All posts by h716a5.icu

Everton fans are far from happy with the progress of former player Mohamed-Ali Cho, now of Angers, as detailed in an article by Patrick Boyland.

In recent years, Everton have often relied on imports rather than academy players, especially with the money brought in by Farhad Moshiri. Tom Davies is an example of a player who has worked his way through the ranks, but he is the anomaly at the moment rather than the rule.

Cho was formerly on the books of the Toffees, but has was allowed to leave at the age of just 16, moving to Ligue 1 side Angers.

He is now just 17, but has already managed to make 27 appearances for his new side, scoring once (Transfermarkt). Boyland has now written an article about his rise (The Athletic), which has infuriated the Everton supporters, who have criticised the club’s ability to blood academy starlets into the first team under David Unsworth.

The piece was shared on Twitter by Boyland himself, and it attracted plenty of attention from the supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

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

“David Unsworth needs escorting out of Finch Farm as soon as possible”

Credit: @Flynny1878

“Our youth academy produce so many good players that never get a chance to show what they can do. So poor on so many levels that we allow talent to leave for nothing all the time”

Credit: @craiglawto

“Excellent piece, Paddy. The number of youngsters we’ve had high expectations for since 2000 and failed (multiple reasons) to find a pathway into the first team must now be in double figures? Let’s hope Small is the final prospect to leave in this manner. Lessons must be learned!”

Credit: @Toffeeman_

“It seems to me that there isn’t much attraction in staying at everton. Needs a major overhaul of our academy set up. We don’t NEED to employ ex players for a start”

Credit: @efac1878

“Shock”

Credit: @MrTefc

“Unsworth doing a fine job.”

Credit: @bernieo63

In other news, Everton fans were livid with this injury news.

Dinesh Chandimal and Banuka Rajapaksha scored brilliant hundreds but Sri Lanka had to be content with a draw in their opening game on the the tour of Bangladesh

Cricinfo staff20-Apr-2009
Scorecard
Dinesh Chandimal and Banuka Rajapaksha scored brilliant hundreds but Sri Lanka had to be content with a draw in their opening game on the the tour of Bangladesh. Resuming on 110 for 2, both batsmen continued in strong fashion, with Rajapksha playing the aggressor.Both batsmen, however, were retired out, but not before Rajapaksha had smashed 16 boundaries and four sixes during his 130-ball innings with Chandimal hitting 16 fours during his 150-ball stay. Kushal Janith Perera’s 50 off 85 balls, comprising six boundaries, made it a day to forget for the Bangladesh U-19 bowlers as the visitors finished with a lead of 172.It was a much better showing from Bangladesh U-19 second time around as Mohammad Rubel tore into the Sri Lankan U-19 attack. He remained unbeaten on 73 off 71 balls, stroking 10 fours and two sixes en route.The two teams will face off next in the first Youth Test beginning Wednesday in Fatullah.

Former Premier League forward Dean Windass is convinced Leicester City star James Maddison would jump at the opportunity to join Arsenal this summer.

Maddison continues to be linked with a move to the Emirates, with Sky Sports reporting at the end of last month that Arsenal are interested in signing the player.

It is a potential move, though, many have questioned due to where the two clubs currently are. Speaking on ITV (via football.london) during their coverage of the Community Shield, Manchester United legend Roy Keane warned Maddison joining the Gunners would be a backwards step.

It is not a sentiment shared by Windass, though, who stressed the size of Arsenal as a club in an exclusive interview with TT:

“Why wouldn’t you want to go to Arsenal?” the ex-Hull City striker said. “Listen, we talk about footballers now where it’s not about money anymore, it’s about winning trophies. Are Arsenal going to be in the top four next year? No. Are Leicester with Jamie Vardy? Yes.

“But a big club like Arsenal calling and he’s obviously open to it, reports saying he’d welcome the move.”

From Arsenal’s perspective, in terms of finances, it is a deal that could prove difficult to get over the line.

Leicester, according to Sky Sports, have slapped a £70m price tag on their English playmaker.

The status of the ICL is still in limbo, with the ICC board having deferred consideration of the league’s application for approval pending further discussions between the BCCI, ICL and the ICC

Cricinfo staff31-Jan-2009
The ICL’s search for recognition continues to be a slow process © AFP
The status of the ICL is still in limbo, with the ICC board having deferred considering the Indian Twenty20 league’s application for approval pending further discussions between the BCCI, ICL and the ICC.The topic was again brought up for debate on the opening day of the ICC board meeting in Perth. The pressure has been growing on the ICC to take a decision on the ICL, especially from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), whose chairman Ijaz Butt said he would take up the matter at the meeting. Earlier this week, the PCB had received a letter by a legal firm on behalf of Pakistan’s ICL recruits, seeking to know why and under what rules the board had banned the players.The PCB had indicated its keenness on lifting the sanction in the past, and recently urged the ICC to change its stance on the league, stating the board had banned players under ICC rules. However, it was expected the ICL issue was unlikely to be resolved by the ICC board over the weekend, with the BCCI adopting a hard-line approach on its stance to continue with the ban on the ICL.The ICL asked for recognition last year under an ICC rule that allows matches of an ‘exhibition/testimonial’ nature to be granted approval directly by the world body. The ICC then directed the BCCI to conduct discussions with the Indian board, since it considered the matter a domestic issue.However, there was no headway in the talks between the BCCI and ICL but a subsequent meeting between ICC and the ICL in December indicated a compromise was on the cards.The BCCI were also central to another of the issues debated after they and the ECB continued to express doubts about the idea of a World Test Championship. The ICC are keen to ensure Tests remain relevant in a game being increasingly dominated by Twenty20 and a championship is seen as a possible solution.However, both the BCCI and ECB have reservations about the impact and effectiveness of such an idea and the ICC have agreed that further consultation is required. David Richardson, the ICC general manager for cricket, will lead this process with more reports due at the next chief executive’s (CEC) meeting in Johannesburg in February.One problem that was agreed on was over-rates, with the boarding agreeing with the view of the CEC and Haroon Lorgat, the ICC chief executive, that something had to be done to address the issue of teams not reaching the mandatory 15 overs per hour. The CEC will continue to discuss the best ways of finding a solution.

2018 was an exciting year for Celtic and everyone associated with the Hoops and Parkhead.

The Bhoys wrapped up the treble as Brendan Rodgers led his side to a Premiership crown and cup double.

Celtic even reached the group stages of the Champions League, an achievement that’s felt incredibly far-fetched over the last few seasons.

Yet, that year was also one for Peter Lawwell to forget in the transfer window. That’s because the Glaswegian side missed out on a player who’s now one of the first names on the team sheet for the national side.

Coincidentally, he’s also now a regular in the Premier League.

The man in question is a certain John McGinn. The central midfielder was at Hibernian when Celtic tried no fewer than three times to sign from the Edinburgh club.

However, he eventually left for Aston Villa in a deal worth a measly £2m. Speaking after that, McGinn revealed the reasons:

“It was important to weigh up everything and not just go with my heart because I had basically made up my mind I wanted to join Celtic.”

The midfielder added: “But I also had to weigh up in my mind how strong Celtic’s midfield had been for a long time.

“I remember speaking to Brendan Rodgers and he said the important thing I would take from it was I would play games. But Steve Bruce said I would play every game.”

Sadly, it looks as though the club’s new CEO, Dominic McKay, has just repeated that mistake.

Of course, the chief executive officer has to be given praise for his work in the market. Celtic brought in 12 new first-team players over the summer, some of which have already taken to the Premiership like a duck to water; Kyogo Furuhashi and Liel Abada are the primary suspects.

Yet, in this instance, he has made a mistake. Celtic had been scouting a certain Ali McCann long before McKay arrived in Glasgow but on transfer deadline day, they ignored a swoop which allowed him to move to England instead.

It wasn’t a Premier League side that came calling as they did for McGinn, but perhaps more frustratingly it was a club in the second tier.

Preston North End ended up landing the Northern Irishman in the final hours for just £1m.

Similarly to McGinn, he is an all-action midfielder, one that surely would have become an instant name on the team sheet at Paradise.

Last term, the former St Johnstone man was a force going forward and from a defensive point of view. He won 1.7 aerial duels per game and was also victorious in 2.7 tackles a match.

Furthermore, McCann made 1.5 interceptions and also registered 0.8 key passes. For the price tag touted, it’s strange that Celtic decided to ignore him.

This was a golden opportunity on deadline day.

AND in other news, Worse than Edouard: £4.5m-rated Celtic gem who lost 80% duels let Ange down massively…

Stuart Clark and Phil Jaques will both have an opportunity to impress the national selectors ahead of the tour of South Africa when they return to the New South Wales Sheffield Shield side on Friday

Cricinfo staff27-Jan-2009
The forgotten man of Australia’s top order, Phil Jaques, will make his state comeback on Friday © Getty Images
Stuart Clark and Phil Jaques will both have an opportunity to impress the national selectors ahead of the tour of South Africa when they return to the New South Wales Sheffield Shield side on Friday. The pair is part of the Blues’ 12-man squad for the match against Tasmania in Newcastle, where Nathan Hauritz will also turn out having been released from the ODI team.Clark made his comeback to club cricket on the weekend and collected 4 for 29 from 14 overs having been out of action for six weeks following elbow surgery. Should he make an unhindered return for New South Wales he will be a certainty for the trip to South Africa in late February.That tour is also the goal for Jaques, who last played for Australia in the West Indies in June. Jaques was included in the squad for the Test series in India in October but was forced home due to an ongoing back problem which required surgery.He also returned via Sydney’s grade competition on the weekend, although with a less successful result after he was lbw to the 49-year-old former Test spinner Greg Matthews for 5. Jaques said the game had been “smooth sailing” physically but he felt he would need a strong performance for the Blues in order to win back his spot in the Test squad.”I’ll be in the frame if I score some runs, and then my fate will be up to the selectors,” Jaques told the . “I don’t think anything is a given in Australian cricket, I think there’s a lot of good cricketers running around.”Jaques could be competing for a Test opening slot with his New South Wales top-order partner Phillip Hughes. The incumbent in the Australia line-up, Simon Katich, is also in the New South Wales side for his first Sheffield Shield match of the summer.The four-day game will be the final opportunity for the men to find form before the squad for South Africa is picked. Hauritz will also be keen for wickets as the Victoria legspinner Bryce McGain, who was originally the first-choice slow bowler for the India tour, is back in action and will use the next round of state matches to push his claims for a Test debut.New South Wales squad Phil Jaques, Phillip Hughes, Simon Katich (capt), Dominic Thornely, Peter Forrest, Ben Rohrer, Daniel Smith (wk), Beau Casson, Nathan Hauritz, Stuart Clark, Mark Cameron, Doug Bollinger.

Aston Villa midfielder Conor Hourihane is said to be close to completing a loan move to Championship outfit Sheffield United, with the Republic of Ireland international set to undergo a medical today, according to Daily Telegraph journalist Matt Law on Twitter.

On the periphery at Villa Park, the Irishman has only made a solitary appearance for his current employers this season in a 6-0 rout of League Two side Barrow in the Carabao Cup [Transfermarkt].

Unsurprisingly, the 30-year-old now looks odds-on to head out on loan for a second successive season, having spent time at Swansea during the 2020/21 campaign.

Communicating to his considerable Twitter following, Law signified that Hourihane is expected to join Sheffield United on loan subject to medical examination, describing the Irish midfielder as a “great pro” who has made some “huge contributions” at Villa Park. For instance, he was a regular in the team which won promotion back to the Premier League in 2019, only to see his minutes diminished in the top flight.

In light of this news, plenty of Aston Villa diehards took to social media to express their opinion on his impending loan exit to Yorkshire.

Aston Villa fans react

Replying to multiple outlets on Twitter, here is what some fans had to say about Hourihane’s situation. While some were displeased that he isn’t getting a chance under Dean Smith this term, others feel that a loan exit to the Blades would be a “great move” for him:

“Great move for him – he can make a huge difference to their jaded midfield.”

Credit: @Kkasir23″good move for him to be fair”Credit: @catrinavfc”Surely got to be in for a defensive midfielder now”Credit: @GW_94″Good for him. Should feel very disrespected the way he was overlooked on the weekend.”Credit: @Wanye04594011″we have to be signing a midfielder then”Credit: @j_d_richards”Would be great to move on some of the fringe players as the squad was becoming a little top heavy.. Ideally if 3 or 4 were moved on it may provide an opportunity to get in another quality midfielder to bolster the squad.”Credit: @HolteEndHerosIn other news, Aston Villa have been linked with a Premier League talent. Find out how Villa fans reacted to the speculation here.

Aston Villa were soundly beaten 4-1 in a behind-closed-doors match against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday [Liverpool Echo], much to the dismay of some Villa fans on Twitter.

In a fixture shrouded in secrecy, the Reds dished out a comprehensive beating to their visitors with goals from Divock Origi, Neco Williams, Curtis Jones and Kaide Gordon. The Liverpool Echo’s report didn’t specify who netted for Villa.

Of course, this defeat comes as another disappointment for Dean Smith’s men over the weekend, following their opening day 3-2 Premier League defeat to Watford at Vicarage Road [BBC].

Sunday’s encounter will have no real bearing on the eventualities of the 2021/22 campaign, with fitness for fringe players more likely the prior motive behind the match taking place.

However, plenty of Aston Villa fans still took to social media to vent their frustration at the result.

Aston Villa FC fans react:

Replying to popular Aston Villa fan outlet AVFC Faithful, here is what some fans had to say about the friendly defeat to Liverpool:

“If this doesn’t say ‘sack everyone’ I don’t know what does”

Credit: @ajsfounded71″Not good for our confidence”Credit: @DanIonasca

“We’d have preferred that to have remained secret.”

Credit: @jamsey55

“Everything’s just been going downhill since Elmohamady left.”

Credit: @VstonVilla”Loooollll #avfc”Credit: @Harry34740948″Tears”Credit: @LantharrIn other news, many Aston Villa fans loved this update from the club.

Lee Ryder has said that Newcastle United are now willing to let Matty Longstaff go out on loan before the summer transfer window ends.

The Lowdown: Limited games

Longstaff was limited to a mere five senior games in the Premier League in the 2020/21 season (Transfermarkt), and with the arrival of Joe Willock on a permanent deal from Arsenal, the central midfield player could see even fewer minutes on the pitch in this campaign.

Thus, he may want to think about leaving St. James’ Park in order to guarantee himself more matches and further his development.

The Latest: Ryder on Longstaff

Writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, Ryder has said that the North East club have agreed to allow Longstaff to leave on loan.

The Englishman is hoping for a move to the EFL Championship, with Sheffield United, Blackburn Rovers and Huddersfield Town all said to be interested in his signature.

The Verdict: Right move

It would certainly be the right move for all parties involved if Longstaff did move out on loan, especially down to the Championship.

Described as a ‘talented’ player by pundit Kevin Campbell back in June, the 21-year-old still has a lot of potential, and as a local boy, the Tyneside club should be looking at keeping him for the future.

However, a loan move would mean that he would get more game time, and could come back into Steve Bruce’s squad a much better player after a season in the extremely physical second tier.

In other news, find out what the latest is on NUFC’s alleged pursuit of this £55k-p/w ace here!

Confusion continues to surround the reasons behind Mohammad Yousuf’sunavailability to play for Pakistan in the recently-concluded Twenty20four-nation tournament in Canada

Osman Samiuddin14-Oct-2008
Mohammad Yousuf was picked in the 15-man squad for the T20 Canada but couldn’t travel after he didn’t receive a visa in time from Canadian authorities © AFP
Confusion continues to surround the reasons behind Mohammad Yousuf’sunavailability to play for Pakistan in the recently-concluded Twenty20four-nation tournament in Canada.Yousuf was picked in the 15-man squad but couldn’t travel after he didn’treceive a visa in time from Canadian authorities. Cricinfo has learnt he has still not received back his passport, which is believed to be going through an unspecified review process.Remarkably, both Yousuf and the Pakistan board say they have not beengiven any concrete reasons over why his visa application should take anylonger than normal. All applications were made on October 7 and visas weregiven the next day. The team flew out the same evening. “I wasn’t toldanything about why there was a delay,” Yousuf told Cricinfo. “You willhave to ask the PCB.”The board, however, wasn’t in a position to shed further light. “At thetime the Canadian High Commission told us only that the visa was still inprocess,” Shafqat Naghmi, chief operating officer PCB, told Cricinfo. No one from the High Commission was available for comment.One well-placed diplomatic official said the board didn’t pursue the matter at all. “After the visa didn’t happen in one day, the board also didn’t pursue it at all,” the official told Cricinfo. “They dropped him immediately.”There was speculation also that Canadian authorities wanted to review pasttrips made by Yousuf to the country, where incidentally as Yousuf Youhana,he scored his second ODI hundred in 1999. “It could be that there are oldissues they are looking at, a visa he didn’t travel on or somethingsimilar,” a board official told Cricinfo.The matter, unfortunately, wasn’t pursued to any great degree by theboard, a lack of proper organisation and thus time – the applications weremade just one day before departure and the squad was finalised one daybefore as well – hampering efforts.If it is difficult to imagine a top cricketer from another country facingsimilar problems, it is more difficult still to imagine a cricket boardnot making a bigger fuss. “We got in touch with the Ministry of ForeignAffairs but they said the visa hadn’t been rejected and was just beingreviewed,” said Naghmi.The board’s inactivity is made more remarkable still by the fact that theyhave paid for and facilitated the trip for a number of journalists tocover the tournament. Though it is official policy, it raises the basicquestion of why the board could so easily ensure the presence of such alarge media contingent in Canada – some counts had the figure at 15 – butnot of arguably their best batsman.The situation comes against a backdrop in which Yousuf’s place in limited-overs cricket is being openly discussed, despite being a leading ODIscorer over the last two years. Though he was eventually selected in thesquad, he wasn’t in the initial list of probables. He was picked after helashed out at selectors for not considering him. He was also not picked last year for Pakistan’s squad for the Twenty20 World Cup.This latest setback aside, however, Yousuf says he has no intentions ofstepping away from the shorter versions of the game. “Why should I stepdown? We can’t tell the future but I want to play on in all three formatsof the game.