All posts by z3u9t.icu

Many West Ham United fans have been left to bemoan an update on Alan Irvine as the club’s website confirmed that he has left his role as assistant manager.

The 62-year-old will now take on a new technical advisory position to assist David Moyes and his coaching staff for the 2021/22 term.

The website describes him as a ‘hugely respected figure’ and ‘one of the finest coaches in the English game, admired and respected by players and his peers in the coaching world’.

It is not just Moyes who had contributed to the great work on the pitch last season, with which the East London club managed a sixth-placed finish in the Premier League and therefore qualified for the UEFA Europa League, but Irvine as well played a big part, and so it will be a huge loss not to have him right on the touchline.

Although he is still working with the Hammers, several Irons supporters have been left to bemoan the Scotsman not being able to work alongside Moyes from the touchline during games.

West Ham fans on Irvine update

These WHU fans flocked to the update as it was shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that they were ‘gutted’:

“I don’t consider this good news at all”

Credit: @LeefromAHN

“That’s not good. He is well liked. Respected coach. Carlton Cole was talking about how good he is”

Credit: @jeffers4045

“Gutting I liked him”

Credit: @RyanWestHam1999

“That’s not good news, need to keep that group together”

Credit: @rickwhufc

“Ah gutted, top coach he is!”

Credit: @westhampep

“NOOOOO”

Credit: @conwhufc03

In other news, find out what Moyes’ transfer priority is here!

Everton are interested in signing £27m-rated Atalanta defender Merih Demiral this summer and he could be the perfect replacement for Michael Keane.

What’s the story?

According to journalist Yakup Cinar (via Goodison News) Everton are among several sides who are “interested” in signing the 24-year-old who’s is currently on loan at Atalanta from Juventus.

They have the option to make the move permanent in the summer for £23.5m, but could potentially sell Demiral on for a profit like they did with Cristian Romero. When interviewed by TuttoJuve.com Cinar said that the interest in the player is high.

He’s miles better than Keane

Everton are battling for survival at the moment and are currently in the relegation zone. Whether or not they stay in the Premier League this summer doesn’t change the fact that they need a squad overhaul.

Many of their current players have underperformed massively this season, and one of those is defender Michael Keane, who Demiral could replace if he is brought to Goodison Park.

Keane has featured several times for the Toffees this season and has been a key part of their troubled defence. They have only managed to keep six clean sheets in the league all campaign, and it has led to Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher rightly calling their back four “Championship level”.

Demiral has been described by outlet Goal as a “brick wall” and at 6 foot 2, he is a strong presence in the box. He impressed when facing English side Manchester United in the group stage of the Champions League earlier this season, scoring versus the Red Devils and winning 100% of his duels in a 3-2 defeat, so he has proven himself against Premier League opposition already.

The Turkey international is a force in the air, being ranked in the top 2% when it comes to aerial duals won compared with other centre backs in Europe’s top five leagues over the last year.

When you compare him directly to Keane he’s also better on the ball with a higher pass completion percentage of 87.5% compared to 77.3%. He’s also tackled a higher percentage of dribblers than the Englishman.

If Demiral is available at a decent price in the summer then Frank Lampard should look no further than him to solve their issues at the back. At 24 he can also be a figurehead at the club for years to come.

IN other news: More misery: Alan Myers drops four-word Everton claim that’ll leave supporters fuming…

Southampton will be looking to put their FA Cup semi-final disappointment behind them as they return to London to face Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday evening.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side produced a shocking display in the 1-0 defeat against Leicester City which saw them fail to register a single shot on target against the Foxes.

Whilst there is still a slim chance that Southampton could be relegated this season, it seems as if the Saints will have very little to play for on Wednesday evening against Spurs, and Hasenhuttl should perhaps be starting to plan his side for next season and work on amending some of the aspects of their game that has let them down at times this campaign.

Spurs may well be rejuvenated by the sacking of Jose Mourinho earlier this week, although whether the players will be fully focussed following The Super League announcement remains to be seen.

Here’s how we think Hasenhuttl will set his Southampton side up at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with three changes from the side that started in the FA Cup…

Fraser Forster keeps his place in goal despite some awful passes out from the back at Wembley, as he couldn’t do anything about Kelechi Iheanacho’s goal.

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The defenders are perhaps fortunate that there is a serious lack of depth at the South Coast club this season, which means that the Austrian is likely to stick with the same back four.

There are two changes in midfield, as Takumi Minamino comes back in for Moussa Djenepo after being cup-tied at the weekend, whilst Jack Stephens replaces Ibrahima Diallo in midfield after the Frenchman produced one of his worst displays in a Southampton shirt in the semi-final.

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Finally, Che Adams is restored to the starting lineup in place of the “quality” Nathan Redmond, who was another who seriously underperformed at Wembley, and the Scottish international partners Danny Ings in attack.

And, in other news… Ralph blew it: Hasenhuttl’s tactical blunder cost Saints at Wembley, they were woeful

West Ham United fans are far from happy after it was revealed the Hammers made an offer of just £6m for goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.

The Hammers are continuing their preparations for the new campaign after a wonderful last term – they managed a sixth-place finish in the Premier League, meaning they will be playing in the Europa League this coming term. However, despite now needing to compete on four fronts, the Irons are yet to make a splash in the transfer market.

A goalkeeper is believed to be on the cards, and West Ham have been linked with a move for Johnstone, who was relegated to the Championship last season with West Brom. According to Sky Sports, the Hammers made an offer of just £6m for Johnstone, which was clearly not enough for the Baggies.

The news was shared on Twitter by @WestHam_Central, and it attracted plenty of attention from the supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Johnstone news below

“HAHAHA ARE WE LIVING IN 2005 OR SOMETHING”

Credit: @JoshVernege

“Embarrassing”

Credit: @19Robert94

“Disgraceful”

Credit: @IanCulleyMorga2

“We tried FC”

Credit: @xHappyHammerx

“That’s Sullivan for you !!!!!”

Credit: @paulway6

“Yup that’s the GSB way”

Credit: @c_spicer

In other news, West Ham fans were livid at this Euro 2020 decision.

An update has emerged regarding Celtic’s pursuit of Sheffield United defender George Baldock…

What’s the talk?

Speaking on The Go Radio Football Show, via Vital Football, former Hoops player Davie Provan claimed that the Glasgow club are baulking at the 28-year-old’s wages, which is causing their pursuit of the full-back to slow down.

The 65-year-old said: “George Baldock, I think, would have been a great signing for Celtic. Apparently they are baulking at the wages.

“But you know good players cost good money and Baldock is the type of player that Celtic are going to have to sign.”

Ange will be frustrated

If Baldock’s wage demands are causing an issue for Celtic, then Ange Postecoglou will be incredibly frustrated as the club would be missing out on a potentially excellent addition to their squad.

The right-back played 70 Premier League matches over the past two seasons for Sheffield United, particularly impressing in the 2019/20 campaign. He averaged a WhoScored rating of 6.79 that term, scoring twice and setting up three goals in 38 starts.

This shows that he has the quality to play in the top flight in England, suggesting that he could thrive in the Scottish Premiership for Celtic. As such, former Rangers player Barry Ferguson praised Baldock earlier this summer and backed the Hoops to sign him, stating that he would be a solid addition to their squad.

He told Go Radio: “One player that has stuck out has been George Baldock.

“He’s always been a steady Eddie on that right-hand side for Sheffield United. I can see the reasons why Celtic are interested in him.

“They’ll be getting a good, solid player, that’s for sure.”

This is why Postecoglou will be disappointed if the club’s wage structure prevents them from being able to do a deal for the Englishman. He is on £26k-per-week at Bramall Lane, whilst the Hoops’ top earner from last season was reportedly Scott Brown on £25k-per-week.

For a player of Baldock’s pedigree and quality, it could be worth shelling out slightly to ensure that Celtic are able to significantly strengthen the squad. Postecoglou needs as many good players  in his squad as possible to win back the title from Rangers, and the Sheffield United man fits the bill.

BBC pundit Garth Crooks once compared him to Manchester United legend George Best, after a strike against Norwich in the Premier League. He said:

“I wasn’t sure if it was George Baldock or George Best! I thought I was seeing things when I saw Baldock drag the ball back, pirouette and strike a glorious shot past Tim Krul. The finish – not to mention the skill – was superb along with Sheffield United’s performance.”

Therefore, he could be a sublime signing for the Hoops, as he is a proven, consistent and reliable performer at right-back. He could come in and be the club’s first-choice right-back for years to come, but it appears as though his wages are going to stop that from happening, which is why Postecoglou must be frustrated.

AND in other news, Celtic closing in on deal for “very gifted” gem, he’s the perfect Frimpong replacement…

Crystal Palace ended their four-match winless run in the Premier League on Saturday with a 2-0 success over Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

It looked as though Christian Benteke’s early goal was initially going to be enough for the three points before Eberechi Eze converted late on to seal the victory.

The winger, who eventually proved to be the match-winner for the Eagles in Yorkshire, was an inspiration for Roy Hodgson’s men throughout the evening. He was key in the first goal as Benteke converted as his jinking run and wonderful pass presented the Belgian with the chance to open the scoring.

He then sealed the points with a late goal of his own – just the second match in the Premier League in which he has contributed to more than one goal since his move from Queens Park Rangers last summer.

His contributions did not end there, though. According to WhoScored, he had three shots, one of those finding the back of the net.

The 22-year-old also contributed a further three key passes. Only midfielder Luka Milivojevic racked up more in that respect of the players taking to the pitch for the Eagles.

Eze was excellent when on the ball, too, displaying his wonderful dribbling ability on a number of occasions. He completed five dribbles throughout the 90 minutes, the most in the entire Crystal Palace line-up.

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It goes without saying that the hosts then could simply not control him. They did eventually find a way to halt him, though, and that was to bring him down. In the end, Eze won five fouls throughout the game, as many as the rest of the Crystal Palace side put together.

Having been hailed as “impressive” in the past by Jamie Redkapp, Hodgson will surely be delighted with the winger’s latest display for the Eagles.

AND in more news, Crystal Palace are eyeing a move for a Bundesliga star…

Writing on Twitter, reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared news of an announcement from Tottenham Hotspur involving Paulo Fonseca.

The Lowdown: Tottenham manager search over?

Tottenham have been without a head coach since they sacked Jose Mourinho back in late April with a plethora of names being linked to the role.

The likes of Julian Nagelsmann and Brendan Rodgers were early top contenders, but after Spurs failed to get anywhere with them, they turned their attention to other targets.

Spurs held talks with big name candidates like Mauricio Pochettino and Antonio Conte most recently but now all signs point towards the possible appointment of former Roma manager Paulo Fonseca.

The Latest: Romano drops major Fonseca claim…

Writing on Twitter, Romano has now shared a major update he’s hearing on Fonseca and the job at Tottenham Hotspur.

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Indeed, the reporter claims that Fonseca is ‘set to sign’ his contract with Spurs with the club now ‘already planning’ for an official announcement and working on transfer strategy.

“Paulo Fonseca is set to sign his contract as new Tottenham head coach,” said Romano.

“Club now already planning for official announcement and transfers strategy together with the Portuguese manager.”

The Verdict: Right move?

After all the talk involving both Conte and Pochettino, Fonseca seems like quite a downgrade by comparison – but his style could actually be suited to Tottenham.

An experienced title-winning manager at previous club Shakhtar Donetsk, he also promotes an open, attacking brand of football and is known for promoting youth (Evening Standard) – fitting right into chairman Daniel Levy’s requirements going by his end of season letter to supporters.

While not the glamorous big name, there could be hope that Fonseca does in fact deliver at Tottenham.

In other news: Spurs will now swoop for this £31.5-valued ‘leader’ with Paratici calling, find out more here.

Many Wolves fans have been left slamming the display of Francisco Trincao in their game at home to Newcastle United in the Premier League.

The Portugal international missed a big chance to score in the first half that would have put the Midlands club 2-0 up after Hwang Hee-chan had given them the lead, but they ended up conceding an equaliser to Jeff Hendrick moments later to make the score 1-1 at half-time.

Other than that opportunity, he struggled to really get into the game, and seemed to be bullied off of the ball a little bit too easily at times, with some members of the Molineux faithful noting his physicality.

Before the match this afternoon, Trincao had only managed one goal and no assists all season (Transfermarkt), and it seems as if he is struggling to adapt to English football.

Wolves fans on Trincao display

These WWFC supporters slammed his performance on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that he is ‘awful’:

“Trincao way off the pace Adama on at half-time surely”

Credit: @CaritaMejor

“Trincao horror show”

Credit: @lewis_sharp17

“Trincao is awful.”

Credit: @JBabbacombe

“Trincao just isn’t very good”

Credit: @FourFourTwoPls

“Trincao might not be tough enough for the Premier League.”

Credit: @Ashley19345299

“Get Trincao off the pitch”

Credit: @MichaelKlump44

In other news, find out what Pedro Neto footage has Wanderers buzzing here!

It’s been a frustrating few years for West Bromwich Albion, with the high of winning promotion from the Championship in 2019/20 being drowned out by Premier League relegations in both 2017/18 and 2020/21.

Their inability to remain a constant force in the top-flight of English football is down to many factors, although poor recruitment has been a near-constant underlining factor for many seasons now.

Underwhelming purchases such as Kenneth Zohore, Oliver Burke and Grzegorz Krychowiak have contributed to their recent decline, but their is now a new regime at the helm of the Hawthorns.

Former Barnsley manager Valerien Ismael took charge of the Midlands outfit over the summer after guiding the Terriers into the play-offs following a fifth-placed finish – their best since 1999/2000.

And the French-German tactician brought one of his star performers from Oakwell with him to West Brom in the shape of Alex Mowatt, changing the club’s luck in the transfer market as a result.

The 26-year-old midfielder arrived on a free transfer after his contract expired with Barnsley, and he’s finally showing his true ability on a consistent basis for Albion after it seemed likely he’d never reach his potential for so long.

Mowatt burst onto the scene at boyhood club Leeds United as an exciting teenager, bagging ten goals and providing six assists in his first two campaigns as a Championship player.

The former England U20 international became renowned for his long-range strikes and attacking threat, earning praise from several impressed onlookers, including former manager Steve Evans.

“I couldn’t have painted a better picture, and it opened up to a special young man who’s once again scored a special goal. It was a stunning strike, but he does it in training most days,” Evans said after Mowatt’s fierce strike helped to see off Huddersfield back in 2015.

“It’s not just his two goals but his all-round play. (There were) periods in the second half when he kept the ball and worked hard and was smart, and it makes the babies like him and (Lewis) Cook very special.”

However, his subsequent two seasons yielded just three league goals, albeit with the same amount of assists to his name, leading to Mowatt dropping down a division after signing for Barnsley.

But under Ismael, he’s resurrected his career and is producing the kind of displays week in week out that he threatened to do during his breakout years.

Since the beginning of 2020/21, Mowatt has notched up 19 goal contributions in 55 second-tier fixtures, playing a pivotal part in the success of both Barnsley and West Brom.

His outstanding form has seen his market value rise to £6.3m, proving West Brom struck gold by signing the midfield maestro over the summer.

And, in other news…West Brom set for big injury boost ahead of Birmingham, Ismael will be buzzing 

Everton have a new manager at the helm but their transfer strategy doesn’t look as though it’ll differ from years gone by.

The Toffees hierarchy are set to back Rafa Benitez but there has been no sign of any incomings just yet.

What’s the word?

The Merseyside outfit have been linked with a number of high profile players from Isco and Philippe Coutinho to Denzel Dumfries.

However, one of the latest rumours revolves around a goalkeeper; Pierluigi Gollini.

TuttoAtalanta (via Sport Witness) claims that Everton have taken information on the Italian stopper and are now considering a bid for him this summer.

Gollini is expected to be pushed down the pecking order at Atalanta and the Toffees could offer him an escape route.

The ‘keeper is currently valued at £15.3m by Transfermarkt.

Pickford in trouble?

There is no doubting just how good Jordan Pickford is when it comes to England duty.

He has very rarely put a foot wrong under Gareth Southgate and has shown as much on his way to helping the Three Lions reach the final of the European Championships.

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Pickford kept five clean sheets in his opening five matches but began to look a little shakier in the semi-final win over Denmark.

The Everton stopper was poor with his distribution as some of the flaws we’ve seen during his performances for the Toffees reared their ugly head.

During recent campaigns, the 26-year-old has been questionable between the sticks, being described by many, including journalist Phil McNulty, as a “liability.”

It’s easy to see why. Throughout 176 Premier League appearances, the stopper has made 15 individual errors directly leading to a goal. Seven of those errors have come in the last two years which make him the most error-prone ‘keeper in the top-flight over that time frame.

Everton have been linked with a few goalkeepers including Barcelona’s Neto but considering Gollini is a first choice, this could finally give them an excuse to axe Pickford.

His form this summer has been near impeccable but that might not matter if he continues to perform under par for his club.

Standing at 6 foot 4, Gollini is a giant frame between the posts and is particularly highly rated in Italy.

Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny once claimed that he’s “performed miracles.”

The 26-year-old ranks in the 62nd percentile for post-shot expected goals minus goals allowed. For those who may be confused, the higher your percentage in this department, the better you are at stopping shots.

Gollini ranks higher in this regard with Pickford falling into the 54th percentile.

One of the biggest things to notice about the Everton target is his ability to sweep. He ranks in the 85th percentile for defensive actions outside of the penalty area. Pickford is only in the 40th percentile for this department.

On that evidence, it would appear that Gollini is a completely different type of goalkeeper.

Either way, Benitez will be hoping that he brings greater stability than Pickford has done in recent campaigns.

AND in other news, Everton eye move for £34m gem with “incredible finishing qualities”, DCL surely scared…