Tag Futebol

For such a proud footballing institution, Newcastle haven’t half become a laughing stock over the last few seasons. After suffering the ignominy of relegation from the Premier League back in 2009, Mike Ashley has seemingly done everything in his power to bring farce and controversy to the North East.

From renaming the stadium, to selling off their best players; nothing it would seem could come close to the shock appointment of Joe Kinnear as Director of Football last year.

The former Republic of Ireland international was to answer only to Mike Ashley on all things football Kinnear reacted to the appointment by claiming he “could open the door to any manager in the world” and asked fans to judge him on the signings he made.

Since then we have seen just a couple of loan signings in Loic Remy and Luuk de Jong, and an inability to find a suitable replacement for the outgoing Yohan Cabaye. The amateurish nature of his work doesn’t stop there, the man that professes to being a master of the game somehow managed to recommend one of Newcastle’s own players in Shane Ferguson while the youngster was out on loan at Birmingham. Add to this his inability to pronounce any vaguely foreign sounding name and you begin to wonder whether this man is just a complete fraud?

After Saturday’s loss to Sunderland, Pardew made it clear he was unhappy at the club’s lack of transfer activity:

“If I was in charge, solely, of transfers, things might be different but I’m not,” he said.

“I think I’ve made my opinions very clear this week and all the rest of it is confidential.”

The conspiracy theorists have always surmised that Kinnear has something on Ashley, because to the face of it his involvement is nothing short of a joke. Ever since the resignation of Derek Llambias the club has been run, at least in footballing terms, by a clown.

The most bitter of pills to swallow for Newcastle fans was the departure of Yohan Cabaye at the back end of the January window. Newcastle shouldn’t though be castigated for such a move, in the end the lure of PSG was too great and the money on offer huge for a club of their current size. The actual lunacy here was in the inability to line up a replacement, with moves for Lyon’s Clement Grenier ending in failure.

Newcastle legend Alan Sheared summed up his feelings for Match of the Day 2:

“It was a strange appointment in the first place. When you sell your best player three days before the transfer deadline you have to have a plan.

“Maybe him resigning is a way of saying he didn’t do his job, but I’m not sure what his job was anyway. Saturday’s defeat against Sunderland was as poor a performance as I’ve seen for a long time. They were lucky it was only 3-0.”

Even Kinnear’s departure was scattered with controversy, with Newcastle clearly left in the lurch. The failure of the January window could well have spelled the end for the Irishman, but to leave his club without a replacement or indeed contingency plan is borderline cowardly for a man that supposedly cares so much.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Newcastle fans will be glad to finally be rid of the man that has brought them so much ridicule. A tenure that will be remembered for his media gaffes and transfer window hash ups above anything else, you would hope his departure would now open the door for someone that will actually take the role seriously.

Fans will be praying it’s an end to the comedy sideshow at St James’.

Click below for great Mercedes offers!

Manchester United’s Anderson has told the Daily Star that his club will lose out when Sir Alex Ferguson eventually retires.

The 24-year-old Brazilian reiterated that Sir Alex would be missed in the world of football, and particularly by United.

“Manchester United is Alex Ferguson. When he leaves, the club will lose 30 to 40 per cent. So much depends on him.

“He’s a father to all the players, a very respected person and when he retires, the football world will really feel his loss.

“He always helped me, and I have a great affection for him. He lives for training and always wants to know how his players and their families are,” he said.

Now aged 70, Fergie has managed United for a period of 26 years, and has been invaluable to the club, leading United to massive success with numerous titles including five FA Cups, 12 Premier League trophies and two Champions League titles.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

However, rumour is growing that he is getting nearer to making the decision to retire from the game.

Manchester United fans were forced to watch on as their bitterest rivals Liverpool fought Real Madrid for the biggest prize in European football on Saturday and then again as the Reds secured the signing of highly-rated midfielder Fabinho from Monaco.

In a World Cup summer, where all of England’s elite clubs will be spending big; Manchester City in pursuit of European glory and the rest trying to bridge the points chasm, doing smart business early is the key and Jurgen Klopp has done exactly that with his sudden swoop for the Brazilian who can play at right-back and in central midfield.

That is what United fans are hoping their club can provide after a season in which they failed to win a trophy despite it being Jose Mourinho’s fabled second campaign, where he is supposed to win the league.

They didn’t do that and as Liverpool impressed with their blistering football on the pitch, some United fans are becoming worried by the speed they’re doing business off it; especially compared with United…

[ad_pod ]

It has been some season for West Ham United’s Declan Rice, with the teenager already making 17 appearances in all competitions for the Hammers during the 2017-18 campaign.

Rice, who is valued at £1.8m by transfermarkt.co.uk, only turned 19 on January 14, but is now regarded as a very important part of West Ham’s future.

He has been involved in West Ham’s last four Premier League matches, and when considering that 12 of his 17 appearances this season have come in the league; it has been a very impressive season for the highly-rated centre-back.

On Sunday, West Ham’s official Twitter account wished a happy birthday to Rice, and it was not a surprise when the message brought a host of responses from the club’s supporters.

Many simply offered a birthday message of their own, but plenty also offered words of praise for the teenage defender, who looks to have a very bright future in the game.

A selection of the best Twitter reaction can be found below:

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville was forced to explain his commentary from last night’s Champions League fixture after he implied that Mesut Ozil has some work to do.The Sky Sports man was brutally honest as he set the record straight as to the work needed in order for Ozil to reflect his efforts for Germany in the 2010 World Cup.As is typical with the pundit, he linked current events to his experiences at the Old Trafford club and openly used Ji Sung Park as an example of the work-rate Ozil must mirror.It seems Mesut cannot sit back and ‘Park’ the bus anymore!

David Meyler says skipper Lee Cattermole doesn’t need to change his ways, despite a fifth red card for Sunderland.

Cattermole’s status as Black Cats captain is under threat after a moment of idiocy saw the 24 year old see red for a reckless two-footed lunge on Adam Chicksen, in the Wearsiders 2-0 win over MK Dons.

A divisive figure among fans, Meyler claims Cattermole doesn’t need to radically change his game, he told The Journal: “Everyone who knows Lee Cattermole knows he plays with his heart on his sleeve.

“It was just a ball that he went for and thought he could win. The referee decided it was a red card and I’m sure the club will look back on it and see what they think. But Lee is gutted himself because he always wants to do everything he can to help the team.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

“It’s done now there’s nothing anyone can do. It’s not something we’ll not spend too long thinking about as players.”

“I’ve left the door open for him to approach me… [but] that might never happen,” South Africa white-ball coach says

Firdose Moonda09-Sep-2024South Africa remain unsure about the availability of Quinton de Kock, who was omitted from a second successive series post the T20 World Cup, in the format.De Kock, who is no longer nationally contracted but has not announced a complete international retirement, missed the three T20s against West Indies last month and will not play in two matches against Ireland later this month. South Africa will then play four T20Is at home against India in November as preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup ramps up.Asked if there was any clarity on de Kock’s availability, white-ball coach Rob Walter indicated that there would not be any for some time. “I don’t know, to be dead honest. For the next little while, there will be no conversations between myself and Quinny as to whether he wants to play for South Africa again,” Walter said at a press conference. “I’ve left the door open for him to approach me if and when he wants to do that. That might never happen.”Related

• Jansen and Coetzee on road to recovery, likely to be back in action by November

• SA unsure on de Kock's T20I future: 'We have a glimmer of hope'

De Kock retired from Test cricket in 2021 and from ODIs after the 50-over World Cup last year. At the time, Walter had said de Kock intended to step away from all international cricket but was persuaded to stay on for the 2024 T20 World Cup and allowed to miss a bilateral series in the lead-up to play at the BBL. By making that allowance, South Africa demonstrated a fundamental shift in their usual selection policy, which requires players to be involved in at least some international cricket ahead of major tournaments – and was the reason AB de Villiers’ request to make a comeback at the 2019 ODI World Cup was denied – and illustrated the power of leagues. The decision paid off as de Kock finished as South Africa’s highest run-scorer at the T20 World Cup, and was key to their run to the final.Since then, de Kock has played in MLC and the CPL and will play at the SA20 and IPL, all of which will mean he is still eligible for South Africa, although Walter was careful to underline that his place was not guaranteed. “There might be a conversation and also that conversation does initially mean it will lead to him being selected,” he said. “We have to just allow him to have his space, to play league cricket and to do what he needs to do. What will become more and more important is performance. He’s not exactly old [de Kock is 31] so from here on in, it’s a performance-based conversation.”Walter has put no timeline on de Kock making a final decision and in his absence, South Africa continue to invest in Reeza Hendricks in the opening role and have options between Kyle Verreynne, Ryan Rickelton and Heinrich Klaasen as wicketkeepers. Of those four, only Klaasen is not part of the squads to play Afghanistan and Ireland in the UAE. He pulled out of the CPL for personal reasons and remains unavailable for the time being. “He has some family matters that he is dealing with currently,” Walter confirmed. “As soon as that position has changed, he’ll obviously fall back into playing again.”

Green was the Sheffield Shield player of the season having only made his debut in December

ESPNcricinfo staff08-May-2023Allrounder Daniel Sams has opted not to take a state contract with New South Wales to explore further opportunities in the T20 franchise world.Sams, who plays for Sydney Thunder in the BBL, has had 10 T20Is for Australia, the most against England shortly before last year’s World Cup, and is currently with Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL where he has yet to make an appearance. He will join Essex for the T20 Blast and return to Trent Rockets for the Hundred.He made five Marsh Cup one-day appearances for NSW last season but has not played first-class cricket since 2018. Sams’ decision follows Kane Richardson’s omission from Queensland’s contract list.”When he’s in the state he will still be invited to train and participate on our white-ball program,” new head coach Greg Shipperd said. “The door is never shut for anyone in his position and with his talent.”Related

• Du Plessis, Conway, Santner, Rayudu reunite with coach Fleming at Texas Super Kings

• Siddle in, Holland out amid Victoria changes

• All the state squads for the 2023-24 Australian domestic season

• Kurtis Patterson to be replaced as New South Wales Sheffield Shield captain

• Bird and McDermott make the move home for new state challenges

A player going in the opposite direction is allrounder Chris Green who has previously been considered a T20 specialist but was named NSW’s Sheffield Shield player of the season for 2022-23. He claimed 20 wickets and scored 290 runs in six matches including nine wickets on his first-class debut.As previously announced, Jackson Bird has signed for the state from Tasmania while top-order batter Blake MacDonald and pace bowler Ross Pawson have earned their first contracts.MacDonald scored a half-century on his Shield debut in the final game of last season against South Australia having earlier made an unbeaten 177 against West Indies for a combined NSW and ACT XI.Joel Davies, who was Australia’s Under-19 captain last season, has been handed a rookie contract and joins his brother Ollie at the state.”With the additions of Jackson and Chris we get some experience from guys with well documented credentials,” Greg Mail, NSW’s chief of cricket performance, said. “Both Blake and Ross have deserved their contracts through sheer weight of runs and wickets at Premier Cricket and Second Xl level. Their contracts show that when players consistently perform at that level, we will look at those performances positively.”Joel Davies is a very talented young player with a high ceiling in the game. He is a genuine allrounder who is also a brilliant fielder and leader and someone we are very excited to see develop further.”Trent Copeland (retired) and Mickey Edwards (moved to the UK) drop off the list while Sean Abbott is added to those with a CA deal. Batter Lachlan Hearne was not offered a contract, while rookie Liam Doddrell also missed out with the number of contracts available reduced under the new MOU.It was confirmed on Sunday that Greg Shipperd would be the new coach of the NSW men’s set-up.New South Wales men’s contracts 2023-24 Sean Abbott (CA), Jackson Bird, Pat Cummins (CA), Joel Davies (R), Oliver Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Matthew Gilkes, Chris Green, Ryan Hackney, Ryan Hadley, Liam Hatcher, Josh Hazlewood (CA), Moises Henriques, Baxter Holt, Daniel Hughes, Hayden Kerr, Nathan Lyon (CA), Blake Macdonald, Blake Nikitaras, Jack Nisbet (R), Kurtis Patterson, Ross Pawson, Will Salzmann (R), Jason Sangha, Tanveer Sangha, Lachlan Shaw (R), Steven Smith (CA), Mitchell Starc (CA), Chris Tremain, Hunar Verma (R), David Warner (CA), Adam Zampa (CA) CA = Cricket Australia, R = Rookie contract

Both teams are missing big players, but India’s strength in depth makes them heavy favourites

Andrew Fidel Fernando23-Feb-20222:59

Wasim Jaffer: Expect Sri Lanka spinners to cause India problems

Big picture

Look, let’s be real. It’s been a while since Sri Lanka were on India’s level in limited-overs cricket.In the last T20I series between these teams, Sri Lanka did pull out two victories to claim the trophy in Colombo, but both those wins came after no fewer than seven players of an already weakened India (the Test squad was playing on a different continent) were made unavailable by a Covid-19 outbreak in the squad, and India had to resort to putting net bowlers in their XI.But even with those two wins, India have won 11 of the last 14 completed T20Is between these teams. In India, the stats are even bleaker for Sri Lanka – two wins from ten completed matches, one of which came all the way back in 2009 (three whole lifetimes, in T20 years). For all the buzz about this improving Sri Lanka side, they’ve lost seven of their ten T20Is since the start of the main draw of last year’s T20 World Cup.Related

• Rohit 'looking forward to playing all games'

• Samson's got talent; Rohit wants him to 'maximise' it, and fast

• Hasaranga tests positive for Covid-19 again

• Injured Deepak Chahar, Suryakumar Yadav ruled out of SL T20Is

Both teams are missing big players. Virat Kohli is rested, as is Rishabh Pant, and now Deepak Chahar and Suryakumar Yadav have picked up injuries as well. But because Sri Lanka don’t have as much depth, their big injuries seem more consequential. Wanindu Hasaranga – their best player – has not even made the trip, thanks to Covid. Beyond this, the Player of the Match from their last T20 in Australia – Kusal Mendis – and their most consistent powerplay bowler from the last year – Maheesh Theekshana – are also in serious doubt for this game, having sustained injuries themselves.In their last T20I series, India had comfortably beaten West Indies in all three matches, though in that series, they’d had the likes of Suryakumar, Kohli, and Pant play important innings. If Sri Lanka want to upset their hosts though, they will have to raise their game substantially. The top order, which will be without Mendis, Kusal Perera, and Avishka Fernando (Perera and Fernando are injured) will have to be more effective than it had been in Australia. And minus Hasaranga, and probably Theekshana, the likes of legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay and left-arm spinner Praveen Jayawickrama will have to step up as well.

Form guide

(completed matches, most recent first)
Sri Lanka WLLLLIndia WWWWWMohammed Siraj, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Avesh Khan tune up for the T20I series against Sri Lanka•Associated Press

In the spotlight

Legpsinners generally do well against Sri Lanka. As he has a strike rate of 10.8 against them, Yuzvendra Chahal probably knows this. In his most recent T20I against them, Chahal took only one wicket, but then went for just 19 runs in his four overs. He is, however, coming off a modest series against West Indies, where he went at more than eight an over. Sri Lanka’s shaky middle order might be the perfect opposition to bounce back against.In a little over a year at the top level, 23-year-old Pathum Nissanka has not merely established himself, his performances have suggested he is an all-format player for a decade to come. He’s not the first one to trod this path, though. Others have showed similar promise at this stage of their careers, and faltered into middling, modest, and troubled careers. A tour of India is a huge test for a young batter. He at least has the confidence of having topped the run charts in Australia (where he hit 184 T20I runs in five innings) going into this.

Pitch and conditions

Rain is not forecast to interrupt the match, but as winter is still around, the temperature may drop in the evening, and dew may form. In the T20Is it has hosted, the pitch at Lucknow has generally made for middling scores.

Team news

Minus Suryakumar, the likes of Deepak Hooda could get a spot in the XI while Venkatesh Iyer would have to shoulder more responsibility with the bat. Rohit Sharma may bat down at No. 4 to allow Ruturaj Gaikwad to open, as he had done in the most recent match, against West Indies.India (possible): 1 Ishan Kishan, 2 Ruturaj Gaikwad, 3 Sanju Samson (wk), 4 Rohit Sharma, 5 Shreyas Iyer, 6 Venkatesh Iyer, 7 Ravindra Jadeja, 8 Harshal Patel, 9 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10 Yuzvendra Chahal, 11 Jasprit BumrahDinesh Chandimal will likely return to the XI and take the gloves if Mendis is unavailable. Legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay and left-arm spinner Praveen Jayawickrama are likely to be the two lead spinners if Theekshana does not play.Sri Lanka (possible): 1 Danushka Gunathilaka, 2 Pathum Nissanka, 3 Charith Asalanka, 4 Janith Liyanage, 5 Dinesh Chandimal (wk), 6 Dasun Shanaka, 7 Chamika Karunaratne, 8 Dushmantha Chameera, 9 Jeffrey Vandersay, 10 Binura Fernando, 11 Praveen Jayawickrama

Stats and trivia

• Although Nissanka was Sri Lanka’s most prolific batter in Australia, his strike rate in that series was 116. In his 43-innings T20 career so far, he has struck at 122.
• Chahal’s 15 wickets against Sri Lanka (at an average of 16.06) is his best against any opposition, though he has played England and New Zealand more often.
• The last time India lost to Sri Lanka at home was back in 2016, in Pune.

  Quotes

  “Even though the spinners we might field tomorrow don’t have a lot of experience, players like Jeffrey Vandersay and Praveen Jayawickrama have a lot of talent.”Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka on the spin options likely available to him on Thursday.