Senior pro takes the reins as Somerset prepares for new era of women’s cricket
ESPNcricinfo staff03-Mar-2025Sophie Luff has been named as Somerset Women’s first professional captain, for the inaugural season of the new Women’s County competition.Luff, 31, played for Somerset’s age groups before making her debut for the senior women’s team in 2009. She has featured in 74 List A matches for the club, scoring 2330 runs at 43.14 with a highest score of 138 not out. She has also played in 68 T20 matches, scoring 1675 runs at 35.63.She previously captained the county side between 2017 and 2022, and was also an ever-present for the Taunton-based Western Storm, having been named captain in 2020.She was the first player to make 100 appearances for Storm and during that time scored over 1760 runs in List A cricket at 50.54 with a best of 157 not out. Her T20 record for Storm included 850 runs at 25.90 and a best of 78.The former England Academy, Development and Under-19 international has also represented Welsh Fire, London Spirit and Southern Brave in the Hundred.”It feels like I’ve really come home this winter,” Luff said. “I’m excited to be leading such a great group of girls, and to be able to do this at my home club and to become the first-ever professional captain gives me an unbelievable sense of achievement and fills me with pride.”Somerset County Cricket Club means an awful lot to me. I used to come here when I was young and watch the likes of Marcus Trescothick, and it’s where I fell in love with the game. I’ve been involved with the club for a very long time and this group has got the opportunity to set the standards for how we want Somerset Women to play.”This club has a tremendous history and has had some incredible captains over the years. To have my name on that list is incredibly special and is a real privilege.”Somerset Women Head Coach, Trevor Griffin, added: “Sophie has proved during the course of her career that she is a genuine leader both on and off the field. She has the respect of everyone in the dressing room and is a model professional. Her wealth of experience will prove invaluable alongside her outstanding understanding of the game.”Sophie is passionate about cricket and passionate about this club. Her genuine understanding of what it means to represent Somerset means that she will lead by example every time she takes to the field.”SCCC Director of Cricket, Andy Hurry added: “Sophie is very much a part of the DNA of women’s cricket in the region. She is an inspiration to her teammates and a role model for young cricketers across the South West. Her tenacity and will to win are second to none, and she possess an abundance of the necessary traits required to be a successful captain and leader.”
Chelsea are now in negotiations to sign a “beautiful footballer”, and they have discussed the possibility of sending Christopher Nkunku in the opposite direction, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed.
Blues looking to offload Jackson and Nkunku
Once again, it has been a summer of heavy spending for the Blues, which means Enzo Maresca has been left with a somewhat bloated squad, and the manager may need to get two of his current forwards off the books.
Nicolas Jackson and Nkunku have been the subjects of widespread interest this summer, with the former now keen on joining Premier League rivals Newcastle United, while Bayern Munich have been named as potential suitors for the French striker.
Of course, Nkunku flourished during his previous stint in the Bundesliga, which led to his move to Stamford Bridge, with the former RB Leipzig man amassing a remarkable 35 goal contributions in 34 league outings during the 2021-22 campaign.
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Chelsea defender Levi Colwill is set to miss a significant portion of the upcoming season.
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As such, a move back to Germany could appeal to the forward, and a return could now be on the cards, according to Fabrizio Romano, who recently took to X to reveal that Chelsea have discussed swapping Nkunku for RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons.
The same applies to Tyrique George, with the Blues looking to orchestrate a swap deal for the RB Leipzig star, having perhaps been unwilling to match the German club’s reported £67m asking price outright.
In order to make room for the attacking midfielder and Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho, the west Londoners are trying to get Jackson and Nkunku off the books, but negotiations over a deal for Simons remain ongoing in the meantime.
Simons keen on move to Stamford Bridge
Journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed the RB Leipzig attacker is keen on a move to Stamford Bridge this summer, and there are plenty of indications that he would be an excellent addition to Maresca’s squad.
Josh Bunting was left very impressed with the maestro’s performance in his side’s 4-2 victory over Werder Bremen back in January, singling him out for high praise on X.
The 22-year-old chipped in with ten goals and seven assists in 25 Bundesliga outings last season, which is a solid return, with the Dutchman also catching the eye against Spain at international level.
There should be some caution about the potential signing of Simons, given that Nkunku also flourished in the Bundesliga, before failing to kick on in the Premier League, but the Netherlands international clearly has the ability to succeed at Stamford Bridge.
حمل داني كارفاخال، نجم نادي ريال مدريد، الأخطاء الفردية من لاعبي فريقه مسئولية الهزيمة أمام أتلتيكو مدريد بالدوري الإسباني.
ريال مدريد تعرض لخسارة كبيرة أمام أتلتيكو مدريد بخمسة أهداف مقابل هدفين اليوم السبت، في قمة منافسات الجولة السابعة من الدوري الإسباني للدرجة الأولى.
وقدم ريال مدريد مباراة سيئة على كافة المستويات وبالأخص من خط الدفاع الذي لم يقدم المستوى المطلوب ضد أتلتيكو مدريد.
اقرأ أيضًا.. ألفاريز: أردنا هزيمة ريال مدريد.. وكنا فعالين في الديربي
وقال كارفاخال في مقابلة مع قناة ريال مدريد: “نحن في ورطة حقًأ، خسارة الديبي ليست تجربة ممتعة ولقد واجهنا أصعب جزء وهو العودة بعد هذه الكبوات، واليوم استقبلنا الكثير من الأهداف”.
وأضاف: “الأخطاء الفردية كلفتنا المباراة، حدث خطأ نتج عنه ركلة جزاء ثم سجل جوليان الهدف من ركلة حرة، تأثرنا بالموقف ولم نلعب بأسلوبنا، إنها ثلاث نقاط وعلينا الاستمرار لأن هذه بطولة طويلة، أحيانًا تكون الهزيمة بتلك الطريقة مفيدة”.
وعن عدم حصول نيكولاس جونزاليس على بطاقة حمراء، واصل كارفاخال: “لم أر الحادثة تتكرر، لو لم تكن بطاقة حمراء لكان للحكم أسبابه بكل تأكيد”.
واختتم: “لقد تضررنا، بضع كلمات ستعزينا اليوم، لكن غدًا ستشرق الشمس من جديد، سنعمل بجد أكبر ولنجعل هذه الهزيمة تؤلمنا لنستمد الشجاعة من مشاعر اليوم”.
A “very good” Birmingham City player has now reportedly agreed a deal to leave the Blues imminently, with a medical at his new club booked early this week.
Birmingham boss Davies positive ahead of Championship return
The Blues are edging closer to their return to the Championship, with the new season getting started with a mouthwatering home clash with Ipswich Town on August 8th.
On Saturday, Birmingham were beaten 4-0 by Crewe Alexandra in a surprise pre-season friendly defeat, but despite this, manager Chris Davies was in good spirits about what he saw from his side.
“The No. 1 thing you’re looking for is, can you build your fitness from these type of games as the first 60 minutes we’ve been exposed to this season? I think the boys looked leggy, they’ve had a strong week in training. So, I think that’ll do them the world of good having that 60 minutes under their belt for most of them.
“I thought first half we were very fluid, we conceded a ridiculous goal which we won’t concede any worse than that, so that’s something to learn from. “But then it was obviously all us and we were pretty fluid, we just lacked a bit of killer instinct in the in the final bit. That will come.”
Birmingham will know that new signings are needed before the end of the summer transfer window – Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been mentioned as an ambitious target – but now a current player has been linked with a move away from the club.
Alfie May set for Birmingham exit
According to a fresh claim from Football League World, Birmingham striker Alfie May has agreed a move to League One side Huddersfield Town and could undergo a medical on Monday, having almost joined them last year.
A £1.2m transfer is expected to go through imminently, bringing an end to the 32-year-old Scot’s one-year spell with the Blues in the process.
May leaving Birmingham this summer may come as a surprise to some, considering he played such a key role in helping his side win the League One title last season, scoring 16 goals and registering eight assists in the competition, also being praised by Davies.
“He was very good. He dropped in as a false nine in possession and is very good at linking the play. He knows where the opposition players are and where to take his touch. He was brought in just to score goals basically and he took it brilliantly again. That’s why we signed him.”
That said, May isn’t considered a key starter and is now jumping up a division, not to mention being 32 years of age, so cashing in on him now makes sense, with his current deal expiring in the summer of 2027.
Newcastle United will be looking to recruit well this summer to give themselves the best chance of a strong 2025/26 campaign. The Magpies will be in the Champions League once again and will no doubt be hoping to turn themselves into top-four regulars in the Premier League.
One area in which Eddie Howe’s side might look to improve this summer is at centre-back. Just like they were in 2024, Newcastle have been linked with Marc Guehi, but Football Insider report they will face competition from Arsenal.
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehireacts after the match
Either way, Howe seems intent on strengthening the existing centre-back options, which include the likes of Dan Burn and Fabian Schar. Another target has recently come to fruition, for whom the Magpies could make a move.
Newcastle's latest centre-back target
It will be fascinating to see, not only whether Newcastle are successful in their pursuit of Guehi, but also whether he is the only centre-back who will sign this summer. They have certainly been linked with multiple players, and could make a move for another Premier League defender.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
According to a report from 3 Added Minutes, the North East giants have opened talks to sign Brighton and Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke.
The report from Charlie Haffenden explains that Newcastle have ‘initiated talks with the player’s representatives’ ahead of a potential summer move.
Those at St James’ Park have ‘been keeping tabs on van Hecke’ this summer, but could still face competition from newly-crowned Premier League champions Liverpool.
As for a price, it was reported by Sussex World that the Dutchman ‘has a transfer guide price’ of at least £60m, but it could well be more.
Why Van Hecke would be a good signing
At 25 years of age, Van Hecke is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting centre-backs in the Premier League. This is perhaps highlighted best by the fact that he is a full international with the Netherlands.
Last season on the South Coast for Brighton, Van Hecke played a crucial role. He featured 34 times in the Premier League, missing three games due to a couple of separate, small injury issues and another with suspension.
As well as grabbing a goal and assist last term, he helped Fabian Hurzeler’s side keep eight clean sheets in the Premier League, featuring for all but one of those games across all 90 minutes. He is a pivotal figure at the back and could perhaps now be considered the leader of the backline at the AMEX Stadium.
If the Magpies were to sign Van Hecke this summer, he could act as a direct replacement, and an upgrade, for Blyth-born centre-back Burn. The England international is a well-loved figure at St James’ Park, but is now 33 years of age.
With that being said, the defender, who also moved to St James’ Park from Brighton, played in 37 games in the Premier League last season. He also scored a pivotal second goal in the Carabao Cup final.
However, to preserve his future in a Magpies shirt, and add an upgrade at the back ahead of the Champions League and top four push, signing Van Hecke would certainly be a smart move. He was described as an “outstanding” player by Pete Davey, a Newcastle content creator.
Indeed, that is a word that can be used to describe Van Hecke’s underlying stats on FBref, which are far better than Burn’s. The Dutchman is a superb progressive passer, which is his standout attribute.
Last season in the Premier League, he averaged 6.93 progressive passes and 3.98 ball recoveries per 90 minutes. In comparison, Newcastle’s number 33 averaged 2.03 progressive passes and 2.78 ball recoveries each game.
Progressive passes
6.93
2.03
Passes into final third
6.87
1.35
Blocks
1.12
0.97
Tackles and interceptions
2.1
1.78
Ball recoveries
3.98
2.78
As the numbers showcase, Van Hecke would be a huge upgrade on Burn for a number of reasons. Not only is he a sensational passer of the ball, but defensively, he has very few weaknesses, particularly with the way he reads the game.
Burn is an icon of Newcastle United, but is not getting any younger, and the chance to improve their defence by signing Van Hecke might be too good to pass up for Howe.
Schar upgrade: Newcastle among favourites to sign "unbelievable" £40m star
Newcastle will be looking to improve their defence this summer
Fresh off the back of what Erling Haaland described as a “boring” season, Manchester City are looking to bring back the excitement amid what has been a hectic start to the transfer window at the Etihad.
With the intriguing Club World Cup on the horizon, Pep Guardiola’s side have acted swiftly in order to bolster their ranks for the competition, with a deal having been agreed for AC Milan sensation, Tijjani Reijnders.
The capture of the Netherlands international – who had joined the Serie A side from AZ Alkmaar back in 2023 – is expected to cost an initial fee of around €55m (£46m), thus providing Guardiola with further depth in the midfield department.
Elsewhere, meanwhile, the Citizens are “advancing” their pursuit of Wolverhampton Wanderers star, Rayan Ait-Nouri, with his namesake – Rayan Cherki – also agreeing personal terms.
A bid is expected to be lodged for a player who could cost just £25m to prise from Lyon, having registered 32 goals and assists in all competitions for the Ligue 1 side at the age of just 21.
The suggestion is that the Frenchman could well be a “future Ballon d’Or winner”, according to The Athletic’s Alex Barker. Perhaps the same is true of a potentially even more exciting summer target…
Man City make move for Premier League sensation
Hoovering up Britain’s best young talent has been a common theme of the City recruitment drive in recent years, with notable arrivals including the West Ham United pairing of Divin Mubama and Divine Mukasa – the latter of whom registered 42 goals and assists in just 41 games at youth level in 2024/25.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
That youth-centric transfer approach only looks set to continue, with transfer guru Fabrizio Romano having revealed that the Manchester side have agreed a deal for Sheffield Wednesday striker Caelan Cadamarteri.
Such news also comes amid reports which suggest that City are hoping to raid Arsenal for the signing of teenage sensation, Max Dowman, with Football Transfers noting that the 2023 treble winners, as well as Barcelona, have ‘expressed interest’ in the Hale End star.
Max Dowman
As per the report, both clubs are believed to have made ‘initial approaches’ to ‘signal their interest’ in the England youth international, albeit with the Gunners determined to keep hold of their 15-year-old prodigy.
The suggestion is that City would look to offer a similar pathway to that of Phil Foden, who was carefully nurtured and developed before cementing a first-team role for himself, with Barca said to be at a disadvantage as Dowman would not be able to join until he turns 18.
Any potential excitement over signing a player who doesn’t turn 16 until December may appear premature, although all the signs point to the teenager being a genuine star of the future.
Why Man City should sign Dowman
As noted by Football Transfers, Arsenal are desperate to avoid letting their homegrown diamond depart, and why wouldn’t they be? This is a player who, despite his youth, is already earning rave reviews from across the game.
Already part of first-team training in north London – amid the confirmation that he will join the pre-season tour this summer – Dowman has been given the backing of senior teammate Declan Rice, who described him as the “best 15-year-old in the country”.
Such words have been echoed by Arsenal insider, Will Balsam, who has claimed that the in-demand playmaker is the “biggest talent in England”. Talent scout Jacek Kulig, meanwhile, has hailed Dowman as the “most exciting prospect” he has seen “since Yamine Lamal”.
Rayan Cherki
It is those words which showcase just why the rising star is earning admiring glances from some of Europe’s elite clubs, while equally, it also illustrates why he could prove to be an even more exciting capture than the mercurial Cherki.
Indeed, it does appear that a first senior appearance is a matter of when and not if for the Emirates ace, not least having already registered 30 goals and assists in just 25 U18 appearances for the club, as per Transfermarkt.
U18 Premier League Top Scorers – 24/25
Player – Club
Games
Goals
Assist
Nicholas Oyekunle – Southampton
23
27
4
Luca Williams-Barnett – Spurs
20
19
9
Reigan Heskey – Man City
19
18
7
Dan Casey – Arsenal
21
18
1
Divine Mukaka – Man City
20
16
15
Marcus Neill – Sunderland
22
16
6
Victor Musa – Man Utd
19
16
3
Max Dowman – Arsenal
15
15
5
Matty Warhurst – Man City
21
15
2
Charles Ebuka Agbawodikeizu
14
15
0
Stats via Transfermarkt
Comfortable on the right flank or in a central role – much like Cherki – Dowman is a simply joyous talent to witness, possessing a wand of a left foot and a dazzling ability to breeze past defenders.
That was evident during the club’s FA Youth Cup run, as he put in a statement display in the semi-final clash with Manchester United, despite ending up on the losing side, having notably won and converted a penalty for the Gunners following a surging solo run from deep.
Described as a ‘superstar in the making’ by the Standard’s Simon Collings following that 3-2 loss, Dowman appears destined to follow in the footsteps of Bukayo Saka and Myles Lewis-Skelly under Mikel Arteta – provided Guardiola and co don’t make their move, of course.
While landing a talent like Cherki is nothing to be sniffed at, being able to secure arguably the ‘biggest talent in England’ from one of your Premier League rivals would certainly take the biscuit.
After Reijnders: Man City to submit bid for Mahrez 2.0 "in the next hours"
Man City’s squad overhaul looks set to continue this summer, amid Tijjani Reijnders’ expected arrival.
Liverpool’s defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday stretched Arne Slot’s winless run to three matches, with the Reds last tasting victory at Anfield against Tottenham Hotspur at the end of April.
Ah, that was the afternoon Liverpool sealed their 20th Premier League title. All good, then. Though Slot will be immensely disappointed with his team’s struggles over the past three weeks, context will temper his frustrations, with the squad out celebrating their triumph in Dubai last week, instead of being at Kirkby, training for their clash at the AMEX.
Most Top-flight Titles in English History
Rank
Club
Titles
1.
Liverpool
20
1=
Man United
20
3.
Arsenal
13
4.
Man City
10
5.
Everton
9
Data via BBC Sport
While standards have slipped, understandably so, the blip carries the undertow of a deeper issue that Slot has wrestled with across the season.
Rotation has been minimal in the Premier League this year, with the head coach seemingly unimpressed with some of his fringe stars.
That’s why FSG are acting incisively to bring in a range of changes this summer. Jeremie Frimpong is slated to replace the outgoing Trent Alexander-Arnold, and it looks like bringing in Milos Kerkez is the next port of call.
The latest on Milos Kerkez to Liverpool
Though it feels like there’s little need to panic, Liverpool fans will hold off on celebrating the acquisition of Bournemouth full-back Kerkez until the deal is done and dusted.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has claimed that ‘talks are advancing’ between the two clubs, with Kerkez himself desperate to make the move to Merseyside.
But the Hungarian talent has been “absolutely exceptional” in the Premier League this year, as put by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley, so important for Andoni Iraola’s high-flying side.
So then, is it any surprise The i News are claiming Manchester City are ready to rival Liverpool for the £45m-rated player’s signature?
Liverpool are still firm frontrunners, but have yet to table an official bid and City’s enquiries are born from real interest in bringing him to the Etihad.
Sporting director Richard Hughes has a lot to sift through, but he’s managing it well, having already shortlisted a potential alternative.
Liverpool enter race for defender
As per Sky Germany, Liverpool might be prioritising a deal for Kerkez, but that hasn’t stopped them from adding Ajax’s Jorrel Hato to the shortlist.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
While Caught Offside understand Chelsea currently lead the race for the dynamic Dutch defender, Liverpool likely trail only because they have focused their principal attention elsewhere.
But FSG can ramp up the gas at any given moment.
Ajax Amsterdam's JorrelHatocelebrates after the match
Hato is expected to fetch a transfer fee worth €55m (£46m), and the suitors will be emboldened by Arsenal dropping their long-term interest after the emergence of Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Why Liverpool want Jorrel Hato
Kerkez would be the dream for Liverpool, but it’s a promising thing that Hughes and co are mapping out alternative options. The 19-year-old Hato, to be sure, has the potential to match or even exceed his Hungarian positional peer, having been instrumental from a young age in his homeland, already having made 111 senior showings for the club, hitting 13 goal contributions.
Jorrel Hato in action for Netherlands
Profiled as a tactically astute player by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Hato is a dynamic and versatile player with a strong set of core qualities, which make a firm comment on his potential success at Slot’s Liverpool.
Kulig even went as far as to say he’s “one of the most talented CBs of his generation” after breaking onto the big stage in 2023, while scout Antonio Mango has described him as “one of the best young talents in football”. Now this player of “immense quality” – as per Kulig – is proving himself worthy on the flank, too.
As per FBref, Hato ranks among the top 2% of full-backs in the Dutch Eredivisie this season for pass completion, the top 12% for assists, the top 6% for touches in the attacking box and the top 5% for through balls made per 90, bespeaking a flowing passing game that could be perfect for ‘Slotball’.
Even in his nascence, Hato’s vast experience in central defence could further his chances of earning a move to Merseyside, a dream Kerkez alternative but one whose prowess could be called upon to ease the centre-halves duties, especially if Jarell Quansah is to leave, as reported by Sky Germany, and Andy Robertson keeps his place in the senior squad next season.
Jorrel Hato – Career Ajax Stats by Position
Position
Apps
Goals
Assists
Left-back
88
4
8
Centre-back
70
3
3
Central midfield
1
–
–
Left midfield
1
–
–
Stats via Transfermarkt
Kerkez might be a more natural wide defender, but that in itself doesn’t mean Anfield should head down that route. Analyst Asim Mahmood has even claimed the Hungarian “needs a lot of coaching/development to mould him into an Arne Slot full-back.”
Whether this is wholly true is open to discussion. The 21-year-old has hit seven goal involvements in the Premier League this year, winning 60% of his ground duels and completing 80% of his passes. Kerkez has made a key pass a game, and Slot has already demonstrated his capacity to enhance exciting young talents.
Maybe it’s time to forget the Bournemouth left-back, who would cost FSG something in the same ballpark as Hato but perhaps isn’t a perfect stylistic fit.
Milos Kerkez for Bournemouth
Indeed, Kerkez requiring coaching to align with the Liverpool boss’ tactics is fine, but why bother making that investment when the Ajax starlet could be signed with a ready-made skill set.
Hato feels extremely Slot-esque with his distinct brand of possession-focused football. This isn’t to the detriment of his creativity, though, shackled by his own desire to tick things along. As per Sofascore, Hato’s 90% pass success rate in the Eredivisie has led to six assists, with two goals scored too.
Moreover, Hato has won 4.1 duels, made 1.9 tackles and recovered 4.2 loose balls per game, all denoting a roundedness that stretches into firm defensive roots and an innate athleticism, charged by some inexhaustible wellspring of energy that has sadly left Robertson’s arsenal this year.
Kerkez’s entourage would no doubt point toward their man’s superiority from an attacking standpoint, ranking higher across such relevant underlying metrics this season, but Hato would suggest he has been more economical with his attacking productivity, hitting eight direct contributions to Kerkez’s seven.
Robertson’s 31, but he’s still been a regular feature in a team of Premier League champions, and for the second time at that. But this is a new era at the club, and Slot needs to be trusted with placing his own stamp on the squad.
Jorell Hato for Ajax.
If Liverpool are stuck between the two transfer targets, it might be worthwhile for Slot to walk down his trusted Dutch road and seal a deal for Hato’s, whose unique qualities would leave him in a fantastic position to dovetail right into the high-flying team.
Even better than Huijsen: Liverpool make £59m "beast" their top target
Liverpool are acting like champions as they prepare to strengthen Arne Slot’s squad considerably this summer.
Leeds United secured their return to the Premier League on Monday and Daniel Farke and 49ers Enterprises are already looking at the summer transfer window.
Leeds back in Premier League after 6-0 win over Stoke City
The Whites enjoyed a dream Easter weekend, beating Oxford United on Good Friday and Stoke City 6-0 on Easter Monday to set up a promotion party at Elland Road.
Farke’s side raced into a 5-0 lead at half time after a record-breaking 20 minute hat-trick from Joel Piroe – the fastest in Leeds United’s history.
Burney’s win at Sheffield United later in the day ensured that Leeds and the Clarets would both be promoted, resulting in wild scenes at Elland Road.
Talking after winning promotion, Farke said: “Don’t scare me with the Premier League right now. All the clubs who were promoted are already relegated before we were promoted. It’s important to enjoy it. This club has had tough times in the last years, it’s important that our supporters celebrate it and embrace it.
“We’re back where we belong. The next step is to make this club an established Premier League club. You can be sure I will work with all my skills to make sure we do this. But this is something for in a few weeks. Right now we celebrate the first step, the most important one, to take this club where it belongs. Let’s see what we can do.”
Leeds’ Championship season by numbers
Points
94
Wins
27
Goals scored
89
Clean sheets
24
Goals conceded
29
Players used
28
Farke and Leeds still have two Championship fixtures remaining as they now look to beat Burnley to the title, but with the summer transfer window just around the corner, the club are already looking at transfer targets.
Leeds looking at transfer targets with Premier League experience
Football Insider journalist Pete O’Rourke shared an exciting Leeds transfer update just hours after the Whites officially won promotion, sharing the club’s plans ahead of the summer market.
Daniel Farke
He revealed that Leeds ‘are targeting Premier League experience’ ahead of the 2025/26 season, with the Whites specifically looking at a new goalkeeper and striker.
A number of names who tick those boxes have been linked with moves to Yorkshire, including Wolves ‘keeper Sam Johnstone and Brighton & Hove Albion forward Evan Ferguson, who is currently on loan at West Ham.
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Kelan Sarson
Apr 21, 2025
Ferguson in particular would excite Leeds fans and already has top-flight experience at just 20 years of age. By the looks of things, it could be a busy summer at Elland Road in regards to new signings, and securing the services of players who know the Premier League will only help the club as they look to remain in the division long term.
Ravindra, Mitchell, Latham, Henry and Sears all played crucial roles as a fantastic Test match unfolds in Christchurch
Alex Malcolm10-Mar-2024The first-ever New Zealand men’s Test team to beat Australia gathered at Hagley Oval the night before this Test match to celebrate the 50th anniversary of that momentous victory in Christchurch in 1974.There was a question put to the panel of six players from that side who attended the function whether they were aware of how monumental it was to get over the hurdle against Australia and Jeremy Coney interjected, saying it had been building for a while and it didn’t feel like a big deal.New Zealand might finally get over the hurdle tomorrow against Australia after their best day of Test cricket against them in 13 years. And the signs have been building both from New Zealand’s standpoint, that they could match it with their big brother in this series, and also from Australia’s, as the increasing alarm bells on their batting have become blaring sirens.The crowd at Hagley arrived on day three hopeful, but nervous about what might unfold. When Australia visits England, the chants of “same old Aussies, always cheating” are inescapable. When Australia visits New Zealand, the polite locals can be heard whispering “same old Black Caps, always wilting”.Related
Henry and Sears new ball surge gives New Zealand hope of famous win
Matt Henry, New Zealand's man of steel, drags his team back into the contest
Those whispers became murmurs when Tom Latham was caught behind via the inside edge off a marauding Pat Cummins. New Zealand were three down and only 61 in front, with memories of their fourth innings collapse in Wellington fresh in the mind given it was only seven days ago.But two guys who are unencumbered by the weight of historical failures against Australia dug in. Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell had taken it to Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup in Dharamsala with a spectacular partnership that almost led to a miraculous victory. They threatened briefly in Wellington too, showing signs they could handle Australia’s vaunted attack on a tricky surface without quite going on with it.Here they sustained it over a long period of time with incredibly disciplined batting. There was no wilting. Australia’s bowlers did not bowl badly, but they could not penetrate as the pitch became more benign the older the ball got. Ravindra cashed in on width. Mitchell pounced on anything overpitched. Both were aggressive against the spin of Nathan Lyon. They stuck to their game plans fastidiously and the crowd’s belief built with every run.Tom Latham absorbed the new-ball pressure to help his team-mates out•Getty Images”I thought they played brilliantly,” Latham said after play. “Obviously losing myself early on in the day, we could have potentially seen ourselves losing a few more but I think the way they were able to absorb a little bit of pressure initially and then eventually put it back on them, they showed a lot of intent and just scored in their areas and made the bowlers come to them.”Although Latham was disappointed with his own dismissal, he deserved a lot of credit for laying the foundation for Ravindra and Mitchell. Unlike that duo, Latham has been worn down by Australia, averaging just 27.45 against them in 20 innings.But he bucked that trend with a vital 73. Had he not absorbed 168 deliveries, Ravindra and Mitchell would not have started together against a 55-over-old ball. Latham’s innings was a sign that the Black Caps were starting to exorcise their demons against this Australian attack.”They’re relentless really,” Latham said. “The way they bowl, and hitting that back of a length, they don’t give you much. It’s about trying to stick to a plan as best you can and waiting for them to come to you as much as possible. And I think when you’re presented with a scoring opportunity, it’s about trying to put the pressure on them and take that opportunity as much as you can.”Australia’s attack hit back with the second new ball. Josh Hazlewood delivered a peach to remove Mitchell. Cummins produced a corker to dismiss Ravindra. Tom Blundell slapped a long hop from Cameron Green straight to cover. Six down and only 202 in front on a good pitch, “same old Black Caps, always wilting”.But then a sign of Australia’s cracks. Until the second evening, when Alex Carey spilled Latham, Australia had caught everything in the series. Scott Kuggeleijn, on 2, nicked Green to Marnus Labuschagne at third slip and he spilled it.Kuggeleijn responded by smashing 44 to lift the lead to 278. New Zealand crowds have shown Kuggeleijn complete apathy throughout this series. Every time he has been announced over the PA system as the new batter or bowler there has been no acknowledgement from the fans whatsoever due largely to his off-field history.But after clattering a few boundaries, the PA announcer informed the crowd it was his highest Test score, and there was an eruption of applause.The crowd were fully involved on a humdinger of a day in Christchurch•Associated PressThen their talisman in this series, the man with a steely resolve and a steel back, Matt Henry rose to the occasion again. He pinned Steven Smith lbw again, and Smith took yet another review with him to provide further evidence that he has very little awareness of where his off stump is right now. Henry prised out the obdurate Usman Khawaja. Tim Southee had dropped a key catch in Wellington, this time he held a screamer to his left at third slip.In between Henry’s strikes, Ben Sears bowled with fire. It was another example of a scarless youngster taking it to Australia. He had Labuschagne dropped at first slip after squaring him up in a familiar fashion. But he got him two balls later with a return catch off a leading edge.The crowd was at fever pitch now. It wasn’t quite Eden Park with the All Blacks running roughshod over the Wallabies. But it was Christchurch lifting their Black Caps to new heights against the Baggy Greens.When Green chopped on, unable to combat Sears’ extra bounce, Hagley Oval erupted. Australia were 34 for 4 chasing 279.”Whenever a crowd gets in behind you there’s a bit of adrenaline there and I guess it’s trying to make use that home advantage,” Latham said. “They were fantastic and hopefully we can see that here tomorrow as well.”The game is far from over, with Australia’s two most destructive players still at the crease. New Zealand’s discipline got them this far and further discipline is required to ward off the skeletons from surfacing.But the signs are all there that a 13-year drought against Australia, and a 31-year drought against them at home, could be coming to an end.
From appointing a strong captain to picking and nurturing a viable XI, the challenges facing the ECB are many, and it isn’t moving fast enough
Ian Chappell24-Apr-2022Failed England skipper Joe Root endured the unfortunate nickname “Craptain” at his home county Yorkshire. The England hierarchy should have taken more notice of that unedifying sobriquet.Root’s self-inflicted demise preceded the announcement that former Kent and England player Rob Key was taking over as managing director of the England and Wales Cricket Board.The two events are linked, as the first announcement at least ensured Key wouldn’t be making a polarising decision as his initial task. However Key’s good fortune doesn’t alter the point that the ECB is not good at moving quickly to reverse an untenable decision. This is not a strong ECB trait; it never has been.Related
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England were going backwards under Root, and one of Key’s first jobs will be to improve that ingrained and negative attitude.The fact that we are still discussing Root’s resignation and his possible successor is proof of the ECB’s sluggishness in rectifying a poor decision. It was obvious early in Root’s reign that the captaincy and he weren’t a match.The choice of players to be a reasonable England captain is very limited and this is also an indictment of the ECB. There should be a few ready replacements available in the first XI.Before the announcement of Key’s appointment, there were a number of suggestions about who could take over if Root was deposed.Stuart Broad is an intelligent, well-spoken player, but he should not be a captaincy consideration. He’s now too old and maintains a conservative streak, especially when it comes to field placings for his own bowling.Jos Buttler is not a Test wicketkeeper; he has no obvious place in the first XI. It’s hard enough to win Tests against a good team when you are playing level at XI-a-side, never mind prevailing when you are asked to perform while short-handed – just ask Mike Brearley.There’s only one viable captaincy option in the best XI and that’s allrounder Ben Stokes. If he seriously isn’t interested in the job, then England are in big trouble.To question Stokes’ viability based purely on the inferior captaincy of previous star allrounders is indefensible. Stokes has the fire in his belly and the positive approach to be successful. However, that alone doesn’t guarantee success.Whoever accepts the appointment, his initial job will be to make a poorly performing England side better. That is a captain’s job – to improve any team’s results.This shouldn’t be hard, as England have some good, underperforming batters. It was also a trend under Root that England suffered great misfortune with their genuinely fast bowlers, especially Jofra Archer.Nonetheless batters Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope and Dan Lawrence possess a lot of skill but need encouragement to display it regularly. The same applies to offspinner Dom Bess, and to have not given an opportunity to the capable legspinner Matt Parkinson is nonsensical.If Stokes does accept the job, he may be the beneficiary of Parkinson’s evolution if he provides a strong voice at the selection table. And while he’s at it, he could overcome the fast-bowling shortage by encouraging Jamie Overton in his endeavours. There’s no doubt Overton has suffered from multiple injuries, but his genuine pace, even at under-age level, has been poorly handled on the county circuit.English cricket has a distorted affection for correct technique. If Stokes is appointed and then can redirect this trait into more positive encouragement of talented players, he will have done his country a huge favour. If chosen, Stokes shouldn’t be awarded a vote at the selection table – it’s not desirable – but if he presents a good argument, that will be sufficient.Key faces many demanding tasks ahead and he’ll need to maintain his “I have a mind of my own” attitude in the face of ECB ineptitude. However his first job – appointing a viable England captain and then supporting him fully – will be a really important task.