All posts by n8rngtd.top

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Leeds United completed the signing of Mateusz Bogusz from Ruch Chorzow in the latter stages of the January transfer window.

And the 17-year-old has revealed that he rejected interest from the Premier League in order to move to Elland Road last month.

What’s the story, then?

Bogusz told Sport Express:

“Yes. I was in both of these clubs before I signed the contract. Leeds came over to me, I thought it was the perfect place for me to take another step in my career.

“The club, all its facilities, my development plan. Everything that Leeds offered me was convincing.

“Hence a two-and-a-half-year contract with the possibility of extension. And in perspective, I hope, playing in the Premier League.”

Bogusz had been operating in the second tier of Polish football ahead of his move to Leeds, but Napoli are said to have offered him a trial last year.

As it transpired, nothing came of the potential interest from Naples, but the teenager has revealed that he had the chance to move to the Premier League.

When asked whether he had received an offer from Brighton, Borgusz responded “yes” before going on to reveal the reasons why he choose Leeds.

It remains to be seen whether the Polish midfielder can forge a successful career in England, but Leeds have again showed that they are a huge pull despite currently operating in the second tier of English football.

What are Bogusz’s credentials?

Following a certain Kiko Casilla to Leeds meant that his arrival in the latter stages of the January window went slightly under the radar.

Bogusz penned a two-and-a-half-year deal upon his arrival, however, meaning that he is contracted to the Whites until the summer of 2021.

The youngster had managed six goals in 34 appearances for Ruch, while he has also been capped at youth level by Poland.

Capable of operating as a defensive midfielder, a central midfielder or in the number 10 role, there is no question that Bogusz can be a huge asset.

And Leeds will be hoping that the 5ft 9in ace can impress in the second half of this season with the view to becoming a future first-team player for the club.

Southampton must target a new right-back when the summer transfer window opens in a few months time.

Ralph Hassenhuttl faces a real battle to save the Saints from relegation following their dreadful form in the Premier League this season. Should the Austrian manage to save his side from the drop, he absolutely has to target a new right-sided defender in the transfer window. With Cedric Soares joining Inter Milan on loan in January, it’s unlikely the Portugal international’s long-term future is at St. Marys.

The Italian giants have the option to make his stay in Italy permanent for just £9.5m which would leave the Saints short of options at the back. Landing a new right-back should definitely be a priority in order to add some stability to their leaky back four.

One man Hassenhuttl should be looking to sign is Nantes youngster – Enock Kwateng. Valued at just £4.5m by Transfermarkt, the 21-year-old was part of the France side which won the won the European U19 Championship in 2016 alongside superstars such as Kylian Mbappe. Kwateng has been ever-present for his current employers this season but could be set to depart his homeland with his contract due to expire at the end of the campaign.

Kwateng is a fantastic defender who would finally give Southampton some solidity on the right flank. The Frenchman loves to get stuck into a challenge, averaging an incredible 2.8 tackles per game in Ligue 1. Despite his young age, he reads the game expertly, allowing him to make an impressive 3.8 interceptions per game this season (WhoScored). Kwateng also tends to get forward to help out the attack without neglecting his defensive duties.

Available on a free transfer, this move should be a no brainer for the Saints.

Southampton fans, thoughts?

Sheffield United will be preparing for their Sheffield derby meeting with arch-rivals Sheffield Wednesday on Monday night at Hillsborough.

And, it appears The Blades could be about to go into the game with a boost after receiving some positive news.

The club have confirmed on their official website that Jack O’Connell has agreed to terms over a new contract that will see him stay at Bramall Lane until the summer of 2023.

The 24-year-old, who has been at the club since the summer of 2016 following his switch from Brentford, has been a key member of Chris Wilder’s side this season as they chance promotion to the Premier League.

Wilder revealed his delight about the deal, telling the club’s website: “It’s another boost that Jack has pledged his long-term future here and we are all delighted. He’s been a big part of the past and will play a big part in the future for us.”

Having made 130 appearances for Sheffield United across all competitions, O’Connell is likely to play a prominent role in their match against The Owls on Monday night.

The two sides played out a goalless draw in November, however, Wilder’s side did have the chance to win from the penalty spot but David McGoldrick saw his spot-kick saved by Cameron Dawson.

The Verdict:

O’Connell’s new deal will come as a great boost to Wilder and Sheffield United, capping what could turn into an excellent season for the club.

However, The Blades will be hoping the news will be able to motivate their players even further ahead of their Sheffield derby on Monday.

A win will go a long way into helping the club achieve their aims of winning promotion to the Premier League next season, whilst having the bragging rights of the city would not be too bad either.

Sheffield United fans – thoughts?

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Loads of Sheffield Wednesday fans have been reacting to Steve Bruce’s first home win as manager, and they are stunned by the performance of January loan signing Achraf Lazaar.

The Owls may well and truly be back in business under Bruce, and they have now gone six Championship matches without a defeat, conceding just three goals during that time.

The new gaffer clearly identified the defence as a major weak point when he arrived, and Dominic Iorfa and Lazaar were both brought in to freshen things up at the back.

Iorfa has already written himself into cult hero status with last week’s heroics against Rotherham, and Lazaar now seems to have followed suit with a wonderful display in Saturday’s 3-1 win over the Swans.

Who are the best away fans in the Championship? Pl>ymaker FC’s Thogden gives his top 10 in the video below…

Adam Reach scored twice early on before Steven Fletcher finished in acrobatic fashion to make it 3-0, and Swansea’s second half strike from Oliver McBurnie was little more than a consolation.

27 year-old Lazaar worked tirelessly down the left flank all afternoon, racking up an incredible 11 interceptions, three tackles and four clearances as well as launching in seven crosses.

You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…

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Crystal Palace host Brighton at Selhurst Park on Saturday in the second M23 derby of the season and they will be hoping that they can record a far better performance than the one they produced last time out against their bitter rivals.

Brighton dominated the last meeting and emerged 3-1 victors despite being reduced to 10 men; Palace, rejuvenated by the January signing of Michy Batshuayi and Wilfried Zaha’s timely return to form, will be determined to ensure the result isn’t repeated this weekend.

Eagles boss Roy Hodgson shocked the fans by making five big changes to his starting XI for the Burnley clash – all of which proved effective to at least some degree – but it would be a surprise if the lineup remained the same one week later.

We look at two key changes Hodgson must make to his starting XI this Saturday…

James McArthur for Max Meyer

Hodgson’s reluctance to hand Max Meyer an extended run in the starting XI has seen the former England boss receive criticism from the Selhurst Park faithful, particularly considering the impact and impetus the German has provided when coming off the bench.

The 23-year-old is far more technically capable than the other Palace midfielders and his close control means he can work in and out of small spaces brilliantly, although that won’t be what the Eagles need on Saturday, particularly in the early stages.

It will be vital that the hosts set the tone for the clash by going straight after their opponents and getting the ball back quickly – something Meyer won’t have the legs for and he could be burnt out.

James McArthur should come back in having been rested for the visit to Turf Moor – his legs and bite in the middle of the park will be crucial – although Hodgson should have no hesitations to bring the Scotsman off for Meyer if he needs some added creation in midfield.

While Meyer will add far more to his team overall, McArthur’s work-rate will be crucial in the middle; presuming that Hodgson restores his orthodox 4-3-3 this weekend, which leads us nicely onto change number two.

Andros Townsend for Cheikhou Kouyate

The big Senegalese has been an excellent signing for the Eagles this season and a snip at less than £10m but Andros Townsend, having been rested against Burnley, should undoubtedly come back in for this clash.

The former Spurs man has been on a different level this season, chalking up four goals and three assists and establishing himself as one of the Eagles’ most important players.

The 27-year-old has very much earned the rest afforded to him last time out but should be restored in his wing role against the Seagulls.

In Batshuayi, Zaha and Townsend, Hodgson has the makings of a fantastic front three that will cause problems for every team they face, and a midfield full of workhorses will give the dangerous trio license to cause problems on the front foot.

Watch how to cross the road like a boss with freestyler Ben Nuttall in the video below…

While 46-cap Kouyate isn’t deserving of being benched, he has not been so sensational as to oust any of Jeffrey Schlupp, Luka Milivojevic or, indeed, Townsend from the starting XI in consecutive games.

There is, however, a way off the bench if he can prove in the coming days that he should be the third man to join aforementioned midfield duo Schlupp and Milivojevic in the middle of the park instead of McArthur.

Hodgson seems to have a special liking for the 31-year-old, though.

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Loads of Celtic fans have been reflecting on the weekend’s action, and they’ve already made their minds up on the future of Neil Lennon.

Celtic had the chance to pretty much put the title to bed on Saturday courtesy of Rangers dropping points at Easter Road on Friday night, but the Bhoys weren’t able to break down Aberdeen at Parkhead.

It was the first 0-0 draw between the Hoops and the Dons since 1994, and it leaves Lennon’s side eight points clear of the Gers with four games left to play.

Despite their superb position in the table, fans were understandably infuriated by the performance on Saturday, as the side struggled to create clear-cut chances and simply weren’t clinical enough in the final third.

And they have seen enough after the goalless draw, calling for someone else to take over from Lennon in the summer.

The 47 year-old replaced Brendan Rodgers on an interim basis at the end of February, but it appears the large majority of fans simply want him to steady the ship and then get out of the way.

Take a look at the Twitter reactions down below…

Is it going to be the year we finally see Sunderland climb up the leagues rather than fall down them? Well, no quite knows. Perhaps expecting the Black Cats to instantly turn around their form after so many years of disappointment was a bit much, but hope certainly remains. Indeed, SOME fans feel they need to prepare for playoffs, MOST, however, believe automatic promotion is theirs. 

With a game in hand, is it time to get excited once again for the Black Cats? Boss Jack Ross will certainly feel that the fate of the club is in their own hands. Isn’t that a nice feeling for everyone on Wearside? Clearly, it’s not been perfect, but there’s certainly an element of control at the Stadium of Light for the first time in years.

So, with an important home game against Walsall up next, we take a look at who should come in and boost the team to the next level.

Drop Lee Cattermole 

Cattermole is by far one of the Black Cats’ heroes of the modern day, being at the club for over nine years, he has faced the highs and the extreme lows of Sunderland Football Club.

This season, however, has seen the 30-year-old look his age, if not even older.

Looking slower, and short of ideas in the Black Cats’ 0-0 draw with Barnsley, it can be argued that it could be time for a change up in the midfield, giving the Englishman a break towards the latter stages of the season.

As the campaign enters its proverbial business end, they’ll need him fresh.

Start Dylan McGeouch 

Having struggled to get into the side in recent weeks, it may be time for McGeouch to step up and help push the team over the promotion line as the games come thick and fast. A player of immense quality on the ball, the Scottish international can help Sunderland exert their class later.

With his experience in the Scottish Premiership, there is no doubting that the 26-year-old knows how to control games. Needing to prove his worth at the club ahead of a potential promotion, McGeouch mus recapture his form.

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Scotland were humiliated by Kazakhstan on Thursday afternoon, and Aberdeen’s Graeme Shinnie is getting absolutely crucified for his performance.

Scotland travelled to the Astana Arena in Nursultan for their first Euro 2020 qualifier on Wednesday, and let’s just say things didn’t go to plan for Alex McLeish’s side.

The hosts took the lead after just six minutes when Yuriy Pertsukh capitalised on some awful defending before Yan Vorogovskiy did the exact same five minutes later to make it 2-0.

Former Wigan & Fulham man, Jimmy Bullard recently showed that he’s still got it! Check out the video below…

Stuart Armstrong had the only notable chance for the Scots, forcing a good save out of the Kazakh goalkeeper, but Baktiyor Zainutdinov’s header made it 3-0 and completed the rout.

Of course, mounting injuries forced McLeish to deploy a makeshift squad, meaning Dons captain Shinnie got the nod at left-back with Andrew Robertson and Kieran Tierney both out.

The 27 year-old was at fault for the third goal and didn’t cover himself in glory during the early onslaught either, constantly caught out of position.

You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below, look away now Graeme…

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Davide Somma joined Leeds United from San Jose Earthquakes in 2009.

The South African only made 38 appearances for the Whites, however, as he struggled to bounce back from the serious knee injury he suffered in July 2011.

Somma, who managed 13 goals for the Whites in all competitions, left Elland Road on a free transfer in 2013.

Now 33, the striker has not actually officially announced his retirement, but is currently doing some coaching for Long Island United.

There is a general feeling that Somma could have been a very, very good player for Leeds had the injury curse not struck.

The Championship club’s fans clearly still have a high opinion of the South African too, and one supporter has even claimed that Marcelo Bielsa should look to bring the forward back to the club.

Who are the best away fans in the Championship? Pl>ymaker FC’s Thogden gives his top 10 in the video below…

It seems very unlikely that will happen, but the Leeds fans have a special place in their hearts for the 6 ft 3 ace:

The new Premier League television deal for international rights comes into force next season, and its bias towards the elite clubs is astonishing, and will have a massive effect on clubs like Newcastle.

The new multi-billion pound agreement, as reported in the Daily Telegraph, will see each top flight team receive a guaranteed amount of not less than the £40.7 million they currently get.

But the rest of the money will be on a sliding scale depending on league position — slanted, naturally, in favour of the already mega-rich elite clubs.

The result being, that the champions are in line to receive around £75m more than the lowest teams.

Newcastle fans can rightly claim that it is a ridiculous scheme, plotted by the ‘big six’ clubs, to make them richer, and reduce the chances of their team ever being able to bridge the growing gap between them.

While some people will say it will give the lower clubs more incentive, it is a defunct argument, as the extra revenue for the top sides will simply mean the playing field is a lot more uneven than it is now.

Leicester won the Premier League a few short years ago, and it has obviously not sat well with the big clubs and the Premier League — how dare they!

It is something clubs like Newcastle are unlikely to emulate, as the top six clubs are ring-fencing future titles for their own monopoly.

Newcastle, with their owner keen to starve everyone associated with the club except his own wallet, will never have the means to match the top six — unless an ambitious mutli-billionaire is reading this and fancies having a go, of course.

It will affect Newcastle in a huge way, with Ashley’s public statement that the club needs to be self-sufficient and can use “every penny generated” to help Rafa Benitez build a squad able to compete.

But how can they do that with this new deal?

The lopsided nature of it means the top clubs can just blow any other club out of the water, when it comes to buying players. They largely able to do that now, so after this deal comes into play, it is hardly worth Newcastle bothering.

Add to that the fact that every club across Europe will add a virtual premium onto players’ price tags for English clubs as a result of the amount included in the deal, and it will be virtually impossible for Newcastle to attract talent.

And how long will it be before the same thing comes into force with the domestic rights?

Once they get the taste of blood into their fangs from this deal, the vampires that are the top six, will ensure they line their own blood-banks in every future deal.

What they are doing, is creating a league within a league, and splitting the top flight into a ‘them and us’ division.

Newcastle’s aspirations of the future will be to become top of the ‘outcast’ league. And where is the excitement in that?

To keep with the analogy, they will suck the very life-force out of the game, which will end up with a few alpha clubs, and a host of empty vessels — but that is probably exactly what the are hoping for.

This deal will kill football for clubs like an Ashley owned Newcastle — and he was doing a pretty good job of that on his own!

What do you think of this new deal, Newcastle fans? Will it put you off following your team in years ahead? Let us know your thoughts…