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Also: what’s the lowest individual score never made in each format of international cricket?

Steven Lynch02-Nov-2021Who are the oldest and youngest players in the current T20 World Cup – and who are the record-holders overall? asked Keith Robinson from England

The youngest man in the current T20 World Cup is the exciting Afghanistan batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who was 19 years 331 days old in their match against Scotland in Sharjah. The oldest is Chris Gayle, who’s about a month past his 42nd birthday.The youngest player in any edition of this tournament to date was Mohammad Amir, who was aged 17 years 55 days when he faced England at The Oval in June 2009. Rashid Khan was about four months older when he played for Afghanistan against Scotland in Nagpur in March 2016. The oldest was Ryan Campbell, who was 44 when he played for Hong Kong in the 2016 edition. The oldest for a Test-playing nation was Brad Hogg, who was 43 when he appeared for Australia in March 2014.Five Dutch players were out first ball in their T20 World Cup match against Ireland. Was this a record? asked Sandeep Sachdeva from India

The short answer is yes: Netherlands’ five golden ducks – by Ben Cooper, Ryan ten Doeschate, Scott Edwards, Roelof van der Merwe and Brandon Glover – against Ireland in Abu Dhabi recently was a new record for T20Is. There had been three previous instances of four, by West Indies against Bangladesh in Mirpur in 2013-14 (this included a run-out), New Zealand vs Sri Lanka in Pallekele in 2019 (when Lasith Malinga took four wickets in four balls), and Estonia against Cyprus in Episkopi in July 2021.The record for one-day internationals is four first-ball dismissals in an innings, which has happened three times – by Sri Lanka against Pakistan in Jamshedpur in 1998-99 (one a run-out), Pakistan vs England at The Oval in 2003 (three inflicted by Jimmy Anderson), and Scotland against New Zealand in Dunedin during the 2015 World Cup.The record for a Test innings, as far as can be established (data is incomplete), is also four, by South Africa against England at The Oval in 2017, two of them coming during Moeen Ali’s match-ending hat-trick.What’s the lowest individual score never made in each format of international cricket? asked Cal Bypost via Facebook

At the moment the lowest individual score never recorded in a men’s Test match is 229, followed by 252 and 265. The first score of 238 came earlier this year, by Kane Williamson for New Zealand against Pakistan in Christchurch.In one-day internationals it’s 155 (which is odd since there have been five 154s and six 156s), and 112 in T20Is. No one has yet been out for 93 in T20Is, but Hamilton Masakadza hit 93 not out for Zimbabwe against Bangladesh in Khulna in 2015-16.In women’s Tests the lowest score not yet recorded is 91, in ODIs 126, and in T20Is 85.R Ashwin held the record for the most wickets after 39 Tests•AFP / Getty ImagesI know that Ravichandran Ashwin used to hold the record for most wickets at a certain stage of his Test career – does he still? asked R Narendran from India

The Indian spinner R Ashwin held the record for the most wickets after 39 matches (220; Yasir Shah had the most after 38, with 209) and held the mark until his 65th Test, by which time he had 342 wickets. But although Ashwin took eight in his 66th match, he was joined by Muthiah Muralidaran with 350 after 66. Murali took 11 more in his next Test, and retained the record from then until the end of his career (800 wickets in 133 matches). Other bowlers have played more Tests, but have not approached his wicket haul.I noticed that Brendon McCullum scored two double-centuries in New Zealand’s two Tests against India in 2013-14. Has anyone ever scored three double-hundreds in a series? asked Kerry Watson from New Zealand

Brendon McCullum hit 224 for New Zealand against India in Auckland in February 2014, then 302 – NZ’s first Test triple – in Wellington the following week. This was the 16th instance of a batter scoring two double-centuries in a Test series; Virat Kohli joined the club for India against Sri Lanka in 2017-18. Apart from McCullum, only Wally Hammond (for England vs New Zealand in 1932-33) and Thilan Samaraweera (Sri Lanka vs Pakistan in 2008-09) did it in a two-match series.As so often, though, one man stands alone when you consider this sort of record. Don Bradman hit three double-centuries in the Ashes in England in 1930, when he racked up 974 runs in all, still the record for any Test series. Bradman hit 254 at Lord’s, in what he always claimed was his best Test innings, 334 at Headingley, and 232 in the fifth Test at The Oval. Bradman also hit two double-centuries in three further series – against England in 1934 and 1936-37, and South Africa in 1931-32. For the overall list, click here.Use our feedback form, or the Ask Steven Facebook page to ask your stats and trivia questions

Manchester United have endured a phenomenal upturn in form over the last couple of weeks, as seen by their run of three Premier League victories in a row.

Ruben Amorim appears to be finally silencing the doubters, after being subject to countless barrages of criticism from supporters and pundits across the country.

However, his work in the transfer window is largely to thank, with his additions from the recent summer transfer window already having an immediate impact at Old Trafford.

Bryan Mbeumo arrived in a £71m deal from Brentford and has already taken the role as the Red Devils’ main talisman, as seen by his tally of five goals in his first nine league outings.

Despite the additions within the final third, Amorim and the hierarchy are still hunting for a new central midfielder to take the first-team squad to the next level in the near future.

Man Utd’s hunt for a new midfielder in January

Over the last couple of months, United have been hugely touted with a winter move for Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson, after his phenomenal start to the 2025/26 season.

The 22-year-old has started all nine Premier League games to date, resulting in his maiden England call-up to Thomas Tuchel’s squad – subsequently cementing his place as a regular starter.

However, any deal could prove to be a somewhat expensive one, with Sean Dyche’s side currently demanding a fee in the region of £100m for his signature.

He’s not the English midfielder currently in their sights, with Borussia Dortmund star Jobe Bellingham another target for the Red Devils, according to one Spanish outlet.

They have reported that Amorim’s side are preparing a €50m (£42m) offer for the 20-year-old despite only joining the Bundesliga outfit back in the recent summer transfer window.

It also states that the player is growing frustrated with his lack of minutes, having only started two league outings in 2025/26 and featured for a total of 208 minutes.

Why United’s £42m target would be the perfect Casemiro replacement

Many United fans expected Casemiro’s minutes at United to be extremely limited this season after struggling to impress, some Amorim took the reins back in November last year.

The Brazilian, who’s now 33, has even been called into question by numerous pundits over the last few years, many of whom have claimed he’s no longer at the level required for the Premier League.

Jamie Carragher infamously said that ‘the football has left him’ and recommended that the former Real Madrid star move to Saudi Arabia or America to end his career.

However, he’s been a key component of Amorim’s side this campaign, subsequently featuring in eight of the nine league outings – even scoring twice and notching an assist.

Casemiro’s latest goal came in the recent triumph over Brighton and Hove Albion, stepping up to the plate when the manager and team needed him most.

Despite his recent form at Old Trafford, there’s little denying he’s entering the final years of his career at the top level, with his current deal at the Red Devils set to expire in the summer of 2026.

The supporters shouldn’t worry about a potential departure, especially if the rumours around a move for Bellingham come to fruition in the winter or summer transfer window.

Whilst the Englishman has struggled for action in the current season, he’s still managed to produce numerous incredible stats that would see him be a monster hit with the fans in Manchester.

Bellingham, who’s been labelled “one of the best midfielders” by the Second Tier Podcast, has completed 88% of his attempted, whilst ranking in the 89th percentile for touches per 90.

Games played

8

Minutes played

208

Pass accuracy

88%

Touches per 90

84.8

Tackles made

2.2

Duels won

6.5

Aerials won

71%

Fouls won

1.7

Such figures highlight his incredible ability with the balm at his feet, with such a skillset adding yet another talented technician to the heart of Amorim’s first-team squad.

Out of possession, the youngster has been just as impressive, making 2.2 tackles per 90 to date, whilst also winning 6.5 duels per 90 – highlighting his workmanlike style.

Other tallies, such as a 71% aerial duel success rate and 1.7 fouls won per 90, showcase his all-round ability, which has made him a constant nuisance to countless opponents.

£42m may seem a hefty sum of money for the Dortmund star, but it certainly could prove to be a fantastic piece of business if he reaches his full potential.

At just 20, he has bags of time to develop further, whilst also offering the club a long-term replacement for the experienced Casemiro into 2026/27 and beyond.

Not Mbeumo: Man Utd's "world-class" star is now becoming Amorim's new Bruno

Manchester United have hit the jackpot on one star who could reach Bruno Fernandes’ level.

1 ByEthan Lamb Oct 28, 2025

Arsenal are one of several team scouting a promising young defender who’s been likened to standout stars Gabriel and William Saliba.

Saliba and Gabriel injuries force Arteta to rely on depth

Mikel Arteta’s squad has been tested by injuries once again in recent weeks, with both first choice centre-backs missing time while Jurrien Timber suffered a knock in midweek and Ben White has only just returned from a long absence.

“We have to wait and see,” Arteta said about Saliba ahead of the clash with Wolves, confirming the France international will be fit to face Everton next weekend.

Gabriel meanwhile has been missing since the November international break, when he sustained a thigh injury while on Brazil duty, but was spotted in London this week spectating a fiery six-aside match.

“He didn’t look injured when he sprinted across the pitch to get involved,” an onlooker said after the Brazilian took offence to a horror tackle in a friendly match organised between Botafogo fans.

£150,000-a-week Arsenal star "sees red" and "flies off the handle" in new footage

The Gunners star lost his cool during the incident in London this week.

ByBen Goodwin 2 days ago

Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera have performed admirably in the first-choice duo’s absence, but Mosquera has since joined them on the sidelines with an ankle injury, and Arsenal are now scouting options to reinforce Arteta’s options.

Arsenal eyeing move for Ousmane Diomande

According to Caught Offisde, the Gunners are one of several sides scouting Sporting CP centre-back Ousmane Diomande.

Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Newcastle have all been in attendance to keep tabs on the 22 year-old defender this season, who has been dubbed “a hybrid between Gabriel and Saliba” by Como scout Ben Mattinson.

Sporting don’t want to sell Diomande and are directing clubs to his €80m (£70m) release clause, but that is seen as “less” problematic for big teams than some other suitors, such as Crystal Palace.

Scout Jacek Kulig has long been an admirer of the defender, saying back in 2023: “You rarely see a player with such high ball-playing and pure defender skills.

“There are some tactical improvements but I’m quite sure this kid will play for the best teams in the world.”

That admiration has remained as the youngster has developed too, with Kulig saying earlier this year: “A fantastic CB to watch with a huge future ahead.”

If Diomande is willing to sit behind the starting pair and learn his craft, he could both provide immediate depth and futureproof a position that is absolutely crucial to Arteta’s demanding style of play.

Aston Villa are now preparing an ambitious January move to sign a “seriously impressive” midfielder, with his current club now willing to cash-in for £30m.

Villa looking to bolster options in midfield amid Elliott uncertainty

Despite Harvey Elliott making a solid start to life at Villa Park, scoring on his first start in the EFL Cup defeat at Brentford, his future is now in doubt, with Unai Emery unwilling to give the midfielder any game time as of late.

As there is an obligation to buy clause is activated if the 22-year-old plays in just ten matches this season, he has fallen down the pecking order considerably, and there are now major doubts over whether the Liverpool loanee will remain at Villa beyond January.

As such, Emery may need to bring in another midfielder in the upcoming transfer window, and there has now been a new update on the Villans’ pursuit of Anderlecht midfielder Nathan De Cat.

According to a report from Caught Offside, Aston Villa are now preparing an ambitious January move to sign De Cat, and they are keen to accelerate talks, amid growing interest from elsewhere, with Tottenham Hotspur, Bayern Munich and Brighton also in the race.

Scouts from across Europe have been left impressed by the Anderlecht maestro, and the Belgian club would be willing to cash-in for the right fee, with a £30m asking price being touted.

The Villans are now readying a bid of €22m – €25m (£19m – £22m) up front, such is their level of interest in the youngster, who has been likened to Manchester City star and 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri.

Aston Villa plotting £18m bid for "tremendous" defender, Martinez is a big fan

The Villans are planning a move for a new centre-back, who is also being targeted by Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City.

By
Dominic Lund

Nov 27, 2025

"Seriously impressive" De Cat is one for the future

The 17-year-old is held in very high regard by scout Ben Mattinson, who took to X to provide an overview of his key strengths earlier this year.

Although he is still very young, the teenager, who stands at a towering 6’4, has already established himself as a key player for Anderlecht, making 20 appearances across all competitions this season.

Given that the Belgian is yet to prove himself in a major European league, he may not yet be at the level to make an instant impact at Aston Villa, but the starlet has the makings of a future star, and it is little wonder so many top clubs are keen.

The Kansas City Royals suffered a big scare on Wednesday afternoon. In a spring training contest with the Seattle Mariners, superstar shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. got drilled by a 96-mph fastball on the arm. Witt was in clear pain after the HBP and left the game, telling manager Matt Quatraro that he initially lost feeling in his fingers but that it was beginning to return.

The team took Witt out anyway so he could go get precautionary X-rays. Here's the play:

A few hours later Witt and the Royals offered relief in the form of a positive injury update. KC announced Witt's X-rays were negative and he had not suffered a fracture. Witt followed that up with a social media message containing two emojis— the thumbs up and the prayer hands.

A big break for the reigning MLB batting champion.

Florian Wirtz has been compared to Luka Modric, with Liverpool's struggling £116m signing being backed to silence his doubters just as the former Real Madrid midfielder did. Wirtz was considered one of the brightest midfield talents in the world at Bayer Leverkusen, but the Germany international has experienced a major dip in form since moving to the Premier League.

• Wirtz's underwhelming start to Anfield journey

  Liverpool spent a whopping £116 million ($154m) to sign Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen during the summer transfer window. The talented German midfielder had also attracted interest from Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich and Manchester City, but he opted to join the Premier League champions.

  Anfield fans were very excited at the time of Wirtz's arrival as they expected fireworks on the pitch from a world-class talent, but the 22-year-old has failed to live up to his potential and has been a disappointment at the start of the 2025-26 campaign. The Germany international has faced fierce criticism in England, but it has not affected the midfielder or his family, as his father Hanz recently told : "My thought from the very beginning was to wait and see how the first ten league games went," he said. "We and Florian are perfectly happy with that. The incredible speed, the back and forth, that was very impressive for the first few games. The distances covered and the speed were significantly greater. The style of play is sometimes enormously different because it doesn't seem as organised, but rather more focused on pace."

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  Wirtz compared to Modric

  Amid all the negative chatter around Wirtz's performances, former Premier League star David Bentley has come to the midfielder's defence while drawing a comparison to Real Madrid and Croatia legend Luka Modric. When Modric initially arrived at Tottenham Hotspur, he was initially panned by critics, however, the Croatian eventually went on to establish himself as one of the greatest footballers of all time, winning the Ballon d'Or in 2018.

  Speaking to , ex-Spurs winger Bentley said: "He is an unbelievable player, so talented, fans and pundits have to stick by him. Yes he’s exactly the same [as Modric]. When Modric came through the door, he was exactly the same in the way he receives the ball, scans, he knows what he is doing. He was an unbelievably technically gifted player, and both can set the tone and tempo of a football match, so you have to stick with him."

• Nagelsmann defends Reds star

  Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has also backed Wirtz during this difficult period of his career. He even aimed a dig at the Liverpool attackers for failing to convert the chances Wirtz has been creating. Speaking to reporters, the Germany boss said: "Liverpool could also help him out by scoring some of the chances he creates. They somehow don't like to shoot the ball in. To be honest, the overall situation doesn't make it easy for Flo either. The whole club isn't as stable this year as it was last year. It's much harder to slip into the team now. If you look at the game against [Manchester] City, they were actually the worse team over the 90 minutes. So it's also difficult for Flo to make a big impact. Ultimately, the overall situation is such that he just needs a little more time, which is normal; you see that with other players who move to the Premier League too. 

  "We all know what he's capable of, and it's perfectly normal for a player of his age to go through a bit of a dip in form. We can't expect him to perform at the same level for three years straight. Instead, we all need to support him a little bit so that he can clear his head here, and then maybe Liverpool could also help him out by scoring some of the chances he creates. That would be one idea, because he does not create few chances, it's just that… they somehow don't like to shoot the ball in, that's also part of the truth."

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  Wirtz eyes comeback with Germany

  Wirtz has made it into the Germany squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifying matches despite his poor club form. The former Leverkusen star will hope to make the most of the chances he gets during the international break to help Germany secure a World Cup berth and regain his form before returning to Anfield later this month. Germany are scheduled to take on Luxembourg on November 14, before facing Slovakia three days later.

MatériaMais Notícias

Fábio Santos não deve ser o único jogador a deixar o Corinthians no fim do ano, ao fim do seu contrato com o clube. O Timão deve passar por um processo de renovação, independentemente do presidente que vença a eleição marcada para o dia 25 de novembro.

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+ Garanta a sua vaga no curso que formou craques como Pet, Dante e Léo Moura! Cupom: LANCE1000

Outros atletas que têm contrato até dezembro não devem ter o vínculo renovado, casos do zagueiro Gil, do volante Cantillo e do meia Giuliano. O garoto Ruan Oliveira é outro que possivelmente não seguirá no Timão.

Renato Augusto já é um capítulo à parte. A tendência é que a renovação só aconteça com redução de valores e por uma temporada. Mas isso vai depender da nova diretoria. É possível que essa resolução ocorra durante dezembro, com a nova gestão já eleita, mas ainda não empossada.

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Houve um início de conversa com Renato sobre renovação com o departamento de futebol que está à frente do Timão atualmente, mas elas não caminharam pois foi acenado inicialmente o desejo do jogador em atuar até 2025 e depois encerrar a carreira. As questões políticas também influenciaram a pausa nas tratativas que não passaram de uma situação embrionária.

No momento, o único jogador que tem processo de negociação para renovação de contrato aberto é Bruno Méndez. A ideia é entregar o contrato renovado com o jogador para a próxima gestão. O problema é que os movimentos incertos no Corinthians tem balançado o atleta e o seu estafe de assinarem um novo vínculo, mesmo com os representantes do atleta tendo dado a palavra à diretoria corintiana que estenderia o vínculo caso não fechasse com algum time europeu no meio do ano.

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O encontro que aconteceu após a última janela de transferências não foi animador. Enquanto isso, clubes brasileiros como Flamengo e Internacional estão de olho na possibilidade de contar com o uruguaio no próximo ano.

+ Renove o seu estoque de camisas do Timão com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF

Com contrato até o fim de 2024, a próxima temporada deve ser a última do lateral-direito Fagner. No entanto, o jogador entrará em uma ‘lista de negociáveis’ e caso haja uma proposta não haverá oposição para vendê-lo.

Entre os veteranos, o único com ‘moral’ no Timão é o goleiro Cássio, que tem vínculo até o final do ano que vem e se mantiver as atuações de 2023 a tendência é que a próxima gestão, independentemente de qual seja, inicie as conversas pela renovação ainda no primeiro semestre.

Manchester United are in a sticky situation under Ruben Amorim and plenty of high-profile names have delivered intriguing verdicts on his predicament, including Alan Shearer.

Man Utd in stick or twist situation with Ruben Amorim

External pressure in football has been heightened drastically over recent years due to the rise of social media, though there is a clear debate to be had about whether a managerial change at Old Trafford is necessary after a poor Manchester United run of form under Amorim.

The former Sporting boss has delivered 19 victories, nine draws and 21 losses in charge of the Red Devils, averaging 1.35 points per game in the Premier League.

Only two wins have arrived for Amorim this season without the added strain of having to juggle both European and domestic football, with the lowlight being a dismal loss to Grimsby Town in the EFL Cup.

Wayne Rooney clarified he has ‘no faith’ in Manchester United turning things around. However, INEOS have decided to keep their man in the dugout for the time being, offering a stay and a chance to change public perception after a rocky start to 2025/26.

Conversely, Sir Jim Ratcliffe may already be plotting a change in the background amid Gareth Southgate being contacted by the Red Devils as an alternative to Amorim.

Not just Shaw: Amorim must drop Man Utd ace who's becoming a huge "problem"

Manchester United need a solution to their problems after yet another defeat in the Premier League.

ByEthan Lamb Sep 28, 2025

Over the coming weeks, expect more out-of-work bosses to be linked to the Old Trafford cauldron as speculation continues to grow on what happens next. For now, nothing is concrete, though the Red Devils have a dilemma on their hands.

Either way, Manchester United will be focused on improving results, albeit not everyone is convinced Amorim is the right man to kickstart that process.

Alan Shearer dissects Ruben Amorim's situation at Manchester United

Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Alan Shearer said Manchester United don’t want to admit they’ve made a mistake in hiring Amorim, hence why he thinks they haven’t already moved to relieve him of his duties.

He stated: “I genuinely believe that the owners or the people that are running the club at the minute have made that many errors in the last two years or 18 months since they’ve been there. It would look terrible to admit another error and sack (Amorim).”

Manchester United’s sink or swim fixtures under Amorim

Sunderland (H)

Old Trafford

Liverpool (A)

Anfield

Brighton & Hove Albion (H)

Old Trafford

Nottingham Forest (A)

City Ground

Tottenham Hotspur (A)

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Amorim was a promising appointment when he came in last year, though down the line, many would argue Manchester United haven’t shown any signs of improvement and still regularly cough up inconsistent results.

In his defence, he did take the Red Devils to the Europa League final, progressing past the likes of Lyon and Real Sociedad, but fell at the final hurdle and missed out on Champions League qualification.

For now, he remains and the support will back Amorim to rescue Manchester United from despair. Nevertheless, he is walking on thin ice, something that Shearer has indicated could be costly.

TalkSPORT pundit Simon Jordan has revealed that he spoke to Daniel Levy in the summer and urged the former Tottenham chairman to hire an alternative to Thomas Frank.

Tottenham braced for Champions League reunion with Bodo/Glimt

Spurs take on last season’s Europa League semi-final opponents, Bodo/Glimt, in the Champions League group phase this evening as Frank looks to build upon their 1-0 win against Villarreal last time out.

At the end of 2024/2025, The Lilywhites ran out 5-1 winners on aggregate over Bodo/Glimt to reach their first European final since their Champions League loss to Liverpool in 2019 — beating tonight’s opponents 2-0 the last time they travelled to the Aspmyra Stadion in May.

Bodo/Glimt’s journey to the Champions League phase comes as historic for both the club and the country they hail from, as they’re the first team from Norway to reach this stage of the competition for two decades.

Frank is no stranger to Scandinavian football and will be aware of the threat they pose this evening, according to Bodo/Glimt chief executive Frode Thomassen, who hailed the 51-year-old in an interview with GiveMeSport.

Thus far, ex-chair Levy and the board’s decision to appoint Frank looks like the right one.

Matches

9

Wins

5

Draws

2

Losses

2

Points

14

Points per game

1.89

He’s overseen five victories from nine of his first games in charge, with Tottenham also displaying a real grit to come back from losing positions to snatch dramatic draws in their last two Premier League outings.

Joao Palhinha’s expertly taken side-footed half-volley ensured Spurs avoided a humbling defeat at home to Wolves on Saturday, yet again proving the case that Tottenham should activate the £27 million buy-option at the end of the midfielder’s loan deal.

Despite their bad luck at the Amex in recent seasons, Tottenham also came back from 2-0 down to 2-2 against Brighton a fortnight ago, with signs suggesting that Spurs are already a far more robust outfit than under Ange Postecoglou.

Simon Jordan urged Daniel Levy to hire Oliver Glasner instead of Thomas Frank

Tottenham had other options on their managerial shortlist to replace Postecoglou.

According to reports, before the club announced Frank as their latest new manager, Tottenham did consider a move for Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner.

The Austrian is working wonders at Selhurst Park right now, despite losing a succession of star players in the last two summer windows, with Michael Olise joining Bayern Munich in 2024 and Eberechi Eze signing for boyhood club Arsenal last summer.

They also face the looming threat of Marc Guehi’s departure as his contract winds down towards expiry, but for now, Glasner’s Palace are unbeaten in their last 18 games across all competitions.

Now, pundit and ex-Palace chairman Jordan has told talkSPORT that he urged Levy to go for Glasner before Tottenham eventually hired Frank, calling the tactician a “top, top manager”.

The 51-year-old’s contract currently expires next summer, so if things don’t work out with Frank, the former Eintracht Frankfurt boss will be readily available in 2026 as things stand.

Of course, this is presuming another top side doesn’t come in for Glasner, which may be wishful thinking considering just how fine of a job he’s done in South London over the last 12 months.

Jose Mourinho has been accused of inciting abuse, with Premier League referee Anthony Taylor now wary of allowing his family to travel with him across the world after becoming an unfortunate target for the 'Special One' in 2023. While Taylor admits that scrutiny of match officials has gotten a little out of control, he still considers his role as a man in the middle to be "one of the best jobs in the world".

• Confronted by Mourinho after Europa League final

  While Taylor enjoys his profession most of the time, he was caught in the centre of a storm back in 2023. It was after the Europa League final, which saw Roma suffer a penalty shootout defeat to Sevilla, that Taylor found himself targeted by Mourinho – with the outspoken Portuguese, who was in charge of Serie A heavyweights at the time, branding the Premier League match official a "disgrace" in his post-match press conference before confronting him in a car park outside the stadium.

  With anger stirred in a passionate group of supporters, Taylor – who showed 13 yellow cards during the match and oversaw 25 minutes of added time – required extra security when leaving through Budapest airport as he and his family endured some scary scenes.

  Reflecting on that ordeal with , Taylor said: "That's the worst situation I've dealt with in terms of abuse. Not only because I was travelling with family members at the time, but it also highlights the impact of people's behaviour on others. Even in a match like that, where there was actually no major mistakes in the game."

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  Blame culture: Officials subjected to abuse

  Taylor added on the blame culture in modern football, with coaches and players often stirring that pot: "For me, that's a great source of disappointment, frustration, anger. Why that's acceptable, I don't know – because I'm sure those individuals wouldn't like somebody to turn around and say that to them or their own children. It makes you reflect back on whether you made a mistake travelling with your family in the first place. They haven't been to one [match] since."

  Taylor went on to say of abuse, be that online or in-venue, impacting the mental health of officials – with the Premier League seeking to address an issue that infiltrates every level of the game, from the top-flight to grassroots: "If you're continually told you're not very good, whether that be by people in the media, by pundits, or even ex-officials, then people's mental health could potentially suffer. The footballing culture in general is, 'we need to win this game at all costs'. The lengths that people go to post-game with a lot of things now to spread false narratives, to spread malicious conspiracy theories… it creates a hugely negative environment for people to operate in."

• Referees under pressure to get every decision right

  Elite referees operate under the brightest of spotlights, with Taylor saying of the pressure that they face to get every big decision right: "I wouldn't argue against scrutiny being there. I'm not saying scrutiny isn't to be expected, but everybody who watches football always sees a game through the eyes of their team. And the result of a football match and the culmination of a football season is multi-faceted. It's not dependent on one match official's decision. It's not dependent on one player missing one penalty in a game. It's not dependent on one coach making one tactical error during a game.

  "The argument one decision has cost somebody the whole season, it's just factually not true because there'll be plenty of other incidents in a game or over that season where the results of games have been affected. What I'm saying is that you can have scrutiny and you can have critique. But it's very rarely balanced. Nobody really talks about the positive side of things these days, either."

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  Taylor future: Enjoying job with no end in sight

  Taylor is into his 17th season as a Premier League referee. He has worked at World Cups, European Championships, Super Cups and the Nations League and concedes that his position is not all bad. He said: "When it comes down to it, it's one of the best jobs in the world. You're right in the centre of the action in the most exciting league in the world."

  Taylor is hoping to officiate at next summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with the 46-year-old unsure how long he will continue for. He intends to make the most of his time with a whistle in hand, with Premier League action set to resume on October 18 after the latest international break.