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تحدث الهولندي آرني سلوت، المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ليفربول عن مباراة فريقه أمام سندرلاند، ضمن منافسات الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

ويواجه ليفربول نظيره سندرلاند مساء غدٍ، الأربعاء، في تمام الساعة العاشرة والربع بتوقيت القاهرة، الحادية عشرة والربع بتوقيت مكة المكرمة.

ويستضيف ملعب آنفيلد المباراة بين ليفربول وسندرلاند والتي تجمعهما ضمن منافسات الجولة الرابعة عشرة من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز “بريميرليج”.

وقال سلوت في المؤتمر الصحفي الذي نقلته صحيفة “ليفربول إيكو” عن تدوير التشكيل: “لم أشعر بالكثير حيال ذلك، حيث كانت لدينا فترة تعافي بالأمس، ثم سنتدرب اليوم، لذلك دعونا نرى كيف يشعر اللاعبون”.

وأضاف: “لقد غاب فلوريان عن التدريب لمدة أسبوع ونصف أو أسبوعين، إن لعبه لعدة دقائق كان بالفعل أمرًا جيدًا، من المشجع لنا أن نراه يلعب بهذه الجودة على الرغم من أنها ليست المرة الأولى بالنسبة لنا، ربما المرة الأولى التي يلاحظ عدد كبير من الناس تلك الجودة”.

اقرأ أيضًا | ليفربول يأمل شيئًا ما بعد استدعاء محمد صلاح لقائمة منتخب مصر

وأكمل: “كما أن تسجيل أليكس (إيزاك) لهدفه الأول أمر إيجابي، فهو لم يتمكن من اللعب لمدة 5 إلى 10 دقائق أخرى لأنه كان يشعر بالفعل ببعض التقلصات العضلية، إنه لاعب آخر علينا أن نرى كيف سيتصرف”.

وعن غضب محمد صلاح بسبب عدم لعبه مباراة وست هام الماضية: “افتراض عادل ورد فعل طبيعي لشخص يمكنه اللعب معنا، بالطبع، اللاعب ليس سعيدًا لأنه لا يلعب وهو ليس الوحيد الذي أستطيع أن أخبرك بذلك”.

وأردف: “لقد كان سلوكه كما تتوقع من المحترف الذي هو عليه، لقد كان داعمًا جدًا لزملائه في الفريق وتعامل مع نفسه بشكل جيد حقًا”.

واستطرد: “لا يمكنك اللعب بهذه الجودة كل ثلاثة أيام إذا ذهبت وراء عواطفك لكن مو منضبط للغاية، سيظل دائمًا ذلك اللاعب المحترف المتميز كما كان في الأيام القليلة الماضية، إنه لاعب من الطراز الرفيع”.

وعن موعد مغادرة محمد صلاح لمعسكر منتخب مصر استعدادًا لكأس أمم إفريقيا أوضح سلوت: “سيغادر يوم 15 ديسمبر، الطريقة التي عملنا بها هي أن يكون هناك تواصل بين الأطراف الثلاثة، اللاعب والنادي والمنتخب، هذا ليس جديدًا لكن فيفا أعلنت أن 15 ديسمبر هو آخر يوم لترك اللاعبين”.

وحول كيفية اللعب بدون صلاح خلال فترة تواجده في كأس أمم إفريقيا تابع: “علينا التكيف وإيجاد طريقة لعب بدونه”.

وأتم: “لحسن الحظ، خلال الفترة التي قضيتها هنا، كان شخصًا خارقًا ولكن بالنسبة لجميع اللاعبين حول العالم، هناك أوقات في النادي يكون فيها المرء بشرًا، لقد سجل العديد من الأهداف لنا وأنا متأكد من أنه سيفعل ذلك في المستقبل”

Corbin Bosch replaced Kagiso Rabada in the South Africa XI, completing the seam trio alongside Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder

Firdose Moonda14-Nov-2025

Kagiso Rabada was ruled out on the morning of the Eden Gardens Test•Associated Press

Kagiso Rabada sustained a rib injury during South Africa’s first training session in India on Tuesday, which ended up ruling him out of the Eden Gardens Test on the morning of the match. No decision has been made on whether he will be available for the second Test, which starts in Guwahati next week.ESPNcricinfo has established that Rabada was taken for a scan the morning after injury occurred. However, he still attended Wednesday’s training session. The extent of his participation in that session is unclear, though. He did not take part in Thursday’s optional training – which is regular practice for many senior players – and underwent a fitness test before play began on Friday morning. After experiencing discomfort during the test, a late call was made, ruling Rabada out of the Test match.Corbin Bosch, who has played three Tests prior to this tour, was named in the XI in Rabada’s place. Bosch was also part of South Africa’s Test squad in Pakistan, but did not play in either of the matches on the tour. He is now one of three seamers in South Africa’s line-up for the first Test; the other two are Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder.South Africa do not have any other seamers in their squad, after Lungi Ngidi was left out of both the Pakistan and India series in a horses-for-courses approach to playing in the subcontinent. Despite Rabada’s injury, no replacement players have been called up to the squad yet.South Africa will play another Test, followed by three ODIs and five T20Is, over the next five weeks in India. The white-ball squads have not yet been announced, but it is expected that South Africa will select as close to a first-choice T20I squad as possible, with next year’s T20 World Cup in mind. Rabada is expected to be part of that T20I squad.

Tottenham Hotspur have submitted an official bid for Ferran Torres, with Barcelona chiefs now in a debate over whether to sell the forward.

Spurs’ interest in a new forward may stem from the fact they have struggled in front of goal at times this season, perhaps partially due to Dominic Solanke’s absence, recording an xG of just 0.10 across the entire match in the 1-0 defeat against Chelsea earlier this month.

Not only that, but it would be fair to say some of the summer signings haven’t hit the ground running, with Randal Kolo Muani failing to find the back of the net in his opening eight matches across all competitions.

Pundit Johan Derksen has also been very critical of Xavi Simons, saying: “That Simons, he is physically incompetent. In England, they are all skilled on the ball and can all play football, but you also need physical strength.

“Tijjani Reijnders has that, and so do the guys at Liverpool, but Simons is getting lost in the onslaught. Simply because he is physically incompetent.”

Although it is still early days for Simons and Kolo Muani, it is no surprise Thomas Frank & co want to bring in a new forward this January, and they have now made an official approach for a La Liga star.

Tottenham submit offer for Ferran Torres

According to a report from Spain, Tottenham have now submitted an official offer for Barcelona star Torres, with club chiefs now debating whether to cash-in, given that they could do with generating funds, in light of their financial situation.

Spurs’ proposal amounts to €65m (£57m), which is tempting, but there are hints that the north Londoners may even be willing to offer more, as they are ‘determined’ to get a deal done, even if the La Liga club reject the opening offer.

Barca are yet to make a decision about the Spaniard’s future, but if they do end up being willing to sanction a departure, the 25-year-old could be a statement signing for Frank’s side.

Having initially struggled to make an impact at the Camp Nou, the former Manchester City man has developed year-on-year to become an important player, chipping in with seven goals in all competitions already this season.

Ferran Torres’ goal record by season

La Liga appearances

Goals

2021-22

18

4

2022-23

33

4

2023-24

29

7

2024-25

27

10

2025-26

11

5

Should he continue scoring at the current rate, the Spain international, who has been lauded as “world-class” by Xavi, is on course to have his best season yet, so it is understandable that Barcelona are hesitant about cashing-in.

However, should Tottenham be able to get a deal done, Torres could be the ideal addition to Frank’s squad, not least because the manager’s current options are struggling, with Mathys Tel on just two goals in all competitions this term.

Update on Tottenham's pursuit of Antoine Semenyo Tottenham given Semenyo update with sources convinced forward 'will be through the door'

The Lilywhites could sign an attacker in January.

ByEmilio Galantini Nov 13, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

Júnior Pedrosa, empresário de Gabigol, desmentiu a declaração de Augusto Melo, presidente do Corinthians, e afirmou que em nenhum momento o centroavante do Flamengo negociou para jogar no Timão.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFora de CampoTotói, filho de Everton Ribeiro, canta hino do Flamengo na apresentação do pai no BahiaFora de Campo07/01/2024CorinthiansCom quatro reforços, Corinthians se reapresenta e inicia testes físicos no CTCorinthians07/01/2024Lance! BizSaiba quanto o Corinthians faturará com a nova patrocinadora masterLance! Biz07/01/2024

➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

Durante coletiva para anunciar o novo patrocinador master, o presidente alvinegro assegurou que o Timão fez proposta para Gabigol assinar por cinco temporadas, mas a demora do Flamengo e staff do atleta fizeram o Corinthians desistir da contratação.

– A gente ouve falar muitas coisas, mas ninguém sabe o que realmente acontece. Tudo certo, diferente do que muita gente fala, tudo conversado, Flamengo, Corinthians, empresário, proposta, cinco anos de contrato… Tudo pronto, só dependendo deles, um para o outro, mas existe um limite. Era meu foco, sempre deixei claro, era um atleta que gostaria de ver com a camisa do Corinthians, como ele também quer. Mas tem um limite, a gente falou “até tal dia espera” – afirmou Augusto Melo.

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Através de sua assessoria, Júnior Pedrosa garantiu que jamais conversou com o Corinthians sobre Gabigol, que possui acerto verbal para renovar com o Flamengo.

+ Veja como ficou a tabela do Brasileirão após a última rodada

– Em resposta à declaração do presidente do Corinthians, levando em consideração o respeito máximo ao Sr. Augusto Melo e a instituição Corinthians, mas precisamos esclarecer um ponto importante da declaração dada por ele. Não abrimos negociações com o Corinthians em momento algum. Desde sempre, deixamos claro que o Gabriel tem contrato com o Flamengo e um acordo verbal de renovação. Portanto, quando o Presidente menciona que estava tudo certo com o agente do Gabriel, sinto a necessidade de esclarecer – assegurou Júnior Pedroso.

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Sem Gabigol, a diretoria já trabalha nos bastidores para contratar um novo atacante. O clube alvinegro busca um centroavante para disputar posição com Yuri Alberto, além de um atacante que atue pelos lados, que tenha como principal característica a velocidade e drible. 

Three of Duke’s six dismissals came off Matt Milnes, who took 4 for 29 after Ben Coad wrecked the hosts’ top order at Radlett

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay17-Aug-2025Yorkshire 130 for 3 (Imam-ul-Haq 53*, Brookes 3-17) beat Middlesex 129 (Cornwell 28*, Robson 28, Milnes 4-29, Coad 3-26) by seven wicketsYorkshire wicketkeeper Harry Duke took six catches to set a List A record for the county as they thrashed Middlesex to cement their status as Metro Bank One Day Cup Group B front-runners.Three of Duke’s dismissals came off the bowling of Matt Milnes, who took 4 for 29 after Ben Coad, bowling unchanged to finish with 3 for 26, had wrecked Middlesex’s top order at Radlett.The home side, who began the day level on points with their opponents, could not get to grips with Yorkshire’s relentless seam attack on a pitch with variable bounce, registering the ground’s lowest List A total as they were rolled for 129 in 31 overs.Opener Imam-ul-Haq maintained his excellent form in the tournament, hitting a stylish unbeaten 54 from 66 balls as the White Rose coasted to victory with 23 overs to spare, despite Henry Brookes’ spell of 3 for 17.Jack White set the tone after Middlesex had won the toss and surprisingly chosen to bat first, his third delivery spitting up at Josh de Caires’ elbow and deflecting back onto the stumps.Will Luxton then pulled off a smart tumbling catch at backward point to remove Joe Cracknell off Coad, who also had Ben Geddes caught behind pushing forward as the home side sank to 5 for 3.Sam Robson hung in there and, having taken 13 deliveries to get off the mark by squirting White to long-on for three, oversaw a brief counter-attack with some courageous strokes off both front and back foot.He reached 28, sharing a stand of 38 with Jack Davies but, once both had departed in the space of three balls, Middlesex continued to flounder against sustained, accurate Yorkshire bowling.Nathan Fernandes and Toby Roland-Jones did their best to spark a recovery, with the latter pulling George Hill for the first six of the innings before he was given out caught behind next ball.It was left to Noah Cornwell to provide some cheer for the home supporters, taking on Hill and plundering 18 from four deliveries – including two top-edged fours over Duke’s head – to post a career-best 28 not out.However, the wicketkeeper snapped up an edge off last man Nathan Gilchrist to claim his sixth dismissal and close out the innings with 19 overs unused, leaving Yorkshire to enjoy their lunch and contemplate a modest target of 130.Lyth made the most of a leg-side glance that Cracknell could not hold in the first over of the visitors’ reply, dispatching Roland-Jones for successive fours and dominating his partnership of 59 with Imam.Both Roland-Jones and Gilchrist beat the bat several times without success, but Brookes’ sudden burst of three wickets in seven deliveries pegged Yorkshire back as Lyth drove to gully for 39 before Luxton and James Wharton were both caught behind.But Imam displayed his class, cutting and driving with precision and steering the ball into gaps and lifting the White Rose total into three figures as he pulled Cornwell for back-to-back boundaries.Duke played an efficient supporting role with the bat, punching Brookes and Cornwell to the rope as he kept Imam company with a breezy 28 in their unbroken fourth-wicket stand of 63.However, it was the Pakistan international – having passed 50 for the fourth consecutive game – who applied the finishing touch, glancing Cornwell to the fence at long leg to confirm Yorkshire’s victory.

Rangers need to replace sporting director Kevin Thelwell, and a highly qualified candidate who also happens to be a boyhood Gers fan is currently out of work.

McCoist fumes at Rangers after defeat to Brann

Danny Rohl’s first game in charge of the Gers was not a game he will want to remember in a hurry, with his side losing 3-0 away to Brann in the Europa League on Thursday evening.

One person who appears to have reached breaking point is Rangers legend Ally McCoist, who slammed the team the morning after the game, describing it as his lowest ebb with them yet.

“Last night is probably as depressed as I have been during this whole debacle, because I actually feel for the manager. I don’t know what he is going to do.

“He might improve them in terms of a little bit of organisation – set plays, you can do all that, bits and pieces, but I do not think there is anywhere near the level of improvement in that team that will even be required to get them up the league domestically, to tell you the gospel truth. There are just absolutely miles off it. They are getting outfought, outrun, outmuscled – I mean, it’s actually very sad to watch.”

There is so much unrest at Rangers right now, both on the pitch and behind the scenes, with potential big changes happening now that Rohl is in charge.

Rangers backed to make key backroom change

Writing on X, Hearts & Hand’s David Edgar urged Rangers to replace Thelwell with David Weir, who was most recently technical director at Premier League side Brighton, a club famed for their top level recruitment.

Weir, a boyhood Gers fan and former player, started at Brighton as the pathway development manager, and his brilliance in player development saw him progress to assistant and later chief techincal director, a role he left in September of this year.

It’s fair to say that Thelwell and CEO Patrick Stewart are unpopular figures at Rangers right now, and for Rohl’s sake, a fresh start makes sense in those backroom roles. In Weir, the Gers would be bringing in a man who has been hailed as a “recruitment mastermind” who also knows the club extremely well, and who was a popular figure during his playing days.

Worse than Antman: Rohl must drop Rangers flop who's "nowhere near ready"

Glasgow Rangers manager Danny Rohl should drop this flop who was even worse than Oliver Antman.

ByDan Emery Oct 24, 2025

It remains to be seen if a decision will be made with the likes of Thelwell and Stewart, but it does feel as though they have reached the point of no return at the club now.

Sri Lanka and Bangladesh ran each other neck and neck all day, with Bangladesh now 187 runs ahead

Madushka Balasuriya20-Jun-2025After a day-long tug of war, where Sri Lanka and Bangladesh ran each other neck and neck, the first Test will go into day five in Galle no closer to knowing which of these sides has the edge necessary to convert a likely draw into an improbable win.At stumps, Bangladesh lead by 187 runs with seven wickets in hand, and Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim – both first innings centurions – are at the crease. By all intents and purposes, this should mean Bangladesh are comfortably in control – and they are…kind of.The thing with Galle is that one tends to bring many, and there have been periods in this game where batters seemed like they could bat for days, only for that to be followed by spells where wickets fell in clusters.Related

Sri Lanka left waiting for their next great spinner

Nayeem, Shadman improve Bangladesh's second-innings act

This happened on the first morning, and then again on the second evening, Bangladesh losing eight wickets for 94 runs on either side of two massive partnerships worth 401 in total. Sri Lanka meanwhile seemed immune to collapses, stitching together a string of solid stands across their first innings, until this morning when they lost two wickets in the space of the first hour, and then four more in 45 minutes after lunch.It meant that a day that had started with Sri Lanka eyeing a cheeky lead in the hope of putting Bangladesh into bat on a day five Galle surface, and maybe, possibly, perhaps instigating a final-day collapse, ended with them being bowled out for 10 runs short of Bangladesh’s 495.It also meant that Bangladesh now control where this Test heads. A lead of 300 would seem like a minimum requirement, but they will also want to give themselves enough time to bowl Sri Lanka out – two sessions seems like the absolute minimum requirement.But to get to such an eventuality, they might need to score at a quicker rate tomorrow morning than they have all game – but that of course means they would have to risk getting dismissed for far less than that (please refer to the bit about collapses).As things stand, the Bangladesh batters have handled the Sri Lanka spinners and a steadily deteriorating Galle surface admirably. The delivery to dismiss Anamul Haque spun and bounced off the rough, while Shadman Islam – following an assured 76 off 126 – had a Milan Ratnayake seamer jag back sharply from outside off to trap him plumb in front.But in between, both Shadman and Shanto used the depth of the crease expertly. When going back, they went right back, and when coming forward they did so with gusto. Sri Lanka’s spinners for their part were perhaps guilty of a little impatience, not sticking long and persistently enough to those nagging lines around off.Nayeem Hasan took his fourth five-wicket haul in Tests•Sameera Peiris/Getty ImagesThat could partly be down to the success Nayeem Hasan had achieved earlier in the day. After three days of batting haven, that first ball which pitched on off and spun down the right-hander’s leg stump probably seemed to Nayeem like the proverbial oasis in the desert. But so ravenous was he for more that he diligently pestered that line all morning. And he was duly rewarded when Dhananjaya de Silva tickled a sharp-turner down leg for Litton Das to grab.He saved his best though for Kamindu Mendis, going strong on 87 and looking odds on to add to his catalogue of Test tons, as he pulled out a classic offspinner’s dismissal. Around the wicket, drifting in, dipping on the stumps, and straightening just enough to take the edge on the forward defence.Five balls later Nayeem had one pushed through with the arm to castle Tharindu Rathnayake. Suddenly the young Bangladesh spinner was getting the full Galle experience, the one he’d been told so much about.Fittingly, Nayeem ended the innings, turning one sharply all around Asitha Fernando’s attempted reverse sweep, to bring to an end a spell of verve and precision. It was his fourth five-wicket haul in Tests, and as he fell to his knees on the Galle pitch in worship, you could see what it meant to him – and then his teammates, who swarmed him.Less than an hour prior to that though, Sri Lanka were in the midst of a 79-run stand. A few minutes before lunch, Milan had lofted Taijul Islam down the ground off consecutive deliveries. Kamindu at the other end was doing Kamindu things, punishing anything that was too short or too wide. It meant even a streak of dot deliveries was inevitably punctuated with a boundary. His runs had come with minimal risk, only a missed reverse and pulled six over deep square leg offering any peril.Sri Lanka had looked at the time to be in total control – kind of like Bangladesh do now.

Nottingham Forest chief Evangelos Marinakis is set for crunch talks with under-fire boss Ange Postecoglou over the tactician’s long-term future, coming after a dismal start to life for Nuno Espirito Santo’s replacement at the City Ground.

Ange Postecoglou's job under threat after 2-0 Newcastle defeat

Reports in the build up to their 2-0 loss to Newcastle United at St. James’ Park claimed that Postecoglou’s job could be under threat if Forest tasted defeat up north, and this could now be realised.

Second-half goals from Bruno Guimaraes and Nick Woltemade slapped Postecoglou with his fifth loss from seven games in charge, and the Australian remains winless after making the worst start of any Forest manager for 100 years.

Ange Postecoglou’s tenure at Nottingham Forest so far

Competition

Arsenal 3-0 Forest

Premier League

Swansea 3-2 Forest

Carabao Cup

Burnley 1-1 Forest

Premier League

Real Betis 2-2 Forest

Europa League

Forest 0-1 Sunderland

Premier League

Forest 2-3 FC Midtjylland

Europa League

Newcastle 2-0 Forest

Premier League

The pressure is well and truly on Forest’s new manager after stepping into the shoes of fan favourite Nuno, who guided the Tricky Trees back to Europe for the first time since 1995 last season.

Since Nuno’s departure, Forest have been on a downward trajectory, with Postecoglou confirming that he’s set for crunch Marinakis talks over the international break.

It is believed that Marinakis already has potential replacements in mind for Postecoglou, who could become the shortest-reigning manager in Premier League history if Forest decide to take action immediately after Newcastle.

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner is emerging as a “prime candidate” to succeed the 60-year-old, according to TEAMtalk, but it is very debatable whether the Austrian would leave Selhurst Park midway through 2025/2026 for what appears to be a volatile project.

Glasner is out of contract at the end of this season, as is Fulham’s Marco Silva, and The Mail’s Tom Collomosse also reports that the latter is a long-term target for Forest.

However, any approach for Silva is apparently unlikely to happen before the conclusion of 2025/2026.

Marinakis pictured close to Benitez amid Nottingham Forest manager search

That being said, another coach who’s readily available now and wants a return to England is former Liverpool, Newcastle and Everton boss Rafael Benitez.

As reported by Collomosse, Marinakis was spotted in “close proximity” to Benitez during Arsenal’s 2-0 win over OIympiacos last week, and while the Spaniard was there in his role as a technical observer for UEFA, he’s apparently keen on coming back to Britain for work.

Rafa Benítez’s managerial career

Clubs

Tenure

Matches in charge

Titles/achievements

Real Valladolid

1995-96

25

Osasuna

1996

9

Extremadura

1997-99

92

Segunda promotion

Tenerife

2000-01

46

Segunda promotion

Valencia

2001-04

162

La Liga X2

UEFA Cup

Liverpool

2004-12

350

Champions League

FA Cup

UEFA Super Cup

Internazionale

2010

25

FIFA Club World Cup

Supercoppa Italiana

Chelsea

2012-13

48

Europa League

Napoli

2013-15

112

Coppa Italia

Supercoppa Italiana

Real Madrid

2015-16

25

Newcastle United

2016-19

146

EFL Championship

Dalian Professional

2019-21

38

Everton

2021-22

22

Celta de Vigo

2023-24

33

All statistics and information courtesy of Transfermarkt

Benitez also has good relations with the Marinakis family, so this could be one to watch, even if the Champions League-winning boss hasn’t worked in management since leaving Celta Vigo in 2024.

His last job in the Premier League was also his disastrous spell at Everton, though you can make a case that it was always doomed to fail given Benitez’s ties to Liverpool.

Benitez, after a glittering career at some of Europe’s top clubs, is regarded as a “world-class manager” by his peers, but he’d be taking on an almighty task to steer Forest back up the table amid the toxicity right now.

Graham Clark celebrated his fifth Rothesay County Championship century with a pristine innings to put Durham in charge against Hampshire.Clark led Durham’s run surge, having been 82 for 4, with partnerships of 124 with Ollie Robinson, who scored 76, and 124 unbroken with George Drissell – who reached the close on 58 not out.Clark – who hadn’t reached three figures since 2023 – ended the day unbeaten on 110, with Durham following up their victory over Worcestershire by totting up 330 for 5 under the sun at Utilita Bowl.Hampshire’s Kyle Abbott was the star of the morning session, as his three wickets put Hampshire on top, after Durham had chosen to bat first on a wicket previously used in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup women’s competition under perfect blue skies.Emilio Gay – who returned from injury – had played with intent but his heavy hands cost him as he pushed away from his body and edged to second slip after a 16-ball 19.Will Rhodes was more circumspect in his 22 but fell for Abbott’s midwicket trap, as the South African bowled into the left-hander’s ribs to produce a pull to the prowling Felix Organ.Alex Lees had been the equal to Abbott in his first spell, but a change of ends and coming wider of the crease saw the bowler win the battle. The new angle exploited a gap between bat and pad to find a route into his stumps.The 80 for 3 at lunch became 82 for 4 12 balls afterwards as Colin Ackermann swished at Brad Wheal and was caught behind.But a mixture of a softening ball, even hotter weather, and two batters who made their task look like child’s play evened up the afternoon session.Neither Robinson nor Clark ever seemed to actively attack the bowler, merely waiting for opportunities to keep a constant flow of runs.Having scored almost 900 runs last season – at an average of 48 – Robinson’s only contribution over 20 so far this season had been the unbeaten 22 which got his side over the line against Worcestershire last week.Four of his six dismissals had been as a result of either edging or falsely playing outside his off stump, but here he was tight, disciplined and decisive in the corridor of uncertainty.That extra patience against pace was rewarded once he faced Liam Dawson – taking the newly awarded Wisden Cricketer of the Year for three boundaries in a row as he closed in on his half-century in 66 deliveries.Clark – who was also not out in the chase at Visit Worcestershire New Road – was the more watchful of the pair, but wary, having got a start in each of his innings of 46, 62, 33, 16 and 20* but not progressing to three figures.The only time he truly let loose was against Sonny Baker. The quick honoured a bouncer ploy and was taken for a quartet of fours in succession. Otherwise, he was humble in his 81-ball fifty.Robinson misstepped when his swing across the line to Dawson saw him bowled, to end a 124-run stand, while Drissell survived an early drop. But from there, Drissell stepped into Robinson’s mould to build on Durham’s growing advantage.Drissell came out after tea with a pep in his shot-making – as he tried to make the most of the older ball before the 80-over mark. His towering six back over Dawson’s head was the most sweetly timed shot of the day.He made his maiden County Championship half-century in 100 balls, and the second new ball caused no issues for him and Robinson.Clark then took centre-stage as he brought up his first ton in Division One, in 188 balls to underscore an impressive fightback from Durham.

Wrexham icon Steven Fletcher has announced his retirement from professional football after being released by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney-owned side at the end of the 2024-25 campaign. The 38-year-old, who has played for several clubs across England, Scotland and France in his two-decade-long career, finally decided to bring the curtain down on his illustrious journey.

• Wrexham released Fletcher after securing Championship promotion

  Fletcher was among several stars who exited Wrexham at the end of the 2024-25 campaign as the club planned to rebuild their squad in the summer transfer window before competing in the Championship. In his two seasons at the SToK Cae Ras, Fletcher scored 16 goals in 73 league games as the Red Dragos secured successive promotions from League Two in 2023-24 and then League One in 2024-25.

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  Was linked with a move back to Hibernian

  After leaving the Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney-owned club in the summer, the veteran forward was linked with a move back to Scotland to join Hibernian, a club he started his professional career at, however, at 38, Fletcher did not want to extend his journey and finally decided to announce his retirement. 

• Fletcher announces retirement

  On Monday, Fletcher shared a heartfelt post on Instagram to announce his retirement, where he wrote: "After a lot of thought, I feel the time is right to retire from football. It’s not an easy decision because this game has been my life since I was a boy, but I know in my heart it’s the right moment to close this chapter. When I look back, I feel nothing but pride and gratitude. From starting out at Hibs to the journeys with Burnley, Wolves, Sunderland, Marseille, Sheffield Wednesday, Stoke, Dundee United and finishing at Wrexham every club has shaped me and given me memories I’ll never forget. I want to thank all the fans who supported me along the way your passion and backing meant the world. Pulling on the Scotland shirt was also one of the greatest honours of my career. To represent my country and share the pitch with so many talented lads is something I’ll always treasure. Those moments stay with you forever. I owe so much to all my managers and coaches, who taught me lessons not just about football but about life, and to every team-mate I’ve shared a dressing room with I’ve been lucky to call so many of you friends. But above all, I want to thank my family. My wife and kids have been my biggest strength through all the highs and the tough times too the moves, the injuries, the sacrifices. I also want to give special thanks to my mum and my sister, who have been there for me every step of the way, and to my agent Scott Fisher, who has guided and supported me throughout my career. None of this would have been possible without their love, loyalty and encouragement, and I’ll always be grateful. Football has given me more than I ever dreamed of, and I step away with a full heart, proud of what I’ve achieved, and excited for whatever comes next. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to everyone who has been part of my journey. Fletch!"

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  Wrexham aim to extend unbeaten run against Leicester

  After a tough start to their journey in the Championship, Wrexham have finally found their form as they are now unbeaten in their last three matches across all competitions. Phil Parkinson's side will hope to extend that streak when they face Leicester City on Tuesday.