All posts by h716a5.icu

Pakistan’s four-wicket win at The Oval against England last summer has been part of the ICC’s investigation into spot-fixing allegations against three Pakistan players, it emerged in the Doha hearing

Osman Samiuddin in Doha11-Jan-2011Pakistan’s four-wicket win at The Oval against England last summer has been part of the ICC’s investigation into spot-fixing allegations against three Pakistan players, it emerged on Tuesday after the Doha hearing.The hearing, looking into allegations against Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir, was widely thought to have revolved only around the final Test of that series, held at Lord’s. But a statement by Michael Beloff QC, the head of the anti-corruption tribunal hearing the case, revealed that the previous Test at The Oval was also under investigation.The very opening of Beloff’s statement caught most off-guard; “The tribunal has been constituted to determine charges against Salman Butt, Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif brought under the ICC Anti-Corruption Code in relation to two Test matches played during August 2010 in the series between Pakistan and England, The Oval Test and the Lord’s Test.”But Beloff added that Amir and Asif have been acquitted of all charges relating to The Oval. One charge still stood, against Butt who was captain at the time. “The ICC has withdrawn all charges against the three players in relation to The Oval Test except for one against Mr Butt. The tribunal has formally acquitted the players in respect of the charges which have been withdrawn.”Neither the three-man tribunal nor the ICC gave details about the charges or incidents that were under investigation in the Oval Test. Until a report on the yesterday, in fact, it wasn’t public knowledge that The Oval Test was even under investigation.The , the tabloid that broke the story after an undercover sting operation, had, in fact, referred in its original report to a plan to bowl deliberate no-balls in The Oval Test which was eventually cancelled. There was another reference to a maiden over Butt was allegedly supposed to play out on one of the days. It is believed that it is the charges related to those incidents that have been under investigation.But it is believed that, in a bid to expedite a verdict against the three players, all the charges save one around The Oval Test, were dropped by the ICC’s lawyers during the hearing. The ICC was keen for the tribunal to announce verdicts against the three on Tuesday, the last day of the hearing, and believed that dropping charges, for which evidence is known to be insufficient, might achieve that.The news is a further blow for Butt, who as captain of the side was under particular scrutiny during the hearing. He spent a day and a half answering questions first from his lawyer, then the ICC’s lawyers as well as Asif’s lawyer – more than either Amir or Asif. In addition, the questioning of one witness by his own lawyer is thought to have hurt his case considerably. And differences between him and Asif are thought to have further worsened his case.The decision on the one charge against Butt relating to The Oval Test will also be announced on February 5, the date on which decisions concerning the Lord’s Test against all three are expected to finally be announced.Asif’s London-based lawyers released a statement expressing his delight at having been acquitted of all charges brought against him in relation to The Oval Test.

MS Dhoni is aware of the problem and, although he isn’t overly concerned since the results have been favourable, he doesn’t like it

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Nov-2010India have endured tense second innings in three out of their previous four Tests because of top-order collapses at P Sara, Mohali and Motera. It’s made for riveting watching but MS Dhoni is aware of the problem and, although he isn’t overly concerned since the results have been favourable, he doesn’t like it.”Our performance in the second innings is not that great in recent times. We were a bit bothered,” Dhoni said on the eve of the second Test against New Zealand in Hyderabad. “The kind of experience we have, if you can do well in the first innings there’s no reason you can repeat it in the second.”Those horrible starts ended pleasantly for India because VVS Laxman came to their rescue. He scored an unbeaten 103 after India were 62 for 4 in Colombo, an unbeaten 73 when his team was reeling at 124 for 8 in Mohali, and 91 after India were reduced to 15 for 5 in Ahmedabad. The last collapse was the most surprising, because it occurred on a lifeless pitch during one inspired spell from Chris Martin. This New Zealand attack was thought incapable of disturbing the most experienced line-up in the world.Even the most experienced line-ups in the world, though, are vulnerable to palpitations. Dhoni spoke of the mild panic in the dressing-room as the match lurched from heading towards an inevitable draw to India being a wicket away from defeat. “Of course there was [panic], frankly speaking, but we knew we needed one partnership,” he said. “What happens when you lose quick wickets is that your heartbeat goes up and at times you tend to commit mistakes. We were a bit worried but we were waiting for that one good partnership to happen.

“In Gautam’s case, you might say it’s a fear of failure but I think it’s a fear of performance. He’s set his benchmark so high and in India when you set a high benchmark you’re expected to better it. He will realise that he needs to set his own benchmarks and think practically about what is a good performance.”MS Dhoni on Gautam Gambhir’s problems

“It’s just the mental barrier or mindset. At times you tend to go too ahead of the game. In the last Test, maybe we thought the wicket is difficult to get out on, so maybe it will end in a draw. It’s always good to be in the present. We aren’t too bothered about it [the collapse] but it has happened a bit too frequently.”Another common factor during India’s troubles in Mohali and Ahmedabad is Gautam Gambhir making a second-innings duck. He did not play at the P Sara but Gambhir made one in Galle as well and India lost by ten wickets. He now has three second-innings ducks in a row and only 86 runs in his last nine innings. Gambhir was among the first specialist batsmen at practice today and he knows he has a little more rope and the backing of his captain.”In Gautam’s case, you might say it’s a fear of failure but I think it’s a fear of performance,” Dhoni said. “He’s set his benchmark so high and in India when you set a high benchmark you’re expected to better it. He’s in that phase where you have the pressure of performance rather than the pressure of failure. He will realise that he needs to set his own benchmarks and think practically about what is a good performance.”Unlike on innumerable occasions in the past, though, India are not without a ready replacement opener. M Vijay has made the most of the few opportunities he has been given – a match-winning century against Australia in Bangalore being his most recent effort. Should Gambhir’s fallow patch cause him to run out of rope, Vijay will step in. But not yet.”Gautam Gambhir is the best pick for the opening slot right now,” Dhoni stressed when asked for how long a person could be selected on experience. “M Vijay has done well in whatever format and wherever he has got a chance. But he will have to wait for some more time.”The Gambhir-Sehwag combination at the top of India’s order was the driving force behind them claiming the No. 1 ranking in Tests. Long may it continue, is what the team is thinking.

A major Newcastle United update has emerged on Matt Targett and his future at St. James’ Park.

What’s the talk?

Transfer insider Dean Jones has revealed that Eddie Howe has made a decision on whether or not he wants to keep the left-back at the club beyond the end of his loan spell.

90Min recently reported that the Toon have an agreement in place with Aston Villa to sign him permanently for £15m, whilst Leicester, Wolves and Leeds are also keen on his services.

The head coach has now given the green light for PIF to complete this deal. Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “Newcastle were always open-minded about it. They weren’t sure whether they would want him long-term or not.

“From what I’m told, Eddie Howe has now decided, along with the recruitment team, that this is a good addition to this team.”

Supporters will be buzzing

The Newcastle supporters will surely be buzzing with this news as Targett will be an excellent addition to the squad ahead of next season.

Left-back was a problem position for the club in the first-half of the campaign as Matt Ritchie struggled badly in the back four. The Scot averaged a dismal WhoScored rating of 6.42 across 14 starts in the division as he failed to prove that he is a reliable option to call upon at this point in his career.

It was an area that PIF had to address in the January transfer window and they opted to bring Targett in on loan from fellow top-flight side Aston Villa. Since coming through the door, he has started 12 matches and averaged a superb WhoScored rating of 6.99.

Ritchie has averaged 2.0 tackles and interceptions per game this term and his English teammate has proven himself to be a major upgrade with 3.9 per match. The ex-Southampton defender has performed to a higher standard than the former Cherries winger and been more active defensively, helping to build a solid base at the back for the likes of Allan Saint-Maximin and Bruno Guimaraes to work their magic in the final third.

This shows that Targett has made an instant impact at St. James’ Park since joining on loan and that is why the fans will be keen to see him sign on a permanent basis. Therefore, they will be buzzing with Howe’s decision to push for the £15m agreement to be completed as the full-back will be able to kick on again next season and continue to prove that he is a solid option at Premier League level.

AND in other news, “Newcastle have been told..”: Huge transfer claim emerges that’ll leave Howe delighted…

MK Dons will secure 20% of the fee that Everton pay Tottenham for the signing of Dele Alli, according to transfer insider Dean Jones (via GiveMeSport).

The Lowdown: Dele’s move to Everton

The January transfer window saw many rumours flying around as to where Alli would end up come the beginning of February.

The 25-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Newcastle United, as the Tyneside club set to work building their new squad following colossal Saudi investment. Despite being the most prominent rumour, they were not the only Premier League side linked with a late move for the midfielder.

Crystal Palace were said to be interested in the 37-cap England international and were hoping to complete a loan deal until the end of the season. Southampton were also rumoured to be monitoring the situation, with Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl previously quoted as saying that “everyone wants a Dele Alli”.

Deadline day also saw prominent interest coming from overseas. The Athletic reported that La Liga side Valencia were interested in signing the 25-year-old on loan, with the Spanish club heavily considering this proposition.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-news-2/” title=”Tottenham latest news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Latest: Spurs set to miss out on 20% of Everton’s Dele Alli fee

In the end, it was Everton who were able to secure the midfielder’s services on a permanent deal. The two clubs agreed on an initial free transfer, with the Toffees paying £10m once he plays 20 games, with further performance-related add-ons potentially totalling up to £40m.

Transfer insider Jones has claimed that MK Dons will bag one-fifth of the fee that Everton ultimately pay the Lilywhites for Alli.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, he said: “I guess by getting themselves into a situation whereby, they know he’s capable of producing if he’s given a run of games, there’s an opportunity to get that money, but on the flip side, MK Dons will be due 20 percent for whatever he’s sold for.”

The Verdict: Fee an expected bargain

With the 25-year-old’s lack of game-time this season consisting of just ten Premier League appearances, it does not come as a surprise to see Alli go on the cheap.

It remains to be seen how realistic the performance-related add-ons are, so the overall figure is yet to be determined. However, in signing a player once heavily praised by Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos, it seems that Frank Lampard may have bagged Everton a bargain.

Whatever the eventual fee amounts to, it could stick in the craw for Tottenham that 20% of it will go elsewhere, especially if Alli rediscovers the type of form which saw him net 18 top-flight goals five seasons ago.

In other news: Tottenham made an unsuccessful late January pursuit for this La Liga gem

Manchester City have another big game ahead of them tonight as they welcome Real Madrid to the Etihad Stadium for their first-leg semi-final Champions League clash.

Having secured a convincing 5-1 victory over Watford in their previous Premier League outing, Pep Guardiola’s side will be heading into tonight’s big fixture full of confidence.

However, it seems as though there will be a concern over the availability of two key figures for the Manchester club, in particular, that will surely have a lot of supporters and Guardiola sweating.

What’s the news?

Speaking in yesterday’s press conference, the City manager had this to say about the fitness of defensive duo Kyle Walker and John Stones.

He commented: “They are doubts, they didn’t train for the last week, ten days, John since Brighton. We will see how they feel and take a decision tomorrow [Tuesday].”

Bad news for Guardiola

Taking into account how full-back Joao Cancelo will miss this evening’s clash through suspension, not having Walker available to play will surely come as a big concern for Guardiola.

As for Stones, the fact that he has a higher percentage for aerial duels (84.2) won out of anyone in the Premier League this season, not having him in the side to take on Real striker Karim Benzema could be a key factor in this match.

Benzema has been one of the best in the world this term, registering a whopping 39 goals and 13 assists.

Should the centre-back not have the right fitness to play against Carlo Ancelotti’s side, Guardiola will have to hope that the likes of Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte or Nathan Ake are able to fill in on this occasion. Either way, being without three defenders against such a potent threat is not ideal news.

For now, it appears as though it’s a case over everyone at the club having their fingers crossed that one or both of the Englishman will be fit enough to take part in the game and potentially put the team in a good place for the second leg.

Looking beyond that, with the Manchester club set to take on Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday evening, even having either Walker or Stones back for that game will be a great boost for the team and their hopes of regaining the Premier League title.

In other news: “Man City have discussed…”: Romano drops exciting summer update, Pep will be buzzing

Luke Edwards has dropped some definitive Newcastle United transfer news on 21 year-old left-back Mitchel Bakker.

The Lowdown: Price revealed

As per The Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope, Bayer Leverkusen want £16m if they are to sell Bakker to the St. James’ Park faithful in the January transfer window, and are prepared to sell if their valuation is met.

They are already looking at potential replacements for the left-back, should he move on.

The Magpies have already signed Kieran Trippier this month, but with 43 goals conceded in 21 games in the top flight this term, it would not be a surprise to see more upgrades at the back before the window closes on Monday.

The Latest: Not happening

According to The Daily Telegraph journalist Edwards, the potential deal to bring Bakker to the North East will not happen:

“Also told the Bakker deal is not happening too.”

The Verdict: Blow

It certainly is a blow for the Tyneside outfit that they now look set to miss out on Bakker.

He would be an upgrade on Eddie Howe’s current left-back options, as his His one goal and three assists in the Bundesliga so far this term tops Jamal Lewis, Matt Ritchie and Paul Dummett in the Premier League, and he is also averaging more clearances, dribbles and passes at a higher success than them (WhoScored).

Described as a player who has ‘pace and strength’ as well as ‘footballing ability’ by Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller following his move in the summer (via The Chronicle), Bakker has everything needed for a modern day full-back, and at just 21 years of age, he has so much potential.

However, it looks as if the Magpies will now have to look at other targets if they want to strengthen in that area of the pitch.

In other news, find out who Keith Downie believes may join NUFC here!

Having secured a 1-0 victory in their previous SPFL match against Livingston, Rangers are back in action this afternoon with an away clash against Ross County next up for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side in their latest attempt at moving a step closer to securing the league title.

On the chalkboard

In terms of which players Van Bronckhorst could select to be in his starting XI to take on County this afternoon, one figure that didn’t start against Livingston but ended playing a big part in the win that we feel should be in the team from the beginning on this occasion is Scott Arfield. 

After replacing James Sands in the 59th minute in midweek, Arfield managed to get his name on the scoresheet and score the vital goal that earned Rangers the three points on the day. 

With that in mind, it would be a good option to give Arfield, who is currently picking up a weekly wage of £16k-per-week according to Salary Sport, the chance to potentially add another goal to his tally for the season from the start rather than the substitutes bench again. 

Also, with Van Bronckhorst recently sharing his wishes at seeing the Canadian stay at the club for the foreseeable future after his current contract at Ibrox expires at the end of the season, starting him this afternoon would be a good way of proving just how important he is for the team.

Labelled as a “reliable” player for Rangers by Kenny Miller, Arfield has racked up 165 appearances for the Scottish champions across all competitions with 32 goals and 18 assists under his belt, showing not only how experienced he is but also how capable he is in front of goal.

Taking into account how the 33-year-old has already scored against County this season back in August during Rangers’ 4-2 win, he now has the chance to haunt them again this time around and terrify them with his goalscoring ability.

Moving forward, while the midfielder proved in the game against Livingston how much of a useful impact player he can be for Rangers off the substitutes bench, it could be worth starting him this time to see if he can help his side have a more comfortable game this time around.

In other news: “Monitoring”: Journalist delivers key Rangers transfer update which Van Bronckhorst will love…

Adam Forshaw’s new Leeds United contract is a ‘big shot in the arm’ for the popular Whites midfielder, according to journalist Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Forshaw signs new Leeds deal

On Friday, Leeds confirmed that the 30-year-old had agreed a new one-year extension at Elland Road, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2023.

Forshaw has enjoyed a hugely pleasing return to action this season, having missed almost two years with a hip injury that arguably led to his career being in doubt.

Instead, the midfielder has returned as good as ever, starting nine Premier League matches and making a total of 15 appearances, in all competitions.

[freshpress-quiz id=“383507″]

The Latest: Hay expresses happiness

Taking to Twitter, Hay spoke of his pleasure at Forshaw signing on the dotted line:

“A good move this one. He’s looked more than up to EPL standards and much better to build the midfield with Forshaw in the squad than without him. From his personal point of view, must be a big shot in the arm after two very hard years.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-31/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Richly deserved contract

This is a lovely story for Forshaw, who suffered such a miserable time of things on the sidelines over a long period but has now returned the force of old.

His new deal has been awarded on merit though, with the Englishman averaging 2.5 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per game in the league this season, proving to be an important figure breaking up play in the middle.

With Kalvin Phillips still out injured, Forshaw is going to be a crucial player in the coming weeks, as Leeds look to pull away from the relegation zone.

In other news, Leeds reportedly want one player signed ‘immediately’. Find out who it is here.

An update has emerged on French defender Lucas Digne, regarding Newcastle United’s interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

Journalist Luke Edwards has claimed that the Everton full-back is on the Magpies’ radar this month as Eddie Howe goes in search of reinforcements for his squad.

He Tweeted: “Can’t see them signing Botman and Carlos. Digne is a target I’ve had that confirmed but there is bound to be competition.”

In his article for The Telegraph, Edwards named Digne and Southampton’s Romain Perraud as two players the club are looking at as they attempt to bring in competition for Jamal Lewis at left-back.

He then provided another update on the French defender on Wednesday lunchtime, saying:

“A centre back and a striker seem to be where most of the remaining money will be spent at #nufc this month. A loan with option to buy in the summer for Lucas Digne under discussion. Another CB permanent or loan on the to do list. Another CM probably the least pressing requirement.”

Excitement

This claim from the reporter will surely leave Newcastle fans feeling excited as Digne could be a terrific addition to the side. He is adamant that there is interest from the Magpies in the Frenchman’s services and that brings with it the exciting prospect of the club making a genuine move for him in the coming weeks.

Digne is a proven Premier League performer who could come in and be a major upgrade on Lewis and Matt Ritchie on the left side of defence. In his three full league campaigns for the Toffees to date, he has averaged a WhoScored rating of 7.08 or higher – scoring four goals and providing 18 assists in that time.

This season, Ritchie and Lewis have averaged scores of 6.43 and 6.33 respectively. Neither of them have been able to consistently deliver high-quality performances on the pitch and that is why the Everton man could be a vital signing for Howe, as his displays for the Blues show that he is capable of doing that at Premier League level – proving it over the course of three years.

Therefore, Magpies fans will be able to get excited by the thought of Digne playing for the club in the second half of the campaign. He could come in and instantly be a top performer for the side as he is accustomed to playing in the English top-flight and would not need an adaptation period.

With Kieran Trippier reportedly closing in on a transfer to St. James’ Park, Newcastle could find themselves with an excellent full-back pairing come the end of the month. However, it is down to Howe and Nick Hammond to ensure that they are able to get both deals over the line.

AND in other news, Howe can brutally axe £40k-p/w NUFC dud by signing “deceptive” gem who’s a “nightmare”…

Gloucestershire’s chief executive Tom Richardson, the driving force behind the development of their Bristol headquarters, will leave the club at the beginning of September

David Hopps25-Jan-2013Gloucestershire’s chief executive Tom Richardson, the driving force behind the development of their Bristol headquarters, will leave the club at the beginning of September after 12 years in the post.Richardson has presided over good times and bad, including a period at the turn of the century when they were renowned as the best one-day side in the countrry. But it is the development of Nevil Road,in the face of considerable opposition, which will be his legacy.”It is a logical break point as we aim to have completed the development of the pavilion and media centre at the end of July, ” Richardson said. “I have hugely enjoyed my time here and feel privileged to have been involved for so long.Clearly, getting started on the development has been a major lift for the club and I am really pleased to have played a full part in that. There is a real buzz about the place at the moment and whilst in some ways it will be sad not to be involved next year it is time for me to move on.”It remains to be seen whether Gloucestershire’s investment will satisfy their ambition of attracting more international cricket to Bristol. England already has nine international grounds, all scrambling for their share of England cricket and any further expansion of the international calendar is impossible to contemplate.But at a time when the counties remain hopeful that Twenty20 cricket will prove a long-term attraction, especially after a general switch to Friday nights from 2014, Nevil Road’s expansion will give Gloucestershire the opportunity to rediscover their strength in one-day cricket, especially if they can stir Bristol’s sometimes apathetic following into greater support.The expansion of Nevil Road, approved by Bristol City Council in March, included the demolition of the Mound and Jessop stands, provision of 7,500 permanent seats and a 147-room apartment with basement car parking. There will also be a business and conference centre in a new pavilion and a new media centre which will replace the primitive or temporary accommodation in the past.Rex Body, Gloucestershire’s chairman, said: “Tom’s value to Gloucestershire cannot be overestimated, particularly the work he has done on our ground development programme, in at times extremely difficult circumstances.Richardson will retain a link with Gloucestershire by becoming involved in their Youth Trust activities whern he stands down from the chief executive post.