Lionel Messi's MLS return remains up in the air after he missed Inter Miami's training session ahead of their clash with Philadelphia Union.
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West Ham United's technical director Tim Steidten is increasingly likely to snip the managerial cord that keeps David Moyes in the dugout, with the Scotsman out of contract this summer.
Despite winning the Europa Conference League last season, reaching the Europa League quarter-finals and losing valiantly against indomitable Bayer Leverkusen, as well as improving from last season's 14th-place Premier League finish to push for a European-qualifying spot.
Indeed, eighth in the standings with just two matches left to play, hopes of a fifth successive season on the continent look slender, and the decision to part ways with Moyes stems from the persistent grumblings regarding the 61-year-old's perceived negative tactics.
Steidten certainly has his work cut out in employing a worthy successor, though plans are starting to take shape and supporters are beginning to note the most likely heir.
According to news relayed by Fabrizio Romano, West Ham are indeed set to part ways with Moyes upon the campaign's conclusion, with direct talks taking place with Spaniard Julen Lopetegui.
Lopetegui has been out of work since resigning from his role at Wolverhampton Wanderers at the start of the 2023/24 season due to frustrations and differences relating to finances.
Romano is quick to stress that Lopetegui is not the only name on the shortlist; Sporting Lisbon's Ruben Amorim is still being considered, though there are concerns over the 39-year-old's £12m release clause with the soon-to-be-crowned Liga Portugal champions.
While many supporters will feel that Moyes' results speak for themselves, football is cyclical and perhaps it is the right time to part ways, having achieved so much and with the right infrastructure and framework to continue the success over the coming seasons.
Lopetegui might, to some, seem like a questionable appointment following his short stint with Wolves and failure at Real Madrid, where he was dismissed after just a few months having won just four of his opening ten La Liga matches.
But he also won the Europa League with Sevilla, leading them to three successive top-four finishes, and was lauded by those such as for the "spectacular football" he implemented at the helm of the Spanish national team.
The 57-year-old's desire to impress in the Premier League is likely a big selling point for the Irons, having rejected numerous offers overseas as he holds out for a second shot at management on English shores.
Moreover, the Old Gold were rusting at the bottom of the division when he took over and led them to a 13th-place finish, with his player-coach relationship one of the shining lights of his sojourn at Molineux – this, too, will likely have enticed Steidten and the West Ham bosses.
Preferring a 4-2-3-1 formation to mirror that of Moyes, Lopetegui would find all the tools for a seamless tactical integration, with the London club's impressive array of attacking talent allowing his ball-playing, forward-thinking brand of football to take shape, all the while maintaining off-the-ball solidity and resilience.
Described as an "exceptional person" by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, Lopetegui might just offer the managerial wherewithal to succeed at West Ham, though he will have several areas of concern to address, with selling a few playerssurely a priority.
Veteran forward Michail Antonio is out of contract this summer and while there is an option for a further year, reports have revealed that he is expected to leave.
Be that as it may, West Ham must not be deterred from pushing Danny Ings out the exit door either, who is reportedly available for just £6.5m as the side targets a summer revamp.
Ings signed for West Ham from Aston Villa in a £15m deal back in January 2023 but has failed to reach the heights that had previously established him as a "goal machine" in the Premier League – according to journalist Joe Prince-Wright – having only scored four times from 49 matches.
|
West Ham: Highest-paid Players |
||
|---|---|---|
|
# |
Player |
Salary |
|
1. |
Lucas Paqueta |
£150k-per-week |
|
1. |
Kalvin Phillips |
£150k-per-week |
|
3. |
Danny Ings |
£125k-per-week |
|
3. |
Kurt Zouma |
£125k-per-week |
|
5. |
Jarrod Bowen |
£120k-per-week |
|
5. |
Alphonse Areola |
£120k-per-week |
|
Sourced via Capology |
||
He's flattering to deceive in front of goal but Ings is also one of the club's highest-paid performers, and shaking him from the wage bill after waving goodbye to Antonio would make moving for a centre-forward necessary.
Feyenoord sharpshooter Santiago Gimenez has been touted over recent months while West Ham continue to be linked with a move for Brentford's Ivan Toney – which would prove to be quite the colossal upgrade.
Given that Ings is actually earning even more than the likes of Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus, who are West Ham's two top goalscorers this season with 20 and 13 goals respectively in all competitions for West Ham this season, it makes no sense for the club to keep him around.
Bowen, in particular, has been exemplary this season and has filled in at centre-forward on countless occasions, with the 27-year-old scoring nine goals and adding four assists from 22 appearances when placed at the spearhead.
Bowen's interchangeable nature will suit Lopetegui just fine, but he will be free to wreak his will in the final third with far more gusto if he is not burdened with the heavy weight of maintaining his side's principal goal threat for another term.
Steidten must cash in on West Ham flop who's now worth just £4m
This failed Moyes signing must be shipped on this summer.
By
Angus Sinclair
May 4, 2024
There are going to be some big decisions to be made this summer, certainly beyond picking a new manager to replace Moyes, and since Lopetegui has a few detractors already in east London, shipping Ings on as his first port of call to necessitate the signing of a new centre-forward.
One who could even propel the project to even shinier heights.
Slovenia is a small but dynamic nation that has produced talent that shines both nationally and globally, leaving a lasting impression on its home country. Despite having a small population, they have produced football players who have thrived in elite European leagues and international competitions, taking Slovenian football to new heights.
Since separating from Yugoslavia in the early 1990s, they have twice qualified for the FIFA World Cup and twice for the UEFA European Championship, although they have never advanced past the group stage in a major competition.
Slovenia defeated Algeria 1-0 at the 2010 World Cup to record their first, and thus far, only victory in a major competition. However, they have produced several impressive results, including a 1-0 victory over Italy in a 2006 World Cup qualifier, which was the only loss Italy suffered throughout that World Cup campaign.
With that, here is the list of who we believe are the ten greatest Slovenian footballers, based on their overall impact at either club or international level during their careers…
|
Rank |
Player |
Career span |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Branko Oblak |
1965-1985 |
|
2 |
Jan Oblak |
2009-present |
|
3 |
Darko Milanič |
1986-2000 |
|
4 |
Samir Handanović |
2003-2023 |
|
5 |
Zlatko Zahovic |
1989-2009 |
|
6 |
Milivoje Novaković |
1999-2017 |
|
7 |
Robert Koren |
1996-2017 |
|
8 |
Džoni Novak |
1988-2003 |
|
9 |
Josip Iličić |
2007-present |
|
10 |
Boštjan Cesar |
2000-2020 |
Boštjan Cesar
Boštjan Cesar is well-known for his position as a central defender. Cesar has received recognition throughout his career for his commanding physical presence on the field, which was helped by his towering height.
After starting his professional career in Slovenia with NK Olimpija Ljubljana, Cesar went on to play for teams in some of the major divisions in Europe. One of his teams was Dinamo Zagreb, where he achieved great success, winning the Croatian First League. After that, Cesar relocated to the Italian Serie A and spent several years playing for Chievo Verona, eventually rising to be one of the team’s main players and a favourite among the supporters because of his dedication and on-field exploits.
The 41-year-old is the most-capped player for Slovenia, having accrued 101. He featured in the 2010 World Cup and captained the Slovenian side at times throughout his career.
Josip Iličić
Josip Iličić is renowned for his technical prowess, adaptability and remarkable ability to score goals from midfield positions.
The peak of his club career came with Atalanta in Serie A, when he played a crucial role in the team’s domestic and European success. Iličić demonstrated his capacity to compete on the greatest stages at Atalanta with his exploits in the Champions League, especially his incredible four-goal performance against Valencia in the 2019/20 season.
During his time at Atalanta, he scored 60 goals and laid on 46 assists, which has helped his overall career tally reach 150 goals and 94 assists.
Appearing 86 times for the Slovenian national team, he also won Slovenian Footballer of the Year in 2019.
Džoni Novak
Džoni Novak was praised for his technical prowess, adaptability and a capacity to impact the game from a variety of places on the field.
His stints as a player in France and Germany were the high points of his club career, showcasing his ability to compete at the top levels of European football. Operating as a left-midfielder and at left-back for the majority of his career, he managed to produce seven goals and laid on 17 assists, as well as becoming a Greek and Slovenian league champion.
He appeared at Euro 2000 and the 2002 World Cup for Slovenia, making 74 appearances for his country.
Robert Koren
Robert Koren is highly regarded for his leadership abilities, remarkable midfield intellect, and scoring prowess.
His best club stint was at Hull City, where he helped the Tigers return to the Premier League in 2013, scoring and assisting 50 goals in his time up north.
The 42-year-old received 62 caps for the Slovenian national team, with some of them coming during the 2010 World Cup. His influence for his country was rewarded when he was handed the captain’s armband.
Milivoje Novaković
Milivoje Novaković is a name that quickly rose to fame in Slovenia, with his goalscoring abilities catching the eyes of many.
The pinnacle of Novaković’s club career was his tenure at FC Köln in the German Bundesliga, where he made a name for himself with his clinical finishing, aerial skill and ability to hold up play. He scored 82 goals and assisted 25 in 176 appearances.
He’s also the second-highest goalscorer for his country, with 32 goals to his name in just 80 appearances.
Zlatko Zahovic
Explosive forward Zlatko Zahovic significantly impacted the club and the international scene during his playing career. Zahovic made 248 appearances at club level, contributing 71 goals and 35 assists. As well as this, he won nine trophies in stints at FC Porto, Benfica, Olympiacos and Partizan Belgrade, becoming one of the most decorated players in Slovenian history.
Zahovic currently holds the record for the most goals for Slovenia with 35. He also appeared at the 2002 World Cup and scored three goals at Euro 2000.
Samir Handanović
Slovenian goalkeeper Samir Handanović had a distinguished career, having made significant contributions at club and international level.
With 719 career appearances to his name, Handanović established himself as one of Serie A’s most dependable and steady goalkeepers, particularly with Inter. His quick reflexes, command of the penalty area and superb shot-stopping abilities were crucial to Inter’s defensive prowess and helped them win several league and cup titles.
Regarding the international arena, Handanović amassed 81 caps for Slovenia. He took part in the 2010 FIFA World Cup where Slovenia performed admirably but narrowly failed to advance from the group stage. Handanovic also won three Slovenian Player of the Year awards during his career.
Darko Milanič
The multi-decade career of Darko Milanič is characterised by accomplishments as a player and manager. He was a reliable defender, mostly for the Slovenian national team and Sturm Graz in Austria. It’s safe to say he became a significant figure in Sturm Graz’s history in the late 1990s and early 2000s by winning numerous Austrian Bundesliga titles and Austrian Cups.
Milanič represented Slovenia in competitions such as the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2000, earning 45 caps for the national team. They don’t make many like him, with his leadership and defensive solidity making him the first name on the teamsheet for a number of years for Slovenia.
In England, he is perhaps most noted for briefly being the Leeds United manager, with Milanic lasting just over a month at Elland Road.
Jan Oblak
Jan Oblak has made a name for himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, especially because of his incredible achievements with Atlético Madrid. Since joining Atletico in 2014, Oblak has established himself as a key member, with his exceptional shot-stopping ability, dominant presence in the penalty area and adeptness in one-on-one scenarios, helping the Spanish club achieve great success.
Oblak has kept over 200 clean sheets in his time in the Spanish capital, which has been essential to the team’s accomplishments, including the La Liga title in 2020/21, the Europa League in 2017/18, and Los Rojiblancos’ run to the Champions League final in 2016.
Oblak now has 76 caps and has been a central figure for the national team. He has also won the Slovenian Player of the Year award four times.
Branko Oblak
Branko Oblak (not related to Jan) is a legendary football player who represents a generation of players with exceptional skill and vision on the pitch.
During his club career, he made a significant impact at Schalke 04, Bayern Munich, Hajduk Split and Olimpija Ljubljana. He enhanced his legacy with Bayern Munich in the mid-1970s when he helped the team win the Bundesliga in 1980.
Oblak also competed in significant competitions such as the Euro 1976 and the 1974 World Cup, earning 46 caps as one of few Slovenians of that generation to turn out for Yugoslavia.
A 12-member MCC squad, led by Kumar Sangakkara, landed in Lahore on a week-long trip to play a series of four matches starting Friday. This could be another step in the right direction – some are even terming it a “major coup” – as Pakistan aims to regularly host internationals in the country.Over the last two months, Pakistan has hosted Sri Lanka and Bangladesh for Tests and limited-overs matches. West Indies too toured in October for three T20Is. Now, talks are underway to host South Afric for three T20Is after the PSL, all of which will be played in the country.Sangakkara believes successful staging of matches itself, like they have recently, will be proof for foreign teams still wary of traveling. He believes the steps taken by Pakistan over the last few years have already “instilled great amount of confidence in the cricket nations.””Rather than a direct message by saying something to them, the best thing that we can do is send that message by the way we play in the field,” he said at a press conference in Lahore. “The more times international sides tour that message becomes stronger and becomes harder to ignore.”I think the MCC is here because one of the core philosophy of the MCC is that we are independent, the spirit of cricket is strong and the spirit of cricket transcends most barriers, but sometimes keeps nation and people apart. And for us to be part of this tour is to strengthen that message as well.”The MCC, which last toured Pakistan under the captaincy of Mike Denness in 1973, has been at the forefront of efforts taken to ensure cricket returns to the country. Now back to Pakistan in a different capacity, Sangakkara, who was part of the horrific terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore in 2009, feels fans needed to watch their heroes in real for the game to thrive in an already cricket-mad country.”Cricket belongs to everyone, but for the players to have that platform and display their skills you need to have that support,” Sangakkara said. “The fact is that you need to have an underpinning of young to inspire to take up the game.”So if there is no home cricket for a very long period of time, there is a danger that sometime that kind of hunger might go away. The more cricket that you play here at home, the more times young children and the fabulous fans of Pakistan can see their side, their players play in front of them, within almost touching distance.”I think that is wonderful for the game, it is wonderful for the country and it’s great for the global game. We should not lose sight of how important the strength of Pakistan is in that big picture of having global cricket in a very, very healthy and strong state.”The MCC tour is a part of completing that puzzle, and I think this is a great step by everyone to combine and to be here to again try and encourage sides to come back and play cricket in Pakistan.”The MCC is slated to play against PSL teams Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans, as well as Pakistan’s domestic T20 champions, Northerns. The tour also includes a 50-over fixture against Pakistan Shaheens at Aitchison College.The MCC squad includes England international Ravi Bopara, Scotland’s Safyaan Sharif and Michael Leask, Netherlands duo Roelof van der Merwe and Fred Klaassen, along with county players from Warwickshire, Leicestershire, Kent and Worcestershire. England internationals Samit Patel and Liam Dawson, as well as Sussex’s Phil Salt will also participate.Some of the Pakistan players featuring in the games include Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Irfan and Shan Masood.
There has been a major development regarding Liverpool's pursuit of Ruben Amorim, according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.
Amorim Liverpool's No.1 manager target
It has become clear in recent weeks that the 39-year-old is now the favourite to become the man to replace Jurgen Klopp at Anfield this summer. The German announced that he would leave the Reds back in January, having felt as though he has taken his team as far as he can.
For a while, Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso looked like the most likely option to come in, not only because of his continued brilliance at the Bundesliga side, but also due to his past links with Liverpool, spending five memorable years there as a player between 2004 and 2009.
Since Alonso confirmed that he would be staying at Leverkusen for the foreseeable future, however, the Sporting CP boss has been the man that many want to see come in, and a report over the weekend suggested that FSG had opened talks for Amorim.
He has admitted that he won't definitely stay at Sporting this summer, which immediately suggests that his head may have been turned by Liverpool's interest, and now a significant update has emerged regarding his current situation.
Sky Sports share Ruben Amorim update
Taking to X on Tuesday morning, Plettenberg claimed that Liverpool now have a "verbal agreement" in place with Amorim over being their next manager, with a contract until the summer of 2027 on the table.
"News Ruben Amorim. Been told there’s a verbal agreement in principle with Liverpool now! Amorim wants to join LFC next season and Liverpool was pushing for him in the last weeks. He can sign a contract until 2027 – confirmed!
"Final negotiations wit @SportingCP are still pending. It‘s not a done deal yet. More steps needed. Deal can still fall through. The 39 y/o was also on the list of FC Bayern but it was never advanced. Chelsea have inquired about him."
This is the biggest update yet when it comes to Liverpool's efforts to bring in Amorim, suggesting that it could be a matter of time until he is confirmed as Klopp's successor on Merseyside.
Ever since Alonso ruled himself out of the running, the Sporting boss has looked like the strongest candidate to come in, with his credentials speaking for himself as a manager.
Sporting CP
205
2.24
Braga
13
2.38
Casa Pia
4
2.25
Still only 39 years of age, Amorim has already won one Primeira Liga title with his current side, and it would be a big surprise if a second didn't come his way this season, with Sporting four points clear of Benfica at the top of the table with a game in hand.
Michael Edwards already plotting to replace Liverpool star with new targets
This could be brutal from the Reds’ new CEO of Football.
ByHenry Jackson Apr 9, 2024
The lure of the Liverpool job is enormous, even though replacing Klopp will be a daunting proposition for whoever comes in, and Amorim could be such an exciting appointment, having been hailed as "special" by journalist Zach Lowy.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) will know later this week whether the Bangladesh government will allow them to send the men’s team to Pakistan for a full tour in January, according to chief executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury. The decision to tour hinges on security assessments, which will be determined by the government, apart from the board’s own security team which has submitted a report recently.Chowdhury was responding to a question posed about the Pakistan Cricket Board’s proposal to play a day-night Test during the tour. He said that the decision to play the day-night game is secondary for them currently.”Before discussing the proposal to play day-night Test, we are awaiting the government directive because of the security issue in Pakistan,” Chowdhury was quoted as saying by . “We will need the government’s permission. We have to first see if we can go on this tour. We don’t have much time as the tour is scheduled for next month. We are hopeful that we can clear our position on the tour this week. We will know if we are going to Pakistan or not.”ESPNcricinfo has learnt that the BCB are not quite keen on playing another day-night Test without giving the players enough match practice with the pink ball under lights. The current schedule would not allow the senior team time to prepare separately for pink-ball cricket, as the BPL ends on January 17.The tour is scheduled for three T20Is from January 23, and the Test series has to finish before the PSL that is scheduled to begin on February 20, so like their maiden pink-ball Test in India last month, Bangladesh are unlikely to get an extra practice match before the proposed Pakistan day-night Test.On the other hand, the PCB has been experimenting with day-night first-class cricket for the last eight years starting with the final of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy in 2011, which was played with an orange ball in Karachi, and their Test side has played four day-night matches.
Lionel Messi has been ruled out for two matches for Inter Miami after suffering an injury in the Copa America final
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Legendary attacker injured on international dutySidelined for two matchesAll-Star game debut in doubtWHAT HAPPENED?
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner picked up a serious knock when representing Argentina in the 2024 Copa America final. Messi rolled his ankle when returning to Florida and taking on Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium – leading to him leaving the field in tears.
Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowAdvertisementGetty/GOALTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Messi was able to lift the Copa trophy after a dramatic 1-0 win for the Albiceleste, but images of the swelling around his right foot will have Inter Miami worried. He has vowed to be back soon, but no firm date has been revealed.
He will, however, miss matches on Wednesday, July 19 and Saturday, July 20. The MLS All-Star game is on July 24.
WHAT TATA MARTINO SAID
"He twisted his ankle, and the injury is present, so tests are needed and wait for results," Martino said. "I've had the opportunity to see other images. There will be tests done to determine the severity of the situation. We are always informed through our kinesiologist Walter Insaurralde, who is also the kinesiologist of the national team. He is very cautious at giving a final diagnosis before results are in."
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GettyWHAT NEXT?
The Herons sit second in the Eastern Conference as things stand and nine teams will make the playoffs – giving Messi ample opportunity in which to recover before leading a quest for their second-straight Leagues Cup
Follow our live report for updates, stats, trivia, colour and discussion during the fourth Test of the 2019 Ashes from Old Trafford
Andrew Miller04-Sep-2019Follow our live report for updates, stats, trivia, colour and discussion during the fourth Test of the 2019 Ashes from Old Trafford. If the blog doesn’t load, please refresh your page. Click here to follow our ball-by-ball commentary
Chelsea have arguably one of the best academies in world football. An array of talent has been produced from Cobham and more are still developing.
Some of the most well-known Blues academy graduates in recent times are players such as Reece James, Levi Colwill and Mason Mount.
Additionally, as they are one of the Premier League's most successful clubs and are included as part of the 'big six', the London-based club have a lot of monetary backing behind them.
In fact, since Todd Boehly's acquisition of the club in May 2022, the American has managed to spend over £1b in transfer fees alone – a sum in that region has been unheard of in recent seasons and for good reason.
One signing that Boehly did play a role in bringing to Chelsea was that of Raheem Sterling, the former Manchester City man leaving the Etihad after seven extremely successful years for a fee worth around £47.5m.
Although since their Club World Cup win in the 2021/22 season they are yet to win a trophy, Sterling has had a fairly solid impact on the side since joining.
Brought to the club under Thomas Tuchel who claimed he was the west Londoners' "top priority" at the time, the move was one many didn't see coming due to City's prior dominance.
However, a move was likely sanctioned as Sterling – who scored 131 goals in 339 games for his former employers – believed he wasn't getting as much game time as he would have liked whilst with the Cityzens.
Since arriving at Stamford Bridge, the winger has played a total of 67 times for the Blues and managed to contribute to 28 goals during that time.
This season looks set to be his most prolific season of the two as the 29-year-old is already on seven goal contributions after only 29 games played.
Despite Sterling's solid showing, Chelsea are massively underperforming yet again. So, this could mean, in order to try to change their fortunes, the Blues could look towards their academy players.
Tyrique George is the name which is currently being floated about to be next in line for the former Liverpool man's throne.
George is a versatile player who, much like Sterling, can play on either wing or even centrally.
He has been with Chelsea's academy for the entirety of his career and has been involved with the U18's since as early on as the 2021/22 season.
Since then, he has played a total of 41 times for the youth side in a multitude of competitions and has managed to score ten goals and create an additional five for his teammates.
The promising winger – who has nine goals and assists in 18 games this season – has even been described as "very creative" by Chelsea's Under-21 coach, Mark Robinson.
"I was really pleased with Tyrique's performance on Tuesday and he has done well when he has stepped up to the Under-21s," Robinson said.
"He finds space very well and is very creative, whilst also scoring goals. He needs to improve his discipline off the ball, but he knows that and is a willing learner. That is the most important thing."
Chelsea could replace Sterling with academy gem who's like Bernardo Silva
The English international might have to start looking over his shoulder.
By
Jack Salveson Holmes
Feb 10, 2024
Receiving this level of praise at just 18 years old clearly shows how mature the youngster is and outlines why he could be the heir to Sterling's place within the Chelsea line-up.
It also shows that, despite not performing to the best level on the pitch, the Blues' academy is still producing incredible talent and bodes well for their future.
George has been setting the youth leagues alight with his pace and keen eye for goal which is shown by this stellar strike against Crystal Palace's Under-21 side.
One thing is for sure, the teen sensation is without doubt a special talent and could have a real impact in future seasons for the west London club.
Time was when Scarborough had a therapeutic effect on its visitors. There used to be a spa near the South Sands and Turner’s painting of the town shows a beach busy with work yet luminously calm. Until they defeated Surrey in July such tranquility had eluded Yorkshire’s cricketers in modern times. Rather than a stronghold, North Marine Road had been a stopping-off place for three successive county champions, and any nervousness was rekindled in the first hour of this game when the home side slumped to 38 for 5, all the wickets taken by the left-arm new-ball bowler, Luke Wood.Yorkshire’s fortunes were revived and their supporters’ blood-pressure stabilised by Jonny Tattersall and Tim Bresnan’s 121-run stand for the sixth wicket but Nottinghamshire still shaded a fascinating first day of a match they must surely win if their chances of avoiding relegation are to be grounded in more than mere arithmetic. Their coach, Peter Moores, can thus take some comfort from the four wickets taken by Liam Patterson-White, the slow left-armer preferred to Samit Patel for this game. And he can be even more encouraged by the calmness with which Jake Libby and Ben Slater put on 41 in the final 17 overs of the day. There is a great deal of work for the visitors to do if they are to record their first victory of the season but they have at least laid some foundations.It could, of course, have been even better for Chris Nash’s side. Had Tom Moores caught Tattersall’s edge off Jake Ball instead of gloving it to the boundary at the Trafalgar Square End, Yorkshire’s wicketkeeper would have been in the pavilion with only four runs against his name instead of the 92 he carefully accumulated. But by the time that catch was dropped, Nottinghamshire had already grabbed an initiative they never quite surrendered.That it should have been so was entirely to the credit of Wood, one of whose many virtues being that he eschews the luxury of a loosener. Every ball in his first over compelled a response and in two instances, the shot played was inadequate. Adam Lyth nicked a fine outswinger to Moores before Gary Ballance, disconcerted by extra bounce, thick-edged a catch to Libby in the gully. Overjoyed by each success, Wood probed for more. In his second over Tom Kohler-Cadmore played for inswing but was bowled by one that held its line. Ten minutes later Harry Brook’s atrocious waft outside the off stump merely gave a catch to Moores and Yorkshire’s subsequent tentative recovery was ended on the hour when Will Fraine snicked Wood to Nash at third slip.The remainder of the morning and much of the afternoon session was dominated by the batting of Tattersall and Bresnan, two batsmen whose contrasting style were complementary. Bresnan is such a battle-hardened old dog that he may not remember the last time he learned any new tricks. His 58 at Scarborough this afternoon was filled with the meaty clumps, two of them off Paul Coughlin, of the type one recalled from his salad days – another alien concept where Bresnan is concerned. But his innings was still a mightily effective effort and his stand with Tattersall offered home supporters by far their best watching of the day.Tattersall is a deft batsman in red-ball cricket. Though plainly capable of the straight drives he executed off both Ball and Luke Fletcher he is more likely to proceed by way of well-timed tucks off the hip or the skilful deflections which keep the scoreboard moving, even when big shots are not possible. He prospers almost by stealth. Such attributes made Nottinghamshire’s failure to take the chance he offered all the more regrettable even if the let-off did not seem critical at the time.That the century partnership was raised by a no-ball from Wood symbolised both Yorkshire’s recovery and Nottinghamshire’s apparent failure to capitalise on an increasingly distant first hour. But just when the home side seemed likely to control the day entirely Patterson-White turned one just enough to take the edge of Bresnan’s bat and Moores completed the dismissal. Before tea Keshav Maharaj had gone, too, yorked by Fletcher, and when Tattersall’s cut only presented Moores with his fourth catch of the day, Nottinghamshire were all but sure they would be batting this evening.What they would make of it was far less certain. Of the top-order batsmen at Trent Bridge only Nash has an average above 30 this season. But Slater and Libby did all that was required of them and those eventless evening overs offered some hope to supporters whose travails have been many.