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Glasgow Rangers face a summer of change under Philippe Clement, with the Belgian looking to build a squad full of his own transfer targets at Ibrox.

The Belgian inherited a side from Michael Beale which features a host of players who clearly are not up to the required standard to be long-term solutions for the Light Blues.

Credit to the former Club Brugge manager, as he has managed to somehow drag the club into a Premiership title race, while winning the League Cup and reaching the final of the Scottish Cup, proving how good a boss he has turned out to be.

This summer is the perfect opportunity for the 50-year-old to ship out some deadwood while signing a few targets who can instantly improve the starting XI.

Could the Light Blues perhaps turn to a player who has shone against the Old Firm recently as one of their future transfers? A current Scottish football pundit certainly thinks so.

Rangers tipped to move for defender

It is no secret that the left-back area is a primary concern for Clement. Not only is Borna Barisic out of contract at the end of the season and looks set to depart Glasgow, but Ridvan Yilmaz is injury-prone and simply cannot be trusted to remain fit throughout an entire season.

This will certainly see the club dive into the market for at least one left-sided defender this summer, potentially two, depending on the budget available to Clement.

Pundit Tam McManus, a former striker for Hibs and Dundee among others, has been hyping up a left-back who has shone for Dundee in recent weeks since joining from Burnley on loan – Owen Dodgson.

“I like the left-back, Dodgson,” McManus said when appearing on PLZ Soccer regarding the defender. “He’s been excellent. I think Celtic and Rangers should be looking at him.

“The two games I’ve seen him, against both Celtic and Rangers, I thought he was really really good.”

Could he perhaps be a viable option for Rangers? Even if it were to just add some much-needed depth to the squad over the summer.

Owen Dodgson’s statistics for Dundee

The youngster moved north to secure a six-month loan spell at the Dens Park side, featuring in 13 matches so far for the club.

Across his 12 Premiership appearances, the 21-year-old has shown plenty of promise. Not only does he show plenty of willingness to get on the ball, evidenced by averaging 43.7 touches per game, but he has also won 3.3 total duels per game – a success rate of 55% – along with creating two big chances, impressing across a range of performance metrics.

Owen Dodgson's stats for Dundee since joining on loan
Accurate passes per game	18.5
Key passes per game	0.8
Successful dribbles per game	0.2
Total duels won per game	3.3
Possession lost per game	14.3
Via Sofascore

It was his displays against both Rangers and Celtic in recent weeks which have seen people sit up and take notice, showcasing his talents while playing the two best teams in the country.

During the clash against the Light Blues, Dodgson won six of his seven contested duels, made four interceptions and wasn’t dribbled past once. A few weeks later, when Celtic came to town, the Englishman delivered a wonderful display which featured five key passes, winning three of his five duels, and creating two big chances during their eventual 2-1 defeat.

This shows the player was clearly not fazed in the slightest by taking on some of the finest attackers in the top flight, which could come in handy should the Gers take a closer look at him.

There is no reason why he couldn’t come in and replace Barisic, especially considering how poor the Croatian has been so far this season as he winds down his six-year association with the club.

Borna Barisic’s stats for Rangers this season

The left-back has been a stalwart at Ibrox since first walking through the doors in the summer of 2018, becoming one of Steven Gerrard’s first signings in the process.

Nearly six years later, he has amassed 234 appearances for the Light Blues, winning every domestic prize on offer along with helping the club reach the 2022 Europa League final.

Since then, however, his performance levels have dipped, and it is clear the club needs to release him once the season has finished in order to add some freshness to the department.

At the time of writing, the 31-year-old has played 33 times for the Gers this term, with the majority of them coming during the first half of the season.

Indeed, Barisic has made just five Premiership starts since the turn of the year, as Yilmaz emerged as Clement’s first choice.

The only reason he was still getting some game time is due to Yilmaz’s injury which he suffered on international duty, otherwise he would have spent the vast majority of the time on the bench.

Among his teammates this season, the Croatian ranks 11th in the squad for goals and assists (three) in the Premiership, while ranking in a lowly 17th spot for big chances created (one), ninth for accurate passes per game (28.6) and 19th for successful dribbles per match (0.3), indicating that even when he does play, his statistics are often poor.

The defender is currently earning £21k-per-week and getting this sort of wage off the books during the summer will give Clement much more flexibility in the transfer window, no doubt about that.

Dodgson will return to Burnley, his parent club, once his loan spell at Dundee comes to an end, but he has impressed significantly across the previous five months.

With a contract at the Turf Moor side until 2025, which suggests he could be available for a knockdown price, that is, if Burnley are open to selling him.

While nothing is concrete, he could certainly be a wonderful option to have at Clement’s disposal next season. Dodgson is still coming into his peak and could even make the Gers a profit in the future, such is his vast potential.

The summer could be an exciting time indeed for the Ibrox faithful.

Newcastle United have enjoyed another brilliant season in the Premier League under boss Eddie Howe, with the Magpies sitting in seventh place ahead of the final day.

Whilst they were unable to match the levels of last campaign where the club reached the Champions League, they’ve still excelled with multiple players leading the charge towards another European tour.

Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon have undoubtedly been Howe’s most important players, with the duo maintaining fitness despite the club’s constant struggles with injuries during 2023/24.

It’s also been a season that has allowed for numerous players to break through and stake their claim for a regular first-team spot at St James’ Park – taking advantage of the troubles within the squad.

One player, in particular, has burst onto the scene, emerging as a key player to Howe despite his relative youth.

Lewis Miley’s stats at Newcastle in 2023/24

Youngster Lewis Miley came through Newcastle's academy, with the boyhood Magpies fan costing the club nothing – which could result in a hefty profit in the years ahead.

He's often featured in a three-man midfield for Howe's side, with the midfielder fitting straight into the side – showing no evidence of his tender age of just 18.

Since his first start against Bournemouth in November, Miley has made 17 Premier League appearances for Howe's side, with the 18-year-old impressing at St James' Park, despite missing the last nine matches with a back problem.

The emerging talent scored his first goal for his boyhood club during the 3-0 victory over Fulham, with Miley rapidly adapting to the physical demands of the Premier League.

The goal against Fulham made him the club's youngest-ever goalscorer in the Premier League, with the playmaker cementing himself in Magpies history. He truly is a “remarkable” talent, as described by beloved pundit Ally McCoist.

1. Lewis Miley

17y 229d

2. James Milner

18y 265d

3. Rolando Aarons

18y 288d

4. Gael Bigirimana

19y 42d

5. Shola Ameobi

19y 84d

Lewis Miley's market value in 2024

Six months on from his maiden first-team start, his market value has skyrocketed £18.3m, as per Football Transfers, an indication of his excellent start to his professional career on Tyneside.

His valuation is hugely impressive, given his tender age, and one that, according to Football Transfers, surpasses that of Joelinton, who's now only valued at £16.2m – just a handful of years after his £40m move to Tyneside.

It’s no surprise to see his huge increase in such a short space of time, given his output in the Premier League, with the England youth international producing some impressive numbers despite only becoming a permanent first-team member this season.

Games

17

19

36

34

Goals

1

2

6

6

Assists

3

1

6

2

G+A per 90

0.24

0.16

0.33

0.24

Although it's still very early days for the teenager in terms of his professional career, it certainly does bode well for Miley and the Magpies, with the 18-year-old undoubtedly a huge asset for the Magpies in the years to come.

However, the club need to keep developing him, with Howe needing to give him consistent game time over the coming years in order for him to reach his potential.

Newcastle were rinsed by Ashley signing who's not played a game since 2021

He was one of a number of terrible signings under Mike Ashley’s ownership.

ByEthan Lamb May 17, 2024

MatériaMais Notícias

A equipe sub-18 de futebol feminino do Fluminense se prepara para mais uma ediçãodo Campeonato Brasileiro da categoria. Atuais campeãs, as Meninas de Xerém terá o time reforçado para erguer mais um troféu. Com isso, o clube carioca acertou a vinda de seis jogadoras para integrar a equipe:Mariana, Thainaira, Maria Heloísa, Sabrina Nogueira, Thalia e Maria Eduarda.

+ Confira e simule a tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro

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O primeiro compromisso da equipe na competiçãoserá o Flamengo, no dia 6 de julho, às 8 horas, no CT do Sorocaba 1, em Sorocaba-SP. Em entrevista ao site oficial do clube, o técnicoFilipe Torres projetou a estreia e analiso ua nvoa geração Tricolor.

+ATUAÇÕES: André resolve para o Fluminense e marca gol da vitória

– O mais importante agora é formar a nova geração de atletas do Fluminense. Com o aproveitamento de algumas jogadoras na equipe adulta, encerramos um ciclo com o título inédito do Brasileiro Feminino Sub-18 da edição de 2020, agora é pensar na formação das meninas que permaneceram e das que estão chegando para compor o elenco, e isso também significa muito para nós –

Segundo o regulamento do campeonato,24 equipes se enfrentam em turno e returno dentro de seus respectivos grupos. Os seis primeiros colocados de cada grupo e os dois melhores segundos colocados entre os grupos. O Fluminense integra o grupo A ao lado de Flamengo, Cuiabá-MT e Minas Brasília-DF.

+Fluminense não joga bem, mas aposta em superação e vence o clássico

– Finalizamos muito bem a preparação para esta edição e trabalhamos forte em todos os aspectos que desenvolvem as atletas desta categoria. A expectativa é a melhor possível, primeiro é focar na primeira fase, nosso primeiro objetivo é seguir na competição, mas para isso teremos que construir os resultados jogo a jogo – finalizou.

As Liverpool begin their preparations for the post-Jurgen Klopp era at Anfield, those behind the scenes have reportedly joined the race to sign a player their potential next Premier League manager knows all about.

Liverpool transfer news

By this point, many believed that Liverpool would be on course to welcome Xabi Alonso, with much of Michael Edwards' plan based around the Spaniard. That has not proved to be the case, however, with Alonso recently announcing his decision to stay put at Leverkusen for at least another season.

Now, it seems as though Sporting CP's Ruben Amorim is set to be one of the leading candidates after impressing in Portugal. His side are currently chasing a domestic double in what would be a fitting end to his time in Lisbon. At just 39 years of age, it's no surprise to see the manager linked with names such as Liverpool, who may well be hoping to replicate the long-term success that Klopp has enjoyed at Anfield.

What's more, reports are now suggesting that the Reds and FSG could sign a player that Amorim is familiar with. According to O Jogo via Sport Witness, Liverpool have joined the race to sign Joao Neves from Benfica – Sporting's title rivals in Portugal – and could be among those to trigger his whopping €120m (£100m) release clause this summer. The Reds, however, are reportedly joined by both Manchester United and Chelsea in a busy race for the 19-year-old's signature.

Journalist: “Incredible” player could be Salah replacement at Liverpool

He is “on the list” for the Reds this summer.

ByHenry Jackson Mar 31, 2024

The defensive midfielder may come with a hefty price tag, but he has shown that he is more than worth the investment, even if Benfica up that release clause to €150m (£128m), as is reportedly being considered. With three of the biggest Premier League sides chasing Neves' signature, Liverpool could soon be hoping to win the race.

"Warrior" Neves can be Endo's long-term replacement

As much as a nice surprise that Wataru Endo has been this season, quickly cementing himself as the bargain of the summer transfer window at the base of Liverpool's midfield, he is already 31 years of age. It won't be too long before the Reds are left without a defensive midfielder once again if they're not careful and perhaps if they lose the race for Neves.

The teenager has already earned plenty of plaudits from around Europe, with Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig posting on X last year after Neves' performance against Amorim's Sporting side:

There's no doubt that with more experience, Neves could only get better from here and with such a hefty release clause, Liverpool may have no choice but to splash the cash in search of quality. Whilst a bargain signing similar to Endo would be ideal, Neves is an option who could play a part at Anfield for the next decade or so.

Ange Postecoglou knew when walking through the door at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium that Harry Kane would not be around to spearhead the squad, having graduated from the academy to become the club-record scorer with 280 goals from 435 appearances.

Tottenham Hotspur have come on leaps and bounds this season and it's probably a good thing that Postecoglou knew his talisman was off, from the off. He knew what to work with, and like any craftsman worth his salt he made good use of what was available.

At least Tottenham turned a sizeable profit, Kane signing for Bayern Munich in August for a base fee of around £82m, having cost a grand sum of nothing initially.

It's the largest return the Lilywhites have ever made – when considering the profit margins – but it's not the only time the shrewd and all-registering eye of Daniel Levy has worked some magic in the market, with Kieran Trippier also earning a club a pretty penny, albeit for a lesser reward.

Why Spurs sold Kieran Trippier

Tottenham and right-backs is a tale that has seen its fair share of tumult over the years, but in Pedro Porro, Postecoglou looks like he's got his hands on a star fit for purpose for many years to come, having signed the Spaniard from Sporting Lisbon on an initial loan in January 2023 and completed the permanent signing last summer for £39m.

Thus ends a several-year-long period of struggle at right-back, with the likes of Serge Aurier and Matt Doherty flattering to deceive after Trippier took his leave in 2019, having completed 114 appearances for Tottenham, scoring two goals and supplying 23 assists.

Tottenham had actually signed Trippier from Burnley back in 2015 after meeting the player's £3.5m buyout fee, proving to be some bargain for a full-back who would go on to become an established England international and La Liga champion with Atletico Madrid.

For Trippier, a long-term future down at N17 was certainly an option, but he released some scathing comments on the outfit and, namely, Levy, claiming that he was pushed to the exit.

Speaking to The Athletic in 2019, he said: "What annoyed me … as you know, people in football speak and there are always rumours, but I know 100 per cent for a fact – and this is what I was most angry about – that two months before the end of the season, Daniel (Levy, the chairman) was offering me to other clubs.

“I knew for certain that was happening, so I knew my time there must be up. I was playing for my teammates and the supporters, but I also knew I wasn't wanted."

Saying that, moving to Madrid saw Trippier's £50k-per-week salary skyrocket to around £78k-per-week, and given that Diego Simeone's side offered £25m for his services, it's hardly surprising that Levy was keen to get a deal done.

Now back in the Premier League and plying his trade with Newcastle United, arguably the lynchpin of this blooming golden era on Tyneside, it's widely accepted that the Three Lions star's finest days have come away from Tottenham, but given that his £25m sale marked a 614% rise from the fee paid to bring him to the club, it can only go down as a fantastic deal.

Kieran Trippier's season in numbers

Trippier ranks among the top 2% of full-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, shot-creating actions and passes attempted and the top 3% for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref.

Premier League 23/24: Most Big Chances Created

Player

Club

Stat

Mohamed Salah

Liverpool

19

Heung-min Son

Tottenham Hotspur

17

Bruno Fernandes

Manchester United

14

Dwight McNeil

Everton

14

Kieran Trippier

Newcastle United

13

Bukayo Saka

Arsenal

13

Martin Odegaard

Arsenal

13

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Liverpool

13

Stats via Premier League

The Magpies vice-skipper has posted four goals and 21 assists from 89 matches at Newcastle. He is one of the most creative and influential players – let alone defenders – in the Premier League and has been described as a "hero" for his international escapades by presenter Gary Lineker.

As per Sofascore, Trippier has racked up ten assists from 25 top-flight fixtures this season, averaging 2.5 key passes and 2.3 tackles per game, but there are signs of wear-and-tear and infirmity for this grizzled veteran, who has been criticised for some "disastrous" displays by Harry De Cosemo.

It's hardly likely that Trippier would prove to be the more athletic, all-encompassing machine than Porro on the Tottenham flank right now, and while he could have been a valuable asset over the past few years, that erstwhile transfer fee reaffirms the accuracy of the deal.

Now 33 years old – Trippier will turn 34 shortly into the 2023/24 campaign – the £120k-per-week star is understandably seeing something of a depreciation, with Football Transfers marking his current value at just £13m, which is lower than Spurs ace Oliver Skipp's valuation of £16m.

Sure, Skipp is a decade younger than his countryman at 23 years old but he has started only four Premier League matches under Postecoglou's leadership and is surely considered one of the most expendable outlets on the books.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast's Where Are They Now series.

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Having allowed the 5 foot 10 Trippier to forge a successful career overseas, it's proved to be a successful move for both player and club, albeit with Tottenham spending some three seasons searching for an apt and reliable replacement down the right flank.

Still, it's quite the profit for Levy and the more recent acquisition of Porro looks to have provided Postecoglou with the perfect tool to fashion success from the edge of the backline.

Offences related to corruption in sports will carry a prison term of up to 10 years, as well as various fines

Andrew Fidel Fernando11-Nov-2019

Sri Lankan fans had reasons to cheer•BCCI

Sri Lanka has become the first South Asian nation to criminalise several offences related to match-fixing, after its parliament passed all three readings of a bill entitled “Prevention of Offences Related to Sports” on Monday. Offences related to corruption in sports will carry a prison term of up to 10 years, as well as various fines.Aside from Sports Minister Harin Fernando, who presented the bill to parliament, former Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga, who is a cabinet minister, was a strong supporter of the new legislation during Monday’s parliamentary debates. The sports ministry in particular is understood to have worked closely with the ICC’s Anti Corruption Unit during the process of drafting the bill. In fact, although the bill covers all sports, it is the recent ACU investigation into Sri Lankan cricket that is believed to have prompted this legislation.The bill’s ambit is broad. It seeks not only to punish “any person related to a sport” who is directly involved in fixing, but also those who “provide… inside information”, curators who prepare playing surfaces to suit betting operators, and match officials who “deliberately misapply the rules” for money. In addition, it is now also illegal for former players (and others involved in sports) to provide corrupt figures access to current players.Just as significantly, the bill also criminalises “acts of omission”, which includes failure to report corrupt approaches. This means that Sri Lankan cricketers who are approached by potential corruptors may now have to report these approaches not only to the ICC’s ACU under the ICC code, but also to a Special Investigation Unit appointed by Sri Lanka’s government.Although parliament passed this legislation during Monday’s special sitting, it is not law until the Act is gazetted, probably in the course of the next 10 days. A parliament spokesperson said the gazetting is expected to be a mere formality.While Ranatunga was a leading figure during the debate, urging parliament to push an unamended bill through as soon as possible, former SLC president Thilanga Sumathipala proposed amendments to the bill that were ultimately defeated on the floor. Sumathipala was at pains to mention, however, that he was not against the passing of the bill as a whole, only the contents of certain clauses.Sri Lanka’s cricket has been under investigation by the ICC’s ACU since 2017. Several former players have been charged under the ICC code, the most notable of whom is Sanath Jayasuriya, who was banned for two years in February this year.

تحدث محمد مجدي أفشة، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي الأهلي، عن مواجهة الزمالك التي جمعت بينهما في نهائي السوبر المصري، مشيراً إلى أنه يتمنى تحقيق بطولات كثيرة مع الأحمر قبل اعتزاله.

وتمكن الأهلي من الفوز على الزمالك، والتتويج بلقب كأس السوبر المصري، بركلات الترجيح 7-6، عقب انتهاء المباراة في الوقت الأصلي والإضافي بالتعادل السلبي.

وقال أفشة في تصريحات عبر قناة “الأهلي”: “كان مهم الفوز بالمباراة أمام الزمالك، أهدرنا فرصًا كثيرة، 4 أهداف تقريبًا، لكن ربنا أكرمنا وفزنا بالبطولة في النهاية وهذا هو الأهم”.

طالع أيضاً.. حسين الشحات: نعلم أننا قصرنا في السوبر الإفريقي.. والأهلي لا يخسر بطولتين متتاليتين

عن تحية الجمهور له عند الإحماء، قال: “هذا رزق من عند ربنا، أستطيع أن أرى جيداً وأعرف ماذا يحبون، عندما أراهم بهذا الشكل عند الإحماء أشعر بالفخر، أتمنى أن أقدم شيئًا للنادي، كما أتمنى أن أكون واحدًا من أساطير النادي الأهلي، (نفسي آخد كل حاجة)”.

وأضاف: “أنا لا أجمل الكلام، دائمًا وأنا ألعب أقول أنا لم أفعل شيئًا حتى الآن، لا أستطيع أن أقول إنني قدمت شيئًا إلا بعد الاعتزال، نحن كسبنا بطولة كبيرة أمام الزمالك وأغلقنا الصفحة وسننظر للمستقبل”.

وأوضح: “خسرنا السوبر الإفريقي ولم يكن هناك حظ وتوفيق، ولكي أكون صريحًا نحن لم نكن في أحسن حال، والزمالك كان يستحق الفوز أكثر منّا، لكن موضوع أن نخسر بطولتين متتاليتين وفي وقت قليل في أول الموسم وبالأخص أمام الزمالك شيء غير جيد، (لو خسرنا بطولتين ورا بعض من الزمالك الجمهور لن يكون مبسوط)، ونحن أيضاً كذلك، نحن نريد تحقيق بطولات ومكاسب أكثر من ذلك لكي نسعد الجماهير”.

وأتم: “أنا أتمنى أن أحقق بطولات إفريقية كثيرة، وتحقيق كأس العالم للأندية، لا يوجد شيء صعب على ربنا، أريد أن أحقق أرقامًا فردية جيدة، ولآخر يوم في عمري الناس يتذكرونني بشكل جيد”.

Crystal Palace have officially appointed former Eintracht Frankfurt boss Oliver Glasner to succeed Roy Hodgson, and it is believed he will "assert" himself with a clear approach right from the get-go.

Palace announce Glasner appointment

On Monday evening, Palace confirmed the appointment of Glasner in a move which has excited certain sections of the fan base.

Crystal Palace dealt Oliver Glasner drawback as reporter moots Parish issue

The Austrian is set to replace Hodgson.

ByEmilio Galantini Feb 16, 2024

While there have been warnings sent to Palace over Glasner's no-nonsense attitude when it comes to control, which could cause issues with chairman Steve Parish, the Austrian's reputation still brings plenty of anticipation over his tenure.

Glasner has a real job on his hands with the Eagles fully in a relegation battle as things stand. They squandered a 1-0 lead away to Everton, conceding a late equaliser from Amadou Onana, and are among the division's lowest-scoring sides.

"I'm delighted to welcome Oliver to the club," said Parish.

Naouirou Ahamada

6.06

Nathaniel Clyne

6.37

Sam Johnstone

6.47

Chris Richards

6.47

Joel Ward

6.47

"He has an outstanding record, and we believe he is the right manager to take the club forward at this pivotal stage. Wherever Oliver has gone so far in his managerial journey, success has been quick to follow, and we believe his ambition, as well as his exciting and attacking approach is the perfect fit for getting the most from our talented young squad in the remainder of this Premier League season and beyond."

Glasner won the Europa League with Eintracht and also boasts an Austrian second-division title, with the 49-year-old preferring a 3-4-2-1 formation.

"He’s very structured, very well organised, meticulous, observes the opposition very closely and prepares the team very well for them,” said former Bayern Munich boss Niko Kovac to the Frankfurt Allgemeine Zeitung (via Bundesliga).

“He doesn’t just let Eintracht run their boots off. He adjusts tactics, tries to simulate the opponent during the week in training. Oliver has transferred his ideas of football well to his team because he works methodically, because there’s no chopping and changing.”

Now, journalist Dean Jones has provided further insight into what Glasner will bring to Selhurst Park.

Glasner will "assert" physicality at Crystal Palace

According to the reporter, speaking to GiveMeSport, Glasner will "assert himself" right from the off and introduce physicality at Crystal Palace. Jones also shared a pretty exciting claim from his German sources, who fully expect the tactician to prove successful in south London.

"I think Glasner will assert himself by bringing a sense of physicality to Crystal Palace and also probably more of a modern approach to their attacking set-up than they perhaps had recently," said Jones.

"That won't come overnight. This squad isn't really capable of changing too much in the short term, but it'll get funded in the summer. Judging by what he's done so far in Germany, and judging by what he's capable of from a coaching perspective from people I've spoken to over there, they seem to think that actually, this is a really good appointment for Crystal Palace. After all of the protests from fans and accusations of them lacking ambition, this could actually prove to be a good appointment."

Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney and Phil Parkinson are looking to land the “best players within our budget” as Wrexham battle rivals for top targets.

Article continues below

Article continues below

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• Red Dragons have risen up into League One
• Movement in and out of Racecourse expected
• Hollywood co-owners making funds available

• Getty/GOAL
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Hollywood co-owners in North Wales have always made the funds available that allow ambitious goals to be drawn up, with shrewd recruitment contributing significantly to back-to-back promotions. The Red Dragons are now in League One and looking to add again.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Arthur Okonkwo has already returned to SToK Racecourse on a permanent basis, after leaving Arsenal as a free agent, while more movement out of the club will be required as Parkinson frees up space in a squad that will see numbers restricted in the third tier.

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT PARKINSON SAID

  Parkinson has told of working through a process that should make Wrexham as competitive as possible: “The players we are going for, we are competing with other teams for. But Wrexham is a very attractive club to come and play for and we’re working on getting the best players which are within our budget. It is an exciting club to be part of, there is no doubt about that. There’s the back-to-back promotions and people looking from afar can see we are a club progressing in the right direction. There’s a lot more growth to come and there’s players who want to be a part of that. It is my job and the staff’s job to select those players who can enhance that. We have already got a strong squad and the aim is to make it even more competitive by the time that the season starts.”

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• WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

  The Red Dragons, who have already been paired with Salford and Port Vale in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy group stage, will discover their 2024-25 schedule on Wednesday when the EFL fixture lists are released. Documentary cameras are ready to cover their every move, with a fourth series of Welcome to Wrexham already confirmed.

Seamer to continue injury comeback by playing in T20 and Second XI game

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Aug-2019

Jofra Archer chats to England’s bowling coach Chris Silverwood in the nets•Getty Images

Jofra Archer will be given the chance to prove his Ashes fitness by playing in a T20 Blast game for Sussex this Friday, and a three-day Second XI game next week.Archer was named in England’s 14-man squad for the first Test at Edgbaston, but was omitted from the final XI as he continued his rehabilitation from a side strain he had suffered during the World Cup.”Jofra is coming back from quite a serious injury,” said England’s captain, Joe Root, explaining his omission. “We looked at conditions and made a decision on what we thought would best take 20 wickets here.”It also gives him time to get absolutely ready and fit to make sure he has his workloads up and ready to go for later in the series if he needs to make an impact. [His fitness] will be monitored throughout the week. It’s important that he’s ready to go to offer something different.”Archer was one of the stars of England’s World Cup win, taking 20 wickets at 23.05 before bowling the decisive Super Over in the final against New Zealand, but admitted he had played through “excruciating” pain during the tournament.After a brief trip back to his native Barbados, Archer took 2 for 21 in his four overs in Sussex’s tied T20 Blast game against Surrey before joining up with the Test squad.Archer has been released to play in Sussex’s game against Kent on Friday night, and will then make his first appearance in the Second XI Championship since 2016 when he plays against Gloucestershire at Blackstone, a game which starts on Tuesday.Sussex also have a T20 against Glamorgan that day, but Archer will instead have the chance to prove he is fit enough to bowl longer spells with the red ball.It had been suggested that Archer might be loaned to Worcestershire to play in their tour game against Australia, as has happened with Andrew Strauss (Somerset), Nick Compton (Worcestershire), and James Taylor (Sussex) in previous years, but he will instead be kept away from the limelight in rural West Sussex.Olly Stone and Sam Curran, the other unused members of England’s Edgbaston squad, have also been released to play in the Blast on Friday night.Stone will join up with the Birmingham Bears squad for their game at Trent Bridge, while Curran will play for Surrey at Taunton.Eoin Morgan returns to Lord’s for his first appearance since the final tonight in Middlesex’s game against Kent, while Adil Rashid has been included in Yorkshire’s Blast squad for the first time this season for Friday night’s fixture against Worcestershire.