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Tom Maynard has walked away from Glamorgan, citing the treatment of his father, Matthew, as the reason

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Dec-2010Tom Maynard has walked away from Glamorgan, citing the treatment of his father, Matthew, as the reason.In an interview with the Western Mail, Maynard, 21, said the circumstances which led to his father quitting the county left him wanting to “tear down walls and rip off heads” and he blamed chairman Paul Russell and chief executive Alan Hamer for what happened. Maynard senior’s resignation was followed by that of ousted captain Jamie Dalrymple and club president Peter Walker.”I no longer feel I can stay at Glamorgan while the current people are in charge,” Maynard junior said. “It’s a shame it has come to this. I feel people who have not offered as much for Glamorgan on the playing front have come in over the top of them and dealt with cricket matters. With these guys at the helm you just don’t know what is coming next and what they could do.”I resent how me and my father have been treated in the last couple of months and have been shocked by what has happened. I feel it has been a big step backwards. We had a reasonably successful season and we were going to kick on next year and make a big impact in all forms.”Now these changes have been made it puts everything up in the air and the environment is too unstable for what I want to achieve. I was looking to push for higher honours and that does not change with my goals remaining the same. But I am going to have to do it somewhere else.”He said the decision had not been easy. “I’ve grown up watching and wanting to play for Glamorgan. This county is close to my heart and always will be. I have my Glamorgan number tattooed on me. That is how much it means to me. I only ever thought I would want to play for Glamorgan. So there has been a lot of emotion and sleepless nights over this, but I need some closure now.

Consider the prospect of working for men you do not respect

“Consider the prospect of working for men you do not respect. I would never want to win a game for the people in charge of Glamorgan at the moment and that is my biggest issue. How I am going to go out in a Glamorgan shirt and have these people enjoy the success? I can’t be a part of that.”However, things may not be as simple as Maynard makes out as he signed a new three-year contract in September, shortly before the upheaval at the county. He believes the change in personnel invalidates the deal, but attempts by him to move away could well be challenged in court.”They seem to feel they want to fight it out in court, which I find unbelievable,” he said. “I hope it doesn’t go that far. I hoped they would have the humility to have seen the error of their ways and let me go. I’ve been trying to sort this out for the last two months and have continually asked to be released and to talk to other counties.”He added he had been informed Glamorgan had sent letters to other counties warning them not to approach him.

Sri Lanka have failed thrice in finals of limited-overs world events since 2007, and fans are growing weary of the bridesmaids label

Andrew Fernando17-Sep-2012Overview
Sri Lanka enter the World Twenty20 under more pressure to win the title than usual, and this is only partly because they are hosts. They have failed the final test thrice in limited-overs world events since 2007, and fans are growing weary of the bridesmaids label. The team will assert that they have done well to make it so far, so often, and given their lack of consistency between major tournaments, they may be right – but that does not dim the agony of being repeatedly pipped at the finish.Even now, some lament the 2011 World Cup final and dwell on the could-have-beens. Perhaps unfairly. There is not much grace for a team who have performed to expectation in crunch games. But their best was not good enough against better teams in previous finals. Unless Sri Lanka can lift their performance to get their hands on that trophy, they will underwhelm fans at home.The team is also coming into the end of a transition phase, with the young players in the side now showing more skill and maturity. Thisara Perera has been on the forefront of that transformation with the ball, while Angelo Mathews is on the way to becoming one of the game’s best finishers. Others like Shaminda Eranga and Dilshan Munaweera will find the current set up a much more stable atmosphere to settle into and than it was twelve months ago when the team was in the middle of a post-World Cup funk. With Mahela Jayawardene set to reassess his captaincy in January, the youngsters must come into their own and reassure the fans that the path ahead is a bright one. What better stage to do that than at a big tournament at home?Key players Mahela Jayawardene has plenty to ponder even before the tournament has begun. He is largely responsible for Akila Dananjaya’s elevation to the national team, but when and how should the 18-year-old be used in a manner that will both aid Sri Lanka in the short term and promote Dananjaya’s own development? Beyond Dananjaya, how to manage an attack that relies partly on its uniqueness to be effective, against opponents who may have grown wise to its wiles?In addition to all this, as the team’s best Twenty20 batsman, Jayawardene must also ensure his own game is on song. If Munaweera opens alongside Tillakaratne Dilshan, he will have to play telling innings from a less-favoured batting position.Surprise package Shaminda Eranga has shown capacity to impress on a variety of surfaces, and Sri Lanka will require that of their bowlers, as they will have to do well at all three venues if they are to go deep into the tournament. His movement will help at the seam-friendly venues and his pace off the pitch will be handy in Colombo in the knockout matches, if Sri Lanka get that far.Weakness The lower middle order has been Sri Lanka’s downfall in limited-overs cricket in recent years, and this tournament shows no signs of reversing that trend. Kumar Sangakkara provides much-needed solidity to the batting from three or four, but aggression is not his game, and with either Lahiru Thirimanne or Dinesh Chandimal set to follow him to the crease, Sri Lanka run the risk of playing one too many accumulators. As was the case in the warm-up match against India, the finishers could be left with too much to do.World T20 history Sri Lanka’s best World Twenty20 tournament was in 2009, where a varied attack took them to the final, which they lost to Pakistan. In 2007 they faltered in the Super Eights, while in 2010, they lost a semi final to eventual champions England.Recent form In the three Twenty20s Sri Lanka have played in 2012, they have lost two, and won one, but given the infrequency of matches, perhaps their one-day form is a better indicator. They lost four of the five ODIs in a home bilateral series against India, though they had good outings against Pakistan in June and in Australia earlier in the year.

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been left gushing over some contract news on Scott Arfield.

Speaking to the media before the 3-3 draw at Ross County (via The Glasgow Times), Giovanni van Bronckhorst admitted that he wants to keep the central midfield player beyond his current deal at Ibrox, which runs out this summer.

“He is an experienced player and he is definitely a player I want to have longer to be at Rangers. Hopefully we can welcome him next season as well,” the manager said.

As Gio says, Arfield has been ‘really important’ to the team, as he has played 25 games in total over all competitions for them this season, scoring four goals (Transfermarkt), and at 33 years of age, is one of the more experienced players in the dressing room.

Nonetheless, this seems to be a deal that would be very popular with the Ibrox faithful, and so they should tie him down as soon as possible.

Rangers fans on Arfield contract news

These Teddy Bears gushed as the contract news was shared on Twitter, with one Light Blues supporter claiming that they were ‘delighted’, while another Ger even went as far as to call it ‘brilliant’:

“Best bit of business so far”

Credit: @TerryCashman5

“Delighted with this.”

Credit: @Cway47

“FINALLY…the penny drops!!!”

Credit: @FraserC83599513

“That’s the news I’m liking on a Friday”

Credit: @thatboybabes

“More of this please”

Credit: @chloecarson_7

“Brilliant news! Love Arfield”

Credit: @MBS1872

In other news, find out what transfer update Gers lauded here!

Tottenham Hotspur will make the trip from north to west London this evening to take on Brentford as Antonio Conte’s men look to strengthen their hold on a place in the Premier League’s top four.

Spurs are currently fourth but their place in the Champions League spots is feeble, with goal difference the only factor separating them and fifth-placed Arsenal.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-levy-conte-paratici-thfc” title= “Read the latest Spurs news!”]

Having been dealt a setback last weekend when losing 1-0 to Brighton, Conte’s men can’t afford to slip up again against the Bees.

It is a must-win for the Lilywhites and so here is how Football FanCast believe Spurs will set up.

Tottenham XI: Lloris, Romero, Dier, Davies, Emerson, Sessegnon, Betancur, Hojbjerg, Kulusevski, Son, Kane (3-4-3)

In terms of formation, we expect Conte to stick with his preferred 3-4-3 set-up at the Brentford Community Stadium, with Sergio Reguilon dropping out of the XI in favour of the £58k-per-week Ryan Sessegnon.

The Spaniard returned to the starting lineup against the Seagulls having come on as a substitute the week before against Aston Villa, with Matt Doherty sustaining an injury that has since ruled the wing-back out for the remainder of the season.

However, it was a poor display from the 25-year-old who completed just 63% of his passes whilst failing to provide a single interception, clearance or block whilst making only one tackle.

Labelled as “pathetic” by journalist Tom Young, the £43m left-wing-back has featured in six of Spurs’ last seven matches having regained his place after Ryan Sessegnon sustained a hamstring injury.

The 21-year-old has since returned from his setback, making the bench for the north London outfit’s last two games and could be in contention for a return to the starting lineup.

Prior to his injury, the Englishman had arguably his best run of games in a Spurs shirt, featuring in seven out of eight matches from late January to early March.

Tottenham insider John Wenham was full of praise for Sessegnon after a 3-0 win over Norwich City, calling the wing-back “amazing.”

Conte will have to get his team selection spot on against Brentford with there being no more room for slip-ups with just six games to go.

AND in other news: Conte must finally unleash “absolutely fantastic” Spurs sensation, he’s a “big talent”

ESPNcricinfo previews the fifth ODI between Zimbabwe and Bangladesh in Bulawayo

The Preview by Firdose Moonda20-Aug-2011Match facts
August 21, Bulawayo
Start time 0930 am (0730 GMT)Brian Vitori should return for the series finale•Associated PressThe Big PictureAn entertaining series comes to a close on Sunday as Zimbabwe and Bangladesh aim to make the most of their final clash in Bulawayo. The five-match rubber has swung from being one-sided in favour of the hosts to fiercely competitive to being dominated by the visitors. Neutral observers will hope that it ends on a high and that a tough tussle decides the last match.Alan Butcher was scathing in his criticism of Zimbabwe after they took their foot off the gas and played poorly in the fourth match. With the series wrapped up 3-0 in Harare, Zimbabwe may be forgiven for relaxing, but a whitewash would have put them within two points of Bangladesh in the ODI rankings. Even though that is no longer possible, the importance of momentum has not been lost on Butcher and he will want his team to return to their winning ways before Pakistan arrive.Of special concern will be the batting, which imploded spectacularly on Friday when Zimbabwe lost their last six wickets for just 16 runs. The middle order has only had one other real opportunity in the series, in the third match in Harare a week ago, and even then Hamilton Masakadza played an anchoring role. Zimbabwe will be mindful of not developing a soft underbelly and will want the likes of Forster Mutizwa to get vital match time ahead of the big series to come. The bowling unit has come together on almost every occasion, but could use another opportunity to work on defending a total.Bangladesh restored some pride with their win and will want to prove it wasn’t a one-off event. After coming close in the third match, they showed that they can do the business in the fourth. Bangladesh also appear to have settled in the seam department and Rubel Hossain, who has showed promise throughout the series, was the standout performer in their Bulawayo blitz.Tamim Iqbal finally came good with a smashing 61 and debutant Shuvagoto Hom displayed a temperament that bodes well for the future. A consolation win won’t make up for a series loss but it will give them something positive to take from the series as they move forward.Form guide
(most recent first) Zimbabwe LWWWW
Bangladesh WLLLLIn the spotlight On a pitch that will favour spin, the Zimbabwe pair of Prosper Utseya and Ray Price have become the key bowlers for the home team. With Utseya the attacker and Price the container, they have formed a solid pair in the past, but in this series have been overshadowed by the pace prowess of Brian Vitori and Kyle Jarvis and the maturity of Chris Mpofu. They have taken nine wickets in four matches so far at an economy of 4.65 between them, not their best outing, and will want to use this match as an opportunity to stamp their authority.Abdur Razzak put on his best performance of the series in the previous match, bowling economically and plucking a wicket at the end of the innings. He has been under severe criticism for his failure to contribute when it’s needed and has not adequately performed as a senior member of the squad. With the axe still hovering just above his head, Razzak will want to put an end to the doubts and turn in a solid performance before heading home. Team news Zimbabwe began playing with their combinations in the last match and rested Brian Vitori and Craig Ervine, bringing back Ray Price and letting Malcolm Waller have his first outing of the series. They will probably want to keep two spinners and if any juggling is to take place in the bowling department, Kyle Jarvis may have to make way for Vitori, if he has recovered from a shin niggle. The middle order is a work in progress and Forster Mutizwa and Craig Ervine may tussle for a place, if Malcolm Waller is to be retained. Keegan Meth has still not had a game, but it may prove difficult to make room for him.Zimbabwe (probable): 1 Brendan Taylor (capt), 2 Vusi Sibanda, 3 Hamilton Masakadza, 4 Tatenda Taibu (wk), 5 Forster Mutizwa/Craig Ervine, 6 Elton Chigumbura, 7 Malcolm Waller, 8 Prosper Utseya, 9 Ray Price, 10 Brian Vitori, 11 Chris MpofuBangladesh will not want to do too much fiddling with an XI that has finally produced and the only likely change is that Shahriah Nafees may come in for Junaid Siddique. The number three spot still hasn’t been a run producing one for the visitors and they will want to get some value from this crucial position.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Tamim Iqbal, 2 Imrul Kayes, 3 Junaid Siddique/Shahriah Nafees, 4 Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 5 Shakib Al Hasan (capt), 6 Shuvagoto Hom, 7 Mahmudullah, 8 Abdur Razzak, 9 Shafiul Islam, 10 Rubel Hossain, 11 Nasir HossainPitch and conditionsAs spring approaches, the weather is getting warmer and conditions should be perfect for cricket. The pitch is expected to be flat and offer even bounce which will provide a good surface for batting and set up high scoring contest. The spinners should also get some assistance with a hint of turn on offer but, on the whole, the bowlers will have to toil hard for any reward.Stats and trivia Shakib al Hasan averages less with the bat in the fifth game of a series than he does in any other match of a multiple ODI series. His fifth match average is 24.16. He is at his best in the fourth game of a series, when he averages 82.00.Chris Mpofu has taken 11 wickets at an average of 28.45 this year, the best yearly average of his career so far.Quotes We need to play a much smarter game of cricket. We want to banish this performance.
If we can use this momentum and win the next game, we can be satisfied in our hearts that we could take something home.

South Africa’s AB de Villiers has displaced MS Dhoni as the top ODI batsman in the world according to the latest ICC ratings

Cricinfo staff31-Aug-2010South African batsman AB de Villiers has displaced India’s captain MS Dhoni as the top ODI batsman according to the latest ICC ratings. de Villiers, who averages 43.56 in 101 ODIs, had a prolific season that took him to 805 points in the ratings, nine clear of Dhoni. Michael Hussey, the Australian batsman, was third on the list with 792 points.de Villiers amassed 667 runs in his last 10 ODIs, which included four centuries and two fifties against top opposition. Three of those centuries came in consecutive games, in Gwalior, Ahmedabad and Antigua. Though de Villiers did not play in August, Dhoni’s patchy form in the Sri Lanka triangular series, where he scored only 140 runs in five outings, led to the swap at the top.”My ultimate aim is always to do well for the team and to help South Africa win trophies but it is nice to be acknowledged in this way,” de Villiers said. “Two years ago I said I wanted to be the best batsman in the world and it is pleasing to see that I am starting to get results.” He is also keen to move up from his No. 11 position in the Test ratings.de Villiers had ankle surgery during the off-season and was to continue his rehabilitation during a conditioning camp with the senior team. “It [the ankle] is coming on nicely and I can’t wait to pick up my cricket bat again.”Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara was at the top of the Test batting table with 874 points, 15 ahead of Virender Sehwag. Dale Steyn and Daniel Vettori maintained their respective positions at the head of the Test and ODI bowling charts, while Jacques Kallis and Shahid Afridi remained the top allrounders in the two formats.

As per French news outlet RMC Sport, Tottenham Hotspur ‘discussions’ to sign Reims striker Hugo Ekitike ‘exist’ as transfer news emerges out of north London.

The Lowdown: Spurs eyeing new centre-forward…

According to reliable sources, manager Antonio Conte and sporting director Fabio Paratici have set their sights on a potential new striker addition to back up Harry Kane.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/spurs-latest-updates-5/” title=”Spurs latest updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

As explained by Alasdair Gold, the role is one of four ‘priority’ positions for strengthening outlined by Conte as the Lilywhites also chase a right-wing back, left-footed central defender and midfield player.

The likes of Dusan Vlahovic have mostly been linked but there have also been other names, with promising starlet Ekitike now entering the fray as RMC share news.

The Latest: Spurs ‘have positioned themselves’…

According to their information, Tottenham ‘discussions exist’ for the 19-year-old alongside the likes of West Ham, Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund.

It is also believed that the Lilywhites have ‘positioned themselves’ for his signing with the fellow interested clubs but, as of yet, ‘no offer’ has been put on the table.

Reims are apparently demanding €30 million (£25m) to sell their frontman whilst also asking for him to be loaned back for the second half of 2021/2022.

The Verdict: Eye-catching talent…

Bursting on to the scene with Reims this season, scoring eight goals and assisting two others in ten Ligue 1 starts, it’s little wonder has caught eyes from both the Premier League and Bundesliga.

Ekitike has also drawn some big comparisons, with reporter Graeme Bailey calling the teenager an ‘outstanding’ forward whilst claiming he could become ‘the next Mbappe’ (Twitter).

However, at a steep £25m, not to mention the fact Reims want to him to be loaned back, this move should be placed on the back burner by Conte and Paratici given their need for more experienced reinforcements at this stage.

In other news: Spurs agree £33.4m option for ‘sensational player’ after loan spell with EPL rivals, find out more here.

Senior BCCI functionaries met the top brass of IMG in Mumbai today to question their role in the various allegations related to the IPL

Nagraj Gollapudi17-May-2010Senior BCCI functionaries, including Shashank Manohar (president) and N Srinivasan (secretary) met the top brass of IMG in Mumbai on Monday to seek clarifications on their role in the various allegations related to the IPL. The meeting was described by Andrew Wildblood, IMG’s senior vice-president, as “brief, friendly and constructive.”IMG, one of the top global sports management firms, has been a key part of the IPL since its inception, primarily involved in areas such as formulating the franchise bidding, player contracts and auctions, the media rights issues, the broadcast rights and especially the day-to-day running of the league. Its role in the running of the league has come into question since the suspension of Lalit Modi as the IPL chairman. It was expected that the board would clarify whether IMG was aware of Modi’s alleged misdemeanours, including the charges related to rigging of the initial bids for a couple of franchises in 2008.The IMG team in Mumbai also included its senior legal counsels Paul Manning and John Laffhagen, the latter having drafted the player contracts.Manohar had seemingly pointed fingers at IMG immediately after the IPL governing council meeting on April 26, saying the council trusted Modi and the IMG to run the league in a professional manner. He was responding to a query about the culpability of the council in the IPL mess.”An institution functions on trust,” Manohar had said. “If you are expecting every governing council member to come here every morning at 10 and leave at 10 in the night to look at what is happening everywhere, then we don’t need the other staff which is there. Then we don’t need to pay IMG Rs 27 crore [approx $6 million] and we don’t need a CEO to run the IPL. It is their job to do all these things.”This is not the first time IMG has been caught in a web of controversy. The board was unhappy with the original deal signed by the IPL with IMG which involved a management fee of 10% of tournament revenue. IMG was paid Rs 43 crore after IPL 1 and Rs 33 crore after the tournament was shifted to South Africa in 2009. The board then asked IMG to submit a revised proposal but the latter failed to do so within the stipulated deadline and hence the contract was terminated in 2008. Eventually the contract was re-negotiated and both parties settled for a figure of Rs 27 crore as annual payment from the third season.Apart from the IPL controversy, the board was also expected to question IMG’s role in the proposed “parallel IPL” in the UK, a charge that was pressed by Giles Clarke, the ECB chairman recently. Clarke alleged that Modi was trying to induce counties to set-up a rebel Twenty20 league that would undermine the ECB. The reason IMG got dragged into the imbroglio was because of the presence of two of its senior officials – Wildblood and Peter Griffiths (director of operations) at the March 31 meeting, where Modi met representatives from Lancashire, Warwickshire and Yorkshire.IMG vehemently denied their role in setting up any such league and clarified through a statement that they had just facilitated a meeting between Modi and the counties. The BCCI issued a second show-cause to Modi in the Clarke affair, asking him to submit his reply in 15 days. The deadline expires on May 21.

Graeme Bailey has revealed a worrying transfer twist that has now emerged involving Newcastle United and Bruno Guimaraes.

The Lowdown: Deal agreed?

According to Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie, the St. James’ Park faithful have ‘agreed a fee’ with Lyon to sign Guimaraes, in the region of £30m.

The central midfield player ‘will undergo a medical’ in Brazil, ‘hopefully today’ according to Downie, undoubtedly leading to plenty of excitement from fans on Tyneside.

However, after the seemingly endless saga involving Diego Carlos, supporters may now need to strap themselves in for even more twists and turns after the latest update.

The Latest: Transfer twist

According to 90min journalist Bailey, there is actually ‘no agreement’ in place for the player yet, despite reports elsewhere:

“Been told by sources from within the Bruno Guimaraes deal that NO agreement is yet in place for the player.

“Newcastle are in talks – but nothing is yet agreed, that is what is emerging from Lyon and Guimaraes end at this stage.”

Since Bailey’s update, the Ligue 1 club themselves have released a statement seemingly supporting his claims.

The Verdict: Worrying

If what Bailey is saying is true, then it is certainly worrying if no agreement has been reached yet.

It means that other clubs could potentially swoop in at the last minute, with the midfield maestro strongly linked with a move to either Arsenal or Juventus before the breaking news from the North East.

Given the Tyneside outfit’s position in the Premier League table, one would have to fancy Guimaraes choosing the latter two teams over them should they strike a deal with Lyon first, as he would then likely be able to play European football and not be stuck in a relegation battle.

Nonetheless, more news is certain to come out over the next few days, or even hours, about this deal, and the Toon Army will be hoping that they are on the right side of it.

In other news, find out what definitive NUFC transfer update Luke Edwards has now dropped here!

West Indies’ batsmen struggled on the first day of their tour match against a Sri Lanka President’s XI at Colombo

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Nov-2010Stumps
Scorecard
Brendan Nash top-scored with 62 in West Indies’ first innings•AFPWest Indies’ batsmen struggled on the first day of their tour match against a Sri Lanka President’s XI at Colombo, an 81-run stand between Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Brendan Nash – who went on to make 62 – the only partnership of note as they were bowled out for 176. Kemar Roach and Nelon Pascal, who took the new ball for the tourists, removed both openers early, while new captain Darren Sammy struck in the final over of the day as the Sri Lankans finished on 59 for 3 in reply.The West Indians will have been hoping for more time in the middle after Sammy won the toss and opted to bat, as this is their only warm-up game ahead of the first Test at Galle on November 15. But left-arm seamer Chanaka Welegedara got past both openers, Chris Gayle and Adrian Barath, early and Thilan Thushara bowled Darren Bravo as West Indies slipped to 29 for 3. Chanderpaul and Nash then came together for just over 25 overs of obstinate occupation of the crease, taking the score to 110 before Chanderpaul feathered an edge behind to be out for an 83-ball 33.In comparison, Nash was rather more attacking and struck seven fours before he too was caught behind to give legspinner Malinga Bandara his first wicket. In the very next over Dwayne Bravo was pinned lbw by Welegedara to reduce West Indies to 134 for 6, and the President’s XI spinners ensured there would be no lower-order fightback as Bandara shared the last four wickets with Ajantha Mendis to bowl the visitors out in the 56th over.President’s XI then lost both Tharanga Paranavitana and Dimuth Karunaratne in the space of three overs before Lahiru Thirimanne took advantage of some loose offerings from Roach and Pascal in a boundary-laden cameo that pushed the score past fifty. He was caught behind off Sammy in the final over of the day, however, and West Indies will be hoping for another breakthrough early on day two to keep them in the match.