Month: June 2024

Celtic tipped to get ‘a hefty’ transfer fee after latest Matt O’Riley rumour emerges

18/06/2024 Raymond 0

With the transfer window fully open, Celtic fans are eagerly waiting for news on the club’s transfer activities. Brendan Rodgers faces the task of potentially replacing key players like Joe Hart and finalizing a deal for Adam Idah. However, Celtic also risks losing some of their top players, particularly Danish midfielder Matt O’Riley, who has been heavily linked with Atletico Madrid.

Andy Walker believes that Celtic is likely to engage in transfer negotiations if Atletico meets their €40m (£34m) valuation for O’Riley. Walker explained on The Go Radio Football Show, “If you’re talking about business at that level, Celtic will do business. That is their model. Bring them to Glasgow, play him in the Scottish Premiership, fatten him up, sell him on. Wouldn’t be surprised if he goes, but it will be a hefty fee.” If such an offer is made, it is almost certain O’Riley will leave the club.

Amon: “I think we’re really predictable to each other”

18/06/2024 Raymond 0

Hawthorn defender Karl Amon credits the Hawks’ mid-season turnaround to a more predictable brand of football. In his second year with the club, Amon has played all 14 games in 2024, averaging 23 disposals and 557.6 meters gained per game at an 82.4% disposal efficiency.

Speaking to ABC Sport Sunday, Amon discussed the team’s simplified game style and collective effort, which have led to a balanced record of seven wins and seven losses after a challenging 0-5 start. “The coaches have simplified our game plan really well, focusing on pressure and predictability,” Amon said. “As a young group, keeping things straightforward makes it easier to follow.”

He also noted the shift from relying on individual brilliance to a more collaborative approach. “We focus on everyone playing their role, which contributes significantly to our success.”

Looking forward to a five-day break, Amon emphasized the importance of a mental refresh, adding that while some players might travel, many are staying to play golf in Tasmania. He highlighted the group’s hunger to play finals football and the need for consistent performance to achieve that goal. “It’s going to be challenging, but the group is certainly up for it,” Amon concluded.

“I’m not a huge fan” – Stoke City urged against Steven Schumacher transfer reunion

18/06/2024 Raymond 0

Stoke City has numerous foundational elements that need to be established to elevate the club to its full potential. Despite having some of the wealthiest owners in the Championship, the Potters consistently find themselves in the middle of the pack, rarely posing a serious threat to achieve higher standings.

Steven Schumacher has been tasked with changing this status quo, and a successful summer transfer window will be crucial in reshaping the team’s fortunes. The club has been linked with Mickel Miller, a former player of Schumacher’s. TEAMtalk reported that Stoke is considering a move for Miller, a wing-back currently with Plymouth Argyle, where contract renewal talks have stalled.

From a Stoke fan’s perspective, Liam Burks, a pundit for Football League World, believes that strengthening the left side of the defense is essential for the Potters this summer. However, he does not view Mickel Miller as an outstanding option to bolster their backline.

2024 Opponent Preview: New York Giants, Week 12

17/06/2024 Raymond 0

Following a 2022 playoff campaign, the Giants faltered in 2023 but will see QB Daniel Jones return from injury and have strengthened their edge rush, offensive line, and receiving corps. With 12 weeks until the first airing of Monday Night Football in 2024, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will have already started their regular season. As those dates approach, we examine each team the Buccaneers will face, focusing today on the Giants, whom Tampa Bay will play after their Week 11 bye.

In 2023, the Giants regressed to a 6-11 record, tying for the sixth worst in the NFL. Their season began poorly, highlighted by a 40-0 loss to the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football in Week One. The Giants’ struggles continued with a 1-5 start, punctuated by multiple significant losses. Despite some wins, including a game led by backup QB Tyrod Taylor, the Giants’ season was marred by injuries, including a torn ACL for Daniel Jones.

The Giants made significant moves in the offseason, securing the sixth pick in the 2024 draft and adding notable players like LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers and Pro Bowl outside linebacker Brian Burns. They also revamped their offensive line, signing former Packers guard Jon Runyan and former Raiders tackle Jermaine Eluemunor. Running back Devin Singletary joined the Giants, replacing Saquon Barkley, who signed with the Eagles. Additionally, the Giants fortified their defense with former Bills defensive tackle Jordan Phillips and several rookies, including Minnesota safety Tyler Nubin.

Significant departures included Barkley and safety Xavier McKinney, who joined the Eagles and Packers, respectively. Tyrod Taylor moved to the Jets, while other players found new homes across the league. The Giants also saw coaching changes, bringing in Shane Bowen as the new defensive coordinator and promoting Mike Kafka to assistant head coach.

Key questions for the Giants include whether Daniel Jones can solidify his role as the long-term franchise quarterback and how the defense will perform with new additions and a new coordinator. Jones, who signed a four-year, $160 million contract, faces a crucial season to prove his worth. The defense, bolstered by Burns and other key players, aims to improve significantly under Bowen’s direction, moving away from the blitz-heavy schemes of former coordinator Wink Martindale.