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When Neil Lennon decided to step down from his position as the manager of Celtic two months ago, it would have been a surprise to the Parkhead hierarchy.

Despite the Bhoys sitting 18 points adrift of top spot, they were still full of backing for the Northern Irishman. They weren’t ready to see him go and that’s been apparent in the fact that we’re still no closer to an announcement from the Hoops’ boardroom as to his long-term successor.

Nick Hammond has left the club in the meantime, while Dominic McKay has already started putting plans in place for next season. That said, the biggest capture of them all still escapes them.

With a number of issues to address before the summer window opens, Celtic need to get someone in place as soon as possible.

A number of coaches have been in the frame for the manager’s job, from Eddie Howe and Lucien Favre to Roy Keane.

If anyone is to finally be appointed, it shouldn’t be John Kennedy, someone the club are thinking of considering. He was given the keys to Celtic on an interim basis when Lennon left but, despite only losing one of his matches in charge – their defeat to Rangers in the Scottish Cup – he hasn’t covered himself in glory.

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The Glaswegian outfit have only scored 12 goals in seven games, six of which came in one match against Livingston. Beyond that, they have been terrible in front of goal and have continued to be lacklustre at the back, somehow drawing 0-0 with Dundee United in the game which handed their crosstown rivals the Premiership title.

On that day, goalkeeper Benjamin Siegrist made an eye-catching haul of 12 saves. A similar eventuality befell Celtic last weekend.

As they were knocked out of the cup, Odsonne Edouard uncharacteristically missed from a few yards out before Moi Elyounoussi spurned a golden chance from inside the area as well. Edouard also missed a penalty with a rather poor effort from 12 yards out.

Kennedy has been unable to revive Celtic, and his substitutions and team selection leave plenty to be desired.

He is playing a number of first teamers who won’t even be at the club next season. Aberdeen-bound Scott Brown is still earning minutes while Diego Laxalt, Jonjoe Kenny and Elyounoussi – all on loan – have been regulars.

The 37-year-old has been devoid of inspiration and is failing to blood those who have a future at the club; you only need to look at Ismaila Soro’s lack of minutes for evidence in that department.

He has also been making some peculiar comments to the media, something the hot-headed Chris Sutton commented upon last week.

Speaking on the Record Celtic podcast after Kennedy claimed Celtic were still the best team in the country, Sutton said: “He could still say that Celtic have a good team that they can perform extremely well. But he said they are the best team in the country, that is a completely different thing to say, it’s a ridiculous thing to say.

“First of all it’s absolutely not true, everyone can see that and it’s slightly delusional to say that. It was just a really daft comment to make that Celtic are still the best team in the country when they have been annihilated this season.”

Kennedy has looked a forlorn figure on the sidelines in recent weeks and has nothing to show why he should be given the job. At least Keane has accomplished something in his managerial career; he was promoted to the Premier League with Sunderland in 2007.

At the moment, Dermot Desmond should pick anyone but their interim manager; it would only create an ever bigger mess.

AND in other news, Forget Harkin: Celtic could find their new Van Dijk by appointing title-winning 39 y/o…

Glasgow Rangers fans are delighted after the club confirmed Leon Balogun has signed a contract extension to keep him at Ibrox until the end of next season.

Balogun made the move to Glasgow last summer from Brighton and has proven to be an astute signing from Steven Gerrard and co. Despite a couple of injuries, he has still managed 28 appearances in all competitions, and the Gers have shipped just 20 goals during that time (Transfermarkt).

Now, he has signed a new contract to keep him in Glasgow for another 12 months. Clearly, Gerrard still sees him as a part of the club’s future and trusts him to continue to perform even as the 55-time Scottish champions aim to qualify for the Champions League group stages.

The news was shared on Twitter by the Gers’ official account, and it attracted plenty of attention from the supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts, with one fan hailing it as ‘fantastic news’.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Balogun news below

“Tremendous scenes”

Credit: @afgavinstan

“Fantastic news!”

Credit: @thisisibrox

“Outstanding news Don’t let a shaky performance at right back against Slavia cloud your judgement of what has been a ridiculously good season from an absolutely cracking free transfer.”

Credit: @Rangers_View

“Great business once again by Rangers”

Credit: @the_bluenose1

“That’s just won us the league, so it has.”

Credit: @deecee1872

“Might be unpopular but delighted with this. Never seen anything but fight from the boy.”

Credit: @paddyjaque

In other news, Rangers fans are livid at this journalist’s comments.

Numerous fans of West Ham United have been reacting to a post on Twitter in which the Hammers shared an image of Declan Rice in action for England with the caption of “classy” and two hand-clap emojis.

So far this season, Rice has highly impressed over his 29 Premier League appearances for David Moyes’ side, with the defensive midfielder scoring one goal and providing one assist, as well as making an average of two interceptions, 1.9 tackles and 1.2 clearances per game, culminating in an average SofaScore match rating of 7.09. That ranks him as the Hammers’ fourth-best performer in the top flight.

The 22-year-old has also impressed while on international duty with England, most recently during the 2-0 win over Albania in World Cup qualifying on Sunday, a game in which Rice made five interceptions, two tackles and three clearances, earning a SofaScore match rating of 7.8.

After West Ham shared an image of Rice in action for England on Twitter, many fans of the Hammers flocked to have their say on the matter, with plenty heaping a considerable amount of praise on the midfielder. One Irons fan even dubbed the 22-year-old a “Rolls Royce of a footballer”.

So, what exactly did these West Ham United fans have to say in reaction to the image of Declan Rice?

“England’s best player plays for West Ham. What a world.”

@AndrewKane221

“My captain.”

@notorious1324

“Always is and always will be.”

@bazza123whu

“England’s best DM, no debate.”

@mattw00druf

“Rolls Royce of a footballer.”

@joehalford1990

“We are so lucky man.”

@_ghzst

“I don’t want him to leave West Ham but if I’m Man City, I’m getting him in as a long term replacement for Fernandinho. He is outstanding. Such a class act.”

@Jayoconnor8

In other news: This West Ham summer target dropped a big hint on his future – find out more here!

It is fair to say that Kelechi Iheanacho’s renaissance at Leicester City has been a remarkable one.

Previously just an under-study to Jamie Vardy at the King Power Stadium, the Nigerian has burst into life in recent months, netting a remarkable nine goals in as many games in all competitions since the start of February.

His form is certainly all the more surprising considering that as recently as August 2020, the striker was being linked with a move away from the East Midlands, with Fenerbahce interested in his services, according to Fotospor.

Rodgers’ decision not to sell the £13.5m-rated striker and instead put faith in him appears to be one that is reaping rewards for not only Iheanacho but also The Foxes.

Now on 12 goals for the campaign following his brace against Manchester United in the FA Cup, the Nigerian is in the midst of his second-most productive season of his career. He only needs a further two strikes to match his 14-goal haul of his breakout season at Manchester City.

His record this season is all the more eye-catching considering that during the two seasons following his move to the East Midlands from the Etihad Stadium, he only notched 11 strikes.

Iheanacho’s hot form though is once again down to Rodgers’ renewed faith in the striker.

Having made just 16 starts in all competitions for The Foxes last season, he now looks sure to surpass that figure this time around having started four consecutive Premier League matches for the first time this year.

In that time, he has scored five league goals alone.

Rodgers’ gamble on Iheanacho has plenty of praise too.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Dean Windass labelled the Northern-Irishman’s show of faith as “unbelievable” and also said of the player that “his attitude has been spot on”.

Rodgers’ decision to not only keep the striker but also play him regularly has been rewarded with his stunning recent run and has justified his choice to keep him back when he could have moved to Turkey.

AND in more news, take a closer look at the Nigerian’s fantastic performance against Man Utd in the FA Cup…

Celtic’s search for a new manager has really gathered pace over the last few days but unfortunately for majority shareholder Dermot Desmond, he still no closer to uncovering Neil Lennon’s successor.

Roy Keane has been the favourite in the last week but fresh claims have quashed those rumours.

What’s the word?

Last week, it quickly became apparent that Keane was leading the race to become the new manager of Celtic.

Football Insider revealed that discussions and an interview had even taken place. However, in a remarkable twist, it now looks like the Irishman is unlikely to head back to Parkhead.

The Times have sources close to Keane in Ireland who have revealed that a Celtic reunion is doubtful.

Keane turned down the Hoops job in 2014 and he looks set to miss out on the hot seat once again.

Amazing news for supporters

When it emerged that Keane was in the running to become the new manager of Celtic, it was not very well received by plenty of the club’s supporters.

Well followed Bhoys podcaster Paul John Dykes admitted that news of the Manchester United legend’s potential arrival had gone down like a led balloon with fans.

You can see why, too. Keane hasn’t managed for the best part of ten years and he didn’t exactly achieve a great deal during his time with Sunderland and then Ipswich.

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He got the Mackems promoted but his win percentage during the course of his managerial career speaks volumes. The 49-year-old has a pretty disastrous win rate of just 38.7%.

The television pundit has taken guidance from Martin O’Neill during his three spells as assistant manager under him. However, with that in mind, it feels like Keane is more equipped to be a number two.

News that the former midfielder is now less likely to be given the reins at Paradise should be music to the ears of supporters.

Desmond can now turn to alternatives. Chris Wilder has been linked, a manager we’ve suggested is a better option for the Bhoys.

AND in other news, Bye-bye Edouard: Celtic must swoop for 28-goal “sensation” who’ll “go to the very top”…

Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey believes it was the ‘correct’ decision to only award Leeds United’s Tyler Roberts a yellow card against Chelsea.

Leeds drew 0-0 at home to Thomas Tuchel’s in-form Blues side last Saturday, in what represented a good point for Marcelo Bielsa’s men.

They went toe-to-toe with their big-spending opponents throughout at Elland Road, with the draw meaning they currently sit 12th in the table.

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One of the key decisions of the game saw Roberts receive a booking after a challenge on Jorginho in the second half, a punishment befitting of the crime according to Halsey.

Halsey believes right decision was made in Leeds-Chelsea clash

Speaking to This Is Futbol, Halsey claimed Kevin Friend was right not to send the Leeds ace off, with the correct decision ultimately made:

“It wasn’t violent conduct; you knew it straight away. It’s just his follow-through and he’s gone onto the back of his calf so for me, in that instance it’s not violent conduct, I think the yellow card was correct.

“I think that had it been a serious situation, VAR would have got involved in that situation.”

Transfer Tavern take

Halsey is right in his assessment, with Roberts’ tackle no doubt a little on the reckless side, but certainly not malicious and warranting a sending off.

If players are receiving their marching orders for challenges of that ilk, the number of red cards will be off the scale before too long.

In other news, Leeds are ‘thinking seriously’ about making an addition in one key area this summer. Find out more here.

According to a report by The Daily Mail, Tottenham players have been left baffled behind the scenes following Jose Mourinho’s treatment of Gareth Bale and Dele Alli – with there allegedly being several ‘disillusioned’ members of the squad.

The Portuguese boss is allegedly facing mounting pressure following his side’s stumble to ninth in the Premier League table, but he is somewhat shielded by the fact chairman Daniel Levy would face huge costs for his early dismissal (The Daily Mail).

Tottenham players baffled by Jose call

Exiting Europe and losing more ground in the top four race, however, would increase the pressure on Mourinho ten-fold – with The Daily Mail now claiming there are ‘several’ disillusioned players behind the scenes.

While some players are generally supportive of their boss, some squad members in particular have been taken aback by Mourinho’s call to shun both Alli and Bale to the fringes.

The Spurs duo have started just three Premier League games combined this season (WhoScored), leaving players who were particularly close under Mauricio Pochettino’s reign surprised by this move not to play them.

Alli and Bale breakdown

Bale was signed in the summer from Real Madrid on a season-long loan, with Levy having dreamed of bringing him back to north London (Eurosport).

Alli, meanwhile, was heavily linked with a move to Paris-Saint Germain in the January transfer window but Tottenham would not let him go without finding a replacement (Fabrizio Romano).

Time will tell whether Mourinho will feature the pair in his plans as he looks to climb back up the Premier League table.

In other news: Tottenham are eyeing this Premier League ace, find out more here.

MatériaMais Notícias

Ricardo Oliveira deu entrevista pela primeira vez após a negociação com o Beijing Guoan, da China, na sexta-feira. Até então, havia dúvidas quanto ao ânimo do camisa 9 e esse foi um dos principais pontos que o atacante quis esclarecer para a torcida do Santos.

– Garanto ao torcedor santista: Não vai faltar empenho, nem vontade, com muita certeza vamos voltar para o lugar que a gente deve estar. Com trabalho, alegria e empenho. Jamais faltará vontade da minha parte – afirmou.

Neste domingo, o camisa 9 volta à Vila Belmiro pela primeira vez após quase ter saído do Peixe. O adversário é o Corinthians, time no qual Ricardo Oliveira marcou três vezes no ano passado, duas no palco do clássico, que será às 16 horas.

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Desinibido, o centroavante da Seleção Brasileira não esconde o desejo de ter ido à China ganhar R$ 50 milhões em dois anos.

– Fiquei triste. Gostaria que as coisas tivessem caminhado de outra maneira? Sim. Vi uma possibilidade muito boa financeiramente, para minha família, e oportunidade extremamente boa para a instituição. Mas passou. Não posso lamentar. Não vou jamais me resguardar. Não vou deixar de correr. Nunca vou fazer corpo mole. Tenho contrato até 2017 e vamos cumprir o contrato – determina.

Contando com o apoio da torcida do Alvinegro, Ricardo Oliveira espera voltar ao caldeirão da Baixada Santista no melhor estilo: com gols sobre o maior rival.

– Estou completamente preparado. Foi um momento difícil. O que está proposta à minha frente é se doar, ajudando, me doando e fazendo gols! Resultado de um trabalho coletivo – concluiu.

Confira o bate-bola com Ricardo Oliveira:

Qual sua motivação para jogar um clássico após a negociação?

Clássico não precisa de motivação, palestra… Clássico contra um dos maiores rivais do clube, dentro de casa, a gente sabe que esses jogos são bons de jogar, não tem jeito, todos querem jogar. É um momento oportuno para conseguirmos uma vitória e tirar qualquer possibilidade de que tentam jogar situações que não existe no nosso elenco. Oportunidade única. Vamos nos empenhar para conseguir essa vitória.

Como vê o ambiente do elenco do Santos no momento?

Chamei eles para conversar a respeito do nosso foco para a temporada. Nos comprometemos a nos dedicar e fazer melhor do que estamos fazendo até agora. Existe uma irmandade.

Como espera ver a Vila Belmiro no dia do clássico?

Espero que o torcedor compareça em massa na VIla, como um só para que a gente consiga vencer esse jogo. Quando vejo aquele estádio inflamado, arrepia, mexe com a gente.

Speaking exclusively with Football FanCast, former Newcastle United midfielder Rob Lee slammed the club’s “laughable” decision to bar journalists from quizzing Steve Bruce.

The St. James’ Park outfit cut short Bruce’s pre-game press conference ahead of their 2-1 midweek defeat to Leeds United, which saw the Toon endure a sixth loss on the bounce as part of an 11-game winless run across all competitions that came to an end with a 2-0 win at Everton on Saturday.

Reporters were informed there would be no separate section for the written media as normal, with broadcast rights holders – Sky Sports, Premier League Productions, BBC Sport and BBC Look North – the only outlets allowed to ask questions.

The Daily Mail’s football correspondent Craig Hope noted on Twitter that the decision was a shared move by the Newcastle hierarchy and manager, Bruce, who has been faced with increasing calls from supporters to be fired as the Toon creep closer to the relegation zone.

Newcastle have previously barred journalists from asking questions of the club’s manager, after Alan Pardew banned local reporters from quizzing him following a 2-1 defeat at rivals Sunderland in October 2013.

Lee, who played 331 games for the Magpies, believes the issue stems from the top in owner Mike Ashley, and does not expect anything to change until the club is under new ownership.

Asked about the development involving the journalists, Lee told FFC:

“Well, nothing surprises me at Newcastle. It’s farcical now, it’s laughable, and I think even their own fans are laughing at the club.

“It’s happened before. Mike Ashley’s the instigator. People blame Steve Bruce and people want Steve Bruce out, but the bottom line is until Newcastle, until we get a better owner, nothing is going to change.

“I don’t care who they bring in. I don’t care if they bring in the best manager in the world. He is still going to have to work under Mike Ashley. And that’s the problem.”

Newcastle banned journalists of quizzing Pardew in 2013 during an ongoing standoff with local media, after blocking the Journal, Evening Chronicle and Sunday Sun in response to their coverage of protests by supporters against Ashley that saw around 500 fans attend.

The Magpies were said to have been furious with the papers offering publicity to the fan-led movement, and stepped in to prevent questions being directed at Pardew after the former United head coach attended his post-match media duties, which the journalists were not banned from, at the Stadium of Light.

Bruce is now the focus of supporters’ angst following a dire run of form that saw the Magpies eliminated from the Carabao and FA Cups in the space of 18 days, while a ‘Bruce out’ banner was recently unveiled outside St. James’ Park.

AND in other news, Newcastle could part with a £30k-p/w dynamo before the end of the month…

Tottenham Hotspur academy starlet Oliver Skipp continues to impress immensely at Norwich City.

The 20-year-old midfielder has been getting his first real taste of the men’s game in the Championship and has taken to the test like a duck to water.

Indeed, the England U21 international has started all 25 of the Canaries’ league outings, where he has thrived in a defensive midfield role.

Per WhoScored, Skipp has managed to average 2.1 tackles per 90 minutes with a success rate of 77.7%, meaning more often than not, the opposition are struggling to get past him.

This has even be reinforced by teammate Grant Hanley’s glowing endorsement of him to the local press in recent weeks, he believes the young Englishman is a dream for centre-backs like himself. Hanley told the Eastern Daily Press:

“Skippy’s got experience beyond his years really, he looks like he’s played at the top level for 10 or 15 years, it’s hard to think that he’s still so young,” and then added: “I know he gets a lot of credit but then he probably doesn’t get enough sometimes, because he does all the stuff that you love as a centre-half.”

The Hotspur Way academy graduate is also contributing further up the pitch as seen by his average of 0.8 key passes per game in the second-tier.

Whilst this may not be as creative as say an Emi Buendia (3.3 key passes per game) in this current Norwich squad or even that of a Christian Eriksen, a former Spurs great who managed at least 2.1 key passes per game in the Premier League for Spurs in all but his final campaign, it does hint towards him being a nifty box-to-box option in the future.

Perhaps he’s more of a Michael Carrick than any other ex-Spurs midfielder. He too was a player managed by Jose Mourinho at Manchester United, whilst during his time in N17, he was predominantly deployed as a defensive midfielder (33 of 75 appearances).

Neither player is going to set the pulses racing with spectacular and electric performances, but they do the dirty work that often goes unnoticed – Xavi once proclaimed that Carrick was a “complete player,” which makes his constant omission from international stardom all that more baffling. He only went to one World Cup and managed just 34 caps over his playing career.

The young Spurs sensation could be a rare exception to this style of player as he’s already been capped across U16s, U18s and U21s level.

Skipp’s progress at Carrow Road has been phenomenal thus far, and whilst he’s not going to be recalled this month, he is very much part of Mourinho’s long-term plans.

After agreeing to a contract extension, the Spurs boss said: “Everybody in the club is [happy], his team-mates are, I am and Skippy is or not he wouldn’t sign the contract. I think he’s genuinely Tottenham’s future,” before going onto claim: “I see this kid being one day a future captain here by his character, by his personality.”

Also lauded as “phenomenal” by the ‘Special One’ in the past, Skipp is clearly going to be part of the furniture at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for years to come, and his experience in Norfolk is only doing his career wonders right now.

AND in other news, Grealish 2.0: Levy dropped a massive Spurs howler over “devastating” £55m “game-changer”…