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West Ham have found themselves limping through this Premier League campaign, now sitting 17th in the table having only scored 37 goals and conceded 55 times.

Graham Potter, coming in halfway through the season, has struggled to get all of his ideas across, focusing more on defensive stability to gain some results and ensure the club’s safety, which could be confirmed this weekend.

Last season, with David Moyes in charge, the Hammers scored 60 goals, conceding 74 times. Therefore, despite West Ham’s poor start under Julen Lopetegui, Potter is likely to guide his side to a better defensive year.

So the focus next season will be back on the attack, looking to bridge the gap and get back towards that 60-goal mark, especially with talent such as Jarrod Bowen and Mohamed Kudus in attack.

Sadly, Kudus might not be at the London Stadium for too much longer.

The latest on Kudus' future at West Ham

According to reports from The Guardian, Kudus could be set to leave the club in the summer, with West Ham accepting a sale of their Ghanaian forward could be the best way to ‘boost their transfer budget’.

One interested club is Saudi Pro League side, Al-Nassr, where the 24-year-old could team up with Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Saudi club are reportedly preparing to “up the ante” in their attempts to lure Kudus away from London, with an offer of around £85m expected. West Ham signed Kudus for around £38m back in 2023 from Ajax, and a big sale just two years on could be good for their books.

Kudus has made 75 appearances for the Hammers so far, scoring 17 goals, providing 12 assists and totaling 5,883 minutes played.

Whilst the 24-year-old has struggled to find the same form this season as his debut campaign, it won’t be easy for the club to replace him, already forming a strong connection with Bowen at the top of the pitch.

How West Ham could replace Kudus internally

Luckily for West Ham, they already signed a young superstar winger back in the summer, with Luis Guilherme joining the Hammers from Palmeiras for a fee of around £25.5m.

Since his arrival, the 19-year-old has only made 12 appearances for the club, struggling for first-team opportunities in his first season in England.

When Guilherme was signed in the summer, Jack Elderton and Callum Goodall from Analytics United provided analysis on the Brazilian winger, labeling him “an impressively potent offensive asset”. This talent is something that has not dissipated, but is perhaps being protected whilst he acclimatises to the Premier League and the conditions of English football.

Luis Guilherme vs Mohammed Kudus comparison
Stats (per 90 mins)	Guilherme	Kudus
Goals	0.00	0.11
Assists	0.00	0.11
xG	0.20	0.25
xAG	0.07	0.09
Progressive Carries	2.00	3.49
Progressive Passes	2.00	2.85
Shots Total	1.88	2.60
Key Passes	2.00	1.08
Shot-Creating Actions	6.67	3.78
Successful Take-Ons	3.33	3.09
Stats taken from FBref

When comparing Guilherme’s underlying numbers with Kudus’ underlying numbers, it is important to include the context of the Brazilian’s minutes, only managing 133 minutes this season, which contributes largely to his per 90 metrics.

Chalkboard

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

However, you can begin to analyse the styles of each player, both being direct with the ball at their feet, looking to make things happen in the attacking third and create for themselves and their teammates.

Guilherme, in his minimal chances, has shown his creativity, producing shot-creating actions and key passes at a good rate.

Kudus may have a higher athletic ceiling than the Brazilian, being a nightmare to stop once he hits top speed and hurting teams in transition, but Guilherme is no slouch, described as an “electric” player with an “explosive first step” by analyst Ben Mattinson.

Giving the young Brazilian a proper chance next season to fill Kudus’ shoes could be a much cheaper alternative, allowing them to spend those funds acquired wisely in other positions such as midfield.

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Chelsea have made contact over signing an “elite” player who could leave his club for just £34 million this summer, and he could be one of many new incomings with Enzo Maresca’s side ready to “spend big”.

Chelsea set for major summer transfer overhaul

Maresca’s side are likely to be very busy this summer, and could even get some of their business done in an early fashion.

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The Premier League confirmed that Chelsea will also have from June 1st-June 10th to sign players before the Club World Cup, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see BlueCo use this early opportunity to bring in upgrades with £100 million worth of prize money on the line.

Maresca’s squad will likely see a significant level of turnover when the window reopens, as Kepa Arrizabalaga, Alfie Gilchrist, Armando Broja, Raheem Sterling, David Datro Fofana, Renato Veiga, Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell and Axel Disasi are all due to return to Stamford Bridge at the end of this season.

Ipswich Town (home)

April 13th

Fulham (away)

April 20th

Everton (home)

April 26th

Liverpool (home)

May 4th

Newcastle (away)

May 10th

Chelsea need to find permanent new homes for the aforementioned crop, as none appear to have a long-term future under Maresca, while concerns also surround some members of the Italian’s current squad.

They’re currently lacking a prolific striker, with Nicolas Jackson yet to score a league goal this calendar year and Christopher Nkunku out of form as well, prompting Maresca to use Pedro Neto as a makeshift option up front.

Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen have also been subject to ferocious criticism at points, leading to Chelsea targeting new goalkeeping options this summer.

Reports in Italy claim Maresca has personally asked Chelsea to sign another keeper this summer, and they could turn to AC Milan star Mike Maignan for the role.

The France international is out of contract in 2026 as things stand, meaning he could leave for a cut-price fee of around £34 million, which is nearly half off from his previously reported £67 million valuation (TEAMtalk).

Chelsea ready to "spend big" with contact made over Mike Maignan

TMW reported this week that Chelsea have made an approach for Maignan, and now reliable journalist Simon Phillips has followed that up with his own update on the “elite” goalkeeper.

Phillips, taking to his Substack, writes that Chelsea have at the “very least” asked about Maignan, and the club are “ready to spend big” again this summer.

“I have now had it confirmed by my two top sources that the club are still very much in the market for a new goalkeeper but it does need to be the right profile and one that really improves what they have,” said Phillips.

“There is a budget for a new goalkeeper as Chelsea get ready to spend big again in the summer and match that spending with player sales.

We can confirm also that the noise about Mike Maignan at AC Milan is correct, Chelsea are absolutely watching that situation at the moment. There are some concerns about his recent form, but Maignan is a goalkeeper that is being monitored by Chelsea and sources confirm that the club have at the very least, asked for information. He is admired.”

The 29-year-old would be a steal at £34m, having taken the France number one spot from Hugo Lloris and proved himself on the big occasion time and time again. Despite his recent slump in form, Maignan is exactly the calibre of shot-stopper that Maresca needs.

Proactive captaincy will be hardest to replicate as inexperienced team face up to Pakistan challenge

Matt Roller05-Oct-2024England have only had a fleeting glance at a fully-fit Ben Stokes in the last three years but he has committed his long-term future to them, signing a new central contract which is expected to take in the 2025-26 Ashes tour. Stokes declined to specify the length of his new contract on Saturday, but it is understood to be a two-year deal.Stokes will miss a fourth consecutive Test in Multan, having torn his hamstring in August while playing in the Hundred. The timing was hugely frustrating, coming so soon after he had sorted out his chronic left-knee injury through surgery, to the extent he could bowl 49 overs at full tilt across three matches against West Indies in July.It is now two months since Stokes sustained the injury, but he said he is slightly ahead of schedule and does not believe it is a long-term concern. “Injuries are part of sport,” he said. “I’m 33 now, so I’ve put my body through quite a lot. But I’ve started working incredibly hard over the last two years… it’s not through lack of effort.”The ECB has not announced the latest batch of central contracts, though most of their regular players are already tied to multi-year deals. Stokes was an exception, leaving his options open last year after gambling that his value would rise during the subsequent 12 months. His new deal is thought to see him through until September 2026, taking in next year’s Ashes tour.It is a significant commitment, not least with the backdrop of a lucrative deal to play in the SA20 in January leaving Stokes fully aware of his value on the franchise circuit. But England are just as aware of Stokes’ importance to their Test team, not only as a player but as a leader and figurehead for Brendon McCullum’s regime.Related

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Without a genuine allrounder available, England have stuck with the five-bowler formula they used against Sri Lanka and with Chris Woakes at No. 7. It is Woakes’ first opportunity in two-and-a-half years to address his away Test record – 36 wickets at 51.88 – and throughout his career, he has tended to contribute more in Stokes’ absenceAs much as his batting and bowling, England will miss Stokes’ captaincy in Multan. He was the mastermind of their unexpected series sweep in Pakistan two years ago, not least in Rawalpindi when his early declaration – setting 342 in four sessions – defied conventional wisdom. Ollie Pope’s biggest challenge will be matching Stokes’ proactivity in changing the tempo of matches.Pope kept wicket in the first two Tests of the 2022 series, and is one of six men in England’s XI who was ever-present in that series. Jack Leach is their only bowler to have bowled a red ball in Pakistan before; Gus Atkinson will be playing his first overseas Test, and Brydon Carse is on debut. Pope cannot simply rely on his attack managing itself.”There are no doubts in my mind about the bowlers we have picked,” Stokes said, speaking inside an empty commentary box to avoid the 40-degree heat on the boundary edge. “We know they will be able to withstand it. We know it is going to be tough, but it will be great exposure for the first time for them… It will show them how hard Test cricket can be.”Pope tried to follow Stokes’ lead in setting attacking fields against Sri Lanka, but was too slow to react and adjust at The Oval as the third Test slipped away from England. He seemed to lack Stokes’ ability to grasp opportunities to change the pace or mood of an innings in the field, though will have learned plenty from his first experience of the role.Stokes will be on hand throughout to relay any advice, while James Anderson – who got the ball reversing in Multan two years ago – will arrive on the second day. “He has seen what can work out here,” Stokes said. “I’m sure at some point I will want to say something to him, but I will only do it if I think something is worth saying. I don’t want to say things for the sake of it.”[In 2022], it was about trying to push the game forward because of the conditions we were faced with. We were always trying to do something to force a result, even if it means potentially giving Pakistan a sniff of winning the game… me and Brendon will encourage Ollie to influence the game himself, and make sure that comes across in his captaincy.”Shan Masood’s public desire for surfaces that suit his seamers has piqued the interest of England’s players, and there was a significant grass covering on the Test strip two days out. Pakistan are a better side than recent results suggest, not least when Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah are involved, and England will not take them lightly.England’s clean sweep in Pakistan remains their best series result under Stokes and McCullum, and was arguably the regime’s high point, with a 10-8 win-loss record in the past two years. With Stokes unavailable for at least the first Test, a repeat on this tour might trump it.

Harmanpreet Kaur put together a magnificent century, capped off by stunning late acceleration, in a near-perfect batting display

S Sudarshanan22-Sep-2022The wide-eyed, wry smile perhaps told a tale.Harmanpreet Kaur had just managed a last-minute crouch, enough to connect a pull off a short ball from Lauren Bell that barely rose knee high. So good was the contact that it beat deep square leg to her right. The reaction was telling because she was bowled by a Sarah Glenn delivery that stayed low in the first T20I against England. But on Wednesday, the India captain was set, having already faced 46 balls until that point, and was up to the task.A flurry of cuts, pulls, slog-sweeps and scythes over the off side followed as Harmanpreet lit up Canterbury with some scintillating strokes to finish unbeaten on a monumental 143, thereby taking India to 333 for 5, which eventually proved 88 too many for England. It was India’s second score over 300 in ODIs this year, following the 317 for 8 against West Indies in the World Cup earlier this year.In fact, two of India’s four 300-plus totals in ODIs have come in 2022. And both of them have a common thread – a Harmanpreet century combined with a three-figure fourth-wicket stand.Related

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Harmanpreet walked out to bat after Yastika Bhatia’s dismissal and soon saw a well-set Smriti Mandhana depart, leaving India at 99 for 3 at the start of the 19th over. At the time, it seemed as if yet again, India’s batting would let them down after the toss had gone against them. It had happened more recently in the T20I series decider and also in the World Cup against England.With Harmanpreet though, there’s now a sense of this being team, especially after assuming the captaincy across formats post Mithali Raj’s retirement. She commands more authority – not that she did not earlier – and the players seem to rally behind their fearless leader. And so, in company of Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet set about with the rebuilding task. India could score only 24 runs in the next seven overs as Harmanpreet guided Deol, who was playing just her sixth ODI. The run rate, that was well over five when the pair got together, dipped below 4.75.Deol likes to play the long game – get in early, get set and then accelerate, much like she had showed during the Senior Women’s One Day Challenger earlier in the year. Having crawled to 18 off 36, Deol tried breaking the shackles by stepping down to Kate Cross but only managing to chip one over mid-on, before truly doing so with a dab past backward point for four.She then showed her wares against spin – carting offspinner Charlie Dean inside-out over cover before slinking down and depositing left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone into the sightscreen – then notching up her maiden half-century in ODIs. In the interim, Harmanpreet used the crease well to flick Bell through midwicket before a slog sweep over the same region brought up her second successive fifty-plus score. In the 12 overs leading up to Deol’s dismissal, India had managed to score 76.Highest individual scores for India in women’s ODIs•ESPNcricinfo LtdWhile Harmanpreet’s first fifty came off 64 balls, the next fifty runs took only 36 balls coming. She picked the lengths early and almost made England bowl to her plans by using the crease well. Full and wide outside off, get across and smack it over the bowler; slower length ball outside off, move across and swipe it through square leg; full and fast on off, get down to paddle it to fine leg or nail the cover drive. Debutant Freya Kemp’s back of the hand slower balls were dealt with by making room and slicing over the infield to exploit the arc from extra cover to backward point.It was as if Harmanpreet was finding the boundaries at will. She scored her last 43 runs off just 11 balls with India managing 62 off the last three overs. Her unbeaten 24-ball 71-run stand with Deepti Sharma was the quickest in women’s ODIs where data is available. Kemp’s 11-ball penultimate over went for 26 and Harmanpreet scored 18 off her 19-run last over.”I just wanted to spend some time on the wicket because today’s wicket was not easy to bat on in the first innings,” she said after the match. “I wanted to keep watching the ball and play accordingly. I didn’t try too many shots [early on]. It is important to read the wicket and be there. Being there is more important because I know if I take more balls initially I can easily cover up in the end.”It was the 113-run fourth-wicket partnership between Harmanpreet and Deol that enabled them to score 121 in the last ten overs against England.”After the partnership with Harleen, we got the rhythm we wanted and I just backed myself after that,” she said. “We knew even if we scored 300, it could be chaseable given England’s batting line-up. That’s why we were looking for maximum runs in the last five-six overs.”Whoever was coming in to bat with me, I was giving them the message that if they could find boundaries, fine, otherwise keep rotating the strike. Scoring more than 300 was very important for us.”At the end of it all, Harmanpreet ensured that she – and the entire team – could afford more than just a wry smile as they head to Lord’s for the series finale with an aim to give veteran fast bowler Jhulan Goswami a fitting farewell.

Social media reactions on Suresh Raina’s retirement

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Aug-2020Minutes after MS Dhoni announced his retirement on Instagram, Suresh Raina too followed suit. Some on social media were caught unawares, while others wished him luck for the future.

Really surprised by Raina calling it a day too….well…guess all good things have to come to an end. Raina tera Kya kehna….one of the best southpaws to don the Indian jersey. Mr. IPL for #CSK. Gave 100% whenever he was on the field. Go well, my friend. #rainaretires

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) August 15, 2020

Congratulations, Suresh on a wonderful career playing for India.

Still remember our partnership & on-field conversations during your debut Test!

Wish you all the very best for your future endeavours. pic.twitter.com/kyhczi2juE

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 15, 2020

From the early days of my career, you have played a very important role in helping me grow as a person and as a cricketer. You have been my idol, mentor and my elder brother. Congratulations on the wonderful career. Wishing you nothing but the best. @ImRaina bhaipic.twitter.com/LUOXpONB1z

— Kuldeep yadav (@imkuldeep18) August 15, 2020

Congratulations on a top career Bhavesh. Goodluck with everything ahead @ImRaina

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) August 15, 2020

Unable to believe this news about the retirement of two of our great cricketers @msdhoni sir @ImRaina sir who have given wonderful memories and some entertaining innings to Indian fans on numerous occasions. Their presence in international cricket will always be missed. pic.twitter.com/8rRTs6azMN

— Sushma Verma (@ImSushVerma) August 15, 2020

A great fielder,brilliant aggressive batsman and a true friend @ImRaina well done on your career for our country. Wish you all the luck for your future #rainaretires pic.twitter.com/ZJJxImWS4X

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) August 15, 2020

Congratulations to @ImRaina on a stellar career. You can be proud of what you achieved. A debut test ton and a WC is not something many people can boast of. pic.twitter.com/u4ZCAcOZL4

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) August 15, 2020

You’ve been a constant source of motivation & encouragement for young players everywhere and you will continue to be, even as you embark on this new journey. Congratulations on a great career, @ImRaina. All the very best for everything the future holds.

— Jasprit Bumrah (@Jaspritbumrah93) August 15, 2020

Congratulations my friend @ImRaina on a great career.wishing you and family all the very best .Stay blessed

— Angelo Mathews (@Angelo69Mathews) August 15, 2020

Thanks for your services to Team India @ImRaina. One of those lefty batsmen who is a treat to watch when he's in full flow!
Wish you a happy 2nd innings of life.#Raina pic.twitter.com/A4W1dycrTs

— VINOD KAMBLI (@vinodkambli349) August 15, 2020

Congratulations on a wonderful international career @ImRaina Proud of your contribution. Your exuberance rubbed off on the team. Wishing you the very best in your second innings.

— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) August 15, 2020

One of India's prolific players, a champion cricketer, a top-class fielder. Wishing good luck for all your future endeavours. @imraina #rainaretires

— Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan) August 15, 2020

Congratulations on a Top Career Raina Bhai! Enjoyed playing alongside you and wish you the very best for your next innings! @ImRaina pic.twitter.com/o0V52HVj9Q

— Washington Sundar (@Sundarwashi5) August 15, 2020

Two amazing players for their country. Congratulations on a sensational career @msdhoni & @ImRaina. You two made sure the fans have a visual treat.

I wish you both all the very best for the future.pic.twitter.com/21J1LaEVWf

— Sir Vivian Richards (@ivivianrichards) August 15, 2020

One more super king retires. Enjoyed your dynamism on the field. One of the best hitters of the ball and the BEST fielder. All the best for the future. @ImRaina #rainaretires

— Unmukt Chand (@UnmuktChand9) August 15, 2020

Congrats @ImRaina for your stellar career. A proven match winner #rainaretires

— Anjum Chopra (@chopraanjum) August 15, 2020

MatériaMais Notícias

Endrick foi o grande nome da arrancada do Palmeiras rumo ao 12º título do Brasileirão em 2023. Convocado para representar o Brasil no Pré-Olímpico, o jogador de 17 anos faz hoje a sua primeira aparição na temporada, longe do Palmeiras, para desespero da torcida alviverde que já sente saudades de sua cria.

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➡️ Tudo sobre o Verdão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Palmeiras

Endrick deve ser titular do Brasil na estreia da amarelinha no Pré-Olímpico diante da Bolívia, nesta tarde de terça-feira (23), em jogo que será transmitido pelo Sportv.

De 10 equipes sul-americanas, apenas duas conquistam a vaga para Paris 2024, onde o Brasil tentará o inédito tricampeonato consecutivo, uma vez que nosso país ficou com o Ouro na Rio-2016 e também em Tóquio-2020.

continua após a publicidade

Caso o Brasil chegue até a final do Pré-Olímpico, Endrick deve retornar ao Palmeiras somente depois da primeira semana de fevereiro, e além de desfalcar o Verdão no início do estadual, também não vai jogar a Supercopa, diante do São Paulo.

Além de Endrick, o torcedor do Palmeiras pode ficar ligado em outra cria do Verdão que deve ser titular do Brasil na competição, o zagueiro Michel, que também deve ser usado por Abel Ferreira já no time de cima neste ano.

continua após a publicidade

O goleiro Kaique é outro palmeirense que está com a Seleção, mas deve ficar como opção no banco de reservas durante o torneio.

+Aposte na vitória do Brasil no Pré-Olímpico; resenha de apostas ensina!

A provável escalação do Brasil para a estreia do pré-olímpico é: Mycael; Marlon Gomes, Arthur Chaves, Michel e Kaiki Bruno; Bruno Gomes e Andrey Santos; Guilherme Biro, Marquinhos, John Kennedy e Endrick. Técnico: Ramon Menezes.

Glasgow Rangers head coach Danny Rohl recently revealed that he needs players who “understand” what it means to play for the Ibrox giants.

With the January transfer window less than a month away, the German manager said that he has learned which of his players are up to the task of playing for the club.

Whilst he said that he knows which players need to improve, the window will provide him with a chance to replace those players instead of trying to help them improve.

Rangers lining up move for new midfielder

Despite sporting director Kevin Thelwell’s departure at the start of last week, there is already work going on in the background to bolster the former Sheffield Wednesday manager’s side.

Transfer Focus

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

According to GIVEMESPORT, Glasgow Rangers are one of the clubs eyeing up a deal to sign exciting Tromso central midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl in the upcoming January transfer window.

The report claims that the Light Blues have sent scouts to watch the 20-year-old talent in action in recent weeks, as Rohl lines up a move to sign the midfield whiz.

It adds, though, that Premier League side Sunderland are also interested in Hjerto-Dahl, which means that there could be some stiff competition for his signature in January.

GIVEMESPORT also reports that the Norwegian youngster is not expected to cost a fortune, although no exact price tag has been mentioned.

Why Rangers should sign Hjerto-Dahl

Rangers should push to beat Sunderland to a deal for the 20-year-old central midfielder because he could be a Nicolas Raskin repeat for the Scottish Premiership giants.

The Gers signed the Belgian star from Standard Liege in January 2023 for a fairly modest fee of £1.7m, in a move that could be replicated by Hjerto-Dahl, who could sign in January for another modest fee, given that he is not expected to cost a fortune.

On top of the Tromso midfielder potentially joining in a similar transfer deal, the Norwegian gem could also offer similar qualities to Raskin in the middle of the park with his performances.

Hjerto-Dahl, who was described as a “unicorn” by Belgian scout Elijah Michiels, is another central midfielder who can make an impact at both ends of the pitch as a natural number eight.

The Rangers and Sunderland transfer target has been a regular for Tromso in the Eliteserien in the 2025 campaign, starting 28 of his 30 appearances, and has shown some promising signs with his displays.

Appearances

30

33

Goals

4

4

Assists

4

10

Successful dribbles per game

1.3

1.0

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.5

3.4

Possession won in final third

0.6

0.5

Duels won per game

5.1

6.6

As you can see in the table above, he has some fairly similar statistics in comparison to Raskin’s full season in the Premiership last term, with his work in and out of possession, which is why he is such an exciting prospect.

Given that Hjerto-Dahl is four years younger than the Belgium international, his statistics in comparison to the Rangers star’s are fairly impressive, as they show that he can impact games as a scorer and a creator of goals, without neglecting the defensive side of the game.

The Norway U21 international could arrive in January and use the first five months to adjust to Scottish football and life in Glasgow, as Raskin did in the second half of the 2022/23 campaign, before being ready to shine in the 2026/27 campaign.

Whilst supporters may not want to hear about long-term signings and preparing for next season, the reality of the situation is that the Gers are already nine points off first place in the league, have not won a game in the Europa League, and are already out of the League Cup.

Worse than Miovski: Ibrox flop just played his worst game for Rangers

This Glasgow Rangers flop played his worst game for the club in the 2-1 defeat to Dundee United on Wednesday.

ByDan Emery Dec 4, 2025

Instead of chasing short-term results and signings, Rangers need to ensure that they have a long-term strategy in place that will ensure that they are competitive in the long run, which Hjerto-Dahl will, hopefully, be a part of.

The cricket strategy and officiating committee of Cricket West Indies, comprising a group of former legends and current leaders, have identified key areas of focus to raise the standard of West Indies cricket as well as short- and long-term actions. In the next six months, the CWI said, specialist coaches will be hired, a “state-of-the-art” high-performance centre will be set up, and there will be close coordination with franchises that employ West Indian cricketers so player fitness can be monitored.The committee, set up in August in the aftermath of West Indies’ 27 all out against Australia in Kingston, Jamaica, brought together Clive Lloyd, Brian Lara, Shai Hope, Roston Chase and Ramnaresh Sarwan, among others. The first step was to identify the challenges faced by West Indies cricket. A CWI statement on Thursday listed the major issues as:

• Declining quality of regional tournaments
• Technical, tactical, and mental skills deficiencies
• Underperforming franchise system
• Gaps in infrastructure and facilities
• Lack of specialist coaching support
• Limited ICC revenue share and financial constraints
• Fragmented player development pathways
• Inadequate fitness and conditioning standards

These, as well as the “action items” were “presented to and approved” by the CWI’s board of directors on September 25 at the quarterly meeting.In the short term, within the next months, “an internationally proven batting coach will be hired to work across the system, and a full-time sports psychologist/performance coach will join the senior men’s team” while “the women’s team role will also be upgraded to a full-time role”. That aside, “a capital [high-performance] project proposal will be advanced for a state-of-the-art facility at Coolidge Cricket Ground, including modern nets, gym, and rehabilitation infrastructure”, and “franchise teams will now submit individual development plans and meet new minimum standards” with player fitness “closely tracked, supported by a new regional fitness leaderboard”.The longer-term actions are more exhaustive, and include:

• A national cricket development framework unifying grassroots, school, academy, and high-performance pathways
• Comprehensive franchise reform to ensure accountability for player development and consideration of alternative professional models
• Establishment of standardised academies for ages 11-18 to feed into the high-performance programme
• Completion of the high-performance centre in Antigua as the regional hub for elite development
• Greater focus on financial sustainability, including lobbying for equitable ICC revenue distribution and new partnerships with governments, private entities, and philanthropists
• A structured mentorship framework connecting current and former West Indies players with emerging talent

Clive Lloyd has been vocal about lobbying with the ICC for more money•ICC/Getty Images

In early August, at the time the committee members met the press, Lara had said, “It’s been that case for years, where we are not in the same level-playing field as other playing countries. Back in the days when skill was the prominent factor, we excelled, we were the best team in the world. But the game has evolved, and technology and analytics, and we now have to see a new way of finding ourselves back to being very competitive.”I said not a level-playing field because a lot of the countries are far ahead in these sorts of areas. The skill factor of the game is still there, but not as prominent as it was in the past.”It’s a long road; it’s not going to happen tomorrow. It was not about the 27 runs. If it was 57 or 107, will we be feeling any better? I don’t think so. It was the fact that we’ve got something to address, and for us to get back on top, or to be a competitive nation in world cricket, we’ve got to address these situations and address them shortly, quickly, and hopefully we can reap the benefits in the years to come.”In many ways, it’s a starting point for West Indies cricket – at the moment, there is a women’s ODI World Cup which West Indies failed to qualify for, while the men are on the back foot after just one day’s play in a two-Test series in India – and CWI’s director of cricket, Miles Bascombe said, “While challenges remain, our commitment to cricket development across the region is unwavering, and all efforts will be made to prioritise the execution of these initiatives.”

تحدث بيب جوارديولا مدرب مانشستر سيتي عن مباراة نيوكاسل يونايتد غداً على ملعب سانت جيمس بارك في الجولة الثانية عشر من الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وقال بيب عن لقاء نيوكاسل يونايتد في تصريحات نشرتها “مانشستر إيفنينج نيوز”: “إنه فريق من الطراز الأول، فريق يلعب في دوري أبطال أوروبا، نحن مستعدون”.

وسُئل جوارديولا عن دوناروما: “لدينا حارسان رائعان، دوناروما وجيمس، لقد أعجبت كثيراً بتطور ترافورد منذ مغادرته أكاديميتنا، دوناروما قلت عنه سابقاً عندما تبدأ في اللعب في سن السابعة عشرة مع ميلان، فهذا لأنك مميز، جميع اللاعبين تأهلوا لكأس العالم ونأمل أن يتمكن دوناروما من تحقيق ذلك، إذا تعلمت من التجارب السابقة فإنك ستكتسب خبرة أكبر، لكن هذا لا يعني أنك ستقدم أداء جيداً دائماً”.

وذكر بيب عن سباق اللقب: “الحقيقة أن فريقنا قوي كآرسنال في المواسم الماضية، أشعر أنهم لن يضيعوا الكثير من النقاط وإذا ابتعدوا كثيراً سيكون الأمر صعباً، نحن في نوفمبر ولا شيء في نوفمبر يُحسم، ما يحدث يكون في فبراير أو مارس، توخوا الحذر، الآن وبعد انتهاء فترة التوقف الدولي سنلتقي في مباريات حتى مارس، والآن يبدأ الموسم الحقيقي، الفوز غداً سيكون خطوة مهمة لنا”.

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وكشف بيب عن تطورات جديدة بشأن رودري: “الجميع في حالة بدنية جيدة باستثناء كوفاسيتش ورودري، رودري يتقدم بخطوات جيدة، مرت ثلاثة أسابيع تقريباً منذ أن عاد للملاعب، يعلم أنه بحاجة لوقت كافي للتعافي بشكل جيد نفسياً وجسدياً مما عانى منه لكي يكون مستواه ثابتاً من الآن حتى نهاية الموسم”.

وأثنى بيب على برناردو سيلفا: “الأفضل، من بين الأفضل، يقدم لنا ويقدم لنفسه شيئاً لا يقتصر على الإحصائيات بل على أشياء أخرى مثل عقليته، هو بلا شك أحد أفضل اللاعبين الذين دربتهم في مسيرتي”.

وعبر بيب عن سعادته بسبب أوريلي: “أنا سعيد من أجله وآمل أن يستمر، أن يبقى متواضعاً، أحيانا يكون هناك مستقر في ذلك العمر الذي يصل فيه اللاعب لأعلى مستوى، أنا سعيد من أجل الأكاديمية وكل من عمل مع أوريلي منذ صغره، وكل من ساهم في تطويره، إنه لشرف عظيم”.

وحول رد فعل بيب جوارديولا على اختيارات روني حول أفضل ثلاثة لاعبين في الدوري الانجليزي بدون وضع اسم هالاند بينهم: “بالتأكيد هو محق، ستختار لاعباً آخر، لا يهم، لقد قال رأيه أنا موافق، إنها ليست مشكلة كبيرة”.

وأثنى بيب على هالاند :”إنه لاعب مذهل هذا الموسم، يحطم جميع الأرقام القياسية الشخصية وفي الدوري الإنجليزي وللنرويج ولمنتخب بلاده، عدد من لاعبي النرويج لم يكونوا قد ولدوا بعد في آخر مشاركة لهم في كأس العالم، يستحق المشاركة في كأس العالم لأنه لاعب كرة قدم عالي المستوى، أنا سعيد جداً من أجله”.

وتحدث بيب عن بداية الموسم الحقيقية الآن بعد انتهاء فترة التوقف: “لا أعرف، بالنسبة لي، أحب التوقف، أحصل على قسط من الراحة، أحب عملي، لكن أحصل على وقت للتنفس، ربما تكون فترة أطول مناسبة أيضاً، نتكيف مع إقامة كأس العالم في الشتاء، مهما كان قرار كبار القادة في عالم كرة القدم، سننفذه”.

واختتم بيب عن برونو جيماريش: “لم يقتصر الأمر على هذا الموسم فحسب، بل لسنوات عديدة، منذ انضمامه إلى ليون، أدركنا أنه لاعب استثنائي، نيوكاسل تعاقد مع لاعب رائع ويتحسن باستمرار ودائماً أكون من أشد المعجبين به”.

Glasgow Rangers head coach Danny Rohl lost for the second time in as many matches in charge of the club in the Europa League against Roma on Thursday night.

The Italian giants came to Ibrox and won 2-0 under the lights, thanks to two first-half strikes, to make it three defeats in five matches for the new Light Blues boss.

It is hard to blame the former Sheffield Wednesday tactician for that dismal start to his career at the club, though, as he has had a tough run of fixtures, including this clash with Roma and a League Cup semi-final against Celtic.

Rohl has inherited a team that struggled badly under former manager Russell Martin, who only won five matches in all competitions during his time in Glasgow.

However, the German boss does have a chance to make it three wins out of three in the Scottish Premiership when his side travel to play Dundee away from home on Sunday.

With that match in mind, the Ibrox head coach must ruthlessly ditch centre-forward Youssef Chermiti from the starting line-up after an underwhelming performance on Thursday night.

Why Youssef Chermiti should be dropped by Rangers

The £8m summer signing from Everton has now produced one goal and one assist in 12 appearances in all competitions for the Light Blues in the 2025/26 campaign.

His goal, as shown in the clip above, was aided by some fairly questionable goalkeeping, and his assist was a simple pass to Danilo, who took a brilliant touch and scored from the edge of the box.

The Portugal U21 international has not provided enough quality in the final third to justify his price tag, yet, and his performance against Roma did little to convince supporters that he has been a good addition to the squad.

Roma had Artem Dovbyk leading the line for them at Ibrox and the gulf in class between the Ukraine international and Chermiti in their respective displays was staggering.

Whilst the Serie A marksman, who scored 17 goals for Roma last season (Sofascore), provided the perfect foil for his team to build attacks from, Rangers could not rely on Chermiti to bring others into play.

Minutes

73

86

Big chances missed

1

0

Passes completed

8

19

Pass accuracy

67%

100%

Key passes

0

4

Assists

0

1

Possession lost

8x

5x

As you can see in the table above, Dovbyk was almost perfect in possession and created four chances for his team on the night, including one for the second goal, whilst the Gers striker did not create any chances for his side and was a bit loose with his passes.

The former Everton forward also struggled in the 3-1 loss to Celtic at Hampden Park on Sunday. Pundit Michael Stewart bemoaned his “poor” finishing after the attacker spurned two huge opportunities to find the back of the net in the first half.

Therefore, Rohl should drop him from the starting line-up to take on Dundee in the Premiership on Sunday and unleash Danilo, who has scored in each of his last two appearances in the Premiership under the German head coach.

Chermiti is not the only underperforming Rangers player who should lose his place in the starting XI for that trip to Dundee before the international break, though.

Chalkboard

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

The former Bayern Munich and Southampton assistant manager should also ruthlessly ditch left-sided defender Jayden Meghoma from the side, after another disappointing showing.

Why Danny Rohl should drop Jayden Meghoma for Rangers

Rohl should drop the defender from the team after he decided to withdraw him from the game at half-time in order to change formation and move Max Aarons to left-back.

The Rangers head coach opted to move away from a 3-4-2-1 formation to chase the game with a 4-3-3, which meant that Aarons moved from right wing-back to left-back and James Tavernier moved from right centre-back to right-back.

Rohl deciding to move Aarons, who is a right-footed right-back, over to left-back instead of moving Meghoma back into a left-back position in a back four suggests that he was less-than-pleased with the Brentford loanee’s contributions in the first half.

Minutes

45

Pass accuracy

79%

Key passes

0

Successful dribbles

0/1

Tackles won

0

Interceptions

0

Ground duels won

0/2

Aerial duels won

0/0

As you can see in the table above, it is easy to understand why the manager may not have been too impressed by the wing-back’s first-half showing, as the 19-year-old flop failed to win a single duel.

Meghoma offered very little to the team in or out of possession in the opening 45 minutes, with no key passes, dribbles, tackles, interceptions, or duels won for the Scottish giants.

The Scotsman handed the youngster a player rating of 4/10 for his performance against Roma and wrote that he looked ‘out of his depth’ as an ‘untested’ youngster, which is hard to disagree with, given Rohl’s decision to withdraw him at half-time and his dismal statistics.

After the 3-1 loss to Celtic in the League Cup last weekend, Football FanCast suggested that the left-back may be on borrowed time in the starting XI because he was caught out defensively for the opening goal from Johnny Kenny, as shown in the clip below.

Meghoma was also caught out aerially from a set-piece in the 3-0 defeat to Brann in Rohl’s first match in charge, when he allowed Jacob Lungi Sorensen to get the run on him to score from a free-kick.

The teenage defender, who has won 25% of his aerial duels in the Premiership (Sofascore), has not proven that he can be a reliable option for the Light Blues at this moment in time, and the change at half-time on Thursday suggests that the manager trusts Aarons ahead of him in a back four.

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ByDominic Lund Nov 5, 2025

Therefore, Rohl should ruthlessly ditch Meghoma and Chermiti in order to unleash Aarons at left-back in a back four and Danilo up front against Dundee on Sunday.