Wrexham striker Paul Mullin celebrated in style after scoring for the Red Dragons on his first start of the season.
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Mullin makes first start of the seasonScores on return against Salford CityCelebrates with special maskWHAT HAPPENED?
Mullin was back in the starting XI and back in the goals on Tuesday night for Wrexham. The club's talisman, who has missed the start of the season through injury, opened the scoring in the team's Football League Trophy clash with Salford City. Mullin curled home a fine left-footed strike after 18 minutes to make it 1-0 and then celebrated by whipping out a Ryan Reynolds-inspired Deadpool mask.
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Mullin's celebration stems from his surprise cameo as 'Welshpool' in Reynolds' latest Deadpool movie. The costume worn by the striker in the film has since gone on display at SToK Racecourse.
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Mullin's return from injury will be a huge boost for Wrexham as they bid for promotion out of League One. The Welsh side currently top the table ahead of a 'Hollywood derby' against Tom Brady's big-spending Birmingham City.
Leicestershire’s early inroads thwarted as match takes place at Worcester’s New Road
ECB Reporters Network01-Aug-2020Lancashire 265 for 6 (Vilas 90, Croft 63) v Leicestershire A fifth wicket partnership of 130 between Dane Vilas and Steven Croft helped Lancashire recover after being reduced to 97 for 4 shortly after lunch on the opening day of their Bob Willis Trophy match against Leicestershire at Blackfinch New Road.Captain Vilas led the way for Lancashire, hitting 14 fours in going to 90 off 126 deliveries before edging a drive off the bowling of Tom Taylor to slip, where Hassan Azad hung on to the chance. It was redemption of sorts for Azad, who failed to pick up an earlier chance given by Vilas off the same bowler when he scored just 28.The morning had seen Leicestershire make Lancashire’s batsmen work hard for their runs after Vilas had won the toss and chosen to bat.Both sides fielded debutants. Batsman Ben Slater, signed on two weeks’ loan from Nottinghamshire, made his first start for the Foxes, while all-rounder George Balderson and bowlers Tom Hartley and Ed Moulton made their first start for Lancashire – the first time Lancashire had given three men a debut in the same match since 2002.Taylor made an early breakthrough, trapping opener Keaton Jennings leg before wicket with a full delivery that swung back in to the left-hander.Alex Davies and Josh Bohannon put together a partnership of 39 for the second wicket before Davies, who had hit five boundaries in moving on to 21, mistimed a pull at a sharp delivery from left-arm seamer Dieter Klein. The ball looped towards midwicket where George Rhodes took a fine low catch two-handed to his right.Klein then bowled Rob Jones with a quick yorker that swung back in to hit the right-hander’s off-stump, and then had Bohannon caught down the leg-side by wicket-keeper Harry Swindells, gloving an attempted pull at a short ball after playing impressively in going to 44.Lancashire looked to be in trouble, but Vilas led the fightback in typically belligerent style. The experienced Croft played the ideal supporting innings, but having reached his own half-century, was surprisingly dismissed shortly before the close when he went back to a delivery from off-spinner Colin Ackermann and was given out leg before wicket.Before the game started, everyone on the ground participated in a minute’s applause to pay tribute to those affected by the Covid pandemic. The players also took a knee to emphasise their support for the Black Lives Matter movement.
As the Arne Slot era gets underway at Liverpool, Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes have reportedly identified a player who could become one of Dutchman's first signings, having already proven that he can find the back of the net at Anfield.
Liverpool transfer news
Slot certainly has big shoes to fill now that Jurgen Klopp has left the club, but the summer transfer window should give those in Merseyside an indication into just what he is attempting to build.
Reports have already linked the Reds with a range of players, including Johan Bakayoko and Real Madrid winger Rodrygo in two moves that would help end their lack of ruthlessness going forward, something which cost them dearly in this year's title race.
johan-bakayoko-everton
Given that one of Klopp's first signings was a quick, direct and ruthless winger in Sadio Mane, it would be fitting if Slot's first arrival was a player of a similar calibre this summer. That said, the focus could yet go back to Liverpool's midfield this summer in a repeat of last year, despite the arrivals of Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch.
Contact made: Liverpool hold talks to sign £85m star for Slot
He has been backed to become a “legend”.
ByHenry Jackson May 22, 2024
If that is to be the case, a player who's already familiar with the Reds could arrive. According to The Telegraph, Liverpool are eyeing a move to sign Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa, but may yet be priced out of a deal by the Midlands club, alongside Newcastle United. Ramsey, of course, scored in Villa's 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Anfield in 2023, as Klopp's side struggled for form.
Still just 22 years old and on a reported £70k-a-week, there should be plenty more to come from Ramsey and a move to a club of Liverpool's stature should do that potential no harm, especially as Slot aims to mark his stamp in Merseyside.
"Terrific" Ramsey can compete with Curtis Jones
Competition is no bad thing for a side looking to compete on all fronts, and Ramsey would certainly add an extra element of that at Anfield. The Aston Villa youngster is a similar player to the likes of Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones and can particularly go toe-to-toe against the latter if he joins up with Slot at Liverpool, having matched his end product this term despite missing large parts of the season through injury.
Goals
1
1
Assists
1
1
Progressive Passes
28
74
Ball Recoveries
42
72
What's more, Ramsey has already earned the approval of Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, who praised the midfielder during his time in charge of Aston Villa.
Gerrard said via TNT Sports: “He’s not following in anyone’s footsteps. Jacob Ramsey is Jacob Ramsey. He will be a terrific player. It won’t be long before the whole country is watching him I’m sure. He is right up there, let me tell you.”
So, when the summer transfer window swings open and Villa look to ease any profit and sustainability concerns, Ramsey should be one to watch as a young midfielder who still has plenty of potential to become a top player.
New Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca is said to be excited by the prospect of working with a £60,000-per-week member of his squad and is believed to rate him extremely highly.
Chelsea announce Maresca as new head coach to replace Pochettino
It's been common knowledge for quite some time that Maresca has been lined up to succeed Mauricio Pochettino, but the west Londoners officially confirmed the Italian's arrival from Leicester City on Monday.
Chelsea ready to bid £85m for "extraordinary" ace to lead Maresca's project
He would be an exciting addition to the Blues’ squad.
ByTom Coates Jun 3, 2024
After guiding Leicester to the Championship title and automatic promotion at the first time of asking, Maresca has swapped the King Power for Stamford Bridge and will commence his new role on July 1.
Maresca put pen to paper on a five-year deal with the option of a further year, with journalist Ben Jacobs sharing further background on why he was the "unanimous" choice for Chelsea's board in a thread on X.
"Chelsea confirm Enzo Maresca as their new head coach. It’s a five-year contract with a club option of a further year. Former Chelsea goalkeeper Willy Caballero joins as Maresca’s assistant. Maresca was the unanimous choice from Chelsea’s leadership," wrote Jacobs.
Games managed
53
Wins
36
Draws
4
Losses
13
Points on average per game
2.11
"Maresca stood out because of his possession-based style. Experience in English football seen as key. Chelsea struck by his 'champions mentality'. Maresca is also understood to have displayed extensive squad knowledge at interview and was impressed with the talent and balance at the club.
"Maresca's thirst for knowledge impressed Chelsea's hierarchy. He even started watching last season's games whilst on holiday in Marbella ahead of getting the job. Maresca has already asked for data access to provide performance analysis on every player from youth level to the the first team, as well as full details of everyone working at Cobham. This meticulous approach was the same at Leicester."
Reports suggest that Maresca is planning to make Cole Palmer the vocal point of his Chelsea side, as the former Man City backroom coach plots to build his own-look Blues side after Pochettino's reign.
He's also set to have a say in the transfer market, with Maresca said to be a big fan of Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez for his forward line.
Maresca can't wait to work with Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez
Now, as per Fabrizio Romano, it is believed that Maresca has taken a real liking to £60,000-per-week goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
The former Brighton ace signed last summer and has suffered his fair share of criticism following his debut campaign at the club, but Maresca really rates Sanchez and can't wait to work with him at Chelsea.
Ex-Manchester United goalkeeper Sergio Romero has been suspended by Boca Juniors for a shocking fan altercation after a loss to River Plate.
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Boca lost at home to RiverRomero lost his cool at a fanHas been suspended for two gamesFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
River Plate claimed victory in the fiercely contested Superclasico thanks to a 20th-minute goal by Manuel Lanzini. After an intense match that saw nine yellow cards issued between the two teams and Boca’s Cristian Lema sent off, tensions boiled over into the stands as Romero confronted a fan who had allegedly abused him verbally.
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The situation worsened when other Boca supporters joined in, leading to Romero being restrained by club officials and teammates to prevent further escalation. In response to the incident, the club acted swiftly, suspending Romero for two games.
A statement from Boca read: "The decision has been made that our player Sergio Romero will not be called up for the next two matches we have to play (against Club Atlético Belgrano de Cordoba and Asociacion Atletica Argentinos Juniors). We also want to let you know that the three supporters who caused the aforementioned incident have been identified and that the corresponding measures will be applied to them.
"Our Club must be a big family, made up of fans, players, employees and directors. Therefore, we all owe each other mutual respect at all times and be united for the good of the Club, enjoying sport and the competitions in which Boca participates, encouraging and participating together, in peace and harmony."
WHAT ROMERO SAID
Shortly after the club’s announcement, Romero expressed regret for his actions, issuing a public apology to Boca fans.
"I want to offer my apologies to the Boca fans for the situation at the end," Romero said.
"When the guy was swearing at me, I lost my mind. None of us go out to play a game to lose it, we wanted to win it as much as they did and it didn't happen. I couldn't think at that moment, I lost my mind. I apologise to the Boca fan, I was wrong with my reaction, I should have let it go and left. They have the right to express themselves."
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Saturday’s defeat against River deepened Boca’s struggles as they now sit 11th in the league. Meanwhile, River are sixth in the standings after two consecutive victories but trail table-toppers Velez Sarsfield by six points.
The T20I series has been decided in the blink of an eye and Sophie Devine’s team need to quickly find some answers
Andrew McGlashan28-Sep-2020It took barely more than 24 hours for Australia to reassert their superiority after a six-month lay-off, but though the final T20I in Brisbane on Wednesday is a dead game in terms of the series, it shapes as a vital match in this short tour if New Zealand are to avoid things running away from them ahead of the one-day contests.Though the format will change next weekend, New Zealand’s record in the Rose Bowl ODIs doesn’t bode well for their chances of halting Australia’s dominance: it is 20 years since they have held the trophy, with one drawn series their best result in the last 17 attempts.Australia, who secured their tenth T20I prize in a row with this series victory, will be eyeing the world-record of 21 consecutive ODI wins – the milestone held by the men’s team in 2003 – and New Zealand desperately need a response in the final T20I after the one-sided contest yesterday.ALSO READ: Modest Alyssa Healy doffs hat to the bowlers after surpassing MS Dhoni’s recordAlyssa Healy believes Australia have a mental edge in knowing they can win from any position – a skill that came to the fore in tight circumstances at the T20 World Cup and in the opening game of this series when they were 5 for 82.”I’d like to think so. We really pride ourselves with cricket in this country that we know how to win and when our backs are against the wall we find ways to win games,” she said. “We showed that [on Saturday], we lost a few wickets and looked under the pump. I guess it’s some sort of psychological edge but saying that think our skills are fantastic at the minute.”Unsurprisingly, New Zealand captain Sophie Devine was not buying the notion of her team being overwhelmed by their Trans-Tasman rivals and believed they were the side who should be playing with more freedom.”If you are intimidated by teams you may as well not walk on the park,” she said. “For us we’ve got nothing to lose, they are the ones with all the pressure on their shoulders, they are world champions, and have had a great run against use lately but we know we can go out there with a sense of freedom because we aren’t the world champs. Don’t think there’s any psychological intimidation out there for us.”The balance of New Zealand’s side has come under scrutiny, especially when they named an unchanged XI for the second match and did not bolster their spin department. They have been hampered by the absence of offspinners Leigh Kasperek, who couldn’t make the tour due to travel restrictions, and Anna Peterson, who was unavailable for personal reasons.A lot has rested on the shoulders of legspinner Amelia Kerr – whose record against Australia is significantly inferior than her overall numbers – while part-time offspinner Maddy Green was pressed into service in the second match. They have offspinner Jess Watkin and uncapped legspinner Deanna Doughty in the squad and will need to consider bringing at least one into the side with the same pitch expected to be used again.”It can be a blessing and a curse having games that close together, you don’t have much time to dwell on things and likewise you might not have the time to correct a few wrongs,” Devine said. “We were poor again, completely outplayed by a quality Australia side in all facets of the game. We’ll take the next or two to really recoup and look at our plans again and what we need to do to beat a really strong side.”It’s what makes Australia such a great side, they don’t let you get away with too much. We were really confident going into this match, we were targeting 150 on that pitch which we knew if we got close to that we could put some pressure on them but getting late 120s won’t be enough.”Meg Lanning said before the series that Australia would not be handing caps out for the sake of it but there may be a temptation to give another player or two an outing before the ODI series. Tahlia McGrath, Annabel Sutherland, Belinda Vakarewa, Erin Burns, Molly Strano and the uncapped Maitlan Brown are the other available members of the squad.Ellyse Perry is continuing her recovery from the hamstring injury suffered at the T20 World Cup and ahead of the opening match said she had suffered a minor setback in recent days meaning she may not be ready for any of these New Zealand games.
Crystal Palace were on a tear towards the backend of the Premier League season this year as they won a seriously impressive six out of seven games, beating teams like Liverpool, Newcastle United and Manchester United along the way.
Unfortunately, the side effect of playing such brilliant football is that teams start to look at your best players, and that's no different for the Eagles.
Michael Olise, one of the most exciting wingers in the entire league, let alone at Palace, has consistently been touted for a move away over the last few weeks.
Crystal Palace star Michael Olise
While he would be a huge loss, Steve Parish and Co might be able to bring in a perfect replacement, at least based on recent reports.
Crystal Palace transfer news
According to a recent report from Graeme Bailey, Raheem Sterling's name has been brought up in conversations between Palace and Chelsea over the potential transfer of Olise.
The report does not mention whether it would be a straight swap deal or a Sterling plush cash offer, but considering the Frenchman has a release clause worth £60m in his contract and the Englishman is valued at around €40m – £34m – by the CIES Football Observatory, it would likely be the latter.
It might not be so straightforward for the Eagles, though. The report mentions West Ham United as another interested party, as well as teams from Turkey and Saudi Arabia, although the winger has supposedly turned down a move to either of those leagues.
Couple that with his wages and things do seem unlikely. The winger currently takes home £325k-per-week, making him the sixth-highest earner in the whole Premier League.
It might not necessarily be a transfer that goes down well with fans to begin with, but if Parish and Co can bring in Sterling plus a sizeable fee for the 22-year-old, this could be a fantastic transfer, as the former Manchester City man has shown his quality in the past.
Why Sterling would be a good replacement
So, the first reason Sterling would be a great player to replace Olise is simple: his track record is remarkable.
In 549 games of senior football across his career, the 82-capped England international has scored 173 goals and provided 103 assists, meaning he has averaged a goal involvement every 1.9 games for his entire career.
In comparison, the former Reading gem has scored 23 goals and provided 39 assists in 163 games of senior football, which equates to a goal involvement on average every 2.6 games.
Senior Appearances
549
163
Goals
173
23
Assists
103
39
Goal Involvements per Match
0.50
0.38
The second reason why the former Liverpool gem would be a great replacement is his versatility.
Based on his career thus far, he would be able to fill in on the right in place of the Frenchman, on the left in place of Eberechi Eze, and even down the middle at times if Glasner wanted a different outlet for some games.
The third reason is that over the last ten years, the 5 foot 8 "monster", as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has only missed 41 games through injury, which is around four per season.
In contrast, the Palace prodigy has missed 21 games in the last two seasons alone, which could become a serious problem in the long term. As they say, availability is the best ability.
Lastly, while the four-time Premier League winner hasn't set the world alight over the last two seasons, he has still racked up a respectable 31 goals and assists in 81 games, suggesting that he could get back to his incredible best in the right environment and Oliver Glasner's Palace might be precisely that.
Ultimately, it looks as if Olise is going to leave Palace this summer, and with every transfer always being a gamble, bringing in a fee and a player with the track record of Sterling in one go seems like it could be a brilliant move from Parish and Co.
Crystal Palace are about to do something that may make Wharton even better
The Eagles look set to sign a “dangerous” star who’d help the Englishman get better and better.
A total of 20 people were reportedly injured after a mass brawl broke out at a football match in Colombia, which was suspended
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Atletico Nacional vs Atletico Junior suspendedMass brawl leaves 20 supporters injuredReports of fans wielding 'knives & machetes'WHAT HAPPENED?
Atletico Nacional were leading Atletico Junior 2-0 in the second half of their Prima A clash when fighting rival fans caused the game to be stopped at Atanasio Girardo Stadium. According to the Daily Mail, several of the 20 fans who were harmed were treated in the stands or taken to medical centres nearby; with some at the ground allegedly wielding knives and machetes in the chaos on Thursday.
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Manuel Villa, who is Security of Security in the Colombian city of Medellin, said after the game: "Football should be a celebration of peace. The culture of football is a collective commitment. But if someone doesn't understand that, they have no place in this celebration: those masquerading as fans who create these situations and act outside the law are not fans, but criminals and should be treated as such. Irresponsible! There will be sanctions, and measures will be taken as necessary."
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This pandemonium and violence leaves a stain on Colombian football. According to reports, footage of the brawls have captured one visiting fan wielding a knife on Nacional supporters, before riot police intervened. Local newspaper reported that stun grenades were used to disperse crowds on a dark day in football.
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The stadium was eventually evacuated by police, with a new date for the contest not yet known at this time. Atletico Nacional are next in action on Sunday at home to Boyaca Chico FC.
After another disappointing season, Chelsea are reportedly open to offers to sell one player who only joined last summer, as Todd Boehly gets ruthless in an attempt to steer a sinking ship once and for all.
Chelsea transfer news
The Blues wasted no time in getting their summer transfer business underway, welcoming Tosin Adarabioyo. The former Manchester City defender left Fulham at the end of his contract, allowing Chelsea to swoop in and land a free deal for new head coach Enzo Maresca.
Full of praise for Chelsea's new signing, Co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart said: "We are delighted to bring Tosin to Chelsea. Throughout his career, he has showcased his maturity and defensive qualities and has gained a wealth of experience in the Premier League in recent seasons.
"He is ready to make the step up to Chelsea and work alongside the talented players in our squad. We look forward to Tosin joining up with us for pre-season."
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As Adarabioyo arrives, however, a defender could be heading for the exit door just one year after arriving. According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea are now open to offers for Benoit Badiashile, despite spending £35m to secure his signature from AS Monaco a year ago. The centre-back is one of several stars who have struggled since making the move to Stamford Bridge in a summary of Chelsea's dilemma.
Benoit-Badiashile
Maresca may hope that Adarabioyo's arrival will cover any potential loss and quickly turn into a wise business. Badiashile, meanwhile, will be wondering where it all went wrong if he does head for an early exit from the London giants. Only time will tell whether he gets a summer switch away from the Blues and onto rediscovering his best form, however.
Chelsea may regret exit of "outstanding" Badiashile
As Chelsea found their form at the end of last season, it was Badiashile who found himself at the heart of their backline. But just like Mauricio Pochettino, he could be heading for the exit door in frustrating fashion. With Adarabioyo confirmed, the Blues seem willing to take a risk and attempt a return on their investment, though the numbers show that Badiashile is not a level below the new arrival.
Progressive Carries
3
10
Progressive Passes
46
62
Tackles Won
15
11
Ball Recoveries
82
43
At his best, Badiashile has also been at the centre of praise. Former Monaco assistant manager Joao Tralhao told Sky Sports: "In terms of personality, he is very cold. He does not shake if he is playing against Mbappe or Neymar, if the stadium is empty or full. He is a very balanced boy. His character is outstanding. He focuses on what he must do to perform. It is one of his best qualities.
"He has that maturity and that emotional control. That impressed Thierry a lot and he had no hesitation to play him. Some questioned that. He was 17 and centre-back is a position that requires some experience. Now we can say Thierry was right to bet on him."