O Botafogo anunciou a demissão do técnico Tiago Nunes. O treinador, que dirigiu o Glorioso por apenas três meses, foi desligado do cargo após reunião realizada na manhã desta quinta-feira (22), que contou com a presença das principais lideranças do Glorioso.
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As negociações para repor o antigo comandante estão sendo lideradas por John Textor, presidente do clube, em conjunto com o departamento de futebol.
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Fábio Mathias, auxiliar-técnico permanente do Botafogo, assume de forma interina o comando técnico da equipe e comandará o Glorioso no duelo contra o Audax Rio, no Nilton Santos, pelo estadual.
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Ao todo, Tiago Nunes comandou o Botafogo em 15 oportunidades, No período, acumulou quatro vitórias, sete empates e quatro derrotas, com 42,2% de aproveitamento.
CONFIRA A NOTA OFICIAL DO BOTAFOGO
“O Botafogo informa que Tiago Nunes não é mais o técnico da equipe profissional. Em reunião das lideranças da Clube na manhã desta quinta-feira (22), foi decidido o término do vínculo com o treinador. John Textor e o Departamento de Futebol estão no mercado em busca de um novo comandante para liderar a equipe nos desafios da temporada.
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O Botafogo agradece Tiago Nunes e sua comissão técnica pelos serviços prestados e deseja sucesso nos próximos desafios. Apesar da dedicação e trabalho realizado no dia a dia, os resultados apresentados não foram esperados.
O auxiliar-técnico permanente do Botafogo, Fabio Mathias, assume interinamente e inicia as suas atividades no posto no treino desta sexta-feira. Mathias estará na beira do campo na partida contra o Audax Rio, no Nilton Santos, válida pela 10ª rodada do Campeonato Carioca.”
West Ham are looking at signing Fulham winger Adama Traoré in the January transfer window, but they’ve now been told to avoid a deal by someone who’s worked with the player.
Nuno Espírito Santo knows Traore very well from their time together at Molineux, and it was at Wolves where the 29-year-old made a serious name for himself.
Traore was near-unplayable in the 2019/2020 season especially, finishing the Premier League campaign as their best performer statistically, all whilst completing a truly incredible five successful dribbles on average per game (WhoScored).
By comparison, the best dribblers in the Premier League right now are far short of that number, with both ex-West Ham winger Mohammed Kudus and Man City’s Jeremy Doku averaging 3.4 and 3.1 take ons per 90 respectively.
Sunderland 3-0 West Ham
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Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham
West Ham 0-3 Tottenham
West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace
Everton 1-1 West Ham
Arsenal 2-0 West Ham
West Ham 0-2 Brentford
Leeds 2-1 West Ham
West Ham 3-1 Newcastle
West Ham 3-2 Burnley
Jurgen Klopp famously branded Traore’s speed as being ‘undefendable’ at times, but that being said, the 19/20 campaign was now over half a decade ago.
Since Nuno’s departure from Wolves, Traore hasn’t managed to re-live those heights on a consistent enough basis, even despite flashes of brilliance at Fulham last term. Traore finished 24/25 with two goals and nine assists in all competitions, making 41 appearances in total, but only managed a modest 1.3 successful take-ons per 90 in the Premier League.
Despite the forward’s best days appearing behind him, the obvious link to Nuno has prompted multiple reports that West Ham are keen on a winter move for Traore, who could also be available for a cut-price fee given his contract expires in 2026.
Following these claims, ex-Everton and Aston Villa CEO Keith Wyness has explained exactly why West Ham need to swerve a deal for Traore this January.
West Ham told exactly why they need to swerve Adama Traore deal in January
Speaking to Football Insider, after having sold the player at Villa, Wyness explains that Traore’s lack of end product really doesn’t serve West Ham in the slightest — urging David Sullivan not to do a deal for the ex-Barcelona man out of respect for the fans.
The winger would attract mixed reviews if he did move to the London Stadium in two months, but if anyone can get the best out of him, it is definitely Nuno.
West Ham’s manager is believed to be personally keen on a reunion with Traore, and given how Nuno has finally managed to steady the ship with back-to-back victories, it is imperative that the club show faith by backing him with desired signings mid-season.
As well as Traore, West Ham want a new defender, midfielder and striker, with AC Milan’s Santiago Gimenez and Al-Ahli’s Ivan Toney rumoured to be on their agenda.
Tottenham are emerging as prime contenders to sign an Inter Milan star Yann Bisseck after West Ham saw a bid rejected for the player last summer, according to a new report.
Spurs boss Thomas Frank is now just under two months away from his January at the club, and the winter is also set to mark Fabio Paratici and Johan Lange’s first transfer window as co-sporting directors.
Paratici assisted Lange, Frank, CEO Vinai Venkatesham and ex-chair Daniel Levy during the summer window in an advisory capacity, and worked regularly as an outside consultant for the club since he was forced to resign from his post as managing director in 2023.
The Italian was repeatedly linked with a return to N17 once his worldwide FIFA ban came to an end this year, but Levy’s departure briefly threatened Paratici’s Tottenham comeback given the chiefs were close allies during their time together at Spurs.
1. Cristian Romero
£42.5m
2. Dejan Kulusevski
£25.5m
3. Rodrigo Bentancur
£21.5m
4. Pedro Porro
£40m
5. Djed Spence
£20m
However, Venkatesham and co elected to re-hire Paratici after all, with the 53-year-old set to partner Lange as the Lilywhites officials take on very different sporting director roles.
While Lange will mainly oversee the talent spotting, scouting, academy and data-driven recruitment side of things, Paratici is tasked as Spurs’ dealmaker to get high-profile signings over the line — using his renowned negotiating skills and extensive contact list (Sky Sports).
It’s poised to be a very intriguing January with this restructured leadership model, and reports suggest that Paratici is already “working behind the scenes” on a few key Tottenham targets like Brentford star Kevin Schade.
It is also believed by some media sources that Spurs are keen to bring in a new centre-back at the turn of the year, having reportedly considered late summer moves for the likes of Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji.
Radu Dragusin could be back in action after the November international break as he nears the end of his recovery from an ACL injury, with the Romanian unable to feature since their Europa League clash against Elfsborg last January.
Kevin Danso has impressed as a reliable deputy for Cristian Romero when needed as well, but it will be a while before Dragusin is a reliable option once again and a serious injury to star man Micky van de Ven would spell disaster.
As such, it is little surprise that the north Londoners are considering their long-term options at centre-half, and Inter’s Bisseck is apparently an option for them.
Yann Bisseck increasingly keen to join Tottenham after rejected West Ham bid
The one-cap Germany international, who has been in and out of Cristian Chivu’s starting elevens so far this season, was subject to a rejected bid from West Ham in the summer window, but a Premier League move could still be on the cards for him.
Inter Milan's Yann Bisseck
That is according to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, who report that Bisseck and his camp are growing intrigued by the prospect of joining Tottenham, with Inter pondering the defender’s sale as they look to raise transfer funds.
The towering 6 foot 4 centre-half was a regular under Simone Inzaghi last term, making 46 appearances in all competitions — even chipping in going forward with three goals and three assists.
Bisseck has a desire to test himself in England, but he’ll have to settle for playing second fiddle to the likes of Romero and van de Ven, who are currently one of the best centre-back partnerships in England.
The former Aarhus sensation has been called a “diamond” by members of the Italian press, with reports in the summer even claiming that the Nerazzurri wanted as much as £44 million to consider a sale.
Even with Tottenham’s £100 million of new injected capital via the Lewis family, which could be reinvested into the club’s recruitment strategy, it is very debatable whether Spurs would be willing to cough up such a fee on a back-up defender.
Price will be a major factor here, with the player’s willingness apparently there.
Gus Atkinson has found himself in the middle of a country versus county wrangle, the upshot of which will involve him playing for Surrey’s second XI rather than their first team, after he was omitted from England’s side to face India in the fourth Test at Emirates Old Trafford.Atkinson has not played competitive cricket since May, when he injured his hamstring during England’s one-off Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge. Although he has since been deemed fit enough to return to the squad from the third Test onwards, even playing for his club side Spencer CC during the Saturday of the Lord’s Test, he has yet to feature.On Monday afternoon, the 27-year-old was put through his paces by men’s physical preparation coach Peter Sim and bowling consultant Tim Southee. However, with England 2-1 up in the series, the management have decided not to pick Atkinson for the Manchester Test, which begins on Wednesday.The soft outfield, coupled with the need to supplement the likes of Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse and skipper Ben Stokes with a team-mate who can guarantee a certain number of overs, has meant that Atkinson will not be risked. Chris Woakes, who pulled up well a week on from the final day at Lord’s, has kept his place despite a current series haul of seven wickets at 56.42.Related
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In the circumstances, England were keen for Atkinson to head north to Scarborough for Surrey’s County Championship match against Yorkshire. However, the county have opted not to include Atkinson into their XI. Instead, he will return to London to play for Surrey’s second XI in a four-day match against Somerset at the club’s LSE Ground in New Malden.Surrey’s reasons for not selecting Atkinson are the same as England’s, given he has not played a red-ball match in two months, and they may need to lean heavily on their bowlers given the Kookaburra ball will be in use for this round. They also have the depth not to need to risk Atkinson for this crucial fixture, with the defending champions currently leading Division One by just a point from Nottinghamshire.Jamie Overton, part of the squad for the first three Tests, will play his first Championship match since May. He will line up alongside stalwarts Jordan Clark and Dan Worrall, as well as Matthew Fisher, who has excelled with the Kookaburra, taking 10 wickets in the last two fixtures.Atkinson is currently on a two-year central contract, which means the ECB rather than Surrey pay his wages. Though England would obviously prefer Atkinson to play for the first XI, it is accepted that they cannot force counties’ hands when it comes to selection.Another of England’s omitted seamers, Josh Tongue – who played in the first two Tests at Headingley and Edgbaston – will feature for Nottinghamshire on days three and four of their Championship clash against Hampshire at the Utilita Bowl.
The U.S. opened a three-match international break with a frustrating defeat with few positives after the game's first 33 seconds
If the first 33 seconds were anything to go by, the U.S. women's national team were set to cruise. They'd gotten on the board in the blink of an eye, with Rose Lavelle seemingly setting a tone with a first-minute goal. Surely that would be a sign of things to come. Surely, like Spain and England earlier this year, the USWNT would use that goal to kickstart a rout of Portugal.
Not quite. In fact, not even close. Instead, it was the USWNT who found themselves on the end of a stunning 2-1 defeat at Subaru Park, one that served as a harsh reminder that, despite recent successes, this team still has a lot of work to do.
Not only had the USWNT never lost to Portugal – they had won 10 of 11 all-time meetings, with the two teams playing to a scoreless draw in the group stage of the 2023 World Cup – they had never even conceded a goal. After Lavelle's goal, the US held a 40-0 goalscoring advantage over Portugal all-time.
But that changed quickly. After Lavelle quick opening goal, the USWNT were outmuscled and, in truth, outplayed by Portugal. The two goals came off set pieces, one in the first half from Diana Gomes and a deflected effort from Fatima Pinto in the 72nd minute to seal it.
Boiling it down to just that would be unfair to Portugal, though. The visitors played toe-to-toe with the USWNT, having their share of the ball and fighting like hell to get it back every time they lost it. Portugal's performance was scrappy, yes, but it was also somewhat complete, unlike the one put forward by the USWNT, who generated little of note outside of the goal and a few near-misses.
With the 2-1 loss, the USWNT has now dropped three matches in a calendar year for the first time since 2022 – and this was much different than previous 2-1 setbacks against Japan and Brazil, as Portugal entered the match ranked 23rd in FIFA's world rankings. The USWNT is ranked No. 2.
Fortunately for the USWNT, they'll get their chance to respond in just a few days as these two teams face off in East Hartford, Connecticut on Sunday. This was the first game for Emma Hayes' side in 113 days, having last played in a 3-0 win over Canada on July 2. The rust was obvious, but Sam Coffey gave that justification no legitimacy, calling it a "cop out." She noted that Hayes called out the lack of team cohesiveness.
"Disappointment is the word," Coffey told TNT after the match. "Conceding on two set pieces? We pride ourselves on defensive set pieces and we did not live up to that standard tonight. Her biggest message was that we were just too individual. We didn’t play as the incredible team that we are tonight. We tried to do it as individuals, and that’s not who we are. The strength of the team is its numbers, the group itself. We did not show that tonight. That’s a huge learning for us."
Hayes was equally frustrated, saying of the 113-day layoff, "I aged 113 years on the touchline. Like, it was frustrating, of course. Listen, our team have been wonderful since I've been here. This, for me, is a moment for us to really lean in and say, ‘Look, there's a reason we set you up a certain way. And, you know, sometimes it doesn't happen.' And I'm frustrated because I know everybody wants to do well and we're disappointed… We scored a goal and we stopped playing."
If the U.S. wants to change the result, and the narrative, they'll need much better on Sunday.
GOAL rates the USWNT's players from Subaru Park.
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Goalkeeper & Defense
Phallon Tullis-Joyce (7/10):
Kick-started the early goal by playing the ball upfield. Great kick save in the first half, and not much she could do on either goal.
Emily Fox (6/10):
Felt like a bit of a risk starting her given her recent injury issues, but she seemed fine. Some scary moments, though, due to Portugal's physicality.
Tara McKeown (4/10):
A little bit too shaky in the moments in which Portugal challenged her. Will need to clean those up if she wants to challenge for a starting role.
Emily Sonnett (4/10):
Couldn't get there to prevent the first goal and it seemed that it was her mark that scored. Was fine outside of the set pieces, but centerbacks are always frustrated to concede on corners.
Avery Patterson (6/10):
Showed off some of the attacking juice that makes her such an interesting addition to this team. Struggled at times with the physicality but fought back more as the game went on, creating a few chances.
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Midfield
Sam Coffey (5/10):
Depending on Hayes' set-piece tactics, may have been partially responsible for the first goal. Did plenty of the defensive duties, though, with the two more offensive-minded midfielders next to her.
Lindsey Heaps (5/10):
Had some good moments and some frustrating ones, particularly out of possession. Not wildly effective, though, as she usually is.
Rose Lavelle (7/10):
Was such a nice finish that the assistant referee didn't even realize to call it back for offside. Credit to Lavelle, though, despite the positioning as, even outside of the goal, she was an attacking menace all game.
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Attack
Alyssa Thompson (5/10):
Pace made her dangerous, but the decision-making could use some work. It was easy to see the problems she created, but she needs to make more of it.
Catarina Macario (7/10):
Got the assist and was very shifty on the ball throughout. Probably deserved a goal and might have had one if not for a tight offside call midway through the second half.
Michelle Cooper (5/10):
Took an absolute beating in the first half, but soldiered through, making it to the second half despite nearly coming off early on.
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Subs & Manager
Claire Hutton (7/10):
A good appearance from the young midfielder, as that unit looked much more lively after the young subs came on.
Lily Yohannes (6/10):
Didn't have any signature passes, but the game probably could have used her a bit earlier given Portugal's possession numbers.
Emma Sears (6/10):
Definitely brought some life to the team, creating some danger down the wing shortly after coming on.
Yazmeen Ryan (5/10):
Came in as the No. 9 and definitely had energy, but there wasn't much service.
Jaedyn Shaw (N/A):
Would have been nice to see her in the game earlier with a chance to make an impact.
Emma Hayes (6/10):
It easy to understand the desire to see the team play through tough stretches, but it seemed clear that this game needed subs earlier. At this point in the cycle, though, all good to see if her put the team to the test. It's just that you lose sometimes when that happens.
Newcastle United are looking to mount a challenge for the upper echelons of the Premier League and could turn to a talented striker to help their case.
Newcastle set to open talks over Bruno Guimaraes extension
While bringing in new players is ultra important for Eddie Howe, retaining key assets is also something the former Bournemouth boss will be keen to perform to guarantee his side put their best foot forward in the top-flight.
With that in mind, journalist Pete O’Rourke told Football Insider that the Brazil international will hold discussions with the club about putting pen to paper on an extension.
He stated: “As I said, Guimaraes seems like he’s happy at Newcastle. We know that Newcastle are very happy with him. I would imagine there’ll be discussions potentially to be held over a new contract to see if they can keep him on Tyneside as well, but a lot will depend on how Newcastle are doing and performing.
“If they’re competing in the Champions League, I don’t see any reason why Guimaraes would push for a move away.”
Forming his supply line, Nick Woltemade is still settling in to life on Tyneside and Yoane Wissa has been ruled out through injury, leaving Howe short of options in the final third and reliant on William Osula as an alternative.
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Alexander Isak’s departure has left a hole to fill through the middle, and supporters wouldn’t be too surprised to see another option added to the pack if Wissa continues to struggle with his fitness after signing from Brentford.
Ultimately, there is a long season to come, and the Magpies need to go with what they’ve got for now, but they are already reportedly making plans to enact a January transfer splash.
Newcastle eyeing Cruziero striker Kaio Jorge
According to Gavea News via NUFC Blog, Newcastle are plotting a move for Cruziero forward Kaio Jorge, and they could look to submit a £35 million offer for the Brazil international, even though he is said to be happy in his homeland for the time being.
West Ham United are also in the race for his signature after a return of 20 goals and six assists in 35 matches across all competitions for the former Juventus hitman.
Despite his time in Italy not going to plan, Jorge is pushing to be selected within Brazil’s World Cup squad and could be an ideal option to add firepower after the Geordies’ struggles to score regularly across the early portion of this term.
Eintracht Frankfurt saw a £30 million move for Newcastle striker Osula fall through during the summer, hinting that he may be a desirable asset to sell if he can continue producing, as it feels unlikely Howe would run with four strikers if he were to make a move for Jorge.
Either way, the Magpies retain a squad packed full of talent, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see PIF try and add to that in the near future should circumstances align.
Fifties for Robson and Holden but Middlesex fall away from strong position to post 260
ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay04-Apr-2025
Tom Aspinwall finished with a four-wicket haul•Getty Images
Lancashire 68 for 0 trail Middlesex 260 (Robson 70, Holden 69, Aspinwall 4-32) by 192 runsRookie seamers Tom Aspinwall and Ollie Sutton launched Lancashire’s bid for an immediate return to the top flight in positive fashion by bowling out Middlesex for 260 on the opening day at Lord’s.Relegated to Division Two of the Rothesay County Championship last season, the Red Rose began the campaign without injured ex-England veteran James Anderson and West Indies paceman Anderson Phillip, unavailable due to a visa issue. But 21-year-old Aspinwall, with figures of 4 for 32, and left-armer Sutton, who took 2 for 57 on his first-class debut, swung the game in their side’s favour after a century stand between Sam Robson and Max Holden had given Middlesex a strong platform.Having reached 215 for 3 in front of an impressive Lord’s crowd of 4257, the home side stumbled – losing their last seven wickets for 45 runs – and Lancashire’s openers shaved 68 off the deficit before the close.The visitors opted to bowl after winning the toss and gained some early swing and bounce, with Tom Bailey beating the outside edge several times before breaking through in the fifth over. Nathan Fernandes, restored to an opener’s role at Middlesex following Mark Stoneman’s departure, contributed just a single before he was tempted to nibble at a Bailey delivery that slanted across him.But, having seen off the new ball, Robson began to play with greater freedom and rattled off a spate of boundaries, steering Sutton to the midwicket fence to bring up his half-century from 60 balls.Holden played his part as Middlesex cruised along at around four-and-a-half an over, but the left-hander was given a life on 28 when he hooked Sutton to long leg, only for the ball to slip through Luke Wells’ fingers and over the rope. However, with Lancashire’s seamers toiling fruitlessly, Wells redeemed himself by coming on for an over of legbreaks just before lunch to pin Robson lbw on the back foot with his fifth ball.Holden posted his half-century in the first over after the resumption, squirting Wells to third man for three and looked a good bet to convert that 50 into three figures until he fell to a smart take by Matty Hurst. Standing up to the stumps, the young wicketkeeper – who had earlier spilled a similar chance to remove Leus du Plooy off Will Williams – snapped up Holden off the same bowler and claimed his third dismissal when Ryan Higgins nudged George Balderson behind.That triggered a middle-order collapse, with four more wickets falling in the space of just 21 deliveries – two apiece to Sutton and Aspinwall. Debutant Ben Geddes became Sutton’s maiden first-class victim when he miscued a pull to midwicket and Jack Davies was lbw shuffling across his stumps before du Plooy, having spent more than two hours over a watchful 41, was on the sharp end of a similar decision in Aspinwall’s favour.By contrast, Toby Roland-Jones’ dismissal was palpable as Aspinwall brought the ball a long way back down the slope to take his leg stump, mopping up the innings after tea with the wickets of Zafar Gohar and Henry Brookes.Lancashire skipper Keaton Jennings batted sensibly alongside new opening partner Michael Jones, capitalising on loose deliveries as they chipped away at the home side’s total. However, there were close calls for both openers before stumps, with Jennings’ inside edge off Blake Cullen rebounding off his pad but somehow avoiding the wicket and Jones almost playing on to Brookes.
Dois jogadores emprestados pelo Santos podem ter saídas confirmadas em breve. Trata-se de Rwan e Gabriel Pirani, que estão cedidos a Vasco e Fluminense até o fim do ano, respectivamente.
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O atacante vascaíno recebeu oferta do Ludogorets, da Bulgária, segundo apuração da reportagem do Lance! com pessoas ligadas ao Cruzmaltino. O clube carioca não fez esforços para segurá-lo e liberou o atleta para a negociação.
A tendência é que o Peixe também não coloque barreiras para as tratativas evoluírem, pois o time da Vila Belmiro pretende fazer uma ‘limpa’ no elenco. A intenção é aliviar a folha salarial e arrecadar mais dinheiro para investir em contratações.
A informação sobre a proposta a Rwan foi publicada inicialmente pelo portal “Atenção, Vascaínos”.
Outra saída próxima de ser oficializada é a de Pirani. O Fluminense informou em nota durante a tarde deste sábado (15) que foi notificado sobre o interesse de um clube dos Estados Unidos pelo jogador. O Tricolor das Laranjeiras, então, não exerceu a opção de compra e liberou o meia.
A equipe com negociações avançadas pela compra de Gabriel Pirani, que manifestou desejo de atuar no time estrangeiro, é o DC United, da MLS. O Fluminense ainda receberá uma quantia pela venda do Alvinegro Praiano devido ao percentual de ‘vitrine’.
Em contato com fontes santistas, o L! foi informado que as tratativas pelos Meninos da Vila estão em andamento, mas que ainda não foram 100% concretizadas.
UM RENDEU. JÁ O OUTRO…
Aos 21 anos, Pirani chegou por empréstimo ao Fluminense com contrato até o fim de 2023. Na equipe de Fernando Diniz, o camisa 20 vinha sendo peça importante e realizou 24 partidas, tendo marcado dois gols: contra o Flamengo, na final da Taça Guanabara, e diante do Bahia, pelo Brasileirão.
Enquanto isso, Rwan, de 22 anos, não teve sequência no Vasco e disputou apenas dois jogos pelo clube, pelo Brasileirão. No início do ano, ele atuou sete vezes pelo Paulistão, ainda com a camisa do Santos.
Ipswich Town’s deal for a young Premier League talent has been completed, but manager Kieran McKenna’s plan for the player does not involve first-team minutes this season.
McKenna trying to remain positive after draw
It hasn’t been an ideal return to the Championship for the Tractor Boys, with Saturday’s 2-2 draw at home to Derby County leaving them 20th in the league table.
Despite this, McKenna till tried to find positives after the game, saying he could see signs of improvement compared to the opening weeks of the campaign.
“We’ve been through a lot today and the supporters have been through a lot. There was a really good performance out there. You can see the growth in the team. You can see the direction of travel. You can see players coming in now having a big impact and the potential for us to really push on.
Ipswich Town managerKieranMcKenna
“But you can also see the challenges of the division and how hard people are going to make it for us. How we’re probably not up to full speed yet to do it for 90 minutes. How we probably don’t have the full consistency and the confidence in the group to really stay strong in that moment when it went against us with the first goal and we really did lose our way.”
Some late-summer business for Ipswich could help aid their quest to return to the Premier League at the first attempt, but while they are set to seal an exciting new arrival, this one will not boost their promotion hopes this term.
McKenna's plan for Luca Fletcher revealed
As first reported by Fabrizio Romano on X, Ipswich have agreed a deal to sign Manchester City attacker Luca Fletcher on loan for the rest of the season, with an obligation to snap him up permanently. However, Ben Jacobs has since revealed McKenna plans to use him in the youth team only this campaign.
Fletcher is admittedly a young player who is still raw, but he could prove to be such an exciting addition for Ipswich, initially shining in the youth team before making the grade at senior level. The 18-year-old striker bagged 20 goal contributions in just 46 appearances for City’s Under-18s, highlighting his prolific end product, and he is also a 12-cap England Under-17 international.
Bringing in talented homegrown youngsters is always something that should be encouraged at Ipswich, and with Fletcher’s path to the first team likely to be blocked at City, given their elite attacking talent, this could be a perfect move for him.
Sri Lanka seamer was leading wicket-taker on recent tour of England
ESPNcricinfo staff20-Dec-2024
Asitha Fernando took 17 wickets on Sri Lanka’s recent tour of England•Getty Images
Glamorgan have signed Sri Lanka fast bowler Asitha Fernando for the first two months of the season. He is expected to be available for seven County Championship fixtures up until the end of May.Asitha, 27, has taken 72 wickets 26.66 in Tests and impressed on Sri Lanka’s tour of England earlier this year, when he finished as the leading wicket-taker on either side as well as winning a spot on the Lord’s honours board for his first-innings five-for.He has played county cricket previously for Nottinghamshire, and will become the first Sri Lankan to represent Glamorgan.”I would like to thank Glamorgan Cricket so much for this opportunity,” Fernando said. “I am extremely thrilled to be a part of Glamorgan and to return to the county cricket scene this year.Related
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“My last stint helped me to improve my game a lot. I am looking forward to playing with Mason [Crane], Colin [Ingram] and all of the Glamorgan team, and am hoping to do my very best during the upcoming season.”Glamorgan’s director of cricket, Mark Wallace, said: “We’re delighted to be able to welcome a bowler of Asitha’s quality to Sophia Gardens for the start of the 2025 season.”Asitha has good experience of conditions in the UK having played county cricket previously and also while performing very well in Sri Lanka’s series with England here last summer. We look forward to Asitha taking the field for Glamorgan as the first Sri Lankan player to represent the club.”