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A career-best 138 not out from Adam Rossington has put Northamptonshire in a position to push for their first win of the season in the Specsavers County Championship

ECB Reporters Network24-Jun-2016
ScorecardAdam Rossington cut loose to rapidly build Northamptonshire’s lead•Getty ImagesA career-best 138 not out from Adam Rossington has put Northamptonshire in a position to push for their first win of the season in the Specsavers County Championship.Rossington, who was playing as a specialist batsman because of an injury to his left hand, hit five sixes and 16 fours in an impressive display to help his side establish a first innings lead of 300 against Sussex at Arundel.They declared on 478 for 5 but Sussex openers Ed Joyce and Chris Nash successfully negotiated 24 hours before stumps to reach 70 without loss, still 230 behind with a day to go.The experienced pair adopted a risk-free approach against attacking fields with Nash unbeaten on 36 and Joyce 28 not out.Rossington had earlier helped Northants speed towards their declaration 25 minutes after tea on the third day in an unbroken stand of 199 in 39 overs with wicketkeeper David Murphy, a sixth wicket county record against Sussex, beating the 178 by Rob Bailey and David Ripley at Northampton in 1990.The former Middlesex batsman was particularly savage on legspinner Luke Wells, hitting him for four sixes before swiping Ajmal Shahzad over the long-on rope. Murphy gave him good support with an unbeaten 60 as batting conditions eased on a pitch lacking pace.Sussex had a glimmer of hope just after lunch when they reduced Northants to 279 for 5, but on a wicket offering their seam attack little margin for error they failed to make the most of the second new ball as Rossington grew in confidence.The day had started well for Sussex. Ollie Robinson drew Alex Wakely with his first ball of the second day and had the Northants’ skipper caught behind, but the visitors regained the initiative in a punishing fourth-wicket alliance of 119 in 27.3 overs between Rob Keogh and debutant Sean Terry.Former Hampshire batsman Terry, who is on non-contract terms, improved his chances of a permanent deal by scoring 54 only to give it away just before lunch when he hit Harry Finch to deep midwicket.Keogh batted well for his 75, compiled in just under three hours with 11 fours, only to lose concentration just after lunch when he tamely prodded forward to Shahzad and was caught behind.Northamptonshire’s lead was 101 at that point but Rossington and Murphy extended it impressively during the afternoon session.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has demonstrated his willingness to offer the youth a platform to impress this season, and could continue the trend by signing Blackburn Rovers' teenage starlet Adam Wharton.

What's the latest on Adam Wharton to Newcastle?

According to the Daily Mail, the 18-year-old Wharton has enjoyed an impressive breakout season with Rovers and has attracted the attention of several top Premier League outfits.

Indeed, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are joined by Eddie Howe's Magpies in sending sporting director Dan Ashworth and scout Mick Tait to observe the prodigious talent's progress, with Leicester City and West Ham United also interested.

The report continues to state that the dynamic midfielder has been described as a 'taller Jack Wilshere, who can play and tackle.'

Should Newcastle sign Wharton?

The Toon boast a wealth of firepower following the £300m PIF takeover in 2021, having followed the changing of the ownership guard with sustained exemplary performances on the pitch that navigated away from relegation danger and now, just one season later, have the club in third place with just three matches to play.

Securing world-class firepower is indeed necessary to bolster the club's hopes of maintaining this newfound stature and navigating towards a future speckled with success, but solidifying the foundation of the first team's exploits with a vibrant crop of youth talent is just as important.

And in Wharton, who has made 18 Championship appearances this season, scoring one goal and supplying two assists, an heir to the midfield could be found and nurtured into a phenom fit to lead the Toon engine.

As per Sofascore, the gem has recorded an average rating in the second tier of 6.95, completing 84% of his passes, making 0.7 key passes, 1.7 tackles and 0.8 interceptions per outing, with journalist Josh Bunting hailing him as "brilliant" for his work.

In Wharton's final match of the campaign, the enthralling 4-3 victory over Millwall as both outfits chased, painstakingly unsuccessfully, a place in the play-offs, he scored his maiden league goal and earned an impressive 7.1 match rating, complementing his strike with three interceptions, two tackles and success in three of his four ground duels.

The "ridiculous" teenager – as he was dubbed by Blackburn writer Callum Altimas – ranks among the top 8% of midfielders across Men's Next 8 divisions – preceding the European big five – the top 16% for tackles and the top 11% for blocks per 90, via FBref, illustrating the dynamism of his skill set.

While the 5 foot 9 "star boy" – in the words of writer Matthew Stanger – has been likened to former Arsenal maestro Wilshere, it is coveted Englishman Jude Bellingham who he could emulate as he grows into his skin.

Bellingham was always a precocious footballing talent and is now one of the game's most eminent midfielders, with the Borussia Dortmund star reportedly closing on a move to Real Madrid after intense speculation surrounding his future.

Both Wharton and Bellingham have plied their breakout seasons in the Championship, with the Riversiders ace's aptitude in 'playing and tackling' similar to that of Bellingham, who ranks among the top 2% of midfielders across Europe's big five leagues for goals, the top 7% for shot-creating actions, the top 8% for progressive passes and the top 1% for successful take-ons, as per FBref.

There is a long way to go until the Rovers starlet can truly emulate Bellingham, but at Newcastle, he could yet develop into a truly all-encompassing midfielder of the highest order.

Middlesex, bottom of South Group for the last two seasons, offered hope of a revival in T20 fortunes as new captain Dawid Malan inspired a comfortable victory over perennial contenders Hampshire at Uxbridge

ECB Reporters Network27-May-2016
ScorecardDawid Malan slugs one to the leg side•Getty ImagesMiddlesex, bottom of South Group for the last two seasons, offered hope of a revival in T20 fortunes as they launched this year’s campaign with an unexpectedly comfortable victory over perennial contenders Hampshire at Uxbridge.It was a contrasting tale of two new captains as Middlesex gained their first home win over the visitors since 2007, and their first of the season after six draws in four-day cricket. Dawid Malan, making his debut as Middlesex skipper, made light of the absence on IPL duty of Brendon McCullum and Eion Morgan with a 48-ball 93 studded with ten fours and five sixes. His counterpart Sean Ervine, leading Hampshire for the first time as James Vince is on Test duty, was out for a first ball duck.Ervine had put Middlesex in and was relieved at restricting them to 195 for 6 given the hosts were 150 for 3 with five overs left. However, Hampshire collapsed from 55 for 1 to 77 for 7 before eventually subsiding to 126 all out with more than four overs remainingSome batsmen become inhibited when entrusted with the responsibility of captaincy, others thrive upon it. Malan is clearly one of the latter. He hit his first ball, bowled by off-spinner Will Smith, straight down the ground for four. Remarkably he hit his next four balls, bowled by former West Indian quick Tino Best, for boundaries too. The next ball he blocked, and damaged his bat, requiring a new one.Malan made 121 against Hampshire in red-ball cricket earlier this season and continued that form to reach his half-century off 27 balls. The skipper continued to pepper the tree-lined boundary with sixes before being dismissed off Gareth Andrew with a slash to Tino Best at fly slip.Half-century partnerships with Adam Voges (23) and John Simpson (15) had put Middlesex on course for a substantial score but Shahid Afridi bookmarked his final over with the wickets of Ryan Higgins and Simpson. That kept Middlesex below 200 despite Best conceding 51 off four wicketless overs.Hampshire began slowly, being 12 for 1 off 15 balls with Jimmy Adams spectacularly caught by substitute fielder Nathan Sowter. Ten balls later they were 48 for 1 with Adam Wheater cutting loose. However, he miscued to be caught for a 15-ball 30 and Toby Roland-Jones knocked out Ervine’s middle stump next ball.Afridi hit the hat-trick ball for four but was run out attempting a second. With Michael Carberry having perished to a top edge in the interim Hampshire had lost four wickets for nine runs in 12 balls. Though Liam Dawson hit 46 off 29 balls the contest was effectively over.Hampshire have qualified for finals day for six seasons in succession while Middlesex have not escaped the group stages since winning the competition in 2008. It is early days, but this season could be different for both.

Crystal Palace are believed to be interested in signing Middlesbrough striker Chuba Akpom this summer, according to an exciting new transfer rumour.

Is Akpom having a good season?

The 27-year-old is having a season to remember for 'Boro, proving to be one of the Championship's best players and even winning the division's Player of the Season award last month. He has been a relentless source of goals throughout the campaign, netting 28 times in 37 appearances and helping his side into the playoff places.

Akpom still has work to do this season, in terms of helping inspire Michael Carrick's into the Premier League, with some tense playoff games now on the horizon this month. Should 'Boro failed to return to the top flight, however, there is sure to be interest in their star player's services once the summer transfer window arrives.

The Englishman's current deal expires at the end of this season, meaning he could be snapped up for free if he doesn't sign a new contract at the Riverside Stadium. That's where Palace come into play, as they eye up attacking reinforcements in the summer, and namely a new centre forward.

Could Crystal Palace sign Akpom this summer?

According to TEAMtalk, the Eagles are "ready to launch a move" for Akpom this summer and are "drawing up plans to bid for the former England U21 international", implying a new contract won't stop their attempt. It is also claimed that the striker would "relish" the opportunity to move back to London, having been in Arsenal's academy before departing back in 2018.

Palace will reportedly make a move for Akpom regardless of how Middlesbrough's playoff campaign goes, seeing him as a strong option to bring into the top flight.

He could certainly be an exciting signing, given the prolific nature in which he has scored for 'Boro this season, and while the step up to the Premier League is clearly great, he could be the man Palace are desperately in need for, in terms of providing consistent end product.

This season, Eberechi Eze is leading the scoring charts in the league with just eight goals, which highlights the need to bring in a true marksman who can net somewhere between 15 and 20 strikes per year. Granted, there is the risk that Akpom could find the move hard and not be as prolific, but he has been hailed as "incredible" by journalist Chris Wheatley, and at 27, would be coming in right in the prime of his career.

Liverpool will head to the capital this evening for their Premier League clash with West Ham United at the London Stadium and Jurgen Klopp will be hoping that his team can continue to pick up important points as the season reaches the final stages.

The Reds are currently seventh in the top-flight table and are nine points adrift of the Champions League qualifying spots inside the top four at present with just seven games remaining to close the gap.

Indeed, it is looking more and more unlikely that Liverpool will be able to secure a place in the prestigious European competition next season, however, supporters will expect their team to put up a fight over the next few weeks, which includes snatching all three points away from home tonight.

Liverpool have struggled significantly with injuries this season as several key players have experienced multiple absences, which has contributed to the inconsistent performances on the pitch, and Klopp has now revealed that the team could be without another star later.

The German coach took to his pre-match press conference to confirm that centre-back Ibrahima Konate is an injury doubt for the clash with West Ham:

“Ibou, we need to see how it is with him but in the moment I am rather positive, but that doesn’t mean a lot. From possible starters, I think that’s it.”

As a result, it could be the perfect opportunity for Joel Matip to earn his spot back in the starting XI for the mid-week clash, as his experience and partnership with Virgil van Dijk would be the best solution to replace Konate.

Will Joel Matip start vs West Ham?

There is no doubt that the Liverpool boss will be cautious about Konate if he isn't 100% fit, as the defender has been crucial in the positive performances that have led up to this game and will remain important for the upcoming fixtures that include Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa as both teams are ahead of them in the table.

So starting Matip alongside Van Dijk would be advantageous to ensure the Frenchman has enough time to recover from his niggle without compromising the quality of the defensive set-up in the process.

The £100k-per-week ace – hailed as a "huge presence" by Jamie Carragher – has been integral in the past success at Anfield, but more recently, has lost his place in his starting spot to Konate.

Despite being out of favour, there is no denying that Matip would be a worthy replacement for his teammate with his record against West Ham proving that he would be more than capable of a positive performance.

Over his seven appearances against the Hammers, Matip has only lost once and won four when he has featured, as well as scoring a Premier League goal against them.

With that being said, it would be a no-brainer to unleash Matip in the back four tonight as he not only has the experience to influence a good result, but will give Klopp the chance to rest Konate ahead of the clash with Spurs on Sunday.

Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth believes Manchester United forward Alejandro Garnacho may not play again this season.

What’s the latest news on Garnacho’s injury?

Garnacho suffered an ankle injury against Southampton in the Premier League last month and hasn’t been seen for the Red Devils since. The 18-year-old has made 29 senior appearances under Erik ten Hag during the current campaign, contributing to nine goals in all competitions.

Ten Hag admitted earlier this month that he was optimistic the Argentine would return before the end of the season, and the Red Devils have had no further luck with injuries in recent days.

It was confirmed that fellow Argentine Lisandro Martinez has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after fracturing a metatarsal bone in his foot against Sevilla, and Sheth thinks it could well be the same for Garnacho.

Sheth was talking to GiveMeSport regarding Garnacho in a story shared on Friday evening. The reporter described the attacker’s serious injury as a blow and suggested that he may not feature again this season.

"The injury that he's had, Ten Hag says it's probably a bit more serious than they first thought. So that will be a blow to United in the run-in. I don't know how much, if any, of that run-in Garnacho will be involved in.

"It's clear that Ten Hag sees him as part of his future, so it will be someone they want to keep hold of in regards to Garnacho."

It isn’t just Garnacho and Martinez either…

United are heading into the final months of the season still looking to win the Europa League and the FA Cup to add to the Carabao Cup triumph earlier in the season. A Premier League top-four finish is also on the agenda, so being without a number of players isn’t ideal for Ten Hag.

Alongside Martinez and Garnacho, United also have Raphael Varane, Scott McTominay, Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw, Tom Heaton and Donny van de Beek on the treatment table.

Ten Hag’s options may therefore be limited for the trip to Nottingham Forest on Sunday and the return leg against Sevilla next week, and the club also have an FA Cup semi-final with Brighton scheduled for next weekend as well.

A key feature in Celtic's recent rise during the Ange Postecoglou regime has been experienced goalkeeper, Joe Hart, with the veteran gem having enjoyed a real career revival at Parkhead over the last 18 months or so.

Having been cast out by Tottenham Hotspur after enduring a difficult few years following his Manchester City exit in 2018, the former England number one was "down on his luck" prior to joining the Old Firm giants in the summer of 2021, as per pundit Alex McLeish.

As it has proved, however, the Shrewsbury native has proven himself a "really great signing" having been "transformed" in the green and white jersey, as per McLeish, having kept 43 clean sheets in 97 games for the Hoops to date.

Now 36, however, and with just over a year to run on his existing deal in Glasgow, it could well be time for the Scottish champions to consider finding a long-term replacement for Hart this summer, with pundit Frank McAvennie having already predicated that the ageing 'keeper will be a "backup next year".

Postecoglou and co could have potentially identified a dream successor to the 75-cap ace in the form of Liverpool rock, Caoimhin Kelleher, with reports last month having suggested that the Bhoys are among the clubs interested in the Republic of Ireland international.

While the suggestion is that the 24-year-old could cost as much as £30m if a permanent deal is to be agreed, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has also revealed that a loan exit could be on the cards, with the £10k-per-week man looking for "regular minutes" elsewhere.

Would Kelleher be a good signing for Celtic?

Although Kelleher has been forced to play second fiddle to Brazilian superstar, Alisson, at Anfield in recent years, the Cork native has been handed the chance to impress in cup competitions of late, racking up 20 appearances across all fronts since his debut back in 2019.

The 6 foot 2 ace was notably a vital figure in the Merseysiders' Carabao Cup success last season after featuring four times in the competition, notably starting and starring in the shootout victory over Chelsea in the final, having netted what proved to be the winning penalty.

Although chances have been few and far between for the emerging ace of late, the young stopper has certainly made a strong impression on manager Jurgen Klopp, with the German hailing him as "exceptional" after saving three penalties in the League Cup win over Derby County earlier this season.

The Irishman was also praised as an "exceptional goalkeeper" by national team boss Stephen Kenny, albeit with the ten-cap ace seemingly in need of more regular game time if he is to establish himself as the first-choice pick for his country, ahead of Southampton's Gavin Bazunu.

As such, a move to Paradise could be just what is needed for young Kelleher to finally be able to blossom as the starting pick at a club, with that possible swoop allowing Postecoglou to acquire an ideal replacement for the ageing Hart in his side.

Arsenal have opened talks with Leicester City star Youri Tielemans over a move to north London, but European giants Barcelona are now also in contention.

Who could Arsenal sign this summer?

Mikel Arteta's side have a pressing on-field ambition to clinch their first Premier League title in nearly 20 years, and as they currently sit eight points clear of their closest rivals Man City, they have a very realistic opportunity to do so.

This campaign stands out as Arsenal's arguable most crucial of the last decade and a half with all eyes now on the north Londoners.

In the background, sporting director Edu will be working on ways to strengthen Arteta's options – for when they're either defending their title or at least getting ready for another audacious attempt.

Many transfer targets have been mentioned via the media and central midfield is thought to be a real priority. The likes of Declan Rice, Moises Caicedo and Raphinha have all been linked this week alone and reports from Belgium claim Arsenal are well in the hunt to sign Everton star Amadou Onana alongside Chelsea.

Vitor Roque, who is currently standing out as one of South America's most exciting young wingers, has also been contacted by the Gunners – at least according to 90min.

Now, as per Football Insider, backing up other claims, Arsenal are now in talks with Foxes star Tielemans over a Bosman move to the Emirates Stadium. However, there is a potential spanner in the works, as one of Europe's biggest clubs in Barcelona have joined the chase.

Newcastle are also said to be interested as all three clubs eye a move to sign him on a free transfer. Tielemans is out of contract at the end of this season and looks certain to leave the King Power.

What could Tielemans bring to Arsenal?

While this arguably hasn't been Tielemans' finest campaign to date, having only racked up three goals and an assist all season, he's still showcased his exceptional ability in past years.

Leicester's two most previous campaigns saw the 25-year-old hit double figures in terms of goal contributions, and just last season, he ranked among the Foxes' best for key passes made and attempts at goal per 90 (WhoScored).

The £120,000-per-week ace has also been called an 'elite-level distributor' by members of the press like Statman Dave, a football analyst for Sky Sports and the BBC. On a free deal, the move would also represent less risk financially.

Newcastle United will surely be in the market this summer to continue their pursuit to build a team that can compete for trophies next season and now a new potential transfer target has been revealed.

What's the latest on Newcastle's interest in Ansu Fati?

According to popular Spanish news outlet SPORT, Newcastle are one of the Premier League clubs interested in snapping up the services of the Barcelona forward this summer.

As per the report, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal join the Magpies in their interest in securing the signature of Fati with a potential exit being lined up for the star due to a lack of game-time.

As such, agent Jorge Mendes is scoping out suitors who could offer his player a better future.

Could Ansu Fati be an Allan Saint-Maximin upgrade?

There is no doubt that Fati is one of Europe's hottest young prospects and if the power brokers at St James' Park could pull off the perfect deal to land the Spanish sensation it would be a huge upgrade on Allan Saint-Maximin.

When comparing the two dynamic forwards over their season so far, Fati has outperformed Newcastle's winger for goals scored (6 v 1), assists registered (4 v 3) pass completion rate (84% v 69.6%), goal-creating actions (9 v 6) and progressive passes received (148 v 88).

It is no secret that Newcastle have struggled to kill off some of their important fixtures with a clinical attacking threat – tallying up 11 draws so far and missing out on the opportunity to add some silverware with no goals scored against Manchester United at Wembley in the League Cup either.

As a result, the signing of the £236k-per-week whizkid – hailed "magic" by Eric Garcia – could be the answer to gaining more consistent form in front of goal to really bring their dreams of dominance and trophies to life.

Fati ranks in the top 5% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for non-penalty goals, shots in total, pass completion and touches, proving he is a huge attacking presence and one of the most consistent performers in his position across Europe.

Not only that, the 20-year-old's versatility could be a valuable asset to Eddie Howe next season with the Spain international both experienced in the left wing and centre-forward role, giving Newcastle some crucial depth in their forward line.

With that being said, if PIF have the chance to sign up Fati this summer they should jump at the chance, as the youngster could play a key role in increasing the goal-scoring opportunities and ultimately, bringing future success to St James' Park.

TalkSport journalist Alex Crook has claimed that Leeds United are unlikely to get a relegation boost amid the FFP charges aimed at Everton.

Will Everton's FFP charges help Leeds?

It was revealed this week that the Toffees have been referred to an independent commission amid an alleged breach of Financial Fair Play rules in the Premier League.

It is claimed that Everton may have broken the rules after they recorded losses of £371.8m over the last three years, when clubs are only allowed to lose a maximum of £105m over the same period.

Seeing as Leeds are just one place above Sean Dyche and co in the table with both teams on 26 points, some supporters may have been hoping a points deduction could help their relegation fight.

However, while talking about the situation on TalkSport, Crook explained why such an outcome was unlikely to happen in time to impact the standings this season.

He said: "I think what's also interesting, this is the same charge that has been levelled at Manchester City.

"We're expecting that to go on for some time because Manchester City will challenge the charge. They'll go down all the legal avenues to try and get off that charge. I would imagine that Everton will do the same.

"So I think for any supporter of a relegation rival – a Southampton, a Bournemouth or a Leeds – who are hoping, 'well, maybe this might mean a points deduction this season, and therefore Everton are relegated,' I would imagine they will be disappointed."

Will Leeds avoid relegation?

Seeing as both Premier League sides are just two points above the bottom three, and only three points above the foot of the table, it's clear just how tight things are this season.

With that in mind, if Everton were to get any kind of points deduction, it would likely have huge ramifications for all the teams struggling down towards the relegation zone – which could have been a fascinating twist as Leeds were one of two teams (with Burnley) who wrote to the Premier League to question the Toffees' spending last year.

However, it sounds as though Leeds will have to rely on themselves to avoid the drop and not the financial mishandlings of others. Luckily for Javi Gracia and co, things are still in their hands.

Indeed, the Whites have found some improved form under their new Spanish boss, winning two, drawing one and losing one of his first four league games in charge.

As a result, Leeds now have 11 games to go and find themselves two points above the bottom three, but have a game in hand on Everton and Wolves, who sit on either side of them in the table – meaning they are very much in control of their own fate.