Glasgow Rangers are considering a managerial swoop for Birmingham City’s John Eustace, as a new report has delivered an update on the future of Michael Beale.
Where is John Eustace from?
Eustace was originally born in Solihull and started his coaching career as an assistant at Kidderminster, before moving on to accept the same role alongside the caretaker's job at Queens Park Rangers, later followed by being the number two for Ireland’s national team, as per Transfermarkt.
St. Andrews chiefs only appointed the 43-year-old last summer so he still has another two years to run on his contract with the Championship outfit, but that doesn’t have to stop the Light Blues from entering the market to assess their options in the dugout.
With Beale seeing pressure mount just a handful of matches into the new season, The Aussie Scout recently claimed that the Teddy Bears were considering a move for Yokohama F. Marinos’ Kevin Muscat, though The Daily Record's Andy Newport quickly dismissed the possibility of these rumours being true.
Now though, if the following update is to be believed, the hierarchy appear to have set their sights on a different target who they believe matches what they are looking to bring into the building should they decide to make a change at the helm.
Are Rangers sacking Beale for Eustace?
According to The Daily Mail, Eustace is “emerging as an early candidate” to replace Beale should he leave Rangers.
The Scottish Premiership side have made a disappointing start to the season, and therefore, “names are already being pushed forward” to the board as to who they could look to appoint as their next long-term boss.
Ibrox chiefs would want to recruit an “up and coming” manager to ensure their profile is still met, and the Blues coach has “caught the eye” with his impressive CV.
Birmingham City manager John Eustace.
What is Eustace's record at Birmingham?
In the Championship this season, Eustace has taken charge of the first five games of the new term, and from that, has secured three wins and two draws, and this impressive form sees his side sitting fourth in the second tier table.
The ex-midfielder, who has a preferred formation of a 3-5-2 flat midfield, has also been recognised for his individual efforts from the sidelines because he’s today been nominated for his division’s Manager of the Month award, with the winner set to be announced imminently.
Furthermore, Rangers’ target has previously been praised by journalist Josh Bunting for getting his team to play “easy on the eye” football, with his positive thinking, front foot style tactics being an attractive prospect to the hierarchy north of the border.
Finally, Eustace has actually already come up against Beale during his managerial career – and was able to beat him – so it looks like he could be an upgrade on the man in the dugout.
The No. 11 struck a career-best 47 off 41 balls and hauled Queensland from 183 for 9 to 255 before dismissing Tasmania opener Alex Doolan
ESPNcricinfo staff08-Feb-2018 ScorecardGetty ImagesLuke Feldman struck a career-best 47 off 41 balls at No. 11 and followed it with the wicket of Tasmania opener Alex Doolan to boost Queensland on day one of their Sheffield Shield match at the Gabba. Feldman hit five fours and a six and added 72 for the last wicket at a run rate of 5.40 with Mitchell Swepson to haul his side from 183 for 9 to 255. Seamers Gabe Bell and Sam Rainbird picked up three wickets each for Tasmania.Tasmania then lost both their openers in 11 overs but captain George Bailey and Jake Doran closed the day without any further damage.After having opted to bat, Queensland had a solid start with Matt Renshaw and debutant opener Lachlan Pfeffer adding 90 for the first wicket. Bell and Rainbird then ran through the middle and lower order with assistance from Simon Milenko and Thomas Rogers. Queensland were in danger of folding for a sub-200 score before Feldman intervened.
Tottenham Hotspur and chairman Daniel Levy by extension are apparently plotting a "surprise" defender move.
Who have Tottenham signed 2023?
Levy brought in goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, young centre-back Ashley Phillips, defender Micky van de Ven, midfielder James Maddison, winger Manor Solomon, striker Alejo Veliz and forward Brennan Johnson over the 2023 summer transfer window.
Going the other way, ex-superstar striker Harry Kane, Sergio Reguilon, Joe Rodon, Djed Spence, Harry Winks, Alfie Devine, Troy Parrott, Dane Scarlett, Davinson Sanchez and Tanguy Ndombele all moved elsewhere either on loan or permanently.
The north Londoners have orchestrated a rebuild for Ange Postecoglou so far as the Australian gets his side off to an absolutely phenomenal start to this Premier League season.
Tottenham have tasted victory in four of their opening five league matches; scoring 13 goals while showcasing Postecoglou's brand of exciting, attack-minded football at it's devastating best.
Spurs had to dig deep for a winner's mentality against Sheffield United on Saturday, but dramatic late goals from Richarlison and Dejan Kulusevski ensured the Postecoglou hype train is still very much going strong.
Summer signings Maddison and van de Ven have impressed as well. This goes for the former in particular, who has already bagged two goals and two assists in five of his league appearances.
Who will Tottenham sign in January?
Despite their rip-roaring start under Postecoglou, there were certain positions Tottenham failed to strengthen over the summer window.
Indeed, reports suggested at the time that Spurs had their eyes on another defender after van de Ven and were plotting a deadline day swoop for Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly.
However, a move failed to materialise, with the Englishman apparently still very much on their agenda for the winter window.
Another defender who was linked with a move to north London was Man United's Harry Maguire, and an update has now come to light on Tottenham's interest in the 30-year-old.
Maguire, who has struggled for form over the last 12 months, is still very much on Spurs and Levy's transfer agenda for January.
That is according to a report from Spain, which says Tottenham could make a "surprise" move for the £200,000-per-week defender and his exit from Old Trafford is "imminent".
Maguire is apparently the "next target" for them, with N17 emerging as a "possible destination".
The England international has endured a torrid time of late, but has been praised in the past by Erik ten Hag for his "dominating" style of play.
"I'm really happy with the progress that Harry is making in this moment," ten Hag said in March.
"He's more dominant and dictating, he's taking more initiative on the training pitch and I think also in the Real Betis game, he showed leadership, especially in those aspects of initiative and dictating of the game."
Harry Redknapp is also a big fan of Maguire's, having called the former Leicester City and Hull City star a "proper defender".
It appears he may not have much of a future at United with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez ahead of him in the pecking order. Spurs could well offer him a way out.
Star India will allow Doordarshan to delay-telecast the 8pm IPL match on Sundays, the four knockout matches and the final, as well as the tournament opener
Nagraj Gollapudi07-Apr-2018IPL rights holder Star India has allowed India’s free-to-air national television channel, Doordarshan, to broadcast select matches on a delayed feed, at the Indian government’s request.After an informal agreement was reached on Thursday, Doordarshan will telecast the 8pm match on Sundays during the league phase of the IPL, the four knockout matches and the final, as well as the tournament opener. The games will be delayed by one hour on Doordarshan.The development is significant because Star had no obligation to allow Doordarshan any sort of IPL telecast, having bid a record $2.55 billion for the global television and digital rights between 2018 and 2022. The deal with the BCCI in September 2017 was the largest media-rights sale ever in cricket.In November 2017, Star received a request from the Information and Broadcasting Ministry of the Indian government headed by Smriti Irani, a television actor who had worked for Star before becoming a politician. According to a person privy to the discussions, the I&B ministry initially asked that the live feed be shared with Doordarshan so that “poor people” could watch the IPL in India. Star declined that request immediately.Star also refused another I&B ministry request to share the feed with a delay of 15 minutes, before agreeing to share the feed for the tournament opener, four other play-off matches, and the final with a 15-minute delay. Finally, on Thursday, when Star won the rights to Indian cricket as well, the present agreement with the I&B ministry was reached.Under India’s Sports Broadcasting Signals Act, 2007, broadcasters had to share the feed of only sporting events of national importance with Doordarshan: in cricket, all limited-overs matches involving India, at home and away. The Act also states that the advertising revenue Doordarshan earns from these games should be shared with the rights holder in a 3:1 ratio.In the agreement reached this week, Star asked Doordarshan to market the matches it would broadcast on its own and split the advertisement revenue equally.”This brings #IPL2018 content to Doordarshan for the first time,” Shashi Shekar, director of Prasar Bharati, the parent organisation of Doordarshan, said on Twitter. “Thanks to HMIB @Smriti Irani and Secy@MIB_India for the initiative and support.” Irani responded saying she was “glad to be of help.”Historically, Star had argued that it shouldn’t have to share rights with Doordarshan. In the early 2000s, the I&B ministry made it mandatory for cable and direct-to-home (DTH) operators to have Doordarshan on their platforms. Star argued it was losing revenue because Doordarshan was benefitting from the shared feed under the Sports Act by beaming the same games on PayTV.In 2015, the Delhi High Court ruled in favour of Star, but the I&B ministry challenged the decision in the Supreme Court of India, which said the government could seek games of national importance for people who could not afford cable and DTH. The court said the I&B ministry had to ensure the feed could not be put on PayTV channels.Star agreed to this current deal, it is believed, because the I&B ministry is the authority for granting satellite up-linking licenses to broadcasters, and negotiations seemed a better strategy than legal action. It is understood that once it won the rights, Star applied for the up-linking license immediately, and the ministry officials processed the application quickly, but it still needed approval from Irani, who wanted Star to share the IPL feed with Doordarshan.A bigger concern for Star is whether the I&B ministry might consider including the IPL among sporting events of national importance. However, not everyone in the Indian government agreed that it should: Sports Minister Rajvardhan Singh Rathore, an Olympian, among them.”If IPL is made mandatory, which is a private league, then what about the other leagues? Would they also be made mandatory?” Rathore said at the ‘Idea Exchange’ chat organized by recently. “Secondly, the Sports Ministry wants federations to be financially independent. Not all leagues are making millions but some of the sports federations have managed to make some profits. But if we were to make the DD telecast mandatory would it not affect their profits? Thirdly, we need to keep in mind that the athletes here are not playing for the country, they are playing for their own clubs. All these issues need to be considered before we take a decision.”Another change Irani made after taking charge at the I&B ministry was to introduce a processing fee – INR 1 lakh per day per channel – for the satellite up-linking license. Star will broadcast the IPL on 12 of its channels, so will pay a huge amount for 60 days.
The pitches are still 90% grass but include strands of plastic and if tests go well the club could lay another such pitch somewhere near the middle of the square before the end of the year
George Dobell15-Mar-2018Matches could be played on partially artificial surfaces as early as the 2019 season if testing progresses well.Warwickshire have already laid a hybrid pitch – containing strands of plastic – on the edge of their square and hope to play some age-group or second XI cricket on it in the coming season to gain a further understanding of its characteristics. If those tests go well, they could lay another such pitch somewhere near the middle of the square before the end of the year.There are several potential benefits in the use of hybrid surfaces. For a start, they show little signs of wear which could render them ideal for multiple use. With the demand on pitches becoming unsustainable at some grounds – especially the pitches in the centre of squares which are favoured by television broadcasters – it could ease the pressure substantially.It also appears (on the limited evidence collected so far) that hybrid surfaces offer more pace and bounce than many county pitches. Several England bowlers – notably Chris Woakes and Ben Stokes – bowled on the pitch ahead of the day-night Test at Edgbaston in 2017 and found it offered greater carry than might have been anticipated.While there are also some down sides – the pitches are unlikely to deteriorate so might be deemed unsuitable for first-class cricket and adding top dressing eventually hides any trace of the plastic implants – it is thought the surfaces could prove suitable for T20 cricket, in particular. Every game in the new-team competition – due to start in 2020 – is to be televised, meaning the demands on groundsmen (and their surfaces) could become especially onerous.While Warwickshire are currently the only first-class county to have laid such a pitch, Worcestershire used one in the net area last year with excellent results and there are also trials on-going at the ECB’s performance centre in Loughborough. The groundsmen at both Edgbaston and New Road are happy to share their findings with their county colleagues.The cost of such surfaces is currently between £7,000 to £10,000 – many times cheaper than a drop-in option – and it is hoped they have a lifespan of up to 10 years. Neither Worcestershire or Warwickshire is thought to have been given any extra funding from the ECB for the trials.Warwickshire will require dispensation from the ECB to use such a surface at county level. Groundsmen, who see their every surface rated and reported, may also require confirmation they will face no sanctions if the tests result in an unsatisfactory surface.The surfaces are typically still 90% grass – there are, from a spectating distance, almost impossible to differentiate visually from a fully grass surface – but see plastic shoots sewn to a depth of around 8cm. The grass roots bind around the plastic and grow stronger. The technique is common in football, with Warwickshire groundsman, Gary Barwell, having visited Wembley and St George’s Park (football’s equivalent of Loughborough), among other places, to gain insights.While stressing these are early days in the testing process, Barwell, confirmed the potential of the surfaces.”Building on the excellent work of Tim Packwood, the Worcestershire groundsman, it looks as if the surfaces last longer and come back quicker,” Barwell told ESPNcricinfo. “We need to progress in a methodical way and, in an ideal world, you might to like to test the pitches over two or three years.”But if there are no restrictions and everyone agrees on the element of risk, it is possible we could have a trial game this year, put in another pitch nearer the centre of the square and play a [first-class, List A or T20] game on one in 2019.”
For years and years, Arsenal toiled and foundered, failing to match the ambitions of a proud and prestigious fanbase with the performances on the pitch, but all that changed upon Mikel Arteta's appointment in December 2019.
The Spaniard replaced his countryman, Unai Emery, who had failed to prove his worth as the man to succeed the legendary Arsene Wenger, who retired in 2018, and started on the front foot with a record-extending triumph in the FA Cup, defeating Chelsea in the final courtesy of a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang double.
It would take Arteta three-and-a-half years to provide Arsenal with a return to the Champions League, having last played in the prestigious continental competition in the 2016/17 season, but his burgeoning outfit roared into life last year and led Manchester City in an enthralling title race before falling by the wayside at the business end.
Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli on the wings, William Saliba's prodigious defensive talents at the back; Arsenal boast one of the most exciting teams in Europe and will hope to glean silverware this season, perhaps even toppling the indomitable force that is Pep Guardiola's City.
The life force of this Gunners team, the fulcrum of all that flows through the Emirates Stadium, is captain Martin Odegaard, boy wonder turned first-class phenom, who now comfortably stands as one of the most influential, ingenious attacking midfielders in the game.
When did Arsenal sign Martin Odegaard?
In January 2021, Arsenal swooped for Real Madrid's Norwegian midfielder and secured his services on a six-month loan deal, with Los Blancos granting a move for a player requiring regular action on the pitch.
Odegaard had been a notable name from his formative years, signing for Real as a 16-year-old after catching the eye with his precocious performances in his homeland, joining for a reported €3m (£2.3m).
Praised as "talented" by Arteta during that loan stint, the Norway captain impressed, scoring a goal and providing two assists in the Premier League, completing 91% of his passes, averaging 1.4 key passes per game and succeeding with 76% of his dribble attempts.
His showings prompted the London giants to complete a £30m transfer for his permanent signature at the end of the term, and while there were concerns over a player who had failed to reach his potential and cement a spot at the Santiago Bernabeu, he has now blossomed into a world-class talent.
How much is Martin Odegaard worth now?
Arteta proclaimed that his maestro would become "one of the best" midfielders in the world before he had even finished his loan spell, something that has been proved right and then some with Odegaard now the centrepiece of Arsenal's rise to the upper echelon of teams across Europe.
While the £30m fee appeared to be something of a gamble for a player of immense talent but uncertainty that he would actually live up to the potential he had been tagged with since a youth, it's clear that if Arsenal were to cash in now, they would eclipse that initial sum paid.
Indeed, according to CIES Football Observatory's valuation model, Odegaard is currently valued at €100m (£86m), a 187% increase on the initial fee, with Football Transfers also listing only Neymar Jr. and Pedri as more valuable playmakers.
Of course, it's hardly likely such a price tag would dissuade the Emirates hierarchy from pulling all the stops to tie the ace down to a long-term future at the club.
And indeed, with Arsenal reportedly engaged in contract negotiations with their Scandinavian star for a new contract, and a deal expected to be close, there's little doubt that this captain will stay with the ship.
Why is Martin Odegaard worth that much?
Last season, Arsenal returned to the forefront of the English game, with the components dovetailing to great effect and the squad unearthing that winning formula that provides an almost magical advantage to the very greatest sides, capable of finding a way to win in the most forgone conclusions.
Heralded as a "wizard" by footballer Babayele Sodade for his part in Arsenal's feats, Odegaard is press-resistant and unflappable, creative and composed; his expansive array of tools can unlock any defence, and he resides alongside Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne as the Premier League's foremost midfield sensation.
The £115k-per-week machine was incredible last year, scoring 15 goals and supplying eight assists in the league as Arsenal recorded their highest points total since winning the Premier League in 2004, with Wenger's historic 'invincibles' the only Premier League side to complete a season undefeated to this day.
This season, having clinched the Community Shield against Manchester City in the campaign's curtain-raiser, Odegaard has proved paramount to his side's success yet again, scoring twice from the opening four league matches, praised for his "amazing" qualities by compatriot and prolific City talisman Erling Haaland.
The 53-cap international also ranks among the top 1% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 2% for shot-creating actions, the top 11% for assists, the top 11% for progressive passes and the top 12% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref.
With De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan and Luka Modric among the comparable players to the one-time Real Sociedad loanee, it's clear that not only does he boast creativity of the highest standard, but an all-encompassing, multi-functional midfield game to provide Arteta with the perfect central cog to whir his machine into life.
The aforementioned characteristics are exactly what is needed for an ambitious outfit such as Arsenal pushing to reclaim their spot as one of Europe's most fearsome and frightening sides in the business.
Odegaard is now among the standout stars of his ilk, and while the Gunners could cash in for a lucrative sale, the thought of allowing this dynamic, prodigious talent to ply his trade elsewhere is simply unthinkable, and Arteta will forever wax over the day that he was brought to the club, catalysing a return to the very top.
With Dominic Calvert-Lewin set to depart as a free agent this summer as it stands, Everton are now reportedly plotting a move to replace their forward with a Champions League winner.
Everton transfer news
The Toffees have already impressed once on the transfer front since The Friedkin Group arrived and completed their takeover, welcoming Carlos Alcaraz on loan from Fluminense at the end of last month. The former Southampton man has wasted no time before making his mark on English football once again, scoring his first Everton goal in a late 2-1 win over Crystal Palace last time out.
Now, the new owners will be setting their sights on the summer transfer window and replicating that success for David Moyes, who has enjoyed an excellent start to his second stint in charge.
There will still be some concerns on the exit front though, with Calvert-Lewin yet to sign a new contract and Jarrad Branthwaite reportedly attracting the interest of Real Madrid. But any departure may well pave the way for a number of fresh faces this summer, including a Champions League winner.
Value's soared: Everton hit jackpot with star who's worth more than Ndiaye
Everton have struck gold with the defender who is now worth more than Iliman Ndiaye.
ByDan Emery Feb 20, 2025
According to The Boot Room, Everton are now plotting a summer swoop to sign Tammy Abraham to replace the out-of-contract Calvert-Lewin at the end of the season.
The former Chelsea forward has endured a mixed spell in Italy. Whilst he initially starred at AS Roma, Abraham has since struggled with injuries and failed to break into AC Milan’s starting side on loan this season. After they signed Santiago Gimenez from Feyenoord in January too, a permanent switch to the San Siro currently seems unlikely, leaving the door ajar for a return to England.
A Champions League winner at Chelsea, Abraham could now come back to haunt his former club.
"Great" Abraham could become Everton star
Whilst he has been forced to watch on from the bench at times this season, Abraham would be an instant star at Everton in place of Calvert-Lewin. The Toffees wouldn’t be signing another striker who struggles in front of goal either, given that the former Chelsea man has netted eight goals from a back-up role at the San Siro this season.
AC Milan'sTammyAbrahamcelebrates scoring their first goal with coach Sergio Conceicao
Praised for his “great facilitator play” by Ben Mattinson in December, the analyst was one of many who welcomed the return of the clinical version of Abraham who initially took Italian football by storm after leaving Chelsea.
Returning to end unfinished business, Abraham could yet become the main man that Everton have desperately been crying out for in recent years.
Deusdedit Muhumuza, the last Uganda batsman dismissed, was adjudged run-out, though replays showed the ball never actually hit the stumps
The Report by Peter Della Penna in Kuala Lumpur29-Apr-2018 Peter Della PennaWCL Division Four hosts Malaysia avenged a thumping defeat 11 months ago at Division Three, with a dramatic last over run-out to clinch a nine-run win over Uganda at the Kinrara Oval. However, the finish was shrouded in controversy, with Uganda questioning the validity of the run-out, as Suhan Alagaratnam’s underarm throw from cover never actually hit the stumps at the striker’s end. Video evidence viewed afterward by ESPNcricinfo supported their claim.Chasing 209, Uganda needed 16 off 24 balls with two wickets in hand. But Malaysia’s spinners built up the pressure with a tight infield ring that cut off runs. It resulted in Bilal Hassan forcing a pull off a good length ball from Muhammad Syahadat, and dragging it onto his stumps for 10.With 10 needed off the final over, and the set Deusdedit Muhumuza off strike, Henry Ssenyondo nudged a good length ball from left-arm spinner Virandeep Singh into the covers. Alagaratnam swooped in and threw underarm into the ground, the ball bouncing five times before skidding toward the stumps. However, video replays showed that the ball never deviated after crossing the stumps, and instead carried on along its path towards fine leg, whereas a natural deflection off the stumps should have taken it to midwicket.Square-leg umpire Isaac Oyieko of Kenya upheld Malaysia’s appeal and ruled Muhumuza out, prompting the batsman to hurl his bat across the pitch. The implication from the video replay is that Malaysia’s wicketkeeper Shafiq Sharif may have inadvertently knocked a bail off when making contact with the stumps. Sharif was credited for the run-out by the official scorers, though he never came in contact with the ball, further clouding the picture.The ending marred what was a thrilling chase that Uganda arguably gave away with some poor shots on a flat surface. Man-of-the-Match Syahadat struck the telling blow, when he pinned Fred Achelam, playing around his pads for 36, ending a 54-run stand with Muhumuza. Syahadat then burrowed through the tail, ending with figures of 4 for 21.Earlier, Alagaratnam and Ahmed Faiz had set up Malaysia for a defendable total with a pair of half-centuries, after Malaysia chose to bat under clear skies.
Burnley have been handed a boost as one of their first-team players is set to return for tonight’s game vs Luton Town in the Premier League.
What's the latest team news at Burnley?
This evening, Vincent Kompany’s side are set to travel to Kenilworth Road to take on Rob Edwards’ outfit, with kick-off scheduled for 7:30pm UK time, but the boss could be without two of his senior stars due to injury.
At Turf Moor, Johann Berg Gudmundsson missed the previous 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United alongside Manuel Benson who has a swollen ankle, and it’s been reported that Nathan Redmond isn’t expected to return to action until after the international break later this month, as per BBC Sport.
The Clarets have also been without the services of Lyle Foster but due to suspension rather than fitness problems having received a straight red card during the 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest last month, meaning that he had to serve a three-match ban.
In Lancashire, the striker has been the boss’ top-performing offensive player so far this season which shows just how much of an integral role he has in the starting line-up, hence why it’s hugely positive news that the 23-year-old can once again return to the pitch.
What has Vincent Kompany said about Lyle Foster?
Speaking during his pre-match press conference on Monday, Kompany was asked to comment on Foster being able to stage his comeback vs Luton. As quoted by The Morning Star, he said:
“It’s massive. Zeki [Amdouni] and Jay Rodriguez have done well with the time they’ve had up top and in every game we’ve had at least two or three big chances. We’re not lacking goals for the lack of creating chances, we just don’t put them away. We have to believe performances are good and we keep creating chances but playing top sides is difficult. But we have to believe we’re on the right track to get results.”
Burnley striker Lyle Foster.
How much does Lyle Foster earn at Burnley?
At Burnley, Foster currently pockets £25k-per-week which he has more than earned since joining back in January from KVC Westerlo, and especially considering the positive impact he’s had so far this season, it will be a massive boost for Kompany to have him back at his disposal to face Luton.
The South Africa international has three contributions (two goals and one assist) to his name in four appearances this term, form which has seen him hailed a “quality” centre-forward by his teammate Josh Brownhill, and he also provides a different type of threat up top.
The Soweto native was averaging two aerial wins per game in the top flight prior to his absence, displaying the excellent physical presence he brings to the final third and the handful he is for the opposition’s defence to deal with.
Furthermore, Foster has the ability to operate out wide on both the left and right flanks alongside his usual role leading the line through the middle, so his versatility makes it easy for him to adapt to the boss’ demands when it comes to formation and team selection.
Work on the £50m redevelopment of the Compton and Edrich Stands at Lord’s is expected to begin next year
ESPNcricinfo staff06-Jun-2018The MCC has unveiled designs for its GBP50m redevelopment of the Compton and Edrich Stands at Lord’s. This will form the next stage of the MCC’s Masterplan aimed at completely upgrading the ground by 2032.The new three-tier stands at the Nursery End of the ground, designed by architects WilkinsonEyre, will hold 11,500 spectators, increasing the capacity of Lord’s by 2500. Planning application will be sought later this year, after consultation with local residents, and a vote of the MCC membership is expected at next year’s AGM.If approved, work on taking down the existing stands will begin after the 2019 Ashes Test; Lord’s will also host the World Cup final earlier in the summer. The MCC hopes to have seating in place for the following season, with the full development scheduled for completion in 2021.As well as providing partial covering for the top tier, thanks to a curved roof, and a walkway between the two structures that will overlook the Nursery Ground, the development will ensure that trees are still visible between the stands to members in the pavilion.The proposed redesign of the Compton and Edrich Stands at Lord’s•WilkinsonEyre”MCC is committed to ensuring Lord’s remains the best place in the world at which to watch and play cricket,” MCC chief executive and secretary, Guy Lavender, said. “These new stands will transform the Nursery End, providing world-class facilities, opening up views both to the Pavilion and back towards the Nursery Ground, and adding another architectural enhancement to Lord’s.”We are very aware of the responsibility we have to protect everything that makes Lord’s so special, and we are delighted with the positive feedback we’ve already received from our membership.”Last year saw the completion of the redesigned Warner Stand at Lord’s, while the MCC also received final approval for its Masterplan, which will be funded from the club’s own coffers. That led to the consortium that owns the tunnels under the Nursery Ground to announce a scheme to sell off parcels of land to members of the public.