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Spirited batting closes gap to eighth place with one round of matches to come

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay18-Sep-2025

Durham 450 for 6 (Gay 161, Rhodes , Bedingham 58) drew with Worcestershire 591 for 9 dec (Roderick 151, Brookes 100, D’Oliveira 84, Taylor 66*, Edavalath 61)Centuries from Emilio Gay and Will Rhodes helped Durham pick up five crucial batting bonus points as they drew their Rothesay County Championship clash with already relegated Worcestershire.In the morning the Pears picked up a couple of Durham scalps to halt their quest for batting bonus points, but Gay and David Bedingham (58) combined for a partnership worth 122 to help Durham’s cause.Gay then reached three figures, while Rhodes scored his maiden first-class hundred for Durham to get them to 450 for six, securing the maximum number of batting points available ahead of a potential relegation decider against Yorkshire next week.Worcestershire declared overnight on 591 for nine, leaving Durham with the task of getting batting bonus points to boost their chances of staying in Division One.Opener Alex Lees carved a Tom Taylor delivery through the covers to the boundary, but Taylor got Lees next ball as he was caught behind for eight.The Pears were testing Durham in the early stages, but Gay relieved the pressure as he produced a great straight drive off Taylor which went for four.Durham’s pursuit stalled as Ben McKinney then departed for 16 at the hands of Matthew Waite as he edged one to Ben Gibbon at slip.That brought David Bedingham to the crease and the batter managed to find the boundary with ease in the early stages of his innings.Pears skipper Brett D’Oliveira came into the attack, but on his follow through he went over on his right ankle, which prompted concerns from the dressing room given they have the Metro Bank One Day Cup final on Saturday.Gay continued to tick along nicely and got his fifty from 71 balls, while taking his side to 100 before lunch.Bedingham continued to attack the bowlers after the lunch interval as he clipped one on the onside for four and he played another excellent shot, this time carving a Taylor delivery through the covers for four.Gay was almost heading back to the pavilion on 72, as he edged an Allison delivery but Gibbon couldn’t cling on to it with an outstretched hand.Bedingham then brought up his second fifty of the season from 79 balls and smashed a six off the bowling of Waite next ball. However, he went for one hit too many as Waite got him for 58 after he didn’t get enough on a pull shot, which Allison caught on the boundary.Gay continued to motor, now alongside Will Rhodes, and he picked up his fourth century of the season from 127 balls.The opener continued to play fluently after reaching the milestone, picking up three boundaries in a Brookes over, and Durham reached their first batting point in the 53rd over.Gay passed the milestone of 150 for the third time this campaign after tea and Rhodes, who has struggled for First Class runs this season, played nicely and found the boundary with a tidy glance off the legs from a Gibbon ball.Rhodes then reached fifty for the first time in Durham whites from 72 deliveries and he picked up another boundary straight after. Gay then went for an excellent 161, his highest Durham score, as he chopped a Gibbon delivery onto his leg stump.Rhodes continued Durham’s swashbuckling approach as he heaved a Dan Lategan to the boundary, but Ollie Robinson fell soon after for four as he was bowled by the part-time off spin of Jake Libby.Rhodes continued his charge as he smashed Lategan for a six down the ground and then reached three figures for the first time this season, coming from 121 balls.Graham Clark produced a quick 29 to speed things up, but Libby got his second of the day as he got the Durham man caught and bowled.Rhodes then got his 150 and guided his side to 450, the magic number for five batting points, and the two sides shook hands just after 5pm.

Karabo Meso, the 17-year-old wicket-keeper batter, will go to her first World Cup after being included in South Africa’s squad for the ODI tournament in India and Sri Lanka which starts later this month.She has just two ODI caps to her name and has played seven senior internationals in all, but has featured in two Under-19 World Cups and won the SA20 Schools title with Steyn City earlier this year. Meso is one of two players who will play at a World Cup for the first time. Offspin-bowling allrounder Nondumiso Shangase, who was recalled to South Africa’s squad in May, is the other.Top-order batter Anneke Bosch and allrounders Nadine de Klerk and Annerie Dercksen will also feature in an ODI World Cup squad for the first time; they have previously been in T20 World Cup squads.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

The rest of South Africa’s 15-player group is as expected, led by Laura Wolvaardt with significant experience in different departments. Allrounders Marizanne Kapp, Sune Luus and Chloe Tryon and seamer Ayabonga Khaka all played important roles in South Africa reaching the last ODI World Cup semi-finals and will be present again.As reported last week, there was no room for former captain Dane van Niekerk, who was included in a training camp but her international comeback remains a while away.Others present in that camp but not making the squad are batters Lara Goodall and Faye Tunnicliffe, seamer Ayanda Hlubi, legspinner Seshnie Naidu and allrounders Eliz-Mari Marx and Luyanda Ntuza. Miane Smit, an allrounder who bowls offspin, has been included as the lone travelling reserve.”The make-up of the squad is underpinned by the consistent selection process that was adhered to during the recent ICC Women’s Championship cycle, while taking into account the subcontinent conditions and the different characteristics of the group required for a successful tournament of this nature,” Clinton du Preez, South Africa’s convenor of selectors, said.Under head coach Mandla Mashimbyi, SA have lost four ODIs in 10 outings•Cricket South Africa

This will be the first major tournament South Africa will play under head coach Mandla Mashimbyi, who succeeded Hilton Moreeng in a permanent capacity last year. In Mashimbyi’s tenure, South Africa have been inconsistent, with four wins in ten ODIs, including a series win over West Indies in June. Mashimbyi was occasionally without some senior players – such as Kapp for the tri-series in Sri Lanka – but will have one more opportunity to fine-tune his combinations before the tournament starts.South Africa tour Pakistan for three ODIs to be played between September 16 and 22 before moving on to India for their World Cup opener against England. Their recent tournament run has included two ODI World Cup semi-finals and back-to-back T20 World Cup finals, and there is expectation for them to take the next step and claim a cup. Mashimbyi is confident this group of players can deliver.”From the moment I joined this team, and even before my time when the squad went through the qualification phase, it was all about working towards this moment,” Mashimbyi said. “We can look back at the amount of preparation we have put in and know that we have done our best. We are ready to send a squad to the World Cup that will make South Africa proud.”We believe we have the squad of players that can go out there and deliver on the world stage. Now it is all about carrying that belief with us every step of the way, along with the support of the entire nation.”

South Africa squad for Women’s ODI World Cup

Laura Wolvaardt, Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Chloe Tryon
Travelling reserve: Miane Smit

Mitchell Starc joined the 400-wicket club in a dramatic fashion as he blew West Indies’ top order away with a triple-wicket opening over on the third day at Sabina Park and went on to take the fastest five-wicket haul in Test history, in just 15 balls.In his 100th Test, Starc produced one of the greatest opening overs. He removed John Campbell first ball, the fourth time in his career he had struck with the opening delivery of an innings, when the left-hand batter edged a perfect outswinger to substitute wicketkeeper Josh Inglis, who was standing in for the concussed Alex Carey.Four balls later, debutant Kevlon Anderson shouldered arms as the ball swung back to strike his shin in front of middle stump, yet he reviewed the plumbest of lbws. Next delivery, another one curved back to take Brandon King’s inside edge and demolish the stumps. It was the sixth time in Test history a team had been 0 for 3.Related

• 'Heartbreaking' and 'embarrassing' – Chase laments WI woes

• 'Unreal' – Starc and Boland amaze each other with stunning feats

• Starc six-for, Boland hat-trick consign West Indies to 27 all-out and 0-3 defeat

Mikyle Louis survived the hat-trick ball at the start of Starc’s second over, but fittingly his 400th wicket came with another trademark inswinger as he trapped Louis lbw, becoming the fourth Australian bowler to the landmark after Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Nathan Lyon.The extraordinary scenes continued when, two balls later, he added Shai Hope lbw to bring up a five-wicket haul in just 15 deliveries, beating the previous record – jointly held by Ernie Toshack, Stuart Broad and Scott Boland – by four deliveriesStarc had already established himself as the king of pink-ball cricket, having dominated the format in Australia. This is the team’s first day-night Test overseas.

After fielding a group of teenagers in their Champions League clash against Ajax earlier this week, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is now seemingly set to hand a 15-year-old youth player his senior debut. Resting most of their first-team stars in the European clash, Maresca banked on the youth and they did not disappoint the coach as the Blues registered a thumping 5-1 win over the Dutch giants.

The new kid on the block

Per The Sun, 15-year-old Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli is being considered for his Stamford Bridge debut by manager Maresca. The wonderkid is widely considered as the best player in the world in his age category and has already attracted interest from several top clubs across Europe. So high is the hype around Nicoll-Jazuli that he is being tipped to become the next Jude Bellingham because of the striking similarities between the Real Madrid star and the youngster's playing style.

The report adds that Chelsea head coach Maresca is known to be an admirer of the youngster and the Italian recently invited the player to train with the first team ahead of their Champions League fixture against Ajax. Nicoll-Jazuli does not turn 16 until January but Maresca is already planning to hand him his senior debut in the near future. The midfielder has already represented England at the U-17 level, although he is just 15 at the moment.  

AdvertisementGetty Images Sport'He will be the next big thing'

Hyping the young Blue, a source told : "You have to keep an eye on Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli, he will be the next big thing to come out of Cobham and plays like Jude Bellingham. You only have to see him play once to realise he’s a different kind of talent. The manager is so impressed with him that he plans to hand him his first-team debut soon."

Chelsea youth created Champions League history

The Blues, like many other Premier League clubs, are amid a hectic fixture crunch which prompted Maresca to rest a host of first team stars and field a bunch of young players to take on Ajax in the Champions League this week. The youngsters repaid the faith shown by their manager as the English giants marched to a thumping 5-1 over the Eredivisie side. In the process, Chelsea also scripted a Champions League record as they became the first team ever in the competition to have three different teenagers – Marc Guiu (19), Estevao Willian (18), and Tyrique George (19) – on the scoresheet in the same match. 

The head coach also handed a European debut to Reggie Walsh, who, at just 17, became the youngest player in Chelsea’s Champions League history and the second youngest Englishman to ever play in the competition after Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere. Overall, ten Chelsea players aged 21 or younger featured in the match, a staggering testament to the club’s youth-driven strategy.

After the game, Maresca had heaped praise on his young guns, as he said: "It's the strategy of the club. We have so many young players. I think already last season we were the youngest squad in the history of the Premier League, so this season we continue in the same way. I work with them every day, I know what they can do. I know also that we're going to have moments where we struggle a little bit more, for sure. But I think the good thing about them is that they want to learn, they want to improve and I think it's good."

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Getty Images SportNicoll-Jazuli better than Arsenal's Dowman?

Arsenal recently proved that age is just a number as Mikel Arteta handed their wonderkid Max Dowman his senior debut against Leeds United in the Premier League before he turned 16. The Sun report further adds that the Blues consider Nicoll-Jazuli even more talented than Dowman. The youngster's passing is crisp, his vision is outstanding and his eye for the goal makes him a complete package. The teenager recently became the youngest Chelsea player to start in a UEFA Youth League match.

Maresca's men will be back in action on Saturday as they host Sunderland in a crucial Premier League fixture.

MatériaMais Notícias

Com as vitórias diante de Cruzeiro e Cuiabá, o Palmeiras somou seis pontos em sequência e se consolidou novamente como vice-líder do Campeonato Brasileiro. Isso não acontecia desde a 12ª rodada, quando o Alviverde foi derrotado pelo Botafogo por 1 a 0, no Allianz Parque. O Verdão atualmente tem 37 pontos, 11 a menos que o Glorioso, primeiro colocado.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasCom Dudu e Menino em transição, Palmeiras se reapresenta de olho na LibertadoresPalmeiras20/08/2023Futebol LatinoAtenção, Palmeiras! Deportivo Pereira aplica placar elástico antes da LibertadoresFutebol Latino20/08/2023PalmeirasPróximos jogos do Palmeiras: onde assistir ao vivo, datas, horários e calendárioPalmeiras10/10/2023

+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Na 11ª rodada, os paulistas tinham 22 pontos na segunda posição e os cariocas estavam na ponta com 27. Porém, como perdeu no confronto direto, o time do técnico Abel Ferreira perdeu duas posições e só voltou à segunda colocação com os resultados deste final de semana.

Com a derrota do Grêmio para o Santos na Vila Belmiro e apesar das vitórias de Flamengo e Fluminense, o Palmeiras se manteve como segundo colocado. Dessa forma, mesmo o próprio Abel afirmando que o Botafogo está distante em pontos na tabela, sua equipe segue no retrovisor do Glorioso e não irá abrir mão do campeonato nacional.

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+ ANÁLISE: Mesmo sem ‘força máxima’, Palmeiras mostra consistência em meio à semana decisiva na Libertadores

Portanto, vivo na disputa pelo título do Brasileirão, o Palmeiras agora pensa no seu próximo compromisso: a Libertadores. O Verdão enfrenta o Deportivo Pereira-COL, nesta quarta-feira (23), às 21h30, na Colômbia, pela ida das quartas de final do torneio continental. Fora de casa, o Palmeiras tentará confirmar seu favoritismo no confronto para avançar na busca pelo título da competição, seu principal objetivo da temporada.

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BrasileirãoPalmeiras

Venkatesh Iyer says a combination of factors determines how early or late Andre Russell walks in to bat for KKR

Deivarayan Muthu10-Apr-20251:51

Did promoting Ramandeep over Russell cost KKR?

Is Andre Russell batting too low for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2025?He hasn’t batted above No. 7 in four innings so far, and against Mumbai Indians (MI), he was demoted to No. 8. He’s faced 20 balls this season and scored 17 runs.When the question was posed to Venkatesh Iyer on the eve of KKR’s game against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Chepauk, he said that a number of factors determined Russell’s batting position.Related

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“I think from the analytics point of view, entry point is a huge thing,” Venkatesh said. “Once you assess if a certain pitch is going to suit an individual or not, you decide his entry point whether it will be early or give him [just] a few overs.”Obviously, people [outside] would be talking about when he should come and when he should not. But we should not forget that we have Rinku Singh also. We have Ramandeep Singh also. Yes, Dre [Russell] has been doing this for a very long time, but we have got able competition for him as well.”KKR are also big on maintaining left-right combinations. In the season-opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens, KKR had Rinku batting at No. 6, ahead of Russell, after Venkatesh had been dismissed in the 13th over. In their most recent game against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at Eden Gardens, KKR promoted Ramandeep to No. 5, ahead of both Rinku and Russell, and paired him up with Venkatesh after Ajinkya Rahane had holed out.”When all these players come together in a combination, it is very difficult for opposition to bowl at them,” Venkatesh said. “And there are a lot of grounds where we also have to consider maintaining a left-right combination. So, there are a lot of things that delay or alter a certain batter’s entry positions, but trust me, everything within the team is well thought of. We have 600 matches of experience in DJ Bravo [KKR mentor]. So, we have a lot of experience and every decision that they make is well thought of.”When Bravo was with CSK as their bowling coach during IPL 2023 and 2024, he played a vital role behind the scenes in the development of Indian fast bowlers like Tushar Deshpande and Simarjeet Singh. Venkatesh and KKR are looking to tap into his experience and knowledge of the Chepauk conditions.”He has played over 600 professional T20 matches, and I’ve said this in many places: nothing is more important than experience because T20 cricket is a game of experience,” Venkatesh said. “The more experience you have, the more situations you have seen. So, he has an answer for every situation because he himself has lived in that situation. Plus, he has spent a lot of time at CSK. He knows how to bat and bowl on this ground, and he knows what tactics to use.”The presence of Varun Chakravarthy, whose domestic home ground is Chepauk, and Moeen Ali and Rahane, also former CSK boys in KKR’s ranks, has also made them feel at home, away from home. If the conditions are conductive to spin, Moeen could return to the team in place of left-arm quick Spencer Johnson on Friday.0:50

Bishop: Russell needs to be bowling for KKR

“Irrespective of the conditions, I think Varun is a world-class spinner now,” Venkatesh said. “But yeah, him playing in his home ground is going to be of huge importance.”It’s going to be a huge factor as well, also considering that Ajinkya played here for two years, Moeen Ali played for two years. So, I think we’ve got a good think tank as well with regards to how this pitch will play.”After starting the season with a pair of low scores, Venkatesh found his groove with scores of 60 off 29 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and 45 off 29 against LSG.”For me, I’m at my best when my mindset for the game is right and, when my approach towards the game is right,” Venkatesh said. “That has got nothing to do with the runs that I scored. Because we are playing one of the best franchise cricket tournaments in the world. If I have certain amount of skill, the other team has the same skill as well. So, for me, the benchmark has always been the mindset that I carry. And I feel I’m carrying a very good mindset towards the game. My approach and attitude towards every game is very good.”

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras passa por um dos momentos críticos da Era Abel Ferreira. Com apenas uma vitória nos últimos oito jogos, o Verdão precisa voltar a vencer no Brasileirão, no qual está há cinco partidas sem saber o que é triunfar. Para isso, Abel Ferreira terá uma carta na manga diante do Fortaleza, neste sábado (22), às 16h (de Brasília), no Allianz Parque. Depois de metade da temporada já disputada, o treinador terá pela primeira o grupo completo para poder escalar seu time “ideal”.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasPalmeiras x Fortaleza: onde assistir ao vivo, horário e escalações do jogo de hoje pelo BrasileirãoPalmeiras22/07/2023PalmeirasPrincipais notícias do Palmeiras hoje: Estratégia no mercado, Aníbal elogiado e protesto da organizadaPalmeiras21/07/2023PalmeirasDesejado pelo Palmeiras, Aníbal Moreno é considerado o ‘melhor meio-campista do futebol argentino’Palmeiras21/07/2023

+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023

Contamos o “time ideal” a partir do momento da chegada de Artur, após o Paulistão. O atacante foi contratado junto ao Bragantino e logo se adaptou à equipe, mostrando que era a peça que faltava para a engrenagem do treinador português. Mas desde que ele vestiu a camisa alviverde, uma série de problemas impediu que o 11 inicial fosse escalado da forma que comandante parece ter planejado para 2023.

+ Copo Stanley a partir de R$120,00. Bebida gelada nos 90′ de jogo do Verdão!

A formação clássica do Palmeiras atual seria: Weverton; Marcos Rocha, Gustavo Gómez, Murilo e Piquerez; Zé Rafael, Gabriel Menino e Raphael Veiga; Artur, Dudu e Rony. De acordo com as informações fornecidas pelo clube durante a semana, todos esses atletas estão à disposição técnica para jogarem neste sábado (22). Será a primeira vez que todos eles poderão estar em campo juntos.

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De lá para cá, uma série de desfalques acabou atrapalhando os planos de Abel. Primeiro foi Rony e Veiga, que depois do Paulistão precisaram se recuperar de lesão. Aí foi a vez de Marcos Rocha sofrer sua primeira lesão na temporada, o que impediu a escalação ideal mesmo com o retorno da dupla que estava fora de combate.

+ Palmeiras x Fortaleza: onde assistir, prováveis escalações e desfalques do jogo pelo Brasileirão

O pior “golpe” na ideia de Abel Ferreira foi a lesão de Murilo, que precisou passar por uma cirurgia no ombro e ficou quase dois meses sem poder atuar. Luan cumpriu bem o papel substituindo o companheiro de zaga, mas ainda assim não era o titular projetado pelo treinador. Com isso, o Verdão ficou todo esse tempo sem poder escalar o “11 ideal” mais uma vez. Lembrando que Artur não pôde jogar a Copa do Brasil por já ter defendido o Bragantino.

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Nesse meio tempo, Marcos Rocha se lesionou mais uma vez, podendo retornar somente nas últimas semanas, outra vez impedindo que Abel pudesse levar a campo sua escalação “ideal”. Assim como Luan, Mayke cumpriu bem sua função nesses últimos tempos, mas para efeito de considerar o “11 ideal”, ainda não é formação clássica do treinador. E não podemos nos esquecer da lesão de Zé Rafael nesse meio do caminho.

+ Organizada do Palmeiras convoca protesto contra a diretoria antes de duelo com o Fortaleza

Contra o Internacional, na teoria, seria o jogo perfeito para escalar todos os “eleitos” por Abel Ferreira. No entanto, Rony e Dudu acabaram sentindo dores e nem viajaram para Porto Alegre. Agora, contra o Fortaleza, parece que não há problemas para escalar o time, tendo todo o elenco disponível pela primeira vez em praticamente quatro meses.

Para quem quiser se agarrar em algum motivo para acreditar que o Palmeiras conseguirá sair da má fase, esse duelo com o Tricolor cearense com o elenco completo pode ser uma boa pedida. Em cenários como esse, a “força máxima” pode fazer a diferença no caminho de volta para os bons momentos.

ECB promotes director of business operations to managing director after success of equity sale process

Matt Roller27-Feb-2025

The ECB has charged Vikram Banerjee with accelerating the “global growth” of the Hundred, appointing him managing director of the tournament with immediate effect.Banerjee has been promoted from director of business operations after overseeing Project Gemini, the Hundred’s private investment process which saw the eight teams valued at a combined £975 million.His brief is to finalise the new joint-venture agreements between investors and host counties before working to “ensure alignment and deliver on the strategic growth” of the Hundred, the ECB said on Thursday.A key component of the Hundred’s pitch to prospective investors was a sharp projected increase in the worth of its overseas broadcast rights, which are currently valued at just £2m. The ECB said that Banerjee’s new role would see him responsible for “accelerating the competition’s global growth”.Related

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Several new investors in teams have media interests in India and the United States. “The overseas market is very important to us,” Richard Gould, the ECB’s chief executive, said earlier this month. “The fact that we have got such a wide ranging set of investors from around the globe will, I believe, help us to add extra value to our overseas broadcast rights.”Gould said in a statement on Thursday: “Vikram has led the work to attract new partners into the competition superbly, and is the perfect person to now conclude these deals and work with the teams and investors to take the Hundred to the next level over the coming years.”It’s testament to the work of many people within the ECB and across the cricket network that the Hundred has already achieved so much, and there was such an appetite from partners wanting to get involved in it.”Rob Hillman, the ECB’s director of major events, will retain control of the Hundred’s operations and delivery, with Banerjee designated as a “strategic lead” focused on the commercialisation and future of the tournament. The ECB intends to form a standalone Hundred committee this year, with representation from the eight franchises, board non-executives, and independent directors.Banerjee said: “I’m delighted to be taking on this new role, and to be able to drive the competition forward, building on the success of the competition so far and working with a new group of partners who bring such an impressive range of skills and expertise from the very best of global sport and industry.”I look forward to concluding these deals and beginning to work together to grow the Hundred, bringing fans even more of the world’s best players, delivering even more exciting cricket and great fan experiences, and creating more new cricket fans at home and around the globe. I am incredibly excited about what the Hundred can achieve in the future, and the good it can do for the whole of our game.”The Hundred runs from August 5-31 this year, with teams finalising their retentions earlier this week ahead of the draft on March 12.

Jamie Carragher claims Ange Postecoglou is "fortunate" to get another Premier League job and says Evangelos Marinakis is a "walking hand grenade".

• Another change in the City Ground dugout
• Nuno relieved of his duties on Trentside
• Postecoglou working under colourful owner

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Former Liverpool and England defender Carragher has been casting an eye over events at Nottingham Forest. There has been another change in the dugout on Trentside, with Nuno Espirito Santo – who helped to deliver European qualification at the City Ground – being relieved of his managerial duties.

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• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Reins have been passed to Australian tactician Postecoglou, who brought Tottenham’s 17-year wait for major silverware to a close in the Europa League last season but also oversaw a 17th-place finish in the Premier League.

• WHAT CARRAGHER SAID

  Carragher has said in his column for of Postecoglou returning to English football amid questions of his tactical blueprint: "Some might say Ange Postecoglou is sipping from a poisoned chalice making his comeback working for such a combustible owner. He is more likely grateful to get such an opportunity.

  "He should be. Postecoglou is fortunate to get another chance in the Premier League so soon after his Tottenham Hotspur sacking.

  "That has nothing to do with Postecoglou’s style of football, even though it is strange to shift so far from one extreme to another. First and foremost, Postecoglou can be considered lucky on the strength of his Premier League record. He lost 34 of his last 56 league games at Spurs. No amount of spin on his behalf, or rationalising how and why it went wrong last season, can disguise the reality: he arrives in Nottingham with much to prove."

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  The "combustible owner" that Carragher alludes to is Greek billionaire Marinakis – a man that has generated plenty of headlines across his tenure in Nottingham. Carragher added on a larger-than-life character that likes to ruffle a few feathers: "Nottingham Forest were once one of the most liked clubs in the country because of the charisma and success of their legendary manager Brian Clough.

  "Today, they are one of the most disliked because of the behaviour of their owner, Evangelos Marinakis. The Premier League has a new pantomime villain. Marinakis is a walking hand grenade.

  "Football is not a popularity contest, and the game is more colourful when different personalities adopt contrasting approaches to get where they need to be, so long as it’s within the rules. All the best dramas have their saints and sinners, and a cocktail is more interesting than a glass of water."

Tottenham Hotspur are on the verge of welcoming former Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha back to London after a round of quick-fire talks on Thursday.

Related Paratici holds talks with £207k-a-week star's camp about joining Tottenham

The Spurs advisor has reached out to his representatives.

Posts 2 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 31, 2025

Spurs first made contact with Palhinha’s camp, which was first reported a while ago, but it didn’t take long at all for the north Londoners to finalise club-to-club talks with Bayern Munich given their excellent business relationship.

Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg shared that the Lilywhites entered concrete talks with Bayern sporting director, Max Eberl, less than a day ago, and it then took just a matter of hours for Thomas Frank’s side to reach a full agreement for Palhinha.

Before supporters could blink, Bayern and Tottenham shook hands on an initial loan deal including an option to buy for around £26 million next summer – which may be seen as excellent business by chairman Daniel Levy.

It comes just one year after the Bundesliga champions signed Palhinha from Fulham for £47 million, with Spurs striking a potential permanent deal for just over half that price if they decide to pay the £26 million required next year.

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025

Average match rating

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Palhinha’s £26m clause is also strictly optional, not mandatory – meaning the 30-year-old goes to N17 on a sort of ‘one season trial’ basis. Levy also gave the green-light for Tottenham to cover the midfielder’s full salary, which is reported to be around £166,000-per-week.

This shrewd swoop has brought an end to Tottenham’s search for a new number six, and it likely means that Yves Bissouma could be sold as Frank needs to make room in his squad.

“His total of 152 tackles was more than any other player by a distance and was the standout trait of the Fulham enforcer,” said Sky Sports’ Peter Smith on what Palhinha will bring to Spurs.

“There were 13 yellows in that 2023/24 season, too, underlining the bite he brings to midfield battles. And that would be a welcome addition to Spurs’ play.

“Neither Yves Bissouma, Pape Sarr nor Rodrigo Bentancur are as ruthless at winning the ball back as Palhinha, who also ranked among the top 10 for interceptions during his previous Premier League campaign.”

With Palhinha due for a Tottenham medical shortly, his arrival won’t be the end of Spurs’ transfer ambitions, and they’re still actively pursuing more attackers.

Tottenham talks "underway" to hijack Juventus deal for Randal Kolo Muani

According to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, PSG forward Randal Kolo Muani is back on their radar.

Reports last month claimed that Spurs were offered the France international by intermediaries this window, and it’s believed the £43 million-rated Kolo Muani was once “very close” to joining in January.

Juventus’ negotiations to re-sign him after a successful loan spell are still dragging on, and Aouna reports that Tottenham talks are “underway” for Kolo Muani, as they bid to hijack the Old Lady’s deal.

The versatile forward bagged 23 goals and 17 assists in all competitions during his best-ever season for Eintracht Frankfurt in 2022/2023, with Kolo Muani also enjoying a real resurgence of form at Juve during the second half of 24/25.

His time at PSG hasn’t lived up to expectations, nor has it justified his £76.4 million transfer fee, but the Premier League could now be beckoning for him.