Articles by Raymond

Sad news as former Sheffield Wednesday man is forced to retire at just 31

04/08/2024 Raymond 0

Caolan Lavery, a former striker for Sheffield Wednesday, has announced his retirement from football at the age of 31. Lavery joined the Owls’ academy in 2012 and first experienced regular first-team action during the 2013/14 season, scoring four goals in 18 Championship games. Despite spending loan periods at several clubs, he struggled to firmly establish himself at Hillsborough. In 2016, he made a notable move to Sheffield United after declining a new contract with Wednesday. Recently, following medical advice due to a knee injury sustained in February 2023, Lavery decided to retire. He expressed gratitude on social media, acknowledging the support he received throughout his career. Lavery made 39 appearances for Sheffield Wednesday, scoring six goals, including a memorable brace in a 6-0 victory over Leeds United in 2014.

Celtics Sign 2024 Second-Round Selection To Two-Way Contract

03/08/2024 Raymond 0

The Boston Celtics have successfully retained all key members of their championship-winning roster and have now officially signed both rookies selected in the 2024 NBA Draft. On Friday, Boston announced a two-way agreement with Anton Watson, the 54th overall pick from June’s draft. Watson, who spent five seasons at Gonzaga, showcased his skills with an impressive average of 14.5 points and 7.1 rebounds while shooting 57.8% from the field during the 2023-24 season. His defensive versatility stood out during Boston’s Summer League campaign, giving the 23-year-old a solid first impression of NBA basketball.

Watson participated in five games in Las Vegas, averaging 11.8 points and 5.2 rebounds. He demonstrated his engagement on both ends of the floor and displayed his athleticism. By staying active with Boston’s ball-handlers, Watson created opportunities for easy baskets and showed his capability to hit 3-point shots. Although this might not secure him a permanent roster spot with the Celtics, the G League affiliate in Maine will offer ample opportunities for Watson to hone his skills, readying him for when head coach Joe Mazzulla might need him, potentially as soon as the upcoming season.

Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens, who chose two 23-year-old prospects (including Baylor Scheierman), was not deterred by Watson’s age. Stevens emphasized that Boston would only draft players they felt confident in and comfortable with, regardless of their age.

Spanish club praise Sheffield Wednesday’s ‘wonderful facilities’ after borrowing Middlewood Road

03/08/2024 Raymond 0

On Friday, the Spanish LaLiga team Leganes utilized Sheffield Wednesday’s Middlewood Road training ground. This visit marks the club’s first-ever trip to the United Kingdom, culminating in a match against Sheffield Wednesday. Known as Los Pepineros, Leganes had been training in Burnley prior to this and played a friendly against the Clarets last week, which ended in a 0-0 draw. They hope for a better outcome at Hillsborough, although Danny Röhl and his team aim to spoil their visit. Despite not having much success in their preseason games, with a loss to AD Alcorcón and draws against Burnley and OGC Nice, Leganes are eager to secure a victory in South Yorkshire as they gear up for their first season back in the top flight.

Scott McKenna lands Celtic transfer pitch as free agent breaks silence on next move

02/08/2024 Raymond 0

Scott McKenna, currently out of contract, is actively searching for a new club and has been deemed “worthy of a Celtic shirt” by former Parkhead hero Andy Walker. The Scotland defender is on the move after his contract with Nottingham Forest ended. Over the summer, McKenna returned from Euro 2024 and is exploring his options. Last season, the 27-year-old gained valuable experience while on loan to FC Copenhagen, where he faced Manchester City in the Champions League’s last 16. Walker believes that McKenna could be an ideal partner for Cameron Carter-Vickers in the upcoming Scottish Premiership season, highlighting the need for a new centre-back as a critical part of Brendan Rodgers’ recruitment strategy.

Walker expressed his thoughts on the Go Radio Football Show, saying, “Scott McKenna is out there. He is free, he has Champions League experience and plays for Scotland. I think he is a decent player and would be worthy of a Celtic jersey and I think he would improve Celtic defensively. But I’m sure they have a lot of players on their radar.” Despite the uncertainty, McKenna remains confident about finding a new club. He shared with the Press and Journal, “It is the first time I have been in this situation. It is a bit strange. You are training yourself and trying to keep fit when other teams are back on pre-season. The season will start for different leagues in the next week or two. I just need to trust the process and I’m sure something will come up in the next few weeks.”

Player can be signed on loan + €5m clause after season long loan at Leicester City

02/08/2024 Raymond 0

Yunus Akgün has returned to Galatasaray after spending last season on loan at Leicester City. According to the latest edition of Gazzetta dello Sport, Hellas Verona is now eyeing the 24-year-old as a potential addition to strengthen their squad this summer.

The Serie A club is actively seeking new attackers, with their target list including the former Leicester player and Boavista’s Róbert Boženík. Regarding Akgün, it is reported that Hellas Verona is in ongoing discussions, likely with Galatasaray, to secure his transfer. At Leicester, Akgün was versatile, playing as an attacking midfielder, winger, and even centrally, under Enzo Maresca. He recorded two goals and three assists in 29 appearances across all competitions for the Foxes.

Galatasaray’s official website revealed that Leicester paid a €500,000 loan fee with an option to buy Akgün for €9 million, which they did not exercise. The current report suggests that Hellas Verona could acquire him on loan with a €5 million purchase clause. However, Galatasaray insists that this clause be mandatory, creating a sticking point in the negotiations between the two clubs.

Essentially, Akgün is available for a €5 million permanent transfer, but the final purchase and its financial impact would be deferred for a year.

‘Enthusiastic’ Rangers favourite takes coaching role at SPFL rival as he offers ‘high level’ ability

02/08/2024 Raymond 0

Former Rangers and Hearts captain Lee Wallace has made a surprising return to Tynecastle, accepting a new coaching role within the club’s academy set-up, 13 years after leaving as a player. Wallace, a Hearts academy graduate who made his senior debut for the club in 2004 and played 193 matches in maroon, now returns as the assistant coach for Hearts’ under-18 team. His career included significant stints at Rangers and Queens Park Rangers, with notable achievements such as captaining Rangers from 2015 to 2018. Despite a controversial end to his time at Rangers, Wallace’s passion for coaching has been evident, leading to his new role at Hearts where he aims to develop young talent and make a positive impact on the academy.

Sheffield Wednesday first-team man who’s held in high regards must push for summer move

02/08/2024 Raymond 0

Being the second-choice goalkeeper for a Championship team is a notable achievement for a young player like Pierce Charles. However, this role won’t provide the experience he needs. At his age and with his potential, Charles would benefit more from being the first-choice goalkeeper at another club, ideally in League One or Two. The possibility of not going out on loan due to Ben Hamer’s injury could be frustrating, and Rohl must carefully consider the situation. Bringing in another goalkeeper on a free transfer to fill the No. 2 spot temporarily might be necessary. Prioritizing the development of young talents is crucial for Sheffield Wednesday, and a successful loan move could help Charles become a more valuable asset for the club in the future.

Stoke City showing hints at key Stockport County role new signing can play this season: View

02/08/2024 Raymond 0

Horsfall and Ethan Pye formed a solid defensive partnership for County last season, making it challenging for Hughes to break into the starting lineup if Challinor continues with a back four. However, Hughes’s credentials suggest he is ready for the challenge.

Convincing Hughes to leave the Pirelli Stadium, where his services were still in demand, demonstrates the Hatters’ determination and the attractive project they are presenting to potential new recruits. Regardless of his playing time, Hughes is likely to be an important figure for County in the upcoming season, either in a supporting role to push the current defenders to perform better or by establishing himself as a key component of the Hatters’ defensive unit.

Pistons, Jazz Only Teams That Can Make Cavaliers’ Isaac Okoro ‘Meaningful Offer’

02/08/2024 Raymond 0

NBA analyst Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report highlights that the Detroit Pistons and Utah Jazz are uniquely positioned to make substantial offers to Cleveland Cavaliers wing Isaac Okoro, who is a restricted free agent. Despite a promising season where he shot 39.1 percent from three-point range and demonstrated strong defensive skills, Okoro remains unsigned over a month into the offseason. The Cavaliers, who drafted him fifth overall in the 2020 NBA Draft, have made several offers deemed fair by the organization, yet Okoro has not committed to any. This leaves his future with Cleveland uncertain, with only the Pistons and Jazz having the cap space to potentially secure his talents.

Stoke City striker suffers set-back on cusp of comeback from injury

31/07/2024 Raymond 0

Ryan Mmaee was set to make his return for Stoke City in a friendly match against Bolton Wanderers after almost four months away from the team. Unfortunately, just as he was about to rejoin the squad, Mmaee suffered a setback. He had missed the final weeks of the previous season due to a hamstring injury and had been working with the fitness staff over the summer to recover from a knee injury. He returned to full training on Thursday, with hopes of participating in the friendly at Bolton, but fell ill with tonsillitis on Sunday and was still running a fever yesterday.