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He shouldn’t have been out on the park at all, but Southee ended up striking the most decisive blow for New Zealand

Karthik Krishnaswamy08-Feb-2020Keep the ball away from his off stump. Stay in that wide channel: sixth stump in name, more like tenth in reality. Make him long to feel bat on ball. Move him across his stumps. Then bowl one at the stumps, with a bit of inward movement. And hope he’s having a slightly off day.Teams try this plan all the time against Virat Kohli. It works sometimes, and doesn’t at other times, but when it does, it’s often memorable: think back to Vernon Philander at Newlands, or Trent Boult at Old Trafford.New Zealand didn’t have Boult on Saturday. Or Matt Henry. Or Lockie Ferguson. All three members of their first-choice ODI pace attack were out injured.The man leading their attack in their stead would have been out too, if New Zealand had any sort of bench left over in the midst of their injury crisis. Illness should have ruled him out, but Mitchell Santner was a few degrees ill-er, and New Zealand could only afford to have one of them sit out. By the end of this day, they would have Luke Ronchi, their assistant coach, come out as substitute fielder.And so we came to the sight of Tim Southee, ball in hand, ghostly expression on face, looking like he’d rather be anywhere but Eden Park.Illness aside, Southee came into this game under a certain amount of pressure – from New Zealand’s fans, certainly, if not from his team management. He had gone for 85 in his 10 overs in the first ODI, spraying the ball around and looking nothing like his best self. Before that, he had bowled two losing Super Overs in consecutive T20Is.Southee didn’t begin particularly well on Saturday evening. He was getting the ball to swing away from the right-handers under the lights, but every so often he was offering up a freebie. Short and wide at the end of his first over, full and wide midway through his second, and Prithvi Shaw slapped both to the off-side boundary.But a well-defined plan can often snap a bowler’s radar back into place, and Southee discovered this when Kohli walked in, after Hamish Bennett had sent back Mayank Agarwal at the other end.Southee had seven fielders on the off side – including, at one point, three slips and a gully – and only mid-on and fine leg on the leg side. To execute the Kohli plan, he would have to be precise with his line and length.And Southee, grimacing between deliveries, clutching his hip every now and then, walking back to his mark pale-faced, was just that. The swing, perhaps unusually for white-ball cricket, was persisting into his third over. Kohli reached out for an outswinger and missed. He drove at the next one and sliced it squarer than intended, towards backward point rather than into the covers.

‘We came to the sight of Tim Southee, ball in hand, ghostly expression on face, looking like he’d rather be anywhere but Eden Park – almost by default.’

At the other end, making his debut, Kyle Jamieson had bowled Prithvi Shaw with an inducker. Now he nearly had Kohli caught-and-bowled, the reflex chance refusing to stick in his left hand. Then he teased Kohli with more wide-of-off-stump bowling. Kohli left two balls alone, and pushed or jabbed the rest into the off side.When Kohli came back on strike to Southee, he moved down the track and across his stumps, to get closer to the pitch of the ball and manufacture a double into the vacant square-leg region. Southee responded with the widest outswinger of his spell, wide enough to make the umpire signal wide.Kohli, continuing to shimmy out of his crease, jabbed the next two balls into the off side, and left the last ball alone.After eight overs, India were 47 for 2 chasing 274. Kohli had negotiated this sort of situation numerous times, but on 8 off 18 without a boundary, he was looking just a touch edgy, just a touch too keen to assert himself. Or this could simply be hindsight arranging events into an easily recognisable shape.Either way, Southee bowled three more balls to Kohli on Saturday evening, and two of them – either side of a single to get off strike – were offcutters angled into the stumps. Kohli missed both of them.It’s rare for Kohli to miss two incoming balls in a row, but that’s what happened at Eden Park. Southee, with a bit of help from Jamieson, had caused a little kink to appear in Kohli’s technique. His eagerness to walk across his stumps was causing his head to fall over ever so slightly, and that, combined with the big gap at midwicket, was causing him to play around his front pad and across the line of the ball. At his best, Kohli would have hit both balls towards mid-on, with a straight bat.On this day, both balls beat his inside edge. The first could have been lbw had the umpire thought so. The second, fuller, seam scrambled in the air, left no doubt in anyone’s mind, brushing the front pad before crashing into middle and leg stumps.This was the ninth time Southee had dismissed Kohli in all international cricket. No other bowler has dismissed him as many times. The moment might have given way to an explosive celebration on another day, but Southee, still under the weather, barely managed a smile as he exchanged weak high-tens with his team-mates.He somehow got through another over, to end with first-spell figures of 6-0-33-1. That could have been that, given his state, but he came back in the 19th over for another spell, New Zealand deciding to bowl him out early and allow him to go off the field for good.This four-over spell was perhaps even better than the first one. The length was a little shorter in deference to the ball’s age – though the swing hadn’t entirely gone away – and to the short straight boundaries, and cross-seam deliveries were interspersed among seam-up balls that continued to wobble this way and that. Kedar Jadhav, batting on 9 off 32, looked to drive one that wasn’t quite pitched full enough, and spooned a catch to cover.Ravindra Jadeja, new to the crease, struggled with the angle across him and the movement from just short of a length. There was a poke and a miss, a couple of nervy jabs into the off side, a wild yahoo after jumping out of the crease, and an educated slash that flew over the slips for four.And then, having bowled 10 out of the first 25 overs of India’s innings, having taken two out of five wickets, Southee dragged himself off the field, all expression drained from his face as his team-mates’ pats rained on his back.

If Scorchers don’t qualify, then Allen should be available for the full series

Tristan Lavalette10-Dec-2025

Opener Finn Allen could miss the start of New Zealand’s upcoming five-match T20I series in India due to BBL commitments.The series, which starts on January 21 in Nagpur, serves as important preparation for the T20 World Cup to be played in India and Sri Lanka. It is the second leg of New Zealand’s white-ball tour with three ODIs slated from January 11-17.But Allen might not be available until possibly the fourth T20I on January 28 if Perth Scorchers reach the BBL final set to be played on January 25. Scorchers wrap up their regular season against Melbourne Stars on January 17 in Perth. If they don’t qualify for the finals, then Allen should be available for the full T20I series.”Pending selection, I’ll head straight to India once the Big Bash finishes up for us [Scorchers],” Allen told ESPNcricinfo.Allen, 26, is one of five players who signed casual agreements in order to have some flexibility between playing for New Zealand, remaining within the high-performance system, and taking up franchise opportunities overseas.”Playing for New Zealand is still, for me, the pinnacle and the reason why I love playing is to represent my country,” Allen said. “But cricket’s obviously evolving and changing year on year.”New Zealand Cricket’s been really good to work with over the last wee while. [I’m] confident about getting back into some Black Caps stuff after the Big Bash and hopefully can continue that.”Gearing up to partner Australia T20I skipper Mitchell Marsh at the top of the order for Scorchers, Allen will be making his return to competitive cricket after being sidelined with a foot stress fracture sustained in the MLC in early July.In the season opener of MLC, Allen had smashed 151 – featuring a T20 record of 19 sixes – in San Francisco Unicorns’ victory over Washington Freedom at the Oakland Coliseum.Allen last played international cricket in March, where he hit 27 off 12 balls in New Zealand’s eight-wicket victory over Pakistan in Wellington.

Nishan Madushka, Nuwanidu Fernando and Milan Rathnayake are some of the other prominent names in the squad

Andrew Fidel Fernando05-Nov-2025

Left-arm spinning allrounder Dunith Wellalage will lead Sri Lanka A in the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Rising Stars T20 tournament, in Doha later this month.Also in the squad are legspinners Vijayakanth Viyaskanth and Sahan Arachchige, allrounders Milan Rathnayake and Ramesh Mendis, and top-order batters Nuwanidu Fernando and Nishan Madushka, and seamer Pramod Madushan.Though none of the players in this squad have consistent places in the senior XI, Wellalage, Nuwanidu, and Madushka have all played white-ball cricket for Sri Lanka in the last few months. Rathnayake also played in Sri Lanka’s most recent Test series, against Bangladesh in June. Madushan has not played for Sri Lanka since 2024.Elsewhere in the squad is 20-year-old batting allrounder Vishen Halambage, who has been called up to the Sri Lanka senior squad, though has yet to play a match for the national team. Ramesh Mendis, meanwhile, last played for Sri Lanka in February this year, in a Test against Australia.ACC Rising Stars tournament schedule

Nov 14 – Oman vs Pak; Ind vs UAE
Nov 15 – Ban vs HK; Afg vs SL
Nov 16 – Oman vs UAE; Ind vs Pak
Nov 17 – HK vs SL; Afg vs Ban
Nov 18 – Pak vs UAE; Ind vs Oman
Nov 19 – Afg vs HK; Ban vs SL
Nov 21 – Semi-finals: A1 vs B2; B1 vs A2
Nov 23 – Final

Viyaskanth, 23, has also been on the fringes of the national team for several years, though the presence of Wanindu Hasaranga, and more recently Jeffrey Vandersay, has kept him out. He has continued to do well domestically however, including in the recent SLC T20 competition – the top T20 domestic tournament this year, in the absence of the postponed Lanka Premier League.The Rising Stars tournament begins on November 14. Sri Lanka A play Afghanistan A, Hong Kong, and Bangladesh A in the group stage. Group B comprises India A, Oman, Pakistan A and UAE. Two teams from each group will then qualify for the semi finals.Sri Lanka A squad for Rising Stars Asia Cup T20 tournamentDunith Wellalage (capt.), Vishen Halambage, Nishan Madushka (wk), Nuwanidu Fernando, Lasith Croospulle, Ramesh Mendis, Kavindu de Livera, Sahan Arachchige, Ahan Wickramasinghe, Pramod Madushan, Garuka Sanketh, Isitha Wijesundara, Milan Rathnayake, V Viyaskanth, Traveen Mathew

Newcastle United have not been at the races this season. Wheeling off quickly at times – mostly at St. James’ Park – but suffering from dismal away form that is pulling Eddie Howe’s squad away from their potential.

We all know this, and Howe most of all. However, identifying solutions and then finding the right answers can be two wholly different things in football.

11

Games

8

8

Wins

1

0

Draws

3

3

Losses

4

16

Goals scored

8

8

Goals conceded

10

2.18

PPG

0.75

But the English tactician has done so countless times across his four years on Tyneside, adapting and overcoming obstacles that fall into his path.

Take, for example, the fumbled signing of Chris Wood from Burnley in 2022. One of the first to establish this new PIF era, the Kiwi striker flattered to deceive.

Remembering Chris Wood's time at Newcastle

Wood is one of the most consistent Premier League strikers of his time. Something of a journeyman, he has nonetheless enjoyed success throughout his career, truly coming into his own over the past several years with Nottingham Forest.

However, a brief stint at Newcastle stands as a blot on the copybook. Howe purchased the New Zealand star from Burnley for £25m in January 2022, right at the start of this new era.

Sometimes, it’s just not your day. And Wood simply didn’t click in black and white. The veteran goalscorer only scored five times across 39 appearances before leaving for Forest on loan and then making the move permanent.

Pundit Tam McManus said that he looked “a bit lost” at St. James’ Park, and the one bit of solace from the misfire of a signing was that Newcastle were otherwise going from strength to strength, and they signed Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad after realising Wood wasn’t going to make the grade.

Of course, no one would deny that Wood is a top-class Premier League striker. He was one of the most prolific in the division last season, after all.

Mohamed Salah

38

29

Alexander Isak

34

23

Erling Haaland

31

22

Bryan Mbeumo

38

20

Chris Wood

36

20

But this only emphasises the blunder on Newcastle’s part, one they would not wish to repeat.

For the most part, they haven’t. Newcastle’s success under Howe’s wing has been a product of care and accuracy in the market. But they don’t always get it right, having signed the new Wood this summer.

Newcastle's biggest disaster since Chris Wood

Maybe there’s just something that isn’t working for ex-Forest stars moving to Newcastle.

Anthony Elanga has not been a success since joining the club from the City Ground for £55m this summer, yet to score or assist across 16 appearances.

Renowned for his “special ability” on the ball, as said by Nuno Espirito Santo, the Swedish winger simply hasn’t succeeded in translating his physical strengths over to St. James’ Park.

It’s not just his output causing concern. As per Sofascore, Elanga has succeeded with only 17% of his attempted dribbles in the Premier League this season. For a player whose standout skill is his fleet-footedness on the ball, this isn’t good enough.

Elanga, 23, must be afforded more time, but given the desperate need for an efficient right winger in recent years at the club, his woes have been a concern, salvaged only by the ever-industrious Jacob Murphy’s consistency.

He’s still relatively young, and he has proven himself capable in the Premier League across the past two terms with the Tricky Trees.

But the early readings are not all that promising, with analyst Raj Chohan picking up on the winger’s poor form and claiming that the deal was a “massive overpay” on PIF’s part.

While he is young and with much potential still untapped – unlike Wood – Newcastle expected bang for their buck when filling a hole on the right wing.

If Elanga doesn’t improve quickly, the Toon are going to need to dig back into their pockets.

Bigger liability than Pope: Howe must finally bin Newcastle "legend"

Newcastle need to make some changes going forward.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 28, 2025

ECB decline to comment on alleged incident at a pub in south-west London in May

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Sep-2025

A well-known figure within English cricket is being investigated by police over allegations of spiking the drinks of two women and sexually assaulting one of them.The reported on Friday that the man, in his 40s, was questioned under caution by Scotland Yard in June after a complaint at a pub in south-west London, in the SW6 area which covers Fulham and Parsons Green. The ECB declined to comment on the allegations.”We are currently investigating allegations of spiking and sexual assault against two women that took place on Thursday, 22 May at a pub in the SW6 area,” the Metropolitan Police told ESPNcricinfo in a statement.”Two women are believed to have been spiked with one also allegedly sexually assaulted. A man in his 40s was interviewed under caution on Thursday, 5 June. Enquiries remain ongoing and no arrests have been made at this stage.”Chris Haward, the managing director of the Cricket Regulator – the independent body responsible for handling disciplinary cases within English cricket – said last month: “Removing sexual misconduct from the game is a priority.”The Regulator has twice charged individuals following instances of sexual misconduct in the last year.A coach was suspended for up to nine months in August after being dismissed by his county for “sexualised and inappropriate” pictures to junior female members of staff. Last November, another coach was suspended for up to six months for “inappropriate sexual behaviour” on a county pre-season tour.

For the second straight night, the Los Angeles Dodgers have a chance Wednesday to close out the 2024 World Series. But, also for the second straight night, the New York Yankees' offense have an answer.

Dodgers starting pitcher Jack Flaherty didn't last long on the bump in Game 5, as he allowed four earned runs on four hits and one walk over 1 1/3 innings. He was relieved of his duties in the second inning, walking off the mound with Los Angeles facing a 4–0 deficit.

Most of the damage arrived in the first inning, as Flaherty served up back-to-back homers to Yankees sluggers Aaron Judge and Jazz Chisholm Jr. According to Opta STATS, Flaherty is the first starting pitcher in World Series history to allow at least four runs and two homers while lasting less than two innings.

Not ideal.

If Los Angeles can't complete a comeback Wednesday night, they'll turn their attention to Game 6 on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers haven't officially announced a probable pitcher for the rest of the series, although it's expected that Yoshinobu Yamamoto will start Game 6 and Walker Buehler will toe the rubber in Game 7 if neccessary.

Northamptonshire take slender first-innings lead thanks to Justin Broad efforts

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay 24-Jun-2025

Josh de Caires struck his highest first-class score, to put Middlesex in a strong position at the end of day three of this Rothesay County Championship match at Wantage Road. Playing his first game of the season, de Caires, who has batted at No. 7 for the last couple of years as a spinning allrounder, shared an opening stand of 89 with Sam Robson, the Seaxes finishing the day on 215 for 3, a lead of 193.De Caires’ 87, from 144 balls with 12 fours, helped wrestle back the initiative for Middlesex after allrounder Justin Broad hit 70 (81 balls, 10 fours) and combined with Lloyd Pope in a record 10th wicket partnership for Northamptonshire against Middlesex to earn a slender first-innings lead.Broad and Pope’s heroics came after Ryan Higgins’ hat-trick spearheaded a Northamptonshire batting collapse in the morning session. From a dominant 342 for 5, the hosts lost four wickets for eight runs in just 4.2 overs after Saif Zaib posted an excellent 102, his fourth century of the summer (170 balls, 13 fours), the first Northamptonshire batter since Ben Duckett in 2016 to reach that milestone.Higgins finished with figures of 3 for 48 while spinner Zafar Gohar took a further wicket to complete a five-for.Resuming on 308 for 5, Zaib and Lewis McManus looked to extend their defiant partnership which already extended into three figures.Zaib’s progress through the 90s was eased when sub-fielder Stevie Eskinazi’s misfield gifted him a boundary. He reached three figures by bottom-edging an attempted reverse sweep past the keeper for four, but the shot proved his undoing later in the over when he picked out de Caires who took a stunning flying catch at backward point off Gohar.That set in motion Northamptonshire’s collapse, as Higgins, employing a short-pitched tactic, had McManus fending a leg-side bouncer to the keeper with the final ball of the 103rd over. He struck again with the first two balls of his next over to complete his hattrick. Rob Keogh moved across his stumps and was bowled around his legs while Liam Guthrie upper cut a short ball straight to point.Broad was proactive from the outset, employing the sweep and reverse sweep against the spinners and muscling Gohar through midwicket.With Pope providing solid support, Broad cut Gohar for four to bring up the 50 partnership and take Northamptonshire to 400. He pulled Toby Roland-Jones to the ropes, but the Middlesex captain couldn’t hold onto a difficult diving chance at midwicket, the ball going for four to bring up Broad’s half-century.Middlesex targeted Pope with the short ball, but he was content to duck under the bouncers and take runs off the spinners and give Broad the bulk of the strike.Broad duly wiped out the deficit and took Northamptonshire into the lead just before the delayed lunch interval before falling shortly after the resumption when he stepped away to a Robson delivery which turned and hit leg-stump.With the bat, Robson took three boundaries off Northamptonshire’s seamers but the hosts soon turned to the spinners.While he bowled the occasional half-tracker which Middlesex punished, Pope obtained some sharp turn and bounce out of the foot holes, flighting the ball and finding some drift.Calvin Harrison bowled tidily, conceding just one boundary in his first five overs. He posed some tough questions for both batters, beating Robson’s outside edge before de Caires failed to pick the wrong’un as Harrison found some sharp bounce off a good length ball. He struck with another wrong’un soon afterwards, trapping Robson lbw as he moved across his stumps.De Caires drove Keogh both sides of the wicket off consecutive balls and slog swept Keogh before taking a single off Harrison on the cusp of tea to bring up his half-century off 84 balls.After the break, de Caires was harsh on anything loose from the spinners, pulling anything short to the boundary as well as sweeping sweetly.With de Caires and Max Holden extending their partnership to 65, Northamptonshire turned to Guthrie who made the breakthrough almost instantly, bowling a bouncer which lifted sharply to de Caires who could only fend to second slip.Max Holden (and Leus du Plooy then added a brisk 48 together. Du Plooy punched Guthrie off the back foot to get off the mark and whipped Harrison through midwicket, while Holden dispatched Keogh back over his head.Holden continued to accelerate, sweeping Harrison over midwicket and coming down the wicket next ball to power him over long-on.du Plooy’s departure came via a bizarre dismissal in the closing overs. Caught in two minds, he seemed to be considering whether to reverse sweep or the run the ball down to third man but instead guided the ball straight to the keeper.The day ended tantalisingly poised with Middlesex considering when best to time their day four declaration.

Ex-Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez remains in no hurry to return to the dugout. Since his Barcelona exit in 2024, the Spanish legend has turned down multiple approaches, including a latest managerial offer from Spartak Moscow in Russia, as he waits for a project that truly matches his footballing philosophy. While clubs circle, Xavi’s intent is to wait for the next step must as he prioritises vision over convenience.

Xavi stays on the sidelines despite growing interest

Since parting ways with Blaugrana in the summer of 2024, Xavi has yet to take up another managerial role. His departure from Camp Nou, though respectful, left a trace of tension as it portrayed him as a club legend stepping away from a project that had lost alignment with his ideals.

Over the past few months, the 45-year-old has been linked to several clubs including Manchester United, Ajax and, most recently, Al Ittihad, yet none of these proposals have convinced him. The latest offer came from Russian Premier League team, Spartak Moscow, who reportedly wanted to build a new project under sporting director Francis Cagigao and viewed Xavi as the perfect figurehead to lead it. But the former Barcelona coach declined the approach, unimpressed by the direction of the project and unwilling to rush into another high-pressure environment, according to .

Spartak are currently going through a challenging phase in the 2025-26 season, with mixed results and pressure on coaching decisions. Their current head coach is Dejan Stankovic but the club are reportedly considering a change due to their underwhelming performances which have seen them collect just four points in the first four rounds of the Russian Premier League this season. Reports suggest Stankovic is on the verge of being sacked, with Spanish coach Luis Garcia emerging as the leading candidate to replace him after Xavi's rejection.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportAl-Ittihad's offer and Xavi's philosophy

Unlike many out-of-work managers eager for a quick return, Xavi’s approach has been measured and deliberate. Those close to him insist there’s no panic but just patience. Since May 2024, he has stayed active by holding regular meetings with his technical staff, analysing game models, and studying potential teams that align with his ideals.

Financially secure and guided by principle rather than urgency, Xavi has resisted the lure of lucrative offers. According to reports, Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad made an approach after parting ways with Laurent Blanc this September, but Xavi quickly ruled it out. “The priority is the right footballing project, not money,” a source close to the Spaniard told media. For Xavi, the challenge must allow him to implement a long-term philosophy built on control, positional play, and development.

Xavi unemployed after bizarre India national team incident

As offers come and go, Xavi’s stance has become increasingly clear as he seeks a project that offers autonomy, structure, and long-term growth and not just short-lived fix. His rejections, from United to Spartak, reflect both self-awareness and ambition. “He doesn’t want to walk into chaos,” one of his former Barcelona colleagues remarked.

In recent months, reports even linked him briefly to the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) search for a new national team coach, an unexpected twist that highlighted how globally sought-after his name remains. While the AIFF ultimately passed on the opportunity reportedly due to financial considerations, the episode underlined Xavi’s openness to challenges beyond Europe, provided the vision is strong. For now, however, no project has ticked all the boxes. The Barcelona legend wants a club that mirrors his footballing DNA.

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Getty Images SportEx-Barca coach still in demand worldwide

Xavi remains as ambitious as ever. His brief yet decorated managerial career, from transforming Al Sadd in Qatar to guiding Barcelona to the 2022–23 La Liga title, proved his potential to lead elite sides with both intelligence and conviction. But his next step, he insists, must be about building, not repairing. With several European benches still unstable and the managerial market likely to shift again by winter, Xavi’s name is expected to resurface in multiple shortlists. Until then, he remains with his family, recharging and refining his methods.

Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac are being tipped to spend again at Wrexham, with Tony Pulis making a January transfer prediction. He expects further reinforcements to be sought in the next window, but has warned the Red Dragons – who are taking aim at a place in the Premier League – not to “anticipate a top-six finish or immediate promotion” out of the Championship.

Meteoric rise: Wrexham have rewritten the EFL history books

The Welsh outfit have, under the guidance of their Hollywood co-owners, enjoyed a meteoric rise. The history books have been rewritten after becoming the first EFL club to secure three successive promotions. Having clambered out of the National League in record-breaking style, Wrexham now find themselves in the Championship.

Such rapid progress was always going to be difficult to maintain, with many of the opinion that a few seasons of consolidation for the Red Dragons would be no bad thing. They may have to accept that fate in 2025-26 after enduring a few stumbles out of the starting gate.

Reynolds and Mac have, however, made no secret of the fact that they want to bring top-flight football to North Wales. They helped to fund an elaborate £30 million-plus ($40m) spending spree over the summer, with Premier League pedigree being sought.

Not all of those deals, which saw more records being set at the Racecourse Ground, have provided value for money just yet. With that in mind, it is being suggested that Wrexham may be tempted to dip into the January market for even greater squad depth.

AdvertisementGetty/GOALWill Reynolds & Mac spend in January? Transfer claim

That is the opinion of former Premier League boss Pulis, with the experienced Welsh tactician telling : “I think if Phil Parkinson was given the opportunity and the chance to bring two or three better players in, or players with more experience and that little bit of quality that you need, he will.

“Wrexham are a very organised, hardworking team. But the further you go up the levels, you need that little bit of quality. You need that little bit of difference in both boxes as much as anything else. You need someone who's going to score you a goal when it's a tight game for you to win the game, or you've got a goalkeeper who makes a fabulous save that saves you the points that you had in the bag anyway.”

Former Wrexham striker Matt Jansen told GOAL recently when asked if he can see Reynolds and Mac whipping the chequebook out again early in 2026: “If they spend again, it will depend on where they are in the league. If they are in and around the play-offs… If they are mid-table or anywhere where they can’t get to the play-offs, I think they will bide their time before they go again in the summer. It will all depend on where they are in the league.”

Fourth successive promotion: Doubts cast over chances

Pulis is not convinced that Wrexham will be in the promotion picture this time around, with Parkinson being urged to help rein in expectations after facing some uncomfortable questions of his position in the dugout.

Pulis added: “The Championship has seen many clubs from the Premier League drop down and stay there. This is a league brimming with quality. Every team in the Championship possesses the ability to challenge any opposition.

“Phil Parkinson knows and understands this league, having played in it himself. I don't believe he would have approached it with the expectation of a top-six finish in the first season. The important thing for Wrexham is to settle in, aiming for a mid-table position, perhaps just below the playoffs. If they achieve that, I consider it a success for both Wrexham and for Phil.

“I don't think supporters should anticipate a top-six finish or immediate promotion. Promotion would be absolutely fantastic for a Welsh team but it's crucial to manage supporter expectations. No matter how much you give them, they will always want a little bit more. So, managing this aspect of the football club is essential today.”

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Getty Images SportWrexham fixtures: Next up for the Red Dragons

Wrexham suffered a 1-0 defeat at Stoke when returning to action after the October international break. That was their first loss in six across all competitions, but they are also without a win in four heading into a home date with Oxford United on Wednesday.

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Em situações similares na tabela, Bahia e Corinthians se enfrentam neste sábado (22), às 18h30, pela 16ª rodada do Brasileirão. A partida será disputada na Arena Fonte Nova, em Salvador.

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Uma posição acima da zona do rebaixamento, o Bahia busca encerrar a sequência negativa na temporada para se afastar do Z4. São seis jogos seguidos sem vencer, com quatro derrotas e dois empates.

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Já o Corinthians possui dois pontos de vantagem sobre o Bahia e vem de sua melhor sequência no ano, embalado por quatro vitórias consecutivas. Contudo, o técnico Vanderlei Luxemburgo não poderá contar com Gabriel Moscardo e Róger Guedes. Com o objetivo de se distanciar da zona do rebaixamento, o técnico corintiano deverá escalar força máxima, mesmo com pouco tempo de descanso antes do confronto contra o São Paulo, pela semifinal da Copa do Brasil.

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BAHIA X CORINTHIANS – BRASILEIRÃO – 16ª RODADA

Local:Arena Fonte Nova, em Salvador (BA)
Data e hora:22/7/2023, às 18h30 (de Brasília)
Árbitro:Andre Luiz Skettino Policarpo Bento (MG)
Assistentes:Rodrigo Figueiredo Henrique Correa (FIFA-RJ) e Felipe Alan Costa de Oliveira (MG)
VAR:Pablo Ramon Goncalves Pinheiro (FIFA-RN)
Onde assistir:Premiere e no tempo real noLANCE!

BAHIA:Marcos Felipe; Cicinho (Gilberto), Gabriel Xavier, Kanu e Ryan; Nicolás Acevedo, Yago Felipe (Rezende) e Cauly; Thaciano, Ademir e Everaldo.Técnico:Roberto Paiva

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Desfalques:David Duarte, Biel e Kayky (lesionados)
Pendurados:Kanu e Nicolás Acevedo

CORINTHIANS:Cássio; Fagner, Gil, Murillo e Fábio Santos (Bidu); Maycon (Giuliano), Fausto Vera e Renato Augusto; Rojas, Yuri Alberto e Wesley (Biro/Ruan Oliveira).Técnico:Vanderlei Luxemburgo

Desfalques:Róger Guedes (suspenso); Gabriel Moscardo (apendicite); Rafael Ramos (estiramento no ligamento colateral medial do joelho direito); Gustavo Mosquito (transição) e Paulinho (cirurgia)
Pendurados:Cássio, Murillo e Bidu