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Worcestershire County Cricket Club have announced plans to re-develop two stands at the Diglis End of the New Road County Ground in Worcester

Worcestershire CCC Media Release28-Aug-2002Worcestershire County Cricket Club have announced plans to re-develop two stands at the Diglis End of the New Road County Ground in Worcester. A planning application has been submitted to the City Council for the £450,000 project and it is hoped the project will be completed in time for the 2003 season.Sport England, under the Safer Sports Ground programme, have confirmed a grant of up to £200,000 towards the project.The re-development will increase seating capacity by over 700 and include a new scoreboard, bar and refreshment facilities, toilets and facilities for the disabled.Chief Executive, Mark Newton, explains "Our facilities for the public are in need of an upgrade and new legislation means we currently fall below the guidelines required for disabled access and viewing. This development will enable us to meet these new standards and provide much improved viewing for the public. This year’s day/night match saw a capacity crowd and we believe the introduction of 20/20 cricket next season will attract big audiences. New Road is without doubt one of the most beautiful grounds in the world and we believe the design of the new stands will ensure the unique charms of the ground are retained."

Newcastle United are reportedly interested in Swansea City captain Matt Grimes, though Southampton could hold an advantage in the pursuit of the 25-year-old [Hampshire Live].

The Lowdown: The Magpies gear up for the 2021/22 Premier League season

As Steve Bruce’s men gear up for the 2021/22 Premier League season, they now have seemingly turned their attention towards the Swansea anchor man.

Despite failing to venture into the summer transfer window as of yet, the Toon have been linked heavily with moves for the likes of Kristoffer Ajer and Conor Hourihane, respectively.

However, Newcastle have now seemingly identified the Exeter-born man as a potential target.

Presumably, this could to replenish the hole left in midfield following the return of star man Joe Willock to parent club Arsenal after his loan stint ended [METRO].

The Latest: Southampton hold an advantage in Grimes’ negotiations

Currently, Grimes is attracting the attention of the Geordies alongside Premier League rivals Southampton [Hampshire Live]. Despite this, the Saints may hold a key trump card in any potential negotiations.

Quoted as being available for around a mere £8 million [Chronicle], Southampton hold the unlikely benefit of possessing former Swansea City target Michael Obafemi [Hampshire Live].

Said to be close to making a loan move to the Liberty Stadium in January, the move was only curtailed due to the Irishman suffering a muscle injury [BBC]. Now back fit and raring to go, there could be potential for a swap deal between the two clubs [Hampshire Live].

The Verdict: Newcastle United should prioritise recruiting Grimes as they build for next campaign

Undoubtedly, losing out on bringing Grimes to St James’ Park would be a blow for the Magpies in the infancy of their 2021/22 season. Making 51 appearances across all competitions last season, the midfield enforcer registered nine goal contributions; four goals and five assists [Transfermarkt].

Labelled as “brilliant” by current manager Steve Cooper [Swansea City FC Official], the Jacks’ talisman made an impressive two tackles on average per 90 minutes in the previous year [WhoScored].

Needing reinforcements as they look to build on their 12th placed Premier League finish last time out [BBC], North-East giants Newcastle should look to beat off all competition for Grimes’ signature by whatever means.

In other news, Alan Nixon issues a promising Newcastle United budget update.

When Zimbabwean skipper Heath Streak arrived for his team’s press conference there were only a handful of journos who were around to take down his comments

Anand Vasu11-Sep-2002When Zimbabwean skipper Heath Streak arrived for his team’s press conference there were only a handful of journos who were around to take down his comments.After big guns like Australia and South Africa finished, there was little interest in Zimbabwe. However, those present will remember the words spoken and the looks exchanged for some time to come. With the country being torn apart by social and political problems, the Zimbabwean cricketers put on a brave face and attempted to get on with the game.”There are no problems in Zimbabwe at the moment. Security is fine and our families are there at the moment,” Streak said, albeit not terribly convincingly.With Australia already pulling out of a tour to Zimbabwe, there are concerns that a similar boycott could hit the World Cup, where teams play six matches in Zimbabwe. During the 1996 World Cup, both Australia and West Indies forfeited matches as they did not travel to Sri Lanka on safety grounds. Streak was naturally keen that this kind of boycott was not repeated in 2003 and that the matches went on undisturbed.”We’re confident the matches will go ahead. Our government and Ministry of Sport have pledged their support and when Pakistan come on tour in October, it will be a good chance to see that things are all right when it comes to sport,” he said.Heath’s father Denis was in custody for three days recently after refusing to leave his farm and game reserve. The other cricketers directly affected by the turmoil in Zimbabwe are Guy Whittall and Sean Ervine.In order to convince the cricket boards from other countries, Streak said initiatives were in place. "Our board will be sending invitations to all the boards of teams coming to Zimbabwe for the tournament to come and witness the Pakistan tour for themselves to see that it is safe for them to play there,” Streak said.Coach of the team, former Aussie bat Geoff Marsh corroborated what Streak said, adding, “I’ve been living there full-time for the past 12 months and living in Harare has been no problem. Lots of guys have asked me what it’s like and I’ve told them the truth, that it’s safe.”Harare is a great spot and I look forward to England and Australia coming for the World Cup. I would be very disappointed if the matches were moved.”It has been learned that the Zimbabwean team were instructed by their board to stay away from questions on the political situation.”I’d prefer not to delve into politics as sport and politics don’t mix,” Streak said, quite unconvincingly.”The country is going through a phase of change and everyone is affected. I’m just trying to focus on my cricket and what happens, happens,” Streak added.How anyone can concentrate on a game of cricket when his wife and child are miles and miles away in a home that may not be their’s for long, is unfathomable.

Celtic are interested in a swoop for FC Famalicão defender Riccieli, as reported by Celtic Now and Forever.

The Lowdown: Celtic gear up for 2021/22 as transfer rumours swirl

As Celtic move towards 2021/22, they will be hoping to hit the ground running as they bid to reclaim to Premiership title at the first attempt.

Although Ange Postecoglou hasn’t dipped hit toes into the transfer market as of yet, the Celts have been heavily linked with moves for Charlie Wyke and Mat Ryan respectively [Football Insider].

However, it seems that the Hoops could be interested in an alternative transfer target as their rebuild begins in earnest.

The Latest: Celtic ‘make contact’ with Riccieli’s agency over potential deal

The Hoops are said to have ‘made contact’ with Riccieli’s agency D20 Sports about bringing the centre-back to Glasgow, as relayed by email to Celtic Now and Forever.

Many other clubs are rumoured to be interested in the 22-year-old [Celtic Now and Forever], who has a market value of £1.35m according to Transfermarkt.

Kristoffer Ajer looks set to leave Parkhead this summer amid attention from Newcastle United [Glasgow Times], so the Celts must act quickly in order to secure his prospective replacement.

The Verdict: Riccieli would be a good addition to the Parkhead ranks this summer.

Someone of Riccieli’s ilk would be an ideal addition to the Celtic fold this window. Plying his trade in Liga NOS, he made 26 appearances and contributed one goal to his team in 2020/21 [Transfermarkt].

Strong in the air (2.1 headers won per game last season) and with a match average of 1.6 interceptions matching Celtic’s best performers in that regard, he could be seen as an agreeable fit for the Hoops due to his sell-on value and scope to develop as a player further down the line.

He is also capable of filling in at right-back, potentially providing some depth in what has been a problem position in recent years for the Scottish giants [FotMob].

With Champions League qualifying set to begin for Celtic next month, the Hoops should be doing all they can to push the deal over the line quickly.

In other news, Celtic are in talks to bring a 31-goal striker to Glasgow this summer.

Adama Traore can be perceived in two ways; exciting and impossible to defender against or, an incredibly frustrating player to watch with a severe lack of end product. No matter which way he is perceived, Wolves legend Steve Bull believes that he would fit in at Chelsea.

There have been reports that Thomas Tuchel could turn to the Wolves star if the club’s attempt to land Inter Milan wing-back Achraf Hakimi are unsuccessful, after the Blues made an audacious £56.1 million bid for the defender.

Traore, described as “unplayable” by by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp last year, had been utilised in several different positions under former boss Nuno Espirito Santo. They included wing-back, winger and a striker to accompany Raul Jimenez, but it would be the former position that Tuchel would look to deploy the Spaniard in if he brought him to Stamford Bridge.

Tuchel brought a huge amount of success to Chelsea with a top-four finish and the Champions League trophy, and with his first transfer window as manager he would be bringing in a great player if he signed Traore, and Bull could see the Spaniard fitting in as he spoke exclusively to Football FanCast:

“He’s fast and has nimble feet so he’d suit Chelsea and the way they play because he could use all his energy up the pitch and let the midfielders tuck in and cover him.”

Chelsea are spoilt for choice in the final third but the only option they have that can get past a defender with raw pace is Christian Pulisic but his injury record is not great so having a stronger version of Pulisic in Traore would be ideal for Tuchel.

The £43,000-per-week winger would be a massive loss for Bruno Lage before he’s even got his feet under the table as he really can flip a game on its head by himself – you just have to look at the 1-0 victory against Fulham when both sides were very poor but the Spaniard took it upon himself to smash an effort into the top corner.

No breach of the bargaining protocol occurred when New Zealand Cricket chief executive Martin Snedden released his side’s documents in the dispute with New Zealand’s players into the public arena two weeks ago

Lynn McConnell22-Oct-2002No breach of the bargaining protocol occurred when New Zealand Cricket chief executive Martin Snedden released his side’s documents in the dispute with New Zealand’s players into the public arena two weeks ago.The New Zealand Cricket Players’ Association (NZCPA) had sought mediation on the matter claiming Snedden had breached the protocol.Snedden denied the claim and according to a joint release made by both parties today it was accepted that neither party had breached the protocol.The mediation did result in a reconfirmation by both parties to the bargaining protocol while concerns of the NZCPA were clarified in relation to the confidentiality provisions.Both parties agreed that:In the event any one of them should place information into the public domain, then any other party shall be free to comment publicly on that information.If one party should present information within the negotiating process then that information shall remain confidential to the parties and not be referred to the media or else where without the prior consent of the presenting party.

Leeds United’s pursuit of Cagliari midfielder Nahitan Nandez has reportedly stalled, but there is still confidence that the move will go through eventually.

The Lowdown: Leeds push for Nandez move

The Whites have been linked with a host of new signings ahead of the summer transfer window, as Marcelo Bielsa looks to improve his squad further.

One player who has been endlessly tipped to join Leeds is Nandez, who is currently on international duty with Uruguay at Copa America.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359346″]

The Latest: Midfielder could join on loan

There has been an on-off nature to the saga, however, and a fresh update has now been provided.

According to La Nuova Sardegna [via Sport Witness], talks have stalled over a move, which is proving to be frustrating for Leeds.

The Whites still believe a deal can be completed, though, with the report suggesting the delay could simply be down to Victor Orta and co focusing their attentions on wrapping up a deal for Junior Firpo.

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The Verdict: Not ideal

If Leeds do manage to acquire Nandez’s signature, it could be a fantastic piece of business.

The Uruguayan could bring Kalvin Phillips-like qualities to the Whites’ midfield, biting into tackles – he averaged 1.8 per game in Serie A last season – but also using the ball intelligently (one key pass per match in the league in 2020/21).

For context, Phillips boasted 2.6 tackles and 1.2 key passes per game in the league this season, so perhaps Nandez arrives as the perfect understudy.

The £19.8million-rated South American is also approaching what should be his peak years, so Leeds would be snapping him up at just the right time.

That said, it is hardly ideal if the transfer drags on long into pre-season – Bielsa will surely want time to bed any new arrivals into his extremely intense and specific system.

In other news, Leeds have reportedly made contact with one of their many rumoured left-back targets. Find out who it is here.

Stand-in skipper Rahul Dravid was relieved India managed to hold on for a three-wicket win after making heavy weather of their 202-run target in the sixth one-day international against West Indies on Thursday.

Reuters21-Nov-2002Stand-in skipper Rahul Dravid was relieved India managed to hold on for a three-wicket win after making heavy weather of their 202-run target in the sixth one-day international against West Indies on Thursday.India recovered after a top-order collapse early on and a middle-order slump before the 35th over to level the seven-match series 3-3.”We lost a few wickets early, then we had a good partnership and lost three more crucial wickets,” Dravid told reporters. “We certainly made it more difficult than we should have. But we got through, that’s what is important in the end.”Dravid top-scored with 58 to rescue the team from 48 for three in a 99-run stand with Yuvraj Singh, who chipped in with 54. But they fell in quick succession with the total on 147 as the West Indies got back into the game.”I would have liked us to play more professionally. Yuvraj and I should have carried on for 25-30 more runs and really sealed the game,” Dravid said. “But Bangar came through again and showed tremendous grit.”All-rounder Sanjay Bangar finished on 32, off 38 balls, to see his team through. He had scored a similar match-winning 57 to help India chase a mammoth 325 at Ahmedabad last week.Dravid, captain because Saurav Ganguly is out for the rest of the series with a back injury, heaped praise on his bowlers.”We had to bowl well after we chose to put them in and I think we did a great job to restrict them to 201,” he said.This was the first time this series, which had so far showcased exceptionally high scores, that bowlers were lauded.”It was a terrific performance by the bowlers, they really delivered the goods,” Dravid said. “The seamers put us up early and then Kartik and Bangar bowled good restrictive spells. We were having some problems in the first 15 overs in the series, but there were no signs today.”Seamer Ajit Agarkar took three for 24 and off-spinner Murali Kartik grabbed a career-best three for 36 in only his fourth one-dayer.”Murali has bowled really well in this series. Today he came good in a pressure situation and delivered the goods,” Dravid said. “He really put us on our way.”Dravid is now gunning to carry the Jodhpur momentum into the decider in the southern city of Vijaywada on Sunday.”We have a chance to win the series now,” he said. “It’s a one-off game and we’re looking forward to cash in on the confidence this win has given us.”India clinched the recent three-Test series against West Indies 2-0.

Tobago and Windward Islands – will be asked to name 13

Derrick Nicholas12-Nov-2002The directors of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), over the weekend ratified a number of recommendations coming from its Cricket Committee that will affect the selection and participation of the West Indies B Team in next year’s regional first-class cricket championship.In acknowledging that the selection and participation of the team in this year’s Busta Cricket Series was fraught with problems, the WICB asked the Cricket Committee to discuss the issue and make specific recommendations that will help the to make the team more competitive in next year’s first-class championship.”Over the last two years, the B Team has been picked hurriedly and we are not too pleased with that ad hoc approach to its selection,” Rev. Wes Hall, president of the WICB, told a news conference at the Trinidad Hilton Hotel on Monday.”Because this is a World Cup year and some of the territorial teams will be affected by the absence of leading players, we wanted to devise a mechanism for selecting the B Team that would be fair to the territories and meet the objective of ensuring that those selected would represent a competitive team comprised of the region’s best young players.””The territorial teams – Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Leeward Islands, Trinidad & Tobago and Windward Islands – will be asked to name 13 “protected” players who will NOT be eligible for selection to the B team by January 15. But any player not on that list and meeting the age requirement will be eligible for selection to the B Team.The Cricket Committee also recommended, and the directors agreed that the age restriction of Under-23 for the B Team is to be maintained. Players should be under 23 after January 1 next year and, for the first time, the captain of the team will be chosen from among the players selected.Rev. Hall also revealed that those picked will be able to transfer from their national team to the B Team for a particular round of matches, but the reverse will not be allowed.”One of the problems we have had is that young players eligible for the B Team were picked by their national teams and when the leading players on duty with West Indies returned they were never given a chance to play at all,” he said.The West Indies junior selection committee along with coach Gus Logie and senior selector Joey Carew will pick the B Team.

The Athletic’s Gregg Evans has dropped a transfer claim involving Aston Villa which should delight Dean Smith.

What’s the story?

Having already sealed deals for Emi Buendia and Ashley Young, Villa have made a productive start to the summer transfer window.

However, one area of concern is at the back, where Smith has relatively few options at his disposal in the middle of defence, and Evans has given his take on what to expect over these next few weeks.

Writing on his Twitter account and also in The Athletic, the journalist said: “Had a closer look at #AVFC plans in attack. This includes why No.10 is still a priority position; why a striker is not on the radar (yet); Villa’s attempt to keep Grealish. (For those asking, I’m sure another CB will also be considered soon).”

Dean Smith will be happy

While Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa formed a superb centre-back duo in the Premier League last season – Villa conceded just 46 goals, the seventh-lowest tally in the division – the lack of strength in depth behind them was very worrying.

Kortney Hause was the man to whom Smith usually turned in times of need, but with Bjorn Engels now having sealed a move back to his native Belgium, the Midlands club are desperate for reinforcements at centre-back.

Injuries to either or both of Mings or Konsa next season would be a nightmare for Smith and the club’s fans and could completely ruin their hopes of a European finish.

It’s exactly why Evans’ claim that he’s sure another centre-back will “also be considered soon” is a major relief, and one which will surely delight Smith and Villa fans ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

Meanwhile, Villa are closing in on this big-money signing…