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Crystal Palace confirmed on Monday lunchtime that Eberechi Eze made his return to action for the club’s Under-23 side.

And, as to be expected, a number of Eagles fans reacted to the news on social media.

The 23-year-old is yet to feature under Patrick Vieira after suffering a serious Achilles injury back in May.

He’s had to watch an impressive Palace side from the stands so far this season, however, it seems as if he could join the first-team squad over the coming weeks.

Eze featured for the Under-23’s on Monday, with Vieira watching on. He played just over an hour in a 2-1 defeat to Blackburn Rovers, turning out in his primary position as an attacking midfielder.

The former QPR starlet was superb last season with ten goal involvements and four Man of the Match awards in his debut top-flight campaign, so it’s no surprise to see fans buzzing at his impending return.

Palace fans react

This is what these Palace fans had to say in reply to the club’s official post regarding Eze’s return, with many buzzing and one labelling the timescale of his recovery as ‘ridiculous’.

“Oh my god”

Credit: @Mark_CPFC

“Christmas just came early”

Credit: @ksps9112

“This guy ruptured his achilles in May & is playing a football match within 6 months. That’s both ridiculous & fantastic news.”

Credit: @Pets93

“I’M GOING TO CRY”

Credit: @EBERZEE

“It’s happening!”

Credit: @ClintonDavey

“Yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes!”

Credit: @GoatZaha

In other news: ‘Roy knew’ – Many CPFC fans react after ‘sad’ transfer news emerges. 

Hampshire have released their reserve-team wicketkeeper Tom Burrows and two other players

Cricinfo staff21-Oct-2009Hampshire have released their reserve-team wicketkeeper Tom Burrows and two other players.Burrows was with the county since 2004 but was unable to cement a spot in the first team because of the incumbent wicketkeeper Nic Pothas’ presence. He’s played only five first-class matches for Hampshire. The county also released Tom Parsons and left-arm spinner Chris Morgan.

Chris Gayle, the West Indies captain, arrived in Brisbane on Wednesday morning and declared himself “mentally prepared” to play the first Test against Australia, beginning at the Gabba on Thursday

Alex Brown24-Nov-2009Chris Gayle, the West Indies captain, arrived in Brisbane on Wednesday morning and declared himself “mentally prepared” to play the first Test against Australia, beginning at the Gabba on Thursday. In a tremendous boost for the tourists, Gayle headed directly for the Allan Border Field for the Windies’ final training session, where he informed team-mates he would be taking the field beside them the following day.”It’s difficult but, yes, I’m playing tomorrow,” Gayle said. “I’m committed to it. It doesn’t make sense to come and sit around and watch the game. It’s always difficult to come in the day before a Test match but what I try to do is prepare mentally. I know it’s a tough task ahead. The main thing is to condition my mind to go out there and lead from the front. It won’t be easy, but I’m mentally ready. I was hitting balls in the nets today and I’m feeling pretty confident.”Gayle touched down at Brisbane International airport shortly before 8am, sporting diamond encrusted sunglasses and all-black attire. He promptly dashed to the team hotel in the city, changed into his whites and reported for training at the Allan Border Field with the rest of the West Indian squad at 9am.Gayle showed few ill-effects from the long haul flight during a 20-minute batting session, with Sulieman Benn and a handful of local quicks on the receiving end of some powerful blows. He bowled several overs of finger spin to round out training, before racing across town to the Gabba to conduct his pre-match press conference.Fans more drawn to short formats

Chris Gayle feels that declining attendance figures around the world suggest many supporters concur with his infamous assertion regarding the death of Test cricket. “If you look at what’s happening now, it’s no secret,” said Gayle, who sparked an international furore earlier this year when he said he “wouldn’t be so sad” if Test cricket were to perish.
“At the same time we’re always going to be committed to whatever cricket we play. I can’t say ‘Test cricket is going to die’ and it just happens like that. It’s just how things have been progressing the last couple of months. Spectators haven’t turned out. They’re more drawn to the coloured clothing at this point in time.”
The Gabba Test will mark the first time Gayle has represented West Indies since the home limited-overs series against India in July. Industrial action saw him miss the disastrous two-Test series against Bangladesh and the ensuing Champions Trophy, and he hopes the tour of Australia will help mend relations within West Indian cricket.
“This is a situation that we look at as a rebuild,” he said. “We’re trying to get back together. A lot has happened the last couple of months. We’re trying to put our best foot forward, go out as one unit and try to put the past behind us. We’ll give Australia a good fight.”

“I’m not feeling anything at this point in time,” Gayle said of his impending battle with jet-lag. “I don’t know what later on will happen. Hopefully I’ll get some rest in between and pull up fresh tomorrow morning. I haven’t played Test cricket for quite some time now. We haven’t played as a unit for quite some time as well. The challenge is always going to be there.”Gayle is no stranger to eleventh hour arrivals ahead of Test series. He landed in England the day before this year’s first Test, having been granted special permission by his board to extend his stint in the IPL. He also cut fine his arrival for the 2008 home Test series against Australia, also due to IPL commitments, prompting David Williams, the West Indies interim coach, to quip: “He’s getting used to it.”Gayle has spent almost 100 hours commuting between Jamaica and Australia over the past fortnight, with the latest trip occurring so he could be with his sick mother. She was released from hospital at the weekend, allowing Gayle to plan his way back to Australia. He thanked supporters for their “prayers and best wishes.””I’m honoured, it’s good to be back here,” he added, looking remarkably fresh. “Hopefully tomorrow it will be a good day for the West Indies cricket team. This time we’ll test our skills against the best team, so I’m looking forward to it.”Gayle kept fans abreast of his recent movements via his Twitter page, including updates on his mother’s improving health. He also caused a stir when, before boarding a flight in the United States, he tweeted: “couldn’t use my private jet pilot was too drunk so commercial all the way.” Upon arriving in Brisbane, Gayle said the post was intended as a joke. “I was mucking around,” he said.Joel Garner, the West Indian team manager, was buoyed by Gayle’s return. “He is the captain and one of the leading batsmen and now that he is back we hope he will be well rested over the next 24 hours,” Garner told Cricinfo. “I hope he will come out and give us the kind of support and performance that would make West Indians proud.”Williams, meanwhile, dismissed suggestions West Indies could opt to field first on Thursday to allow Gayle additional time to recuperate from his latest long-haul flight. “We’re not going to make a decision based on one guy,” he said. “If we get to the Gabba and we have a look in the morning and we feel it’s feasible for us to be bat then so be it.”

If West Ham United sign a striker this January, then there’s a “strong chance” it’ll be Adam Hlozek…

What’s the word?

That’s according to ExWHUemployee, who delivered an exciting claim ahead of the winter transfer window to his ‘The West Ham Way’ podcast this week.

“Daniel Kretinsky is a 40% shareholder at Sparta Prague. They’ve got a forward called Hlozek and he’s highly rated,” he said.

“There is a strong chance the striker signing could be him.”

A desperate need

This ties in well with recent developments around the London Stadium after Kretinsky’s investment was officially confirmed by the club on Wednesday.

The 46-year-old Czech supremo, who is co-owner of Sparta Prague, purchased a minority stake of 27% in the Irons – a move that sees him have more of a say than David Gold, though David Sullivan remains the majority shareholder.

Late last month, claims from the Telegraph suggested that Kretinsky was going to propose a partnership between the east Londoners and the Czech outfit as a potential player development line, having already signed three players in Vladimir Coufal, Tomas Soucek and Alex Kral in recent times.

Adding a striker to David Moyes’ squad could be the missing piece of the puzzle this season as the Scotsman only has Michail Antonio, 31, available at his disposal and his injury woes since arriving at the Hammers are no secret.

The West Ham boss needs strength in depth, particularly up front, as he has the club competing on all fronts this campaign – they sit third in the Premier League, have advanced into the Europa League knockout stages and have the Carabao and FA Cup to still to play for, too.

If Antonio faces time out, he could seriously scupper the Irons’ progress, as their in-form top goalscorer is so crucial to their fortunes.

Hlozek is an intriguing and exciting young striker who could support the veteran talisman and this new relationship will certainly help smooth any dealings in January.

The 19-year-old has scored four goals and provided eight assists in 20 appearances this season, building on last season’s tally of 15 goals and nine assists, where he averaged a direct contribution every 75.9 minutes, as per Transfermarkt.

Pavel Paska, who is the agent of both Hlozek and Soucek, believes his client is an “extraordinary talent” who “has everything an attacker needs” – and going by that record, its hard to disagree, so Moyes would be getting a very fine future star on his hands.

Ex’s suggestion that there’s a strong chance that he could sign should be a major source of encouragement for many around the London Stadium.

AND in other news, Alasdair Gold reveals exciting behind-the-scenes Antonio Conte claim…

Tottenham Hotspur will do all they can to win the race to sign Antonio Rudiger next year…

What’s the word?

That’s according to transfer insider Dean Jones, who delivered a bold transfer claim to GIVEMESPORT this week.

The German international is yet to commit his future to Chelsea and with his contract up at the end of the season, he could move on despite becoming a regular under Thomas Tuchel.

Spurs have always maintained an interest in the 28-year-old centre-back and their appointment of Antonio Conte may have bolstered their chances of securing him as the pair worked together at Stamford Bridge several years ago.

“I think Tottenham are willing to really push the boat out to get Rudiger,” the journalist revealed.

“I think the change in manager would have helped them turn his head a little bit. But Rudiger knows he’s basically got a pick of the teams when it comes to when his contract’s up.”

Statement signing

Despite Rudiger’s phenomenal record against Spurs, and his past controversy involving Heung-min Son, there is no denying that he would be quite the coup for the north Londoners.

The defender, rated at £31.5m by Transfermarkt, started for the Blues’ in their Champions League final victory over Manchester City last season and has featured in 14 of their 15 matches across the same competition and the Premier League.

[snack-amp-story url = “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/spurs-latest-news-updates-transfers-antonio-conte-thfc” title=”Read the latest Spurs news, transfer updates and much, much more!”]

His impressive form under Tuchel once earned high praise from one of the best to ever to it in the English top-flight.

“Look at Rudiger, he’s arguably, since Tuchel has been there [at Chelsea], been the best defender in the Premier League. Him or [Ruben] Dias in that time. He’s been unbelievable, he’s like an animal,” former Manchester United colossus Rio Ferdinand told his podcast (via the Metro).

The German beast played 45 times under Conte in west London, so he would need no time in adjusting to the Italian’s methods, tactics and strict coaching style and that makes him a very intriguing target.

European heavyweights Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are also said to be interested in Rudiger, so if Fabio Paratici and Daniel Levy can beat them to his signature, then it would be an unreal statement to the rest of the Premier League.

The slight possibility of that happening should have many around N17 absolutely buzzing with excitement. He would be one major signing at Spurs.

AND in other news, Antonio Conte handed Spurs injury boost ahead of Leeds clash…

Shane Bond has been ruled out of the rest of the Test series against Pakistan due to a torn abdominal muscle

Cricinfo staff01-Dec-2009New Zealand will have to find a replacement for Shane Bond•Getty ImagesShane Bond has been ruled out of the rest of the Test series against Pakistan due to a torn abdominal muscle. Bond was the Player of the Match in the thrilling win in Dunedin, where he took eight wickets for the game in what was his first Test in two years.Bond suffered minor abdominal discomfort following the 32-run victory and scans on Tuesday revealed a one-centimetre tear in an abdominal muscle. The New Zealand team manager Dave Currie said Bond would be rested from the second and third Tests as a precaution.Bond has always been injury-prone and up until his ICL defection he had managed to play only 17 Tests in six years. “Just rerun the tapes mate,” Bond said, alluding to his never-ending struggle to stay match-fit. “It’s not what I expected. There was a little bit of niggle there during the game but during the last session (on Saturday) there was nothing.”I’ve had aches and pains there for a long time and when you go into a Test with four bowlers you want peace of mind that everything’s fine. I’ve prepared for this for the last four months. I’ve bowled a lot of overs in the nets and had the one-day series … the amount of overs has probably attributed to it but that’s cricket.”Bond admitted he didn’t want to risk playing the next Test, for the injury, despite not being very serious at this point, could worsen and affect his future prospects. “I could probably play but if I did there was a chance I could blow it completely and then you’re out for a long time,” he said.Bond is expected to recover in time for New Zealand’s home series against Bangladesh early next year. But he wasn’t willing to guarantee anything. “I’m a positive person but I’m also a realist,” Bond said. “I don’t like doing this, I feel like it lets the team down. I’m sure the team finds it a pain on the backside to have someone coming in and out all the time.”I’ll have to take some time over Christmas and have a think about it and see what we do.”The selectors are likely to name a replacement for Bond by Wednesday, with the second Test set to begin in Wellington on Thursday.The Dunedin match marked Bond’s comeback to Test cricket after he was made ineligible for New Zealand selection due to his decision to play in the ICL.On a brighter note for New Zealand, Iain O’Brien has had a positive prognosis on his finger, which he dislocated while trying to field off his own bowling. “It’s just sore, there’s no fractures just a bit of bruising,” he said after bowling a couple of gentle deliveries in the nets.

Fast bowler Ishant Sharma and wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik have been included in India’s squad for the third and fourth ODIs against Sri Lanka

Cricinfo staff19-Dec-2009Fast bowler Ishant Sharma and wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik have been included in India’s squad for the third and fourth ODIs against Sri Lanka. The changes have been made after Sreesanth contracted swine flu and MS Dhoni was banned for two ODIs because of a slow over-rate in Nagpur.Karthik is likely to take Dhoni’s place in the XI for the matches in Cuttack and Kolkata while Virender Sehwag will lead the side. Yuvraj Singh, who missed the first two ODIs, because of a finger injury and illness, has been retained in the team.The challenge for Sehwag and Karthik will be to replace a successful captain and the world’s best ODI batsman, not only according to ICC’s rankings, which he has hegemony over, but also because of the variety of roles Dhoni plays. He has also been the in-form batsman for India in this series. In the first match, in Rajkot, he promoted himself after a strong start and didn’t let the run-rate come down in the middle overs, scoring 72 off 53 balls. In Nagpur, Dhoni came in at 81 for 3 and his century was instrumental in India’s utilising the Powerplay overs and reaching 300.The last one-dayer Dhoni missed was in 2007, against South Africa in Ireland, when he was down with viral illness. Since he became the ODI captain later that year, Dhoni rested during the Test leg of the Sri Lanka tour, but made sure he was there to play the one-dayers. Since he became the full-time captain, Dhoni missed just one international, the Napier Test earlier this year, because of back trouble. Sehwag, who led India then, was criticised for letting the game drift when Jesse Ryder and Ross Taylor put on a big partnership. Dhoni the batsman was missed too: following on, Gautam Gambhir had to play out of his skin to help India force a draw.Since then, Sehwag has said India need to groom a younger man as future captain, which makes sense because Sehwag is older than Dhoni. The selectors have not identified a designated vice-captain, but Sehwag has relinquished the position. Sehwag, however, also said he would be there to take on the leadership role in contingencies, which is where India find themselves now.Squad: Virender Sehwag (capt), Gautam Gambhir, Sachin Tendulkar, Suresh Raina, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, Yuvraj Singh, Ishant Sharma, Zaheer Khan, Harbhajan Singh, Praveen Kumar, Ashish Nehra, Sudeep Tyagi, Pragyan Ojha.

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard is set to receive significant backing in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to the Express & Star’s Luke Hatfield, with the journalist claiming in a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT that he expects Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens to provide the 41-year-old manager with substantial funds to invest in his playing squad at Villa Park this winter.

Speaking about Aston Villa’s potential January transfer business, Hatfield said: “He’ll get serious backing, Gerrard will. Villa’s owners don’t mess around in terms of transfer funds.”

Music to the ears of fans

Considering the fact that Aston Villa have already spent a rather substantial £89.84m on incoming transfers this season, there may well have been concerns amongst the Villa Park fanbase that Gerrard could be somewhat restricted with his budget in the winter market.

However, with the second city side still actually £24.46m in profit from their summer transfer business, something that is largely down to the £105.75m sale of Jack Grealish, there would indeed appear to be plenty in the bank for the former Liverpool captain to play with in January.

Furthermore, with Sawiris ranking fifth on a recent list of the Premier League’s most wealthy owners, with the Egyptian boasting a net worth of a whopping £5.3bn, should Gerrard feel it is necessary, it would also appear easy enough for the 41-year-old manager to go knocking on the owner’s door with his cap in hand for extra transfer funds, as Hatfield suggests.

So, while Villa are by no means home and dry in terms of Premier League survival just yet – with the club currently sitting in 15th place, four points above the relegation zone – the news that Gerrard looks set to receive something of a war chest this winter is sure to come as music to the ears of fans.

If they can secure the signings of a number of his targets, it would seem unlikely that Villa will be languishing in the bottom half of the table for much longer.

In other news: Lange must seal AVFC deal for £25m “weapon” likened to Beckham, Gerrard would love him

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson is likely to skip the IPL for the third consecutive year for the sake of preserving himself for Australia

Cricinfo staff25-Dec-2009Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson is likely to skip the IPL for the third consecutive year for the sake of preserving himself for Australia, says his manager Sam Halvorsen. Johnson skipped the first two editions of the cash-rich Twenty20 tournament for the same reason.”We want to protect him from the wear and tear,” Halvorsen told the . “The decision was made easier because of our concern over the auction process. He might have been able to play half the tournament but at this stage we feel the break will be better for him.”If Johnson had put his hand up for the IPL, he would have had to miss the first half of the tournament, which clashes with Australia’s tour of New Zealand, which ends on March 31. The IPL runs between March 12 and April 25.Before the 2008 auctions, Johnson backed out because he wanted to focus on establishing himself in the Australian Test side. He later expressed interest in participating in the 2009 edition in South Africa but instead opted for rest, keeping in mind Australia’s hectic schedule. The decision helped establish himself as Australia’s strike bowler and his wicket tally of 57 wickets in 12 Tests is the most by any bowler in 2009.

Manchester United are thought to be interested in bringing Ralf Rangnick as Old Trafford to take over as interim manager.

That’s according to reliable reporter Samuel Luckhurst of The Manchester Evening News, and unsurprisingly a number of United fans have been reacting to the news on social media.

Rangnick is currently a director at Lokomotiv Moscow and has plenty of experience as a manager. The 63-year-old’s last role in the dugout came with RB Leipzig, and the eight-honour boss appears to be on Ed Woodward’s radar.

Luckhurst claimed that United’s initial approach for Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino has been rejected, leading the Old Trafford club to explore an interim boss in the meantime.

He suggested that Rangnick is the preferred short-term option, although the likes of former Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde and former Roma coach Rudi Garcia have also been discussed.

United fans react

@utdreport shared Luckhurst’s claim regarding United’s interest in Rangnick on Wednesday lunchtime.

Here is what these Red Devils supporters had to say in reply, with many excited by the news and a few hoping to see a summer move for Ajax boss Erik ten Hag over Pochettino.

“Rangnick then Ten Hag with a DOF…I know I am dreaming but this sounds too damn good! #MUFC structure is key to Utd’s success!”

Credit: @RocBoiJJ

“the best news today, get Rangnick as an interim and then go for Ten Haag at the end of the season”

Credit: @morsikooo

“PLEASE, I BEG”

Credit: @evanderadjei

“On my kneeeeees”

Credit: @jaredmcleod7

“Yes!!!!!!!!!!! Then Ten Hag in the summer”

Credit: @VegetaUTD

“This is what I want to be reading please. Rangnick or Valverde end of the season, please Lord. We can still win something.”

Credit: @Dharey__

In other news: This managerial update also went down well with plenty of United fans