Latest news with #EuropeanFinal
India Gazette
09-07-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
ICC T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier: Four teams remain in contention for a place at next year's T20 World Cup in India, Sri Lanka
New Delhi [India], July 9 (ANI): The race to qualify for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 is down to four teams with just two more days of play and four matches remaining, according to the ICC website. Only Guernsey is out of contention at this stage, with Italy, Jersey, Scotland, and hosts the Netherlands still chasing a top-two spot and a place at next year's tournament in India and Sri Lanka. Just one point separates the four sides still in the running, with Jersey recording an emphatic 22-run victory over Guernsey on Tuesday to put an end to the qualification hopes of Oliver Nightingale's side. All-rounder Harrison Carlyon was the star of the show for Jersey in the victory, with the 24-year-old scoring a quickfire half-century and collecting two wickets to keep his side in contention of finishing in the top two places on the standings with one fixture remaining against Scotland. Scotland still have two games remaining at the tournament and are back in the running following their six-run victory over the Netherlands at Voorburg on Tuesday. Oli Hairs hit a half-century to help Scotland post a decent total of 148/9, and a polished bowling performance from Player of the Match Chris Greaves (3/26) and all-rounder Brandon McMullen (2/33) guided Richie Berrington's side home. It sees Scotland rise to third on the standings, with their match against competition pacesetters Italy on Wednesday likely to decide one of the qualifiers for next year's T20 World Cup. The 10th edition of the T20 World Cup in 2026 will feature a total of 20 teams, with the top two on the standings in the European Final to determine two of the sides to progress. (ANI)
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
The Rangers clue hiding in plain sight about James Tavernier many failed to spot
The Rangers clue hiding in plain sight about James Tavernier many failed to spot It feels symbolic Russell Martin's first Rangers signing is a right-back. A position that was previously impenetrable. After all, who was going to shift the skipper, James Tavernier? READ MORE: Dor Turgeman 'wants' Rangers move as Igamane and Dessers transfers to clear final hurdle with fee revealed Advertisement READ MORE: Owen Beck wanted for Rangers transfer but there is one condition For a decade, he's pretty much been untouchable at Ibrox. And with good reason. Let's be clear here, Tavernier has been one of this club's greatest EVER signings. When you think of what Mark Warburton paid for him in 2015, a paltry £200,000 - and what Rangers have got in return - it was a phenomenal piece of business. Everyone knows Tavernier hasn't won enough trophies. And he's been culpable for some big goals, in big games. But that shouldn't detract from what he's produced in a blue shirt. More than 500 games, 130 goals. Advertisement As well as winning every domestic trophy, he led Rangers to a European Final in 2022 - and was top scorer in the competition. Overall, Tavernier has been outstanding. A worthy inductee into the Ibrox Hall of Fame. But every player has a shelf-life at a particular club and all good things must come to an end. With new American owners in Govan and Martin in charge, this is the start of a new era for Rangers. And going into his 10th season, even Tavernier himself must feel this will be his last in Glasgow. That's why the signing of Max Aarons feels so significant. Rangers' James Tavernier celebrates as he scores to make it 3-2 Before now, Tavernier hasn't had serious competition for that right-back slot. Advertisement Most punters felt Dujon Sterling was the man to replace him when Michael Beale brought him in two years ago. But injuries - as well as a need to deploy him in different areas of the pitch due to deficiencies in Rangers' team - ensured that wasn't going to happen. There have been others. Nesayro Kasanwirjo couldn't do it last term. Mateusz Zukowski, remember him? He was another who couldn't live with the captain. But the loan capture of Aarons feels different. The Bournemouth player isn't coming to Ibrox to sit on the bench. He's turned down other moves, in England and abroad, to join Rangers. So he's expecting to play. Advertisement And crucially, he's Martin's guy from their Norwich days. It was ironic that when Aarons announced his arrival on social media, one of the first to wish him well was his Cherries team-mate - and Tavernier's younger brother - Marcus. He'll know better than anyone that Aarons is signing at Ibrox to try to take James' shirt. And that's the way it should be. A lack of healthy competition in every position has been one of the reasons why Rangers have failed to win titles in recent years. New Rangers boss Russell Martin If Aarons starts the campaign as the club's new right-back, it obviously raises questions over the captaincy. There is no doubt that - in his testimonial year - Tavernier will remain as club captain. Advertisement Martin said that himself at his unveiling as gaffer. Fans picked up on it and assumed the manager would still see his old Ibrox team-mate as a first-pick. Martin claimed there was no reason to switch the armband. But the quote people failed to digest followed that answer. He also said: 'But like every other player, James will have to prove he's worth a place in the team." That was a warning shot from the new Rangers boss. And it told me that he'd be looking for someone to put pressure on Tavernier from the off. Aarons is that player. I expect Martin to sign at least one potential captain in this transfer window, someone with natural leadership qualities. Advertisement Conor Coady, who he's after from Leicester, is an obvious example. So while Tavernier remains skipper, don't be surprised if one of Martin's targets leads the team in a lot of games. Conor Coady of Everton -Credit:Getty Images That's not to say Tavernier won't have a role to play on and off the pitch - far from it. Coming up for his 34th birthday, he still looks fit as a fiddle and has been doing extra work in Dubai over the summer. And if Rangers are going to seriously challenge Celtic for the title, Tavernier WILL have a crucial part to play. But he might not be the 50 or 60-game a season marathon man he's been in previous seasons. And at the end of the campaign, if Martin has put silverware in the Ibrox trophy cabinet, that's all that will matter to him and Tavernier. Advertisement The new gaffer will have got it spot on, especially if Aarons proves to be an astute signing with his displays. And for Tavernier, it could see him going out on a high at Rangers, which he deserves. For his goals, assists, commitment, durability and loyalty to the club, it would be a fitting end to his time at Ibrox. And if he's looking for a glamour testimonial game against his boyhood club Leeds United - Rangers' new owners and their links to Elland Road should be able to sort it out for him.
Daily Record
26-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
The Rangers clue hiding in plain sight about James Tavernier many failed to spot
Our man Scott McDermott assesses what the future holds at Ibrox for captain Tavernier, in his 10th year at the club, following the arrival of Max Aarons It feels symbolic Russell Martin's first Rangers signing is a right-back. A position that was previously impenetrable. After all, who was going to shift the skipper, James Tavernier? For a decade, he's pretty much been untouchable at Ibrox. And with good reason. Let's be clear here, Tavernier has been one of this club's greatest EVER signings. When you think of what Mark Warburton paid for him in 2015, a paltry £200,000 - and what Rangers have got in return - it was a phenomenal piece of business. Everyone knows Tavernier hasn't won enough trophies. And he's been culpable for some big goals, in big games. But that shouldn't detract from what he's produced in a blue shirt. More than 500 games, 130 goals. As well as winning every domestic trophy, he led Rangers to a European Final in 2022 - and was top scorer in the competition. Overall, Tavernier has been outstanding. A worthy inductee into the Ibrox Hall of Fame. But every player has a shelf-life at a particular club and all good things must come to an end. With new American owners in Govan and Martin in charge, this is the start of a new era for Rangers. And going into his 10th season, even Tavernier himself must feel this will be his last in Glasgow. That's why the signing of Max Aarons feels so significant. Before now, Tavernier hasn't had serious competition for that right-back slot. Most punters felt Dujon Sterling was the man to replace him when Michael Beale brought him in two years ago. But injuries - as well as a need to deploy him in different areas of the pitch due to deficiencies in Rangers' team - ensured that wasn't going to happen. There have been others. Nesayro Kasanwirjo couldn't do it last term. Mateusz Zukowski, remember him? He was another who couldn't live with the captain. But the loan capture of Aarons feels different. The Bournemouth player isn't coming to Ibrox to sit on the bench. He's turned down other moves, in England and abroad, to join Rangers. So he's expecting to play. And crucially, he's Martin's guy from their Norwich days. It was ironic that when Aarons announced his arrival on social media, one of the first to wish him well was his Cherries team-mate - and Tavernier's younger brother - Marcus. He'll know better than anyone that Aarons is signing at Ibrox to try to take James' shirt. And that's the way it should be. A lack of healthy competition in every position has been one of the reasons why Rangers have failed to win titles in recent years. If Aarons starts the campaign as the club's new right-back, it obviously raises questions over the captaincy. There is no doubt that - in his testimonial year - Tavernier will remain as club captain. Martin said that himself at his unveiling as gaffer. Fans picked up on it and assumed the manager would still see his old Ibrox team-mate as a first-pick. Martin claimed there was no reason to switch the armband. But the quote people failed to digest followed that answer. He also said: 'But like every other player, James will have to prove he's worth a place in the team." That was a warning shot from the new Rangers boss. And it told me that he'd be looking for someone to put pressure on Tavernier from the off. Aarons is that player. I expect Martin to sign at least one potential captain in this transfer window, someone with natural leadership qualities. Conor Coady, who he's after from Leicester, is an obvious example. So while Tavernier remains skipper, don't be surprised if one of Martin's targets leads the team in a lot of games. That's not to say Tavernier won't have a role to play on and off the pitch - far from it. Coming up for his 34th birthday, he still looks fit as a fiddle and has been doing extra work in Dubai over the summer. And if Rangers are going to seriously challenge Celtic for the title, Tavernier WILL have a crucial part to play. But he might not be the 50 or 60-game a season marathon man he's been in previous seasons. And at the end of the campaign, if Martin has put silverware in the Ibrox trophy cabinet, that's all that will matter to him and Tavernier. The new gaffer will have got it spot on, especially if Aarons proves to be an astute signing with his displays. And for Tavernier, it could see him going out on a high at Rangers, which he deserves. For his goals, assists, commitment, durability and loyalty to the club, it would be a fitting end to his time at Ibrox. And if he's looking for a glamour testimonial game against his boyhood club Leeds United - Rangers' new owners and their links to Elland Road should be able to sort it out for him.
Daily Record
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Russell Martin's last Rangers team and where they are now as duo could play under him while others span the globe
Martin finished a forgettable Ibrox loan spell with an incredible 5-5 draw against Hibs at Easter Road and looks like returning as boss Russell Martin's stint as a Rangers player won't live long in the memory. But at least the former Ibrox defender will have the chance to make up for it when he's named as the club's new gaffer. The 39-year-old looks certain to be announced as Philippe Clement 's replacement in the coming days. And when he takes his seat in the famous Blue Room at the top of the marble staircase, it will be a million miles away from his ill-fated spell as a Gers player. Martin endured a six-month loan spell in Glasgow at one of the club's lowest ebbs. Rangers were miles off Celtic with Graeme Murty in charge before Jimmy Nicholl stepped in before the end of a disastrous campaign. Martin's last game in a blue shirt was on 13 May, 2018 at Easter Road in a memorable 5-5 draw against Hibs. But while he looks to be heading back to Govan as the club's new manager, where are the rest of his teammates from that day? One of them is plying their trade in SLOVAKIA, another is plodding away in the National League - and a certain Mexican striker is retired from the game. Record Sport takes a look back at the teammates who played alongside Martin the last time he represented Rangers: Jak Alnwick The Geordie keeper spent three years at Ibrox without ever really establishing himself as the undisputed number one. During his time in Glasgow, he was sent on loan to Scunthorpe and Blackpool before eventually moving to St Mirren. The 31-year-old is now at Cardiff City but will be in League One next season after the Bluebirds' relegation from the Championship. James Tavernier The Ibrox skipper is approaching his 10th season at Rangers and is on the verge of a testimonial. Tavernier has come through incredible highs at the club but suffered the lows as well, including Martin's short stint. At 33, he's still going strong and has won every domestic trophy for the club, as well as reaching a European Final. David Bates The ginger-haired centre-back was a surprise signing for Rangers when Mark Warburton was in charge, arriving from Raith Rovers. After two years at Ibrox, he eventually sealed a big move to Hamburg in Germany's second tier. After loan spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Cercle Brugge, he had a year at Aberdeen before returning to Belgium. He previously earned four Scotland caps and is now at Standard Liege. Andy Halliday The die-hard Rangers fan started at left-back that day at Easter Road despite not being a natural defender. He spent five years at his boyhood club and was a key part of their revival under Steven Gerrard. Halliday got a move to Hearts in 2020 before switching to Premiership rivals Motherwell. Jordan Rossiter The scouser looked like an astute signing by Warburton in 2016 but injuries ruined his time at Ibrox. This Hibs game was one of his few starts in a Rangers jersey and he even got himself on the scoresheet. The former Liverpool and England U19 starlet eventually moved on to Fleetwood Town, Bristol Rovers and Shrewsbury. Last Sunday, he was part of the Oldham Athletic team that won the National League play-off final at Wembley against Southend. Daniel Candeias Portuguese winger was one of the few decent Pedro Caixinha signings at Ibrox and he was initially an important player in Gerrard's first year at the club. But he moved to Turkish club Genclerbirligi in 2019 and - aside from a stint in his homeland with Oliveirense - he's stayed there at Alanyaspor, Kocaelispor and now Adanaspor. Jason Holt Midfielder was a clever signing by Warburton alongside Halliday in 2015 and helped Rangers get back to Scotland's top flight. Spent five years in total at Ibrox which included loan spells at Fleetwood and St Johnstone. Moved to Livingston permanently in 2020 before heading back to Perth with the Saints. Will be playing in the Scottish Championship next term after relegation. Sean Goss Former Manchester United kid arrived at Rangers on loan from QPR in January 2018 in the USA as the club took part in the Florida Cup. Struggled to make an impact at Ibrox and was shipped out on loan to St Johnstone. Eventually moved to Shrewsbury before a return to Scotland with Motherwell. Spent two years at Greek side Asteras Tripolis but is now in Slovakia with AS Trencin. Jamie Murphy Talented winger initially moved to Ibrox on loan from Brighton before making the move permanent in the summer of 2018. Injuries curtailed his time at the club, and after three years, he moved on to Hibs. After a loan stint at Mansfield, he signed for St Johnstone but is now excelling at Ayr United in the Scottish Championship. Jason Cummings Colourful striker enjoyed a six-month loan spell at Gers, joining at the same time as Martin. His career looked as if it was fizzling out after going to Shrewsbury then Dundee. But a switch to Australian club Central Coast Mariners kick-started it and earned him a place in the Socceroos World Cup squad. Cummings is now at Indian side Mohun Bagan, where he's just won the Super League Shield. Subs Liam Kelly: Left Rangers that summer for Livingston before moves to QPR and Motherwell. Now back at Ibrox to potentially play under Martin. Bruno Alves: Portuguese international centre-back arrived from Cagliari but only had a year at Ibrox before switching to Parma. Now sporting director at AEK Athens. Josh Windass: Has recently revealed he didn't want to leave Rangers in 2018 under Gerrard but hastily moved to Wigan Athletic. Now performing well for Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship. Lee Hodson: Versatile defender was a stop-gap signing for Warburton in 2016 after he'd impressed on loan at Kilmarnock. Had three years at Ibrox before being moved on to Gillingham and now at National League outfit Eastleigh. Greg Docherty: Box-to-box midfielder was snapped up from Hamilton but struggled to nail down a regular starting slot. Moved to Hull City then Charlton where he's just been promoted to the Championship. Eduardo Herrera: One of the poorest signings in the club's history by Caixinha, along with countryman Carlos Pena. Scored just one league goal for Rangers before being shipped back to Mexico and has now retired. Michael O'Halloran: Another Warburton signing but the Scots wide man toiled to make an impact at Ibrox. Had a stint in Australia before returning to St Johnstone then Dunfermline.
Telegraph
30-05-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Selling Bruno Fernandes would be madness – Man Utd cannot be trusted to replace him
For Manchester United, still picking through their smouldering ruins of a season, a parallel universe without Bruno Fernandes scarcely bears thinking about. It is not simply that the captain often seems their only player with any guile or gumption, but that he has almost single-handedly saved them from oblivion. The best gauge of his influence? That if you stripped out his 19 goals, the club would have finished five points worse off, with 37, on the ragged edge of relegation in any conventional campaign. Ruben Amorim accurately diagnosed his team's priorities when, after an unusually spirited home draw with Arsenal, he declared: 'We need more Brunos.' But increasingly, it looks as if United's instinct in this cost-conscious Ineos era is to burn everything down and start afresh. Sir Jim Ratcliffe's ruthlessness has reached the extreme where even Fernandes, creator of the most chances in the Premier League for three successive seasons, is deemed dispensable, free to be offloaded by his agent to Al-Hilal in the sterile opulence of Riyadh's Four Seasons hotel. Should the move be completed, it would signify a cold, impersonal ending for a player who has carried his team-mates by pure force of personality. While his bouts of petulance might grate, the mind boggles as to how anaemic United would be if deprived of his restless energy, which against all odds helped propel the club's worst side in a generation to a European final. If you believe Fernandes should go – and there are plenty of reasons why a treble-your-money sinecure in Saudi Arabia makes sense at the age of 30 – the question to ask yourself is this: do you truly trust United to spend wisely on his replacement? On paper, the estimated £80 million to £100 million that they would recoup sounds a transformative amount. But this is the institution, lest we forget, that splashed £85 million on Antony, who would go on to register twice as many bookings than goals, and £72 million on Rasmus Hojlund, who has been about as much use as a wicker canoe. There is an argument, of course, that these deals were signed off before Ineos had a chance to scrutinise the books. But the minority owners have not exactly offered a masterclass in financial prudence themselves, coughing up £21.4 million in compensation for Erik ten Hag and his staff just five months after they decided to keep him. That is before you consider the £3 million they paid Newcastle to secure the services of Dan Ashworth, only to punt him after just 15 league games. For all that Ratcliffe proudly trumpets his mother's wisdom – 'you look after the pennies, the pounds look after themselves' – in justifying savage cuts to everything from stationery supplies to staff sandwiches, he has yet to establish himself, when it comes to the big-ticket items at United, as the shrewdest judge. For the last few benighted months, Fernandes has, with the possible exception of Amad Diallo, been the only source of light at United. To extinguish this risks plunging the place deeper into darkness. There is a danger, too, of Ineos going against the wishes of Amorim, the figure meant to be spearheading a revolution. While the manager has cut underperforming players down to size with his withering barbs, he has always kept a soft spot for his fellow Portuguese, arguing in March: 'It's not just the quality and character of Bruno that is so important. It's that he is so decisive with and without the ball.' Amorim has refused to entertain any suggestion of losing Fernandes, insisting he was 'not going anywhere because I've already told him' and reiterated that stance on Friday. On several occasions, he has lauded him for the passion so conspicuously lacking in the rest of the dressing room. This is readily quantifiable: since he arrived from Sporting Lisbon in February 2020, Fernandes has amassed the most appearances and most minutes of any outfield player in Europe's top five leagues. Beyond his irascible on-pitch persona, he also demonstrates a certain humility and empathy, the very values that Amorim has sought to instil in this squad of painfully fragile egos. When he heard that the United women's team had been given only small ticket allocations for the friends and family to travel to their FA Cup final, he and goalkeeper Tom Heaton arranged for the cost of additional tickets to be covered by the men. It is one small detail, but it illustrates the gamble that United would be taking by allowing Fernandes to depart for roughly the same fee that they paid for the absurd Antony. They would be losing, in effect, their spiritual compass, the one player who in desperate times has grasped the gravitas of his role. That is not a quality to which you can easily attach a price, especially when you consider the failings of the club's recent recruitment efforts. In the circumstances, £80 million for their one genuine leader could constitute a monumental act of self-sabotage.
