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Tottenham were back, well so we thought anyway. Ange Postecoglou’s men were a free-scoring bundle of joy but they have crumbled twice now in recent times.

Sandwiching that amazing 4-1 win over West Ham, Spurs suffered a defeat to Brighton and have now just lost to Crystal Palace 1-0.

The Eagles had not won all season, they were the league’s lowest scorers. It was classic Spurs, really.

Still, it may have been a negative day at the office for Tottenham, but there was some excitement generated at least by a first Premier League start for Mikey Moore. Here’s how he got on…

Mikey Moore's performance in numbers

Against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday evening, 17-year-old Moore was electric with his performance, taking on the player for fun as if here…well, Neymar.

That was the viewpoint of the skipper for the night, James Maddison anyway, who was blown away by the teenager’s skillset on the continental stage.

Moore didn’t register a goal involvement that evening but he evidently impressed Postecoglou enough to be handed a full Premier League debut against Palace on Sunday afternoon.

Sadly, it didn’t go according to plan for Spurs or the young winger. He was substituted on the 62-minute mark having failed with all three of his dribble attempts and failed to register a single key pass.

You cannot fault Moore’s energy, workrate or his bravery but it simply didn’t come off for him on this occasion.

Handed a 5/10 match rating by Football.London’s Rob Guest, the Tottenham correspondent wrote of how the teen was ‘positive when on the ball’ but ‘didn’t have too many opportunities to run’.

The Hotspur Way graduate wasn’t the worst player on the field though, far from it.

Tottenham's worst players against Crystal Palace

Micky van de Ven has been fabulous in a Spurs shirt this season. That assist at Old Trafford was remarkable, bursting down the left-hand side like Gareth Bale in his prime to lay the ball on a plate for Brennan Johnson.

At Selhurst Park, the Dutchman was left wanting. It was his giveaway that led to the game’s only goal.

Van de Ven got caught in possession which allowed Eberechi Eze to collect the ball before crossing for Jean-Philippe Mateta who found the net.

Spurs weren’t great at the back but they were also pretty poor in forward areas too. That’s strange considering how impressive Postecoglou’s side have been in the final third this term, notably scoring four goals last time out against West Ham United.

Dejan Kulusevski has been a massive part of that. Before this weekend’s games, the Swede ranked first among Premier League midfielders for key passes, progressive runs and dribbles per 90.

Thus, to see him withdrawn in the same minute as Moore was disappointing. It also spoke volumes that the club’s Aussie manager was willing to take off his most creative presence when they needed a goal.

However, it was damning of the former Juventus ace’s time on the field in south London this weekend as his 31 touches were even fewer than goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario who managed 52.

Minutes played

62

Touches

31

Accurate passes

16/22 (73%)

Key passes

1

Expected assists (xA)

0.02

Crosses

0/1

Shots

1

Completed dribbles

1/1

Duels won

2/9

Fouls

4

Interceptions

1

Tackles

0

He simply wasn’t his usual self, registering just the one shot – one that was saved well by Dean Henderson – and only one key pass. His expected assists (xA) tally sat at just 0.02, far below the usual levels of creativity we’ve become accustomed to seeing from the 24-year-old in 2024/25 to date.

Handed a 4/10 match rating by the aforementioned Guest, he wrote that the ‘intricate bits of play just didn’t come off for the Swede.’

Damning words indeed for one of Tottenham’s best players this season. That’s now six points dropped from their last three games. Not ideal at all, is it?

Postecoglou’s men looked as though they were going places but old habits die hard, eh? Spurs are struggling again and the craggy-faced head coach has some questions to answer.

It's not Solanke: Ange could have his own Havertz in Spurs' "absolute unit"

Spurs have another promising young striker on their hands.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Oct 26, 2024

And so it is finally over, Erik ten Hag is no longer Manchester United manager.

It has been a simply disastrous start to the 2024/25 season for the club. The Red Devils are stumbling in the Premier League and Europa League and are struggling to win a game. They currently find themselves 14th in the Premier League, with just 11 points to their name so far.

The Red Devils, who won the FA Cup last season, will be hoping they can turn this torrid form around soon with Ruud van Nistelrooy now at the helm on an interim basis.

The iconic Dutchman – or whoever ends up being the new permanent appointment – certainly has their work cut out…

United’s underlying stats in the 2024/25 Premier League

Perhaps the most striking stat for United so far this term is the fact they have won just four games in all competitions in the entire season, having played 14 times. Those victories have come against Fulham on the opening day of the season, Premier League strugglers Southampton, League One outfit Barnsley and, most recently, Brentford.

One issue the Red Devils have had this season is scoring goals. They are the second-lowest scorers in the division this season, with just eight goals to their name. As per Understat, the Red Devils have an expected goals tally of 15.65xG, although that still places them 11th in the xG table.

Whilst they have conceded 11 times so far in the Premier League, they are worryingly 15th for expected goals against. United’s current tally stands at 17.52xGA, with four of the five sides who have a worse number in that metric sitting below them in the Premier League.

Home

Away

Stat

Number

PL rank

Stat

Number

PL rank

Games

4

N/A

Games

5

N/A

Goals scored

3

=10th

Goals scored

5

=7th

Expected goals

5.91xG

14th

Expected goals

9.74xG

3rd

Goals conceded

7

=5th

Goals conceded

4

=2nd

Expected goals against

8.82xGA

16th

Expected goals against

8.69xGA

13th

Unsurprisingly, those woes have resulted in the end for Ten Hag, given how badly the side are performing this season. Rumours have been swirling about who could replace the Dutchman, including one manager who is a legend of the game.

The manager who could replace Ten Hag

The manager in question here is former Barcelona boss Xavi. The legendary midfielder recently left his post at the helm of the La Liga giants, who are now flying high under Hansi Flick. According to a report from Sacha Tavolieri, the Spaniard is a ‘concrete lead to succeed’ the Dutchman and is having talks with club officials.

Indeed, the 44-year-old has a strong record as Barca manager despite the fact he left the club at the end of last season. In 143 matches that he coached his former side, Xavi oversaw 91 wins, and just 23 draws and 29 losses. His side managed to score 280 goals under him in that time.

Interestingly, the Spaniard, who won the World Cup and two European Championships with his nation, was once a target for United as a player. He explained that the club “approached me once through Sir Alex Ferguson’s brother”, although he rejected the offer in favour of Barcelona.

In terms of his style of play, Xavi favours a direct 4-3-3 formation, taking inspiration from the legendary sides he featured in as a player, with intricate, one-touch passing moves and plenty of underlaps from midfield. One of his best wins as Barca boss was a 3-1 victory over Real Madrid in the Supercup in 2023.

Xavi could also be the perfect manager for United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo. The 19-year-old has become a key player for his boyhood club over the past 12 months and is one of England’s most talented young midfielders. He already has 44 senior appearances for the Red Devils under his belt.

Learning from one of the greatest midfielders of all time would be huge for the England international’s development. During his time at Barca, he developed La Masia graduates Pedri and Gavi into two world-renowned midfielders.

With a brilliant track record of developing young midfielders, Mainoo could take his game to the next level under Xavi, learning new intricacies to further develop his game. It could be a match made in heaven.

Xavi could then represent the dream upgrade on Ten Hag, having averaged 2.07 points per game during his time at Camp Nou, while the now ex-United boss finished with a record of just 1.84 points per game from his 128 matches at the helm.

Not only does Xavi give young players a chance, exactly what United stands for, but his style of play could fit the squad well. It might end up being the dream appointment for the Red Devils as they look to save their season, with the club once again chasing a new permanent manager in this turbulent post-Ferguson era.

Ten Hag sacked: Man Utd now considering 37 y/o "great coach" as replacement

INEOS have pulled the trigger and are already lining up a new coach.

ByBrett Worthington Oct 28, 2024

MatériaMais Notícias

Federação Paranaense de Futebol divulgou a tabela do Campeonato Paranaense da 2ª Divisão. O Apucarana Sports estreia diante do PSTC.

Presidente da equipe, Douglas Rodrigues projetou a disputa da competição e analisou a temporada que se avizinha.

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– Esperamos fazer uma grande temporada. Temos algum tempo para se preparar e temos tudo para fazer uma boa competição. Estamos com uma expectativa grande – afirmou.

O Apucarana Sports começa os treinamentos a partir do dia 15. Em breve a diretoria do Apucarana Sports vai apresentar o time e a comissão técnica.

– Estamos trabalhando para fazer uma equipe competitiva e conseguir brigar em condição de igualdade dentro da competição – explicou.

Misbah-ul-Haq, the Pakistan head coach, has tested positive for Covid-19 in Kingston, where Pakistan completed their series of four T20Is and two Tests against West Indies. Misbah will now stay on and complete his 10-day quarantine before travelling home, even as the rest of the Pakistan contingent leaves for Lahore late on Wednesday.In a statement, the PCB said that Misbah, who is asymptomatic, “was the only Pakistan squad member who failed two pre-departure PCR tests”. “The PCB is constantly in touch with Cricket West Indies who have confirmed that Misbah will be shifted to another hotel for the 10-day quarantine with a medical specialist assigned to look after his health and well-being,” the statement said.Related

• Ravi Shastri returns positive lateral flow test, placed in isolation along with three others

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It was a rain-marred but largely successful tour for Pakistan. Their four-match T20I series had three games that ended in no-results because of the weather, but they won the only completed game, the second, by seven runs to take the series.Then came the Test series, where West Indies clinched a thriller by one wicket to go 1-0 up, but Shaheen Afridi and Fawad Alam headlined Pakistan’s bounceback in the second Test to give them a 109-run series-squaring win on Tuesday.Pakistan are now scheduled to host New Zealand for three ODIs (in Rawalpindi) and five T20Is (in Lahore) from September 17, with the visitors going across to Pakistan – after their tour of Bangladesh – for the first time in nearly 18 years.As part of the home season, Pakistan are also expected to host England for two T20Is (before the Men’s T20 World Cup, in October), and Australia early next year.

Former Leeds United striker Jermaine Beckford has been left buzzing after an “exciting” update was shared by the 49ers Enterprises.

Leeds summer signings and upcoming fixtures

The Whites and manager Daniel Farke were busy over the summer, bringing in eight new additions after losing a number of important players, including star trio Crysencio Summerville, Archie Gray and Georginio Rutter. Joe Rodon, Largie Ramazani, Jayden Bogle, Ao Tanaka, Isaac Schmidt and Alex Cairns all arrived on permanent transfers, whereas Manor Solomon and Joe Rothwell joined on loan.

On the pitch, Leeds are currently two points better off than they were at this stage last season, with Saturday’s 2-0 win at Cardiff City seeing Ramazani score and shine on what was his first start for the Whites.

Farke’s side currently sit in the playoff positions, but after last season’s Wembley heartbreak against Southampton, will be keen to earn automatic promotion this time around.

Leeds United’s next five Championship games

Date

Leeds United vs Coventry City

September 28

Norwich City vs Leeds United

October 1

Sunderland vs Leeds United

October 4

Leeds United vs Sheffield United

October 18

Leeds United vs Watford

October 22

The games come thick and fast for Leeds over the coming months, but away from the pitch, plans are seemingly in place from the 49ers Enterprises when it comes to expanding Elland Road.

Leeds announce Elland Road plan to increase capacity

On Monday, Leeds revealed their next steps to enhance Elland Road, looking to take the capacity from 37,645 to around 53,000. The club stated the key ambitions for the stadium upgrade on their official website:

Modernise and improve stadium capacity from 37,645 to c.53,000 seats Significant increase to general admission seating, which at present would make Elland Road the seventh largest club stadium in the country A core architectural design objective is to maintain and enhance the unique atmosphere Phased approach to construction to minimise loss of seating capacity during the project Bring Elland Road in line with UEFA Category 4 status, to be amongst the elite in European stadia Expert team, combining global stadium experience with local specialist knowledge, assembled to deliver artist’s impressions and planning submission

Chairman Paraag Marathe said: “We recognise how important Elland Road is to the Leeds United fans and the wider community. The opportunity to refresh a century-old stadium, coupled with the legacy of Leeds United, is unprecedented.

“Our plans reinforce our commitment to the long-term success of the club and I am excited that we are going to be able to welcome thousands more supporters to every game, in a stadium that retains the unique atmosphere of Elland Road. We look forward to sharing our plans with supporters and the local community for their input.”

Reacting to the news, former forward Beckford was upbeat and took to X to say: “This will be exciting! Imagine the atmosphere when 50k+ are singing at full pelt! I can’t wait!! MOT”

Aston Villa left it late against Wolves, coming back from 1-0 down, to secure a 3-1 victory on Saturday afternoon.

Matheus Cunha gave Wolves the lead after just 25 minutes, and it took Villa until the 73rd minute to find their breakthrough, with Ollie Watkins scoring his third of the season to make it 1-1.

Villa then managed to continue their momentum, finding two more goals to secure the victory and three points, with both Ezri Konsa and Jhon Duran on the scoresheet. This moved Villa up to third in the Premier League, having won four of their opening five games.

But Unai Emery was not happy with his side’s performance, stating “it was the worst we have played” in his interview after the game.

Despite the Spaniards’ disappointment, the Villans secured all three points, and there were some good individual performances.

Watkins and Rogers' performances

Two of Villa’s standout performers were Watkins and Morgan Rogers. Having not scored in his opening three games this season, the former looks bang in form now with the 28-year-old striker on three goals and two assists in his six games played in all competitions.

Rogers has had a stellar start to the new season too, gaining many plaudits, especially for his performance in Villa’s 2-0 loss to Arsenal. However, yesterday was his first two Premier League goal involvements this campaign, getting two assists.

Watkins had minimal involvement outside his goal, only managing 23 touches, eight accurate passes, and 2/5 ground duels. However, the Englishman took his goal well and threatened in and around the box, managing three shots in total, and missing one big chance.

Rogers, on the other hand, was involved in all phases of play, making three key passes, having 50 touches, completing 2/6 dribble attempts, and contesting 14 duels (ground and aerial) throughout the game. All of this to accompany his two assists.

That said, another stalwart deserves praise…

Why Ezri Konsa deserves praise

Konsa, who scored Villa’s second goal to put them ahead in the game, did far more than just scoring the goal, putting in an excellent all-round display for Emery’s side.

The England international won 5/7 ground duels, made two tackles, and completed a seriously impressive 97% of his passes (56/58) during the game.

The 26-year-old has played every minute so far for Villa this season, making six appearances and totalling 540 minutes played.

Goals

0.15

Progressive Carries

0.83

Progressive Passes

3.17

Passes Attempted

50.0

Pass Completion %

93.0%

Passes into Final Third

3.83

Tackles

1.17

Interceptions

0.75

Aerials Won

1.00

The defender is naturally a centre-back, however, under Emery, Konsa played 23 games at right-back last season, and has started once at right-back this season, mainly due to his recovery pace, ability to defend wide spaces, and versatility to become a right centre-back in a back three on the ball.

Konsa is a huge part of the Villa side, both on and off the ball, and he showed that yet again with an imperious performance against Wolves, scoring an extremely important goal to top it off.

Aston Villa have struck gold on £0 signing who could be sold for big profit

He’s been exemplary in the middle of the park under Unai Emery.

ByConnor Holden Sep 20, 2024

Prithvi Shaw became the first batter to hit six fours in the first over of a T20 innings (where ESPNcricinfo’s ball-by-ball data is available) when he achieved the feat against Kolkata Knight Riders’ fast bowler Shivam Mavi on Thursday in Ahmedabad. Shaw also became only the second batter to achieve this record in the IPL, after Ajinkya Rahane did the same off S Aravind against the Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2012. Here’s ESPNcricinfo’s ball-by-ball description of Shaw’s opening over blitz:Prithvi Shaw launched six fours in the first over of the chase•ESPNcricinfo Ltd

0.1: Shivam Mavi to Shaw, FOUR runs. Pumped over Mavi’s head. Pitched up and swings in at off, it lands in Shaw’s arc. He brings out a high-elbowed punch0.2: Shivam Mavi to Shaw, FOUR runs. Another inswinger, too full, too straight. Shaw picks it up and whips it with the wrists over midwicket for back-to-back fours0.3: Shivam Mavi to Shaw, FOUR runs. Overpitched and outside off, Shaw drills a drive through the line. Stroked to the right of sweeper0.4: Shivam Mavi to Shaw, FOUR runs. Low full-toss outside off, Shaw leans into this slower ball, delays the drive, and steers it away to the right of sweeper once again. Four fours on the trot for Shaw0.5: Shivam Mavi to Shaw, FOUR runs. Make that five fours in a row for Shaw. He sizes up this short ball outside off and scythes it away through backward point. Mavi looks rattled. Morgan has a chat with the young seamer0.6: Shivam Mavi to Shaw, FOUR runs. Six successive fours for Shaw. This is not a half-volley. On a length and outside off, hit over the top once again. Driven strongly over extra-cover

MatériaMais Notícias

Na última quinta-feira, o zagueiro Danilo Avelar, do Corinthians, visitou o Museu do Futebol, no estádio do Pacaembu, e participou de uma exposição sobre o racismo na modalidade, ao lado da ativista e pesquisadora Winnie Bueno, com quem o jogador tem recebido ensinamentos sobre o tema.

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TABELA
> Veja classificação e simulador do Brasileirão-2021 clicando aqui

> Conheça o aplicativo de resultados do LANCE!

GALERIA
>Veja até quando vai o contrato de cada jogador do Corinthians

– Foi uma visita muito bacana, em que aprendi muita coisa boa e refleti sobre como posso ser antirracista e ser reforço na causa. Estou pesquisando muito sobre esse assunto, entendendo temas como Racismo Recreativo, Imagens de Controle, estou tentando absorver o máximo de conhecimento para mudar ajudar da forma que for possível e passar um pouco desse aprendizado para as pessoas que estão ao meu redor – disse Avelar.

O atleta corintiano está fazendo várias visitas em comunidades carentes, aprendendo sobre a realidade delas e também realizando um curso com temáticas relacionadas a desigualdade, discriminação, marginalização, preconceito, violência e segregação.

– Estou estudando e fazendo cursos com pessoas capacitadas como a Winnie Bueno, que é uma grande pesquisadora que está me ensinando semanalmente, diariamente sobre o tema, porque as minhas maiores preocupações são ” As coisas vão ser sempre assim? Meu filho vai crescer em um mundo racista assim?” – questionou.

– Diante desses estudos, comecei a entender outras coisas que vêm lá do racismo, da parte da escravidão, vem lá de trás certos comportamentos que nós temos no dia a dia. São coisas rotineiras que estão enraizadas e temos que mudar isso. Só silenciar o problema não resolve, e era o que eu fazia antigamente, eu não fazia nada em prol de combater o racismo. Eu tive que me alertar para poder melhorar, como estou fazendo. Fui na CUFA (Central Única das Favelas), dentro das comunidades conversar com as pessoas que fazem as ações, entender mais as dificuldades das pessoas, o porquê da questão racial estar tão atrelada à questão de classe – completou.

– Precisei evoluir como ser humano, busquei informações, saí da minha zona de conforto, fui conversar com pessoas que vivem esse problema diariamente e eu fui tentar entender mais sobre tema – concluiu Avelar.

Em junho deste ano, durante um jogo online, o zagueiro cometeu um ato de racismo, o que levou a uma grande repercussão, resultando inclusive em uma nota oficial do Corinthians alegando que haveria o rompimento do contrato com o jogador. Desde então, motivado pelo que aconteceu, ele tem buscado se aprofundar sobre os temas relacionados ao racismo nos últimos meses.

Danilo Avelar está em fase final de transição após cirurgia no joelho. Ele vem treinando de forma separada do grupo, mas não deve ser integrado ao elenco para o restante da temporada. O clube segue prestando todo o apoio para a recuperação do atleta e buscará o melhor destino ao jogado no fim do ano.

Arsenal's rise over the past two seasons has been remarkable. Gone are the post-Arsene Wenger days of misery, where Champions League football was elusive, out of reach, and an outfit on the decline found shining lights in the forms of several talented youngsters.

Mikel Arteta changed everything, revolutionised the Emirates Stadium and rewrote the narrative, turned the culture on its head, for the better.

With great power comes great responsibility, or so the maxim goes. But it's true in Arsenal's case that they are no longer the exciting up-and-comers; despite falling short against Manchester City in successive Premier League title showdowns, the Gunners are one of Europe's elite.

173 points across two top-flight campaigns would say as much, as would the club-record £105m signing of Declan Rice, the rise of William Saliba, who is shaping into one of Europe's finest defenders, and the ever-evolving brilliance of Bukayo Saka, who has been hailed as "one of the best players" in England by Wayne Rooney and rightly so.

Depth across a series of positions is still required, and one of the pressing concerns of the 2023/24 term was the lack of prolificness up front. One report suggests that that could be about to change.

Arsenal transfer news

According to Caught Offside, Arsenal are preparing to tussle with Liverpool for the signing of Donyell Malen, who has enjoyed a clinical season with Borussia Dortmund in Germany.

A former Hale End member, Malen was sold to PSV Eindhoven when he was 18, turning down offers from Chelsea and Manchester United to complete the transfer.

Now 25, Malen has impressed for Dortmund over the past few years and is expected to extend his contract, but the Bundesliga team would still listen to offers of €40m (£34m), should they be put forth.

Sources believe that the Dutchman's preference, should he leave the Yellow Wall, is to return to his former stomping ground, hence why the north Londoners feel that they are leading the race.

Why Arsenal should re-sign Donyell Malen

Malen, who has 36 international caps (and nine goals) for the Netherlands, would add some invaluable depth to Arteta's thriving outfit, with his dynamic properties allowing him to flourish across the frontline, albeit more clinical when placed on the right wing, for he is two-footed.

With rumours swirling around Reiss Nelson's future in north London, it does seem like signing Malen would be a wise move, especially since Saka started 45 matches for his club last season before featuring prominently for the Three Lions at Euro 2024 this summer.

Arsenal were fortuitous on the injury front last year but such imperious levels of fitness cannot be taken for granted each season, and Malen, who differs in style of play to that of Saka, would be a wonderful addition.

As per FBref, the 5 foot 10 talent ranks among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals scored and the top 3% for shots taken per 90. Moreover, 2014 World Cup Germany hero Mario Gotze has proclaimed him to be "extremely fast and very dangerous".

After all, last season, the dynamo scored 15 goals and supplied five further assists across 38 matches – and that's despite ten of such appearances coming from the bench.

Injuries have tugged at the £97k-per-week ace throughout his career but he would join a rich frontline filled with talent at Arsenal and could grow into his skin in a manner not dissimilar to that of Leandro Trossard, with the Belgian marksman considered a comparable player to Malen by FBref's statistical model.

Furthermore, so is Joao Felix, and as Aston Villa fight to sign the Portuguese ace, Arsenal could stay ahead of the curve by signing a similar player of, perhaps, more fitting quality.

Arteta's own Joao Felix

Felix is one of the highest-profile forwards on the continent, rising to fame after an exciting start to his professional career with Benfica and joining Atletico Madrid in a £113m deal in 2019, aged 19.

La Liga Journalist Jose Delgado claimed after Atleti's signing: "Since Ronaldo, we [Spain] have not had a player so exciting and young like him until now." However, such claims would not stand the test of time anymore.

Like Malen, Felix performed deceptively well for Barcelona last season, ranking among the top 5% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues for goals scored and the top 4% for shots taken per 90, with his silky-smooth dribbling and playmaking acumen also making him a 'dangerous' outlet.

Malen, too, isn't just a sharpshooter, averaging 1.6 dribbles per game in the German Bundesliga last season and 2.3 per outing with Oranje at the European Championship. He also created nine big chances for his peers in the league.

Dubbed "the football artist" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Felix would be a credit to Unai Emery's Villan project, and given that Arsenal have been reported – as relayed by Mundo Deportivo – to be among the outfits interested in striking a deal this summer, perhaps it's wise to move for a player of a similar profile in Malen.

Who knows, Dortmund's versatile attacking talent could prove to be the better pick; he's been more clinical across the duration of his career and his propensity for stirring up danger could give Arteta the edge in the pursuit of silverware and success of a higher level, with Kulig claiming that he is "simply unstoppable" when fit and firing.

Forget Merino: Arsenal enter talks for "incredible" £147k-p/w alternative

The “incredible” international would be an excellent signing.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jul 27, 2024

Scott Borthwick will captain Durham in the County Championship this summer, having returned to the club on a long-term deal after four seasons at Surrey.Borthwick will be Durham’s third captain in as many seasons. Cameron Bancroft led the side in the first half of 2019 before he was included in Australia’s Ashes squad. Ned Eckersley then took over the role, and continued through the Bob Willis Trophy campaign in 2020.While his captaincy experience is limited to a couple of games for Surrey’s second XI, Borthwick will be a senior player in Durham’s squad, and Marcus North, the club’s director of cricket, said that he hoped he could demonstrate that within the role.”There is no doubt Scott brings a huge amount of playing experience to the table,” North said. “This is a great opportunity for Scott to draw upon these and transfer those experiences into a formal leadership role.”Borthwick said that captaining his boyhood club had been a long-term ambition of his.”Just coming back to play for Durham again has been an amazing experience for me, so to be asked to captain the team is a huge honour,” he said. “Leading out the Durham team has been something I’ve dreamt about since I was a kid in the academy so it’s a really special thing for me.”The coaches and management team have been really welcoming since I re-joined the club and I’m looking forward to working closely with them. We’ve got an exciting group of players with lots experience and I look forward to leading the team to success.”The club are yet to name a captain for either white-ball format. Nathan Rimmington led the T20 Blast side in 2020 but has since left the club, while Stuart Poynter and Paul Coughlin have both captained in recent T20 seasons.