Wrexham fume after club branded 'circus' by rival manager Nathan Jones as Phil Parkinson bites back at Charlton boss ahead of promotion showdown

Wrexham are fuming after they were branded "circus" by rival manager Nathan Jones as Phil Parkinson hit back at Charlton boss.

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Charlton manager Jones labelled Wrexham a "circus"Parkinson accused him of being disrespectfulJones claimed that his comments were "misunderstood"Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Jones drew attention on Monday following his side’s emphatic 4-0 win over fellow promotion hopefuls Wycombe Wanderers. In discussing the upcoming fixture with the Welsh side, Jones made an offhand remark that Wrexham's environment resembles a "circus," seemingly referencing the intense media attention surrounding the club.

Jones said: "All we do is take a game as it comes. We are not looking at the play-offs, we are not looking at Burton at home on the final game. We'll finish, we'll debrief, we'll breathe a little bit and then we'll move forward with Wrexham. It's a bumper game, we have to go to the circus and see what we can get."

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Parkinson, the man steering Wrexham's remarkable rise through the English football pyramid, didn't mince his words in response to the comment. He took issue not only with the implication but also with the tone of Jones’ description, calling it deeply disrespectful.

"It is a lack of respect to our owners, the team, the staff, the supporters and the heritage of Wrexham Football Club. But we will just concentrate on what we've got to do," he said.

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After facing mounting criticism, Jones later attempted to smooth things over, claiming that his comments had been taken the wrong way.

"I didn't mean the club or players or anything there because they are a very well run, excellent club," he added. "The owners there have done a fantastic job, not only galvanising a club and taking the club forward, they've actually taken a community which needed it as well. It's a Welsh community, so one that has heart and they've done a magnificent job.

"What I meant was what follows Wrexham around is a lot of pomp, a lot of ceremony, a lot of cameras, a lot of coverage, a lot of scrutiny. They've handled that very well. At times that can be a distraction, and I don't want it to be for our thing, so that's what I meant – hopefully that clears that."

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

With emotions running high and promotion on the line, Saturday’s matchup at the Racecourse Ground is set to be an explosive affair. The fallout from Jones’ comments may have added fuel to the fire, but both sides are aware that only performance on the pitch will matter when the whistle blows.

The Red Dragons currently hold second place in the League One standings, two points ahead of Wycombe and four clear of Charlton. A win this weekend, coupled with a Wycombe failure to beat Leyton Orient, would secure Wrexham’s promotion to the Championship.

'We had warned her' – Deepti Sharma on the Charlie Dean dismissal

Was Deepti Sharma running Charlie Dean out at the non-striker’s end at Lord’s on Saturday a plan India had worked out in advance? Or was it an instinctive decision?According to Deepti, who stopped in her bowling stride and whipped off the bails at the non-striker’s end to complete a 3-0 sweep over England, it was a plan, but one that was formulated after a warning. Leaving aside the spirit of the game for a moment, according to cricket law, the fielding team is well within its rights to run batters out for backing up too much without any warning.Upon India’s return to Kolkata on Monday, Deepti was asked about the dismissal, and she said, “Nothing, it was our plan because she repeatedly… we had warned her also. We did it according to the rules and guidelines.”When pressed specifically about whether she had warned anyone about Dean leaving the crease early, Deepti said, “Yes, yes definitely we did say because we told the umpires. But still she was there so we couldn’t do anything.”Did India feel they had to win because it was Jhulan Goswami’s last game? “Every team wants to win and we wanted to win and give her a good farewell,” Deepti said. “So going by that, as a team we did what we could, we put that effort in.”That should have been that on the incident, but Heather Knight, England’s regular captain who has been out of action following hip surgery, added a twist by saying that Dean hadn’t been warned by the Indian players. “No warnings were given,” she tweeted on Monday, adding, “if they’re comfortable with the decision to affect (sic) the run out, India shouldn’t feel the need to justify it by lying about warnings”.

Deepti’s answers seem to contradict her captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s in the aftermath of the game on Saturday. At the post-match press conference, Harmanpreet was asked if she knew Deepti was preparing to run the non-striker out for backing up too far and she said, “No, I wasn’t aware. And that’s what I’m saying, I’m actually happy she [Deepti] was aware because she was bowling from both ends in the middle and she knew she [Dean] was going and I think it was her awareness.”A detailed analysis by ESPNcricinfo’s Peter Della Penna, who checked every delivery of England’s innings since Dean’s arrival at the crease, showed that she had left the crease early 72 times, before being dismissed on the 73rd occasion.

Dean’s dismissal, leaving England 16 short, triggered widespread spirit-of-cricket debates. Several prominent England cricketers, including Stuart Broad, James Anderson and Sam Billings, tweeted their displeasure at the dismissal. Others, like Alex Hales – currently on a comeback trail with the England T20I squad – backed Deepti’s act, saying, “it shouldn’t be difficult for the non-striker to stay in their crease till the ball has left the hand”.At the presentation, after she had led India to an ODI series win in England after 23 years, Harmanpreet told the official broadcaster that no “crime” had been committed.”Today, whatever we have done, I don’t think it was any crime,” she had said. “It is part of the game and is an ICC rule, and I think we just need to back our player.Related

  • Mitchell Starc calls for short-run penalty if non-striker strays out of crease

  • Aaron Finch 'not a big fan' of non-striker run-outs after apparent warning from Mitchell Starc to Jos Buttler

  • 'Part of the game' – Harmanpreet defends Deepti running out Dean

  • Reactions: 'Don't make the laws of cricket conflict with its spirit'

“I’m actually very happy she [Deepti] was aware of that, and the batter is taking too long a stride. I don’t think she has done something wrong.”On Sunday, the MCC, which is the custodian of the laws of the game, issued a statement saying, “The Law is clear, as it needs to be for all umpires to be able to easily interpret throughout all levels of the game and at all moments in the game.”Cricket is a broad church and the spirit by which it is played is no different. As custodians of the Spirit of Cricket, MCC appreciates its application is interpreted differently across the globe. Respectful debate is healthy and should continue, as where one person sees the bowler as breaching the Spirit in such examples, another will point at the non-striker gaining an unfair advantage by leaving their ground early.”MCC’s message to non-strikers continues to be to remain in their ground until they have seen the ball leave the bowler’s hand. Then dismissals, such as the one seen yesterday, cannot happen. Whilst yesterday was indeed an unusual end to an exciting match, it was properly officiated and should not be considered as anything more.”

Raí está liberado pelo departamento médico do Bahia

MatériaMais Notícias

Não é só Rodallega que voltou aos treinos com o elenco do Bahia. O atacante Raí também é uma das novidades para o confronto diante do Criciúma.

– VEJA A TABELA DA SÉRIE B

Recuperado de uma fratura na mão, o jogador foi liberado pelo departamento médico e trabalhou no gramado com o elenco.

Com uma proteção na mão direita, ele será acompanhado de perto pelos médicos para ver a sua evolução ao longo da semana.

Caso não apresente nenhum quadro de incômodo, Raí fica à disposição de Guto Ferreira para o duelo.

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Perfect Guehi alternative: Spurs lead race to sign another star after Tel

Tottenham Hotspur have been working tirelessly to try and land new players this month to try and combat the injury crisis currently affecting Ange Postecoglou’s side.

Kevin Danso arrived from Lens in the last couple of days, looking to add reinforcements at the back after the injuries suffered by the likes of Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Radu Dragusin.

However, Marc Guehi was also a target for the Lilywhites on deadline day, but it was confirmed that Crystal Palace had rejected a ÂŁ70m bid from Spurs for the England international.

A deal does seem to be edging ever closer for Mathys Tel though, with the Frenchman flying to the UK to complete a loan deal after previously rejecting a proposal to move to North London on a permanent basis.

He could be joined at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium by one of his compatriots, as the pair look to resurrect what has been a dismal Premier League campaign to date for the club.

Spurs leading the race for defensive star

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Spurs are now leading the race in a move for Axel Disasi after previously exiting the race for his signature.

It was reported that the 26-year-old was not interested in a move to join Postecoglou’s men, but after Aston Villa, his preferred option, pulled out of the race, it’s handed the Lilywhites a boost in their pursuit.

Disasi

Jacob’s confirmed that they are now trying to revive a move after Unai Emery’s side exited the race, with fresh hope now handed their way in their pursuit of the Chelsea outcast.

It would allow the club to finally solve their defensive option, offering the perfect alternative to Guehi after their rejected bid earlier this afternoon on deadline day.

Why Disasi would be the perfect Guehi alternative for Spurs

Guehi would undoubtedly be a phenomenal addition for the club after his exploits over the last few months which have seen him rise into becoming a full England international and starring under Gareth Southgate at Euro 2024.

However, if the hierarchy are already having bids rejected of around the ÂŁ70m mark, it could be a deal that would be way too expensive and one that is unrealistic – leaving the door open to potential alternatives.

Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi

Numerous names have been touted in recent days including Fikayo Tomori, but it appears that Disasi is now the player of choice, especially after Villa’s withdrawal from the race.

He’s failed to impress current Blues boss Enzo Maresca, making just six league appearances in 2024/25 – leading to his potential exit – but he showcased last season that he’s capable of thriving in England’s top flight.

How Disasi compared to Guehi in the PL (2023/24)

Statistics (per 90)

Disasi

Guehi

Games played

31

25

Goals & assists

2

1

Progressive carries

1.1

0.7

Progressive passes

3.9

2.9

Pass accuracy

90%

87%

% of tackles won

77%

58%

Aerials won

2.5

1.3

Aerial success rate

70%

50%

Stats via FBref

The Frenchman matched or bettered Guehi in multiple key areas, highlighting what a phenomenal addition he would be for Spurs – plus being a much cheaper alternative than the Englishman.

Disasi, who’s previously been dubbed “dominant” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, managed to complete more progressive passes whilst posting a higher pass completion rate than the Palace star – making him a better fit for Postecoglou’s possession-based philosophy.

He also managed to win more of the aerial battles he entered, whilst posting a higher tackle success rate, showcasing his all-round defensive qualities – something which the Lilywhites have lacked during the various injury lay-offs of the first-team stars.

Whilst it’s unclear if any move for the Frenchman would be permanent or on loan, he would be a phenomenal addition, having all of the tools to a lot seamlessly into the current backline.

Given the difference in figures between him and Guehi from last season, he would be saving them a small fortune, offering a brilliant option for Postecoglou as he looks to build on the recent win at Brentford.

Imagine him & Tel: Lange leading late Spurs push to sign their own Rashford

The talented winger would add so much dynamism to Spurs’ attack.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Feb 3, 2025

Sell him on deadline day: Amorim must axe 5/10 Man Utd dud after Palace

Manchester United fell to their 11th Premier League defeat of the campaign this afternoon, losing 2-0 to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford earlier this afternoon.

A double from Jean-Phillippe Mateta in the second half secured all three points for the visitors, condemning Ruben Amorim to a second consecutive Premier League defeat on home soil.

The Red Devils currently sit in 13th position, just 12 points clear of the drop zone, with any hopes of European football next season all but over with just 14 games remaining.

It leaves Amorim with some serious work to do, with the role undoubtedly a harder job than he would’ve first envisaged upon taking over at the end of November.

With the transfer window closing tomorrow night, he only has just over 24 hours to make any more changes to the squad, with various players potentially opening themselves up to a move before the deadline.

Man United’s disappointing performers against Palace

Kobbie Mainoo was always going to face a tricky task this afternoon, featuring in an unnatural role as a centre-forward, with Amorim opting for the academy graduate in a false nine role over the likes of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.

Unsurprisingly, the 19-year-old struggled for large parts, losing nine of the 12 duels he entered and failing to complete any of his four attempted dribbles during the defeat.

He also could only muster 31 touches before being replaced with 20 minutes to go, with the manager’s chosen system not having the desired impact he would’ve wanted.

Noussair Mazraoui once again featured in a right wing-back role after his disappointing showing against Fulham last weekend, with it becoming clearer week after week that he’s more suited to a role in the back three.

The Moroccan failed to win any tackles during Sunday’s encounter, plus only coming out in 50% of duels – leaving the field at the same time as Mainoo – a signal as to how little impact he had on proceedings.

However, despite the respective displays of the aforementioned duo, another player was just as poor throughout the clash with Oliver Glasner’s side, with Amorim needing to cash in on the dud on deadline day.

Man United player dropped a 5/10 display against Palace

Winger Alejandro Garnacho has been at the heart of an ongoing transfer battle between Chelsea and Napoli for the majority of the transfer window, but still remains a United player with one day remaining.

Both sides have previously held talks, but no official bid has been made for the Argentine, who’s failed to have the impact he would’ve hoped for since the 40-year-old’s appointment.

However, he started the clash with Palace this afternoon, looking to grab his first Red Devils goal in the Premier League since the 10th of November against Leicester City.

It was another afternoon to forget for the 20-year-old academy graduate, featuring for the entirety of the contest, but unable to have any form of positive impact within the final third.

Minutes played

90

Touches

49

Shots taken

3

Big chances missed

1

Dribbles completed

1/4 (25%)

Possession lost

15x

Duels lost

6/7 (86%)

Garnacho managed to register three shots but was unable to direct any on target, whilst also missing one big chance and completing just 25% of dribbles – highlighting his lack of impact within attacking areas.

He also lost possession 15 times, losing 86% of the seven duels he entered and completing just one chance, looking lacklustre and unlikely to create an opportunity out of nothing.

As a result, the youngster was handed a measly 5/10 match rating by journalist Dom Smith, further showcasing how much of a frustrating afternoon it was for the Red Devils at Old Trafford.

After such a showing, Amorim must cash in on the recent interest in his services, with £70m a phenomenal price tag for a player who hasn’t found the back of the net in nearly three months.

Alejandro Garnacho for Manchester United

Whilst it would leave them a short period to find themselves a replacement, if that sort of money were to be presented to them on deadline day, Amorim would be foolish to turn it down, potentially finding a player more suited to his 3-4-2-1 system.

Their own Kane: Man Utd offered "complete" ÂŁ50m Rashford replacement

Man United might make a late move for a striker

ByJoe Nuttall Feb 1, 2025

SLC invites ICC Anti-Corruption Unit to investigate match-fixing allegations made in parliament

Sri Lanka Cricket has invited Alex Marshall, the head of the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit, to investigate allegations of match-fixing made in Sri Lanka’s parliament.The allegation relates to the first Test of Pakistan’s tour of Sri Lanka in July, when Pakistan chased down a target of 342 in the fourth innings, to go 1-0 up in the series. The claim was made by Member of Parliament Nalin Bandara, who said this in parliament earlier this month:”In the last Pakistan series, our team scored 400-odd [Sri Lanka had set a target of 342, a ground record if achieved], and still lost in the last innings. From the person who rolls the pitch, everyone has been given money. The board has become a gambling den.”He offered no evidence to support his allegation, which came at the tail-end of a speech that had mostly referred to SLC’s alleged mismanagement of its players. During the speech, Bandara also referenced an ongoing feud between himself and SLC president Shammi Silva.As Bandara’s speech is covered by parliamentary privilege, it is immune to libel and defamation suits.The ACU did not comment on whether that match was being viewed as suspicious; the ACU does not usually make any comments on its investigations.An SLC release did not specifically cite Bandara, but said his comments “have caused immense reputational damage to Sri Lanka Cricket and its stakeholders”.

Just a dream? Leeds star picks Neymar as perfect signing after Premier League promotion & talk of ÂŁ100m spending spree by 49ers ownership team

Junior Firpo is dreaming of seeing Neymar at Leeds United but, with a ÂŁ100m ($134m) spend being speculated on, could a Premier League deal happen?

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  • Whites heading back to the big time
  • Ready to splash the cash this summer
  • Brazilian superstar currently at Santos
Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The Whites are readying themselves for a return to the big time in 2025-26. Automatic promotion out of the Championship has been confirmed, with Daniel Farke seeing his side bounce back from the disappointment of play-off final heartache last season.

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    Firpo has been a key performer for Leeds, with the ex-Barcelona full-back seeing his experience put to good use. He is hoping to be joined by more household names at Elland Road in the not too distant future.

  • WHAT JUNIOR FIRPO SAID

    Firpo, who left Camp Nou for West Yorkshire in 2021 when Leeds were a Premier League side, has told when asked who he would bring in if money were no object: “If I could, I would sign Neymar for Leeds.”

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    DID YOU KNOW?

    Brazilian superstar Neymar is currently back in his homeland with Santos. He has been nursing more injury problems there, at 33 years of age, but is determined to grace the 2026 World Cup and may take on another challenge at club level before reaching those finals.

Earthquakes at Anfield! Liverpool's Premier League title win 'caused tremors' as Richter scale used to show impact of celebrations

Scientists have reported that Liverpool fans caused a series of tremors at Anfield as they celebrated the Reds' Premier League title-winning victory.

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Liverpool won the Premier League on SundaySeismologists measure tremors created by fansMac Allister's goal was 1.74 on Richter scaleFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Last Sunday evening, Liverpool confirmed their 20th Premier League title after a 5-1 hammering of Tottenham Hotspur, as the Reds came back from an early deficit at Anfield. Arne Slot's side dominated the title race despite pressure from Chelsea and Arsenal as Mohamed Salah took charge with his goal-scoring prowess.

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Seismologists from the University of Liverpool have disclosed that they used cutting-edge seismic equipment on the site on Sunday to record ground movement from the fans during the game, as per The Daily Mail. According to the data, there was genuine seismic activity produced by the 60,415 spectators, especially in reaction to the five goals that were scored during the match by Slot's side.

Getty Images SportTELL ME MORE…

As per the study, the biggest tremor was created when Alexis Mac Allister gave Liverpool a 2-1 lead in the 24th minute, as the Richter scale recorded its maximum magnitude as 1.74. Mohamed Salah's goal in front of the Kop in the second half caused the second-largest tremor, which measured 1.60. Celebrations during Destiny Udogie's own goal were measured at 1.35, while Cody Gakpo's effort was rated 1.03, and Luis Diaz's initially disallowed equaliser was measured at 0.64.

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WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

The Reds have had a superb season in the Premier League; however, their strengths did not translate into their other competitions. They will now have time to enjoy their league title until the end of the current season.

Maycon, do Corinthians, vive drama apĂłs filho ter crise de convulsĂŁo febril

MatériaMais Notícias

Em recuperação de uma lesão na coxa direita, o meia Maycon, do Corinthians, viveu um drama familiar no último dia 11 de junho. O filho mais novo do atleta, Zyon, de dois anos, teve uma convulsão febril e precisou dar entrada no pronto socorro.

continua apĂłs a publicidade

+ Saiba quais os atletas da base que mais integram os profissionais do Corinthians com VĂ­tor Pereira

O episĂłdio foi relatado pela esposa do meia corintiano Lyarah Vojnovic por meio de um perfil nas redes sociais.

O casal estava na casa dos pais de Lyarah quando foi acordados durante a madrugada pelo sogro do jogador corintiano que, em estado de desespero, entregou o filho do casal com quase 40Âş de febre. Zyon estava chorando bastante.

+ Confira e simule os jogos do Corinthians no BrasileirĂŁo Feminino

Ao chegar no hospital tanto o sogro quanto a sogra do meia corintiano também precisaram ser atendidos porque passaram mal.

A criança passou por exames e quase teve que ter uma sonda introduzida para verificação da urina, o que não foi necessário, pois pouco antes do procedimento ele conseguiu urinar.

– Do nada! Ele (Zyon) estava super bem e DO NADA isso! Do nada, ao nosso ver, mas Deus havia preparado muitas coisas para recebermos através daquilo que estávamos vivendo! – comentou Lyarah na publicação.

A esposa de Maycon exaltou a calma do jogador na condução da situação e também exaltou aos seus pais, irmão e cunhada, que estiveram com eles durante toda a situação.

– Deus mais uma vez me mostrou que nosso maior ministério é a nossa família! – ressaltou.

Maycon vive um ano difícil, já que por alguns dias ficou refugiado no porão de um hotel, junto com a família dele e de outros jogadores brasileiros, no início dos conflitos entre Rússia e Ucrânia, tendo que deixar o país e retornar ao futebol brasileiro posteriormente.

O atleta ainda tem vínculo com o Shakhtar Donetsk e está emprestado ao clube.

Ben Stokes leaves door open for possible U-turn on ODI retirement

Holding firm on 50-over decision would mean twiddling his thumbs during England’s World Cup defence

Vithushan Ehantharajah30-Nov-2022Ben Stokes has left the door open for a possible U-turn on his ODI retirement for England’s defence of the 50-over World Cup next winter.The allrounder, currently in Pakistan captaining the Test side on their first tour of the country in 17 years, retired from one-day cricket in the summer to focus on the other two international formats. In doing so, he said managing his workload in a convoluted schedule was “unsustainable”, urging administrators to get a firmer grasp of the fixture list to prevent other multi-format cricketers from taking a similar decision.However, following England’s T20 World Cup win earlier this month in Australia, of which Stokes was a key part with 52 not out – a first half-century in the format – to take his side to victory in the final against Pakistan, limited-overs coach Matthew Mott floated the prospect of Stokes going back on the decision. “When he spoke to me about his ODI retirement, one of the first things I said was that I’d back any decision he made, but I said to him he didn’t necessarily have to retire, he could just not play 50 overs for a while,” Mott said.Related

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Morning decision for Rawalpindi Test as sickness bug disrupts England plans

Coming into the tournament, Stokes had not played a T20I since March 2021, and given how the 31-year-old performed – 110 runs at an average of 36.66 and six wickets – the consensus is he could play a similar peripheral role ahead of the 2023 50-over World Cup in India, particularly as ODIs are perhaps his best format, with averages of 38.98 and 42.39 (and 74 dismissals), with bat and ball respectively.Speaking ahead of the first Test against Pakistan, Stokes revealed director of men’s cricket Rob Key had floated the idea of an ODI return to him during the training camp in Abu Dhabi last week. While dismissive at the time, the 2019 player of the final stopped short of ruling himself out of contention.”Keysy pulled me to the side in the UAE and as soon as he said ’50-over World Cup’ I just walked away,” said Stokes.”Who knows? At the moment, being out here, my focus is solely on this series (against Pakistan). But it’s one of those things. But who knows how I might feel towards a World Cup at the time. Going to a World Cup is an amazing thing to do, to represent your country. But at the moment I’m not even thinking about that.”At the time of writing, Stokes faces a very front-heavy 2023. These three Pakistan Tests will take him into the New Year ahead of a two-Test tour of New Zealand in February. He will then move onto the Indian Premier League having put himself forward for the draft which takes place on December 16. Upon returning from the IPL, he heads straight into a four-day Test against Ireland before a five-match Ashes series which finishes at the end of July. There are also four T20Is against New Zealand shoe-horned in at the end of the home season.Should he hold firm on his ODI retirement, he would be twiddling his thumps during the World Cup, which begins in October, ahead of a five-match series in the Caribbean during December. If he does have a change of heart, there would be six ODIs in the summer, split evenly between New Zealand and Ireland to get back into the 50-over groove.

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