West Ham United’s midfield is something that needs to be addressed in the transfer window this summer.
Mark Noble was arguably the only consistent performer in the middle of the park last season, while Cheikhou Kouyate and Pedro Obiang struggled to impress.
With Manuel Pellegrini now in charge at the London Stadium, the Chilean will look to put his own stamp on the team.
It is unclear what type of player he will be looking for, but there is an argument for Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter.
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In March, The Express reported that then-West Ham boss David Moyes was planning to swoop for the Republic of Ireland international, who is valued at £6.3m by Transfermarkt.
Now that Moyes has been shown the exit door, the transfer strategy may have changed, but it seems that Arter may well seek a move away from the Cherries.
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Sky Sports recently quoted the midfielder saying that he is waiting to see what happens with regards to his future this summer.
With that in mind, we asked you if the Hammers should make a move for Arter, and the majority have made it clear that he is not right for them.
According to The Sun, Old Firm rivals Celtic and Rangers are battling it out for the signature of Liverpool youngster Harry Wilson. The 21-year-old will be looking to build upon a fine loan spell at Hull City last term in a bid to continue his development, and were Steven Gerrard’s Gers to beat the Bhoys to the winger’s signature, they would draw first blood in the Scottish Premiership title race.
The Breakdown
Ultimately, the 21-year-old came up through the ranks at Anfield but has only gone on to play once for the senior side, which came back in January 2017 in their narrow 1-0 success over Plymouth Argyle in an FA Cup third round replay.
Since then, the Wales international has enjoyed a decent loan spell at Championship side Hull City to further underline his credentials, with Wilson netting seven goals and laying on four assists in 13 league games to help Nigel Adkins’ side avoid the drop.
Thus, there is no surprise that the likes of Rangers and Celtic are eyeing up a move for the talented youngster, but if Gerrard’s men were to beat Brendan Rodgers’ side to his signature, it would be a clear statement of intent from the Gers that they are ready to challenge the Bhoys.
Ultimately, beating Celtic to a signing would further underline the sort of impact Gerrard’s arrival as manager could have on the Light Blues, as it’s arguable that his arrival as manager will open their doors to a much wider range of possible additions.
And not least young players at Liverpool who may have worked with him in the past, and have seen the 38-year-old become a legend at Anfield during his professional career – the opportunity to play for him may be too good to turn down.
Who do you think will win the World Cup? Let us know here
But winning the race for Wilson would suggest that Rangers are able to compete with Rodgers’ men in the transfer window, and as such could strike a damaging blow to the defending champions ahead of the 2018/19 Scottish Premiership campaign.
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Thus, were Rangers to indeed fend off their bitter rivals for the £900,000-rated sensation (as per Transfermarkt), they could draw first blood in the title race for the upcoming season.
Tottenham Hotspur defender Michael Dawson has vowed to take his England World Cup call with both hands while offering his commiserations to the injury-stricken Rio Ferdinand.
The Manchester United star picked up a knee problem at the Three Lions' training camp in South Africa on Friday and the prognosis suggests the 31-year-old will be out of action for around a month.
With Ferdinand's World Cup dream now in tatters, coach Fabio Capello, who cut Dawson from his preliminary 30-man squad, has now handed him a lifeline ahead of the Group C opener with USA on June 12 in Rustenburg.
"It's a crazy game and things can change in a split second," the centre-back told Spurs' official website.
"One minute I'm trying to arrange my holiday, then I get a call asking if I was on holiday because Rio had pulled out of training.
"I said 'no' and then I was just waiting by the phone before getting a call saying I would be picked up in an hour. It's been a crazy day.
"For Rio to get injured, there would be no worse feeling for him as a player. To miss the biggest tournament in the world as the captain, I feel for him.
"I missed the Carling Cup final in 2008, and there was nothing anyone could have said to me that could have made me feel any better.
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"For Rio, the feeling will be the same, but it's a chance for me now.
"I've not had time to think about it but I've had call after call with people wishing me good luck.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
With the World Cup having now entered the knockout stages, I feel the viewing public has now had enough time to watch, admire and dissect the strengths and weaknesses of a diverse a number of different nations and individual players, but a question that started a debate amongst me and a few friends during the Brazil vs. Chile game the other day, was to identify who is exactly the world’s premier right back. Let’s assess the main candidates.
Maicon – The frontrunner for the accolade it has to be said and the player which Clive Tyldesley, the commentator in question, helped kick off our debate with. Maicon is quite simply a beast of a player. A force of nature. A freak. Exceptional, powerful and direct going forward, the Brazilian is also solid in the air and decent on the ball and more than able when put under the cosh at the back with his impressive physical prowess. There is no bigger compliment to pay the man than the fact that he’s the one Inter Milan player, which Jose Mourinho has earmarked to take with him to Real Madrid this summer, with many reports stating a deal has all but been signed, despite the Madrid club already possessing the accomplished Ramos within their ranks. A late bloomer.
Sergio Ramos – Which brings me rather neatly to the second candidate on our list. The Spanish international right back already boasts an impressive 64 caps for his country, all at the relatively tender age of 24. Signed by the Spanish giants for roughly £20m in the summer of 2005 from Sevilla, despite only being 19 years old, Ramos is equally comfortable going forward and at doing the job he’s paid to do, to defend. Ramos once complained of former Real Madrid manager Bernd Schuster’s tactics, and that the lack of width in midfield caused by the manager gave him a whole flank to himself and simply too much to do. The fact that the manager felt he could trust Ramos with a whole flank to himself though speaks volumes for his ability to cover ground and all with the panache and verve of a winger and full back rolled into one. Mourinho has apparently earmarked him to play centre half next season for the club in the hope of utilising his fantastic ball playing skills from the middle of defence, a quality the club has not had since the heady days of Fernando Hierro.
Daniel Alves – Often seen as a winger come full back, the 27-year-old Alves is an integral part of his club side Barcelona’s attack, where he is given the freedom to roam from deep and exploit his devastating pace to the fullest down the right. Although he has 39 caps for his native Brazil’s national side, he has had to play second fiddle to Maicon under coach Dunga’s current managerial regime and there are question marks over his defensive capabilities and positioning, with Alves often found too far forward to help out his fellow defensive colleagues. Alves is undoubtedly a fine dribbler of the ball, and much like Frank Lampard, the secret to his success is his ability to ghost into the attack from deep seemingly unnoticed, and he’s much more effective as a full back as opposed to a winger, but whether this helps cover up for his defensive deficiencies, I’m not so sure.
Phillip Lahm – The evergreen Lahm has been one of Bayern Munich and Germany’s most consistent performers for quite some time now. It’s amazing to think that Lahm is still only 26 years old and he seems to getting better and better with age. Composed when in possession, purposeful going forward and with an excellent delivery on him, Lahm encapsulates the modern full back to perfection. He also had a stormer of a season just gone as the newly appointed vice-captain of his club side Bayern, with some swashbuckling displays down the right hand flank behind Arjen Robben, which helped lead his side to the Champions League final and a German league and cup double. The only blot against Lahm’s record is that perhaps his versatility sometimes counts against him and too often he’s shoved from right to left back and sometimes even pushed forward into midfield should the occasion call for it. Whilst this makes him an ideal man to have in any manager’s squad, with his composure, experience and awareness all noteworthy, it does make calling him the best right back in the world that little bit more difficult as he doesn’t always occupy that position for club and country.
Bacary Sagna – Perhaps a somewhat controversial choice. Sagna had an indifferent World Cup with the disastrous French team helmed by international joke Raymond Domenech, much like the rest of the squad, but more often than not he represents a steady and reliable option at the back for his club Arsenal. Strong, decent in the air and with more than a bite in the tackle, Sagna had a great first season in North London after edging out previous incumbent to the right back berth Emmanuel Eboue with his fine form which was rewarded with a place in the PFA Team of the Year in the 2007/8 season. Going forward though, Sagna is less effective and his crossing is dire at times to say the least. Sagna may have struggled to make this list had Javier Zanetti played at the right instead of the left for Inter this year, but the Argentine legend may switch back there next season should Maicon’s potential move to Real Madrid come to fruition.
Branislav Ivanovic – If UEFA handed out every Sunday league football presentation night’s favourite award, the much coveted ‘Most Improved Player’ award, then Ivanovic’s name would most certainly be somewhere near the top of the list. The 26-year-old Serbian international also has the ability to play at centre half, but it’s his form for his club Chelsea at right back that has really caught the eye. He was the Premiership’s standout performer at right back last term, as his place in the PFA Team of the Year will testify to. His main qualities are that he’s as strong as an ox, excellent in the air, and all while possessing a fair turn of pace too. It’s also extremely rare to see Ivanovic being caught or dragged out of position or even being beaten to the byline. Whilst he does present a threat from set pieces, a view that Liverpool fans the world over will support, he is limited when crossing the half-way line, and whilst not possessing the nosebleed quality that say a Tony Hibbert gets every time he steps out of his comfort zone when confronted with an opportunity to attack the oppositions final third, it’s clear for all to see where his strengths lie. A dependable, solid figure at the back and a mainstay in their double winning team this season, Jose Bosingwa will struggle to find his way back into the Chelsea starting eleven upon his return to full fitness.
For my money, it’s a close run thing between Maicon and Lahm, with both players equally good going forward as they are defensively sound at the back. Alves, for all of his qualities going forward, can be found wanting against quality opposition and whilst this does have it’s benefits, it does mean precautions have to be taken to safeguard the defence of his continual absence. Ramos is comfortable going forward and his ability and trickery on the ball are often underestimated, but his strength lies in his ability to defend, and I regard Phillip Lahm and Maicon as more complete full backs and they come out fractionally on top. Ivanovic is the antithesis of Alves, a defender’s defender, but not the strongest going forward, whereas Sagna remains a distant sixth from those mentioned above.
So what does everyone else think? Are there any notable omissions?
Written By James McManus
Click on image below to see the PORTUGUESE babes at the World Cup
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A number of South American footballers have impressed in South Africa this summer, but how many are actually capable of tackling the Premier League?
Here are 5 South American players who impressed immensely in this years World Cup finals, more importantly, 5 players who could potentially make the grade in the best league in the world this season:
Alexis Sanchez (Chile)
Undeniably Alexis Sanchez was Chile’s danger man and focal point in South Africa this summer and showed the whole world why he is such a promising prospect for the future of football. The 21-year-old dazzled many with his blistering pace, dribbling skills, attacking prowess and bags of trickery, and was by far Chile’s best player in South Africa this summer. Alexis Sanchez started all 4 games for his country and although he never bagged a goal in the tournament, the forward certainly helped Chile progress as far as they did in the tournament. The Chilean currently plays his club football in Italy for Serie A side Udinese, but has already attracted interest from Premier League titans Manchester United. The Udinese speed merchant can play in several positions including on the wing, upfront and as a second striker. Although the versatile forward only stands at 5’ 7’’, Sanchez is physically equipped to tackle the English game. He would be a great addition to the Premier League, but will cost any team interested a reported £20 million this summer due to his performances in the World Cup.
Antolin Alcaraz (Paraguay)
The Paraguayan international certainly put himself on the map this summer and showed many football fans what he is capable of. The 27-year-old centre-back possesses great strength, pace, positional sense, and standing at 6’ 2’’ also acquires good aerial ability. Having watched the defender this summer, he is also a very tidy and composed footballer, very good to see in a defender these days. Alcaraz did sign a pre-contract agreement deal with Wigan Athletic before the World Cup started. However, the Paraguayan may pull the plug on the deal in hope of signing for a bigger club this summer following promising performances in South Africa. Alcaraz was easily one of Paraguay’s most consistent performers and played 4 out of the 5 matches in the tournament where he bagged a goal as well. Alcaraz has the correct attributes and stature to play in the Premier League this season.
Carlos Salcido (Mexico)
Other than Portugal’s Fabio Coentrao, Carlos Salcido was arguably one of the best full-backs in the tournament this summer. The 30-year-old Mexican international was absolutely solid throughout Mexico’s time in South Africa and was one of the side’s better performers. Salcido possesses superb pace which he utilizes to bomb up and down the left flank as well as good positional sense and strength. The Mexican currently plays his club football in Holland for PSV and has been since 2006. Chelsea have been reportedly linked with the Mexican in the past and may rekindle their interest in the player after seeing him in the World Cup this summer. Salcido would fit the Premier League brilliantly as the player attains the right attributes, and could potentially leave PSV for approximately £7-10 million this summer.
Click here to see the other three players on the list
Diego Lugano (Uruguay)
The 29-year-old solid centre-back was without a doubt one of the best performers in his position this summer. Diego Lugano led his country brilliantly in the World Cup and was an intricate figure in the Uruguayans back-line in South Africa. The 6’ 2’’ defender impressed immensely with his tough man-marking, aerial ability, positional sense and has a commanding voice on the pitch which makes him a natural leader. The Uruguayan is currently contracted to Turkish side Fenerbahce, but will no doubt have attracted many clubs around Europe after a fine tournament with his country this summer. Lugano could easily adapt to the English game as he exemplifies what the Premier League is all about, competitive, fast and spirited. A Premier League club should definitely take a look at Lugano as the Uruguayan captain could potentially do a great job in the back-line for any team in the league. Premier League clubs could acquire the services of the powerful centre-back if a bid within the region of £6-8 million was tabled this summer.
Michel Bastos (Brazil)
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It is almost a ‘mission impossible’ job for Lyon’s Michel Bastos (or in fact any Brazilian) to be the next Roberto Carlos, but the 26-year-old did have a good tournament in the full-back position this summer. Bastos appeared in all 5 games for Brazil in South Africa and showed signs of why Premier League clubs are interested in the player’s services. Traditionally a left winger, Bastos had to settle for the left-back slot this summer as Robinho took his place on the left wing in the team. The 5’ 10’’ Lyon man adapted well to the full-back role, and although sitting further back as he would have liked, the Brazilian still bombed forward. Bastos possesses great pace, skill and movement as well as a threat to opposing defenders when he explodes forward. His defensive attributes need improving, but primarily he is a left winger who likes to get forward. Many fans will know what Bastos capabilities are as he did make appearances in the Champion’s League last season which of course he performed well in. The Brazilian would adapt well to the English game’s pace and competitiveness. However, the biggest problem that poses clubs interested would be the player’s price tag. Taking into account that Lyon acquired Michel Bastos from Lille OSC last summer for approximately £15 million, and the player boasting a good tournament this summer, Bastos could potentially cost up to £18-25 million. Whatever the case maybe, the Brazilian would make a good addition to the Premier League this season…should someone acquire him of course.
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Click on image below to see the SPANISH babes at the World Cup
Former Sunderland loanee John Mensah has said he would love a dream move back to the Premier League.
The defender enjoyed a successful World Cup with Ghana this summer, despite missing a penalty in their heartbreaking shoot-out defeat to Uruguay in the quarter-finals.
Mensah made just 16 appearances for the Black Cats last term as he struggled with injury, but he certainly demonstrated his capabilities at the heart of the Black Stars' defence in South Africa and, although he will return to parent club Lyon, he would welcome a permanent switch to England.
He said:"If it depends on me I would prefer to stay in the Premier League but in football today there are many things involved.
"Lyon is my club so they have their say as well. The sad thing is I never gave my best to Lyon.
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"I am resting now and want to get my batteries recharged for next season. I want to have an injury free season at the top level."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Last week I wrote an article highlighting the opportunity of signing good players from Manchester City’s swelling squad, however, I didn’t expect Tottenham to be one of the clubs to be in the market. The two clubs are some of the most evenly matched in the Premier League, and I can’t see how City’s back-up players would help Spurs’ already healthy looking squad. Harry Redknapp told SkySports:
“One or two walk through the door and it gives everybody a lift. I hoped Joe Cole would have done that if he’d come here but I think there are one or two out there who would do the same – maybe from Manchester City. Stephen Ireland would cost too much. I like him but he is expensive at £11million or £12million.”
I totally agree with what Redknapp is saying but I’m surprised it is his club that could be in the market. Perhaps if Tottenham were facing a problem in registering their eight home-grown players they might want the likes of Ireland or Micah Richards, but Spurs can boast an already impressive array of home grown talent.
After bids for Joe Cole and Scott Parker have been thwarted, and mentioning Stephen Ireland as a possible interest, it is clear Harry is in the market for a central midfielder. He already has Tom Huddlestone, Jermaine Jenas, and Wilson Palacios, as well as Luka Modric operating there towards the latter stages of last season after the emergence of Gareth Bale, and even Jamie O’Hara is still a Spurs player at the moment (although he will be injured for the next few months). As good a player as I think Stephen Ireland is, would he definitely hold down a first team spot at Tottenham? Redknapp obviously wants a squad big enough to compete in the Champions League as well as domestic competition, but for Ireland, he may just be swapping the bench at Eastlands, for one at White Hart Lane.
For Tottenham, their midfield is decent – Jermaine Jenas could be improved upon, but as a back-up he’s not too bad – but if they going to spend money, it should be on a striker to help an uncommitted Robbie Keane, and a centre-back to compensate for the fitness of King and Woodgate.
After their fourth place finish, Tottenham are one of the teams now in position where they are trying to break up the Big Four’s long-standing dominance. They have reached the point whereby to improve their squad the quality of players that they buy have to be of the highest standard. Clearly if they are interested in the same players as Man City they will not be able to match them financially, and have so look elsewhere, but at least further than the rest of City’s squad (although Bellamy could be an option?). The teams who should be trying to persuade Mancini to part with his squad players are the clubs just behind Spurs, Everton and Villa i.e. Fulham, Birmingham, Stoke and Sunderland, that’s where the likes of Ireland could flourish.
You get the feeling that Redknapp is getting itchy feet, usually so busy in the transfer window; this summer has so far been a quite one. Because there has been a lack of transfers generally, there hasn’t been the usual merry-go-round and knock on effect where clubs can pick up players from each other. That said, Spurs are notorious for leaving things late, and you wouldn’t put it past Redknapp looking further afield than the Eastlands training ground, and picking up a couple of quality players on deadline day.
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With the PL season nearly upon us, let’s see the WAGS that will be keeping the players on their toes. Click on image to VIEW gallery
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A couple of weeks ago it was announced that Arsenal would be initiating a fan share scheme. With the full backing of the club’s board, fans are now able to buy a fraction of shares so that supporters can be given a stake in the club. People who opt into the scheme will be able to attend Arsenal’s Annual General Meetings, where they will have the opportunity to voice their opinions on how the club is run and they will be able to vote on policy. The announcement of the fan share scheme has gone down very well amongst Arsenal fans, who are delighted at the prospect of being able to buy affordable shares and have a influence over their club.
Whilst fans at Arsenal are pleased, at Manchester United there is great unease over the ownership of the club. The Green and Gold protest movement gathered a real head of steam last season, where scarfs in these colours could be seen across Old Trafford and discontent with the Glazers mounted. On Wednesday it was revealed that the club had failed to reach their season ticket target against the backdrop of the Manchester United Supporters Trust urging fans to boycott buying season tickets in the hope of encouraging the owners to sell up. With relations between the club’s owners and fans at such a low ebb, would it be a wise move for Man Utd to initiate a similar fan share scheme to Arsenal in order to bridge the gap?
When the Red Knights were interested in buying Manchester United earlier this year, part of their mantra was to propose that supporters trusts would be able to buy a 25.1% stake in club, which would give fans a decisive say in the clubs policy. It was a neat move by the bids chairman Keith Harris, who realised that getting the supporters on side would be crucial if the Red Knight’s bid was to have any chance of success. As it happened the takeover did not go ahead, but perhaps the Glazers could learn a thing or two from what was a popular bid from the Red Knights and consider a fan share scheme themselves.
If the Glazers iniatiated a similar fan share scheme to the one proposed by the Red Knights, it would surely ease tensions between the club’s board and the fans. If they were to offer supporters a chance to buy a certain amount of stake in the club it might actually give the Glazers a longer incumbency as owners of Man Utd. The impact the movement against the Glazers has had, can already been seen in regard to the disappointing season ticket sales, and as time goes on the level of discontent with the owners is only going to increase. There will surely come a point when the clamour for their departure will make their position untenable.
A fan share scheme would certainly go some way to bridging the gap between the supporters and the boardroom. The Glazers however, have only ever seemed happy with maintaining full control of the club, and though a fan share scheme might be a good move on their part, you would not be holding your breath for it. Such is the level of antipathy against the Glazers amongst the fans, that there is also no guarantee that it would sate supporters appetites for the owners heads. But if the Glazer family want to have any sort of popularity at Old Trafford without selling the club, then a fan share scheme might well be their best bet.
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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was left unhappy by the amount of stoppage time played in his side's 1-1 draw at Sunderland.
Darren Bent netted a last-gasp equaliser for the Black Cats in the fifth minute of stoppage time, with only four minutes having been put up on the fourth official's board.
Wenger said afterwards:"If you have a watch, you can control. It's as simple as that.
"It was outside the four minutes. I know the referee can give more than four, it's a minimum of four minutes.
"But in the four minutes nothing happened to justify the extension of the time. But I cannot do anything about that."
Meanwhile, Wenger was pleased with his side's overall display at the Stadium of Light, adding:"I believe the performance was good. We had problems to start in the first half.
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"In the second half we played very well. We were, even with ten men, in control of the game and unfortunately in the 95th minute they equalised.
"I was very pleased. We could battle, we could play, we had all the ingredients of a good team. We had a slow start, but in the second half we did well."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
This can’t happen again. It is time for the Glazers to leave.
Its amazing what 30 protesters outside your house can do. Wayne Rooney signs a new five year deal. What a week in the life of Manchester United. The spotlight was on the greatest club in the world, and its fair to say they dealt with the crisis as well as they could. Sir Alex Ferguson and David Gill did not rush statements out or get into a media battle with Wayne Rooney and his advisor’s. However, Wayne Rooney’s statement about the ‘lack of ambition’ at the club and the ‘failure to attract the worlds top stars’ to Old Trafford will have damaged Manchester United’s reputation.
Has this week finally brought an end to the Glazer’s time at Old Trafford. They need to invest in both what they have – in terms of youngsters – as well as bringing top players to Old Trafford. Do they have the funds? And do Manchester United fans truly believe they will?
If United had lost Rooney it would have been highly damaging for the American owners. They are hated by Manchester United fans – they have saddled the club with huge debts and have shown no signs of investing in new talent. If United had lost their last remaining talisman, after the departures of Ronaldo and Tevez, there would have been uproar at Old Trafford. The selling of top names to pay off the debts they have brought onto the club would be the accusation – and who could argue against this.
It is time for the Glazers to sell the club to the Red Knights group. This type of crisis, where a player of the stature of Wayne Rooney has openly criticised the ambition of the club must send alarm bells ringing throughout the club.
To be fair, the Glazers have stumped up the cash for Wayne Rooney’s new five year deal. However, if it hadn’t been for the expert handling of the situation from David Gill and Sir Alex Ferguson, Rooney would have been out of the door and United’s season would have been thrown into further chaos. In fact now, United can regroup, revitalise under one goal – with everybody moving in the same direction on the pitch.
The Glazers show no sign of wanting to sell. With Wayne Rooney signed to a five year deal the clubs value has risen. If United had sold Rooney, the Red Knights would have valued the club at far less than the £1billion they were prepared to pay last season.
One Red Knight added that the value of Manchester United, without Rooney, could be ‘closer to the £790m the Glazer family paid in May 2005.’
Will the events of this week put the Glazers in a stronger position at Old Trafford. Certainly not. United fans know that this can’t happen again. The only way that Manchester United can truly attract the best players is if the Glazer family leave Old Trafford. The debt saddled on the club has meant that United can’t go and spend the money they once did on Juan Sebastian Veron and Wayne Rooney.
Here lies the major problem. With Van Der Sar, Neville, Giggs and Scholes all tipped to leave within eighteen months, where is the investment coming from to replace these players. Can United really afford to replace great players with the likes of Kucshzack, Raphael, Obertan and Gibson and continue to challenge for honours?
It is now or never for the Glazer ownership. Manchester United can never be put in a position where one of their own is challenging the direction of the club. Granted it could be player power gone mad or Rooney trying to gain leverage for a new deal. What ever it was it happened and has damaged the club. With the position the Glazer’s have put United in, Ferguson was a sitting duck to such a humiliating attack.
Under the Glazers, Manchester United’s record has been very good. Three Premiership titles and a Champions League, along with League Cup success. No doubt there has been success but with United moving into a transition period the club needs to change hands in the immediate future.
There is one man that could change the situation United have no found themselves in. If Sir Alex Ferguson turned on the ownership, Manchester United fans could have their club back. His support for them has made many United fans (not all) fall into line and trust his judgement. Could the events of the last week finally open Ferguson’s eyes to the true cost the Glazer family are having on the club. This week was a close call, this can never be allowed to happen again. The Glazers time at Old Trafford has to be brought to an end.
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