Ex-Rangers ace mocks Celtic’s key man - exclusive

Former Rangers star Graham Roberts insists he has never heard of new Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou and believes that it is a strange appointment from the Gers’ Old Firm rivals.

Celtic have appointed the 55-year-old as Neil Lennon’s replacement after the resignation of the Northern Irishman.

Postecoglou is not exactly well known on these shores, given that he has spent the majority of his career in Asia.

Indeed, his playing career saw him feature for South Melbourne and Western Suburbs and he has managed the former club, Australia’s U17 and U20 sides, along with the senior squad, Panachaiki, Whittlesea Zebras, Brisbane Roar, Melbourne Victory, and Yokohama F Marinos.

It is his first foray into western football, and Ball believes that Postecoglou is a bizarre hire for a club that has struggled so deeply in 2020/21.

Indeed, Celtic ended the season 25 points behind Rangers, who won the title after a remarkable unbeaten campaign under the management of Steven Gerrard.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “I don’t know what he’s like. I’ve never heard of the fella. Just for me, it’s strange because the Scottish league’s very tough but I’ve been told he likes to attack and he’d rather win a game 6-5 instead of 1-0 so, okay, we’ll wait and see.”

Pakistan come close but lose the thriller

SHARJAH – It was the best crowd for the event so far, and it was offered a treat throughout the afternoon and early evening, easily the best match of the event

Agha Akbar12-Apr-2002SHARJAH – It was the best crowd for the event so far, and it was offered a treat throughout the afternoon and early evening, easily the best match of the event. Shoaib Akhtar bowled the fastest recorded ball in cricket history (at 159.6 kilometres per hour, just shy of his dearest wish of 100 mph), Wasim Akram notched his 450th scalp in one-day cricket, and there was rearguard action aplenty by both Sri Lanka and Pakistan. And this time round, as it went down the wire, Pakistan again lost it from a handshake’s distance, by just nine runs.This second loss against Sri Lanka means that the second spot for the final remains open.In the last 20 overs, with the asking rate steep and the chase hotting up, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Younis Khan and Wasim Akram hit some lusty blows yet failed to deliver the victory. And only because of some tremendous bowling by Chaminda Vaas and Nuwan Zoysa who, when all Pakistan needed was a run a ball, between them conceded just nine runs in three overs and bowled neither a wide nor a no-ball. Their discipline and accuracy stood them in good stead when it seemed all but a lost cause. More so, as Akram had had bludgeoned them for 36 in just 29 deliveries with 4 fours and one six.But they didn’t allow him or Rashid Latif any room to score even a single boundary in the last three overs.The two quick wickets, those of Inzamam (37, off balls, 2 fours, 1 six) and Younis (45, 55 balls, 3 fours, 2 sixes) in the 41st and 42nd over, didn’t bring any jitters as Akram and Rashid went about the task of scoring runs at a brisk rate. And they were well on course till Vaas and Zoysa so effectively blocked their charge.Chasing 240 for victory, Pakistan were off to a bad start, one for nought in the second over. But just as the Sri Lankan comeback was based on two partnerships, Pakistan’s was on three, and in the meanwhile a few runs were taken off Muttiah Muralitharan while he was kept wicketless – a rarity indeed.Youhana and Imran added 72 runs for the second wicket off 117 balls, Inzamam and Younis 85 for the fourth wicket in only 98 balls and Akram and Rashid 45 off 48 balls.Yet it was not enough. Perhaps Pakistan should have gone for the kill when the Lankans were 41for four, or maybe started big hitting a trifle sooner. Or maybe Afridi got out too soon.Whatever, this time round, they didn’t lack organisation in their chase. All they lacked was a finish.Sri Lanka recover from a disastrous start:
Earlier, Pakistan failed to make the most of a great beginning, allowing Sri Lanka to affect a recovery from a perilous 41 for four to 239 for six, not really an imposing total but a highly competitive one.And for the Pakistanis it definitely was a few too many for comfort, particularly given their dislike for a chase.Jayasuriya won the toss and elected to bat first, and then went hammer and tongs after his counterpart Younis, clobbering the latter for 14 runs in one over. But Pakistan struck back, and tellingly so. Younis produced that sight so rare in cricket these days, the middle stump cartwheeling. He went through Jayasuriya’s defences to bowl him neck and crop. Next over, he accounted for Kaluwitharana, splendidly caught by Rashid Latif.At this point Akram too got into the act as he had incentive enough too, for Kumar Sangakkara was his 450th ODI wicket. And next over he too added another to his already quite impressive tally, Rashid Latif holding on to his third catch of the afternoon as Mahela Jayawardene edged Akram.But the remainder of the evening was all Sri Lanka’s. While for the most part, the sedate 91-run stand off 138 balls for the fifth wicket between Atapattu and Arnold affected the recovery, and then better than a run a ball partnership between Atapattu and Chandana (107 off 105 deliveries) briskly restored the balance of the game in Sri Lanka’s favour.It was first a nice recovery job, then great consolidation, followed up with a superb finish that brought Sri Lanka roaring back into the game. And it all took two partnerships to retrieve the situation in such a major way.Having worked their way to recovery, Russell Arnold was now venturing shots; he went after Afridi with a wild shot, the swipe ending in Imran Nazir’s safe hands at short mid-wicket.This brought Upul Chandana on the field. And he batted with gay abandon against whatever skipper Younis pitted against him. Such was the Lankan ascendancy that Pakistan’s fielding became ragged at the edges, and he was dropped twice by Razzaq, first at deep third man and then at long-off. But by the time he was disposed off, off the last ball of the innings, he had put on 64 runs of just 58 deliveries, with the help of nine fours – with none out of Akram, Waqar, Shoaib or Saqlain spared.His partner, the unassuming grafter, Atapattu in the meanwhile remained unbeaten at 77, compiled off 109 deliveries with five shots to the fence and also was declared the Man of the Match.

Southampton suffer Junior Firpo setback

Southampton’s hopes of signing Barcelona defender Junior Firpo this summer look to have been dashed after reports have suggested that he’d prefer a move to AC Milan rather than a switch to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side.

Both Southampton and West Ham have regularly been linked with the Real Betis man this summer, with the left-back one of several players likely to be sold by the Catalan side as they look to ease their financial woes.

However, it seems as if AC Milan are now leading the race for the 24-year-old after Spanish news outlet Sport claimed that he favours a move to the Italian side, although they are interested in a loan-to-buy deal, with Barcelona understandably keen on selling him permanently, with West Ham and Southampton both reportedly willing to meet his asking price.

The Spaniard has struggled to impress since his switch to Barcelona in August 2019, as he has managed just 41 appearances in all competitions, in which he has contributed two goals and three assists, with Jordi Alba still very much the first-choice left-back at the Nou Camp.

Therefore, it is no surprise that the £7.2m-rated defender is set to leave the La Liga side this summer and had he managed to rediscover the form he showed at Real Betis earlier in his career, then he could’ve proved to be an excellent addition to Hasenhuttl’s side this summer.

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Former Barcelona man Marc Bartra certainly rates Firpo highly, as he was full of praise for him in 2019, saying:

“He is a player who has shown that he has a lot of potential, quality and the ability of being in the right place at the right time.”

Although the Saints look close to completing a deal for fellow left-back Romain Perraud, Ryan Bertrand’s exit suggests that Hasenhuttl still needs another left-sided defender in his side to compete with the Frenchman next season, especially when you consider that Jake Vokins has shown little to suggest that he can be a reliable back-up in that position.

Therefore, it is arguably a big blow for the South Coast club that Firpo seemingly isn’t interested in a switch to the Premier League, as it would’ve been great for Hasenhuttl to have him and Perraud competing for the starting spot in his side next season.

And, in other news… Hasenhuttll dealt fresh setback with “incredible” Southampton beast, Saints fans will be worried

Somerset Board XI game against Devon switched to Exmouth

Somerset County Cricket Club have just announced that the 38 County match between the Somerset Board XI and Devon that was scheduled to be played at the County Ground on Sunday has been switched to Exmouth

Richard Walsh24-May-2002Somerset County Cricket Club have just announced that the 38 County match between the Somerset Board XI and Devon that was scheduled to be played at the County Ground on Sunday has been switched to Exmouth.Board XI manager Peter Robinson told me: "The ground here is so wet that there is little chance of us playing the match on Sunday, so we have agreed to transfer it to Exmouth Cricket Club, where they don’t seem to have had so much bad weather."The Board manager has also added all rounder Pete Trego and fast bowler Joe Tucker to the squad for the match which gets underway at 11 am.

Leeds named as transfer suitors for Okay Yokuslu

Leeds United have emerged as contenders for the signing of former West Brom loanee Okay Yokuslu.

What’s the story?

With the Premier League season now over, all eyes will be on how Marcelo Bielsa looks to strengthen his side ahead of the new campaign, and it appears he’s got another holding midfielder in his sights.

According to Faro de Vigo (via Sport Witness), the Whites have identified Yokuslu as a potential transfer target, with the Turkey international having joined West Brom on loan back in January from La Liga side Celta Vigo.

The report claims that Yokuslu’s performances in England have opened the door to a permanent switch to the Premier League, with only Bielsa’s side being name-checked as being interested thus far.

Another Kalvin Phillips

The 6 foot 3 Yokuslu was a virtual revelation after joining the Baggies earlier in the year, establishing himself as a key part of Sam Allardyce’s side and earning some rave reviews along the way.

His teammate at the Hawthorns, Kyle Bartley, waxed lyrical about the kind of impression the holding midfielder made at the club, saying: “He’s been brilliant. He seems to have settled in really quickly which is always important for a player at a new club. You can see already that he’s a really good player.

“I thought he was great against Manchester United on his full debut and then he backed that up with another impressive performance on Saturday against Burnley. He’s tenacious. He’s good on the ball. He’s calm and composed.”

And, former Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson has previously suggested Yokuslu would be a good signing for the Whites, claiming that he has shades of Kalvin Phillips to his game.

Speaking to Football Insider, he said: “He will be highly sought-after this summer. He plays in a very similar way to Kalvin Phillips and that is the type of player that Leeds need.

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“It is going to be a difficult one to sell though. Would he want to be Kalvin Phillips’ backup? He is playing week in, week out right now. I would like to see him play across the midfield in other positions.”

Given his performances in the Premier League, it’s no surprise that Bielsa is eyeing a move for the midfielder this summer.

Meanwhile, Bielsa is close to clinching his first permanent signing…

Journalist tips Bannan to leave Sheff Wed

Sheffield Wednesday need to be open to the idea of selling key midfielder Barry Bannan this summer, according to journalist Dom Howson.

The Lowdown: Superb servant for the Owls

The Scotland international has been one of the Owls’ best players in their recent history, making 258 appearances and also scoring 13 goals and registering 39 assists for good measure, gaining a reputation as a fans’ favourite at Hillsborough.

Wednesday’s relegation to League One could make it tough for the club to keep hold of the 31-year-old, however, with some Championship sides surely considering a move for him.

The Latest: Howson says Bannan should move on

Speaking in a Q&A for Yorkshire Live, Howson claimed that it was time for Bannan to end his stay at Hillsborough, assuming a bid comes in for him, with Josh Windass in the same boat. The journalist said:

“If offers come in for Barry Bannan, Josh Windass or anybody else this summer, it would be foolish in Wednesday’s financial position not to consider cashing in.

“Part of the reason the club have got themselves in this situation is because they haven’t sold players and then reinvested that money back into the team. They stockpiled players and knocked back a number of bids.”

The Verdict: Beneficial for all partiesIn an ideal world, Wednesday would be in a healthy financial situation and Bannan would be happy to stay put, but sadly that isn’t the case.The Scot is one of the club’s most prized assets, and as Howson alluded to, it would be reckless for the Owls not to accept a bid for him, especially given his age.It will be sad to see Bannan leaving Hillsborough, considering the contributions he has provided in the middle of the park for the last six years, but a fresh challenge makes sense for everyone concerned, and Howson is right to advocate taking the money for him this summer if an adequate offer is made.In other news, Sheff Wed have received a positive piece of news regarding the future of one player. Find out who it is here.

Leeds eye up Borna Sosa move

Leeds United are interested in signing Stuttgart defender Borna Sosa this summer as their search for a new left-back continues.

The Lowdown: Left-back needed

With Ezgjan Alioski almost certain to depart Elland Road at the end of the season, the Whites will suddenly have a glaring lack of depth at left-back.

Leeds have been linked with a host of options in that area, but no genuine front-runner has yet emerged to fill the Alioski-shaped void.

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The Latest: Sosa linked with Leeds move

One player who has been thrown into the mix is Stuttgart regular Sosa, who has made 24 Bundesliga appearances this season, with his average of 1.3 interceptions per game superior to Alioski’s tally (0.6) in the Premier League.

According to Kicker [via Sport Witness], Leeds are showing ‘concrete interest’ in signing the 23-year-old this summer, although it isn’t stated whether or not a bid has been made.

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The Verdict: Another strong option

Sosa seems another good alternative to Alioski, being on the verge of making his debut for Croatia and impressing for Stuttgart, registering a hugely impressive nine assists in the Bundesliga.

That suggests that he has the attacking quality to be a success under Bielsa, while also proving to be a solid defender, making an average of 2.7 clearances per match in 2020/21.

It remains to be seen if Sosa will be viewed as the best possible left-back to come in, but there is plenty to point towards him being a shrewd acquisition if he is in Bielsa’s squad by the start of next season.

In other news, Leeds have been dealt a blow in their quest to sign one player this summer. Find who it is here.

Newcastle transfer update on Joe Willock

Mark Douglas has dropped a promising Newcastle United transfer update regarding Joe Willock.

The Lowdown: Willock impresses

It is safe to say that Willock has taken his loan spell to St James’ Park by storm, having racked up seven goals in 13 Premier League games for the Magpies before their final match away at Fulham this afternoon (Transfermarkt).

It is not just with his goals in which he has contributed, but his overall displays as well, with Alan Shearer hailing his performance as ‘magnificent’ in the 3-2 home win over Southampton back in February when he first arrived on Tyneside.

The Latest: Promising Willock update

Writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, Douglas has reported that Newcastle believe Willock wants to return to St James’ Park for next season.

Key to the Magpies’ pursuit is that they would build a team around the central midfielder, whereas he is not guaranteed to be a regular starter at Arsenal.

Willock does not want to go back to being a bit-part player and sees the Toon as the perfect platform to continue his development as a footballer.

The Verdict: Newcastle must sign Willock

Newcastle must do all that they can to ensure that Willock is signed on a permanent deal once the summer transfer window opens.

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The 21-year-old has already shown his worth with his goals, and he certainly gives an added athleticism in the middle of the park which Steve Bruce will need going into the new campaign.

Nonetheless, other clubs will surely come knocking at the Gunners’ door given his form on Tyneside, and Newcastle need to make sure that St James’ Park is his only destination.

In other news, find out what big Tyler Roberts transfer claim has been dropped!

Inter oficializa Lisca para comandar o time na luta contra a Série B-2017

MatériaMais Notícias

Será do técnico Luiz Carlos Cirne Lima de Lorenzi, o Lisca, de 44 anos, a missão de evitar o primeiro rebaixamento do Internacional no Campeonato Brasileiro. Menos de quatro horas após anunciar a demissão de Celso Roth, o Colorado confirmou na madrugada desta sexta-feira, através do seu site oficial, a contratação de Lisca, que iniciou a carreira de treinador nas categorias de base do próprio Colorado. O novo técnico colorado, que teve o Joinville como último trabalho, será apresentado às 10h da manhã desta sexta, no Beira-Rio, e, à tarde, comandará seu primeiro treino.

Gaúcho de Porto Alegre, Lisca começou no futebol na base do Colorado, onde atuou por mais de dez anos na condição de treinador. Ele conquistou três Gauchões juvenis (1997, 1998 e 1999), um Brasileirão juvenil (1998) e o Campeonato Gaúcho Júnior de 2002 – sua última passagem pela base colorada ocorreu em 2007. Lisca é bisneto de Carlos de Lorenzi, goleiro do Colorado na década de 10, e neto de Jorge de Lorenzi, que defendeu a equipe na década de 40.

O risco de queda do Colorado após o empate com a Ponte Preta chegou a 62%, segundo o matemático Tristão Garcia, do site Infobola e Integrante da Academia LANCE!. Lisca fará sua estreia na próxima segunda, quando o Inter enfrentará o Corinthians em São Paulo. Na rodada seguinte, o Internacional, no Beira-Rio, receberá o Cruzeiro, e, pela 38ª e última rodada da competição, o Colorado visitará o Fluminense.

Atualmente, o Inter é o 17º na tabela do Brasileirão, com 39 pontos. O Vitória tem a mesma pontuação, mas leva vantagem no número de gols marcados e, por isso, é o primeiro time fora da zona de rebaixamento. Ao contrário do Colorado, o Rubro-Negro baiano fará dois jogos diante da sua torcida (Figueirense e Palmeiras) e sairá de Salvador para encarar o Coritiba.

Lisca teve o Joinville como último clube, tendo sido demitido em 16 de setembro, após não ter êxito na missão de fazer o JEC deixar a zona de rebaixamento da Série B. Mas o técnico ganhou destaque por campanhas à frente de Juventude e Ceará, principalmente. Foi à frente do Ju, por exemplo, que ele ganhou o apelido de “Lisca Doido”, por conta do perfil sanguíneo.

LISCA, O LISCA DOIDO

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Após trabalhos nas bases de Inter, São Paulo, Ulbra-RS, Grêmio e Fluminense, Lisca comandou o Brasil de Pelotas, o Juventude B, Porto Alegre, Luverdense duas vezes – time pelo qual conquistou a Copa MT em 2011 –e o Novo Hamburgo antes de assumir o time principal do Juventude em 2012. O Papo não conquistou o acesso à Série C de 2013, mas fechou o ano com o título da Copa da Federação Gaúcha de Futebol (FGF), o que credenciou o time a disputar novamente a Quarta Divisão ano seguinte. Em 2013, foi à decisão da Taça Farroupilha, o segundo turno do Gauchão, após eliminar o Grêmio, nos pênaltis. Foi quando Lisca virou “Lisca Doido”, após sua celebração no Alfredo Jaconi. Ele levaria o Papo ao acesso à Terceirona e, depois, à final da Série D, que foi conquistada pelo Botafogo-PB.

Lisca ainda teve duas passagens pelo Náutico, protagonizando momentos com muitas danças e comemorações, e comandou o Sampaio Corrêa antes de chegar ao Ceará no ano passado. O risco de rebaixamento do Alvinegro à Série C era de 98%. Sob o comando de Lisca, o Vozão venceu seis dos nove jogos restantes, empatou dois e perdeu apenas um, conquistando uma improvável permanência na Segundona. No derradeiro jogo, disputado no Castelão, o triunfo foi sobre o Macaé, que seria rebaixado. E ao término da partida, Lisca chegou a pegar a cabeça do mascote alvinegro, o Vozão, para comemorar com a torcida. Foi comandando o clube que ele ganhou o refrão “Saiu do hospício, tem que respeitar! Lisca doido é Ceará” do torcedor alvinegro.

Yates/Clarke-Harris - who do Rangers sign?

Rangers have been linked with both Jerry Yates and Jonson Clarke-Harris in recent weeks, but which of the two would be the best addition to Steven Gerrard’s side at Ibrox this summer?

Jerry Yates

According to The 72, Rangers have joined the race to sign the Blackpool forward this summer, with Nottingham Forest, Bristol City and Blackburn Rovers having all previously registered an interest in the 24-year-old during the January transfer window.

Since joining from Rotherham United last summer, the 24-year-old has established himself as a key player in Neil Critchley’s side and has been one of the most prolific forwards in the division so far this season, with 18 goals in 38 league appearances.

Yates has enjoyed decent loan spells with Carlisle United and Swindon Town in recent seasons but struggled to make the grade at Rotherham in the Championship, with just five goals in 52 appearances there.

Jonson Clarke-Harris

According to Football Insider, Rangers have been scouting Clarke-Harris this season and were in attendance for Peterborough’s 7-0 demolition of Accrington Stanley recently, with the in-form striker notching a hat-trick.

The 26-year-old frontman has since taken his tally to 27 league goals in 40 appearances ahead of the weekend’s derby clash against Northampton, and he looks well on track to earn the top scorer award in England’s third tier this season.

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Clarke-Harris is more than just a goalscorer, though, and has earned many plaudits for his build-up play with Peterborough this season, with Kevin Phillips praising his “phenomenal” campaign whilst also suggesting that he can offer something Alfredo Morelos doesn’t due to his aerial threat.

Who would be better?

As can be seen in the graphic above, Clarke-Harris has clearly had the edge over Yates this season and would be much more of an aerial threat in Gerrard’s side than the Blackpool man, as he wins significantly more aerial duels per game.

With both Blackpool and Peterborough looking strong contenders for promotion to the Championship this season, Rangers may have to wait until the end of the campaign before deciding between the two transfer targets from a financial perspective, as promotion would surely see the respective clubs raise their asking price for their star attackers.

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However, from a purely footballing perspective, Clarke-Harris looks to have the edge over Yates and would likely offer something different in Gerrard’s side, so Ross Wilson should focus first and foremost on bringing the Peterborough man to Ibrox this summer.

In other news… Ross Wilson must avoid disastrous repeat over “positive” gem after manager’s transfer claim 

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