All posts by h716a5.icu

Fulham shared the spoils with Middlesbrough in their first match of the 2021/22 season in a frustrating afternoon for Marco Silva’s side at Craven Cottage. 

The Cottagers took the lead through Harry Wilson, with the Welsh international finishing clinically past Joe Lumley in the Middlesbrough goal after 29 minutes. Marc Bola equalised for Neil Warnock’s side in the second half and neither team could find the winner thereafter.

Wilson’s performance on the day caught the eye amongst many Fulham supporters, with the winger having a WhoScored rating of 7.4 in his competitive Cottagers debut, the highest score of anyone in Silva’s line-up on Sunday.

He has hit the ground running in west London and the Craven Cottage faithful will be hoping they can see more of the same from the 24-year-old as the season progresses.

Plenty of Fulham fans took to social media to issue their thoughts on Wilson’s first competitive showing for the Cottagers after he tweeted his post-match thoughts, saying: Felt good to have the fans back today, debut goal at Craven Cottage as well, disappointed to have not taken all 3 points but good performance to build on”.

Take a look at the best of the reaction from Fulham supporters to the Welshman’s tweet, with one fan dubbing him a “wizard”….

Fulham fans praise Harry Wilson

“You were quality today and I am sure there is so much more to come, your gesture at the end with your shirt to the fan will very quickly move you on to club legend status.”

Credit: @bellboyffc

“Fantastic goal today Harry. You’ll be our new Welsh wizard for us.”

Credit: @JohnstonLew10

“You were highly decent, well done, more of the same in the future cheers. MOTM.”

Credit: @noteddieffc

“You played a blinder mate. Looking forward to more of the same from you.”

Credit: @doydoy64

“Great debut Harry, you were by far the best player on the pitch.”

Credit: @jnixon4

“Harry you’re some baller lad.”

Credit: @dan_webb00

“Absolute quality.”

Credit: @CairneyhelpyouV

“Top performance today Harry.”

Credit: @fabtweetr

Manchester United have received a potential boost in their pursuit of Rennes midfielder Eduardo Camavinga.

What’s the story?

The highly-rated 18-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent weeks, although no formal offer has been made by the English giants.

However, according to well-known journalist Mohamed Bouhafsi (as relayed by Get French Football News), Camavinga’s agent Jonathan Barnett is pushing for the youngster to join United this summer.

They tweeted: “Jonathan Barnett is looking to push Eduardo Camavinga to Manchester United, but the player’s position remains unclear, Camavinga still wants PSG, but that’s becoming more complicated, according to @mohamedbouhafsi.”

Fans will be buzzing

Although Camavinga would reportedly prefer to remain in his homeland and move to Ligue 1 outfit Paris Saint-Germain, reports that his agent is attempting to move his client to United will surely have the club’s supporters buzzing.

PSG are currently in negotiations to bring Lionel Messi to the Parc des Princes in a deal which would surely mean they no longer have the finances available to lure Camavinga to the French capital. With Messi understandably taking priority for Mauricio Pochettino’s charges, the door has swung open for the Red Devils to swoop and secure their transfer target.

Samuel Luckhurst, chief Manchester United writer for the Manchester Evening News, recently revealed that he expects the club to make a third significant signing in the current window.

Former Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho has already arrived at Old Trafford, while Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane is expected to be announced imminently, and this latest revelation will likely have large sections of United’s fanbase hoping that Camavinga is the third major addition to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad.

Despite his tender years, the dynamic midfielder has already racked up 82 appearances for his boyhood club, with his impressive performances earning three international caps for France’s senior setup.

The teenager only has one year remaining on his current contract, though, and Rennes are thought to be keen on selling their prized asset this summer rather than watching him leave on a free transfer in 12 months’ time.

Therefore, a switch to United could occur before the transfer window closes despite Camavinga’s PSG preference, a situation which is sure to delight the Old Trafford faithful.

In other news… Samuel Luckhurst drops exciting Man Utd transfer update which will have fans buzzing 

Fulham midfielder Jean Michael Seri could be edging closer to a departure from Craven Cottage this summer.

What’s the talk?

According to reports in France (via Football League World), Napoli and Galatasaray are keeping a very close eye on the situation of the 30-year-old ahead of a potential move in the summer transfer window.

The report continues by stating that the Serie A side are contemplating an offer for the Ivory Coast international as a result of an injury crisis, however, it is not mentioned whether they would want to sign the midfielder on a permanent or temporary basis.

It is also stated that, with Seri now entering the final year of his contract in west London, should the Cottagers wish to receive any kind of transfer fee for their £27m 2018 signing, they will have to do so this summer.

Stealing a living

It would be a difficult argument to make that Seri has been a successful signing for the Cottagers, as the midfielder has made just 36 appearances in all competitions over his three years at the club, having been twice sent out on loan – firstly to Galatasaray and most recently to Girondins Bordeaux.

Indeed, in the one full season the 30-year-old has spent at Craven Cottage following his arrival, the £3.6m-rated man failed to live up to expectations, averaging a disappointing WhoScored match rating of 6.55 over his 32 Premier League appearances back in the club’s 2018/19 campaign.

And, considering the man Xavi once claimed possesses “Barca DNA” is reported to earn a princely £65k-per-week at Fulham – the second-highest salary in the current Cottagers squad.

It would indeed appear highly advisable for Marco Silva to do all he can to move the midfielder on this summer, particularly as it seems the Portuguese boss has no intention of utilising Seri this season, with the former OGC Nice man being an unused substitute in the club’s season-opening fixture against Middlesbrough last weekend.

The diminutive 5 foot 6 ace would be merely stealing a wage by not playing and festering away in the reserves all season. It’s time to be ruthless and shift him out before this month’s transfer deadline.

In other news: Transfer update emerges on £22.5m-rated “machine”, Fulham fans will be devastated

New Zealand A prevailed in a close finish to win the second one-dayer against Queensland at the Albury Oval in Brisbane and take the two-match series 2-0

Cricinfo staff11-Sep-2008
ScorecardNew Zealand A prevailed in a close finish to win the second one-dayer against Queensland at the Albury Oval in Brisbane and take the two-match series 2-0. Peter Fulton’s run-a-ball century helped the visitors set a formidable total but Queensland fought hard, with Lee Carseldine scoring 102 to lead the chase, but the hosts fell short by four runs.New Zealand’s eventual total of 270 looked unlikely after wickets tumbled in quick succession and they slipped from 22 for 0 to 22 for 3. Fulton and Grant Elliott picked up the pieces with a 95-run stand for the fourth wicket and consolidated the innings. Elliott was trapped lbw for 32 by legspinner Daniel Doran but Fulton continued to build a position of strength with Neil Broom.Fulton struck ten fours and eight sixes in his 139 while Broom’s 50 came off only 47 balls. Together they raised the tempo and took New Zealand to 236 before Fulton was finally dismissed, caught by Scott Brant off Carseldine. Broom fell with the score on 258, having done enough to set up a match-winning total.Queensland used seven bowlers – they had employed eight in the first game – but once again they were unable to take any more than six New Zealand wickets.New Zealand’s defence began on a positive note, with Mark Gillespie continuing his good form from the first match. He put Queensland on the back foot in their pursuit of 271 by dismissing opener Nathan Reardon for 10 with the score on 11.However, Carseldine joined Clinton Perren and the pair put the run-chase back on track with a 106-run partnership for the second wicket. Bradley Scott finally broke through Perren’s defences to dismiss the opener for 39 but New Zealand came up against more resistance from Aaron Nye. Carseldine and Nye added 82 in quick time to put pressure on the visitors. Brent Arnel, the Northern Districts medium pacer, struck the vital blow, bowling Carseldine for 102 off 121 balls.Queensland lost Nye soon after, caught by Fulton off Gillespie with the score on 205, after which wickets fell regularly ensuring that the hosts fell just short of leveling the series.

Manchester City’s hopes of signing Harry Kane from Tottenham Hotspur this summer have been handed a huge boost, with recent reports suggesting that Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has finally agreed to sell to the Citizens.

What’s the word?

According to The Sun, Levy has agreed to let the England captain leave Spurs this summer should City pay the North London club’s £160m asking price.

Previous reports had suggested that Kane would not be allowed to leave the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium but after an exceptional individual season for the striker, in which Spurs still failed to win a trophy or secure Champions League qualification, it is no surprise that he is keen for a new challenge.

Can Man City sign Kane?

Guardiola is clearly desperate for a new striker at the Etihad following Sergio Aguero’s departure earlier this summer, and it seems clear now that Kane is the Spanish manager’s top target.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-manchester-city-transfer-rumours-and-news” title=”Read the latest Manchester City transfer rumours and news!”]

Although it would cost a huge amount of money to prise him away from Spurs, City have already begun raising the funds to bring him in through player sales, as well as the sell-on fee they received following Jadon Sancho’s move to Manchester United.

Considering Kane managed 23 goals and 14 assists in just 35 Premier League appearances last season, averaging a superb 7.79 rating from WhoScored for his performances, it seems clear that he would be a success at Manchester City should he make the move north this summer.

Now that reports are suggesting that he is free to leave Spurs should their asking price be met, it looks as if Guardiola’s side will be the favourites to bring him in, which will surely delight the Spanish manager ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

[freshpress-quiz id=“577936″]

If the “exceptional” forward can continue his form from Spurs with Manchester City, then it would be difficult to see them failing to retain their Premier League title next season, as with the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden behind him, there is no telling how many goals Kane would score in this Manchester City side.

And, in other news… Romano drops Man City latest on “outstanding” transfer target, fans will be buzzing

The eventful life and times of an England stalwart

Martin Williamson04-Jul-2008
Alec Bedser sits alongside John Bradman, the Don’s son, during the 1946-47 tour © Getty Images
1918 Alec Bedser is born on July 14, seven minutes after brother Eric. His mother is unaware she is carrying twins.1938 Spotted in the nets at Woking CC, the twins accept an offer to join the Surrey staff as professionals, earning £2 a week in the summer and £1 in the winter.1939 Bedser makes his Surrey debut, alongside his brother, playing two matches against the universities without taking a wicket. They are part of the Surrey 2nd XI that wins the Minor Counties Championship.1943 On leave from the RAF, Bedser attracts attention as he takes 6 for 27, including a hat-trick, against a West Indies XI at Lord’s. But the brothers are posted abroad at the end of the year, curtailing any chances of playing more.1946 In his first full season, Bedser takes 128 wickets at 20.13. He makes his Test debut against India in his 13th first-class game, taking 7 for 49 and 4 for 96 at Lord’s.1946-47 He struggles in Australia, taking 16 wickets at 54.75 as England are well beaten. His reputation as a workhorse is established as he bowls 246 eight-ball overs in the series. He also unveils his legcutter after two years of practice. In the fifth Test he bowls Don Bradman for 0 with a ball Bradman described as the best that ever took his wicket.1947 Named one of Wisden’s five Cricketers of the Year.1948 Another series on the losing side against Australia, playing in all five Tests for 18 wickets in a 0-4 series defeat.1950 Although he is England’s premier strike bowler, he struggles to make a major impact and his five-for against West Indies at Nottingham is only his third in four seasons. In 20 Tests since his stunning debut series, his 65 wickets have cost more than 40 each. Surrey tie the Championship with Lancashire1950-51 Bedser is the spearhead in a young side, and despite another Ashes drubbing, his reputation is made as he takes 30 wickets at 16.06.1951 His good form continues against South Africa as he grabs 30 wickets at 17.23.
Alec and Eric Bedser at an in-store signing session © Getty Images
1952 A poor Indian side are swept away, Bedser adding 20 more cheap wickets to his tally. Surrey, under Stuart Surridge, win the first of their seven consecutive Championship titles.1953 Bedser’s annus mirabilis: he breaks the record for most wickets in an Anglo-Australian series, his 39 at 17.48 a major part in England regaining the Ashes for the first time in 19 years. “If I had have broken down then [Hutton] would have been lost,” Bedser recalled with no false modesty. “There was no one else.” In the first Test at Nottingham he passes SF Barnes’ English record of 189 Test wickets; at Headingley he becomes the leading wicket-taker of all time, passing Clarrie Grimmett’s 216. He finishes the summer with 162 wickets at 16.67, his best return and in his benefit year.1954-55 His third tour of Australia is wrecked as he contracts shingles – which is not diagnosed until after the first Test where he takes 1 for 131. He is dropped in favour of Frank Tyson, England come from behind to win the series, and Bedser is unable to regain his place.1955 His final Test, taking four wickets as England lose to South Africa. He finishes with 236 wickets at 24.39 in 51 Tests, a record which remains until Fred Trueman passes it in 1963.1957 Bedser takes 131 wickets, the 11th and final time he passes 100 in a season.1960 Bedser bows out of the game, finishing with 5 for 25 as Surrey draw with Glamorgan at a deserted Oval.1962 Bedser is appointed a selector, a position that he holds for 23 years, including 12 as chairman.
Bedser leaves the field after his final first-class appearance © Getty Images
1962-63 Manages the England tour of Australia under Ted Dexter.1969 Appointed chairman of selectors.1974-75 Acts as manager on MCC tour of Australia for the second time.1976 Is barred from adjudicating in Benson & Hedges Cup matches after reportedly saying of one-day cricket that he never watches it: “If you want cricket like that, you might as well watch baseball.”1981 Controversially sacks Ian Botham minutes after the drawn Test at Lord’s. He is replaced as chairman of selectors by Peter May at the end of the summer.1986 Retires as a selector.1987 Becomes president of Surrey.1996 Is knighted for his services to cricket.2009 Becomes English cricket’s oldest-surviving player after death of Arthur McIntyre.2010 Dies on April 5 aged 91.

Graeme Smith produced a performance that will go down in South Africa sporting history with an unbeaten 154, one of the finest centuries in a run chase, to guide his side to a series win against England

The Bulletin by Andrew McGlashan02-Aug-2008
Scorecard
How they were out – England
How they were out – South Africa
Graeme Smith cracks another boundary during his epic match-winning innings © Getty Images
Edgbaston has provided heartbreak for South Africa in the past, but nine years on from their lowest point in the 1999 World Cup they exorcised some ghosts by claiming their first series win in England since 1965. Graeme Smith produced a performance that will go down in South Africa sporting history with an unbeaten 154, one of the finest centuries in a run chase. The victory was clinched by a 112-run stand with Mark Boucher, after they claimed the extra half hour against a spent England attack.It was a crowning moment for Smith, whose love-affair with Edgbaston continued following his 277 in 2003. On that tour he was a young and inexperienced captain and his team failed to build on twice leading the series. Smith didn’t want this contest to go to a deciding match at The Oval. Not that the winning moment needed to be any sweeter, but the final boundary came off Kevin Pietersen.The next-highest score was 45, but it was an equally valuable innings from Boucher, an ideal man to have at the other end. He came in at 171 for 5 and England’s tails were once again up following Monty Panesar’s removal of AB de Villiers, who’d added a vital 78 with Smith. But all the emotional and physical exertions caught up with them during a final session that extended beyond three hours. By the time the extra overs were claimed, England had just about given up hope of repeating their 2005 heroics. Lightening doesn’t strike twice.Smith wore a steely determination throughout his innings as he steadily lost partners and had to be at his very best to combat a wearing surface, which offered particular assistance to Panesar from the footmarks. His century wasn’t without its moments of fortune, but batsmen deserve a dose of luck in the final innings of a Test. To highlight the difficulty of chasing runs at Edgbaston, the previous best successful pursuit was 208 and Smith’s hundred, which came off 177 balls, was also the first fourth-innings century at Edgbaston.He played positively from the outset, but without being reckless, and his main moments of concern came against Panesar. On 74 he padded up to a delivery that ripped out of the footmarks and, although replays showed it hitting middle, Aleem Dar would have been guessing to give it. Then, on 79, he had a clear let-off when Tim Ambrose’s lob to the stumps wasn’t collected by Ian Bell after Smith and de Villiers hesitated over a single.With Smith on 85, he gloved Panesar to Ambrose but England’s appeal was muted and Dar not interested. The margin between success and failure was evident next ball when his slog-sweep landed inches short of a diving Andrew Strauss at deep midwicket. However, after reaching his century progress to 150 came without major alarm, but the spark and fight had gone from England.Smart statsSouth Africa’s first Test win at Edgbaston sealed their first series triumph in England since 1965.South Africa’s 283 for 5 is the highest fourth-innings total at Edgbaston, and their fourth-highest successful chase in Tests.South Africa are only the third team – after West Indies and Australia – to win a Test at Edgbaston. West Indies have won four times and Australia thrice.Teams losing the toss have won nine out of the last 14 Tests which have ended decisively at this venue.Graeme Smith’s 154 not out was the first century in the fourth innings at Edgbaston. Smith has now scored 523 runs in four innings at Edgbaston, the most for a visiting batsman at the venue.During his innings, Smith became the fourth to score 5000 Test runs while playing as captain. His unbeaten 154 was also the second-best score by a South African in the fourth innings of a Test.Mark Boucher’s 45 not out was his top score in a successful chase: his four fifties in the fourth innings had all come in defeats. The unbroken 112-run stand between Boucher and Smith was the third-highest fourth-innings partnership at Edgbaston.Amid all the praise for Smith, Boucher’s role shouldn’t be forgotten. He was the last barrier before the tail was exposed. But he is one of South Africa’s streetfighters and nudged, nurdled and chivvied his way through the target. Boucher was one of two survivors from the 1999 World Cup side – alongside Jacques Kallis – and has witnessed more than his fair share of victories go begging at the last. This one didn’t get away.England’s bowlers just couldn’t make the potentially decisive sixth breakthrough. Their cause wasn’t aided with Ryan Sidebottom again lacking rhythm and sending down just 10 overs, while Anderson, surprisingly, bowled only 13. Inevitably, Flintoff began to show signs of tiredness as did Panesar when he started to drop short.Smith’s outward calmness was not always replicated by his team-mates or the dressing room, and at one stage the atmosphere began decidedly heated with Flintoff’s yorkers from the Pavilion End again providing the spark. He made the breakthrough in his fourth over when Neil McKenzie failed to sight a full delivery, getting struck on the boot in front of off stump as he turned away. McKenzie wore a rueful smile as he walked off, but the anger was brewing in the South African dressing room. It almost boiled over eight overs later when a screaming, low full toss thudded into the top of Kallis’s leg as he, too, turned away for cover. Steve Davis made the correct decision, but Kallis was almost apoplectic, a feeling matched by Mickey Arthur on the balcony.Life was no easier at the other end as Panesar started to find some bite and turn, both off the pitch and out of the rough. He ripped a couple past Hashim Amla’s outside edge before firing in an arm-ball, trapping him in front of leg stump. The ball was also reverse-swinging and Anderson produced a good one to remove Ashwell Prince. South Africa were four down with less than 100 on board, but their captain couldn’t be shifted and produced his finest performance when it mattered most. It’s mission accomplished.

Vic Wilson, who was Yorkshire’s captain between 1960 and 1962, has died at his home at Yedingham

Cricinfo staff06-Jun-2008
Vic Wilson and Fred Trueman on the way to winter nets at Headingley at the start of the 1952 season © Getty Images
Vic Wilson, who was Yorkshire’s captain between 1960 and 1962, has died at his home at Yedingham. He was 87.Wilson took charge of the side from Ronnie Burnet, who had led the county to the Championship the previous year, ending Surrey’s seven-year domination. Yorkshire’s first professional captain since 1882, under him they retained the title in 1960 and regained it in 1962, after which he stood down in favour of Brian Close.”Wilson caused a sensation in the first Championship match of the season against Sussex by declaring with all ten first-innings wickets intact and finally his side lost the game after he had instructed his players to go for runs,” Wisden noted, adding that the reason for the ultimate success was simple. “Every player pointed first and foremost to the skipper. He never lost faith in himself or his team.”After playing league cricket in the war, he started playing for Yorkshire’s 2nd XI in 1946 and made his first-team debut in 1947. In 1948 he made his maiden hundred, against Surrey, and was awarded his county cap. Dropped in 1949, he did not gain a regular place until 1951, and that coincided with him being identified as a close fielder.Wilson went on to make 21,650 runs at 31.33, including 29 hundreds. He was also a superb close fielder, holding 520 catches, a total only exceeded by four other players.Such was England’s strength in the 1950s that Wilson was never called on by England, although he did tour Australia in 1954-55 under his county team-mate, Len Hutton. However, so good was his reputation as a close fielder that he was 12th man in all five Tests.”Vic was one of those sort of players that you would want in the trenches with you,” Ray Illingworth said. “He was totally reliable, a man who gave 100% and never gave up fighting. If he was beaten by five balls in a row he would lose none of his determination when facing up to the sixth.”

The last domestic tournament on the Zimbabwe calendar, the Faithwear Cup, starts in Harare on Tuesday

Cricinfo staff23-May-2008The last domestic tournament on the Zimbabwe calendar, the Faithwear Cup, starts in Harare on Tuesday.Matches in the one-day competition was moved from Bulawayo at short notice. Officially, the reason given was that there was no electricity at the Bulawayo Athletics Club ground, but a source told Cricinfo: “The borehole pump at BAC broke down last year and has not been repaired and it has made it difficult for the ground staff to water the outfield, they use a hosepipe to water the centre wicket.”It was also suggested that it had been done because of financial concerns at the costs of transporting teams to the city. “If the matches were held in Bulawayo, it meant Zimbabwe Cricket paying for accommodation for players from Easterns, Northerns, Southerns plus umpires. However, in Harare, ZC will have to accommodate only Westerns players since players from the other provinces have homes in Harare.”Although there will be monetary savings by hosting all games in one centre, there is the risk of mounting social unrest following March’s presidential elections.”To motivate the sides and raise the level of competition, we decided to award bonus points,” Lovemore Banda, the board’s media manager, explained. “Effectively, each match has a bonus point on offer. If the side that wins the match does so with a run-rate that is a set percentage higher than that of the losing team, it gets the bonus point.”However, if the losing side keeps the margin between it and the winner to less than that percentage, it gets the bonus point. What that means is that, on one hand, a team doing well is encouraged to go for victory emphatically while, on the other, the one struggling is encouraged to minimise the margin.”

Auckland, the defending State Championship holders, named a predictable squad of 14 to contest this year’s competition

Lynn McConnell21-Nov-2002Auckland, the defending State Championship holders, named a predictable squad of 14 to contest this year’s competition.Again under the leadership of Brooke Walker, the squad of 14 will be trimmed to 12 before next week’s first match for the side against Northern Districts in Gisborne.Auckland have come off a strong batting effort, especially from Tama Canning, who scored 105, and Tim McIntosh, who hit 77, in their warm-up match with ND at Eden Park’s outer oval.The squad has been named for the first three matches, the other games being against Wellington and Central Districts in Auckland and Blenheim respectively.The squad is: Brooke Walker (captain), Andre Adams, Tama Canning, Matt Horne, Rob Lynch, Richard Morgan, Rob Nicol, Tim McIntosh, Craig Pryor, Kyle Mills, Mark Richardson, Gareth Shaw, Lou Vincent, Reece Young.