All posts by h716a5.icu

Queens Park Rangers manager Mark Warburton has provided a promising injury update on the Rs goalkeeper, Jordan Archer.

What’s been said?

In recent comments cited by West London Sport, the QPR manager revealed that the 28-year-old summer signing has been absent from the Rs bench for the last four fixtures after an accidental collision in training, meaning the Scotland international had to adhere to concussion protocols.

And, while Archer did not make the bench for the club’s 2-0 win over Birmingham City earlier this week, as was predicted by West London Sport, the shot-stopper looks set to be available for the visit of Preston North End on Saturday.

Speaking about the goalkeeper’s current condition, Warburton said: “We had a concussion situation with Jordan and we had to go through the protocols. He got a smack in training, which is always a risk that we run. But Joe [Walsh] is more than capable of stepping up. Jordan took a nasty whack, we followed the protocols and we’ve gone through that process now.”

Fans will be buzzing

While Archer is by no means a guaranteed starter at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium, having yet to make a league appearance since joining QPR back in July, the ‘keeper has nevertheless demonstrated his ability in the club’s Carabao Cup campaign so far this season, with his return to the bench undoubtedly making the west London side stronger in the position – something which is sure to have fans buzzing.

The £270k-rated man impressed in the 2-0 win over Oxford United, keeping a clean sheet, making one save, completing two successful runs out, making one tackle and winning one duel, with these returns seeing the 28-year-old earn a SofaScore match rating of 7.3.

As such, while Archer is unlikely to oust the undisputed QPR number one, Seny Dieng, in the Preston clash this weekend, his return to the bench certainly strengthens Warburton’s options in the position – should the 59-year-old need to make a change between the sticks.

In other news: “Bright” £3.6m-rated QPR dynamo who made two key passes stole the show vs Birmingham

South Africa produced an ominously clinical performance to send Scotland packing in the World Twenty20

Will Luke07-Jun-2009
Scorecard and ball-by-ball commentaryAB de Villiers scorches another six•Getty ImagesSouth Africa produced an ominously clinical performance to send Scotland packing in the ICC World Twenty20, beating them by the second highest margin in this format of 130 runs. AB de Villiers cracked a classy and authoritative 79 from just 34 in South Africa’s 211 for 5, the highest total of the tournament so far, before Dale Steyn and Johan Botha tore through Scotland who were rolled for 81, the seventh-lowest Twenty20 total.This was a champion performance from one of the tournament favourites. Unlike England, who were out-thought and out-played by Netherlands in the opening match, South Africa asserted themselves from the outset to lay bare Scotland’s technical flaws, not to mention their lack of experience.Chasing a daunting 212, Scotland were reduced to a hopeless 50 for 6 at the halfway point. Steyn knocked over Ryan Watson and Colin Smith (his second first-ball duck in as many days) while Wayne Parnell removed Gavin Hamilton, who decided to open the innings. Steyn rarely reached his top pace, but he needn’t have: he was quick and menacing enough to sound a warning to the other teams in the tournament. Kyle Coetzer briefly stood in South Africa’s way, the only Scotland batsman to take them on, smiting Albie Morkel over long-on for two sizeable sixes to give a hearty and patriotic crowd something to cheer, but these were the last desperate runs of an innings already terminated.Coetzer’s 31-ball 42 crowned an impressive personal display from him, following his outstanding catch in South Africa’s innings to dismiss Mark Boucher. Before that, however, Graeme Smith and Jacques Kallis ensured South Africa got off to a flying start. Kallis was first to open his shoulders, thumping the wayward Callum MacLeod through extra cover before flicking him fine for four more. He took to Jan Stander – who had a howler of a tournament – with greed, flaying him over backward point; flicking a stray to fine-leg before square cutting twice more past point. South Africa, unlike England who stuttered so aimlessly two days ago, were not going to let an Associate side get the better of them.Scotland were urged to improve their fielding by the captain, Hamilton, yesterday, but he himself was twice at fault with a couple of mucky indiscretions, and overall, his side’s fielding occasionally verged on the comical. Scotland are nothing if not fighters, however, and they fought back impressively with three wickets. Majid Haq, a canny and underrated offspinner, induced a thick inside edge to a slog-sweep from Kallis to end his innings on 48. Smith, too, attempted a similar shot three balls later but top-edged it to the wicketkeeper. Ryan Watson was then brought on and a lovely piece of flight accounted for Herschelle Gibbs, who was just beginning to look ominous.And then de Villiers took over with relish. Initially favouring an orthodox approach with a selection of elegant, classy drives, he then scorched Haq for a flat fix over long-on before opening himself up to Glenn Rogers’ slow-left-arm spin, cover-driving him with wonderful flare and elegance. With five overs to go, the manic final flurry was instigated and Watson was treated with pure disdain, carted over midwicket for a crowd-pleasing six.His and Morkel’s fifty partnership came from 18 balls and, though Morkel fell for 24, de Villiers powered onwards to bring up a 25-ball fifty with his fifth boundary down the ground as an increasingly overawed MacLeod was clattered to all parts. This mercilessness is how to deal with Associates, England.The moment of the day, however, belonged to Scotland. Boucher, on two, nailed Gordon Drummond over the top but Coezter was lurking at long-on, practically treading on the boundary, and with a trampoline leap he leapt high and stretched his right hand, swivelling in the process, to cling onto an extraordinarily athletic chance which rightfully received a standing ovation. It was Scotland’s only high point.South Africa wrapped things up in the 16th over with each facet of their game looking polished and their attitude ruthless, but far sterner tests lie ahead in the coming days.

The South African captain was named the SA Cricketer of the Year and Test Cricketer of the Year

Cricinfo staff01-Jul-2009South African captain Graeme Smith capped a highly successful year as a batsman and captain by being named the SA Cricketer of the Year and Test Cricketer of the Year at the 2009 SA Cricket Awards on Tuesday. Batsman AB de Villiers was named the One-Day International Cricketer of the Year while JP Duminy picked up the Pro20 Cricketer of the Year award.The allrounder Roelof van der Merwe edged out Wayne Parnell and Lonwabo Tsotsobe to bag the SA Newcomer of the Year award. Since making his international debut against Australia this year, van der Merwe has established himself as an effective left-arm spinner. He has picked up 11 wickets in seven Twenty20 internationals, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 5.89. His initial Twenty20 success earned him an IPL contract and he was a regular in the Royal Challengers Bangalore side.In the last 12 months, Smith has led South Africa to historic series wins in England and Australia. In 11 Tests in that period, he has scored 950 runs at 63.33 with four centuries, the most crucial being the one at Perth which set up the chase of 414. He also led the team to the semi-finals of the ICC World Twenty20, which included a five-match winning streak.Duminy made a stirring comeback to the side with a match-winning half-century in the Perth Test and was one of the most valuable players during the tour of Australia. He was bought by Mumbai Indians for US$950,000 and was one of the key overseas players for the franchise during the IPL. In 19 ODIs over the last 12 months, Duminy has made 476 runs at 36.61. He also scored two half-centuries in the Twenty20 games in Australia.de Villiers has also had an excellent year with the bat, making 987 runs in 12 matches at 61.68. He averaged 43.85 in 18 ODIs in that period and his Twenty20 exploits include an IPL hundred for the Delhi Daredevils. He was also in fine touch during the World Twenty20.”It is most fitting that the SA Cricketer of the Year award goes to Graeme Smith, who led the Proteas to their best season ever,” Gerald Majola, Cricket South Africa’s chief executive, said. “The awards also take note of an impressive crop of young stars whose outstanding achievements on the international stage have ensured the continued success of the Proteas.”Full list of awardsSouth Africa teamSA Cricketer of the Year: Graeme Smith
SA Newcomer of the Year: Roelof van der Merwe
Standard Bank One-Day International Cricketer of the Year: AB de Villiers
Standard Bank International Pro20 Cricketer of the Year: JP Duminy
Castle Test Cricketer of the Year: Graeme Smith
KFC Taste the Action Performance: JP Duminy
SA Players’ Player of the Year: JP Duminy
SuperSport Fans’ Cricketer of the Year: AB de Villiers
DomesticMTN Domestic Championship Cricketer of the Year: Roelof van der Merwe
Standard Bank Pro20 Cricketer of the Year: Charl Langeveldt
SuperSport Series Cricketer of the Year: Imraan Khan
Domestic Newcomer of the Year: Dane Vilas
SACA Most Valuable Player: Claude Henderson
Domestic Players’ Player of the Year: Claude HendersonOperationsCoach of the Year: Richard Pybus
Groundsman of the Year: Louis Kruger
Scorers’ Association of the Year: Gauteng
Umpire of the Year: Marais Erasmus

Keith Downie has now revealed what Newcastle United’s January transfer plans are as the club’s takeover was confirmed on Thursday evening.

The Lowdown: It’s happening…

The proposed takeover of the St. James’ Park faithful by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium is finally happening, after a breakthrough on Wednesday led to confirmation of the deal on Thursday evening.

It will finally bring an end to the reign of Mike Ashley, while a likely restructuring of the board brings the futures of the likes of Steve Bruce, Graeme Jones and Lee Charnley under question.

The Latest: Transfer plans

Downie has now told Sky Sports that ‘I do expect’ the North East club to spend money on the playing squad in the upcoming winter window, although he did not specify how much.

The journalist also claimed that spending on infrastructure will be the priority for the new owners first of all, and the stadium and academy will need improving as well.

The Verdict: Intriguing

It will certainly be intriguing to see how much money the Tyneside outfit will have to spend in January, assuming that the new owners are settled in and prepared to splash the cash immediately.

It will also be interesting to note the calibre of player that they will be able to attract, which could help them survive relegation from the Premier League, given their position in the table at the moment.

Nonetheless, it is only a matter of time before we can see just how much financial muscle they can flex now that the deal is through.

In other news, find out what big arbitration update Craig Hope has dropped here!

Ravi Bopara’s hopes of clinging to his Test place for the final Ashes encounter at The Oval faded further as he fell for 1 against Middlesex at Lord’s

Andrew McGlashan at Lord's12-Aug-2009
ScorecardAfter Ben Hilfenhaus and company, Tim Murtagh proved too much for Ravi Bopara•Getty ImagesRavi Bopara’s hopes of clinging to his Test place for the final Ashes encounter at The Oval faded further as he fell for 1 against Middlesex at Lord’s. Faced with a tricky 10 minute session before lunch on the second day, following a failure for England team-mate Alastair Cook, he couldn’t survive the session when he fenced outside off and offered a catch to second slip from his seventh ball.After spending the opening day in the field as Middlesex batted in sunshine, Bopara would have hoped for something similar when his turn came. Instead, the second morning was overcast and the ball swung, then to make matters worse he had that mini-session which top-order batsmen hate before a break.He nearly fell to his first delivery when he risked a single into the covers and Nick Compton couldn’t collect the ball cleanly. But the reprieve was short-lived when Tim Murtagh, who found movement with the new ball to take the four wickets to fall, got one to bounce a little and Bopara met it with an indeterminate poke. It was a dismissal straight out of the Ben Hilfenhaus notebook.James Whitaker, the England selector, was in attendance to witness Bopara’s latest failure to go alongside the 1 and 0 the No. 3 made at Headingley, which took his Ashes tally to 105 runs in four Tests. A score in this game appeared to be his last chance of salvation with the calls for change ringing in the selectors’ ears.Although Geoff Miller told Cricinfo that changes won’t be made just for the sake of it, Bopara has endured such a tortured period that it seems inconceivable he will bat at first drop next week. Runs here may only have clouded the issue and Alec Stewart, who averaged 43.56 in 20 Tests at No.3, said the break might be what Bopara needs.”Very few people come into a Test side and don’t get left out at some stage,” Stewart said. “In a way it can do you a little bit of good. You go back, you reassess, you learn what international cricket is about and then you come back a better and stronger player for it. If he is to be left out, it wouldn’t surprise me.”Even when he was getting his Test hundreds against the West Indies I said that he should have started off his career at No. 5 or 6. I see him as a middle order player at the moment with the ability to go up to No. 3,” he added. “Ravi will be a wonderful international cricketer. It’s tough playing against any international side. You’re playing against the very best and this is the first little hiccup of his career. If – and I underline the word if – he is left out, then he will go back to Essex and score his runs.”It was a miserable day for both Essex’s England batsmen. Cook was trapped half forward by one that swung back from Murtagh and departed for 4. Although his situation is not as dire as Bopara’s, Cook hasn’t set the world alight either in the Ashes barring his 95 at Lord’s. He top-scored with 30 in the first-innings demise at Headingley and made another 30 in the second dig, but being one of the senior batsmen in a struggling line-up he needs to pull his weight more.The Australia quicks have probed away outside off stump and exposed Cook’s technical flaws. He was twice dismissed pushing at swinging deliveries at Leeds having been pinned leg before three times earlier in the series.The double failure of the England players meant Essex went to lunch in trouble on 15 for 2 in reply to Middlesex’s 356. Gareth Berg’s 66, his third half century in three innings, had boosted the lower order before the final-wicket pair of Steven Finn and Alan Richardson secured a fourth batting point.The visitors’ position didn’t improve as Murtagh posed plenty of problems from the Nursery End. He made the ball shape away at John Maunders to take the outside edge to first slip and pinned Mark Pettini lbw when the Essex captain was caught on the crease. It was the basics of swing bowling, pitching the ball up on a good length – something else that England lacked at Headingley. For a while it looked like Bopara would get a second hit in the day.A break for rain meant Murtagh had time to recharge his batteries and kept going for 13-over spell up to tea. However, the Essex line-up found some resistance in the form of Matt Walker and James Foster to begin the rebuilding job after the failure of their Test pair.Foster was the aggressor post tea as he punched strongly off the back foot through the off side, while Walker watchfully negotiated the movement which noticeably diminished after the rain. Their stand had reached 75 when bad light, then heavy rain, forced an early close.

Everton host West Ham United in the Premier League over the weekend as Rafa Benitez’s charges aim to maintain their solid start to the season.

A 1-1 draw against Manchester United last time out moved the Toffees up to fifth in the table and just two points behind league leaders Chelsea after seven games of the campaign.

The Goodison Park outfit have also coped admirably with a raft of injuries to key players, with summer signing Demarai Gray particularly impressive following his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen.

In his first four league outings for Everton, the flying winger scored on three occasions, playing a pivotal part in victories over Brighton and Burnley as well as a draw with Leeds United.

However, the 25-year-old has failed to find the back of the net in his last three top-flight appearances as the Toffees have picked up just four points from a possible nine, raising questions over whether his initial form is sustainable.

With a host of first team players expected to return to the matchday squad on Sunday, Benitez may be tempted to rotate his starting line-up and drop Gray to the bench

The former England under-21 international has struggled to maintain his eye-catching starts at new clubs or under new managers in the past, but his underlying numbers indicate that there’s been no drop off in his performance levels of late despite the recent lack of goals.

Against Aston Villa, Norwich City and Manchester United, Gray still contributed a combined total of five key passes, completed six successful dribbles and created one big chance, as per SofaScore.

Therefore, it’s clear that the £13.5m-rated forward could be Everton’s game-changer at Goodison Park when the Hammers come to visit, and Benitez must keep faith with the gem once described as a “big talent” by his former Foxes manager Brendan Rodgers.

In other news… Signed for £24m, sold for £2m: Everton endured a transfer nightmare over 31 y/o dud

West Ham United are back in Premier League action this afternoon as they welcome one of their local rivals to the London Stadium.

David Moyes’ men host Tottenham Hotspur in what is sure to be an exciting encounter, with both matches bringing plenty of goals last season.

The Irons will be looking to make it three wins on the trot, having sealed a resolute 1-0 victory over Everton last Sunday and extended their 100% record in the Europa League by defeating Genk 3-0 just a few nights ago.

Both teams occupy a spot in the top seven, with the north Londoners holding an edge in fifth place. A win for the Hammers could see them leapfrog today’s opponents into fourth.

That means Moyes must get his team selection spot on ahead of kickoff. And if Thursday night was any sort of test for some of his fringe stars, then Andriy Yarmolenko wouldn’t have passed with flying colours.

The long-serving Ukraine international has struggled for game time in the past 18 months and failed to take a rare opportunity to impress the Scotsman.

He has played only 33 minutes in the Premier League so far this season and started just the one game throughout the whole of the 2020/21 campaign, as per Transfermarkt.

Yarmolenko started and played the full 90 against the Belgian giants this week but failed to provide a goal or assist. And he was just one of two players to record a rating lower than 7.0 by SofaScore.

The 31-year-old forward managed only one shot throughout the whole game and lost five of his eight duels (62.5%), so evidently, he struggled in front of goal and was rather weak against the opposition.

Much of his time in east London has been like this, however.

Across only 65 appearances since his £18m arrival in July 2018, the versatile attacker has only delivered ten goals and six assists, with injuries and inconsistencies a big factor.

Incredibly, there has often been a lack of effort on his part – as seen by his appearance against Manchester United in the Premier League, further proving why he cannot be starting in the competition.

“I’m not sure David Moyes was entirely happy with the efforts of Andriy Yarmolenko there,” said Sky Sports commentator Rob Hawthorne during commentary. “Still the dialogue is ongoing between the West Ham manager and the Ukrainian forward, who he has just brought on. He certainly wants to see more from him.”

Once dubbed “special” by teammate Declan Rice, Yarmolenko has no right to be involved in the Irons’ starting XI when a team like Spurs come to town.

Moyes must axe the £3.6m-rated flop from his lineup, with Michail Antonio looking likely to return after his absence, along with Said Benrahama, who is surely the first-choice out wide.

He’s never been good enough for the Hammers.

AND in other news, Moyes could unearth West Ham’s next Joe Cole in 19 y/o gem “similar to Jack Grealish”…

After their triumphant tour of West Indies, Bangladesh were brought back to earth by Zimbabwe A, who thrashed them by seven wickets

Cricinfo staff07-Aug-2009
After their triumphant tour of West Indies, Bangladesh were brought back to earth by Zimbabwe A, who thrashed them by seven wickets with 11.3 overs to spare in a warm-up one-dayer in Bulawayo.After choosing to bat, Bangladesh could only cobble together 180 runs, with only two of their batsmen – Raqibul Hasan and wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim – making more than 20. Medium-pacer Admire Manyumwa was the most effective of the Zimbabwe bowlers, finishing with three wickets.Though Zimbabwe eventually overhauled the target with ease, they were made to struggle early on, losing three wickets early. But Bangladesh’s hopes of a completing a turnaround were dashed by Tatenda Taibu and Forster Mutizwa. Both of them made unbeaten half-centuries to ensure there were no more hiccups for the home side.This is the only warm-up game for Bangladesh, the first of the five one-dayers against Zimbabwe is on Sunday in Bulawayo.

Leeds United defender Robin Koch is expected to return to ‘serious training’ in around four weeks’ time, according to a fresh report which has emerged.

The Lowdown: Koch missing since opening weekend

The Whites lost 1-0 away to Southampton on Saturday afternoon as their disappointing start to the Premier League season continues.

Koch was among several key Leeds players who weren’t available, with the German ruled out since injuring his hip at Manchester United in the first game of the campaign.

[freshpress-quiz id=“375277″]

The Latest: Return edging closer

The 25-year-old has now undergone surgery in America and an update has been provided on his progress.

According to SPORT1 [via Sport Witness], Koch is aiming to be in full training in four weeks, with ‘rehabilitation training’ starting in the next 10 days.

That means his likely return to the pitch will come in November, although not until the back-end of the month, and even that depends on him not suffering any further setbacks in the meantime.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-20/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Key for squad depth

Koch’s return will be vital for Marcelo Bielsa in terms of allowing him to rotate his squad as the fixtures become even more relentless in the winter months.

The £15.3m-rated German has been a miss in that respect, particularly with some of his defensive colleagues also succumbing to injuries in recent weeks, and the hope is that he can stay injury-free upon his return, helping Leeds get their season back on track.

In other news, Phil Hay has provided a key update regarding Raphinha’s Leeds future. Read more here.

Australia suffered more bad news on the morning after their Ashes defeat with Brad Haddin, their senior wicketkeeper, sent home with a broken finger

Alex Brown24-Aug-2009Australia suffered more bad news on the morning after their Ashes defeat with Brad Haddin, their senior wicketkeeper, sent home with a broken finger. Haddin is almost certain to miss the ODI and Twenty20 series in England in the hope of recuperating in time for the Champions Trophy, although team management have yet to rule out the possibility of him returning to the UK later in the tour.Haddin suffered the fracture to his left ring finger moments after the coin toss at Edgbaston, and while he missed that match, he played the final two Tests at Headingley and The Oval with the assistance of pain-killing injections. He underwent further scans on Monday morning, after Australia’s 197-run defeat at The Oval, and will return home to allow the finger time to heal.”It has now been decided Brad will return to Australia to allow him further recovery time and consultation with specialists to determine the best possible management of the injury,” Australia’s physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said. “His participation in any of the one-day and Twenty20 components of Australia’s VB Tour of England and the ICC Champions Trophy will be decided after consultation with these specialists.”Australia had already flown Tasmania’s Tim Paine to England as cover for the back-up keeper, Graham Manou, for the Oval Test. Manou is not in Australia’s ODI squad, leaving Paine to slot in, if needed, for Friday’s one-day game against Scotland in Edinburgh, the ensuing two Twenty20 matches at Old Trafford and the seven ODIs against England.Australia have yet to name a reserve wicketkeeper, although 27-year-old Chris Hartley, the incumbent Queensland glovesman who is playing in the Northern League near Manchester, deputised for Manou and Haddin during Australia’s two-day warm-up match in between the fourth and fifth Tests.