Month: June 2024

Hot Hawks still have work to do: coach Mitchell

30/06/2024 Raymond 0

Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell believes it is too soon to consider his team among the AFL’s top contenders. However, he is optimistic that with continued confidence and by avoiding complacency, they will soon reach that level. Despite currently being 13th on the ladder, Hawthorn is only half a win behind the eighth-placed Brisbane Lions and just one win away from fifth-placed Geelong. The Hawks recently achieved their fifth consecutive victory and their seventh win in the last eight games with a commanding 61-point victory over West Coast in Perth. Mitchell emphasized the importance of maintaining confidence without becoming complacent, stating, “We deserve to feel confident, but that doesn’t give you the right to be complacent.”

Leeds United offered £5m+ by Real Betis in new Diego Llorente transfer development

30/06/2024 Raymond 0

Leeds United has received a bid of approximately £5 million from Real Betis for defender Diego Llorente, according to Il Messaggero. The Italian newspaper reported that Betis is eager to secure the former Real Madrid player’s services on a permanent basis, offering €6 million (£5.1 million) for Llorente, who spent the 2023-24 season on loan with Roma. If this transfer goes through, Llorente would join his former teammate Marc Roca, who recently completed a move to Manuel Pellegrini’s squad after a loan spell. Leeds is facing a busy transfer period, especially with the potential £40 million transfer of their young star Archie Gray to Brentford. Selling Llorente could be beneficial for Leeds, as he has been away on loan for 18 months, and the £5 million fee would help the club address financial concerns and reinvest in the team.

Southampton and Leicester show interest in Slovenia midfielder Timi Max Elsnik after his impressive display against England at Euro 2024

30/06/2024 Raymond 0

Southampton and Leicester City have both set their sights on Timi Max Elsnik, the talented Slovenian midfielder currently making waves at Olimpija Ljubljana. At 26, Elsnik’s stellar form has not only secured him a place in Slovenia’s Euro 2024 squad but also garnered attention from top clubs across Europe, including Lazio and Lyon. Despite interest from abroad, the £5.5 million price tag has made Elsnik an enticing prospect for Premier League returnees Leicester City and Southampton, who are eager to strengthen their ranks ahead of the upcoming season.

Sunderland next move & Celtic latest amid Newcastle & Boro links

30/06/2024 Raymond 0

This week’s North East Notes highlights the goalkeepers from Newcastle and Middlesbrough, but first, let’s focus on Sunderland, who have had an eventful week at the Stadium of Light. Hummel has rejoined forces with the Black Cats and has taken extraordinary measures to create a unique shirt specifically for Sunderland. On Friday morning, anticipation ran high as queues wound around the car park in anticipation of the official store opening.

Scott Wright sees Rangers transfer exit route emerge as Sheffield Wednesday make their signing pitch

30/06/2024 Raymond 0

Sheffield Wednesday has shown interest in acquiring Rangers winger Scott Wright, who has a year left on his contract. The 26-year-old has caught the eye of Wednesday’s manager, Danny Rohl, who is eager to bring him to the Championship side. Wright, who joined Rangers in 2021 and played in the Europa League Final against Eintracht Frankfurt, has found it difficult to secure a regular spot under manager Philippe Clement. With Clement planning significant changes and already adding five new players to the squad, Wright’s future at Ibrox is uncertain. Sheffield Wednesday hopes to finalize a deal for Wright before the new season starts.

Manager Philippe Clement discussed his vision for the team, emphasizing the importance of a balanced squad with both young talents and experienced players. He highlighted the recent departures and the need to integrate new signings quickly. Clement expressed excitement about the upcoming pre-season and the opportunity to instill the team’s principles in the new players, despite the challenges of managing a larger squad. He stressed the collective motivation of the players and staff to perform well from the outset, ready to tackle nine top games in the first four weeks of the season.

Stoke City bring in ‘winner’ and the Zoom call that sealed transfer

30/06/2024 Raymond 0

Stoke City head coach Steven Schumacher was notably impressed during a Zoom chat that played a pivotal role in finalizing the signing of Ben Gibson. Both Schumacher and Gibson were in sync when the defender interrupted his family holiday to discuss his potential move to Stoke City. Gibson, a 31-year-old center-half, joins Stoke as a free agent following his successful tenure at Norwich, where he helped the team reach the play-offs in the last year of his contract. Schumacher was keen on bringing in experience and leadership to his squad, which had lacked players aged 30 or above starting 20 or more league games in the previous season.

Schumacher shared his thoughts on Gibson, highlighting his strong references and impressive career, which includes numerous promotions from the Championship. He emphasized the importance of leadership and a winning mentality within the dressing room, qualities that Gibson exemplifies. Schumacher’s positive external references about Gibson further reinforced his decision, portraying Gibson as a dedicated professional and a winner—traits crucial for the team’s growth.