A career-best haul from Bulls quick bowler Joe Dawes has helped Queensland secure first innings points on a remarkable day one of its Pura Cup match againstWestern Australia. Dawes claimed a sensational 6/19 as the Warriors were humbled for a miserable total of 78.But it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Queenslanders either. Around fine innings from the ever-reliable Martin Love (62*) and an intelligently aggressive Andy Bichel(38), they lost seven wickets of their own when it quickly came their turn to bat. They finished a rain-shortened first day at 7/178 and clutching a one hundred runlead.With an eye to a ‘Gabba strip that looked in good order and gave no indication of the batting calamities which were to follow, Warriors captain Tom Moody electedthat his team would bat first after he had called correctly at the toss. It was a decision that he must now wish that he had never made.After a cautious start, the Warriors lost their first wicket when Mike Hussey (7) attempted a pull shot off Bichel (2/38), only to succeed in skying the ball straightback up the pitch and offering a simple caught and bowled.In the next over, Marcus North (9) was dropped by Jimmy Maher at third slip in the only blot on the Bulls’ copybook for the morning. However, it barely cost thehome team anything – an lbw appeal from Adam Dale (2/19) meeting the requirements of Umpire Peter Parker shortly afterward.The form of Murray Goodwin (0) at one-day level has been wonderful in recent times. But that stands in contrast to his Pura Cup form. And the gap between thetwo was not closed at all today, the former Zimbabwean international the victim of a magnificent catch from wicketkeeper Wade Seccombe, who was forced to hurlhimself in front of first slip to intercept a thick outside edge.For Western Australia, things had become grisly enough at 3/21 but matters continued to tumble from bad to worse. This was particularly true once Dawes enteredthe attack. The redoubtable right arm fast bowler enjoyed immediate success when he dismissed Brad Hogg (0) and Moody (5) in successive overs to leave theWarriors in dreadful trouble at 5/33.Brendon Julian (22) and Simon Katich (14) halted the flow of wickets for a time but the trend was largely irresistible.Dawes used to his advantage a helpful bowling track which contained both bounce and pace, catching the Warriors completely off guard after they had elected tobat after winning the toss. He claimed the wickets of Katich, Moody, Hogg, Julian, Matthew Nicholson (16) and Jo Angel (0) in a stint that was never short onaction.For the Western Australians, it was simply an horrific start to a match which they really need to win in order to galvanise their Pura Cup hopes. Against the backdropof the sustained pressure that was applied by the pace trio, some poor batting also predominated. All but two of the ten players to fall lost their wickets to catches,many of them succumbing to over-aggressive strokes.In their turn at the crease – and with only a mere seventy-nine runs needed for the acquisition of first innings points – Queensland openers Maher (16) and JerryCassell (6) looked for early runs, finding the boundary on two occasions before Maher was dismissed by former Test quick Nicholson. The diminutive left handerwas caught at backward square leg as he attempted to powerfully pull away a short delivery.Cassell was then joined by Love, a centurion in Friday night’s Mercantile Mutual Cup encounter and the scorer of more than seven hundred first-class runs for theseason. The elegant right hander wasted no time in displaying the form that could gain him selection for the upcoming Ashes tour, stroking his first delivery past midon for a boundary.But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Cassell was defeated by Moody’s very first ball and then an early tea was taken when Bulls captain Stuart Law (2) mistimed an ondrive at Julian and was caught at mid on.It was when Andrew Symonds joined Love at the crease (with only forty runs needed by the Bulls to achieve first innings points) that the Bulls’ batting moved intotop gear. The one-day international star relished the situation, compiling a very well made 26 before falling to a dubious lbw decision at the hands of Moody. Bichelthen joined Love and, before falling late in the day, swelled the Bulls’ lead to close to the century mark. By this stage, noticeable frustration was setting in for thevisitors.Moody’s spell of bowling could not be underplayed, however. It was first class medium pace bowling at a difficult time for the Warriors and his return of 4/38 told itsown tale about his effectiveness. He might even have secured a fifth wicket if he had been able to hold a hot caught and bowled chance offered early in Bichel’sinnings.Like so many others during the day, though, it was an opportunity squandered by the Warriors.

Many Wolves fans have been left to flock to a contract update involving Adama Traore.

As per Goal, the Spain international is set to commit his future to the Midlands club, as he is currently in talks over a new deal.

However, that deal is likely to include a gentleman’s agreement with which he would be allowed to leave if a bigger club comes in bidding a certain transfer fee.

The update has certainly caused a debate among the Molineux faithful, as some are split over whether this is good news.

Of course, keeping one of the best players for as long as possible is ideal, but some are not happy at all with the gentleman’s agreement as it questions his loyalty and commitment to the Wanderers, while it is debatable whether he has actually earned it based off of just three goals and three assists this season (Transfermarkt).

Wolves fans on Traore contract update

These WWFC supporters flocked to the contract update on Traore as it was shared on Twitter:

“Massive W tbf”

Credit: @OldManWolves

“W”

Credit: @lewis__wwfc7

“Class”

Credit: @w0lv0br4d10

“Sell him, even though he’s the only shining light in the last few games. Personally his performances as a whole this season don’t warrant a new contract or pay rise. Is he playing for the team or himself?”

Credit: @Wulfrunian1877

“A bigger club get rid now”

Credit: @RobertDimmock1

“The modern footballer… always one eye on something else. Loyalty just doesn’t exist.”

Credit: @peterping

In other news, find out what Raul Jimenez update has left Wanderers raving here!

أبدى مدافع نادي ريال مدريد الأسبق، إيفان كامبو، اندهاشه من سوء مستوى الملكي في مباراة الكلاسيكو يوم أمس، الاحد، أمام برشلونة في الجولة التاسعة والعشرين من بطولة الدوري الإسباني.

وسقط ريال مدريد على أرضه ووسط جماهيره أمام برشلونة بنتيجة قاسية 0-4، وأصبحت هناك شكوك حول مستوى فريق العاصمة فيما تبقى من الموسم رغم تصدره جدول الترتيب.

اقرأ أيضًا.. كلوب عن ملاقاة مانشستر سيتي مرتين في 7 أيام: مواجهة ليفربول ليست حلمًا لأي شخص

تحدث كامبو عن المباراة في تصريحات لراديو “ماركا” الإسباني، وقال: “لقد فوجئت بمدى سوء أداء ريال مدريد، أكثر من أداء برشلونة”.

وأضاف: “كانت بداية ريال مدريد في الشوط الثاني كارثية، أنشيلوتي لم ينجح وقد اعتذر، من الغريب أن نرى كيف لا يتم الاعتماد على لاعبين معينين بينما البعض الآخر متعب للغاية”.

وعن عودة برشلونة: “لقد نجحوا في التعاقد مع بعض اللاعبين المميزين في الشتاء، هذا هو المفتاح لعودتهم القوية من جديد وتقديم هذا المستوى”.

والمنافسة على لقب الدوري: “حتى يتم حسم البطولة بشكل رسمي، ما زالت هناك فرصة أمام الجميع لحصد الدوري الإسباني، لكن الأمر صعب، يكاد يكون مستحيلًا، لكن العديد من النقاط ما تزال متبقية، اللقب يعتمد على ما سيقدمه اللاعبون في المباريات المقبلة وتفكير أنشيلوتي”.

Rangers were reportedly extremely close to signing Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Harry Winks back in 2016 and considering his impressive career since then, you could definitely argue that Mark Warburton missed out on having his quality at Ibrox.

Former Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday confirmed in a recent interview with Open Goal (via Glasgow Live), that:

“I remember doing a warm-up and Harry Winks came in for a day. He didn’t train though.

“I think everything was agreed and he was coming anyway. He was at the training ground being shown about. He didn’t train.

“A day later, it didn’t happen. He stayed at Tottenham.”

The 2016/17 season saw Rangers finish third in the Premiership, whilst their Old Firm rivals Celtic were able to win the league unbeaten, so it is not a memorable one for a lot of Bears fans.

Warburton was sacked as manager in February, with Pedro Caixinha arriving as his replacement a month later, and perhaps if the sporting director at the time Mark Allen had been able to complete the loan deal for Winks, then Rangers’ performances would have improved and Warburton could have kept his job.

Clearly, Mauricio Pochettino and the Tottenham Hotspur staff would be won over by Winks and he would go on to make 21 appearances in the Premier League for the North London club that season, suggesting he would have been more than good enough for the Rangers squad at the time.

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The Argentine manager was a huge fan of the Spurs academy graduate, describing him as “amazing” in 2019 and even comparing him to Barcelona legends Andres Iniesta and Xavi back in 2018, but unfortunately for Winks, he would lose his regular starting spot following Jose Mourinho’s arrival in 2019.

The England international, who is currently valued at £19.8m by Transfermarkt, has made just seven starts in the Premier League this season and a summer exit could well be on the cards for the 25-year-old.

[freshpress-quiz id=“593776″]

However, he still possesses a lot of quality and would have undoubtedly been an excellent addition to Rangers’ squad back in the summer of 2016, so it could definitely be described as something of a disaster by Mark Allen to have him at the training ground one day but fail to sign him the next.

And, in other news… Bye-bye Hagi: Wilson should seal Rangers swoop for 16 G/A dynamo

MatériaMais Notícias

Crystal Palace look set to miss out on managerial target Patrick Vieira as they continue to search for Roy Hodgson’s successor.

What’s the story?

Vieira’s agent had told Italian outlet Il Secolo XIX that his client is in contention to takeover Serie A outfit Sampdoria.

Claudio Ranieri is set to walk away from the Stadio Luigi Ferraris following a successful two-year stint at the club, leaving the door open for Vieira to return to the dugout.

Fans will be gutted

The news that the former Arsenal star is likely to no longer be an option will surely leave Steve Parish gutted as it reduces the number of candidates that he can choose from.

After an impressive stint in charge of MLS side New York City, the 44-year-old Frenchman took control of Nice in his homeland.

Things started well for the World Cup winner with Les Aiglons, recording respectable seventh and sixth-place finishes in Ligue 1 in his first two campaigns at the club.

However, the wheels started to fall off last season, and Vieira was sacked after overseeing five consecutive defeats. The final straw coming via a 3-2 defeat by Bayer Leverkusen that confirmed their exit from the Europa League.

Nice were sitting in 11th position in the top-flight table at the time of his dismissal, and a win rate of 45% throughout his managerial career shows that the young tactician has the potential to have a successful career in the hot seat.

Palace, though, appear to be prioritising a move for former Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo. While that may seem a sensible and popular decision, competition from Premier League rivals Everton means that Eagles chairman Steve Parish needs to keep his options wide open.

With several top teams across the continent competing for the top managers, the capital club’s hierarchy need to move quickly in order to secure their top target.

Vieira would have been a strong candidate for the role, given his familiarity with English football and his strong showing at NYCFC and Nice, but Parish will have to move on with his search with another potential candidate now off the table.

And, in other news…Parish spends £74m, Zaha axed: How Crystal Palace could look under Steve Cooper 

For sides which possess arguably the strongest two attacks in the competition, Victoria and Queensland failed to really prove the case by the end of a tame Pura Cup match here at the Melbourne Cricket Ground

John Polack02-Dec-2000For sides which possess arguably the strongest two attacks in the competition, Victoria and Queensland failed to really prove the case by the end of a tame Pura Cup match here at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Instead of being afforded the sort of finish that might originally have been expected between last year’s finalists, this contest was hung out to dry in wafting afternoon breezes on a cloudless Melbourne day.In fairness, both teams went through this encounter – which ended half an hour early with Queensland 6/380 in its second innings and leading overall by 180 runs – badly depleted. Before it started, the Bulls had surrendered Andy Bichel (to Test commitments), Michael Kasprowicz, Scott Muller and Ashley Noffke (to injury). During it, the Bushrangers lost Damien Fleming (to neck soreness) before he had even been able to bowl a ball. Together with one critical missed catch from each of them, it ensured that both teams were afflicted by the curse of being unable to produce a consistent string of breakthroughs when it really mattered. In hindsight, it was hard to know what all the fuss had been about as Victoria set to the task of reducing the Bulls to 9/147 (in response to 9/384 declared) early on the third morning.The loss of Fleming, in particular, weighed heavily on proceedings on the fourth and final day. Despite the considerable resistance that had been offered by Martin Love (126) and Jimmy Maher (98) in a resolute stand yesterday afternoon, the Victorians had entered the closing six hours of the match with an overall lead of sixty-four runs and, theoretically at least, only a further nine wickets separating them from success. As it transpired, however, they never looked like grasping the Bulls by the horns.The sun shone but the gods never smiled quite as luxuriantly upon the Victorians. Several half-chances came their way through the early part of the day; as Love and Maher stretched their alliance to record-breaking proportions, though, none was taken. Before finally disrupting the 361-minute long partnership, the Bushrangers endured another highly frustrating period. It wasn’t until seven minutes before lunch, when Maher finally dabbed at a Paul Reiffel (2/35) delivery cutting away from him, that their torture through the opening session met an end.Even then, their reward was to watch another vigilant stand – this time of sixty-one between Love and Stuart Law (74*) – unfold before them. By the time that the number three and the captain had come together, Love and Maher had already eaten away the entirety of Victoria’s lead, and then some, with their compilation of a 212 run liaison. During their effort, the experienced pair also erased from the record books the 188 run association between Max Walters and David Ogilvie (in the 1977-78 season) that had previously assumed billing as Queensland’s best ever second wicket partnership on the Melbourne Cricket Ground.Love’s innings, in particular, was a masterpiece of concentration and determination. It has always been hard to believe that he has not warranted more attention in the race for national honours. At twenty-six years of age, he looks every bit as classy as many more heavily promoted top order players around Australia. Anyone who has witnessed his ability to mix measured innings like the one he completed today with others of belligerent intent (such as the remarkable hand that he played to help beat Tasmania in Brisbane five weeks ago) would certainly be hard pressed to dispute the claim.”He played really well,” attested Victorian captain, Reiffel. “He was really disciplined, he left a lot of balls that he could have played. He played within himself and yet held the whole innings together for them.”Love committed one of the few errors in his innings fifteen minutes before tea when he played back to Miller and was struck in front of his middle and off stumps. By that stage, though, much of the respectably-sized crowd that had arrived at the ground this morning in anticipation of the home side’s first win over Queensland in five years had beat its own retreat. Next time they come, they will doubtless be hoping that it is the blight of injury that stays away.

A splendid opening partnership of 152 between Scott Richardson and Matthew Wood helped put CricInfo Championship leaders Yorkshire into a strong position against second-placed Kent at Headingley

David Warner07-Jun-2001A splendid opening partnership of 152 between Scott Richardson and Matthew Wood helped put CricInfo Championship leaders Yorkshire into a strong position against second-placed Kent at Headingley.Yorkshire closed on 287 for six with a lead of 75 and they would have been even better off but for an excellent 12-over spell from Kent captain Matthew Fleming in which he picked up four wickets for 32 runs.After getting off to a cautious start in which they were each dropped behind the wicket, Richardson and Wood gained rapidly in confidence and Wood twice pulled Martin Saggers for big sixes.Wood looked to be heading for his first century since the opening match of last season but when he had made 90 off 188 balls with eight fours and two sixes he edged left-arm spinner Min Patel to James Hockley at slip.Richardson, who had earlier completed his maiden half-century, moved smoothly to 69 before wretched luck brought about his dismissal. His second wicket partner, Craig White, blasted back a fierce drive to Patel who could not make the catch stick but saw the ball deflect into the stumps with Richardson stranded out of his crease.White had added 53 with Lehmann when he was caught behind for 26 to become the first of Fleming’s victims and the Kent leader quickly followed up by trapping his opposite number David Byas lbw with one which kept low.Gary Fellows and James Middlebrook also departed to Fleming but there was no stopping Lehmann who hit Patel for an enormous six over mid-wicket and the Australian was unbeaten at stumps with 66 from 108 balls with four fours and a six.Before play began, Yorkshire registered 23-year-old paceman Steven Kirby and immediately drafted him into the side in place of Matthew Hoggard who had withdrawn in order to join the England squad at Edgbaston.Kirby has impressed with trials for Yorkshire this season after spending the last few years playing for Leicestershire Seconds but he was not retained at Grace Road because of a back problem which has since cleared up.

Tottenham Hotspur may be offered a tempting deal that could kickstart a much-needed overhaul…

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Star, Spurs have an interest in Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus, which could create the possibility of a cash-plus-swap deal for Harry Kane this summer.

It’s thought that the Brazilian is valued at around £70m and that a similar amount on top of his signature could tempt the Lilywhites into a move.

They also claim that Pep Guardiola would be reluctant to let the 24-year-old go but making him part of any offer could bolster their chances of securing Kane as it would give them a direct replacement for the England international.

Bye-bye Kane?

Whilst Kane is one of the irreplaceable members of this current Spurs squad, the fact that he wants out does not put the North London outfit in a strong position of negotiation, with £150m being a mooted price tag.

Sky Sports claimed earlier this month that the 27-year-old reiterated his desire to leave his boyhood club this summer and his preference is to remain in the Premier League, only further making it a difficult decision for chairman Daniel Levy.

It’s also true that Spurs are in need of a vast squad overhaul ahead of next season, regardless of whoever takes the currently vacant managerial role. Many of these players who featured during Mauricio Pochettino’s reign are still here, and they are the same ones that not only let him down but also Jose Mourinho.

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Selling Kane could be the only genuine way of raising enough funds to bolster areas right across the pitch, with the Daily Mail suggesting that Spurs will have to sell before they can buy this summer – are the likes of Erik Lamela, Serge Aurier, Moussa Sissoko and many more going to raise as much as Kane would? It’s rather unlikely.

Not only would Spurs be getting some funds to help aid this but they’d also be getting very viable successor. As mentioned above, it’s going to be hard to fill his void but in Jesus, Levy could grab his next manager a top player with plenty of experience in the Premier League.

On City’s way to the title this campaign, the 5 foot 9 dynamo found the net nine times in 29 appearances, also adding five goals in other competitions, via Transfermarkt.

It means he’s bagged 82 goals across 195 appearances for the Citizens since joining them in August 2016.

The 40-time Brazil international’s form over the years has earned plenty of plaudits, namely from his boss Pep Guardiola, who has effectively dubbed him an unsung hero in this title-winning squad.

“You cannot imagine how happy we are when Gabriel can score the goals he has scored,” he told City’s official website. “But it is the things he does for the team that people don’t realise he does. That’s why the striker has to score and today he scored two. He helps us with his pressing and he is a joyous guy.”

The former Barcelona head coach also went onto call his striker “amazing” and “brilliant,” too.

Whilst even ex-Spurs boss Pochettino knows of his qualities, calling him a “very talented player” with “potential” back in 2017, via the Manchester Evening News.

All in all, if Kane is to be sold this summer, then it would make perfect sense to try and involve a player that could instantly fill his void, and Spurs can probably do that with the £54m-rated Jesus.

There are surely not many better choices out there right now.

AND in other news, Spurs eye swoop for “remarkable” 16 G/A beast, he’s everything Lo Celso should’ve been…

West Ham United are reportedly facing even more competition for one of their top transfer targets ahead of the summer transfer window…

What’s the word?

Back in April, the ever-reliable Irons insider ExWHUemployee told fans that David Moyes’ first-choice striker target was Tammy Abraham, who is thought to be free to leave Chelsea for around £40m.

And now the Hammers are facing a likely transfer tussle over his signature, especially with the Scot supposedly unwilling to pay such a high fee for a homegrown and proven Premier League talent.

According to the Sunday World, top-flight rivals Crystal Palace are the latest side to be linked to the 23-year-old forward and despite not having a manager in the dugout, there is ‘strong interest’ from their side.

Leicester City, Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers have also been linked to Abraham in recent months.

Big setback

This will come as devastating news to Moyes, especially if the Chelsea outcast is indeed his no.1 candidate.

It’s no secret that the East London outfit are desperate for additions to their frontline. After the departure of club-record flop Sebastian Haller in January, the 58-year-old was left with only one striker, an injury-prone Michail Antonio.

He has not started in more than 24 games in any Premier League season, leaving Moyes in a sticky spot whenever he’s injured. At times, the likes of Manchester United loan sensation Jesse Lingard and Jarrod Bowen had to be deployed as makeshift centre-forwards.

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The need for a new talisman has since ramped up, with the Irons qualifying to compete in the Europa League next season. Even the addition of one man may not be enough to keep them competitive in what could be a 50-plus game season.

Abraham is certainly an interesting candidate, given he finished the season amongst Chelsea’s top goalscorers (six) despite rarely featuring under Thomas Tuchel.

In all competitions this season, the six-time England international – who is not on the plane to the Euros – has found the next 12 times, taking his total tally for the Blues to 30 in 82 appearances, via Transfermarkt.

His attitude on the training ground earned praise from club legend John Terry, who coached him during a loan spell at Villa in the Championship. He told the club’s official website that the striker was “incredible” and also added:

“His passion is infectious. We all want results and performances, but supporters want you to work your socks off for the football club. Tammy has that and that’s what you want in the whole group. It breeds a winning mentality and makes you relentless.”

The fact that there is yet another side in the running for him will come as a massive blow to the Irons, especially it could leave Moyes rueing his stubbornness over the fee.

They simply cannot afford to risk going into next season with just Antonio. That would be disastrous.

AND in other news, Moyes must brutally axe £75k-p/w West Ham flop this summer, he’s been “too anonymous”…