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Saeed Anwar is likely to be recalled for the two-Test series in South Africa after the national team management sent an SOS to the Pakistan Cricket Board on Wednesday

Sports Reporter19-Dec-2002Saeed Anwar is likely to be recalled for the two-Test series in South Africa after the national team management sent an SOS to the Pakistan Cricket Board on Wednesday.The left-hander opening batsman was not considered for selection after last September’s ICC Champions Trophy in Sri Lanka despite making himself available.”The team management has requested that specialist opener Saeed Anwar be flown to South Africa for the two Tests. But we have not taken any decision because several factors have to be taken into consideration before we reach a decision. We don’t to make a decision in haste,” a PCB spokesman said on Wednesday.”I am in contact with my fellow selectors but the final decision will be taken on Thursday,” Wasim Bari, the chairman of selectors, said.”The team management feels being self sufficient as far as fast bowlers were concerned. But they feel that they need an experienced hand on top of the order,” Bari said.Saeed, along with several other World Cup probables, underwent a fitness test in Lahore on Wednesday under the supervision of PCB’s panel of doctors. According to Dr Meesaq Rizvi, the 34-year-old former Test skipper looked in fine fettle.Saeed had not played in a Test since scoring a century against minnows Bangladesh in the opening match of the 2nd Asian Test Championship at Multan in August last year.Meanwhile, controversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, once again broke down and ruled out of the Test series against the Proteas with knee trouble, has been asked by PCB to return home.The spokesman said on Wednesday that Shoaib was being recalled home as a precautionary measure with the World Cup just a few weeks away.”The team and local doctors in South Africa examined his knees that are sore after playing on softer grounds and he has been advised to return home and get proper rest and treatment by the PCB panel of doctors,” the spokesman said.The PCB spokesman said the first priority of the board would now be to ensure that the injury-prone paceman was fully fit for the World Cup.”Shoaib will undergo a rehabilitation programme under the supervision of the PCB medical panel once he returns home.”Besides wicket-keeper Rashid Latif is also returning home after missing the last couple of games in the one-day series against South Africa because of knee problems.Late last month Rashid astounded everyone when he chose to quit Test cricket but made himself available for One-day Internationals. Just days before that announcement he was forced out of the entire series in Zimbabwe with recurrence of an old neck injury.He was subsequently cleared by specialists in Johannesburg and later by PCB’s panel of doctors in Lahore before being allowed to rejoin the squad in South Africa.Shoaib’s latest injury leaves a disarrayed Pakistan side, who have already lost the one-day series to South Africa, with just 14 players available for the Tests at Durban (Dec 26-30) and Cape Town (Jan 2-6).Embattled Pakistan skipper, Waqar Younis is one of the three specialist speedsters left in the Test party along with Mohammad Sami and Mohammad Zahid. The latter has been all but a passenger on the African Safari.Wasim Akram and Misbah-ul-Haq, who were in the one-day squad, are also expected home on Saturday.

Limited finances could cause enormous difficulties for Wolverhampton Wanderers in the ongoing transfer window.

It’s a factor that ultimately cost Nuno Santo his job before new boss Bruno Lage entered Molineux a few weeks ago.

Lage has already been linked with a number of players from his former side, Benfica, with budding youngsters Goncalo Ramos and Henrique Araujo on his wish list.

However, they could sign another of his ex-players in Haris Seferovic. Reports this week state that Wolves were interested in the forward before Euro 2020 got underway.

His price tag at the time was just €15m (£13m) but after his impressive displays at the European Championships, Benfica now value him at €30m (£26m).

It would be a pricey acquisition but it’s hard to deny the Raul Jimenez like qualities that Seferovic has at his disposal.

The Mexican has been missing since November after a sickening clash of heads with David Luiz led to a fractured skull.

Jimenez has made a full recovery but has also surprisingly been touted with the exit door. If he leaves or fails to find his form in the Midlands again, Seferovic would be a tremendous like-minded striker.

Standing at 6 foot 2, he is an inch shorter than the Wolves sensation but his heading and the ability to bring others into play reminds us of the Mexican.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-wolves-transfer-news-alena-dike-neves-barisic” title=”Real the latest Wolves transfer news!”]

In fact, he’s even earned comparisons to a certain Maradona. Speaking in April, former Benfica star, Joao Alves, said: “Congratulations to Seferovic who reminds us of Maradona not because of his height but he is a left-footer and, in fact, with passes of this class he makes us remember the eternal Maradona.”

The Switzerland international bagged a grand total of 26 goals last term, adding to the 27 he scored in 65 appearances under Lage previously.

The 29-year-old is an enigma in forward areas. He often needs several chances in order to score one but his record is still phenomenal.

He’s also caught the eye at the Euros, scoring three times during the competition. That includes two stunning headed goals as the Swiss knocked World champions France out in the last 16.

After netting the opener, commentator Ally McCoist said on ITV: “But if you’re a centre forward, it’s fantastic. He just gives him a nudge before the ball comes in to give himself half a yard. What a header. Brilliant. Just gets up early. That’s a classic centre forward goal. The finish is superb.”

Seferovic is a brute of a striker, winning 2.1 aerial duels per game for Benfica last season. For context, that’s just 0.2 fewer than Jimenez’s last full campaign at Wolves.

If Lage can negate the inconsistency in the forward’s game then he’d be a tremendous addition for the Old Gold.

As was the case on Monday evening, he is capable of dominating even the best centre-backs in world football.

AND in other news, Wolves could unearth Lage’s new Joao Felix by signing “fantastic” 15-goal wizard…

As part of the New Zealand Cricket and Major Association contracting process, 11 players from each of the six major associations have also been offered contracts

Lynn McConnell26-Nov-2002As part of the New Zealand Cricket and Major Association contracting process, 11 players from each of the six major associations have also been offered contracts.The recipients are:Auckland: Tama Canning, Llorne Howell, Tim McIntosh, Kyle Mills, Richard Morgan, Rob Nicol, Bradley Nielsen, Craig Pryor, Gareth Shaw, Brooke Walker, Reece Young.Canterbury: Carl Anderson, Wade Cornelius, Andrew Ellis, Robbie Frew, Peter Fulton, Michael Papps, Aaron Redmond, Gary Stead, Shanan Stewart, Paul Wiseman, Warren Wisneski.Central Districts: Campbell Furlong, Bevan Griggs, Lance Hamilton, Brent Hefford, Peter Ingram, Greg Loveridge, Michael Mason, Andrew Schwass, Martyn Sigley, Craig Spearman, Glen Sulzberger.Northern Districts: Graeme Aldridge, Simon Andrews, Matthew Hart, Nick Horsley, David Kelly, Hamish Marshall, James Marshall, Bruce Martin, Michael Parlane, Gareth West, Joseph Yovich.Otago: Craig Cumming, Chris Gaffaney, Brendon McCullum, James McMillan, Mohammad Wasim, Nathan Morland, Shayne O’Connor, Jordan Sheed, David Sewell, Kerry Walmsley, Jeff Wilson.Wellington: Matthew Bell, Grant Donaldson, James Franklin, Mark Gillespie, Mark Jefferson, Richard Jones, Iain O’Brien, Jeetan Patel, Andrew Penn, Ash Turner, Matthew Walker.

Last home game of the season and the first division is within sight

Gloucestershire CCC Media Release29-Aug-2002Gloucestershire GladiatorsvDerbyshire ScorpionsLast home game of the season and the first division is within sight.Sunday 8 September
Norwich Union LeagueStart : 12.00A feast of cricket and attractions featuring:-
King Edmond Gym Club
The Gladiator Girls Cheerleading Squad
And exotic animals from Bristol Zoo
For tickets in advanceTel: 0117 910 8010

Aston Villa boss Dean Smith is eyeing a move for BSC Young Boys centre-back Mohamed Ali Camara this summer.

What’s the story?

With Emi Buendia from Norwich already signed, and a bid for Arsenal starlet Emile Smith Rowe also made, it appears Villa are keen on making some quick moves in the transfer window.

And now, according to Sport Witness, Smith’s side are interested in the 23-year-old Camara, and that they, along with fellow Premier League side, West Ham, have asked BSC Young Boys for some information.

The report claims that Camara’s club form has caught the attention of several clubs, including Villa, and that “despite the renewal (of his contract), a source has told Sport Witness the Swiss champions would allow the player leave this summer if they receive a convincing offer.”

Better stats than Ezri Konsa

When you compare his stats to one of Villa’s star defenders last season, Ezri Konsa, the 6 foot 3 titan favours very well.

As per Sofascore, the 23-year-old averaged 0.9 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game, and had an impressive success rate of 58% duels won in total, while that percentage goes higher to challenges made in the air (65%).

Compare that to Konsa, who averaged 0.7 tackles and 0.8 interceptions per game, while winning 68% of his duels in total and 63% in the air.

Camara also appears to be someone is comfortable with the ball at his feet too, averaging far more touches and boasting a far better passing accuracy too.

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While he may only be playing in the Swiss league, and his stats should be taken with a pinch of salt, the centre-back certainly has some of the attributes that appear to make him a real perfect fit for English football.

His combination of size and aggression marks him out as an old-school rugged defender, but his ability to play out from the back too shows he’s got a bit more to his game than the classic ‘hack it into row Z’ style of defending.

It’s no surprise Villa are eyeing a move for him, and especially with rumours linking Bjorn Engels with a move away.

Villa could wave goodbye to Engels and reinforce the centre of defence with a move for Camara this summer.

Meanwhile, Villa must avoid selling this star this summer…

Somerset Seconds travelled to Cardiff today to play against Glamorgan in their final 2nd XI Trophy match of the season

Richard Walsh22-Jul-2002Somerset Seconds travelled to Cardiff today to play against Glamorgan in their final 2nd XI Trophy match of the season.Batting first Glamorgan amassed 391 for 5 from their fifty overs.In reply Somerset were all out for 362 in 48.1 overs, with Carl Gazzard top scoring with 81 from just 47 balls.

Many Wolves fans have been left to fume as a transfer update emerged on Ruben Neves.

As per the Daily Express, Arsenal are reportedly considering using Ainsley Maitland-Niles as a makeweight in any deal to try and bring the Portugal international to the Emirates Stadium.

Neves has been a key player for the Molineux faithful over the past few years, from being part of the squad which won promotion up to the Premier League from the EFL Championship back in 2018 and then being a mainstay in the side ever since.

The central midfield player averaged more tackles (2.4), interceptions (1.8), shots (1.9), passes (54.9) and long balls (5.3) per match in the top flight than both Leander Dendoncker and Joao Moutinho in the 2020/21 term (WhoScored), further highlighting his importance.

He also averaged more tackles, interceptions, blocks, shots, key passes and long balls than Maitland-Niles while he was on loan at West Brom (Whoscored), and while the Englishman would fill a void left in midfield, he simply does not compare to Neves.

Wolves fans on Neves transfer update

These WWFC supporters fumed as the transfer update was shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that it would be an ‘awful’ deal for them:

“No no no and no.”

Credit: @leeb1977

“Please nooooo!!!!!!!”

Credit: @BertieBaugh

“No way”

Credit: @RobertH48660018

“That ship has sailed. AMN isn’t anywhere near good enough.”

Credit: @southbanklaffs

“This would be an awful deal for us.”

Credit: @amarsmusicshow

“Maitland-Niles is garbage. He should fit in nicely with useless youngsters like Nouri, Silva & Vitinha!!”

Credit: @SteveWiles20

In other news, find out who is the Wanderers’ number one target this summer here!

Many Everton fans have been left to fume as Duncan Ferguson has been suggested potentially being the new manager at Goodison Park.

Speaking on talkSPORT, journalist Andy Goldstein suggested that the Merseyside club should make Ferguson their next permanent coach following the departure of Carlo Ancelotti to Real Madrid.

He also claimed that Toffees supporters ‘would love it’ if Ferguson became their next boss.

This has certainly caused a stir among several members of the Blues faithful, who completely disagree with what Goldstein has claimed.

While Ferguson is no doubt an EFC legend, he has very little managerial experience, only taking charge of a mere four games while as interim boss before Ancelotti came in.

He is certainly not the calibre of manager that would be able to fill in the shoes of the Italian, and so it seems some Everton fans would prefer someone with a lot more experience and know-how to get them to where they want to be.

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Everton fans on Ferguson manager suggestion

These Toffees fumed after hearing of Goldstein’s suggestion on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that it was a ‘terrible’ take:

“Naa not for me”

Credit: @AidyDews

“No we wouldn’t terrible take”

Credit: @efceddie1878

“Andy doesn’t have a clue”

Credit: @_NateTweets

“Clueless”

Credit: @dazrx8

“Andy knows nothing about Everton then!!”

Credit: @sav4efc

“Fishing for callers”

Credit: @toffeeman1971

In other news, find out what new manager candidate has left Blues buzzing here!

When play resumed on time at Chelmsford in the Benson and Hedges Cup semi-final, Worcestershire soon fell deeper into trouble against Essex

Ralph Dellor07-Jun-2002When play resumed on time at Chelmsford in the Benson and Hedges Cup semi-final, Worcestershire soon fell deeper into trouble against Essex. Chasing 263 to win and beginning the day at 26 for four, the visitors had added only five runs, all of them to David Leatherdale, when the batsman received the perfect delivery from Jon Dakin. Pitching middle stump, it swung late to beat Leatherdale’s defensive push to clip off stump and Worcestershire were 31 for five.Steve Rhodes came in and was immediately his busy self, working the ball around and picking up the scoring rate, but at the other end Gareth Batty appeared transfixed by the away swing of Dakin and John Stephenson so that he took 35 minutes to score a run. Stephenson eventually put him out of his misery when Batty clipped a ball off middle and leg to Ashley Cowan at mid-wicket.Kabir Ali was run out for nine from seven balls when beaten by a direct throw from substitute fielder James Middlebrook at short third man after Rhodes had played a reverse sweep off the left-arm spin of Paul Grayson and had gone for a desperate single.However unlikely Worcestershire were to match the ever increasing required rate, they still had a chance while Rhodes was there. However, he went when Andy Clarke bowled a slower ball that Rhodes charged and offered a return catch to the bowler who gleefully accepted it to plunge the visitors deeper into trouble.The end was not long in coming. Stuart Lampitt was caught off Clarke at mid-off by Ronnie Irani, before the same bowler saw Graham Napier hold a stunning catch at backward point to dismiss Allan Donald. Worcestershire all out for 124 and Essex go to the final at Lord’s on June 22nd by virtue of a thoroughly convincing 138 run victory.

Sunderland manager Lee Johnson will be buzzing after the club’s sporting director Kristjaan Speakman confirmed that Elliott Embleton will be part of the first-team squad next season.

What’s the talk?

Embleton spent the second-half of the 2020/21 season on loan to Blackpool in League One and earned promotion to the Championship last weekend by winning the play-offs. Sunderland failed in their play-off campaign and then watched a player on their books help Blackpool seal promotion to the second tier.

His contract at Sunderland was due to expire this summer before the club triggered an extension to keep him at the Stadium of Light until 2022. Speakman has now claimed that he will impact Sunderland’s team in League One next season, rather than seal a permanent transfer to Blackpool. He told SAFC Unfiltered, via Blackpool Gazette:

“The easiest thing with Elliot would have been to loan him to League Two, and we held out and we held out because we were desperate to get him with the right club and the right coaching staff.

“Neil and the guys at Blackpool have done excellent with him, given him that platform and he’s gone and performed.“He’s demonstrated the ability to play at the level we need him to play at, so when he comes back here he can hopefully impact our team.”Sunderland midfielder Max Power praised the “brilliant” Embelton earlier in the campaign. He told SAFC unfiltered:“He’s technically one of the best players I’ve seen. A good mark of knowing someone’s technically good is he can take corners with both feet.“I think Elliot’s at that age now where he knows that he needs to stay fit. I know it must be tough for him because I thought last season, he was brilliant in pre-season and then he done his hamstring away at Sheffield United in the [League] Cup.” Johnson will be delighted

Johnson will be delighted that Sunderland have decided to keep Embleton at the club and integrate him back into the first-team picture for next season. Speakman could have opted to cash in on the 22-year-old after his impressive spell with Blackpool, especially given that they achieved promotion to a higher division than Sunderland, but Johnson now looks set to benefit from Embleton’s talents next term.

Embleton produced two goals and four assists in 17 starts for Blackpool. He averaged a WhoScored rating of 6.75 across 21 appearances and set up Blackpool’s equalising goal in the play-off final against Lincoln as he helped his side win 2-1 at Wembley. This shows that he has the quality to make a real impact at League One level and that he is built to perform in the biggest games, having done it in the play-off final.

The £4.3k-per-week midfielder could prove to be an upgrade on Aiden O’Brien. Johnson deployed O’Brien as an attacking midfielder and a winger during the game, as the Irishman played 33 times for Sunderland in League One, averaging a WhoScored rating of 6.61 and providing one assist for his teammates.

Embleton averaged a higher WhoScored rating and was able to create more for his teammates in the league for Blackpool, suggesting that he could improve Sunderland’s squad upon returning to the club this summer.

AND in other news, fans should be delighted as £4k-p/w beast has been backed to sign a new deal