Month: August 2024

Celtic ace lands £30m price tag, Rangers eye Liverpool 19 y/o, new Hearts deal, Hibs close to more signings – Scottish transfers

05/08/2024 Raymond 0

Rangers are reportedly eyeing a move for teenage Liverpool midfielder Bobby Clark, who is on the fringes of the Anfield first team. With new manager Arne Slot reviewing the squad, Clark could be among those permitted to go out on loan. The Athletic notes that Championship clubs Leeds United, Sheffield United, Norwich City, and Coventry City are also interested, while RB Salzburg has made a £6 million bid for the 19-year-old.

Season Review 2023-24 and Looking Forward to 2024-25 Part Three

05/08/2024 Raymond 0

**Pre-season Hopes:**

Chris Griffin (CG) reflected on his initial hopes before the 2023/24 season began. “The term ‘hopes’ accurately captures my feelings. My primary hope was for promotion or at least reaching the playoffs, although I didn’t think automatic promotion was likely. I was wrong about that.”

Stuart Dawkins (SD) added, “I aimed for stability. With a new coach bringing different ideas, I expected an inconsistent start, hopefully stabilizing into a playoff spot, similar to Southampton’s performance.”

**Key Moments During the Season:**

CG shared his thoughts on pivotal games. “Despite a home loss to Hull in September, I felt optimistic after winning away against Southampton and Norwich. The Southampton match, in particular, was encouraging against a strong side.”

SD expressed his fluctuating confidence. “By March, I expected promotion, but as results fluctuated, I doubted it. The season’s end was unpredictable, with the top four teams alternately failing, making promotion uncertain until it was finally secured.”

**Team Improvements from 2022/23:**

CG noted significant team improvements. “We created and capitalized on more chances, scoring 89 goals. The team maintained fitness and energy throughout games, effectively using the full width of the pitch, especially when Fatawu and Mavididi were established. Despite mixed fan reactions to Maresca’s tactics, the players seemed comfortable, and Hermansen filled the gap left by Schmeichel’s departure as a skilled goalkeeper and shot-stopper.”

SD added, “The team played with a clear plan and strong cohesion, unlike during Rodgers’ final year. They often turned draws into wins and losses into draws, a key trait of a successful team.”

**Season Success Rating:**

CG gave his assessment of the season’s success. “Winning the Championship with 97 points, one more than Ipswich, seven more than Leeds, and ten more than Southampton, earns a 10/10 for me.”

SD concurred, “Finishing top of the league makes it a 10/10. Avoiding financial issues would have improved it, but that was a pre-season challenge.”

Danny Röhl wants Sheffield Wednesday transfer business in the next few days

05/08/2024 Raymond 0

Sheffield Wednesday’s transfer window has been bustling, with 10 new signings already secured. Manager Danny Röhl is pleased with the progress but is eager to add more players before the season opener against Plymouth Argyle, which is less than a week away. Röhl has commended the club’s summer transfer activities, yet emphasizes the importance of completing additional deals before the campaign kicks off at Hillsborough next Sunday.

Ike Ugbo remains a top target for Wednesday supporters, with the club working diligently to secure his transfer from French club Troyes. The Star reported last week that Sunderland is also vying for Ugbo’s signature, adding competition as the season’s start approaches. Röhl anticipates a “photo finish” in the Ugbo pursuit but hopes to bring in new players before the Argyle match. He stated, “The key point is that next week is the first matchday. We can wait until the end of August, but we might miss opportunities. We need to be quicker and faster than other teams.”

Jazz 2024 NBA free agency grades for every signing

04/08/2024 Raymond 0

The Utah Jazz have entered the 2024 free agency period with a strategic focus on both immediate impact and long-term growth. By combining veteran experience with youthful talent, the Jazz have crafted a balanced roster capable of competing in the demanding Western Conference. Notable signings like Johnny Juzang and Drew Eubanks address specific needs and enhance the team’s overall depth. As the season approaches, the success of these acquisitions will depend on their integration into the team’s system and their consistent contributions. If they live up to their potential, the Jazz could make a significant leap forward and challenge for a play-in spot.

Ex-Mouscron man reacts after concluding Sunderland transfer deal during summer window

04/08/2024 Raymond 0

Blondy Nna Noukeu expressed his happiness at the opportunity to work with goalkeepers Anthony Patterson and Simon Moore at Sunderland. Noukeu joined the senior squad at the start of pre-season and has since been training with the first-team goalkeepers, making several appearances in friendlies. Noukeu commented, “It’s been a few weeks of hard work and patience. I believe you get what you give, and I’m really happy to have the opportunity to prove myself and showcase my quality here. Sunderland is a great place for a young player to develop, with a supportive group of players and staff.”

Reflecting on his career, Noukeu said, “I spent five years at Stoke City, progressing through the academy and 23s, and being around the first team for four years. I went on loan to Crawley and Southend. My main strengths are my work ethic and mentality, and I hope to demonstrate my attributes on the pitch.”