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Responding to reports of unrest from Spurs players over Nuno Espirito Santo’s management, Alasdair Gold has dropped his own claim in a football.london Q&A.

The Lowdown: Spurs players unsettled under Nuno?

As per The Independent, just a few months into his reign, some Spurs players appear unhappy with life under Nuno despite an originally brilliant start to the season.

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After picking up the Premier League Manager of the Month award for August, Tottenham have slumped to three defeats in their last three league games by sizeable margins to a plethora of their London rivals.

As such, journalist Miguel Delaney has now revealed that those close to the Spurs squad aren’t impressed – with one quote claiming him to be “some of the worst of Mourinho without the medals”.

The Latest: Gold drops claim…

Responding to these reports when asked by a Spurs fan if Nuno has already lost the dressing room, Gold pleaded to be ‘wary’ of players or agents moaning about coaches.

“I’m so wary of players or agents moaning about managers,” he explained in a football.london Q&A.

“It’s a worrying theme, particularly at Tottenham, and Pochettino, Mourinho, Mason and now Nuno have all had sniping behind the scenes, presumably from those who aren’t playing.

“At some point, we have to look at the players and why the ‘go to’ option is to moan about the manager. How many managers do the club have to go through before the players are happy? Perhaps it says more about them than those brought in to manage them.”

The Verdict: Reoccurring problem…

As explained by Gold, the issue of unrested Spurs players has become a reoccurring theme and one suffered by a plethora of managers since Pochettino left the club in 2019.

Certain sections of the Lilywhites squad must now take blame in what is looking more and more like a toxic environment at Hotspur Way.

The fickle nature of football could mean the mood surrounding Spurs and Nuno could change in a matter of weeks depending on results and if his playing style notably improves.

However, as it stands, it appears the 47-year-old is the latest in a long line of managerial scapegoats.

In other news: Talks ongoing: N17 source leaks Spurs development as news emerges on ‘priority’ for Levy, find out more here.

MCC cricketers will swap the English winter for the African summer when they depart for a six-game tour of Mozambique

Cricinfo staff04-Feb-2009
The MCC squad pose in the snow at Lord’s on the eve of the tour of Mozambique © Clare Skinner
MCC cricketers will swap the English winter for the African summer when they depart for a six-game tour of Mozambique. It is the first MCC tour of 2009 and includes a coaching session in neighbouring Swaziland as well as matches against the national side in the capital Maputo.Mozambique has been an Affiliate Member of the ICC for six years and cricket there is going from strength to strength. There are currently 17 senior clubs and 22 schools that play cricket in the country and the Association of Mozambique Cricket (AMC) has a national side and also Under-19, 17 and 15 representative teams.Between February 8 and 15, MCC will play five different AMC teams, including the Under-19s, a Chairman’s XI and a President’s Invitation XI. MCC will warm up with a match against Equipa Anfitria CC on February 7.The MCC squad includes former Northamptonshire wicketkeeper Toby Bailey, MCC Young Cricketers Andrew Clarke, Jonathan Miles and Ned Eckersley, and Leeds/Bradford UCCE’s Dan Woods. It is managed by Chad Murrin, who has played 63 games for MCC since becoming a member in 1979.”I was fortunate to visit Mozambique last October, having never been to Africa before,” Murrin said. “The week I spent in Maputo was one of the best things I have done … a fascinating experience. I am delighted to be returning as manager of the MCC cricket team, the first time that the club has sent a team to Mozambique.”As a development tour, promoting the game of cricket will be at the heart of all we do. We will be playing matches, and giving local cricketers the opportunity to test themselves and gain experience against us. We will be providing special cricket coaching, and sharing our cricket knowledge with local cricketers and officials. We are there to encourage and enthuse.”MCC will contribute to the development of the game in the region by running a coaching session for young local cricketers on February 6 in Mbabane, Swaziland. The club will leave a grant of $2500 and the ICC will donate $1250 to develop facilities and coaching programmes in the country.MCC’s head of cricket, John Stephenson, said: “MCC is committed to developing cricket all over the world and we hope that providing good opposition and coaching to Mozambique’s cricketers and youngsters will spread the game further throughout the country. MCC is delighted to be visiting a country which has made such big strides in a short time and we hope the tour can generate interest amongst a new audience in Mozambique.”February 7: Equipa Anfitria CC, Campo de Cricket da Cometal
February 8: AMC XI, Campo de Cricket da Cometal
February 10: AMC Under-19s, Parque dos Continuadores
February 13: AMC Development XI, Parque dos Continuadores
February 14: AMC Chairman’s XI, Campo de Cricket da Cometal
February 15: AMC President’s Invitation XI, Parque dos Continuadores

Tottenham Hotspur target Weston McKennie has reportedly knocked back the chance to sign for West Ham United in favour of a move to north London this summer [Gazzetta dello Sport print edition August 26th via Hammers News].

The Lowdown: Spurs look to tie up remaining business

With the transfer window set to slam shut in England on the 31st August, Lilywhites manager Nuno Espirito Santo will be desperate to tie up any remaining business as he plots success on both domestic and European fronts this campaign.

Recruiting intelligently so far within the window, the Portuguese boss has signed three first-team – Pierluigi Gollini, Bryan Gil and Cristian Romero [Transfermarkt].

Now, Spurs could be set for a major boost in their pursuit of 22-year-old McKennie, owing to reports in Italian media circles.

The Latest: McKennie rejects West Ham move

USA international McKennie is allegedly said to have rejected a move to the London Stadium in favour of a switch to Tottenham Hotspur this summer [Gazzetta dello Sport print edition August 26th via Hammers News].

The 6 foot tall ace is said to have opened talks with Tottenham over a move, however any deal would cost somewhere in the region just under £40 million [Independent].

Axel Witsel looks to have been earmarked as a potential replacement for Mckenzie in Turin, should the American depart before the end of the window [Tuttosport].

The Verdict: McKennie addition would excite the Tottenham Hotspur support

In need of midfield reinforcements, the decision made by McKennie to reject a move to the Hammers in search of a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will no doubt excite the Lilywhites support.

Possessing the capability to dictate play in central areas, he would bring some much-needed control and stability to the Spurs line up.

In 2020/21, he excelled for his current employers, registering nine goal contributions in 46 appearances; six goals and three assists [Transfermarkt].

Patrolling the middle of the park with his impressive ball retention, McKennie managed to record a pass accuracy of 85.4% across the piece in Serie A [WhoScored].

Once labelled as ‘outstanding’ by former Schalke executive manager Christian Heidel, Tottenham should look to finalise the deal before the end of the window [Schalke 04 Official].

In other news, a Spurs ace is in line for a surprise summer window exit. Find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a fresh setback ahead of their return to Premier League action this weekend…

What’s the latest?

Spurs’ versatile wide man Ryan Sessegnon has been forced to withdraw from international duty this week in what has been described as a “frustrating injury.”

The Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick relayed the key information from the Three Lions’ official Twitter account, and said:

“Another frustrating injury for Sessegnon who picked up a knock in Eng U21 training & returns to Spurs.”

Frustrating

The 21-year-old, signed for a whopping £25m in the summer of 2019, has found game time hard to come by in north London but the appointment of Nuno Santo should’ve given him renewed hope of making it at the club.

This latest development is another kick in the teeth for a player that, on his day, could be a valuable option in a multitude of positions – notably at left-wing and left-back, where he can back up the likes of Heung-min Son and Sergio Reguilon.

Sessegnon started both of the Lilywhites’ two UEFA Europa Conference League qualifying legs against Pacos de Ferreira, playing in both the aforementioned roles, though that has only taken his total number of appearances for Spurs to 29, per Transfermarkt.

The £16.2m-rated dynamo, who was once lauded as a “big. big talent” by ex-Fulham teammate Stefan Johansen and compared to Spurs legend Gareth Bale, may well struggle to put up a case of being involved in Nuno’s squad should this knock rule him out for the next few weeks and beyond.

He already has Son, Lucas Moura, Steven Bergwijn and Bryan Gil vying for a starting spot, so this injury will do him no favours. Furthermore, the Portuguese head coach may feel a little gutted himself as the youngster is clearly a player with bags of potential.

Nuno was brought in to oversee the development of the club’s emerging prospects and you could argue that Sessegnon falls under this bracket despite appearances in Europe over the last few seasons.

The Spurs faithful aren’t impressed by this update either. Some were claiming that the Englishman was ‘worse than Erik Lamela’ due to his injuries, whilst others pleaded for the club to offload him at the next opportunity, as relayed by Sportslens.

A little unfair, perhaps, but you certainly want to see a better return from a £25m investment. Hopefully, Sessegnon can shake off this setback and respond if selected.

AND in other news, Nuno could have a future Spurs star in 19 y/o “livewire” who’s got “plenty of talent”…

Glamorgan have appointed Jamie Dalrymple as their new captain, succeeding David Hemp who was released at the end of the summer.”It is a great honour to be given the opportunity to captain a club with enormous enthusiasm and potential and such passionate supporters,” Dalrymple said. He joined Glamorgan from Middlesex at the start of 2008, signing a three-year deal, and led the side twice during the summer.”Jamie was signed to Glamorgan due to his experience and strong character which are both key qualities for a captain,” Matthew Maynard, Glamorgan’s cricket manager, said. “Having given Jamie the opportunity to lead the team in Southend during the season, it became overwhelmingly clear that he was the obvious choice for captain should Hemp not continue at the club.””I am absolutely delighted that Jamie has taken up the opportunity to captain the team,” Paul Russell, Glamorgan’s chairman, said. “Jamie is a great asset to Glamorgan and personally I am hugely optimistic about the experience and leadership qualities he will bring to us.”

Six of Bermuda’s cricketers will go to Australia later this month for a six-week intensive training programme at the Sports Gateway Academy in Brisbane as the country prepares to qualify for the 2011 World Cup.The group, which is likely to include spinners, Rodney Trott and Tamauri Tucker, opener Oronde Bascome, and possibly the captain Irving Romaine, will be announced in the coming weeks. The likes of Stephen Outerbridge, Jekon Edness and Stefan Kelly were unable to make the trip since they would he going to university in the UK.”It will be a chance to improve their performances in a different environment, a different system,” Bermuda coach Gus Logie told the . “Australia have proven, beyond a doubt, to be at the top of the game in terms of facilities, coaching, lifestyle, mental approach and discipline.”I think they have an attitude that says ‘excellence is the only way to go’. If we can send six guys and they can get that attitude for six weeks in Australia and bring it back here and it rubs off on six more then it will have been worth it.”The Bermuda players will be training along with young cricketers from Pakistan, India, New Zealand, South Africa and Scotland and playing matches against local sides.”We have a pretty busy schedule right up to the qualifying tournament and we need to make sure our core group is active,” Logie said. “Quite a few of them are going back to school but those that aren’t need to be training regularly in the right environment.”Bermuda’s next international assignment is defending the ICC America’s Championship in Florida in November.

Peter Chingoka, the chairman of Zimbabwe Cricket, has criticised Ray Mali, the ICC’s outgoing president, for tabling a motion to discuss the future of Zimbabwe when the ICC meets in Dubai this week.In two letters that followed Mali’s announcement, Chingoka reminded him that the ICC had already discussed the matter. “You will recall that last year in London, a decision was taken and well-supported by you and other members that sport and politics, like oil and water, do not mix.”Quoting the ICC’s own rules, Chingoka insisted Zimbabwe’s status could be discussed only at next year’s annual conference as such a motion needed to be tabled by December 31 of the preceding year. Ironically, a change to the rules was proposed two years ago to allow more immediate action to be taken. Chingoka opposed it at the time and the move was defeated after India indicated they would not support it.The letters also pointed to a possible breakdown in relations between Chingoka and Mali, hitherto seen as close allies. Less than a year ago, Mali was effusive in his praise for the ZC administration following a six-day fact-finding visit. But last week he told Chingoka that he had acted because he “owed it to the cricket community to feel all is normal.”Chingoka, playing the race card, warned Mali of “setting double standards and discriminatory levels that go against the ICC anti-racism code”.He went on to accuse Mali of making Zimbabwe “a scapegoat” for the decision to stand down Malcolm Speed as the ICC’s chief executive in April and called the latest announcement of the discussion on Zimbabwe “unethical”, adding it was an “agenda item infested with political connotations”. He concluded by asking: “Whose political gallery are these antics supposed to appease?””There are over 100 ICC member countries with differing political environments,” he continued. “Without venturing to mention names as it is apparent, it is clear that certain worse conditions exist in those other member countries. It has not warranted the ICC putting them on its agenda as it is doing with Zimbabwe right now.”

Sheffield United are interested in taking Manchester United youngster James Garner on loan for the 2021/22 season [The Sun].

Enjoying a promising 2020/21 campaign, the 20-year old registered seven goal contributions in 43 appearances for Nottingham Forest, Watford and Manchester United Under-23’s combined [Transfermarkt].

Now, he could be set for another high-profile Sky Bet Championship loan spell following recent reports.

Garner is rumoured to be being lined up by Sheffield United as a target, with the Blades extremely keen on bringing him in to the club [The Sun].

The Birkenhead-born midfielder would be brought in to play a big part at Bramall Lane, whilst could help to deputise in the event of Sander Berge departing amid interest from Arsenal.

In light of this news, no wonder loads of Sheffield United diehards took to Twitter to make their feelings known about recent developments.

Sheffield United fans react:

Replying to multiple different outlets on Twitter, here is what some fans had to say about the Garner news:

“This lad can play. Would be a great addition for the Blades. #twittterblades #utb”

Credit: @simon_christie

“Yes please he will be better they John Lundstram”

Credit: @jackall78013029

“Garner would be a top addition aslong as it’s not at the expense of Berge, keeping him has to be the priority for me”

Credit: @Fonzyy97

“I’ll take that”

Credit: @S_M_R___

“Be some signing this”

Credit: @KieranBatham

“He’s so much better than Hourihane though”

Credit: @SUFC__Josh

In other news, an EFL spy has given Sheffield United a signing recommendation.

Three matches into his comeback Shane Watson has fully justified the call-up by scoring his first ODI century at better than a run a ball to set up a seven-wicket win for Australia

Cricinfo staff29-Jun-2008
Shane Watson capped off his comeback with his first ODI century © Getty Images
One month ago international cricket was both a distant memory and a seemingly unreachable goal for Shane Watson. His only outing for Australia in the previous 12 months had been a single match at the ICC World Twenty20 and yet another hamstring injury had plagued his Australian summer, severely denting his hopes of quickly regaining his spot in the ODI side.But timing is everything in cricket and Watson’s naming as Player of the Series in the Indian Premier League came just a few days before Australia needed to decide on a replacement for the injured Matthew Hayden for the one-day series in the West Indies. Three matches into his comeback Watson has fully justified the call-up by scoring his first ODI century at better than a run a ball to set up a seven-wicket win for Australia.”Things are progressing well,” Watson said after the game. “A year or so ago things weren’t looking that great. To be able to come out and get through some games and perform with the bat especially is a lot of fun.”Watson was not surprisingly named Man of the Match for his 126 and 1 for 23 and it was a pleasing turnaround after he was out for a duck in the first over of Friday’s match at the same venue. But Watson was desperate to impress having been given the chance to open and he hopes he can make the position his own in the long-term.”I normally bat three or four in the longer version of the game,” Watson said. “So I enjoy coming in when the ball is new, with a few more gaps and taking on the quicks.”Ricky Ponting batted with Watson through most of the innings as they built up an imposing 190-run partnership and he said it was pleasing to see Watson play such a great hand after six years in and out of the ODI side. “It was a magnificent innings today,” Ponting said. “He controlled the tempo of the innings very, very well.”He’s a big strong lad and I think we saw today just how effective he can be at the top of the order. His bowling spell in the middle of our bowling innings today was pretty impressive as well, so he’s a very, very good all-round cricketer for us.”Ponting was also glad to find some form himself having struggled in the first two games, although he battled with a hand injury and needed treatment from the physio after reaching his half-century. There is a chance he could be rested when the series continues in St Kitts on Friday as Australia have already taken an unbeatable 3-0 lead in the five-match contest.

أكد رالف رانجنيك المدير الفني الألماني لفريق مانشستر يونايتد، أنه لم يتمكن من تطبيق أسلوبه الضاغط مع النادي الإنجليزي بسبب القيود البدنية للفريق.

وحل رانجنيك محل أولي جونار سولشاير في نوفمبر الماضي لكن الألماني فشل في التأهل مع الفريق إلى دوري أبطال أوروبا، حيث يحتل الشياطين الحمر المركز السادس في الدوري، ويحتاج للفوز على كريستال بالاس اليم، ليضمن التأهل إلى الدوري الاوروبي.

طالع أيضًا.. نيفل ينصح مانشستر يونايتد بضم لاعب توتنهام لخلافة رونالدو

وقال رانجنيك، الذي سيحل محله إريك تين هاج في الصيف، خلال تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الإسبانية: “لم نطبق أسلوبنا في كرة القدم العدوانية، وهذه الأمور تتعلق بالامكانيات البدنية للفريق”.

وأشار: “إذا نظرت للموسم الأول لـ كلوب مع ليفربول، فهم لم يلعبوا مثل الآن، لقد استغرق الأمر منهم موسمًا ونصف، واحتلوا المركز الثامن في موسمه الأول”.

وأضاف: “كريستيانو رونالدو سجل العديد من الأهداف وقدم أداء جيد معنا، لكنني لا ألومه على الإطلاق، هو ليس وحشًا يضغط على الخصوم، الشيء نفسه مع عدد غير قليل من اللاعبين الآخرين في الفريق، لذلك لا نجد التوازن الصحيح بين ما نحتاجه وما نقوم به”.

كريستيانو رونالدو، هداف مانشستر يونايتد هذا الموسم برصيد 24 هدفًا في جميع المسابقات، بعد عودته إلى ملعب أولد ترافورد في الصيف الماضي.

واختتم رالف: “كنت آمل أن نكون قادربن على تطوير هذا الفريق بطريقة أكثر، ولكن لا يمكنني لوم الفريق فقط، بل نلوم أنفسنا أنا وجهازي التدريبي قبل أي شيء”.