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After the Melbourne defeat, the Australia captain bluntly admitted that the team has been unable to fill the hole left by the duo

Daniel Brettig in Melbourne30-Dec-20182:10

#AskChapelli: Smith and Warner would’ve made a difference

In the shadows of a defeat that left the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Indian hands, Australia’s captain Tim Paine made his bluntest admission that the national team is in dire need of Steven Smith and David Warner to return from their Newlands-scandal bans to fill the gaping hole they have left in the batting order.That gulf was something ruthlessly exposed by India on an MCG pitch that required methodical, consistent cricket beyond the home side’s means, underlining the fact that next to all the noise and hand-wringing about whether or not Smith and Warner can be reintegrated successfully, the cold and unavoidable calculation is that Cricket Australia and Paine’s team quite simply have no choice but to do so.While there are other questions in Paine’s mind, about wider systemic issues in Australian cricket that he has discussed with the players’ association, and also about the preparation of pitches for international cricket that do not suit his team’s preferred exploitation of pace and bounce they saw in Perth in particular, he had no qualms about admitting that Smith and Warner could not be adequately replaced for the hosts to compete with the likes of Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara.ALSO READ: Warner reintegration unchanged by Smith, Bancroft words”I think that’s pretty clear. I think if you took Pujara and Virat out of India’s side I think you’d have the same conversation,” Paine said in Melbourne. “If you’ve got world-class players that aren’t in your team, are they going to add to our team? I think they will. So while at the moment it’s challenging and everyone’s frustrated, it is what it is.4:04

‘There are holes in India’s batting as well’ – Paine

“Everyone is working as hard as they possibly can and we’re getting guys who are getting experience of high-pressure situations in Test cricket and learning on the job. At times you’re going to get inconsistency from guys that are in that situation. The silver lining is that we have got world-class players that are available soon to come back into this side and clearly when they do it will make a huge difference.”The level of noise around Smith, Warner and the third banned player Cameron Bancroft enveloped the Australian team on Boxing Day, and though Paine said the distraction had not been significant, he was adamant that the conversation around the trio needed to move on from recriminations for Cape Town to detail on their returns. “I’m sure guys went home that night and listened to them and had their own thoughts on it but it certainly wasn’t discussed during play,” Paine said. “What’s happened has happened.”We’re getting towards the end when those guys are coming back. That’s what the conversation should be around now. It’s all been out there. People have had their say and the guys have nearly finished their bans and done their time so I think it’s time we started focusing on the fact they’re coming back and from that there are real positives.”Into the eighth year of the Big Bash League, Australia’s players, coaches and selectors are into the familiar jumble between Test squads and an unrelenting parallel T20 schedule that has seen the dropped batsman Peter Handscomb go off to play for Melbourne Stars before returning to the squad, while Peter Siddle will do likewise for Adelaide Strikers on New Year’s Eve and then return to long-form duty ahead of the SCG Test from January 3. Paine said discussions with the Australian Cricketers Association were ongoing, though it must be noted that the players’ union already had a higher degree of input into this season’s schedule via a standing committee shared with CA that was part of the 2017 MoU negotiation.ALSO READ: Australia’s MCG meltdown the best PR for Smith and Warner”It’s out of our control. As players our job is to play cricket and turn up where we are supposed to turn up. We don’t do the programming and can’t help it at this stage,” Paine said. “We’re having conversations with the ACA on how we can do it better down the track and Cricket Australia and the ACA will work through that. At the moment you can’t use change of format as an excuse. We’re not playing well enough under pressure when it matters – that’s a fact whether it’s Twenty20, one-day cricket or Test cricket. It’s happening through all three formats at the moment.Steven Smith and Tim Paine react in the field•Getty Images”It’s modern day cricket, you’ve got to be able to switch between formats, do it really quickly and we’ve got some players who aren’t available and because of that some guys are getting an opportunity before they would have.”There’s been a hell of a lot of talk about our batting and our top six, but we’ve seen if we can get Virat and Pujara out there’s some holes in the opposition batting as well. We’ve just got to be able to score enough runs to give our bowling attack a chance to line them up. We’re not scoring a lot of runs but I don’t think India are [either] and part of the reason for that is both attacks are really good as well.”Paine reserved perhaps his sharpest words in the wake of the Melbourne defeat for a general critique of pitches in Australia. “We prefer to see wickets that have got a bit of bounce and carry on it,” Paine told ABC Radio. “Our strength in Australia is our pace and it’s very rare you go to India and get a green wicket, and it’s been disappointing at times we’ve produced wickets that have played into their hands a little bit, albeit they’ve outplayed us in these conditions anyway.”The wicket was always going to be a bit of a grind. it was going to be slow and at times that can expose a bit of a gap between sides – but i just think you have to give India credit. they won the toss, batted really well and kept us out there [in the field] for two days. After that we were behind the 8-ball and it’s pretty hard to come back from that. i just think plain and simply we were outplayed and India deserved to win this Test.”The Melbourne Cricket Club’s chief executive Stuart Fox rounded off a week in which the MCG surface was heavily criticised on days one and two before the game began to move more quickly, reiterating that longer term plans to dig up the central concrete base for drop-in pitches, replacing them with a pylon system favoured in Adelaide and Perth, was going ahead regardless of the result and whatever pitch rating is subsequently determined by the match referee Andy Pycroft.”Really we just reflect on day one,” Fox told SEN Radio. “We don’t know why [it was so dull], we’ll do a lot of work over the coming weeks to work out why, but rest assured we’re in a probably three to five year programme. Work started last year and we’re going to aggressively make changes in coming years. The message is it takes time, you can’t just rebuild a pitch and a number of pitches and have them ready for next year.”As it is for the MCG pitch, so it must be for Australian cricket’s batting stocks, though the returns of Smith and Warner will provide short-term relief.

Even after Liverpool welcomed four fresh faces in midfield to replace the likes of Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Naby Keita, they're still missing an out-and-out defensive midfielder. As things stand, Alexis Mac Allister takes up the role previously held with great success by Fabinho when in his prime. The Argentine is naturally more of a creator, however, and has endured his struggles when asked to play deeper at Anfield as a result.

This is a problem that Jurgen Klopp could reportedly solve in the January transfer window though, which could see Liverpool turn into genuine Premier League title contenders once more, especially if they land one particular player.

Liverpool transfer news

FSG proved in the summer that when Liverpool need the players, they are willing to splash the cash. And the Reds have benefitted ever since Klopp received the reinforcements that he so desperately needed. The Merseyside club currently sit as high as third in the Premier League, two points adrift of Arsenal after earning a 1-1 draw against champions Manchester City. One more piece to Liverpool's midfield puzzle could yet make all the difference in the title race and reports suggest that the Reds are ready to invest in one target.

Liverpool interested in "special" star who recently tormented Man City

This could be another game-changer for Jurgen Klopp…

ByTom Cunningham Nov 29, 2023

According to TuttoJuve, Liverpool are ready to invest £45m to sign Khephren Thuram from OGC Nice in the January transfer window. Those at Anfield are reportedly favourite for the midfielder's signature ahead of Inter Milan and Juventus. The Frenchman would be an alternative to Andre Trindade, who has also been linked with a move to Liverpool to fill that number six role.

Though Andre has been at the centre of more recent rumours, Liverpool were reportedly interested in Thuram in the summer, but failed to make their move. Seemingly ready to invest now, Klopp could finally get his man when the winter window swings open.

"Powerful" Thuram could boost Liverpool's title chances

If Liverpool can land Thuram, then their title chances would undoubtedly receive an important boost. Not only would Klopp finally have his Fabinho replacement, but he'd also have the chance to play Mac Allister in his natural position, potentially getting the best out of the Argentine as a result. Thuram's stats certainly show that he's more suited to the role when compared to Klopp's current option.

Player

Progressive Carries

Pass Completion Rate

Clearances

Khephren Thuram

27

88.6%

12

Alexis Mac Allister

14

88%

7

Thuram's height, standing at 6 foot 4, would certainly help Liverpool too, who have missed Fabinho's stature in the middle of the park. The Frenchman has been at the centre of praise, including from former teammate Aaron Ramsey, who told GFFN: "I think he’s definitely got a big future ahead of him if he carries on the way he’s going at the minute. He’s very dangerous, very powerful, a very strong dribbler of the ball. Hopefully, he can keep progressing. He’s another player that can go all the way to the top I feel."

When the January transfer window opens, Thuram looks like one to keep an eye on with a number of clubs reportedly chasing his signature and Liverpool at the front of the queue.

Harsh lessons of 2014 serve England’s new director of cricket well, as he lays out vision for his tenure

George Dobell09-Jan-2019It speaks volumes for Ashley Giles’ determination – and confidence – that even at one of the lowest points of his career, he was planning his comeback.In April 2014, Giles was sacked as England coach. Paul Downton, who was the managing director of England cricket at the time, called at his house one day and informed him that he was to be replaced by Peter Moores.His reaction? Anger, certainly. But also determination. And before Downton’s car had disappeared from sight, Giles had turned to his wife, Stine, and informed her he would be back and he would be the boss.”I don’t know if I was sacked or made redundant,” Giles says, “but whichever way it was, it wasn’t very nice.”But I said I would be back at the time. I don’t know if I said it to Paul, but I certainly said it to my wife. And, if you look at my career progress over the last four or five years, I have sort of prepared for this role. If you are a performance director, this is the pinnacle.”You can understand why Giles was angry. He was one of only two long-serving men – Kevin Pietersen was the other – completely cut adrift by the ECB after the debacle of the 2013-14 Ashes, despite having no direct involvement in the coaching of that team. And while results at the 2014 World T20 were not pretty – England had been eliminated even before a heavy defeat against Netherlands – Giles had some mitigation. As the junior partner in a split coaching structure – Andy Flower was very much the dominant figure – he had become used to seeing his first-choice players rested from white-ball cricket.But that anger has long since faded into something more constructive. And while Downton has now made the reverse journey – he is doing a fine job as director of cricket at Kent – and Flower is a strong favourite to take up Giles’ old role as director of cricket at Warwickshire, Giles himself now looks back on the episode as the making of him.”We all feel hard done by when you leave positions,” he says now. “But now I think it was a great learning curve for me.”I didn’t manage that balance between the short-term plans and long-term vision well. I always had in mind that I would one day become Test coach and perhaps, if I hold my hand up, I took my eye off the importance of winning tomorrow. In coaching you can’t afford to do that.”I think that experience will help me in this role. In this role you have to worry about tomorrow and the long-term strategy.Ashley Giles, ECB’s new director of England cricket, at Lord’s•Getty Images”That period with Andy Flower and the unravelling of the team in the Ashes and then the debacle against the Netherlands in Bangladesh, I guess that was almost a catalyst for me going back to university, studying, taking a masters and changing paths slightly. It was a good life lesson. It got me where I am today.”Giles’ behaviour in the months following that sacking is instructive. Instead of publicly criticising the ECB – as Pietersen did in a now-infamous book – Giles persuaded them to fund his return to university as part of his severance package. As a result, he went to Manchester Metropolitan Business School and gained a Master of Sport Directorship.And, instead of applying for coaching jobs, which he concluded left him vulnerable to fluctuations in fortune that could not always be controlled, he turned his interest to director of cricket roles which seemed more secure and more appropriate to a man with a hip replacement who no longer feels especially comfortable in a tracksuit. Less than a year ago, he declined an invitation to apply for the role of National Selector – a role subsequently filled by Ed Smith – in the belief that was a backward step for a man who had already served as a selector.So, what can we expect from Giles? Well, any player expecting a relaxation of the curfew that has been in place since the last Ashes tour is likely to be disappointed, for a start. And, in the long term, it seems the habit of playing football ahead of training every day may well be in jeopardy.”Curfews are in place to protect the guys,” he says. “I discussed curfews years ago. I don’t think we should look at those as being a negative thing. Everyone needs boundaries so it’s important that we have things in place that protect our guys.”We have got a responsibility to protect our players and the discipline side of things is really important to me. I have a reputation as being quite firm, but I think I am fair.”We’ve got to keep our best players on the park and I’m not sure playing football is the best way of going about that. If you look at what football does, the benefits from a physiological and fun point of view are outstripped by the dangers. In the long term we’ll perhaps see a change there.”But when you talk about short-term derailers I don’t want to be blamed for losing the World Cup because we are not playing football. I am not coming in with an iron rod right now. It’s something I’ll speak to the captains and coaches about.”There are other areas we may see change. Giles is likely to be asked to ‘rationalise’ – a euphemism for ‘cut’ usually – the budget at Loughborough with a growing realisation that spending has exceeded achievement there over the last few years. And he hopes to improve the relationship between the counties and the England team, drawing on the knowledge around the circuit and ensuring domestic cricket is well placed to produce international players.”The domestic system is hugely important,” he says. “So it’s important we get our system right in Championship cricket, because that is where our Test cricketers are coming from.”The counties do a fantastic job. There was a meeting yesterday of the county directors of cricket and I looked round the table and realised there was a hell of a lot of knowledge I can tap into. That relationship is important and I think it could be better than it has been. I want to see much stronger collaboration with the counties.”And then there’s the coaching role. Despite his own experiences, Giles has always maintained that a split coaching arrangement could work well. There is an acknowledgement that some of the best candidates may be reluctant to take the year-round workload required for an England coach, so there seems every chance that the role will be split once more. Paul Collingwood (for the white-ball sides) and Gary Kirsten (for the Test side) may well be among the frontrunners.”Whatever we do – two coaches or one – we need to make it normal and acceptable that coaches have time off and are able to watch some other cricket or have a break,” Giles says. “The programme is extremely busy, so to expect one or two head coaches to be there all the time is quite challenging.”Part of my role is coach development so, absolutely, we should be developing future England coaches and giving them opportunities. Perhaps the new competition is part of that? But I’m not silly enough to think the next coach has to be English. We need the best man – or two men – for the job.”

Ollie Palmer has grown accustomed to life on the small screen in Welcome to Wrexham, but has he also been cast in Deadpool 3 by Ryan Reynolds?

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Hollywood star is co-owner at SToK RacecourseAbout to release another Marvel blockbusterRed Dragons striker appears to have cameo roleGetty/GOALWHAT HAPPENED?

Hollywood actor Reynolds is preparing for the big release of the latest offering from the Marvel film franchise in which he stars, with Deadpool and Wolverine due to hit cinemas on July 26. He has been teasing trailers for that production on social media.

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Alongside one of those clips, Reynolds has said: “Found the guy who killed Bambi’s mom.” That comment drew an “if you squint” response from Wrexham striker Palmer – with it now being suggested that the 32-year-old striker enjoys a cameo appearance.

DID YOU KNOW?

In one scene, a tall man with dark hair and a distinctive beard can be spotted in the bar being attended by Deadpool. The character in question bears a striking resemblance to Wrexham frontman Palmer – who has grown close to Reynolds since moving to SToK Racecourse in January 2022.

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WHAT NEXT?

Palmer can often been seen laughing and joking with Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in the Welcome to Wrexham documentary and may have been rewarded for his efforts on the field with a blockbuster movie role – with the Red Dragons heading to League One in 2024 after securing back-to-back promotions.

Southampton have benefitted in the past by buying young talents from Manchester City, securing the signing of Romeo Lavia from the Etihad fringes in 2022 and turning into him a player worth £58m within a season of playing regular football at St Mary's.

In the current squad assembled by Russell Martin, Gavin Bazunu and Shea Charles were previously also on the books at the current Premier League champions, whilst Taylor Harwood-Bellis remains as an up-and-coming talent for Pep Guardiola to ponder over whilst he gains invaluable first-team experience away from the club on the South Coast.

Charles has performed well for his new employers since making the £15m switch from the Etihad this summer, the 20-year-old starring last match in Southampton's 1-0 home win over Bristol City – winning 80% of his duels in the contest, as per Sofascore, helping his side preserve a valuable clean sheet in a closely fought match.

The Saints could well explore the possibility of swooping in for even more Man City talents this January to replicate the success of the Charles deal, putting the clearly harmonious working relationship between the two clubs to further good use in order to bolster the team in the crunch months to follow in the second tier.

Here are three City stars that could follow Charles in through the door at St Mary's…

1 Will Dickson

If Martin opts to add more numbers to his Southampton squad in the upcoming transfer window in attack, the Saints manager should look no further than Will Dickson who has been consistently a prolific striker for City at every youth level he's played in so far.

The 19-year-old has managed to score 33 goals from 72 appearances progressing through the age brackets at the top-flight champions, now featuring regularly under Brian Barry-Murphy in attack as an integral component to his Elite Development Squad.

Dickson is yet to get a flavour for senior men's football however, but could well be ready for the step-up now if the Saints swooped in for him in January.

The teenage sensation has even trained with the main senior squad at Man City, closely paying attention to Erling Haaland's dedication to his craft according to an interview with the Manchester Evening News – "Even when I've trained with them a couple of times to watch how Haaland works and watch how dedicated he is – any player can learn from him."

With rumours continuing to circulate that Che Adams could be off in January from St Mary's, alongside the fact Ross Stewart is yet to get firing as a reserve striker option at Southampton, Martin could look to sign Dickson on a loan deal this January to see what he's made of.

2 Micah Hamilton

Martin could also look towards another member of City's highly-regarded EDS squad in January, Micah Hamilton tipped for big things at the Etihad.

Southampton could also do with reinforcements down the channels, adding in a fresh face to compete with Newcastle United loanee Ryan Fraser and ex-City man Samuel Edozie.

Hamilton has notched up an impressive six assists from ten games this season in the EDS side, adept at playing in the number ten role if needed also.

The 20-year-old's blistering form for the EDS squad didn't go unnoticed by Guardiola, the Catalan coach naming the midfielder on the bench in the Champions League when the treble winners travelled to BSC Young Boys.

Hamilton's dream will be to one day star in the men's team, but in the here and now to further his progression, a loan move to the cut and thrust of the Championship would be a worthwhile switch for the skilful midfielder.

3 Tomas Galvez

The final potential addition Martin could make to his squad this January from Man City could be Tomas Galvez, Southampton in desperate need of new recruits at left-back with Ryan Manning and James Bree the only available players for that role currently at the club.

Galvez this season in Barry-Murphy's EDS squad has shone from left-back, even picking up an assist for his efforts versus Chelsea U21's in Premier League 2 action.

Signed by City after bursting onto the scene with Watford U18 – Galvez full of energy and drive on the pitch for the Hornets, constantly looking to advance his team forward – the 18-year-old would slot seamlessly into the Saints' backline if signed.

Martin's preferred way of playing sees his team play out from the back patiently before bursting into life, Galvez perfect for this style of play as an expansive wing-back option if he were to arrive through the door.

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“I think it’s really important that we do involve those ex-players in the game more and give them a stronger voice”

Daniel Brettig07-Feb-2019Former Australian Test greats such as Ricky Ponting, Steve Waugh, Glenn McGrath and Simon Katich can expect high paying short stints as consultants for the national team in the wake of assistant coach David Saker’s sudden resignation. Such flexibility is necessary, said the Cricket Australia chief executive Kevin Roberts, in light of the lucrative career options now available to former players, who receive fat pay cheques to share their expertise as commentators and corporate speakers.Ponting has previously been involved with the Australian team on this basis, successfully helping to coach the T20 side during last year’s triangular series with England and New Zealand, before an Achilles tear sustained while shooting a commercial prevented him from also doing so in the UAE against Pakistan. During the home summer, he was preoccupied by working with the broadcaster Channel Seven.”There’s no doubt that the remuneration in cricket for players is far higher than the remuneration for coaches,” Roberts told ESPNcricinfo. “And that’s something that’s not without its challenges. We don’t have an unlimited pool of funds to invest in coaches, but certainly we want to be investing as much as we can, and navigating those challenges as best we can. I think there’s opportunities to utilise some of those ex-players in shorter bursts if you like, given they’re not all in a position to be a coach 52 weeks of the year either, given their other commitments in other parts of the game.”I think it’s really important that we do involve those ex-players in the game more and give them a stronger voice, embrace their perspective to a greater degree, and whether that means that’s just in open forums where we invite their feedback on some of cricket’s big questions or whether it’s involving them in a mentoring capacity or in a formal coaching capacity, we want to be covering all those bases and utilising all the expertise they’ve got.”Not all of those ex-players will have a desire to be coaches, so [for] those that don’t have a desire to be coaches, there’s other roles outside the commentary box that they can play too. So we do have the opportunity to involve them for shorter periods of time rather than all or nothing so there are a bunch of different solutions to that challenge but it is an ongoing challenge.”Roberts, who played first-class cricket for a strong New South Wales in the 1990s and formed numerous alliances with the aforementioned players, also discussed his close relationship with Waugh, a consistent source of counsel and blunt advice. Waugh and Roberts share a common grade club in Bankstown, while he and Gilchrist were housemates for a time during their younger days.”I’ve got a really good relationship with Steve Waugh and I’ve been fortunate to have had that for I guess 25 years now, and he’s one of the most universally respected people in our game, respected for his performance on the field, for his leadership, for his integrity, and for the fact that he’s such a straight shooter,” Roberts said. “He’s a person you call when you want the truth rather than wanting something to be sugar-coated. You know you’ll get the truth when you ask a question of Steve.”That’s one of the beauties of what he brings to cricket, one of the things people respect so much about him. So I’m really looking forward to his ongoing involvement – he’s been more involved in the game in the background than people would realise in recent years, mentoring a number of players and I hope that continues, and that young players really benefit from his mentorship ongoing, and I certainly benefit from the relationship and the ability to call on him, and also on many other former players and team-mates of mine.”Adam Gilchrist, Glenn McGrath, see them regularly around the commentary boxes, played quite a bit against Brendon Julian and various other commentators, Greg Blewett and I were in the Australian Under-19 team together with Adam Gilchrist, Damien Martyn and Kasper [Michael Kasprowicz]. So to be able to just get a sense check of how they’re feeling about the game, Ricky Ponting I played quite a bit against, and unfortunately he ran me out one day with a direct hit run out, so I don’t remember that fondly but I do really respect Ricky’s views on the game as well.”

Hollywood actor Anne Hathaway received a surprise message from Arsenal star Leandro Trossard which left her gobsmacked.

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Hathaway left stunned by Trossard's messageHollywood star an ardent Arsenal fanCelebrated Trossard's goal against WolvesWHAT HAPPENED?

The American star, who is known to be an ardent Arsenal fan, received a surprise message from Gunners attacker Leandro Trossard while being on the Today Show which left her short of words.

AdvertisementWHAT TROSSARD SAID ABOUT HATHAWAY

Hathaway and her co-star Nicholas Galitzine were promoting their upcoming movie on the Today Show when the host interrupted the interview and showed the actors a surprise video message from Trossard where the Belgian says, "Hi Anne, I really loved your celebration the other day for my goal. Keep supporting us and I'll hopefully see you soon at the Emirates."

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Earlier a video of Hathaway and Galitzine went viral where the two actors were seen celebrating the Gunners attacker's goal against Wolves in a Premier League clash, in between an interview where she was heard saying "I love you".

Tottenham fans are calling for Ange Postecoglou to be fired after another embarrassing defeat against Liverpool at Anfield.

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Liverpool storm to 4-0 lead within an hourPostecoglou goes from hero to villainFace Burnley and then Man City in final games(C)Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

As Harvey Elliot scored Liverpool's fourth goal of the afternoon inside 60 minutes, Spurs fans began to vent their frustrations at yet another leaky defensive performance. Postecoglou, once praised for his incredibly attacking tactics, has come under huge scrutiny for failing to adapt his approach to one that is a little more pragmatic. Despite two consolation goals from Son Heung-min and Richarlison narrowing the final score-line to a more respectable 4-2, the Spurs fans were upset with the nature of the early collapse.

AdvertisementWHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

Nigerian filmmaker Imoh Umoren argued that Postecoglou has to change his approach. He posted on X: "If Ange doesn’t learn to adapt he will be fired. His arrogance is like that of a child. Respect your opponent and stop using the same tactics that has been found out every weekend."

Spurs fan, @Jackocal, could not hide his anger as he wrote: "Oli Skipp on when we’re 4-0 down, f**k off. Ange out. I’m done with this s**t. He’s lost his f*cking mind."

Another Spurs fan Karl Banner shared the sentiment: "20 years since Spurs lost 4 prem games in a row! We aren’t just getting beaten we are getting battered weekly! PROGRESS MATE."

It is fair to say rival fans, meanwhile, were loving the meltdown.

Arsenal fan @CarlBovis said: "Don't worry Spurs fans, you've still got the 'We lost to City so Arsenal can't win the League' Cup to play for… 🤣"

@BenKay found humour in the downfall of Postecoglou's side since their early season promise. He said: "London Manager of the Year losing four straight games by an aggregate score of 14-2, is it? And the London Goalkeeper of the Year shipping all those goals, eh? The hilarity of #ANGEout later on will be a delight."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Football fans can be incredibly reactionary at the best of times, but there have been a number of warning signs coming for Spurs and Postecoglou in recent months. The Australian coach showed his attack-at-all-costs approach earlier in the season in their nine-man 4-1 defeat to Chelsea – and was given huge praise. However, with the goals drying up and the defence remaining just as poor, it cannot be surprising that some Spurs fans are starting to lose faith in Postecoglou. Yet, the improvement the side has made overall this season means the Aussie will likely remain in charge.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR SPURS?

Spurs face Burnley next weekend in what represents a must-win game if they want to remain in touching distance of qualifying for the Champions League. They then have the chance to help their bitter rivals Arsenal by stopping Manchester City's charge to the title next Tuesday – although Spurs fans may be slightly split on the approach to that game.

Sitting just three points adrift of the play-offs, having just announced the appointment of former Rangers manager Michael Beale, only time will tell whether Sunderland made the right decision when sacking Tony Mowbray. The Black Cats will hope to see Beale take them into back-to-back play-offs and this time around secure a return to the Premier League. The January transfer window can go a long way towards helping that, with the former Queens Park Rangers boss potentially getting the chance to make his mark on his new side.

With that said, reports suggest that Sunderland have already made their first move in an attempt to sign Beale's first addition ahead of the winter transfer window and have been given a verdict on that proposed move.

Sunderland transfer news

Taking his first job since his Ibox departure earlier this season, Beale will aim to get off to a flying start at Sunderland. Given the fact that he's already got Championship experience under his belt, the Black Cats will be hopeful that their new boss can settle in quickly at the Stadium of Light.

After taking the job, Beale told Sunderland's official website: “It’s a huge honour to be joining the Sunderland family and I would like to thank Kyril, Kristjaan and the rest of the Executive Team for the faith and responsibility they have placed in me.

Sunderland could sign £1.5m EFL star who is perfect for Jack Clarke

This £1.5m star could be Michael Beale’s dream signing at Sunderland.

ByAdam Scully Dec 20, 2023

"The existing coaching team deserve huge credit for the way they navigated the interim period and like all of the staff at the Club, they will continue to be vitally important moving forward alongside the incredible fans that make SAFC such an historic and unique Club. It’s clear there is some excellent work being done at senior and academy level and I’m excited to support those efforts and implement my own ideas, as we build on the strong identity already established within the Club.”

The Black Cats didn't take long when attempting to land the manager's first signing, either. According to Diario de Sevilla, Sevilla have rejected Sunderland's bid for Musa Drammeh ahead of the January transfer window, with the forward seen as an important player for the reserve team and someone who can serve the first team well in the future. Given that verdict, Beale and co may now be forced to look elsewhere for winter arrivals.

Drammeh could have boosted Sunderland's promotion chances

Drammeh's stats for Sevilla's B team show that he is ready to step up to first-team action and could have made an impact had Sunderland's bid been accepted. The striker has scored five goals in 15 games whilst also turning provider on two occasions. For now, though, he is set to stay put in Seville, forcing Sunderland to continue their search for another goalscorer.

The play-off hopefuls have lacked the spark that Amad Diallo gave them ever since the end of his loan spell from Manchester United last season, but if Beale can rediscover that spark through another incoming, he could repay the faith shown in him by those at the Stadium of Light by securing Premier League promotion.

Marsh was struck in the box last month while preparing for the return of the Sheffield Shield

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Mar-2019Doctors were concerned that Mitchell Marsh may had suffered a ruptured testicle when he was struck in the box while preparing for the return of the Sheffield Shield.Marsh underwent surgery, after the blow he took while getting throw downs in the nets, which revealed the injury wasn’t as serious as feared and he was suffering from severe bleeding. He was ruled out of the match against New South Wales, but is set to return to action against South Australia at the WACA on Sunday.”I basically got hit in the box by one of our coaches on the flicker [used for throw downs],” Marsh said. “Usually, when you get hit in the box, it lasts for a couple of minutes and goes away. But after half-an-hour, I was in the exact same pain.”I got taken to hospital to double check. I had a scan where they thought I potentially ruptured one of my testicles. But once they got in there, it was just basically severe bleeding. It was best-case scenario. It was pretty sore for a few days. They’re still both working hopefully so it’s good.”Marsh is still experiencing some pain but said he was confident heading into the next Sheffield Shield round. “Once you get out in the middle and your competitive juices are flowing, I won’t be thinking about this at all.”It has been a challenging season for Marsh who has lost his place in both the Test team – for which he was vice-captain – and the ODI side. He needs a very strong finish to the Shield campaign to keep his name in the frame for the World Cup and Ashes, but both now appear a long shot for him.