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Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa faces an anxious wait over Pascal Struijk after the versatile midfielder’s recent injury against Crystal Palace.

What’s the story?

The Dutchman has been a virtual ever-present for Bielsa’s side this season in the Premier League, making 12 appearances in the competition, but was forced off at half-time in the 1-0 victory over Palace at Elland Road.

And, as relayed by journalist Ben Dinnery on Twitter, Bielsa said after the game: “Yes it’s the same (injury). All of us value that he played with a physical limitation that he played with, that’s very generous and shows how important a teammate he is to all of us.”

Bielsa will be worried

With the number of injuries that Leeds have faced across the park this season, it’s been no surprise to see Struijk’s versatility really come to the fore, doing stints in holding midfield, centre-back and even at left-back too.

And, after a particularly impressive display against Manchester United last season, former Leeds man Noel Whelan waxed lyrical about the young starlet.

He said: “I thought he was phenomenal at the back. I can’t tell you how impressed I am with this kid. He went through a stage of playing in Kalvin’s role but that was the wrong choice by Bielsa for me. He is a centre-half all day long. You can see him growing in that position.”

Dominic Matteo has also gone on record to admit he’s a big fan of the towering Dutchman, saying: “He reads the game a lot better than he’s credited for. He’ll get even better too. Struijk is one to look out for.

“There’s plenty of work to be done but, with the size of him, his physicality, his passing, he’s got it all and can step into midfield. He looks very calm on the ball, players who are a bit erratic are not for me but he looks comfortable in possession.”

Being without Struijk against a side like Brentford who boast some real aerial threats in the likes of Ivan Toney et al would be a major blow, and leave Bielsa seriously worried about how his team will cope.

It would be yet another injury blow for a side who have been decimated this season on that front.

Meanwhile, Phil Hay has given his thoughts on Leeds United star Tyler Roberts…

Pakistan’s cricket community lost a great personality, a person who was known as the encyclopedia of Pakistan cricket and someone who most importantly ushered in a new era of sports journalism in the country

Waheed Khan05-Feb-2010Pakistan’s cricket community lost a great personality, a person who was known as the encyclopedia of Pakistan cricket and someone who most importantly ushered in a new era of sports journalism in the country.For someone who had worked closely with him and under his guidance at , the genial and colourful personality of Gul Hameed Bhatti will be missed sorely because he set new standards in sports journalism and in encouraging young talent; his passion for cricket rubbed off on anyone who came in to contact with him.Born in Lahore in September, 1947, Bhatti dabbled as a pilot in the national airlines and worked in the public relations department in PTDC before turning to his twin passion of journalism and cricket. In 1973-74, he entered the world of the sports media.He served as the editor of the popular (Pakistan) magazine, which was known as the bible of Pakistan cricket internationally and played a big part in making the careers of several outstanding cricketers.He also combined with Abid Ali Kazi and the late Noman Badar to launch the cricket statisticians association of Pakistan and the annual Pakistan cricket book. It is difficult to really underline here the tremendous contribution Bhatti made to Pakistan cricket but suffice to say if anyone wanted to find out details of some obscure record or details of a particular domestic match played in the ’50s or in the ’90s, Bhatti Sahib was the final word.After joining the in 1990 as its sports editor, he succeeded in changing the trend of sports journalism in the country by making it investigative, colourful and informative while moving away from the existing trend of drab and dull lengthy analyses and the heavy dependence on agency stories.He was an editor who backed his reporters completely. was his usual question and once a reporter convinced him his story was factual and correct he had nothing to worry about.Bhatti had the capacity to absorb all the pressures and dissent that came from the top or from angry officials and players and his message to them was clear: “I will back my reporters all the way.”He was promoted as the editor of the newspaper but his first love remained sports, a position to which he returned after a few years.Bhatti remained jovial even after the death of his wife, Razia Bhatti, in 1996, herself a fearless journalist and editor of the magazine who later launched . But the loss of his wife affected him and his health began to deteriorate and after overcoming a bout of throat cancer, he suffered a brain stroke last year and was bed ridden. He passed away on Thursday night after another brain stroke and due to the failure of his vital organs. Even after his death, the contribution and position of Gul Hameed Bhatti in Pakistan journalism and cricket will remain at the top. We will all miss you Bhatti Sahib.

Tottenham Hotspur winger Steven Bergwijn is attracting interest ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

In recent comments cited by SoccerNews (via Sport Witness), Erik ten Hag suggested that he would be willing to make a move for the 24-year-old forward in the upcoming winter market, as well as revealing that he is currently exploring the possibility of securing a deal for the Netherlands international.

When discussing Ajax’s January transfer business, the 51-year-old said: “I may repeat myself, but we want to improve. If there is an option for that, we will investigate it. Whether we also investigate Bergwijn’s situation? We investigate everything. We are professionals.”

Levy must axe Bergwijn

While it is undeniable that Bergwijn is a player who can produce a moment of magic for Spurs, such as his incredible debut goal against Manchester City, whether or not the forward has proven worth his £27m transfer fee is another – much more debatable – matter entirely.

Indeed, over his 21 Premier League appearances – only 13 of which came as starts – during his first full season in north London, the £26m-rated winger scored just one goal, registered three assists and created no big chances for his teammates, as well as taking just 0.7 shots and making a mere 0.6 key passes per game.

These returns saw the player who Nuno Espirito Santo dubbed a “unique” talent earn a disappointing seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.56, ranking him as Spurs’ worst performer in the top flight.

Things have not improved much for the £73k-per-week winger this term, averaging a SofaScore match rating of 6.70 over his six league fixtures, as well as being awarded just three minutes of first-team football since Antonio Conte’s arrival at the club.

Indeed, it has been reported that the Italian is far from the 24-year-old’s biggest fan, with Dutch journalist Mike Verweij even claiming that Conte has spoken just “two words” to Bergwijn during his short time at the club.

As such, with Bergwijn’s resale value still likely to be relatively high, it would seem a wise move for Daniel Levy to cash in on the forward this winter. As it seems unlikely that the Dutchman will become an important part of Conte’s first-team squad at Spurs, his hefty weekly wage could easily be put to better use by the 52-year-old in January.

In other news: Paratici can seal Conte’s dream Spurs signing in 6 ft 1 beast he dubbed “outstanding”

The winners of the ICC’s Development Programme annual awards have been announced

Cricinfo staff01-Mar-2010The winners of the ICC’s Development Programme annual awards have been announced, with individuals and initiatives from associate and affiliate member countries from around the world being honoured.While Nepal celebrate their victory in the final of the World Cricket League Division 5, Binaya Raj Pandey, president of the Cricket Association of Nepal, received the programme’s Lifetime Service award. Namibia’s cricket development programme won Best Overall Cricket Development Programme, while the Deutsche Cricket Bund picked up the Best Women’s Cricket Initiative award.The Israel Cricket Association won the Best Spirit of Cricket Initiative for their programme, in partnership with UNAIDS and UNICEF, which has introduced cricket as a means of bringing together Jewish and Bedouin children in the Negev Desert to promote co-existence and tolerance among those caught up in the Israel-Arab conflict.”It is wonderful to see so many of our Associates and Affiliates being recognised for all the hard work and effort they put into their cricket programmes,” said ICC global development manager Matthew Kennedy. “Everyone who has won and those who were not successful this time round should be congratulated for their continuing effort and dedication to improving cricket in their nation.”Ireland’s James Bennett and S Gopalkrishnan of Indonesia shared the Volunteer of the Year Award for their dedication and contribution to the game in 2009. The Photo of the Year also came from Ireland and was taken by Rob O’Connor. His picture captured the celebrations following the match-winning run out in a game between Leinster and West Glamorgan Under-13s.”This is great news for Irish cricket and I’m delighted for both winners, said Arthur Vincent, Cricket Ireland’s president. “Jim Bennett is a dedicated and tireless volunteer for Irish youth cricket, and it’s thanks to the likes of stalwarts like Jim why our youth system is the envy of many countries. He is quite simply a fantastic servant to the cause of cricket in the country and the award is richly deserved. Jim is a gentleman and a great ambassador for Irish cricket.”Rob O’Connor is involved with Irish cricket at many levels, and is a superb photographer,” he added. “His image captures for me the essence and the unspoilt sheer exuberance and enjoyment of young cricketers playing the game. It’s a great honour for both to have won these prestigious awards and a marvellous reflection on the healthy standard of cricket here.”The judging panel for the awards featured current ICC President David Morgan, former presidents Ehsan Mani, Malcolm Gray and Ray Mali, and Keith Bradshaw, MCC’s secretary and chief executive.

Chelsea centre-back Antonio Rüdiger would be a top signing for Tottenham Hotspur, according to former Spurs defender Graham Roberts.

The Lowdown: Rüdiger out of contract

The Germany international has enjoyed a fantastic start to the season, excelling in Thomas Tuchel’s back-three system. His electric form has ensured that he is a crucial component to Chelsea’s back-line – he has started 14 of 15 Premier League matches this term and drawn massive praise just last week from Blues legend Gianfranco Zola.

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However, the defender is out of his £100,000-per-week contract in the summer, and is yet to commit his future to the West London club.

With a £31.5m valuation, Chelsea will not want to lose him on a free at the end of the season. This has opened up the possibility of a transfer in the January window. Consequently, a whole host of clubs may well be interested in the colossal defender, including Spurs, who are expected to pursue a new defensive signing for Antonio Conte.

The Latest: Rüdiger linked with Tottenham

According to transfer insider Dean Jones (via GIVEMESPORT), Tottenham have made Rüdiger the most lucrative offer. It was even revealed earlier this year that the player spoke with former manager Jose Mourinho about the possibility of a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Former Spurs centre-back Graham Roberts has now sung the German’s praises, claiming that he would be a good signing for Conte. Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said:

“I think it would be good for us. He’s the most improved player I’ve seen in the last year in the Premier League.

“From where he was under Frank, he’s become a man-mountain, he’s a really good passer of the ball.”

However, Roberts is not confident in the deal coming to fruition, claiming that he’s “not sure he would come to Tottenham”.

The Verdict: Ideal but unlikely

With Cristian Romero currently out injured, the arrival of the Germany international would instantly improve the starting 11 in north London – he is part of a defence who have conceded just nine times in 15 games this term, and Rio Ferdinand even called him the best defender in the league last season.

Despite this, it is unlikely that the Chelsea player would choose to join a London rival, especially one below their current ambitions.

He could perhaps opt for a move overseas, with Real Madrid keen to find a replacement for Raphaël Varane and the Spanish giants almost always in and around the trophies come the end of each season.

With the defender out of contract in the summer, there will be a long list of clubs aiming to bring Rüdiger in on a free, so this one certainly feels difficult for the Lilywhites to pull off unless they offer him massive wages.

Michael Clarke’s dash home to support his fiancee Lara Bingle has forced a delay in the naming of Australia’s Test squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand

Cricinfo staff09-Mar-2010Michael Clarke’s dash home to support his fiancee Lara Bingle has forced a delay in the naming of Australia’s Test squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand. The touring party was set to be announced on Tuesday but following Clarke’s decision to fly home from the one-dayers it is unclear how long he intends to be away from the game.The vice-captain is still expected to be named in the squad that will play two Tests in Wellington and Hamilton later this month. His manager Chris White confirmed on Tuesday that the “personal matters” referred to by Cricket Australia when he flew home were related to Bingle, who is embroiled in a controversy over a topless photo of her published in a magazine.”Michael has come home to support Lara through this difficult time,” White told AAP. Bingle has been under intense media scrutiny after the photo, which was allegedly taken in 2006 by the AFL footballer Brendan Fevola, found its way into print and she subsequently launched legal action against Fevola.Clarke left the tour so quickly on Monday that some of his team-mates were not even aware he had departed until the following morning. After Australia won Tuesday’s game in Hamilton, the captain Ricky Ponting said he did not know how long he would be without his second-in-command.”We don’t know yet,” Ponting said. “I haven’t heard from him today and I don’t really expect to. We’ll give him as much time as he needs and all that we can do is give him as much support as possible. The last thing that I said to him last night before he left was for him just to take as much time as he needed.”The Tasmania captain George Bailey has been added to the one-day squad as Clarke’s replacement. He said he was keen to take his chance if a debut came in one of the final two matches over the next few days.”I obviously read that Michael was coming home in the paper, which is unfortunate for him,” Bailey said. “But so many Australian players have grabbed that opportunity when that’s been handed to them, that’s how a lot of people have made their starts. So I’m very excited for myself and Michael will obviously work through his issues.”

Tottenham may be in the midst of a virus sweeping through their camp but that won’t stop Antonio Conte, Fabio Paratici and Daniel Levy from devising their blueprints ahead of the transfer window.

A host of names have been linked but it’s in the middle of the park where they could look to focus on.

Franck Kessie continues to be linked with Spurs and it’s hardly a surprise with Tanguy Ndombele’s future in doubt as usual.

On the chalkboard

Ndombele has been a constant source of frustration for many a Spurs manager now with several coaches wondering how on earth they can get the best out of him.

The Frenchman had a supposed falling out with Jose Mourinho and he came close to leaving the club as a result.

He has been an outside figure at the club ever since and despite his best attempts to be involved, a move away seems likely. A move to Juventus has been touted while it’s even been claimed that Antonio Conte is prepared to offload him after making a quick decision following his arrival in north London.

If Ndombele does seek pastures new, a replacement will be needed in central areas. One player they’ve been linked with is Lille dynamo Renato Sanches and he could be the ideal replacement in the middle of the park.

Spurs’ current club-record signing is very much known for towering above his opponents while making powerful surges forward. He combines that with technical elegance that makes him such a beautiful player to watch.

In Sanches, however, they’d find someone with all of those attributes but with the right mentality and commitment.

So far this season, the 24-year-old has registered 0.6 shots, 1.4 key passes and 2.8 dribbles per game, numbers that are certainly similar in some regard to Ndombele who has managed 1.3 shots, 0.4 key passes and 1.6 dribbles per match.

On that evidence, Sanches is the more creative but there are certain parallels in the way they carry possession forward.

Speaking to Football Insider last summer, Kevin Campbell was full of praise for the youngster, saying:

“The young man deserves a huge amount of credit for the way he has bounced back. It feels like he has been around for a decade but he is only 23. It is incredible.

“He has had to reinvent himself a bit but he is a fantastic player. He is strong, powerful and is a great ball carrier.”

Those quotes could quite easily describe Ndombele and so could words from TMW writer Antonio Tiziano Palmieri who once dubbed Sanches a “giant.”

If he arrives at Spurs this winter, he certainly has the ability to be an enormous presence and if he helps replace Ndombele in the process, the £27m-rated titan would be a marvellous pick up by Paratici and co.

AND in other news, “Tottenham are..” – Fabrizio Romano issues exciting transfer claim, fans surely elated…

West Ham United still remain in four competitions and David Moyes will certainly be looking to add depth to his squad in the upcoming January window, especially in the defence with numerous players currently injured.

According to 90min, the Hammers have made an enquiry for Lille defender Sven Botman, having been linked with the centre-back in the summer.

What’s the story?

West Ham are one of many clubs interested in acquiring the services of the 21-year-old centre-back, who currently plays for French champions Lille.

However, it is also being suggested that the Dutchman is unsure about departing France and is weighing up his options after winning Ligue 1 last season, a feat he described as “incredible”. Moreover, his side has progressed in the Champions League and he is eyeing a push into the Netherlands senior setup.

Despite last season’s success, regaining their league title is already looking a forlorn task, with Lille currently 11th in Ligue 1 and already 20 points off the summit.

The Dutchman, who has been hailed as “stoic and physical defensively”, only joined Lille from Ajax last summer but has rapidly attracted interest from across Europe, with Chelsea, AC Milan, Newcastle, West Ham and Leicester amongst the clubs reportedly interested in him.

Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City are also in the hunt for the defender, with a fee of £43m being suggested as the French club’s asking price.

West Ham must sign Botman

After an exceptional start to the campaign, West Ham have suffered a slight dip in form, winning just one of their last six league games. Injuries and suspensions haven’t helped, particularly at the back, with six defenders currently unavailable for the Hammers.

David Moyes will need to add depth to his squad in January if they are to successfully juggle the demands of playing in Europe alongside pushing for another top-six finish in the Premier League.

Botman did miss a month of the season with a groin issue but has still managed 11 Ligue 1 and three Champions League appearances this term.

Although a fee of £43m could put the West Ham hierarchy off signing the Dutchman, at just 21 years of age he could prove to be a very shrewd purchase for GSB and the east London club if they can fend off the competition for his signature.

In other news – “I am hoping…”: Moyes drops injury update which will leave West Ham fans buzzing

New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond, who played for Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, has said his last few days in India were “nervy” following the bomb blasts outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium

Cricinfo staff22-Apr-2010New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond, who played for Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, has said his last few days in India were “nervy” following the bomb blasts outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium ahead of the match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians on April 17.”It [the Bangalore bombing] definitely made me nervier. We went over there with the threat, I guess, but when that happened it became a reality,” Bond told the . “We [Kolkata] had one game left at that stage and knew we couldn’t qualify for the semifinals, so we just wanted to get out of there, really.”Bond said he was concerned about New Zealand team-mate Ross Taylor, who was at the Chinnaswamy Stadium at the time of the blasts. “I was nervous, but for him [Taylor] it was a different level.”Bond played eight league games for Kolkata, taking nine wickets with an economy-rate of 7.22, and was satisfied with his effort. “It wasn’t too bad, I was pretty happy with the way I bowled,” he said. “I missed a few games in the middle, which was disappointing, but I came back pretty strongly in the last few games. I missed out at Bangalore for whatever reason and that was the quickest wicket we played on, so that was probably a mistake.”Bond and Kolkata team-mate Brendon McCullum did not stay back for the IPL closing ceremony and arrived in Christchurch on Wednesday night. They will soon fly to Brisbane before leaving for Guyana for the ICC World Twenty20 which begins on April 30. New Zealand are in Group B along with Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.

ECB pitch inspector Jack Birkenshaw was again an interested spectator at Bristol as 20 wickets fell on another action-packed opening day of the County Championship Division Two match

21-Apr-2010
ScorecardRobin Martin-Jenkins was one of the many seam bowlers who enjoyed themselves at Bristol•Getty ImagesECB pitch inspector Jack Birkenshaw was again an interested spectator at Bristol as 20 wickets fell on another action-packed opening day of the County Championship Division Two match.James Franklin claimed 4 for 27 as Gloucestershire bowled out Sussex for 152 then Rana Naved and Corey Collymore took three wickets each to reduce the home side to 128 all out in reply.Birkenshaw decided against recommending a points deduction for Gloucestershire after their opening game of the season at the same venue had seen 23 wickets fall on the same day.This time he observed that there was less grass on the pitch and again attributed the carnage more to swing, good bowling and poor shot selection than any problem with the surface. “It looks fine to me” he said, and he will not be returning on Thursday.Pointedly, Sussex opted to bat after winning the toss and seemed to be cruising at 61 without loss when Michael Thornely was caught behind off Gemaal Hussain for 25. Barely a ball had gone past the bat up to that point but it was 76 for 2 when Chris Nash, the day’s top scorer with 47, fell lbw to Steve Kirby and 100 for three when Joe Gatting (14) edged Alex Gidman to wicketkeeper Jonathan Batty.Franklin took his first wicket by pinning Matt Prior lbw for two and at lunch the visitors were 107 for 4. Hussain then removed Andrew Hodd for a single before Franklin hit a purple patch, dismissing Robin Martin-Jenkins (two), Murray Goodwin (24) and Naved (10) in the space of 15 balls at a cost of just six runs.The New Zealand all-rounder got the ball to swing and nip off the seam. But soon it was his team-mates facing an all too familiar batting collapse as openers Batty and Abdul-Kadeer Ali both fell to Collymore before tea, which was taken at 34 for 2.Birkenshaw made another close inspection of the pitch during that interval, but still pronounced himself satisfied before watching another sorry procession of home batsmen. Steve Snell was bowled playing over a ball from Martin Jenkins, who then trapped Gidman lbw aiming across the line.Joe Anyon had Hamish Marshall and Chris Taylor dropped as Gloucestershire were put to the sword. Marshall eventually departed lbw to a ball from Anyon which nipped back and at 75 for 5 the home side were in deep trouble.Chris Dent had been held back because of a stomach illness and he soon became the day’s ninth lbw victim with Naved the successful bowler. He followed up by having Franklin taken in the slips for two.Taylor battled away for 37 and Jon Lewis and Hussain did their best at the end but Gloucestershire were bowled out 24 runs behind.