England legend looks set to sign all-formats deal with club, after retiring from Tests last summer
ESPNcricinfo staff10-Jan-2025
James Anderson made his first-class debut for Lancashire in 2002•Getty Images
James Anderson looks set to make a professional comeback in Division Two of the County Championship next season, after it was revealed he is in talks with Lancashire about an all-format return that will take his career past his 43rd birthday.Anderson played his 188th and final Test against West Indies at Lord’s in July 2024. He bowed out after 21 years as an England cricketer with 704 Test wickets at 26.45, and has not featured competitively since.However, he showed he had unfinished business when he put himself forward for the IPL auction in December – where he went unsold – and has stayed fit during his role as England’s Test bowling coach, with regular stints in the nets plus work with the team’s strength and conditioning coaches.Now, according to The Telegraph, he is ready to commit to at least one final season with Lancashire – the club that first signed him as a teenager almost a quarter of a century ago, and for whom he made his first-class debut in 2002.Lancashire were relegated from the top flight of the County Championship last season, although Anderson demonstrated his enduring prowess in first-class cricket with figures of 7 for 35 in his solitary appearance against Nottinghamshire at Southport in June.He is expected to be available from the start of the 2025 season, including a return to Lord’s to face Middlesex in Lancashire’s opening match from April 4 to 7, and – assuming he continues his coaching role with England – he could feature in five matches before the Test summer begins with a one-off match against Zimbabwe in May.Anderson’s comeback would also have to be combined with his burgeoning media duties, while Lancashire would also have to pay his wages for the first time in more than a decade, now that he is no longer an ECB centrally contracted player.Lancashire’s first home match is against Northamptonshire at Old Trafford in the second round of the Championship, beginning on April 11.He could also feature in Lancashire’s white-ball teams, although he hasn’t played any form of T20 cricket for more than a decade. His last match in the format was Lancashire’s four-run loss in the T20 Blast final in 2014.
Continuing their chase for a shot-stopper, West Ham United are now reportedly plotting a move to sign an alternative option to Botafogo’s John Victor this summer.
Callum Wilson: West Ham move a "great opportunity"
Of course, before the Hammers have got the chance to solve their goalkeeper problem, they’ve welcomed a much-needed attacking reinforcement in the form of Callum Wilson. The experienced Premier League striker has arrived in a bargain deal after leaving Newcastle United as a free agent earlier this summer.
Delighted to have completed a move to the London Stadium, Wilson told West Ham’s official website: “I’ve spoken with Michail, and he only mentioned positive things about the Club, said it’s a great opportunity, and yeah I think I’m looking forward to meeting the other players.
“I’ve been in the England squad with James Ward-Prowse before and you play against these guys week in week out, so I’m guessing they’ll have a different opinion of me when they meet me in the dressing room as opposed to when you come up against an opposition player.
“On the pitch, you obviously have to put away the smile and be a little bit more serious, a little bit more aggressive, so yeah it’d be nice to actually be friends with the guys rather than in opposition!”
Newcastle United'sCallumWilsonsalutes their fans after the match
Whilst there will be some concerns about his injury record, West Ham will be more aware than most just how clinical the 33-year-old can be in front of goal, given that he’s scored 12 goals against them throughout his career.
Now set to benefit from his goalscoring prowess, the Hammers can tick one of their top priorities off the list and turn towards a man to prevent the goals at the other end. And although they’ve already reportedly submitted an offer to sign Botafogo’s Victor, those at the London Stadium still seemingly have one other option in mind.
West Ham considering Viktor Johansson move
According to Swedish newspaper Sportsbladet, as relayed by Sport Witness, West Ham are now plotting a move to sign Viktor Johansson from Stoke City this summer. The Championship side reportedly value their shot-stopper at more than €8m (£7m) as they aim to at least make some profit from one of their key players.
Starts
46
25
Save Percentage
71.8%
64.3%
Saves per 90
3.28
3.07
Clean Sheets
14
5
In terms of being good enough to compete with Areola and potentially take his place, there should be no concerns about Johansson’s ability. Simply put, if West Ham fail in their pursuit of Victor, then signing the Stoke City goalkeeper would be their next best option.
Described as “ambitious” by former Stoke boss Narcis Pelach, Johansson could realise that ambition with a move to West Ham this summer. As the Hammers continue to chase a fresh shot-stopper, the Swede could find himself in a battle to join the London club against Victor.
After triggering Morgan Gibbs-White’s release clause nearly two weeks ago, almost every Tottenham Hotspur fan would’ve expected a deal to be completed by now.
However, when dealing with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, a deal was never going to be straightforward, but no one could’ve predicted what has happened since.
The Reds have claimed that Thomas Frank’s side made an illegal approach for his signature, resulting in his secret release clause now becoming public.
Morgan Gibbs-White 2024-25 stats (timeless)
It’s unclear whether Forest are set to report the club over a potential deal, with all contact between the two sides now ceased as a result of the approach that was made for his signature.
Given the recent delay in a move for the England international, other targets are subsequently being considered in North London, with multiple names entering the mix in the past few days.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new signings this summer
Ardon Jashari has emerged as a surprise option for Spurs in the midfield department as of late, with the Swiss international set to depart Club Brugge this summer.
The Belgian outfit are said to be demanding a fee in the region of £32m for his signature this window, but could face stiff competition from Italian side AC Milan for his signature.
Club Brugge's ArdonJasharireacts
However, another name has entered the mix, with Frank’s side now turning their attention to a deal to sign Atlético Madrid star Conor Gallagher, according to TBR Football.
The report claims that the Lilywhites have made contact with the Spanish outfit over a potential move for the 25-year-old midfielder during the summer window.
It also states they could be open to offloading the Englishman should they receive an acceptable offer after paying £33m for his signature 12 months ago.
Why Spurs’ latest target would be an upgrade on Sarr
Pape Matar Sarr was a key member of Spurs’ midfield department during the 2024/25 campaign, ending the season with a staggering 55 appearances across all competitions.
The Senegalese international has already made over 100 appearances for the Lilywhites after making his debut for the club back in the 2022/23 season.
He has the potential to become a club legend in North London should he continue on such a trajectory, having time to develop further given his tender age of just 22.
Such a deal to land him a couple of years ago reflects the sensational business the hierarchy have conducted in recent years, now looking a bargain given his £14.6m transfer fee.
However, he may struggle to keep hold of his starting role in the 2025/26 campaign should they complete a deal for Gallagher, with the Englishman having the potential to replace him in the side.
Conor Gallagher
When comparing their stats from the recent season, the Atlético star managed to better him in various areas, highlighting how much of a brilliant addition he would be to Frank’s side this summer.
Gallagher, who’s been labelled a “monster” by one analyst, registered more combined goals and assists, offering the side an added goalscoring threat despite his deep-lying role.
How Gallagher & Sarr compare in the 2024/25 campaign
Statistics (per 90)
Gallagher
Sarr
Games played
32
36
Goals & assists
6
5
Pass accuracy
87%
86%
Passes into the opposition box
0.8
0.5
Tackles won
1.8
1.6
Tackle success rate
54%
48%
Take-on success
41%
36%
Recoveries made
5.9
5.4
Stats via FBref
He also completed more of the passes he attempted, with more of which going into the final third, showcasing the talent he possesses with the ball at his feet.
However, his defensive talents are just as impressive, winning more tackles per 90 and achieving a higher success rate in regaining possession – potentially being the perfect box-to-box option in Frank’s midfield department.
Whilst it’s unclear how much the LaLiga outfit will be demanding for his services this summer, it’s evident that he would be an upgrade on the options currently at the manager’s disposal.
If he can replicate such form in North London, it would be a fantastic piece of business, subsequently allowing the club to move past the current saga over a deal for Gibbs-White.
Their own Ekitike: Spurs eyeing move for Arsenal's "golden" striker target
The prolific gem could be something really special at Spurs.
Nottingham Forest are now the club pushing hardest to sign an attacking midfielder who’s been likened to Arsenal star Martin Odegaard, and a deal could be possible for a fee of £25m, according to a report.
Forest keen on attacking midfielder amid Gibbs-White uncertainty
There is a great deal of uncertainty surrounding Morgan Gibbs-White’s future, with Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett revealing Forest are determined to keep hold of the attacking midfielder, despite Tottenham Hotspur triggering the £60m release clause in his contract.
However, the Tricky Trees may have a hard time keeping the England international at the City Ground, given that he has reportedly made it clear he wants to join Tottenham in talks with chairman Evangelos Marinakis.
It remains to be seen whether Nuno is able to keep one of his star players at the club, but should the move to Tottenham go through, the manager will need to bring in a replacement, and the Europa League side are now stepping up their pursuit of a new attacking midfielder.
That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which reveals that Nottingham Forest are the club pushing hardest for Manchester City’s James McAtee, who is set to be available for £25m this summer, having been informed he is free to leave.
James McAtee
Forest are currently in discussions with McAtee, working to convince him to move to the City Ground, despite widespread interest from elsewhere, with the likes of West Ham Unied, Everton and Fulham submitting enquiries.
There is also interest from the Bundesliga, with Fabrizio Romano revealing the Man City ace has now travelled to Germany ahead of a potential move.
McAtee could be exciting replacement for Gibbs-White
Forest may have their work cut out trying to get a deal for the Englishman over the line, given the interest from elsewhere, but the fact they are now set to take part in the 2025-26 Europa League should work in their favour.
Should the Tricky Trees win the race, however, there are plenty of signs the 22-year-old could be an exciting replacement for Gibbs-White, with former Sheffield United striker Carl Asaba even describing him as “like Odegaard”.
Nottingham Forest now "ready" to make £26m bid for "machine" Wolves target
The Tricky Trees are set to “push’ for the signature of a midfielder.
ByDominic Lund Jul 15, 2025
During his time with the Blades, the Salford-born maestro picked up nine goals and three assists in their Championship promotion-winning 2022-23 campaign, before going on to feature regularly in the Premier League the following season.
Since returning to City, however, McAtee has been unable to establish himself as a regular starter, meaning a move could be best for all parties, and it would be a real bonus for Forest if he decides to move to the City Ground.
Arsenal are now expected to submit a bid for a Real Madrid target, with Mikel Arteta personally keen on securing his signature, according to a report.
Gunners in transfer tussle with Real Madrid
While they ultimately came up short against Paris Saint-Germain, the Gunners proved themselves to be a force to be reckoned with by dispatching of Real Madrid 5-1 on aggregate in the Champions League quarter-final last season.
As such, the Emirates Stadium should be an attractive destination for some top players this summer, with Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi thought to have chosen a move to north London ahead of remaining in Spain and signing for Xabi Alonso’s side.
Arteta is seemingly very keen to strengthen his midfield this summer, with Thomas Partey heading for the exit door, having also set his sights on Brentford’s Christian Norgaard, who has agreed to make the move across the capital.
However, Arsenal are also battling Madrid for the signature of a centre-back, namely Valencia’s Cristhian Mosquera, with a report from The Guardian revealing Arteta’s side are now hopeful of getting a deal over the line.
The Gunners boss has identified Mosquera as his main target as back-up for Gabriel and William Saliba, and the north Londoners are expected to make an improved offer for his services, having already seen a £16m bid knocked back by the Spanish side.
Zubimendi 2.0: Arsenal ready to offer £35m for "barbaric" talent
With Martín Zubimendi set to arrive, but Jorginho and Thomas Partey departing, could Arsenal make a £35m offer to sign another Spanish midfield star?
ByBen Gray Jun 28, 2025
Personal terms aren’t expected to be an issue, so a deal could be relatively straightforward if the Premier League side are willing to increase their bid slightly, with it previously being revealed that Valencia are looking to receive a fee of just £21m.
"Dominant" Mosquera impressing in La Liga
Football scout Ben Mattinson has been left very impressed by the 21-year-old’s performances for Valencia, having praised the youngster for his ability in duels and possession of the ball.
Despite still being in the early stages of his career, the Spaniard has already cemented himself as a key player for Valencia, making 37 appearances in La Liga last season, which indicates the centre-back could make an instant impact at Arsenal.
That said, it will be very difficult to dislodge Gabriel or Saliba in the starting XI, while Jakub Kiwior also impressed in the second half of the 2024-25 campaign, playing “exceptionally well” against Real Madrid, according to Martin Keown.
As such, bringing in a new centre-back shouldn’t be a priority for Arsenal, but signing Mosquera would provide them with greater strength in depth, in order to compete on all fronts next season.
Stood on the side of the pitch after Arsenal’s 1-0 win on Sunday, Mikel Arteta issued a rallying cry.
Hopefully the people upstairs do their job, he essentially pleaded, urging the Kroenke’s to put their money where their mouth is and give the Gunners the tools to finally win the Premier League again after 20 long years. It was rather telling.
Arsenal manager MikelArteta
Josh Kroenke, Stan’s son, does at least seem on board, acknowledging in his programme notes for the Newcastle game that “investment” will be made to improve the playing squad.
Time will tell, of course, but there’s a lot to do this summer. That includes signing a striker, a winger, a new back-up goalkeeper and a midfielder too.
Proceedings look set to begin with the arrival of Martin Zubimendi.
Why Arsenal are signing Martin Zubimendi
Back in January reports emerged that Arsenal were working on a deal to bring the Real Sociedad midfielder to the Emirates Stadium.
After signing Mikel Merino from La Real last summer, the relationship between the two is clearly civil and that’s shone through here.
Still, it’s a surprise that the Spaniard has chosen Arsenal as his next destination. After all, it was Premier League title winners, Liverpool, who fought so hard to bring him to England a year ago.
Zubimendi reportedly turned down the Reds’ advances and despite interest from Real Madrid too, the Gunners look set to win the race.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
So, why are they signing him? Well, there’s two principal reasons; Thomas Partey and Jorginho are out of contract at the end of the season. The second is that Zubimendi is rather good at football and the third involves Declan Rice.
With Partey and Jorginho leaving it means Arsenal need a no.6 and in the Sociedad star, they will be signing one of the best in that position in the world.
In the words of data analyst Ben Mattinson, the Spaniard’s “ball temperament is better” than Partey’s, meaning that a combination of Zubimendi and Rice “could be special.”
The Spain international will never be someone to gallivant forward. He only ranks in the worst 14% of midfielders in LaLiga for shot-creating actions and the worst 44% for goals.
What he does do well is sit, dictate and evade the press. Zubimendi sits inside the top 20% in Spain’s top-flight for progressive passes, the best 9% for dribblers tackled and the best 13% for interceptions, rubber stamping his credentials to play at the base of Arsenal’s midfield.
As a consequence, it would free Rice up to play as an 8 on a more regular basis. As we saw during two Man of the Match displays against Real Madrid where he ran the show, he’s really rather good at that.
Yet, Arsenal did actually already have their own Zubimendi.
Arsenal’s very own Zubimendi is set to leave
This is due to be a summer of change in N5 with a batch of players hopefully set to be welcomed to the Emirates and another crop saying their farewells.
On Sunday, we saw Kieran Tierney given one final run out at Arsenal’s home stadium and it’s also likely to have been Jorginho’s final match in the club’s colours.
Indeed, having been brought on as a very late substitute and handed the captain’s armband, it looked like a goodbye from the Italian who is on the verge of moving to Brazil.
Jorginho’s £110k-per-week contract will soon expire and consequently, he has now “sealed” a deal to join Flamengo in time for the Club World Cup according to Fabrizio Romano.
The former Chelsea midfielder has enjoyed a great time of it at Arsenal. Initially the fanbase couldn’t get their heads around why they were signing him but he quickly proved everyone wrong. He’s one of the most consistent and reliable players we’ve seen at the Emirates during its near two decades of existence.
A tempo setter, few have been better in that regard over the last few years. Indeed, during 2022/23, only Rodri made more passes (2,831) in the Premier League than Jorginho (2,404) when compared to Moises Caicedo, Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes and Declan Rice.
1. Rodri
2,831
2. Jorginho
2,404
3. Moises Caicedo
2,130
4. Declan Rice
1,974
5. Bruno Guimaraes
1,578
6. Casemiro
1,353
At dictating play, Jorginho is one of the best we’ve seen in recent years in the English top-flight.
It’s for that reason that similarities to Zubimendi emerge. Described as an “elite tempo controller” by the aforementioned Mattinson he’s already suggested that the Spain star is a “deep-lying playmaker like Jorginho”.
As a result, there really does feel like there is no one better suited in Europe’s top leagues for replacing the qualities that the Champions League and Euros winner brought so successfully to Arsenal for a couple of years.
It’s reported that Zubimendi will cost around £51m to bring to England but that certainly feels like money well spent. Arsenal need a midfielder and they need someone to give Rice more freedom in attack. This is the signing that allows that to happen.
More exciting than Zubimendi: Arsenal fighting to sign £48m "level-rasier"
The incredible international would get the Arsenal fans on their feet.
Celtic continued their dominance of Scottish football at the end of last month by claiming their fourth successive Scottish Premiership title with a 5-0 win over Dundee United.
Ryan Strain’s own goal gave the Hoops an early lead in the match before braces from Nicolas Kuhn and Adam Idah wrapped up a comfortable victory for Brendan Rodgers and his men.
The Glasgow giants, now, have the chance to complete a domestic treble for the second time in three seasons if they can beat Aberdeen in the final of the SFA Cup at Hampden Park at the end of this month.
It has been another successful season for Celtic, irrespective of the result against Aberdeen, as they have already won the Premiership and the League Cup.
Callum McGregor
Callum McGregor, the Hoops captain, has now won a staggering ten league titles for the club, to go along with eight League Cups and six SFA Cups, although he is yet to taste European glory at Parkhead.
The Celtic skipper turns 32 this summer and is currently contracted through to 2028, but the Bhoys may start to think about what life could look like beyond having him in midfield.
Why Callum McGregor would leave big boots to fill at Celtic
Aside from his leadership qualities and what he brings to the table as the captain, McGregor would leave big boots to fill at Parkhead because of the quality that he provides in the middle of the park.
The left-footed star is a metronomic midfield player who acts as the heartbeat of the team with his ability to dominate and dictate matches with his passes, allowing Celtic to control games in the Premiership.
McGregor has also added a goalscoring touch to his game this season, as shown in the clip above, with eight league goals to his name so far this term.
The bulk of the former Scotland international’s work on the pitch for Celtic, however, is what he does with the ball at his feet as a passer, rather than as a goalscorer, because he is a metronomic presence for the Hoops.
24/25
42
73.6
94.3%
23/24
41
66.3
91.5%
22/23
34
72.5
92%
21/22
42
67.6
90.1%
20/21
44
68.9
90%
19/20
32
64.1
91.3%
As you can see in the table above, McGregor is an incredible passer who has proven, over the last six seasons, that he can consistently find his teammates at an exceptional rate whilst attempting plenty of passes per 90.
This shows that he can retain possession to help Celtic dominate matches, which then allows him to dictate the tempo of games to suit what the team needs.
This shows that McGregor will leave big boots to fill when the Hoops eventually decide that they need to replace him as a regular starter, whenever in the future that may be.
Celtic tipped as possible destination for international star
Former Scotland international Pav Nevin has suggested that there is a star currently playing in one of Europe’s major leagues who could be the next Callum McGregor at Parkhead, and it would be a shock move if it were to happen.
Nevin has claimed that Billy Gilmour is in a “strange” place in his career because he has failed to nail down a regular starting spot at Napoli, having had the same problems with Chelsea, Norwich, and Brighton in England.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The pundit told the Daily Record: “So you’ve got two choices. Choice number one is accept that’s your career, that’s your life, that’s what happens. You are going to play with some great clubs, win some trophies, people are going to love you and you are going to play until you’re 40 because you’re going to be relaxed and that’s a good career for Billy.
“The other possibility, I wonder if Celtic and Rangers need a controlling, creative player. It is that one where, if he comes up to Celtic or Rangers, he takes over from Callum McGregor or becomes the new Barry Ferguson. That’s it.”
It would be a shock to see Gilmour arrive at Parkhead, because he came up through the ranks at Rangers before his move to Chelsea as a teenager, but he would not be the first player to tread that path.
In fact, current Celtic star Greg Taylor came through the Gers academy before his move to Kilmarnock, from where he then went on to sign for the Hoops, which suggests that it is not an impossible move, albeit it would still be a shock.
Why Billy Gilmour could be the next Callum McGregor
If the Scottish giants were to pursue a move for Gilmour, whether that is this summer or in the future, he could be the dream signing to replace McGregor in the middle of the park.
Like the Celtic captain, the former Rangers academy starlet is a deep-lying central or defensive midfield player whose main qualities revolve around his ability to pass the ball and dictate matches.
Gilmour is not a physical midfielder who patrols the park to make big challenges and win aerial battles. Instead, he is a diminutive star who can use his technical and athletic attributes to help his side dominate games on a regular basis.
The £13.6m-rated star, who currently plays for Napoli in the Serie A, has proven his quality as a metronomic passer during his time in Italy and England.
24/25 (Napoli)
27
59.1
89.4%
23/24 (Brighton)
41
77.1
91.8%
22/23 (Brighton)
17
60.5
90%
21/22 (Norwich)
28
46
83.4%
20/21 (Chelsea)
12
72.5
88.8%
19/20 (Chelsea)
11
65
88.7%
As you can see in the table above, his spell with Norwich, who were relegated from the Premier League that season, is the only time that he has not been an incredibly reliable and frequent passer in the middle of the park.
Typically, Gilmour is a midfielder who attempts and completes a high number of passes per 90 at an exceptional rate, which is what McGregor does for Celtic in midfield for Rodgers.
Callum McGregor
The 23-year-old star is significantly younger than the Hoops captain and this means that he could be the long-term heir to the Scottish star’s throne in the middle of the park in Glasgow, if the club signed him from Napoli.
Gilmour could, therefore, be McGregor 2.0 for Celtic because he has the passing quality and the experience at the very top level to suggest that he would be a star as a ‘controlling’ midfielder for the club, which is why they should consider making a shock move for his services.
Celtic could sign a perfect £7m Jota replacement this summer
Celtic may be in the market for a new winger after they lost Jota to a long-term injury.
ByDan Emery May 5, 2025
However, there is nothing to suggest that he is an active target for the club at this moment in time, so it remains to be seen what will happen to Gilmour and his future at Napoli. But, given Nevin’s comments, it is an interesting transfer to think about and one that could be viable in the future.
Everton are close to embarking on their new era at Bramley Moore Dock and David Moyes has now told the club that he has a new top target in his sights this summer, per reports.
Everton look to make a summer window statement
The Friedkin Group’s arrival coupled with Goodison Park’s upcoming emotional farewell has created a mixture of excitement and reflection among Everton supporters heading into next season.
Above all, their loyal fanbase feel a sense of relief that their club is finally on the up after years in the doldrums on and off the pitch. Financial struggles and relegation battles have threatened their Premier League safety, but there is hope those circumstances could now be a thing of the past.
David Moyes has decisions to make while rebuilding his squad and won’t have an infinite sum of money to plough into reinforcements, though it is expected that a healthy chunk will be available to invest in fresh blood.
Taking matters into his own hands, Everton have positioned themselves to sign Albert Gudmundsson once his loan spell at Fiorentina comes to an end and the Iceland international may be available for £20 million.
Everton emerge as shock contenders to sign £30,000-a-week Liverpool ace
This would steal plenty of headlines…
ByTom Cunningham Apr 16, 2025
Benfica’s Vangelis Pavlidis is another candidate to strengthen the Toffees’ forward line, albeit he may cost a pretty penny due to retaining an £80 million release clause.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin looks sure to exit the club this summer and it would be a surprise if Armando Broja were to be retained, leaving a void for one or two prolific marksmen to enter the fold during the beginning of a new era.
Now, Moyes has identified his preferred choice to lead the line and is plotting a potential double swoop that will have supporters on the edge of their seat.
Everton want "superstar" to join Liam Delap under Moyes
According to reports, Everton want Evan Ferguson and Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap to come in as a two-part solution to bolster their slim options in attack, with the gaffer personally demanding the signings from the club’s board.
Referencing the former, Moyes has put Ferguson to the club as his top target and there is scope that he could be available for significantly less than his reported £45 million valuation.
Evan Ferguson vs Liam Delap – Premier League 2024/25 statistics
Evan Ferguson
Goals
1
Assists
0
Shots on target
3
Chances created
5
Aerial duels won
9
Liam Delap
Goals
12
Assists
2
Shots on target
30
Chances created
24
Aerial duels won
53
Evidently, both have endured contrasting fortunes this campaign, but Ferguson’s early promise has saw him net 17 goals in 80 appearances for Brighton & Hove Albion, bursting onto the scene with some exemplary performances.
Labelled a “superstar” by Micah Richards, his spell on loan at West Ham United hasn’t worked out, but Moyes clearly holds optimism that he can get the Irishman back firing after his struggles with form and injury.
Everton want Ferguson in addition to Delap, which would be a mouthwatering prospect for supporters as the club move towards a new era.
The top-order batter made her India debut in a Test last December, and got picked for the WPL. For her, it’s all about accountability
S Sudarshanan12-Feb-2024Shubha Satheesh was unassuming and sported a mild, nervous smile as she walked in. The “hello” she whispered softly into the mic for a sound check was barely audible in the front row.It was her first press conference and the few weeks that led to it were eventful. India were playing a women’s Test match at home for the first time in nine years. She was called up for the two one-off Tests last December – against England and Australia – on the back of her 99 and 49 in an intra-squad practice match in Bengaluru in November. Before those games, Shubha was picked up by Royal Challengers Bangalore in the auction for WPL 2024.Her first day as an India cricketer tested her; she responded with a 69 after walking in in the sixth over, and stitched together a 115-run partnership with fellow debutant Jemimah Rodrigues. In the evening, she sat at the press conference room of the DY Patil Stadium with journalists curious to know more about her.She answered questions in a low tone and short sentences. She often paused; she ran out of words because “everything is happening all together”. She thought she was “a fortunate cricketer”. She just wanted to play when she started at 12; thoughts of pursuing the sport professionally didn’t exist.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Shubha Satheesh (@shubha_satheesh)
Her rawness came through, as did her thoughtfulness. “Today morning I got to know about everything,” she giggled when asked about her debut and her batting position in the Test match. She also admitted to forgetting part of a long question put to her, eliciting laughter in the room. Before the start of day two against England she picked up a finger injury while warming up; her left ring finger needed a splint, ruling her out of the rest of that Test as well as the one against Australia to follow.But on her first big day, Shubha had left an impression, both on and off the field.
****
Soumya Gowda, who played age-group cricket for Karnataka with Shubha and is now a strength-and-conditioning coach, describes the young batter as a “very jovial person but one who keeps to herself”. The two know each other since their Under-16 days. “When it comes to cricket, she keeps it basic,” Gowda says. “Her preparation is such that she doesn’t have a special routine but knows what her job is.”She is not a very outgoing person, and one who doesn’t want the attention. But she keeps doing her job well and the attention automatically comes to her.”When I asked her how she felt about getting into the India team, the only thing she said is, ‘I just want to be responsible’. No matter what happens, she just wants to be responsible. Even with the state games, Shubha always wanted to be responsible and accountable for the opportunities she got.”In 2022-23, Shubha scored 192 runs in the Senior Women’s One Day Trophy at an average of 48 and a strike rate of close to 100. The corresponding numbers in the previous two editions of the competition were 263 runs, 43.83 average, 80.42 strike rate; and 346, 86.50 and 72.38. For someone who spent close to a decade in the domestic circuit – first for Karnataka before making the switch to Railways this season – and put in compelling performances before getting an India call-up, there surely must have been more thoughts and emotions than just about wanting to be responsible?India coach Amol Muzumdar hands Shubha her Test cap•Vipin Pawar/BCCI”I was sort of expecting the call, because the practice game went well for me,” Shubha says. “It was a dream-come-true moment. I went blank when I got to know I was in the team. I was not able to type anything… I was that excited, anxious also because it was all new for me.”I was just waiting for this opportunity to represent the country for the past three-four years. When I got that, the first thought which came to my mind was, ‘This is my responsibility to do well for my country, to feel proud about it.’ I was visualising playing for the country every day. That’s how the thought might have come.”She played all the team sports her school had to offer, and evenings meant playing gully cricket with the boys in the Mysore neighbourhood where she grew up. She was noticed in a local tennis-ball cricket tournament. Someone suggested to her father that she start formal training, and he then enrolled her in a cricket academy in Bengaluru.Talk to those who knew her back then and they invariably mention her athleticism and fielding. “My sports teacher saw my athleticism and suggested I play hockey for the school, and I captained them.Shubha and Jemimah Rodrigues put on a partnership of 115 that helped India to a total of 428 against England•BCCI”I thought I was naturally built that way,” Shubha says of her agility. “I never feared the ball ever in my career. I don’t remember getting afraid of putting my hands to the ball. I don’t know how it happened – it is quite natural. I have memories of taking good catches at point, and everywhere on the field. In one of my selection matches, I took a catch diving forward at backward point, and that made me really feel good,” she laughs, the pride unmistakable.It was not until 2014 when she was selected for a zonal camp that Shubha harboured ambitions of playing cricket full time. She topped the batting charts in the Under-19 Women’s Zonal League in 2016-17 and continued to be in the fray for the senior Karnataka side. Incidentally, it was her fielding that helped her make the cut.”The senior team was a bit tough [to get into] initially because there was a lot of competition and Karnataka has always been a good team. To get into the XI was tougher at that age but I kept performing. I was picked as a fielder in the XI initially, and they made me stand in the hot spots of the field everywhere. I used to get the ball all the time and that made me really happy. I enjoyed that a lot and even now, I like to stand in hot spots.”As a batter, Shubha is known to be an excellent timer of the cricket ball and a strokemaker. Which is not to suggest she can’t bat aggressively. She has all the shots in her repertoire, some of which she displayed in the Test against England. But one particular stroke takes pride of place. A pristinely timed cover drive, where she got her front foot to the pitch of the ball and creamed it between cover and backward point, got her going on her second ball in international cricket. She brought up her fifty with the straightest of straight drives between the non-striker and the stumps at that end.”I never feared the ball ever in my career. I don’t remember getting afraid of putting my hands to the ball”•Shubha Satheesh”[In the middle] I was just focused on playing the ball. But when I came back and I saw the highlights, I realised that it was a special cover drive for me. I remember when I played my first cricket ever, at the age of 12, my first runs were also via the straight drive. That I connected a lot, that felt very special.”Shubha also bowls medium pace. India had Pooja Vastrakar, Renuka Singh and Meghna Singh as the seamers for the two Tests. Shubha, who didn’t bowl against England, has the longest run-up of them all. “But [I’m] not the fastest… ,” she says quickly with a chuckle. “I am working on it. [As primarily a batter who can bowl] it is tough to make time for both. But I try to keep sessions particularly for my bowling in a week, and just work on my bowling on those days.”Talk about the WPL auction and she shakes her head in disbelief. She had registered herself for the auction but did not expect much. “I don’t know why, I just turned off the television and slept,” she says. “I then got a welcome message from the RCB management and got to know it happened!”Honestly, I did not expect it. But I was really very happy and excited when I came to know RCB picked me. I am a big RCB fan, being in Bangalore and things like that. So to represent RCB in my first season of the WPL feels surreal. I watched the last season, and it was very crazy, and beautiful to see.”With Smriti Mandhana, Sophie Devine, Ellyse Perry and S Meghana around, whether Shubha starts for RCB in the top order is anybody’s guess. But expect her to be diligent and sincere in her preparation. Like she has done all her career so far. And for her to be responsible when her time comes.