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  • Duplantis and Warholm confirmed for Diamond League appearances in Xiamen and Keqiao

    Duplantis and Warholm confirmed for Diamond League appearances in Xiamen and Keqiao

     

     

    World champions Mondo Duplantis and Karsten Warholm will get their 2025 Wanda Diamond League campaigns under way with appearances in Xiamen and Keqiao, the first two meetings in this year’s series.

     

    The Red Star Macalline Wanda Diamond League will be held in Xiamen on 26 April, while the Yangtze River Delta Athletics Diamond Gala – usually staged in Shanghai but this year in Keqiao – will take place one week later on 3 May.

     

    Olympic pole vault champion Duplantis has fond memories of competing in China. Last year, he kick-started his outdoor season in Xiamen with a world record of 6.24m, then followed up with a 6.00m victory in Suzhou one week later.

     

    The Swedish superstar went on to improve his world record with his 6.25m triumph at the Olympic Games in Paris before upping it to 6.26m at the Diamond League meeting in Silesia.

     

    Warholm, meanwhile, will be competing in China for the first time. The Norwegian, who holds the 400m hurdles world record at 45.94, had to contend with some injuries throughout 2024, but still managed to win his third European title. He also earned Olympic silver and broke 47 seconds in four of his races.

     

    Two other world champions have recently had appearances confirmed for the early season Diamond League meetings.

     

    World and Olympic 110m hurdles champion Grant Holloway will star in Xiamen, while world and Olympic high jump champion Yaroslava Mahuchikh will compete in Keqiao. The Ukrainian, who holds the world high jump record at 2.10m, had already been confirmed for Xiamen.

     

     

  • Nuno claims that Bournemouth is giving Forest’s aspirations of finishing in the top four a “warning.”

    Nuno claims that Bournemouth is giving Forest’s aspirations of finishing in the top four a “warning.”

    When Nottingham Forest hosts Brighton at the City Ground on Saturday, they will be hoping to rekindle their hopes of finishing in the top four.

    Nuno Espirito Santo acknowledged that Nottingham Forest’s crushing 5-0 loss to Bournemouth served as a stark reminder of how hard it is to place in the top four this year.

    Dango Ouattara’s hat-trick helped lead the Cherries to victory, ending Forest’s eight-game unbeaten Premier League streak with a whimper at the Vitality Stadium.

    Forest really experienced their heaviest loss in the competition since a 5-0 thumping at Fulham in December 2023, and they have now given up three or more goals in each of their previous four top-flight losses (a total of 14 goals).

    Nuno’s team is still in the Champions League spots, but their chances of qualifying for Europe are now in jeopardy due to victories by Manchester City and Newcastle United last time out.

    It must serve as a warning to all of us—the players, the fans, and the coaching staff. Understanding our methods, we can’t give up on certain gaming elements.”

    Brighton lost to Everton 1-0 at the Amex Stadium last time out as well, with Iliman Ndiaye’s penalty in the first half making the difference.

    Fabian Hurzeler has hinted that the Seagulls may be making reinforcements in the January transfer window to increase their prospects of qualifying for Europe next season, as they currently rank ninth in the Premier League standings.

    While striker Evan Ferguson has been linked to a move, Brighton has reportedly made many unsuccessful bids for Derby County defender Eiran Cashin.

  • Already making contacts” – Fabrizio Romano’s exciting update on Arsenal & Liverpool transfer target Arsenal FC Liverpool FC

    Already making contacts” – Fabrizio Romano’s exciting update on Arsenal & Liverpool transfer target Arsenal FC Liverpool FC

    Fans of Liverpool and Arsenal might be interested in this afternoon’s update from transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano. Romano has stated that Premier League teams are already in talks to sign highly-regarded teenage Ajax defender Jorrel Hato before the summer, despite the fact that he makes no mention of the Gunners or the Reds.

    Despite not transferring this January, Hato appears to be a player to keep an eye on during the upcoming transfer window, as he has been connected to both Liverpool and Arsenal by other sources. “I will never apologize!” Which former Arsenal player claims he was “really p***ed off” with the treatment he received before to departing? Journalist Graeme Bailey recently revealed that Liverpool was interested in the Netherlands international, and The Athletic has connected Hato to Arsenal as a target. Given Romano’s recent update on Hato’s future, it’s possible that these teams—as well as others—are already working to get his signature for the upcoming campaign.

  • Ipswich Town: Jacob Greaves on Town fans and Southampton game

    Ipswich Town: Jacob Greaves on Town fans and Southampton game

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    Jacob Greaves says Ipswich Town are going to need their ‘incredible’ fans as they fight to stay in the Premier

     

    Jacob Greaves says Ipswich Town are going to need their ‘incredible’ fans as they fight to stay in the Premier League (Image: Steve Waller/Ross Halls)

    Ipswich Town defender Jacob Greaves says the team are going to need their ‘incredible’ fans as they fight to stay in the Premier League.

     

    Town fans have proven themselves time and time again, packing out Portman Road and travelling in their thousands since the League One days.

     

    Even in heavy defeats this season, their support hasn’t wavered – the team was cheered after the 6-0 home thumping by Manchester City, and kept on singing despite being 4-0 down at Liverpool on Saturday.

     

    And Greaves was effusive in his praise of the supporters at Anfield.

     

    Jacob Greaves was lifted by the Town fans at Anfield

    Jacob Greaves was lifted by the Town fans at Anfield

     

    “Incredible, honestly incredible,” he said. “Even at 4-0 down, they made so much noise. Until Liverpool fans started singing their trademark song, I couldn’t really hear too much of them.

     

     

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    “It was a lot of the Ipswich fans singing. That’s going to be needed for the rest of the season.

     

    “They were incredible today and I think a lot of lads bounced off it in the second half to put in a better performance.”

     

    Town now return to Portman Road for their biggest game of the season so far, a clash with rock-bottom Southampton.

     

    The Saints looked doomed, sitting 10 points behind Town and Wolves in the bottom three. Leicester City are just outside the drop zone, a point above the Blues and Wolverhampton.

     

    With just 15 games left then, the Saints clash looks like a must-win. Sam Morsy rescued a point at St Mary’s in the reverse fixture back in September, the 1-1 draw coming in a four match unbeaten run for Town.

     

    Sam Morsy grabbed a late leveller at Southampton in September

    Sam Morsy grabbed a late leveller at Southampton in September

     

    “It was a really important game when we went away to them – it feels like ages ago now,” Greaves said.

     

    “Obviously Skip (Morsy) got a goal in the last minute, but we know it’s going to be a tough task.

     

    “They aren’t in a place where they want to be but they have got good players than can hurt you on their day, so we know it’s going to be a big, big game, but no bigger than any of the other one of these Premier League games.

     

    “We know that we’re going in there for three points in the fight for survival.”

     

    Kieran McKenna wants to reward the Town fans for their support

    Kieran McKenna wants to reward the Town fans for their support

     

    Boss Kieran McKenna also praised his club’s fans, saying he hopes his side can repay them for their support.

     

    “They were fantastic,” he enthused at Anfield. “It certainly means a lot. They appreciate the challenge, the size of the jump and the amount of change there’s been.

     

    “We want to reward their support in the weeks and months ahead by hopefully giving them some good days.”

  • “Heartbreak in Morgantown: Garrett Greene Suspended Indefinitely, Fans Rally for His Return”

    “Heartbreak in Morgantown: Garrett Greene Suspended Indefinitely, Fans Rally for His Return”

    Heartbreak in Morgantown: Garrett Greene Suspended Indefinitely, Fans Rally for His Return

    Morgantown, WV – The news hit West Virginia University fans like a gut punch last week as star quarterback Garrett Greene was suspended indefinitely from the Mountaineers football team. The talented dual-threat quarterback, who had become the heart and soul of the team, has been a standout for the Mountaineers this season, leading them through some tough matchups and showcasing his impressive skill set. Now, with his future on the field uncertain, both the team and its passionate fanbase are left grappling with the fallout of this unexpected suspension.

    Greene, known for his electrifying plays and leadership, has been a key figure in the Mountaineers’ offensive scheme. His ability to break off big runs and make precision passes has made him a fan favorite. It seemed like his time in Morgantown was just beginning to hit its stride, with hopes of a promising season ahead. However, the indefinite suspension has left a cloud of uncertainty hanging over both Greene’s career and the team’s prospects for the rest of the season.

    Although the university has yet to release specific details about the nature of the suspension, speculation is running rampant in Morgantown. Fans have flooded social media with their thoughts and concerns, with many pleading for answers and for Greene to be reinstated as soon as possible. The community’s outcry has been loud, with supporters organizing rallies and even creating social media campaigns demanding that the talented quarterback be brought back to the field.

    “I just don’t understand why this is happening,” said one fan, visibly emotional at a recent game. “Garrett is the reason we’ve had any excitement this season. He’s the heart of this team. We need him back.”

    For the players, Greene’s absence is a significant loss. His leadership on and off the field is hard to replace, and his energy has been contagious throughout the locker room. Coaches have expressed their disappointment as well, emphasizing the impact Greene has had on both the team’s morale and their on-field performance. Without him, the Mountaineers face a tough challenge as they head into the remainder of the season, relying on backup quarterbacks to step up in his place.

    “Garrett’s leadership is unmatched,” said head coach Neal Brown. “He’s an incredible talent, and we’re hoping this situation resolves itself quickly. We want nothing more than for him to return to the field with us.”

    As fans wait for clarity on Greene’s suspension, the rallying cry for his return continues to grow louder. Social media platforms have been flooded with posts that range from heartfelt messages to calls for university officials to reconsider the suspension. #WeWantHimBack has become a trending hashtag among the West Virginia faithful, with thousands of fans sharing their support for the young quarterback.

    “Garrett’s not just a player. He’s a symbol of what it means to be a Mountaineer,” one fan posted. “We stand by him and we want him back!”

    While the situation remains unclear, one thing is certain: Garrett Greene has won the hearts of Mountaineer Nation. The indefinite suspension may have temporarily derailed the team’s momentum, but the love and support from fans may be the fuel needed to get Greene back on the field where he belongs. The community stands united in their hope for his swift return, and only time will tell how this chapter in West Virginia football will unfold.

  • Harry Clarke to join Sheffield United after Blades beat rivals to his loan signature

    Harry Clarke to join Sheffield United after Blades beat rivals to his loan signature

     

    Ipswich Town defender Harry Clarke is set to join Championship promotion-chasing side Sheffield United on loan.

    Ipswich Town defender Harry Clarke is set to join Championship promotion-chasing side Sheffield United on loan

    Ipswich Town right-back Harry Clarke is set to join Sheffield United on loan until the end of the season.

     

    The Blades, currently second in the Championship under Chris Wilder, have beaten their city rivals Sheffield Wednesday to the 23-year-old’s signature.

     

    Clarke will provide competition for Sheffield United right-back Alfie Gilchrist, who has started 26 of their 29 league games so far this season.

     

    Ipswich-born Clarke came through the youth ranks at Playford Road before getting snapped up by Arsenal at the age of 14.

     

    After a series of loan spells away, at Oldham, Ross County, Hibernian and Stoke, he returned to his hometown club in a £1.5m deal in January 2023.

     

    A key part of the team that secured back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League, Clarke has slipped down the pecking order behind Axel Tuanzebe, Ben Johnson and January addition Ben Godfrey.

     

     

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    Fluid logo

    He’s been restricted to four starts in the top-flight this season. In one of those, at Brentford, he gave away a penalty and was sent off. His last start was in the 4-0 home defeat to Newcastle prior to Christmas.

     

    Speaking earlier this month, Blues boss Kieran McKenna said: “There’s a possibility that Harry Clarke will go out on loan. We have had those conversations.

     

    “He’s an important player for us, a very good player. He had a big surgery (on both Achilles tendons) in the summer, so he missed a few months of football.

     

    “He has had some minutes now in the Premier League and some exposure but for his age as a young defender it’s important to be getting minutes regularly for his progression and for his role at the club.”

     

    Clarke’s contract at Portman Road runs until the summer of 2026.

     

    Ipswich, still keen to add to their squad before Monday’s transfer deadline, will now have two senior spots available to them if they opt to deregister long-term injury duo Wes Burns and Chiedozie Ogbene.

     

    The Blues cannot sign anymore players on loan from Premier League or EFL clubs as they are at the two-man limit with Kalvin Phillips (Man City) and Julio Enciso (Brighton).

     

    IPSWICH SQUAD

     

    Senior (25): Walton, Muric, Slicker; Tuanzebe, Godfrey, Johnson; O’Shea, Woolfenden, Greaves, Burgess; Davis, Townsend; Morsy, Phillips, Cajuste, Taylor, Luongo; Burns*, Ogbene*, Chaplin, Philogene, Szmodics, J.Clarke, Broadhead; Hirst.

     

     

  • Tottenham eyeing swoop for Brian Brobbey or Liam Delap before deadline day

    Tottenham eyeing swoop for Brian Brobbey or Liam Delap before deadline day

    • Tottenham Hotspur need to make some additions to their squad if they are to do any better in the second half of the season, where their credentials will be sternly tested in the knockout rounds of the Europa League too. With Ange Postecoglou’s role safe for the near future, the Australian could now be backed with a signing or two before the ongoing transfer window shuts.

    According to the Telegraph (h/t 90min), Spurs are looking into making offensive additions with Ajax Amsterdam star Brian Brobbey on their radar alongside Ipswich Town’s top performer Liam Delap. Given Dominic Solanke’s injury, the Lilywhites are prepared to spend a decent sum on a forward, so it is not surprising to see two fine young names on their shortlist.

    Brobbey has gained prominence for his performances with Ajax in the last couple of seasons, and has scored three goals this season while also assisting seven times. Delap, meanwhile, was a revered young talent at Manchester City, and is almost single-handedly leading Ipswich’s bid to avoid relegation into the Championship this season with eight goals and two assists.

    Delap would be a terrific signing

    Brian Brobbey is a brilliant player but has faltered in front of goal this season with only three strikes to his name in all competitions. The 22-year-old’s contract being valid until June 2027 might also work against Tottenham Hotspur as Ajax Amsterdam will look to make a windfall out of the Dutchman’s sale.

    Liam Delap’s transfer, on the other hand, may work brilliant in Spurs’ favour. Not only is he a proven option in the Premier League, but Ipswich Town could let go of him midway through the campaign for a decent offer as the 21-year-old’s valuation could significantly plummet if they are unable to secure safety in the Premier League by matchday 38.

    Delap would have the opportunity to feature for one of the Premier League’s best sides, and thanks to his experience of playing on the left flank in Manchester City’s youth ranks, the Englishman could also become a regular fixture down Tottenham’s wing if the club decides to move on from Son Heung-min sooner rather than later.

    It remains to be seen what Ipswich will ask for Brobbey, however, and if their demands match Tottenham’s budget.

    Related Topics
  • Clarke Set to Join Blades On Loan – Ipswich Town News

    Clarke Set to Join Blades On Loan – Ipswich Town News

    Good luck Harry. We know you’ll be back in blue one day!

     

    Good move for him, at 23 its vital he is playing regularly. Still a big room for improvement, hopefully it’ll help him make that next step into a Prem player. Best of luck Harry! 
    Just checked the Wednesday forums and they are convinced Chris Wilder is obsessed with them after pulling off this little ‘steel’.

    United are in a strong position but I hope this translates to game time for Harry
    Seems a shame to “lose” him when he was such a big member of the team for the last couple of highly successful seasons, but it’s easy to forget that he’s only 23 and very early in his career. Needs to be playing, and plenty of years ahead of him to progress. Best of luck
    Good luck Harry. We will miss your fist pump. See you next season.
    muccletonjoe
    I agree with KM , he is a very good player, and if we get relegated this season , we will all be thankful he has had this loan.
    Agree with other comments, but just think the way Harry plays he needs to be in a front foot team which we have been for past 2 years….whereas this Season we are inevitably mostly on the back foot and someone like Axel comes into his own. Shame as I do not see us getting relegated, but we will need forward momentum from RB next season if the worst happens and have no one else at the Club who provides that. Good luck Harry and don’t stay away too long regardless ! 
    Harry is the player (along with Wolfenden) who gets the most unwarranted flack from the online mob, mostly from ‘fans’ with no apparent Suffolk heritage I’ve noticed, though most of them have got profiles clutching a bottle of Stella. Coincidence? No idea, but it’s ill-informed at best. Last season in particular the way we were set up often left HC exposed and out of position, but that was our chosen plan, and obviously it worked. Both HC and LW are decent players who clearly love the club and give total commitment on the pitch. Because both are defenders and someone has to be blamed for every goal conceded, they have been the target of the mob, but, as I’ve pointed out many times, we still conceded goals when we could perm any four from Mills, Burley, Hunter, Beattie, Butcher and Osman as our defence, and nobody could ever have called them out for stealing a living? Personally I think both of them add a lot to the team on match-days (and probably in training) and yes, there are things they could do better, but the same could be said of all of our current defenders.
    I get mystified by why they’re singled out, other than possible some weird jealousy?
    SmithersJones added 11:11 – Jan 29
    The old Sheffield Utd fanzine The Flashing Blade used to run an occasional piece called “They Refused to Play for Wednesday”, based on a feature in the Wednesday programme called “They Used to Play for Wednesday”. Time to bring it back!
    FBI added 11:27 – Jan 29
    @The_Prof What on earth are you on about? Have a lie down, it’ll wear off in a few hours.
    Dozzells_Bobblehat added 11:28 – Jan 29
    Prof , I agree . We play/played a system in which Leif is basically a wing back in a back four. When he is caught out of position both centre backs and HC would all move across. On occasion the opposition would see this and play a ball out to the left wing and Clarke would get stick from people just seeing the gap on his side . That said I think this is a good move at this point.
    I also like Wolf and wouldn’t be letting him go .
  • Wisconsin offensive coordinator has high praise for transfer quarterback Billy Edwards Jr.

    Wisconsin offensive coordinator has high praise for transfer quarterback Billy Edwards Jr.

    Wisconsin offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes called Billy Edwards Jr. ‘one of the top two or three’ transfer quarterbacks in the country in a recent Q&A with Matt Lepay and the Varsity Collective.

    “I love this kid,” Grimes said in a video clip posted on X. “We looked at a bunch of quarterbacks in the portal. And from the beginning, Billy was one of the top two or three guys in the country, in my estimation.”

    Edwards committed to the Badgers on Dec. 16, just four days after initially entering the portal. 247Sports lists the former Maryland starter as a three-star transfer recruit, ranked as the No. 284 overall player in the portal and No. 27 quarterback.

    Grimes is much higher on the Badgers’ new signal-caller than the broader consensus. He expanded on some of the reasons for that high evaluation.

    “There were a lot of guys that some experts may have had rated higher. But I thought his combination of size, arm talent, intelligence, decision-making and athletic ability, combined with personality, toughness, energy that you can tell from watching the film. All of those things were important to me.”

    Here is the full clip, courtesy of the Varsity Collective:

    Edwards is set to start for the Badgers in 2025 after one year as Maryland’s full-time starter. The veteran completed 65% of his passes for 2,881 passing yards, 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 2024 for the Terrapins.

     

    Those numbers include the context of Maryland finishing second-to-last in the conference (4-8 overall, 1-8 Big Ten). Edwards wasn’t surrounded by much talent or production on his side of the football, especially along the offensive line.

    The Virginia native figures to be a near-perfect fit in Grimes’ pro-style offense. He’ll be aided by a terrific offensive line unit, talented running back room and strong wide receiving corps. Those convergent factors should lead to career numbers from the senior quarterback. He won’t have much trouble delivering Wisconsin’s best season from the position since 2019 (Jack Coan).

    247Sports transfer quarterback rankings were led by Carson Beck (Georgia to Miami), John Mateer (Washington State to Oklahoma), Luke Kromenhoek (Florida State to Mississippi State), Fernando Mendoza (Cal to Indiana) and Jaron Kaewe Sagapolutele (Oregon to Cal).

    According to Grimes, Edwards could surpass most of them.

    Wisconsin fans know the first step toward that reality is Edwards staying healthy through an entire season. The team’s high-profile veteran transfer additions have combined to play just 13 combined games over the last two seasons — 10 from Tanner Mordecai in 2023 and three from Tyler Van Dyke in 2024. That dynamic hurt Phil Longo’s air raid attack.

    Grimes will need better luck in that regard has he works to return the program to its classic pro-style roots.

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  • Redick candid as Bronny struggles in extended 

    Redick candid as Bronny struggles in extended 

    PHILADELPHIA — Lakers coach JJ Redick second-guessed his decision to insert rookie Bronny James into his rotation in Los Angeles’ 118-104 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday.

    “Maybe put him in a tough spot,” Redick said after James went 0-for-5 with three turnovers in 15 minutes. “Flying up yesterday, nationally televised game in Philly and all that stuff. He didn’t play well, but he’s been playing great in the stay-ready games, and he’s been playing great in the G [League].”

    James was on assignment with the South Bay Lakers, L.A.’s G League affiliate, when the Lakers recalled him Monday to join them in the middle of their five-game road trip.

    The Lakers’ No. 55 pick in the second round in June, the eldest son of star LeBron James, had not played meaningful minutes for L.A. since opening night when the James family became the first father-son duo in NBA history to play in a game together.

    With backup Gabe Vincent (left knee) sidelined the past two games, Redick gave Bronny a shot in the first quarter against Philadelphia with L.A. up 17-9.

    “Just felt like on a back-to-back, just him giving us energy, I think, was the goal,” Redick said. “I have confidence in him, but obviously didn’t provide that at a high level.”

    The 6-foot-2 guard struggled immediately, with the Sixers’ Tyrese Maxey (43 points) attacking him defensively to score and then turning it over on a bad pass to Anthony Davis on offense, leading to a transition dunk for Guerschon Yabusele.

    “He’s a fast guard,” Bronny said of Maxey. “Amazing touch. Can shoot it. I was trying to stand my ground. Just trying to play as hard as I can and bring as much energy as I can. That’s all.”

    He added that the call-up to the Lakers, a few days after scoring a season-high 31 points in the G League, caught him off guard.

    “It just came out of nowhere, so I was always trying to stay ready to play and always keeping my mind right,” he said.

    Despite the rough night, Bronny still cited growth since opening night when he closed out the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves with his dad.

    “I feel like I’m a whole lot more prepared now,” he said. “Again, just coming out and staying ready after the G League stint and the season being down the road a little bit more, just staying ready. And coming in, playing smart.”

    LeBron said his son’s growth will continue with more opportunities.

    “Obviously, it’s his first extensive minutes with us,” LeBron said. “We had that first game where it was just a moment — and that was a great moment. But tonight was his first opportunity to be with the big guys, be with the big club, and he’s going to continue to use that and get better and better.”