Phil Parkinson heavily rotated the Wrexham squad yet the Red Dragons cruised past Port Vale to progress in the Football League Trophy.

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• Wrexham thrash Port Vale
• Progressed to the fourth round of Football League Trophy
• Parkison rotated his team for the cup competition

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  Port Vale shocked the League One side as they took the lead within 20 seconds from kick-off when Ronan Curtis fired in a shot from inside the box after comfortably going past Sebastian Revan. Wrexham were taken aback by the early blow, but they dominated proceedings thereafter. The visitors finally restored parity in the match just past the half-hour mark. Modou Faal set up a perfect ball for Andy Cannon who comfortably slotted the ball home.

  Phil Parkinson's side looked determined to take the lead after the break and reacted swiftly as Ryan Longman made a brilliant move from the right flank. He displayed some silky touches as he cut into the box and squared the ball towards Harry Ashfield as the striker fired the ball home.

  Red Dragons star Elliot Lee extended his team's lead just three minutes past the hour mark as he scored from an inch-perfect cross from Longman. The right wing-back saw his first cross cleared back to him from the Port Vale box but he did not make a mistake in sending the ball immediately towards Lee. With the goal, the midfielder became the club's top goalscorer across all competitions in the 2024/25 campaign with eight strikes to his name.

  Revan made up for his first-half mistake that led to Port Vale's early goal as he set up a perfect ball for Fall to increase his team's tally and ensure their progress into the fourth round of the Football League Trophy.

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  THE MVP

  With two crucial assists in the second half, wing-back Ryan Longman proved to be the hero for Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mcelhenney's side as the League One side progressed to the fourth round of the Football League Trophy.

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  THE BIG LOSER

  The Port Vale defence failed miserably despite the Red Dragons rotating their squad for the cup competition. Curtin gave the League Two side a very early lead but the team's backline failed to protect it as they ended up conceding four goals.

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  WHAT COMES NEXT?

  Phil Parkinson's side will be back in action on February 15 as they take on Northampton Town in a League One away fixture.

West Ham United endured a summer of transition on and off the pitch, with huge changes happening to the playing squad alongside the management team.

Julen Lopetegui was appointed as the Hammers’ new boss after the hierarchy decided to part ways with former manager David Moyes, subsequently handing the one-time Real Madrid boss the opportunity to strengthen his new squad.

Many high-quality European-level talents arrived at the London Stadium during the recent summer transfer window, injecting real promise into the fanbase about their chances in the Premier League.

Centre-backs Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo both arrived in East London aiming to bolster the Spaniard’s backline, looking to improve the defence left by Moyes following his departure.

It appears they are yet to have the desired effect, conceding 15 times in the opening eight league meetings, with only Southampton, Ipswich and Wolves shipping more so far this campaign.

Striker Niclas Fullkrug joined with a European pedigree, scoring three times in the Champions League last season, but he’s yet to demonstrate his qualities under Lopetegui with injuries massively hampering his progress.

However, one other summer arrival has also failed to hit the ground running as many would’ve anticipated him to at the London Stadium.

Guido Rodriguez’s time at West Ham

One of the ten new first-team additions during the summer was midfielder Guido Rodriguez, with high expectations given the speculation surrounding his future before his move to England.

The Argentine international was widely linked with a move to Barcelona upon the expiration of his contract at Real Betis, but, out of the

blue, he completed a move to the London Stadium, bringing about a sense of excitement with his experience on the international stage in recent years.

The 30-year-old was a part of the squad that won the 2022 World Cup alongside the 2024 Copa América, but he’s struggled for form in the Premier League since his move to the club.

Rodriguez has made nine appearances in all competitions for the Hammers, only being on the winning side three times since his move, but his most embarrassing moment undoubtedly came in the 3-0 defeat against Chelsea back in September.

Enzo Maresca’s side were 2-0 ahead before the 20-minute mark, overrunning Lopetegui’s side in the middle of the park, with the Spaniard making the decision to make changes before the interval.

He subsequently replaced the Argentine in the 38th minute, after losing possession five times and often being bypassed by the opposition – leading to his early replacement.

Whilst he’s returned to a regular starting role in recent weeks, he still has yet to live up to the promise many shared upon his arrival, evidently finding it difficult to fill the boots left by one player.

Declan Rice’s time at West Ham

After coming through the West Ham academy, midfielder Declan Rice rapidly integrated himself into the club’s first-team – racking up a huge tally of appearances during his six years as a senior squad member.

The England international first broke into the senior side back in the 2017/18 season, registering over 30 appearances in each campaign he spent at the London Stadium.

The 25-year-old played a huge role in the club’s Europa Conference League triumph back in 2022/23, ending his time in East London on a high before departing to join London rivals Arsenal.

Undoubtedly, no Hammers supporter wanted their side to lose one of their most valuable squad members, especially considering his rise through the youth levels into the first-team setup.

However, the £105m fee they received was far too good to turn down, allowing for investment in various areas to build on their European success the year prior.

Rice has gone on to take his game to the next level at the Emirates, aiming to claim a Premier League title for Mikel Arteta’s side, whilst new boss Lopetegui is still yet to find an adequate replacement for the former fan-favourite.

Given the significant transfer fee, it’s no surprise to see a struggle to replace Rice, with players of that quality a huge miss regardless of how much money they receive for his services.

That could all be about to change, with the Hammers eyeing up a January move for one talent who will undoubtedly improve the Spaniard’s midfield department.

The man who can finally replace Rice and provide an upgrade on Rodriguez

According to Hoy Diario Del Magdalena, West Ham are interested in a move to sign Palmeiras midfielder Richard Rios ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

However, the Hammers aren’t alone in their pursuit of the 24-year-old, with European giants PSG and AC Milan also in the race for his signature.

The report claims that after huge interest over the summer, the Colombian stayed put at the Brazilian outfit, but could be available this winter for a fee in the region of just £12.5m – a bargain for a player of his qualities.

He’s been a crucial figure for Palmeiras in 2024, producing numerous stats that are better than former Hammer Rice and current first-team member Rodriguez.

The “tremendous” talent, as dubbed by commentator Matteo Bonetti, has excelled in possession, averaging more shots per 90, whilst completing more take-ons than the aforementioned pair.

Games played

17

7

8

Progressive carries

1.4

2.9

0.2

Shots taken

1.6

1.2

0.8

Tackles won

1.6

0.5

1.5

Blocks

1.4

1.1

1.3

Take-ons completed

0.9

0.8

0.2

However, out of possession, the Colombian has been just as impressive, completing more tackles and making more blocks per 90 – potentially providing that box-to-box talent Lopetegui’s side have been missing this season.

The £12.5m fee touted for his services would be an absolute bargain, with Rios – who has been dubbed a “ball-carrying machine” by analyst Ben Mattinson – having all the qualities needed to thrive in the Premier League.

They may face tough competition for his services, but given the pulling power demonstrated in the summer, the Palmeiras star could be the next big name to make the move to London in January.

Lopetegui will want to right the wrongs of the club’s early season form, aiming to turn things around in the coming weeks, but more reinforcements may still be targeted despite the summer activity, with Rios undoubtedly a talent who can inject that needed quality.

West Ham flop who left for £5m is now outscoring Bowen & Kudus this season

The former West Ham player seems to have found his shooting boots away from the London Stadium.

ByEthan Lamb Oct 25, 2024

Batter will continue to play in domestic cricket after ending decade-long England career

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Oct-2021Fran Wilson, a member of England’s World Cup-winning side in 2017, has announced her retirement from international cricket.Wilson, 29, played 64 times for her country across an 11-year career, including eight of England’s matches at the 2017 World Cup, en route to their victory over India at Lord’s in the final.She also featured in the 2020 T20 World Cup in Australia, and made the last of her international appearances on England’s tour of New Zealand in February.Renowned for her outstanding work in the field, Wilson’s highest score in ODI cricket came in 2019, with a 49-ball 85 against Pakistan. She will continue to play domestic cricket in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, Charlotte Edwards Cup and The Hundred.”I feel incredibly proud to have played for my country for the past 10 years and the time now feels right to step away,” Wilson said. “I am excited for the challenges that domestic cricket will bring in the next chapter of my playing career.”Playing for England pushes you to the limit and I’m grateful for the experiences which have made me better, on and off the pitch. The memories I have made with some amazing teams are ones I will always cherish and I would like to thank everyone who has been a part of my England journey.”England Women’s Head Coach Lisa Keightley said: “Fran has served her country with distinction for over a decade and she can be very proud of the work she’s put in and of what she’s achieved.”In my time in the job I’ve really enjoyed working with Fran. She’s such a positive influence on the group, she’s a real team player, she’s very popular, and we’ll really miss having her as part of our team.”It’s a very difficult decision to retire from international cricket, but our loss will be the domestic game’s gain. Fran has always given everything for England and I know she’ll continue to do so in domestic cricket.”

LA Galaxy are reportedly closing in on bringing in Matheus Nascimento from Botafogo in a loan deal

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Matheus Nascimento, 20, close to deal with LA GalaxyHas appeared for the Brazilian youth national teams12 goals in 4,250 minutes for reigning Copa Libertadores championsGet the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowWHAT HAPPENED?

Matheus Nascimento is soon to agree to a loan deal to join the LA Galaxy, according to a report. The Brazilian youth national has been a regular for Botafogo since his teenage years, notching 96 first-team appearances for the reigning Brazilian Serie A champions. He has played mostly as a center forward.

's Tom Bogert was first to report the news.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Nascimento should offer more depth for the Galaxy after they lost striker Dejan Joveljic in a deal with Sporting KC last week. The Serbian was crucial in their MLS Cup push last year, scoring 21 goals and adding six assists in all competitions for Greg Vanney's side. An alternative in his position has already arrived in the form of Christian Ramirez.

ImagnDID YOU KNOW?

The Galaxy have found success in the Brazilian league in recent years. MLS newcomer of the year Gabriel Pec provided 19 goals and 15 assists after signing for the club from Vasco de Gama in early 2024.

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WHAT NEXT FOR NASCIMENTO?

It appears the deal is nearing completion, with the Galaxy hopeful to have their extra attacking option in place for the start of the MLS season. The reigning champions start their title defense with a clash against expansion franchise San Diego FC on Feb. 23.

A former Leeds United player and now pundit thinks one £15,000-a-week ace could look to leave Elland Road “as soon as he can”.

Leeds injury latest after Sunderland draw

The Whites and Daniel Farke are currently managing a Leeds injury crisis during the international break, with a number of players on the Thorp Arch treatment table.

Midfielders Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev both suffered serious knee injuries that will keep them out for months against Coventry City and Norwich City respectively, which led to Farke relying on Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell in the 2-2 Championship draw with Sunderland.

Decision already made as Farke makes Meslier call for Leeds v Sheffield Utd

Daniel Farke has already made his decision on whether one Leeds player will start against the Blades or not.

ByBrett Worthington Oct 9, 2024

Manor Solomon has been out with back and hamstring issues and hasn’t gone away with Israel as a result, whereas Leeds could welcome back Daniel James for their clash against Sheffield United.

Elsewhere, Max Wober is also sidelined for six weeks and has required surgery on a knee problem, leaving Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon as the only available centre-backs.

A shortage of defenders and midfielders isn’t ideal heading into a busy few months, but one player who hasn’t featured regularly is attacker Joe Gelhardt. The 22-year-old, who joined from Wigan Athletic in 2020 and showed early promise in the Premier League, has made just three appearances in all competitions in 2024/25, with his only start coming in the EFL Cup.

David Norris makes Leeds exit claim on Joe Gelhardt

Talking to MOT Leeds News recently, former midfielder David Norris feels that Gelhardt could leave Leeds in the near future and believes he may have “had enough” after struggling for game time.

“I think it’s the right time now for Gelhardt to move on as soon as he can. It’s been a couple of years now of inconsistent football for him, and you get the feeling maybe that he’s had enough and isn’t invested anymore.

“I feel for him as he did well in parts in the Premier League, but now he’s at the age when you want to be playing consistently and he’s not going to get enough game time at Leeds.”

Farke recently answered a question on some of his Leeds players, including £15,000-a-week Gelhardt, not getting much game time, believing they may ‘want to bite him in his neck’.

“In general, it’s one of the most difficult parts of your job because, I mentioned several times, each and every player wants to play each and every second on the pitch and you’re just allowed to start 11 players.

“Quite often we change during the game, mostly even five times, sometimes a bit less, but mostly you are at least allowed to change five times.

“It means you have just six players who play now each and every second and, I spoke about this, from the six players, sometimes one or two feel they play in the wrong position or they’re criticised too much. [It means] you just have two or three players within the squad who are 100 per cent happy with you and all the other 23, 25 players in the squad are between ‘Yeah, the manager’s okay’ or ‘I want to bite him in his neck.’”

Gelhardt’s contract expires in 2027, so Leeds may look at a potential loan or permanent exit in 2025 if his lack of game time continues.

Chelsea could be set to lose one member of their squad as a European giant eye up a potential swoop in January or next summer, amid a longstanding obsession with him.

Chelsea's squad still needs work

It has been a strong start to the Premier League campaign for Enzo Maresca’s side, with the Blues having lost just twice. Those losses have come on the opening day against Manchester City and narrowly at Anfield against Liverpool, the two sides currently fighting for a spot at the top of the table.

The Blues’ win over Newcastle United on Sunday moved them up to fifth, just a point behind Arsenal and Aston Villa above them and in the Champions League places. This has all been achieved with the youngest squad in the league, an impressive feat for Maresca and the Chelsea leadership.

The youngest squads in the Premier League 24/25

Club

Average age

Chelsea

23.4

Tottenham Hotspur

24.2

Brighton and Hove Albion

24.9

Bournemouth

25

Brentford

25.1

But there are still question marks over the squad, with several players clearly not wanted by the Blues boss and now sidelined with their value only decreasing, with Ben Chilwell the main culprit.

He is not alone though; Marc Guiu, Cesare Casadei and Mykhaylo Mudryk are all struggling for first team action, while Raheem Sterling has been sent on loan to London rivals Arsenal, though he is yet to make an impression in north London.

Now, one Chelsea man could be offered a way out in the upcoming transfer window.

European giant chase midfielder

That comes as AC Milan are reportedly “obsessed” with Chelsea midfield outcast Carney Chukwuemeka, who has played just 27 minutes of senior football so far this season. He is yet to feature in a Premier League squad under Maresca, and the Chelsea boss suggested he was best off leaving the club.

“I will say exactly the same thing I have said many times: Carney is a very good player, but for the amount of players we have, we decided at the beginning of the season it is probably better to leave and go somewhere, prove himself and playing 30 or 35 games than being here and play less games”, the Blues boss explained in September.

“Unfortunately that didn’t happen. He is our player. He had some minutes the other day, today he was not involved. Hopefully, we can give him more minutes.”

AC Milan were believed to be interested in the 21-year-old over the summer, but no move materialised. However, that has not put them off.

Not just Madueke: Maresca must axe 3/10 Chelsea dud with 50% pass accuracy

The Italian has to make these changes to Chelsea’s lineup ahead of the next few games.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Oct 28, 2024

As per CalcioMercato, Milan technical director Geoffrey Moncada has a ‘real obsession’ with the former Aston Villa youth academy player, and is keen to bring him to the San Siro in 2025.

It is added that “Moncada could make an attempt to sign him on a loan deal with an option to buy in January”, and signing another midfielder is seen as a “priority” at Milan at present despite the form of Youssouf Fofana and Tijjani Reijnders in Paulo Fonseca’s side.

Chukwuemeka is still contracted to Chelsea until 2028, taking home £100k-p/w despite barely featuring, and that may be a wage that Milan are reluctant to match, as it would make him their fourth highest earner.

However, a loan move with an option to buy could suit all parties, and could continue an emerging trend of Milan hoovering up unwanted Chelsea talent.

Chelsea will be without an “absolute dream” player in their squad until “November or December”, as he attempts to recover from an injury problem.

Chelsea winning streak ends with 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side brought Chelsea’s winning streak in all competitions to an end, holding the Blues with 10 men after midfielder James Ward-Prowse was sent off for obstructing a goalscoring opportunity by stopping the ball with his hand.

Chelsea could sign perfect Madueke upgrade with move for £42m "road runner"

He’s shaping into a top talent…

1

By
Angus Sinclair

Oct 8, 2024

It was a chaotic, action-packed 90 minutes at Stamford Bridge – filled with clear goalscoring opportunities, heroic saves and plenty for the highlight reel at both ends. Chris Wood handed Forest a shock lead soon after the second-half restart, poking the ball past Robert Sanchez from close range, but it didn’t take long for Noni Madueke to level the score again with a low effort past Matz Sels.

The Forest keeper then had a blinder to stop Chelsea from taking the lead, denying superstar forward Cole Palmer with a heroic double save from inside the area, before Sanchez matched it at the other end by clawing an effort away from the top corner.

Chelsea’s next Premier League fixtures	Date
Liverpool (away)	October 20
Newcastle (home)	October 27
Man United (away)	November 3
Arsenal (home)	November 10
Leicester City (home)	November 23

Selz was then on hand again to deny a gaping free header from Christopher Nkunku, who arguably really should’ve given Enzo Maresca’s side the lead, and they were very nearly made to pay when Jota forced an excellent diving save from Sanchez from inside the area.

The scores ended level, but it was definitely one of the most entertaining draws of the Premier League season to date.

“I think first 45 minutes we didn’t concede nothing, we controlled the game, created the chances and the performance was very good because you can get frustrated against this kind of team,” said Maresca on Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Forest.

“But, as I said, compared to the Brighton game it’s a completely different kind of game so you need to learn how to play.

“I thought first half was top and then second half we concede the goal and become a little bit more up and down. After we score immediately and then again we were in control.

“Probably the red card we think most of the time that 11 vs 10 is more easy but probably today was even more difficult as they were a line of five with more players inside the box defending. Then you take the risk to lose some balls and you concede counter attacks or set-pieces that they are very strong. But overall I thought the performance was very good and I think we deserved to win the game.”

Nicolas Jackson put in a “frustrating” performance against Forest during an otherwise excellent start to the season, while Palmer was unlucky not to add to his scintillating goal tally.

Omari Kellyman out until "November or December" at Chelsea

One player who didn’t play a part against Forest, and is yet to make his debut for the club after joining in the summer, is midfielder Omari Kellyman.

The 19-year-old is currently out with a hamstring injury, with journalist Ben Jacobs sharing an update on when he could return. The reporter, taking to X, writes that Kellyman won’t return for Chelsea until “November or December”.

The west Londoners don’t want to rush him back, though, so there is no set return date just yet as they wait for how he fairs during the rest of his rehabilitation. Reports have claimed that Chelsea may even loan Kellyman out in January once he returns to fitness, as they seek to hand him game time over the second half of the season.

“Omari always had his place in the group,” said Derby County’s Lead Foundation coach, Josh Butler, to The Athletic on Kellyman.

“There were other players who were a bit louder but he was the chilled one. I’ve known him for 12 years and he’s always been the same; low maintenance, no dramas. The extent of his success will be circumstantial because it won’t be down to talent or attitude. His greatest strength is that you can’t not like him. He’s an absolute dream for a football club.”

Newcastle United have made some significant improvements, wall to wall, over the past several years, with Eddie Howe transforming St. James’ Park into a team of capability at the upper end of the Premier League ladder.

Scratch that. Newcastle proved themselves in the Champions League last season, robbed against Paris Saint-Germain, foiled by injuries, but nonetheless, the Magpies played with skill and purpose, looked the part.

Much has been made of United’s brilliant transfer activity, bringing in the likes of Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimaraes and Sven Botman (among others), but he’s been equally pinpoint in his sales, freeing Tyneside of its flotsam and jetsam.

Eddie Howe's Newcastle sales

Admittedly, few of a Newcastle persuasion will have wanted to see top talents like Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson sold this summer, but PSR problems forced Howe’s hand, and it meant that the above-mentioned superstars were kept on the books.

Previously, though, there have been some bold calls that have bore dividends for the Premier League club, with Allan Saint-Maximin’s £23m transfer to the Saudi Pro League’s Al Ahli in 2023 allowing Gordon to grow into his skin on the left flank and win United’s Player of the Season award.

Chris Wood, 32, might be thriving with Nottingham Forest, scoring 19 top-flight goals since the start of last season, but his time at Newcastle didn’t go to plan, and Howe’s transfer team deserve praise for recouping £15m from the initial £25m outlay, despite his struggles.

There are several more that deserve praise for the manner of ruthlessness shown by Howe, who recognised the squad’s potential from the offing and acted incisively.

One such sale was that of Jonjo Shelvey, who left St. James’ Park at just the right time.

Newcastle hit gold selling Jonjo Shelvey

Newcastle sold Shelvey to Nottingham Forest for around £6m in January 2023, the same time that Wood moved to the City Ground.

Shelvey arrived at a tumultuous time in Newcastle’s history, January 2016, to be precise. Arriving from Swansea City with a £12m transfer fee attached, the 32-year-old instantly cemented an important role but failed to prevent a plummet into the Championship.

He’d ply his trade on Tyneside for some time, actually playing the lion’s share of his wandering senior career in black and white, across a seven-year period.

Jonjo Shelvey: Career Stats by Club

Club

Apps

Goals

Assists

Newcastle United

202

18

25

Swansea City

96

10

16

Liverpool

69

7

4

Charlton

49

8

7

C. Rizespor

33

3

7

Blackpool

10

6

3

Nott’m Forest

8

0

0

England

6

0

1

Eyupspor

5

0

0

Stats via Transfermarkt

Even so, injuries left his influence stretching weakly across the expanse of his Tyneside career, only hitting 30 Premier League starts in a campaign once across his stay.

Shelvey might have been a fan favourite, with his mean ball-striking ability and passion obvious from the get-go, but he was sold at the perfect time, with his £70k-per-week contract having cost Newcastle £35m in total, when combining it with that £12m transfer fee.

As you can see from the table above, the Englishman only managed eight appearances for the Tricky Trees and has since tapered off toward the end of his career in Turkey, with his diminishing impact leading to a price depreciation that, as per Football Transfers, has him marked with a lowly £1m value.

Given that Newcastle’s midfield has been so imperious in recent years, it would appear that he was sold at the perfect time, with Shelvey’s departure allowing the likes of Guimaraes, Joelinton and Sean Longstaff to cement an awesome engine room.

Related Sold by Ashley: Newcastle star has seen his value soar 566% after leaving

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Posts ByAngus Sinclair Oct 25, 2024

Thieves broke into the team van while it parked outside the hotel

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Oct-2021

Jimmy Peirson had two bats stolen•Getty Images

Queensland’s rescheduled trip to Adelaide got off on the wrong foot after the team van was broken into and some playing equipment stolen ahead of Thursday’s Sheffield Shield clash with Tasmania at Karen Rolton Oval.Thieves broke the van’s window while it was parked outside the team hotel and stole some gear. Queensland wicketkeeper Jimmy Peirson posted a photo on his Instagram of the van’s broken window stating that he was “the unlucky one” to have a couple of brand new bats stolen.Queensland have reported the incident to South Australia police who are investigating the matter using the hotel’s CCTV footage.