Chelsea's dealings in the transfer market in recent seasons have been questionable, to say the least, splashing over £1bn on new players with the majority failing to make an impact.
The club have spent upwards of £120m on Roméo Lavia and Wesley Fofana alone, with the two players only making a combined 21 appearances since their respective moves to Stamford Bridge.
However, the club have conducted brilliant business offloading players who were on big wages at Stamford Bridge and have failed to make any impact at their new club.
Chelsea's Mason Mount
Mason Mount is a prime example, with the boyhood Chelsea fan leaving the club for a deal worth £60m to join Manchester United, but failing to settle into life in the North West.
He's only managed 14 appearances in the Premier League this season, starting just 14% of matches – with the Blues hitting the jackpot with his departure.
The club also made the right decision in releasing one player, who bled the club dry during his time at Stamford Bridge, despite his excellent goalscoring record before his move to England.
Michy Batshuayi's stats at Chelsea
After forking out £33m for his signature, striker Michy Batshuayi arrived in England with huge potential to be the club's long-term Didier Drogba replacement.
The Belgian made a promising start to life in London, scoring nine times in his 28 appearances during the 2016/17 season.
Belgium's MichyBatshuayiin action
Batshuayi would build on his impressive start at the club, reaching double figures in all competitions during the following campaign, before joining Borussia Dortmund on loan for the second half of the 2017/18 season.
He would subsequently leave on two separate spells the following season, joining Valencia and Crystal Palace before returning to Stamford Bridge for one last season.
Season
Apps
Goals
2016/17
28
9
2017/18
25
10
2019/20
24
6
The forward managed to score six times in 24 appearances, a solid return, but it wouldn't be enough to keep him at the club with Batshuayi again having temporary stints away from Stamford Bridge, before sealing a permanent move to Fenerbahce in Turkey during the summer of 2022 – ending his six-year stay with the Blues.
Michy Batshuayi's wage during his time at Chelsea
Despite enjoying a run of 23 league goals over the last two seasons for the Turkish side, Chelsea made the right call in offloading the 30-year-old a couple of years ago.
He earned £69k-per-week at Stamford Bridge, as per Salary Sport, a figure that is more than current leading man, Nicolas Jackson, who only takes home £65k-per-week – as per Capology – despite netting 16 goals this season.
Excluding his loan spells away from the club, he pocketed £9m in wages alone, when coupled with his £33m transfer fee, saw the club waste £42m on the Belgian forward.
Michy Batshuayi
Whilst it was a risk worth taking at the time, the "awful" Batshuayi, as dubbed by journalist Nizaar Kinsella, failed to impose himself during his time at Stamford Bridge.
It's great to see the striker finding his feet elsewhere once again, but given his huge earnings and transfer fee, he bled the club dry of a huge sum of money that certainly could've been invested better elsewhere.
Chelsea in contact to sign "world-class" star who'd thrive with Jackson
The Blues are reportedly keen to land the impressive centre-forward this summer.
Celtic have tabled their best offers yet as they look to keep two potential future stars at the club this summer, it has emerged.
Celtic eyeing up double
After clinching the Scottish Premiership title a week ago, Celtic are now eyeing up a league and cup double as they once again face rivals Rangers in the final of the Scottish Cup.
The two sides could not be separated for much of the season, but a late rally from Brendan Rodgers' side combined with their rivals hitting a run of poor form which saw them take just five points from a possible 15 ensured that Celtic ran out comfortable winners of the SPL, clinching the trophy in their penultimate game of the season.
Celtic working to seal early signing who'd be perfect for Rodgers
The Hoops have been linked with a deal to sign the colossus in the summer window.
ByDan Emery May 21, 2024
Though far from a vintage campaign for Rodgers and co, they could yet crown it with a domestic double, with the Scottish Cup final against Rangers due to take place this weekend.
It would represent the 42nd time Celtic have lifted the cup if they do manage to defeat their Glasgow rivals, and would be their 13th domestic double, though it would pale in comparison to their recent treble successes of 2016/17 and 2019/20.
Rangers, meanwhile, are looking to restore some pride in what has ultimately been a disappointing season, and would manage their 35th Scottish Cup win were they to turn the tables on their old Firm foe.
Most Scottish Cup wins
Celtic
41
Rangers
34
Queens Park
10
Heart of Midlothian
8
Aberdeen
7
In the background, the Hoops continue to plan for next season, and now it has emerged that they have offered out their best terms yet to two young stars.
Celtic keen to tie down young pair
That news comes courtesy of The Daily Record, who claim that the club have offered both Rocco Vata and Daniel Kelly new contracts as they look to tie the young pair down at Celtic Park.
Vata is highly regarded across Europe and has already scored for the Hoops this season, with the 19-year-old finding the back of the net as a substitute in the Scottish Cup in a 5-0 thrashing of Buckie Thistle.
Rocco Vata and Daniel Kelly
Meanwhile, 18-year-old midfielder Kelly has made six appearances for the senior team this season and also found the net in a 7-1 thrashing of Dundee.
But the pair face uncertain futures, with Vata out of contract as it stands this summer and Kelly's expiring at the beginning of 2025, leaving Celtic facing the possibility of losing the pair for free (though there would be some compensation paid due to their age).
Indeed, it is claimed that "a number of Italian and English clubs" have made an approach for Vata, a situation which has led to Celtic tabling "new and improved four-year contracts" for the pair of teenage talents.
These represent "their best offers" to date, in what appears a strong show of faith in the duo. It remains to be seen whether these deals are enough to keep either player at Parkhead, but no one can say Rodgers and co didn't try, even if it may come as too little, too late.
Vinicius Jr. has been told it would be the "biggest crime in history of the sport" if he wins the Ballon d'Or after another poor display for Brazil.
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Vinicius' dismal Brazil form continuesWent missing in Brazil's 1-0 loss to ParaguayReceived immense backlash from frustrated fansWHAT HAPPENED?
The Real Madrid winger was an anonymous figure on the pitch as Brazil slumped to a 1-0 loss to Paraguay in their latest CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup qualifier. Although he did find some spark in the second half, his efforts were not enough to secure at least a point for the Selecao away from home.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING
Furious Brazil fans hit out at Vinicus after the match for failing to lead his country to victory and even expressed their desire for the Ballon d'Or favourite to miss out on the coveted individual prize.
An X user, @ney2maa, wrote: "We cannot let someone like Vinicius who ghosts for his national team every single game to win the Ballon d'Or man. It would be the biggest crime in the history of the sport."
Whereas, @EifSoccer stated: "Not even an exaggeration – Vinicius has to be one of the worst international performers in football history relative to his club performances. We are talking about a Ballon d’Or future winner. He has never performed for Brazil. At this point, how can Brazil play him?"
Meanwhile, @Ollican wrote: "There’s a reason Zidane always benched him. Vinicius has been atrocious under every manager in his career except Ancelotti. This isn’t even him being a system player, which is disastrous in itself but an issue of skillset. Once he flukes that Ballon d’Or, it’s toast tbh. Smh 🤦🏾♀️"
@SelecaoTalk argued: "Vinicius Jr touching the ball just 37 times in a game where Brazil have 70%+ possession is extremely worrying. It’s not like he’s trying things and they aren’t working. He’s just not involved at all."
Manchester City fan @Siphe_Sihle1 chipped in: "Yet people say he should win the Ballon d'Or. Absolutely pathetic. Rodri does it for club and country."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Brazil have slipped to the fifth spot in the CONMBEOL standings after losing their fourth match in eight games. However, they are still within direct qualification bounds as the top six teams will head to the 2026 global event in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
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(C) Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR VINICIUS?
After a dismal outing with the national team, Vinicius will be desperate to head back to the comforts of Valdebebas in Madrid where Carlo Ancelotti is waiting for him in the tactical room. He remains one of the key players for Los Blancos and will look to shrug off his poor international form when the reigning La Liga champions face Real Sociedad on Saturday.
حقق بايرن ميونخ فوزًا صعبًا للغاية على نظيره هايدنهايم، ضمن منافسات الجولة 13 من بطولة الدوري الألماني للدرجة الأولى، على ملعب أليانز أرينا.
تقدم الفرنسي دايوت أوباميكانو بالهدف الأول لـ بايرن ميونخ في الدقيقة 18، لينتهي الشوط بتقدم أصحاب الأرض.
في الشوط الثاني حضرت كل الإثارة بملعب أليانز أرينا، وتعادل ماتياس هونساك في الدقيقة 50، قبل 6 دقائق من عودة التقدم للعملاق البافاري عن طريق جمال موسيالا.
طالع أيضًا | إيكتيكي: لست وكيل مرموش لأتحدث عن مستقبله.. وما يفعله جنوني
في الدقيقة 84، سجل ليون جورتسكا الهدف الثالث لـ بايرن ميونخ، وظن البعض أن المباراة قد حُسمت، لكن أعادها من جديد للإثارة نيكلاس دورسش بتسجيله الهدف الثاني لـ هايدنهايم.
ولكن في الدقيقة 91 تمكن جمال موسيالا من حسم كل شيء بالهدف الرابع، ويقود أصحاب الأرض لتعزيز الصدارة.
أجرى كومباني 3 تغييرات في الوقت الإضافي المقدر بـ 3 دقائق، وأقحم كومان ولايمر وإبراهيموفيتش.
في غياب هاري كين عاد بايرن ميونخ لطريق الانتصارات بعد التعادل مع دورتموند في الجولة الماضية، ولا توجد مشكلة في التهديف، فقد هز العملاق البافاري شباك خصمه 4 مرات.
انتهت المباراة بفوز أصحاب الأرض، ورفع بايرن ميونخ رصيده إلى النقطة 33 في الصدارة، بينما هايدنهايم توقف رصيده عند 10 نقاط في المركز السادس عشر.
West Ham United might have entered the final months of David Moyes' term of office as manager at the London Stadium, with rumours flying around the mill that sporting director Tim Steidten is targetting a fresh face for the dugout.
Eighth in the Premier League but four points behind Newcastle United – who hold the final European qualifying spot – having played an extra match, hopes of securing a fourth successive year on the continent are slim – with away fixtures against Chelsea and Manchester City forthcoming.
David Moyes.
Moyes has insisted that discussions will be held after the campaign's conclusion, but all the pointers hint at the outcome, with some exciting names being linked.
West Ham's manager shortlist
According to Caught Offside, the Irons are indeed set to part ways with Moyes and have identified Lille manager Paulo Fonseca as a possible successor.
The Portuguese's attacking style of play and past links to vacant jobs at Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur have set him high on the pecking order, with the report claiming that a contract is being prepared to convince the 51-year-old to move to London. It's stated that talks are set to take place between the respective parties this month.
Lille manager Paulo Fonseca
Thomas Tuchel is also on the club's radar and Steidten is a big admirer, but West Ham might find success down the prudent route and appointing Fonseca, a nine-time trophy winner.
Why West Ham must appoint Paulo Fonseca
Having been described as "perfect in the dressing room" with a preference to "play with quality and fast players behind the striker" by none other than Fabrizio Romano, Fonseca's nomadic managerial career has landed him comparative levels of success.
His two-year stint at the helm with Roma established his attractive brand of football but saw him manage just sixth and seventh-place finishes in Serie A, with the coronavirus pandemic and a change of ownership stifling his tenure.
Fonseca's tactical flexibility and emphasis on guiding academy talent to the fore is a big part of his appeal factor. Still, the principal 4-2-3-1 formation suggests that he could seamlessly wave his style into the Hammers playing squad.
Blending ball dominance and attacking football is something that West Ham supporters have not been treated to throughout Moyes' reign. Successful as it has been, the Scotsman's perceived negative tactics have left the fanbase yearning for a breath of fresh air.
French Ligue 1 23/24: Possession Stats
Team
Average Possession
Paris Saint-Germain
62.25%
LOSC Lille
57.03%
Marseille
53.25%
AS Monaco
53.24%
Stade Brestois
53.24%
Stats via Ligue 1 Uber Eats
Tuchel might have the pedigree but the Bayern boss has been labelled as a "destructive and power-hungry" coach by well-known presenter Mark Goldbridge and he might not be the best fit to propel West Ham back into Europe and then cement a lasting position of promise.
The German's foibles don't negate his evident prowess as an elite-level manager but after several years of frustrating tactics that have lingered over remarkable levels of success in east London, a chance of track seems to be the best way forward for West Ham.
West Ham in talks to hire Amorim alternative who's 'one of the best'
This CL-winning manager would be the perfect man to succeed David Moyes.
By
Angus Sinclair
May 1, 2024
Fonseca's attacking football would achieve just that, having "worked wonders" at Lille – in the eyes of reporter Zach Lowy. His impeccable presence in the dressing room only adds further appeal, surely making for perfect conditions to build from the illustrious heights of recent seasons.
The conclusion of the 2023/24 season leaves Bayern Munich in an unfamiliar position: trophyless and desperately searching for a new manager.
Changes in the dugout are hardly a new phenomenon for the Bavarians, but something is different this time around, with the club appearing to be frantically sounding out plenty of candidates – including Thomas Tuchel, who nearly made a U-turn after previously saying he would leave at the end of the season as planned.
So with the ex-Bundesliga juggernauts looking uncharacteristically scattergun when it comes to finding a successor, it is hard to keep up with who is in the running to take over at the Allianz Arena.
Here are the managers who seem to be leading the race, though this can easily change over what could be a volatile summer in Munich.
Manager
Current team
Odds
Vincent Kompany
Burnley
4/5
Mauricio Pochettino
n/a
2/1
Roberto De Zerbi
n/a
9/1
Hansi Flick
n/a
10/1
Sebastian Hoeness
Stuttgart
16/1
Erik ten Hag
Man Utd
20/1
Thomas Frank
Brentford
20/1
Massimiliano Allegri
n/a
25/1
Xabi Alonso
Bayer Leverkusen
25/1
Zinedine Zidane
n/a
25/1
1 Vincent Kompany Burnley
Burnley manager Vincent Kompany.
Vincent Kompany has become a sought-after manager in recent weeks, with the Belgian being linked with the vacancies at Bayern and Brighton, among others.
That comes despite facing relegation from the Premier League with Burnley and a lack of high-level success in management, even if his trophy-laden playing career precedes him. It would be a bold choice by anyone to hire the Belgian, and that he is heavily backed at this stage is intriguing in itself.
Mauricio Pochettino recently became a sudden managerial departure himself, and this has opened up the prospect of him swapping west London for Bavaria.
Since his exit from Stamford Bridge, the indication has been that he could jump straight into another role, and with Bayern looking to return to the pinnacle of German football, reuniting Harry Kane with his former manager may now become a distinct possibility.
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ByRobbie Walls May 27, 2024 3 Roberto De Zerbi Free agent (Last job: Brighton)
Roberto De Zerbi is now available to approach without having to negotiate with his club, having parted ways with Brighton & Hove Albion following the end of the season.
One hurdle to overcome, should they wish to hire the Italian, could be that the ex-Seagulls boss appeared to suggest that he would be taking an extended break after his departure from the south coast side.
But having been mentioned as a potential successor to Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool in recent months, perhaps a move to Bayern wouldn’t be totally above his station.
Next Brighton manager: Who could replace Roberto De Zerbi?
Former boss Hansi Flick knows how to win at Bayern, so would be a safer bet than most on this list. His stint as Germany boss, which included their early exit at the World Cup, may serve to taint his reputation, but he will always remain a Champions League and Bundesliga winner, and returning to familiar surroundings may bring the best out of him once again.
But whether that is what this team needs having finally relinquished their domestic crown remains to be seen.
5 Sebastian Hoeness VfB Stuttgart
This one could be a long shot, even if it would make a lot of sense from a selfish point of view. Sebastian Hoeness’ Stuttgart side shocked the Bundesliga not only in qualifying for next season’s Champions League, but doing so ahead of Bayern, as well as finalists Borussia Dortmund.
It has been said that but for Bayer Leverkusen’s gargantuan heroics, the achievements of Hoeness’ team would be the story of the season.
So weakening a rival by picking off their talented manager would almost certainly serve Bayern well, though indications are that Hoeness is committed to Stuttgart for the moment.
6 Erik ten Hag Manchester United
You’d be forgiven for thinking that Erik ten Hag has been doing a poor job at Manchester United, with his side having to settle for eighth place in the Premier League. Indeed, the upcoming FA Cup final against Manchester City remains their only chance of playing in Europe next season.
However, it appears the powers that be at Bayern see things a little differently, with Ten Hag mentioned as a potential candidate for the top job in Bavaria despite a terrible campaign.
But for all his accomplishments, it is difficult to imagine Bayern seeing him as the best option given the Dutchman’s limited success in two years at United.
7 Thomas Frank Brentford
Brentford boss Thomas Frank
Reports in recent days had suggested that Thomas Frank has been mentioned internally as a potential candidate for the vacant role.
Though while Frank’s job in turning Brentford into a stable Premier League side has been admirable, it could be argued that there has been little to suggest he would be capable of thriving at a club like Bayern Munich. It would represent one hell of a jump up, so this is surely on the unlikelier end of the probability scale.
There are a lot of things that go in Massimiliano Allegri’s favour when it comes to pitching for the Bayern job. He’s a serial league winner and has handled many egos in a supremely talented Juventus side over a long period of time.
Therefore, should Bayern be preparing to build their next dynasty, Allegri can boast of being in charge of one himself.
However, the nature of his departure in Turin will surely cast doubt over his suitability for the role, not least in the wake of another sub-par league campaign from the Old Lady.
9 Xabi Alonso Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso.
The fact Xabi Alonso is this far down the list perhaps points towards Bayern’s lack of confidence in getting him in, with the Spaniard leading Bayer Leverkusen to an unprecedented Bundesliga title in an unbeaten campaign.
Naturally, continuing the project in Leverkusen appears to be the most likely outcome, with many players set to do the same. However, you wouldn’t be surprised if Bayern keep their eyes on their former midfielder and pounce if given an opportunity.
10 Zinedine Zidane Free agent (Last job: Real Madrid)
Zinedine Zidane’s record is certainly impressive, though he has never managed outside of Real Madrid. What does go in the Frenchman’s favour is his ability to control a dressing room full to the brim with stars – something that could come in handy if Bayern come calling.
However, there are surely better-placed candidates than a manager who has not managed in club football for three years.
Varane, Van Basten, Zidane: 11 footballers who retired early
Following Raphael Varane’s recent decision to bring an end to his career, here’s a look at players who retired earlier than expected.
Glamorgan thwarted by feisty partnership after dominant display with the ball
ECB Reporters Network01-Aug-2020Glamorgan 8 for 0 trail Somerset 296 (Davies 81, Brooks 72) by 198 runsSteven Davies and Jack Brooks transformed a modest Somerset total with a last-wicket stand of 107 on the opening day of the Bob Willis Trophy match against Glamorgan at the Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton.The hosts had looked set to miss out on any batting points when crumbling to 149 for eight, Ruaidhri Smith claiming three of the wickets.But after Josh Davey had contributed 20 to help revive Somerset fortunes, last man Brooks came out to smash a 38-ball half century on his way to making 72, off 58 deliveries, with 9 fours and 2 sixes.Davies, who had been dropped twice, top-scored with 81 not out, off 108 balls, with 9 fours, as the menace went out of the Glamorgan seam attack. Somerset were finally bowled out for 296 before their opponents replied with 8 for no wicket.It was a day of mixed fortunes for Smith, who finished with three for 41, but was forced to hobble off injured in the closing session.Before play started there was a minute’s silence in recognition of those who have lost their lives to the coronavirus pandemic.The players also took the knee in support of improving diversity and inclusion in cricket and the community ahead of the opening ball being delivered.Somerset won the toss, but were soon being put under pressure in overcast conditions on a pitch offering pace and bounce.Young openers Tom Lammonby, making his first class debut, and Eddie Byrom did well to take the score to 38 against some testing pace bowling before being parted.Byrom was bowled off an inside edge by Graham Wagg (two for 59) for 22. Tom Abell, on three, had his stumps scattered by Marchant de Lange (two for 37), and James Hildreth was caught at point off Dan Douthwaite for 16.At lunch, the score was 92 for three and Glamorgan’s position would have been stronger had Charlie Hemphrey not dropped Lammonby on 14 at second slip off the impressive de Lange.The 20-year-old Devonian left-hander batted through the morning session to be unbeaten on 40 at the break. But in the fifth over off the afternoon Lammonby fell lbw to the accurate Michael Hogan for 41.Smith picked up three wickets in the session, sending back George Bartlett, who was worked over by the sharp de Lange before falling for a battling 23, Roelof van der Merwe and Jamie Overton.Douthwaite accounted for Craig Overton leg-before and Glamorgan were well on top as Davies survived a couple of chances to slip on his way to a 76-ball half-century.Davey began the recovery, helping Davies add 40 for the ninth wicket, but when he top-edged a steeply rising ball from de Lange to mid-on Somerset were still 11 runs short of a batting point.Brooks played positively from the start and had blazed his way to 45 with a succession of belligerent shots before being dropped off Wagg, a tough chance to Billy Root over his shoulder at mid-wicket.It was all the luck Brooks needed to register his first half-century for Somerset since joining them from Yorkshire. He bludgeoned a tiring attack and Davies lost little by comparison as the pair ensured a respectable total.When Brooks was eventually caught and bowled by Wagg, Glamorgan were left with seven overs to bat in the day. Nick Selman and Hemphrey found the new ball seaming around for Craig Overton and Davey.Overton conceded four byes with a bouncer that flew over wicketkeeper Davies’ head and the first six overs were completed without a run off the bat as the openers concentrated on survival.
Embalado desde a chegada de Renato Gaúcho, que só conheceu vitórias até o momento, o Flamengo agora vira a chave para atuar pelas oitavas de final da Copa do Brasil. O primeiro desafio, o jogo da ida, será realizado contra o ABC, nesta quinta-feira, às 20h (de Brasília), no Maracanã.
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+ Veja todos os confrontos da Copa do Brasil
Renato Gaúcho, aliás, estreará pelo Flamengo na Copa do Brasil, já que o time ainda era comandado por Rogério Ceni quando eliminou o Coritiba na fase anterior. Em meio a uma dura sequência de jogos no Brasileiro e Libertadores, o treinador resolveu poupar três titulares da partida: Rodrigo Caio, Gustavo Henrique e Filipe Luís.
+Titular, misto ou reserva: como você escalaria o Flamengo para encarar o ABC? Vote!
Do outo lado, o ABC chega após perder para o Atlético-CE, pela Série D, e interromper uma série de três vitórias consecutivas. Em busca de surpreender os amplos favoritos no Rio, aequipe potiguar quer manter a pegada na Copa do Brasil, na qual eliminaram a Chapecoense, na última fase.
Confira mais informações da partida entre Flamengo e ABC:
Estádio: Maracanã, no Rio de Janeiro (RJ) Data e hora: 29 de julho de 2021, às 20h Árbitro:Marielson Alves Silva (BA) Assistentes:Alessandro Alvaro Rocha de Matos (Fifa-BA) eElicarlos Franco de Oliveira (BA) Árbitro de vídeo:Gilberto Rodrigues Castro Junior (PE)
Onde assistir: Premiere, SporTV e Tempo Real do LANCE!
FLAMENGO (Técnico: Renato Gaúcho) Diego Alves; Isla, Bruno Viana, Léo Pereira e Renê; Arão, Diego, Arrascaeta, Everton Ribeiro, Bruno Henrique e Gabigol.
Desfalques: César e Piris da Motta (em recuperação); Rodrigo Caio, Gustavo Henrique e Filipe Luís (poupados) Suspenso: – Pendurado: –
ABC (Técnico: Moacir Júnior) Welligton, Netinho, Donato, Vinicius Leandro, Alisson Cassiano e Bruno Souza; Vinicius Paulista, Valderrama, Marcos Antônio e Wesley Pimbinha; Gustavo Henrique.
Desfalques:Ramon Baiano, Negueba, Wallyson e Soares (em recuperação) Suspensos: – Pendurados: –
PALPITES: Na redação do LANCE!, 90% acreditam em vitória do Flamengo; 10% apostam em empate.
Tells former team-mate Michael Holding who could be the future of WI’s fast bowling
Nagraj Gollapudi26-Jun-20202:35
Andy Roberts: ‘You cannot coach people to bowl fast’
Former West Indies fast bowler Andy Roberts has said that Oshane Thomas will be the first name he will “pencil” in for West Indies’ final Test squad for the three-match series in England, which begins in Southampton from July 8. Speaking to his former West Indies team-mate Michael Holding, Roberts also predicted the young pair of Alzarri Joseph and Chemar Holder could grow to become the “backbone” of West Indies’ fast-bowling attack “within the next five-six years.”All three fast bowlers are part of the enlarged squad of 25 players that landed in Manchester on June 8. But while Joseph and Holder are part of the 14-man primary squad, Thomas – along with Shannon Gabriel – is part of the 11 reserves.ALSO READ – Oshane Thomas: ‘Test cricket is what you want to play to be great’According to Roberts, Thomas has the most basic skill of fast bowling, which at the same time is also unique: “pace”. Roberts believed that it could be turned into a “weapon” when used wisely.”Oshane Thomas would probably be the first name I would pencil on this tour because he has what others want: he has pace,” Roberts said in an episode on Holding’s YouTube channel aired on June 20. “And you should always have somebody like that on your team so that he can create uneasiness amongst batsmen.”Holding himself had said recently he was “a little bit surprised” to not find Thomas amongst the primary Test squad of 14, especially after he had gained prominence as one of the fastest bowlers in the previous year. Thomas has also talked up his desire to make his Test debut because that is the format where “greats” are recognised.ALSO READ – Thomas interview: ‘When I look in a batsman’s eyes and see fear, it’ll pump me up to bowl even faster’The current West Indies fast-bowling contingent is led by Kemar Roach along with captain Jason Holder and Gabriel. However, it is the pool of young fast bowlers like Joseph, Chemar and Thomas that has given the Caribbean selectors renewed hope that West Indies’ pace attack could be built into the sort of formidable unit that was championed once by Roberts and Holding.”I am glad to see there is a sort of a resurgence in the last couple of months, not years, just the last couple of months – there are some youngsters are coming through and I hope that we don’t try and expect too much off them too soon,” Roberts said.He also had a word of advice for the young fast bowlers – he wanted them to use their pace smartly and not let it go to waste. “Alzarri is a good youngster coming up. He has some pace, but I don’t think at the moment he is bowling genuinely fast,” Roberts said. “At the [Under-19] Youth World Cup (2016) I think he was bowling faster than he is now. Maybe if he has some experience and he can bowl within himself and produce the odd fast ball which is required. Because I don’t think anyone should try to bowl every ball at 90 mph. I would like to see the youngsters learn (that).”If you have a 95 mph ball in your armoury, that is a weapon. And you need to use [that] sparingly. You need to have the batsman just guessing: when is this faster ball going to come? Then there is young Chemar Holder. I saw a bit of him and I think he, to me, along with Alzarri will be the backbone of West Indies fast bowling within the next five or six years. I’m hoping that I don’t talk too soon. But you need to have two genuine fast bowlers who can bowl in pairs.”Roberts said Roach was a certainty along with Jason to lead the fast-bowling attack. He was unsure whether Chemar would be ready to be blooded on this tour, but felt Thomas could compete with Gabriel for a slot in the team.”I don’t know how fit Gabriel will be because he hasn’t played since last September,” he said. “And he is not one of the most athletic of our bowlers.”‘Batting to come good’Asked by Holding how West Indies could retain the Wisden Trophy, Roberts said that was possible only by playing “good all-round” cricket. According to him, West Indies’ batting remained a concern especially against the “short” delivery.”I hear many people are talking now about the strength of the fast bowling unit, but then we cannot forget the bating because we are not playing against ourselves,” Roberts said. “And England, at the moment, have some very good fast bowlers. Along with the two old stagers [Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad] they have two youngsters in [Jofra] Archer and [Mark] Wood. We have to be very careful because you know some of our youngsters in the region don’t play the short ball as well as we think they should. And so, first, the batting to come good on that tour.”The West Indies selection panel, led by former offspinner Roger Harper, was forced to ring in some last-minute changes after Darren Bravo and Shimron Hetmyer had opted out of the England tour because of health concerns amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Recently Holding had said that it was “unfortunate” for both batsmen especially Bravo, who has struggled to find consistency, to miss out on the England tour.Roberts agreed, saying: “They would have played an integral part of the batting. As much as we don’t like the way Hetmyer has been playing, he is one of the batsmen for the future. But somebody has to get into his head and let him realise that you can’t score runs sitting in the pavilion.”According to Roberts, the challenge for most West Indies batsmen was they “don’t really train and practise enough to work the ball into gaps. We believe in boundaries.”West Indies coach Phil Simmons had admitted recently that batting was an area that West Indies needed to strengthen to compete in England. Key concern for Simmons would be the form of his two senior batsmen: vice-captain Kraigg Brathwaite and Shai Hope – both of whom were the best batsmen on West Indies’ previous visit to England, which they lost 2-1 after a thrilling victory in the second Test in Leeds.While Hope has failed to score another ton, after becoming the first batsman to record twin centuries in the same Test at Headingley, Brathwaite has averaged 25.33 in his last 20 Tests.”If our fast-bowling unit can click then may have some hope, but I am not going to put too much emphasis on our batting,” Roberts said. “Speaking, just by listening, watching and hearing people talk about these batsmen that we have there isn’t much to shout about.”
Gloucestershire 246 for 8 (Dent 92, van Buuren 60) v WorcestershireResilient Worcestershire staged a startling recovery to peg back neighbours and Central Group rivals Gloucestershire on the opening day of an eventful Bob Willis Trophy match at the Bristol County Ground.Chris Dent won the toss and top-scored with 92, while Graeme van Buuren made a swashbuckling 60 as Gloucestershire reached 205 for 2 to take the game by the scruff of the neck.But Worcestershire’s bowlers stuck to their task magnificently and Charlie Morris inspired a late fightback, claiming three victims in 18 balls to spark a slide in which the hosts surrendered six wickets for 38 runs in 18 overs, finishing the day on 246 for 8.Leg spinner Brett D’Oliveira and seamer Josh Tongue weighed in with two wickets apiece, while Joe Leach got in on the act as Worcestershire displayed character aplenty to bounce back in style.Playing his first competitive innings since leading his side to promotion to Division One of the County Championship 10 months earlier, Bristolian Dent was unfazed by Covid-19 restrictions and the absence of spectators, batting for four-and-a-half hours, facing 184 balls, accruing 9 fours and sharing in stands of 127 and 55 with van Buuren and George Hankins for the second and third wickets respectively.While fellow opener Miles Hammond threw caution to the wind and perished for 14 at the hands of Tongue, caught at the wicket via an inside edge in the 12th over, Gloucestershire’s captain was a model of circumspection, refusing to take risks against the new-ball bowlers Morris and Leach.When Dent finally opened his shoulders and plundered three boundaries in one over at the expense of D’Oliveira shortly before the lunch interval, it signalled a change of gear. Aided and abetted by a growing number of bad balls from Worcestershire’s ring-rusty change bowlers, the Bristolian made up ground on the dashing van Buuren and was first to reach 50.The second-wicket pair advanced their partnership to three figures in just 31 overs as runs continued to flow in the afternoon sunshine. Having survived a top-edged pull off D’Oliveira that fell between three converging fielders at mid-wicket when on 27, van Buuren made good his escape to post a 115-ball 50. The South African raised his bat to acknowledge a smattering of applause from residents in nearby flats and his team-mates on the pavilion balcony in an otherwise deserted ground.Van Buuren had scored 60 from 138 balls and accrued eight boundaries when leg spinner D’Oliveira lured him onto the front foot and yorked him with a flighted ball that dipped suddenly before clipping the top of the bails. D’Oliveira then halted Dent’s hitherto serene progress by bowling him through the gate, while Hankins, having performed the hard yards in reaching 30, chopped the ball onto his stumps to present Morris with a deserved wicket.Jack Taylor came and went without scoring, edging a Tongue delivery behind, while Morris accounted for Ryan Higgins and Tom Price in the same over as Gloucestershire’s middle and lower order folded. Leach had David Payne caught at the wicket and the home side were thereafter indebted to Gareth Roderick and Josh Shaw, who held out when it looked as though the hosts might be dismissed before the close.And all this after the strangest of days had earlier commenced with players from both sides observing a minute’s silence as a mark of respect for the victims of Covid-19 and then taking the knee to register their support for inclusivity in cricket.