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Graeme White, the left-arm spinner, has joined Nottinghamshire on a two-year deal after four seasons with Northamptonshire

Cricinfo staff05-Oct-2009Graeme White, the left-arm spinner, has joined Nottinghamshire on a two-year deal after four seasons with Northamptonshire.His opportunities at Wantage Road had been limited by the presence of Monty Panesar and Nicky Boje and despite assurances over his future from the coach, David Capel, White felt his career would be better served by a move.”We wanted to get a young spinner on board and Graeme is the ideal acquisition considering the quality of player that he found himself behind at Northamptonshire,” said Mick Newell, the Nottinghamshire director of cricket .”Graeme has continued to improve his game and we’ve kept a close eye on that. He is a good batter and a useful fielder and he can improve us in all forms of the game. We’re confident that he is ready for regular first team cricket.”White’s signing will help cover from the absence of Graeme Swann who now makes few county appearances due to England commitments. Nottinghamshire have had to rely on Samit Patel for a lot of their spinning duties and, despite being a useful option, he is not a frontline bowler.Meanwhile, Alex Hales, the top-order batsman, has signed a new three-year deal with the club.

According to Fichajes, Sevilla are interested in signing Tanguy Ndombele from Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lowdown: Record breaker

Ndombele, of course, is Spurs’ record signing (£54m) since making the move to north London from Lyon in 2019.

However, he has struggled to make an impact at the club. He was heavily criticised by former Spurs manager Jose Mourinho for not being fit enough and his lack of commitment (via The Metro), and his future at the club remains uncertain after requests to leave in the summer.

The Latest: Sevilla want Ndombele

As per this latest report from Spain, the La Liga outfit are interested in signing the midfielder in 2022.

It adds that the north London outfit are looking for a fee between €35m (£29.5m) and €45m (£37.9m) if they are to part ways with the France international.

The two clubs have a relationship already of course after the transfer of Bryan Gil, so Daniel Levy will know what to expect in negotiations.

The Verdict: Good money

Ndombele has just not made the impact many expected from him. In 82 games, he has managed ten goals (Transfermarkt), but the criticisms directed at him have certainly damaged his reputation. For the money they paid to acquire him from France, he simply hasn’t cut it.

At this point, it seems as good a time as any to consider any bid for Ndombele and, while this reported interest from Sevilla is not yet concrete, a €45m (£37.9m) fee would not represent that big a loss for Levy ( and co. It remains to be seen whether an official bid comes in soon.

In other news, this man has been blamed for Spurs’ struggles.

Nathan Hauritz expects Australia to rely on four fast bowlers during their Tests this summer, a move which will limit his opportunities

Cricinfo staff17-Oct-2009Nathan Hauritz expects Australia to rely on four fast bowlers during their Tests this summer, potentially limiting his opportunities following an encouraging series in England. Hauritz captured 10 wickets with his offspin in the first three Ashes games before being squeezed out when the selectors preferred pace at Leeds and The Oval.While the move was a huge success at Headingley it backfired in south London, where the hosts won on a big-turning pitch. Hauritz believes the ploy will continue in the home series against West Indies and Pakistan. “I think four quicks is Australia’s preferred strategy, they think that their strength is quick bowlers at the moment,” Hauritz said in the Daily Telegraph. “I think that’s the way they will look at going this summer.”Hauritz was surprised and disappointed to be left out at The Oval but knows he is a better bowler following his England experience. “To play three Ashes Tests was fantastic, I think after playing those Tests my game just continues to improve,” Hauritz said. “I have a lot more confidence now and I believe in myself a lot more.”While Hauritz is hoping for more Test action, Jason Krejza, the Tasmania offspinner, is aiming for a full Sheffield Shield season with the Tigers. Krejza started the campaign well with 4 for 70 in his side’s loss to South Australia on Friday.”I spent a lot of my pre-season on my pace and to try to keep the runs down, to dry the scoring up,” Krejza said in the Australian. “Everything was good. I changed my pace small amounts, which was something I’ve been working on.”Krejza was picked on the tour of India last year, taking 12 wickets on Test debut, but he quickly dropped out of favour following South Africa’s record win in Perth. A recall is “still pretty far away” and he is trying to stay relaxed. “Cricket’s a game and the more you worry about it the more nightmares you have about it,” he said. “I’m just trying to take wickets for Tassie and win games for Tassie, and I’m not looking too much further ahead than that.”

As Manchester City cruised to a 2-0 victory against bitter rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford on derby day, many Sky Blues were left disappointed by the performance of Ilkay Gundogan.

Today’s Manchester derby marked the first clash between both sides to be played in front of a crowd since COVID-19 and it’s safe to say City supporters will be happy with what they’ve seen today.

Barring one Cristiano Ronaldo snap shot in the first half, Pep Guardiola’s side never really looked under much threat as City built upon their impressive record at Old Trafford in recent years.

Eric Bailly’s own goal gifted the Sky Blues an early lead before Bernardo Silva took advantage of Joao Cancelo’s cross just before half time to sneak a toe-poked effort in at the back post.

City had chances to extend their lead in what was a dominant afternoon against their rivals, but one man who didn’t seem to impress fans was Gundogan.

The Germany international, missing a big chance to get on the scoresheet himself, hit the woodwork and was among the lowest-rated City players according to SofaScore.

He also couldn’t really stamp his authority on the game, taking less touches than every City man today bar John Stones and Ederson (SofaScore).

As a result, many Citizens took to Twitter and voiced their criticism of last season’s top scorer in all competitions.

Find all of their verdicts down below.

Man City fans slam Gundogan…

“Gundogan been a bit disappointing”

Credit: @reclusee

“Alright get Gundo off i’ve seen enough”

Credit: @mcfcskywalker10

“Gundo is playing against us rn”

Credit: @sultxnqt

“gundo needs to be taken off”

Credit: @diaskadais

“Sell Gundo man”

Credit: @MoSakoooo

“Gundo hasn’t been too good has he”

Credit: @RishiMcfc

“So dissapointed in Gundo there, not had the best game tbh

Gotta slip Foden in or finish it himself”

Credit: @Ethan4707

New Zealand Cricket is confident that it will have a new coach in place by the end of the year, in time for the home series against Bangladesh starting in early February

Cricinfo staff08-Nov-2009New Zealand Cricket (NZC) is confident that it will have a new coach in place by the end of the year, in time for the home series against Bangladesh starting in early February. There were reports in New Zealand’s Sunday newspapers that John Wright was keen on the job and Duncan Fletcher has also expressed his interest in replacing Andy Moles.John Dyson has also said he would be interested and the former New Zealand coach Steve Rixon is hoping to get the job again. There have even been suggestions from the former captain Martin Crowe that the current skipper Daniel Vettori should be allowed to guide the side without a coach in the long term.That is the scenario being played out in the short term as the squad takes on Pakistan in the UAE, where the one-day series is locked at 1-1. NZC’s chief executive Justin Vaughan said the temporary situation was working well, after Moles stepped down as coach shortly before the team flew out to Abu Dhabi.”The current Black Caps coaching setup is working effectively,” Vaughan said. “Reports back from UAE are that the team are training and preparing well and morale is very positive. The result in the second ODI was very encouraging. The squad has a strong coaching and support team, and Daniel is continuing to provide leadership as captain, with additional input from Mark Greatbatch who is there as a selector.”New Zealand could well use the same setup during their home Tests against Pakistan, which begin later this month. Vaughan said NZC would not be hurried in to making a decision, although they were keen to have a coach in place by the time Bangladesh arrive early next year.”This will be a thorough process,” Vaughan said. “There’s no rush – it’s important that we make the right appointment. We have begun a scoping exercise to clearly define the exact requirements for the position. This is an essential first step which needs to be completed before any meaningful conversations can be held with potential candidates.”The position will not be openly advertised, and we shall actively identify potential candidates we want to talk to. I can confirm I have received a number of strong inquiries from both New Zealand and overseas.”The departed coach Moles has said he would like to take a break from cricket for a few months after the turmoil that surrounded his exit.

Rangers are on the verge of embarking on a hunt to find themselves a new manager after it became clear that Steven Gerrard could leave Ibrox in the coming days.

What’s the word?

Gerrard has done a wonderful job in Glasgow but it would appear as though his journey in Scotland is concluding.

He has been linked with the Aston Villa job this week and he’s now believed to be close to taking on that role.

It would be a hefty blow to the club to lose him judging by the Premiership crown they sealed last term, but their hunt to find a successor should be an exciting one.

A man who could arrive north of the border is Dean Smith, the coach who Gerrard is set to replace in the Midlands.

Ally McCoist was asked on talkSPORT (via Ibrox News) this week if the 50-year-old would be a good choice by Ross Wilson and co, to which he responded: “I really like Dean Smith, I do, yes. I think he’s a good coach and a good manager. I would not have a problem with him being at my club.”

Those sentiments were agreed with by journalist Stuart Hodge, who told GIVEMESPORT: “I think Ally’s quite right to say he would take Dean Smith. He would be a brilliant appointment for Rangers.”

A dream heir

Tim Sherwood suggested after Smith’s sacking from Villa that his reputation had been “tarnished” as a result. Despite that, it’s difficult to suggest that another mooted target, Russell Martin, would be a better appointment, especially when you consider his lack of experience at the top level.

Although an impressive modern coach, to date he has only taken charge of MK Dons and Swansea City in English Football League.

It is undoubtedly true that Smith’s stock has fallen somewhat but he is still a top-drawer manager, someone who could answer the call of Rangers and continue on the great success that Gerrard has installed at Ibrox.

Of course, the ex-Villa boss had his former employers scrambling towards the bottom end of the Premier League this term, but it’s hard to ignore what he achieved in the second city.

He joined the club in the Championship when they were heading towards mid-table mediocrity.

However, Smith achieved what Villa CEO, Christian Purslow, described as “excellent.” He somehow won promotion in that same season with the club, embarking on an unbeaten run that culminated in them winning the play-off final.

He then steered them to 11th in the top-flight of English football last term, just seven points off European football.

That was a stunning accomplishment given where the Villans were only a few years previously.

Supporters may understandably be concerned by his recent ejection from the Villa Park dugout but he has plenty of qualities that would make him a sufficient replacement for Gerrard.

His philosophy revolves around allowing players room to thrive in the final third, something a team that dominate games as much as Rangers would certainly be craving. Speaking to Sky Sports, Smith said:

“I want players to go and express themselves, and give them options for what they can do, but also give them ownership of their game. There’s no right or wrong in the way the game is played.

For individuals like Alfredo Morelos, Kemar Roofe and Ryan Kent, therefore, his appointment would surely be welcomed.

However, for those who prefer a little bit of extra one-to-one time, it would also be beneficial.

“I’ve always said that my role is to make players better; not just as players but as people as well, if I can. I want to help them on their path, on their journey,” Smith once commented.

“I’ve always believed that if you’re helping individuals to improve, naturally the team is going to improve. That’s been at the forefront of my mind all the time, and to do that you have to create relationships with the players you’re working with, because you have to get the best out of them,” he continued.

If he can instil those values at Ibrox then he’d undoubtedly be an excellent choice for Gerrard. There are still some unanswered questions with Smith but it feels as though his future in the game is still incredibly bright.

AND in other news, Rangers must swoop for “outstanding” 6ft3 colossus, he won’t cost a penny…

Sean Morris, who took over as the chief executive of the Rajasthan Royals franchise on Monday, has said he does not expect many more England players to feature in the third edition of the IPL

Cricinfo staff09-Dec-2009Sean Morris, who took over as the chief executive of the Rajasthan Royals franchise on Monday, has said he does not expect many more England players to feature in the third edition of the IPL. Andrew Flintoff and Kevin Pietersen were the two big England signings last year, joining Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore respectively for US$1.55 million each. However, conflicting schedules this year could affect the chances of newer players from England being recruited, Morris said.”I don’t think there will be that many more England players involved,” Morris was quoted as saying in the . “I think teams have worked out that consistency in selection throughout the tournament is key and to have Australian or English players coming and going doesn’t necessarily make for the best structure of a side.”England’s Test players will miss the first 12 days of the IPL due to their tour of Bangladesh, and those selected for the ICC World Twenty20 will assemble in the West Indies on April 25, the date of the final of the IPL.”It is pretty difficult for the English guys to go for the maximum amount of money at the auction [US$750,000] and it will be interesting to see how their availability is reflected in the auction prices,” Morris said. “There will be a fair number that don’t go for as much as they thought because they can’t commit for the full time.”Morris, a former chief executive of England’s Professional Cricketers’ Association, has been handed the responsibility of broadening the franchise’s base outside India, which could also mean more matches abroad, thereby increasing the players’ workloads. The financial gains of Twenty20 cricket could, Morris felt, prompt players to retire much earlier and cash in.”There is quite a lot of desire for the Royals to go and play, and in two days I have already had two invitations to play in tournaments in other parts of the world,” Morris said. “But it is going to be hard for us because we have not got the window that people have been banging on about. It makes the player who has just retired a bit more valuable and sides will become more attracted to players like Andrew Flintoff. Those players who are now aged 30 or 31 are thinking quite hard about it [retiring].”But we have to work out how to work together because if there is conflict I know who will win. The players have worked out where the better rewards are in the shorter time frame.”Towards the end of my time at the PCA I started to get the feeling that at ICC level people were beginning to appreciate that we had to work together on this.”

Crystal Palace will be looking to extend their six-game unbeaten run when they travel to Turf Moor to take on Burnley in the Premier League this afternoon.

The Eagles secured back-to-back victories over reigning champions Manchester City and Wolves prior to the international break, filling them with confidence coming into this one. However, Patrick Vieira’s charges will have to contend without the presence of key midfielder James McArthur after he picked up a hamstring injury, ruling him out for a couple of weeks.

There is some positive team news to report, though. Joachim Andersen has recovered in time to take his usual place in the matchday squad, while we could also see a much-anticipated return for Eberechi Eze.

The 23-year-old, who has been sidelined with an Achilles injury since May, has played two games for Palace’s under-23s in recent weeks, and Vieira confirmed that he is set to take a place on the first team bench over the weekend.

With that in mind, here’s how Football FanCast expects the Frenchman to line up his team against Burnley, with two changes from the side which started last time out…

In goal, 34-year-old Vicente Guaita will be looking for his third consecutive clean sheet after successfully keeping City and Wolves at bay.

Ahead of the Spanish shot-stopper will be a familiar back four made up of Tyrick Mitchell, Marc Guehi, Andersen and Joel Ward, with the defensive unit going from strength to strength in recent weeks.

Vieira will be forced into making one change in the midfield engine room, though. McArthur’s injury will allow Luke Milivojevic to come back into the starting XI, partnering Conor Gallagher and Cheikhou Kouyate.

The Palace boss may also be tempted to change things up in attack. The pace and mobility of Wilfried Zaha, Odsonne Edouard and Michael Olise should see them form a dangerous forward line, which would see the £8.1m-rated Christian Benteke to the bench after two goalless appearances.

In other news… Huge blow: Palace suffer injury setback ahead of Burnley clash, Vieira will be gutted

The PCB has withdrawn all legal proceedings against the ICC and the 2011 World Cup’s organising committee for stripping the country of hosting rights

Cricinfo staff06-Dec-2009The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially withdrawn all legal proceedings against the ICC and the 2011 World Cup’s organising committee for stripping the country of hosting rights. Tafazzul Rizvi, the PCB’s legal advisor, said that all cases the PCB had filed against the two parties after the dispute over the tournament had been resolved via an out-of-court settlement.”Since there is no dispute now with the ICC we immediately took measures to drop our legal proceedings including those to be initiated by our lawyers in the United Kingdom,” Rizvi said, adding that a notification had been sent to the ICC and the World Cup organisers.As a result of the agreement between the two parties in Dubai earlier this year, where it was decided that the PCB would retain its hosting fee of US$10.5 million and receive payment as compensation for the loss of hosting rights, the board decided to withdraw its legal cases against the ICC.The PCB had sent a legal notice to the ICC after it was stripped of its rights to host the tournament in the aftermath of the attack on Sri Lankan players in Lahore in March. A case had also been filed against the move of the World Cup Secretariat from Lahore to Mumbai.

Manchester United advanced into the last 16 of the Champions League in Michael Carrick’s first game at the helm thanks to two late goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho.

Following a cautious first half from the visiting side, things improved in the second 45 minutes, and Fred’s tackle on Etienne Capoue in the 78th minute sparked them into life.

The former Watford midfielder received a risky pass from goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, and the tenacious United player pounced, allowing Ronaldo to expertly lift the ball over the onrushing shot-stopper.

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United looked well-organised and compact throughout the 90 minutes but rarely threatened the opposition goal until the final stages.

However, Jadon Sancho made up for a tame effort when one-on-one with Rulli in the final stages of the closely-fought encounter, smashing in the ball off the underside of the crossbar to slam home his first goal for the Red Devils.

Despite their success on the counter-attack late on, though, the most impressive element of United’s play was undoubtedly their resolute defending.

David de Gea was forced into two tremendous saves from Manu Trigueros, yet overall, the Old Trafford outfit’s back four stood firm against their Spanish opponents, and the standout performer was undoubtedly Victor Lindelof.

With summer signing Raphael Varane currently injured, the 27-year-old took his chance to shine, playing a pivotal part in United securing just their third clean sheet of the season.

As per SofaScore, Lindelof was awarded a match rating of 7.7 out of 10, the joint-highest total received by any player on the pitch at the Estadio de la Cerámica.

The Sweden international won all five of his duels, made a whopping eight clearances and achieved a passing accuracy of 92%, highlighting his impressive performance and reborn status under interim manager Carrick.

Manchester Evening News journalist Tyrone Marshall was also impressed with Lindelof, writing: “Stood up well to the task and tried to play out from the back,” after awarding him a seven out of 10.

With Varane set for an extended spell on the sidelines, Lindelof will be hoping he can maintain this level of performance in the weeks to come, cementing his place in the starting XI as a result.

And, in other news…Duncan Castles drops huge Man United manager update that’ll delight fans