All posts by h716a5.icu

A number of Manchester City fans are livid after the club were heavily linked with a move for Barcelona defender Sergi Roberto.

The Citizens have now ended what was a mixed campaign. Of course, they had two trophies to celebrate in the Premier League and the Carabao Cup, but the tournament they wanted to win most of all, the Champions League, slipped from their grasp as they lost 1-0 to Chelsea in the final in Porto on Saturday.

Preparations for the next season have already seen Sergio Aguero and Eric Garcia depart City for Barcelona, and it now appears that Pep Guardiola wants a player to go in the other direction. As per Sport [via Sport Witness], City have made contact with 29-year-old Roberto, who Guardiola’s admires due to his professionalism.

However, as the news was shared on Twitter by @City_Xtra, it became clear that numerous City supporters don’t share the manager’s view on a right-back who endured an injury-plagued 2020/21 campaign in which he was limited to 15 appearances.

They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts, with some still fuming at Guardiola following Saturday’s Champions League anguish.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about the Sergi Roberto links

“We are finished”

Credit: @Pepoholicc

“Pep Guardiola wants to slowly bring this club death”

Credit: @Mescudy

“No”

Credit: @Ethan4707

“What rubbish is this”

Credit: @emperor_teejhay

“no way, how bad he is”

Credit: @HiVutam

“Stop this. Stop this now”

Credit: @BernardoTouch

In other news, some Man City fans slammed this man’s performance in the Champions League final.

Calmore Sports are off the mark in the Southern Electric ECB Premier League, but they had to overcome a top-order batting collapse before clinching a last-ball victory over Bournemouth at Loperwood Park

Mike Vimpany03-Jun-2001Calmore Sports are off the mark in the Southern Electric ECB Premier League, but they had to overcome a top-order batting collapse before clinching a last-ball victory over Bournemouth at Loperwood Park.Chasing Bournemouth’s 201-4, Calmore appeared set for an easy win after a century opening partnership between Tom Pegler and Paul Draper.But, having reached 143-1, they collapsed – and ended up scrambling in by three wickets off the very last ball.Earlier, Bournemouth teenager Chris Park carried his bat for an undefeated 90 and Geoff Warrington smashed 57 runs off 33 balls.Park, 17, batted sedately, but lacked any significant support until Warrington’s arrived at the crease to tuck greedily into the left-arm spin of Paul Draper, whose ten overs cost 84 runs.Draper (50) soon got his revenge, sharing a century opening partnership with Tom Pegler (65), who had Jez Goode (22) in support as Calmore reached 143-1.But Pegler’s dismissal prompted chaotic scenes in the Calmore camp – five wickets falling for only five runs, three of them in quick succession to Australian medium-pacer Peter Waite (3-20) – as the reply lurched to 148-6.James Hibberd (20) departed at 182-7, leaving teenager Paul Cass (26 not out) to guide Calmore to victory – Wilson’s penultimate over, which cost 12 runs, effectively ending Bournemouth’s prospects.Russell Rowe cracked his second consecutive century as South Wilts piled up a massive 298-4 before beating strugglers Hungerford by 135 runs.Rowe (103) and Rob Wade (74) shared a 178-run start for South Wilts, who profited further when Tim Lamb (50) and Tom Caines (40) came together.Hampshire’s Jason Laney (45) top scored as Hungerford sank to 163 all out.South Australian batsman Andy Loader was to the fore again as Bashley (Rydal) comfortably defeated Burridge by 112 runs at Bashley Common Road.The Adelaide right-hander hit 83 and shared a significant second-wicket partnership with Hampshire’s Andy Sexton (61) as Bashley took charge.Richard Knowles thumped 57 as Bashley moved to an unassailable 240-6 (Paul Jenkins 3-32).Dave Jackson (41) and Neil Cunningham (25) responded but got little support as, initially, Neil Taylor (3-14) and latterly John Whiting (3-16) created inroads as Burridge slipped to 128 all out.Title holders Havant stretched their lead at the top with a comfortable seven-wicket success at Andover, who plunged to a second consecutive defeat.The Miller brothers, Roger (33) and Mark (26) propelled Andover to 52-1 off ten overs, but the later batting gave away against Shawn Gillies (4-34) and Mark Copping (3-27).Andover’s 134 all out was never likely to test Havant, whose victory was based around second-wicket pair Andy Perry (64) and Richard Hindley (38).Second-placed BAT Sports slumped to a five-wicket defeat against Liphook & Ripsley after New Zealander Ben Jansen and Duncan Berry turned things around.BAT posted a handy 230-7 through Damien Shirazi (86) and Dave Banks (48) and looked set for victory as Liphook slipped to 135-5.But Kiwi Jansen hit 83 not out and skipper Berry an unbeaten 53 to guide Liphook home.

Free State all-rounder Johan van der Wath has been selected to replaceGarnett Kruger of Eastern Province in the SA ‘A’ team to play against India’A’ in Kimberley from 30 March to 2 April

CricInfo Reporter26-Mar-2002Free State all-rounder Johan van der Wath has been selected to replaceGarnett Kruger of Eastern Province in the SA ‘A’ team to play against India’A’ in Kimberley from 30 March to 2 April. Kruger is not available to playas he is out of the country.Free State all-rounder Johan van der Wath has been selected to replaceGarnett Kruger of Eastern Province in the SA ‘A’ team to play against India’A’ in Kimberley from 30 March to 2 April. Kruger is not available to playas he is out of the country.

West Indies selectors today named Ricardo Powell, Neil McGarrell, and Kerry Jeremy as the three changes to the West Indies team for the first Cable & Wireless One Day International, from the team which won the final Test against South Africa on

Derrick Nicholas27-Apr-2001West Indies selectors today named Ricardo Powell, Neil McGarrell, and Kerry Jeremy as the three changes to the West Indies team for the first Cable & Wireless One Day International, from the team which won the final Test against South Africa on Monday.The full West Indies XI for tomorrow’s opening One Day International at Sabina Park, Jamaica is: Carl Hooper (Captain), Chris Gayle, Leon Garrick, Brian Lara, Ricardo Powell, Marlon Samuels, Ridley Jacobs, Neil McGarrell, Mervyn Dillon, Cameron Cuffy and Kerry Jeremy.The emergency fielders for tomorrow’s match are Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Wavell Hinds and Nixon McLean.

India may be reluctant to play in Sharjah, but Sri Lanka have confirmedtheir commitment to the biannual triangular tournaments by signing athree-year deal with the Cricketer Benefit Fund Series (CBFS)

CricInfo22-May-2001India may be reluctant to play in Sharjah, but Sri Lanka have confirmedtheir commitment to the biannual triangular tournaments by signing athree-year deal with the Cricketer Benefit Fund Series (CBFS). Sri Lankawill now participate in the next six tournaments, the first of which will bein October.The financial details of the agreement, which was signed by the SportsMinister, Lakshmann Kiriella, were not revealed, but it comes with a Rs55million commitment to invest in a new international cricket stadium inPallekelle, Kandy.

In an exclusive interview with The Transfer Tavern, Steve Howey, who made 278 appearances during his career, believes that Ryan Kent would struggle to perform in the Premier League if he moved to Leeds United.

Kent has been linked with a move to Leeds this summer, much like he was last year, as Marcelo Bielsa clearly thinks he can add something to a high energy Leeds attacking side.

The Rangers winger was only signed permanently by Steven Gerrard in 2019 when he brought the 24-year old from Liverpool after he failed to make the grade at Anfield with competition fierce in their attacking line-up.

Speaking on why Kent would struggle if he moved to Leeds and why he must have something which Bielsa admires if he wants to bring him to Elland Road, Howey told The Transfer Tavern:

“He’s had a good season without a doubt but I think he will find it difficult because in the Premier League it’s week-in-week-out and it is relentless. That’s not being disrespectful to the Scottish League but it’s not the same as the Premier League.

“I’m sure if Bielsa fancies bringing him to Leeds then he’s got to have something about him because he is a top manager – you just have to look at what he’s done with that Leeds side.”

Bielsa pulled off a great signing last year when he brought in Raphinha on deadline day from Rennes for what has turned out to be a bargain price of £17 million.

The Argentine’s future, however, is not clear with his contract set to expire at the end of the season and the hierarchy are planning for life without him next season.

Former Tottenham Hotspur ace Graham Roberts has told Football FanCast that Gareth Bale needs to prove himself for the remainder of the season if he is to earn a stay at the club.

Bale struggled for minutes under manager Jose Mourinho, making just six starts in the Premier League. He is valued at £18m by Transfermarkt.

He was restored to the team by interim head coach Ryan Mason against Southampton and scored in the 2-1 win, before netting a hat-trick in Spurs’ 4-0 home thrashing of Sheffield United.

But he was on the bench against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final as Spurs lost 1-0, and Roberts thinks that he now has a bigger opportunity to seal another move this summer.

It has been widely reported that Spurs have an option to extend his loan stay at the club, and Roberts thinks that the Wales international now has a handful of games to prove himself.

Spurs face Leeds United, Wolves, Aston Villa and Leicester City before the end of the season as they bid to force their way back into contention to qualify for Europe.

Speaking to FFC, Roberts was asked if Bale will stay and said: “I would think there’s now half a chance. But I think Gareth now has to prove himself in the next few games.

“If not, the club are not going to pay £300,000, £250,000 a week to him, when you’re sitting on the bench. You’ve got to be out on that pitch and hopefully he’s over all of his injuries now.”

Southampton are ready to do battle with Leicester City to sign Sweden international Mattias Svanberg, according to Calciomercato.

Saints in Svanberg transfer battle

The Saints have been linked with a move for the Bologna midfielder, while Champions League chasers Leicester City are also in pursuit.

The Serie A outfit are believed to be looking for €20m (£17.2m) to part ways with Svanberg.

Above budget

Svanberg has impressed in Italy with Bologna, scoring five times and providing two assists in 28 matches in the top flight this season (Transfermarkt). With seven caps to his name and at just 22 years of age, he clearly seems to have a big future ahead of him.

At Southampton, only Danny Ings exceeds his average of 1.8 shots per game, while James Ward-Prowse is the only midfielder to better his goal tally – and the Saints captain depends almost entirely on set pieces to find the net.

However, the issue is whether the St Mary’s outfit can actually afford him. Manager Ralph Hasenhuttl said recently that they will only be able to pay transfer fees of up to £10m (Sky Sports), meaning that Svanberg would be considerably over budget. There are going to be exceptions to every rule, but is the Bologna man really to be the man for whom they break the bank?

After all, they are likely to be able to sign more established players for a lower price. It remains to be seen whether Southampton stick to that transfer policy, but if they do, they will be priced out of a move for the Swedish midfielder.

In other news, many Southampton fans slammed this man’s performance against Leicester.

Rangers have been linked with a move for Dijon centre-back Senou Coulibaly recently and if he were to join Steven Gerrard’s side at Ibrox this summer, he could be the ideal man to replace Filip Helander.

According to French news outlet Foot Mercato, via Get Football News France, both Rangers and Huddersfield Town are keen on signing the 26-year-old defender this summer.

The Frenchman has made 17 appearances in Ligue 1 so far this season, contributing two goals and averaging a disappointing 6.52 rating.

However, he is featuring in a side currently rock bottom of the French top-flight and looking nailed on for relegation, so you would expect that his performances would improve in a side such as Rangers, who will be challenging for the title next season.

The 6 foot 3 centre-back would face plenty of competition if he were to make the move to Ibrox, considering Gerrard has the likes of Connor Goldson, Leon Balogun, Nikola Katic, George Edmundson and Jack Simpson already at his disposal.

However, he could prove to be a direct replacement for Helander, with the Swedish international having been linked with a move to both Leicester City and Aston Villa in recent weeks.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/rangers-news-ibrox-steven-gerrard-ross-wilson-gers-rfc” title=”Latest Rangers news, transfer rumours and more!”]

The former Bologna man has played a key part in Rangers’ title success this season but he may have his head turned by Premier League interest, which would, in turn, leave a gap in Gerrard’s squad.

Coulibaly is younger and significantly quicker than Helander, so could prove to be a solid replacement for the 27-year-old, whilst given that he is currently valued at £720k by Transfermarkt, he could probably be brought in at a fraction of the price Helander would be sold for.

Although he is contracted with Dijon until 2023, they may be forced to cash in on him this summer following relegation, and a move to Rangers would surely be appealing for the 26-year-old, especially as they can likely offer Champions League football next season.

[freshpress-quiz id=“593776”]

Therefore, Ross Wilson should definitely consider a move for Coulibaly this summer as he could prove to be the dream replacement for Helander should he depart.

And, in other news… Wilson headed for huge Rangers transfer error over wonderkid tipped to become a “top player”

Sheffield Wednesday will make a decision on free-agent trialist Ravel Morrison this week…

What’s the word?

Speaking after the Owls’ impressive 2-1 win over high-flying south Yorkshire rivals Barnsley, Wednesday manager Darren Moore revealed he was taking a look at the 28-year-old midfielder. He said, via The Star:

“What we’ll do is take a good look at Ravel and make a decision in the next two, three, four days so we know what we’re doing with Ravel going forward.”

The former Manchester United graduate has been without a club since leaving Dutch outfit ADO Den Haag and is free to join the Owls as he contract was terminated by mutual consent in January.

Polarising maverick

It’s not been too long since Wednesday last had a player who will cut the fanbase like a knife through butter. Indeed, Fernando Forestieri was that man for a very long time at Hillsborough.

After playing an instrumental role in back-to-back playoff campaigns under Carlos Carvalhal, the Argentina-born Italian soon saw his Owls career dogged by injury problems and disciplinary issues before leaving in the summer after a divisive five years.

Morrison has played for 11 different teams, including arch-rivals Sheffield United, and has struggled for regular game-time and consistency in that time. This is something he acknowledged during an appearance on Rio Ferdinand’s ‘Vibe with Five’ podcast, via The Star:

“I think it’s because a lot of people already have a picture in their head of what I am like, so people don’t want to commit and say: ‘We’ll bring him to the club for two or three years’. They think: ‘We’ll give him six months because he might be a problem.'”Chris Wilder also described him as a “maverick” and has previously lauded the midfielder as an “undoubted talent” with “serious ability”, yet his track record would say otherwise. He would likely be another polarising figure at Wednesday.You couldn’t say Forestieri didn’t lack ability – after all, he produced 40 goals and 18 assists in 134 appearances – it’s the fact that it could’ve been so much better with more application and fewer problems, both on and off the pitch.That very much is the same for Morrison.At Manchester United, he was thought to be “better than” the likes of Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard coming through, according to Wayne Rooney. “He struggled with lifestyle and his environment which was sad for him,” explained the Red Devils legend to The Sunday Times.The Owls could do with all the help they can get right now, so taking Morrison on board for the remainder of the season could be a smart ploy, but they will need to be weary for the long run. Things quickly turned south for Forestieri, and that’s not something that needs to be repeated at Hillsborough again.

AND in other news, Lost possession 40x: Owls star the one negative from Moore’s first Owls win…