elder brother of Marlon, he played the last of six Tests in 1997, his contribution to the team as an opening batsman defined by the following nondescript digits: 372 runs at 37.20, one century. However Samuels accomplished one thing in that final Test, against Australia at the WACA Ground on a spiteful strip, patchworked by cracks. In an innings of 76 that lingered 332 minutes and 228 balls, he irritated the hosts and their champion bowlers Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne like very little before or since.Fifteen years later, on the first day of the series between Darren Sammy’s West Indians and Michael Clarke’s Australians in Bridgetown, another stodgy Caribbean opening batsman scraped and scrapped while his opponents vented their exasperation. Kraigg Brathwaite is playing his seventh Test, and none of the previous six have suggested he is anything other than a man battling above his station. Upon losing the toss and bowling first at Kensington Oval, Australia’s bowlers would have reckoned Brathwaite a possible avenue to their first wicket, certainly moreso than the more visibly talented Adrian Barath, who had announced himself with a coruscating debut century against Australia in Brisbane in 2009.Yet Brathwaite did not allow himself to be intimidated by the stature of the team he opposed, the bowlers who had humbled India or the slips cordon that included batsmen the calibre of Clarke, Ricky Ponting and Shane Watson. From the first ball he faced, Brathwaite shuffled sturdily into line, playing the majority of deliveries from the crease and leaving most directed wide of the stumps. He deflected singles here and there, and flicked a wayward offering from Ryan Harris to the fine-leg rope. If the tourists made a mistake in their new-ball tack it was to not bowl full enough, allowing Brathwaite’s crease-bound approach to work for instead of against him. But there was no gap to be found between bat and pad, and no throaty lbw appeals against a batsman who made sure to get his blade down swiftly to cover whatever movement could be found.Aiding the cause was an assured appearance by Kirk Edwards, the new vice-captain. Taking up a stance once used to good effect by Peter Willey against West Indies, he was as abstemious early on as Brathwaite, before unfurling his greater array of strokes with time. He attacked Nathan Lyon’s spin adeptly, and also played the odd handsome drive. Once he had departed, Darren Bravo showed welcome signs that his touch was returning, his elegance and poise at a level far in advance of anything Brathwaite could produce. But still he remained, poking, prodding and persevering.Brathwaite did offer his pursuers a few chances. On 10 he pushed a Peter Siddle delivery that held up off the pitch, and the bowler failed to gather an awkward chance in his follow through. Thirty-four runs later and Shane Watson procured an edge to one ball that Brathwaite chose not to leave, and Ponting’s right hand stretched too far to accept the catch, leaving his wrist to make a doomed interception. At 48 Brathwaite appeared to snick David Warner’s leg break to Michael Clarke at slip, but questions about whether a clear chance had been put down were silenced by the umpire Ian Gould’s signal of byes. Two balls later Brathwaite raised his half-century, and acknowledged the applause of a crowd that had enjoyed his application – if not always his execution.Australia’s fielders were not quite so enthusiastic in their acclaim, finding themselves in a position loathed by cricketers so long as the game has been played: confronted by a batsman of limited range but tremendous concentration, they have nothing to do but be patient. The dropped chances betrayed wavering focus, and only served to make Brathwaite’s stay all the more infuriating. Patience was a quality Clarke’s men did not require too often during a summer’s waltz past India at home, nor something they necessarily expected to have to employ against a team they have pummeled more often than not over the past 20 years. That state of affairs developed largely because few West Indian batsmen of similar limitations were inclined towards the sort of defiance offered by Samuels at the WACA, when he caused Australian tempers to fray, then tear.So pronounced was the irritation at Samuels that Australia’s diplomatic captain Mark Taylor was at the limits of his conciliatory powers to prevent Warne and McGrath from doing considerably worse than unload on Samuels with a constant stream of verbal barbs. Most of those revolved around the use of the term “loser” with various fruity adjectives thrown in. In their fury that someone as limited in strokeplay as Samuels had managed to survive for so long in enervating Perth heat, Warne and McGrath lost sight of the fact that they had few runs to defend, and that Brian Lara was at the other end. He and Samuels added 208 before they were done, and set the visitors on course to a face-saving victory at the end of an unhappy tour.Brathwaite is unlikely to have faced the same intensity of abuse that Samuels received, given that the game’s standards of on-field conduct are more closely monitored now than ever, by Cricket Australia as much as the ICC. And the Bridgetown pitch was about as friendly as Perth’s had been spiteful. But the pressures of the occasion, the first day of the series at the ground graced by so many luminaries of the region, made his contribution decidedly comparable. By the time he finally left the scene, touching Siddle behind for Matthew Wade’s first Test catch, Brathwaite had held up the visitors for 273 minutes and 199 balls, smoothing a path for those who followed.In doing so he provided Australia with a reminder of how much steel West Indies have added since Sammy and Ottis Gibson formed their present captain/coach axis, and his team-mates with an example of exactly what can be achieved with a doughty attitude. How the Caribbean team’s troubled progress over the past 15 years might have been different if more had offered the application of Samuels and Brathwaite is open to debate. How much its position in this match would have been weakened without Brathwaite’s stern occupation is not.

England seethed after they found Daryl Harper hadn’t heard a nick off Graeme Smith’s bat because the volume on his system was not turned up

Cricinfo staff18-Jan-2010″I am not surprised he didn’t hear it, because he didn’t turn the volume up on his speaker. I find it strange if you are listening for a nick you don’t turn the volume up on your speaker.”
“It’s not my job to discuss what the third umpire heard. We all knew what technology was available in this series, so to be crying over spilt milk now is not right.”
“If the audio level had been increased above its optimum level, distortion on the audio feed would have occurred and the feed might not have given a clear indication of the true sound.”
“Until the technology is applied correctly we are better off with our oldest method. If the umpire is as deaf as a post and as blind as a bat, at least it’s the same for both sides.”
“If you want an argument in favour of the review system, put Harper on the field; if you want an argument against the system, put Harper in the third umpire’s booth.”
“There is room for further improvement in the available technology and this investigation will be conducted in that light so the system becomes even more reliable.”
“The review system is a little clunky… but the game is better for new technology and that will become more obvious in due course.”
The “It’s a pity there’s no ‘Snicko’, which would have given Harper another means of checking. Hotspot isn’t being used here as there are only a couple of pieces of available equipment in the world that do the job and both are booked.”
“This is why FIFA and UEFA have served the game well by resisting demands for a referral system and “goalline technology”.”
Times’

Glasgow Rangers don’t return to action until 20 January and Philippe Clement has whisked his squad away to Spain for a midseason training camp.

Having already played 34 times during the first half of the season, the winter break comes at exactly the right time for the Light Blues and will give them a chance to regroup and refocus ahead of the next few months.

With a League Cup trophy secured and progress to the knockout stages of the Europa League, the previous few weeks have been wonderful, but progress never stops, and the Belgian coach will be desperate to win more silverware.

To do this, however, he may need to delve into the transfer market and lure some new players to Ibrox, otherwise his squad may run out of gas towards the end of the campaign.

Rangers transfer news – Josh Doig

Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio (via Toro Goal) announced that Rangers were one of the number of teams keen on making a move for Josh Doig during the January transfer window.

Clement could face stiff competition for the left-back as Torino have reportedly opened up talks to sign the Scot, while AC Monza and Leeds United are two other teams which have been mentioned regarding a potential swoop.

The deal could cost €6m (£5.2m) for whatever team manages to sign him, yet the Gers could perhaps have the upper hand.

Hellas Verona, the team that Doig plays for, are seemingly interested in making a move for Ridvan Yilmaz, according to Di Marzio, and this could play into Clement’s hands rather well this month.

The Turkish defender cost the Light Blues £5m when he arrived from Besiktas during the summer of 2022 and this is around the fee that the Serie A side are wanting for Doig.

Could there be a potential swap deal in the offing should neither side agree on a transfer fee for their respective targets? It might well come down to that, and it could give Clement the perfect opportunity to move the 22-year-old on and bring someone else in.

Ridvan Yilmaz’s Rangers statistics

Giovanni Van Bronckhorst was the manager who brought in the young defender following the 2021/22 campaign as he sought to give Borna Barisic some added competition, especially as Calvin Bassey departed for Ajax.

Upon his arrival, Yilmaz was widely praised by former sporting director Ross Wilson, who said: "Gio and I were clear in our desire to invest in a high potential and high-quality left-back.

"We have now secured that in the signing of Ridvan Yilmaz. He's a talented young player who has been coveted throughout Europe following outstanding performances for Besiktas.”

23.9

24.1

0.7

1.8

1

4

10.8

15.5

2

1

He looked like a wonderful talent and hopes were high that he could eventually displace Barisic and perhaps go down the same route as Bassey and secure the club a major profit in the future.

Unfortunately, his first season didn’t go to plan. The former Besiktas starlet managed to feature just six times before the mid-season break for the 2022 World Cup, while his debut campaign was further disrupted having suffered a hamstring injury in October, and he subsequently missed 29 matches in all competitions.

He finally returned to action towards the end of the season and started all five of their post-split fixtures, thriving under Michael Beale, and it looked as though he could only get better during 2023/24.

The current campaign has seen the 22-year-old start only ten matches and Beale even left him out of the Europa League group stage squad, meaning the Gers had only one senior option at left-back heading into the games.

He has shown glimpses of form under Clement, particularly in the final game before the winter break against Kilmarnock, where he grabbed an assist, created a big chance and provided two key passes in a solid attacking display.

The consistency simply isn’t there, however, and this could give the former Club Brugge coach the licence to ditch him this month and lure Doig back to Scotland, especially as it would boost the homegrown quota for European matches.

Josh Doig’s career statistics

The in-demand talent has plenty of experience in Scottish football, having previously played for Hibernian. The 21-year-old made his debut during the 2019/20 season before firmly establishing himself as a regular the following season, making 35 appearances in all competitions.

His displays convinced Verona to sign him ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, having been given a notable send-off by Hibs hero, Lewis Stevenson at the time, who even likened Doig to a certain Cristiano Ronaldo.

Speaking back in the summer of 2022, Stevenson said: "Josh has potential to go to the top level. He is 6ft 3in, fast, strong. Even just looking at him with his top off – without meaning to sound creepy – he looks like Ronaldo, with that kind of physique.

"He just is an athlete and that is half the battle nowadays. Everyone here wishes him all the best"

Like the former Juventus man before him, the 6 foot 3 defender is currently shining in Serie A, ranking in the top 7% when compared to players in Europe’s top five leagues for successful take-ons per 90 (1.69) and in the top 21% for total shots per 90 (0.94), certainly proving he is a valuable attacking outlet from the left-hand side of the defence.

His defensive abilities have also improved during his spell in Italy and in the league this term, Doig has only been dribbled past on 0.4 occasions per game while he has won 3.1 total duels per game – a success rate of 53% – and there is no doubt he could be an excellent addition to the current Gers squad.

Rangers could sign Barisic replacement in Josh Doig

Rangers could sign a dream Borna Barisic replacement in Hibernian starlet Josh Doig.

Young, homegrown and with a wonderfully “high ceiling” – as so dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig last January – the signing makes perfect sense, and he would be returning to Scotland a much better player than when he left in the summer of 2022.

With Yilmaz struggling to gain regular game time combined with Barisic’s contract expiring this summer, the left-back area is one of immediate concern for Clement.

He could solve this problem by allowing Yilmaz to join Verona this month and securing the services of Doig in return, and it would be a piece of transfer business which could go down rather well with the supporters.

There are still a few weeks to go before the window shuts, and it gives the 49-year-old coach a chance to assess his options, yet Doig clearly has the potential to further improve and become a mainstay at left-back in the coming years, that’s for sure.

Nottingham Forest have swung their managerial axe this term and new boss Nuno Espirito Santo is now set to make a big decision at The City Ground, according to a report.

Nottingham Forest appoint Nuno Espirito Santo

Despite being cherished by the local public, Steve Cooper was recently sacked by Nottingham Forest after going six matches without a victory in the Premier League.

Announcing his decision to sack the Welshman, Tricky Trees owner Evangelos Marinakis said in a statement cited by Sky Sports News: "Everyone at Nottingham Forest would like to thank Steve for his superb contribution to our football club. His achievement in guiding Forest back to the Premier League will undoubtedly remain an iconic moment in the club's history."

He then added: "We thank Steve for his dedication and commitment during his time with us, as well as the incredible connection he forged with our supporters and the city of Nottingham. Steve will always remain a friend of the club and will forever be welcome at The City Ground. We wish him well in his future endeavours."

Nottingham Forest eye January move to bring "amazing" player to City Ground

Forest want to strengthen a key position.

BySean Markus Clifford Dec 13, 2023

At present, the Reds sit 17th in the divisional standings with 14 points from their opening 17 matches and are five ahead of Luton Town, who sit directly below, albeit with a game in hand over their relegation rivals.

Marinakis has moved swiftly to bring in former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Nuno to help steady the ship at the City Ground. The Portuguese manager has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal at his new employers and will take on Bournemouth this weekend in his first fixture in charge.

Now, the 49-year-old looks set to make a big decision at Nottingham Forest that could help to shape part of his dealings in the January transfer window, according to a report.

Nottingham Forest could terminate Divock Origi's deal…

According to reports in Belgium, via Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest could look to terminate Divock Origi's loan deal and use any funds gained from his excess wage expenditure to try and "buy a striker" in the January window.

Divock Origi's key statistics in the Premier League (Sofascore)

Goals

0

Assists

0

Total expected goals

0.17

Shots on target per game

0.1

Total expected assists

0.16

Touches per game

6.5

The report claims that the Belgium international's entourage are "looking for a solution" that will suit all concerned. At the time, the deal to take Origi to Nottingham Forest included an option-to-buy clause; however, it has become clear that he will not sign permanently at the City Ground upon the conclusion of his temporary deal.

Undoubtedly, Origi has had a hard time of things since becoming a Nottingham Forest player and his performances have not been up to scratch, evidenced by the fact he has achieved a match rating of 5.98/10 in the Premier League this campaign (Origi statistics – WhoScored).

With Nuno's reign underway at the Tricky Trees, it looks like his relationship with Origi will be short-lived as both seem likely to go their separate ways in January.