All posts by h716a5.icu

Rob Andrew, the former England rugby union fly-half and long-term professional rugby director at the RFU, has been unveiled as the new chief executive of Sussex

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Nov-2016Rob Andrew, the former England rugby union fly-half and long-term professional rugby director at the RFU, has been unveiled as the new chief executive of Sussex.Andrew, 53, played first-class cricket for Cambridge University between 1982 and 1985, and also turned out for Yorkshire’s 2nd XI as a batsman and offspinner.His rugby career included 71 caps for England and five for the British and Irish Lions. He played in three World Cups between 1987 and 1995, before spending ten years at the RFU, eventually leaving at the end of last season.He succeeds Zac Toumazi as Sussex’s chief executive at a tricky period in the club’s long history. The club was relegated at the end of 2015, bringing to an end a period of unprecedented success including three County Championships between 2003 and 2007, and with the ECB turning its attention towards the new city-based league scheduled to be launched in 2020, Andrew’s high-profile appointment is intriguingly timed.He will take over at Sussex in January 2017, with a brief to build on Toumazi’s work in overseeing the integration of the professional club with the recreational board and its 245 affiliated league clubs.Commenting on the appointment, Jim May, chairman of Sussex said: “I am extremely pleased about the appointment of Rob Andrew. He has exceptional experience, both playing and administering sport which will be of great help to our cricket management delivering success.””I am thrilled and really excited to be joining Sussex,” Andrew said. “The structures that have been put in place under the Sussex Cricket Limited umbrella have laid a very strong foundation for the future.”I am looking forward to working with everyone connected with Sussex to help create success in professional cricket, recreational cricket and community programmes and ensuring that Hove remains a very special cricket ground.”I will be focusing on driving forward the strategy over the next few years and helping write the next chapter in the rich history of cricket in Sussex. These are exciting times for Sussex Cricket and cricket in general and I can’t wait to get started.”

Celtic are battling to hold on to coach John Kennedy and have been able to halt an approach from Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham thanks to a little known contract clause, according to Football Insider.

What is the latest on Ange Postecoglou leaving Celtic?

The Scottish Premiership side have had a period of success under the leadership of Postecoglou, with the boss taking them to yet another league title victory this season. The side had first-place wrapped up before the final day of the campaign and it meant that the manager had won two league titles in two years with the club.

Add in the Scottish League Cup on two occasions too and the Scottish Cup and it meant that Ange claimed five pieces of silverware in just two seasons of stewardship. It was this form that led to Postecoglou catching the eye of other potential suitors and the boss has finally been lured away from Scotland by Tottenham in the Premier League.

Now, the manager understandably wants to try and make his team and his backroom staff as strong as possible at White Hart Lane – and that means he is eyeing a swoop on his old club for their assistant manager John Kennedy. With the former player having spent over ten years in the backroom team though, they are not keen to let him move on, and it appears as though Celtic may now be able to hold on to their long-serving coach according to Football Insider.

They report that a clause in the contract of Postecoglou is denying Kennedy from making the leap straight to London. That's because the side inserted a stipulation that meant once their former boss departed, he was unable to instantly poach members of his old backroom team for any new side, blocking moves for Kenendy as well as coach Gavin Strachan and analyst Greg Wallace.

How long has John Kennedy been at Celtic?

The coach has worked his way up through the ranks having initially joined as a scout back in January 2010, and has most recently been their assistant manager. His run of 113 games alongside Postecoglou has been his longest in the role, although he also held the same position when Neil Lennon was at the club and Gavin Strachan.

He has worked with their Under-20 and Under-17 teams to boot, meaning that he is not only experienced at helping lead a main squad but has worked with younger players and can identify talent too. He has a wide skillset that would certainly come in useful at Tottenham then, but Postecoglou may have to find somebody else to help him in that role in the interim.

Shadab Khan followed up his maiden first-class century with a five-wicket haul as Pakistan A knocked off a 37-run target, winning by eight wickets in Bulawayo on Wednesday

ESPNcricinfo staff18-Oct-2016
ScorecardBrian Vitori’s performance was one of the positives for Zimbabwe A•AFPShadab Khan followed up his maiden first-class century with a five-wicket haul as Pakistan A knocked off a 37-run target with eight wickets to spare in Bulawayo on Wednesday, thereby taking the series 1-0.Shadab, batting at No. 10, made 132 in Pakistan A’s 512 after Zimbabwe, driven by centuries from Brian Chari and Sean Williams, posted 346. Their 199-run third-wicket stand helped the hosts recover from Ghulam Mudassar’s early twin strikes. Zimbabwe A lost their last five wickets for 48 runs, with Shadab taking 4 for 84 in 24 overs.Pakistan A’s first-innings total was set up by Zain Abbas (78), but a mini-collapse resulted in them slipping to 289 for 6. That they managed a 167-run lead was largely due to the seventh-wicket stand of 130 between Saad Ali (97) and Shadab. The hosts let it slip away further by allowing the last three wickets to add 93 runs.Zimbabwe’s hopes of emulating their first-innings batting performance received a fillip courtesy Tarisai Musakanda (87) and Williams (42). But left-arm spinner Mohammad Asghar dismissed Williams to trigger a collapse in which Zimbabwe A tumbled from 113 for 2 to 202 all out. Shadab’s maiden five-for meant he finished with a match haul of 9 for 166.Pakistan A’s openers took the side to within three runs of a modest target before Brian Vitori dismissed Abbas and Umar Amin. Saad knocked off the winning runs off the first ball he faced, with Pakistan A completing the formalities in seven overs.

An update has emerged on Glasgow Rangers and their attempts to add a new number nine to their squad in the summer transfer window…

What's the latest on Cyriel Dessers to Rangers?

According to the Daily Record, the Light Blues remain locked in talks with Cremonese to land centre-forward Cyriel Dessers as Michael Beale eyes a swoop for the ace.

The report claimed that the club tabled a significant seven-figure offer for the striker and the publication has since put out an update on the story that states that the Gers have failed with two substantial bids, with the Ibrox giants remaining in pursuit.

Their latest article also reveals that the Serie B side are keen to keep hold of their star striker and that it would take a fee of at least £6.5m – the amount they paid to sign him from Genk last year – to tempt them into cashing in on the gem.

Would Cyriel Dessers improve Rangers?

Beale could land a big upgrade on one of his current Light Blues number nines as the 28-year-old could offer far more than Jamaican international, Kemar Roofe.

First and foremost, Dessers has a fitness record that suggests that Rangers would be bringing in a player who is more durable and able to compete over the course of a season. The Nigerian international has only missed 15 matches due to injury since the start of the 2020/21 campaign.

Roofe, on the other hand, has been absent for a staggering 87 games in the same time. The ex-Leeds United forward was out for 35 clashes with a knee injury in 22/23 and has a long, concerning, track record of picking up injuries during his spell at Ibrox.

This suggests that the 30-year-old is not a player who Beale can rely upon ahead of the 2023/24 campaign as his injury history indicates that the dud is unlikely to be available for many games throughout the year.

Dessers, who scored six goals in 19 Serie A starts this term, could also be an upgrade based on what he is able to offer on the pitch.

The ace plundered 19 goals and three assists in 16 starts in the Eredivisie and Europa Conference League combined for Feyenoord in 21/22, which shows that the experienced marksman has the potential to be a prolific scorer domestically and on the European stage.

Roofe, meanwhile, managed 12 goals and one assist in 13 starts in the Scottish Premiership and Europa League combined for the Gers in 21/22, which is an excellent return but not quite as impressive as the Nigerian international's form in the Netherlands.

Therefore, Dessers, who was hailed as "awkward" to play against by journalist Josh Bunting, could be a big upgrade on the current Rangers striker due to his consistency with his fitness and his ability on the pitch to score and create goals on a regular basis.

Derbyshire have turned to Kim Barnett, one of the most inspirational captains in their history, to shake them out of their torpor

David Hopps30-Sep-2016Derbyshire have turned to Kim Barnett, one of the most inspirational captains in their history, to shake them out of the torpor which saw them finish bottom of the second division of the Championship without a win to their name and fail to progress in both limited-overs competitions.Barnett has been appointed as director of cricket in a new coaching set-up which leaves the future of John Sadler uncertain. Sadler stepped up as first team coach in June after Graeme Welch resigned from his role after his two-and-a-half years in charge failed to revive the county’s fortunes.Barnett, who will step down immediately from a role as president that he accepted in April, became Derbyshire’s youngest ever captain at 22 and won six Lord’s finals in a 24-year career as well as enjoying brief England recognition. He became known in county circles for strong opinions about how the game should be run and a determination to see those opinions carried out; the largely ceremionial role of president always seemed an unlikely fit.Welch laid much emphasis on developing young players, but Barnett’s appointment seems to have come with a slight shift of approach with the club talking of “targeted recruitment of senior players”.Chris Grant, Derbyshire’s chairman, said that the current coaching structure had been found wanting: “We have been spending over 20% of our overall cricket budget on coaching and this new model will achieve a better balance between our coaching and playing budget.”As well as providing more targeted coaching resources, it will also free up funds from the cricketing budget that can be spent on attracting higher quality players.”We believe Kim is the perfect man to lead this new structure. He has done it all as a player and knows how to win competitions. His experience, knowledge and tactical awareness will be invaluable as we move forward.”Below Barnett, as director of cricket, the club will interview shortly for the positions of 1st XI support coach, Twenty20 specialist coach and development coach. Specialist coaches will also be employed on an occasional basis.Barnett said: “We have some great talent here and some great facilities with a tremendous fitness and medical team supporting the players. However, we have not achieved enough success on the field in recent years. We’re determined to change this.”With a strong captain and players technically sound and tactically clued up, we will be in a great position for next season. If every player at the club proves their worth and takes responsibility for their own performances, the chances of success are greater. Our talented youngsters will come into a dressing room with experienced cricketers that know how to win.”

Leeds United's abhorrent campaign came to a crashing close yesterday, as they could not even fulfil their end of the impossible escape, losing 4-1 to Tottenham Hotspur.

Their defeat, and wins for Leicester City and Everton elsewhere, meant that even a comprehensive victory would have not been enough for Sam Allardyce to keep them in the division, ending the Whites' three-year stay in the Premier League.

For someone who was enlisted to desperately secure safety with four games to go, the experienced manager could not live up to his impressive relegation-avoiding reputation, with his pragmatism backfiring on numerous occasions.

At the start of yesterday's final day, the Whites knew that nothing less than a three-goal win would be enough to potentially avoid the drop. However, the 68-year-old still opted to start conservatively.

His team for the clash consisted of two right-backs and four central defenders, opting to leave more offensive talents like Wilfried Gnonto and Georginio Rutter on the bench. Whilst fans will forever question this move, few would argue that Brenden Aaronson, another such option, had merited a place in the squad, let alone the starting XI.

His cameo against Spurs only served to support this and emphasise the need for him to be ditched in the summer.

How did Brenden Aaronson play vs Tottenham Hotspur?

Signed by Jesse Marsch, handing his old club a mouth-watering £24.7m fee to pry him from Austria, the American was expected to be a key cog in their new-look attacking force.

However, after a first full season at Elland Road, the 22-year-old has scored just once, having also been branded a "lightweight" by pundit Jon Newsome when speaking to BBC Radio Leeds back in February.

Although only handed the final 31 minutes to make an impact yesterday, just 18 touches once again outlined the anonymity that fans had become accustomed to with the diminutive midfielder.

Such a lack of influence was bred through an equal lack of quality, as he would muster just nine completed passes at a 69% success rate. Furthermore, he would not manage a single shot, and his sole cross missed the mark, via Sofascore.

Having been a true pupil of Marsch's, who favoured an all-action high-pressing brand of football, it was unsurprisingly expected that Aaronson might at least boast some hardworking steel that would endear him to fans. However, having also been dribbled past twice and lost 100% of the five duels he competed in, these suspicions were denied in depressing fashion.

He has truly been a woeful signing, and arguably a microcosm of the manager who initially propelled them into the mess that neither Javi Gracia nor Allardyce could pull them out of.

Whether it be through shocking transfers or questionable tactics, Marsch should forever be tainted with the mantle of having relegated this historic club. Aaronson's performances certainly did not aid in avoiding such an eventuality, with yesterday surely marking his final game in a Leeds shirt.

West Indies T20 captain Carlos Brathwaite has pointed out that top-order issues have been the major worry for them in the two matches against Pakistan in Dubai

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Sep-2016West Indies T20 captain Carlos Brathwaite has pointed out that top-order issues have been the major worry for them in the two matches against Pakistan in Dubai. West Indies were reduced to 17 for 4 in the first T20, before being bowled out for 115, and were tottering at 19 for 3 while chasing 161 in the second T20. They lost both matches and now the teams move to Abu Dhabi for the third T20 on Tuesday.”The one glaring thing I can see [that went wrong in the first two matches] is the batting, especially top-order batting,” Brathwaite said on Monday. “We haven’t been making the most of the first six overs with only two fielders out. And then it became harder and harder…in the first game we had five wickets down. And then chasing 160 and [being] only 20-odd after the first six, it’s going to be a lot more difficult especially with such huge boundaries. So our top-order batting and the misuse of the first six overs was our downfall in the first two games.”Their top three batsmen – Johnson Charles, Evin Lewis and Andre Fletcher – fell for low scores, leaving much of the work for the middle and lower order. While openers Charles and Lewis managed scores of 7 and 10, and 1 and 3 respectivly, No. 3 Fletcher scored 2 and 29. Among all batsmen who have batted in the two T20s, only one – Dwayne Bravo – has scored over 30. Brathwaite said it was the collective effort he was concerned about, and not the performance of any single player, when asked about Andre Fletcher’s form.”It’s about each and every person, not only one single one,” Brathwaite said. “As a batting unit we did not come to the party, we didn’t perform as we wanted to do in the two games. We don’t want to single out Fletcher. He has done very very well for the West Indies in the recent past and if you remember he had scored a match-winning 80-odd against Sri Lanka in the [T20] World Cup. So one or two bad games do not make him a bad player. Fletcher knows what he has to do to be better than he has been in the first two days, so has the top order. It’s about them going back to the rooms, recalibrating, finding ways and means to execute different plans.”West Indies’ biggest positive has been their legspinner Samuel Badree, their only bowler to concede at less than seven runs per over in the series so far. Even though West Indies were defending only 115 in the first T20, he opened the bowling and finished with 4-0-27-1, taking the only wicket that fell. In the second T20, Badree was their most economical bowler with figures of 4-0-24-1. He bowled Pakistan opener Sharjeel Khan on both occasions.”Simplicity [is his strong point], he keeps it simple, he knows his strengths,” Brathwaite said about Badree. “I think himself and Imad Wasim are quite similar, as in they are not big turners of the ball and they probably won’t keep you awake at night but when they get into the game and the way they bowl wicket to wicket – you miss I hit – that’s been successful for Badree, the No. 1 bowler in the world and you can see why.”Brathwaite also reflected on his learnings as captain from the second series he has been leading his team in. He took over from Darren Sammy and won his first series as T20 captain when they beat India 1-0 in the two-match series in Florida last month. Brathwaite said he was feeling more confident with his role as captain with more matches under his belt, even though they were trailing 2-0 in the current series.”I have learnt a lot. So I am not really judging myself and thinking because I want to win the series and make the West Indies fans happy,” he said. “If we can help the fans to continue to enjoy T20 cricket then I’d think I have done a good job. Up until now, we haven’t so it’s up to me to motivate the guys for the next game to help put a smile on the fans’ faces.”I don’t know if it’s more comfortable or more familiar but I’m still new into the job, but that’s not an excuse [for losing]. As we go on, I feel a lot more confidence with things. I don’t know for how long I’ll be in the job for but just want us to do a good job and even get better at it.”The visitors had faced extremely hot conditions in Dubai last week and are likely to face more of that in Abu Dhabi with the highest temperature expected to go close to 40 degrees. Brathwaite said they had not adjusted that poorly but stated it was more likely to be a bigger factor during the ODIs and Tests in the coming weeks.”It is what it is. The heat won’t change, probably it will be hotter as we go into the 50-over as we start early and then Test cricket which will see longer days. So I won’t say it’s easy but you know we have to adjust, we haven’t adjusted that poorly. However, we have completed the 20 overs within the time frame and coming off the field don’t think too many guys were panting. So we seemed fit enough to get through 20 overs with good intensity. The heat is a factor but I don’t think it had any bearing on them getting on to 160 and us not restricting them to 140 or 150.”

Chelsea are “considering” a move to sign Brentford goalkeeper David Raya this summer, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

Is David Raya leaving Brentford?

The Spaniard will be out of contract at the end of next season meaning that the upcoming window will be Thomas Frank’s final big opportunity to cash in should he not want to risk losing him for free in 12 months time, and an exit is likely after his boss admitted that he’s worried he’ll lose his number one, not to mention they have just signed his possible replacement in the form of Mark Flekken.

The Bees shot-stopper has been attracting interest from the Blues and Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and it sounds like he’s keen to secure a big-money move elsewhere with his agent, Futbol21Pro’s Jaume Munell, having warned that should their client’s £40m price tag not be lowered, then he will see out his deal and leave for nothing in 2024.

Are Chelsea signing Raya?

Taking to Twitter, Jacobs revealed that Chelsea are weighing up an official approach for Raya, with Todd Boehly and Mauricio Pochettino both on the hunt for a new first-choice goalkeeper. He wrote:

“Thomas Frank has again reiterated that David Raya can leave for £40m. Chelsea and Spurs both considering him. Villa could also look if they lose Emi Martinez. Whether or not Brentford get such a large fee remains to be seen. Suitors feel the price is too high.”

Should Chelsea cash out on Raya?

Chelsea are reportedly open to offers for Edouard Mendy this summer after falling below Kepa Arrizabalaga in the pecking order, and with the owner searching for a fresh long-term first-choice between the sticks, Raya could be the perfect successor having been hailed “exceptional” by journalist Sam Dean.

The World Cup participant kept 12 clean sheets in the top-flight last season which saw him receive three man-of-the-match awards, not to mention that he ranks in the 94th percentile for crosses stopped so isn’t afraid to come out and claim the ball to clear the danger.

The 6 foot 1 colossus, who appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high Transfermarkt valuation, also recorded a total of 154 saves over the course of the campaign which was higher than any other goalkeeper in the division, giving him a success percentage of 77.7%.

Finally, Raya has a strong range of passing having completed 131 of 135 short range passes and 463 of 473 medium range passes, as per FBRef, so he's a very well-rounded shot-stopper and one that could fit perfectly into Pochettino's squad.

Arsenal could finally be set to add another all-important striker to their squad, in the hopes it can take Gabriel Jesus to the next level…

Arsenal transfer news – Antonio Sanabria interest

That's according to Italian outlet La Repubblica, relayed by Area Napoli, who notes the Gunners' interest in Torino marksman Antonio Sanabria.

The 27-year-old has drawn interest from a host of top clubs, but Mikel Arteta will arguably face the most competition with Napoli, who are expected to be in the market for a striker given the widespread interest in their star man, Victor Osimhen.

With a €25m (£22m) price tag expected to be placed upon the Paraguay international's head, this would represent a stellar cut-price option to provide fine competition to their Brazilian number nine.

Would Antonio Sanabria impress at Arsenal?

Having emerged through the infamous La Masia academy of Barcelona, the clinical attacker has enjoyed a fine season in front of goal, scoring 12 times and assisting a further three in the Serie A.

Such was his pedigree, AS Roma legend Francesco Totti had even suggested years ago: "I believe that Tony has a brilliant future. Along with Leandro Paredes, they have something more than others and I am convinced that they can have a bright future"

As a pure number nine boasting quick feet and enough speed to stretch defences, Sanabria offers a fine alternative to Jesus that could spur him on to revolutionise his game.

Despite enjoying a fine debut year in north London, the 26-year-old only managed ten goals and six assists in the league, figures admittedly marred by his long-term injury. However, even when fit his tally sits below his 13.82 expected goals for the season. This is a figure that will need to improve if they are to take that huge step towards Premier League glory.

In signing this alternative, they would not only have someone with experience to fill in should injuries strike again but also provide the necessary competition to improve the former Manchester City man's numbers.

After all, Arteta will be keen to spur his star striker to reach the levels of Erling Haaland, who has notched a record-breaking 52 goals in all competitions so far for his rivals.

With the hulking Norwegian having been backed up by the workmanlike and clinical Julian Alvarez, who too has scored 17 goals in all competitions as a second-string star, it has proven just how important some competent competition can be to reaching these levels.

Sanabria has all the physical assets to mimic Pep Guardiola's Argentinian forward, as a tricky live-wire who is impossible to mark, with a goalscoring level that arguably has outmatched Jesus this year. It could be such a quiet acquisition that ends up being the most important in this window, which promises to be a busy one for Arsenal.

Cricket Scotland announced a near-identical squad from their previous campaign – the ICC World Cricket League Championship against UAE – for the two ODIs against Hong Kong in Edinburgh on September 8 and September 10

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Sep-2016Cricket Scotland announced a near-identical squad from their previous campaign – the ICC World Cricket League Championship against UAE – for the two ODIs against Hong Kong in Edinburgh on September 8 and September 10.Uncapped fast bowler Gavin Main was the only change in the squad, replacing Josh Davey. Main, however, is available for the second ODI only.Scotland coach Grant Bradburn was upbeat about the side’s chances following the 2-0 sweep over UAE at the same venue in August.”Our players will relish the opportunity to play two more ODIs before the summer ends and are eager to finish the home season on a positive note,” he said. “We have seen huge benefits this season from training hard as a wider squad and we now have more players than ever contesting selection in the national team.”Squad: Preston Mommsen (capt), Kyle Coetzer, Matthew Cross (wk), Richie Berrington, Calum MacLeod, Michael Leask, Mark Watt, Alasdair Evans, Safyaan Sharif, Con de Lange, Craig Wallace, Chris Sole, Gavin Main (second ODI only)