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Liverpool fans feared the worst as they struggled at the back earlier this season but after a consistent run of games, Nat Phillips established himself as the number one centre back for Jurgen Klopp, and Paul Jewell believes that the 24-year old won’t be happy sitting on the bench next season.

With Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez expected to be fit for the start of next season, Klopp is likely to select his trusted centre back pairing whenever possible, despite Phillips showing his ability to lead and be a threat in both boxes.

Since Liverpool clinched a spot in the top four, reports have emerged that they are willing to sell Phillips this summer if any club is willing to pay £10 million for a 24-year old who has only played 36 league games in his career.

Phillips became a fan favourite during his run in the first team and he won’t be happy to go back to the reserves or just settling for cup appearances, something Jewell explained exclusively to Football FanCast:

“This is the scenario that Nat has where he was on loan last year in Germany, he’s done well in the Liverpool side but it’s likely that Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez will come back into the starting line up next season. That’s the problem that young players have once they’ve had a taste of playing regular football.

“He won’t be happy to sit on the bench every week so that will be a discussion for him and Liverpool to have and if he’s not going to play regular football at Liverpool, does he go and seek regular first team football elsewhere?”

The £64,615 per week had established what appeared to be a reasonable partnership with on-loan signing Ozan Kabak, but it appears that the Schalke defender won’t be staying at Anfield when his loan deal expires this summer.

Recently, Van Dijk confirmed that he would miss the European Championships this summer so that he can be fully fit for the start of next season for Liverpool.

Just two weeks ahead of the new season, Southern Premier League Division One side Calmore Sports have been dealt a massive blow by the sudden death of their much-respected scorer and statistician Martin Killin, who died following a short illness last

Richard Isaacs21-Apr-2002Just two weeks ahead of the new season, Southern Premier League Division One side Calmore Sports have been dealt a massive blow by the sudden death of their much-respected scorer and statistician Martin Killin, who died following a short illness last Monday.Mr Killin, 56, was one of the most accomplished scorers in the league, to the point of being requesting to take up the pen and score sheet for the Southern League representative XI and Club Cricket Conference on many occasions.Educated at Hedge End Secondary School, Killin played for well over 25 years as a batsman and excellent slip fielder at Curdridge, Hedge End, District Colts, Southampton and Krakatoa before moving to the Totton club in 1987. On his playing retirement, he stood as umpire before switching to the score box, where he excelled in his field as scorer and statistician.A shop steward at the Ford Motor Company in Swaythling for most of this working life, Killin will be most remember for his love of the summer game.John Ruppersbery, a school friend of 43 years standing, who joined him at Loperwood Park as ground curator, was full of praise for his childhood pal. "Martin was a wonderful man and a great friend," he said."He had the knack that if something interested him, he would put his full effort into it efficiently and diligently. And he still had many years to enjoy the things he liked."All his friends in cricket are going to miss his desperately. Martin has tragically gone before his time."Former Calmore Sports all-rounder Paul Draper, who was an integral part of the first XI setup alongside Killin was shocked. "This will hit Calmore Sports very hard. They have lost a dedicated member in very sad circumstances."He was committed the team and only missed three games in all the years he officiated for the club. Martin always had a view but never got involved in team affairs, that was the kind of man he was – efficient, hard-working and totally committed to his role."On replacing myself as match secretary four years ago, Killin continued his long association on the clubs’ committee, and it was he who was influential in the improvements that led Calmore Sports to the head of the local cricket scene."He was a very valued club member," lamented Steve Brandes, the Calmore club stalwart. "He was much respected throughout the county as one of the most efficient scorers in Hampshire."Martin’s passing will leave a huge gap at Calmore Sports."His funeral is on Thursday April 25 at 1.40pm at the Southampton Crematorium.

Many West Ham United fans want the Irons to sign Villarreal striker Gerard Moreno after they were linked with a move for the 29-year-old.

The Hammers have just completed a wonderful campaign as they finished sixth in the Premier League, which earned them a place in the Europa League. As such, David Moyes and his backroom team must now look to get the squad ready for a gruelling campaign, and that is likely to include new faces joining the club.

It has been reported by Calciomercato that the Irons are interested in the £31.5m-valued Moreno (Transfermarkt), who enjoyed a fantastic campaign with the Europa League winners as he scored 30 goals and provided 11 assists in 46 games in all competitions (Transfermarkt). With Villarreal now having qualified for the Champions League thanks to their triumph in Gdansk last week, it remains to be seen whether he would be interested in a move to the London Stadium.

The news was shared on Twitter by @WestHam_Central, and it attracted plenty of attention from West Ham supporters. These fans took to the social media platform to give their views on the Irons’ links with Moreno.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about the links with Moreno

“That would be one of the best signings ever”

Credit: @EduardoAMoreno2

“Yes please!”

Credit: @DanielLuker_

“This is the sort of signings we should be making. We won’t be his only option I’m sure, but an exciting project to join.”

Credit: @JameswhufcJones

“This guy is incredible! Would absolutely love this to be true”

Credit: @Mr_BA6

“if this is true, idk what I will do”

Credit: @WHUMatt1

“This better be true”

Credit: @WHUCiaran

In other news, many West Ham fans were livid over this man’s snub.

Please note that the above match which was due to be a four-day match starting on Tuesday 28 May will now be a three-day match starting on Wednesday 29 May

Somerset CCC Media Release27-May-2002Please note that the above match which was due to be a four-day match starting on Tuesday 28 May will now be a three-day match starting on Wednesday 29 May.The change is due to the recent adverse weather.

Paddy Kenny has urged Glasgow Rangers to complete the signing of Siriki Dembele from Peterborough United this summer.

The Lowdown: Gers linked with Dembele

The Gers have been linked with a move for Dembele (Glasgow Live), who recently earned promotion to the English Championship from League One with Posh and has been described as “absolutely brilliant” by his manager Darren Ferguson.

The 24-year-old has been offered a new contract to stay with his current employers (Peterborough Today), but he is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal.

The Latest: Kenny urges deal to be completed

Speaking to Football Insider, Kenny has urged the Gers to complete the deal, and he believes that Dembele could not turn down a move to Ibrox. The former goalkeeper said:

“It’s a clever move and clever way of doing things, waiting for players to get near the end of their contracts.

“Even if it’s a bit of a gamble, you might even end up getting someone you want on a free, then it’s only costing you wages.

“Peterborough have had an amazing season, getting promoted to the Championship. So I’m sure that if he’s been good enough to play there he could be a success at Rangers.

“If you’ve got the chance to go there, you can’t really turn it down. If it’s a choice between that and Peterborough, I’m afraid to say it’s got to be Rangers.

“As I’ve said before, the manager makes a massive difference too.”

The Verdict: Top talent

Dembele has enjoyed a very good season with Peterborough in 2020/21, scoring 12 goals and providing 12 assists in all competitions (Transfermarkt). Promotion to the Championship means that, if he stays, he will be performing at a higher level next term.

However, as Kenny says, a move to the Gers could be too good to turn down. As the Scottish champions, they will have a chance of playing in the Champions League group stages, something which seems far beyond Peterborough at this moment. If the Gers come calling, it should be an easy decision for Dembele to make.

In other news, this Gers legend is worried about one man’s potential departure.

Before today, only four sides in the world had ever scored over 400 runs in an innings in a limited overs match

Andrew Hignell19-Jun-2002Before today, only four sides in the world had ever scored over 400 runs in an innings in a limited overs match. Today at The Oval, both Surrey and Glamorgan achieved this feat in a quite remarkable one day game in the C& G Trophy that saw a host of world records tumble in the London sunshine.The record breaking day began with Surrey racing to 438-5 in their 50 overs, with Ali Brown making 268. Both were world records – for the highest ever innings total, and the highest ever individual innings, with Brown striking 30 fours and 12 sixes in his awesome knock, which broke South African Graeme Pollock`s previous world best of 222* for Eastern Province. Brown also added 286 for the first wicket with Ian Ward – again the highest partnership for any wicket in one day cricket against Glamorgan.Glamorgan then replied with 429 – their best ever in a one day game – as they fell just 10 runs short of their target in the final over. Acting captain Robert Croft led the way with a blistering 119, reaching his hundred off just 56 balls – the fastest ever in a one day game for the Welsh county. David Hemp also made 102, whilst Darren Thomas hit a quickfire 71 off just 41 balls.But despite their sterling efforts, Surrey were the victors by 9 runs in a game that saw the sides register the highest two totals ever made in a limited overs game in the world . In all, 867 runs were scored on the day, breaking the world record in a one-day game, set in India in 2000/01 when the match between India and India B produced 754 runs.As far as the UK is concerned the previous British best was also achieved at The Oval,as in 1994 the match between Surrey and Worcestershire saw 707 runs being amassed.

Somerset Under 16’s lost their first two games in the seven counties 2 day competition

Richard Walsh04-Aug-2002Somerset Under 16’s lost their first two games in the seven counties 2 day competition.Against Hampshire at Kings College Somerset batted first and scored 233, with Liam Lewis top scoring with 61 and Daniel Bingham making an unbeaten 51.In reply Hampshire made 237, Stephen Wheeler taking 3 for 31, and Daniel Bingham 3 for 42.Batting for a second time Somerset had reached 97 for 6, with Oliver Norris scoring an unbeaten 34.Against Middlesex at Potters Bar, the hosts batted first and made 301 for 9 declared. In reply Somerset scored 178 in their first innings and were 124 for 9 at the end of the game, with Nick King unbeaten on 61.

A journalist has claimed that Jose Sa is Wolves’ number one target in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Patricio future uncertain

There have been various reports to suggest that the future of Rui Patricio is very much uncertain at the Midlands club.

The Portugal international is now 33 years of age, and so time is running out for the Molineux faithful to try and cash in on him while he still has some value.

Of course, if they were to let Patricio go, then they would need to find a suitable replacement, and that could well be in the form of Sa.

The Latest: Sa number one target

As per Sportime journalist Giannis Chorianopoulos, Sa is the number one target for the Wanderers in the window, and they will make an offer of between €8-10m (£6.9-8.6m) for his services.

However, the Olympiacos ace has a release clause of €15m (£12.9m), and so the Greek team may wish for WWFC to pay this if they are to land his signature.

The Verdict: Sa perfect Patricio replacement

If Patricio were to leave, then Sa would no doubt be his perfect replacement at Wolves.

Both Portuguese, the latter would have learned from Patricio playing for the national side together, and at 28, he is at a much better age in his footballing career.

Sa kept a very impressive 19 clean sheets in 44 games in total over all competitions in the 2020/21 season, including away at Arsenal in the UEFA Europa League, and conceded a mere 37 goals in the process (Transfermarkt).

Playing in both the Champions League and the Europa League in the last campaign, the goalkeeper has proven himself at the highest level, making zero errors that led to goals in both the former and then in the latter.These stats show that he is reliable in between the posts, and under a new manager in Bruno Lage, who is reportedly a huge admirer of his, this is priceless.In other news, find out what transfer update has left Wanderers buzzing here!

Wolves have been linked with a move for AC Milan striker Rafael Leao as they firm up their summer recruitment activity [Calciomercato, via Sport Witness].

In need of striking reinforcements after the serious injury sustained by talisman Raul Jimenez, it is said that Leao could be available for ‘offers over €30m’ [Sport Witness].

The Portuguese striker enjoyed a decent 2020/21 season for I Rossoneri, registering 13 goal contributions in 40 appearances; seven goals and six assists [Transfermarkt].

Despite this, the 22-year-old did not make the final cut for Fernando Santos’ Portugal Euro 2020 squad [Telegraph].

Furthermore, he has not hit double figures as a centre-forward since the 2017/18 campaign for the Sporting Lisbon B team [Transfermarkt].

In light of this, no wonder loads of Wolves diehards took to Twitter to vent their frustrations as these recent developments.

Wolverhampton Wanderers fans react:

Replying to popular Wolverhampton Wanderers fan outlet Talking Wolves, here is what some fans had to say regarding the latest news, as one supporter called a move ‘pointless’:

“No chance we’ll pay that unless we sell some of our own big players. Would be pointless!!”

Credit: @SteveWiles20″No thanks had our fingers burned by cutrone”Credit: @Tofts8″Please, no”Credit: @marcobertoli87″Not worth that much money”Credit: @lewis__wwfc7″That’s a no go then with the price tag”Credit: @DuckinsDavid”Is he better than we already have? #wwfc”Credit: @BlosephIn other news, Wolves fans react to a pursuit of a reported target.

Is Tendulkar a better batsman than Bradman

Shoaib Ahmed01-Aug-2002Is Tendulkar a better batsman than Bradman? Was Garfield Sobers a superior all-rounder in comparison to Ian Botham? Or does Shoaib Akhtar generate more sheer pace than Imran Khan? Or Freddie Spofforth a bigger demon than Waqar?The above are questions that perplex young enthusiasts of the game all over the world. Unfortunately for them (and also for the game of cricket) the yardstick, which these youngsters choose as their reference of comparison, is the statistical analysis of these players.By the above I do not wish to run down or devalue the importance of statistics in the game of cricket. Indeed the study of facts and figures forms an integral part of the cricketing canvas. Probably no other sport in the world lays as much stress and importance on statistics as the game of cricket. The amount of time, research and printed space allotted to statistics by the world of cricket is immense, to the extent of being phenomenal. Indeed the grasp of cricketing records and their implications on performances and merits is of pivotal importance for any cricketing academy but the problem begins when an overdose of importance is attached to statistics alone and other factors are neglected.For me to write on such a topic is more difficult than most would imagine. Not only because I myself started in the field of cricket writing as a statistician but more so because my favourite cricketing scribes have been the great statistician of our times. I am sure that I am not the only one who has based the foundations of his academic cricketing interests on the statistics of the game. But after having remained a chronic addict of facts and figures for so long, I feel that there is a limit to where numbers can guide us in our cricketing queries.Can we really call Taslim Arif the best ever batsman ever produced by Pakistan just because he has an average of 62.62? Can we forget the daredevil cavalier style of Maqsood Ahmed who won the title of ‘MERRY MAX’ on the merit of his aggressive batting in England but never managed a Test century?Is it just for us to call Zaheer Abbas a better batsman than Hanif Mohammad only because ‘ZED’ has more Test runs to his credit? Was Bob Willis a greater bowler than Fred Trueman just because he overtook Fred in the tally of Test scalps?All these are questions whose answer can never be found in the record books.Cricket may well be a numerical analysts’ dream come true but even then it is primarily the domain of the romantists and idealists.The rhythm, which flowed from the bat of Majid Khan in the 1976-77 series against New Zealand; or the sting of Imran’s swing and patience of Hanif’s marathon innings against the West Indies in 1957-58 can never be measured quantitatively.The stature of W.G. Grace, the sting of Fred Spofforth, the bite of Wes Hall, the charm of Bradman and the mastery of Garry Sobers is for posterity to remember. Their impact can neither be measured numerically nor can their performances be compared with those of current cricketers.As with Einstein’s theory of relativity so with cricket; the correct impact can only be ascertained in an environment.Bradman playing against Shoaib Akhtar would face as much of handicap as Tendulkar’s facing S.F. Barnes. Even if Shahid Afridi hits six sixes in an over today, he would neither be better nor worse a cricketer than Sir Garfield Sobers. Even if the record books say that Border, Gavaskar, Steve Waugh, Javed Miandad and Graham Gooch have more runs to their credit than Bradman it certainly does not imply that the latter was not as great a cricketing giant as the others.Drawing parallels in any field of life is a tricky business but in cricket it becomes all the more arduous since here we tend to overestimate the potentials of cricketing records. Indeed records are a great asset but let us not forget the statistics. Let us give due respect to those who create new records but then let us not forget those who created the original records in a time when doing so was a much more difficult and much less profitable exercise.