pre-season

‘Lucky’ Sheffield Wednesday looking to avoid thing that ‘killed them’ last year as Plymouth Argyle visit

10/08/2024 Raymond 0

Plymouth Argyle will be the first test for Sheffield Wednesday this Sunday as the Owls aim to make a strong start in the Championship. Recent months have brought significant changes to Sheffield Wednesday, including new players and a revised playing style. Barry Bannan, a seasoned player at S6, anticipates a challenging game against Plymouth but is eager to kick off the season at a vibrant Hillsborough. He expressed his excitement for the new campaign, emphasizing the importance of a good start after last season’s difficult beginning. “We want to get off to a good start because last season, that’s what killed us,” Bannan said.

Preview: Newcastle United vs. Brest – prediction, team news, lineups

08/08/2024 Raymond 0

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is set to rotate his squad for the upcoming friendlies, with key players like Fabian Schar, Bruno Guimaraes, and Lloyd Kelly likely to see more action after making their pre-season debuts against Yokohama F. Marinos. Meanwhile, Kieran Trippier and Anthony Gordon have returned to training following their Euro 2024 duties with England, though their participation in the matches remains uncertain. New signing William Osula could also make his first appearance for the club.

On the Brest side, the team will be without defender Bradley Locko, who is away at the Paris 2024 Olympics. However, recent signing Jordan Amavi is expected to maintain his position in the back line, alongside fellow new recruit Abdoulaye Ndiaye. Midfielder Mahdi Camara, who scored in their last match against Juventus, is likely to start again, with Ludovic Ajorque leading the attack.

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.”

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.”