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Glasgow Rangers head coach Michael Beale was backed by the board throughout the summer transfer window as they allowed him to overhaul the playing squad.

Who did Rangers sign this summer?

The Light Blues manager was able to bolster his options across the pitch with nine new additions after his failure to secure a single trophy during the 2022/23 campaign.

Leon Balogun

Permanent

Sam Lammers

Permanent

Danilo

Permanent

Cyriel Dessers

Permanent

Kieran Dowell

Permanent

Dujon Sterling

Permanent

Jack Butland

Permanent

Jose Cifuentes

Permanent

Abdallah Sima

Loan

Eight players arrived at Ibrox on permanent deals, which included four coming in on free transfers after their contracts at their respective former clubs expired, while Sima joined on a season-long loan from Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion to improve the depth out wide.

Rangers ended last season without a piece of silverware as they finished second in the Scottish Premiership, were knocked out of the Champions League during the group stages, and failed to win either domestic cup competition. It was thought, therefore, that a certain Cyriel Dessers would save them from that slump. Think again.

How many goals has Cyriel Dessers scored this season?

One signing who has already endured a difficult start to life in Scotland is the Nigeria international Dessers. the former Serie A marksman has found the back of the net JUST twice so far and his poor form could open the door for academy forward Zak Lovelace to make an impact.

The Light Blues signed the misfiring striker from Italian side Cremonese for a reported package of €6.5m (£5.6m) over the summer but he is yet to prove his worth to the Scottish giants as of yet.

His worst performance in a Rangers shirt to date arguably came in a substitute appearance against Servette in a Champions League qualifier last month. Dessers recorded a dreadful Sofascore rating of 5.7 as he missed two 'big chances' and lost all eight of his duels to go along with just five completed passes over 29 minutes of action.

The 28-year-old's Scottish Premiership form has also left plenty to be desired as he is yet to score his first league goal for the Gers this season.

Dessers has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.70, which is the 18th-highest score within the squad, across four top-flight starts for Beale and has failed to find the back of the net a single time.

He cannot blame his teammates for a lack of service coming his way at the top end of the pitch either as the Nigerian finisher has spurned four 'big chances' in front of goal.

This shows that his finishing has been incredibly questionable as the summer signing has missed six 'big chances' and scored two goals, one of which was a penalty against Greenock Morton in the League Cup, in nine competitive matches for the club.

His lack of athleticism has also been an issue for him in the Premiership this season. Indeed, the ex-Cremonese ace has lost a staggering 81% of his ground duels across his four league appearances for the club, which shows that opposition defenders are finding it far too easy to get the better of him on the deck.

Clearly, Dessers is not moving his feet, or body, quickly enough in order to get beat players in physical contests to retain or regain possession for his side.

His poor start to life in Scotland could now allow Beale to dip into the academy to finally offer Lovelace the chance to prove himself at first-team level after a phenomenal debut campaign for the youth team last season.

How old is Zak Lovelace?

The talented finisher only turned 17 at the start of the year so there is no rush to integrate him into the senior squad at such a young age.

However, Dessers' poor form for the Light Blues could force the head coach's hand as the superb youngster's fantastic record for the academy sides last term suggests that the potential is there for him to be able to make the step up and eventually serve as an upgrade.

He has already played seven senior matches in his career to date, with two coming for Rangers last season and five coming for Millwall at the age of 16 prior to his move to Ibrox in 2022.

How many goals has Lovelace scored for Rangers?

The prolific sensation enjoyed a stunning 2022/23 campaign with the B team as he plundered an eye-catching 15 goals and six assists in 26 Lowland League matches.

Lovelace, who was lauded as "exciting" by ex-sporting director Ross Wilson, also showcased his immense attacking talent at U19 level with two goals and four assists in six UEFA Youth League outings.

The teenager, who has also started the current term with one goal in two Challenge Cup appearances, has proven himself to be a consistent and reliable scorer for the Scottish giants since his switch from Millwall, whilst he has also been able to display his creativity with a number of assists.

What is Zak Lovelace's style of play?

His versatility also works in his favour as the exciting youngster is capable of playing in a multitude of roles across the attack; including through the middle as a centre-forward and on either flank as a winger or wide attacker.

This shows that Lovelace is a dynamic hotshot who has the athleticism and pace to be able to play on the flanks as well as being able to lead the line as a number nine, suggesting that he may be able to offer superior movement to stretch defences in comparison to Dessers.

The former Lions prospect's record, in terms of goals and assists, also proves that the potential is there for him to provide more quality than the Nigeria international at the top end of the pitch if he is able to translate his form over to the first team in the coming months.

What does the future hold for Zak Lovelace?

Rangers travel away to play St. Johnstone after the international break. Beale should surely name Lovelace as one of his substitutes with the view to bringing him off the bench to see how he fares.

The English head coach could slowly bed the 17-year-old into the first-team fold with a few cameo appearances before finally offering him a chance to start a match.

Should the teen perform well then he could be the Dessers upgrade that Rangers are seemingly in need of at the moment.

The squad also sees the return of Morne Morkel and Chris Morris, who missed out on the Bangladesh series with a side strain and back issue respectively

Firdose Moonda25-Jan-20182:50

‘Zondo brings maturity and leadership’ – Cullinan

Lungi Ngidi and Khaya Zondo have been named in South Africa’s ODI squad for the first three matches against India starting on February 1. The pair are uncapped in the format, though Zondo was part of the limited-overs squad that traveled to India in late 2015. Ngidi has played three T20s but no ODIs, after a rib injury resulted in him missing out on the ODI series against Sri Lanka last January and he could not be considered for the Champions Trophy squad because of a back problem.The squad also sees the return of Morne Morkel and Chris Morris, who missed out on the Bangladesh series with a side strain and back issue respectively, as well as a return for Tabraiz Shamsi as the second spinner, behind Imran Tahir.The major surprise was the exclusion of Farhaan Behardien, who has been a regular member of the side and currently sits sixth in the one-day cup run charts, where he is averaging over 50, with a strike-rate of over 92. In contrast, Zondo is in 16th place with an average of 43.83 and a strike rate just over 65 but was preferred over Behardien as part of South Africa’s “vision 2019″ – their grand plan to fine-tune their World Cup squad.”It’s important for us to be clear in terms of where we are in our plans. We are starting our vision 2019, which are the players we are looking for,” Linda Zondi, South Africa’s convener of selectors said. “It is important for us to increase the pool and give opportunity so that we know by the time it comes to late this year, we don’t have to be clouded. This is a holistic approach in terms of giving opportunity. This is going to happen for the whole year. There will be guys, key guys, that we are going to rest and rotate.”The rotation policy will apply for the six-match India series and South Africa’s July-August tour of Sri Lanka, after which Zondi hopes to be “more or less close” to a World Cup pool.Zondo is a particularly interesting selection because of his backstory. He did not play a game on the India tour in 2015, even when JP Duminy was injured in the series. Instead, Dean Elgar was flown to India and played, prompting a furore from black African players in the country. They penned a letter to CSA, bemoaning the fortunes of black players and asking for fair opportunities. The following year, CSA made public a transformation target that requires the national side to play a minimum average of six players of colour of which at least two must be black African over the course of the season.South Africa have stuck to that target and Zondo is unlikely to go uncapped again. Zondi explained Zondo is being looked at as having a future in the middle order. “We feel he can play a role in terms of rotating the strike and he does have the strength in terms of clearing the boundary. He has shown potential and his skills in South Africa A,” Zondi said.But Behardien was assured his World Cup dreams were not over. He will come into consideration after the first half of the India series, when South Africa will reassess their squad. “He knows, every single player knows that after the third game, we are going to sit and decide. We will definitely be resting, rotating and giving opportunity otherwise we will be sitting with the same names as we prepare for 2019,” Zondi said.BCCIOther positions that South Africa woud want to look at are of the spinner and the wicketkeeper, with Tahir and Quinton de Kock well established and a lack of serious candidates to challenge either of them. Shamsi has been around the squad but last played an ODI in February last year against New Zealand. He is the leading wicket-taker in the one-day cup, with 26 scalps, nine more than his nearest contender, at an average of 14.84, but faces some competition from Test tweaker Keshav Maharaj.”At the moment, I think Tahir is still our No.1 spinner. Shamsi will come into the picture,” Zondi explained. “There are a couple of spinners we need to look at. Maharaj is part and parcel. He bowls and he bats, he is a good fielder. Let’s see what Shamsi can bring to the table and we also need to see how we can bring Maharaj.”In the keeping department, South Africa have not named a reserve for de Kock but may do later in the series. “What happens if Quinton gets injured? Is AB going to take the gloves? Maybe not, but we have a plan in terms of a keeper,” Zondi said. “With the keeping situation, we’ve got [Heinrich] Klaasen, [Mangaliso] Mosehle and [Rudi] Second.”The only person who may have to wait his turn is Dale Steyn, who is recovering from a heel injury and is only expected to return to the international stage for the Australia Tests. Steyn has not played an ODI since October 2016 and has not played even domestic 50-over cricket since his shoulder injury 13 months ago. Though Steyn, like so many of South Africa’s seniors, has his heart set on the World Cup, it appears as though his place is not guaranteed.”For now, the main focus is to see how Dale Steyn does in the Tests. He needs to go back to the franchise and see where he is with white ball,” Zondi said. “I am quite comfortable with the manner that he performed when he came back. Now he has a different injury but I am very optimistic. He is part of this vision.”ODI squad: Faf du Plessis (capt), Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Imran Tahir, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Khaya Zondo

Manchester United perhaps failed to have the transfer window that so many supporters were hoping for, having to rely on just a few major signings as opposed to the overhaul that was required.

Erik ten Hag hasn’t been helped with an indifferent start to the season which has seen the club secure two tight Premier League wins against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest, with a defeat to Tottenham Hotspur sandwiched in between.

With the Dutchman looking to bolster his midfield with the signing of Sofyan Amrabat, could he have perhaps been slightly more ambitious in terms of his transfer business?

What will Sofyan Amrabat offer Man United?

The Moroccan midfielder enjoyed a solid campaign for Fiorentina last term, leading them to the Europa Conference League final, while he also shone for his country at the 2022 FIFA World Cup as Morocco became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of the competition.

In Qatar, Amrabat ranked first across the squad for accurate passes per game (38.3) while also ranking third for tackles per game (2.3) and eighth for interceptions per game (0.9), showcasing his abilities on the world stage.

These performances perhaps gave Ten Hag an inclination of just how effective he could be, however, should he could have made a more concrete effort to sign someone who has already shone in the Premier League – Joao Palhinha.

How good is Joao Palhinha?

Before the summer transfer window, United had been showing an interest in signing the Portuguese midfielder from Fulham, however, a move didn't materialise and he ended up nearly joining Bayern Munich in a £55m deal, only for a move to fall through late on during deadline day.

In truth, this represents a missed opportunity for the Red Devils, particularly considering how impressive Palhinha has been since moving to Fulham last summer.

Last season in the top flight, the 28-year-old showed his expertise at winning the ball back by making 147 tackles, the highest total in the league and for context, Moises Caicedo was second with 100, indicating how impressive Palhinha was.

He was even hailed as a “tackling machine” by teammate Harrison Reed, drawing praise from his fellow players for his displays in his maiden season in England.

He also led the way in terms of tackles per game (4.2) across the whole league, while winning 59% of his total duels, demonstrating his physicality, and it went a long way to securing Fulham a surprise top-half finish.

The £50k-per-week star would’ve been the perfect Casemiro heir for Ten Hag, with journalist Zach Lowy even lauding him as “Casemiro-esque” prior to his move to Fulham.

The Brazilian has shone at Old Trafford since joining from Real Madrid in 2022 and last term he ranked first across the whole United squad for tackles per game (3.2) and won 55% of his total duels, showing the similarities between the two.

WhoScored even states that Palhinha and Casemiro both excel at tackling and aerial duels, showing their solidity in the heart of the pitch, and he could have been the perfect heir for the United gem, especially as the 6 foot 2 brute is currently hitting his stride.

Tottenham Hotspur continue to search for their Harry Kane successor, but it is a process that was always bound to prove difficult given the talent they have lost…

Who could replace Harry Kane at Tottenham?

Numerous names have been touted with regard to that vacancy, as Ange Postecoglou likely wants to replace that goalscoring quality with similar proficiency.

However, he of all people will know just how impossible a task that is.

Instead, perhaps the Australian could look to mould his next star, investing his time and effort in youth just as he will have to be equally patient whilst integrating his system.

Whilst Dusan Vlahovic might mark the outstanding option given his pedigree for someone so young, as someone who the Lilywhites have been interested in this summer, perhaps they could divert their attention towards a shock move for Folarin Balogun.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

Given a report emerged earlier in the week linking them with a swoop for their north London rivals' young star, with his £50m price tag far more attainable than what was touted for the Juventus marksman, with regard to quality, ceiling and price tag, there are arguments to be made for the USA international.

How good is Folarin Balogun?

Although far more accomplished at the top level, their respective most recent seasons could suggest that the tide might be turning in the favour of Arsenal's 22-year-old finisher.

After all, he did enjoy an outstanding loan spell in France, scoring 21 times in Ligue 1 and assisting a further three. H

is manager Will Still sought to emphasise the immediate impact of the youngster, noting: "He is a super complete striker, he is able to play with his back to goal, in depth. It is technically very clean. He scores, he is decisive."

Meanwhile, during this red-hot term that made many stand up and take note, the Serbia international was actually enduring an uncharacteristically profligate year for the Turin outfit.

Just ten league goals marked a massive downgrade from his 24 strikes the year prior, however, he does not boast nearly enough technical prowess with regard to link-up play and passing accuracy that could lend Balogun the upper hand.

Alongside his clinical finishing, the former England U21 international did also average one key pass per game to outline this creativity that he could add, where Vlahovic has little.

His 72% pass accuracy from last season suggests that he would fail to make it stick should they mix it up and go long, despite his 6 foot 3 frame.

Postecoglou has been vocal in the way he wants to set his side up, with an emphasis on pressing from the front and a relentless work ethic up top.

Following his appointment he noted: "It's all encompassing. Our defensive work starts at the front and making sure that our front three, whoever they may be, are our first line of defence. The players have bought into it.

"It's very easy, especially for an attacking player, to have the incentive of working hard in order to score goals, but to give them the incentive that if they work hard defensively it will also bring you goals has been a big challenge but the players have bought into it."

Again, this is something which Balogun excels in, with former teammate Shkodran Mustafi even suggesting how tireless he remains in his pursuit of his targets: "He’s a very strong and intelligent player. He’s a good striker and he’s hungry."

Whilst Vlahovic is far more experienced, with five years of top-flight senior football under his belt, Balogun's promise, heavily reduced price tag and ability in possession actually marks him as an upgrade on the former Fiorentina star.

IPL franchises will be allowed to retain a maximum of five of their existing players through a combination of player retention before the 2018 auction and the use of right-to-match cards during the auction

Nagraj Gollapudi06-Dec-20175:15

The IPL auction 2018 – New rules, old game?

IPL franchises will be allowed to retain a maximum of five of their existing players through a combination of player retention before the 2018 auction and the use of right-to-match cards during the auction. The salary cap for each team for the 2018 season has been set at INR 80 crore (approximately $12.4 million) by the IPL governing council, which met in Delhi on Tuesday along with the Supreme Court-appointed committee of administrators.The dates for the auction are yet to be finalised. One of the governing council’s members, Sourav Ganguly felt it would be best to hold the event after the third Test and final Test between India and South Africa. It is understood that the auction may take place on January 29 or February 3.Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, the two franchises returning from a two-year suspension, will be able to retain players from among those who were in their squads in 2015, and from the list of their players who represented Rising Pune Super Giant and Gujarat Lions in 2017. Super Giant and Lions are no longer part of the IPL because they were brought in as temporary replacements while Super Kings and Royals served their suspensions.Of the five players, a franchise can retain a maximum of three through retention in the lead up to the auction, and a maximum of three through right-to-match cards during the auction. If a franchise does not retain any player before the auction it can still retain only three using right-to-match cards. A right-to-match card gives the franchise the ability to buy back its player during the auction by matching the highest bid made for the player by another franchise, once the bidding is over.The other restrictions on player retention are: a maximum of three capped Indian players can be retained, and only two overseas players and two uncapped Indian players can be retained. These decisionsA franchise will be allowed to spend only INR 33 crore on retentions ahead of the 2018 IPL auction, leaving it at least INR 47 crore to spend at the auction. If a franchise retains the maximum of three of their players before the auction, it will lose from the salary cap INR 15 crore for the first player, INR 11 crore for the second, and INR 7 crore for the third.If only two players are retained, then the first will cost the franchise INR 12.5 crore from the salary cap, and the second INR 8.5 crore. If only one player is retained, then he will cost the franchise INR 12.5 crore from the salary cap. The IPL has also imposed a salary cap of INR 3 crore for an uncapped player retained before the auction.Considering the player auction will be a big one, the IPL has increased the salary cap significantly. From INR 66 crore in the last two auctions (2016 and 2017), the salary cap will be INR 80 crore in 2018. It will increase further to INR 82 crore in 2019, and to INR 85 crore in 2020. The IPL said the franchises will need to spend at least 75% of the salary cap each season, and that each squad should contain between 18 and 25 players with a limit of eight overseas players per franchise.There was also an upwards revision in the base prices of players at the auction. Previously, uncapped Indian players had base prices of INR 10, 20 and 30 lakhs respectively; now each of those slabs has been increased by INR 10 lakh. The minimum base price for capped Indian players has also increased from INR 30 lakh to INR 50 lakh.

Liverpool have now made contact over a move for Manchester City's Kalvin Phillips, and a deal could be there to be done, according to a report from TEAMtalk.

Is Kalvin Phillips leaving Man City?

Phillips has only had a very limited role at Man City since arriving ahead of last season, having made just 21 appearances in all competitions, and there is now an indication that he could be on the move this summer.

The Citizens are planning to send the midfielder out on loan in a bid to get his career back on track, as they believe a move elsewhere will give him the opportunity to reinvent himself, and Pep Guardiola feels he can do without him for one year.

Earlier in the summer, the Englishman stated he had no plans to leave during this window, unless he was once again unable to force his way into Guardiola's plans at the Etihad Stadium, saying:

"We have just won the Treble, so there is no reason for me to leave other than if I am not playing I will obviously have to think about it. I cannot give it 12 months and say I am not playing so I am going to leave."

However, the 27-year-old is yet to make an appearance for Guardiola's side in all competitions so far this season, which suggests he may reconsider his original stance, and it has now been reported that City are willing to let him leave.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Liverpool have now made enquiries over the central midfielder, and they have discovered their Premier League rivals would be willing to let him leave, which suggests a deal could be on the cards in a promising update.

Even with the summer departure of Ilkay Gundogan, the England international is no closer to breaking into the first team, and he could be tempted by a move away, in order to give himself the best possible chance of making Gareth Southgate's European Championships squad next summer.

As per talkSPORT, the former Leeds United man had been planning to stay and fight for his place, but a move to Anfield could make him think twice.

Read The Latest Liverpool Transfer News HERE

How good is Kalvin Phillips?

Although he has been limited to a sporadic role with Man City, the Leeds-born midfielder is an established England international, who proved himself in the Premier League during his time with his hometown club.

Lauded as a "Rolls Royce" by journalist Josh Bunting, the maestro recorded an average SofaScore match rating of 7.21 in the 2020-21 campaign, the highest figure of any player in the Leeds squad.

After the departure of Fabinho, Jurgen Klopp is in need of a capable defensive midfielder, and Phillips appears to tick the box, having won possession in the midfield an average of 4.8 times in the 2021-22 campaign, the second-highest in the division.

It remains to be seen whether City would be willing to sell one of their players to a direct rival, but if they do sanction a deal, then the £150k-per-week midfielder could be a solid addition to Klopp's squad, making this one to watch.

Mark Stoneman was given a taste of the WACA of old during his half-century on the opening day before a controversial end to his innings.

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Dec-2017Getty Images6.1 Starc to Stoneman, no run, dug in short, Stoneman takes his bottom hand off as he fends and keeps the ball down… and this has actually broken his bat handle! That’s the second stick of Stoneman’s that has needed replacing in this seriesGetty Images27.6 Hazlewood to Stoneman, FOUR, banged in and flashed high over backward point, he’s connected with this one, a lusty spank for four – and that’s Stoneman’s fifty, his second of the series. Can he go on?Getty Images31.1 Hazlewood to Stoneman, no run, short ball, at the batsman – takes the blow on the side of the helmet! Yowch, that’s going to leave a ringing in the ears, though Stoneman is able to walk away and take off his lid unaided. The stem-guards popped off, as they often do, but the protective gear absorbed most of the impact, I think…Getty Images…he needs to be checked over by the physios, but he’s walking and talking okay. Might need a replacement helmet, though… and there’ll doubtless be more short stuff to follow up, giving the issues he’s had today. Right, he’s going to continueGetty Images37.5 Starc to Stoneman, OUT, ripping bouncer, Stoneman throws up the hands and is beaten… or is he? No, there was a flick of glove on it! Paine took a leaping catch and Australia quickly reviewed Erasmus’ not-out decision, with Aleem Dar determining that a ripple on Snicko was evidence of contact. Erasmus has to reverse the call and up goes the finger, Stoneman’s gutsy knock is over! That was a snorter, unlucky for the batsmen on several levels…Getty Images…there’s a bit of a debate about whether the ball touched the glove on the top hand, or the bottom, which Stoneman had taken off the bat handle (and therefore couldn’t be out). The umpires are looking at it again, in fact; but after several grainy replays, it has been decided that it flicked Stoneman’s right hand and there is no reprieve. Given the confusion, you have to wonder if that was conclusive evidence to overturn the on-field decision… but there we go. England certainly aren’t happy about it

In an exclusive ESPN interview, Darren Sammy said he was optimistic West Indies could bounce back from their failure to qualify directly for the 2019 World Cup, and criticised CWI president Dave Cameron, calling him ‘egotistical’

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Nov-20173:18

Who is being pardoned with amnesty? – Sammy

There is no point offering “amnesty” to West Indies’ freelance T20 stars if the board does not pay them better. This was the opinion expressed by Darren Sammy, the former West Indies captain, during an interview at ESPN’s Bristol headquarters recently.In July, when West Indies faced the growing likelihood – since confirmed – that they would not qualify directly for the 2019 World Cup, Cricket West Indies (CWI) offered to temporarily relax their ODI selection policy of only picking players who featured in the domestic 50-overs tournament. This, they hoped, would pave the way for the likes of Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard and Sunil Narine to play ODIs and strengthen the team’s chances of getting through the World Cup Qualifier in March 2018.West Indies are left to play just one further ODI series, against New Zealand, before they head to Zimbabwe to feature in the World Cup Qualifiers next March.Sammy was critical of the selection policy, especially when allied to how little money the players stood to make from domestic cricket as against playing in franchise T20 tournaments around the world.”That’s the problem,” Sammy said. “When it all started with the past CEO [Michael Muirhead] and (former) director of cricket Richard Pybus, he said ‘West-Indies-first policy’. But you say West Indies first, but the first thing you do you cut the salaries. That doesn’t work.”You telling guys ‘don’t go and play elsewhere [where] they pay much better, stay at home,’ but the first thing you’re doing is you cut the salaries playing at home.”In this environment, Sammy felt the temporary amnesty would not solve the standoff between the board and the T20 freelancers, and that CWI would need to draw up flexible contracts to allow players to represent West Indies while also featuring in their choice of T20 leagues.”I think if you tell guys you have two or three tournaments a year where you get to choose. We give you a white-ball contract or your red-ball contracts, well the retainer contracts. You come back you play home (domestic cricket). If IPL is playing, those who have the contract to play in IPL you go and play. Those not in the IPL you stay home and play.”Then you have the Pakistan Super League, where the lesser guys tend to filter into that league. So you say ‘okay, you play here, those not playing in that league you have to return.’ And you make the retainer contract something attractive.”Sammy termed the failure to qualify automatically for the 2019 World Cup as West Indies’ lowest point, but said he had not lost hope of a turnaround in their fortunes.”It’s something I spoke about. I was afraid that we would not make into the Champions Trophy, we didn’t, and now to this,” Sammy said. “Hopefully Jason [Holder] and his men can go down to Zimbabwe in March and get to the finals, and assure that there won’t be another ICC event without West Indies.”But the good thing about when you hit rock bottom, you can only go up from there. Every time I hear or see West Indies play I’m always optimistic, I’ve not lost that passion that something will happen. We’ve shown it over the years, the glimpses where – especially the last Test series in England where they called us all sorts of names, and we have a habit when people call us names to bounce back firing.”Associated PressNot for the first time, Sammy was critical of Dave Cameron, the CWI president, on this occasion calling him “egotistical” and accusing him of putting himself above the players.”Although I promised I would not talk about these things anymore, but we have a president who is very egotistical,” Sammy said. “I’ve already said before he thinks he’s the face of West Indies cricket. Youngest president, going around, that’s the type of things you see.”But until you realize that the product is the cricketer – if you look at any sports stadium, all the chairs are facing the field. What’s on the field. Not one chair facing the box. Everybody’s coming to the stadium to watch these guys. So once you understand that if these guys do well, administration, everybody wins.”Sammy also spoke about the downward turn in his relationship with the board – which began with his being perceived as the “golden child” when he was unexpectedly named the West Indies captain in 2010 and soured six years later, when he attacked the administration in his World T20 victory speech. That speech remains Sammy’s last act as a West Indies player.”I was not always like that,” he said. “I absorbed a lot. I wanted to talk for a long time. I think there’s a right place and time for it. After speaking to these guys, because I was once the golden child of WICB. They made me captain against the backlash, threw me in the firing line knowing well that the media and even some of my teammates [didn’t think I deserved it].”So I had to be going to work every day swimming with sharks, but I had to remain true and believe in myself that I’m there for a reason. And I understood that. So when all the critics said ‘Darren shouldn’t be there’, I understood what my purpose was.”One moment I remember in India in [2014], when I said to them [the board] I do not agree with the new MOU they signed, where you cut players’ salaries by 70 percent – which they’re still trying to do now – I don’t agree with that. All of a sudden I became a rebel. I just stood up for what I believe and what we believed in.”

A sensational return could occur at West Ham United as the Irons bid to potentially replace an outgoing star.

What’s the latest West Ham transfer news?

It is understood that Lucas Paqueta has reached an agreement with Manchester City and wants the move.

The reigning European Champions had an opening £70m bid rejected by the Hammers, but City will submit an improved offer.

As a result, the club will be searching for replacements.

According to ExWHUEmployee (via Jacob Steinberg), Jesse Lingard has been training with the Irons and there is a ‘small chance’ that he could be offered a contract at the club.

The Guardian journalist has also revealed that the free agent is training with West Ham to build his fitness, but there is ‘intrigue’ over the 30-year-old, who enjoyed a sensational loan spell with the club in the second half of the 2020/21 season.

Read the latest West Ham transfer news HERE…

The former Manchester United attacker snubbed the 2023 Europa Conference League winners to join Nottingham Forest last summer, but his time at the City Ground was uninfluential.

Lingard could be an important addition to David Moyes’ squad, in light of Paqueta's potential exit from the London Stadium.

What is Jesse Lingard's style of play?

The playmaker’s 182-game Premier League career has consistently fluctuated between eye-catching brilliance and underwhelming anonymity, but a six-month loan spell at West Ham at the beginning of 2021 was the most fruitful in recent memory.

In 16 top-flight games for the Hammers, Lingard recorded 14 goal contributions and was irrepressible at times.

In a match against Wolves in April 2021, the 32-cap international travelled 52 metres with the ball, before he coolly slotted past Rui Patricio – this goal was the furthest distance a player had carried the ball before scoring in a Premier League game.

His goal tally meant he netted more times (nine) for the east Londoners than he ever managed in a single season for the Red Devils.

Former Man United defender Rio Ferdinand has been a consistent supporter of Lingard, hailing his talent: “I’ve argued with pundit after pundit, on-air, and off-air. He could play in any top team because he’s an intelligent footballer. He can play off one-touch or two-touch. Anyone who knows football surely has to see the kid has a talent.”

However, Lingard’s faltering career has perhaps been defined by two summers in which he failed to join West Ham. He played a key role in the club’s Europa League qualification, but the decision to stay at Old Trafford caused him to regress as he only started two Premier League games across the 2021/22 campaign.

Last year, Lingard opted to join newly-promoted Nottingham Forest, but he failed to have the desired impact, starting just 14 times in all competitions and scoring twice. Now in 2023, the 5 foot 9 livewire is nearing a return to the club and manager who resoundingly unlocked the best form of his career.

Needless to say, the transfer would be somewhat of a risk, considering his poor performances across the last two years, but he is available on a free transfer and can partially cover the inevitable exit of Paqueta.

The former Lyon technician dazzled for West Ham at points last season and is engrained in the club’s folklore when he provided the assist for Jarrod Bowen to clinch a first European trophy since 1965.

Lingard perhaps has the added quality of having appeared across the frontline throughout his career, and on a short-term deal, he could be a key piece of depth for a side that is about to enter a third-consecutive season of European football.

This transfer would be extremely logical if the Hammers added either Mohammed Kudus or Cole Palmer as another reinforcement, alongside Lingard.

Paqueta is undoubtedly a huge loss, but Lingard could be a quick solution and a reunion with Moyes could be the perfect antidote to revive his stuttering career.

Every footballer loves a goal celebration, whether it be last-minute limbs, or an audacious backflip. Some celebrations can take longer than others, however, and there’s nothing worse than seeing the away team perform their choreographed routine after finding the back of the net.Times are changing, though. Now, if Jessie Lingard, or any player for that matter, decides to turn The Emirates into their personal dance floor, the time they have wasted with their performance will be added on at the end of games.This comes following a change to Law 7 – The Duration of the Match, which will see goal celebrations become a separate cause for additional time.With that said, after the statistics were revealed by The Athletic, we’ve taken a look at last season’s longest celebrators in the Premier League.

Who celebrated for the longest in the Premier League last season?

As per The Athletic, it was, in fact, Crystal Palace who celebrated goals for the longest amount of time, averaging 84.8 seconds. Meanwhile, Newcastle celebrated for the least amount of time, averaging 66.6 seconds.

Interestingly, it was last season’s top goal scorers, Manchester City, who averaged the second least amount of time, with 67.5 seconds. The stat arguably sums up just how ruthless Pep Guardiola’s side can be, as they find the back of the net, before almost instantly gunning for more.

Of course, though, due to the number of goals that City scored last season – 94 to be exact – they were up there for the longest overall time celebrating goals. In total, the treble winners spent 105 minutes and 45 seconds celebrating, coming second to Arsenal’s 119 minutes and 32 seconds.

It’s no surprise then that last season’s lowest goal scorers, Wolverhampton Wanderers, spent the least amount of overall time enjoying their goals, hitting just 40 minutes and 30 seconds.

The numbers can still be flipped, too, with some sides more keen to get the game started after conceding than others, with West Ham United taking an average of 90.2 seconds to get back to the centre circle – the most in the league – and Southampton the most willing to get things back underway, averaging 61.2 seconds. It must be said, though, this did nothing to save their top-flight status.

As the Premier League looks to crack down on time-wasting, the numbers are certainly interesting. Perhaps more crucially is the percentage of time that the ball was in play for each team last season. That’s where the majority of time-killing comes from.

Again revealed by The Athletic, Manchester City had the ball in play for the highest percentage of time, with 62.1%, whilst Newcastle had the ball in play for just 51.8% of games in a damning statistic.

Eddie Howe’s side won’t get away with such numbers quite as well this season, it seems, with the Premier League simply adding extra additional minutes than ever before.

What did De Bruyne say about the injury-time rule change?

Some players haven’t been left too pleased with the extension of games, with Raphael Varane making a statement about his concern over player welfare, and Kevin de Bruyne saying after Manchester City’s Community Shield defeat against Arsenal, via Goal: We spoke to the Arsenal players and even the referees [about it] – they don’t even want to do it, but it’s the new rule and it’s what it is.

“A game like today, even the first half with three minutes extra, you can only guess what’s going to happen if you play a lower team who keep time-wasting all the time.

“Today we played 12 to 13 minutes. I can see games going for 20-25 minutes [extra]. I think this will change in one to two months, but this is the first game. I’m thinking if we play Sevilla in Olympiakos [in the Uefa Super Cup] on Wednesday [16 August] and have 15-20 extra minutes and then play on Saturday again [against Newcastle] it’s like two times extra time. We’ll see how it goes, but it doesn’t make any sense.”