Category Uncategorized

Ian Westwood promoted as part of coaching restructure at Edgbaston

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Feb-2025

Mark Robinson has left Warwickshire after four years as head coach•PA Photos/Getty Images

Mark Robinson has left his role as Warwickshire’s first-team coach after the club conducted a restructure of coaching and support staff. He will be replaced in the role by former Warwickshire batter Ian Westwood.Robinson was appointed in early 2021 and went on to lead Warwickshire to the County Championship title in his first season. They finished eighth in 2022, avoiding relegation on the final day, and then seventh last year, winning just once in the Championship. They also lost at the quarter-final stage of the Blast four seasons running.Warwickshire’s chief executive, Stuart Cain, said there had been disappointment at the recent performance of the men’s teams but the club wanted to avoid “a kneejerk response” to last season. Following a high-performance review, a number of changes have been made to the coaching structure, in part to reflect the advent of a professional women’s team and the continued integration of Birmingham Phoenix.Related

Warwickshire appoint Manchester City's James Thomas as performance director

Larsen to step down as Warwickshire performance director

Beau Webster to prepare for WTC final with Warwickshire stint

Hasan Ali agrees Warwickshire return for 2025

Vishwa Fernando signs for Warwickshire on short-term Championship deal

In addition to Westwood overseeing the first team, Tony Frost has been appointed head of cricket operations after the retirement of Keith Cook, while Simon Kerrigan will become 2nd XI coach as well as offering spin bowling support. Stuart Barnes remains as bowling coach, with the club seeking a new batting coach.Laura Macleod will continue as head of high performance for Bears Women, working alongside Ali Maiden, recently appointed head coach of both Bears Women and Birmingham Phoenix.With Warwickshire retaining 51% majority ownership of Phoenix following the ECB’s Hundred equity sale, those teams will also be integrated into the new structure from 2026. Warwickshire are also in the process of appointing a new performance director after the departure of Gavin Larsen before Christmas.”It’s no secret we’ve been disappointed in our men’s performance in recent years,” Cain said. “We also wanted to proactively address the biggest changes the game has seen in a decade with the long-overdue formation of a professional Bears Women’s team and the integration of Birmingham Phoenix into our elite set-up.”It was important not to make a kneejerk response to last season. We allowed time for a thorough analysis of our high performance structure and worked with the club’s cricket audit committee and board to create a new approach that recognises the need for improvement and also addresses the challenges created by moving from managing one professional team to four, playing four different formats of cricket.”Robbo has worked hard for the Bears since joining in 2021 and we shouldn’t underestimate his achievement in winning the County Championship in his first season. He is a quality coach and will be an asset to any club.”However, considering recent performances and feedback from the review, we felt it was time for change. Ian Westwood is a Bear through-and-through. He understands our history, culture, and DNA. He is competitive, structured and a quality leader having previously been club captain and 2nd XI coach. He understands how to win red-ball matches as well as the demands of white ball, having most recently coached at Sharjah Warriors in the ILT20.”The new head of cricket operations role means we have somebody focused on running the machine, making sure everything from hotels and kit through to wickets and the indoor centre are set up to support the players and ensure there are no distractions or frustrations. Frosty will take over from the retiring Keith Cook who has given such incredible service to the club for more than 50 years.”We’re confident this new structure gives us the skills, resources and focus needed for the men’s and women’s teams to put themselves in a position to win domestic tournaments, as well as develop local talent from the many diverse communities that surround Edgbaston.”Robinson, who previously coached England Women and Sussex, pointed to the 2021 Championship success as well as the recent elevation of Jacob Bethell and Dan Mousley to full England duty as highlights during his time in charge.He said: “There are many things we’ve celebrated during my time as a Bear, and things we know could have gone better. Winning the Championship was a huge highlight, as was overseeing our T20 team from one that was struggling to qualify to one that topped the group three years running.”Losing the quarter-final last year hurt badly but I’m sure it won’t be long before the boys take that next step to silverware.”Seeing two Academy boys, Bethell and Mousley, go from regular Bears players to making their England debuts made everyone, myself included, very proud.”Lastly, thank you to the supporters who are the most important part of the club for your support. I know it will only be a matter of time before you get the success you deserve.”Edgbaston hotel plan approvedWarwickshire also confirmed on Thursday that they have received planning permission from Birmingham City Council for a £42 million redevelopment at Edgbaston that will include a new on-site hotel. Work is expected to begin in September and be completed ahead of the 2027 men’s Ashes Test.The proposals will see the existing Raglan and Priory Stands on the northwest side of the ground redesigned to include a 146-bed Radisson Red hotel with rooftop terrace, pitch-view rooms with balconies, and other rooms that can be converted into hospitality boxes during games. The new stand, which will see a slight increase in capacity, will also feature a concourse with enhanced food and drink options, and improved facilities for disabled spectators.Craig Flindall, Edgbaston’s strategy director, said: “We’re grateful to Birmingham City Council for approving the plans and for sharing our vision to bring increased economic and social benefits to the region through international sport.”Cricket will always stay at the heart of our thinking. But it’s important we develop a stadium that operates all year round, supporting new jobs in this part of the city and creates wider community opportunities.”We are creating a mixed-use destination that will combine elite sport, conferencing and events and residential and hotel accommodation with community facilities that will improve education, employment and social cohesion in the area.”

Yash Rathod’s century set Mumbai a target of 406, before Vidarbha ended the day with three key wickets

Shashank Kishore20-Feb-2025Yash Rathod struck a superb 151, his fifth hundred this season, as Vidarbha set Mumbai 406 for a place in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy final. Mumbai will be chasing history – the highest successful chase in the tournament’s history is 378 that Railways achieved against Tripura last season.But that job got that much tougher as they ended the day in Nagpur on 73 for 3, with Ajinkya Rahane, the captain, being dismissed in the last half hour. Shivam Dube, and not Suryakumar Yadav, came out to bat at No. 5 to join first-innings centurion Akash Anand. It wasn’t clear if Suryakumar was suffering from a niggle – he was off the field for the entire duration of Vidarbha’s batting innings.All three wickets fell to the left-arm spinners. Harsh Dubey, the season’s highest wicket-taker who surpassed the 60-wicket mark in the first innings, accounted for Mhatre and Lad, while Parth Rekhade, who triggered a mammoth collapse in the first innings with the wickets of Rahane, Suryakumar and Dube in the space of two overs, dismissed Rahane with one that kept low.But the story of Vidarbha’s day lay in how Rathod ground Mumbai’s bowling to construct his century, first with Akshay Wadkar and then with Rekhade. Rathod and Wadkar lifted a floundering innings from 56 for 4, adding 158 before Wadkar’s dismissal prior to lunch opened up the game again.Having dug in to make a half-century of 200 balls, Wadkar was out bowled off a beauty from Shams Mulani as he played down the wrong line to one that turned away sharply. Dubey and Darshan Nalkande soon fell to the spinners as it became clear the surface was now beginning to open up and aid spinners if they were prepared to bowl into the rough created at both ends.Not until the No. 10 was dismissed that Rathod looked to play a shot in anger – this partly stemmed from the confidence of having someone as accomplished as Rekhade, who was the No. 3 in the first innings, come in at No. 9. Rathod brought up his 150 shortly before being the last man out, by which time their lead crossed 400. Mulani finished with figures of 6 for 85 across 44 overs.Vidarbha quickly turned to their spinners with the new ball and Dubey got it to turn and kick off the rough, even as the odd ball kept low. This played a part in each of the three dismissals. All said, Anand, fresh off a century in the first innings, looked compact and showed a solid defence to finish unbeaten on 27, with Dube on 12 as Mumbai have to do something that has never been done before, on the final day, to try and gun for title No. 43.

Will Nottingham Forest continue to be busy in the transfer market, ahead of their Premier League opener against Brentford on Sunday?

So far, the Garibaldi Reds have signed goalkeeper Angus Gunn, Brazilian duo Igor Jesus and Jair Cunha, both from Botafogo, and, most recently and most excitingly, winger Dan Ndoye from Bologna, costing a reported fee of £34m.

Having finished seventh last season, Nuno Espírito Santo’s side are preparing for a European campaign, the first time Forest have competed on the continent in 30 years, meaning squad depth will be key, so are they set to bolster their midfield options further?

Nottingham Forest targeting midfield reinforcements

Despite making four new additions, the best piece of business Nottingham Forest have done this summer, without question, is keeping hold of Morgan Gibbs-White.

The 25 year old appeared destined to depart when Tottenham triggered his £60m release clause, but Spurs were ultimately left ‘stunned’ when the midfielder signed a new three-year contract instead, news that came completely out of the blue.

This is a serious statement of intent from Forest, able to keep hold of their best player, so will they now bolster their midfield options to help get the best out of Gibbs-White?

Well, amid talk that they are on the verge of signing James McAtee from Manchester City, another top midfielder could be on their way to Nottingham.

According to a report by TEAMtalk, Nottingham Forest are ‘plotting’ a move to sign Yunus Musah from AC Milan, adding that they’re ‘considering making a bid’ for the United States international, valued at around £22m.

The Rossoneri have reappointed Massimiliano Allegri as head coach this summer, following a catastrophic campaign that saw them finish eighth in Serie A, failing to qualify for any European competition.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

During Il Diavolo’s pre-season tour of Asia last month, newly-hired sporting director Igli Tare stated that “I consider Musah an excellent player, but we are looking for profiles with characteristics that fit the [Allegri] project”, which very much sounds like they’re open to a sale.

So, could the 22-year-old soon swap San Siro for the City Ground?

What Nottingham Forest fans should expect from Yunus Musah

Born in New York City, Musah’s family moved to London when he was just nine years old, subsequently spending seven years in Arsenal’s Hale End academy, before moving to Valencia at the age of 16.

After starting out in los Murciélagos’ B team, he made his senior debut a year after arriving, accumulating 108 appearances for los Che.

His performances caught AC Milan’s attention, joining the Italian giants for a reported fee of £17m two summers ago, featuring 80 times across two seasons for the Rossoneri, albeit he only started 19 Serie A matches last time round.

Musah has also won 47 caps for the United States, although his importance has diminished since the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino last year, with Taylor Rockwell of Total Soccer Show noting that he needs to be starting games regularly at club level as a central midfielder if he harbours realistic hopes of being an important figure at the World Cup.

Well, still only 22 years old, Musah certainly could do so at a high level, with Greg O’Keeffe of the Athletic labelling him an “exciting midfield talent”.

Robbie Dunne of Opta’s the Analyst agrees, asserting that he is ‘immensely talented’ and capable of carrying out any instructions, given that he is able to ‘cover lots of ground quickly’, hence why coaches often shunt him out-wide, even though he is best utilised centrally, with ball-carrying his ‘greatest strength’.

Meantime, Mario Husillos Jr. of Total Football Analysis notes that his ‘influence can be seen all across the pitch when deployed in a central role, thereby given license to ‘get close to the defenders to help in the buildup’.

This certainly sounds as though Musah would be the hard-working, hard-running type of defensive midfielder who would be able to get the best out of Gibbs-White, so let’s compare their respective statistics last season.

Appearances

38

40

Minutes

3,142

2,237

Goals

7

Zero

Assists

10

3

All statistics below are on a per-90 basis:

Shots

1.6

1

Chances created

1.6

1.4

Big chances created

0.32

0.17

Shot-creating actions

3.69

2.50

Goal-creating actions

0.61

0.18

Pass completion %

81%

89%

Tackles

1.4

1.6

Ball recoveries

4.1

3.5

Touches

55.5

53.9

The table first and foremost emphasises Musah’s lack of importance at AC Milan, given that he actually made two more appearances than Gibbs-White across all competitions last season, but accumulated almost 1000 fewer minutes.

On top of this, the table outlines why the duo could form an excellent partnership in midfield.

The England international is the creator in chief, hence why his numbers when it comes to goals, assists, shots and chances created are all exponentially higher.

The American, on the other hand, is more secure in possession, completing a higher percentage of his passes, while posting better defensive numbers, most notably in terms of tackles.

At the base of Nottingham Forest’s midfield, there is a spot up for grabs alongside Elliot Anderson, so Musah could be the man for that position, allowing Gibbs-White, deployed as a number ten, to flourish for Nuno’s team.

Nottingham Forest in talks to sign "outstanding" ace; same agent as Awoniyi

This could be a great signing for Nuno Espirito Santo.

1 ByHenry Jackson Aug 9, 2025

كشف ياسر عسكر، المدير الرياضي لشركة Nile، عن تفاصيل حديثه مع ياسر إبراهيم لاعب فريق النادي الأهلي بعد مباراة حرس الحدود في الدوري.

وفاز النادي الأهلي على حرس الحدود، بنتيجة 3-2، ليحقق فوزه الثاني على التوالي في بطولة الدوري المصري ويرتقي إلى المركز الرابع في جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري الممتاز.

وشهدت نهاية المباراة فوز مروان عطية لاعب القلعة الحمراء بجائزة رجل مباراة الأهلي وحرس الحدود بعد انتهاء اللقاء.

طالع|مروان عطية يوجه رسالة لـ ياسر إبراهيم بعد اعتراضه على جائزة رجل مباراة الأهلي وحرس الحدود

وبعد المباراة، تحدث ياسر إبراهيم مع ياسر عسكر عن اختيار رجل المباراة، قائلًا: “بتخاروها على أساس إيه؟”، بعد تتويج مروان عطية بها.

وعلق ياسر عسكر على الأمر في مداخلة لبرنامج ملعب أون، على قناة أون سبورت: “والله في البداية، يمكن أي مباراة نحن نقدّم جائزة أفضل لاعب تقديرًا من الشركة للاعبين المتميزين في كل مباراة، وعلاقتنا بالجميع ممتازة”.

وتابع: “اليوم، وكعادتي، نزلت لأقدّم الجائزة، وكان الكابتن مروان حاضرًا، وكنت أستعد لتسليمها له، لكنني فوجئت بالكابتن ياسر إبراهيم يدفعني، ويضع يده عليّ، ثم قال بانفعال: أنت بتتصرف بناءً على إيه؟! إنتو كذا، وإنتو كذا، كانت لحظة صادمة، ولم أتوقع هذا التصرف إطلاقًا”.

وكشف: “الكابتن ياسر من الشخصيات التي أكنّ لها كل احترام وتقدير، وقد قابلته في مناسبات عديدة من قبل، إلا أنني فوجئت بانفعاله الشديد في تلك اللحظة، كان متعصبًا إلى درجة لم أكن أتوقعها منه، لم أردّ عليه إلا بكلمة واحدة فقط، قلت له بهدوء: “على فكرة، زميلك هو اللي خدها”.

وواصل: “اللاعب بعد المباراة ممكن يكون مشدودا، لكن ما لا يعجبني وضع يده علي، كنت أتمنى يكون في هدوء أكثر من ذلك، المنظومة الرياضية كلّها منظومة محترمة، وإحنا كشركة “نايل” راعي الدوري، نحب دائمًا نطوّر ونقدّم حاجات كويسة للرياضة المصرية”.

وأكمل: “الموقف فردي، لكن بشكل عام، الدوري المصري “دوري نايل” حاجة كبيرة، ونحن موجودين لنساهم في تطويره، ونحب مصرنا تبقى دائمًا كبيرة، أي موقف يحدث يكون مرئيا أمام الجميع، على مستوى العالم كله، وأنا شخصيًا أتأثر، ليس فقط بصفتي “ياسر عسكر” كشخص، أو كممثل لشركة “نايل”، ولكن لأن الصورة التي تظهر تكون أمام الناس جميعا، ولهذا أحرص دائمًا على أن يتم كل شيء في إطار من الاحترام والرقي، لأننا لا نرى بمعزل عن الآخرين”.

واختتم: “نحن موجودون داعمون ومساندون للرياضة المصرية، دورنا في النهاية أننا نسلّم الجائزة فقط، وليس لنا أي علاقة بأبعاد أخرى، وبأمانة، لازم نثمّن المجهود الكبير الذي تقوم به كل المنظومة من خلال رابطة الأندية المصرية، والشركة المتحدة، وحضراتكم في الإعلام، نحن فخورين بوجود إعلام يضاهي الإعلام العربي والعالمي”.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has now demanded the signing of a “world-class” £50m star, and there is confidence that a deal could be done, according to a report.

Man City keen on midfielder with Gundogan's future uncertain

Given his age, Ilkay Gundogan is now likely to be in the twilight years of his career, and having already left Man City once, there are now suggestions the midfielder could be closing in on a move to Galatasaray.

Gundogan seems keen to continue his career with the Turkish champions, and Galatasaray are well-placed to secure his signature, regardless of whether they are able to get a deal for Victor Osimhen over the line.

The German has, of course, been a fantastic servant to City, with Guardiola previously making it clear just how highly he rates the midfielder, describing him as “exceptional”.

However, the City legend was subjected to some criticism at times last season, and given the central midfielder’s age, it could be the right decision to move him on this summer.

Now, Guardiola appears to have set his sights on a potential replacement for Gundogan, with a report from Spain stating the Man City boss has now demanded the signing of Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, having been a long-term admirer.

The City manager has instructed the board to sign Camavinga as soon as possible, having identified him as a priority target, and there is confidence that a deal could be possible, should they submit a significant offer.

Pep's own Mbeumo: Man City accelerating move for £21.5m "monster"

Man City are looking to sign their next new addition in the coming days

1 ByRoss Kilvington Jul 12, 2025

Previous reports have revealed that it could take a bid of around £50m to tempt Madrid into a sale, although the report makes it clear that Xabi Alonso’s side have no plans to cash-in anytime soon.

"World-class" Camavinga could be statement signing for City

After falling way below their usual standards in the 2024-25 season, City are looking to re-establish themselves as the dominant force in the Premier League, and the 22-year-old could help them do exactly that.

Once lauded for his “world-class talent” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, the former Rennes man has since gone on to make 180 appearances for Real Madrid, where he has put in some impressive performances.

Of course, every player in a Guardiola system has to be adept with the ball at their feet, and the Frenchman fits the bill in that regard, placing in the 92nd percentile for his pass completion rate per 90 over the past year, while also impressive from a defensive standpoint.

Statistic

Average per 90

Tackles

3.83 (98th percentile)

Interceptions

1.52 (88th percentile)

Clearances

2.31 (85th percentile)

Camavinga could be a statement signing for Man City this summer, and £50m seems like a reasonable fee, given the central midfielder’s ability, making this one to watch.

Celtic are looking to improve their options in the wide areas during the summer transfer window ahead of the 2025/26 campaign getting underway.

The Hoops are already closing in on their first addition on the flanks, as reporter Anthony Joseph has claimed that the club have agreed a fee of £1.7m to sign FC Nordsjaelland attacker Benjamin Nygren.

The Sweden international, who scored 15 goals in 30 league matches for the Danish club this season, is set to arrive to compete for a place on the right wing, but the club are also looking at a left-sided addition.

Journalist Sacha Tavolieri has claimed that talks are ongoing between Celtic and Michel-Ange Balikwisha over a potential move from Belgian side Royal Antwerp.

The Belgian reporter added that the 24-year-old winger is keen to make the move to Parkhead this summer, but it remains to be seen whether or not terms will be agreed between all parties to make it happen.

Celtic are looking to bring in a new left-winger after Jota suffered a long-term knee injury in the second half of the 2024/25 campaign, and there are reasons for and against a move for Balikwisha.

The Celtic case for Michel-Ange Balikwisha

One of the reasons why Celtic may want to sign the Belgian forward is because he has the potential to deliver quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals at the top end of the pitch.

The right-footed flanker has produced 29 goals and 17 assists in 141 appearances in all competitions for Royal Antwerp to date, which includes four goals and three assists in ten games during the Pro League play-off round this season.

Balikwisha has shown that he has the potential to make a big impact in the final third at a good level in Belgium’s top-flight, which is why Celtic may feel that he could hit the ground running in Scotland.

At the age of 24, the Belgian forward is also at a good age where he still has time to develop and improve, but is not inexperienced, which could make him an ideal signing.

Michel-Ange Balikwisha’s injury history
Season	Injuries	Days missed	Games missed
24/25	3	205	29
23/24	1	49	10
22/23	2	103	14
21/22	2	51	10
Stats via Transfermarkt

As you can see in the table above, though, there are also reasons to be concerned about a potential deal for the winger, as he has missed 63 matches through injury in the last four seasons combined, and this means that the attacker may not be available week-in-week-out.

Balikwisha has also only played more than 17 games in one role, as a left winger, in his career, which does not suggest that he is supremely versatile across the frontline.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Celtic could, however, land an even better winger signing this summer by moving for Blackburn Rovers dynamo Tyrhys Dolan over a swoop for Balikwisha.

Why Celtic should sign Tyrhys Dolan

The Hoops are reportedly in the running to land the 23-year-old attacker on a free transfer, as his contract at Ewood Park is due to expire at the end of this month.

This means that he would be significantly cheaper than Balikwisha, who has a reported price tag of £5m, and that would allow the Scottish Premiership champions to save money to spend in other areas of the pitch.

Not only would Dolan be a cheaper alternative, the English forward would also arrive as a player who is more likely to be a reliable option for Brendan Rodgers from a fitness perspective, as he has not suffered any notable injuries in his career, as per Transfermarkt.

The 23-year-old ace, who has racked up 210 appearances for Blackburn already, is durable and can be relied upon to be available most weeks as Celtic compete across four competitions, as he has been used to 46-game seasons in the Championship.

Dolan, once hailed as “outstanding” by manager John Eustace, also has the positional flexibility to make him a useful option even when Jota is back fit. He has played 25 games or more in four different positions throughout his career, and is capable of playing on the right or left flank, as an attacking midfielder, and as a centre-forward.

This suggests that he is more likely to be a viable option in other positions than Balikwisha, who is predominantly a left-winger, would be, which is another reason why he could be a more valuable signing for Rodgers moving forward.

24/25 Championship	Tyrhys Dolan per 90	Percentile rank vs wingers
Goals	0.17	Top 45%
Shot on target percentage	44%	Top 11%
Non-penalty xG per shot	0.13	Top 22%
Goals per shot	0.12	Top 33%
Goal creating actions	0.48	Top 11%
Defensive actions leading to goal	0.06	Top 2%
Assists	0.17	Top 37%
Stats via FBref

As you can see in the table above, Dolan also caught the eye with his contributions at the top end of the pitch in the second tier of English football, ranking highly in a host of key attacking metrics.

He ended the campaign with a return of seven goals, seven ‘big chances’ created, and six assists, compared to Balikwisha’s haul of four goals, seven ‘big chances’ created, and three assists.

These statistics, with both his goal and assist numbers as well as his underlying data, suggest that the potential is there for the potential free agent signing to deliver quality as a scorer and a creator of goals for Celtic.

Overall, Dolan would be a better signing for the Scottish giants than Balikwisha because he would arrive at Parkehad for less money, offer more reliability with his fitness, offer more versatility with the positions that he can play, and offer a similar threat in front of goal.

Dream Miller alternative: Celtic ramping up move to sign £1.6m star

Celtic are reportedly keen on signing a star who would be a dream alternative to Lennon Miller.

By
Dan Emery

Jun 18, 2025

It is now down to Rodgers to push the board to strike an agreement with Dolan to bring him in on a free transfer instead of pursuing a big-money deal for Balikwisha this summer.

Southern Vipers 146 for 5 (Dean 64) beat Northern Diamonds 145 for 4 (Armitage 69*) by five wicketsCharlie Dean produced a fine smash-and-grab to put Southern Vipers in prime position to qualify for the Charlotte Edwards Cup finals day next week – while ending Northern Diamond’s hopes.Dean strode to the wicket with Vipers struggling on 29 for four, chasing 146 to win, but showcased a masterclass of attacking batting to score 64 off 38 – her Vipers best.Birthday girl Hollie Armitage’s classy 69 had provided the glue for a solid Diamonds total, before the early burst of wickets put the visitors on course for a second win of the competition.But Dean’s Vipers best saw her side over the line to win by five wickets and make it five victories this season for the defending champions.Armitage, on her 27th birthday, underpinned Diamonds’ innings as she scored an unbeaten 69, with help with half-century stands with Sterre Kalis and Bess Heath.Having chosen to bat first, Lauren Winfield-Hill’s opening replacement Emma Marlow was bowled by Lauren Bell in the first over.Armitage and Kalis then set the platform with a mixture of power and cricket-smarts in the first half of the innings – with the duo adding 66 together.Kalis and Erin Burns fell within 13 deliveries of each other as Georgia Adams caught and bowled the former before the latter was stunning caught behind by Rhianna Southby.But it proved a minor blip as Bess Heath showed off her inventive shot-making with a switch-hit and a powerful six over midwicket as she provided the momentum in the 58-run alliance with Armitage.Armitage had never seemed to get out of first gear at any point of her innings and reached her second half-century of the competition in 46 balls.Double-run overs off the final three overs, despite Heath departing, got Diamonds up to around par.Vipers were garnished with eight players who have played for England, plus possibly the best domestic player not to in Georgia Adams, and potential future internationals in Rhianna Southby and Charli Knott.But they struggled in the response.Maia Bouchier was bowled third ball by Rachel Slater before the Scotland international repeated the trick by ripping through Knott. Seamer Slater would end up with two for 23 after bowling her four overs straight through.Australian Erin Burns was also causing Vipers problems with her spin as she cast her spell over Adams and Freya Kemp.Danni Wyatt had been smoothly guiding the chase in her first appearance of the cup but fell for 28 as Armitage’s golden arm struck fourth ball.But Dean put things back on track, with Elwiss playing the support.The Portsmouth-raised star struck nine boundaries, including three in a row off Katherine Fraser in an innings-defining spell, to reach her maiden Charlotte Edwards Cup fifty in 29 balls.It was inevitable that she would take the curtain call by hitting the winning runs with seven balls to spare – as she overtook her previous best of 60 for the region.

Everton continued their fine end-of-season form in the Premier League away at Newcastle United on Saturday with a slim 1-0 victory.

This latest win means David Moyes’ Toffees have now gone the entirety of May without a defeat in the top-flight as a new, exciting dawn looms on the horizon at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Loanee Carlos Alcaraz also saw out his sparkling loan stint on Merseyside by popping up with the winner as a permanent deal between Moyes’ men and the South American presumably waits ready on the table.

Alcaraz's performance in numbers

Based on his standout display at St. James’ Park alone, the entertaining 22-year-old will surely be a permanent member of Moyes’ camp in no time.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The number 24 was constantly trying to catch out an alert Nick Pope with five shots registered on his net in total, but he wouldn’t score a trademark, sublime solo strike.

Rather, the tricky Argentine attacker would expertly head home an inviting Vitaliy Mykolenko cross to break the deadlock.

Away from his header completely wrongfooting the Magpies goalkeeper, Alcaraz would also finish the tight contest with 100% of his passes accurately completed in a bid to try and make the visitors’ lead more convincing, on top of also winning two duels as a livewire presence just behind Beto.

In an ideal world, a deal to keep the ex-Southampton man around for good will be a formality in the coming weeks as next season’s squad begins to take shape.

He isn’t the only figure in Moyes’ XI that caught the eye, however, ahead of an exciting new campaign at Everton’s impressive state-of-the-art home, with the Scotsman perhaps possessing his next Marouane Fellaini now in this versatile presence.

Moyes' brand new Fellaini

The beloved Toffees manager will be hopeful that the glory days of Fellaini could soon return to Merseyside with their notable upturn in form a big positive to take into the following campaign.

When the 33-goal Belgian was regularly scoring goals from the middle of the park – alongside lining up as a makeshift centre-forward – Everton were routinely competing for spots in Europe.

This could well be the aim once more when switching stadiums, with Jake O’Brien potentially the boss’ new iteration of the former Toffees icon heading into a fresh era.

After all, much like Fellaini before him, the number 15 is an imposing yet flexible presence who has an eye for goal, seen in his two efforts this season in league action when slotting into the side as either a right-back or centre-back.

For the trip to the Toon, Moyes would stick with the Irishman as one of his options in the heart of defence. This could well have been a daunting challenge for the Cork-born defender, considering he was tasked with keeping a blistering Alexander Isak quiet. But, he passed the test with flying colours.

O’Brien’s performance in numbers
Stat	O’Brien
Minutes played	90
Goals scored	0
Assists	0
Clean sheets	1
Touches	34
Accurate passes	21/23 (91%)
Accurate long balls	4/6
Clearances	8
Tackles	2
Total duels won	5/7
Stats by Sofascore

Indeed, alongside help from veteran teammate Michael Keane, Isak would be reduced to only registering two on-target efforts at Pickford’s net.

Away from just this individual challenge though and O’Brien stood out as a well-rounded presence at the back for his victorious outfit, with only two of his 23 passes not finding their intended target, alongside showing off his brute strength – much like the 6 foot 4 Belgian used to – when winning a high five duels.

The former Lyon man would subsequently pick up a well-deserved 8/10 post-match rating by Liverpool Echo journalist Chris Beesley, with Beesley stating that the ever-improving 24-year-old ‘kicked and headed everything that came his way’.

Fellaini would only get better located at the Toffees after his debut season, meaning even more could soon come from O’Brien as Moyes looks for improvements out of all his troops next campaign, after thankfully turning around his once downtrodden team’s fortunes.

Talks held: Everton vying to sign "fantastic" Calvert-Lewin upgrade

As Everton prepare to move into their brand-new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, could they sign a “fantastic” striker to replace Dominic Calvert-Lewin?

By
Ben Gray

May 24, 2025

Even if Manchester City do finish inside the top five positions in the Premier League and find themselves victorious in lifting the FA Cup again, this summer looks likely to be one of upheaval at the Etihad.

After all, it’s already been confirmed that Pep Guardiola’s men are waving goodbye to City royalty in Kevin De Bruyne, with the Belgian unlikely to be the only face moved to one side by the serial trophy winners.

Whilst there will be an obvious sadness in the air that notable figures like De Bruyne are departing, an exciting, new horizon on offer will still be met with lively anticipation, with the light blue half of Manchester expected to open its doors to a whole host of fresh signings.

The potential new-look Man City

Guardiola’s flashy spenders did show off their intimidating might in the transfer window just this January when acquiring the services of Omar Marmoush for a hefty £59m.

Now, they could be about to splash even more cash on another equally exhilarating attacker in the form of Florian Wirtz, with the German midfielder rumoured to be leaving Bayer Leverkusen behind for a wild £102m.

Morgan Gibbs-White might also relocate to the Etihad for a whopping £100m, but City could win themselves a potential bargain by signing former Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Francisco Trincao.

A report from Caught Offside has revealed that Guardiola’s men could snap up the 25-year-old for as little as £33m, but Manchester United are also waiting to pounce alongside Arsenal and Newcastle United.

Whilst his prior stint in England was choppy, the Sporting star would surely relish an opportunity to strut his stuff again in the Premier League, with a potential here for Trincao to be the Spaniard’s next version of Leroy Sane patrolling down the City right flank.

How Trincao could be Man City's next Sane

Whilst City fans will likely wax lyrical about the past exploits of Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez when commenting on memorable ex-wingers, Sane doesn’t always find himself in the same glowing conversation.

Indeed, after only bagging five Premier League goals during his debut season, the German would go down as a slow burner to the City masses when finally improving, with an impressive tally of 83 goals and assists eventually coming his way from 135 total contests.

Trincao – much like Sane – has unfortunately been negatively impacted by the bright lights of the English game before.

Indeed, only three goals came his way from 30 appearances at Molineux. However, unlike the Bayern Munich number ten, the Portuguese forward was never given the platform to kick on and rebuild his dented reputation until now.

Since this one season misfire in the West Midlands, the 25-year-old has been able to transform his fortunes on home soil and turn into a menace up top for his current employers, with the Sporting winger left-footed in approach much like his German counterpart, despite being able to line up down both the left and right channels like the 29-year-old.

24/25

51

9

18

23/24

48

10

10

22/23

52

13

4

Looking at the table above, City would be winning themselves a golden bargain snapping up Trincao for just £33m, with a jaw-dropping 18 assists picked up by the former Wolves reject from 51 games this season.

He definitely has the potential, therefore, to reenter the English game and take it by storm as a tricky, left-footed attacker in a similar vein to Sane.

Once lauded as a “special” talent when emerging up the ranks at Braga by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, this move could finally be the opportunity for Trincao to rip up the Premier League, with Sane’s eye for picking up goals and assists aplenty at the peak of his powers seen in the 25-year-old’s unbelievable game in Lisbon.

Their own Bruno Fernandes: Man City readying bid to sign £51m "monster"

As Manchester City seek to rebuild their squad this summer, could they sign their own Bruno Fernandes?

ByBen Gray May 7, 2025

Club’s first List A title since 1994 comes a year on from the death of young spinner, Josh Baker

Vithushan Ehantharajah21-Sep-2025The waiting. The uncertainty. The fear. All of it made Worcestershire’s victory that much sweeter.Faced with a rank forecast above Trent Bridge, neither team knew if matters would be settled on the weekend, never mind Saturday. Worcestershire had restricted Hampshire to 237 for 7, then found out they’d be chasing a re-jigged 251 from 45 overs. That ended up being 188 from 27.The final pursuit began just 21 minutes before the 5:36pm cut-off for the minimum required 20-over chase. Such were the unknowns, even the ECB’s unofficial word on protocol (had the rain returned prior to the 5:15pm start) was refreshingly honest. How much play would spill into Sunday if a shorter second innings had been rubber-stamped the day before? They would broach that when it arrived, which was hopefully never.”At the halfway stage, I quite fancied the longer chase,” Jake Libby, Worcestershire’s captain, said afterwards, and understandably so, having entered this final with 50 overs in mind. Some in the Worcestershire dressing-room were anxious during the hours of hold-up. Ethan Brookes, who all but won the match with 57 off 34, spent most of it asleep.Both Libby and Brookes succumbed to Hampshire’s own unknown. Released from an England squad, having travelled overnight from Ireland, Scotland international Scott Currie dropped into Nottingham for his second Metro Bank appearance this season to take a maiden List A five-wicket haul.Libby’s nick through to Ben Brown swung the game back Hampshire’s way. Brookes’ top-edge, if not the end, was seemingly the start of it, as the first of three to fall to Currie in the innings’ penultimate over.Could Brookes have come in earlier? His penchant for a boundary – he has struck one every 5.25 balls this campaign – looked a necessity. As Libby and Kashif Ali were taking time to erect a platform with their less-than-a-run-a-ball stand of 62, you wondered where the meaningful strikes would come from. Brookes’ arrival, with 93 required from 61 balls, felt overdue.Matthew Waite and Henry Cullen produced the winning flourish for Worcestershire•Getty ImagesHis five fours and four sixes ensured it was just in the nick of time. Moreover, his calculations were spot on. Currie’s hugging of the wide line from the Radcliffe Road End made it “pretty much impossible” for Brookes to access his natural hitting arc to the shorter leg side. So, Brookes remained patient, as much for other bowlers to target as the deliveries they would send his way.”Abbott and Fuller, I think it was?” Brookes asked, mind still mush from the battle. “Uh, I can’t remember, this is all a bit of a blur… but I knew that they were going to go off-pace, because that’s what the wicket suited.” Brookes ensured the last overs of Abbott (25th) and Fuller (22nd) were taken for 15 and 16, respectively.As Libby recalled: “Ethan came out to me and, I remember, the sentence he said to me was: ‘I’m gonna try and do something special here’.” Such was Brookes’ flow state, he was able to buy back a few chances for Worcestershire to use when he had left. He also recouped time to lament his dismissal without missing the final throes, including Matthew Waite’s first-ball six over wide long on. The allrounder eventually finished unbeaten with 16 off five.”I literally took my emotion out in the dressing-room and then was like, right, there’s a game to watch still here,” Brookes said. “We know what we can do at the back end. He (Waite) has played a special knock as well there. People should not forget that.”Don’t worry, they won’t. Not the moment of glory, which took an age for the television umpire to confirm, not that anyone by this point was in a rush. Aside from Henry Cullen, who had gone from fearing his pull shot off Brad Wheal had been caught at backward square leg, to being adamant he had found the winning strike, based on Abbott’s subdued reaction having butted the boundary sponge.Libby did not celebrate to begin with. Stoic throughout this campaign, Worcestershire’s 50-over skipper ceded that his exact thoughts at the time remain hazy. The product, perhaps, of “a few elbows to the head” in the ensuing limbs.Josh Baker died in May last year at the age of 20•Stu Forster/Getty ImagesNot since 1994 have Worcestershire experienced List A glory, back when it was a 60-over competition. Their previous silverware, 2018’s Vitality Blast, was achieved with an entirely different XI. The only potential survivor, Brett D’Oliveira, rolled his ankle on Thursday in the dregs of a County Championship match against Durham that confirmed the club’s relegation back to Division Two.D’Oliveira had been Worcestershire’s leading run-scorer in the Metro Bank. He is also a totem of an organisation admired across the country for its family feel. A compliment, even as the English game careers towards a less emotive state.Brett and his lineage – from his trailblazing grandfather Basil, to his much-loved father, Damian, whose loss in 2014 was an emotional body blow – embody the soul of New Road. As such, there was no better person to be holding Josh Baker’s shirt as the trophy was lifted than Brett, having laid down his crutches.Baker’s death in May of last year at the age of 20 rocked the club. Hampshire captain Nick Gubbins highlighted how much of that tragedy reverberated beyond New Road. “Some things are bigger than cricket,” Gubbins said. “If there’s one team I would be happy to lose to, or as happy as you can be, it would be Worcestershire.”The logo of the JB33 foundation, set up in Baker’s honour by his parents, Lisa and Paul, adorns Worcestershire’s playing shirts. They carry him forward on both sides of their chest. On Saturday night, a squad, a supporter base and a family used the stage of a final to honour him.”This means a lot to a lot of people at the club,” Libby said. “Players, coaches, supporters, families, friends… and of course, Josh Baker, who we’ve worn proudly on the front of our shirts this season. And he is still very much in our thoughts.”Ironically, it was Libby who kept his teammates waiting at the end, as they lined up behind the trophy, waiting for their leader to finish a long post-match debrief on Sky. There was more waiting as the players queued to embrace Baker’s parents as their own, pushed to the front of the stand teeming with Worcestershire support.”It was very difficult,” said Brookes. “[It’s] heartbreaking what’s happened and… to share a really special memory with his parents in honour of Josh. It’s… yeah, it will definitely be a highlight of my career.”Related

• Quick Kashif Ali half-century helps Worcestershire to home semi-final

• Scott Currie relishing 'dirty work' as Hampshire target more Blast success

• Worcestershire relegation confirmed despite tons for Gareth Roderick, Ethan Brookes

• Brookes stars in thrilling chase as Worcestershire seal One-Day Cup glory

If there was one regret, it was that Worcestershire’s club journalist, John Curtis, was not there to witness the scenes. Curtis, who passed in April, was a beloved figure in the New Road press box, and every other he walked into. And these were not so much the days that made his job worthwhile – he truly loved them all – but what he wished for a team and group of players he never tired of championing. An avid chronicler of the county, this latest entry into their history books will carry his honour, too.Even without this victory, Worcestershire were the standout 50-over side of the 2025 season. Consistency of selection despite the Hundred – only Adam Hose graced that tournament for Trent Rockets before his horrific leg injury – saw them lose just once. For all the feeling associated with this success, it is no less than their cricket has deserved.It is also important to state that Saturday was third on Hampshire’s list of priorities, even if this is now a second defeat at this stage in the last three seasons, in a competition that has proved an effective schooling for their prodigious young talents. Having also lost in the Vitality Blast final last weekend, they now head into the final round of the County Championship fighting for their own Division One survival.Therein lies modern county cricket in a nutshell. Constantly vying with itself for relevance – be it status or simply a reason to be. Even a club of Hampshire’s stature, and all their freshly enhanced financial might, are not immune from that struggle.But on Saturday, in a competition that time is starting to forget, amid great uncertainty around the future relevance of the English county game, Worcestershire and all whom they hold dear were able to rise above it all for their own, deserved moment.