تحدث مدرب ليفربول آرني سلوت، عن قيادة المصري محمد صلاح للفريق، للفوز أمام بيرنلي بضربة جزاء في الوقت القاتل بمنافسات بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز “البريميرليج”.

وتحصل ليفربول على ضربة جزاء قبل إطلاق صافرة النهاية وسجلها محمد صلاح أمام بيرنلي ليفوز الفريق بهدف دون رد، ونشرت شبكة “بي بي سي سبورت”، و”سكاي سبورتس” تصريحات سلوت عقب اللقاء.

وقال سلوت: “لم أستوعب الأمر جيدًا، فبعد 90 دقيقة، عندما رأيت الوقت المحتسب بدل الضائع، صُدمت وما زلت مصدومًا عندما حصلنا على ركلة الجزاء، لأن خمس دقائق من الوقت بدل الضائع كانت بالنسبة لي لا تُصدق، شعرت بالصدمة، ثم شعرت بالسعادة لأن محمد صلاح سجل ركلة الجزاء”.

طالع | رجل مباراة ليفربول وبيرنلي في الدوري الإنجليزي

وأضاف: “لم تكن مباراةً سهلةً، فقد خلقنا فيها الكثير من الفرص، وكان الأمر صعبًا ضد فريق يلعب في منطقة الجزاء، واصلنا اللعب، وواصلنا تمرير الكرة، ازداد إرهاقهم، وهو أمر طبيعي عندما تضطر للدفاع 80% من الوقت، ثم دفعنا بأكبر قدر من المهاجمين”.

وأشار: “مباراة صعبة، لكن جميعها في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، حافظنا على شباكنا نظيفة، ومن اللعب المفتوح، لم نتلقَّ أي فرصة تُذكر، هذا أمر جيد”.

واستطرد سلوت: “هذا أمر طبيعي، ومع وجود العديد من اللاعبين الجدد، سنتحسن أكثر فأكثر، ولكن في الوقت الحالي، لدينا 12 نقطة”.

وعن لاعبه الجديد ألكسندر إيزاك، القادم من نيوكاسل، وعدم ضمه للقائمة أفاد: “يتخذ المرء قراره لسبب وجيه، ولحجة قوية، كان هذا القرار بسبب غيابه عن التدريبات الجماعية لأربعة أشهر، إنه في أسبوعه الثاني أو الثالث من فترة التحضير للموسم الجديد”.

وأكمل: “لقد منحناه أسبوعًا كافيًا، ونعتقد أنه قد يحصل على أكثر من 10 أو 15 دقيقة في مباراة الأربعاء، وهذه هي الطريقة الأمثل، يحتاج إلى وقت لعب كافٍ، ولكن أيضًا إلى بناء قاعدة جيدة له، هو الآن جاهز للعب 45 دقيقة على الأقل، لنرَ إن كنا سنستغل ذلك في مباراة يوم الأربعاء أو السبت القادم”.

اقرأ أيضًا | محمد صلاح يوجه رسالة بشأن صفقات ليفربول بعد الفوز على بيرنلي

وبشأن خصمه بيرنلي، علّق: “تحياتي لبيرنلي على دفاعهم القوي، كان من الصعب علينا إيجاد ثغرة، وكنا قريبين من التسجيل في بعض الأحيان، لو سجلنا، لكانت المباراة مفتوحة، ولكن لأننا لم نسجل، فعلوا الشيء نفسه، اضطررنا للانتظار حتى نهاية الشوط الثاني، وفي الدقائق الأخيرة حققنا ما كنا نأمله”.

وواصل: “هناك احتمال أن تسير الأمور كما نرغب، لكن الأمر كان صعبًا، كنا بحاجة إلى لحظة حظ، أو لحظة سحرية، لم يكن لدينا السحر، لكن الحظ حالفنا، نأمل ونحاول أن نجعل الأمور أكثر صعوبة، لكنهم كانوا أقوياء”.

وبشأن محمد صلاح، أكد سلوت: “لقد كان وجود محمد صلاح في ليفربول مفيدًا لنا طوال فترة وجوده، لقد كانت لحظة رائعة بالنسبة لنا، لأنني أعتقد أنه أهدر آخر ركلتي جزاء قبل ذلك”.

وعن قراره باستبدال ميلوس كيركيز بأندي روبرتسون في الدقيقة 38، أوضح: “كان ذلك بسبب حصوله على بطاقة صفراء، أعتقد أن الجماهير هنا اعتقدت أن فرصتهم للفوز بالمباراة تكمن في حصولنا على بطاقة صفراء ثانية”.

وأتم: “مع ميلوس، لا يمكنني أبدًا أن أكون متأكدًا تمامًا من أنه لا يرتكب المخالفة التالية، ثم يبدأ الجمهور في الضغط على الحكم، اعتقدت أن الطريقة الوحيدة التي قد نخسر بها المباراة اليوم هي أن نلعب بعشرة لاعبين”.

Liverpool are preparing to defend their Premier League title, with FSG’s ambitions evidenced through the heavy spending that has been enforced over the past few months.

And there’s likely more to come. With Darwin Nunez being touted with a move away, Napoli had been interested but have withdrawn their name due to differences in valuation. Sporting director Richard Hughes is thus perusing the market for a potential striker to lead the line over the coming years.

Nunez’s struggles to adapt to Arne Slot’s tactics were well documented last season, with the Dutch coach even stating that he “can’t accept” the 25-year-old’s work rate after a string of concerning performances in February.

With just one Premier League start to his name since Boxing Day, Nunez was routinely replaced at number nine by Luis Diaz, whose versatility allowed him to moonlight as a focal frontman to a title-winning effect.

However, Diaz may now be on the move.

The latest on Luis Diaz's Liverpool future

Diaz scored 17 goals and provided eight assists across all competitions last season, indeed playing a decent chunk of his football as Liverpool’s makeshift striker.

There’s no denying he was one of the most important parts of Slot’s squad, but Diaz is 28 and entering the second-to-last year in his £55k-per-week contract. In spite of Liverpool turning Barcelona’s approach aside last month, concrete talks for a new deal don’t appear to be forthcoming.

But interest has persisted. Bayern Munich are understood to have recently agreed personal terms with the Colombian, and while Liverpool’s stance remains the same, a lucrative offer could change the narrative.

Diaz is one of the best wingers in the Premier League, in Europe, but if Liverpool receive a compelling offer, there’s just cause for his summer transfer, especially if a new deal on Merseyside isn’t in the pipeline.

And indeed, Slot and Hughes appear to have identified a successor already.

Liverpool lining up Diaz successor

According to RMC Sport over in France, Liverpool have joined the race for Lyon winger Malick Fofana, who is also on Bayern Munich and Marseille’s radar.

Chelsea were previously interested, but their £51.5m signing of Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund should put them out of consideration (emphasis on ‘should’).

Lyon’s financial struggles could ease negotiations for Liverpool, but the Ligue 1 outfit are likely to demand something in the region of €50m (£43m).

What Malick Fofana would bring to Liverpool

Fofana might only be 20 years old, but he’s already established himself as one of the most exciting offensive talents in Europe. Across 62 appearances with Lyon, he’s scored 15 goals and supplied seven assists.

He’s unpolished and would need plenty of coaching to reach Diaz’s slick level as a Premier League powerhouse, but the ingredients are absolutely there. Praised for his “style, swagger and charisma” on the field by journalist Antonio Mango, who was advocating in May for his potential to succeed Diaz at Liverpool, should the South American leave.

Fofana’s pace and power as a winger make the strong suggestion that he’s a tailor-made successor on the left wing. Last season, for example, he hit 17 goal contributions across all competitions despite only starting 23 times, with Mango also calling him a “game-changer”.

Fofana, moreover, has shown himself to have an eye for a wonder goal.

Diaz’s uniqueness will be hard to replace. Not only a dynamic athlete, he is intelligent and happy to perform across any number of roles in order to drive Slot’s project closer toward success.

But there’s a logic to FSG’s hesitance toward extending Diaz’s deal: he’s not exactly proved a winger of sustained prolificness across his time at Anfield, and ebbed and flowed from form throughout points of the 2024/25 campaign.

Diaz and Cody Gakpo equally provided an attacking output that was surpassed only by Mohamed Salah. With signing a new striker on the cards, the reorienting of Liverpool’s goal threat could actually work in Fofana’s favour, allowing him to arrive without the responsibility of emulating Diaz’s form from the off.

Matches (starts)

29 (16)

36 (28)

Goals

5

13

Assists

4

5

Shots (on target)*

1.1 (0.5)

2.0 (0.8)

Big chances missed

4

11

Pass completion

84%

86%

Big chances created

6

8

Key passes*

0.9

1.6

Dribbles*

0.8

1.5

Tackles*

1.1

1.1

Duels won*

2.9

3.8

Fofana’s limited starting action across all competitions didn’t stop him from displaying a promising clinical edge, though. As per FBref, the Belgium international ranked among the top 10% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues last term for non-penalty goals scored and the top 2% for progressive carries per 90.

Looking at Fofana’s crisp 84% pass rate in Ligue 1 last term, too, there’s surely just cause for Liverpool to push ahead and sign him before one rival or another steals ahead and snaps him up.

Given that Diaz’s stock is sky-high at the moment, Liverpool would also be able to complete this series of moves to their financial benefit, which could prove especially important given that signing a new centre-forward is indeed a matter of priority for the Reds.

With Gakpo easing the pressure on the left flank, signing Fofana before he hits his prime should prove a masterful move from FSG. One which rivals will look back on with envy in the coming years.

He’s not fully developed yet, but there’s so much to like with this Diaz-esque talent. And is that not the Liverpool way?

Hughes lining up Liverpool move for £34m Guehi alternative who's Konate 2.0

Liverpool’s search for a new centre-back continues, amid uncertainty over Ibrahima Konate’s future

ByRobbie Walls Jul 13, 2025

Manchester United are on the lookout for high-profile reinforcements this summer and could now have an opportunity to strengthen their forward line, according to reports.

Manchester United's revolving door of offensive options

Bryan Mbeumo is the name on everyone’s lips at Manchester United and everyone will be desperate for a deal to be done despite the Bees knocking back two separate bids for the 25-year-old, the latter said to be worth £62.5 million.

Keith Andrews is set to hold out for around £70 million before parting ways with his star man, who could join Matheus Cunha in forming the Red Devils’ new-look attack. The Red Devils are also set to part ways with several of their current offensive assets.

Taking to social media platform X, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Marcus Rashford, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Tyrell Malacia, Jadon Sancho have all asked to leave Old Trafford and will return to pre-season later in the month.

He explained: “Marcus Rashford, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Tyrell Malacia, Jadon Sancho have all informed Manchester United they wish to leave. Man Utd have delayed their return date until later in July to allow them time to explore solutions further.”

In light of this news, Manchester United have made an approach for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, potentially adding some proven Premier League experience through the middle amid Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund’s struggles.

He's better than Watkins: Man Utd in talks to sign "world-class" £26m star

Manchester United appear to be making moves to land a new striker this summer.

1 ByEthan Lamb Jul 4, 2025

There is a healthy appetite from supporters to see a new man installed to spearhead the Red Devils to glory in 2025/26. Still, FFP parameters and missing out on European qualification will make it tougher for Ruben Amorim to push deals over the line.

Nevertheless, he now has a clinical forward in his sights that could provide the edge needed to take Manchester United to the next level.

Manchester United considering move for Ivan Toney

According to Football Insider in conversation with former scout Mick Brown, Manchester United are interested in bringing Ivan Toney back to the Premier League after he left Brentford to join Al-Ahli last summer.

The England international is eyeing a return to his homeland, but he would have to take a pay cut in light of his exorbitant £400,000 weekly wage packet in the Gulf region.

How has Ivan Toney got on since joining Al-Ahli?

Appearances

44

Goals

30

Assists

6

Adding some context, Brown stated: “Man United have been watching him, my sources tell me, and they think he is still capable of playing at the top level, plus he’s not even 30 yet so he’s got years left in him.”

He added: “From what I’m told, he would be interested in a return to the Premier League. He might have to take a cut from what he’s getting paid out there, but he wants to play at the highest level and United could give him that chance.”

While he may be an upgrade in the centre-forward position, questions would linger over the tax complications involved in any proposed move to Old Trafford, though you suspect that is a bridge Manchester United would cross later down the line.

There is no secret that a new forward is needed at Old Trafford and Toney, with 36 goals and 85 appearances worth of Premier League experience, may just be the man for the job.

Allrounder was reported to be struggling with a finger niggle during the first Test in Chennai

Alagappan Muthu25-Sep-20242:18

Manjrekar: Mushfiqur, Shakib must be mentally tougher in marquee series

There has been uncertainty around Shakib Al Hasan’s participation in the second Test between India and Bangladesh starting on Friday, but the head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe dispelled them as he confirmed the allrounder is “eligible for selection”.Shakib was at Bangladesh’s training session in Kanpur on Wednesday although his stint didn’t last too long. His performance was noticeably below par in the first Test in Chennai, where he did not bowl until the 53rd over of India’s first innings and was uncharacteristically expensive. While it was mentioned on the broadcast that Shakib may have been struggling with a finger injury, Bangladesh’s batting coach David Hemp said he was unaware of that in Chennai and Hathurusinghe reiterated that stance in Kanpur.”I haven’t heard anything officially or any complaints (about Shakib),” he said. “There is no doubt about that at the moment. I haven’t heard from my physio or from anyone. He’s still eligible for selection.”Shakib had figures of 0 for 50 in eight overs and 0 for 79 in 13 overs in Chennai, and scored 32 and 25 in Bangladesh’s 280-run defeat. When asked whether Shakib’s performance had upset him, Hathurisinghe replied, “I’m not. I’m upset not about his performance but our overall performance, we could have done better. I’m sure that he also thinks that he can perform better. We all know what he’s capable of. I think he batted really well in the second innings. He couldn’t go on. Not because of lack of pride. It’s sheer quality of the opposition.”Trailing the two-match series 0-1, Bangladesh are in need of a better batting performance, particularly in the first innings. Conditions in Kanpur may help, with the pitch expected to be less lively than the one in Chennai.Hathurisinghe said the players had talked about their shortcomings and it was about “whether we’re able to do that in the middle. We have our KPIs, what we want, and we normally talk about if you make a start, make it big. That’s the biggest concern, because some of the guys got 30 balls (and then got out). In cricket, it’s the hardest thing to get in. But then, this team, India, has been posing different challenges, so we know that as well. So we have to be better for longer.”Bangladesh had their left-hand heavy top-order picked apart by India’s quicks in Chennai. They have the option of bring in the right-hander Mahmudul Hasan Joy but that decision will not be a knee-jerk one.”Just because of the left-handers, right-handers, is not the thing that we will take into consideration. If we are making a change, whether that batsman, whether Mahmudul Joy or whoever is coming in, what he can bring and who will miss out, and we look at it holistically like that, rather than left or right.”

Newcastle United’s summer transfer window is kicking into life, all right, with Eddie Howe determined to package a squad with enough quality to challenge across the Premier League and Champions League campaigns.

Last season was one of staggering success for the Magpies, who deservedly beat Liverpool at Wembley in March to lift the Carabao Cup, so ending 70 years adrift from that matchless trophy-winning feeling.

On the last day of the top-flight term, the Toon also secured their place in next year’s elite European tournament after finishing fifth in the league.

However, Newcastle’s 2024 summer window still lingers in the minds of all affiliated. It’s something of a miracle that Howe led his troops to glory in spite of the market setbacks.

The new campaign is a little over a month away, and United are planning to make a series of signings despite their slow start to the window.

That slow start has started to gather some pace, in fairness, but more is needed if Howe’s to piece together Newcastle’s dream squad for the 2025/26 season.

The goalkeepers

James Trafford becomes the new No. 1

Newcastle have maintained a vested interest in Burnley shot-stopper James Trafford for a while now, and though Howe has been bruised by a number of setbacks in the market, this one looks like it will glide through to the finish line in a potential £30m deal.

Hailed as a “world-class keeper” by Clarets boss Scott Parker, the Englishman will jockey for a regular starting berth with Nick Pope, who has been a staple of the Howe era but missed ten Premier League matches last year due to injury.

Newcastle, for sure, aren’t strapped for options between the sticks. Martin Dubravka, Odysseas Vlachodimos, John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie all form a bloated chunk of the St. James’ Park first-team squad.

Profit and Sustainability technicalities have played heavily into the unique situation, but there’s no question that Trafford would sit atop the pile if signed this summer.

Full list of goalkeepers: James Trafford, Nick Pope, Martin Dubravka, Odysseas Vlachodimos, John Ruddy, Mark Gillespie

The defence

Howe finally lands a new centre-back

Amid the long list of rejections this summer is likely to be Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, who was the subject of four failed bids from the Tynesiders in 2024 and has entered Newcastle’s sights once more this year.

But Liverpool appear to hold the lead in the race, and Newcastle have thus swivelled their attention to Atalanta’s Giorgio Scalvini, who, aged 22, is valued in excess of £50m.

The dynamic defender will complete a backline already replete with depth and quality. A fully-fit Sven Botman could provide the right-footer with a formidable partner, while Fabian Schar and Dan Burn offer high-level competition that will be vital across a multi-front campaign.

And Howe’s diligence and planning over the past few years has also limited the attention required on the flanks. Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall make for one of the most exciting young partnerships in the game, while Matt Targett and Kieran Trippier bring leadership to the fold.

Full list of centre-backs: Fabian Schar, Giorgio Scalvini, Jamal Lascelles, Sven Botman, Dan Burn

Full list of right-backs: Tino Livramento, Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth

Full list of left-backs: Lewis Hall, Matt Targett

The midfield

Magpie midfielders remain the essence of Howe's system

Newcastle’s defence is in pretty good nick, but not so much as the midfield, which has been pieced together masterfully over the past few years. When Sandro Tonali gelled with Bruno Guimaraes after last winter’s blip, United reached new levels, establishing the form that would lead to silver-tinted glory.

Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy has certainly sung their praises, saying of the midfield: “One of the best in the league. Probably just behind Liverpool’s or maybe even on par with Liverpool’s. They’ve got a blend of everything and incredible players. I think they’ve got some of the best players in the world in that position.”

Tonali’s redefinition as a number six promoted the ball-playing focus of Howe’s game and allowed Guimaraes to operate in a more advanced, fluid role. Joelinton’s undying energy was magnified but Sean Longstaff, who has been linked with a summer sale could exit to please PSR. Leeds United have already tabled an offer.

In his stead, Newcastle have been named suitors for Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher, with the England international valued at £50m. His completeness and athleticism would be the perfect counterpoint to a midfield already rich with contrasting quality.

Newcastle would likely look to whittle down Atletico’s asking price, but it’s an exciting time for the Toon, who already are so strong in the centre, with Joe Willock and the young Lewis Miley looking to play their part too.

Full list of central midfielders: Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Conor Gallagher, Joe Willock, Lewis Miley

The forwards

Sweeping changes built around Alexander Isak

Alexander Isak remains Newcastle’s talisman, and PIF’s £200m price tag for the Sweden star should keep him at St. James’ Park for at least one more year.

He does need competition though, since Callum Wilson has packed up and left at the end of his contract. There have been a few blows in that regard so far, but Brentford’s Yoane Wissa has recently been lined up. The sticking point, of course, is that the Bees want £50m.

And despite signing Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest in a £55m deal, more is needed, to be sure. Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes hold down the fort pretty well on the left flank, but Newcastle are still interested in signing another name to enrich the ranks.

And that would be Manchester City’s Jack Grealish, who is set to leave the Etihad Stadium this summer. His £40m price tag might put the Magpies off, for this would take their spending over £200m after having bagged Elanga already.

Instead, a loan move looks like it could be the order of the day, one which would provide creative relief and allow a deal for someone like Wissa to be pursued too.

The recent rumours surrounding Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike make for compelling reading, but it’s just hard to envisage a world where Newcastle win the race for the £85m-rated centre-forward while keeping Isak on the books too.

And Isak is staying. Thus, a more pragmatic, but still impressive, deal for a Premier League-proven and positionally dynamic player in Wissa could prove the order of the day for Newcastle as they look to polish off this remarkable squad of Magpies.

Full list of right wingers: Anthony Elanga, Jacob Murphy

Full list of left wingers: Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, Jack Grealish

Full list of strikers: Alexander Isak, Yoane Wissa, William Osula

Elanga's new Gibbs-White: Newcastle leading race for £40m "magician"

Newcastle are hoping to make more signings after landing Anthony Elanga.

1

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 12, 2025

Tottenham seemingly have the chance to sign a “huge talent” as agents make contact to discuss his availability, as per a new report, and he was once “very close” to making the move to north London.

Related Tottenham advancing move for £24m defender after 'emerging' as favourites

Spurs have been told what it would take to get a deal done.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Jul 23, 2025

Spurs have a few key items on their transfer checklist which are yet to be ticked off.

The Lilywhites have signed Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel on permanent deals, later adding both Kota Takai and Mohammed Kudus to their list of summer signings, and they remain in pursuit of Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White despite their threat of legal action.

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025

Average match rating

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Finalising a deal for the latter is currently Tottenham’s main priority, according to Fabrizio Romano, who also told GiveMeSport’s Market Madness podcast that they’re confident of eventually sealing Gibbs-White’s signature.

“Tottenham remain confident about their chances of signing the player. But, obviously, now this is a legal topic. They need to have discussions directly with Nottingham Forest to find the solution,” said Romano.

“Of course, it changes the timing of the deal. Tottenham’s perfect plan was probably to sign Kudus and Gibbs-White in 24 or 48 hours. It is now going to take a bit longer, but they remain intent on signing the player.”

According to Alasdair Gold, Spurs also want a new number six to come in, and hold an interest in Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha. However, any deal would hinge on selling one of their current engine room men, most likely Yves Bissouma.

Links to Brentford striker Yoane Wissa haven’t gone away, either, with some credible media sources suggesting that the Congo international is open to reuniting with Thomas Frank at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium amid interest from Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest.

That being said, Newcastle appear to be the most advanced right now, and have already seen bids rejected for Wissa as they push to sign him for Eddie Howe.

If Spurs are beaten to the punch by Newcastle for Wissa, an intriguing chance to sign PSG striker Randal Kolo Muani has emerged, according to journalist Graeme Bailey.

Tottenham offered chance to sign PSG striker Randal Kolo Muani

The Ligue 1 and European champions are demanding around £43 million for Kolo Muani, a price tag which Juventus are refusing to meet amid extensive talks to re-sign the forward, after his productive loan spell in Turin.

Now, Bailey has told TBR Football that agents have contacted Tottenham over Kolo Muani’s potential availability, coming after he was once on the verge of a move to north London in January.

“Kolo Muani’s move to Juventus has stalled,” said Bailey.

“They want him back, but they want a loan with an option. PSG are not keen, and they believe there are other clubs willing to take him on better terms.

“Kolo Muani has enjoyed life in Turin, but we are told that he remains keen on England – he was very close to joining Tottenham in January.

“Spurs are one of those contacted again, but so have the likes of Manchester United and Newcastle, both of whom are obviously in the market for new forwards. He is suddenly a name who is possibly back on the market, and he is intriguing to these Premier League clubs. He is still seen as a huge talent.”

The France international netted 23 goals and registered 17 assists in all competitions for Eintracht Frankfurt, during his best-ever season to date in 2022/2023, so it is clear as day that Kolo Muani does have it in his locker.

He also played a key role in helping his country reach the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar. Kolo Muani is no stranger to the big occasion, and his versatility could also be a very useful asset to Frank as Spurs look to compete on multiple fronts next term.

Steven Croft, Lancashire’s veteran allrounder and stalwart of their 2011 Championship-winning side, has announced his retirement from professional cricket at the age of 39.Croft stepped down from first-class and List A cricket at the end of the 2023 summer, and had been on a T20-only deal for this summer’s campaign. However, he has now confirmed his full retirement with immediate effect, and will instead move into Lancashire’s coaching staff on a full-time basis.His final appearance came earlier this month, in Lancashire’s defeat to Sussex in the Vitality Blast quarter-final, and was his 600th match for the club across formats. He made his Lancashire debut in 2005, and went on to make a total of 19,183 runs, as well as claim 199 wickets with his offspin.In 2011, he scored the winning runs against Somerset at Taunton, as Lancashire ended a 77-year wait for the County Championship, and four years later, he captained the T20 team to their maiden T20 Blast title at Edgbaston, beating Northamptonshire in the final.Between June 2006 and July 2018, Croft played 148 consecutive T20 matches for Lancashire, which is an English record. He finishes his career as Lancashire’s leading T20 run-scorer with 5,486 runs.”My dream as a boy was to play one game for Lancashire, in the end it became 600,” Croft said. “So, after just over two decades of playing for the club, I have taken the decision to retire as a player.”I can confidently say I have realised my dream and more, and what a ride it has been. To go with the games, runs, wickets and catches, I have played alongside some of my heroes and many greats of the game.”There have been so many highlights along the way, too. Winning the County Championship in 2011 will stay with me forever. The 2015 T20 Blast too, what a great night that was! But also, being awarded my county cap and being appointed club captain were special moments.Mark Chilton, Lancashire’s Director of Cricket, added: “On behalf of everyone at the club, I would like to congratulate Steven on an incredible Lancashire career.”Steven epitomises everything good about this club. He is an outstanding individual who always puts the team first and anyone who has watched him knows that Steven puts his heart and soul into every game and his record speaks for itself.”To be such an influential member of our side – as well as contributing to so many match-winning performances – over such a long period of time is something he should be very proud of.”Players like Steven don’t come around too often and whilst we will miss his skill and experience on the field, we’re thrilled that he will continue to play a vital role in continuing to develop the exciting young players we have at Emirates Old Trafford, working across the Men’s First Team, Second XI and Academy.”Even over the last 12 months, I’ve been really impressed with how quickly he’s taken to coaching and the impact he’s had in a short period of time. I am looking forward to seeing him develop these skills in the next chapter of his career.”

The duo helped Sri Lanka recover from O’Rourke’s strikes after Chandimal and Karunaratne had laid the foundation earlier

Madushka Balasuriya20-Sep-2024

Sri Lanka 237 for 4 (Dhananjaya 34*, Mathews 34*, O’Rourke 3-37) and 305 lead New Zealand 340 (Latham 70, Mitchell 57, Jayasuriya 4-136) by 202 runsFifties from Dimuth Karunaratne and Dinesh Chandimal were followed by steadying knocks from Angelo Mathews and Dhananjaya de Silva and Sri Lanka stretched their lead to 202 by the close of play on day three in Galle.The latter pair had put together an unbeaten fifth wicket stand of 59 when an extended final session came to a close, as Sri Lanka inched forward their hard-fought advantage – the foundations of which had been sown earlier.Prabath Jayasuriya, ragged on day two, was on the money on the third morning adding three scalps to his overnight tally to end with innings figures of 4 for 136, while Ramesh Mendis grabbed two himself to finish on 3 for 101.Related