All posts by z3u9t.icu

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Nottingham Forest cult hero John Metgod has left the club, but not for the first time.

During his playing career, the Dutchman enjoyed a three-year spell with the Reds in the 1980s before leaving to join Spurs. However, after becoming a part of the board of directors at the club in 2017, he has now gone again.

He’ll be moving to the Far East where he’ll join the U.A.E as the assistant manager of their national team.

In response, Forest fans have shared a mixed reaction. Some left GIFs which suggest he’s only left because of the money, but there were some more positive tweets sent in the direction of their former player as well.

One supporter claimed they were still in awe of his free-kicks whilst another said they were his first ever favourite player.

Metgod had a successful playing career, especially in his native Netherlands where he won major honours with AZ Alkmaar and Feyenoord.

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The 61-year-old earned 21 caps for his country whilst also playing for Real Madrid before joining Forest.

Here’s how the City Ground faithful have reacted to him leaving.

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Manchester City prodigy Phil Foden has revealed that he has lost a bit of fitness due to his lack of playing time under Pep Guardiola this season.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the teenager is one of England’s brightest prospects along with Jadon Sancho and Callum Hudson-Odoi, both of whom won the England Under-17 World Cup with Foden a few years ago.

However, whilst the Borussia Dortmund winger and the Chelsea star were running rings around the Czech Republic for Gareth Southgate’s senior Three Lions side, Foden was playing for Aidy Boothroyd’s Under-21’s – talent wise, the 18-year-old could easily play for the senior side, but a lack of game time at City seems to be hindering him.

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Guardiola has afforded the City academy graduate just seven starts in the cup competitions, and none in the Premier League – Foden has still managed to score six goals.

Speaking after the recent 1-1 draw with Poland, the Under-21 playmaker said: “It’s just good to get out there and play football. I am still young, 18 years of age, so to get minutes was good for me. I lost quite a bit of fitness but it’s coming back slowly. That was due to not playing.”

Those last 18 words are not what City fans will want to be hearing.

Foden added: “I have been trying to do extra after training but it’s nothing like playing a game, it’s totally different. Hopefully I can get it back.”

He must force a move or risk getting left behind

Both Hudson-Odoi and Sancho are also 18, like Foden, and both are making serious movements in the game right now.

The former has seen bids in the region of £30m from Bayern Munich for his services be made, whilst Sancho is being linked with an £100m summer move to Manchester United.

Foden has all the potential in the world and could quite easily be replicating the wing duo’s achievements right now, but he is being held back at City by all of the world-class talent ahead of him in the team now – it was hard enough to have Bernardo Silva and David Silva ahead of him, before Guardiola bought £60m Riyad Mahrez to the club.

For Foden to say that his fitness is waning as a result of his time sat on the bench is sad, and if anything, reinforces the fact that he must leave the Etihad Stadium – Hudson-Odoi handed in a transfer request back in January having not played as much as he would’ve liked, whilst Sancho ensured he left City for Dortmund as soon as possible.

It is now up to Foden to show the same strong mindedness in order to carve his own path.

Alfredo Morelos is a crucial player for Rangers, and he’s had more than enough big moments to cement his position as one of the best forwards in Scotland.

However, amidst all of the great moments that he’s enjoyed, the Columbian has also had more than a few struggles. Both on and off the field, it’s fair to say that his time at Rangers has been full of controversy.

For every sparkling moment, Morelos’ star has dimmed due to some disappointing events that, unfortunately, he’s likely to be remembered for at Ibrox when he does eventually move on.

Of course, the most recent of these came at the weekend, when he was sent off against Celtic, but that’s only the start. We’ve listed a few of his worst moments in a Rangers shirt…

Sent Off Against Celtic

Of course, this is the event that is most in the mind, and with good reason. On Sunday, Rangers had one of their most important games of the season – against Celtic.

The Gers needed to win the game to have any chance of winning the title in Scotland this term, even if it would have still been tough if they had bagged the three points.

If nothing else, they were playing for pride – a sense of pride that had been shattered in the preceding weeks because of bad results.

However, a red card for Morelos in the first half essentially put an end to those hopes, with Rangers unlikely to beat Celtic with one less player.

The implications of that loss could be massive, as after all the progress that the Gers have enjoyed this season, all they’ve done is prove that they’re still below Celtic.

Missed Opportunities

Who could forget that poor miss from Morelos against Celtic back in March last year?

Merely feet away from the byline, he was only required to steer the ball towards the goal, and he couldn’t do that.

On the day, rival fans couldn’t help but laugh, but it’s proven to be a real low point for Morelos for his time in Celtic. Of course, he’s not had a lot of successes in the Old Firm derby, and this miss highlighted why.

Scoring in big games is what separates good forwards from great forwards, and his miss on this day was his best opportunity to end that hoodoo.

Stupid Comments

Big players, especially at clubs that aren’t playing for traditionally huge and dominant European clubs, often find it impossible not to talk about their future, and Morelos is no different.

He’s made no secret of his plans for life after Rangers. For example, he previously said to W Radio, (via the Sun): “There are many teams interested in me and a lot of them have watched me play. Most likely my transfer will be this summer.”

That’s one sure-fire way to harm your relationship with a fanbase, and it says a lot about the player. It shows his lack of commitment, and in truth, it shows his lack of care for the club.

It makes you think that, when he gets sent off as he did against Celtic, does he really care? After all, it doesn’t matter to him if Rangers manage to go beyond Celtic – as he thinks he’ll have bigger fish to fry next season.

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The 2018/19 season hasn’t been full of too many reasons for Rotherham fans to celebrate but last Sunday night they were able to praise one of their players following the EFL awards.

Midfielder Will Vaulks was presented with the PFA Player in the Community award for his work with the Bluebell Wood hospice, who are dedicated to helping children and young adults with shortened life expectancy or complex medical needs.

Vaulks’ work with the hospice is exemplary and as such, he gained a terrific number of plaudits for picking up the award.

Reacting to the news on Twitter, fans of the Millers praised the 25-year-old who was described as a legend by one supporter.

Another fan said he hoped to see the player wear the captain’s armband at the club for years to come whilst one more eluded to how good of a role model he is.

The Rotherham man has featured 36 times in the Championship this season and also earned his first international cap for Wales this year.

Here’s the best of the reaction.

Liverpool fans may be feeling rather anxious ahead of tomorrow’s Premier League clash with Chelsea at Anfield, with memories of Steven Gerrard’s slip still in the minds of supporters.

The Reds are a completely different side to the one that played the Blues five years ago, so Jurgen Klopp will be praying that his side can keep the pressure on Manchester City.

Although, one thing that has been on supporters’ minds recently is James Milner’s future, as his contract is set to expire in the summer transfer window and he hasn’t been at this best this season.

Indeed, the Englishman is now 33-years-old and his age has been clear to see on the field at times this season, with his pace letting him down when he operates at full-back for the Reds. But, it’s safe to say that his main position has been in the middle of midfield, so finding a replacement that can operate in that position will be key.

Interestingly, it appears as if the Reds already have the perfect replacement at their disposal in the form of Curtis Jones, who currently plays for the Under-23 side.

Jones is arguably one of the most promising players at the club at this moment in time and he’s already managed to make an FA Cup appearance, which came against Wolverhampton Wanderers. He operates in the middle of midfield and he’s produced six goals and two assists this season, so it’s clear to see he can offer something in the final third.

The youngster would be the perfect replacement for Milner as he has the ability to pick defence-splitting passes, he can drive past players with his pace and he has the dribbling ability to wriggle his way out of tight situations. Indeed, the best thing about bringing in Jones as his replacement would be that he can offer something different in the final third, which has been a big issue for the Reds this season as they’ve lacked creativity.

Liverpool fans haven’t seen much of him and Premier League teams won’t know what to expect from him, so he could be a secret weapon next season for the Reds.

Liverpool fans, do you think Curtis Jones is good enough to step up and replace Milner? Join the discussion by commenting down below! 

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According to German media outlet Bild, Newcastle United are exploring the option of signing FC Nurnberg midfielder Patrick Erras this summer.

The Magpies aren’t yet safe but will move a huge step closer if they can pick up three points against Leicester City on Friday night, allowing them to start planning for another season in the Premier League.

Before Rafa Benitez and Mike Ashley bring the 24-year-old to St James’ Park however, they have three key questions they need to answer.

Is he really better than what they have?

It’s certainly a legitimate question given the defensive midfielder has only made 13 league appearances – seven of those being starts – for a side lying in 17th position in the Bundesliga standings at the moment.

Five of those starts have come since the beginning of March to show just how out of favour the German was previously, and certainly raises more than a few question marks over his quality and ability to step up into the Premier League.

If the likes of Isaac Hayden, Jonjo Shelvey and Mo Diame do go this summer, Erras would hardly be an inspiring replacement.

Will he be a Schar or a Muto?

With a year left on his contract by the summer and not being a regular in the Nurnberg team, you would have to think that the 24-year-old midfielder will be available for a decent price should Newcastle move for him.

Last summer the Tyneside outfit completed two relatively cheap moves for Fabian Schar and Yoshinori Muto, from relegated Deportivo La Coruna and Mainz respectively.

While the former has shone at St James’ Park, the latter has found it difficult to make the transition to English football.

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Erras certainly has the height and power given his 6 ft 5 frame, but the initial feeling from us at least is that he would be more of a Muto than a Schar.

What would his arrival mean for Longstaff?

Should Erras sign and no midfielders depart, Benitez would have the German, Sean Longstaff, Ki Sung-Yueng, Shelvey, Hayden and Diame to pick from.

The fact that they are targeting a central player at all suggests at least one of those is leaving – Hayden recently admitted again he still wants to go – but what would it mean for the promising Longstaff?

Firstly Erras would need to prove that he should be a starter – something the 21-year-old has already done – and that he is better than Ki.

Depending on what formation Benitez intends to play, partnering him with Longstaff could actually be a blessing in disguise for the former Blackpool loanee, who would likely be given a little more freedom to go forward.

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Jan Vertonghen has revealed that Tottenham Hotspur had no idea that they were going to be sent into the Champions League semi-finals by an amazing VAR decision, per Goal.

Manchester City thought they had beaten Spurs at the Etihad Stadium, with Raheem Sterling completing his hat-trick in injury time, only to see it ruled out.

What’s the word?

Spurs took a 1-0 lead into the game at the Etihad Stadium and a modern classic unfolded, leaving supporters of both sides breathless.

Both sides traded four goals in the opening 11 minutes before Sterling scored to give City a 3-2 lead just after the 20th minute. A Sergio Aguero goal then gave City the aggregate advantage, only for Fernando Llorente to swing the tie back Spurs’ way.

Sterling, thought he had won it in injury time, slotting Aguero’s cut-back past Hugo Lloris; Aguero, however, was offside in the build-up and VAR subsequently ruled the goal out.

Vertonghen, though, says Spurs did not even have the slightest inclination that the Argentine was offside, with a semi-final clash with Dutch giants Ajax now looming.

“It was crazy, madness, absolute madness. You don’t know anything and it’s a weird feeling,” Vertonghen said.

“No-one was even appealing for offside, we all thought they had scored. Everyone was on the floor, but there was still two or three minutes left.

“So it was ‘let’s try and get the ball in the box and we will see whatever happens’. And then out of nothing, the referee came up with VAR. We didn’t even know.”

An omen

This was a game that had genuinely everything, with Spurs ultimately progressing to their first European Cup semi-final in over 50 years.

VAR has gone against them before – City’s Fernandinho should probably have been sent off in the first leg for an elbow on Harry Kane – but Spurs are now indebted to the technology.

All the great triumphs in football need that little bit of luck.

That Vertonghen says that Spurs were not even bothering to appeal for an offside tells you everything.

They were given a last-minute reprieve akin to resuscitation. They must now ensure they do not waste it, with Spurs, amazingly, now just three wins away from Champions League glory.

It’s been an incredible season for Portsmouth, who have already wrapped up one piece of silverware and are closing in on promotion to the Championship.

With three games of the season left, Kenny Jackett knows that maximum points from Pompey’s remaining matches will be enough to secure an automatic promotion spot in the League One table, and one of the driving forces behind the south coast side’s impressive season is winger Jamal Lowe.

The 24-year-old attacker has been one of the stand-out players in the division this season, scoring 16 goals and assisting nine in all competitions in a campaign that has seen Lowe score at Wembley Stadium in the EFL Trophy final and being named in the PFA League One Team of the Season.

After such an impressive season, it’s likely Portsmouth will be subject to interest for their star winger this summer, and Lowe is already being targeted by some big clubs.

According to Football League World, West Brom are keen on signing Lowe this summer transfer window whether or not Portsmouth are promoted to the Championship or not.

With Pompey in a great position to finish the season in a surprising automatic promotion spot in League One, Jackett must do all he can to keep hold of Lowe this summer if Portsmouth are promoted to the Championship come the end of this campaign.

Lowe has been one of Portsmouth’s best performing players this season and has built up a great reputation with the Pompey faithful, and to throw it away to join a team that might not even use him as a first-choice winger will be bad for all parties involved.

The 24-year-old attacker can continue his legacy as one of Portsmouth’s best players of the modern era if he rejects West Brom’s advances, and if Pompey are promoted, Lowe can lead the club to success in the English second division.

Portsmouth fans, should Lowe remain at Pompey next season? Let us know!

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Sheffield United are interested in signing Chelsea midfielder Kasey Palmer according to The Sun (April 30, page 50).

The Blades have recently secured their promotion to the Premier League but are still searching for bargains as The Sun report that a potential deal for Palmer would cost just £4 million.

Untested in the top flight

Kasey Palmer has spent the majority of his young career out on loan in the Championship. The 22-year-old has enjoyed successful loan spells at Huddersfield, Derby, Blackburn and Bristol City.

The midfielder is currently on loan at Ashton Gate, but with his future at Stamford Bridge looking bleak he may be looking for a way out.

Palmer rejoined Huddersfield on loan upon their promotion the Premier League however he only made four appearances in the top flight during his time at the Terriers.

If Chris Wilder is to move for the midfielder, then it would be a significant risk as he is an unknown quantity in the at that level.

If the manager is to rely on him to play a crucial part in keeping the Blades in the division next year, then he is taking a considerable risk.

Staying domestic

The Yorkshire club went into this season with a squad filled with British and Irish personnel thus not a single foreign player appeared during their promotion campaign.

With the only rumoured signings so far being Palmer, Gary Madine and Dean Henderson, it seems that the Blades want to keep up with their policy of keeping their squad filled with domestically-based footballers.

It has been a successful strategy thus far for the Blades as they have achieved two promotions in three seasons with individuals who have proven that they are capable of performing well in the English leagues.

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However, the Premier League is a different animal, and if Wilder is to stick to his policy of not signing foreign players, he must at least move towards making signings who have experience in the top flight.

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Anthony Taylor has been appointed as the referee for Leeds United’s crucial playoff clash against Derby County next week.

Craig Pawson will take charge of the first leg, while Taylor will be the man in the middle for the return fixture.

Whites fans will be hoping that the 40-year-old can steer clear of any controversy this time around.

The official caused uproar amongst fans and staff when he refereed a Yorkshire derby in 2016 and supporters will be praying that there aren’t any conscientious decisions next Wednesday.

The incident

The referee caused a storm when officiating a Leeds game in 2016 and was the victim of a bitter rant by the then Whites manager Steve Evans.

He made a dodgy decision which cost the Yorkshire club a goal against Sheffield Wednesday three years ago, which incurred backlash from the man in the dugout that day.

Evans was furious with the decision to rule out Liam Cooper’s strike following Alex Mowatt’s 78th-minute free-kick.

The official had blown for a free-kick to be taken, but then called back play due to an incomplete substitution – Fernando Forestieri was still on the pitch – and after deliberation with his linesman, he ordered the set-piece to be retaken.

What was said?

The former Whites boss was far from pleased with Taylor’s ruling and went on a tirade, ripping into him for what he believed to be a poor decision:

“I’ve seen many times where the referee stops it for a substitution, someone’s taking for too long, and he restarts play, but I’ve never seen somebody going back to restart play again, ever.

“He’s a Premier League referee who’s stepped down to take a big derby – he should be with the under-nines on the park pitches on Monday.

“You cannot make a mistake of that magnitude in a game which means so much to both sets of supporters.”

By the letter of the law, Taylor made the right choice by calling back the free-kick. However, he shouldn’t have allowed it to be taken in the first place.

The FIFA-listed referee is one of the most respected referees in the country and for Evans to have suggested that he isn’t capable of performing at the top level is laughable.

Since that incident, he has gone on to be entrusted with officiating at an FA Cup final, and he was also in charge at Wembley for last season’s Championship playoff final between Fulham and Aston Villa.