Harness ‘Outstanding’ in Derby Win Wednesday, 12th Mar 2025 10:01
On-loan Blues forward Marcus Harness scored one and assisted another as Derby County ended Coventry City’s five-game winning streak by defeating them 2-0 at Pride Park last night.
Harness, who is with the Rams for the season, sent in the 23rd minute free-kick from which former Town centre-half Matt Clarke nodded his side into the lead, then the former Portsmouth attacker lashed home the second three minutes into the second half.
The 29-year-old was praised by his new manager John Eustace, not just for his display against the Sky Blues, whose most recent loss prior to last night was their 4-1 FA Cup exit to Town last month, but in the last few matches.
“I thought Marcus’s performance tonight was outstanding, as was everyone else’s really,” he told BBC Derby.
Asked what work he has done with Harness to get him playing to his current level, Eustace said: “We’ve just given him belief. Marcus is a top player and I think since I’ve been here his performances have been getting better and better.
“I’m delighted that he got the goal and assist tonight because he’s certainly deserved that for his performances in the last couple of games.”
Former Blues forward Kayden Jackson came off the bench for the last couple of minutes for the Rams, who are now third from bottom, a point from safety.
Harness is out of contract with Town in the summer but with the club having an option to extend for a further year.
Photo: Matchday Images
Please report offensive, libellous or inappropriate posts by using the links provided.
Championship promotion-chasers Sunderland are reportedly interested in a move for Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland as his contract expires in the summer, but they face competition for his services from Premier League outfit Ipswich Town.
Shankland has emerged as one of the Scottish Premiership’s leading marksmen in recent seasons with the Jambos, and has won 16 caps for Scotland as a result of his strong form at the club.
He made his name at Queen’s Park as a youngster, before a failed move to Aberdeen saw him loaned out to numerous lower-league Scottish clubs as he tried to make an impact. Shankland then scored regularly in the Scottish Championship with Ayr United and Dundee United, and has been with Hearts since 2022 after one season with Belgian side Beerschot.
The 29-year-old is fast approaching the end of his contract at Tynecastle Park, and looks set to leave the Scottish capital in search of a new challenge after failing to hit his previous heights this season. A move south of the border could be on the cards, if reports are to be believed.
Sunderland register interest in Lawrence Shankland ahead of summer contract expiry
Sunderland have seriously impressed in the Championship this season, and look set for a place in the play-offs with the chance to get back into the Premier League after eight years away potentially at stake.
They are bound to be busy in the summer transfer window regardless of league status, and transfer reporter Graeme Bailey has told NotTheOldFirm that the Black Cats could be set to make a move for Shankland soon.
Bailey claims that Sunderland are among a number of clubs that have engaged with his agents and registered their interest, with relegation-threatened top-flight side Ipswich Town also named as a possible suitor.
Lawrence Shankland’s Hearts statistics (2022-present)
Appearances
128
Goals
63
Assists
21
He is thought to be open to a move to English football, which is no surprise as he approaches 30-years-old, but a potential move to Saudi Arabia also can’t be ruled out, according to Bailey.
Numerous clubs have been linked with a move for Shankland in windows gone by, but Hearts Standard reported in January that no club had made a concrete offer for his services that month amid apparent interest from Turkey. Sunderland may well have a decent chance of sealing his signature if they wish to pursue a deal ahead of his contract expiry.
Sunderland should only go for Shankland if they are in the Championship next season
Regis Le Bris’ side have certainly not struggled going forward so far this term, with their 55 goals scored being the fourth-highest among all Championship teams up to now.
Wilson Isidor has shone as their main centre-forward, so much so that his loan from Zenit St. Petersburg was made into a permanent deal in the winter window, while Eliezer Mayenda has really proven his worth in recent weeks by stepping off the bench to score some vital goals as they aim to cement their place inside the top six.
With that said, numerous different scenarios are likely to play out the summer, dependent on which league the Wearside outfit will be playing in, in 2025/26. If they do go up, then they will likely want to add a striker of real quality to compete with Isidor, while if they were to stay down, the French forward could well depart for a higher-placed team.
Shankland is undoubtedly a great goalscorer at a certain level, after he netted 24 league goals in each of his first two campaigns with Hearts. He has dropped off this season, however, with just four strikes in all competitions, which has seen him receive backlash from sections of the Tynecastle support.
He will be 30-years-old by the time next season rolls around too, so is clearly not getting any younger, but Sunderland could do a lot worse than bring him in as depth for next season if they are still a second-tier side. The Premier League does feel like too big a jump for the 16-cap Scotland international as it stands, but some good form over the coming months could see the Black Cats make a move regardless.
Mar 5, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) celebrates his basket against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the second half at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
This will be the final year for Wisconsin Badgers guard Max Klesmit in college basketball. Klesmit has been one of the key players on this roster.
Wisconsin guard Max Klesmit (11) finds an open teammate during the first half of their game against Washington Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
Despite not being named to any of the BIG10 teams this season, he was still showing support for his teammates. John Tonje made it to the BIG10 all-first team and John Blackwell made it to the BIG10 all honorable mention team. It is not a surprise that Tonje made it to that team, but it was a surprise that Blackwell was not on the second or third team in the BIG10 Conference.
Wisconsin Badgers Guard Max Klesmit Baffled About John Blackwell’s Ranking In the BIG10 Conference
Mar 5, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) works around Minnesota Golden Gophers guard Lu’Cye Patterson (25) during the second half at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
When Klesmit found out about the BIG10 conference awards for college basketball on Tuesday, he was totally baffled about John Blackwell being on the All BIG10 Honorable Mention. Max Klesmit said on his Instagram page,
“This is laughable.”
A season ago, John Blackwell was on the All-BIG10 freshman team. Klesmit had much more to say about Blackwell being snubbed. He said,
“I mean, I just don’t know how many sophomore guards – I mean, I don’t want to say sophomore, but – younger guards have a point guard that left last year that was ball dominant for us and ran most of the show for us. And that was big shoes for JB to fill. And I think he did everything and then some.”
Blackwell is the first Badgers player to receive a postseason honor during their sophomore season since Chucky Hepburn during the 2022 season. Blackwell this past season for Wisconsin averaged 15.6 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 2.2 APG, and shot 45.6% from the field in 31 games played for Wisconsin. The Badgers during the regular season finished with a 13-7 record in conference play and had a 23-8 overall record also.
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Call Mayfield Sports Marketing at 262-366-8188 to schedule Green Bay Packers players or alumni for your corporate appearance or product promotion. Our booking agents will work on your behalf to get you the best price for your desired sports speaker. Mayfield Sports Marketing has earned a reputation of being the one to call for booking top athletes to speak at events and trade shows. To learn more about Packers players or alumni appearance cost and booking fee, please call us today. www.MayfieldSports.com.
Get the latest Wisconsin sports news, analysis, and breaking stories on the Packers, Bucks, Brewers, Badgers and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, so you never miss a story on your favorite Wisconsin teams.
Helmut Marko twists knife into Lewis Hamilton with Ferrari warning
Lewis Hamilton faces a tough task against demon qualifier Charles Leclerc (Image: Getty)
Helmut Marko has taken a fresh dig at Lewis Hamilton ahead of his Ferrari debut. More than a year after announcing his seismic move to F1’s most illustrious team, the seven-time world champion will finally don red at a grand prix at this weekend’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
Hamilton endured a disappointing final season with Mercedes and was often outperformed by team-mate George Russell. That led to questions being raised about his motivation levels after almost two decades in F1. The 40-year-old insists he feels reinvigorated by his move to Ferrari, who arguably boast the strongest driver line-up on the grid. However, he faces a stern test against team-mate Charles Leclerc, widely regarded as the best qualifier in the sport.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Qualifying has been Hamilton’s weakness in recent years. He has had just one pole since 2021 and was routinely beaten on a Saturday by Russell last season. Outspoken Red Bull advisor Marko says it will be crucial for Hamilton to keep pace with Leclerc as quickly as possible.
“In Bahrain [testing], Leclerc was the much faster one,” Marko told sport.de. “But that’s normal. He knows the team, he knows the car. Hamilton drove a lot of laps, gradually improved, but was not quite at Leclerc’s level.”Manchester United unveil plans to build new 100,000-seater stadium to replace Old Trafford
On the importance of qualifying, Marko said: “One is a world champion, the other is chasing his first title, but is one of the best qualifiers. And because the field is relatively close together, three or four tenths of a second difference in qualifying can make up three to five grid positions.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
“And you know how difficult overtaking is these days. So from this point of view, it is crucial for Hamilton to be able to evaluate the first qualifying sessions on equal footing with Leclerc. But that’s certainly not easy.”
Netherlands Introduces a New Visa for Up to 5 YearsNew Netherlands Visa for Up to 5 YearsNetherlands Introduces a New Visa for Up to 5 YearsNetherlands Introduces a New Visa for Up to 5 YearsNetherlands Introduces a New Visa for Up to 5 YearsNetherlands Introduces a New Visa for Up to 5 YearsNetherlands Introduces a New Visa for Up to 5 Years
Marko reckons Hamilton’s motivation could be sapped if he struggles to keep pace with Leclerc on a Saturday. The Max Verstappen ally added: “As I said, these are early days. And again, Hamilton can both supernaturally improve, but it could also be that if the factors don’t fit together, he sees no chance of winning, that he then loses some of his motivation. ”
”While Red Bull had an underwhelming pre-season test in Bahrain, Marko said he expected more of Ferrari, who appear to be a step behind constructors’ champions McLaren. He said via GP Blog during the test: “Ferrari was a little disappointing because we expected more from them.”
Olympic champion Gabby Thomas hit out at a fan for a demeaning comment after she had attempted a popular dance style.
Three-time Olympic Champion Gabby Thomas has snapped back at a fan whose ‘white woman’ comment on her video didn’t go down well.
Thomas, 24, who won gold in Paris in 200m, is a popular social media figure with a large following. During her off season, the Master of Public Health degree in Epidemiology holder posts about her life off the track.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Athletics News in Kenya from Pulse Sports.
The Georgia-born track queen shared a video on her TikTok platform, trying out a hip-hop dance movie, where a person moves the body from side to side accompanied with a hand movement.
New Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy names provisional squad for World Cup qualifiers
New Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy names provisional squad for World Cup qualifiers
Thomas, who was raised in Massachusetts, reshared the same video on X and attracted a comment by a fan who intentionally called the world champion ‘white woman’ but could not further elaborate.
“This is a white woman…I will not elaborate.” Thomas responded with “ew” reply to vent her displeasure. In an instant reply, the social media user then clarified that her comment was based on the dancing talent. “It’s just the dance moves.”
Kenya dealt a blow in the construction of stadia earmarked for AFCON 2027
Kenya dealt a blow in the construction of stadia earmarked for AFCON 2027
Infuriated further by the demeaning comment and in a way of trying to silence the X user, Thomas categorically stated. “nah, girl you got the wrong one. black people aren’t a monolith and this anti black rhetoric isn’t it. let black women by silly and have fan.”
Thomas had a perfect 2024 season going by her achievements. In June she qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics by winning the U.S. Olympic Trials 200m race with a time of 21.81.
She won the 200 m at the final pre-Olympic Diamond League meeting in London, the following month, with a time of 21.82. At the Olympics, she won the gold medal in 21.83 in her preferred 200m race.
Along with her teammates, she also won gold medals in the 4x100m relay and 4x400m relay.
On September 26, she competed at the Athlos track meet, a women-only track and field meeting at Icahn Stadium in New York City, finishing second in the 200m.
In November 2024, it was announced that Thomas had signed up for the inaugural season of the Michael Johnson founded Grand Slam Track. With the track season set to begin in April, Thomas will hope to pick up from where she left last year.
Udinese striker Lorenzo Lucca has admitted that he was pleased to hear of AC Milan’s interest in him, reaffirming that Zlatan Ibrahimovic is his idol.
Milan have been linked with a move for Lucca during the last couple of transfer windows, but it was in the winter mercato that things really seemed to take a step forward.
While in the end the Rossoneri signed Santiago Gimenez from Feyenoord, Lucca was being readied as the alternative towards the end of the window.
The Italian has scored 12 goals this season, with 10 coming in the league and two in the Coppa Italia, in 30 appearances overall. He was bought last year for €8m after spending the prior season on loan from Pisa.
Lucca gave an interview to Corriere della Sera and spoke about a number of different topics, including the links with the Rossoneri. Calciomercato.com relayed his comments.
What was it like to learn of Milan’s interest?
“I don’t read the newspapers much so as not to get distracted. The appreciation of such a big club pleased me, but I tried not to lose focus on my path.”
With your ten goals, the same as Lautaro and Lukaku, you contributed to Udinese’s unexpected tenth place standing. Is this the season of consecration for you?
“I’m happy with my performance and the help I give to the team. Compared to last season, we haven’t changed much in terms of the team, but rather in terms of mentality. But I don’t feel satisfied, I want to improve even more.”
Is there a person in particular who has helped you progress?
“My trainer, Sebastian. After all, I don’t limit myself to working on the pitch with Jordi Garcia, the club’s athletic trainer, but I also dedicate myself to extra training in the gym. Or together we analyse data and statistics. He also helps me refine my technique.”
Are you aware that you have characteristics that few strikers have?
“At the moment my top club is Udinese. Then with work and goals I know that the opportunities will come as a consequence. After all, who doesn’t aim for a big team?”
“No, at that moment we talked about my past in Holland. I was the first Italian to play for Ajax but maybe I arrived at the wrong time.”
Scotland manager Steve Clarke is confident Ipswich Town striker George Hirst won’t turn his back on a call-up to his squad.
Clarke had planned to include the 26-year-old in the group he named on Tuesday for the UEFA Nations League play-off matches against Greece later this month.
A delay in the Scottish FA securing the necessary paperwork to permit a switch in allegiance for Sheffield-born Hirst, who has represented England from under-17 to under-20 level, forced Clarke to leave him out.
The son of former England striker David Hirst, he is eligible to play for Scotland through his paternal grandfather.
Clarke’s previous attempt to cap a player in similar circumstances backfired. Elliot Anderson, then with Newcastle United, was included in the Scotland squad for friendlies with Cyprus and England in August 2023 but withdrew injured after initially reporting for duty.
The midfielder, who has since made a £35million move to Nottingham Forest, later revealed he was committing his international future to England for whom he has since played at under-21 level.
George HIrst of Ipswich was supposed to be in Clarke’s Scotland squad for GreeceStriker Hirst caught the eye when he scored in the FA Cup against Nottingham ForestHIrst is mobbed by his Ipswich team-mates after his goal against Forest earlier this monthClarke was at the cup tie to watch Hirst but has been unable to call him up for nowIronically, Anderson was in the Forest side earlier this month who played Ipswich in the FA Cup, a match attended by Clarke who saw Hirst score for the Tractor Boys.
Having spoken to Hirst, Clarke has no fears he will have cold feet about playing for Scotland.
‘George will come if we get the paperwork through,’ said Clarke. ‘If we had got it through for this camp, he would have been in this squad.
‘He wants to play international football. We offer him that chance. You can never say 100 per cent but I’ll say I’m 99 per cent convinced that, as and when George is selected for the squad, he will turn up.
‘We had our first conversation about a month ago. He comes across as a very nice person. He wants to be here.
‘It’s possible he could still be added to this squad if the paperwork goes through.
‘George is someone we have had in mind for a few months. I’ve watched him recently. He is in and out of the Ipswich team, he has played in the cup games.
‘He scored against Forest and I was spotted on the telly at the game. It didn’t take a genius to work out who I was there to watch because he was the only one on the pitch qualified to play for Scotland.
‘He is a player who would help give us more depth to that striker position if we can do it.’
The 2025 NFL Combine is underway and the Detroit Lions are in draft mode, but they’re also in free agency mode as well. Lions GM Brad Holmes took to the podium in Indy and let out a little bit of information on a free agent they’re looking at when talking about the Lions defensive line.
“I was looking at our game at Arizona in Week 3. We’re looking at a free agent.”
We wondered who that could be and now we know. The Lions are signing former Cardinals nose tackle Roy Lopez to a one-year deal
The former sixth-round pick out of Arizona has been in the league since the 2021 season and he has been a starter the entire time. He started out with the Houston Texans and then signed with the Cardinals in 2023. He played two seasons there and started every game he played.
Lopez specializes in run stuffing and he is instantly going to be a big part of the Lions’ interior defensive line. At 27 years old, he gives the Lions a shot at a long-term future at the position with DJ Reader being 31 years old when the 2025 season starts and also being in the last year of his deal.
Lopez does offer some pass rush ability, he had 18 pressures and a sack in 2024, but the reality is that you’re really looking for Lopez to be a space eater much like Reader, but with the ability to be a little more athletic. At 6-foot-2 and 318 pounds, Lopez certainly has the size.
This signing isn’t likely to be one that gets Lions fans super excited, but it should because it helps shore up the interior and brings some strength to the line. Honselty, don’t be surprised if this guy starts Week 1. Also, do yourself a favor and don’t pay attention to the PFF grades on this one. They are historically really hard on all nose tackles and nobody understands why.
Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert has highlighted a key feature about Ferrari‘s SF-25, which could make an eighth drivers’ title for Lewis Hamilton “very possible” this year.
Hamilton has quickly settled in at Ferrari, performing well during pre-season testing in Bahrain, where he completed 162 laps.
The seven-time world champion’s confidence and self-belief appear to have returned following his Mercedes departure. Despite two victories last season, Hamilton experienced a difficult few years with the Silver Arrows since losing the 2021 drivers’ title under controversial circumstances.
Mercedes failed to deliver the Briton a competitive package in the first three campaigns of the current regulations, although it has been suggested the current cars do not suit Hamilton.
As pinpointed by Herbert, Mercedes’ recent cars have all suffered from understeer, with Hamilton preferring a car that turns sharply.
Based on testing, the former F1 driver and ex-race steward believes he now has exactly that at Ferrari, opening the door to being able to fight for the title in 2025.
“He settled in very quickly,” Herbert told CasinoApps. “When you’re at the level that Lewis has been for many years, it doesn’t take long to settle in.
“That’s what he’s showing at present. The car itself looks pretty drivable.
“I think it looks more like what Lewis has always been after. He always likes a very sharp front end. And that was something that they struggled with, a bit of understeer with the Mercedes.
“It looks as if the Ferrari has a little bit more of a sharper front end, which is only going to benefit Lewis in his campaign to get that eighth title. And I think it’s very, very possible for that to happen.”
Also interesting:
Join RacingNews365’s Ian Parkes, Sam Coop and Nick Golding, as the trio discuss Red Bull’s concerning performance in testing and a big call it will soon have to make. Lewis Hamilton’s response to critics regarding his age and moving to Ferrari is also discussed!
Lewis Hamilton faces a tough task against demon qualifier Charles Leclerc (Image: Getty)
Helmut Marko has taken a fresh dig at Lewis Hamilton ahead of his Ferrari debut. More than a year after announcing his seismic move to F1’s most illustrious team, the seven-time world champion will finally don red at a grand prix at this weekend’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
Hamilton endured a disappointing final season with Mercedes and was often outperformed by team-mate George Russell. That led to questions being raised about his motivation levels after almost two decades in F1. The 40-year-old insists he feels reinvigorated by his move to Ferrari, who arguably boast the strongest driver line-up on the grid. However, he faces a stern test against team-mate Charles Leclerc, widely regarded as the best qualifier in the sport.
Stay up-to-date with the latest F1 news
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Qualifying has been Hamilton’s weakness in recent years. He has had just one pole since 2021 and was routinely beaten on a Saturday by Russell last season. Outspoken Red Bull advisor Marko says it will be crucial for Hamilton to keep pace with Leclerc as quickly as possible.
“In Bahrain [testing], Leclerc was the much faster one,” Marko told sport.de. “But that’s normal. He knows the team, he knows the car. Hamilton drove a lot of laps, gradually improved, but was not quite at Leclerc’s level.”
Arne Slot previews PSG clash
On the importance of qualifying, Marko said: “One is a world champion, the other is chasing his first title, but is one of the best qualifiers. And because the field is relatively close together, three or four tenths of a second difference in qualifying can make up three to five grid positions.
Marko reckons Hamilton’s motivation could be sapped if he struggles to keep pace with Leclerc on a Saturday. The Max Verstappen ally added: “As I said, these are early days. And again, Hamilton can both supernaturally improve, but it could also be that if the factors don’t fit together, he sees no chance of winning, that he then loses some of his motivation. ”
”While Red Bull had an underwhelming pre-season test in Bahrain, Marko said he expected more of Ferrari, who appear to be a step behind constructors’ champions McLaren. He said via GP Blog during the test: “Ferrari was a little disappointing because we expected more from them.”
