Category Uncategorized

Since relegation back to the Championship ahead of the 2023/24 season, manager Daniel Farke has built a side at Leeds United that has excelled in England’s second tier potentially catapulting them to promotion this season.

The German has led the Whites to top spot in the current campaign, sitting in pole position to end their two-year exile from the Premier League in the coming months.

He already had a phenomenal side upon his arrival at Elland Road, but has gradually injected further quality into the side, massively aiding their chances of securing a return to the top flight.

The likes of Joel Piroe and Ilia Gruev both arrived during the summer of 2023, both cementing their places in the side over recent weeks, playing a vital role in the club’s promotion ambitions.

However, despite the signings made during the aforementioned window, the emergence of one player caught the eye massively, providing for a huge pay day after their play-off final defeat.

Archie Gray’s stats for Leeds in 2023/24

Ahead of the start of last season, very few supporters would’ve predicted how important youngster Archie Gray would be in Farke’s first year at the helm as Leeds boss.

At the tender age of just 17, the talent would make his first-team debut, but would end up cementing his place in the squad, making 52 appearances for his boyhood side – winning the Championship’s Young Player of the Year award as a result.

Gray would find the back of the net in what was a crucial clash with Leicester City at Elland Road, but his goal would eventually be credited as a own goal – unable to register a goal during his time Yorkshire.

His first year with the Whites would be his only season after their failure to secure promotion, leaving in a £40m deal to join Tottenham Hotspur, hoping to take his career to the next level as a result.

However, despite featuring 35 times to date, he’s been outperformed by another former Leeds player who failed to deliver during his own spell on loan under Farke.

The former Leeds player who’s outperformed Gray in 2024/25

During the summer of 2023, Leeds also secured a deal to sign Spurs full-back Djed Spence on loan for the entirety of the campaign, but was unable to make his mark at the club.

The Englishman, who cost £20m the summer prior. would fail to deliver at Elland Road, making just seven Championship appearances, many of which were out of position at left-back.

As a result, the 24-year-old would be recalled halfway through his stint in January, returning to his parent side before another temporary spell at Italian outfit Genoa.

However, in the ongoing season, the Lilywhites’ injury issues have plagued Ange Postecoglou’s squad, handing Spence the opportunity to impress in the first-team, taking his chance with both hands.

He’s since been a key player in their backline, along with Gray, but his showings have led to calls for an England call-up amid Thomas Tuchel’s first squad in the coming weeks.

When comparing his stats to those of the Leeds academy graduate, Spence has outperformed the youngster in numerous key areas, highlighting the progression he’s made after his disappointing spell in Yorkshire.

Games played

14

20

Goals & assists

2

0

Progressive carries

3.3

0.2

Progressive passes

5.2

2.1

Tackles won

2.5

0.3

Interceptions made

1.1

0.6

Aerials won

1.2

0.7

Aerial success rate

60%

56%

He’s managed to excel defensively, winning more tackles and completing more interceptions per 90 than Gray, showcasing how impressive he’s been – unimaginable after his unsuccessful spell under Farke.

It’s great to see the former loanee shining alongside another one-time Leeds star, with the fanbase undoubtedly wishing them well in their development even if it’s not at Elland Road.

Many expected Gray to be the star youngster after his big-money move, but ultimately, Spence has managed to outperform him to date, with the teenager still needing the opportunity to star in his regular position to get the best out of his skill set.

Leeds can finally axe Aaronson by starting "superb" star out of position

Daniel Farke could hand one Leeds United a new role at Elland Road over the coming weeks.

1 ByEthan Lamb Feb 27, 2025

Carlo Ancelotti's move from Real Madrid to Brazil looks set to break down even though Real Madrid have drawn up a succession plan.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Ancelotti flew to London to sign Brazil deal
• But talks now on brink of collapse
• Real Madrid had lined up Xabi Alonso as a successor

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Italian's time at Real Madrid had looked to be up amid speculation a deal had been agreed for Ancelotti to take charge of Brazil in time for June fixtures against Ecuador and Paraguay in World Cup qualifying. However, talks between the Selecao and Real Madrid now appear to be at the point of collapse. According to , Ancelotti travelled to London to sign his contract with the Selecao but has now informed the CBF he will not be taking the job.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  There appear to be two reasons for Ancelotti's sudden change of heart. The first is an issue of timing. Brazil had wanted Ancelotti in place for June fixtures, but the Italian had made it clear he could not arrive until August. Finances are also said to be playing a part. Ancelotti has received an "irresistible" offer from Saudi Arabia which may be difficult to turn down. The offer is said to be worth a staggering €50 million (£58m/$67m) net per season.

• TELL ME MORE

  Ancelotti's decision comes at a time when Real Madrid have already drawn up a succession plan. Former midfielder Xabi Alonso is the favourite to take over and has an agreement in place with Bayer Leverkusen that he can leave for Madrid. Meanwhile, Ancelotti still has a year left on his contract in the Spanish capital, and had asked Madrid for €4m (£3.3m/$4.5m) in compensation, but the club are said to be hoping he will depart and forgo any compensation owed.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR ANCELOTTI

  Real Madrid's only hope of silverware this season is in La Liga where they sit four points behind rivals Barcelona with five games left to play. Los Blancos take on Celta Vigo next but it remains to be seen how much longer Ancelotti will be in the hotseat at the Santiago Bernabeu.

MatériaMais Notícias

Atendendo uma solicitação da Defensoria Pública do Rio de Janeiro, o caso do incêndio do Ninho do Urubu, que vitimou 10 atletas da base do Flamengo em fevereiro de 2019, será analisado pelo Superior Tribunal Federal (STF).A DPRJ informa que o pedido foi motivado pela retomada e pagamento da pensão às famílias das vítimas, que havia sido negado pelo Tribunal de Justiça do Rio de Janeiro.

RelacionadasFlamengoSaiba onde assistir a Flamengo x Fortaleza pelo Brasileirão 2022Flamengo02/06/2022FlamengoFlamengo x Fortaleza: restam ingressos para apenas três setores para a partida pelo BrasileirãoFlamengo30/05/2022Fora de CampoDemissão de repórter do Flamengo gera comoção de torcedores do clubeFora de Campo02/06/2022

E MAIS: Confira a classificação completa da Série A do Brasileirão!

Em fevereiro deste ano, o recurso da Defensoria que buscava a ida do processo ao STF foi negado pelo TJRJ. No entendimento da Defensoria, é “fundamental que o caso seja apreciado pelo STF, uma vez que questão em análise deixou de ser meramente legal e passa a envolver matéria constitucional.”

O incêndio que atingiu o Ninho do Urubu em fevereiro de 2019 matou dez jovens atletas da base do Flamengo. Em dezembro de 2020, o TJRJ extinguiu parte da ação que obrigava o clube a manter o pagamento de pensões aos familiares das vítimas fatais e reduziu para cinco salários mínimos o valor da pensão destinada aos sobreviventes que não fecharam acordo de indenização com o clube.

+Andreas tem futuro revelado: veja 31 jogadores que estão só emprestados aos seus times

A Defensoria Pública e o Ministério Público fluminenses já haviam encaminhado, em outubro de 2021, recursos ao Superior Tribunal de Justiça (STJ) e ao STF, solicitando a retomada da ação que busca a reparação dos danos sofridos pelas vítimas, e o restabelecimento dos pagamentos da pensão. Entretanto, só os recursos dirigidos ao STJ haviam sido admitidos pelo Tribunal de Justiça. Agora, o caso também será analisado pelo STF.

O INCÊNDIO NO NINHO: AS VÍTIMAS E OS ACORDOS DO CLUBE

O incêndio no alojamento das divisões de base do Flamengo, em 8 de fevereiro de 2019, vitimou Athila Paixão (14), Arthur Vinícius (14), Bernardo Pisetta (14), Christian Esmério (15), Gedson Santos (14), Jorge Eduardo Santos (15), Pablo Henrique (14), Rykelmo de Souza (16), Samuel Thomas Rosa (15), e Vitor Isaías (15). Outros 16 jovens estavam no CT, e três ficaram feridos (Cauan Emanuel, Francisco Dyogo e Jonatha Ventura), mas recuperam-se e seguem no clube.

O Flamengo fechou acordos com familiares de oito vítimas do Ninho: Arthur Vinicius, Athila Paixão, Bernardo Piseta, Gedson Santos, Jorge Eduardo, Samuel, Pablo Henrique, Vitor Isaías e Rykelmo.

Hoje, a família de Christian Esmério é a que ainda tem situação não resolvida com o clube da Gávea.Todos os 16 sobreviventes também fecharam acordos com o Flamengo.

Em maio de 2021, o juiz Marcos Augusto Ramos Peixoto, da 36ª Vara Criminal do Rio de Janeiro, recebeu a denúncia contra oito dos 11 denunciados pelo Ministério Público, de janeiro, incluindo o ex-presidente Eduardo Bandeira de Mello. Ainda não há condenação.

David Moyes has just masterminded a 3-2 victory for Everton over Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park, with goals from Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Iliman Ndiaye and an Archie Gray own goal.

Despite having just 36% possession in the game, Everton managed to generate 2.03 xG against Tottenham, compared to the 1.11 xG generated by Ange Postecoglou’s side.

This goes against the words of Darren Bent before the game, stating the Toffees had been “apprehensive in front of goal” this season.

Everton managed to create five big chances, effectively breaking the lines of Spurs’ press, going from back to front efficiently and getting their shots off (12 in the game), with one man in particular leading the charge.

Iliman Ndiaye's performance in numbers vs Spurs

Ndiaye has been Everton’s star man in attack this season, joining in the summer from Marseille for a fee of around £16.9m. In his time at the club so far, the 24-year-old has made 24 appearances, scoring six goals in his 1,949 minutes played.

Against Tottenham, Ndiaye played 81 minutes, managing 50 touches on the ball, taking two shots (one on target) and completing four out of his six dribble attempts in the game, often at the heart of Everton’s attacks, receiving the ball and carrying it out on the counter.

It was his mesmeric goal that proved to be the showstopping moment, dribbling forward with pace and then dancing around Radu Dragusin as though he wasn’t even there.

He also did his bit off the ball, winning seven of his 17 contested ground duels, winning one of his three contested aerial duels and making two tackles, showing the attackers’ willingness to work for his team both on and off the ball, in order to have an impact on the game.

Performance in Numbers

Want data and stats? Football FanCast's Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe.

That said, there was a player who was perhaps even more important and he’s certainly made himself undroppable to the new boss…

Idrissa Gueye's performance in numbers vs Spurs

Idrissa Gueye was the key in midfield, providing energy, physicality and defensive stability in the middle of the park, winning duels for fun and setting Everton on the break numerous times.

Minutes

90

Touches

54

Accurate Passes

35/37

Assists

2

Key Passes

2

Long Balls

1/1

Ground Duels Won

6/8

Aerial Duels Won

1/1

Tackles

3

Gueye was winning the ball back in midfield to great effect, kick-starting Everton’s counterattacks, winning his duel (75% on the ground) and looking to play quickly forwards, which explains the nature of his two assists in the game.

Whether it was the defensive groundwork, simplifying play (with a 95% passing accuracy) to keep possession, or speeding up the tempo by playing through the lines, Gueye was at the heart of everything positive Everton did, earning him an impressive 8/10 match rating from the Liverpool Echo who explained that he was ‘showing there is silk as well as steel to his game.’

The performances of both Ndiaye and Gueye, among others, have given Moyes a huge statement win, which could be a great starting point for Everton to begin climbing away from the relegation zone, now sitting 16th in the Premier League, with their next games against Brighton and Leicester City.

He plays like Haaland: Moyes targeting "special" DCL replacement at Everton

Everton are looking to ditch Calvert-Lewin and sign a new centre-forward this month.

ByAngus Sinclair Jan 17, 2025

Nottingham Forest are prepared to make a move for an “exceptional” £25m player if he becomes available this winter, according to a report.

Forest flying high

Forest’s first half of the Premier League season has surpassed all expectations, with the prospect of Champions League football slowly becoming a real possibility, if they are able to perform at a similar level in the second half of the campaign.

There is no telling when an opportunity like this will arise again, so it could be vital for Nuno Espirito Santo to seize the moment and strengthen his squad this January, to give his side the best possible chance of achieving the unthinkable.

With the transfer window set to open tomorrow, the Tricky Trees have a number of targets in mind, including Galatasaray winger Baris Alper Yilmaz, with an offer of €20m (£16.6m) potentially on the way soon.

A new left midfielder is also of interest to Nuno, with Forest now racing to sign El Hadji Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague this winter, although there will be competition from Premier League rivals Brentford.

Nottingham Forest’s upcoming Premier League fixtures

Date

Wolverhampton Wanderers (a)

January 6th

Liverpool (h)

January 14th

Southampton (h)

January 19th

AFC Bournemouth (a)

January 25th

Brighton & Hove Albion (h)

February 1st

There are now signs that Nuno may also be keen to strengthen in the middle of the park, with a report from The Daily Mail detailing that Nottingham Forest would be prepared to make a move for Manchester City’s James McAtee this January.

A number of clubs have taken a keen interest in McAtee, including Bayer Leverkusen, RB Leipzig, West Ham United and Crystal Palace, so there is set to be stiff competition for his signature if he becomes available. The £25m-rated midfielder’s future at the Etihad Stadium remains in doubt as he has found it difficult to get game time this season, despite Man City’s struggles.

It is believed that the 22-year-old has informed City he wants to leave the club, potentially opening the door for a move to the City Ground, should Pep Guardiola be willing to sanction his departure.

Man City want Nottingham Forest star as part of Guardiola’s January revamp

Manchester City have had a difficult season to say the least…

1 ByBarney Lane Dec 30, 2024 McAtee needs to move

The Englishman needs to move if he is to fulfill his lofty potential, as he has found minutes especially hard to come by this season, making just three appearances in the Premier League. During his time on loan at Sheffield United, the attacking midfielder was lauded by journalist Ryan Taylor.

However, the Salford-born ace has simply not been given the opportunity to show what he can do in a City shirt, so a January transfer may be necessary for the good of his career.

A move to Champions League-chasing Nottingham Forest could therefore be a very attractive proposition for the City academy graduate, especially considering his current club are by no means guaranteed to be in the competition next season.

McAtee already has some Premier League experience, picking up three goals and three assists in the competition for Sheffield United last season, and he could really kick on at the City Ground.

يواصل النادي الأهلي برئاسة محمود الخطيب، تحركاته المكثفة لدعم صفوفه خلال فترة الانتقالات الصيفية، مع تركيز خاص على تدعيم خط الدفاع، استعدادًا لمنافسات كأس العالم للأندية.

وعلم بطولات، أن زين الدين بلعيد، مدافع سينت ترويدن البلجيكي، يعد من بين أبرز الأسماء المطروحة حاليًا، لكنَّه ليس المرشح الوحيد في حسابات الأهلي، ورغم موافقة بلعيد وناديه على انتقاله إلى القلعة الحمراء، إلا أن إدارة الأهلي لم ترسل عرضًا رسميًا حتى الآن.

طالع أيضًا | خاص | مفاوضات الأهلي مستمرة لتعيين بديل كولر.. وخطة بديلة تشمل جوميز

ويفاضل مسؤولو الأهلي في الوقت الحالي بين بلعيد وثنائي أجنبي آخر يجري التفاوض معهما، إلى جانب ياسين مرعي، مدافع فاركو، الذي برز اسمه بقوة في قائمة الترشيحات.

في المقابل، تراجعت أسهم عمرو الجزار، مدافع غزل المحلة، كخيار محتمل، وأصبح حاليًا خارج الحسابات الأساسية، إلا في حال تعثر جميع البدائل الأخرى.

ومن المقرر أن يلعب الأهلي مباراته القادمة، ضد المصري البورسعيدي، ضمن مواجهات الجولة الخامسة من عمر المرحلة النهائية لبطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز، يوم الخميس الموافق 8 مايو 2025، في تمام الساعة 8 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة والسعودية، بملعب الجيش ببرج العرب في الإسكندرية.

Flying high in the top half of the Premier League, Fulham have now reportedly joined the race to sign a Manchester City midfielder who’s ready to leave the champions in the January transfer window.

Fulham transfer news

The Cottagers have been one of the most entertaining sides to watch in the Premier League so far this season and have reaped the rewards as a result.

Their best moment was undoubtedly saved for Boxing Day when Rodrigo Muniz netted a last-gasp winner to secure Fulham’s first victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in 45 years. Scoring two goals in the dying embers, Marco Silva’s side completed a sensational turnaround.

Now looking to maintain a shock push for a European place in the Premier League, Fulham have reportedly turned their attention towards the January transfer window.

Names such as Breno Bidon and Gabriel Schluter have been mentioned, with the latter being one for the future. But before either of those targets can arrive, the Cottagers may well line up a move to sign a Premier League midfielder.

Offer made: Club make £16m+ January bid to sign "outstanding" Fulham star

He could be on the move this winter despite his strong season in west London.

ByBen Browning Dec 24, 2024

According to Graeme Bailey for The Boot Room, Fulham are now keen to win the race for James McAtee next month after the midfielder informed Manchester City about his desire to leave the club amid a struggle for game time.

However, the 22-year-old hasn’t just attracted interest from Fulham. West London rivals Brentford, as well as Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, West Ham United and Celtic are all also reportedly keen to secure McAtee’s signature in the winter window.

Of course, the last academy graduate to leave Manchester City – Cole Palmer – has certainly enjoyed great success, and has even cemented himself as one of the Premier League’s best players.

Now, Fulham are seeking to benefit from the Citizens’ academy by signing McAtee in January.

"Special" McAtee needs move

If Manchester City were at their usual ruthless best and on an unstoppable march towards Premier League glory once again, McAtee’s struggle for game time would be more than understandable. However, this is not the relentless City side that English football has come to expect.

This is a team in the middle of a run that consists of 1 win in 13 games. Yet, amid so many struggles and so many injuries, McAtee remains without the chance he so desperately craves. As such, he needs to move on in the January transfer window.

Fulham represent a solid candidate for his signature, too. The Cottagers are free-flowing and on the rise, playing the type of football that could see McAtee thrive alongside the likes of Emile Smith Rowe and Andreas Pereira.

However, whether Manchester City allow their young midfielder to leave is another question entirely. When quizzed on McAtee’s future in the summer, Pep Guardiola told reporters: “I would love to have, to keep him next season with us, because he’s a special guy to play in small spaces, in the pockets, and we don’t have many.”

Thomas Tuchel has named his first England squad, with Dan Burn included and Marcus Rashford returning as Harry Maguire and Jack Grealish miss out.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

German coach officially took charge on January 1Made first selection from initial 55-man longlistReign will open in meetings with Albania & LatviaFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

Former Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain boss Tuchel officially took charge of the Three Lions on January 1. His first piece of business will be 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia, with the German coach having penned an 18-month contract through to the end of next summer’s finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

AdvertisementENGLAND SQUAD IN FULL

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Southampton), James Trafford (Burnley)

Defenders: Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Levi Colwill (Chelsea), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), Tino Livramento (Newcastle United), Jarell Quansah (Liverpool), Kyle Walker (AC Milan, loan from Manchester City)

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Jordan Henderson (Ajax), Curtis Jones (Liverpool), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)

Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Marcus Rashford (Aston Villa, loan from Manchester United), Dominic Solanke (Tottenham Hotspur)

GettyWHO IS IN THE ENGLAND SQUAD?

Tuchel’s first selection, having initially drawn up a 55-man longlist, includes a maiden call-up for Newcastle defender Burn – with the towering 32-year-old, who is preparing for Carabao Cup final duty on Sunday, able to operate at centre-half and left-back.

Rashford, who has 60 senior caps to his name, is recalled after making a bright start to his loan spell at Aston Villa after severing ties with Manchester United during the winter transfer window. He is joined in the attacking ranks by prolific Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane, who will be hoping to retain captaincy duties.

Veteran defender Kyle Walker, who was also on the move in January as he left Manchester City for a stint at Serie A giants AC Milan, is included alongside former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, who is now on the books at Ajax.

Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford, who has previously savoured European U21 Championship glory with England, is selected after racking up the clean sheets with Burnley this season in their push for promotion into the Premier League. Chelsea defender Reece James and Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke also get the nod.

WHO MISSED OUT?

Manchester United centre-half Maguire and City playmaker Grealish are among those nursing knocks. The same applies to Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, Red Devils left-back Luke Shaw, Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka and City defender John Stones.

Chelsea forward Noni Madueke is also unavailable through injury, as is Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo and Newcastle defender Lewis Hall. They will all be hoping to play their way back into contention at some stage.

Others to miss out on the start of a new era for England include Nottingham Forest pair Morgan Gibbs-White and Callum Hudson-Odoi, who have been in fine form for the top four-chasing Reds, Tottenham playmaker James Maddison and ex-Brentford frontman Ivan Toney – who is now playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League for Al-Ahli.

Absence of James Anderson and Stuart Broad won’t make hosts complacent, says coach

Alan Gardner07-Mar-2022West Indies will be focused on ensuring that their batters grind out enough runs for the bowlers to put England’s revamped Test side under pressure in Antigua, rather than worrying about who is or isn’t in the XI for the tourists.The absence of James Anderson and Stuart Broad for England has been a running theme during the build-up to the three-Test series, but both Kraigg Brathwaite, West Indies’ captain, and Phil Simmons, the head coach, cautioned against setting too much significance by the non-selection of two of the three most-prolific fast bowlers in history.Related

Campbell, Phillip in squad for first Test against England

Reset or regret for England as West Indies look to extend home hegemony

While England’s recent travails in Test cricket have been well documented, West Indies come into the series with just one win in their last eight Tests. During that time, they have passed 300 just once in 16 innings, and been bowled out for fewer than 200 on seven occasions.Desmond Haynes’ new selection panel responded by bringing back John Campbell and Shamarh Brooks – who last played in March 2021 and December 2020 respectively – and dropping Shai Hope and Roston Chase from the squad. While opener Campbell has just two half-centuries to his name in 15 Tests, he made four scores between 33 and 47 in his debut series against England three years ago, and returns to the side after scoring a century for Jamaica in the regional four-day championship.”I think the last time England were here, and we beat them, the opening pair was Kraigg and John Campbell,” Simmons said. “So let’s hope that’s a good omen for us, because they are back together and they gave the team some good starts. So that’s what we’ve been talking about, getting a good start and then making sure that the top four put things together and not leave it for the middle and lower order.”That’s been the aspect of the five-day camp that we had, addressing the fact that batsmen need to bat long, we need to make sure we give the bowlers something to work with. And I think that the camp went well, so I expect good things from them.”After leading West Indies to a memorable 2-0 win in Bangladesh in February 2021, Brathwaite has seen the team’s fortunes dip, with a drawn home series against Sri Lanka followed by three consecutive defeats. West Indies can draw on a strong home record against England, however, and Brathwaite was confident that the hosts have enough firepower to maintain their edge.”As a team, we’re really looking forward to it,” Brathwaite said. “We’re feeling confident, and maybe not worrying about England’s team, but what we do as a team and we’re really looking forward to the challenge.”It means a lot [playing England], obviously the Barmy Army comes down and gives you a nice atmosphere. We always look forward to this series, especially at home. And we look forward to the challenge. They have some quality cricketers still, so when we do well, you know it’s still a good feeling.Shannon Gabriel trained with the Test squad as continued his rehab after injury•Getty Images”I think the series itself is always different to every other series we have. We’re generally very good at home, especially the bowlers do a fantastic job at home. And obviously it’s also our job as batters to get runs, but the series always has a lot of energy and at times that can inspire guys.”The fragility of the batting on both sides is underlined by the fact that only one player other than Joe Root – West Indies’ No. 3 Nkrumah Bonner – currently averages more than 40 in Test cricket. For that reason, Simmons warned that West Indies could not afford to be complacent about the calibre of the attack fielded by England.”You can call it an advantage but again, no Broad, no Anderson, we keep harping on that,” he said. “But when you don’t have the experience, you have young fellas having to make their name and that is something that you have to guard against too. For me, you can’t be looking at that and saying well look, that’s a big advantage, because then you tend to get complacent and you tend to get found out early.”So we have not been looking at the fact that there’s no Broad and Anderson, we’ve been looking at who there is, and there’s still some quality bowlers in there, which we still have to bat against.”West Indies could yet be boosted by the return of a fast bowler of their own later in the series, with Simmons impressed by the progress of Shannon Gabriel after he joined the squad in Antigua to continue his rehab from a hamstring injury.”He’s a lot further on than I thought he was,” Simmons said. “He bowled with some pace today, so we’ll see what happens over the next four or five days. This squad was selected for the first Test, so we’ll see where he’s at while he’s training with us and then we can make a decision on the second Test.”

West Ham United have already spoken to a managerial candidate to succeed Julen Lopetegui, and it is believed he is now set to replace the Spaniard.

Favourites to replace Julen Lopetegui at West Ham

Internal meetings are being held at the London Stadium as Hammers chiefs decide how to proceed in regard to Lopetegui’s future, with West Ham suffering a disastrous start to the new Premier League season.

West Ham readying talks with Conceicao alternative to replace Lopetegui

The Portuguese has been heavily linked.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 5, 2024

They’ve tasted victory in just four of their opening 12 league games, with Arsenal hammering Lopetegui’s side 5-2 and Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester City putting them to the sword with a 3-1 win at the King Power Stadium over these last few days.

Match

Date

Opponent

Competition

Result

#16

03/12/2024

Leicester City (A)

Premier League

3-1

#15

30/11/2024

Arsenal (H)

Premier League

5-2

#14

26/11/2024

Newcastle United (A)

Premier League

2-0 win

#13

09/11/2024

Everton (H)

Premier League

0-0 draw

#12

02/11/2024

Nottingham Forest (A)

Premier League

3-0 loss

#11

27/10/2024

Man United (H)

Premier League

2-1 win

#10

19/10/2024

Tottenham (A)

Premier League

4-1 loss

Lopetegui faces the very real prospect of losing his job barely midway through the season as a result, and West Ham are believed to be discussing whether they should hire a new manager already (GiveMeSport).

Former Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzic is being championed by technical director Tim Steidten, but Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has claimed that the German won’t be stepping into Lopetegui’s shoes after all.

Former FC Porto boss Sergio Conceicao is being considered by West Ham as another candidate, following a very successful stint in Portugal, where he won 10 major trophies.

Meanwhile, it is also believed that ex-Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri could join West Ham, but he’ll demand a salary of around £127,000-per-week, which would make him the fourth-highest paid manager in the league (Calciomercato.it).

Another viable option for the east Londoners, according to reports, is ex-Chelsea and Brighton boss Graham Potter.

West Ham hold talks with Graham Potter who's set to replace Lopetegui

Potter has been emerging as the top West Ham managerial candidate in these last 24 hours, and now very reliable club insider ExWHUemployee has shared another update on the Englishman’s potential appointment.

Writing via his Patreon, Ex claims that West Ham have spoken to Potter about the potential managerial vacancy, and the ex-Ostersunds boss is keen to join them.

Since then, reporter Pete O’Rourke has shared a further development, taking to X to drop the bombshell news of Potter’s pending Hammers arrival with Lopetegui “set to be sacked”.

Potter did well during his time at Brighton, and was at the centre of a Swedish football fairytale when he guided Ostersunds from the fourth tier to the Europa League – so there are a few noteworthy achievements on his CV.

Wayne Rooney has called Potter an “interesting” manager, taking into account his noteworthy back story and climb to the top, with his “attacking, possession-based, high pressing” style also potentially appealing.