Latest news with #ColinFray
BBC News
4 days ago
- Politics
- BBC News
Is Forest replacing Palace in the Europa League a 'black-and-white' decision?
The Shut Up And Show More Football panel have been discussing Nottingham Forest's ascension to the Europa League after Crystal Palace were demoted to the Conference League for breaching multi-club ownership chairman Steve Parish has described the Uefa decision as "the biggest injustice in the history of football" and confirmed they will be appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas), but BBC Radio Nottingham's David Jackson and Colin Fray see the verdict as "black and white" and point the finger at mistakes within the Eagles' hierarchy."There's an appeal coming," Jackson told the podcast."It all seems rather messy - however, it does seem black and white. There's precedent before, there was a rule set, and as cross as the Palace fans are with the Forest ownership and Uefa, you think maybe there should also be anger at Crystal Palace."They could have seen the potential of this coming. They could have put plans in place but didn't and therefore they have missed out.""That's exactly right," added Fray."When you listen to some of the interviews from those involved in Palace, there's almost an acceptance that they have missed this deadline and didn't do something about it when they should have done."John Textor is now trying to sell his shares and that hasn't completely gone through but in any case it doesn't matter because there was a deadline that has been missed. The fact that he is only a 43% shareholder in Crystal Palace doesn't make any difference, it is over Uefa's stipulated limit. It seems there is a black-and-white breach here."I think there is a general feeling Cas is going to kick that appeal out."Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
'Messy, horrible - Forest don't want this and Gibbs-White doesn't either'
BBC Radio Nottingham's Colin Fray says it appears Forest "aren't looking for a quick resolution" to Tottenham's approach for Morgan Gibbs-White. Forest are considering legal action against the north London club as it is believed they are looking at whether a specific confidentiality agreement in the £60m release clause in Gibbs-White's contract has been breached. "It is certainly one that Forest could have been doing without and one that has got the fans worried," Fray said on the Shut Up And Show More Football podcast. "On the back of the exit of Anthony Elanga to Newcastle, fans were willing to accept that a big sale might be necessary this summer because that's life in the days of PSR and the Premier League. Although disappointed with that possibility and subsequent reality, people accepted that. "But, to have this right on the heel of the Elanga deal caused a lot of concern among supporters, and still is. It is a moving situation and things may change quickly - but it is messy, it is horrible, Forest don't want to be there in that situation. I'm fairly sure Gibbs-White doesn't either." Not a Forest fan? Follow your Premier League club on BBC Sport Gibbs-White returned to training with Forest this week, adding to the speculation surrounding his future. "It's going to be interesting to see how it plays out from here," added Fray. "Most thought it would be ironed out and the transfer go through. Not many were expecting him back at training and here he is. That is another twist in the story. "Forest have set their stall out that they aren't looking for a quick resolution. They want to keep him." Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Why is Elanga in demand?
Newcastle United's pursuit of Anthony Elanga underlines just how far the Swedish winger's stock has risen after a stellar 2024-25 campaign with Nottingham Forest. With an improved £55m offer reportedly on the table, the Magpies are hoping to add his pace, precision, and end-product to their ranks ahead of a crucial season. Yet, according to BBC Radio Nottingham's Forest commentator Colin Fray, the East Midlands club have no plans to sell - and when you look at the numbers, you can see why. Advertisement Elanga's statistical profile paints the picture of a player not just improving, but excelling in some of the most important attacking metrics. The radar chart below, provided by Opta via FBref, shows Elanga ranking in the top percentiles among Premier League attacking midfielders and wingers across multiple categories. A percentile score reflects how a player compares to his positional peers - being in the 80th percentile for goal-creating actions means Elanga outperforms 80% of similar players in that key attacking measure. His high percentile for shot-on-target percentage signals not just an eye for goal but efficiency in making goalkeepers work - he doesn't waste chances. [BBC] His crossing ability sits near the top of the scale, a vital asset for any team relying on width and delivery. For comparison, none of Newcastle's current wingers - Jacob Murphy, Harvey Barnes, or Anthony Gordon - averages more than 4.85 crosses per 90 minutes, while Elanga averages 6.65. Advertisement Meanwhile, his progressive carries - how frequently he moves the ball towards goal - highlight his directness and willingness to take on defenders, adding dynamism to Forest's attack. Even his goals per shot ratio reflects a sharpness in front of goal that is increasingly rare among wingers. For Newcastle, these numbers represent everything they need: pace, efficiency, and creativity in the final third. Their recent transfer frustration stems from failing to make these kinds of decisive moves early. Elanga, who can play wide or centrally, fits the profile of a player who could unlock defences both at home and in Europe. But for Forest, the data offers equally compelling reasons to resist any approaches. Elanga is not just an emerging star - he's become integral to their style of play. His numbers aren't padded by penalties or purple patches; they reflect consistent, high-level contribution. At 23, he still has room to grow, and with Forest's ambitions to push higher up the Premier League table, keeping a player of this calibre sends a clear signal of intent. For now, Forest's stance is firm: Elanga is not for sale. And whether you view the radar through the lens of a buying club or a club determined to keep its best talent, the conclusion is the same - Elanga is already among the Premier League's most valuable wide players. Get news notifications on your club
BBC News
04-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Why is Elanga in demand?
Newcastle United's pursuit of Anthony Elanga underlines just how far the Swedish winger's stock has risen after a stellar 2024-25 campaign with Nottingham Forest. With an improved £55m offer reportedly on the table, the Magpies are hoping to add his pace, precision, and end-product to their ranks ahead of a crucial season. Yet, according to BBC Radio Nottingham's Forest commentator Colin Fray, the East Midlands club have no plans to sell - and when you look at the numbers, you can see statistical profile paints the picture of a player not just improving, but excelling in some of the most important attacking metrics. The radar chart below, provided by Opta via FBref, shows Elanga ranking in the top percentiles among Premier League attacking midfielders and wingers across multiple categories.A percentile score reflects how a player compares to his positional peers - being in the 80th percentile for goal-creating actions means Elanga outperforms 80% of similar players in that key attacking measure. His high percentile for shot-on-target percentage signals not just an eye for goal but efficiency in making goalkeepers work - he doesn't waste chances. His crossing ability sits near the top of the scale, a vital asset for any team relying on width and delivery. For comparison, none of Newcastle's current wingers - Jacob Murphy, Harvey Barnes, or Anthony Gordon - averages more than 4.85 crosses per 90 minutes, while Elanga averages his progressive carries - how frequently he moves the ball towards goal - highlight his directness and willingness to take on defenders, adding dynamism to Forest's attack. Even his goals per shot ratio reflects a sharpness in front of goal that is increasingly rare among Newcastle, these numbers represent everything they need: pace, efficiency, and creativity in the final third. Their recent transfer frustration stems from failing to make these kinds of decisive moves early. Elanga, who can play wide or centrally, fits the profile of a player who could unlock defences both at home and in for Forest, the data offers equally compelling reasons to resist any approaches. Elanga is not just an emerging star - he's become integral to their style of play. His numbers aren't padded by penalties or purple patches; they reflect consistent, high-level contribution. At 23, he still has room to grow, and with Forest's ambitions to push higher up the Premier League table, keeping a player of this calibre sends a clear signal of now, Forest's stance is firm: Elanga is not for sale. And whether you view the radar through the lens of a buying club or a club determined to keep its best talent, the conclusion is the same - Elanga is already among the Premier League's most valuable wide news notifications on your club
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Forest 'clearly not interested' in selling Elanga
BBC Radio Nottingham's Colin Fray believes Nottingham Forest have no desire to sell Anthony Elanga to Newcastle this transfer window. "Forest are clearly not interested in selling," Fray said on the Shut Up and Show More Football podcast. "They're not having to sell, not desperate to sell and they want to keep Anthony Elanga. That's not a surprise because there is no substitute for pace. Advertisement "You see the pace he has and he's also got something on the end of it. It's all very well being able to run fast but you've got to be able to control the ball when you're running and be able to do something with it. "Just look at his goal against [last season] Manchester United at the City Ground - that will tell you everything you need to know about the player." Elanga has 11 goals and 21 assists in 82 appearances for Forest and Fray says his end product has caught the attention of rivals. "That's why Newcastle want him," he said. "They've got a Champions League campaign and they're keen to strengthen, so they're looking at their options. Forest are not in a position that they have to sell but I suppose you come back to that old phrase of every player has got a price. Advertisement "There might come a point - it depends if Newcastle are going to go high enough. When the money becomes attractive, that's when you look at what players you can bring in. Option A - a replacement and option B - a replacement plus a couple more to add to the strength in depth." Listen to the full chat here
