Category Uncategorized

Autobiography provides insight into defining traits of England’s new MD

Matt Roller18-Apr-2022Rob Key was appointed as the ECB’s new managing director of men’s cricket on Sunday. A leading broadcaster for Sky Sports since his retirement from the professional game, Key has often been forthright in his opinions about English cricket and his new role casts a different light on his previous takes.As well as Sky podcasts and columns for the , Key brought out an autobiography two years ago, titled . He told ESPNcricinfo at the time that it contained “a few tales, and a few views on the good things and the bad things” about the game, but with several big decisions due over the next two months, some excerpts now read like Key’s own manifesto.

Coaching

Key has often been cynical about the value of coaches, to the extent that one chapter of his book is called ‘A Coach is What You Get to the Ground In’. He hinted earlier this year that he believes England should split the role in two: a Test coach and a white-ball coach.”Essentially, there are three types of coaches,” he wrote. “Those who have a positive influence, those who have a negative influence, and those who are neutral. While many coaches would like to see themselves as a positive influence, the truth is, such people are actually few and far between.”Key sees a major difference between coaches at county and international level, suggesting that Peter Moores struggled with the step-up because he failed to take into account that “he was dealing with elite players”. “An international coach is more of a manager,” he writes. “They don’t actually have to do much. In fact, they are better off doing nothing.”

Australian coaches

Key’s own career was influenced by Neil ‘Noddy’ Holder, the batting coach who encouraged him to keep his backlift high, and John Inverarity, who coached him at Kent. Do not be surprised if he hires an Australian as England’s coach.”Aussie coaches, with their ‘can do’ attitude, certainly offer a refreshing and powerful input,” he wrote. “They have the ability to set off little explosions in your head. When the fog clears, you see everything with absolute clarity.”Steve Harmison, Rob Key and Andrew Flintoff played significant roles in England’s 2004 series win against West Indies•Getty Images

Captain-coach relationship

Key will need to ensure that his new Test captain and coach do not clash. “[There is] one absolute truth about the captaincy/coach dynamic,” he wrote. “It’s imperative they’re on the same page.”He details the failings of England’s Ashes tour in 2006-07, and the shortcomings of Duncan Fletcher’s relationship with Andrew Flintoff. “[Flintoff] would still end up trying his very best to make sure that that partnership worked,” he writes. “The question is whether he had any give or take coming back to him.”I know how important co-operative thinking is,” he continued. “As Kent captain, I found Graham Ford a great coach to work with… we had a joint focus on taking the team forward. Because of our shared attitude to betterment, we never really had a clash.”

Test captaincy

Key was highly critical of Joe Root’s captaincy during England’s Ashes defeat and Ben Stokes is the early favourite to replace him. While some have raised parallels with Flintoff’s ill-fated stint as captain, Key’s own view of his close friend’s time in charge suggests that will not put him off.Related

• England have found three good men; they need another two

• Shastri: 'In India there is always jealousy and people willing you to fail'

• Graham Ford emerges as key contender as England's new Test coach

• English cricket desperately needs leaders with a vision for the game

• Darren Gough 'surprised' by criticism Joe Root faced towards end of captaincy

“Fred was a better England captain than he – and many others – ever thought,” Key wrote. “The circumstances were tough… he simply couldn’t have picked a worse time to be captain of England. The team had gone from the perfect balance of 2005 to Saj Mahmood batting at number eight. It was always going to be 5-0. They were throwing stones at bazookas.”He is full of praise for Stokes, too, who would fit Key’s idea that a captain should be an inspirational figure. “Since the nightclub incident in Bristol, Ben Stokes has put so much into his game,” he said. “He trains so hard – harder than anyone around him, by a distance. Great talent delivers a focus. It did so for Fred in 2005 and is doing the same now for Stokes. Without the hardship, neither would have reached those incredible high points.”

White-ball captaincy

Key’s relationship with Eoin Morgan dates back to 2009, when he was captaining England Lions on a tour to New Zealand. “What I found was a cricketer who never missed a trick,” he wrote. “When the coaches asked who should be vice-captain, straight away I said Morgs. I saw somebody who wasn’t willing just to say what people wanted him to say.” They are unlikely to clash too much.

Style of play

Key favours an attacking style of play in Test cricket, which could spell bad news for Alex Lees, Rory Burns and Dom Sibley. “We accuse people of playing too many shots but as a batsman your only currency in the game is runs,” he wrote. “For some reason, we seem to be happier if people are out blocking.”I admire Trevor Bayliss because is a believer in positive cricket. His view is that it’s possible to defend positively as well as attack. That means committing to the shots, having purpose. Is scoring 10 in a hundred balls all right? I don’t know if it is.”Often players get blamed for losing their wicket by using an attacking mindset, as if they never get out while playing defensively. When Jason Roy was opening in the Test team… pundits were saying there are no good old-fashioned openers anymore. The fact is, we had already tried ten openers, most of whom were exactly that.”Rob Key captained Kent in their promotion-winning season in 2009•Getty Images

County cricket

Perhaps Key’s biggest challenge will be leading the ECB’s high-performance review into the domestic game. He has previously outlined a draft schedule for the English season featuring a one-day competition in April, a ‘best of the rest’ first-class tournament running parallel to the Hundred, and three divisions of six teams in the Championship.In , it seems he views the county game through the prism of England’s Test team, rather than something valuable in its own right. “Four-day cricket as a business is completely bankrupt,” Key wrote. “It makes no money and costs a hell of a lot to put on. Compared to other formats, it simply makes zero financial sense.”Championship cricket really has only one card up its sleeve. The TV rights for the game are linked to Test cricket, and Test cricket can only survive so long as there is a production line of players from the Championship.”County cricket exists only because of the money from Test cricket, the England Test team only because of the Championship conveyor belt. They are the ultimate odd couple: worlds apart, but unable to get divorced because they are so utterly reliant on each other.”

Tottenham Hotspur’s recruitment in recent years has left something to be desired, and though this is a squad of heroes who conquered the Europa League before the summer, domestic form has been cemented at a lower-than-expected level for a while now, and that needs to change.

It’s not all doom and gloom, though, with £55m summer recruit Mohammed Kudus among the most exciting players in Thomas Frank’s Lilywhites outfit.

The Ghanaian winger hasn’t been perfect, but he’s certainly underlined his credentials as a difference-maker under Frank’s wing, with his five assists in the Premier League this season a joint-divisional best.

That statistic juxtaposes with Tottenham’s creative struggles this season, and it adds substance to the emerging rumours that Tottenham plan to sign an even more exciting winger to help elevate Frank’s project down N17.

Spurs leading race for new winger

Tottenham are anticipated to be busy over the coming transfer windows, with improvements needed across a range of areas. However, there’s no denying Frank’s frontline have been blunter than expected, and that must be a priority.

Kudus has been a terrific addition, but wingers like Brennan Johnson and Xavi Simons are flattering to deceive. Perhaps this is why ENIC Group are aiming for the stars.

Indeed, according to Spanish sources, Tottenham are leading the race for Real Madrid star Rodrygo, and that’s despite growing interest from the Premier League’s heavyweights.

Rodrygo, 24, is also attracting interest from Liverpool, and though Real are open to selling the Brazilian talent, they would expect to bank something in the ballpark of £70m.

Why Rodrygo would succeed at Spurs

Rodrygo is currently embroiled in a crisis of confidence. He has gone 30 La Liga matches without a goal, and has been pushed out to the fringes of Xabi Alonso’s squad.

But let’s not forget that this is a truly special player, praised for his “world-class” quality by former Los Blancos teammate Luka Modric, and the depth of his technical quality goes far beyond that of Kudus, who is devastating on the ball but lacks clarity and output.

Goals scored

0.32

0.14

Assists

0.24

0.23

Shots taken

2.94

1.89

Shot-creating actions

4.65

3.41

Touches (att pen)

6.64

3.78

Pass completion (%)

85.4

78.8

Progressive passes

4.37

2.59

Progressive carries

6.00

3.44

Successful take-ons

2.38

3.05

Ball recoveries

3.77

5.44

Though Kudus has enjoyed a fine start to his career in north London, he doesn’t match Rodrygo’s breadth of skill. The Madrid man is one of the best forwards in the world, after all, and his recent drop-off does not negate that fact.

Crisper on the ball, more progressive with his passing and more active in dribbling forward himself, Rodrygo might not have Kudus’ same snappy speed, but that’s not to say that he isn’t a dynamic physical force in his own right.

Moreover, he has so often been shunted out onto the right flank in Madrid over the past several years, lower down the pecking order than the likes of Vincius Junior and Kylian Mbappe. The right-footed Rodrygo is at his best, his most prolific, when playing off the left.

Now, he has been reduced to a truly bit-part role, only afforded three league starts under Alonso’s management this term.

It feels like Rodrygo’s departure from the Santiago Bernabeu is a matter of when, not if, and while there are a multitude of high-profile suitors looking to excavate him from the hole he has fallen into, Tottenham have put in the hard yards for some time now, and Frank’s project would promise him a leading role.

Then it would be up to Rodrygo to prove that he is the real deal. On the basis of the evidence already, he is at that, and this would see him take on a more influential role than someone like Kudus down N17.

Spurs star is becoming Frank's own version of Kane & he's not even a forward

This Tottenham star is becoming a talismanic force for Frank’s side.

ByAngus Sinclair Dec 5, 2025

Australia’s stand-in captain says bowlers who nibble the ball around can be tough on the current type of pitches

AAP and ESPNcricinfo staff13-Nov-20252:17

How important is the first Ashes Test for England?

Steve Smith has hinted England’s pace battery could be the wrong form of attack for the Ashes, believing nibbling seamers would pose a bigger threat on Australia’s lively pitches.England have arrived for the summer with their quickest bowling line-up this century, with almost the entire cartel able to reach in excess of 145kph/90mph.Spearheaded by Mark Wood and Jofra Archer, the tourists also have Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, Brydon Carse as support acts alongside captain Ben Stokes.Related

England's Ashes squad have pace in abundance, but do they have the miles?

England and Australia Ashes squads compared: who comes out on top?

Mark Wood puts 'boring' rehab behind him as he gears up for bowling return

Steven Finn: 'We stood up to Australia in '10-11, this England will have that attitude'

It’s a far cry from England’s usual attack in Australia, with the now-retired James Anderson and Stuart Broad long relying on swing and seam.And despite the hype around England’s quicks, Smith believes the tourists’ timing could be off and a more traditional seamer would be tougher to face on current wickets.”Those sort of nibblers can be quite tricky,” Smith, who will captain Australia in Perth, said. “So they might have got things the wrong way around, if that makes sense, in terms of the pace from previous years.”But obviously they’ve got those guys at their disposal now. They probably weren’t fit, ready or old enough a few years back.”Anderson’s Test career was brought to an end in 2024 when he was given a farewell outing against West Indies and Broad retired during the final Test of the 2023 Ashes.Chris Woakes dislocated his shoulder in the final Test against India in early August which ended his Ashes hopes and he has since retired from international cricket.Steven Smith has been in excellent from ahead of the Ashes•Getty Images

Smith joked this week that Australian wickets were now so green they “have branches hanging off them”.Asked directly if it was easier to face all-out pace than seamers on home decks, Smith indicated that was the case.”If you can do both, that’s a good skill,” Smith said. “But sometimes the slower guys are almost harder to play on those wickets where you have to make the pace.”It’s going to be different. But I think we’ve got plenty of players that play fast bowling well, and it’s going to be a good challenge.”Smith’s comments come after Mitchell Starc warned England that it would not be easy for the quicks to charge in all summer, given the harder surfaces in Australia.Smith will enter the series in form, with scores of 118, 57 and 56 not out in his three Sheffield Shield innings for New South Wales. Fresh off a six-week break in New York ahead of the summer, Smith said almost upon landing back home he would need a few hits to find his rhythm.That form is now undeniable, even if he briefly “lost his hands” while batting for NSW in their 300-run drubbing to Victoria at the SCG.”I felt awful my first 20 runs [on Wednesday],” Smith said. “Lost my hands for a little bit there and then found them back after that, so that was good.”It was more because I was changing bats, trying to figure out which one I like, to be honest. And they all felt a little bit different. I think I’ve settled on one, so it felt good.”But it was nice to just be able to spend some time in the middle, get some rhythm and feel in a good place.”

Labuschagne in the 15-man squad along with both allrounders in Green and Webster with all options on the table

Alex Malcolm05-Nov-20253:26

McGlashan: ‘Marnus has done everything asked of him’

Sam Konstas has been dropped from Australia’s Test squad for the first Ashes Test against England with Tasmania opener Jake Weatherald handed his first international call-up as the national selectors pick a 15-man group that gives them a host of options.Marnus Labuschagne, who was dropped in West Indies earlier this year, is set to be recalled into the XI following a prolific start to the season with Queensland, but where he bats remains uncertain and will likely be dictated by whether Cameron Green can operate fully as an allrounder.Related

Cummins feeling good for Gabba, but rest may be needed

Steve Waugh questions whether Australia selectors can make tough calls

Steve Waugh sees his own career in Sam Konstas' early challenges

What does Pat Cummins' absence mean for Australia?

'I'll be ready' – Doggett waits on an Ashes call after six wickets on Shield return

Chair of selectors George Bailey said no decision had been made on the batting order or the final XI but stressed Labuschagne could bat anywhere.”He can bat three, he could open,” Bailey said. “He’s got the skill set for both, but he’s been looking pretty good of late.”Bailey said Weatherald had earned his place after scoring 1391 runs at 53.50 striking at 68.65 opening the batting for Tasmania and Australia A in the last 14 months.”I think it’s a pretty solid record for sort of 18-24 months,” Bailey said. “I don’t think there’s any one innings, but there’s been a good consistency, I think, in the way that he approaches his batting. I think he’s in a really clear place. We don’t see any sort of shifting innings to innings from the way he goes about it.”So that says to me that he’s someone who has a clear understanding of the way they want to play and the way they feel like they’ll get the best performances out of themselves. And by virtue of that, he just happens to score at four runs an over, and has some natural attacking strengths without sort of being cavalier with that.”Bailey added Konstas had taken the axing very well after a conversation with him on Wednesday morning.ESPNcricinfo Ltd”Every conversation with Sam is a joy,” he said. “He’s got a great outlook on life. He remains incredibly upbeat. The scrutiny on him is almost unprecedented on some levels, I think. So, just checking in, seeing how he’s feeling about the start of the year, what his focus is at the moment. And then it was just more what we could do to support him going forward, and what we’d like to see. And as complicated as we try and make cricket, really it’s about runs.”Green and fellow allrounder Beau Webster have both been named in the squad although it remains to be seen whether both will play in the same XI as they have done in Australia’s last four Test matches.Green is set to bowl 15 to 20 overs for Western Australia in the next Shield game at the WACA ground starting on November 11.Bailey stressed that both allrounders could play in the same team and reiterated that Green was capable of batting anywhere having been one of Australia’s best batters in their last two Tests at No. 3 on difficult surfaces in the Caribbean. But Bailey also noted that how Green pulls up after increasing his bowling loads in the fourth Shield round is something the selectors will keep a close eye on.If the cap fits: Jake Weatherald is in the mix for a Test debut•Getty Images”It’s nice to have options,” he said. “Cam Green bowling is certainly one [to watch]. And then I think just by virtue of the fact that there’s 14 guys out of your 15-man squad that are playing Shield cricket, just get through the game and see how everyone’s pulled up.”I think it’s probably as much just a physical check in. With that squad, yes, there’s options in terms of how we can and may structure it up, but … there’s not a rush, and there’s never a rush to name a team 16 days out before the first ball is going to be bowled.”Usman Khawaja is the only one of the squad that won’t play the upcoming Shield round. Bailey revealed that Khawaja had picked up a minor “adductor strain” in the most recent game but it doesn’t make him a doubt for the Test. It was long planned that Khawaja would play the first three Shield rounds and miss the fourth.Steven Smith will captain the side in Pat Cummins’ absence. Cummins, who has been battling a lumbar stress injury, will travel to Perth with the group and continue to build up his bowling loads in the hopes of being fit for the second Test in Brisbane.Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon look set to be the four-man attack, supported by at least one allrounder, with Lyon returning to the XI after being left out of Australia’s last Test in Jamaica when the selectors opted for four quicks.Cameron Green’s bowling will be key to the final make-up of Australia’s XI•Getty ImagesBrendan Doggett and Sean Abbott have been named as the reserve fast bowlers. Doggett returns to the squad after being withdrawn from the Caribbean tour due to a hip injury.Abbott remains in the squad having been a reserve fast bowler on both the West Indies tour and the tour of Sri Lanka earlier this year. There is no room for Michael Neser despite his excellent start to the season for Queensland having taken 11 wickets in his first two Shield matches on batter-friendly pitches including two four-wicket hauls. Bailey said Neser is still in the mix to play later in the series.”He still is in the frame absolutely,” Bailey said. “The bowling conversation is just complementary skill sets for what we think we may need should there be any moving parts for Perth.”Josh Inglis has been included as the reserve wicketkeeper but can also fill a role as a reserve batter having played as a specialist bat in three Tests this year. He also kept wicket in Australia last Test bowling innings in Jamaica when Alex Carey was subbed out with concussion.Inglis will play in the fourth Shield round for WA against Queensland at the WACA ground which starts on November 11, just three days after the final T20I against India in Brisbane on November 8.Australia squad for first Test against EnglandSteven Smith (capt), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster

After sacking Liam Manning, Norwich City have reportedly conducted an interview with former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Gary O’Neil and set a managerial deadline.

The Canaries made the decision to sack Manning after 15 Championship games in charge. The former Bristol City manager arrived off the back of an excellent campaign with the Robins, in which they secured a playoff place, but was unable to replicate that form in charge of Norwich.

Instead of the top six, the Canaries have found themselves in the bottom two courtesy of Manning and only above Sheffield Wednesday, who were hit with a 12-point deduction after entering administration.

After two wins in 15 league games, Manning’s tenure suddenly makes former manager Johannes Hoff Thorup’s time at the club look rather promising, on reflection. Whether there’s some regret that those at Carrow Road didn’t give the latter more time is up for debate, however.

Sporting director Ben Knapper released a statement after sacking Manning, telling fans that they “tried absolutely everything possible” to turn things around under the former Bristol City boss.

Meanwhile, the search for a new manager is very much underway with reports going as far as to claim that the Canaries have already interviewed two candidates for the job.

Norwich interview Gary O'Neil

As reported by The Telegraph’s John Percy, Norwich have now interviewed O’Neil for their vacant managerial role and are keen to make an official appointment in the next 10 days.

The ex-Premeir League manager was recently linked with a second stint at Wolverhampton Wanderers, but turned his former club down. Now, he could be on his way to Carrow Road.

Former Blackburn Rovers manager Jon Dahl Tomasson has also reportedly been interviewed, but O’Neil’s Premier League experience should make him Norwich’s number one choice.

Dubbed “fantastic” by former Wolves winger Jordan Graham during his time in the Midlands, O’Neil has all the credentials needed to finally turn things around at Norwich, who sit four points adrift of safety in the Championship.

Live football streams: Watch Premier League, the Championship & more

Never a dull moment at Celtic, is there? Earlier this week, Brendan Rodgers tendered his resignation and within hours, Martin O’Neill was back at a club where he enjoyed so much success.

“I’m only here for a few weeks”, he reiterated time and time again. We’ll have to see whether that’s the case.

An Old Firm on Sunday could change the mood but the Irishman’s second spell at Parkhead has already started triumphantly.

O’Neil jumping up and celebrating a goal at Paradise in 2025? Who’d have thought it? Not us, that’s for sure.

That said, even if he does enjoy an unbeaten second spell in Scotland, it’s unlikely he’ll be here for very long.

The latest on Celtic’s managerial hunt

Two primary names have been in the conversation to become the new Celtic manager; Ange Postecoglou and Kieran McKenna.

Sadly for the Hoops, they’ve been met with two roadblocks. Reports indicate that McKenna is keen to stay with Ipswich Town for the time being, while Postecoglou is keen to continue to test himself in the Premier League.

Ange enjoyed a great deal of success the last time he was in Glasgow and even if he did win the Europa League with Spurs, his time south of the border has been unconvincing.

Ange’s record at Celtic

Games

113

Wins

83

Draws

12

Defeats

18

Points per game

2.31

Goals

284

Goals conceded

108

Trophies won

5

Sacked by Tottenham Hotspur after finishing just outside the relegation places, he then endured a sticky winless period at Nottingham Forest that saw him given the boot after a matter of weeks in the hot seat.

Ange’s stock, therefore, has arguably never been lower.

So, who do Dermot Desmond and Co turn to next? Reports indicate it could be a manager in Belgium.

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

Expand Collapse

According to Voetbal Nieuws, via Sport Witness, Celtic have made initial contact in a bid to hire Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen.

Hayen has emerged on the Bhoys’ radar in the last few days but now it’s thought talks have taken place, with Celtic set to offer what is described as a ‘huge’ salary to tempt him away from Brugge.

That said, it’s noted that a hefty compensation fee will be required in order to bring him to Scotland.

Hayen is rated highly and drew 1-1 with Celtic in last season’s Champions League.

What makes Hayen such a good manager

Celtic fans may dream of a Postecoglou return or for McKenna to come to Paradise, but in Hayen then would find an extraordinarily good young manager.

Aged 45, the coach is still very much in the infancy of his career but he’s begun turning heads in Brugge after an interesting rise up the ladder.

After being relegated with Waasland-Beveren in 2020/21, it was with Welsh part-timers Haverfordwest County where the Belgian rediscovered his mojo.

How that move came about was strange. He wasn’t just the manager but he was also the technical director.

While their marriage lasted less than a year, he left quite a mark on the Welsh side, largely due to his footballing philosophy.

In Wales’ top-flight, not many favoured an attractive and passing style of football in such a physical league but Hayen certainly made it work.

Before Brugge faced Manchester City last term, Haverfordwest’s owner, Rob Edwards, noted: “We just went into games expecting to win. We felt we were going to win every game, despite the position we were in. We broke our [records for] biggest away win and biggest home win in the same week. We became a really ruthless team that tried to play football in a different way to what the league is used to, playing out from the back, possession-based. Cymru Premier League is a very direct, physical league.”

Now at Brugge, he ironically replaced Ronny Delia in the hot seat and very quickly led the capital club to the Belgian top-flight title. Unlike Ange, whose struggles in England are well documented, Hayen is currently at the top of his game; his stock has never been higher. Postecoglou, on the other hand, well his reputation is on the floor.

In Hayen, Desmond would be hiring a forward-thinking manager, one who employs attacking and attractive football, someone who would suit Celtic’s principles. It may sound like Postecoglou but the 45-year-old has recent form on his side; Brugge sit second in the Belgian top-flight.

One analyst on social media has already described him as “tactically unbeatable” and a “man made for the elite level of football”.

His results don’t lie either. Last season, Club Brugge defeated Aston Villa and Sporting CP in the league phase of the Champions League. They drew with Juventus and then beat fellow Italian side, Atalanta, over two legs in the play-offs to reach the last 16 where they eventually came unstuck against Villa.

While Desmond’s initial ambitions will be built on winning the title, improving in Europe certainly wouldn’t go amiss. Hayen looks like he could improve Celtic in a whole host of areas.

Nothing was going the New York Mets' way early in the 2024 MLB season.

The Mets lost their first five games and went 9–19 in May. Edwin Diaz, the once-feared closer, blew four saves in one month and fellow reliever Jorge Lopez was designated for assignment for chucking his glove into the stands out of frustration. The television broadcast on SNY would go viral about once per week for a depressing one-liner during another loss.

And then Grimace entered the picture. The Mets' dramatic turnaround in the 2024 campaign began right around when McDonald's famous mascot threw out the first pitch at Citi Field in mid-June. Ever since then, Grimace has been spotted around New York as the Mets' newly crowned good luck charm.

The Mets, who are playing in their first NLCS since advancing to the 2015 World Series, play host to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday at Citi Field for Game 3. As the Dodgers arrive to the Big Apple, they were greeted by a rather menacing billboard in Times Square featuring Grimace.

"It wasn't luck. It wasn't fate. It was Grimace," the billboard read.

That's just great marketing.

Grimace threw out the first pitch at Citi Field on June 12. At the time, the Mets were 29–37 and 16.5 games behind the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East. New York defeated the Miami Marlins 10–4 that night and went on to win seven straight games and 12 of its next 14, climbing over .500 and completely turning the season around.

The Mets finished the season with an 89–73 record and claimed the NL's third and final wild-card spot. They knocked out the Milwaukee Brewers in the wild-card round and defeated the Phillies in four games in the NLDS to earn a chance to take down the Dodgers in the NLCS.

Luis Severino will get the start in Game 3 against Walker Buehler and the Dodgers. When he toes the rubber in the top half of the first inning, you can bet there will be countless purple Grimace costumes in the Citi Field seats.

And an intimidating billboard in Times Square.

Tottenham Hotspur are a team in transition. But this passage of action, during which Spurs will fully embrace Thomas Frank’s tactics after summer spending and a divorce with Ange Postecoglou, doesn’t have to be unsuccessful.

Because Tottenham won the Europa League last season, Ange making good on a promise, and now they are Champions League competitors once again. In the Premier League, Spurs have had a few hiccups but boast 14 points from seven fixtures, just two points and places behind pace-setters Arsenal.

This speaks of progress, Tottenham making inroads as they look to cement themselves at the front of the English top flight and ensure last season’s triumph does not prove to be a flash in the pan.

Impressive though the Londoners’ start has been, they sit 13th in the xG (expected goals) charts after seven matches. Though 13 goals have been scored, the xG total is just 7.4, which can be used to highlight the need for more fluent and incisive attacking play.

That is to say, Spurs could still do with another top-class striker.

Why Spurs still need a striker

Just one year ago, Tottenham broke their transfer record to bring over Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth for a £65m fee, add-ons included.

Last year was a struggle for Tottenham, and Solanke suffered on an individual level too, scoring only nine times in the Premier League as knee issues disrupted his year.

This term, the 27-year-old featured twice off the bench at the start of the league term before suffering an ankle injury.

Richarlison has been in red-hot form so far this season, but the Brazil international is notorious for his ebb and flow from form and confidence, and his fitness record leaves something to be desired too.

Heung-min Son’s summer departure has taken something from Tottenham; Frank lacks a goalscorer of the highest standard. Even so, Spurs are growing by the game, and when this final piece of the puzzle is found, it could be scary stuff for the rest of the Premier League.

Of course, this doesn’t necessarily have to come in the form of a big-money signing. Harry Kane graduated from the Tottenham academy before going on to become one of the deadliest goalscorers in English football history, after all.

Tottenham’s All-time Record Scorers

Player

Apps

Goals

Harry Kane

435

280

Jimmy Greaves

376

266

Bobby Smith

316

211

Heung-min Son

454

173

Martin Chivers

350

167

Data via Transfermarkt

Kane was sold to Bayern Munich two years ago, and perhaps there is still a search down N17 for the England skipper’s successor.

That said, though, some privy to Tottenham’s deadlings at youth level would suggest maybe that signature has already been penned.

Spurs have already signed the next Kane

Kane has been incredible for Bayern Munich, ending his trophy-chasing hoodoo and consolidating his position as one of the best players of his generation. This season, the 32-year-old has scored 18 goals across just ten matches in all competitions.

Replacing him has proved a tough ask, but since Kane originated from the Tottenham academy, some coaches at the club might be excited at the thought of repeating the trick with new signing Mason Melia.

Melia, 18, will join Tottenham in a deal rising to £3m in January 2026, with St Patrick’s Athletic confirming it is the record sale for an Irish Premiership side.

Not technically a part of Spurs’ youth set-up, Melia is sure to cut his teeth at development level before breaking onto the senior stage. But the early readings are promising indeed, with 94 appearances for St. Pat’s and 24 goals and eight assists to his name.

Described as “the Irish Alexander Isak” for his effortless strike of the ball and his ball-carrying ability, there’s no question that Melia has the base qualities to become a success as Frank’s frontman, with Liverpool’s new talisman widely regarded as one of the best strikers in the world.

Melia made his first-team debut in his homeland when he was only 15, and the fact that he is approaching centurion status just three years later, 18 years old, tells much of the high regard he is held in.

Twinkle-toed and innately comfortable in the final third, the Irishman has the potential to be a star. The next Kane? That’s a tough one, but his progress thus far as a professional and the likeness to Isak confirm his potential.

It is just as exciting to note that this is not a transfer target, admired and considered against the backdrop of rival interest, but a Tottenham player in all but his shirt, with the completion date now on the horizon. Melia will touch down in London and establish his craft, developing the skills which have been marked as Premier League-worthy.

And Tottenham, after all, have made landing elite-level prospects their business over the past few years. The academy scouts know when they have sighted a star in the making.

It is too soon to pass judgement on Melia, who has not even officially left his homeland to join the Lilywhites. But the talent is there, with his ranginess, movement and presence in the final third indeed leading to comparisons against Isak, the British record man.

While the Lewis family will be wary about a knee-jerk reaction, spending big on another number nine, it may be that another signing must be made to tide things over.

But, looking through a longer lens, Melia might just prove to be the next superstar in north London.

Related Forget Richarlison: Spurs flop is their biggest waste of money since Ndombele

Tottenham Hotspur have a player who has struggled to make the desired impact in North London.

Posts 1 ByEthan Lamb Oct 8, 2025

Manchester United are targeting a new manager who has defeated the Red Devils with three different clubs to replace Ruben Amorim.

Amorim wins 50th Man Utd game with pressure still on

The current Man Utd manager recorded a much-needed 2-0 Premier League win over Sunderland last time out prior to the international break in what was his 50th game in charge of the club.

Amorim’s first full season at Old Trafford so far hasn’t gone to plan, but goals from Mason Mount and Benjamin Sesko helped ease the pressure and lift United into the top half.

The first Red Devils manager to win his 50th game in charge since Sir Alex Ferguson, Amorim is still under big pressure at Old Trafford. That’s according to former defender Gary Neville, who said:

A number of managers have been linked to replace Amorim in Manchester, including former England boss Gareth Southgate, who has a good relationship with INEOS.

Ex-Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez is also eyeing up the Old Trafford position, but it appears as if Man Utd have another name on their radar.

Their own Yamal: Man Utd teen is "one of the world's most exciting talents"

Manchester United have an exceptional teenager in their academy ranks.

ByMatt Dawson Oct 7, 2025 Man Utd targeting move for Aston Villa manager Unai Emery

According to reports from Spain, Man Utd are targeting Aston Villa boss Unai Emery as a replacement for Amorim.

It is stated that ‘Emery appears to be among the favourites among those considering possible replacements’, with his ‘extensive experience’, ‘ability to lead teams coherently’ and ‘tactical control and emphasis on compact defensive structures’ useful in comparison to Amorim.

The 53-year-old, who plays a 4-2-3-1 system, has had his own issues in 2025/26, going four games without a Premier League goal at the start of the campaign.

Villa have since won their last four games in all competitions, and Emery has actually defeated Man Utd with Villarreal, Arsenal and Aston Villa during his career.

Arsenal 2-0 Man Utd

10th March 2019

Villarreal 1-1 Man Utd (12-11 pens)

26th May 2021

Aston Villa 3-1 Man Utd

6th November 2022

A four-time Europa League winner, Emery will be looking to make that five with Aston Villa this season, but by the looks of things, he could be on Man Utd’s shortlist to replace Amorim if INEOS decide to pull the plug over the coming months.

EXCLUSIVE: With a unique career trajectory, Balogun just might be the player to define the USMNT run to the World Cup

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – Folarin Balogun isn't particularly comfortable talking about the spotlight. Strikers are loud, by nature, but Balogun is quiet. He's introverted, he says. His hobbies include sleeping, relaxing and enjoying the comforts of his own home. The spotlight he's now under with the USMNT? In many ways, it's foreign to him.

He's not desperate for attention. He prefers peace and quiet over braggadocio and brazen behavior.

In certain ways, though, Balogun has always sought that attention, even if it does go against his nature. Capturing it has been such a driving force behind everything he's done. As a kid, he didn't dream of scoring goals in front of dozens of people – he dreamed of doing it in front of millions. Balogun may be private off the field but, to get where he's always wanted to be, he's always known that he'd have to make some noise.

Balogun's arrival on the USMNT scene several years ago was loud. He was perhaps the most discussed dual-national prospect in American soccer history. Over the course of just a few months, he went from prospect to savior to – in the blink of an eye – a USMNT player. Throughout that process, that spotlight fixed on him and, even since, it hasn't dimmed.

Despite his injuries and the overall chaos of the USMNT post-2022 World Cup, Balogun has remained the man in focus. Just as much as he was two-and-a-half years ago, Balogun may be the player who will define this USMNT's run to the 2026 World Cup.

"I think the hardest part is that we all work our whole lives for something," Balogun tells GOAL, "but I always have a slightly different outlook. You do that work your whole life, and it is a constant pursuit of greatness. At the end of the day, I think it all comes down to definitive moments. Each of those moments makes a great career. There are certain moments that allow other moments to happen. You get to do something you've dreamed of as a kid and, if you keep scoring, you allow yourself to get that opportunity again and again."

The last two-and-a-half years have been opportunities. Balogun integrated himself with his team, performed under several coaches and grown as a striker amid success, failure and injury issues with his club at Monaco. In some ways, all of that matters. In other ways, none of it does. Everything leading up to the World Cup is great but, ultimately, players make their marks on those stages.

Goals against Japan and Ecuador in pre-World Cup friendlies are nice, of course, but they only really matter if they lead to goals next summer. From the moment U.S. Soccer unveiled him as the next star, that was the target. The World Cup has, and will always be, the measuring stick.

The question, then: can Balogun be the guy for the USMNT? American soccer is eager to find out. So is Balogun himself.

"It's changed as I've gotten older," he says. "I feel like playing in front of big crowds with huge expectations, naturally, brings out the best in me. I'm not someone who would ever, physically or mentally, want to fold under big circumstances. I wouldn't want to fold on myself. I can't let that cross my mind. It's why I enjoy those scenarios. Big games, big rewards, so that's not something I would ever need to be scared of."

No fear as he approaches his next big moment. The road has been winding, and it began with a social media post a few years ago.

• Getty Images
  

  'Make a choice, not have a choice made for me'

  For those who weren't tuned in through the great Balogun chase of 2023, it is hard to explain. On the heels of the World Cup in Qatar, a young USMNT group seemingly needed a star striker. As it happens, there was one, a rising dual-national on loan in France. The goals flowed. So did the attention. And then the tipping point: an innocent picture in Orlando that accidentally hinted at American soccer's worst-kept secret.

  Shortly after that, Balogun officially arrived.

  The decision, for many, was shocking. Balogun was 21, and seemingly had the world at his feet. His 22-goal season while on loan with Ligue 1 side Reims opened countless doors to the young striker. Born and raised in England, the Three Lions seemed within reach. And then they weren't because Balogun didn't want it – he wanted to play for the USMNT.

  There were many reasons for that decision, and Balogun has explained them often since first wearing the USMNT jersey in June of 2023. There was a sense of comfort and a sense of belonging. There was that feeling of being wanted. There was a belief in the opportunity of it all. More than anything, there was a sense of finality. This was something he could commit to being a part of for his career. Balogun liked that. Even at the young age of 21, he wanted that sense of closure.

  "I think, in life, the most important thing is to have control over your surroundings, over your decisions and over the way you live," he says. "I would always rather be in a position where I make a choice than have a choice be made for me. At that time in my life, I wanted to make a choice, and I wanted to make a definitive choice because that put my own mind to rest as well. I didn't want a saga. I didn't want it to be 'Will he or won't he?'"

  The pressure was unique. There's always expectations of strikers – such is the nature of the position. Balogun, though, was under a different weight. He was brought in as, at the very least, the missing piece. For some, he was a savior, the player who would finally take the USMNT over the top. 

  It was a lot for a 21-year-old kid with only one real season of professional experience. He had to prove the world right. In addition, he had to prove himself right, too. He had to show that he knew what he was doing by committing to something long before he actually had to.

  "I was a young kid at the time, and I'm still young, but that was new – playing in front of the public eye at the highest level for the men's national team," he says. "I knew there would be expectations and pressure that came with it. I wouldn't say it was ever too much. Nothing anyone asked of me was unrealistic. I put a lot of pressure on myself, as well. I'd like to have scored more goals and I'm still competing, but I just always wanted to help the team get the results we all want."

  Balogun was enticed by that concept. At the core, he wanted to be a part of a team, one that would build, grow and learn together as they chased their dreams. His contributions started early. In just his second USMNT appearance, Balogun announced himself to American soccer with a goal in the CONCACAF Nations League final, helping the USMNT win a trophy against rivals Mexico.

  "I would say that game felt like, not that I necessarily arrived," he said,  "but that made me feel like I was here and that I was a part of something."

  That was still just a beginning. There were layers to peel back before the USMNT met the real Balogun.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  'You've got to learn where you fit'

  Balogun says that, particularly on USMNT duty, he doesn't do much off the pitch. He spends bus rides staring out the window, getting a look at American cities that he never got to visit during his childhood in England. During downtime at a hotel, he's a big fan of sleeping. Recovery comes first, after all. When he is awake, he's quiet, but that isn't a USMNT-specific thing.

  "I'm extremely introverted," he admits. "I have a beautiful home in Monaco and one in London. When I finish training, I'm at home. I'm resting, chilling, talking to friends. I'm happy for people to visit me in my space, but I'm not really ever going to leave my space."

  For many of the USMNT's leaders, one of the first orders of business when Balogun arrived was making him leave his space, even just a little bit. Here was the USMNT's new star striker and, despite his desire to stay quiet, he was joining a pretty loud group. Yes, there were more toned-down personalities such as Christian Pulisic and former Arsenal teammate Yunus Musah. There were also some very loud ones and, from the start, they wanted to suss out where Balogun stood.

  "That's a thing for everybody – you've got to learn where you fit," USMNT defender Chris Richards told GOAL. "He's done that. He missed out on a lot of the opportunities with the youth national teams that many of us had together. He missed those experiences, but he came right into this group. He's soft spoken, and we knew we had to get him out of that shell a little bit.

  "Once we did, he was accepted. He's really integrated himself and you can see it on the pitch, too."

  That initial feeling-out period, Balogun says, was crucial – and it's now paying off. He's not rushing to become a part of the USMNT with a World Cup on the horizon – he's already a regular within the team. He already has friends and memories with his teammates, and he hopes to create plenty more.

  Including Friday's goal against Ecuador, Balogun has seven finishes in 20 caps. Injuries have prevented him from getting more, but even with that missed time, Balogun says the process has paid off.

  "It gave me the opportunity to be integrated with the team," he says. "That's the benefit of making a decision – it allows you the opportunity to build deep chemistry with your teammates. That's going to benefit me going into a World Cup. With each game I play, I build a closer relationship with CP, Weston [McKennie], the guys around me, the attackers, the people who are going to play me through balls. The longer they know me, the more they know me. They all have the quality to look for me, too. 

  "That's the benefit of making decisions rather than having decisions made for you."

  The only thing left is to confirm the belief that was the defining part of his recruitment – that Balogun is the guy who can make a difference in the biggest moments.

• Getty
  

  'Strikers need to score goals'

  Mauricio Pochettino didn't mince words when asked what he expects of his strikers. The details may be a bit more complicated, but the instructions are clear: get us goals.

  "Strikers need to score goals," Pochettino said. "Then, of course, there are the qualities that we expect can balance a team, depending on the characteristics of the players and who is next to you. But for me, it's simple and straightforward – score goals. I think the most important quality of a striker is, if they touch one ball in the right area to score, they score. Two, three, they score. 

  "That is the principal quality… What we ask is to be in the right place at the right moment. And when that arrives, be there and score. That is what we expect. That is my first demand."

  Pochettino wants difference-makers up top. Balogun is fighting to prove he can be one. He's not the only striker seeking minutes, of course. Joining him are the likes of Ricardo Pepi, Haji Wright, Patrick Agyemang and Josh Sargent. All will feel that a few goals can get them into the mix. All will also feel that a few quiet moments can take them out.

  "If I keep doing my thing, I'll be fine," Balogun says. "The most important thing is getting to the World Cup the right way. It's not even necessarily about the World Cup, it's about entering the tournament with the right state of mind. You need to have confidence in your output over the months building up to the World Cup throughout your season. Because of that, I'm more focused on what I can do in the present. I control what I can control going into the World Cup. That's what will make me better.

  "When you score, you'll get another chance. I'm at a stage and in an industry where I know what I need to do and keep doing. If I play this season and score 30 goals, no surprise, good things will follow."

  The USMNT would be thrilled to see more good things. Balogun was fantastic against Japan last month, routinely stretching the field before getting the second goal in the 2-0 win. Against Ecuador on Friday, he was even better. From the opening whistle, he gave the South American side fits.

  Ecuador hadn't conceded in five matches prior to the USMNT friendly, including games against Argentina and Brazil. They were powerless, though, against Balogun, who scored the equalizer and, in truth, could have had a few more if things had bounced his way.

  "He works really well with the guys up top," Richards said. "Every time he's had his chance, he's taken it and done the most with it, and that's the name of the game with the national team. I'm really happy to see him score goals. And I'm hoping he can score a lot more for us."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  'Football's like chess'

  Balogun's favorite part about scoring isn't the moment the ball hits the net. It's not the anticipation of the ball at his feet or the celebration. No, Balogun's favorite feeling comes in that brief time period – those 10 or 15 minutes afterward – when you learn what that goal meant. In that span, Balogun hopes that feeling never ends.

  "It feels the same each time," he says. "It's a release and joy at the same time. For me, the thing I actually enjoy most about scoring is how it shifts the momentum of a game. Football's like chess, where you try to gain an advantage. I just love that feeling when you walk back to the halfway line and you see your team riled up and the other one deflated. I love that feeling because it makes it feel like scoring again will be easier."

  Pochettino and the USMNT, too, will hope for more. Balogun has now scored twice in as many starts under the USMNT coach, offering a good glimpse into what next summer could look like. When the U.S. kicks off the World Cup next June before some 70,000 fans at SoFi Stadium, Balogun could very well be the man leading the line.

  Not that he's nervous about that, mind you. In fact, it's everything he's been working for. 

  "I scored in the Copa America in that second game," Balogun says. "I scored with my left foot, and it was one of the nicer goals of my career, off the post and in. I remember just looking around the stadium, Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, and there were 60,000 to 70,000 fans cheering. That's why I wanted to be a part of this. That's why I wanted to represent the USA."

  Those definitive moments? They're coming. They're the ones he's always dreamed of. And it's why he's wearing a USMNT jersey. Balogun has always known that. Now, it's just about doing it, again and again and again.