All posts by h716a5.icu

One of West Brom’s brightest players from their promotion campaign has cut an isolated figure this season.

Indeed, Baggies midfielder Romaine Sawyers has become a forgotten man at the Hawthorns, seeing his place in the starting XI usurped by a trio of loan players.

January arrivals Okay Yokuslu and Ainsley Maitland-Niles have started pretty much every game since their arrival, whilst Chelsea starlet Conor Gallagher has also been preferred.

But none of the three are likely to be at Albion next season, with the Midlands outfit staring down the barrel at an instant return to the Championship – only something extraordinary will see them saved from relegation at this stage.

It means there could be a serious chance at redemption for the 29-year-old outcast, who is under contract at West Brom until 2022, with an option of another year.

On the Chalkboard

It’s easy to forget just how good Sawyers was last season, as his first stab at the big time has resulted in disaster. Perhaps it’s not unfair to suggest that he’s simply just not cut out for the Premier League.

That said, he’s a solid option for any promotion-chasing Championship side.

Currently, the Hawthorns academy graduate sits among Albion’s worst-rated players. His 6.12 rating, as per WhoScored, puts him ahead of only Hal Robson-Kanu (5.97) this season, though the Welshman is yet to start a league game.

Where has it gone wrong, then? Well, Sawyers’ passing metrics have almost fallen off a cliff – he’s 5% down on passing accuracy and is averaging 0.6 fewer key passes per game, via WhoScored.

In the Premier League, you aren’t given as much time on the ball as you would be in the second-flight. For example, you’re coming up against more teams that like to press – your City’s and Liverpool’s – compared to the likes of Luton Town, Middlesbrough and Blackburn. You’re not getting 90 minutes of relentless energy.

But the Baggies’ likely relegation could be a benefit for Sawyers as it gives him an opportunity to get back to his best and he should be allowed to do so, given his playing style.

He started 42 matches on their way to promotion, and his 90% passing accuracy average was comfortably the best in the squad. Similarly, he averaged nearly 15 more passes per game than any other player too, via WhoScored, which is hugely impressive.

Ex-Albion youth coach and caretaker boss Jimmy Shan waxed lyrical over Sawyers’ ability in an interview with Sky Sports in January 2020, he said:

“When I first got to the club, Romaine was 15 and he already stood out as an unbelievable technician. He played as a classic number 10 back in those days. He was a huge talent. He had this ability to pop up between the lines and to create. He wasn’t scoring as many goals as he should have done but he was an unbelievable team player.”

As evident above, not much was lost in terms of ability for the £6m-rated dynamo – but only in the Championship. He’s just not good enough for the Premier League but the £20k-per-week midfielder very much could be like a new signing for whoever is in charge next term.

AND in other news, introducing West Brom’s future star: Callum Morton…

Peterborough United director of football Barry Fry has revealed that former Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder wanted to sign three players in the January transfer window in an exclusive interview with Football FanCast.

It was announced at the beginning of March that Wilder was set to leave the club, with the team currently rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table.

The Blades have taken just 14 points from their 29 games, and are currently 14 points away from safety with just nine games of the season to go.

Wilder spent five years during his time at Bramall Lane and is now on the lookout for a new job.

He oversaw a major investment in the summer transfer window, bringing in the likes of Rhian Brewster from Liverpool, Aaron Ramsdale from AFC Bournemouth, and Oliver Burke from West Bromwich Albion.

In total, Sheffield United spent £56.4m, per Transfermarkt, but they kept their powder dry in the January window.

And Fry has now revealed that he is aware that Wilder asked to sign two players in the January window, but was overruled by the ownership, having previously offered to resign before the window opened.

Fry told FFC: “(He’s) a Sheffield United supporter, there came a time, I think in December, that he felt that that no matter what he did, he couldn’t keep this group up. I think he felt to be fair to the fans, to the club he loves, he’d offer to resign.

“Also in December, and early January, I’ve been told that he requested three players, you know, in the window, and the board refused to back him on any, which is fair enough, because they’re going to get relegated, and they’ve got no income coming in.”

Fry also believes that the ownership were right to reject Wilder’s request, as they simply did not have the resources required to bring in any new additions, with relegation seemingly certain.

He added: “As owner of a football club, if I’ve not got it, I can’t give it to you. I think Chris Wilder would have accepted that and got on with the job.”

Confirming the team news as West Ham United gear up take on Wolverhampton Wanderers tomorrow evening at Molineux, Irons manager David Moyes has dropped the latest injury updates on Arthur Masuaku, Andriy Yarmolenko and Angelo Ogbonna.

The Scotsman, speaking to the press as relayed by the club’s official Twitter channel, has confirmed that long-term absentee Masuaku has played a reserve game and is back around the squad after undergoing knee surgery.

Masuaku is still a doubt for Wolves but appears to be nearing a return as Moyes refused to rule out his possible inclusion, with the Irons boss ‘unsure’ over his match fitness at this moment.

Meanwhile, both Yarmolenko and Ogbonna will remain sidelined for the encounter. The latter is making ‘good progress’ but isn’t ‘ready’ at this moment, with plenty of Hammers fans having their say on this team news through to social media.

Most of these supporters are particularly excited about the progress of Masuaku, with one calling this update from Moyes ‘great news’.

Find some of their best verdicts down below.

West Ham fans react to Moyes update

“Great news on Arthur. Shame about the other two… but at least they’re nearly there

COYI!”

Credit: @Stuthehammer76

“MASUAKUUUUUUU”

Credit: @veryupsetfan

“King Arthur”

Credit: @Thehammerone1

“Arthur will be on the bench I reckon”

Credit: @whujoe

“C’mon boys they’re on their way”

Credit: @WHUalfiee_

“Mas sooooon”

Credit: @Jaxkxc

In other news: West Ham now eyeing ‘extraordinary’ striker, find out more here.

A number of Liverpool supporters have been downplaying Roberto Firmino’s much-lauded piece of skill against Aston Villa.

The Reds secured a third straight Premier League victory on Saturday afternoon, winning 2-1 at home to Dean Smith’s side. The champions left it late to secure the win, with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s stoppage time strike ending a terrible run of six straight home defeats.

In truth, the performance still wasn’t perfect, but there were some positive signs, with Firmino producing a promising performance leading the line. The Brazilian was more involved than he has been in recent months, with his all-round quality more noticeable.

One touch during the first half drew a gasp from Jamie Carragher on commentary and was also shared on Liverpool’s official Twitter account on Sunday.

Liverpool fans claim Firmino touch has been over-hyped

A number of Reds fans felt it was a routine piece of technical expertise that any professional football should be able to pull off, however, taking to Twitter to provide their thoughts on the footage.

“Basic ball control I would have thought”

Credit: @comberalchemist

“Admin clutching at straws here”

Credit: @punlingual

“Not exactly Ronaldinho level”

Credit: @huwmenear

“Carra went mad about it, nothing special”

Credit: @dav1djohnson

“Be worried if a footballer in the Prem couldn’t control a ball like that tbh”

Credit: @spam1987

“No doubt a good touch but nothing to gloat about!”

Credit: @RVKPOOL

In other news, Liverpool are set to seal an exciting piece of transfer business this summer – find out who the player in question is here.

In the space of eight rapid days, Sunderland have gone from being the favourites to promotion to a team in free-fall.

Things are never done easily at the Stadium of Light and the last week has been a perfect representation.

With two games in hand, automatic promotion was well and truly in Sunderland’s control. However, three straight defeats in League One have left Lee Johnson and the club sweating over their future.

They are now eight points behind Peterborough in third place while Lincoln are only three points off the Mackems with a game in hand.

You can excuse the defeat to fellow promotion hopefuls Charlton but their performances in the last few games have left a lot to be desired. Catastrophic defending let them down against Wigan but their finishing was the issue this time around.

Johnson’s men enjoyed 67% of the ball against Blackpool and had six more attempts at goal than the hosts. However, it was the Tangerines who prevailed 1-0.

One of those players who let the manager down on Saturday was Aiden O’Brien. He didn’t start against Wigan but was brought back into the side this weekend.

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Unfortunately, Johnson will be ruing that decision. The attacking midfielder didn’t ever look like scoring and once he’d been dragged off on 75 minutes, he’d failed to have a single shot. You can never fault his work rate and desire but those were the only positives on Saturday.

O’Brien didn’t manage a dribble or take-on as he was constantly stopped in his tracks by a Blackpool defence which included the imperious Daniel Ballard.

The Arsenal loanee barely gave Sunderland a sniff, winning a colossal seven aerial duels.

He stifled O’Brien considerably, so much so that he managed just 16 passes and 25 touches. Both numbers were fewer than Mackems goalkeeper Lee Burge.

The 27-year-old was bullied and wasn’t too strong in the challenge, losing a whopping 62% of the duels he was involved in. This was a poor day at the office for a player who hasn’t always been a regular this term.

With that in mind, he will have to improve considerably. Johnson certainly isn’t short of options in a forward position, after all.

AND in other news, SAFC flop has seen his value rise by £7.2m after leaving, he’s “excellent” in Europe…

Will Celtic ever hire a new manager? The Bhoys have whittled down their list to replace Neil Lennon but a month on we’re still no closer to finding out who will be in the dug-out next season.

What’s the word?

Eddie Howe is the current frontrunner to become the new boss at Parkhead but claims have emerged regarding Roy Keane again.

Celtic were in discussions with the Irishman a number of weeks ago and were even reported to have held an interview with him. However, days after that, news emerged that he was now unlikely to take up the position.

Though, speaking about the former Sunderland manager this week, Graeme Souness fired a message to the Hoops.

Speaking to Off The Ball (via Glasgow Times), the television pundit said: “He (Keane) is desperate to get back. He’s a football man and I have spoken with him about returning to management. He is very keen to do that.”

Souness continued: “Can you imagine how good it would have been if it was Roy Keane vs Steven Gerrard in Glasgow?

“All of a sudden, it wouldn’t just be Scotland, Ireland and a wee bit of England talking about Scottish football, the world would be talking about it. It would have been great for Scottish football.”

U-turn to emerge?

Considering the farcical nature of Celtic’s saga with Howe, it wouldn’t be a great surprise if the Hoops reverted their attention elsewhere.

The 43-year-old has been playing the Bhoys like a fool in recent days with Dermot Desmond dealt repeated setbacks in his bid to lure the former Bournemouth boss to Glasgow.

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It’s thought that Howe isn’t keen on returning to management until the summer while he’s listed some hefty demands in terms of his backroom staff.

The Englishman wants a trusted figure in Richard Hughes to join him at Parkhead but it doesn’t appear as though Celtic are keen on that happening.

Crystal Palace and Brighton have since joined Celtic in the race for Howe and the longer time goes on, the less likely it seems he’s going to sign with the Bhoys.

With that in mind, Desmond may perform a U-turn and revive his interest in Keane. After all, further manager targets Lucien Favre and Jesse Marsch are also attracting suitors from elsewhere.

The Irishman isn’t a man in demand and considering he’s desperate to return to coaching. Thus, he could be an easy candidate to bring in.

Celtic supporters might not be too enthused by the idea but this news is exciting nonetheless. If only Howe could admit he was keen to come out of a hiatus as well.

AND in other news, Celtic dealt fresh blow in the hunt to find a new manager, Desmond surely stressing…

Former Everton striker Marcus Bent has exclusively told Football FanCast that Harry Winks would be an excellent signing for the Toffees.

Winks was a regular under Mauricio Pochettino, but has fallen down the pecking order under Jose Mourinho, and has been restricted to just 10 Premier League appearances this season.

The midfielder has also lost his place in the England squad, and was strongly linked with a move to a host of clubs in the January window, including Everton with The Mirror reporting Carlo Ancelotti is an admirer.

But with Tottenham facing a shortage of centre midfielders and still competing in four competitions at the time, Winks understandably wasn’t allowed to leave.

However, he’s has featured once in the Premier League since the window closed, and with Atletico Madrid already keeping tabs on the Spurs Academy graduate, a summer exit would appear likely despite Winks having more than three years left on his deal.

And Bent told Football FanCast that Goodison Park would be a good destination for the midfielder:

“He’s more of a defensive midfielder, but he’s still got the technical ability to move the ball about. I think that would be a great signing for Everton.

“It depends on if Mourinho stays or not and whether he can consolidate his place in the team next year, because he is a good player.

“But he’s not played much football, and when you’re not playing so much football you lose confidence, but he’s still quite young.” 

Former Manchester United man Keith Gillespie has told Football FanCast that he hopes Paul Pogba remains at the club next season as they look to challenge Manchester City.

The France international was in sublime form against Tottenham Hotspur earlier in April, laying on two superb assists, though only one counted after Edinson Cavani’s first goal was ruled out after Son Heung-Min was adjudged to have been fouled by Scott McTominay.

Pogba also registered an assist in games against Brighton & Hove Albion and Burnley, but there are some concerns over his future, with his contract expiring.

Pogba’s deal ends at the end of next season and that means he could be set to leave for nothing at the end of the 2022/23 season.

He has been linked away, with Italian newspaper TuttoSport, via The Sun, linking him with a potential return to Juventus, the club he joined United from.

Gillespie, though, believes that Pogba needs to stay if United are to have any chance of challenging City for the Premier League title next season.

He hopes that the 28-year-old can remain fit for the duration of the season, having missed six matches with a hamstring injury prior to the clash with Brighton.

Gillespie told FFC: “I’d like to see him stay at Man United. You think about a fully fit Paul Pogba.

“You know, he’s had his injury problems that season, but if Paul Pogba was fully fit for a season and was playing at the top of this game, gosh, that’s going to really help any club.”

Gillespie also thinks that United need a striker if they are to complete their squad, with United currently 10 points behind Pep Guardiola’s side with five games of the campaign remaining.

He added: “You add in them maybe signing that striker that they do need, then they look a really, really good side, with a few tweaks here and there, defensively, and then you think, well, now’s the time maybe they may be able to come up against Man City, who for me are still way out in front of anybody else at the minute.”

A number of Liverpool fans have been expressing their delight at footage of Virgil van Dijk making further progress in his injury recovery.

The Dutchman has been missing since suffering cruciate ligament damage back in October, following a dreadful challenge by Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

It proved to be a massive moment in Liverpool’s season, with the Reds never the same from that moment on and their campaign slowly falling apart as each month has passed.

[freshpress-quiz id=“350790”]

Van Dijk was widely considered the best centre-back in the world before his injury, but his reputation has only grown since being out, such have been the Premier League champions’ struggles.

The 29-year-old is not expected to feature for the Reds until next season, but his much-anticipated return does appear to be edging closer all the time.

On Thursday, Van Dijk posted a video on Twitter showing him running at Liverpool’s AXA Training Centre, with the Netherlands captain showing good mobility and seemingly in good spirits.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/liverpool-latest-news-and-updates/” title=”Liverpool latest news and updates!” poster=”https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2021-01-02T123739Z_1934422778_UP1EH120Z2RVI_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-SCOTLAND-RFC-CEL-REPORT-2-640×853.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Liverpool fans react to fresh Van Dijk footage

Needless to say, these Liverpool fans were overjoyed to see Van Dijk making encouraging progress.

“Be still my heart “

Credit: @KeithCostigan

“Did my heart love til now?”

Credit: @Sinead_ONeill

“Big man come back soon”

Credit: @UpsornLFC

“Can’t wait for the best on the planet to be back”

Credit: @ShakOmarMusic

“Get this colossus back asap”

Credit: @Tiff5757

“My king”

Credit: @ToppsMatt

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been revealing their delight at seeing a Reds player back in training. Find out who it is here.

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a huge double injury boost ahead of their trip to Leeds United this lunchtime…

What’s the latest?

Speaking in his pre-game press conference on Friday, interim manager Ryan Mason revealed that Tanguy Ndombele and Lucas Moura were back in contention after missing Sunday’s 4-0 victory over Sheffield United.

He told reporters, via football.london’s Alasdair Gold: “Ben Davies is the only one that has not been training, Tanguy and Lucas didn’t train for the majority of last week, they trained the day before the game but this week we have had a fully fit squad.”

Gold then added in a separate tweet: “Asked Mason about those Lucas and Ndombele injuries and he said Lucas had a knock from the cup final that took a little while to shake off and Ndombele a muscle problem. Both fine now.”

Mason’s massive call

Both Ndombele and Moura have largely been a regular presence in Spurs’ starting XI throughout the season, but after their resounding win last weekend, it will give Mason a rather tough dilemma.

In the Brazilian’s absence, the 29-year-old caretaker opted for Gareth Bale on the right flank in a move which paid serious dividends as the Real Madrid loanee bagged himself a hat-trick.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-latest-spurs-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-managerial-update-levy-mason-mourinho-sacked” title= “Read the latest Spurs news, transfer rumours, managerial gossip and more!”]

It’s now four goals in his last two league games for Bale and a total of 14 for the season – a rate of one goal every 105 minutes – so it would certainly be a bold call to axe him from the starting XI at Elland Road.

Similarly, Dele Alli stepped up to the plate with the French dynamo missing, although luckily for Ndombele, he could well come back in due to his ability to play in a deeper role, meaning Giovani Lo Celso may be at risk instead.

Alli’s performance against the Blades drew glowing praise from teammate Eric Dier, who lauded his work rate off the ball, and Mason claimed he saw a “hunger to compete in training,” which earned him a rare start – only his third of the season.

He has every reason to keep his place in the starting line-up, so again it leaves the interim coach with plenty to ponder in terms of team selection.

However, having everyone at his disposal is certainly a nice boost, with a top four finish a genuine possibility.

AND in other news, “I was told”: Worrying claim emerges on future of Spurs “monster”, Levy will be livid…