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Police have arrested a man after the manager of non-league side Potters Bar Town needed medical treatment following an 'altercation' on Saturday. The Isthmian League clash at Welling United was scheduled to take place at 3pm but the contest was postponed after coach Sammy Moore was injured less than 45 minutes before kick-off. The Metropolitan Police have since said that a 42-year-old was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm.

Man arrested before game

According to police, officers were called at 1.18pm about an incident at Welling's Park View Road stadium on Saturday. Shortly after, both teams announced that the fixture had been postponed. The force added that one man, reportedly Moore, suffered injuries to his face, while another was in custody. 

"Police were called to Welling Football Club following reports of an altercation between two men," a Metropolitan Police spokesperson told BBC Sport. "Officers attended and found a 38-year-old man with injuries to his face. A 42-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm. He remains in custody."

AdvertisementGetty Images SportClubs release statements

On Saturday, both Welling and Potters Bar posted statements on their respective websites about the incident. While the former were more terse in their comments, the latter confirmed this was a "serious incident" and that their manager is receiving "appropriate medical care".

Potters Bar's statement reads: "Today’s scheduled fixture at Welling United was abandoned prior to kick-off following a serious incident involving a member of our management team. Police attended the ground and, following their involvement, the match was unable to proceed. Our manager is receiving appropriate medical care, and the club is supporting him fully. The matter has been referred to the relevant authorities, including the league and The FA, and we are seeking formal advice. As this is now subject to ongoing processes, the club will not be making any further comment at this time."

While Welling added: "Saturday’s fixture against Potters Bar Town has been postponed. The club will be making no further comment at this time. Further news regarding the rearranged fixture will be communicated in due course."

League 'aware of the matter'

Nick Robinson, chairman of the Isthmian League, did admit that the English seventh-tier has been informed about this incident.

He added: "The league is aware of this matter and are awaiting the written reports of the alleged incident. We cannot comment further at this time."

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Getty Images SportWhat comes next?

It remains to be seen what will come of this matter and when this game will be replayed this season. Incidentally, Potters Bar are bottom of the division, whereas Welling are two places above them in 20th.

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Depois de oficializar a saída do técnico Martín Palermo, que não renovou seu contrato, o Fortaleza acertou com Thiago Carpini para a disputa da Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro. O Tricolor superou a concorrência de times da Série A.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFortalezaEm fim de contrato, Yago Pikachu não fica no Fortaleza para 2026Fortaleza09/12/2025Futebol NacionalCeará e Fortaleza voltarão a se encontrar na Série B após 17 anosFutebol Nacional11/12/2025FortalezaFortaleza rescinde com Palermo e anuncia ex-São PauloFortaleza11/12/2025

➡️ Tudo sobre o Leão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Fortaleza

Carpini tinha recebido sondagens de equipes como o Internacional e o Coritiba, que subiu sendo campeão da Série B. O rival Ceará, rebaixado juntamente com o Leão, também consultou a situação do treinador.

A escolha pelo Fortaleza se deu em razão do contexto esportivo e da identificação prévia do técnico com a equipe, como apurou o Lance!. A postura de Carpini ao longo das negociações facilitou o acerto do vínculo, que vai até o fim de 2026.

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➡️ Ceará e Fortaleza voltarão a se encontrar na Série B após 17 anos

O contato chegou a acontecer na metade da temporada, em julho, após a saída de Juan Pablo Vojvoda. Apesar do avanço nas conversas, o negócio não se concretizou. O Fortaleza fechou com Renato Paiva e, posteriormente, trouxe Palermo.

As negociações voltaram nos últimos dias. Marcelo Paz, CEO da SAF do Fortaleza, procurou Carpini após o rebaixamento e teve receptividade imediata. Além da Série B, o profissional terá pela frente o Campeonato Estadual, a Copa do Nordeste e a Copa do Brasil.

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➡️ Rebaixamento interrompe marca histórica do Fortaleza na Série A

Queda interrompe marca histórica do Fortaleza

Com o rebaixamento, uma marca histórica do Fortaleza na Série A foi interrompida. Isso porque, como estava no Brasileirão desde 2019, o Tricolor permaneceu na elite por sete temporadas consecutivas. Esse é o recorde de uma equipe nordestina desde 2003, quando teve início o formato de pontos corridos.

O Leão ficou no G4 em duas oportunidades ao longo dessas sete edições. Além de frequentar a Copa Libertadores, as campanhas renderam idas à Copa Sul-Americana.

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The committee, which included Brian Lara and Clive Lloyd, has identified the major challenges facing West Indies cricket and plotted short- and long-term actions for overall improvement

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Oct-2025The cricket strategy and officiating committee of Cricket West Indies, comprising a group of former legends and current leaders, have identified key areas of focus to raise the standard of West Indies cricket as well as short- and long-term actions. In the next six months, the CWI said, specialist coaches will be hired, a “state-of-the-art” high-performance centre will be set up, and there will be close coordination with franchises that employ West Indian cricketers so player fitness can be monitored.The committee, set up in August in the aftermath of West Indies’ 27 all out against Australia in Kingston, Jamaica, brought together Clive Lloyd, Brian Lara, Shai Hope, Roston Chase and Ramnaresh Sarwan, among others. The first step was to identify the challenges faced by West Indies cricket. A CWI statement on Thursday listed the major issues as: Declining quality of regional tournaments Technical, tactical, and mental skills deficiencies Underperforming franchise system Gaps in infrastructure and facilities Lack of specialist coaching support Limited ICC revenue share and financial constraints Fragmented player development pathways Inadequate fitness and conditioning standardsThese, as well as the “action items” were “presented to and approved” by the CWI’s board of directors on September 25 at the quarterly meeting.In the short term, within the next months, “an internationally proven batting coach will be hired to work across the system, and a full-time sports psychologist/performance coach will join the senior men’s team” while “the women’s team role will also be upgraded to a full-time role”. That aside, “a capital [high-performance] project proposal will be advanced for a state-of-the-art facility at Coolidge Cricket Ground, including modern nets, gym, and rehabilitation infrastructure”, and “franchise teams will now submit individual development plans and meet new minimum standards” with player fitness “closely tracked, supported by a new regional fitness leaderboard”.The longer-term actions are more exhaustive, and include: A national cricket development framework unifying grassroots, school, academy, and high-performance pathways Comprehensive franchise reform to ensure accountability for player development and consideration of alternative professional models Establishment of standardised academies for ages 11-18 to feed into the high-performance programme Completion of the high-performance centre in Antigua as the regional hub for elite development Greater focus on financial sustainability, including lobbying for equitable ICC revenue distribution and new partnerships with governments, private entities, and philanthropists A structured mentorship framework connecting current and former West Indies players with emerging talentClive Lloyd has been vocal about lobbying with the ICC for more money•ICC/Getty ImagesIn early August, at the time the committee members met the press, Lara had said, “It’s been that case for years, where we are not in the same level-playing field as other playing countries. Back in the days when skill was the prominent factor, we excelled, we were the best team in the world. But the game has evolved, and technology and analytics, and we now have to see a new way of finding ourselves back to being very competitive.”I said not a level-playing field because a lot of the countries are far ahead in these sorts of areas. The skill factor of the game is still there, but not as prominent as it was in the past.”It’s a long road; it’s not going to happen tomorrow. It was not about the 27 runs. If it was 57 or 107, will we be feeling any better? I don’t think so. It was the fact that we’ve got something to address, and for us to get back on top, or to be a competitive nation in world cricket, we’ve got to address these situations and address them shortly, quickly, and hopefully we can reap the benefits in the years to come.”In many ways, it’s a starting point for West Indies cricket – at the moment, there is a women’s ODI World Cup which West Indies failed to qualify for, while the men are on the back foot after just one day’s play in a two-Test series in India – and CWI’s director of cricket, Miles Bascombe said, “While challenges remain, our commitment to cricket development across the region is unwavering, and all efforts will be made to prioritise the execution of these initiatives.”

While it’s not been smooth sailing this season, Chelsea are looking good at the moment.

Enzo Maresca’s side are third in the Premier League and, despite dealing with numerous injuries, are just six points behind first-place Arsenal.

Moreover, while some of the summer signings are still taking their time to bed in, the more established players have stepped up, with Moises Caicedo once again showing why he’s one of the best in the world.

So, fans should be delighted with reports linking them to another midfield monster who could be another Caicedo-type signing.

Chelsea target another Moises Caicedo

It’s no secret that Chelsea like to spend when it comes to transfers, and they’ve already been linked with a plethora of exciting talents ahead of the winter window.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

For example, stories touting Real Madrid’s Rodrygo for a move to Stamford Bridge have resurfaced recently.

Another player from Spain who is reportedly a target for the Blues is former Manchester City star Julian Alvarez, who has been exceptional for Atlético Madrid, but as a result, could cost an arm and a leg.

However, while both La Liga stars would improve Marsca’s side, neither one can be described as a Caicedo-type signing, unlike Adam Wharton.

Yes, according to recent reports from Spain, Chelsea have maintained their strong interest in the Crystal Palace star ahead of the winter window.

In fact, the report goes further, claiming that the West Londoners are now leading the race for his signature, a signature that could cost them as much as £100m per other reports from the summer.

It would be a lot to spend on someone so young, but Wharton’s ability alone means it would be worth it, especially as he would be a Cacideo-type signing.

Why Wharton would be another Caicedo

Now, while there are obviously differences between them, there are a few reasons why Wharton could be another Caicedo-esque signing for Chelsea, either in January or the summer.

The first is that, like with the Ecuadorian, it would be another example of the Blues going in and putting a big offer on the table for one of the best midfielders in the Premier League who isn’t at a ‘big six’ side.

That might sound hyperbolic, but since moving to Selhurst Park, the Englishman has been sensational, and his underlying numbers prove as much.

xAG: Exp. Assisted Goals

0.30

Top 1%

GCA (Dead-ball Pass)

0.13

Top 2%

Key Passes

2.07

Top 4%

Through Balls

0.58

Top 5%

xA: Expected Assists

0.22

Top 6%

Inswinging Corner Kicks

1.29

Top 7%

SCA (Dead-ball Pass)

0.97

Top 7%

npxG + xAG

0.32

Top 10%

Shot-Creating Actions

3.75

Top 10%

Crosses into Penalty Area

0.26

Top 13%

SCA (Live-ball Pass)

2.52

Top 14%

SCA (Take-On)

0.13

Top 17%

Goal-Creating Actions

0.39

Top 17%

Crosses

2.78

Top 18%

For example, FBref rank the “generational” ace, as dubbed by Matthew Stanger, in the top 1% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for expected assisted goals, the top 4% for key passes, the top 5% for through balls, the top10% for shot-creating actions and more, all per 90.

Moreover, he’s putting up numbers like that at just 21 years old in a team that’ll likely finish mid-table come May.

Therefore, were he to join Maresca’s side, then he could develop in a similar way to Caicedo and go from an exceptional talent to one of the very best players in the entire league.

Finally, just like Pensioner’s number 25, the former Blackburn Rovers gem is someone who can do the dirty work in defence, but is just as capable of running things in the middle of the park, whether through silky passes or ball-carrying.

Ultimately, it would not be cheap, but Chelsea should do what they can to sign Wharton as soon as possible, as he could be another Caicedo for them.

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Liverpool attacker Mohamed Salah has been offered an eye-watering amount of money to leave Anfield, it has been claimed.

Salah has been alarmingly out of form by his world-class standards, but he returned to somewhere near his best on Saturday evening, opening the scoring in the Reds’ 2-0 win at home to Aston Villa in the Premier League.

It was a special night for the 33-year-old, who became just the third player in Liverpool’s history to score 250 goals for the club, joining Ian Rush and Roger Hunt in the process. Speaking after the Villa game, he admitted his delight at achieving such a great feat.

“It’s very important. We had a few losses in the Premier League and Champions League but I’m glad we start to come back on track now. It’s a good plus before very important games against [Real] Madrid and City. It’s a very important win for us. It’s a great feeling to score goals and win trophies for such a big club. It’s something I don’t take for granted. I’m so proud and so happy about that achievement.”

For Salah, it’s now a case of kicking on and returning to the form everyone knows he can achieve on a consistent basis, inspiring Liverpool’s changes in fortunes this season. He is contracted at Anfield until the summer of 2027, but now a shock exit rumour has emerged.

Liverpool legend Salah offered £132m-a-year to leave

According to a huge report from Spain, an unnamed club have offered Salah £132m per year in wages in order to tempt him away from Liverpool.

It would be a huge surprise and shame to see Salah leave Liverpool before his recently-signed new deal expires, even though he clearly hasn’t been at his best of late.

He was much-improved against Villa, and remains a hugely influential figure for the Reds, with Arne Slot waxing lyrical over his star attacker after the game.

“It is almost unbelievable if you score 250 goals, let alone 250 goals for one club. You don’t see that much in football any more. Apart from the goal he had a very good performance. When we had to play long, we mainly played to him and he held the ball and the team could come to him. What I liked was that he also helped the team defensively as well.”

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Salah is now undoubtedly one of the greatest players in Liverpool’s history, and while such a huge amount of money could turn the head of any player, the hope is that he wants to spend as long at Anfield as possible.

Where does Mo Salah rank among Liverpool's highest-earning players?

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has extended invitations to three former players – Brian Lara, Clive Lloyd and Viv Richards – to take part in an emergency meeting following West Indies’ 3-0 series loss at home to Australia. The West Indies greats will join Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Desmond Haynes and Ian Bradshaw on the Cricket Strategy and Officiating Committee to review the team’s “deeply disappointing” performances over the past few weeks.West Indies folded quickly in the first two Tests too, but they saved the biggest ignominy for the very last, folding for 27 in 14.3 overs in Kingston. The total was just one run better than New Zealand’s Test-record low of 26 in 1955 but it was 20 runs short of West Indies’ previous worst total of 47. It was the first time in Test history a team recorded seven ducks in an innings and the six runs made collectively by West Indies’ top-six batters was the lowest in any innings in Test history.Related

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Dr Kishore Shallow, the president of CWI, said that the entire West Indies cricket community will have several “sleepless nights” following the losses, but called for patience as they look to “rebuild and start investing in the next generation”.”Like every West Indian cricket fan, I felt the pain of our recent Test defeat to Australia,” he said. “There will be some sleepless nights ahead for many of us, including the players, who I know feel this loss just as heavily. But while disappointment is natural, we must not allow this moment to define our journey. We are in a rebuilding phase, steadily investing in the next generation, and reigniting the spirit that has long made West Indies cricket a force in the world.”Progress is rarely straightforward. It takes time, perseverance, and belief, especially in our most difficult moments. The road ahead will test us, but I have faith in the talent and commitment of our players when they apply themselves. We have already seen encouraging signs, particularly with the ball. Our batters are keen, but now must be even more deliberate as they work to improve.”Shallow said the involvement of Lara, Richards and Lloyd wasn’t purely “ceremonial”, and that they would be actively involved in West Indies’ “next phase of cricket development”.”These are men who helped define our golden eras, and their perspectives will be invaluable. We intend for this gathering to result in tangible, actionable recommendations.”Consistent with my message over the last weeks, this is a moment that calls for collaboration, not division. We need everyone on board: fans, players, coaches, legends, and administrators, if we are to truly move forward. There is much work to be done. But we must do it with purpose, and we must do it together.”West Indies will next take on Australia in a five-match T20I series starting July 21, before hosting Pakistan for a white-ball series in August.

MS Dhoni, Matthew Hayden, Daniel Vettori, Hashim Amla, Sarah Taylor, Graeme Smith and Sana Mir are the latest inductees into the ICC Hall of Fame, unveiled two days out from the start of the World Test Championship final at Lord’s.Mir became the first woman from Pakistan to be a Hall of Fame inductee.After making her debut in 2005, Mir captained Pakistan in 72 of the 120 ODIs and in 65 of the 106 T20Is she played, including two gold-medal wins at the Asian Games in 2010 and 2014. She is the leading wicket-taker for Pakistan in ODIs, taking 151 wickets with her offbreaks, and topped the ODI rankings for bowlers in 2018.Sana Mir is the first woman from Pakistan to be in ICC’s Hall of Fame•ICC

“From dreaming as a little girl that one day there would even be a women’s team in our country to now standing here, inducted among the very legends I idolised long before I ever held a bat or a ball – this is a moment I couldn’t have dared to imagine,” Mir said. “I am incredibly grateful for this honour and hope to give back to the sport in any way I can.”Former India captain Dhoni helped India break their drought in men’s ODI World Cups, four years after helping them to the inaugural men’s T20 World Cup title in 2007. He hit the winning runs as India won the ODI World Cup in 2011 and became the first team to win the silverware on home soil. Two years later, he captained India to the Champions Trophy title. He finished his ODI career with an average above 50, having played 350 matches and scored over 10,000 runs. Apart from his ability to ace run-chases, Dhoni will also be remembered for being the only captain to win all three white-ball ICC trophies. India also reached the top of the ICC Test rankings under him.”It is an honour to be named in the ICC Hall of Fame, which recognises the contributions of cricketers across generations and from all over the world,” he said. “To have your name remembered alongside such all-time greats is a wonderful feeling. It is something that I will cherish forever.”Graeme Smith and Hashim Amla were both among the latest ICC Hall of Fame inductees•Getty Images

Hayden was one of the most feared Australia openers of his times. He hit three centuries in Australia’s 2007 ODI World Cup win and was also part of their win in the 2003 edition. He finished his career with 30 Test centuries and an average over 50.Amla was a Test-cricket behemoth for South Africa, who became the No. 1-ranked team in the format during his long career. He was the first from South Africa to score a triple century in Tests when he hit an unbeaten 311 against England in 2012. He finished with over 55 international centuries across formats.Amla’s South Africa team-mate, Smith, was thrust into captaincy at only 22, and it was a role that he excelled in for a long time. He led South Africa in a world record 109 Tests, winning 53 of those. He is the only player to captain a Test team in over 100 matches. He also captained them in 150 ODIs, the most for South Africa.Sarah Taylor executed many a lightning stumpings across her international career•PA Images

“It is an honour to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, especially alongside Graeme,” Amla said. Smith concurred: “This is also a proud moment for South Africa, as two of us have got recognition this year.”Australia’s assistant coach and former New Zealand captain Vettori is one of only three players to score 4000 runs and pick up 300 wickets in Tests. He also captained New Zealand to a runners-up finish at the 2009 Champions Trophy.Taylor was one of the architects of England’s ODI World Cup and T20 World Cup double in 2009. She also starred in their win at the ODI World Cup on home soil in 2017, making a crucial 45 in the title-clash against India at Lord’s. She made a name for herself with some sensational wicketkeeping, effecting 232 dismissals across formats. Outside of the cricket field, Taylor took regular mental-health breaks, which helped normalise conversations around the issue among cricketers.”Being inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame is one of the best moments of my life and truly feels like a dream come true,” she said. “Women’s cricket has been thriving in recent years, and receiving this award during such a significant time makes it even more special. I am grateful to the members of the ICC Hall of Fame selection panel for this recognition.”

West Ham United boss Graham Potter is walking on increasingly thin ice after a lacklustre start to the campaign, with pressure on the tactician at an all-time high after their London derby defeat to Tottenham on Saturday.

Potter’s side put in an impressive performance away to Nottingham Forest just prior to the international break, winning 3-0 at the City Ground courtesy of goals from Lucas Paqueta, Callum Wilson and Jarrod Bowen, but were on the receiving end of the same scoreline against Spurs.

Pape Sarr, Lucas Bergvall and Micky van de Ven rounded off a routine win for Thomas Frank’s men at the London Stadium, whilst piling the misery on Potter, who has recorded the second-worst win percentage of any West Ham manager in Premier League history.

Since the former Chelsea and Brighton boss was appointed on January 9, West Ham also have the worst top flight record of any Premier League side outside Leicester City, Southampton and Ipswich Town — who were all relegated last term.

They’ve also conceded 11 goals already, the highest number of any West Ham side at this stage of a Premier League season since Avram Grant’s Hammers were relegated in 2011.

The numbers make for extremely grim reading, and reports suggest that West Ham are internally discussing replacements for the under-fire Potter.

Nuno Espirito Santo is allegedly being considered by West Ham and chairman David Sullivan is a fan of the Portuguese, according to journalist Alan Nixon, with the ex-Wolves and Tottenham boss readily available after leaving Forest.

It is also claimed that West Ham have approached Coventry City boss and ex-player Frank Lampard, who has resurrected his managerial career in the West Midlands and came close to promotion from the Championship last season.

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Even serial winner Jose Mourinho has been linked with a move to east London after departing Fenerbache, but this trio of intriguing names have now been joined by Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna on West Ham’s managerial target list.

Kieran McKenna emerging as frontrunner for West Ham job

That is according to journalist Wayne Veysey and Football Insider, who report speculation is mounting that McKenna is emerging in pole position for the West Ham job after a development.

Veysey writes that McKenna was a surprise guest in the West Ham boardroom during their 3-0 loss to Spurs after being invited to attend.

It is unclear right now what the 39-year-old’s stance is on leaving Portman Road for the English capital, but there is reason for West Ham to consider him as an option.

Why Kieran McKenna could be a good appointment for West Ham

Ipswich’s boss guided them to back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League, before they were unfortunately relegated last campaign, and reports suggest that McKenna was actually a top Chelsea target to replace Mauricio Pochettino before they hired Enzo Maresca.

The coach, who once played for Tottenham reserves and the Lilywhites youth teams before hanging up his boots due to a hip injury, is regarded as one of England’s most promising young managers.

It’s been a slow start to 25/26 for the Tractor Boys, who’ve just recorded their first win of the Championship season with a 5-0 win over Sheffield United, and McKenna may well be tempted by the prospect of an immediate switch back to the top flight.

He’s also coached Man United and Spurs at junior level, with Liverpool legend John Barnes calling him a “sensational” tactician.

Aston Villa are now making advances in their pursuit of a “fabulous” attacker, with Unai Emery keen to bolster his forward line before the September 1st transfer deadline.

Emery keen on new forward after disappointing start

The 0-0 draw against Newcastle United on the opening day wasn’t the worst result, but Emery is likely to be a little more concerned by his side’s most recent performance, succumbing to a 1-0 defeat away at Brentford on Saturday.

The Villans dominated possession throughout the match, and arguably should have at least drawn the game on the balance of play, recording an xG of 1.23, compared to Brentford’s 1.27, but they were ultimately unable to take their chances.

As such, it is no surprise that Emery wants to bring in at least one new attacker before the deadline, and Fabrizio Romano recently revealed that three forwards with Premier League experience remain on the manager’s shortlist.

However, according to a report from A Bola (via Sport Witness), Aston Villa have also submitted an offer for a Liga Portugal forward, namely Sporting CP’s Geny Catamo, with a €20m (£17m) proposal being tabled.

The Villans are said to be making advances in their pursuit of Catamo, but there is set to be competition for his signature from Fenerbahce, and the most recent offer was deemed too low by Sporting.

The Portuguese club are looking to hold out for around €25m – €30m (£22m – £26m) for the forward, meaning Monchi will have to increase his offer to tempt them into a sale.

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ByWill Miller Aug 23, 2025 Catamo could be "fabulous" Ramsey replacement

With Jacob Ramsey departing to join Newcastle United, Emery could do with bringing in another versatile midfielder, and the Sporting star certainly fits the bill in that regard, given that he is capable of playing on both wings and in attacking midfield.

Once lauded as “fabulous” by former coach Filipe Celikkaya, the 24-year-old also played a major role in Sporting CP’s back-to-back Liga Portugal title triumphs in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 campaigns, regularly chipping in with goals and assists.

Season

League appearances

Goal contributions

2023-24

27

8

2024-25

30

7

That said, it would be a risk to sign Catamo, given that he is unproven in one of Europe’s top leagues, and with Villa known to be treading a fine line PSR-wise, it may be better to only bring in Jackson, who could set them back £65m.

The Rajasthan Royals seamer has added the cross-seam length ball into the pitch and the wide yorker to his arsenal, and it’s working for him

Shashank Kishore06-Apr-20251:25

Boucher: Archer’s pace and rhythm show he’s back

Sandeep Sharma’s journey with Rajasthan Royals (RR) has been nothing short of a fairy tale. What began as a late entry in 2023 – drafted in as a replacement for the injured Prasidh Krishna – has evolved into a remarkable redemption story after he was one of their retentions ahead of IPL 2025.Sandeep’s redemption has been down to two key developments. He is no longer just a powerplay specialist reliant on swing – he has evolved into a versatile bowler who can also deliver in the middle overs and at the death. There is also his expanded arsenal: a cross-seam length ball into the pitch that proves effective on two-paced surfaces, and the skill to nail wide yorkers with precision.On Saturday, the first of those variations helped him finish with 2 for 21 in four overs – two at the top and two at the death – as RR defended 205 against Punjab Kings (PBKS) comfortably.Related

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Jaiswal still 'trying too hard, too early', says Jaffer

Royals inch closer to their favourite template

“When I came here two years back, I had a discussion with the management and they told me what they were looking [at] from me,” Sandeep said in a press conference after the game. “They told me my role. From there, I started working on myself. They told me they were not looking at two-three overs from me [upfront], and then when I was back home, I was practicing this.”They started using me after fourth-fifth over, when the ball gets older. And I also started preparing like that. I think it’s a result of good preparation. Obviously, when you want to play, you need to grow, right? That’s what I thought, that I needed to grow. I can’t ask the captain to give me the new ball all the time.”If you’re playing in a team where [Jofra] Archer is playing, and he’s so good with the new ball, and you have to play in the XI, you have to bring something [else] to the table. That’s what I did – I went back to my hometown, into the nets and practiced all these deliveries. And I’m so lucky and happy that it’s coming off so nicely.”Sandeep showcased his death-overs mastery in the 17th and 19th overs, blending yorker-length deliveries with cross-seam variations to stifle a well-set Shashank Singh, who has earned his stripes in the IPL as a finisher. His control and execution were on full display as he delivered seven yorkers in those two overs, giving Shashank no room to innovate.He also outsmarted the in-form Suryansh Shedge, fresh off a strong Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign, with a well-disguised slower ball that angled away from his hitting arc. It was a clinic in precision and tactical acumen.”That is a very deadly combo – one guy bowling around 150kph and another bowling around 115,” Samson said of Archer and Sandeep. “I think we should cut a cake on that, maybe,” when reminded that Sandeep had clocked 130kph too. “I can trust them with pressure overs. We all love it when he [Archer] bowls those quick overs. Sandy has been doing it for me for the past few years. He is one of the best guys in India who bowls both in the powerplay and death overs.”Sandeep revealed that he tailored his plans based on feedback from the RR batters about the Mullanpur surface, which hasn’t been an ally for PBKS, who now have lost five out of their six games here.”Because we bowled in the second half, we had an advantage of taking some feedback from our batters, that was massively helpful,” Sandeep said. “Bowling back of a length, hitting top of off was our plan, as hitting was tough. That’s what our spinners also tried to do. Balls bowled on the back of a length were skidding and keeping low.2:28

Did the two teams read the pitch differently?

“We observed this when we batted, we read the pitch faster than the other team. During the time out, we spoke to the batters and took feedback from them on what’s tough to hit, what kind of deliveries are tough to convert into boundary balls, and we cut down on those balls on this wicket.”Sandeep was also full of praise for Archer. After conceding 109 across 6.3 wicketless overs in his first two games, Archer has had 4 for 38 from seven in the next two. On Saturday, Archer was high on pace, hitting the high 140s and early 150s every delivery in his first over that accounted for two wickets, including Shreyas Iyer’s.”In the first two matches, your nerves are there. But we always knew he’s world-class, the skill he brings to the table or into the game is totally different, very few bring that,” Sandeep said of Archer. “The management had confidence the day he gets that one over, one wicket or two good overs, that will boost his confidence.”He’s one of the toughest bowlers to face or play. It was just our fourth game; with more games, he’ll get better and better. Earlier, when he went for runs, his length was different, now his lengths are different. That’s what champions do, they change quickly [depending on] what is needed and that’s what he did.”