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Chansiri to blame for Pulis failure

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Carlton Palmer has criticised Dejphon Chansiri for causing friction in his relationship with ex-Owls manager Tony Pulis.

Pulis was sacked as Wednesday manager at the end of last December after just 10 games in charge.

In a statement on the club’s official website (via BBC), Chansiri stated that the Welshman was removed from the Hillsborough dugout because of poor results and “other issues” going on behind the scenes.

Palmer, however, is refusing to accept the notion that Pulis was the main culprit, suggesting that Chansiri had made promises to the 63-year-old that he did not keep.

The retired England international told FFC:

“Tony Pulis is a seasoned manager. If anybody could have turned their fortunes around, it would have been Tony and he didn’t last two minutes, and I think that’s because the chairman, reading between the lines, promised him money to spend in the transfer window and there were no funds available.”

Chansiri has since turned to Darren Moore, who has a mammoth task in trying to keep Wednesday in the Championship. While the Owls do have a game in hand, they still find themselves in a deep hole, currently 23rd in the table with 32 points on the board.

Bull backs Wolves to sign Aaron Ramsey

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Steve Bull, who scored 306 goals for Wolves during his career, admits he would take Aaron Ramsey at Molineux as they continue to look for a box-to-box midfielder.

Ramsey’s move from Arsenal to Juventus has not gone quite to plan having been handed just 23 starts over the last two seasons while scoring just five goals in Serie A.

The 61-cap Wales international left Arsenal at the end of the 2018/19 season on a free transfer and won the Serie A in his first season at Juventus, however this season has been a lot less fruitful as they currently sit fourth and have been knocked out of the Champions League.

Speaking on if he would take Ramsey at Wolves and what he would bring to the side, Bull spoke exclusively to FFC:

“‘I would take him all day long. I think if he was a few inches taller then he’d be exactly what I said early on about how we needed a box-to-box midfielder.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/exclusive-andreas-sondergaard-wolves-premier-league” title=”Exclusive! Andreas Sondergaard talks all things Wolves”]

“He chases, puts his foot into a tackle where it hurts and I just can’t believe he hasn’t had much of a chance over there. If he does come back to the Premier League and Wolves want him then I would take him.”

Since his move to Juventus, Ramsey has won two trophies, the Serie A title last season before he won the Italian Super Cup earlier this season.

The £400,000 per week midfielder has been linked with a move to Wolves, and it’s been reported that they would be willing to accept a bid of around £10-15 million and Wolves

Gers fans slam Hagi

Many Glasgow Rangers fans were livid with the performance of Ianis Hagi during their Scottish Cup quarter-final defeat against St Johnstone.

The Gers have long since had the Premiership title sewn up, meaning they could concentrate on the domestic cup as they attempted to complete the double.

However, even though they beat Celtic in the previous round, they were unable to get past the Saints as they lost 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw at Ibrox.

A number of players are likely to have disappointed Steven Gerrard with their performances, including £4.5m-valued Romania international Hagi (Transfermarkt). He started on the right wing (SofaScore) despite generally being a central attacking midfielder, and that may have had something to with his worrying showing. Unsurprisingly, he was the first player Gerrard chose to haul off as Scott Wright came on for him in the 68th minute of normal time after a rather ineffective display.

These Gers supporters were far from happy with what they saw from the former Genk man, and they took to social media platform Twitter to share their thoughts on his “woeful” performance.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about Hagi below

“Hagi. Pathetic. Again. Anonymous. Going through the motions without a care in the world. Offering nothing going forward and nothing going back. Basically doing, and offering, nothing. A complete passenger yet again tonight.”

Credit: @Championees55

“Hagi shouldn’t be near the first team , first bid for him you sell .”

Credit: @bg724

“Roofe gave up since Xmas then? Hagi is an empty jersey, just gets posted missing for the majority of games”

Credit: @wullieboy78

“Roofe is one of my picks, Hagi would be another, if we can get 10m I’d drive him to the airport myself”

Credit: @chrissyboy1872

“We need to start using Aribo in the front 3, he tore Celtic apart and then is dropped into the middle where he isn’t as effective. Hagi – useless again!”

Credit: @bert34589

“Hagi was woeful and Gerrard cant change the formation of our team when teams get in about us”

Credit: @DarrenG76144296

In other news, Rangers are in advanced talks to sign this striker.

Martial like a "Sunday League" player sometimes

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Newcastle United midfielder Rob Lee has blasted Anthony Martial for not performing consistently at Old Trafford, comparing him to a Sunday League player.

Manchester United are reportedly looking to offload the France international as his performances and output continue to not improve despite him being at the club since he was 19-years-old.

Martial has been deployed as a striker, left and a right-winger this season which has seen his responsibilities differ each game and could be a cause for his poor goal output this season – just four in the Premier League.

Speaking on Martial’s level of ability and how he can go from one extreme to the other game by game, Lee told FFC exclusively:

“I look at him some games and think he’s unstoppable, but then I look at him other games and I think he should be playing Sunday League football.

“I honestly do and I think if you can’t get yourself up to play for a club, like Manchester United, then where are you going to go and what you’re going to do?”

Anthony Martial is currently experiencing his joint-worst goalscoring season since moving to Manchester United under Louis van Gaal in 2015, having scored just seven goals in 36 games this campaign.

Martial has only played 90 minutes eight times in the league this season which has seen him subbed on and off in most games, as well as picking up a red card against Tottenham Hotspur back in October.

Rangers suffer Joseph transfer blow

Rangers have regularly been linked with a move for Wigan Athletic striker Kyle Joseph in recent months, but it would appear as if the Ibrox outfit have suffered a setback in their hopes of signing him, as their Old Firm rivals have stolen the march on signing him.

According to the Daily Mail (via The Sun), Celtic are closing in on his signing, and are set to conclude a pre-contract deal which will see the 19-year-old move to Parkhead, with the League One strugglers entitled to a compensation fee.

Rangers were reported to be in for the teenage striker, who has impressed in his performances with Wigan this season, despite them currently occupying a relegation spot in England’s third tier.

In 14 league appearances for the Tics, the in-demand forward has managed five goals and one assist, which has seen him average an impressive 6.80 rating.

Therefore, it is no surprise that big sides such as Rangers were taking an interest in the striker as he looks destined for a big future in the game.

Joseph’s former teammate Kai Naismith was full of praise for the youngster earlier in the season, telling Wigan’s official website:

“He’ll be a top player, a really, really good player and he works his nuts off, not just in the games but all week in training as well, he has a great appetite for the game and a great attitude.”

Considering he would have been available for a small compensation fee, it is a shame that Rangers’ sporting director Ross Wilson didn’t work faster to try and bring Joseph to Ibrox this summer, as it looks as if he will now be making the move to their Old Firm rivals instead.

Steven Gerrard could be set to lose two strikers from his squad this summer, as both Jermaine Defoe and Greg Stewart’s contracts are set to expire, so adding Joseph would have been a smart decision in order to add some more squad depth at Rangers.

Therefore, it comes as a big blow for the former Liverpool legend that Joseph seemingly won’t be joining the Champions elect this summer, as he could have been a great addition to his championship winning squad.

And, in other news… 125 touches, 92% pass accuracy: £7.5k-p/w Rangers beast completely ran the show at Ibrox

Journalist provides key Alioski update

Ezgjan Alioski hasn’t rejected a new deal with Leeds United but his future remains up in the air, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post‘s Graham Smyth on Twitter.

The left-back is now in his fourth season at Elland Road, having joined from Lugano back in the summer of 2017.

Alioski hasn’t always found regular football easy to come by in the Premier League this season, however, starting 18 of his side’s 27 matches, and hasn’t played a full 90 minutes since the 2-0 win at home to Crystal Palace in early February.

Smyth provides key Alioski update

The 29-year-old’s current Leeds deal expires at the end of this season, meaning his future is now very much up in the air for the time being.

Taking to Twitter to respond to a question regarding Alioski’s future, Smyth admitted that the North Macedonia international has not rejected a new deal, contrary to some reports, but that he is yet to commit his future to the Whites:

Transfer Tavern take

Leeds supporters may be split on whether or not they want Alioski to extend his stay at Elland Road, but it may not be a bad thing, in terms of squad depth.

He may not be a key man for Bielsa moving forward, but he is an experienced figure who is capable of doing a job when required in multiple positions.

On the flip side, the emergence of youngster Leif Davis could mean Alioski becomes even more surplus to requirements, giving an excuse to move him on.

In other news: Phil Hay highlights major defensive issue.

Why Man City should sign Rabiot

Manchester City are reportedly considering a move for Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot this summer and the Frenchman would arguably be a better fit in Pep Guardiola’s side than Borrusia Monchengladbach midfielder Denis Zakaria.

What’s the word?

According to Calcio Mercato (via Sport Witness), Juventus are planning on selling the former PSG man this summer, which has alerted both Barcelona and Manchester City, who have ‘begun to follow’ the French international.

Despite finding his feet in Turin after a difficult start, it is claimed that Andrea Pirlo wants to make improvements to his midfield in the summer, so Rabiot could be one who is moved on in order to raise some funds for transfers.

A better fit than Zakaria?

Man City have also been heavily linked with a move for Swiss international Denis Zakaria ahead of the summer window and since they both play in midfield, you would imagine that it would be one or the other, rather than both, for the Citizens ahead of next season.

Zakaria is more of a defensive-minded midfielder, whereas Rabiot can play further forward, and yet the 25-year-old Juventus man seemingly has had the edge when it comes to defensive statistics this season.

He has averaged 2.1 tackles, 1.3 interceptions and 1.2 aerials won per game in Serie A so far this season, whereas Zakaria has averaged 1.1 tackles, 0.6 interceptions and 0.6 aerials won per game in the Bundesliga.

The 24-year-old has also struggled with injury problems in recent seasons which seem to have had a serious impact on his performances, as this season has seen him earn a poor 6.4 average rating compared to last season’s superb 7.15/10 average rating in the German top-flight.

Rabiot also triumphs over Zakaria when it comes to passing, as he has averaged far more passes and key passes per game than the Swiss midfielder, whilst his pass accuracy rate, in general, is higher than the Monchengladbach midfielder.

The £28.8 million-rated Rabiot has earned a lot of praise from Juventus legend Gianluigi Buffon in his time at the club, with the ‘keeper suggesting in 2019 that:

“He is a fantastic mix, he has the physical strength of Pogba, who is like a wardrobe, has the personality of Vidal and potentially the dynamism of Marchisio.

“He is incredible, extremely strong. He needs to improve his timing when approaching the opponent’s penalty area but he can become a player with 10 goals per season.”

Given Rabiot’s solid performances in Serie A and in the Champions League this season, therefore, you could argue that he would be a better signing than Zakaria this summer, so sporting director Txiki Begiristain should try and bring him to the Etihad.

And, in other news… Txiki should seal City swoop for £31.5m-rated beast who broke Cristiano Ronaldo’s record

Newcastle journalist slams Hendrick

Lee Ryder has slammed Jeff Hendrick after the Newcastle United man got himself sent off for two bookings versus Southampton in the Premier League.

The football journalist did not hold back in his analysis of Hendrick’s display in his latest piece for The Chronicle, as he gave the Republic of Ireland international a mere 2/10 overall rating, describing his second yellow card as ‘beyond stupidity’ and adding that he will be a ‘relieved’ man after the 3-2 win at St. James’ Park.

Steve Bruce’s team raced into a two-goal lead with debutant Joe Willock and Miguel Almiron on the scoresheet, before Takumi Minamino, on loan from Liverpool, pulled one back for the Saints.

Almiron grabbed his second of the afternoon just before half-time as the Tyneside club were relatively comfortable.

However, James Ward-Prowse made the game nervy in the North East with a great free kick before Hendrick got himself a red card just a minute later, which could have put his side in real trouble.

Hendrick was poor for Newcastle

Aside from his sending off, Hendrick was pretty poor for the Magpies. The central midfield player failed to record a single shot on goal, dribble, clearance, tackle, key pass or cross in the match (Sofascore).

He also lost possession of the ball no fewer than 10 times, and given that he only had a mere 20 touches of the ball in total in the clash (Sofascore), the 29-year-old lost it every two touches on average.

It was an afternoon to forget personally for Hendrick, currently valued at £8.1m by Transfermarkt, but at least the Toon spared his blushes by getting all three points.

In other news, find out what update Mark Douglas has dropped on the potential takeover here!

Sawyers slammed by West Brom fans vs Liverpool %%sep%% %%sitename%%

Some West Brom fans have been slamming the fact that Romaine Sawyers was named in the starting eleven to face Liverpool at Anfield.

As per the official Twitter page of the Hawthorns faithful, the defensive midfield player started alongside Conor Gallagher, with captain Matt Phillips and Grady Diangana occupying the wide positions either side of Callum Robinson and Karlan Grant up top.

The back four for Sam Allardyce’s team consisted of Darnell Furlong, Dara O’Shea, Semi Ajayi and Kieran Gibbs, with Sam Johnstone in between the posts.

Some Baggies have questioned as to just how much protection he is giving the team against the current Premier League champions and league leaders, while others have called for him to be dropped to the bench by Allardyce.

West Brom fan reaction to him starting

These WBA supporters slammed the fact that he was picked to start the game on Twitter, with one fan even claiming that the Englishman is ‘awful’:

“Grant, Sawyers, no Pereira no Krov, this really worries me is he really expecting to go toe to toe with Liverpool”

Credit: @leesouthall1

“Matt Phillips as captain? Matheus Pereira on the bench? Romaine Sawyers starting? Please go dig up my Baggies Brick immediately, you are downright embarrassing to cheer for.”

Credit: @markdsheldon

“Sawyers starting is the crime here rather than who the armband has gone to TBH”

Credit: @ColmBrosnan

“Sawyers. Might a well play with 10 men.”

Credit: @HerbyMcfly

“That team amazes me, Sawyers is just awful and shouldn’t be on the pitch”

Credit: @davidpaynewba

“Sawyers playing again; blokes stealing a living #wba”

Credit: @lewis_botfield

In other news, find out who West Brom may let leave in January here!

Claim dropped on possible NUFC takeover

Liam Kennedy has dropped a quite promising claim on any possible takeover of Newcastle United by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) group.

Writing in his latest piece for The Shields Gazette, the football journalist claimed that there is a ‘growing optimism’ from both the buyers and the seller in terms of trying to get the proposed £300m deal between Mike Ashley and the KSA consortium back on track.

It would of course require the KSA’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) to come back to the table to revive the original bid, but such optimism on both sides of the deal can only be seen as massively encouraging news.

What next for the potential Newcastle takeover?

The arbitration hearing between the St. James’ Park faithful and the Premier League is yet to take place over their legal disputes over the previous failed takeover bid, but the result of that will surely give a better idea as to what the next steps are with regards to its possible resurrection.

Still, the ‘growing optimism’ in both camps should give some members of the Toon Army at least some form of hope that it can eventually go through, providing that all of the pieces of the jigsaw are carefully put in place.

In other news, find out what relegation claim Mark Douglas has dropped on any possible takeover here!

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