Gary Neville has urged Manchester United not to appoint England manager Gareth Southgate as a possible successor to under-fire Erik ten Hag.
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نفى ممدوح عباس، رئيس نادي الزمالك الأسبق، بشكل قاطع أي صلاحيات له في إدارة شؤون القلعة البيضاء، خاصة فيما يتعلق بالتعاقدات أو التجديدات أو الإعارات؛ وذلك في ظل تكهنات واسعة حول دوره الحالي في المفاوضات الجارية مع بعض اللاعبين.
وجاء هذا النفي ليوضح بشكل حازم أن كل القرارات المتعلقة بالفريق الأول لكرة القدم باتت من صلاحيات مجلس الإدارة برئاسة حسين لبيب، مؤكداً على عدم وجود أي تفويض له من قبل المجلس لاتخاذ أي قرارات نيابة عنهم.
وكتب ممدوح عباس عبر حسابه بمنصة “أكس”: “أنا لست مفوضاً نيابة عن إدارة نادي الزمالك في تعاقداته أو تجديدها، أو الإعارة أو الشراء أو البيع”.
وأضاف: “كل هذا مسؤولية مجلس تم انتخابه يوم 21 أكتوبر 2023 وشكرًا”.
طالع أيضًا | جوميز: ما فعله لاعبو الزمالك بعد الفوز على الأهلي يدل على العقلية الضعيفة.. وهكذا تصرفت معهم
ويأتي هذا التصريح في سياق رغبة عباس في توضيح دوره الحالي في النادي، خاصة بعد تداول أنباء حول قيامه ببعض المفاوضات مع لاعبين لحساب الزمالك، وهو ما أثار تساؤلات حول مدى صلاحياته في اتخاذ مثل هذه القرارات.
كما يسعى عباس من خلال هذا النفي إلى حصر المسؤولية الكاملة عن القرارات المتعلقة بالفريق الأول في يد مجلس الإدارة الحالي، وتجنب أي لغط أو إرباك قد ينتج عن تداخل الأدوار.
Aston Villa have suffered a setback regarding the fitness of one of their best youth talents, who is facing at least two months out of action, according to a reliable journalist.
The Midlands outfit have made an impressive start to the new campaign having won eight, drawn one and lost just three of their opening 12 games, meaning that they find themselves fifth in the Premier League table heading into the international break.
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Victories |
Draws |
Defeats |
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Everton (4-0) |
Wolverhampton Wanderers (1-1) |
Newcastle United (5-1) |
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Burnley (3-1) |
Liverpool (3-0) |
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Crystal Palace (3-1) |
Nottingham Forest (2-0) |
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Chelsea (1-0) |
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Brighton and Hove Albion (6-1) |
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West Ham United (4-1) |
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Luton Town (3-1) |
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Fulham (3-1) |
Given the positive form and run of results since the beginning of the term, Unai Emery’s side will be confident that they are able to achieve big things in the near future, but things aren’t going as well for the U21s squad following a fresh update. Omari Kellyman has been a regular feature of the club’s academy and has even made two senior appearances since putting pen to paper from Derby in March 2022 (Transfermarkt – Kellyman statistics), but he recently sustained an unfortunate injury.
During last Tuesday’s EFL Trophy 3-2 defeat to Crawley Town at The People's Pension Stadium, England’s youth international was forced off the pitch after 39 minutes and was replaced by Benjamin Tomaso Broggio, and whilst the extent of the attacking midfielder’s issue was unknown at the time, bad news has now come to light.
Taking to X, The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell confirmed that Kellyman is set for a spell on the sidelines, with Aston Villa’s 18-year-old not expected to return until the new year: “Omari Kellyman is out for 8-10 weeks with a hamstring injury after coming off in AVFC's U21s game against Crawley Town last week.”
Whilst Aston Villa are yet to fully integrate Kellyman into their first-team fold, he’s more than shown what he’s capable of at youth level since the start of his career, therefore, the fact that he won’t be available for selection again anytime soon will come as a huge blow.
Sponsored by Adidas, the left-footed ace has posted 19 contributions (11 goals and eight assists) in 44 outings since first bursting onto the scene, highlighting how prolific he can be in the final third when it comes to finding the back of the net.
Furthermore, Emery’s £800-per-week earner (Aston Villa salaries), is a versatile operator having previously been deployed in six different positions over the pitch already in his young career, including three roles in the centre of the park and the same amount across the frontline.
Kellyman has been described as a “real talent” by journalist Alan Nixon, so the sooner that he returns to action the better, because he deserves to be given a chance under Emery, who will no doubt have been keeping a very close eye on his progress.
Three seasons after his first go at captaincy in the BBL, Chris Lynn takes up the mantle again
ESPNcricinfo staff10-Dec-2018Three seasons after his first go at captaincy in the Big Bash League, Chris Lynn will take up the mantle again. His team, the Brisbane Heat, made the announcement on Monday, ahead of their season opener against the defending champions Adelaide Strikers on December 19, and the opening batsman welcomed the extra responsibility on his big-hitting shoulders.Lynn had led the Heat in the 2015-16 edition of the Big Bash when he finished Player of the Tournament but the team ended up bottom of the table. He had also been at the helm of Queensland’s campaign in the JLT one-day cup earlier this season, when they made it to the semi-finals.”I really enjoyed the experience I had as Heat captain previously and likewise with Queensland. Leadership is something I have enjoyed since I was a young bloke starting out and I’m confident I am ready to handle it in the BBL.”We have got a settled squad with talent to burn and I can’t wait to get into the season and have a go.”Lynn is the top run-getter for the Heat with a tally of 1560 and the only man with more than 100 sixes in the BBL. The 28-year old is also highly sought-after in T20 teams around the world having most recently played for Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, Lahore Qalandars in the PSL and Trinbago Knight Riders in the CPL.”Having Lynny as captain is right on the money,” Brendon McCullum, who led the Heat in 2017, said. “He’s a senior player with lots of expertise and has been part of winning teams and successful clubs all over the world.”I have enjoyed being able to tap into his thinking when I was captain and I know he is more than ready as skipper to enable us to play exciting, fearless cricket again this summer.”Head coach Daniel Vettori said the appointment had been in the works for a while. “The timeline is pretty much as we mapped out when we all came together a few years back to do some planning around succession and future recruiting.”The Heat will play an intra-squad game on Wednesday in the Gold Coast as practice leading up to the new season of the BBL, which starts on December 19.
Rules introduced last year will allow Pakistan to look into the option of calling up a substitute wicketkeeper in case captain Sarfraz Ahmed is unable to take the gloves on the second day of the second Test against Australia in Abu Dhabi.Sarfraz was hit on his left forearm by a Mitchell Starc short ball when he was on 90, in the 70th over of Pakistan’s innings. After getting some treatment, he batted on for a couple of overs before holing out off Marnus Labuschange for 94.He then kept wicket for the seven overs Australia batted, not looking comfortable, but still taking an excellent, diving leg-side catch to dismiss Usman Khawaja.When he turned up at the end of the day to speak to media, it was with an icepack strapped to his left forearm.”The arm is not moving properly,” he said. “It’s a bruise, but I think it will have swelling later. I think Mickey [Arthur] was talking to the umpires about a reserve wicketkeeper tomorrow. That time when I was hit, I felt pain, but I hung on because I was approaching my century.”I think had it been more forceful, then I would not have been able to bat properly after that, but I hope that with icing, it will get better.”The MCC, guardians of the Laws of Cricket, last year introduced a rule confirming that substitute fielders will be allowed to keep wicket should the original wicketkeeper suffer an injury during play. The umpires have to okay the change, and it is understood that match officials will allow another wicketkeeper should Sarfraz not be able to come out.That will be Mohammad Rizwan, who was part of the original 18-man Pakistan squad for this Test series. Rizwan was released before the second Test and allowed to join the Pakistan ‘A’ side, also in the UAE, to take on New Zealand ‘A’. That, however, is believed to not be an issue in allowing Rizwan to take over.In the ICC’s Test match playing conditions, clause 1.2.1 states that each captain can nominate up to six substitute fielders on the team sheet handed to the match referee before the toss.Whether or not Rizwan’s name was on that team sheet – as he had been released – is a point made moot by clause 1.2.2, which says: “Only those nominated as substitute fielders shall be entitled to act as substitute fielders during the match, unless the ICC Match Referee, in exceptional circumstances, allows subsequent additions.”Pakistan are fortunate in having Rizwan, who has played one Test, available in the first place. The usual practice, under Sarfraz’s captaincy, has been to not pick a back-up wicketkeeper in their squads. But a lack of form and concern over Sarfraz’s excessive workload meant Rizwan was selected.In the event that Sarfraz doesn’t show up, Asad Shafiq will lead Pakistan on the field.
Former president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) Luis Rubiales is reportedly seeking Dominican citizenship, where he is now based.
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Is there a point to hyping up an India-Pakistan contest again after the damp squib on Wednesday? After all, the last four games between these sides have turned out to be an eight-wicket win, a 180-run win, a 124-run win and a 76-run win. The build-up to all of those would have been frenzied, only for one-sided affairs to end up making a mockery of the publicity that preceded them.It seems prudent, therefore, to approach this game with a pinch of caution. With the group-stage game between these two sides truly living up to its billing as a dead rubber, there is no reason to presume this one will turn out to be the thriller fans of this iconic rivalry fantasise about each time these two countries do battle.India look like the settled behemoth they usually are in limited-overs cricket, and, with one game, the dark memories of the Champions Trophy final have receded firmly into distant history. Wednesday’s game was the affirmation they needed to be convinced they had finally turned the tables on a rivalry Pakistan have dominated for much of these countries’ histories. The Oval in 2017, they may now feel confident, was truly an aberration, and Dubai last week a regression to the mean. The new status-quo.They are the only unbeaten side this tournament, with the stiffest challenge they faced so far against Hong Kong in a game where they rested several key players. When they fielded full-strength teams, Pakistan and Bangladesh were comfortably outgunned. At the same venue, three days later, there shouldn’t be any reason to presume Pakistan will be a more challenging prospect.Except, if that’s the way they approach the game, they may just be playing into Pakistan’s hands. At their best just when everyone writes them off, this could be the moment for Pakistan to spring a surprise, just as they did two weeks after a group stage drubbing at the Champions Trophy last year. Mickey Arthur and his men will try to airbrush Wednesday’s game out of their mind and continue to reinforce the one at The Oval instead, reminding them what they’re capable of. Pakistan are recovering from a draining contest against Afghanistan, both mentally and physically, that they barely deserved to win. It was a shoddy performance, both in the field and with the bat, and despite all the unpredictability that surrounds this enigmatic team, there is one certainty: if they play like that against India, they will lose, and lose heavily.The biggest point of intrigue surrounds the Pakistan line-up. The one they fielded against Afghanistan was chock-a-block with spinners, both full and part-time, as Pakistan desperately tried to compensate for Shadab Khan’s absence and a botched squad selection that saw far too many pacers and not nearly as many slow bowlers included for the pitches the UAE offers. Against India, they are likely to keep to that strategy, although it is worth noting India play spin – even world-class spin – better than any side in the world. The sight of Haris Sohail, Shoaib Malik or Fakhar Zaman turning their arms over is unlikely to leave them quaking in their boots.
India WWWLL (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Pakistan WLWWWHasan Ali gestures towards Shikhar Dhawan during the chase•Associated Press
Jasprit Bumrah’s figures of 2 for 23 against Pakistan were stellar enough, but they still didn’t quite do him justice. He took the wickets of lower-order batsman Faheem Ashraf and No. 11 Usman Khan, but had just as important a role to play in the fall of the two openers with the new ball. The wickets – and the Player-of-the-Match award – might have gone to his seam partner Bhuvneshwar Kumar, but Bumrah helped build the pressure from the other end by refusing to provide any opportunity to either batsmen to free their arms.The maiden he bowled to Fakhar must have played a part in the usually clear-headed Imam charging Bhuvneshwar first ball of the next over, giving up his wicket in the process. The next over Bumrah bowled was another maiden, this time to Babar. And what did Fakhar do first ball of the following over? Play a false shot and give his wicket away. If cricket did assists, Bumrah would have had two. Expect him to do the same on Sunday. This time, he may get wickets of his own, too.Far too often in the past, Pakistan have crumbled with the bat against India, especially if a good start is not to be had. At a time when there is little substance coming from the middle order, Babar Azam’s importance to Pakistan’s cause cannot be overstated. He was the one to rebuild both against India and Afghanistan, and it was his dismissal that swung the game decisively back in India’s favour after he and Malik had begun to put on a partnership; Pakistan slumped from 85 for 2 to 121 for 7 after that. If Pakistan bat first, they don’t just require a solid 40 or 50 from their young talisman. He has a penchant for scoring regular hundreds, and he could hardly bring one up at a more opportune time. If he digs in, we could have the classic previous India-Pakistan matches have fallen well short of.
India stay in Dubai and fatigue should not be an issue. They have added another spinner in Ravindra Jadeja since the Pakistan game, and are likely to unleash all three on Sunday. It would be surprising if they didn’t field an unchanged side, given a win assures qualification. That would mean they can rotate players for the final game.India (possible): 1 Shikhar Dhawan, 2 Rohit Sharma (capt), 3 Ambati Rayudu, 4 MS Dhoni (wk), 5 Dinesh Karthik, 6 Kedhar Jadhav, 7 Ravindra Jadeja, 8 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 9 Kuldeep Yadav, 10 Yuzvendra Chahal, 11 Jasprit BumrahShadab, Pakistan’s only spinner in the same league as any of the three India will field on Sunday, is fit, which makes a huge difference to Pakistan’s chances. He should be a shoo-in, with Mohammad Amir likely to continue to warm the bench. Shaheen Afridi was unfortunate but still impressed against Afghanistan, and may keep his place, in which case Haris Sohail would be the likeliest to make way.Pakistan (possible): 1 Fakhar Zaman, 2 Imam-ul-Haq, 3 Babar Azam, 4 Shoaib Malik, 5 Sarfraz Ahmed (capt & wk), 6 Asif Ali, 7 Shadab Khan/Haris Sohail, 8 Mohammad Nawaz, 9 Shaheen Afridi, 10 Hasan Ali, 11 Usman Khan
A fresh pitch will be used for this game, with the curator promising greater pace and bounce than has been evident in the tournament so far. That will be welcome news to Pakistan, who draw their bowling strength from their battery of pacers. The heat continues to be the enduring issue, and both sides will be eager to put the other in the field under the blazing sun. Pitches are slow, and swing is in short supply, so expect plenty of overs to be bowled by the spinners.
Tottenham Hotspur are thought to be eyeing an ambitious swoop for three players as they look to lay look to go from strength to strength under Ange Postecoglou.
Latest Tottenham news…
Spurs are still yet to lose a Premier League match in their opening eight fixtures, recording six victories and two draws in total under the tutelage of boss Ange Postecoglou this term.
Luton were the latest victim to come unstuck against Tottenham on Saturday despite the fact the visitors played out the entirety of the second half with ten men, with Yves Bissouma judged to have committed an act of simulation in the dying embers in the first half and subsequently receiving a second yellow card.
Nevertheless, Football Insider claim that both Spurs and West Ham United could be dealt a blow in their pursuit of Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, who could open talks over a new contract at Stamford Bridge despite being a target for both sides in the summer transfer window.
Gallagher is set to be out of contract at the Blues in 2025; however, Tottenham may now need to turn their attention elsewhere after the England international's resurgence under former Lilywhites' boss Mauricio Pochettino. Meanwhile, recent reports from Turkey suggest that Tottenham sent scouts to Old Trafford to watch Galatasaray ace Kerem Akturkoglu alongside his teammates Victor Nelsson and Sacha Boey.
Experienced Tottenham defender Ivan Perisic is believed to have come to an agreement with former club Hadjuk Split regarding a return to his homeland in January. Perisic is currently out with a serious ACL injury and isn't expected to take to the field for his current employers again and could potentially move on in the January transfer window.
Latest Tottenham transfer news: Mikel Merino, Victor Osimhen and Edmond Tapsoba
Reports in Spain shared a Tottenham transfer update, saying the club are keen to bring in Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino and could look to utilise his quality and vision in the engine room alongside James Maddison and Bissouma, possibly next summer.
Meanwhile, Napoli striker Victor Osimhen and Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba have also been referenced as two other players who could join the ranks; however, the outlet claim that they could cost over €170 million (£147 million), so this could exceed the £150 million mark if Merino's potential fee is also brought into consideration.
Out of the three mooted signings, Osimhen is the one who probably catches the eye the most, which is hard to argue with given his 64 goals and 15 assists in 110 appearances for Napoli across all competitions.
Real Sociedad midfielder Merino has claimed an average match rating of 7.12/10 in 2023/24 for his exploits on the pitch for club and country, demonstrating his capacity to be a reliable and consistent performer in the middle of the park, as per WhoScored.
In La Liga, the 27-year-old has also recovered around 6.5 balls per game for Real Sociedad, evidencing his ability to engage efficiently with the dirty work in midfield when required, as per Sofascore, so it could be an exciting 12 months in the transfer window.
Wolverhampton Wanderers are back in action this afternoon, as the Old Gold travel to Kenilworth Road to face Luton Town in their sixth fixture of the 2023/24 Premier League season.
In their previous game, Gary O’Neil’s side lost 3-1 to Liverpool in what was an impressive first-half display before the Reds hit top form and the hosts' hard work was undone.
With just one win on the board so far for the Midlands club, it’s imperative that they take their chances against Luton, who are the only team remaining in the league without a single point.
The Hatters have had a tough start to life in the top flight, form that Wolves must exploit in order to begin to work their way up the table after an equally as disappointing start.
Speaking ahead of the game, O’Neil revealed that he expects Rayan Ait-Nouri to feature against Luton, despite leaving the pitch during the Liverpool defeat limping.
The Algerian had an impressive game against the Merseyside outfit, and could be a useful player for Wolves to have fit against today's opponents due to his devastating link-up play with Pedro Neto.
Playing 90 minutes against Jurgen Klopp’s side, the 23-year-old continued his impressive form this season with an assist, earning himself a 7.4 Sofascore ranking, higher than anyone else in his team on the day.
The Portuguese ace continually threatened Liverpool’s defence with his searing pace and ball-carrying skills, as highlighted by him completing four out of six of his dribble attempts in the game.
While Neto could hurt Luton from the wide areas, he wasn’t the only player that stood out for the Old Gold against the Merseysiders, with one player showing he has all the tools to leave Rob Edwards’ side with another upset to swallow.
After signing for Wolves on deadline day from Strasbourg for £12.8m, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde was handed his Premier League debut against the Reds at his new home last weekend.
Lauded as being “incredibly direct and uncomplicated” when in possession by The Athletic’s Thom Harris, the 25-year-old maintained an 85% passing accuracy rate in central attacking midfield against Liverpool’s high-profile personnel.
As per Sofascore, the £35k-per-week Frenchman recorded one key pass and attempted five dribbles in the middle of the park, showing energy and skill that could damage this afternoon’s opposition if he’s given the room to roam.
Prior to his move to the Midlands, Bellegarde was in fine form for Strasbourg, having claimed two goals and two assists in just three appearances in the 2023/24 Ligue 1 season.
His numbers in his homeland reinforce just how dangerous he can be in the final third, supported by his general gameplay against Jurgen Klopp's men on his first appearance, having done "very well" on the day – according to his manager.
After a difficult start to this season, this afternoon could be the perfect opportunity for O’Neil’s side to build some form, against a Luton squad that looks far from being at the level required to compete in the top-flight.
With Neto and Bellegard in tow, Wolves' hopes of victory are only set to be bolstered even further…
Fulham didn't have the easiest of summer transfer windows, having lost Aleksandar Mitrovic late on to Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal, and eventually winning their battle to keep hold of Joao Palhinha after his move to Bayern Munich reportedly collapsed.
On the pitch, meanwhile, they haven't been at their best, winning just once in their opening four games, and conceding 10 goals in the process. Marco Silva will hope that the Cottagers settle down after the international break, and pick up a comfortable victory up against Luton Town.
Now that the transfer window is shut, they can at least focus on results, and ensuring that key players put pen to paper on new deals. And that's exactly what one particular player would be willing to do, despite being linked with a move away in the summer transfer window.
Those around Craven Cottage would have breathed a sigh of relief when the news of Palhinha's stay filtered around the club. The midfielder will be a Fulham player until January at the very least, when they will likely have a battle on their hands once more.
Another midfielder who was linked with a move away in the summer was Harrison Reed. According to Football Insider, Wolverhampton Wanderers submitted a £3m bid for Reed late on in the window, only to see that offer turned down.
Now, as per Pete O'Rourke of Football Insider, Reed would be 'happy to extend' his Fulham contract 'if a suitable offer arrives'. As things stand, of course, the former Southampton midfielder's contract comes to an end next summer, meaning that he'll be free to negotiate an exit ahead of next season from January.
With Palhinha's future uncertain, the last thing that Fulham need is another midfielder bidding farewell, arguably making a new contract for Reed imperative in the coming months.
So far this season, whilst he is yet to reach the heights of last season, much like the rest of his Fulham teammates, Reed has still impressed at times, as the stats show.
According to FBref, the midfielder has made 1.67 progressive passes per 90, as well as maintaining a pass completion rate of 85.7% in four games played so far this season. He has also won one tackle per game so far, in what has been a season of showing glimpses as things are going.
With plenty of the season left to come, however, both Reed and Fulham have plenty of time to get up to speed, possibly returning to last season's form in the process.
Silva is certainly a fan of his player, too, saying via The Athletic, after Reed scored against Swansea City a couple of years ago:
“I congratulated him straight away, because he had a very good game. I think it was his first 90 minutes this season. I congratulated him on the way he played 90 minutes.
"He’s playing in a different position and he is adapting really well. I know he can be very good in the No 6 position, but he can play a little bit higher up the pitch with his mobility as well.”