Tag Futebol

A promising update has emerged on Rangers’ managerial pursuit, regarding Gio van Bronckhorst’s discussions with the club.

What’s the talk?

Sky Sports News have reported that Gio van Bronckhorst is holding further talks with the Gers over a potential move to the club, having spoken with the club last weekend.

Journalist Haley McQueen has revealed that the two sides are meeting to discuss a deal, although there are other candidates who remain in the mix.

The presenter said on Sky Sports News (16/11/21), via Football Daily:

“A bit of breaking news comes from Scotland concerning Rangers.

“Sky Sports News have been told that Giovanni van Bronckhorst is having further talks with Rangers about the vacant managerial position since, of course, Steven Gerrard left to take up the position at Aston Villa.

“It’s understood he is not the only candidate, though.

“The club are pleased with the progress they are making.”

Fans surely happy

Rangers fans will surely be happy with this update as it shows enthusiasm from van Bronckhorst to hold more talks with the club, whilst it also proves that the club are making real progress in their search for a new boss.

The Dutchman does not appear to view this job as a favour towards anyone due to his previous spell in Glasgow with the initial signals indicating that he is genuinely interested in the job and wants to be a success, given that he is now in a second round of talks.

Van Bronckhorst has an impressive C.V in Dutch football and could, potentially, earn himself a high-profile gig in his home country, but instead, he’s wanting to branch out and return to Scotland, showing his appetite for a challenge.

The ex-Gers defender spent four seasons with Feyenoord in the Netherlands and ended his tenure with an excellent haul of five trophies, with one Eredivise and four cups. He averaged 1.99 points per game across 176 matches in charge of the club, showing that he was able to consistently set his team up to win points more often than not, leading to his success in the silverware department.

This is another reason supporters should be pleased with this update, as it suggests that Rangers are serious about moving forward with a manager whose C.V indicates he’d be a shrewd appointment.

Irrespective of whether or not a better coach ends up getting the job, for now, the fans will be happy that a promising, successful, manager is firmly in the running and eager to take on the role.

It will be interesting to see where Wilson does go from here. As it stands, van Bronckhorst remains in contention for the job, but no final decision has been made on the new manager of Gers and the next few days could be exciting for supporters following events as the other candidates are potentially revealed.

AND in other news, “I’d be surprised”: Rangers insider makes manager claim that’ll leave fans frustrated…

The West Indies Cricket Board has come under fire after spending thousands of dollars on full-page advertisements

Cricinfo staff11-Jul-2009

The West Indies Cricket Board has come under fire after spending thousands of dollars on full-page advertisements in newspapers across the Caribbean to explain its side of the story in the dispute with the players’ association (WIPA).On Friday, the WICB, which had already been sending regular and lengthy releases to the media, took the almost unprecedented step of paying for advertisements in many leading newspapers outlining its position. However, by the time the advertisements appeared on July 10 they had already been overtaken by events. They referred to a meeting on July 9, but that had broken up without any progress the day before the papers came out.Critics have been quick to point out that not only is the WICB reportedly short of funds, despite receiving tens of millions of dollars from the 2007 World Cup, it also has a press department whose job should be to ensure its position is made quite clear.The only other time recently that a board has spent money in this way in a bid to win over the public came last year when Zimbabwe Cricket took out advertisements to counter a critical newspaper report.The contractual row has led to a makeshift side, largely from Barbados, taking the field in the Test against Bangladesh at Arnos Grove. While it is widely reported that 13 first-team players had turned down invitations to play, sources close to WIPA maintain that more than twice that number were approached and refused to take part.

An update has emerged on Rangers centre-back Leon Balogun, regarding Steven Gerrard’s thoughts on the defender.

What’s the talk?

According to The Scottish Sun, the Gers boss is be keen to keep Leon Balogun at the club beyond the end of the season.

The report states that Balogun is out of contract at the end of the campaign, but he has won over Gerrard’s trust and could be handed an extension.

Gerrard loves him

Ibrox chief Ross Wilson must make a key decision by offering Balogun a contract to remain at Ibrox beyond the end of the 2021/22 campaign. He must now allow the central defender to depart on a free transfer as he still has plenty to offer and could be a valuable player for Gerrard moving forward.

Whilst there is speculation circling around Gerrard’s own future at Rangers, he is still contracted to the club and we can only assume that he will be the head coach heading into next season as it stands. This is why signing Balogun to a new deal could be a shrewd move, as he is a player the ex-Liverpool man loves.

Earlier this year, Gerrard lauded the defender as he admitted that he wanted Balogun to sign a contract extension, which he later did. The manager said:

“Leon is someone we want to keep hold of. He knows that and he is performing so well.

“He signed a contract with an option of an extension and we want him to be here beyond this season.

“Leon knows he is wanted here. I think he’s enjoying it, he’s playing with a smile on his face.

This, along with the aforementioned report stating Gerrard’s trust in the £14k-per-week defender, shows that Balogun is loved by the manager and that is why he must be handed another extension by Wilson.

He has shown on the pitch this season that he still has quality to offer.

Balogun has averaged a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.20 in the Premiership and 7.25 in the Europa League, with Rangers keeping three clean sheets in his six league appearances.

This shows that he can still perform to a high standard for the Gers and Wilson must please Gerrard by getting the Nigerian international to put pen to paper.

AND in other news, Rangers may be set for big boost after Gers news, Gerrard will be elated…

A number of Rangers supporters are delighted after the club confirmed that key man Ianis Hagi is back in training after recovering from illness.

Steven Gerrard’s men have made a stumbling start to the season, even though they still sit top of the Scottish Premiership currently.

The Gers haven’t quite managed to replicate last year’s incredible title-winning form, with Sunday’s 1-1 draw at home to Motherwell a disappointing result given the dominance they asserted last season.

One key player who Gerrard has been without since the international break is Hagi, with the Romanian absent through illness.

On Wednesday, however, Rangers’ official Twitter account posted a photo of the 22-year-back in training, suggesting he is now fit for selection again.

It is a big boost for Gerrard, given him more attacking options moving forward and hopefully an improvement in form.

Rangers supporters happy with Hagi latest

These Rangers fans reacted to the post on Twitter, with plenty of positivity in the air as one supporter called the return ‘perfect’.

“Buzzing”

Credit: @AlanMacfarlane8

“The Prince is back”

Credit: @BSreingan27

“Missed this magician”

Credit: @GM1872_

“This makes me very happy”

Credit: @Collie1Ross

“I know he’s back and he’s perfect”

Credit: @RobsTia99

“Happiest I’ve been all day long”

Credit: @rachlizziexx

“What a relief”

Credit: @jedmilne06

In other news, one pundit has discussed the possibility of a loan move involving Rangers. Read more here.

علق البرتغالي ريكاردو سواريش المدير الفني للنادي الأهلي، على الفوز الكبير الذي حقيقه فريقه على حساب الاتحاد السكندري اليوم الأحد في المباراة التي جمعت بينهما ببطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

واستطاع الاهلي أن يهزم الاتحاد بثلاثية نظيفة في المباراة التي احتضنها ملعب الجيش باستاد برج العرب في ختام منافسات الجولة التاسعة والعشرين من الدوري.

طالع أيضًا..وليد صلاح الدين: زياد طارق أفضل من لاعب الأهلي الأجنبي.. وتحية لـ مجلس الخطيب

وقال سواريش في المؤتمر الصحفي بعد المباراة: “وفقًا لاستراتيجية النادي، فإن اللاعبين المتاحين حاليًا هم الذين سأكمل بهم الموسم، وبعد 3 أيام يجب أن يكون هناك حل للمشاكل البدنية، لذلك استبدلت ديانج”.

وأضاف: “اللاعبون الذين يحصلون على راحة الآن هم مهمون لنا، ولهم دور في الفوز اليوم، هذه فرصة جيدة من أجل التعرف على اللاعبين الشباب في الفئات الأخرى، حاولت أن أرى ميدو نبيل في وسط الملعب اليوم بدلًا من ديانج”.

وعندما سئل عن موقفه من استكمال الدوري بالشباب وهل ذلك أدى لرفع الضغط عن الجهاز واللاعبين، رد مدرب الأهلي: “صحيح هو من أجل رفع الضغط عن اللاعبين، لكن القرار له أكثر من عامل وأنا هنا من أجل الدفاع عن مصالح الأهلي، واللاعبون غير قادرين على بذل المجهود ويسقطون منّا واحدًا وراء الآخر بسبب الإصابات”.

وتابع: “اللاعبون الشباب بدأوا العمل منذ 15 يومًا، وكان يجب أن نضع في الحسبان ألا يتعرضوا لإصابات”.

وواصل: “أحيي الاتحاد السكندري، ملعبهم رائع، قاموا برش الملعب وكان العرض جميلاً في نقل الكرة”.

واستأنف: “سجلنا أولا وهذا أعطانا ثقة وحركنا المباراة في اتجاهنا، والفريق كان ثابتًا دفاعيًا وهذه المباراة الخامسة التي لم يدخل مرمانا أهداف، ومهم أن نستمر بهذا الأسلوب ونحن في 10 مباريات لم نستقبل أهداف سوى في مباراتين فقط”.

وأردف: “نضع في اعتبارنا أنه بعد 3 أيام هناك مباراة جديدة؛ لذلك من الضروري أن تتم عملية الاستشفاء بشكل جيد، نحن لعبنا 12 مباراة في 36 يومًا”.

وعن المنافسة على اللقب تحدث قائلًا: “يجب أن نكون واقعيين، المنافسون أقوياء، نحن الأهلي بالتأكيد يجب أن نُقاتل في كل مباراة، ونشكر جماهير النادي على استمرارهم في دعم الفريق، هم مصدر قوة للنادي، ونحن يجب أن نستمر في القتال وتكون كرة قدم التي نقدمها إيجابية وتُسعد الجماهير”.

وأضاف: “أي أحد يُمثل الأهلي يجب أن يكون في ذهنه التتويج بالألقاب، ونحن جئنا من أجل ذلك، لكن بشكل واقعي هذا الموسم هناك صعوبة في حصد لقب الدوري، يجب أن نُعيد النظر في الأخطاء التي ارتكبناها ونُجهز أنفسنا للموسم القادم لنكون فريقًا قويًا يستطيع تمثيل النادي الأهلي”.

Shane Warne believes Andrew Flintoff, the England allrounder, will not participate in the IPL if it jeopardises his involvement in this year’s Ashes

Cricinfo staff25-Feb-2009
Shane Warne believes England can’t win the Ashes without Andrew Flintoff, one of their heroes in the famous 2005 win at home © Getty Images
Shane Warne believes Andrew Flintoff will not participate in the IPL if it jeopardises his involvement in this year’s Ashes. Warne, who ended his international career with Australia’s 5-0 win in the 2006-07 Ashes, said Flintoff will be key to England’s hopes of beating Australia, and was confident that the allrounder would ensure he is 100% fit for the five-Test contest in July-August.Concerns have risen over Flintoff’s three-week stint in the IPL in April after he injured his hip during the third Test against West Indies in Antigua and was ruled out of the fourth in Barbados. Flintoff, though, has insisted he will be fit for the Indian Twenty20 tournament – he’s been contracted for a record annual US$1.55 million fee with Chennai Super Kings. The ECB has indicated it could block Flintoff’s participation in the league if they felt it would be a risk to his fitness ahead of a busy home summer.Warne, though, felt England need not worry. “The Ashes will be the most important thing to Andrew Flintoff,” Warne told Sky Sports News. “If the IPL is going to jeopardise him playing for England in the Ashes, then I don’t think Andrew Flintoff will go to the IPL. He’ll make sure he’s 100% fit. If he thinks he’s fit and he wants to go and play in the IPL, no problem at all.”He predicted a grim outcome for England if Flintoff is unavailable. “England need Andrew Flintoff to play in the Ashes to have a chance,” Warne said. “If Flintoff doesn’t play in the Ashes series 2009, Australia will win, no doubt about it.”Warne quit international cricket at the end of the Australia’s 5-0 sweep last Ashes in Australia in 2006-07, and captained the Rajasthan Royals to the inaugural IPL championship last year.

MatériaMais Notícias

A CBF emitiu uma resolução do presidente Marco Polo Del Nero na qual ele determina o fechamento das arquibancadas de São Januário por causa da confusão no clássico de sábado, contra o Flamengo.

No documento, a entidade diz que a presença de torcedores não será permitida até decisão do mérito por parte do STJD, que denunciou o clube.

O TRECHO DO DOCUMENTO:

RESOLVE:

2º – A presente punição deverá ser cumprida até que se verifique decisão da Justiça Desportiva a respeito dos fatos ocorridos no sábado, dia 8 de julho.

Preview to the first Twenty20 international between Australia and South Africa at the MCG

The Preview by Brydon Coverdale10-Jan-2009Match facts
South Africa want Herschelle Gibbs in their plans for the next few years and this will be his first outing since completing an alcohol rehabilitation programme © AFP
Sunday, January 11
Start time 7.35pm (08:35 GMT)The Big PictureCan anything really live up to the Test series we’ve just witnessed between these two teams? Probably not. But the world’s two top-ranked limited-overs sides going head to head in a Twenty20 match in front of a likely crowd of more than 75,000 at the MCG should be a terrific spectacle in any case. Australia will be desperate for some strong performances to ease the pressure after losing their first home Test series in 16 years. South Africa have declared that they are treating this portion of their trip as a separate tour. Both teams are taking the opportunity to trial some fresh talent.Twenty20 form guideAustralia – LWWLL
South Africa – WWLWL
Team newsAustralia have rested Brad Haddin due to his heavy workload in the past month and Luke Ronchi will take up the position behind the stumps. Ronchi was excellent with both bat and gloves in the West Indies this year but his domestic batting form has been down this summer and a lower-order position is likely. Michael Clarke and Mitchell Johnson have also been given time off. Australia’s major decision was over which bowlers to include. They are keen to get some overs into Shaun Tait, while squad members Ryan Harris and Nathan Hauritz will have to wait until Tuesday at the Gabba for potential Twenty20 international debuts.Australia 1 Shaun Marsh, 2 David Warner, 3 Ricky Ponting (capt), 4 Michael Hussey, 5 David Hussey, 6 Cameron White, 7 James Hopes, 8 Luke Ronchi (wk), 9 Nathan Bracken, 10 Ben Hilfenhaus, 11 Shaun Tait.South Africa have named their starting line-up and there is no Hashim Amla, Neil McKenzie or Morne Morkel. Lonwabo Tsotsobe and Vaughn van Jaarsveld are set to make their international debuts, while all eyes will also be on Herschelle Gibbs in his return to the national side.South Africa 1 Herschelle Gibbs, 2 Jacques Kallis, 3 AB de Villiers, 4 JP Duminy, 5 Vaughn van Jaarsveld, 6 Mark Boucher (wk), 7 Albie Morkel, 8 Johan Botha (capt), 9 Dale Steyn, 10 Makhaya Ntini, 11 Lonwabo Tsostobe.Watch out for …David Warner was the bolter in Australia’s squad. At 22 and having not yet made his first-class debut, Warner was picked on the strength of a couple of brilliant limited-overs performances for New South Wales. He made a state record unbeaten 165 in from 112 balls against Tasmania and followed it a week later with 97 from 54 balls – narrowly missing the fastest one-day hundred in Australian domestic history – against the same opponents in Hobart. He will be especially fascinating to watch if he uses the double-sided bat he has trialled this season; it allows him to play the reverse-sweep without changing his grip.Herschelle Gibbs turns 35 next month but South Africa view him as an important part of their campaign for the 2011 World Cup. Those plans were derailed slightly in November when Gibbs was demoted from the national setup after breaking a team curfew. A month-long alcohol rehabilitation programme was the result and this will be Gibbs’ first appearance since the incident. The coach Mickey Arthur has told Gibbs he expects him to lead from the front as the senior man in the top order; it will be interesting to see how he responds.Pitch & conditionsThe MCG’s drop-in pitches have not been easy to score on in recent years. The surfaces are often two-paced and in limited-overs formats bowlers have had more reason to cheer than usual.Stats and triviaThe teams have met in two Twenty20 internationals for one win each.The MCG has hosted only one Twenty20 international and the 74 made by India last year was the lowest innings total ever recorded by a Test-playing nation in the format.Australia have never been beaten in a Twenty20 match at home This is only the second Twenty20 match South Africa have played outside their own countryQuotes”We’re expecting a huge backlash from them in this series and they have to start as favourites. There’s no doubt about that.”
“It’s just about, I guess, starting the series well and that starts here with the Twenty20. The big thing is we’ve got some young blokes who add something different.”

Express & Star journalist Luke Hatfield cannot see Aston Villa making a late move for Lazio attacker Joaquin Correa.

Correa has been linked with a move to Villa, with Il Messaggero (via Sport Witness) reporting at the start of the month that the Midlands club were one possible destination for the 27-year-old this summer.

However, Inter Milan currently look to be winning the race for Correa. According to Italian broadcaster SportMediaset (via SempreInter), the Serie A champions have agreed personal terms with the £27m-rated player as they look to tie up a deal.

And Hatfield is not expecting a late challenge from Villa, who have already bolstered their attacking options in this transfer window.

“I don’t see it happening,” the Aston Villa journalist told FFC. “He just doesn’t strike me as a Villa player.

“When you see links regarding players and Villa, Dean Smith seems very intent on signing those with some Premier League experience and if not, then someone who’s shown real potential.

“I don’t see Correa really fitting the mould for Villa. It seems very much like paper talk.”

As touched on earlier, Villa have already splashed out on attacking reinforcements this summer, bringing in the likes of Danny Ings, Leon Bailey and Emiliano Buendia.

Considering that, unless there is an outgoing before the transfer window closes, it is hard to imagine the Villans bringing in another attacker.

نجح فريق الكرة الأول بنادي الزمالك في تحقيق فوز صعب على نظيره سيراميكا كليوباترا، بثلاثية مقابل هدفين.

ترتيب الدوري المصري بعد فوز الزمالك على سيراميكا كليوباترا

المباراة أقيمت على ملعب استاد القاهرة الدولي في الجولة الثالثة والعشرين من عمر الدوري.

وقرر الجهاز الفني للزمالك منح لاعبيه راحة من التدريبات غدًا الأربعاء، على أن يعود الفريق لخوض المران الأول يوم الخميس.

أحمد سامي: نستحق ركلة جزاء أمام الزمالك.. ونريد عدالة في المنافسة

ويعتلي الزمالك صدارة ترتيب الدوري المصري برصيد 51 نقطة.