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Speaking to Football Insider, pundit and former Tottenham Hotspur defender Alan Hutton has been blown away by the major news of Jose Mourinho’s appointment at AS Roma.

The Lowdown: Mourinho announcement great for Spurs?

Just two weeks after Spurs chiefs opted to sack the Portuguese, coming a year and a half after his appointment at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Mourinho managed to find a new job very quickly.

Indeed, as confirmed by the Serie A side, Mourinho will take charge at the Stadio Olimpico from the 2021/2022 season onwards – with current boss Paulo Fonseca being aloud to finish the current campaign.

This comes as a potentially big financial boost for Spurs according to reports, prompting much reaction from both members of the media (Dan Kilpatrick) and former players (Football Insider).

The Latest: Hutton blown away by Mourinho announcement

Dropping his take in an interview with Football Insider, it’s safe to say Hutton is one of the pundits who have been simply blown away by the surprise announcement.

“Amazing, unbelievable,” Hutton explained.

“Two weeks out a job and then bang, there’s Roma? Unbelievable. What a result for Levy.

“I’m pretty sure he was on gardening leave so that was a lot of money they’d have had to have paid until he got another job.

“It’s worked out well in the end.”

The Verdict: Hutton right to be overjoyed

Reliable reporters from the likes of Sky Sports (via Football Daily) and the Evening Standard have backed suggestions this comes as a major boost for chairman Daniel Levy and the club financially.

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Indeed, journalist Kaveh Solhekol recently revealed that Spurs could be set to save ‘millions and millions’ from the end of Mourinho’s gardening leave once he commences the Roma job.

His salary is reported to be around £13m-per-year (Sky via Football Daily) and Tottenham would have had to keep on paying it despite his dismissal due to gardening leave.

This could have gone on for as long as 18 months (Alasdair Gold), but Mourinho finding a new job so soon will cut the time right down in a big financial bolster.

Amid uncertain times caused by coronavirus, it’s safe to say this does indeed comes as brilliant news for the Lilywhites.

In other news: Tottenham make inquiry to sign this powerhouse, find out more here.

It was assumed that Mehrab’s continuous unaccustomed effort behind the stumps might have affect his batting performanceturned out to be true in the very first over though he had little to do with that lethal out-swinger from Watambwa

Shahryar Khan30-Apr-2001It was assumed that Mehrab’s continuous unaccustomed effort behind the stumps might have affect his batting performanceturned out to be true in the very first over though he had little to do with that lethal out-swinger from Watambwa. A fatigue Mehrab got only ten minutes to set himself up for the new ball in a precarious Bangladesh second innings. The thing Chappell and others were fretting about is their sides habitual tremulous second innings when the concentration and the consistency is desired crucially. Javed Omar had just to watch the vicious delivery snaked out with a faint touch of his bat to the third slip. There was no question over Price’s ability to move the ball off the pitch in a favorable stalk. But Aminul Islam’s dismissal has valid reason to claim it as ill-fate ; the ball seemed to have passed away the stumps when he forwarded his left foot to attempt a deliberate padding apprehending it was unplayable. The posture might have confused the umpire enough to give a decision against him because he got a back lift while playing the ball. A latter video footage cleared it up that the decision could raise controversy. So, another ill luck joined the dilapidated Bangladesh batting line up.Al-Sahariar’s beginning was steadier than ever, but after he got his half-century he looked as if he had done enough for a day’s smile, therefore, had a go for the suicidal efforts through his smashes that was utterly detrimental at that stage. The weakness that Zimbabwean spotted of our side is the lack of temperament and the wrong selection of balls to whack whilst they appeared to be set up with the wicket. Sort of things Bangladesh batsmen still neither comprehends nor be able to capitalize from bittering know-how.

Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma has reportedly requested to leave the Amex Stadium this summer, acting as a potential transfer boost to Liverpool.

The Lowdown: Bissouma catching Liverpool’s eye

The Seagulls may have struggled this season, battling with relegation throughout the campaign, but Bissouma has consistently stood out in Graham Potter’s side.

The 24-year-old has been linked with a summer move to Liverpool, being seen as a possible replacement for Gini Wijnaldum, who could leave in a few weeks’ time.

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The Latest: Bissouma hands in transfer request

According to The Times, Bissouma has asked Brighton to allow him to leave in the summer transfer window, no doubt alerting the Reds.

Both Manchester City and Arsenal are also mentioned in the report, as well as Marseille, suggesting there could be a battle for the Mali international’s signature.

It is even stated that Jurgen Klopp has ‘spent time personally researching Bissouma’s character’, such is his level of interest in the player.

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The Verdict: Liverpool should move for Bissouma

Assuming Wijnaldum does move on at the end of the season, Bissouma looks like a tailor-made replacement for the Dutchman, having been described as ‘incredible’ by former Brighton teammate Dale Stephens in the past.

He possesses a huge amount of energy in the middle of the park and the defensive side of his game stands out the most, with the Malian averaging 2.8 tackles and 1.7 interceptions per game in the league this season.

In comparison, Wijnaldum has averaged just 0.6 and 0.7 respectively, which suggests that Bissouma could offer more tenacity than the current Liverpool ace.

The Brighton midfielder is also enjoying an 87.1% pass completion rate, which is impressive considering that he is playing for a bottom half club and suggests that he could thrive in Klopp’s system if the Reds can snap him up.

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been criticising one Reds player’s performance in the 2-0 win over Southampton. Read more here.

Hampshire XI for CricInfo Championship match v Gloucestershire

Vic Isaacs15-May-2001Hampshire retain the same team that defeated Worcestershire in the CricInfo Championship match at West End last week, for the match against Gloucestershire tommorrow.The eleven: Giles White, Derek Kenway, Will Kendall, Robin Smith (captain), Neil Johnson, John Stephenson, Adi Aymes (wicket-keeper), Dimitri Mascarenhas, Shaun Udal, Alex Morris, Alan Mullally.

The Management Board of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) decidedtoday to engage with Sport England and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) inan informal consortium to seek planning permission for the redevelopment offacilities at the Bisham

ECB Media Release13-Jun-2001The Management Board of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) decidedtoday to engage with Sport England and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) inan informal consortium to seek planning permission for the redevelopment offacilities at the Bisham Abbey Sports Centre to enable it to become aCentre of Excellence for both sports.Welcoming the decision, Des Wilson, Chairman of the Sport England LotteryPanel, who has been leading discussions, said: “For some time, we have been exploring ways whereby both major sports can base excellence programmes at Bisham Abbey.”We have now received a major report on some relatively complex planning issues and it’s clear that, for a variety of reasons, this will take longer than we had hoped. Nevertheless, we are advised that there is a reasonable chance of achieving our objectives.”We believe this is best done by working in partnership to develop the project and then promoting the case for it in the national interest. It remains our determination to succeed with the Bisham Abbey project because all three organisations recognise it is the best solution.””In the meantime, Sport England has assured the LTA that their tenancy willcontinue in any event, and we have agreed with the ECB that they undertake afeasibility study into alternative sites in parallel with our planningapplication in order to save time in the possible event that planningpermission is refused.”Savings arising from the delay caused by the planning complexities will help pay the cost of both that study and alternative temporary arrangements for the National Academy, and Sport England will underwrite any reasonable costs.”Hugh Morris, the ECB’s Performance Director, commented: “We still very much hope that the ECB’s National Academy will be set up at Bisham Abbey and believe the combined resources of the three organisations will help overcome the planning difficulties.”But it’s sensible to make contingency plans, and this is why we welcome Sport England’s decision to fund fully a feasibility study into possible alternatives.”In the meantime, we are looking forward enormously to opening the National Academy in Australia this autumn and giving our best young players some top-quality coaching and tremendous all-round experience.”

Leicester City have been linked with a move for Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

What’s the story?

The 23-year-old England international has been heavily linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge after struggling for game time with his boyhood club since Thomas Tuchel arrived back in December.

According to the Leicester Mercury, the Foxes are among several Premier League clubs interested in Abraham’s services, with a £40m fee reportedly required to prize him away from west London.

Replacement for Vardy?

Although Jamie Vardy remains an extremely useful asset for Brendan Rodgers, bagging 15 goals and providing nine assists in all competitions this season, the 34-year-old is undoubtedly slowing down and it’s time that the club start thinking about getting a replacement in.

The former England international has only scored one goal in his last 13 top-flight appearances, and Leicester’s lack of strength in depth up-front significantly limits their options compared to many of their domestic rivals.

Rodgers has often had the luxury of a top-class striker to call upon throughout his managerial career, Luis Suarez at Liverpool, Moussa Dembele and Celtic and then Vardy at the King Power Stadium, but the latter’s powers are certainly on the wain.

Abraham could provide the perfect solution to Leicester’s striking problem, while the new FA Cup holders could offer the 6 ft 2 forward the ideal way out of his Chelsea nightmare.

It’s a transfer the Midlands outfit’s board must sanction if they want to provide Rodgers with his next natural goalscorer and carry on the incredible progress that the Northern Irishman has overseen during his short time at the club.

Before Abraham made enjoyed success in the Chelsea first team, he made a name for himself on loan at Aston Villa, where he played under John Terry after impressing the former Blues captain during their time together at Cobham.

“I know him very well, having played with him at Chelsea. He’s been incredible here.

“He was the Academy player that when coming over to train with the first team, me and Gary Cahill used to think, ‘oh no, here we go!’ You knew he was going to come over and put himself about – run the channels, score goals, be hungry, be passionate,” recalled the Villa assistant.

“As one of the older ones in the group, I just wanted a nice easy day against a middle-aged striker! Tammy always posed a big threat, and I knew he’d go on and do well.”

Abraham is too good to rot on the Chelsea bench for any longer, and with European football of some description guaranteed for Leicester next season, it’s a move that the Foxes simply have to make.

And, in other news…Leicester City must sanction audacious swoop for “world-class” £120k-p/w workhorse – opinion

Rangers’ hopes of signing Aberdeen midfielder Lewis Ferguson this summer look to have taken a setback after Watford submitted another bid for the 21-year-old, which suggests that Steven Gerrard and Ross Wilson need to act quickly if they are to bring him to Ibrox this summer.

Rangers were touted with an interest in the Scotland U’21 international by Football Insider recently, as they claimed that the Gers were ready to submit a bid for the youngster after he handed in a transfer request at Pittodrie.

Aberdeen subsequently rejected Ferguson’s request and suggested in a club statement that they had also turned down an ‘insulting’ offer from Watford, as they look to add to their squad following promotion back to the Premier League.

However, it seems clear that the Hornets are not to be deterred, with The Sun suggesting that Watford have already had two bids for Ferguson rejected by Aberdeen and are now readying a third for him ahead of the summer transfer window.

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It is no surprise that the 21-year-old is attracting interest, as he enjoyed a superb season for the Dons in 2020/21, contributing nine goals in all competitions, whilst his performances in the Scottish Premiership saw him average an impressive 7.07 average rating from WhoScored.

This was the second-best of any player in Stephen Glass’ squad to make at least 10 league appearances this season, so it is clear to see why they have thus far rejected Watford’s advances, as he is a key player at Pittodrie.

However, he wouldn’t have handed in a transfer request if he wasn’t keen to test himself at a higher level and eventually Watford will meet Aberdeen’s valuation, so Rangers arguably need to get their act together and submit a bid if they do want to bring him to Ibrox this summer.

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The “brilliant” 21-year-old could certainly be a stellar addition to Gerrard’s squad and would reportedly be keen on a switch to Ibrox, so Rangers fans will rightfully be gutted if the club doesn’t make a bid for him and lose out to Watford in this intriguing transfer race.

And, in other news… Gerrard must axe Rangers’ “exciting talent” from Ibrox after his huge setback

Somerset held on for a 15-run victory over Yorkshire in the Norwich UnionLeague game at Bath, despite some thumping lows from Darren Lehmann in theclosing stages

Mark Easterbrook17-Jun-2001Somerset held on for a 15-run victory over Yorkshire in the Norwich UnionLeague game at Bath, despite some thumping lows from Darren Lehmann in theclosing stages.After Peter Bowler’s 97 and Ian Blackwell’s 76 had steered Somerset to259-7, Yorkshire found themselves at 145-2 with ten overs left.But Lehmann got cracking and his unbeaten, 67-ball innings of 75, whichincluded four fours and three sixes, kept hopes alive until the final over.He and Yorkshire captain David Byas put on 103 for the third wicket, butByas’s anchor role 81 from 118 balls was a touch slow initially.Steffan Jones was the pick of Somerset’s bowlers with 4-40 while Jamie Groveand Keith Dutch took spectacular catches in the deep to remove Byas and GaryFellows.After being put into bat, Somerset lost makeshift opener Jason Kerr, PiranHollway and pinch-hitter Richard Johnson to Paul Hutchison’s left-arm seamto leave them on 53-3 inside 12 overs.But Mark Lathwell helped Bowler put on 57 for the next wicket, before beingstumped off Ian Fisher, and then Blackwell joined Somerset’s former captainfor their match-winning stand.Bowler, who missed the Championship game with Yorkshire because he wassitting law exams in Nottingham, struck ten fours and a six in his 129-ballinnings before being denied his sixth limited overs century by a MatthewHoggard catch at short fine leg off Gavin Hamilton.Blackwell lived up to his big-hitting reputation by cracking five fours andfour sixes in his 54-ball innings, which ended with a skied slog that gaveCraig White a return catch.Rob Turner and Mike Burns maintained the tempo with an unbroken eighth-wicket stand of 24 from the last three overs.But it was a bowling display to forget for England international Hoggard,who bowled four no-balls in his nine-over spell of 1-72.

Amid all the excitement of Leeds United’s superb finish to their first season back in the Premier League, there was one real moment of sadness and regret, with Pablo Hernandez now having played his final game for the club.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side confirmed that the veteran Spaniard would leave Elland Road following the conclusion of the season, and while the play-maker wasn’t exactly a key member of the first-team this past campaign, he will no doubt leave a major void.

And if Bielsa is looking for a player to potentially replace Hernandez in the long-term, both in terms of his attacking inspiration and quality, then academy starlet Sam Greenwood may well be that player.

The 19-year-old only joined the Whites’ youth system last summer, but he has been a revelation for the club’s U23s, helping them to the Premier League 2 Division 2 title.

He managed 12 goals in 18 games, and while he played as a number nine for the majority of the season, he was deployed as both a number ten and as a central midfield for several games too, and was far more effective.

In the six games he played as an attacking midfielder, Greenwood struck four times, while he also scored in the only game that he played in the middle of the park – it was quite telling, that Mark Jackson appeared to drag the teenager further back towards the closing stages of the season, perhaps so he could get on the ball more and then break into the box to score a la Hernandez.

The Athletic’s Phil Hay has previously been very effusive in his praise of Greenwood, saying: “He’s started really well at Leeds and he was very well thought of at Arsenal, and they weren’t rushing to get him out (of) the door this summer. From what we’ve seen of him so far, his movement and his finishing and everything else, he looks like a very natural striker.”

But while he may have those “natural” striking instincts, perhaps Bielsa could pull off a tactical masterstroke and slowly mould him into a number ten, just like Jackson has done in some games with the U23s – particularly with the “movement” that Hay talks about.

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Greenwood could well end up being the Hernandez heir that Leeds fans may have thought they would never see again.

Meanwhile, Leeds United have been handed a major boost…

Nearly 150 youngsters between the ages of 11 and 16 recently took part in the Norwich Union Inter Cricket Indoor Competition

Richard Walsh19-Mar-2002Nearly 150 youngsters between the ages of 11 and 16 recently took part in the Norwich Union Inter Cricket Indoor Competition.Teams of six from twenty three different schools across the county competed in area groups, and the three teams who finally made it through to the finals that were held at the Centre of Excellence were Danesfield Middle School at Williton, Gordano School in North Somerset and King Arthurs School at Wincanton.The matches between the schools were played on a “round robin” basis and after a tremendous competition in the fast-moving game the winners on the day were Danesfield School from Williton in West Somerset, who won both of their matches.Somerset fast bowler Simon Francis made presentations to all competitors over lunch at the Centre.In addition water bottles and T-shirts were provided by Norwich Union on the day with cricket equipment bags being sent to all the schools that took part in the competition.Organiser Brian Hoyle from the Centre of Excellence said: “The Inter Cricket scheme has created interest with both schools and coaches on a local and national basis, as it helps to bridge the gap between Kwik Cricket and the hard-ball game, whilst at the same time providing a link to the senior game.”The event was a great success and well received by everybody. We have had a lot of positive feedback and hope that we can make it an annual event.”