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Former Celtic centre-forward Chris Sutton was particularly scathing of the club’s recruitment after they lost 2-0 to Dundee in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday.

Speaking on Sky Sports after the match, the pundit said: “Celtic have massive problems. They have to get to January and still stay in touch. This is a bang average Celtic team and I think Brendan recognises that.

“The signing of Kelechi Iheanacho summed everything up. That was desperation. I’m not saying he’s a bad player but you think back to when Celtic were rotating Giorgos Giakoumakis and Kyogo Furuhashi, that quality, that’s the difference.”

It is hard not to point to the recruitment department when looking for the reason why Celtic have failed to score in six competitive matches already this season.

Celtic needed a striker in the summer, before they sold Adam Idah, and they failed to bring in Kasper Dolberg from Anderlecht, before selling Idah without getting a replacement in. Kelechi Iheanacho then arrived on a free transfer, but they were still down another forward.

Meanwhile, Hearts signed Claudio Braga from Aalesund on top of keeping Lawrence Shankland, and have fired their way to the top of the Premiership table.

What Celtic can learn from the recruitment at Hearts

Tony Bloom invested in Hearts and brought his data expertise with him to bolster their recruitment, and it already looks to have paid off big time for the Jam Tarts.

Braga scored 11 goals and provided six assists in 37 appearances in the second tier of football in Norway in the 2025 and 2024 campaigns for Aalesund, per Sofascore, before his move to Scotland in the summer.

The versatile forward, who can play as a number ten, a second striker, or as a centre-forward, scored two goals against Kilmarnock on Saturday to take his tally to eight goals in all competitions, per Transfermarkt.

Braga’s highlights from their win over Kilmarnock in the clips above show that he can operate in positions all over the pitch, with almost a free role because of Shankland’s presence as the focal point for the team.

The Portuguese star is free to roam around the pitch and drop deep when needed to get touches of the ball to make things happen for Hearts, as evidenced by his statistics.

Appearances

8

Touches per game

42.8

Goals

5

Big chances missed

4

Key passes per game

1.1

Assists

1

Successful dribbles per game

0.9

As you can see in the table above, Braga takes around 43 touches per game on average and has been directly involved in six goals in eight matches to show that he is making the most of those touches.

Celtic can learn from the recruitment that Hearts have done for multiple reasons. One, that they do not need to splash £10m on a player from a major European league, as Braga was picked up from the second tier in Norway and has outscored every Celtic player in the Premiership.

Two, that the recruitment needs to be well thought through. Hearts knew they had Shankland leading the line, so they signed the Portuguese ace to be the perfect partner for him.

Celtic, meanwhile, signed two left-wingers, despite Daizen Maeda scoring 33 goals as a left-winger last season, and did not sign a right-winger to replace Nicolas Kuhn, whilst they also sold Adam Idah, a target man and physical presence, and signed Iheanacho, who does not have a similar profile to Idah.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Despite being signed to be the main number nine, Iheanacho has the attributes and the quality to be Brendan Rodgers’ own version of Braga, but the Hoops do not have their own Shankland.

Why Kelechi Iheanacho can be Celtic's own Claudio Braga

For all of the former Manchester City man’s strengths, the Nigeria international is not a target man. He is not going to cause too many problems for opposition defenders with his physicality.

Per Sofascore, Iheanacho has won 1.5 duels per game and won just 38% of his duels in total, whilst Shankland has won 4.4 duels per game and 44% of his total battles on the pitch.

He does not look suited to being the sole number nine for Celtic as a target man, because of his lack of physicality, and that is not his fault, because it is something that the recruitment team should have factored in when they made the signing.

Last season, Michael Carrick utilised Iheanacho as a second striker behind another number nine, which meant that he had the license to drift around the pitch and get involved in the game, instead of being isolated up front.

This means that he has the potential to be Celtic’s own Braga because of his ability to play off another striker. Meanwhile, Maeda is more suited to playing out wide, and has been utilised on the left and right flanks this season, after scoring 33 goals as a left winger last term, per Transfermarkt.

Chances created

1.77

Top 1%

xA

0.17

Top 24%

Pass accuracy

79.5%

Top 12%

Long pass accuracy

100%

Top 1%

Dribble success rate

100%

Top 1%

Touches in the opposition’s box

8.15

Top 12%

As you can see in the table above, Iheanacho has shown great technical ability and link-up play in the Premiership this season, but he has yet to score a goal from open play.

Shankland’s presence and physicality occupy opposition defenders and create space for Braga to ghost into and score, but Celtic do not have a number nine like that who can take the pressure off Iheanacho.

Instead, it currently looks like he has to play the role of Shankland and Braga on his own, which may be why the Hoops have struggled so much in front of goal.

Iheanacho’s position for Middlesbrough and the qualities that he has shown in the Premiership so far suggest that he is more suited to playing like Braga, off another striker, but Rodgers does not have that outlet in the centre-forward position that Hearts do.

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Celtic could solve their Daizen Maeda injury blow by unleashing this star in a new role.

1 ByDan Emery Oct 20, 2025

Maeda is a winger, not a target man, so he is not the answer. Therefore, the Hoops need to dip into the market in January to sign a striker who can complement Iheanacho and get the best out of him in the second half of the season, so that he can be as effective as Braga.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s West Ham United side are showing signs of green shoots, but there is much work still to be done in the fight to stave off the threat of relegation from the Premier League.

West Ham’s inconsistencies have plunged them into the drop zone, but a glass-half-full mentality would tell you that Nuno has claimed eight points from four games and the squad’s understanding in this new system is tightening, deepening.

But this is also a precarious and anxiety-inducing position. Former technical director Tim Steidten left much to be desired on the recruitment front, and now additions are needed up top and across the backline.

West Ham need to sign a striker

Niklas Fullkrug’s £27m transfer from Borussia Dortmund to the London Stadium has not gone to plan. Injuries have been the German striker’s biggest inhibitor, but he has scored only three times across 29 matches, and a winter exit, ahead of the 2026 World Cup, looks on the cards.

The 32-year-old has indeed been slated for a January departure, probably back to his homeland, and that leaves West Ham in a sticky position, with Jarrod Bowen and Callum Wilson in need of support.

Help may arrive in the form of Santiago Gimenez, with Italian outlet Il Messaggero relaying that the Mexican forward is destined for a move to the Premier League, with the Irons one of the clubs who could put forward a bid of around €30m (equating to £26m).

Sunderland are also interested, and given that Milan would be open to selling the 24-year-old for around that price, the Londoners will need to be snappy in getting a deal done.

What Santiago Gimenez would bring to West Ham

Gimenez stands at 6 foot 1 and is a physical and imposing attacking profile. In this, he would be the perfect profile to replace Fullkrug, whose physicality and focal command in the box are among the finest in Europe.

After joining AC Milan from Feyenoord last winter, Gimenez made a positive start to life in Serie A, scoring five goals and supplying two assists across the latter half of the 2024/25 campaign, playing 14 times and starting only seven of those games.

However, he has petered out under Massimiliano Allegri’s wing this season, yet to score in the Italian top flight. Gimenez is still relatively young and has the athleticism to succeed in the Premier League, and he could be the perfect presence to dovetail into the front of Nuno’s system, having been hailed as a “machine” in the box by talent scout Jacek Kulig in the past.

His particular approach suggests he would be perfect for Nuno’s West Ham project, Chris Wood would bear testament to that, having been the spearhead of the Portuguese tactician’s incredible tenure at the Nottingham Forest helm, prolific and talismanic.

Wood is among the most physical and commanding strikers of recent years; certainly, his blend of clinical shooting, steely hold-up play and intelligent movement has allowed him to blossom into “one of the best in the Prem”, as claimed by reporter Jamie Martin.

And his time in Nuno’s system proved a match made in heaven for both. Now, Gimenez could make his mark as the new version, especially if given the trust and care that have been lacking throughout his year in Italy.

Under Espirito Santo’s stewardship, Wood enjoyed arguably the most productive spell of his career, scoring 20 goals from 36 Premier League matches as the Tricky Trees secured a place in Europe.

Sean Dyche

165

53 (0.32)

Nuno Santo

60

32 (0.53)

Garry Monk

48

30 (0.62)

Nigel Pearson

62

20 (0.32)

Kenny Jacket

19

11 (0.58)

Chris Hughton

29

11 (0.38)

Gimenez could play a similar role in this West Ham team, the catalyst for attacking change after a tough chapter in the club’s modern history.

Finishes like Bowen: West Ham offered chance to sign "insane" Wilson upgrade

The international goalscorer could be just the player to spearhead Nuno’s West Ham project.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Dec 6, 2025

The Los Angeles Dodgers made two major roster moves on Wednesday that are directly related. Longtime catcher Austin Barnes has been designated for assignment and the team has called up 24-year old prospect Dalton Rushing to take his place.

Barnes has backed up Will Smith this season and appeared in 13 games. He is just 9 of 42 at the plate this season while posting a career-low OBP. Rushing, the Dodgers' 2024 Branch Rickey Minor League Player of the Year, has been lighting it up in Triple A this season where he's hit five home runs to go with a slash line of .308/.424/.515.

Barnes made his major league debut with the Dodgers in 2015 and was a member of World Series championship teams in 2020 and '24. In 2020 he appeared in 10 of the team's 18 postseason games, went 8 for 25 with three RBI and scored four runs. He also homered in Game 3 of that World Series.

Rushing will presumably take Barnes's spot backing up Smith and find him at-bats wherever they can. The Dodgers are again one of the best teams in baseball, but only have a half-game lead over the San Diego Padres in the NL West.

Leeds United are in some strife this season. After a strong start, the Whites find themselves in another relegation fight, with just 11 points to their name. That puts them one point clear of the drop zone, and with West Ham United and Nottingham Forest now two unbeaten, they could get caught.

Perhaps this was to be expected by Leeds fans at the start of the season. ESPN journalist Bill Connelly was someone who thought they’d go straight back down to the Championship, explaining that they “probably will have to figure out how to get by with defensive organisation and random bursts of quality attacking.”

Well, it’s not worked out like that so far, with manager Daniel Farke’s future now under question again.

Why Farke’s Leeds future is in doubt

Connelly identified a strong defence and clinical attacking bursts as the keys to how the Whites could keep themselves in the Premier League. Those two things have both been lacking so far this term.

Defensively, the West Yorkshire outfit have left a lot to be desired. They’ve been leaky at the back and have conceded 20 goals.

Despite signing three attackers in the summer, Farke’s side have managed to score just ten goals, better only than bottom-place Wolves.

This has, once again, brought the German’s job into question. He was reportedly close to getting sacked last season, but Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe said Farke is “my man” going into the Premier League adventure.

Circumstances can change quickly, though. Now, reports are suggesting Farke has five games to save himself. After losing the first one against Nottingham Forest before the international break, games against Aston Villa, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool await.

It does seem inevitable that Leeds will have to sack their manager sooner or later. They seem to have a new boss lined up who could get them thriving in front of goal again.

Leeds’ perfect Farke replacement

If Farke is removed from his post as Leeds head coach, journalist Graeme Bailey recently put forward a name for who could replace him.

He says that the pressure is piling on, especially ‘when you have a manager like Brendan Rodgers available,’ a man Leeds could well move for if they sack the German.

Rodgers was once described as a “world-class” manager by Gabby Agbonlahor on talkSPORT, after his impressive performances at Leicester City.

The Foxes were punching above their weight for years, partly thanks to the Northern Irishman’s contributions.

At the King Power Stadium, he looked to capitalise on quick transitional situations, with some dangerous attacking players at his disposal. Those included the likes of James Maddison and star striker Jamie Vardy.

In fact, getting the best out of his strikers has always been a key feature of Rodgers’ management, no matter what club he was at.

He has coached some big-name centre-forwards, including Vardy and Luis Suarez, all of whom have enjoyed success under the Northern Irishman.

Most successful strikers under Rodgers

Player (club)

Games

Goals

Jamie Vardy (Leicester)

157

70

Luis Suarez (Liverpool)

81

61

Moussa Dembele (Celtic)

94

51

Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester, Celtic)

151

46

Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool)

70

43

Stats from Transfermarkt

That could be music to Leeds fans’ ears, given their difficulties in front of goal. Perhaps Rodgers – and his attack-minded 4-3-3 setup – can be the guy to finally get them thriving in front of goal.

He may have a new striker to work with, too. Troy Parrott is a target for the club, according to recent reports, and could be on the move this January.

He has been on fire with club side AZ Alkmaar since moving there last summer, and has 33 goals and seven assists in 61 games.

Of course, he was the hero for the Republic of Ireland last week, helping them reach the World Cup playoffs.

That is exactly the sort of goalscoring prowess that Leeds are lacking at the moment. Despite having three strikers on the books, they are missing that clinical edge in front of goal.

Parrott, however, has just that, and could be the difference maker – much like Vardy was in the past under Rodgers.

With Rodgers’ impressive track record working with strikers, Parrott could be the next number nine the potential Leeds boss gets the best out of.

Together, they might be the perfect pair to get Leeds scoring goals and get them out of this relegation battle.

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Posts ByKelan Sarson Nov 19, 2025

France have sent Kylian Mbappe back to Real Madrid after the forward reported persistent ankle inflammation, ending his international break early despite scoring twice against Ukraine. The national team captain has returned to the Spanish capital to undergo further tests, forcing Didier Deschamps to adjust his plans for the final qualifier in Azerbaijan.

Kylian Mbappe sent back home by France amid discomfort

France confirmed an abrupt change to their squad when Mbappe, Eduardo Camavinga and Manu Kone were all released before the final World Cup qualifier in Azerbaijan. Kone is suspended, Camavinga has a hamstring strain, and Mbappe has been dealing with recurring inflammation in his right ankle.

The problem resurfaced after France’s 4-0 win over Ukraine, a night in which Mbappe scored twice and reached the 400-goal milestone. Despite completing the match, he felt renewed discomfort the next morning. After consultations between the France Football Federation (FFF) and Madrid, the decision was made to withdraw him from the trip to Baku and send him back to Spain for further assessment.

The FFF made the situation clear in its communication: Mbappe was not fit to continue and required additional medical evaluation in Madrid to determine the extent of the inflammation and prevent escalation ahead of a demanding club schedule.

AdvertisementAFPWhat reoccurring issue is Mbappe facing?

Mbappe’s ankle issue is not new. He missed France’s second October fixture with the same inflammation and has been managing flare-ups for several weeks. Although he played the full match against Ukraine, the symptoms intensified afterwards, prompting concern among both Deschamps’ staff and Madrid’s medical team.

Despite the sudden nature of his departure, the FFF insists there is no major injury, only recurring irritation that increases with workload. Madrid, preparing for league and Champions League commitments after the break, preferred to examine him immediately.

Los Blancos expect Mbappe to be available after the break, barring any new findings. in Spain reports that there are no signs of a serious issue but further tests are expected.

Chance for Ekitike to step up

With Mbappe out, the window opens for Hugo Ekitike, who has impressed each time he has featured for France since his senior debut in September this year. His contribution against Ukraine on Thursday with a goal, an assist, and a shot against the post in just 23 minutes further strengthened his case for more responsibility under Deschamps.

Ekitike has made five appearances since his August call-up and continues to build momentum both with France and Liverpool. Sunday’s qualifier offers him another chance to make a statement in Mbappe’s absence.

Camavinga, meanwhile, is also returning to Madrid after a week without training due to left-hamstring discomfort. Deschamps had already brought in Khephren Thuram as cover, and the FFF confirmed Camavinga was not fit for either match. Madrid expect him to return in time for their La Liga match against Elche on November 23. As per sources, both Camavinga and Mbappe are expected to be fit for Madrid immediately after the break.

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AFPWhat's ahead for France and Madrid?

France will finish their qualifying campaign without Mbappe, but with their place in the 2026 World Cup already secured by topping the group with 13 points, the situation is manageable. Deschamps will use the Azerbaijan match to rotate, evaluate depth and give opportunities to players who have shown progress, including Ekitike and Thuram.

For Los Blancos, the timing is sensitive but not alarming. Mbappe remains their leading scorer and the top scorer in La Liga this season, while Camavinga has become increasingly influential under Xabi Alonso. Both are central to Madrid’s plans as the club prepares for a dense calendar of league and European fixtures.

Medical updates from Spain indicate that neither player is carrying a serious injury. Mbappe will not undergo extensive testing unless symptoms worsen. Their return, alongside recovering teammate Thibaut Courtois puts Madrid in a strong position when they resume their season.

After he emerged as an early candidate to take the job, sources have shared Scott Brown’s stance on replacing Brendan Rodgers in the Celtic dugout.

Chris Sutton names "obvious choice" for Celtic

Rodgers shock exit has sparked several rumours as to who could arrive to replace the veteran manager. Many expected the former Leicester City boss to leave at the end of his contract next summer, but the Bhoys have now been left with no choice but to replace him several months early following his resignation.

Already eight points behind unexpected leaders Hearts in the Scottish Premiership after suffering a 3-1 defeat against Derek McInnes’ side on Sunday, Celtic must get their next permanent appointment right.

On that front, one name that has already been mentioned is Ange Postecoglou. Having initially hired Rodgers to replace the Australian in 2023, Celtic could re-hire Postecoglou to come full-circle in a decision that Chris Sutton would certainly back.

The Celtic legend told Sky Sports: “I think Ange Postecoglou would be a really smart appointment. He was loved the first time round.

“His brand of football went down well in Glasgow. He’s out of work. I think that would be a pretty obvious choice, a good choice and bring a lot of positivity back to Celtic, which they need right now.”

The 60-year-old arguably needs the Bhoys just as much as they need him these days following a disastrous 39-day spell in charge of Nottingham Forest. After being sacked twice by two Premier League clubs in the last year though, it remains to be seen whether he’ll make such a swift return.

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Posts BySean Markus Clifford Oct 26, 2025

It may be too soon for Postecoglou and the same may be said for ex-player Scott Brown, who also knows Celtic incredibly well.

Celtic job would come too soon for Scott Brown

Among the early candidates for the job has also been Scott Brown. The legendary midfielder has been perfecting his craft as a manager since 2022 and is now in charge of Ayr United. According to PA Media sources, however, the Celtic job would reportedly be coming too soon for Brown.

“The former Celtic captain is seen as a long-term candidate, but is still learning his trade as a manager with Ayr following a spell at Fleetwood. The 40-year-old led Ayr to the William Hill Championship play-offs last season and has them third in the table. Given the instability around the club, squad and league position, the timing does not look ideal for the former Scotland midfielder.”

For any young manager, especially those more inexperienced, the Celtic job would represent an incredible risk. The Bhoys need the stability that O’Neill could first lay the foundations for and an option like Postecoglou could provide. As things stand, they cannot afford to take a gamble on Brown, who should continue to learn his trade at Ayr United.

Arne Slot saw much-changed Liverpool fell to a sixth loss in seven matches as Ismaila Sarr’s clinical brace helped Crystal Palace reach the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

Oliver Glasner’s Eagles got the better of the Reds for the third time this season as they followed their Community Shield shoot-out triumph and last month’s Premier League victory at Selhurst Park with an Anfield win.

Sarr’s first-half brace and a late Yeremy Pino strike secured FA Cup holders Palace a 3-0 fourth round victory as increasingly scrutinised Liverpool boss Slot’s bold decision to make 10 changes backfired in front of a full house.

Liverpool scouts lining up Bahoya deal to form new partnership with Ekitike

He’s impressed the Reds

ByTom Cunningham Oct 29, 2025

Slot’s men had started Wednesday’s tie brightly, only for familiar foe Sarr to score twice at the end of the opening period to make it seven goals in nine matches against Liverpool.

Palace continued to cruise through the second half. The tie was over by the time teenage Reds substitute Amara Nallo was sent off in the 79th minute, with Pino adding extra gloss late on.

Defenders & goalkeeper

Freddie Woodman – 5

Even Freddie Woodman will be surprised to have received the call from Liverpool in the summer, but here he is and there he was in the starting line-up against Crystal Palace. To his credit, the Englishman was fairly flawless and could do nothing to prevent Sarr’s first-half brace or Pino’s late effort.

Calvin Ramsay – 6

Calvin Ramsay (yes, Calvin Ramsay) was perhaps the most surprising name on the teamsheet in a much-changed Liverpool side. The Reds have had their right-back problems as of late, so why not turn to the forgotten man?

Finally back at Anfield following disappointing loan spells and injury troubles, the Scotsman was one of the brightest sparks for the home side, particularly in the first half. He also gets bonus points for a stunning crossfield pass that Liverpool fans became used to down the right-hand side for several years. Welcome back, Calvin.

Joe Gomez – 3

It was a difficult evening for Joe Gomez, whose loose touch handed Sarr his first before his poor positioning allowed the Palace man a second in the space of four first-half minutes.

It was a frustrating watch for those at Anfield, who saw Gomez get off to a solid, leading start before mistakes crept into his game. Given the recent struggles of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, the last thing Liverpool needed was a poor performance from their other senior centre-back.

Andy Robertson – 4

In an unfamiliar centre-back role, it became clear that Andy Robertson was not in his favoured position from early on. Whilst he deserves credit for slotting in under the circumstances, there’s no denying that he struggled alongside Gomez. In many ways, it was fitting that the Reds played a fullback at centre-back against Marc Guehi as their regret became exposed.

That said, Robertson will be wondering what he has to do to take back his left-back spot as Liverpool’s disastrous defensive form continues.

Milos Kerkez – 4

Speaking of Liverpool left-backs, it was another frustrating evening for Milos Kerkez. He has continued to look rushed in possession and rash when defending. Although he wasn’t tested as much as previous weeks, the Hungary international was wasteful at times and that far from helped the blunt nature of Liverpool’s frontline.

Midfielders

Wataru Endo – 4

When Wataru Endo entered the Anfield turf last season, it often signalled game over for any opposition side. The Japanese international simply closed up for the evening and secured three points time and time again. This season, however, he has struggled to make the same impact.

Suddenly, there’s no hiding his weakness in possession which was shielded by work rate and robustness in the last campaign. Once again, he was loose against Palace and far from helped his side’s attempts to take control.

Trey Nyoni – 4

It was a night of learning for Trey Nyoni. Such a highly-rated player at Liverpool, the young midfielder felt the tempo of Premier League opposition in full and often found his passes misplaced.

Those at Anfield witness his unique composure in the middle of the park in pre-season, but he found out the hard way that time isn’t always a given at senior level.

Alas, it must be said that the senior members of the squad could have done a fair bit more to help the 18-year-old on a night to forget.

Alexis Mac Allister – 3

Alexis Mac Allister was undoubtedly one of Liverpool’s most important players last season’s title win. Alongside Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch, he formed an excellent midfield. Like much of Slot’s side as of late, however, he’s lost his way in the current campaign.

Still recovering from a knee injury in the summer, the Argentine once again looked a shadow of his best self against Crystal Palace. His form, or lack of it, hands Slot the worrying dilemma of just how to fix his current problems in the middle of the park.

Forwards

Kieran Morrison – 5

Thrust into the side at 18 years old, Kieran Morrison started well before gradually beginning to struggle against senior opposition. It’s not the first-team debut that he would have been dreaming of, but it is a moment in his career that he should cherish at Anfield nonetheless.

Had he at least enjoyed better service, things may have been different.

Rio Ngumoha – 6

Liverpool’s biggest bright spark, Rio Ngumoha very nearly curled a sensational effort into the top right in the first-half and certainly handed the likes of Jaydee Canvot a tough start to the evening. At 17 years old, his ability to take players on remains extraordinary and may just earn him a fair few more chances in the coming months.

Whilst Liverpool’s attack is full of big-money signings, Ngumoha’s glimpses of quality have sparked questions about his own game time despite his tender age,

Federico Chiesa – 6

It looked for a moment as though Federico Chiesa would hand Liverpool the lead in the early stages, only for his effort to end high and wide. That was that for the Italian’s chances, in truth, who struggled despite once again putting in the hard yards.

Even in defeat, his work rate should have put Slot on notice. As the Reds’ attack continues to struggle to click, Chiesa may yet provide a solution alongside the rest of his senior teammates.

Substitutes: Wellity Lucky (5), Amara Nallo (sent off, 2), Kaide Gordon (6), Trent Kone-Doherty (4)

Durham 119 for 6 (Bates 34, Heath 29) beat Hampshire 33 for 2 by one run (DLS)Grace Thompson bowled an exemplary over just before it hosed it down to give Durham a dramatic one-run victory by DLS over Hampshire Hawks in the Women’s Vitality Blast.Durham had scored 119 on a slow track, thanks to Suzie Bates’ 34 and Bess Heath’s 29 – with Freya Davies and Bex Tyson each picking up two wickets.With heavy rain forecast, the race was on to bowl the five overs needed to constitute a match, Maia Bouchier got Hampshire ahead of the rate, but Trudy Johnson made sure the scores level on DLS at the five-over mark.Thompson, however, only conceded three runs in the following over before the rain got too heavy and umpires Ant Harris and Julia Jarvis took the players off – with Hawks two runs shy of a winning score.It handed Durham their first Blast victory and Hawks back-to-back defeats.On the same pitch that South Africa played Zimbabwe in preparation for their World Test Championship final, Hawks chose to bowl first – an obvious choice with heavy rain forecasted.Bates began with a crushing four, but it didn’t set a precedent for regular boundary hitting as the pitch didn’t offer a great deal of pace.Durham’s batting was summed by starts, regular wickets, and very little offside play; only 23 of the 119 runs not struck on the onside.Katherine Fraser was the first of six wickets to fall when she picked up to deep midwicket, with Freya Davies also bowling Emma Marlow to return figures of two for 20.Bates, the scorer of half the eight fours in the innings in her 34, was the first of two to get stumped off Bex Tyson, with Abi Glen following suit later in the innings.Hollie Armitage scored 18 before she was bowled by Mary Taylor and Mady Villiers powered to long on.Heath whacked a six over deep midwicket in a useful unbeaten 29 to take Durham to a challenging score.Hampshire knew they needed 23 runs if they didn’t lose a wicket in the five overs that were needed to constitute a match.But Mady Villiers ended Ella McCaughan’s three-match half-century run by getting her to chip to mid-off, before Charli Knott was bowled going back to Katie Levick.That upped the five over target to 30, which thanks to Bouchier hitting both Villiers and Trudy Johnson for back-to-back fours put the hosts in control.Hampshire were on exactly 30 at five overs – Johnson ending with two dots – so a tie would have been a result with the rain starting to come down, but it wasn’t enough to end proceedings.Thompson tied Freya Kemp and Bouchier up to only allow three runs in the sixth over, when five were required to win before the heavens truly opened and there was no argument that no further play was possible.

Newcastle United will hope to challenge for silverware once again this season after lifting the Carabao Cup last term, even in the wake of Alexander Isak’s high-profile rebellion at St. James’ Park and ultimate transfer to Liverpool.

Isak cost a pretty penny when arriving from Real Sociedad in a club-record £63m deal in 2022, but he has since lined the pockets of the owners, contributing toward a period of newfound success and joining Liverpool for a British record £125m fee.

In Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, Eddie Howe has a few new forwards with enough talent to lead the line with confidence through the Premier League and Champions League seasons, though it might be a tall order to expect them to hit the same heights as the Sweden striker from the beginning.

Newcastle's tough task replacing Isak

Wissa has plied his craft in the Premier League for four years, joining Brentford from Lorient in France, and he struck a new level of form last year, scoring 19 league goals and being praised by Sky Sports’ Mark McAdam for his “sensational” ability in front of goal.

However, Wissa isn’t on the same level as Isak, who didn’t just bang them in for the Tynesiders but played with such smoothness and creativity too, with pundit Ally McCoist even hailing him as the “best all-round centre-forward”.

Woltemade arrives with potential, but he’s not Isak. Howe’s Newcastle system is steeped in efficient and slick transitional play, and that requires a striker both intelligent and coaxing a big chance into being and then deadly with the finishing touch.

Matches (starts)

35 (34)

28 (17)

Goals

19

12

Assists

4

2

Shots (on target)*

2.6 (1.2)

1.8 (0.9)

Big chances missed

17

11

Pass completion

79%

72%

Big chances created

3

8

Key passes*

0.8

1.3

Dribbles*

0.4

1.1

Ball recoveries*

2.3

1.9

Tackles + interceptions*

0.8

0.5

Duels (won)*

3.4

4.4

The jury is out for both of them, however, Newcastle once had a number nine who has proven their quality at the very highest level in the Premier League and may well have been a success in Howe’s current title-challenging team.

Newcastle sold their original Isak

A decade ago, Newcastle signed young centre-forward Ivan Toney from Northampton Town. He was 19 at the time and considered one of the most underrated prospects in England.

It didn’t work out for the England international, who left for Peterborough in League One in a mere £500k deal before unearthing his prolific potential in front of goal, leading to destructive displays with Thomas Frank’s Brentford, with the manager hailing him as “a monster”.

With Posh, he enjoyed a mighty time of it, scoring 49 in 94. With the Bees, he was even better, netting 72 in 141 outings.

Indeed, after four loan stints while a Newcastle player, the 29-year-old has now realised his capacity to thrive as one of the most physical and threatening forwards in the business, with his tall frame and clever link-up play certainly reminiscent of Isak at the front of Howe’s set-up.

He might not have the same high-speed running as Isak, but Toney is unquestionably a striker of merit, versatile and confident in creating for his peers.

Toney’s clinical performances in the Saudi Pro League, having joined Al-Ahli for £40m in 2024, are merely a continuation of his consistent success in the Premier League, and while there are those who begrudge his decision to leave for the riches of the Gulf, there’s no question that he’d still make the cut at a team like Newcastle.

He scored 30 goals for Al-Ahli last season, and also with a five-goal return in his trail this season, so Toney actually outscored Isak last season, having previously hit 36 Premier League goals across three terms with Brentford.

While it would have been unreasonably expensive to sign Toney this summer, there’s no doubt that the previous Toon regime blundered with this one, and that a young Toney within the current project might have found the perfect environment to have realised his plentiful talents.

He's outscoring Woltemade: Newcastle must regret selling the original Wissa

Newcastle could do with this striker’s quality after selling Isak to Liverpool.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Sep 2, 2025

He suffered the injury while sub-fielding at the MCG but is expected to be fit for the Sri Lanka tour in late January

Alex Malcolm29-Dec-2024

Josh Inglis played two BBL games this summer•Getty Images

Australia’s spare Test batter and wicketkeeper Josh Inglis has suffered a low-grade calf strain while fielding during the fourth Test at the MCG, which rules him out of the squad for the final Test in Sydney and puts his BBL in jeopardy as he is expected to be managed ahead the Test tour of Sri Lanka.Inglis was the sole spare batter with the squad on day three as allrounder Beau Webster was released to play in the BBL on Saturday. He shared sub fielding duties with spare bowler Sean Abbott but suffered a low-grade strain according to a Cricket Australia statement.Inglis has been released from the Test squad and officially ruled out of the Sydney Test although it was unlikely he would play barring injury. But he is expected to be fit for the two-Test tour of Sri Lanka where he is a distinct possibility of making his Test debut as a specialist batter in Galle given his prowess against spin.But the injury is a major blow for Perth Scorchers. He was allowed to play two of Scorchers’ first four matches against Hobart Hurricanes and Melbourne Renegades as the matches fell between the third and fourth Tests. But he will only have 22 days to recover from the calf strain before Australia’s Test squad depart for the UAE for a pre-tour camp prior to the first Test starting in Galle on January 29.CA will announce a replacement batter to join the squad for the fifth Test in Sydney. It does open the door for Nathan McSweeney to return to the squad given his ability to bat in multiple positions despite being dropped for Sam Konstas ahead of Boxing Day. Webster remains in the squad and available to play if required despite playing in the BBL on Saturday night.Jhye Richardson also remains with the squad alongside Abbott as fast bowling cover. There were some concerns over Mitchell Starc on Saturday after he received some treatment on-field for back pain. But Starc told SEN on the morning of day four that he was fine to bowl even though he wasn’t called upon before Australia picked up the final wicket of India’s first innings.