The South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) has appointed formerRedbacks captain, Jamie Siddons, as the new Assistant Coach for the Stateside.Siddons, who retired from first-class cricket in 2000, represented Australiain One Day Internationals, and captained both the Victorian and SouthAustralian State teams.As a middle-order batsman, Siddons scored more than ten thousand runs inSheffield Shield/Pura Cup matches – making him the most prolific scorer inthe competition’s history.Siddons joins the SACA following the departure of Tim Nielsen who recentlyjoined the Australian side as Assistant Coach.SACA’s State Manager of Cricket, Mr Greg Chappell, said the SACA was verypleased to have Siddons on board.”At such a critical time of the season, we are very fortunate to havesecured Jamie to join the State coaching team ,” Mr Chappell said.”Jamie brings to the SACA a wealth of knowledge and experience, and as arecently retired player and captain, he has a proven track record as avalued leader. His leadership skills and knowledge of the game of cricketwill be an enormous asset to our State squad.”

Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil has sent sections of the Emirates Stadium faithful into raptures this week after he posted an image of a former player to Twitter.

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The 31-year-old uploaded his old teammate Serge Gnabry in an Arsenal shirt with the caption “once a Gunner, always a Gunner?” which has left many fans going wild in the responses.

Gnabry has become a sensation in European football since his exit from north London in 2016. He’s clinched a Bundesliga title with current club Bayern Munich, where he also won their Player of the Season award.

This campaign, the electric German winger has found the net 18 times and has even laid on 11 assists in only 33 appearances, via Transfermarkt, becoming one of the most dangerous attackers in the game.

Arsene Wenger let him leave Arsenal for just £4.5m and plenty of supporters are absolutely desperate to see him return home in the near future.

Although, he’s now valued at £81m and without the prospects of Champions League football next season, a move for the 24-year-old would seem rather unlikely.

Here’s a glimpse at what fans have been responding to Ozil with…

AND in other news, Bukayo Saka update has lots of Arsenal supporters FUMING…

It’s fair to say Sami Hyypia will go down in Liverpool history as one of the finest and most decorated defenders to ever play for the club.

The former Finland international arrived on the red half of Merseyside back in 1999 from Dutch outfit Willem II, and enjoyed a stellar spell at Anfield, lifting numerous trophies and forming a formidable partnership with fellow Reds icon Jamie Carragher at centre-back.

All in all, Hyypia won the Champions League, two FA Cups, two League Cups, one UEFA Cup and four UEFA Super Cups – quite the trophy cabinet for the man who played a whopping 464 times for the club.

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Now, The Athletic journalist Simon Hughes has suggested Hyypia should go down as “one of the best” and spoke about how he represented superb value for money.

And after hearing about Hughes’ comments, Liverpool fans took to Twitter to voice their thoughts on his verdict.

One fan meanwhile pointed to his class and professionalism when the captaincy was handed to Steven Gerrard, and how his response “showed the measure of the man”.

There certainly won’t be too many Liverpool fans arguing against Hughes’ verdict on Hyypia.

The Finnish man was a brick wall at the back for the Reds in his time at the club, and is rightfully seen as a Liverpool stalwart.

The Merseyside club have some truly iconic defenders littered throughout their history, and for his achievements, Hyypia certainly ranks among them too.

Meanwhile, Liverpool fans react to James Pearce’s article about this midfielder.

After Mashonaland Eagles were bowled out for 182, half-centuries from Vusi Sibanda and Jaik Mickleburgh helped Mid West Rhinos win by four wickets at the Kwekwe Sports Club. Spinners Malcolm Waller and Graeme Cremer, who also effected two run outs, didn’t allow Eagles to build big partnerships as the opening stand of 40 was their highest of the innings. A confident chase, led by a second-wicket stand of 109 runs between Sibanda and Mickleburgh effectively sealed the contest.After being put in to bat, Eagles started positively through their openers, but from 71 for one, they slipped to 80 for four, and kept losing wickets regularly thereafter. A lower order defiance was led by Ray Price, but they failed to cross the 200-run mark, being bowled out in the 48th over.The Eagles, however, made a positive start in the following innings when Rhinos’ captain, opener and wicketkeeper Brendan Taylor was run out for 10 in the fifth over. After the ensuing Sibanda-Mickleburgh partnership, which ended in the 28th over with Sibanda’s dismissal, Rhinos suffered a minor collapse. Mickleburgh had stuck around for long to score 73 and secure their victory. When he departed with the score at 160 for five, 23 more runs were needed, which were scored in 56 deliveries and the loss of a wicket.At the Masingvo Sports Club, a four-wicket haul by Chris Mpofu overshadowed Curthbert Musoko’s four-wicket haul as it helped Matabeleland Tuskers defeat Southern Rocks by nine runs in a rain-shortened game. Tuskers’ Keegan Meth scored 36 turned out to be highest in the low-scoring game.Chasing 141 in 31 overs, the Rocks fell into trouble early with the wicket of opener Kudzai Monze in the fourth over. Although half their side was out for 70 in the 21st over, a middle-order resurgence, led by Peter Burgoyne Tawanda Mupariwa helped them get close to the target. But Mpofu’s timely wickets pegged them back. With 23 needed off the final two overs, Rocks lost two wickets and fell nine runs short to end the game at 131 for nine.With five single-digit scores and two ducks, Tuskers’ innings also stuttered to reach 140 for nine. Two partnerships proved to be the bedrock of their innings – a 28 run stand for the fifth wicket after they were in trouble at 32 for four, and a quick 50-run partnership in 6.2 overs between Meth and Glen Querl that pushed them towards a total that they could defend.

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Reports in Italy claim Tottenham are keen to land Juventus ace Douglas Costa this summer, but would the Brazilian international be a good fit?

What’s the story?

Well, according to Calciomercato, Tottenham want to sign Costa this summer, and a stunning swap deal could be on the cards.

The report claims that if Spurs do make an approach, Juventus sporting director Fabio Paritici will attempt to lure Christian Eriksen in as part of the deal.

The Danish international has yet to pen a new long-term deal in North London, and his contract expires in the summer of 2020.

CheekySport’s Joel claims Spurs badly need to invest in January after not having “the balls” to beat Arsenal. Check out his uncensored opinion in the video below…

A huge mistake?

There’s no question that Costa is an electric player that would enjoy playing in the Premier League.

The 28 year-old already has five Ukrainian Premier League titles, two Bundesliga titles and one triumph in Serie A, and has proved himself at the Champions League level with both Juventus and Bayern Munich.

He is absolutely incredible with the ball at his feet, able to change pace at a moment’s notice and burst past defenders, and his crossing and shooting is far superior to most wingers of his calibre.

However, his levels have dropped off considerably this season, finding the net just once and adding two assists.

What is even more concerning from a Tottenham perspective is his controversial behaviour, as the 31-cap Brazilian served a four-game ban earlier this campaign for spitting directly into an opponent’s mouth.

Able to function on either wing, his versatility will definitely appeal to Mauricio Pochettino, but his work rate is questionable to say the least and losing Eriksen in an attempt to land the fiery winger would be betraying the very thing Pochettino has worked so hard to build.

The gaffer expects all his players to buy completely into the team philosophy, and Costa is the wrong man to target for a side that prides itself on grit, commitment and teamwork.

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Lots of Aston Villa fans have been running the rule over their third signing of the January transfer window, as Tyrone Mings has joined on loan.

It feels like Aston Villa have been in second gear for most of this season, but fans are hoping their latest signing will kick start a genuine playoff push.

The club have confirmed the capture of Mings from Bournemouth, per their official site, and the defender will join on loan until the end of the season.

The 25 year-old has made just seven first team appearances for the Cherries this season, per Transfermarkt, and has been pushed down the pecking order at the Vitality Stadium by the incredible form of Nathan Ake.

Who are the best away fans in the Championship? Pl>ymaker FC’s Thogden gives his top 10 in the video below…

Dean Smith’s ageing defence has been in need of reinforcements all season, and Mings, a left-footed defender who can play right across the back four, will be a huge boost to the gaffer’s arsenal.

Mings joins Lovre Kalinic and Kortney Hause on the list of January signings, and the Twitter reactions down below are absolutely loving it…

Liverpool lumbered to a second successive 1-1 draw in the Premier League as Manchester City cut short their lead at the top of the table.

The Reds failed to overcome both Leicester and West Ham in two of their worst performances of the season so far. Jurgen Klopp’s men were also lucky to beat Crystal Palace at home and their recent form will be cause for concern at Anfield. Injuries have taken their toll in recent weeks and Klopp will be hoping to welcome some key players back soon.

Liverpool’s improved back four has been hit hardest with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez both missing in recent weeks but their attack has also been stalling. Mohamed Salah has struggled to influence games as the central striker while Roberto Firmino has been out of sorts in recent weeks – luckily for the Reds, Sadio Mane has finally looked back to his best.

It’s hard to deny that Liverpool are still missing a creative spark in the middle of the park – something the fans haven’t seen since Philippe Coutinho’s departure to Barcelona. Therefore, Klopp should look to reunite with Borussia Dortmund hotshot – Marco Reus – in the summer. Valued at £45m by Transfermarkt, the German has been back to his brilliant best after spending most of last season on the treatment table.

A Bundesliga winner under Klopp, Reus has been completely transformed as a number ten this season and is flourishing; a similar role he played at Borussia Monchengladbach. The former Germany international has found the back of the net 17 times in all competitions as well as registering an impressive 11 assists for his team-mates. With excellent dribbling skills, vision and an eye for goal – Reus would take the Liverpool attack to the next level and provide the spark that has been missing at times throughout the campaign.

Reuniting with Klopp in the summer would have Liverpool fans licking their lips.

Liverpool fans, thoughts?

أعرب الدولي الأوكراني، أندريه لونين، حارس مرمى ريال مدريد، عن سعادته بالعودة للوس بلانكوس هذا الموسم، مُشيرًا إلى أنه حقق حلمه، وذلك قبل ساعات من مباراة ريال سوسيداد في الليجا.  

ريال مدريد يفتتح موسم 2020/2021، بمواجهة ريال سوسيداد مساء الأحد على ملعب “أنويتا”، بالجولة الثانية من الدوري الإسباني، بعد تم تأجيل مباراة الجولة الأولى.

لونين كان قد انضم إلى ريال مدريد، في صيف عام 2018، قادمًا من فريق زوريا لوهانسك الأوكراني، مقابل ثمانية ملايين يورو.

وبعد ذلك أعير لنادي ليجانيس، ليلعب بشكل منتظم ويتأقلم على اللعب في الدوري الإسباني، وتمت إعارته إلى بلد الوليد، ولكنه لم يحظ بأي فرصة لعب، لذلك قرر النادي قطع إعارته، ليُعيره لنادٍ آخر وهو ريال أوفييدو وقضى موسم 2019/2020 مُعارًا معه.

اقرأ أيضًا.. راموس: لن نعيش على الماضي.. وريال مدريد سيقاتل على كل البطولات

وهذا الموسم قرر زين الدين زيدان المدير الفني للوس بلانكوس، إعادة لونين، ليكون الحارس الثاني خلف تيبو كورتوا بعد رحيل ألفونس أريولا.

وقال لونين في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية: “ريال مدريد هدفه الوصول إلى القمة في جميع المُسابقات التي يُشارك فيها، وأنا سأضحي وأقدم كل شيء من أجل هذا النادي الرائع”.

وواصل: “مُنذ العودة ومهمتي واضحة، هي العمل، وفقط العمل من أجل القدرة على القيام بكل شيء، سأقدم كل ما في وسعي، من أجل هذا النادي العظيم”.

وأتم تصريحاته قائلًا: “أود أنّ أشكر الأندية التي عملت بها، لقد ساهموا في تطويري على المستوى الشخصي والمهني، والآن حققت حلمي بالتواجد في ريال مدريد”.

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He missed their best chance to score in the Mestalla but tonight Kris Ajer came of age as a

Celtic player.

After 62 minutes he rose perfectly to meet a Ryan Christie free kick from the right but got too much on his header when simply glancing it would have opened the tie right up.

Eight minutes later Kevin Gameiro scored the only goal of the game but when the final whistle blew there wasn’t a failure in the Celtic side.

The travelling support witnessed tame performances away to RB Salzburg and RB Leipzig in the group phase but against overwhelming odds, increased by the 37th minute sending off of Jeremy Toljan, the Bhoys stood up to be counted.

The 6 foot 5 youngster started off on the right of a back three and played the role with great discipline. When Toljan walked he had to go out to right-back and barely gave the Spanish side a look in.

The 20-year-old was disciplined and determined as Valencia tried to flood the flanks to find a way to goal. Ajer was well backed by his defensive team-mates as Celtic stood their ground until they were cut open for Gameiro’s goal.

His header just past the hour mark will obviously be remembered but in one of the toughest venues in the Europa League Brendan Rodgers got a glimpse of a future central defence without Filip Benkovic and Dedryck Boyata.

Here’s what Celtic fans have been saying on Twitter…

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Crystal Palace star Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been identified as a summer transfer target by Manchester United, who have reportedly drawn up a shortlist including the full-back, Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly and Barcelona’s Ivan Rakitic according to talkSPORT.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the Eagles’ academy graduate has not put a foot wrong since breaking into the first team at the start of 2018, going on to make the right-back berth his own ahead of former first choice Joel Ward.

As a result, a number of clubs have taken a shine to the England Under-21 international, including the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and now the Red Devils.

The 21-year-old is arguably the best defender in Europe right now, even earning the nickname of ‘The Spider’ as a result of his uncanny ability to use his long legs to wrap around the opponent and win the ball back.

Palace must tie him down to a new contract

Wan-Bissaka currently has three years left on the contract that he signed in April of last year, but given his rise in the game since then, it is imperative that Palace lock him into a monster new deal.

The aforementioned clubs who have taken an interest in him are giants of the game, and all possess the financial power to turn the youngster’s head.

Additionally, Wan-Bissaka is allegedly earning just £15,000-a-week right now, which is well below what he deserves – to compare, second-choice right-back Ward earns £35,000-a-week.

One would assume that Wan-Bissaka’s agent will be pressing the club to offer his client a much improved contract, and could easily point to the fact that a number of heavyweights in the game could easily offer him a significant rise on his current salary.

The south London-based side have a real gem on their hands and arguably one of Europe’s best young players right now, so they must tie him down as soon as possible to avoid losing him in the summer.