فيوتشر يعلن موقفه النهائي من رحيل بوبو وعمر كمال لـ الأهلي والزمالك.. وإيقاف جنش وأحمد رفعت

أعلن عبد الظاهر السقا المدير الرياضي لنادي فيوتشر، موقف مجلس الإدارة من رحيل محمد رضا بوبو وعمرو كمال عبد الواحد لناديي الأهلي والزمالك خلال الميركاتو الحالي.

وكان فيوتشر قد نجح في الفوز على بيدكو بول الأوغندي اليوم في مواجهة الإياب بدور الـ64 من كأس الكونفدرالية بهدفٍ نظيف وتأهل للمرحلة التالية من البطولة.

طالع أيضًا.. موعد مباراة فيوتشر وكالون إف سي في دور الـ32 من الكونفدرالية

وقال عبد الظاهر السقا خلال مداخلة هاتفية ببرنامج “كورة كل يوم” المذاع على قناة “الحياة”: “القرار صدر من مجلس الإدارة بأنه لن يرحل أي عنصر من العناصر الأساسية، نحن نريد الحفاظ على القوام الأساسي للفريق”.

وتطرق للحديث عن مشادة محمود جنش مع أحمد رفعت ثنائي الفريق في مباراة الذهاب أمام بول الأوغندي بقوله: “منذ عودتنا إلى مصر، صدر قرار من الإدارة باستبعادهما من الفريق وهما يتدربان بمفردهما، ومن المتوقع أن يتم فرض عقوبة مالية بالإضافة إلى الإيقاف”.

واختتم االمدير الرياضي لفيوتشر: “هناك تدعيمات وخلال الأسبوع الجاري سيصل اللاعبون الأجانب الجدد إلى مصر، وخلال 4 أو 5 أيام سنعلن عن الصفقات في مؤتمر صحفي، لقد طورنا نقاط الضعف لدينا والصفقات الجديدة ستكون قادرة على المشاركة في دور الـ32 من بطولة الكونفدرالية”.

Ishant Sharma and Dinesh Karthik called up

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.

Jet-lagged Gayle confirmed for Test

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.”

'A Ponte não merece isso', diz Lucca, sobre o momento vivido no clube

MatériaMais Notícias

Após a derrota em casa para o Atlético-GO, no último sábado, a Ponte Preta resolveu demitir o técnico Gilson Kleina do clube. A Macaca, que antes brigava por uma vaga no G6, agora ocupa a 15ª posição, o que a coloca na luta contra o rebaixamento para a Série B de 2018. Na próxima rodada, a adversária é a Chapecoense, que também briga para fugir do Z4, fora de casa. Mas antes, o alvinegro tenta a sorte na Sul-Americana. Nesta quarta-feira, a Ponte tenta tirar a vantagem de 3 a 1 construída pelo Sport no jogo de ida das oitavas de final. A partida acontece às 19h15, no Moisés Lucarelli.

Nesta terça-feira, quem falou à imprensa foi o atacante Lucca. Antes o homem gol da Macaca, agora o atacante vive um período de seca, assim como todo o sistema ofensivo da equipe paulista. Lucca se defendeu, afirmando que todo o grupo está se entregando ao máximo para tirar a Ponte dessa situação.

– Não vou aceitar que digam que está faltando vontade, dedicação, até porque quem me conhece sabe que trabalho bastante. O torcedor pode cobrar, falar o que quiser, mas saiba que não vou me omitir em nenhum momento. Estarei sempre dentro de campo, se precisar jogo todas as partidas, boto a minha cara para bater, porque sou desse tipo. Quanto estava bem, todos aplaudiam, agora que está mal todos estão batendo. Todos os jogadores têm que assumir essa responsabilidade e sei que todos que me vaiam, serão os mesmo que vão me aplaudir quando eu fizer os gols. Estou tranquilo e vou entrar em campo com toda serenidade possível – desabafou o atacante.

Lucca também saiu em defesa do ex-treinador Gilson Kleina. O atacante disse que, apesar dos resultados não terem aparecido, o treinador teve sempre o respaldo de todo o elenco, que também tem sua parcela de responsabilidade.

– Nós jogadores também temos uma parcela muito grande, porque não conseguimos saber lidar com o que o Gilson queria. Não sei explicar, mas eu tenho certeza que ele trabalhou com as convicções dele. Sem duvida nenhuma o Gilson Kleina tem o meu respeito, porque me ajudou, mas futebol é assim: é dinâmico, e quando o resultado não vem, vai tudo na conta do treinador. Mas não só para mim, como para vários, ele foi sensacional – afirmou.

Quem comanda a Ponte nesta quarta-feira, contra o Sport, é o interino João Brigatti. Pouco conhecido da torcida, o comandante já recebeu elogios do camisa 9 pontepretano.

– É um profissional que está querendo aprender. Tá buscando subir na carreira, como todos nos que estamos aqui. Vai dar sua contribuição, tem seu jeito de pensar, cabe a nós assimilar bem e ir para o jogo na quarta-feira em busca da vitória – completou o atacante.

Ponte Preta e Sport se enfrentam nesta quarta-feira, às 19h15, no Moisés Lucarelli, pelo jogo de volta das oitavas de final da Sul-Americana. Como o Leão venceu a partida de ida por 3 a 1, a Macaca precisa vencer por 2 a 0 para avançar à próxima fase. O vencedor do confronto pega o vencedor do duelo entre Junior Barranquilla e Cerro Porteño.

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Villa fans slam Dean Smith substitution

Many Aston Villa fans were livid with Dean Smith’s decision to bring on Ashley Young as a midfielder against West Ham United on Sunday.

The Villans hosted the Hammers  on Sunday but was a bad day at the office for the Midlands outfit – they lost 4-1, with Ezri Konsa receiving a red card and Jacob Ramsey being forced off injured within the first 15 minutes. As it stands, Villa are 15th in the Premier League table and just three points above the relegation zone (Sky Sports).

By the time of Ramsey’s substitution, Villa were already 1-0 down, and it only got worse from there. Instead of bringing on a natural central midfielder to replace Ramsey, Smith instead decided to call upon 36-year-old wide man Young, and it was a decision which did not turn out as he probably would have hoped.

Many Villa supporters were vocal about their displeasure with Smith’s call, and they took to social media platform Twitter to share their thoughts. One called for the manager to be shown the door and replaced by Graham Potter, who is currently excelling at Brighton.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about Smith’s substitution

“Can’t wait for Smith to get sacked so we can continue our progress as a club with our new owners. He deserves it purely for subbing Ashley Young on then leaving him on the pitch after the red card and subbing Buendia. Get Potter in ASAP”

Credit: @VillaWatch1

“Not just the players suffering from confidence crisis. That Ashley Young sub shows how little Deano has himself. Terrible decision. Not that Young was bad. Just shows his mindset.”

Credit: @delconnolly

“Bringing Ashley Young into midfield when you have apparently the best young centre midfielder in the country on the bench… That’s panic.”

Credit: @avfc_stef

“Bringing Ashley Young on to play in centre midfield is such a bizarre decision especially when Villa had the option to bring on the younger and more energetic Aaron Ramsey or Carney to try and press West Ham more while also offering a threat going forward, poor from Smith..”

Credit: @ElDeano_96

“If these kids aren’t a better option than a 37 year old Ashley Young playing in midfield then why are we bothering with them. I thought that was a strange decision.”

Credit: @PutinAVFC

“It didn’t take an expert to to know we needed a real good CM, not only to improve us but to strengthen to cover injuries etc. Ashley Young playing CM? It wouldn’t even happen in Championship. We bought good individuals but we didn’t buy for the team … I’m worried”

Credit: @beechy0202

In other news, ,any Aston Villa fans slammed this man’s performance against West Ham

De saída do Santos, Cleber lamenta falta de jogos: 'Não faltou preparação'

MatériaMais Notícias

O zagueiro Cleber se despediu da torcida do Santos nesta segunda-feira, por meio de seu Facebook. Emprestado ao Coritiba até o fim do ano, o defensor justificou o baixo número de jogos com a camisa do Peixe – dez no total.

-Quero deixar um agradecimento especial à torcida do Santos Futebol Clube que me apoiou desde minha chegada. Vocês, santistas, são incríveis. Infelizmente não pude jogar como imaginava. Não faltou preparação. Aliás, estou pronto! E mostrarei isso agora em outra casa. Dos torcedores e clube levo o carinho e deixo meu muito obrigado! – escreveu.

Dos sete reforços do Peixe na temporada, Cleber foi o segundo mais caro e custou R$ 7,4 milhões. Ele estava no Hamburgo, da Alemanha. A falta de jogos se deu por um desequilíbrio no joelho direito causado por uma cirurgia feita há alguns anos.

No Coxa, ele terá parte de seus vencimentos quitados pelo Alvinegro e se junta a Rafael Longuine, meia que também foi cedido à equipe paranaense até o fim da temporada. O zagueiro tem contrato com o Santos até 31 de janeiro de 2022.

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Hussey repays Nottinghamshire

David Hussey had promised to pay back his debt to Nottinghamshire and is already a good part of the way there after cracking 126

Jon Culley at Trent Bridge30-Jun-2009
ScorecardDavid Hussey finished the day with 126 to his name•Getty ImagesDavid Hussey had promised to pay back his debt to Nottinghamshire and is already a good part of the way there.The Australia batsman, lured to play for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League last season despite having agreed a two-year deal at Trent Bridge, celebrated his return to the county with a largely impressive – if not quite chanceless – century as Nottinghamshire dominated the opening day.”I realise I left Nottinghamshire in the lurch,” he said last week after accepting a surprise invitation to stand in for his compatriot, Adam Voges, who is with Australia A for five weeks. “This is a great opportunity to repay them.”For good measure, it is not a bad platform from which to remind Australia’s selectors that he is not far away should their Ashes campaign not evolve as planned. Hussey has yet to win a Test cap but is clearly at home in English conditions. Picking up where he left off during his previous stint with Nottinghamshire, a four-year period that included their 2005 Championship triumph, he posted his 20th first-class century in their colours.On a ground almost always helpful to swing bowling, Lancashire could not be faulted for effort after Chris Read had won the toss and chosen to back his batsmen.But until, finally, Hussey wearily miscued Karl Brown to mid-on, having faced 145 deliveries, Lancashire has induced only one error of not. Much to the frustration of their captain, Glen Chapple, who troubled Hussey more than any bowler, it came and went on 45, when an edge to backward point was dropped by Mal Loye.Otherwise, almost everything with which Lancashire tempted him in his strong area outside off stump was punished. Probably four fifths of his runs were scored on that side of the wicket, most in the arc between cover and third man.The innings effectively rescued Nottinghamshire from another wobbly start from their top order.Will Jefferson, pushing forward, edged to the wicketkeeper off Oliver Newby, who then gained what Bilal Shafayat, his next victim, clearly felt was a fortuitous lbw. Mark Wagh, who also took advantage when Lancashire failed to control their away swing, reached 40, but the introduction of a change of pace in the shape of Steven Croft saw him caught at second slip. Samit Patel departed in the same spell, edging to the wicketkeeper as he tried to force through the off side.But Hussey’s first scoring stroke went to the midwicket boundary and it was clear his confidence was high. In a stand of 170 with Ali Brown for the fifth wicket, he scored 106, reaching three figures with a soaring six over the top off Gary Keedy, who found some slow turn but could manage only one wicket.Without Sajid Mahmood, with the England Lions, as well as Andrew Flintoff and James Anderson, Lancashire’s bowling was always likely to be stretched. Newby’s early successes with the new ball were his only ones and Kyle Hogg, the third of Chapple’s quicker trio, tended to have the ball swing too much.In the circumstances, two wickets for Karl Brown on his first Championship appearance of the season was a welcome bonus. As well as proving Hussey’s unlikely undoing, his gentler medium pace had gained him a scalp with his third delivery, strangling Ali Brown down the leg side, although not before the former Surrey plunderer had passed fifty for the fifth time in his last six Championship innings.The wickets of Mark Ealham and Darren Pattinson rewarded another day of unstinting toil by Chapple, but Nottinghamshire suffered only one loss against the second new ball as Lancashire wilted in the heat.To compound the frustrations of the visiting team, who arrived on the back of two heavy defeats in the Championship, they endured more punishment from an unlikely source as Ryan Sidebottom, the only member of England’s pre-Ashes squad playing for his county this week, weighed in with an unbeaten 35, his best first-class score for Nottinghamshire and his highest for anyone since making 40 not out for Yorkshire against Kent in April 2001.

Gold drops worrying Spurs injury claim

Tottenham Hotspur supporters will be less than impressed by the latest update surrounding young winger Ryan Sessegnon…

What’s the latest?

The 21-year-old dynamo, who can play anywhere along the left flank, has been injured for most of the 2021/22 campaign and has been restricted to just two appearances in the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers.

Lilywhites boss Nuno Santo was positive about his chances of making a return in the near future ahead of Thursday night’s clash with Vitesse, but according to football.london reporter Alasdair Gold, that may not be the case at all.

“Nuno appeared to be optimistic yesterday about Ryan Sessegnon’s injury return in his press conference but his in-house chat with Spurs’ own media channels seems less so and that he might not be back soon,” the journalist tweeted.

Another setback

Sessegnon enjoyed an encouraging loan spell at Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim last season, where he got plenty of minutes under his belt as a left wing-back. He even scored twice and provided three assists, as per Transfermarkt.

There would have been hope for him to break through into the Spurs senior side once again, particularly with the change of manager as Nuno replaced Jose Mourinho and was tasked with the development of the club’s young stars.

He picked up a hamstring injury during pre-season, though it is rather telling that another loan spell was not sanctioned, so evidently he was someone the Portuguese had in mind for the season.

After returning to the side for their qualification matches in Europe, the 2019 summer signing picked up another problem whilst on international duty for England U21s recently.

“They are getting better. Unfortunately, they cannot join the group yet, but it’s a matter of time before we have good news,” is how Nuno described the situation but as per Gold, that isn’t as positive an update as you may think.

It has certainly left much of the Hotspur faithful rather frustrated, as seen by the replies to the journalist’s tweet.

“Got to be one of the most disappointing transfers we’ve had over the last few years,” claimed one supporter, whilst another pondered “Is he ever going to be fit?” before adding: “think we need to cut ties with him imo he’s never going to get in the first team with the constant injuries.”

“Need to sell him IMO. Made of glass. Can’t remember a single good performance from him. Always injured,” slammed a further supporter. These were just a few of many similar responses in reaction to this latest development. As you can see, many are rather angry.

After joining in a £25m deal from Fulham, it’s easy to see why so many fans are fuming by the news. Sessegnon will certainly find it hard to break into the team anytime soon, as a result.

“AND in other news, Paratici could land Nuno’s next Neves in Spurs swoop for £18.9m-rated “special player”…

Gers could be gifted Jack boost

Taking to Twitter, journalist Jordan Campbell of The Athletic has shared news involving Rangers star Ryan Jack as manager Steven Gerrard waits on his return.

The Lowdown: Gers without Jack…

The Scotland international has been out of action for Rangers since the end of last season, even undergoing knee surgery and missing the national side’s Euro 2020 campaign.

Recently, Jack suffered a setback in his recovery with Gerrard admitting he had been told to ‘slow it down’.

The 29-year-old’s comeback has been delayed as a result, but Campbell now has some optimistic news on the midfield maestro.

The Latest: Gerrard set for Jack boost in ‘matter of weeks’…

As per reliable reporter Campbell, sharing news from within Ibrox, a timeline has now emerged for Jack’s return to action in a Gers jersey.

The journalist says that his recovery is now ‘a matter of weeks’ after Jack resumed light training.

“Just light training for the time being but a matter of weeks I believe,” he explained on Twitter.

“Nothing more specific than that yet that I know of. Being cautious after the surgery to make sure everything is healed properly, which is understandable.”

The Verdict: Big boost incoming…

News of Jack’s potential return for Rangers within weeks comes as a boost for Gerrard and the champions, especially considering his impact when available.

He adds a degree of real composure to Gerrard’s midfield, evident by his impressive 89.9% pass accuracy over 16 Scottish top flight starts last season.

Out of Rangers’ regulars with over 15 appearances, only Glen Kamara managed a better percentage last season (WhoScored).

In other news: ‘No way’, ‘Will be the end of the season’…BBC pundit drops Gers claim after what he’s seen, find out more here.

Danny Mills offers advice to Connor Goldson

Danny Mills has offered Rangers defender Connor Goldson some advice over his contract situation at Ibrox.

What’s the talk?

The former England international has urged the 28-year-old to reject a new deal at Ibrox unless the club places a release clause in it.

West Ham are reportedly keen on the defender, who is out of contract next summer, and Mills believes that he should utilise his position of power.

The former Leeds right-back told Football Insider: “What we’re seeing now is players signing contracts with a release clause. He’s 28, so he’s no spring chicken.

“If the club doesn’t want to put the clause in the contract, then don’t sign it. If you’re in demand, whether it be one, two or three clubs – you have the power… but use it wisely.

“When you get to his age, you’re thinking about maybe one last move. Whether he’s good enough for West Ham… I’m not convinced.”

Gerrard needs him

Ross Wilson must now make a key decision in contract negotiations with Goldson. It would be a disaster to lose such a crucial member of the squad on a free transfer, with his deal up next summer, which means that Wilson must do everything he can to get him to put pen to paper, including a release clause.

Goldson has proven that he is a quality player for Rangers in recent years and losing him would be a huge blow for Gerrard. The 28-year-old has helped to keep 28 clean sheets in his last 42 Premiership appearances, averaging a SofaScore rating of 7.39 last term and showing that he has been a brick wall at the back for the Gers, for whom he started every league game in 2020/21.

Gerrard has also hailed Goldson as a warrior and praised his leadership on and off the pitch. Back in February, he told The Scotsman: “Connor has been an absolute mountain for this team, a warrior.

“I can’t describe to you how well he has done for this team, not just in terms of what you have seen on the pitch but also his leadership on the inside of the club and his availability every single day.”

This shows that he combines excellent performances on the pitch with strong leadership skills around the club day-in-day-out. Therefore, he is a player who Gerrard needs at Ibrox and Wilson needs to work hard to keep; and if that means adding a release clause to the defender’s contract to ensure his short-term future, so be it.

It would be better for Rangers to extend his contract and potentially lose him for a pre-agreed fee further down the line than losing him for nothing next summer. With a release clause, the Light Blues would at least be reimbursed for his services and given funds to replace him, whilst also potentially keeping hold of him if no clubs come in and activate it.

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