The influential coaching program will run a total of seven weeks over an 18-month period from February 2025 to August 2026
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MLS announced EFCL Class for 2026
Coaching program is partnership with French Football Federation (FFF)
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WHAT HAPPENED?
MLS announced the incoming 2026 class for the Elite Formation Coaching License (EFCL) Friday morning. The program, which saw the likes of MLS Cup-winning managers Greg Vanney and Wilfried Nancy used to develop, is one of the world's most elite coaching pathways.
THE EFCL program runs seven weeks over an 18-month period from February 2025 to August 2026, and includes all of course work, on-pitch projects, film room studies, immersion, classes, and more.
The program will see the classes begin at the famed INF Clairefontaine outside of Paris, with first sessions beginning on Feb. 4. The EFCL program, which is in partnership with the French Football Federation (FFF), has directly impacted the MLS Player Pathway through the development leagues coaches and players since 2013.
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The class of 2026, for the first time, will feature five different MLS NEXT Elite Academy coaches, alongside 19 MLS representatives.
San Jose Earthquakes U16 head coach Erin Ridley became the first woman from MLS to complete the program in August, 2024, and this year, three more women look to follow her lead as part of the program. Cassidy Chriest (Houston Dynamo), Megan McCormick (St. Louis CITY SC), and Tiffany Roberts (Royals Arizona) will all join the program.
The first week will see coaches observe and learn from some of Europe's top clubs, Arsenal (England), FC Barcelona (Spain), Deportivo Alavés (Spain), Le Havre AC (France), CA Osasuna (Spain), Paris FC (France), Paris Saint-Germain (France), Toulouse FC (France), and Villarreal CF (Spain).
Royals Arizona Academy Director/Girls ECNL Director
FC Cincinnati
Andy Seidel
U14 Head Coach
Miami Futbol Academy Rush (MLS NEXT)
Renatto Soriano
Academy Director/U14 Head Coach
Major League Soccer League Office
Paul Templeton
Manager, Coaching Education & Player Development
Chicago Fire FC
William Thornton
U18 Assistant Coach
New England Revolution
Abel Wasswa
U14 Head Coach
Orlando City SC
Edward Wilding
Formation Phase Lead/U16 Head Coach
DID YOU KNOW?
Austin FC manager Nico Estevez is also a graduate from the program, as well as San Diego FC assistant coach Kelvin Jones.
WHAT NEXT FOR MLS?
The 2025 regular season kicks off on Feb. 22 when Inter Miami clash with New York City FC in a battle of two Eastern Conference heavyweights. Until then, teams will continue their preseason training in preparation for the campaign.
The points from the three matches are set to be awarded to Australia after the visitors effectively conceded the series
Andrew McGlashan13-Jul-2022South Africa have withdrawn from their ODI series in Australia scheduled for January 2023 and the hosts set to be awarded the ODI Super League points from the three matches.With South Africa effectively losing the series 3-0, it pushes them closer to missing direct qualification for the 2023 World Cup in India. They were already languishing at No. 11 in the table with just four wins from 13 matches. The top eight teams in the ODI Super League as of the cut-off date of May next year will qualify directly for the World Cup. The remaining five teams will compete with five Associate teams in a qualifying tournament for the final two spots.Last month CSA had made a request to CA to move the series, which was to take place after the three Tests, following the announcement of their new T20 league due to begin in January.However, in a crowded calendar no window has been found so the matches are cancelled.”Given these games will not be played before the qualification cut-off date in May, CSA has agreed that Australia will be awarded the competition points pending ICC approval,” a Cricket Australia statement said.One big knock-on effect of the series being scrubbed is that it means Australian players will be available for the BBL which will be a boost for that competition. The fixtures for the BBL are due to be released on Thursday.While Australia’s Test stars will still be absent for the first part of the tournament, those who would normally also play ODIs will now have greater availability and white-ball players, such as Aaron Finch, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa, will not be pulled out of the BBL for a 10-day period.CA has also made adjustments to the international schedule elsewhere to compensate Hobart – whose only international game of the season was due to be during the visit of South Africa – and Perth.The second men’s T20I against West Indies on October 7 will now be played at the Gabba instead of at the Metricon Stadium, with the first T20I against England on October 9 moved to Perth instead of Brisbane.Hobart will now stage the second women’s T20I against Pakistan on January 26 which had originally been scheduled for Canberra.”It’s disappointing to have another men’s international game removed from the schedule in Tasmania, it highlights the lack of international content that the state receives,” Dominic Baker, the Cricket Tasmania CEO, said. “However, we are working closely with Cricket Australia on our International fixtures calendar to see what opportunities can be pursued for our Tasmanian cricket fans in order to make up for this loss.”We’re looking forward to having such a high calibre of female players joining us here in Hobart, giving our fans the opportunity to experience and enjoy some international cricket this summer.”Nick Hockley, the CA chief executive, said: “It is disappointing that Cricket South Africa will be unable to contest the ODI series in January. That said, we are delighted to be hosting South Africa for the three Test series which includes the Boxing Day and New Year’s Tests and with the comprehensive schedule of international cricket that will take place across Australia throughout the summer.”
Amended fixtures
Men’s T20I series vs West Indies
October 5: Metricon Stadium, Gold Coast (N)
October 7: The Gabba, Brisbane (N)Men’s T20I series vs England
October 9: Perth Stadium, Perth
October 12: Manuka Oval, Canberra (N)
October 14: Manuka Oval, Canberra (N)Women’s T20I series vs Pakistan
January 24: North Sydney Oval, Sydney
January 26: Blundstone Arena, Hobart (N)
January 29: Manuka Oval, Canberra
Arsenal have undergone a dramatic transformation in the last five years or so and are practically unrecognisable from the club Mikel Arteta took over in late 2019.
Alongside Sporting Director Edu Gaspar, the Spaniard has completely overhauled the squad, bringing in a swathe of talented players like Ben White, Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice while getting rid of those who wouldn't help him take the team forward.
However, while there has been so much change at the Emirates since the former Captain returned, a few players have remained and become integral members of this title-challenging team; players like Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, and Gabriel Martinelli.
Arsenal's GabrielMartinellicelebrates after Newcastle United's Fabian Schar scores an own goal and Arsenal's second
That said, while there are no question marks over the future of the Englishman and Frenchman, there are some for the Brazilian, although since the manager took over, his valuation has exploded, per Transfermarkt.
1
Martinelli's market value when Arteta took over
saka-martinelli-arsenal
So, on December 20th 2019, Arteta was announced as Arsenal's new head coach, and just ten days earlier, Martinelli saw his valuation rise to €18m, which is about £15m.
It's not an enormous number, but considering he was only signed for £6m from Ituano that summer, it was already a major indication that the club had a special player on their hands.
It was an increase that was more than justified during the season as well.
Despite still being a teenager and suffering a major injury during Project Restart, Martinelli racked up a seriously impressive haul of ten goals and provided four assists in 26 first-team appearances.
2
Martinelli's market value in 2020/21
Unfortunately for the young attacker, his second season in North London was much less spectacular than his first, as he was only able to rack up a total of two goals and two assists in 22 appearances for the club.
However, this disappointing output was mostly due to the severe knee injury he sustained in June, as he didn't even make his first senior appearance until the 19th of December.
That said, as he had still enjoyed a statement season in the campaign prior, his valuation in October 2020 had increased to €25m, which is about £21m, or £6m more than his price tag when Arteta took over.
3
Gabriel Martinelli's market value in 2021/22
Gabriel Martinelli warming up for Arsenal
The June before the 21/22 campaign saw the dynamic winger's valuation decrease to €22m, about £19m, due to his lack of game time the previous season.
However, this wasn't really an issue as, after a pretty miserable year, the Guarulhos-born gem was able to play some regular football again.
He wasn't just making up the numbers either, as, across 36 matches, the 5 foot 10 ace scored six goals and provided seven assists, meaning that he maintained an average of a goal involvement once every 2.76 games.
Moreover, while he didn't play in every game, he remained fit for the entire campaign, giving the manager another option in attack and boosting his reputation in the process.
4
Gabriel Martinelli's market value in 2022/23
Thanks to his impressive displays in 21/22, Martinelli's valuation was once again soaring ahead of the following season. In June 2022, it reached a new peak of €40m or £34m, and over the next ten months, he would more than justify the new price tag.
Arsenal went into the campaign with the goal of finishing in the top four, but fairly early on, it became apparent that they were suddenly in a title race with Manchester City, and a large part of the reason why was the attacking talent in the team, including the then-21-year-old Brazilian.
For example, in his 46 appearances across all competitions, the "unplayable" dynamo, as described by pundit Owen Hargreaves, scored 15 goals and provided six assists, meaning that just a couple of years after suffering a serious knee injury, he was averaging a goal involvement every 1.85 games.
Unfortunately, the Gunners would collapse near the season's end, but Martinelli had now laid down a marker and showed the league just how good he could be.
5
Gabriel Martinelli's market value in 2023/24
So, after such an incredible campaign, the former Ituano gem's reputation was at an all-time high and in June 2023, his valuation would match that fact, with Transfermarkt valuing him at a whopping €80m, which is about £67m.
However, as so many have before him, the 13-capped international struggled to follow up on his barnstorming year, and over the next ten months, he's become a player who increasingly frustrates a fanbase now expecting their team to push for the title.
In his 44 appearances across all competitions, he could only muster up a fairly uninspiring tally of eight goals and five assists, equating to an average of a goal involvement once every 3.38 games.
Martinelli's Arsenal career
Season
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Goal Involvements per Match
2019/20
26
10
4
0.53
2020/21
22
2
2
0.18
2021/22
36
6
7
0.36
2022/23
46
15
6
0.45
2023/24
44
8
5
0.29
2024/25
3
0
0
0.00
All Stats via Transfermarkt
Now, this wasn't a dreadful return, and some of the discussion around the 23-year-old since has been hyperbolic, but compared to how well he played just the season prior, it was undeniably disappointing.
6
Martinelli's market value in 2024/25
So, we come to this season, and considering the slight step back he took last year, the Gunners' number 11 has unsurprisingly seen his valuation decrease.
Transfermarkt priced him at €70m in May of this year, which is about £59m or 293% higher than it was when Arteta joined the club.
It's set to be a massive campaign for Martinelli this year, as with all the talk of Nico Williams and other talented wingers over the summer, his place in the starting lineup isn't guaranteed anymore.
Worryingly, in his three appearances thus far, he hasn't looked particularly impressive, and when he was substituted off at Villa Park, his replacement, Leandro Trossard, came on and scored with his first touch.
However, Martinelli is still an immensely talented winger, and even though he's been in and around the first team for five years now, he's still relatively young at 23.
Therefore, while his stock might be quite low at the moment, he has all the raw qualities to turn things around and get back to his very best.
How many games Odegaard could now miss for Arsenal after ankle injury news
USWNT star Naomi Girma is attracting big attention from Europe, with Chelsea reportedly leading the race to sign her.
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USWNT defender Girma out of contract in 2026
San Diego Wave star has interest from Lyon & Arsenal
But Chelsea lead race for potential $1m deal
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WHAT HAPPENED?
There have been plenty of reports in recent months about interest in Girma from abroad, with her having emerged as one of the most talented center backs in the entire game already, aged just 24. Indeed, after helping her country win gold at the Olympic Games last summer, USWNT boss Emma Hayes described Girma as "the best defender I've ever seen".
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Lyon, home of USWNT team-mate Lindsey Horan, have been linked with her, as have Arsenal. However, understands that it is Chelsea who are currently favorites to land Girma's signature, which could come at the cost of $1 million (£820,000). The current world-record fee for a transfer in the women's game is $862,000 (£706,000), which Bay FC paid to sign Racheal Kundananji from Madrid CFF last year.
DID YOU KNOW?
Given that potential price tag, it is unlikely that Girma leaves the San Diego Wave for another NWSL side. That's because league rules require a salary cap tax if a club spends over a net $500,000 (£409,000) on transfer fees.
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WHAT NEXT FOR GIRMA AND SAN DIEGO?
New San Diego boss Jonas Eidevall, and the new ownership which took over in October, will certainly be keen to avoid losing Girma, who is out of contract at the end of 2026. It'll be up to them to renew that deal and avoid losing the defender to a European giant.
Arne Slot might have a bit more tactical nous than his predecessor, and that's not to discredit the exceptional management skills of Jurgen Klopp, whose Anfield appointment proved to be the start of a miracle that rained illustrious success down on Liverpool.
The Dutch head coach has got off to a flyer in the Premier League but let's not forget that he has inherited an elite crop of players, with the exploits of Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah on the attacking flanks evidence of the title-capable quality.
Luis Diaz & Mohamed Salah's stats this season
Liverpool's attack petered out toward the end of the 2023/24 campaign, a core part of the nosedive that pulled Klopp's swansong away from contention for titles in the Premier League, Europa League and FA Cup, falling to the eventual champions in the latter two.
Now, though, a shift in style under Slot appears to have revitalised both, with Salah nominated for the league's Player of the Month award for August. His Colombian peer's dominant display against Manchester United came a day late for the monthly award, but puts him in good stead for the second.
Premier League 24/25: Mo Salah & Luis Diaz
Stats (*per game)
Diaz
Salah
Matches (starts)
3 (3)
3 (3)
Goals
3
3
Assists
1
3
Touches*
42.7
50.7
Shots (on target)*
2.7 (1.3)
3.3 (2.0)
Pass completion
86%
80%
Key passes*
2.3
1.7
Dribbles completed*
2.3 (58%)
1.3 (50%)
Ball recoveries*
4.3
2.3
Total duels won*
5.7 (44%)
3.7 (44%)
All stats via Sofascore
Both players are performing at quite an exceptional level, and though Diaz is more athletic, combative and energetic than his 32-year-old teammate, Salah has that Midas touch, with the eye test also underscoring his unrivalled influence in the Premier League.
Liverpool's forward success flows through Salah, who is currently valued at £46m by Transfermarkt, channelled toward goal with the ferocity of a waterfall. His deal is up at the end of the season but Richard Hughes will be working night and day to convince the Egpytian to extend his £350k-per-week contract.
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah
Diaz's contract has also been a topic of conversation in recent months, though that door is closed (for now) following the conclusion of the transfer window. Barcelona had had a vested interest in the 27-year-old but were unwilling to meet Liverpool's demands of a payment well in excess of £50m.
There is, however, a current Premier League winger who is valued well above both Anfield stalwarts. Yes, Anthony Gordon could be plying his trade in his home city right now but instead remains at St. James' Park. Unknown to many, a return to Anfield would have actually been a homecoming for the England international.
Liverpool must rue letting Anthony Gordon leave
Hailed as a "menace" of a player by scout Antonio Mango, Gordon has enjoyed a steady rise to prominence in the Premier League, demonstrating clear talent at Everton but suffering due to the Toffees' turbulence, forcing his way out and signing for Newcastle United in a £45m deal in January 2023.
He had a slow start to life as a Magpie but soared throughout his first full season, winning the club's Player of the Year award after posting 12 goals and 11 assists across all competitions, hailed for his "unbelievable" performances by Bruno Guimaraes.
Liverpool target Anthony Gordon in action for England at EURO 2024.
Such efforts turned Liverpool's head among others, and due to Newcastle's PSR concerns, Eddie Howe was set to lose his wide talisman in a £75m deal, agreed with Liverpool but not coming to fruition after alternative, less costly means were found to combat the situation.
His pace and potency down the left would be perfect for Slot's side, but would you know, he actually played for the Reds way back when, released from the academy as an 11-year-old before earning a second bite at the cherry with Everton, where he rose through the ranks.
Speaking to Everton's club website, Gordon said: "It was another chance for me to grow. But that was hard. It affected me mentally and dented my confidence. I had to pick myself up and go again.
“When I got to Everton, I never looked back.”
Given that Liverpool were willing to enforce a high-cost transfer to bring the 23-year-old back to Merseyside this summer suggests that there is an element of ruefulness about letting him go in the first place, for a little more prudence could have seen him rise through the ranks in the same way that Trent Alexander-Arnold did.
Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon
Would it be far-fetched to say that there's a sense Gordon could yet grace the Anfield pitch in Liverpool red? FSG's interest is genuine and the England star isn't exactly going to fade into the background any time soon, impressing for club and country.
And the fact that he's more valuable than both Salah and Diaz right now does highlight his high potential, something that Liverpool will need to pay the big bucks for if they do wish to bring him home.
However, Diaz is proving that he's the man for the job on Slot's left flank. Who knows what will happen in the future, but certain Liverpool figures might rue letting Gordon leave in the first place – just imagine a wing boasting both Diaz and Gordon as the options…
He's out on loan: The Liverpool "prodigy" who can one day replace Salah
The Aussies are finally batting, umpires are making howlers, and Trott’s temper is given a work out. Ah to be at Old Trafford…
Andy Bloxham02-Aug-2013Choice of game
With the Aussies returning to the shores from whence they came, and no Test scheduled for my local venue, Edgbaston (scandalous, I might add), I opted for the curtain-raiser of the pivotal third Ashes Test at an extensively redeveloped Old Trafford.
It’s the first occasion on which I’ve attended the opening day of an Ashes Test match, and nothing quite compares to that spine-tingling first airing of “Jerusalem” as the players take the field. Against the Old Enemy, it’s especially poignant.Key performer
Michael Clarke. Chris Rogers can consider himself rather unfortunate to have missed out here – it was his uncharacteristically fluent and aggressive innings at the top of the order that set the tone for a fine Australian batting performance – but the tourists, as is so often the case, owe much of their early success in this Test match to their brilliant captain.Clarke’s unbeaten century was not his most authoritative, nor was it bursting with the effortless elegance that we’ve become accustomed to, but it steered his team in to what could prove to be a match defining position of strength come the end of a scorching hot day in Manchester. After a tentative start in which he groped at a probing James Anderson like a promiscuous teen, Clarke found his dancing shoes and combined fleet-footed, crisp footwork with nothing short of Rolex timing. He knows a thing or two about making it a big one, too, so expect plenty more to be added on day two.One thing I’d have changed about the day
Well, England winning the toss would have been nice, wouldn’t it? On a magnificent English summer’s day which, when combined with a largely unresponsive surface, provided about as much assistance to England’s seam bowlers as a 16-year-old work experience employee would to MI6, it was just about the perfect day for batting.Oh, and the minor issue of howling third-umpire decisions as part of the DRS process could do with some remedying, couldn’t it?The interplay I enjoyed
Anderson to Clarke. James Anderson possesses a fine record against Australia’s captain, and for 30 minutes or so at the beginning of the latter’s innings it had looked a trend comfortably set to continue. Clarke offered the look of a man batting knee-deep in treacle, but somehow managed to survive the inquisition to see England’s conjuror off and set himself for what was to become his 26th Test century. Only Shane Watson, who served up the batting equivalent of Quasimodo, had looked more out of kilter before reaching double figures.Wow moment
Usman Khawaja’s dismissal being upheld. Then Steve Smith surviving after England were utterly convinced that he had edged a James Anderson delivery through to wicketkeeper Matt Prior. Without seeing replays any clearer than those displayed on the big screen inside the ground, they appear on the face of things to have been a) clearly incorrect and b) another nail in the coffin of a review system that has already had a 300ft deep grave dug by India’s cricketing hierarchy.Filling the gaps
Thwaite’s finest. A roast pork and stuffing bap. Spiced potato wedges. The varied cuisine that filled the gaps between the cricket (and the one in my stomach) had the simultaneous effect of emptying my wallet at a pace swifter than Mike Gatting going up for thirds at an all-you-can-eat buffet.Crowd meter
Pretty quiet, actually. Whether I’m just accustomed to the gladiatorial atmosphere of an England Test at Edgbaston, or whether the English contingent had been shocked in to silence by the sight of an Australian batting unit showing some application and looking like actual cricketers, it was a largely subdued affair.
A word for the large gathering of Aussie “Fanatics” sat behind me, though. They were naturally stunned and delighted in equal measure by the close of play scoreboard, but provided great value throughout the day and took banter as liberally as they dished it out. It is one of the great joys of being a cricket spectator that you can share a beer with someone from the other side of the world and have a good chat, regardless of what is taking place on the field.Close encounter
Jonathan Trott spent a short period of the afternoon session out on the boundary in front of where we were sat, and soon copped some abuse from a well-oiled Aussie. Trott is a batsman renowned for his ability to exist untroubled within his own bubble when out in the middle, but Trott the fielder is clearly a different proposition. Whatever had been said angered the England No. 3, and his Australian assailant was quick to ignore an offer to come down and say it to his face. The Australian bowlers should ask the spectator in question for a few tips.Overall
DRS gaffes aside, that was what Test cricket is all about. Blazing sunshine, unrelenting cricket from both sides and a full house. Australia are in a commanding position, but the beauty of Test cricket is that, come lunch tomorrow, that outlook could have dramatically changed.Marks out of 10
8. Painfully prolonged third-umpire referrals took plenty of the spontaneity out of the game, and the fact that they were then incorrect added a farcical edge that didn’t sit well. Thankfully, the weather and the majority of the cricket made for a tremendous day out.
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has been told he "may have to leave the country" if he wants to continue his managerial career.
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Rooney axed by Plymouth in December
Managerial future is uncertain
Told he may need to move abroad
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Rooney's latest managerial stint ended prematurely after he was sacked by Plymouth at the end of December. The Manchester United legend lasted just seven months in the job and departed with Plymouth rooted to the bottom of the Championship table and on a run of nine matches without a win.
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Rooney has come in for plenty of criticism for his time in charge of Plymouth and his future is currently uncertain. The 39-year-old has struggled in impress during managerial stints in England with Derby, Birmingham and now Plymouth and also left MLS side D.C. United after just 15 months at the helm. Rooney has now been told he may have to head abroad again if he wants to continue coaching by former United striker Teddy Sheringham.
WHAT SHERINGHAM SAID
He told Boyle Sports: "With Wayne Rooney leaving Plymouth, it does make you wonder what he does from here. I went into management in League Two and if that goes badly, where do you go from there? No one will take a chance in the division above if it didn’t go well in a lower tier. For Rooney it’s tough and it will be interesting to see how will employ him after he struggled in the Championship. But I’m sure he will persevere, he wants to be a successful manager and may have to leave the country to get a new experience and learn his trade."
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WHAT NEXT FOR ROONEY
Fans will have to wait and see what Rooney does next and whether he's interested in another move abroad. The 39-year-old has plenty of family commitments as he shares four sons with wife Coleen, whose television career is expected to take off after her successful stint on
He was also a notable administrator and the selector who identified Shivnarine Chanderpaul
ESPNcricinfo staff31-May-2022David Holford, former West Indies allrounder, has died in Barbados, his homeland, at the age of 82. Reports indicate he was ailing for some time. He was a legspinner and lower-middle-order batter who featured for West Indies in 24 Tests between 1966 and 1977, picking up 51 wickets and scoring 768 runs with a hundred to his name.He captained Barbados in the 1970s and led them to five Shell Shield titles. He also represented Trinidad and Tobago.Holford was the first cricketer to score 1000 runs and pick 100 wickets in the competition. He also featured in the Kerry Packer series in 1978.The highlight of his career came when he made a disciplined 32 while sharing a 127-run stand with his cousin Garfield Sobers against England at Old Trafford in 1966. He spoke later about the knock and his fondest memory, picking up Fred Titmus as his first international scalp, in this interview.Garry Sobers and David Holford during their mammoth partnership at Lord’s•PA Photos
In the following test at Lord’s, he made a match-saving 105, coming in with West Indies in trouble at 95 for 5 the second innings, with another big partnership with Sobers. This time, it was an unbroken 260 run-stand that bailed them out. West Indies went on to win that series 3-1.With the ball, his career-best was the 5 for 23 against India at his home ground in Barbados in 1975.His career was preluded by leaving Harrison college and becoming a member of the Spartan Club. Post-retirement, he went back there as President. Furthermore, the positions he held included Director of the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA), Chairman of the Selection Committee and Manager of the West Indies team in the 1990s.BCA president, Conde Riley, paid tribute to Holford’s contributions to Barbados.”As an administrator, David was a no-nonsense person,” he said. “He always spoke about what Barbados’ cricket meant to Barbados and he paid a lot of attention to the preparation of our national teams.”As chairman of the West Indies selection panel, he was responsible for picking Shivnarine Chanderpaul at a very young age and the rest is history.”Ricky Skerritt, President of Cricket West Indies, fondly remembered Holford and showered heaps of praise.”David Holford epitomized the values of cricket both on and off the field, and was the quintessential West Indies cricketer and ambassador. As a player, he was a top-quality allrounder and captain who gave his utmost at all levels.”He had a hand in the development of several young players across the region, not just in cricket but in several other fields of endeavour. David’s legacy is therefore one of service and dedication to Barbados and West Indies cricket. CWI hereby extends our deepest condolences to his wife, Marva, and all family and friends.”
Newcastle United are expected to make an offer for an "extraordinary" free agent, but will need to act quickly as he is also wanted by another Premier League club, according to a fresh transfer update.
Newcastle contract & transfer news
The Magpies' summer transfer business is done and dusted, in what was a relatively low-key period in the market for them, but there are still contract and transfer rumours doing the rounds. The future of Anthony Gordon was a major talking point during the summer, with a move to boyhood club Liverpool mooted a number of times, but the winger ended up staying put at St James' Park. Now, it is claimed that the 23-year-old could sign a new deal at Newcastle, acting as a major boost for Eddie Howe.
In terms of potential new signings, only free agents are now available for the Magpies, with Yusuf Yazici reportedly a target, having left Lille upon the conclusion of last season. Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are also thought to be in the mix for the 27-year-old.
There is another free agent who has emerged as an exciting option for Newcastle, too, as they battle with one of the clubs mentioned above for his signature.
Newcastle plan offer for "extraordinary" midfielder
According to a new update from Le Figaro [via Sport Witness], Newcastle could soon table an offer for Adrien Rabiot, who is currently a free agent after his departure from Juventus at the end of last season. United are in the same position, however, seeing the Frenchman as an excellent option to replace Casemiro, as the two Premier League clubs are said to "need to hurry" to get a deal done.
Adrien Rabiot for France.
Rabiot could be a fantastic addition to Newcastle's midfield, considering his pedigree as a player throughout his career, during which time he has won seven league titles – six for Paris Saint-Germain and one with Juve. Not only that, but the 29-year-old has won 48 caps for a formidable France team, proving to be a key figure in the middle of the park, while David Trezeguet has lauded him in the past.
With Newcastle supporters not overly happy about a lack of stellar signings during the summer transfer window, the £29.5m-valued Rabiot could add so much class and experience to Howe's midfield all without splashing a penny, possessing quality in possession and a strong work ethic off the ball.
Last season, the France international registered eight goal contributions (five goals and three assists) in Serie A, but he also averaged 1.9 tackles per game, not to mention starting five matches for his country at Euro 2024 earlier this summer.
Newcastle sold a defender for £90k, now he has more career goals than Isak
The Magpies previously sold a defender for mere peanuts…
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Ross Kilvington
Sep 8, 2024
Signing Rabiot should be considered a no-brainer for Newcastle, even though he would likely demand big wages, with the free element of the fee making it less of an issue.
Klaassen, Linde and Stewart claim two wickets each to seal comfortable win
Sam Dalling10-Jun-2022Sick of the sight of him. That’s what Somerset will be when it comes to Jordan Cox. One suspects they won’t be the last county either.Cox broke Somerset hearts in the 2021 Blast Final with an unbeaten 58 from 28 and a candidate for catch of, well, cricket. This time he had a Taunton crowd scuttling for cover with 94 off just 47 balls, a statistician-pleasing strike-rate of 200, and, most importantly, Kent’s title defence belatedly up and running.Kent posted 202 for 7 all in and, in response, Somerset stumbled to 44 for 3 in the powerplay. Will Smeed, Tom Banton and Rilee Rossouw had all been and gone: thereafter they were simply limping and waiting to be put down.As the Group stages near halfway, meaningful glances can be had at the table. Kent fans will wince: this was just their second victory of the season. But this format is all about momentum: if the Spitfires can find it, reaching the quarter-finals is not impossible. Somerset had theirs checked but are still excellently placed.Cox was afforded one lifeline en-route to a career best, Lewis Gregory putting down a chance that ought to have been taken. Cox had 53 then and should have been the latest Ben Green victim.But this was a supreme knock. Kent were looking sub-par relatively late in the innings but Cox was unflustered. The first of his six sixes came in the 12th over. It was a remarkable shot off Craig Overton, released from the England Test squad. Cox danced inside a short ball, swivelled and disturbed the graves t’other side of Gimblett’s Hill.Back into his shell he went, until over 18 which – by the way – started with Kent 148 for 5. From deep in his crease, Josh Davey was struck effortlessly down the ground. A wide later came a charge and a loft over cover. The over cost 26, George Linde also helping himself to a four and a six.Related
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Then came Green’s punishment. Tom Abell deployed more protection for the leg-side perimeter than is seen at many top-flight football matches. It mattered not: three times the ball sailed towards the Fan Zone with 47 off overs 18 and 19.Cox first came to the attention of those outside Canterbury and its surrounds in 2020. A 423-run stand with Jack Leaning saw Cox make an unbeaten 238 from 570 balls (with 50 boundaries). Not out overnight, Cox had spent the morning warm-ups asking each team-mate for details of their respective first-class bests. He also informed them they would be surpassed, and in several cases that came true. Swagger then, but also the goods to back it up.The Cox drop was not the only catch Somerset shelled. It was a rare off night in the field for them. Overton, usually with hats like buckets, found a hole in them and gifted Alex Blake six. When the following delivery was rifled towards the Taunton flyover, Overton avoided Davey’s gaze. Then redemption: Blake smashed in Overton’s direction again. Only fools make the same mistake twice.Kent’s start was stodgy, just 13 taken in the opening trio by Joe Denly and Tawanda Muyeye as both struggled to circumnavigate fielders.Then came Overton and Denly hit him over the top. Next, Muyeye performed an audacious flick over his head for six. Overton’s nostrils flared. But Muyeye immediately drove straight at Abell. Out wandered Grant Stewart and, having miscued one straight up, he was caught by Roelof van der Merwe.Denly and Cox were steady but struggled for fluency. Even so, on a small ground they ticked over nicely enough. They had added 89 for the third wicket when Overton returned. Abell regularly turns to his leading man when a partnership needs breaking and break it he did with Denly on 41 off 36 balls.Overton now has 35 T20 wickets for Somerset since 2019 began and 25 of those have seen off top-three batters. Oddly neither he, nor Gregory completed their spells.Post-interval Smeed took just two off Fred Klaasen’s opener. Unused to being tied down, Smeed eyed up cow corner and was bowled off his back thigh pad by Linde. An over later, Klaassen had his 50th T20 victim for Kent, Banton edging behind having just hit back-to-back boundaries.Then the big one. And it was a gamble from Sam Billings who threw Leaning the ball in over four. Rossouw – who had scored six from his first ball from Linde – swept, missed and was done. A cursory glance back at the stumps only reconfirmed that they had shattered.From there it was a near impossible task. Abell made a typically brisk 43. When he fell, van der Merwe wandered out. Surely, he couldn’t do it twice in a row? An unbeaten 48 from just 15 balls to win Thursday’s west country derby remained fresh in the memory. No. It was not for lack of trying though.There was still time for another Overton moment. Leaning felt he had fairly caught Green on the boundary off Matt Milnes. Umpire Hassan Adnan shot across to his colleague Russell Warren to suggest Leaning had crossed the line. Overton almost did in remonstrating with Billings, before signalling six much to the crowd’s delight. Eventually, Green stayed put and six was indeed added.Billings later thought he had caught Green off Stewart but Green was given not-out and again Overton gesticulated with his bat. Later in the same over, an Overton top-edge went up and up and Billings covered much ground to claim the catch, before shushing the crowd.Green ended with 40 from 28 but the final ten overs were simply going through the motions as Kent claimed an emphatic victory, the wickets shared: Klaassen, Linde and Stewart each with two.