All posts by z3u9t.icu

Glasgow Rangers fans are livid after a Gers-supporting policeman was demoted due to a joke he made about the club’s title celebrations.

This past term was a fantastic campaign for the Ibrox outfit. They won their first major trophy in 10 years as they lifted the Premiership title, and they even went the league season unbeaten (BBC).

As they received the trophy at their home stadium after beating Aberdeen on the final day of the season, thousands of Gers supporters took to the streets to celebrate.

There were some ugly scenes in George Square – 20 fans were arrested on the day (firstpost.com) – but the celebrations were generally peaceful. However, the police are continuing to investigate the scenes, and have now demoted a Rangers-supporting policeman after he made a joke on Twitter.

The news was shared on the social media platform by The Scottish Sun, and it attracted plenty of anger from the Rangers supporters. They took to Twitter to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the Rangers fans had to say below

“Sacked, for a joke. Bang out of order”

Credit: @Rangerswin55

“Absolute shambles”

Credit: @DM_RFC

“Dreadful development”

Credit: @AAA85854725

“Absolutely ridiculous.”

Credit: @june_crichton

“It was obviously a joke post. So having a sense of humour is now illegal in Scotland? This is actually disgusting. The reporting of it equally nefarious.”

Credit: @steviesouness

“This is a farce, it was clearly a joke.”

Credit: @AwkwardCharming

In other news, Kieran Maguire has made this Ibrox claim.

Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Sean Walsh has now shared a major midweek update on Antonio Conte’s future at the Premier League club, and it’s exactly what supporters need to hear.

The Lowdown: Conte eyeing PSG?

The Italian, who reportedly has a clause in his current Spurs deal which would allow him to leave at the end of this season, has been at the centre of claims linking him with a move to Ligue 1 giants Paris-Saint Germain.

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Former Lilywhites manager Mauricio Pochettino is allegedly set to depart the French capital despite their Ligue 1 title win, prompting rumours of a possible Conte move to succeed the Argentine.

Le Parisien claimed last week that the 52-year-old is seriously interested in a PSG switch, even apparently telling their club chiefs that he is considering the job.

Amid these worrying developments, Walsh has now taken to social media with a positive update Spurs supporters may need to hear.

The Latest: Walsh makes major midweek Conte claim…

According to the reporter, who covers the north Londoners for 90min, Tottenham are ‘confident’ Conte will stay despite the PSG updates.

He goes on to say that former Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane is actually their top target, not Spurs’ man.

Walsh explained (via Twitter): “Understand that #THFC are confident that Antonio Conte will stay this summer despite reports linking him to PSG job. PSG’s top managerial target remains Zinedine Zidane.”

The Verdict: Great news for Spurs fans

Zidane, currently out of work and a proven Champions League-winning manager, is arguably a shoe-in for the Parc des Princes given his availability and how the fans there would idolise the France legend.

He would certainly be an easier appointment than Conte and one with just as much pedigree.

Taking this into account, Walsh’s update certainly makes sense and PSG director Leonardo may be best placed leaving Spurs’ manager and prioritising a move for Zidane.

In other news: Source: Tottenham edge closer to ‘top signing’, he really wants to join Conte! Find out more here.

Peterborough United Director of Football Barry Fry has savaged Liverpool’s owners in an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, insisting that they are “unforgivable” after their attempt to join a European Super League.

The football world was in shock last week as six English clubs, along with various sides from the continent, attempted to form a breakaway league.

Liverpool were one of the clubs at the front of the queue, and were joined by Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur from the Premier League.

All six clubs were forced into a humiliating climbdown as they all withdrew just 48 hours after attempting to set the league up, but not before Jurgen Klopp was forced into an excruciating interview with Sky Sports.

Speaking prior to his side’s 1-1 draw with Leeds United, Klopp seemed blindsided by the plans and was unhappy with the club’s desire to enter what was essentially a closed shop.

And Fry thinks that FSG’s conduct was beyond the pale, especially as Klopp was not informed of the plans.

Speaking exclusively to FFC, Fry let rip, as he said: “Well you could clearly see when he was being questioned that he was uncomfortable for the mere fact that he didn’t know anything about it.

“For what that man has done for Liverpool Football club and for the city of Liverpool, is absolutely incredible and it’s unforgivable to not keep your manager in the loop of what you intend to do.”

Liverpool could be about to receive another significant boost to their transfer budget after winger Sheyi Ojo was linked with a permanent move away from the club.

What’s the story?

According to AllNigeriaSoccer, German outfit Bayer Leverkusen have identified the 24-year-old as a primary target following the departure of Demarai Gray to Everton.

Ojo last made an appearance for Liverpool three years ago and has spent five of the last six seasons out on loan with Wolves, Fulham, Stade de Reims, Rangers and Cardiff City.

With the powerful forward absent from the Reds’ pre-season tour of Austria and beginning his training with the Anfield outfit’s U23 side, it seems a transfer away from Merseyside is inevitable.

He’s been shocking

The 19-time English champions had high hopes for Ojo in his youth team days, but the former England U21 international has failed to live up to his early promise.

During a loan spell with Steven Gerrard’s Rangers during the 2019/20 campaign, he struggled to make an impact in Scottish football, drawing criticism from several pundits, including ex-Ibrox ace Neil McCann.

Speaking on Open Goal’s Keeping the Ball on the Ground podcast, Slane said: “For me, I’m going to say it, the boy Ojo isn’t Rangers class. He’s not Rangers quality for me. He really isn’t.

“I thought at first he’d be a really good signing…he’s not Rangers quality. He doesn’t offer enough and to me, he looks lost in a man’s world out there. He does not look a Rangers player, a player that wants to win the league, a player that’s mentally tough enough.”

During that spell in Glasgow, the £10k-per-week attacker found the net just five times and started on only nine occasions in the Scottish Premiership. A spell with Cardiff was semi-productive, contributing to 12 strikes but it was fine evidence that he simply isn’t Premier League quality.

With the effects of the ongoing pandemic continuing to restrict football club’s ability to spend in the current window, securing lucrative sales for unwanted fringe players is the easiest way to boost the coffers.

Liverpool have already managed to offload Taiwo Awoniyi and Marko Gruijc for a combined £17m to Union Berling and Porto, respectively, and Leverkusen’s interest in Ojo could see another sizeable sum land on the Reds’ lap.

And, in other news…James Pearce drops Liverpool transfer update that may leave fans concerned 

Wolverhampton Wanderers are limited with their spending this summer but if they sell some of their best players, we could see a hefty spree in the remaining weeks of the window.

Bruno Lage hasn’t had it easy since becoming the new manager but the arrival of Trincao has provided reason to be excited.

On the chalkboard

One player who could leave Wolves this summer is Adama Traore.

The Spaniard has long been linked with an exit from Molineux with Leeds United one of the sides interested in securing his services.

He only scored twice in the league last term but is one of the most electrifying players in the Premier League on his day.

His speed is unrelenting and his dribbling is absolutely dazzling. In 2020/21, Traore completed 4.1 dribbles per match, the highest tally by any player in the English top-flight.

Therefore, if he does leave the Midlands, it would be a huge loss to Wolves’ chances heading into the new campaign.

The solution

Trincao’s dribbling ability should act as a solid remedy to Traore’s potential departure but they could really make moves to replace him by signing Romain Faivre.

Wolves were linked with the Brest winger this week courtesy of reports in France and if they acquire his services, they’d have a real gem on their hands.

Capable of playing on either flank or even through the middle, he is electric in possession of the ball and beats players for ease.

In Ligue 1 last season, Faivre managed 2.5 dribbles per match. It’s someway down on Wolves’ dazzling Spaniard but he is an incredibly rare breed when it comes to that facet of the game.

Described as an “elegant player” by Steve Mounie, the attacker would also bring plenty of goals and assists to the table.

The 23-year-old has found the net 13 times in his senior career, six of which came last season. On top of that, he accumulated five assists.

His manager, Olivier Dall’Oglio is another effusive in his praise for Faivre. “He’s comfortable on the ball, and fast in possession, he’s got great vision too,” he began.

“He’s got something special. He rarely loses the ball, he can break through the lines by dribbling, and his passing creates so many chances for us,” Dall’Oglio continued:

On that evidence, he’d be an excellent signing for Lage, one that could really help them to replace Traore.

AND in other news, Wolves eye swoop for 35-goal “monster”, he could be Willian Jose 2.0…

The Transfer Tavern have spoken exclusively to former Leeds United midfielder David Norris, who was at the club during the controversial ownership of Massimo Cellino, and he has backed Tyler Roberts to remain at Elland Road and learn from Patrick Bamford.

There had been reports over the weekend suggest that Roberts’ time at Leeds could be up as Newcastle United registered an interest in the 22-year old, who has been capped 13 times by Wales.

Roberts has had an up and down season as he was barely used before February which saw him handed just two league starts, but since their 4-2 defeat against Arsenal, Marcelo Bielsa has put more faith in the 22-year old having named him in the starting XI on 12 occasions.

The versatile attacker has come in for a lot of criticism because of his lack of goals and assists and Norris, who spoke exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, has urged Roberts to learn from Bamford, who has had his fair share of doubters during his career.

He said: “It’s not always been plain sailing for Bamford because he was getting so much stick at one point it was ridiculous, but now he’s a hero. So he has been through a lot as well but he’s also proven that he can score goals and do a job for Leeds.

“Bamford has worked his way up from the Championship and into Premier League so to have those type of players in and around the squad to learn stuff off as a young player, it will only help him.”

Roberts was sent home early from international duty with Wales earlier this season for breaking a curfew which threw his Leeds future up in the air, but Bielsa appears to have handed him a second chance.

The Wales international is still a young player and his versatility may endear him to Bielsa as he can play just off the striker in midfield, as a lone striker or even as a second striker alongside Bamford.

Pundit Frank McAvennie has claimed that Marcelo Bielsa reaching out to Leeds United target Javi Galan could be crucial in securing his signature [Football Insider].

The Lowdown: Leeds United start 2021/22 recruitment drive in earnest

Moving into 2021/22, many Leeds United fans will be excited to see how the Argentinian goes about constructing a squad capable of improving on a phenomenal first season back in the top flight.

Looking to make inroads in the recruitment department, the Whites have been linked with swoops for Natihan Nandez and Adama Traore respectively.

However, one of the most documented pursuits of the Elland Road side’s summer has been that of 26-year-old Huesca left-back Galan [Sportsmole].

The Latest: McAvennie ecstatic over Bielsa-Galan contact, could it seal the deal?

Bielsa has reportedly contacted the Spaniard in order to convince him to move to Yorkshire and explain to him where he would fit into their starting eleven.

In light of this, BBC pundit McAvennie lavished praise on the Leeds United manager for reaching out to the former Cordoba man, telling Football Insider: “It would twist your arm, of course.

“If the manager phones you and has a chat with you, it’s brilliant for the players and it’s great for everyone.

“I can see the importance of it. Anyone who is good one-on-one, who can talk to players, the players love that. So I think it’s a good personal touch.

“Bielsa is one of these guys who you would run through a brick wall for, isn’t he? He speaks Spanish anyway, which is a bonus.

“There were two managers who did it with me and I was delighted. It can make or break a deal.” [Football Insider].

The Verdict: Galan could be a very accomplished addition for Leeds United

It is hard to disagree with ex-Celtic striker McAvennie in regard to Bielsa’s latest actions.

Trying to recruit players in the modern game where money is usually king, considerable time and persuasion can be required.

In 2020/21, Galan made 37 appearances, nothing three goal contributions; one goal and two assists [Transfermarkt].

Unbelievably, he achieved the second most dribbles in La Liga with 3.3 successful take-ons every 90 minutes on average [WhoScored], only coming second to Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi.

Reportedly available for a release clause of £3.5 million (dropped from £7m according to reports), he could be an absolute steal for Leeds United heading into 2021/22. They should look to get the deal over the line as soon as possible.

In other news, a journalist has quoted how much Leeds United will need to pay to acquire a Scottish wonderkid.

Aston Villa are eyeing a move for Stoke City star Harry Souttar in the January transfer window, and Alan Hutton has given his seal of approval behind a move.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days have suggested that Dean Smith’s side have got their eye on a new year swoop for the centre-back, and former Villa man Hutton has insisted Souttar would be a great signing for them.

He said: “I think when you look at the boys who are there, they’re all good in the air. I’ve worked with them, I know they can be physical but they like playing with the ball at their feet as well.

“I think it’s very good to have those different styles of footballers within your armoury. It gives you the option if you want. If somebody’s injured, you want to play four at the back, three at the back or something may happen, you’ve got room to manoeuvre. I think that was Dean Smith’s plan moving forward. The starting XI was very good but they needed to bolster the squad.

“I think that’s the situation that they’re in at the moment. He obviously ticks all the boxes. He’s very physical, he’s there to win the ball and it’s good to have someone like that in your backline.”

Shades of Tyrone Mings

Once described as a “Rolls-Royce” by Stoke stalwart Ryan Shawcross, the defender has been compared to a number of different big-name players, including the likes of Harry Maguire and Virgil van Dijk.

His manager at Stoke, Michael O’Neill, is clearly a big fan of the kind of modern, ball-playing centre-back that Souttar is, saying: “He’s a player blessed with great natural attributes. Obviously his height but also he’s got good game intelligence and he’s a great user of the ball as well. That’s something which I think will set him apart from the other defenders in this league.”

And, when you compare his physical attributes (he’s an inch taller than Mings at a towering 6 foot 6), as well as his key defensive stats to the Villa man, they favour well.

As per Whoscored, he averages a whopping six times the amount of tackles per game as Mings, while he also boasts more interceptions per match in the Championship too. Not only that, but Souttar also makes close to eighty passes per game on average for Stoke (29 more than Mings), and at a far better accuracy too.

The Stoke beast could bring some added physicality to Villa’s back-line and give Smith some extra depth in that centre-back role. His height, reading of the game and ability to play out from the back has got real shades of Mings.

Meanwhile, Ashley Preece has confirmed an Aston Villa “blow”…

Loads of Everton fans have been left bemoaning some early team news that has emerged ahead of their game at home to West Ham United on Sunday.

Speaking to the media in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match in the Premier League, Rafa Benitez has now revealed that while both Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison are ‘closer’ to returning to the team, they will once again ‘not be available’ against the Hammers.

Both players have been very important to the Goodison Park faithful over the years, and have chipped in with four goals between them so far this season, despite facing a spell out with injury.

With Salomon Rondon struggling to find form as well, as he is yet to score for the Merseyside club in his first five appearances in total over all competitions (Transfermarkt), it could be a struggle for them to find the back of the net.

Everton fans on team news

These Toffees bemoaned the team news as it was shared on Twitter, with one Blues supporter even going as far as to claim that they are ‘gutted’:

“Delete please”

Credit: @HarryCollier6

“Pain”

Credit: @CoreyEfc2

“Absolutely gutted. Harms our chances massively, West Ham are a very good side and injuries to these two will catch up with us eventually. The drop off in quality upfront is just as high as in central midfield. Tough ask Sunday, hope we can continue to surprise.”

Credit: @LeeFMc83

“Embarrassing club 2 weeks break Sunday game and still out. Can’t wait see Rondon be unfit and poor after 6 weeks training”

Credit: @g4j4s4

“NO!!!”

Credit: @Vicaz22

“Rondon disaster class it is then”

Credit: @efcsam16

In other news, find out what international footage has Evertonians fuming here!

Lifting the lid on an enquiry to sign Switzerland ace Breel Embolo, 90min have also dropped a rather interesting West Ham United claim involving Sparta Prague striker Adam Hlozek.

The Lowdown: Hlozek on the radar?

As claimed in reliable reports like The Athletic, Hlozek is a name which has been mentioned at West Ham over these last few months.

Indeed. it is even believed that Czech Republic duo Vladimir Coufal and Tomas Soucek even personally recommended the exciting forward to manager David Moyes when it comes to possible transfer targets (The Athletic).

Now, 90min have brought some news on Hlozek in a West Ham update.

The Latest: West Ham hold ‘lengthy’ Hlozek talks…

As per the outlet, the Irons have held ‘lengthy talks’ over signing Hlozek, who seemed to impress when called upon for the Czechs at Euro 2020.

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However, interest in him has ‘intensified’ since those discussions and it now looks ‘doubtful’ that West Ham can wrap up a deal for Hlozek this summer.

The 18-year-old is said to have more ‘appealing options’ than the east Londoners, and it’s little wonder there are plenty of suitors going by his potential.

The Verdict: Big miss?

Hlozek is arguably one of the most exciting young strikers in Europe at the moment when taking into account his scoring record and plaudits from those in the game.

Indeed, scoring 28 goals across his Sparta Prague career so far in all competitions (Transfermarkt), the forward has also been lauded as an ‘extraordinary player’ by agent Pavel Paska (Aktualne.cz).

Missing out on his signature could come as a blow for West Ham in the long run, but you could also make a case that the club should be prioritising more senior striking targets like Tammy Abraham or Roman Yaremchuk at this point.

Regardless of who West Ham eventually swoop for, it’s imperative that manager David Moyes gets a new forward through the door as soon as possible – especially considering Michail Antonio’s worrying injury record.

In other news: ‘No way’, ‘Absolutely amazing’, ‘What we need’…Many West Ham fans react as news emerges, find out more here.