All posts by h716a5.icu

Sri Lanka’s new chairman of selectors believes that experience will be thekey to success in the 2003 World Cup in South Africa, suggesting an imminentshift away from the youth focused selection policy pursued in recent years

Rex Clementine28-May-2002Sri Lanka’s new chairman of selectors believes that experience will be thekey to success in the 2003 World Cup in South Africa, suggesting an imminentshift away from the youth focused selection policy pursued in recent years.The new policy follows the resignation of former Sri Lanka captain MichaelTissera as chairman after a disagreement with the Sports Minister, just daysbefore Sri Lanka’s first Test against England, which was quickly followed bythe resignation of two other selectors, Don Anarusiri and MaheshGoonatilleke.The Sports Minister Johnston Fernando accepted the three membersresignations and appointed Guy De Alwis as head of a new three-mancommittee. He is joined by Sinhalese Sports Club ground manager, televisioncommentator and former Sri Lanka cricketer Ranil Abeynaike and RogerWijesuriya, the only member to remain from the previous panel.De Alwis’s comments suggest that veterans Aravinda de Silva, 36, and HashanTillakaratne, 34, could force their way back into the one-day squad, ascould discarded all-rounder Chandika Hathurusingha, 33, who has been inoutstanding form in domestic cricket in recent times.”Today the game has become so competitive,” says de Alwis, “and I wonderwhether the youngsters at times can cope up with the pressure ofinternational cricket. I personally don’t think going for youth is the keyto success in the World Cup. Experience will be vital.”As has been the case with previous committees, World Cup success is theoverriding priority of the new committee: “Our main target is to win theWorld Cup in South Africa. We want to have a balanced side. We will talk tothe captain and the coach and will work out these matters.”De Alwis, a former wicket-keeper batsman who represented Sri Lanka in the1980s, reveals that he is looking forward to speaking to the experiencedcricketers who have been overlooked in recent past.He also sounded a warning to the players, demanding a consistently highlevel of performance: “Players must realise that they have to performconstantly at the top level. My committee is not keen on past merits andrecords. We will look at the performance.”If that means that hard decisions have to be made then so be it: “Some willbe definitely unhappy with us, but I have been called to do a job that Iwill do even if the stakes are high.”He is not yet ready to unveil the extent of the proposed changes: “I can’tbe specific at the moment as it would not be fair to discuss these withoutspeaking first to the captain and the team management.”

Sheffield United and Slavisa Jokanovic should not be in a rush to raid Fulham for players this summer, says former Blades striker Brian Deane.

Jokanovic was, of course, recently appointed as United manager and there is now some talk that he could turn to his old side Fulham for signings.

According to TEAMtalk, midfielder Tom Cairney is a target for the Serbian as he eyes a reunion at Bramall Lane.

Following their own relegation to the Championship, though, Deane is not too convinced by the idea of a shopping spree at Craven Cottage.

“People always suspect that if somebody’s been at a club, they’re going to go instantly for those players,” the ex-United forward exclusively told FFC.

“But you’ve got to remember Fulham have been relegated as well and there might be some of their players who are more suited to the Championship. So I wouldn’t be in a rush to go to Fulham for ex-players. He’s got to assess the squad first.”

Indeed, having been a Championship side only as far back as the 2019/20 season, the core of Fulham’s squad is made up of players who have a lot of experience in the second division and may be more suited to it.

Furthermore, the west London club may not be keen to sell too many of their assets, especially to a potential promotion rival like United. And, as Deane also mentioned, it is probably worth Jokanovic having a proper look at his squad first before forking out on new additions.

Jesse Lingard started on fire during his loan spell at West Ham and that is the problem the Hammers will have this summer as several clubs will be looking at him, with finance expert Kieran Maguire believing that Manchester United will want as much cash upfront as possible.

David Moyes took a chance on Lingard who had failed to start a Premier League game during the first half of the season, but they failed to insert an option or obligation to buy which will allow other clubs to take an avid interest in the England international this summer.

The possibility of Lingard returning to Old Trafford to fight for his place can also not be ruled out, however if he is to leave this summer he reportedly has more than just West Ham as potential suitors with the likes of Arsenal and PSG holding an interest in the 28-year-old.

West Ham will be confident that they will have the edge over other potential destinations as Lingard knows the squad, manager and area, but it will be down to who stumps up the most cash. That’s according to Maguire of the Price of Football, who spoke exclusively to Transfer Tavern:

“If you’ve got three clubs each of whom are willing to pay £40-50 million for Jesse Lingard, then from Manchester United’s point of view they will be trying to get the best deal for themselves, which is a deal front-loaded in terms of cash.

“He’s already got a good working relationship with David Moyes and he’s proven himself to the fans and the rest of the squad. So I think it’s been beneficial for Manchester United and I think they’ll be able to command a higher price, and that will be the bigger issue for West Ham.”

With West Ham able to offer European football and guarantee to start almost every game, Lingard could be swayed to stay in London with the Hammers, however, it is more down to the fact if West Ham can afford whatever Man United ask for.

If they failed to bring him back this summer it would put Moyes at a huge disadvantage as he would first need to replace Lingard before even trying to improve his squad as losing out on the 28-year old would put them behind where they actually finished this season.

Gates open 8.30 a.m

Somerset CCC Media Release20-Jun-2002Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy Quarter FinalSomerset v Worcestershireat The County Ground, Taunton17 July 2002
(reserve day 18 july)Gates open 8.30 a.m.
Play starts 10.45 a.m.Ticket prices for the above match are as follows:Adult £15.00Junior (under 16) £10.00Tickets will be available to Somerset County Cricket Club Members on a first come first served basis until Friday 5 July and thereafter available to the general public. TWO PER MEMBER.All postal applications made by Members must be accompanied by the appropriate slip in the membership book and a SAE.All postal applications made by non-members must be accompanied by a SAE.Telephone orders with a credit card will have a handling charge of £1.50 per application added. For telephone orders please call 01823 272946.

Gloucestershire is playing host to Lashings on Sunday 11 August and is trying out the new 20 over games format

Gloucestershire CCC Media Release24-Jul-2002Gloucestershire is playing host to Lashings on Sunday 11 August and is trying out the new 20 over games format. There will be two 20 overs matches with the first game starting at 12 Noon. Coloured clothing will be worn and a white ball used.Representing the Lashings XI will be
Richie Richardson – captain, Jimmy Adams, Stuart Williams, Junior Murray. Sherwin Campbell, Shoaib Akhtar, Grant Flower, Stewart Carlisle and Chris Harris

Leeds United have confirmed that Tyler Roberts has signed a new three-year contract to stay at Elland Road.

What’s the story?

The Wales international, who was named as a member of his country’s EUROs squad, played 28 times for Marcelo Bielsa’s side in all competitions last season, including featuring in the final 16 Premier League games.

And, speaking after confirmation of his new contract, Roberts himself said: “To be rewarded and go into the future with this club is definitely a proud moment for me and a great feeling.

“It was great to be a part of it, playing in the big games and battling with the best, was a great experience. I want to get more goals and become an even more important part of the team. I’m excited to see the fans back in the stadium next season, I’ll be working hard to make sure I’m at my best and to show them even more than I have.”

Bielsa will be buzzing

While Roberts hardly set the world alight at Elland Road last season – he managed just one goal and provided two assists – there’s no questioning that the Welshman became someone who Bielsa came to rely upon, particularly in the latter stages of the campaign.

From mid-February to early May, the 22-year-old started 12 consecutive games in the Premier League, and Bielsa himself was very open in his praise of the forward.

He said: “He has played many games in a row and has shown he has the resources to justify his starting position in the team. He has virtues that are very difficult to find in football at the moment. He has all the resources necessary to unbalance offensively and still has a lot to grow to make these attempts useful and efficient.”

The hope will be that now that he has signed a new long-term contract and his future at Elland Road is all settled, Roberts will be able to kick on and really realise his full potential next season.

But having made him an integral part of his first-team squad, Bielsa will be absolutely buzzing to see the Welshman commit his future to the club.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/leeds-united-marcelo-bielsa-transfer-gossip-rumours-news-elland-road-rodrigo-de-paul” title=”Read the latest Leeds transfer rumours and news!”]

This news emerging from Thorp Arch is very exciting for Bielsa.

Meanwhile, Marcelo Bielsa must unleash this starlet next season…

Speaking to Football Insider, Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has been left baffled by an alleged transfer development at Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lowdown: Spurs on the keeper hunt?

Tottenham have been linked with moves for new goalkeepers recently amid question marks surrounding the future of current number one Hugo Lloris.

The France international has just one year remaining on his current deal in north London with there still being no sign of a new contract offer.

According to reports, Spurs have been weighing up the likes of Sam Johnstone and Nick Pope as possible transfer options over recent months.

The Latest: Robinson baffled by Spurs developement…

Speaking to Football Insider, Robinson has been left baffled by the development that Spurs are now targeting Sheffield United shot stopper Aaron Ramsdale.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/spurs-latest-updates-2/” title=”Spurs latest updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Indeed, as reported by the Daily Mail, Spurs are now eyeing a swoop for the 23-year-old alongside the likes of Wolves.

“I am hugely surprised to hear him linked with Spurs because he is not good enough,” he explained to FI.

“He got relegated with Bournemouth and he got relegated with Sheffield United and a while a lot of goals were not directly his fault, he could have effected them in some way. I don’t think he is at the level that others are.

“He has been pulled into the England squad now because Dean Henderson has had a hip injury. I think he’s very fortunate to be in the squad.

“If Spurs were looking to replace Hugo Lloris then Nick Pope and Sam Johnstone should be top of the list.”

The Verdict: Not worth the gamble…

Robinson makes a fair argument and we are in full agreement with him on this one, especially when it comes to Ramsdale’s reported price tag.

The Englishman finished last campaign in fine form despite Sheffield United’s relegation from the Premier League, with former interim boss Paul Heckingbottom calling him ‘excellent’ for his performances (Yorkshire Post).

Meanwhile, English top flight legend Alan Shearer lauded him as a ‘fearless’ young player (Premier League YouTube channel), but these plaudits do little to mitigate his sky high valuation.

Bramall Lane officials estimate he could cost up to £40 million this summer (The Star) and Spurs have much bigger priorities like the search for a star centre-half.

In other news: ‘Tottenham are now planning’…Fabrizio Romano shares big transfer development coming out of N17, find out more here.

After the demoralising Test defeat at Lord’s, I expected India tocome out fighting at Trent Bridge

Erapalli Prasanna13-Aug-2002After the demoralising Test defeat at Lord’s, I expected India tocome out fighting at Trent Bridge. Regaining lost pride issomething that Sourav Ganguly must have deeply desired. Butdespite rain washing out almost a day’s play, India almost contrivedto lose the match.
© CricInfoGanguly’s decision to bat first in conditions favouring swingbowling showed the amount of trust he has in the inexperiencedIndian seam attack.Matthew Hoggard relishes bowling in such circumstances and he was soon making the Indian batsmen dance to his tunes. The prodigious movement that heextracted from the pitch and those wonderful outswingers provedwhy he has strong claims to being the best swing bowler in worldcricket today.Moving on, the manner in which Wasim Jaffer got out, playing awayfrom the body to drag the ball back onto the stumps, is preciselywhat every opening batsman must avoid. Granted that Jaffer’stechnique has a major flaw but even more annoying is his lack ofwill to survive. In comparison, a great opening batsman likeSunil Gavaskar always had both the technique and will to survive. simply hated to lose, and it is precisely this attitude thatthe present cricket team should try to acquire – the sooner, thebetter.One other Indian cricketer whose name and deeds should beremembered by every Indian player is Mohinder Amarnath. was a born fighter; his performances during the greattours of Pakistan and West Indies while making a comeback to thenational side are now part of our cricketing folklore. I do notknow how many people remember the fact that he was the Man of theMatch of the World Cup final in 1983. But, before that famousWorld Cup, amassed runs in Tests against Pakistan and WestIndies – against what should only be called as top-class bowling.Imran Khan was in his prime and so were the Windies pace battery.Why I am mentioning these heroes of yesteryears is because Iwould like the current crop of players to look back andunderstand the legacy these great players left behind. It hurt those great men to lose a Test match – it hurt their pride and they foughthard. I expect our current players too to show the same fierce desire to do well everytime they step out on to the field.Returning to the match, the Indian batsmen, after their dismalperformance at Lord’s, showed greater commitment at Trent Bridge.To score 350-odd runs in the first innings in not-so-suitablebatting conditions is indeed an achievement. The resolve theyshowed in the second innings to save the Test match wasparticularly laudable. I am glad that Sourav Ganguly, RahulDravid and Sachin Tendulkar fought hard to avoid defeat. A drawis far worthier than meek surrender. Now that they have survived,India can plan and play for a win.The Achilles heel of all touring Indian sides up to now has been theirfragile batting against the opposing pace attacks. AtTrent Bridge, however, the willow-wielders were not to be blamed. If there was any let down in the second Test, it came in the failure of the pace bowling attack of Nehra, Zaheer Khan and Agarkar. They were most disappointing in favourable conditions.It shocks me that someone like Agarkar who has the ability to swing the ball couldn’t do anything at Trent Bridge. The two left-arm bowlers were also a big let down, bowling too short and never at full pace. It is not the kind of effort that you expect to see from an Indian player; you need guys who are willing to give more than 100%. It is appalling that they allowed Craig White and Hoggard to add 103 runs for the ninth wicket.
© CricInfoHarbhajan Singh, for his part, had an opportunity to prove that he is the numberone spin bowler in the country. His line and length, though, wasa huge disappointment. I would be surprised if he is played aheadof Anil Kumble in the next Test match – that is if indeed Indiadecide to play a spinner at Headingley.I still have hope for this Indian team. Look at the spirit ofsomeone as young as Parthiv Patel. The kid has loads of talentand I hope that the team management persists with him. He has alsoshown enough skill with the gloves to prove that he is worthy ofhis place in the team. And if there was any doubt about hisbatting skills, watching the last one-hour of the Test match wassimply good enough. Now, if only the bowlers showed the samelevel of application and commitment.

Below is the transcript of the letter sent by the Indian team to Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Jagmohan Dalmiya

22-Aug-2002Dear Mr. Dalmiya,We reiterate that we, the players, want to represent India in the ICC Champions Trophy and all other ICC tournaments. However, the ICC will not allow us to participate without signing a contract we find unacceptable.Regarding the ICC player contract, we have expressed the following concerns to the Board:1. The Board did not consult us when it signed an ICC events contract in 2000, encompassing the terms of the player contract. Even though it contains significant new clauses granting the ICC control over our commercial rights, the player contract was presented to us only very recently during the NatWest final, thereby not giving us enough time to review its contents.2. We have preexisting sponsorship agreements made before we were aware of the player contract terms, and many of which were made before the Board signed the events contract.The contract bars us from endorsing and appearing in advertisements for sponsors in competition with ICC sponsors. If we sign the contract, we leave ourselves open to the competing sponsors alleging a possible breach of our contract with them. If we do not sign the contract, the ICC will not allow us to represent India.3. Our sponsors who are not official sponsors of the Champions Trophy do not have contracts with the ICC. If they decide to use advertisements that we have appeared in, we may not be able to stop them. In such a case, would the ICC contend that we are in breach of the player contract? The player contract does not make clear what responsibilities we have in such a circumstance.4. The ICC restrictions are overly broad, covering not just the tournaments, but thirty days before and after. In the present case, therefore, by simply signing this contract the ICC could already allege breach. In addition, ICC sponsors can use our images for six months after the tournament subject to the terms of the player contract.5. The ICC restrictions will not stop competitors of ICC sponsors from advertising during the Champions Trophy. The only restriction is with respect to using cricketers as models. This we believe is unfair, and the stranglehold on us appearing in advertisements or competitive sponsorships, therefore, does not appear rational.6. The ICC contract is based on an advertisement agreement that extends through the 2007 World Cup, and therefore would not only affect current players, but those who have yet to represent India.In your letter of August 17, 2002, you had requested us to sign the contract for the Champions Trophy, with only a possibility of the BCCI taking up the issue with the ICC for the upcoming 2003 World Cup. We believe we are unable to accede to the Board’s request for the following reasons:1. The ICC restrictions are overly broad, covering not just the Champions Trophy but thirty days before and after. In the present case, therefore, by simply signing this contract the ICC could already allege breach. In addition, ICC sponsors can use our images for six months after the tournament subject to the terms of the player contract. Also this period of six months covers the World Cup in 2003.2. We need to have clarity on exactly what we are expected to do. The player contract states in clause 15 that the player shall not “directly or indirectly allow his name, voice, image, likeness or other representation to be used either: (A) in any advertising or endorsement; or (b) for any commercial purpose”. You will appreciate that the competitive sponsor has no privity of contract with the BCCI or ICC, and while the player can certainly inform the competitive sponsor and tell it not to air any competitive advertisements, the player has no control if the competitive sponsor does not agree. In fact, in most instances, as is only normal, the competitive sponsors have made their own marketing programs and invested huge amounts in advertising time and newsprint ads, and it is not in the player’s power to simply have them terminate such campaigns. In such a situation what would the player be expected to do?3. We believe by signing the player contract, we are caught totally in the middle. On the one hand, we suffer exposure from the ICC/BCCI when they could allege noncompliance with our obligations. On the other hand, we could face exposure from our competitive sponsors who have paid us for the right to exploit our brand and image commercially. Would the board be willing to compensate us not only for the loss of money we have received for endorsing the competitive products but also against any action that may be brought against us by the competitive sponsors? Until the situation is clarified, we believe that by signing the player contract, we would be put in a position where we would lose the most, and all this because we are now being told of a contract we knew nothing about and impacts us personally and the future of young, forthcoming cricketers in a critically significant way.4. Board has given us no clear assurance that the terms of the player contract would be renegotiated to our satisfaction before the World Cup. In fact, we would expect the Board to confirm that unless the terms of the player contract are to mutual satisfaction, the players should not be asked to sign any such contract in the future.5. The player contract binds us to provisions contained in the events contract (“Participating Nation Agreement”) that the BCCI signed in 2000. To date, we have not even been provided with a copy of that agreement. By signing the player contract we may be exposed to further liabilities and restrictions that we are now unaware of and which may impact adversely our future careers in a manner that is unacceptable.We do hope you appreciate the predicament that we are being put in. We believe that the correct solution would be for the ICC to go back to the sponsors and explain the situation.We wish to also inform you that as we are approaching a very important Test match, we would like to concentrate on our cricket and would like to nominate Mr.Ravi Shastri as our spokesperson for the players in this squad to handle issues regarding the above matter.Yours sincerely,

Manchester United could use Anthony Martial as a makeweight in order to secure Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane.

What’s the story?

United have reportedly seen an opening £50m bid for the World Cup-winning defender turned down and now could look for more inventive ways to secure their transfer target.

Duncan Castles recently claimed that Martial’s agent had offered his client to Madrid as he searches for a new club, and he could now be used in a part player part cash deal, according to The Express.

Fans will be buzzing

The French forward had a poor campaign last term, scoring just seven goals in all competitions for the Red Devils.

His underwhelming displays appear to have seen Ole Gunnar Solskjaer lose faith in the 25-year-old, with Martial being made available for transfer.

“Anthony Martial is to be sacrificed should they get this new forward in. Solskjaer is tired of his attitude and hasn’t been impressed with his goal production and general knitting into the team this season,” Castles revealed on the Transfer Window podcast.

“He has been offered to Real Madrid as an option for them in attack. He is being offered as a high-value season loan with an option to buy. Martial’s agent is trying to find him another destination this summer.”

With United desperate to capture Varane this summer, the club’s hierarchy could use the unwanted striker to secure one of their top targets.

Madrid are reportedly holding out for an £80m offer for the 28-year-old, despite the former Lens ace only having 12 months left to run on his current contract at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Therefore, using Martial as a makeweight is likely to be a popular tactic amongst the club’s supporters.

The former Monaco attacker has failed to live up to expectations at Old Trafford, struggling for consistency and often appearing to lack the required work rate needed to succeed at the highest level.

Former Chelsea winger Damien Duff once labeled Martial as “lazy” and it’s a criticism that is often thrown at the forward.

As a result, news that United could be swapping Varane for Martial will surely have the fans buzzing. He could be the perfect partner for Harry Maguire at the heart of the defence and form the base of Solskjaer’s side for many years to come.

And, in other news…Woodward heading for huge MUFC transfer mistake over £500k-p/w monster, Ole must avoid