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Ian Westwood promoted as part of coaching restructure at Edgbaston

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Feb-2025Mark Robinson has left his role as Warwickshire’s first-team coach after the club conducted a restructure of coaching and support staff. He will be replaced in the role by former Warwickshire batter Ian Westwood.Robinson was appointed in early 2021 and went on to lead Warwickshire to the County Championship title in his first season. They finished eighth in 2022, avoiding relegation on the final day, and then seventh last year, winning just once in the Championship. They also lost at the quarter-final stage of the Blast four seasons running.Warwickshire’s chief executive, Stuart Cain, said there had been disappointment at the recent performance of the men’s teams but the club wanted to avoid “a kneejerk response” to last season. Following a high-performance review, a number of changes have been made to the coaching structure, in part to reflect the advent of a professional women’s team and the continued integration of Birmingham Phoenix.Related

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In addition to Westwood overseeing the first team, Tony Frost has been appointed head of cricket operations after the retirement of Keith Cook, while Simon Kerrigan will become 2nd XI coach as well as offering spin bowling support. Stuart Barnes remains as bowling coach, with the club seeking a new batting coach.Laura Macleod will continue as head of high performance for Bears Women, working alongside Ali Maiden, recently appointed head coach of both Bears Women and Birmingham Phoenix.With Warwickshire retaining 51% majority ownership of Phoenix following the ECB’s Hundred equity sale, those teams will also be integrated into the new structure from 2026. Warwickshire are also in the process of appointing a new performance director after the departure of Gavin Larsen before Christmas.”It’s no secret we’ve been disappointed in our men’s performance in recent years,” Cain said. “We also wanted to proactively address the biggest changes the game has seen in a decade with the long-overdue formation of a professional Bears Women’s team and the integration of Birmingham Phoenix into our elite set-up.”It was important not to make a kneejerk response to last season. We allowed time for a thorough analysis of our high performance structure and worked with the club’s cricket audit committee and board to create a new approach that recognises the need for improvement and also addresses the challenges created by moving from managing one professional team to four, playing four different formats of cricket.”Robbo has worked hard for the Bears since joining in 2021 and we shouldn’t underestimate his achievement in winning the County Championship in his first season. He is a quality coach and will be an asset to any club.”However, considering recent performances and feedback from the review, we felt it was time for change. Ian Westwood is a Bear through-and-through. He understands our history, culture, and DNA. He is competitive, structured and a quality leader having previously been club captain and 2nd XI coach. He understands how to win red-ball matches as well as the demands of white ball, having most recently coached at Sharjah Warriors in the ILT20.”The new head of cricket operations role means we have somebody focused on running the machine, making sure everything from hotels and kit through to wickets and the indoor centre are set up to support the players and ensure there are no distractions or frustrations. Frosty will take over from the retiring Keith Cook who has given such incredible service to the club for more than 50 years.”We’re confident this new structure gives us the skills, resources and focus needed for the men’s and women’s teams to put themselves in a position to win domestic tournaments, as well as develop local talent from the many diverse communities that surround Edgbaston.”Robinson, who previously coached England Women and Sussex, pointed to the 2021 Championship success as well as the recent elevation of Jacob Bethell and Dan Mousley to full England duty as highlights during his time in charge.He said: “There are many things we’ve celebrated during my time as a Bear, and things we know could have gone better. Winning the Championship was a huge highlight, as was overseeing our T20 team from one that was struggling to qualify to one that topped the group three years running.”Losing the quarter-final last year hurt badly but I’m sure it won’t be long before the boys take that next step to silverware.”Seeing two Academy boys, Bethell and Mousley, go from regular Bears players to making their England debuts made everyone, myself included, very proud.”Lastly, thank you to the supporters who are the most important part of the club for your support. I know it will only be a matter of time before you get the success you deserve.”Edgbaston hotel plan approvedWarwickshire also confirmed on Thursday that they have received planning permission from Birmingham City Council for a £42 million redevelopment at Edgbaston that will include a new on-site hotel. Work is expected to begin in September and be completed ahead of the 2027 men’s Ashes Test.The proposals will see the existing Raglan and Priory Stands on the northwest side of the ground redesigned to include a 146-bed Radisson Red hotel with rooftop terrace, pitch-view rooms with balconies, and other rooms that can be converted into hospitality boxes during games. The new stand, which will see a slight increase in capacity, will also feature a concourse with enhanced food and drink options, and improved facilities for disabled spectators.Craig Flindall, Edgbaston’s strategy director, said: “We’re grateful to Birmingham City Council for approving the plans and for sharing our vision to bring increased economic and social benefits to the region through international sport.”Cricket will always stay at the heart of our thinking. But it’s important we develop a stadium that operates all year round, supporting new jobs in this part of the city and creates wider community opportunities.”We are creating a mixed-use destination that will combine elite sport, conferencing and events and residential and hotel accommodation with community facilities that will improve education, employment and social cohesion in the area.”

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O Amazonas bateu o Confiança por 3 a 2, no último domingo (4), em Aracaju, em resultado que fez a equipe ascender para o quarto lugar da Série C do Campeonato Brasileiro.

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Por isso, o técnico Rafael Lacerda comentou a consistente campanha realizada pelo clube do Norte do país que completou, no fim do último mês de maio, apenas quatro anos de existência.

– A campanha é muito boa, creio que poucos esperavam. Fizemos um ótimo jogo e alcançamos um grande resultado. Foi importante para nos mantermos na parte de cima da classificação. Mérito dos atletas, que buscaram repetir o que treinamos na semana. Analisamos bem o adversário e isso foi essencial – disse.

Nesta quarta-feira (7), a equipe de Rafael Lacerda recebe o terceiro colocado, Botafogo-PB, às 16h (de Brasília) em Manaus. Caso derrote os paraibanos, o Amazonas poderá encerrar a rodada na vice-liderança.

>Cupom LANCEFUT com 10% OFF para os fanáticos por esporte em compras acima de R$299,90

– O campeonato é muito longo, jogamos apenas seis rodadas. Temos agora, pela frente, um adversário direto, de bastante qualidade. Esperamos recuperar os atletas e fazer mais uma grande partida – finalizou.

Leeds United find themselves on the prowl in the market and could now have gained an advantage over one of Europe’s most reputable sides in the race for a wide reinforcement, according to reports.

Leeds seek alternatives after missing out on Igor Paixao

Daniel Farke has needed to roll with the punches this summer at Elland Road as his side collide with the competitive forces of the market, which has led to the Whites missing out on one or two talented stars who would’ve helped their Premier League survival bid.

Taking to social media platform X, Fabrizio Romano signalled that Leeds have missed out on Feyenoord winger Igor Paixao, who is now set for a move to Marseille that could receive imminent confirmation.

He stated: “Igor Paixão to Olimpique Marseille, here we go! Deal in place for the winger to join OM. Five year deal and agreement club to club with Feyenoord. Paixão wanted OM despite efforts and improved bid sent by Leeds United.”

Nevertheless, Leeds have moved on to pursuing English winger Jonathan Rowe, who is incidentally at Marseille himself. However, they will face competition from Bournemouth, Roma and Atalanta to land their man.

Potentially available due to Paixao’s arrival at the French giants, there may still be a scenario where the Whites emerge victorious in their hunt for a winger.

Leeds United’s first five Premier League fixtures

Everton (H)

Elland Road

Arsenal (A)

Emirates Stadium

Newcastle United (H)

Elland Road

Fulham (A)

Craven Cottage

Wolverhampton Wanderers (A)

Molineux

Leicester City’s James Justin could also strengthen Leeds’ full-back pool as Isaac Schmidt heads to Werder Bremen, opening up the prospect of a knock-down transfer fee as the England international is into the final year of his contract at the King Power Stadium.

Reverting back to the subject of wingers, the Whites are now reportedly fighting it out with Sporting Lisbon to sign a known top-flight name.

Leeds United pushing to sign Jota Silva from Nottingham Forest

According to Noticias ao Minuto, Leeds United are pushing to sign winger Jota Silva from Nottingham Forest amid competition from Sporting for the £13 million-rated star.

The Primeira Liga champions want to sign him on loan with an option to make his move permanent. Meanwhile, Nuno Espirito Santo wants to sanction an outright sale.

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Leeds are willing to match Evangelos Marinakis’ price for the Portugal international, which has exerted pressure on Sporting as they are unwilling to enter at the same ballpark. Last term, Silva registered five goals and three assists in 38 outings across all competitions, though his next destination is now a waiting game as all parties ponder their next steps.

Dubbed “inexhaustible” by Pedro Carvalho, it remains to be seen whether Leeds will throw their hat in the ring to sign the Gondomar-born man by submitting an official offer, or if they still have alternative targets in mind after missing out on Paixao.

The ground still has several slushy pockets and its drainage has been overwhelmed by overnight rainfall

Daya Sagar and Nagraj Gollapudi10-Sep-2024Several slushy pockets in the Greater Noida Sports Complex ground along with drainage that has been overwhelmed by heavy rainfall have prevented the one-off Test between Afghanistan and New Zealand from taking off. For the second straight day, there was no play possible, not even a toss, and there is growing fear that the entire game might be wiped out.On Tuesday, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) acknowledged that the situation was grim, saying it was doing everything possible to start the Test, but the wet weather was proving to be insurmountable. “If it rains like this, no venue is going to be able to host a game,” Menhajuddin Raz, ACB’s international cricket manager said.There has been no rain in the daytime though, leading to questions about why the match has not been able to start. ESPNcricinfo has learned that the outfield is not sand-based, which would’ve been better at soaking up the moisture and also quicker when it comes to drying. The drainage system has also come under significant strain from the intense rainfall that has disrupted Delhi and neigbhouring regions like Greater Noida, which is about two hours from the nation’s capital.Only a small part of the ground could be protected against this bad weather – the main square, which houses the playing surface and the practice pitches and the 30-yard circle. It is understood that a lot of pockets on the outfield and some even in and around the inner circle – midwicket, mid-off and cover – are slippery. An official present at the venue said the top layer began moving underfoot making it risky and unfit for play.Afghanistan’s opening batter Ibrahim Zadran slipped during practice and twisted his ankle, which has ruled him out of the Test. While the ACB sent out a media statement about the injury, the official believes it was a result of the outfield’s deterioration.Being the host, the responsibility lies with ACB to ensure the venue is match fit. In a statement the ACB said that the BCCI has been assisting by providing “additional machinery” to make “conditions ideal” for the match to start. It is understood that at the behest of the Indian board, Ankit Dutta, the curator at Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi travelled to Greater Noida on Tuesday. A super sopper was also sent to the venue to help with the drying. Dutta is understood to have told the ground officials as well as the ACB that he saw no immediate remedy.Tim Southee inspects the pitch with match referee Javagal Srinath•AFP/Getty ImagesIn the past several days both Afghanistan and New Zealand have struggled to have a proper net session. On Tuesday, New Zealand did some light training in the main square, but the fast bowlers were unable to come off a full run-up. The official said that while the super sopper was welcome it wouldn’t be able to bind the loose top layer which can only happen with more sunshine.This Test is not part of the ICC’s World Test Championship. The ICC, too, doesn’t have to get involved in this game other than appointing match officials. However, questions are now being asked about whether there was due diligence done to check if the venue was equipped to withstand bad weather. Raz stressed that they were.”Look, the venue is an international standard venue,” he said. “It has hosted around 12 [11] games internationally. It’s not like it’s a new venue. It’s just the rain which has affected everything so much. And that’s the only reason we’re not having a game on day two.Related

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A gloomy debut for Test cricket's newest venue in Greater Noida

“As per the international standard, like at least three-four months, even six months before, you make a recce of the venue. And then, you make sure everything is normal. It’s not only us [the home team] who does this recce. It’s the visiting team as well – their team and their player association team do the recce, too. Everything was so good.”The whole issue arose because of the heavy rain which has happened over the last two weeks or so. And then, last night, I don’t know if you guys were there or not, but I’ve got a couple of videos which I’ve recorded on my phone. And it wasn’t looking good at all. Even if it had been any other venue, they would have struggled to get it back on time, ready for a game of cricket.”Raz said that the BCCI had given Afghanistan Bengaluru and Kanpur as other venue options, but they chose Greater Noida. This ground last hosted international cricket in 2020. India have never used it for any of their fixtures.”This venue has always been Afghanistan’s home venue,” he said. “We have been playing games here since 2016 [2017] and have hosted Ireland here. Logistically also this was the most feasible venue for us. You get a flight maybe from Kabul and from Dubai to Delhi, and then two hours of drive from there.Two full days have been lost in the Afghanistan vs New Zealand Test•AFP/Getty Images”We heard from the local experts that the monsoon finishes here in mid-August and then you don’t get any rain. So, it’s not that something has gone wrong [from our side]. It’s just from above.”Raz was specifically asked if they considered the drainage facilities while finalising the venue. “I would say yes,” he replied, “because that’s always something which plays its role when it comes to the venue. And we have got many of the facilities here that are required to drain such rain. If you witnessed the rain last night and then the level of work the groundstaff has put together… they had to get water pumps inside to get the water outside of the stadium. It’s only a few patches that are stopping the game. Apart from that, it doesn’t seem to be a big problem.”The Greater Noida stadium comes under the control of the local administration, and not the BCCI or the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association. Raz said the ACB had full cooperation from the local administration.”They have been working hard to make things happen. Look, we had a three-day game here with one of the local teams which went well. We didn’t face any issues. But no one can control the rain. It is not the groundstaff’s fault, it is no one’s fault.”The ACB’s commercial manager, Akbar Mohammad Paktian, said that they even tried shifting the Test to another venue.”Even we called up the nearby other venues,” he said. “We tried working on a solution to shift the game, shift the event. And they said that because of the same rain, they will not be able to prepare the venue in the coming 24 hours.”Raz hoped if there was no further rain, the match could start on time on Wednesday. However, just a few minutes after that, it started pelting down again, putting the third day’s play in doubt as well.

Everton are starting to make significant progress in the transfer market and could look to the continent to strengthen their engine room, according to reports.

Everton look to secure more arrivals after Thierno Barry

David Moyes has a rebuild on his hands at Everton this summer and will carry a sense of relief after sealing a deal to bring Thierno Barry to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

After becoming the Toffees’ second signing of the window after Carlos Alcaraz, the former Villarreal forward stated: “I’m very happy. It’s very exciting to be here. I just can’t wait to start and I hope to start very quickly.

“Everton is a big club in the Premier League. They have a good history and good players have played here, like Wayne Rooney and Romelu Lukaku. When I was young I liked to watch these players, now I want to do like these players who have gone before.”

Looking to build on their recent news, Everton have been in touch regarding the availability of PSV winger Johan Bakayoko, who is set to leave the Netherlands in search of a new challenge this summer.

Manchester City’s James McAtee is also a target for the Toffees, indicating that they have designs on strengthening from middle to front following a spate of injury issues last term in forward areas.

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David Moyes is looking to sign a midfielder or two this summer at Everton

By
Ross Kilvington

Jul 11, 2025

Republic of Ireland international Mark Travers has agreed to join Everton, per reports, though it remains to be seen whether he will swap the South Coast for Merseyside to support Jordan Pickford.

However, all of the above show that Moyes and company are beginning to make moves, and they could be set to strike again for a talented midfielder if recent developments are to believed.

Everton battling to sign Spezia midfielder Salvatore Esposito

According to TBR, Everton are one of a clutch of clubs in the mix to sign Spezia midfielder Salvatore Esposito, who is set to leave the Italian outfit this summer after they failed to win promotion to Serie A and is being lined up to head to England.

Brighton & Hove Albion, Burnley, Brentford, Fulham and Sunderland have all expressed interest in a deal. Meanwhile, Scottish Premiership champions Celtic and their rivals Rangers are also looking to bring him north of the border.

Salvatore Esposito in 2024/25 – all competitions
Appearances	37
Goals	7
Assists	10

Capped once by Italy, the 24-year-old is capable of playing in defensive midfield, as an eight or in the ten role, which has made him a prime candidate to become a cog in Everton’s major rebuild at their new stadium.

Talks have been held with unspecified parties over a scenario that could see Esposito leave on loan with an option to buy, though a straight sale hasn’t been ruled out either at this stage.

Everton have made heavy weather of pushing deals over the line so far, but there is a chance they could look to firm up their interest on this front due to the favourable terms involved.

Arsenal haven’t had the rip-roaring start to the summer transfer window that their fans perhaps wanted, but the cogs are starting to churn as Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta plan to make improvements.

Across the past three Premier League seasons, the Gunners have finished second each time. Some might ridicule Arteta for failing to reach that final level, but were Arsenal not toiling in the pits before they arrived? And have they not rediscovered themselves as a European superpower?

We’re just lacking that special… something. The Emirates side have endured their share of frustration through recent transfer windows, and another disappointing finish this summer could derail a lot of progress.

Time was, Arsenal were defined by their incredible focal frontmen, but that now needs to change. It’s often futile to pinpoint exactitudes in regard to a club’s transfer strategy, but it’s clear that Arsenal’s problems could be halved through the signing of a new centre-forward.

The latest on Arsenal's striker search

Arsenal are planning to sign a new striker this summer. It’s their principal priority. There’s just cause for excitement in regard to Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke, but such bids won’t be in lieu of a new number nine.

But we can’t deny that it’s taking its time. The summer saga has centred on RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres, who is expected to leave Sporting Lisbon but has been left dismayed by his outfit’s stance on his leaving fee.

BBC Sport understand Arsenal have yet to find a breakthrough with Sesko or Leipzig, while the 27-year-old Gyokeres might indeed prove too expensive.

Advancements with either forward may well occur in the coming weeks, but the Gunners may well turn to an alternative option ahead of the beginning of pre-season.

He’s come close to north London before.

Arsenal open talks for new striker

According to GIVEMESPORT, Arsenal have joined Manchester United in the race for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, with both clubs making contact with their Premier League counterpart.

Transfer Focus

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

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Arsenal saw a £40m offer rejected for the England international back in January, but could now return as they look to seal a new striker sooner rather than later.

It’s thought that the Villans value the 29-year-old at £60m, a figure that the north Londoners were unwilling to pay earlier in the year.

If the package can be reduced, there’s every chance a figure could be tabled.

Why Arsenal want Ollie Watkins

The issue with both Sesko and Gyokeres is that neither boasts experience in the Premier League – and that’s an important part of determining who’s the right pick.

In Watkins, Arsenal would sign a player who is proven at the very highest level, having scored 75 goals and provided 36 assists across 184 Premier League matches, who bears the stylistic qualities befitting a Gunners talisman – indeed, skills found in the game of both Sesko and Gyokeres.

But the same could be said for a former star in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who signed for Arsenal in January 2018 for £60m – level with Villa’s asking price for Watkins – and went on to score 92 goals and provide 21 assists across 163 appearances, a remarkable run of prolific performances that led to triumph in the FA Cup too.

In his pomp, the Gabonese icon was electric, intelligent and as clinical as you like. The right-footer also found success when peeling off the left, which is a role Watkins has played many a time for Unai Emery’s side.

The Three Lions star might be a goalscorer first and foremost, but he’s also a well-rounded forward, having ranked among the top 3% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues in 2024/25 for assists and the top 19% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref.

Moreover, he’s something of a veteran at 29, which is similarly the case with Aubameyang, who joined the Premier League aged 28 and hit the ground running, calling upon all his experience and athleticism to post ten goals and four assists over his opening 13 matches in the division.

While Watkins is coming off the back of a campaign that left something to be desired, he still scored 17 goals and chalked up 14 more assists across all competitions, with his exploits rightly seeing podcaster Rohan Jivan name him “one of the best CFs in Europe.”

This is certainly underscored by his impressive track record (across all competitions) against the Premier League’s historic ‘big six’, having notably bagged six times over 11 matches against Arsenal, a statistic that will no doubt dredge up some off-putting memories for the club’s fanbase.

They say that if you can’t beat them, join them, but in Arsenal’s case, if they can’t stop Watkins from scoring, why not just sign him?

There is, of course, more to it than that, but Watkins’ goalscoring record against high-level opposition does underscore his suitability.

That and a consistent goalscoring record that would see Arsenal return to the striking success of old, when Aubameyang last plied his trade in an Arsenal shirt.

Arsenal – Premier League Top Scorers by Season

Season

Player

Goals

24/25

Kai Havertz

9

23/24

Bukayo Saka

16

22/23

Martin Odegaard

15

21/22

Bukayo Saka

11

20/21

Alexandre Lacazette

13

19/20

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

22

Stats via Transfermarkt

Arsenal are one of the best teams in Europe, but they lack the deadly goalscorer of their domestic and continental rivals. Bukayo Saka is world-class, but he’s not an out-and-out striker.

And though Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus have been out injured for a while, neither boasts the true clinical edge needed.

Watkins is a veteran, but so was Aubameyang when the mobile, high-speed star came over way back when. Imagine Auba in this current Gunners team? Such dreams may be realised if Watkins signs this summer.

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Chelsea have already been one of the busiest Premier League sides in terms of transfer activity, and they’re fully expected to carry on this trend in the background of their looming Club World Cup campaign.

Chelsea miss out on Mike Maignan and Jamie Gittens

The west Londoners were attempting to get both AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan and Borussia Dortmund sensation Jamie Gittens finalised before Tuesday’s 7pm mini-window deadline, but neither deal could be done.

Chelsea are in ongoing talks with Neymar-like forward – Sky journalist

The west Londoners are still working beyond the Club World Cup transfer deadline.

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Chelsea had three bids rejected for Gittens in the space of a few days, with Enzo Maresca’s side never coming close to Borussia Dortmund’s valuation. Their highest offer came in at around £47 million, but even that wasn’t enough to convince the Bundesliga, who played hard-ball over their most sellable asset.

Chelsea’s determination to remain steadfast in negotiations and not pay over the odds was also prevalent in their discussions with Milan over a deal for Maignan. After failing to find middle ground on the France international’s price tag, Chelsea pulled out of that deal too, regardless of Maignan’s eagerness to join the Blues.

“Chelsea were trying to sign Maignan, but they were always insistent they did not think he was worth more than £12.7m,” said Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol.

“The player himself was desperate to move to Chelsea, he is 30 in July, is out of contract next summer and told Milan he will not sign a new deal. However, Milan said we will not let him leave for the figure Chelsea wanted.”

While both Maignan and Gittens are off the table, at least for now, it is believed that Chelsea remain in talks with Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike (Florian Plettenberg). It is also worth noting that Chelsea can still register new players during the Club World Cup, thanks to a unique registration period which will become active from June 27 to July 3 – when the group stages conclude.

Chelsea to terminate Axel Disasi contract as Juventus make contact

Given Chelsea’s extensive plans to strengthen throughout the squad, players will need to make way, with BlueCo also rumoured to be targeting a centre-back.

Player sales will be crucial for them this summer, as Chelsea look to trim the wage bill and generate funds for their recruitment strategy both in the coming weeks and later in the window.

According to Italian news site Tutto Juve, as translated by Sport Witness, Chelsea defender Axel Disasi is attracting interest from Serie A heavyweights Juventus.

Disasi has been regularly linked with a Stamford Bridge exit, with Tutto Juve even reporting that both the Frenchman and Chelsea are to mutually agree a contract termination to facilitate his move away.

Juve have made contact to enquire about Disasi’s situation, and could be buoyed by the prospect of signing the 27-year-old on a free transfer.

They’re also attracted by his versatility, given he can play both right-back and as a centre-half. Disasi doesn’t appear part of Maresca’s long-term plans, having just spent the second half of 2024/2025 on loan at Aston Villa.

Disasi has been lauded as a “complete” defender by pundits, but the potential signing of another centre-back would only push him further down the pecking order.

Glasgow Rangers officially confirmed that Kevin Thelwell will take up a position as the club’s new sporting director ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The 51-year-old chief will arrive at Ibrox to take up his role when his contract with Premier League side Everton expires at the end of the season.

In part of his first official interview with the club’s website, Thelwell said: “From the first conversations, it was clear to me how ambitious the club is, and I’m excited to play a part in shaping its next chapter.”

Whilst this can be interpreted in many different ways, that comment from the Everton man suggests that there will be changes to the playing squad in the summer to align with the ambition of the club.

Thelwell will have the chance to ‘shape’ the team, which lost to Athletic Bilbao in the quarter-finals of the Europa League, and that could include ruthlessly getting rid of some of the club’s current players, who have failed to lead Rangers to a trophy this season.

One of the Gers players who could find themselves on the chopping block when the Everton chief officially takes up his position could be striker Cyriel Dessers.

Why Rangers should cash in on Cyriel Dessers

The Nigeria international was signed from Cremonese by Michael Beale ahead of the 2023/24 campaign for a reported fee of £4.3m, and the striker has had mixed success throughout his time at the club to date.

Dessers has scored 29 goals in the Scottish Premiership since the start of last season, which does not sound like a terrible return on paper, but his underlying numbers suggest that his performances have not been as impressive as his goal return indicates.

The experienced marksman has not made the most of the opportunities that have been created for him in the top-flight, missing a whopping 47 ‘big chances’ to go along with his 29 goals.

This shows that he has been incredibly wasteful with the high-quality openings that his teammates have created for him, which has made him a liability in the final third because Rangers cannot trust that he will deliver in big moments due to his lack of composure and quality in front of goal.

Appearances

35

31

Goals

16

13

Conversion rate

16%

19%

Big chances missed

27

20

Assists

4

2

Duel success rate

33%

34%

Dessers has not only struggled in the Premiership, as his statistics above illustrate, however, as the former Serie A attacker has also failed to deliver on the European stage.

Since the start of the 2023/24 campaign, the 30-year-old forward has scored four goals and missed ten ‘big chances’ in 19 appearances in the Europa League. This shows that he has rarely provided a goal threat in Europe for the Light Blues, once again, because of his wasteful finishing.

Dessers, as you can see in the clip above, has had his moments of class, which is also backed up by his return of 29 goals, but he has proven that he cannot be relied upon over the course of a season to lead the line for a team competing for titles.

The striker, as evidenced by the aforementioned statistics, has shown that he is not a reliable finisher, and that is why Thelwell should look to cash in on him to provide the next manager at Ibrox with an upgrade in the number nine position in the summer transfer window.

The incoming Rangers sporting director could seal an instant blinder, however, by axing a flop who has been an even worse signing than Dessers, Nedim Bajrami.

Why Thelwell should sell Bajrami

If Thelwell wants to shape the team in a way that tracks with the club’s high ambitions, seemingly to compete for trophies next season, then the underperformers in the squad should be moved on, if possible, this summer.

Rangers reportedly spent £3.4m to sign Bajrami from Italian side Sassuolo in the summer transfer window of 2024, and he has failed to live up to any hype that came from that amount of money being splashed on his services.

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Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

To date, the Albania international has racked up three goals and one assist in 36 appearances in the Premiership and the Europa League combined for the Light Blues this season.

The 26-year-old arrived at Ibrox in what should be the prime years of his career. He is not a young player still learning his trade or a veteran at the end of his playing days, which suggests that it would have been fair to expect instant quality from him on the pitch.

Unfortunately, that has not been the case for Bajrami because, as shown by his aforementioned statistics, he has failed to deliver goals or assists on a regular basis from an attacking midfield or a wide position.

The Albanian attacker, who is reportedly on a wage of £12k-per-week, has scored one goal and failed to provide any assists in his last 13 appearances in all competitions for the Scottish giants.

Appearances

25

Starts

13

Goals

2

Big chances created

4

Assists

1

Ground duel success rate

46%

Aerial duel success rate

38%

As you can see in the table above, Bajrami has rarely contributed at the top end of the pitch and has failed to earn a place as a regular starter, under Philippe Clement or Barry Ferguson, whilst being weak in his duels out of possession as well.

These statistics show that the £3.4m signing has not given much back in return for the money that was spent on him. Meanwhile, Dessers has, at least, scored 29 goals and provided some good moments in a Rangers shirt in the last two seasons.

This suggests that he has been an even worse signing than the Nigerian forward because they cost a fairly similar amount of money, yet Bajrami has delivered significantly less on the pitch in his time at Ibrox.

With this in mind, Thelwell must instantly axe the attacking midfielder from the squad in the summer transfer window as one of his first moves to shape the squad in a new direction, moving on players who have not performed well enough for a team that wants to compete for titles.

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That could represent an instant blinder by the sporting director because it could free up space for a new attacker to be brought in, which could improve the team’s chances of success if they get the replacement right.

West Bromwich Albion got their stuttering Championship promotion push back on track on Saturday with a narrow 2-1 victory over Tom Cleverley’s Watford.

Before the golden three points were collected against the Hornets, Tony Mowbray’s men found themselves deep in a five-match winless run in the league, but the West Midlands side are now only two points off the play-offs regardless of any past struggles.

Mowbray has been here before when it comes to the intense promotion race, with the 61-year-old lifting the Championship title way back in 2008 during his first stint as manager.

During that run, he had the likes of Baggies great James Morrison to thank for his fantastic displays in the middle of the park.

Morrison's heroics at West Brom

Morrison’s first season at the Hawthorns would coincidentally coincide with these promotion heroics, leading to the much-loved Scotsman going down as a modern icon over many a year in the West Midlands.

In total, the revered number seven would go on to amass a whopping 341 appearances for Albion, with goals and assists aplenty also coming his way with a combined tally of 73.

Not just content at contribution regularly in the final third, the now-retired 38-year-old was also known as a flexible and versatile figure capable of playing all across the pitch.

Indeed, the ex-Scotland international lined up as right and left winger regularly, away from starring in the middle of the park.

Mowbray could have his next Morrison, therefore, in an equally adaptable star…

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Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Mowbray's new Morrison

West Brom possess a lot of talent in the midfield department at the moment, with ex-Leeds United man Alex Mowatt sticking out as a competent performer in the EFL, considering he can boast a weighty seven goals and two assists this season in league action.

But, he isn’t the figure who could go on to be the promotion-chasing side’s next iteration of Morrison, with flashy January capture Isaac Price arguably more suited to this billing.

Price has already shown he has an eye for goal after all, with the ex-Standard Liege midfielder firing home a sublime effort just last month when Hull City came to the Hawthorns.

With an assist next to his name too from 11 second-tier appearances, the 21-year-old is already beginning to live up to his hefty £2.5m price-tag, leading to Mowbray lauding Price as a “very talented” star.

Due to his qualities and versatility, perhaps the Northern Irishman is capable of reaching Morrison’s lofty heights down the line.

Price’s career numbers by position
Position played	Games played	Goals scored	Assists
CM	61	2	2
DM	23	2	3
RM	20	0	0
AM	17	0	2
RW	2	0	0
CF	1	0	0
LM	1	0	0
RB	1	1	0
CB	1	0	0
Sourced by Transfermarkt

Away from his promising early output in England potentially mirroring Morrison, his unbelievable fluidity to line up in various different positions – as can be seen glancing at the table above – also makes him a great candidate to be Mowbray’s next icon, with Price even starting a one-off contest as a right-back when starring in Belgium.

He still has some way to go to match the memorable number 7 obviously, but there are some encouraging early signs to suggest he could go down as a great, especially if he can play his part in leading Mowbray’s men back to the Premier League.

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Toby Albert gives Hampshire the edge until formidable chase, with Dickson and Gregory key to finale

Alan Gardner13-Sep-2025Somerset came out on top in a clash of the T20 Blast titans, pulling off the highest successful run-chase in the competition’s final to overcome Hampshire and claim a record-equalling third title under the Edgbaston lights. Will Smeed blazed 94 off 58 to get Somerset most of the way there, before Lewis Gregory obliterated the tension in the stands by hammering a four and two sixes in five balls to seal victory with an over to spare.Hampshire, whose total of 194 for 6 had been underpinned by 85 off 48 balls from young opener Toby Albert, seemed to be in control as the requirement for Somerset ticked beyond two runs per ball just past the halfway mark. But Scott Currie’s drop of Sean Dickson was to prove crucial, as a fourth-wicket partnership of 88 off 51 dragged the contest back Somerset’s way.Having been asked to bat, Albert and James Vince made up for the early of loss of Chris Lynn with a stand of 97 in 59 balls to put Hampshire in a formidable position. Albert, in particular, produced some audacious shot-making – including four reverse-hit boundaries in the space of six balls – as Somerset were asked to make the highest-ever score in the final of the competition.Their start was given the required fizz by Tom Kohler-Cadmore, who hit one enormous six over the roof of the Hollies Stand and out of the ground, and although Hampshire frequently seemed one good over from shutting the chase down, Smeed and then Dickson – the linchpin in Somerset’s 2023 Blast success – kept landing timely blows. With both teams making their 11th Finals Day appearances, it was always likely to be a tussle for the ages.Victory for Somerset ended the hoodoo for winners of the first semi-final, as they became the first team since Worcestershire in 2018 to lift the trophy after kicking their heels during the second game. It also marked a fifth consecutive triumph for the South Group – though that was confirmed earlier in the day by the exits of Lancashire and Northamptonshire.Toby Albert played some audacious reverse-ramps in his 85•Getty ImagesTKC lands first blow, Baker hits backBatting second on a surface that was being used for the third time in the day meant Somerset knew they had to get a shuffle on. Smeed picked up boundaries in each of the first two overs – Sonny Baker also contributing with five wides from his first ball – and Kohler-Cadmore then took up the cudgels, hammering his fourth ball, a pull off Chris Wood, over the heads of those in the Hollies and out towards the River Rea.Scott Currie’s first delivery also flew all the way, as Kohler-Cadmore unleashed a scything uppercut over deep third. Baker returned, switching to the Pavilion End, only to be thrashed through the covers. But the Hampshire fast bowler showed why he is on England’s radar by splattering Kohler-Cadmore’s stumps with an 88mph yorker to end the opening stand at 46.Smeed carries the fightSmeed had ticked along to 18 off 15 but responded to the loss of Kohler-Cadmore by twice cracking James Fuller through point at the start of the sixth. Tom Abell departed for a duck in the same over, Somerset finishing the powerplay on 55 for 2, but James Rew picked off early boundaries as Smeed bedded into the middle overs.Currie’s return in the 10th saw the back of Rew, chopping on to his stumps, and Hampshire looked to squeeze through the nous of South Africa spinner Bjorn Fortuin. The required rate was approaching 12 an over, but Smeed kept Somerset in touch with back-to-back fours off Fortuin and then a thump off Howell. Then came the crucial drop of Dickson, with Smeed turning the screw in the following over by taking three more boundaries off Fortuin. That meant Somerset finished the 15th over on 136 for 3 – exactly the same score as Hampshire as the same stage of their innings.Sean Dickson played a key hand for Somerset•Getty ImagesFinisher Dickson does it againWith 59 needed from 30 balls, Dickson produced his first flourish by ramping Baker over the keeper for his first boundary. Another driven four followed, and Smeed then crunched Currie into the Hollies to keep Somerset in touch. With dew becoming a factor, the 18th over was to prove decisive as Dickson – who is leaving Somerset for Glamorgan after not being offered a new contract – twice took Benny Howell for sixes, the first an outrageous reverse-swipe that sailed over deep third.Nineteen runs came off the over, leaving Somerset needing 18 from 12, and although Smeed picked out long-off to fall short of becoming the second man on the day to reach three figures, he walked off with the highest individual score in a final. The jig was up for Hampshire, and in came Gregory to ice the chase with a flurry of boundaries and spark a raucous rendition of “Somerset, la-la-la” in the stands.No Lynn-sanity this timeAfter his semi-final heroics, in which he became the first man to score a hundred on Finals Day, Lynn joked that he would be happy to keep batting, with just a 45-minute turnaround to the final: “Got the pads on, let’s go.” He got his wish, with Somerset opting to chase, and duly smoked his fourth ball back down the ground for his 12th six of the day; but he didn’t last much longer, chipping Craig Overton to cover in the third over.But where Lynn’s top-order colleagues had gone missing against Northants, here they stood up. Albert had got going with back-to-back drives for four, in the process overtaking D’Arcy Short at the Blast’s leading run-scorer for the season. After Vince chimed in with whipped sixes off Overton and Jake Ball, Albert signalled the Hampshire charge was well and truly on by taking Migael Pretorius’ only over of the night for 25 with a sequence of 4-6-6-4-4, only interrupted by a wide.Vince then launched Overton for his third six at the start of the sixth over, followed by consecutive fours – which meant eight legitimate deliveries in a row had disappeared to the rope. Even without the Lynn-sanity, Hampshire had piled up 83 for 1 at the end of the powerplay.Albert takes overWith the fielding restrictions relaxed, Hampshire opted for consolidation during the middle of the innings. Albert was the first to fifty, off 29 balls – his sixth of a breakthrough campaign – while Vince also reached the mark in the 12th over, from 32. Three balls later, the partnership was broken when Vince dragged Lewis Goldsworthy to deep midwicket, and Somerset then chipped out another when Ball’s brilliant return catch saw off James Fuller.Hampshire had only scored three boundaries between the start of the seventh over and the midway point of the 16th. Despite the slowdown, Albert decided it was time to jam the gearstick in reverse. Ben Green was twice reverse-swept off the stumps, despite bowling near-yorkers, over and past short third for back-to-back fours, and Albert then did the same to Ball when he went short, slapping another brace of boundaries to move into the 80s.Albert fell at the start of the next over, missing a swipe at Gregory’s change-up to see his off stump rattled. But Howell cleared the ropes twice in a useful cameo at No. 5, as Hampshire equalled Northamptonshire’s total of 194 for 2 (made from 18 overs) in the 2013 final. Somerset needed to set a new benchmark to claim their record-equalling third title. They duly obliged.