Wakely opens up game after Newton double

Rob Newton’s maiden first-class double century led Northamptonshire out of danger on the third day at Wantage Road

ECB Reporters Network15-Aug-2016
ScorecardRob Newton led Northamptonshire’s fightback•Getty Images

Rob Newton’s maiden first-class double century led Northamptonshire out of danger on the third day at Wantage Road.Newton’s unbeaten 202 carried Northants to 397 for 7 before they declared 122 behind to potentially help set up a final day run chase. Leicestershire closed on 49 without loss in their second innings, leading by 171.Both sides need victory, Northants especially, to keep their promotion hopes alive and Alex Wakely’s declaration has opened up the game.Newton’s rearguard double century dented Leicestershire’s first route to victory by seeing Northants past the follow-on mark. He left well, defended solidly and nudged the bowling around where possible. Calm throughout, his only moment of fortune was a top-edged pull that fell just short of deep square running in after reaching his ninth first-class century from 208 balls.Two healthy partnerships steered Northants away from trouble at 184 for 5 10 overs into the third day replying to the visitors’ 519. Newton batted through the first half of the day with Saif Zaib, who made a composed 43 in a partnership of 81 in 35 overs.The pair slowly began to move Northants towards safer waters but Zaib edged Neil Dexter, with the second new ball, to second slip and when Rory Kleinveldt was run-out coming back for a second by a direct hit from Rob Sayer, Leicestershire’s hopes of enforcing the follow-on were raised.A second stand was needed for Northants to avoid the prospect and Steven Crook, batting down the order after a calf injury and with a runner, added 101 for the eighth wicket with Newton who brought up his double hundred off 342 balls with a flick to fine leg.Initially, Leicestershire held control of the game. Northants resumed 142 for 4, 377 behind, and removed Adam Rossington for 26 after a rather skittish innings. He began with a skip down the pitch to lift Rob Sayer over long-on for six and added four boundaries – a perfect straight drive, a short arm pull, a top-edged cut over gully and an outside edge wide of third slip. He never settled and, pushing hard at Clint McKay, was taken at second slip.

جوارديولا يؤكد رحيل كالفين فيليبس ويوضح موقفه من ضم بديل له في يناير

تحدث بيب جوارديولا مدرب مانشستر سيتي عن انتقال كالفين فيليبس الوشيك على سبيل الإعارة إلى وست هام.

وظهر جوارديولا خلال مؤتمر صحفي اليوم الخميس، قبل مباراة مانشستر سيتي وتوتنهام، وأفاد: “لقد سافر بالأمس لإجراء اختبار طبي، لكن الأمر لم يتم بشكل كامل”.

واستطرد: “ستكون إعارة لمدة ستة أشهر وآمل أن يتمكن من لعب الدقائق التي يستحقها، أتمنى له التوفيق، لقد قلت مرات عديدة، إنه إنسان ولاعب كرة قدم استثنائي وإلا فلن يكون في المنتخب”.

وأشار: “إذا أعطيته 10-15 مباراة متتالية فسوف يلعب بشكل جيد، لم أعطه له، أشعر بالمسؤولية عن ذلك، لكن في الوقت نفسه، أنا صادق مع نفسي، مع الفريق عليك أن تقرر ما الذي تبحث عنه، لأشياء مختلفة”.

اقرأ أيضًا | جوارديولا ردًا على هجوم رئيس يويفا: عليه الانتظار كمحامي

وشدد: “أستطيع أن أقول كم أنا ممتن لسلوكه داخل وخارج الملعب في العديد من المواقف، آمل أن يتمكن من العثور على دقائق حتى يتمكن من العودة وفي الموسم المقبل سنرى ما سيحدث”.

وعلّق: “أخيرًا، سيذهب إلى وست هام، ولا يوجد شخص واحد لا يتمنى له كل التوفيق خلال الفترة القصيرة التي قضاها في لندن، والتي تبلغ أربعة أو خمسة أشهر”.

وسُئل جوارديولا عما إذا كان مانشستر سيتي سيضم بديلاً محل فيليبس في فترة الانتقالات، وأجاب: “لا أعتقد ذلك”.

Newcastle: Ashworth Plotting Swoop To Sign £17m Dynamo

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their plans to bolster their squad in the summer transfer window…

What's the latest on Carlos Augusto to Newcastle?

According to Italian outlet CalcioMercato, the Magpies are one of a number of clubs tracking Monza left-back Carlos Augusto ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The report claims that Inter and Juventus, along with some unnamed Premier League teams, are also keen on the defender, who is valued at around €20m (£17m) by his current club.

It is stated that Newcastle are eyeing up the enforcer with a view to making an offer for his services at the end of the season, particularly if they qualify for the Champions League.

Is Carlos Augusto better than Dan Burn?

Toon sporting director Dan Ashworth could land Eddie Howe an upgrade on current left-back Dan Burn with this proposed swoop to sign the Brazilian as his performances this term suggest that he is a better player.

Newcastle defender Dan Burn.

Burn, who is a central defender by trade, has started 32 matches in the Premier League this season and been a key component for the head coach throughout the campaign.

However, his average Sofascore rating of 6.77 ranks him 13th in the squad. He has also made 2.5 tackles and interceptions per game whilst winning 56% of his duels in the division.

Augusto, meanwhile, has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.00 in the Serie A for Monza and won 55% of his battles whilst making 2.7 tackles and interceptions per match.

The 24-year-old machine has also scored six goals and provided five assists – creating five 'big chances' for his teammates – in his 31 appearances in the Italian top-flight.

Burn does not carry the same attacking threat as the Englishman has failed to produce a single goal or assist in the Premier League this season – creating just three 'big chances' in total.

These statistics suggest that the "impressive" – as he was once dubbed by journalist Josh Bunting – Monza star would come in as a big upgrade on the Newcastle defender due to his average performance level, his defensive contributions, and his quality on the ball in forward areas.

Augusto is also seven years younger than Burn and would come in with more long-term potential, to go along with possibly being an immediate upgrade on the full-back position.

Ashworth must now work hard to beat Inter and Juventus to his signature this summer.

Arsenal: "Sensational" Star Wants To Join Arteta

Arsenal transfer target Wilfried Zaha would "jump" at the chance to join Mikel Arteta's title-chasers, says journalist Pete O'Rourke.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

The north Londoners face an absolutely crucial task this week – getting a result at high-flying Manchester City as both sides chase a coveted Premier League crown.

City have been on a real roll of late, last losing a game in early February and remaining unbeaten in all competitions since that 1-0 defeat to Tottenham.

Arteta's side, meanwhile, have been dropping points at a worrying rate recently – drawing at Liverpool, West Ham and at home to Southampton.

It's set to be an exciting end of season run but Arsenal quite simply have to avoid defeat at Eastlands on Wednesday. Off the field, sporting director Edu has already identified transfer targets for next campaign in an attempt to maintain Arsenal's place among England's elite.

The likes of Declan Rice, who is reliably thought to be eager to join Arsenal, is up at the top of Edu's list with the Gunners apparently in pole position for his summer signing.

Meanwhile, a forward could also be targeted, with Arsenal taking a keen interest in Brazil international Vitor Roque recently. Zaha, who is attracting interest due to his contract situation, has been mooted as a player who could join Arsenal as well.

Now, speaking to GiveMeSport, reporter O'Rourke claims the Ivory Coast forward could be tempted to join them this summer – citing his soon-to-be free agent status as making this move very possible.

He explained:

"I'm sure Wilfried Zaha would jump at the opportunity of going to Arsenal. There's been previous opportunities where he possibly could have moved to the Emirates, but the move didn't happen. He's a free agent in the summer, so obviously, that will make him more attractive to his potential suitors that they don't have to pay a transfer fee as well."

Should Arsenal sign Zaha?

Zaha has been a star at Palace for the last few seasons, continuing that form this campaign as one of their highest-rated performers and best offensive players (WhoScored).

Indeed, the 30-year-old has registered more attempts at goal and successful take-ons per 90 than any other Eagles star this campaign – marking him out as a very potent threat in front of goal (WhoScored).

The 'incredible' player also boasts eight goal contributions this season (six goals and two assists), having the potential to really strengthen Arteta's ranks.

Goldbridge Buzzing After Hearing Who Could Join Man United

Presenter Mark Goldbridge has expressed his happiness that Manchester United are pursuing Paul Mitchell as a sporting director.

What's going on with Man United and Paul Mitchell?

Bids have come in for a takeover of Man United, and amidst what could be significant changes to the club, they are reportedly trying to hire a sporting director.

United are competing with Liverpool to try and recruit Mitchell, who could leave his role at AS Monaco, and Sir Jim Ratcliffe's consortium has targeted him should they win the battle for ownership of the club.

Speaking on The United Stand (12.00), Goldbridge claimed that Mitchell is the right kind of executive United should be targeting, and that he could even work alongside the club's current personnel in similar roles.

"Paul Mitchell, the director of football that many of us have wanted for a while. Man United and Liverpool are going to go head to head for him. He'd be a very good, very, very good recruiter to bring in," he stated.

"I don't necessarily think it would mean that John Murtough gets the sack, and I'm not mad. I'm not a big fan of John Murtough as director of football and I'm not a big fan of Richard Arnold as CEO.

"I mean ideally, you move those people on because they're not good enough at their job, but actually if you brought someone like Paul Mitchell in or Rangnick had stayed, I'm sure John Murtough would stay as well.

"It's about getting good quality people in, it's really important and I think that's what we want to see. Paul Mitchell would be very, very welcome at the football club."

What can Mitchell bring to Man United?

The Englishman has experience at a number of clubs including Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and RB Leipzig, in addition to Monaco, and has identified some top talents in that time.

He has unearthed gems including Aurelien Tchouameni, Dele Alli, Heung-Min Son and Christopher Nkunku during his career, and he can help United improve their player recruitment.

United's transfer dealings have been scrutinised, as despite heavy spending on big names over the years, there have been a lot of transfer failures. The likes of Alexis Sanchez, Memphis Depay, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Angel Di Maria all arrived with big reputations and produced little.

Making smarter signings can help Erik ten Hag revolutionize Man United, and Mitchell potentially arriving alongside a new ownership could spell a really exciting time for United fans.

Thomas Frank mooted as Antonio Conte replacement at Spurs

TalkSport pundit Darren Bent has mooted Thomas Frank as a suitable replacement for Antonio Conte at Tottenham Hotspur if the Italian leaves in the near future.

Will Antonio Conte leave Spurs?

After defeat in the Champions League this week, Spurs are set to end yet another season without lifting a major trophy.

Seeing as Conte was brought in as a proven winner to try to help the club end what is now a 15-year wait for silverware, it’s safe to say things have not gone to plan.

Consequently, there is already talk that Tottenham could begin the hunt for a new manager very soon, with the likes of Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel being referenced recently by The Guardian.

While speaking about this on TalkSport, Bent suggested that Brentford boss Frank could possibly be a risk worth taking for the Lilywhites.

He said: “I like Thomas Frank. Maybe a slight risk because it’s a step up from Brentford, but he’s got all the credentials.

“And when I say credentials, look what he’s doing with this Brentford side in the Premier League.”

Why would Spurs hire Frank over Pochettino?

Seeing as Frank has been a Premier League manager for less than two seasons, his relative experience at the top level would understandably make him a bit of a risk.

Still, he’s done brilliantly with Brentford to get them promoted and then lead them to a 13th-placed finish as well as having them push for European football this season as they are currently ninth in the league

What’s more, they are currently on a run of 12 league matches without defeat – the longest in the division, despite taking on Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and even Tottenham during their past 10 outings

With that in mind, it’s clear to see how he could have the quality to go and impress at a club like Spurs, who could offer more financial backing than the Bees. What’s more, he would also likely cost less in wages than Pochettino or Tuchel due to his lack of big-club experience.

It will no doubt be interesting to see if Frank is considered when Conte does depart.

Phil Hay claims Dallas is on schedule for Leeds return

Phil Hay has admitted that Stuart Dallas is still hopeful of playing a part in Leeds United’s season.

The Lowdown: Leeds need everyone fit to stay up

It’s certainly going to be a relegation battle that goes right down until the final day with the bottom nine clubs being separated by just six points as the games begin to dwindle down.

Leeds currently sit outside of the relegation zone despite losing on the weekend, mainly down to the fact some late goals for the likes of Nottingham Forest and Arsenal boosted their chances of survival.

Someone who they’ve clearly missed this season is the versatile Stuart Dallas who picked up a freak and very serious injury last campaign that’s seen him nowhere even near the first-team picture for almost a year now.

The Latest: Dallas could have a say in this season

Prior to his injury Dallas had missed just one game in three seasons for Leeds and despite his serious setback, Hay has admitted on The Phil Hay Show the Northern Ireland international is on schedule to make a timely return this campaign.

He said: (9:10) “I think if he got games in before the season finished then that would be pretty satisfying and that would be him on target, considering how bad the injury was.

“Gracia is giving nothing very little away about injuries at the moment and I haven’t had an update recently on Dallas [but] he appears to be on schedule and he appears to be doing well.

“You’ll remember Marsch saying he had a little cleanup operation not so long ago but I think that was standard and I think that was part of the process but it was never really the expectation that Dallas was going to play a huge part this year.”

The Verdict: Unexpected boost for Gracia

This is more positive news for Leeds, with Phil Hay saying Rodrigo is hopeful of playing against Brighton.

When Gracia walked into Leeds he may have totally discounted long-term absentee Dallas as even a possibility to play this season but the fact he’s remained on schedule for such a long time now is a statement of his character and what leads means to him, which must be obvious given Marsch labelled him as ‘fantastic’ despite him never training/working under the American during his tenure.

Getting someone such as Dallas back in the first team picture, not necessarily starting, but just to have in and around the dressing room could be a huge boost mentally for Leeds in their fight against the drop.

This is because the versatile player who can play midfield or defence was part of the club’s scrap last term and has been around the game for a long time now, so his experienced head could be invaluable if he can just play a few games.

Kick It Out. Overcoming Racism in Football Teams

Racism has been a long-standing issue in football teams. It occurs when people discriminate against someone based on the colour of their skin, ethnicity or nationality. Racism can take many forms from verbal abuse to physical violence and it is not limited to any particular team or country – it happens all around the world.

There are many reasons why racism is still present in football teams, including ignorance and lack of education about diversity. Unfortunately, it is often seen as acceptable behaviour by some people and can be perpetuated by the media, which contributes to an environment where racism is tolerated or even encouraged.

Read about racism examples

Racism in football is an issue that has been around for a long time, and unfortunately it still exists today. Football can be an incredibly powerful platform to speak out against racism and its damaging effects. Essays on this topic can help us better understand why racism exists in football and how we can try to prevent it from occurring. For those interested in learning more about racism in football, reading a racism essay on this subject can provide valuable insight. These essays can help us understand the history of racism in football, how it is manifested today, and what we can do to put an end to it.

Effects of racism on footballers

Racism in football can have far-reaching negative effects on players. It can create a hostile environment in the stadium, leading to decreased performance levels and a lack of concentration. Players may feel isolated and unwelcome, which can lead to anxiety and depression.

The psychological impact of racism is significant and long lasting. Being  the victim of racism can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, anger, fear and anxiety. These feelings can impact a player’s performance on the field and their overall mental health. Racism can also cause players to withdraw from the sport altogether.

Furthermore, racism can be a barrier to entry for certain players who might otherwise have been able to participate in the sport. Racism can also lead to poor decisions on and off the field, as players may be influenced negatively by racist comments or language used to describe them.

Finally, racism can have a lasting impact on players’ careers, as they may not receive the same opportunities for growth or recognition because of their race. It is important  to be aware of the impact racism can have on football players, and to take action to combat it.

Dealing with racism on the football field

Let’s discuss the most effective ways to overcome racism in football teams.

1. Promote Diversity and Inclusion in Team Recruitment

Recruiting a diverse team of players helps create an atmosphere that celebrates differences and prevents racism from taking root. Teams should look to recruit talent from all backgrounds, including those with different ethnicities, genders, religions, economic backgrounds, and more. Coaches should also be mindful of any internal biases they may have when selecting players for their team. It’s important to ensure everyone has the same opportunity to compete for a spot regardless of race or background.

2. Train Players on Racial Sensitivity

Teams should have training sessions where they teach players how to be sensitive to people of different races and how to stop racism on their teams. This can include things like:

understanding privilege learning about different cultural practices encouraging respectful communication recognizing biases.

By giving players ways to learn more about each other, teams can make a place where people from all backgrounds feel more welcome.

3. Create a Zero-Tolerance Policy

Teams should also have clear policies in place that outline the consequences for any racist remarks or behaviour. This should ensure everyone feels safe and respected within the team environment without fear of racial discrimination. It’s important that coaches and staff are held accountable as well to ensure they are not tolerating any form of racism on their team or in their organization.

4. Promote Open Dialogue

Creating an open dialogue between players can help them understand each other better and foster a greater sense of unity. Players should be encouraged to discuss their backgrounds and experiences, as well as any racism they have witnessed or experienced in the past. This will help to create a more empathetic atmosphere and make it easier for players to identify any instances of racial discrimination on their team.

5. Support Anti-Racism Organizations

Teams can show how much they want to stop racism by giving money or other resources to anti-racism groups that work to raise awareness and fight systemic racism. Being involved in the fight against racism not only sends a strong message, but it can also start conversations within the team about why this is important and how everyone can help make football more welcoming for everyone.

6. Hold Team Meetings

Regular team meetings should be held to discuss any incidents of racism that may have occurred, as well as strategies for preventing such behaviour in the future. This can help players become more aware of how their words and actions can affect others and ensure everyone feels heard and respected on the team. Additionally, coaches and staff members should be held accountable during these meetings if they are not actively working to prevent racism.

7. Encourage Positive Role Models

Having positive role models within the team can help inspire other players to stand up against discrimination and promote acceptance of differences among all members. Teams should look for players who embody qualities of respect, inclusivity, understanding, and empathy to be seen as leaders in the sport. These players can help set an example for others and show that all racial backgrounds are welcome and celebrated.

Final thoughts

In conclusion, racism in football teams is a deeply complex issue. With the right education and measures put in place by coaches and team leaders, it is possible to overcome racism in football teams. Creating a safe and respectful team environment is key to eradicating racism in football teams.

Photos by Unsplash

West Brom eyeing up O’Brien and Chalobah

West Bromwich Albion are interested in signing both Lewis O’Brien and Nathaniel Chalobah in the January transfer window, according to reports on Sunday morning.

The Lowdown: West Brom looking good for play-offs

The Baggies have recovered from a disastrous start to the season in the Championship, with Carlos Corberan changing their fortunes after the exit of Steve Bruce in the autumn.

West Brom now sit 10th in the table and are only one point off the play-offs and their recent form suggests that they could rise further up the division in the coming months.

New signings may be required for that to become more likely, though, and an intriguing reports has emerged in the morning hours.

The Latest: O’Brien and Chalobah in talks with West Brom

According to The Mail on Sunday [via West Brom News], Albion are in discussions to sign both O’Brien and Chalobah before the transfer deadline on Tuesday night.

The duo are currently in the Premier League with Nottingham Forest and Fulham respectively, but neither have been regular presences at those clubs and could be allowed to leave this month.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/efl-news/” title=”EFL news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Could be a great double coup

If the Baggies were able to bring in O’Brien and Chalobah, it would have the potential to be game-changing in their promotion push, considering the quality they both possess at Championship level. They have only made a total of seven starts in the Premier League between them this season (O’Brien six, Chalobah one) and could be itching to feature more prominently elsewhere.

Although things aren’t working out for them in the top flight, the former started 46 Championship games for Huddersfield Town last term, averaging 2.1 tackles per game as they reached the play-off final, while the latter has 142 appearances to his name in the second tier and has been promoted from the division with Watford and Fulham in the past two years.

O’Brien and Chalobah could provide stiff competition in the middle of the park at West Brom for the likes of Okay Yokuslu and John Swift, giving Corberan the depth to rotate his squad and keep players fresh as the game comes thick and fast in the final four months of the campaign.

Man Utd looking to sign a creative player

Manchester United are looking at signing a creative player this month, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: United’s position

Erik ten Hag’s side have turned their early-season form on its head of late, with nine wins coming from their last 10 games in all competitions.

Their form has seen them climb to third in the Premier League table with an outside chance of a title push potentially hinging on their result against Arsenal on Sunday, with an eight-point gap currently keeping United off the top of the table.

Despite their league position, the decision by the Glazers to put the club up for sale means that the club have little to no money available to spend – with the Daily Mail previously reporting the club wouldn’t be buying players in January.

The Latest: Romano’s update

So far, the only arrival at Old Trafford this window has been the loan signing of Wout Weghorst, but Romano claimed on his YouTube channel that United are still in the market for a creative player, saying:

“I don’t think Manchester United will have any kind of conversation with the players rumoured from Real Madrid like [Eduardo] Camavinga.

“Man United look for creative signings in the final days of the window if something will be available; otherwise, they will stay with the current squad.”

The Verdict: Van de Beek replacement?

Any links to Camavinga referred to by Romano have since been shut down by the journalist himself after he shared that the Frenchman will likely be staying at Real Madrid following a conversation with his agent – so it appears that United would have to seek alternative targets.

The potential arrival of a creative player at Old Trafford could be down to the severe injury that Donny van de Beek picked up against Bournemouth, with Ten Hag confirming that the Dutchman will miss the remainder of the season.

Although only holding a fringe role at United since arriving for £37.5m (via The Guardian), the 25-year-old has played just 60 games across two and a half years in Manchester.

But before his injury, he appeared in four out of five of United’s previous league games – even starting two – showing his place in the squad is an important one and an incoming could lessen the impact of his absence.

Game
Register
Service
Bonus