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Sunderland supporters will be proud of their team’s early efforts this Championship season so far, with the Black Cats sitting at the very top of the tree going into the international break.

Nobody really knew what to anticipate from Regis Le Bris when he took over the reins in the summer after a topsy-turvy 2023/24 campaign saw Sunderland finish way below expectations, but the Frenchman has managed to successfully navigate any choppy waters that have come his way so far with an impressive six wins picked up from nine league games.

It will all be about keeping this form up when football resumes after international clashes are over and done with, with Jobe Bellingham key to his side’s chances of staying put in first place.

Bellingham's form this season

The 19-year-old continues to be one of the most exciting players at the Black Cats, as the youthful Wearside outfit begin to dream about winning promotion courtesy of their star-man’s heroics centrally.

He may well only have one goal and one assist next to his name so far, but it’s clear there’s plenty more left in the teenager’s tank, having helped himself to seven strikes last season even as his side struggled to leap into the top half of the second tier standings.

It wasn’t a bad strike either to get this 2024/25 account underway, hammering home a stunning effort past the Derby County goalkeeper right at the start of the month to help his team beat Paul Warne’s determined Rams 2-0.

With stunning strikes like these this season, and his exploits from last campaign meaning his spot in Le Bris’ XI is concrete, Bellingham might well feel he is deserving of a pay increase soon.

Sunderland might also want to tie down their top asset shortly, considering he has been looked at by the likes of Serie A titans Lazio in the past.

Away from striking gold with the former Birmingham City youth product, the Championship promotion candidates haven’t always got it spot on with their recruitment in the middle of the park, with one dud from the Tony Mowbray era going down as a costly mistake.

Bradley Dack's wage at Sunderland

Very much a signing typical of Mowbray’s tenure at the Stadium of Light, Bradley Dack – who shone under the watchful eye of the ex-Sunderland boss at Blackburn Rovers – was a poor move last summer when reuniting with the 60-year-old.

Not costing the Black Cats a penny when it came to a transfer fee, Dack still didn’t justify his significant wage at the club, which came in at an excessive £15k-per-week according to Capology.

23/24

Thigh

79 days out

15

23/24

Thigh

63 days out

11

20/21

Cruciate ligament injury

314 days out

40

19/20

Cruciate ligament injury

375 days out

49

However, although he wasn’t an expensive capture, his wages ended up being costly when you consider how many games he sat out through injury for the Black Cats, missing a total of 27 games in total last season due to absences on the sideline.

It’s not as if this was a fresh development for Dack moving to the Stadium of Light though, with two horrendous cruciate ligament issues bringing his once-celebrated time with Blackburn to a sombre end.

He would only chip in with a single goal and an assist when fit enough to play 17 contests for the Wearside club, with Bellingham left wondering how he found himself on a lesser £12.5k-per-week salary, next to his injury-ravaged teammate earning more.

In total, the unfortunate 30-year-old would cost Sunderland £780k in wage costs alone, a dent to the second-tier team’s bank account that should have been avoided.

Dack was ultimately let go of by Sunderland in the summer for nothing, with his demise now seeing him back on the books of Gillingham in League Two, who he started his EFL journey with in 2012.

Sunderland won’t dwell too much on their errors, however, as the new-look Black Cats side at Le Bris’ disposal eye up more wins when Championship football kicks back into gear shortly.

Biggest coup since Defoe: Le Bris could land a 'lifelong Sunderland fan'

Sunderland would love to secure this mammoth deal in January.

1 ByKelan Sarson Oct 8, 2024

Manchester United could enter the race for Mathys Tel race but a transfer will reportedly depend on the sale of Marcus Rashford or Alejandro Garnacho.

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Tel wants January exit from BayernForward struggling for game timeChelsea & Man Utd consider movesFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The highly-rated teenager, who joined Bayern Munich from Rennes in 2022 for £20 million (€23.9m/$25m), has decided to seek an exit from the German champions before the transfer deadline. His desire to leave has sparked interest from multiple clubs, including Chelsea, who have recently enquired about his availability.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

According to , United's interest in Tel could advance if either Rashford or Garnacho is sold. The Red Devils are reportedly keeping their options open, preparing to make a move should one of their key forwards depart. This is not the first time United have been associated with Tel. The club was heavily linked with the forward during the January transfer window last year. However, Tel ultimately remained in Munich, where he hoped to establish himself as a key player.

AFPDID YOU KNOW?

Barcelona are rumoured to be among the clubs monitoring Rashford's situation, with the English forward open to a transfer if the right opportunity arises. Meanwhile, Garnacho is also at the centre of transfer speculation with Chelsea and Napoli believed to be interested in securing his services.

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After an impressive 2022-23 campaign where Tel made 41 appearances, scored 10 goals and provided six assists, his involvement has drastically reduced this term as the forward has managed only 13 appearances so far, with just three starts to his name. Nonetheless, if United can secure his signature, Tel could prove to be a valuable addition, especially in light of their ambitions to rebuild under Ruben Amorim. However, with intense competition and Bayern's initial reluctance to let the player go, the transfer is far from a certainty.

Leeds United are finally back in action in the Championship this evening as they prepare to welcome Sheffield United to Elland Road tonight.

It is the first game in the division after the October international break and the first clash for the Whites since they were held to a 2-2 draw by Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

A 97th-minute clanger from Illan Meslier cost Leeds two points on Wearside, after goals from Joel Piroe and Junior Firpo had the away side in front heading into the final moments of the game.

The Whites are now three points behind the Blades, who are in second place, in the Championship table and will be hoping to catch up with Chris Wilder’s team this evening.

Daniel Farke may have some tough decisions to make with his selections for the game, particularly given he has had a number of his stars away with their national teams playing in all parts of the globe this week.

One star who may have to be rested from the start is attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson, who played for the USA in Mexico until around 5am on Wednesday morning.

Why Brenden Aaronson could be dropped

The American played the full 90 minutes against Mexico and this means that he had very little time to recover or train upon making the lengthy journey back to West Yorkshire.

Aaronson started both of the matches for his country during the break, against Panama and Mexico, and struggled – with zero goals, zero assists, and zero ‘big chances’ created.

The 23-year-old wizard has, however, had a strong start to the season in the Championship with Leeds, since his return to Union Berlin in the summer.

He spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan with the German side, after the Whites were relegated from the Premier League in the 2022/23 campaign, and is now fighting for redemption at Elland Road.

Appearances

9

Starts

7

Goals

2

Big chances created

4

Assists

2

Key passes per game

1.7

As you can see in the table above, Aaronson has produced six goals and ‘big chances’ created combined in seven appearances in the Championship so far this term.

The right-footed whiz, who has completed more than one dribble per game on average, has provided a big creative threat in the number ten role for Farke’s side, whilst also adding a couple of goals.

However, due to when he finished playing for the USA on Wednesday morning, Farke could need to start him on the bench for this clash with the Blades. With this in mind, the German head coach should move Joel Piroe back into an attacking midfield berth.

Why Joel Piroe should change positions

Sheffield United have only conceded three goals in nine matches in the Championship and are currently on a run of six successive clean sheets in the division, with Norwich City’s Josh Sargent the last player to score past them.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

This means that Leeds will need to put in a special performance in possession to break Wilder’s side down and come away with all three points tonight.

They will, therefore, need their best goalscorer and most efficient finisher in the starting XI, which has been Piroe so far this season in the second tier.

Joel Piroe

2.73

4

1.27

Dan James

0.42

1

0.58

Jayden Bogle

0.48

1

0.52

Junior Firpo

0.65

1

0.35

Largie Ramazani

1.71

2

0.29

As you can see in the table above, no Leeds player has overperformed their xG in the Championship by more than the former Swansea City star has this term.

He has also scored more goals than any other player in the squad, with Aaronson, Ramazani, and Wilfried Gnonto all in second place with two goals each, which shows that he has been the club’s biggest threat in the final third in terms of his quality as a goalscorer.

This means that Farke simply must keep Piroe in the starting XI for this clash against the defensively excellent Blades, but it should be in an attacking midfield role in place of the potentially tired Aaronson.

That change in position for the Dutchman would then allow the German head coach to bring in one of his most creative players in an attempt to break Sheffield United down – Mateo Joseph.

Why Farke should unleash Mateo Joseph

The 20-year-old centre-forward should be unleashed in the number nine position, with Piroe in behind him as a number ten, to provide his creativity at the top end of the pitch.

Only Gnonto (four) has provided more assists for Leeds than Joseph (three) has this season, which shows that the academy graduate has been a huge source of creativity for Farke.

The Spanish striker, who was dubbed a “major talent” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, has created four ‘big chances’ in eight starts in the division and has the mobility to stretch the Sheffield United defence by making runs in behind and down the channels to create space for his teammates.

This means that Piroe could then thrive by moving into the space that Joseph’s movement creates to then showcase his finishing when the ball comes his way in and around the box.

The Dutchman is not blessed with the pace or athleticism to consistently stretch defences and make movements in behind, which is why he could benefit from playing slightly deeper and behind the youngster.

Therefore, it could make sense to bring Joseph back into the starting XI, after he had been on the bench against Sunderland, particularly after his international masterclass.

As you can see in the highlights above, the centre-forward put on a striker masterclass for Spain’s U21s by scoring a hat-trick inside the first-half, showcasing his movement and finishing to take the chances that came his way.

Farke should now look to capitilise on the confidence that his stunning performance for his country should have given him this week by unleashing him from the start against the Blades, in the hope that Joseph and Piroe can combine to end their incredible defensive run of form.

Leeds thought they had a "frightening" Raphinha heir but he's already left

The Leeds forward only lasted one season at Elland Road before moving on.

ByDan Emery Oct 17, 2024

Says it is “imperative for the team to be seen taking a united and consistent stand against racism, especially given South Africa’s history”

Firdose Moonda26-Oct-2021CSA has noted the personal decision by Quinton de Kock to not take the knee ahead of Tuesday’s game against West Indies*. All players had been required, in line with a directive of the CSA board on Monday, to take the knee in a united and consistent stance against racism. And de Kock, who had chosen not to take a knee – or raise a fist or stand in attention, the other expressions of support for the BLM movement – in the past, opted against taking part in the game in Dubai altogether in a late decision.The board’s view was that while diversity could, and should, find expression in many facets of daily lives, this did not apply when it came to taking a stand against racism. In an update after the South Africa vs West Indies game started, the board said it would await a further report from team management before deciding on the next steps. All players are expected to follow this directive for the remaining games of the World Cup.Related

Why did Quinton de Kock refuse to take a knee?

'I believe de Kock is committed to an antiracist agenda' – CSA chairperson Lawson Naidoo

SACA CEO: Cricket South Africa has caused a 'crisis' by mandating taking a knee

Temba Bavuma: Team 'surprised and taken aback' at Quinton de Kock's refusal to take a knee

"We didn't anticipate we would be viewed as a white takeover'

On Monday, the CSA board said it recognised concerns that “the different postures taken by team members in support of the BLM initiative created an unintended perception of disparity or lack of support for the initiative”, and feel it is “imperative for the team to be seen taking a united and consistent stand against racism, especially given South Africa’s history”.Since the BLM movement re-emerged last year, South Africa have adopted varied stances towards supporting the anti-racism movement, but the national team has not taken a knee together. The closest South Africa came to that was when all the players, support staff and administrators involved in the 3TC event last July, including director of cricket Graeme Smith, took a knee before play. Thereafter, all South Africa’s players raised a fist before the Boxing Day Test against Sri Lanka last December, before the discussion re-emerged on their tour to the West Indies this winter.Watch the T20 World Cup on ESPN+

Sign up for ESPN+ and catch the Men’s T20 World Cup live in the US. Match highlights of South Africa vs West Indies is available here in English, and here in Hindi (US only).

It was agreed that team members would make their own decision about whether to take a knee, raise a fist or stand to attention during that series. Notably, all the players of colour and some white players and members of staff, including coach Mark Boucher, Rassie van der Dussen and Kyle Verreynne, took a knee while other white players raised a fist and the rest stood to attention.CSA’s board has steered away from directing the team until this point, but changed their mind after South Africa’s opening T20 World Cup match against Australia, where Australia took a knee but South Africa maintained their three options. England, West Indies, India and Scotland have also taken a knee so far, while Pakistan held their hands to their hearts. Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have not made any gestures yet but Bangladesh have previously taken a knee.

“A commitment to overcoming racism is the glue that should unite, bind and strengthen us. Race should not be manipulated to amplify our weaknesses. Diversity can and should find expression in many facets of our daily lives, but not when it comes to taking a stand against racism”CSA board chair Lawson Naidoo

“Concerns were raised that the different postures taken by team members in support of the BLM initiative created an unintended perception of disparity or lack of support for the initiative,” a CSA statement read. “After considering all relevant issues, including the position of the players, the Board felt that it was imperative for the team to be seen taking a united and consistent stand against racism, especially given SA’s history. Several other teams at the World Cup have adopted a consistent stance against the issue, and the Board felt it is time for all SA players to do the same.”The CSA board directive comes at the same time as the Social Justice and Nation-Building (SJN) hearings are being conducted, aimed at investigating the extent of racial discrimination in South African cricket. Several former players have made allegations of exclusion and told stories of being othered including Ashwell Prince, Paul Adams, Omar Henry, Roger Telemachus and Loots Bosman. The hearings are in their second phase and are listening to responses from those who have been incriminated by first phase testimony. Among them was former team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee, who criticised the national team for not taking a united stance in making a gesture in support of antiracism.CSA will appear at the hearings on Thursday, in its first public appearance since the start of the proceedings. It has resolved not to comment on any SJN matters until after the hearings but appears to have responded to one of the issues raised, which is about the national team taking a knee.”A commitment to overcoming racism is the glue that should unite, bind and strengthen us. Race should not be manipulated to amplify our weaknesses. Diversity can and should find expression in many facets of our daily lives, but not when it comes to taking a stand against racism,” CSA board chair Lawson Naidoo said.The hearings will conclude on Friday and the ombudsman Dumisa Ntsebeza will issue a report to CSA by November 30.

The homegrown duo were crucial to Ruben Amorim's side collecting a fifth consecutive European win to take their place in the last 16

There are four days left in the January transfer window and when it shuts on Monday Manchester United better make sure that Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho are still at the club. The homegrown duo both starred as Ruben Amorim's side demonstrated their quality to overpower FCSB 2-0 and take their place in the knockout stage of the Europa League without having to resort to a unwanted play-off tie.

United looked the better team from the off in Bucharest but couldn't take their chances, with Mainoo surprisingly blazing over with a glorious chance from close range. Garnacho and Amad Diallo were summoned from the bench after a goalless first half and the winger should have broken the deadlock when he hit the post. Bruno Fernandes then also bothered the woodwork before United found the breakthrough, Mainoo teeing up Diogo Dalot to tap in at the far post on the hour-mark.

Garnacho and Mainoo, who inspired United to win the FA Youth Cup three years ago, then combined to get the all-important second goal, after the hosts' striker Daniel Birligea had smashed the crossbar with a lethal effort.

So after failing to win any of their first three games, United picked up a fifth consecutive Europa League victory which saw the finish third in the standings, ending as the only unbeaten side in the competition. Full steam ahead to Bilbao…

GOAL rates Man United's players from the Steaua Stadium…

Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence

Altay Bayindir (6/10):

Didn't have a save to make until the 80th minute but mighty lucky that Bigligea's thunderbolt didn't drop in. That said, could have commanded his box better.

Noussair Mazraoui (6/10):

Better in the back three than at wing-back as in the past few games.

Matthijs de Ligt (7/10):

Commanded the defence well.

Lisandro Martinez (8/10):

Played a quarter-back role from deep and alert to all the danger down his side.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield

Diogo Dalot (7/10):

Got the breakthrough goal and helped break the play up for the second.

Toby Collyer (6/10):

Gave United energy and control through the middle. Sacrificed at half-time despite a solid showing.

Christian Eriksen (7/10):

Another decent display in the Europa League, which appears perfectly suited for his blend of high-level passing but low energy

Tyrell Malacia (5/10):

Erratic. Got a booking for giving away a dangerous free-kick and didn't offer much going forward.

Getty Images SportAttack

Bruno Fernandes (7/10):

A quiet first half but much improved in the second, rattling the bar with a long-range howitzer and missing a big chance to put the icing on the cake.

Rasmus Hojlund (5/10):

Improved hold-up play but his finishing was still poor.

Kobbie Mainoo (8/10):

Thrived in the advanced role. Missed a first-half sitter but made amends by creating the first goal and scoring the second.

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Amad Diallo (5/10):

Didn't have a huge impact in his 45 minutes.

Alejandro Garnacho (7/10):

Blew the game open, causing chaos down his side. Should have scored when he hit the post but made the second goal.

Leny Yoro (5/10):

Helped see out the win.

Casemiro (5/10):

Got 18 minutes in his first appearance of 2025.

Joshua Zirkzee (N/A):

Didn't get involved much.

Ruben Amorim (7/10):

His half-time changes made all the difference and suddenly he has won three games in a row.

Paul Stirling’s stellar form though, will be a sharp arrow in Ireland’s quiver

Alan Gardner17-Oct-2021Big PictureMake what you will of the format of the T20 World Cup, which essentially tacks a qualifying round on to the front of the tournament proper, but Ireland and Netherlands know exactly what is at stake over the next few days. These two have been here before and, while both teams will have designs on taking down Sri Lanka, the only former World T20 champions obliged to participate in this stage of the competition, there is every chance they will find themselves going head-to-head for one of the two spots available.It was at the 2014 edition in Bangladesh, which Sri Lanka went on to win, that Ireland and Netherlands played out one of the most extraordinary games in the history of the competition. Ireland, knowing that a win in Sylhet would take them through to the Super 10 stage, posted 189 for 4 from their 20 overs; Netherlands were still in contention, but to jump above both their opponents and Zimbabwe on NRR, would need to reach the target inside 14.2 overs.In the event, they needed just 13.5, as Stephan Myburgh – back in the fold for this tournament – blazed 63 off 23 balls at the top of the order and the brilliant Oranje hurtled through to the main event, where they pulled off another memorable scalp by humbling England in Chattogram.Netherlands also got the better of Ireland in a rain-reduced contest at Dharamsala in 2016, and secured passage to the 2020 T20 World Cup (subsequently pushed back by Covid-19) by winning the Qualifer in late 2019. This Dutch squad has been described as one of the best in their history, featuring experienced operators like Ryan ten Doeschate and Roelof van der Merwe alongside younger, in-form players, such as Paul van Meekeren, a member of the title-winning St Kitts & Nevis Patriots at the CPL. But their preparation hasn’t been ideal and they have to start well in what shapes to be a crunch match.Related

'Netherlands cricket is here and it's here to push back,' says coach Campbell

Paul van Meekeren: 'Our seam attack is so talented, I'll need to work my bum off to get a slot to play'

Stirling is glad to be back on the biggest stage again

Stirling's form, starts with O'Brien key for Ireland – Balbirnie

Ireland, meanwhile, have experienced a period of transition from the golden generation that had such an impact at 50-over World Cups between 2007 and 2015. They never hit the same heights in T20, despite beating Bangladesh in 2009, and progression from Group A here would be a significant achievement. With Paul Stirling in the form of his life and some fresh talent beginning to push through – see Gareth Delany’s unbeaten 88 from 50 balls against Bangladesh in the warm-ups – this could be their moment to storm cricket’s top table once again.Players to watchThe partnership of Stirling and Kevin O’Brien at the top of the order is likely to be key for Ireland, as captain Andy Balbirnie noted during the build-up. Since O’Brien, the veteran allrounder and hero of Bangalore in 2011, moved up to open in T20Is two years ago, he and Stirling have scored 1479 runs together at an average of 39.97.Myburgh and ten Doeschate have a combined 78 years between them and will act as standard-bearers, but also watch out for opener Max O’Dowd. In April, he scored 133 not out off 73 balls – the highest T20I score by an Associate and fifth-highest overall. Okay, it was against Malaysia. But only one other batter made more than 31 in the match.Form guideIreland’s build-up has been thorough, if not exactly smooth sailing. They were 3-2 victors over Zimbabwe at home in September but followed that up by losing 2-1 to UAE – who didn’t manage to qualify for the World Cup. In the warm-ups, a straightforward win over Papua New Guinea, with 23-year-old legspinner Ben White impressing, was followed by Delany’s fireworks helping them to upend Bangladesh, suggesting Ireland may have found their stride at the right time.The Dutch have not had much of a chance to fine tune their T20 plans going into the tournament, having last played the format internationally during a tri-series in Nepal in April. They were rumbled for 91 in their first warm-up match, when chasing just 123 to beat Scotland, but put together a more-convincing batting performance in a narrow win over Oman. As a group, they don’t play together often – so they need to gel quickly.Stats that matter Netherlands have an excellent head-to-head record against Ireland in T20s. Going back to the 2014 World T20, they have won seven out of ten meetings, with one abandonment. Stirling was the leading run-scorer at the 2019 Qualifier, with 291 at 41.57. Netherlands’ Brandon Glover was the second-leading wicket-taker (16), with van Meekeren (15) joint-fourth. Only Babar Azam has scored more T20 international runs than Stirling since the 2016 World T20. Ireland’s squad has eight players aged 25 or under; Netherlands have four.Quotes”Every game is a must-win game for us. So you go out with the same intent, the same determination. I don’t think over all these years I’ve been involved in cricket, I’ve ever gone out saying, ‘well, it doesn’t matter if we lose tomorrow’.”
“We don’t disrespect Ireland, we don’t disrespect anyone. We think both teams are full of very good competitors and very good cricketers. But you have to perform on the day.”

Ipswich Town will be attempting to bounce back from two Premier League defeats on the spin with a top performance away at Brentford this coming Saturday, but will be aware they’ll be up against it once more on their travels to face the Bees.

Of course, the Tractor Boys’ last visit to London saw Kieran McKenna’s men come unstuck away at West Ham United – with the Hammers turning over the leaky away side 4-1 – but there’ll be fingers crossed in Suffolk all the same that a first win of the campaign is going to come soon.

Liam Delap’s electric form – scoring four goals – has been a notable highlight of the season but there’s a player outscoring him in the Premier League who once played down at Portman Road in Ipswich colours.

Chris Wood's time at Ipswich

It will be a stint across his playing days that the New Zealand international won’t recollect with much emotion attached. Indeed, Chris Wood was on the roster at Ipswich on loan during the 2014/15 season away from then-parent club Leicester City.

Before he ultimately exploded into life away from Suffolk, Wood struggled to ever get going for the Tractor Boys as he attempted to make a name for himself with only eight appearances coming his way that campaign donning Ipswich blue.

He also failed to find the back of the net across those forgettable displays, before heading back to the King Power Stadium to be sold permanently to Leeds United, where he began to show off his now well-known goalscoring prowess.

Wood then netted an impressive 44 strikes from 88 games playing in West Yorkshire, leading to him eventually making the grade in the top-flight where he now shines week in week out as Nottingham Forest’s main talisman.

Chris Wood's form at Forest

Wood has been a man possessed for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side this season to date, hammering home five strikes from eight Premier League contests, with the 32-year-old cementing his reputation as a top striker at that level now.

It was previously up for debate whether the 6 foot 3 forward could really cut it in the top division after a harrowing spell with Newcastle United saw him score just five times in 39 outings, but he is adored at the City Ground away from any lingering St James’ Park demons and rightly so.

Games played

8

Goals scored

5

Assists

0

Shots*

1.6

Expected goals (xG)

3.39

Scoring frequency

129 mins

Goal conversion %

31%

Big chances missed

6

Looking at the table above, it’s abundantly clear that the 32-year-old has been potent in front of goal for Forest, with the on-fire number 11 outperforming his expected goals at 3.39 with a stunning five strikes.

Moreover, Wood has also missed six big chances this campaign, which is astounding when you realise how impressive his numbers have been away from shots going astray, with perhaps even more to come from the standout Forest man as the season drags on.

The final goal of his glittering back catalogue for the season so far – which saw him instinctively fire home this winner against Crystal Palace – was actually Wood’s 21st strike from 50 clashes playing for Santo’s men, as his team sit pretty in a respectable eight spot in the current league standings.

There is still a lot of the campaign to go, but Wood – who is bettering Delap’s league goal numbers for Ipswich – is really turning into a crucial player for Forest, after once looking timid in front of goal at Portman Road.

Whilst he strives to reach even dizzier heights at the City Ground, Ipswich will be desperate for a win to come their way soon in the tricky division, with the Tractor Boys anxiously hovering just above the relegation zone.

Ipswich are wasting money on one player who earns more than Liam Delap

Ipswich Town haven’t reaped the rewards of this expensive deal yet.

1 ByKelan Sarson Oct 22, 2024

Ruben Amorim has explained why Alejandro Garnacho did not make Manchester United's starting lineup for their Europa League clash at FCSB.

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Garnacho linked with Man Utd exitWinger benched for FCSB gameAmorim explains why he didn't startFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Ahead of United's final Europa League group phase match against their Romanian opponents, head coach Amorim decided against starting Garnacho – who could leave the club in the coming days – in his starting XI. Now it has become clear why on Thursday.

AdvertisementAFPTHE EXPLANATION

Former Sporting CP boss Amorim explained before the contest that a number of players had been ill in the past few days, including the Argentine international. As a result, the 20-year-old is among the substitutes as a precaution.

WHAT RUBEN AMORIM SAID

He told TNT Sports: "Some players like Garnacho were sick during the week and Amad [Diallo] was on the limit, he is playing every minute so we have to try to keep the players fit and the other ones are prepared to win the game."

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For a while it looked like the Napoli and Chelsea-linked 20-year-old would leave Old Trafford but time is running out for him to depart the Red Devils before the transfer window deadline on February 3.

He had served as the acting CEO for the last eight months, following the ICC’s issues with Manu Sawhney

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Nov-2021Geoff Allardice has been named the full-time CEO of the ICC after serving in the role on an interim basis for more than eight months. Allardice had taken over the role from Manu Sawhney in March, when the latter was suspended based on the findings of a cultural review.Allardice, a former first-class cricketer from Australia who has a degree in chemical engineering, earlier served as ICC general manager (cricket) for eight years. He did not play international cricket but was a prolific, dogged batter for Melbourne University in club cricket and played 18 matches for Victoria in the early 1990s. Former CA CEO James Sutherland was Allardice’s long-time Melbourne University team-mate. Eventually, Sutherland brought Allardice into the CA set-up as umpires’ manager in the early 2000s. From there, he went up the ladder to become CA’s cricket operations general manager, before moving on to the ICC in July 2012.”My continued focus will be on doing the right thing for our sport and working closely with Members to deliver long-term success and sustainability,” Allardice said. “I would also like to thank the ICC staff for their commitment and support over the last eight months and I’m looking forward to continuing to serve cricket with such a talented team.”Sawhney was first asked to go on leave by the ICC in March following issues that emerged over his management style after a cultural review, which was conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). He was then officially let go from his role in July, following a decision taken by the ICC board.ICC chairman Greg Barclay said: “I am delighted that Geoff has agreed to take the role of ICC CEO on a permanent basis. He has shown tremendous leadership during an extremely challenging period culminating in the successful delivery of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021.”Geoff has unrivaled knowledge of the global cricket landscape and its stakeholders and has consistently demonstrated he is the right person to work in partnership with our Members to shape the sport for the next decade as we embark on delivering a new strategy and our next commercial rights cycle.”

West Ham forward Michail Antonio is training in Dubai and making "steady progress" in his recovery from a horror cash crash.

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Forward lucky to escape scary collisionHas undergone surgery on leg fractureStarting out on long road to recoveryFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱social gfxWHAT HAPPENED?

The Jamaica international had to be cut from the wreckage of his Ferrari after colliding with a tree in December 2024. He was airlifted to hospital and has since undergone an operation to fix a lower leg fracture.

AdvertisementWHAT MICHAIL ANTONIO SAID

Antonio acknowledges that he was fortunate to escape with his life, saying in a New Year’s Eve post on social media: "Every year around this time, I'm asked what I'm grateful for, and every year I've struggled to find the right words. But this year, I know exactly what I'm grateful for: being alive.

"I've spent so many years taking life for granted. I made plans for the next day, the next year, always assuming tomorrow was guaranteed. I've seen close friends pass away, witnessed others face near-death experiences, and even then I didn't fully grasp just how precious life is.

"What I've been through recently has opened my eyes. Life is fragile, and every single moment matters. I'm so grateful to God for giving me the strength to keep going and for allowing me to still be here."

Getty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

West Ham have continued to pay Antonio’s contract, which may yet be extended, after seeing him ruled out of their immediate plans. It has been suggested that the 34-year-old will require at least 12 months in which to make a full recovery.

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WHAT NEXT?

That process remains ongoing for now, with the reporting on how Antonio has headed to the Middle East for some intense warm weather training. He is said to be "making positive and steady progress during the programme in the United Arab Emirates".