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Could Frank Lampard get the sack?

The Chelsea boss is under increasing pressure having lost 3 of his last 5 league games.

Chelsea spent – by some distance – the most money on players during the 2020/21 summer transfer window, reaching a total £222 million.

Despite their exploits in the transfer market, bringing in the likes of Kai Havertz, Timo Werner and Thiago Silva among others, they’ve failed to enjoy similar riches on the pitch.

They currently sit 9th in the table after a demoralising loss to Leicester tonight.

Contrastingly, Leicester have performed well above expectations this season. Their win tonight propels them to 1st in the table, for the time being at least.

There have been reports that the Chelsea board are unhappy with Lampard’s performance as manager in recent weeks. Tonight’s result will do him no good in terms of his standing with the higher-ups.

Roman Abramovich and co. have also been noted over the years for their lack of patience in terms of managerial success.

Incredibly, Chelsea have had 14 managers since José Mourinho first departed the club in 2007.

Lampard’s legendary status at the club may earn him some much needed time to get results back on track, but the unpredictability of the Chelsea board never ceases to amaze.

Chelsea’s next Premier League fixtures comes against Wolverhampton Wanderers on the 27th January.

Wolves are also enduring a poor spell of Premier League form, much due to the absence of RaĂșl JimĂ©nez who’s still recovering from a head injury suffered in November.

A loss for Lampard in that match could have disastrous results for Lampard, that is if he’s still in the job at that time.

JP McManus Pro-Am postponed until 2022

The JP McManus Pro-Am is postponed until 4-5 July 2022.

The event’s Steering Committee today confirmed the rescheduling of the 2021 tournament, which was due to be held this July (5th & 6th) at Adare Manor, Co. Limerick.

The postponement comes amid the continuing uncertainty around large-scale gatherings taking place both in Ireland and across the globe. It was decided the event would be better facilitated in 2022 as over 40,000 spectators were expected to attend.

The tournament sold out before its initial scheduling (July 2020) and all caps purchased to date will be valid for the 2022 tournament, as will all on-site parking and Park & Ride passes.

Spectators who wish to be refunded for their ticket caps are advised to visit www.jpmcmanusproam.com.

Eight of the world’s top 10 players had been confirmed for the 6th edition of the JP McManus Pro-Am.

The impressive list of players set to attend included Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Justin Rose and Jon Rahm.

The 2019 British Open Champion Shane Lowry, Sergio Garcia, former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley, former Major winners Graeme McDowell and Pådraig Harrington were also to participate.

The JP McManus Pro-Am Committee will release more information about the rescheduled tournament in due course.

The Pro-Am will now take place on July 4th and 5th 2022 at the Tom Fazio redesigned golf course. Charitable organisations in the Mid-West will benefit from the 2022 event.

Acapella Bourgeois tops weights for Goffs Thyestes Handicap Chase

Acapella Bourgeois heads the weights announced for the Goffs Thyestes Handicap Chase at Gowran Park on Thursday, January 28.

The topweight is owned by the Slaneyville Syndicate, successful owners in the race last year with Total Recall.

The 11-year-old Acapella Bourgeois was sixth in the race last year. His most recent run was when finishing to Al Boum Photo at Tramore on New Year’s Day.

Willie Mullins has eight horses among an initial entry of 45 for the historic contest.

The Closutton trainer has also entered the Syndicates.Racing-owned Munster National and Kerry National winner Cabaret Queen. Last year’s second, Class Conti, recent hurdles’ winner Koshari and Brahma Bull are also entered for the race.

Monbeg Notorious, Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy first win in the Goffs Thyestes Handicap Chase in 2018, is among an Elliott-entry of 13.

Milan Native, Aforementioned, Roaring Bull and Dounikos, all notable handicap chase winners, are also engaged. The 2019 Thyestes runner-up Alpha Des Obeaux, Leopardstown third Farclas and Braeside and Coko Beach have also been entered.

Last year’s third Minella Fair, Tout Est Permis and Dream Conti make up a strong entry for Noel Meade. The Mags Mullins-trained Agusta Gold, a recent Grade 3 winner at Fairyhouse, is another interesting entry.

Other notable entries include GearĂłid O’Loughlin’s Ulster National winner Space Cadet and Denis Hogan’s Moyhenna. The Ted Walsh-trained Any Second Now is entered, as is Pat Fahy’s Dunvegan. Tim Duggan Memorial Handicap Chase winner, The Long Mile, is also on the entry list.

The Thyestes Chase will be televised live on RTÉ and Racing TV.

2021 European Tour Golf Schedule

The European Tour’s 2021 schedule will feature a minimum of 42 tournaments in 24 countries, with the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open seeing a large increase in prize money.

Running from January to November, the European Tour schedule features 18 returning tournaments that were either postponed or cancelled in 2020 due to Covid-19.

The Rolex Series

The 2021 season’s Rolex Series will features the European Tour’s four premium events spread across key points in the global golfing calendar, each one enhanced by a prize fund increase and elevated Race to Dubai points.

The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship (January 21-24), the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open (July 8-11) and the BMW PGA Championship (September 9-12) will each now have a prize fund of US$8million – an increase of $1million. They will also all have 8,000 Race to Dubai points available, the same as on offer at the four World Golf Championship events.

The prize fund for the fourth and final Rolex Series event of the season – the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai – also increases by US$1million to US$9million. The European Tour season-ending finale will also continue to feature the largest winner’s cheque in the world of golf – US$3million – with, additionally, 12,000 Race to Dubai points available, some 2,000 points above those on offer at the four Major Championships.

Prize fund increases

Prize funds for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open and the Italian Open will each rise to €3million, from €1.25million and €1million respectively.

The European Tour has also confirmed that prize funds for all four UK Swing events in July and August will be increased. Prize funds for the new tournaments in Tenerife and Gran Canaria in April will each be €1.5million; the Portugal Masters, which follows these two events, will also increase to €1.5million; prize fund for the Betfred British Masters will rise to €2million from €1.25million.

Along with the traditional group of tournaments in the Middle East at the start of the year, the schedule also includes the return of the Iberian Swing in April and the UK Swing in July and August, which follows on from the run of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open and The Open Championship. Also next to each other on the schedule are the Open de España and the Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters in Spain in the first two weeks of October followed by the Trophée Hassan II in Morocco the following week.

Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of the European Tour, said: “I am incredibly proud to announce our 2021 global schedule, one that once again sees us journey through continents and across the world.”

Richard Keogh nearing move to Huddersfield Town

The ex-Ireland international has been playing for MK Dons since the summer.

Richard Keogh is set to make a return to Championship football according to reports. Huddersfield Town – who currently occupy 14th in the league – are reportedly very close to a deal for the centre-back.

Keogh’s last appearance in the Championship came on the 21st September 2019 for Derby County. Just days later he was embroiled in a controversial drink driving incident which led to the termination of his contract.

Keogh’s last appearance for his country, Ireland, came just weeks beforehand on the 5th September. He hasn’t made an appearance for the national team since his Derby contract was terminated.

Keogh took over a years break from football and remained a free agent until MK Dons picked him up in August 2020.

He has impressed since joining the club, so much so that Huddersfield look likely to secure his signature in the coming days.

Young Irishman Warren O’Hora – who was on loan at MK Dons from Brighton – was signed permanently by the League One club today. This could be a signal that MK Dons are preparing for Keogh’s departure by signing a long-term replacement.

Could Keogh’s impending return to the Championship reignite his Ireland career?

As well as being a consistent performer for Derby, Keogh very rarely put a foot wrong in an Ireland shirt. His partnership with Shane Duffy was formidable and no doubt earned Ireland more than a point or two.

That said, though, John Egan will be hard to replace. Despite Sheffield United struggling in the league, Egan has established himself as one of Ireland’s better players.

Nevertheless, he should prove a good option for the national side.

BrĂ­d Stack released from hospital following practice match injury

Cork’s 11-time All Ireland winner BrĂ­d Stack has been released from hospital after an incident in the Greater Western Sydney Giants’ practice match against the Crows at the weekend. 

The former GAA star was playing her first AFL match when she was injured in a tackle late in the match at Norwood Oval.

Play was stopped and Stack was taken to hospital by paramedics, following spinal protocols.

Subsequent scans revealed the Irish recruit has a stable fracture of the C7 vertebra and no injury to the surrounding nerves. She does not require surgery but will wear a neck brace in the short term.

She will remain in Australia and a key part of the team as she rehabilitates from her injury.

Stack was released from hospital late on Sunday night to re-join the GIANTS’ AFLW squad who are based in Adelaide for at least the next two weeks.

Stack joined the GIANTS for the first time in 2021. The 34-year-old multiple All Ireland winner with Cork was named the 2016 Ladies Footballer of the Year. 

She is in Australia with her husband and one-year old son.

GIANTS Head of Women’s Football, Bri Harvey said:

“This was an incredibly unfortunate accident and we’re thankful that Bríd has avoided serious injury.

“Bríd and her family have made incredible sacrifices to come to Australia to play in the AFL Women’s competition and we will be supporting them all the way through her recovery.

“We’d like to thank all those who provided Bríd with the best possible care both at the ground and in hospital across Sunday.”

Manchester United retain top position after draw with Liverpool

Neither team could break the deadlock.

Manchester United travelled to Anfield this evening to face old rivals Liverpool in what quite possibly the most important and anticipated fixture of the season so far.

Prior to the game, Manchester United led Liverpool by 3 points in the title race. Nothing but a win would do for Liverpool if they were to reclaim their place at the top of the league.

That would be no easy task, though. Ole Gunnar Solskjér had his side playing some of the best football they’d played in a long time. The Red Devils won 4 of their previous 5 league leaving them with presumably high confidence going into the fixture.

FIRST HALF

It was Liverpool, though, who got the better of the exchanges in the opening minutes of the game – without creating many good chances.

They controlled a majority of the possession while Manchester United largely sat back and tried to hit the opposition on the counter attack.

Many of the “big games” this season have lacked in entertainment value and this one was no different based on the opening 30 minutes. There really wasn’t much to talk about at all for large periods of the match.

Bruno Fernandes came closest in the half with a well struck free kick from the edge of the area. His shot went just wide of the post, though.

Liverpool managed to expose United’s high line just moments later as they hit on the counter attack. Eventually, the ball fell to Roberto Firmino’s feet just inside the box but he failed to get a proper connection on the ball and it sailed into the ‘keeper’s arms.

The uneventful first half ended 0-0. Manchester United probably would have been happy with the scoreline having been dominated in terms of possession. Liverpool, not so much.

SECOND HALF

The first half started in similar fashion to the first, not much going on.

Liverpool had a couple of half-chances around the 60-minute mark.

Firmino had the first opportunity as he connected with a Andrew Robertson cross but Harry Maguire produced a strong block which cannoned back off the Brazilian and out for a goal kick.

Salah was then played in by Firmino just moments later but he was swarmed by a number of United defenders and he dragged his shot wide.

Bruno Fernandes had a brilliant chance to break the deadlock in the 74th minute. Luke Shaw made a great overlapping run and crossed the ball low into Fernandes’ feet but the Portuguese international shot straight at Alisson.

Thiago shot from outside the area just moments after the Fernandes chance but he was stopped by his compatriot, David de Gea, who got a good hand to the ball.

Alisson was called into action again a few minutes later. This time Paul Pogba struck on the volley from inside the area but he was denied well by the Brazilian who demonstrated his elite reflexes in stopping the shot.

Manchester United – Liverpool fixtures are always billed as an exhilarating affair but this one certainly won’t go down in the history books.

The match finished 0-0 as neither team could get a decisive goal.

Manchester United remain 3 points ahead of Liverpool in the Premier League table.

Manchester United warned about Amad Diallo’s weakness in a team

Manchester United were able to sign the dazzling youngster of Serie A Amad Diallo this winter, but the people that have worked with the youngster previously have warned that he should quickly improve in some areas if he wishes to survive in the Premier League.

The Ivorian youngster’s value improved further following his impressive performances for the Italian club Atalanta.

The Red Devils had to fork out ÂŁ37 million quickly in order to complete a deal for the Ivory international in the last summer transfer window, the deal came into fruition this winter.

The 18-year-old forward, who arrived at Old Trafford last week, was handed the No.19 jersey, which was previously worn by Marcus Rashford, as they are looking forward to his growth once he adapted to his new life in England.

While it might take some time before he finally gains his feet with the new team, he will still need to fight his way up into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer team to ensure a starting spot.

The Premier League is strangely different from the Italian Serie A and it will prove to be Diallo’s most difficult test with Denis Cerlini, who worked with the Ivorian youngster in the amateur team for Boca Barco, said that the Red Devils latest signing’s ability on air is not all that good.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Cerlini said: “Physically, Amad wasn’t the strongest at Boca Barco, and his heading abilities aren’t good.”

 

There is also former Italian international star Giovanni Galli, who stated almost the same thing after taking note of the Ivorian’s talent.

Galli said: “He must add a few kilograms of weight in order to survive in the Premier League.”

According to them, a player with the physicality of Diallo can easily be fouled when he is displaying his playmaking abilities or running with the ball. A continuous foul can only result in the player becoming more frustrated and could fail to make an impact in a game. Regardless, he is still considered as a special talent among players of his age, with BoyleSports online betting willing to place some interesting odds on his upcoming matches in United’s jersey.

Cerlini talked about Diallo, who he worked with when he was 12, he said: “We didn’t discover Amad, but rather he just came to us. It was a great stroke of luck.

 

“From the very first moment, it was evident the kid was special. He was very bold and quick, possessed great technique and a strong shot, and executed everything at great speed.

“Amad was popular in the dressing room. He made a lot of friends, learned Italian, and seemed to be a very determined guy who knew exactly what he wanted.”

Galli, who the former goalkeeper of Fiorentina and AC Milan, also added his bits about the young Ivorian forward: “A friend asked me to take a look at two guys – Amad and his older brother Hamed Junior Traore, who plays for Sassuolo nowadays.

“I worked at Lucchese in the third division at the time and invited them for a trial with our youngsters.

“I quickly saw they were simply too good for us. Amad played with bigger boys and drove them insane with his dribbling. Therefore, I made a few calls to Serie A clubs in order to tell them about the guys.

“At Atalanta, I spoke to the sporting director Gabriele Zamagna, and they duly signed Amad.”

Amad Diallo joined Atalanta in 2015 and has only been able to register five senior team appearances for the club before he was transferred to England to join up Manchester United.

We will be looking forward to the plans United boss Solskjaer has for the young Ivorian in the coming days.

The Steady Rise Of Cricket In Ireland

Cricket has been played by the Irish since the 1730s. The sport enjoyed exponential prevalence following their victory in the Cricket World Cup of 2007. Ireland has both women’s and men’s teams governed under the ICU (Irish Cricket Union). 

However, after their year in the spotlight, Ireland’s cricket began declining. Performance dropped due to various factors like unavailability of key players committed to other ventures and delayed payment leading to loss of motivation.

Currently, the popularity of cricket sees a boom, especially in the domestic sphere. More than 50,000 cricketers are playing in private teams, social clubs, schools, and universities. Not to say we have no participation in international games. You can view all fixtures for 2021 on Ireland Cricket’s web pages. Since the year began, the men’s team has met with Full Member’s UAE, who won for the first time against Ireland by six wickets. 

However, the unprecedented outbreak and spread of the COVID pandemic disrupted the sports industry in more ways than one. Cricket leagues and series were forced to unscramble predetermined dates and events. And as one of the cricketing nations in the world, Ireland was not exempt.  

 

How COVID Is Affecting Cricket In Ireland

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted all sports around the world to varying degrees. Social distancing protocols have brought about new adaptations that affect both players and fans alike. Unlike punters who can still access casino free spin games online, cricket aficionados crave the green fields in summer. 

The Cricket Ireland Board has undertaken stringent measures to keep teams and fans safe in accordance with governments, leagues, and respective administrators. We have seen:

  • Curtailing of games beginning with the postponed Bangladesh summer tour to Ireland in March 2020, we were to participate in four T20I matches and 3 ODIs. The ICC (International Cricket 
  • Withdrawal of competing nations from series games destabilizing the flow of events. For instance, the Ireland women’s cricket team also had to concede when Scotland withdrew from the planned tour late last year scheduled to take place at the La Manga Club in Spain.
  • Matches played in empty stadiums. In an aim to minimize social interaction, supporters are requested to watch cricket matches on devices. 

As the medical sphere grasps a better understanding of the COVID virus, the world too is adapting to the new way of life. As new waves of the pandemic threaten, relevant authorities governing the cricket game are coming up with strategic approaches to the current situation. Therefore, if you are an avid supporter of Ireland’s cricket teams or a punter seeking to place wagers on an Irish sportsbook, check Cricket Ireland’s and international administrators’ official website pages for upcoming fixtures.

Global major tournaments have not been spared either. The most notable is the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League. Ireland and England were the first teams to open the games in July and August 2020 before the governing body decided to reschedule matches later.

Although this range of actions aims to curb the spread of COVID, they have much decimated the sporting schedule of cricket games in Ireland and beyond.

As the tide changes around the sport of cricket in the island nation, we continue to see an upsurge of Irish talent adorning the green uniform. Here are the top three cricketers worth keeping an eye on in 2021.

 

Top 3 Players To Watch Out For In 2021

  • Kevin O’Brien

A dynamic all-rounder; he is incredible with a bat making him an all-time favorite. Kevin O’Brien is Ireland’s leading wicket-taker. This right-handed batsman holds the record for scoring the fastest century against rivals England in 2011. And the stats he has amassed since then are mind-blowing. 

  • Paul Stirling

A top-ranked run-scorer, Paul Stirling is a force to reckon with. An aggressive batsman, he is ranked among the top ten best scorers in T20I matches. Paul also has excellent bowling and fielding stats and is one of the finest young talents in the international circuit.

  • Laura Delany

The list would be incomplete without the 28-year-old women’s national team captain who is anxious to play an international game to qualify for the World Cup. She is an all-rounder: a prolific medium pace bowler and right-handed batsman. A few months ago, she was awarded a contract by Cricket Ireland indicating her ability to lead her squad towards a championship.

 

Final Word

Cricket is making a steady comeback in Ireland. It is even being introduced to schools and summer camps to renew interest in the sport. Current plans are underway to ensure Ireland joins the ranks of global cricketing giants like India, Pakistan, South Africa, England, and Australia. There is potential in the sport spearheaded by social and sporting ventures even as the cloud of uncertainty about the COVID pandemic looms.

Wayne Rooney retires from playing professional football

The former England international has been confirmed as the new Derby County manager.

Wayne Rooney retired from professional football today after an illustrious playing career spanning nearly 20 years.

He played for 4 clubs during his playing career; Everton, Manchester United, D.C. United and Derby County.

He is most fondly remembered by fans of Manchester United and Everton.

Rooney started his career with Everton and made his debut at age 16 against Tottenham Hotspur. He would go on to make 108 league appearances over two spells at the club.

Rooney joined Manchester United from Everton in 2004 and would stay at the club for 13 years, solidifying himself as a club legend in the process.

He is Manchester United’s current top goalscorer having scored 253 goals in all competitions for the club. Arguably, his best goal came against Manchester City in 2011 as he acrobatically directed his shot towards the net.

Not to mention, he also attained several titles during his time in Manchester including; 5 Premier Leagues, The Champions League and The Europa League among others.

His decision to retire comes as a result of being named the new manager of Derby County, having coached – and played – at the club for a year.

The backroom staff has not seen many changes upon Rooney taking over, but some roles have been altered.

Shay Given, for example, has taken up the position of first-team coach after previously working as a first-team goalkeeping coach. Jason Pearcey has been promoted to first-team goalkeeping coach from academy goalkeeping coach as a replacement.

Justin Walker will also retain his position as first-team development coach.

Liam Rosenior has been appointed assistant manager having been part of Rooney’s coaching team – as well as Given and Walker – when he interim manager.

“My future is in management. I’ve had a great career with a few ups and a few downs, but I wouldn’t change anything. But now, I’d like to write some history in my managerial career.”

Wayne Rooney has already completed his first press conference as Derby County manager in which he was asked several burning questions.

“I know which players I want to keep here, and who I would like to bring in to this football club. I’m trying to build a team that I feel can challenge in this league. I’ve seen the reports on the younger players leaving. The ones who I want to keep, will stay”, Rooney commented.

This may suggest that Irish international Jason Knight is set to remain at the club, having been linked with a move away in recent weeks.

Rooney also released a statement upon being named manager: “When I first arrived back in the United Kingdom I was completely blown away by the potential of Derby County Football Club. The Stadium, Training Ground, the quality of the playing staff and the young players coming through and of course the fan base that has remained loyal and supportive.

“Despite other offers I knew instinctively Derby County was the place for me.

“To be given the opportunity to follow the likes of Brian Clough, Jim Smith, Frank Lampard and Phillip Cocu is such an honour and I can promise everyone involved in the club and all our fans, my staff and I will leave no stone unturned in achieving the potential I have witnessed over the last 12 months of this historic football club.”

His first game as permanent Derby County manager will be against Rotherham at 15:00 tomorrow afternoon.

Rotherham are just one place below Derby in the table (22nd and 23rd respectively) so the outcome of the match could have a damning effect on either club’s season.

 

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