Jurgen Klopp has taken in a final rendition of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ as Liverpool manager, with the German visibly moved on his Anfield farewell.
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Anderson’s three late wickets keep Middlesex batsmen at bay
Paul Edwards at Lord's11-Apr-2019
Stephen Eskinazi of Middlesex bats during the County Championship Division Two match against Lancashire at Lord’s•Getty Images
An April morning in St John’s Wood. Wisden just published, winter taking flight and the world freshly clothed in its spring livery. It is a common habit at this point in an Ashes season to consider who will bat in the top order against Australia. Admittedly the field has been narrowed down to about thirty batsmen but before long anyone with a pulse who has reached double figures in the previous fortnight will have his advocates.For half this day we thought the 75 runs made by Stevie Eskinazi, a player rarely considered in an international context, would define the game’s first quarter. But by evening it was an opening bowler who had done most to mould the match’s current shape. For having taken just one wicket in the first two sessions, James Anderson bagged a couple more after tea as Middlesex declined from 181 for 3 to 236 for 9 at stumps. It may not have been exactly what Dane Vilas had envisaged when he opted to bowl at 10.30 but it was very acceptable all the same.Lancashire’s revival was completed by Tom Bailey, who added the late wickets of James Harris and Steven Finn to the two he had taken in the afternoon session.But it was inspired by Anderson, who had Dawid Malan caught at slip for 24 when he pushed one across the batsman and then returned with the new ball to nip one away from Max Holden when the young left-hander had made a composed 34. Rob Jones took the resulting slip catch quite as easily as he had when pouching Eoin Morgan in the gully off Josh Bohannon eight overs earlier.Morgan’s careless slash summed up Middlesex’s evening; Bohannon’s clenched fists encapsulated Lancastrian joy in pugnacious fashion. The 22-year-old only celebrated his birthday on Tuesday but his rolling gait suggests he has already spent a dozen years before the mast. One thinks of Leading Seaman Frank, the part played by William Hartnell, in the And all this was rather unexpected given Lancashire’s only success in the morning was achieved in the seventh over when Anderson squared up Sam Robson and Glenn Maxwell took the resultant edge at second slip without palaver. That wicket was Anderson’s 921st in first-class cricket but it was more notable for being his 300th for Lancashire in his 18th season with the county.Not surprising, you may say, when one considers the effect of central contracts on domestic cricket but still remarkable when one compares his achievement with that of Brian Statham, who took eight games more than Anderson’s 77 to reach the same landmark for his beloved county yet packed those matches into three years and four months following his debut in 1950.The contrasts between the two are as revealing as the comparisons. It is accepted that Statham and Anderson are two of England’s finest bowlers and each has had an End named after them at Emirates Old Trafford. Yet Statham had never travelled in an aeroplane before being asked to fly out and join MCC’s tour of Australia in 1951; the furthest he had voyaged from these shores was the Isle of Man.Anderson, by contrast has probably got more air miles on his clock than the average transatlantic pilot. Statham’s first job after leaving school was clerking in a firm of coal merchants and in what passed for retirement he worked in a brewery’s sales department. When Anderson’s career ends one doubts he will need to find alternative employment.All bowlers, though, have to insulate themselves against disappointment and Anderson’s was plain in the morning session when Gubbins edged him twice between slips and gully. He threw back his head, shoved his hands in his pockets and stalked back to his mark as if appalled at life’s iniquity.That was as nothing, though, when set beside Graham Onions’ frustration when he had both Gubbins and Eskinazi dropped by Alex Davies and Maxwell respectively in the space of seven balls. Thus reprieved, the pair lunched on 84 for one and Middlesex supporters looked forward to further prosperity.But it did not quite work out that way. After batting well and reaching his fifty with a pleasing back foot drive off Maxwell, Gubbins played across a full length ball from Bailey and was leg before wicket for 55. Nearly eight overs later, Eskinazi, whose driving through the off side had been one of the day’s delights, made to leg glance the same bowler but only feathered a catch to Brook Guest.As seems to have been the norm in recent seasons, Lancashire went into the game with two or three ‘keepers and Guest took over the gloves when Davies injured himself dropping Gubbins.Middlesex got to tea on 175 for 3 but rest of the day belonged to Lancashire’s bowlers with Anderson taking 3 for 41 from his 21 overs. It was a fine effort although one doubts he thanked his feet for getting him though the day, as Statham was wont to do.The rest of us thanked God or whatever means the good for letting us enjoy this stuff once again. The scents of blossoms were everywhere as one left Lord’s this Thursday evening and not even the subterranean stench of the tube could banish them.
وصل التونسي سيف الدين الجزيري مهاجم نادي الزمالك، إلى القاهرة، اليوم الثلاثاء، بعد انتهاء فترة التوقف الدولي الحالي بخوض منتخب بلاده مباراتي مدغشقر وجامبيا في تصفيات كأس أمم إفريقيا.
ويستعد فريق الزمالك لمواجهة الشرطة الكيني، يوم 14 سبتمبر الجاري بالعاصمة الكينية نيروبي، في ذهاب دور الـ32 لبطولة كأس الكونفدرالية، على أن يقام لقاء العودة باستاد القاهرة الدولي يوم 20 من الشهر ذاته.
طالع | سيف الجزيري يزف بشرى سارة لجماهير الزمالك
ومن المقرر أن ينتظم اللاعب في تدريبات الزمالك بداية من الغد، استعداداً للمباريات المقبلة.
وكانت الفترة الماضية شهدت أنباء بقيام الدولي التونسي سيف الدين الجزيري بفسخ عقده مع الزمالك بسبب تأخر مستحقاته.
وفي ذلك الصدد، نفي مصدر بنادي الزمالك لـ بطولات، عن فسخ التعاقد بين النادي وسيف الجزيري، لافتا إلى ان مجلس الإدارة أودع جزء من مستحقات اللاعب في حسابه خلال الفترة الماضية.
MatériaMais Notícias
Com um projeto consolidado nas categorias de base, o Palmeiras conquistou a liderança absoluta pelo terceiro ano consecutivo do ‘Ranking DaBase’, publicado pelo site DaBase.com.br, único portal brasileiro com cobertura nacional e internacional das categorias menores.
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A nova classificação foi atualizada nesta semana, e tem o Palmeiras como líder absoluto, somando 278 pontos. Atrás do Verdão, Grêmio (205), Flamengo (177), Internacional (175) e São Paulo (173) fecham o top-5.
O levantamento realizado pelo DaBase leva em consideração mais de 100 campeonatos de base por todo o país. Também considera todos os estaduais oficiais de cada federação, do Sub-11 ao Sub-20, além do Brasileiro de Aspirantes e as competições regionais e nacionais. Para fechar, são contabilizadas as principais competições internacionais.
O levantamento realizado pelo DaBase leva em consideração mais de 100 campeonatos de base por todo o país. Também considera todos os estaduais oficiais de cada federação, do Sub-11 ao Sub-20, além do Brasileiro de Aspirantes e as competições regionais e nacionais. Para fechar, são contabilizadas as principais competições internacionais.
Seguindo todos os critérios, os 278 pontos do Palmeiras são frutos de boas campanhas, além de 56 títulos e 28 vices desde o início da temporada 2016. Entre todas as esquipes, nenhuma ganhou tantas taças como o Verdão, e apenas o Grêmio tem mais vices durante o mesmo período.
Na temporada 2020, devido ao calendário atípico em decorrência da pandemia da Covid-19, a base alviverde disputou competições somente em janeiro e, no segundo semestre, apenas os principais torneio das categorias Sub-20 e Sub-17.
No entanto, foram seis conquistas na temporada: Campeonato Paulista Sub-20, Copa Santiago Sub-18, EFIPAN Sub-14, Taça Brasil de Campo Bom Sub-13, IberCup Sub-12 e Copa Cidade Verde Sub-12.
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Tottenham Hotspur have discussed signing an "underrated" Premier League star as their transfer plans for 2024 continue to take shape.
As hinted at by manager Ange Postecoglou, Spurs chiefs Daniel Levy and Johan Lange are fully preparing for the January window and beyond, with the Lilywhites looking to build a long-term project under their popular head coach.
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"Johan's [Lange] got his department and he talks with Daniel [Levy] and all of the other key personnel, and I'll get in the loop when you get the significant moments of potentially some progress in certain areas," said Postecoglou on Tottenham's transfers.
"But yeah, the planning is under way but obviously you need multiple parties to be involved and agree on something, and that's not always easy."
Sky Sports recently claimed the north Londoners are prioritising the signing of younger players, which is a clear suggestion that they're fully thinking about the future under Postecoglou. The Australian has enjoyed a fantastic early debut season overall, even making the best start to a season by any new manager in Premier League history.
Injuries and suspensions thwarted their momentum for a time, but despite limited numbers, Spurs have won three league games on the bounce. Once the likes of Micky van de Ven and James Maddison return to action, the north Londoners should be in fantastic stead and among the favourites for a top four finish.
That being said, there are still key positions which are in need of bolstering – with reports claiming Tottenham want a new defender, midfielder and forward (The Athletic). In the latter area, there is the small matter of replacing former star striker Harry Kane, who is now firing on all cylinders for Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich. Richarlison has recently seized an opportunity as Spurs' sole striker, coming into a rich vein of form with four goals in his last three league games.
However, it is still believed they're eyeing up more prolific options for 2024, as Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez attracts interest from Spurs among other names. Another star liked by Tottenham is Brentford striker Ivan Toney, who looks set to be front and centre to one of 2024's biggest transfer sagas.
According to a report by The Guardian and reliable journalist Ed Aarons, Spurs have spoken about signing Toney alongside the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea.
The striker bagged 20 league goals last season before his ban for alleged gambling breaches, and reports suggest he could leave the Bees for an initial £60m fee next year (Miguel Delaney). Toney, who's been called "underrated" by members of the media (Statman Dave), has even been likened to Kane by Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice.
"If you look at what he does for Brentford, how consistent he is and what he does for his team, he's fully deserving of a call-up," said Rice to talkSPORT.
"He's kind of like Harry Kane in a way where he's not only an out-and-out striker, he's a playmaker as well – his left and right footed passing, the way he picks out his teammates is a special technique to have."
So far, West Ham United's 2023/24 season is shaping up to be even better than last year.
David Moyes has led them to sixth in the Premier League, through to the knockout stages of the Europa League, and while they have to replay their FA Cup third-round tie against Bristol City, they are still in the competition and have every chance of going far.
That said, fans can't have everything now, can they?
The recent loss of Lucas Paqueta in the game against Bristol over the weekend is a massive concern, although the latest player touted for a move to the London Stadium would undoubtedly help to ease the blow: Leeds United's Wilfried Gnonto.
West Ham United transfer news – Wilfried Gnonto
According to Sports Lens, West Ham are looking to strengthen their attacking options in 2024, and one of the players they are 'keeping tabs on' is Leeds' Italian wideman, Gnonto.
The report reveals that the Hammers were interested in the young winger in the summer, but when it was clear that the Peacocks weren't open to selling him, they moved on.
Sports Lens also named Fulham as one of the other Premier League sides interested in Gnonto, meaning that a bidding war could develop if the Irons don't strike quickly enough.
Unfortunately for the Eastenders, it probably won't be a cheap deal to complete, as reports over the summer indicated that the Championship side value their player at around £30m. However, with the injury to Paqueta, that might prove to be a price worth paying.
Wilfried Gnonto could ease the blow of Lucas Paqueta's injury
Now, if fans are expecting Gnonto to come into the side and immediately replicate the sort of performances that Paqueta has been putting in this season, then they might be sorely disappointed.
The Brazilian has been characteristically brilliant this year, with FBref placing him in the upper echelons of attacking midfielders in Europe's top five leagues.
Tackles
Top 1%
Progressive Passes
Top 5%
Passes Attempted
Top 9%
Aerial Duels Won
Top 9%
Blocks
Top 13%
Clearances
Top 13%
Interceptions
Top 15%
Stats are based on players in the same position across Europe's top five leagues
However, the Leeds youngster should undoubtedly be able to come in and be an improvement upon Said Benrahma, who could be deployed on that left-hand side while Paqueta is sidelined for six to eight weeks, as per Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.
This becomes clear when comparing the pair's underlying numbers, as even though neither one has been able to nail down a consistent starting spot in their respective teams, Gnonto's numbers are still more impressive.
The "absolute nightmare for defenders", as talent scout Jacek Kulig described him, registers more goals and assists, produces more shot and goal-creating actions and succeeds in more of his take-ons per 90.
Stats per 90
Gnonto
Benrahma
Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists
0.26
0.33
Goals + Assists
0.25
0.14
Goals per Shot on Target
0.25
0.00
Passing Accuracy
79.9%
75.1%
Shot-Creating Actions
3.78
3.77
Goal-Creating Actions
0.25
0.15
Successful Take-Ons
2.41
2.03
All Stats via FBref for the 2023/24 Domestic Season
The only notable metric in which the Algerian comes out on top is his non-penalty expected goals and assists figure. However, his lack of actual goals just highlights his wasteful nature in front of goal.
Ultimately, the loss of Paqueta, even though it might just be for a couple of months, is a massive blow, and though Gnonto won't be able to come in and replicate his performances on the wing, he would likely do a better job than the options currently available to Moyes.
USMNT star Josh Sargent is a “top player” and has the “hunger” to be a Premier League success story at Leeds, says Lee Sharpe.
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American impressing with CanariesMissed out on promotion at Carrow RoadInterest building ahead of next windowWHAT HAPPENED?
There is no guarantee that the Whites will be playing top-flight football next season, but they have reached the Championship play-off final and will face Southampton at Wembley Stadium on Sunday in what has become the richest game in British sport.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
If Leeds were to bounce back into the big time at the first attempt, then there have been suggestions that they would look to raid the ranks at Norwich for proven marksman Sargent – with the United States international having registered 16 goals for the Canaries as they secured a play-off berth in 2023-24.
WHAT SHARPE SAID
Sargent only managed two goals during his previous stint at the highest level in England, but has matured as a player and person since then. With that in mind, former Leeds winger Sharpe has told when asked if the American would be a shrewd recruit: “You need to have a bigger squad if you are going to stay in the Premier League and Sargent is a top player, so he is one who can do well. He seems to have the hunger and the right attitude, so will relish the step up of the Premier League.”
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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR SARGENT?
Sargent will be hoping to put himself in the shop window this summer when representing his country at the Copa America, with Leeds unlikely to be the only side shooting admiring glances in the 24-year-old’s direction when another transfer market opens for business.
Newcastle United's talks with an "exceptional" with £150,000-a-week player are now believed to be advancing, according to a fresh transfer update.
Newcastle want Tonali replacement
The Magpies have had to battle through adversity for much of this season, with endless injuries making it hard for them to replicate last year's form. The addition of Champions League football has arguably taken its toll on the squad, with many players being sidelined with fitness issues amid the uptick in matches.
Newcastle have also suffered the major setback of Sandro Tonali being banned for 10 months for betting offences, meaning he won't be back until early next season. That has heightened the need for a new midfielder to arrive during the January transfer window, with the Toon arguably looking a little short in that area currently.
Kalvin Phillips has arguably emerged as the frontrunner to head to St James' Park, having fallen completely out of favour at Manchester City. He knows that he needs regular minutes to feature prominently for England at Euro 2024, and he could be a regular for the Magpies.
Newcastle in advanced talks with Kalvin Phillips
According to a new update from TEAMtalk, Newcastle's talks with Phillips are now believed to be advancing as they look to get a deal over the line.
The report said: "Manchester City are in talks with both Newcastle United and Juventus regarding sending Kalvin Phillips out on loan, TEAMtalk can reveal. Eddie Howe is keen to add players to his Newcastle United squad in the January transfer window as his side battle for a place in Europe again to prevent their season fading into disappointment.
"One major source of frustration has been record signing Sandro Tonali receiving a lengthy ban. The Italian international is out for 10 months due to breaches of gambling rules whilst he was still at AC Milan.
"Newcastle are in advanced talks with Manchester City over the potential signing of the midfielder, with talks between the clubs moving in a positive direction. However, Juventus are also in the mix."
This is an exciting Newcastle transfer update, with the Magpies and Phillips feeling like a match made in heaven in terms of how they could suit each other's needs.
As mentioned, the £150,000-a-week 28-year-old will be desperate for a fresh challenge instead of warming the substitutes' bench every week, and he could provide Eddie Howe with the energy and quality that he so craves without Tonali around.
While Pep Guardiola appears happy to see Phillips leave City next month, the legendary Spaniard has still spoken highly of him in the past, saying:
"Kalvin is exceptional in many things. Why he doesn't play? Rodri is key for us. Never, ever makes one action against mates that play or trains bad. I'd love to give him as much minutes as possible."
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At this point, it would be a surprise if Phillips didn't end up joining Newcastle, and he could make such a positive difference in their top-four push in the Premier League.
Mortaza led the bowling effort to rein in West Indies, and all of Soumya, Tamim and Shakib hit half-centuries in the chase
The Report by Mohammad Isam07-May-2019A bowling fightback and a solid chase from Bangladesh’s top-order led them to an eight-wicket win over West Indies in the second match of the tri-series in Ireland. Mashrafe Mortaza had led a fine bowling effort to engineer West Indies’ batting collapse at the death, where they went from 205 for 2 in 40.4 overs to 261 for 9 in 50 overs. After that, Tamim Iqbal and Soumya Sarkar set up the chase with a 144-run opening stand. Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim completed the job with five overs to spare.Shakib completed the win with a beautiful straight drive, which took him to an unbeaten run-a-ball 61 that included three fours and two sixes. He added 68 runs for the unbroken third wicket stand with Mushfiqur, having already put on 52 with Tamim for the second wicket.Tamim, who top scored with 80 off 116 balls with seven fours, and Soumya added 144 runs, Bangladesh’s highest opening stand against West Indies in ODIs. But it started with a bit of luck when Roston Chase dropped Tamim’s uppish drive at cover, when he was on 1. The pair had put on only 38 runs in the first ten overs, with Soumya hitting three gorgeous boundaries and Tamim, after patiently waiting for the right opportunity, slamming Kemar Roach for successive fours in the tenth over.It set them for the next ten overs, in which they added 69 runs. Soumya blasted Jason Holder for a straight six, and then played the upper-cut off the same bowler a few overs later. Soumya and Tamim were looking ominous in the next six overs, hitting boundaries and picking up singles quite easily.But a moment of brilliance in the field separated the openers, when Darren Bravo caught Soumya at the deep midwicket boundary. He held the ball at first, was overbalancing, so he threw it up in the air, then stepped over the boundary and came back inside to complete the catch. It was against the run of play, and gave West Indies a lifeline. Soumya had made 73 off 68 balls with a six and nine fours, but where West Indies should have tightened their bowling and fielding, they did the opposite.Their fielders kept missing regulation balls, while their bowlers couldn’t string together a tight spell. Tamim and Shakib added 52 for the second wicket before Mushfiqur and Shakib kept hitting the gaps, and waiting for the West Indies bowlers to err in length, or for the fielders to mess up.Sunil Ambris couldn’t judge a Mushfiqur slap towards deep point, and the wicketkeeper then slammed a pull to reduce the target down to four runs.While Bangladesh accelerated as the innings progressed, West Indies went in the opposite direction as they lost their last seven wickets for 56 runs in 9.2 overs. The collapse split their innings into two parts, but one didn’t complement the other as it should have. West Indies started off well, with Hope and Sunil Ambris putting on 89 runs for the opening wicket. Mashrafe bowled a mean spell during the Powerplay but control only came when he introduced spin in the 14th over. Shakib started with a tight couple of overs before Mehidy Hasan Miraz removed Ambris, with Mahmudullah taking a smart catch at cover.Bravo fell in the next over, but Hope and Roston Chase put together 115 runs for the third wicket, seemingly setting up a final flourish. Shakib and Mehidy applied pressure in the middle overs to cut down the scoring, with Mashrafe utilising his bowlers splendidly.Chase fell in the 41st over when he top edged Mashrafe to short fine-leg, having made 51 off 62 balls. The Bangladesh captain also removed Hope and Jason Holder in the space of three balls. Shakib then took a brilliant catch, diving to his left at long-on, to send back Jonathan Carter. Mohammad Saifuddin and Mustafizur Rahman conceded 50 runs in the last seven overs, and didn’t concede a single boundary in the last 2.4 overs.More runs in the last 16 balls perhaps could have helped West Indies, as would have more consistent bowling and better fielding. Bangladesh would also have liked to see Mustafizur bowl better, but that is why theseteams are playing the tri-nation series: so that they can iron out the gaps that exist before the World Cup comes around.
Leeds United are battling hard in the Championship to make an immediate return to the Premier League, having been relegated from the top flight last term. However, Daniel Farke's men have hit a little snag in recent weeks, winning just two of their previous five outings in England's second tier.
Meanwhile, the Yorkshire club have been overtaken in the table by Southampton and currently sit seven points adrift of Ipswich Town, who are in the final automatic promotion spot.
Nevertheless, with the January transfer window open, Farke is looking to bolster his squad ahead of the final few months of the season.
Leeds United transfer news – Chris Mepham
According to journalist Darren Witcoop, Leeds United have made Bournemouth defender Chris Mepham a transfer target this month as Farke is keen to bring defensive reinforcements to the club over the coming weeks.
The Welsh centre-back has received very little game-time this season at the Vitality Stadium, having made merely eight appearances in all competitions for the Cherries despite earning £35k-per-week on his current contract.
With Wales still to play a playoff match against Finland ahead of Euro 2024 in the summer, Mepham may feel as though he needs to get some minutes under his belt to ensure he keeps his place in Rob Page's starting lineup.
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Mepham has spent the majority of his career in the Championship, boasting 91 appearances in the competition, as well as three goals and three assists, and even earned promotion back to the top tier with Bournemouth in 2022.
With his market value set at £4m, as per the CIES Football Observatory, a move to Elland Road could allow him to play alongside international teammate Joe Rodon which would most definitely be welcomed by the Wales manager.
Chris Mepham's stats this season
New Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola hasn't really fancied Mepham in his defence, whereas last season, the centre-half featured in 26 of the team's 38 Premier League matches, playing over 2,000 minutes in the process. While Mepham may no longer have a place in Bournemouth's back four, there could be room for him in Yorkshire.
Head coach Farke revealed that he has no plans moving forward for Leeds' academy product Charlie Cresswell, leaving a sale likely before the January window draws to a close. Statistically, Mepham has been vastly superior to Cresswell this season and would be a massive upgrade on the 21-year-old.
Full 90s Played
3.8
4.5
Expected Goals
0.07
0.04
Expected Assists
0
0.01
Key Passes
0
0.5
Passes To Final Third
3.57
3.5
Passes To Penalty Area
0
1
Long Passes Completed
2.86
3
Aerial Duels Lost
1.43
1
Stats via FBref
Mepham has always had great potential ever since breaking through at Brentford, with Barnsley's Recruitment Analyst Jacob Newman describing him as a "rock solid" defender during his time with Bees. However, his career has stagned a little but Leeds United could help him realise his true potential once more.
Furthermore, with Pascal Struijk still sidelined through injury, Mepham would immediately walk into Leeds' starting lineup next to Tottenham Hotspur loanee and compatriot Rodon. Farke will be hoping that Mepham can have a similar impact to his compatriot, Ethan Ampadu, who has hit the ground running with the Whites.
The midfielder joined the club in the summer for £7m from Premier League outfit Chelsea and has been sensational in the middle of the park. Compared to all other midfielders in the Championship, the Welshman ranks superbly in a number of key metrics in and out of possession.
Statistic
Percentile Ranking
Passes Completed
86
Passing Accuracy
86
Through Balls
86
Passes Into Final Third
81
Passes Received
81
Blocks
88
Interceptions
84
Clearances
86
Stats via FBref
Leeds United currently boast the third-best defensive record in the Championship and it's scary to think how much strong the side's backline could become with the addition of a Premier League defender like Mepham.