All posts by h716a5.icu

Rejoice, Celtic have won another game of football. It might not have come about in the most convincing of circumstances but it’s another three points nonetheless.

That eventuality has felt like a rarity for the Bhoys this year. In 2021, they have won just three of their eight league outings.

Of course, having 13 players self-isolating after the Old Firm derby wasn’t the best news, but four straight games without a win all but put an end to their chances of winning the SPFL.

They are considerably off the pace and it’s unlikely this win will help them too much. Though, two wins in a row since their dismal defeat to St Mirren will undoubtedly help.

Typical of Celtic this season, their win over Motherwell didn’t come easy. Diego Laxalt was forced into clearing the ball off the line in the dying embers, saving Neil Lennon’s bacon.

Though, it wasn’t the Uruguayan or either of their goal scorers, Stephen Welsh and Odsonne Edouard that were Lennon’s true heroes.

Instead, it was another full-back in Greg Taylor who stole the show for the Hoops.

He was a rampaging force down the left-hand side and in the words of Glasgow Live reporter Chris Doyle, he was “everywhere.”

Doyle wrote at full-time: “(Taylor) linked up with Odsonne Edouard brilliantly. Great delivery, constantly pressing and unlucky to be subbed early. Celtic might be put off by Diego Laxalt’s asking price if he continues in this vein of form.”

Edouard may have been guilty of missing a few opportunities but he will have been grateful for the service he received from Taylor. The Scot managed as many as four key passes, a tally that was bettered by no one else on the pitch. He managed three successful crosses – again the most of any Celtic player – and performed two dribbles to boot.

That put him level with Tom Rogic for the most successful take-ons in the game for a player in green and white.

It wasn’t all about attacking qualities though. He was stern in the challenge and won five ground duels. Once again, that was more than any other Hoops player.

The 23-year-old was undoubtedly their most vibrant force as he completely tormented Motherwell. As Doyle stated, it will have them thinking twice about a permanent move for Laxalt.

The duo have both been inconsistent at times this term but this has put Taylor well and truly in the driving seat to become Lennon’s first-choice on the left side of defence.

Welsh and Edouard may take the headlines for their goals, but it was Taylor who really stole the show for the Hoops.

AND in other news, £7m Celtic brute could become a real star if Desmond hires “very demanding” 62 y/o…

Lots of Sunderland fans have flocked to a tweet from Black Cats reporter Phil Smith which shares the news that the PFA’s decision to challenge salary caps for League One and League Two clubs has been successful. 

As Smith explained in an article that he has written for The Sunderland Echo, this is a ‘boost’ for the North East club, who had been ‘firmly against’ the implementation of salary caps at League One and League Two level as they have ‘affected’ the Black Cats’ activity in the last two transfer windows. 

The PFA challenged the EFL’s new salary cap rules and now, it has emerged that their objection was successful and the salary caps have been scrapped. 

After Smith relayed this news on Twitter, lots of Sunderland supporters replied to his post to react to this update. 

So, how have these Sunderland fans been reacting? 

This news has gone down very well with many fans of the North East club, who seem to think that this is a big boost for their side.

“Gerrin! #SAFC”

Credit: @lewy_g01

“Love to see it”

Credit: @TNixonnn

“We’ve been saved”

Credit: @KW_safc1

“Huge news. Means we can offer some of our most important higher earning players a new contract”

Credit: @SpeakSAFC

“Massive news!”

Credit: @mattsmith2707

“Good news”

Credit: @bamgboyeolu

In other news, some Sunderland fans were raging at Lee Johnson after the Black Cats drew 2-2 with MK Dons.

Since Virgil van Dijk sustained his long-term injury against Everton at Goodison Park, Liverpool have been linked with a raft of centre-backs.

The Reds managed to bring in both Schalke 04’s Ozan Kabak and Ben Davies of Preston North End in the January transfer window but those arrivals have not stemmed the tide of the rumour mill and one of the latest names to be linked is Raphael Varane of Real Madrid.

As per Mundo Deportivo, the Reds are reportedly the ‘main club’ thought to be interested in acquiring his services.

However, reports in the Manchester Evening News suggest that Manchester United are eyeing the Frenchman as a signing – something that the Reds cannot afford to let happen.

The 27-year-old, whoever he signs for, would instantly improve a defence’s quality. In his time in Madrid, he has played a key role in four UEFA Champions League successes, as well as three La Liga title wins. He’s also been capped 70 times by France and is a World Cup winner to boot.

It’s not his personal trophy haul that would improve the Reds’ however, his sheer statistics also speak for themselves.

When compared to Joe Gomez, who he would likely displace in the Reds’ starting lineup, the Frenchman contributes more tackles, interceptions and blocks, as well as fewer fouls per 90 minutes, according to WhoScored.

His presence at the back would hugely help a defence that has been extremely leaky this season having conceded 34 goals all season.

It is not just imperative that the Reds bring in Varane though; it is crucial that they stop Manchester United from recruiting him.

For a long-time under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the Red Devils have also struggled defensively, with a new centre-back to partner Harry Maguire thought to be high on their priorities.

Currently the top scorers in the Premier League this season and boasting the talents of Marcus Rashford, Edinson Cavani and Bruno Fernandes, it appears that Varane could be the missing piece in the Red Devils assembling a title challenge.

Liverpool would, obviously, rather get back to competing for a title first though and that could start with the arrival of Varane.

AND in other news, take a look at Michael Edwards’ summer transfer masterclass.

Mike Ashley can strive to quell the emerging turmoil at Newcastle United by appointing assistant coach Graeme Jones as Steve Bruce’s immediate replacement.

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Mail, several members of the Magpies first-team want Jones to replace Bruce at the helm, believing that the former Luton Town manager gives them their best chance of avoiding relegation.

United currently sit three points clear of the drop zone but will enter the weekend inside the bottom three, should 18th-placed Fulham pull off an upset and beat London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday night.

Things behind the scenes are rapidly starting to fall apart, as well, with Bruce involved in a training ground bust-up with Matt Ritchie on Tuesday after the 60-year-old allegedly shoulder-barged the ex-Scotland international after Ritchie allegedly called his head coach a “coward”.

Bruce is also claimed to have told the winger “after all I’ve done for you,” to which Ritchie responded with a few choice words.

The incident was sparked following Bruce’s comments to the media on Saturday, in which he blamed Ritchie for not passing on instructions of a change in formation before Wolves scored their equalising goal.

Ritchie was furious with being thrown under the bus, alongside Joelinton, Martin Dubravka and Jamal Lewis, and wished to thrash out his displeasure after the game but Bruce would not speak to the 31-year-old until training on Tuesday – which created further frustration.

Several players reportedly no longer trust Bruce and want Jones appointed as head coach until the end of the season, due to a growing feeling of resentment towards Bruce after teammates sided with Ritchie.

Should Ashley appoint Jones?

Clearly, the situation at Darsley Park is as bleak as it likely has ever been under Bruce, with players also said to have been “disgusted” at how news of Dubravka ousting Karl Darlow appeared in the media 72 hours before Bruce informed the goalkeeper of his benching.

With players also growing frustrated at Bruce for passing the blame onto them rather than taking responsibility for results, it surely has to be time for Ashley to step in and relieve the boyhood Newcastle fan of his responsibilities.

It has been claimed that Ashley will remain hands-off as long as United stay out of the drop zone, but that can no longer be the case, and Jones – who former Toon defender Steve Howey exclusively told FFC is a “very good organiser” – should be promoted from the assistant role he took up in January.

As well as allegedly having the backing of some of the dressing room already, Jones has frequently been acknowledged for his man-management skills and ability to get players on side in difficult circumstances.

“With him, it’s very easy… if he does not like you, he tells you straight to your face and this is very important,” Kevin Mirallas, who worked with Jones at Everton and Belgium told Chronicle Live. “Some assistants do this job well; some do not. I know this guy very well and he’s a very good person.”

Former Toffees midfielder Leon Osman also claimed: “Bonner would tell you what he wanted you to do but if the standard wasn’t up to what he expected, he would let you know in no uncertain terms.

“He expects that when you do anything on the field, you do it to the best of your ability – no passengers, no easy rides. On the flip side of that, I found he knew how to relate to people, and he knew how to relate to individuals.”

A character like Jones may be just who Newcastle need at the helm at a time of apparent crisis, it just remains to be seen if Ashley is willing to pay Bruce the seven-figure sum needed for his sacking.

AND in other news, an “absolutely awesome” titan has been tipped to quit Newcastle this summer…

Patrick Cutrone’s time at Wolves will officially come to an end this summer.

That’s according to Football Insider, who claimed that Nuno Espirito Santo has decided the Italian simply isn’t the right fit for his system – a conclusion he apparently reached within the striker’s first month at Molineux.

There are reportedly strong doubts about his technical ability and his link-up play in the eyes of the Wolves manager.

Cutrone’s struggles at Wolves

Wolves paid £16m to sign Cutrone from AC Milan in 2019 but he has managed only three goals in 28 appearances (Transfermarkt).

He was recalled from a loan spell at Fiorentina midway through this season, indicating that he could potentially force his way back into the picture.

However, after just two substitute appearances in the league, he was back out the door again, this time making a temporary switch to Valencia for the remainder of the campaign.

Profit looks unlikely for Wolves, with Cutrone valued at £10.8m by Transfermarkt – a notable decrease on the fee they paid for him the summer before last.

Transfer Tavern Verdict

Cutrone is still only 23 years old, so he can still go on to forge a decent career for himself.

He is a player with plenty of talent. Back in 2017/18, he made his breakthrough at Milan by scoring 18 goals in all competitions, averaging a goal involvement every 111 minutes (via Transfermarkt).

It has admittedly been a bit miserable for him at Molineux. Cutrone would argue that he has been starved of opportunities, having made only three Premier League starts in his time at the club.

However, if Nuno deduced so quickly that the Italian isn’t a good fit, then it’s hard to see a way back for the player in a Wolves shirt at least.

In other news, some fans slam this player after Wolves’ Aston Villa stalemate.

Writing for football.london, reliable Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Alasdair Gold has shared news that unseen Tottenham youngster Roshaun Mathurin was gifted an opportunity at Hotspur Way to join in with first team training for the very first time on Wednesday.

Mathurin, who has displayed electric form in Tottenham’s academy sides, scoring 14 goals in 27 games for the Under-16s last year before notching six goals and an assist for the U18s this season, was rewarded by being handed the chance to train with the Tottenham first team (football.london).

Mathurin gifted Tottenham first team training opportunity

Pictured in a session with star attacker Son Heung-min blurred out just behind him, it’s been quite the week for Mathurin according to Gold – with the left winger bagging a hat-trick against rivals Chelsea on Saturday for the U18s side in a memorable 6-1 victory.

Turning 17-years-old just a few weeks ago, manager Jose Mourinho may have been impressed by his recent showings in the youth setup – thus handing him his first chance to join in with Tottenham training on Wednesday.

Transfer Tavern take

In great form for the U18s, as highlighted by his recent display against Chelsea, Lilywhites supporters will be hoping that this is his first step on a path to the Tottenham first team indefinitely.

Time will tell whether he can fulfil his potential, but Gold has shared that Mourinho may have taken some notice – even if he is still yet to make his senior debut for the Lilywhites.

In other news: Tottenham have been gifted a potential Gareth Bale boost, find out more here.

Dean Windass spoke exclusively to Football FanCast about Jack Grealish, and is confident that the England midfielder will remain at Aston Villa next season despite speculation surrounding his future.

Grealish, whose missed the previous month through injury, has been one of the standout players since Villa were promoted back to the Premier League.

And with his performances helping Villa push towards the European places, Grealish has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester City this summer.

Grealish has scored six Premier League goals and provided 10 assists, bettered only by Kevin De Bruyne and his England colleague Harry Kane, but Windass expects the Birmingham-born midfielder to remain at Villa Park despite interest from the league leaders.

He told Football FanCast: “I don’t think they’ll sell Jack. I think if they were going to sell, they would have. Yes, he’s a local boy. Is he ambitious? It’s not about the money, it’s about winning trophies and playing at big football clubs.

“Jack Grealish gets into every team in England. But, does he want to – not so much this year – fight a relegation battle?”

Besides a brief loan spell at Notts County during his younger days, Grealish has only ever played for Aston Villa, but when a club the size of Manchester City come calling, it’s difficult to turn down.

Grealish clearly loves the club, although if Pep Guardiola remains persistent, then he might have a difficult decision to make in the coming months.

It’s a rare occurrence that very little rides on the Old Firm Derby. However, when Celtic welcome their biggest rivals to Parkhead on Sunday, that will be the sad reality of the situation.

The SPFL title is no longer Celtic’s so this encounter may well be a tamer affair than usual.

On the chalkboard

This match marks a wonderful opportunity for John Kennedy to stamp his authority down and stake a claim for the permanent gig as Hoops boss.

Thus, he’ll need to get his team selection spot on. Kennedy will have a host of dilemmas, particularly in forward areas where they disappointed against Dundee United.

Odsonne Edouard was lacking fluidity while his usual clinical nature completely deserted him. The Hoops drew 0-0 and were made to rue a succession of opportunities to score. Benjamin Siegrist between the sticks made a mighty 12 saves during the clash.

Their performances in recent weeks haven’t been helped by Ryan Christie. The winger has been off the pace and has now scored just twice in his last 25 outings. Considering he bagged 20 goals last term, it’s a woeful effort from a player with so much ability.

The solution

Christie has been shocking lately and nothing typified that more than his display against Ross County. In losing 1-0, the Scotsman was woeful in the penalty area. He spurned four chances and even fired an effort over the bar and then over the stand from just a matter of yards out.

Fortunately, Kennedy has one of Celtic’s biggest weapons back; James Forrest.

The Hoops icon has only started five league games all season and hasn’t been seen in the starting XI since last September. On that occasion, Forrest typically found the back of the net.

The 29-year-old has missed a remarkable amount of football with an ankle injury but he made his return against Dundee United a fortnight ago. Forrest appeared from the bench and after having numerous weeks in full training, he has to be unleashed on Sunday against Rangers.

The £15k-per-week winger brings pace, power, trickery and the ability to score goals to the Bhoys. Crucially, however, is his ability to pop up in the big moments. “He is a big game player for Celtic. He is one of the boys that can do damage, he can score goals,” Frank McAvennie commented in January.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-celtic-transfer-news-onuachu-edouard-dembele-turnbull” title=”The latest Celtic news and views!”]

Forrest netted 16 times last season, providing 22 assists in the process. Missing a player like that since September, therefore, has been gut-wrenching.

A player so consistent for Celtic, it’s hardly a surprise that without him they’ve lost the title. Bringing him into the fray on Sunday will do little to help their cause this season, but it could be game-changing in terms of the result.

AND in other news, Celtic must ruthlessly axe £15k-p/w “enigma” this summer, Lenny hated him…

Former Newcastle and England midfielder Rob Lee has told Football FanCast that Everton’s signing of Josh King has served to bring the best out of Richarlison.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side have been in excellent form this season and are currently eighth in the Premier League table.

They are just five points off fourth-placed Chelsea with a game in hand, meaning there is some genuine excitement on the blue half of Merseyside as they consider the possibility of qualifying for Europe.

King arrived at the club in January and has played eight times in the league, with all of his appearances coming as a substitute.

Since the Norway international’s debut against Leeds United, Richarlison has scored four goals in nine games, nailing down his starting spot in Ancelotti’s XI.

And Lee thinks the arrival of King may well have inspired that form.

He told FFC: “I think he’s started well. I think they’ve got a good team, if you look around at their team and their squad, they’ve got some good people that don’t get in the team as well. He’s [Ancelotti] got them playing. They’ve been really, really good.

“King’s a good signing, it seems to have spurred Richarlison on.

“Sometimes Richarlison can seem not interested, but he seems to be thinking ‘someone might take my place here’ and it’s spurred him on. I think you need them extra players.”

Lee also thinks that King will help ease the burden on Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has been enjoying one of the best seasons of his career.

The England international has scored 19 goals in all competitions this season but he has scored just once in his last five games and Lee thinks King’s presence will prove beneficial for Calvert-Lewin.

He added: “Calvert-Lewin has been brilliant all season but he’s in a bit of a lull at the minute.

“It’s his first proper season where people will expect things from him now, at the start of the season they probably didn’t, but now they expect him to score every game.

“He’s only young, he’s going through a bit of a lull so it’s nice to have other players who can take the pressure off you and score goals. I think they’re a good team.”

Gabby Agbonlahor has urged Aston Villa to move for Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli after his asking price was slashed by £20m.

According to Football Insider, Spurs chief Daniel Levy will look to engineer a £25m move away for the 24-year-old, despite valuing him at £45m last summer.

Alli, whose contract in north London runs until 2024, has made just two Premier League starts under Jose Mourinho this season.

It seems as if a move away in the upcoming transfer window is a real possibility, and talking to Football Insider, cited by Birmingham Live, Agbonlahor urged Villa to make a £25m move, describing him as a ‘perfect’ addition.

The ex-Villa man did have his doubts over whether or not Levy would do business at £25m, though.

“I just don’t see Spurs letting him go for that amount of money, to be honest.

“He’s still young. Daniel Levy [the Spurs chairman] will want more than that.

“If that was the fee, I’d definitely expect Aston Villa to go for him. I think he’d be perfect for Aston Villa in that number 10 role.

“But I don’t see it being that fee. This is Daniel Levy we’re talking about.”

Villa fans react

@AVFC_News shared Agbonlahor’s comments on social media through Birmingham Live’s story.

As to be expected, it didn’t take long for several fans to have their say on a potential move for Alli, with many both for and against a possible swoop. One supporter even described the Englishman as ‘toxic’.

“I’d hope we pay whatever it takes to land him, think it would be more realistic price of £35million to £40million imo, Alli Jack Ollie and McGinn linking up would be great”

Credit: @UTViIIa

“Don’t want him anywhere near my club”

Credit: @stev26656

“noooooo”

Credit: @jimmy04421622

“I’ve said this for ages be great for villa..”

Credit: @villawayne197

“If you’ve seen the Spurs documentary you will know that Ali can be quite toxic and passionate about it. Which I get kind of but I wouldn’t want someone like that in my dressing room if I was a player”

Credit: @starblind1988

“100% you dont become a bad player over night get him to villa and show him the love and watch how he will perform”

Credit: @SteveHa39407869

In other news: Many AVFC fans fume as price emerges for summer target, find out more here.