John-Joe O’Toole’s time as a Northampton Town player has experienced its fair share of twist and turns.

The enigmatic midfielder joined the club after his previous side Bristol Rovers were relegated to the National League, a move which angered fans of the Gas who accused him of jumping ship during a delicate period for the club.

His debut season for the Cobblers was relatively poor and a falling out with then-boss Chris Wilder saw him briefly leave the club on loan to Southend United before returning in December 2014. In a campaign which saw his side finish in mid-table, O’Toole featured in a number of different roles as the club sought to find a position in which he could thrive.

The 2015/16 season saw Wilder make the decision to employ him as an attacking midfielder which turned out to be a masterstroke. Alongside the likes of wingers Ricky Holmes and Nicky Adams and forwards Marc Richards and James Collins, O’Toole played an integral role for Northampton as they stormed to the League Two title, finishing thirteen points clear of challengers Oxford United.

Not only did the former Watford player find the net on 12 occasions in the league but he also provided two assists which is to date his highest amount of goal contributions for the Cobblers in a single season

O’Toole once again reached double figures for goals in the following campaign but couldn’t stop his side from being relegated last season from League One despite being impressive on an individual basis.

However,  a disturbing drop off in form by the midfielder during the 2018/19 campaign has raised questions amongst supporters on whether it should be time to bring an end to his five-year association with the club.

Indeed, O’Toole is somewhat of a cult-hero at the PTS Academy and his departure would be sure to divide fans yet when you consider the fact that he has scored just three goals this season, it is clear that he is past his best.

Also, it could be argued that the club’s midfield is more balanced with the likes of Sam Foley and Shaun McWilliams marshaling the play in-place of the 30-year-old who can lack defensive discipline at times.

Nevertheless, with Northampton just six points behind the play-offs, O’Toole could further his legacy at the club by leading his side to a fourth-ever Wembley appearance in their history.

Keith Curle’s side should edge even closer to the top seven if they are victorious on their travels on Saturday when they head to Blundell Park to face Grimsby Town.

What do you think Cobblers fans? Do you think the club should let O’Toole go in the summer? Or is he still an invaluable part of Curle’s squad? Let us know below.

كشفت تقارير صحفية عن محاولات مانشستر يونايتد الإنجليزي لضم مارتن أوديجارد لاعب ريال مدريد الإسباني، لعدة مرات من قبل.

الشياطين الحمر كانوا على استعداد لدفع أموال كبيرة للاعب النرويجي بعد أدائه أثناء إعارته في ريال سوسيداد الموسم الماضي.

وتشير صحيفة “ذا صن” البريطانية نقلاً عن “ماركا” الإسبانية، إلى أن ريال مدريد وقف أمام مانشستر يونايتد، بإعادة أوديجارد إلى البرنابيو هذا الصيف.

ولفت التقرير النظر إلى أن هذه لم تكن المرة الأولى التي يتحرك فيها الريد ديفلز لضم أوديجارد، حيث سبق وحدث ذلك في عام 2014، عندما كان عمره 15 عامًا.

وأشارت الصحيفة إلى أن اللاعب الشاب رفض الانتقال إلى إنجلترا في ذلك الوقت مفضلاً اللعب في إسبانيا.

وفي حديثه في عام 2015 ، قال: “زرت ليفربول وفريقان مانشستر وكان الجميع لطفاء للغاية، لكن خياري كان ريال مدريد وأنا سعيد جدًا بذلك”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. كورتوا: هازارد غير محظوظ.. وبيل لم يختار أفضل فريق في لندن

عاد يونايتد بعد ذلك إلى أوديجارد في أكتوبر الماضي مع تولي أولي جونار سولشاير المسؤولية حيث كان النرويجي حريصًا على ضم مواطنه الشاب.

وكشفت “ذا صن” أيضًا أن كشاف النادي مارسيل بوت شوهد وهو يتابع أوديجارد في فوز سوسيداد 3-0 على فالنسيا في فبراير.

وكان يُعتقد أن مدريد قد عرضت صانع الألعاب على يونايتد في صفقة محتملة لضم بول بوجبا قبل الصيف.

والتأثير المالي الناجم عن جائحة فيروس كورونا ألغى فرص اللوس بلانكوس في التعاقد مع الفرنسي وأوديجارد.

ومنذ ذلك الحين، حصل اللاعب النرويجي الدولي على فرصة ثانية للتألق في مدريد من قِبل المدرب زين الدين زيدان.

Well, now it’s “almost” official then. Jimmy Shan’s impressive work with West Bromwich Albion’s convinced the hierarchy to keep him as the interim manager till the end of the season, according to the Daily Mirror. Indeed, while underwhelming, it’s actually a logical decision from the club considering the season ends in two months. 

Still, it’s not without risks.

Despite seemingly being a hit among the Baggies players, Shan’s still very inexperienced when it comes to high-pressure situations. So, with a play-off spot almost confirmed, his biggest test will be when they head on a potential path all the way to Wembley.

Obviously, Shan’s changed their style from Moore’s ultra-attacking one earlier this season, bringing more stability with his cautious approach. West Brom have shifted towards a more defensive 4-3-3 formation, with Chris Brunt being reinstated as their engine in the heart of midfield and everything looks pretty solid right now. Furthermore, Shan’s giving opportunities to those who worked hardest for the Baggies, while switching his options very well. While his two victories weren’t the prettiest, it guaranteed six crucial points for Shan.

The Baggies are treading water with their style, inviting pressure and giving opponents chances to score. However, their counter-attacking method’s worked and can actually work to their advantage in the play-offs. If not anything, Shan clearly knows how to see off results.

If he shapes them accordingly in the play-offs, West Brom could edge their way into winning promotion to the Premier League. While he’ll look to bring excitement back into the game, if Shan’s current “negative” method can get the Baggies back where they belong, then so be it.

West Brom fans, are you pleased with Shan’s extension as interim manager? Join the discussion by commenting below… 

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Liverpool booked their spot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League with a 3-1 success against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday night.

Perhaps more was expected of Bayern in the second leg, but Liverpool deserve huge praise for winning in Germany to advance to the final eight of the competition.

Fabinho surprisingly started the clash on the bench, but was introduced in the 13th minute when Jordan Henderson pulled up with an ankle problem.

According to WhoScored, the Brazilian went on to make two tackles and won two aerial duels during his time on the field.

It would be fair to say that it took the midfielder a bit of time to settle at Liverpool following a move from Monaco in last summer’s transfer window.

Mo Salah has been brutally mocked for his recent diving antics in a new video by 442oons. Check it out below…

However, the 25-year-old has been a regular in recent weeks and the Merseyside outfit’s fans were delighted with his showing against the German champions.

A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:

With all this contract speculation circulating around Rafa Benitez, Newcastle fans are desperately hoping it ends with the Spaniard agreeing to extend his stay at St James’ Park in order to progress the team over the next few years.

That much is obvious, right? Well, considering the state of play on Tyneside right now, nothing else is.

Indeed, the least Mike Ashley can do is get him to sign a new contract, after all he’s done over the last few seasons. Not only is a great manager but he also acts as a lure for the better players for Newcastle to try and sign.

Everybody knows that. Why don’t you seem to grasp it, Mike?

After all, Newcastle’s side still most definitely needs improving and the summer promises to be the perfect opportunity to do just that. Clearly, a number of positions can be improved upon from a Newcastle perspective and with Antonio Barreca’s loan spell proving to be ineffective, interest they have previously held in a left-back – Stanley N’Soki – should be taken up again.

N’Soki, (who is valued at £7.6 million on Transfermarkt) was a target (as per the Chronicle) for Newcastle over the course of the January window but for whatever reason, a deal failed to materialise.

The 19-year-old has since been involved with the PSG first team a lot more than he and many others probably would have predicted. With 11 Ligue 1 appearances to his name and a further three in cup competitions, N’Soki has proven to be not just any youngster but one ready to play right now.

Able to play in centre-back as well as his usual position of left-back, N’Soki can provide helpful versatility to a side like Newcastle and undoubtedly would be a top addition. How nice would that be, Toon fans? Another left-back of note at long, long last.

Newcastle fans, how highly do you rate the PSG youngster? Join the discussion by commenting below… 

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Sheffield United currently find themselves in the thick of a fierce and frantic battle for automatic promotion from the Championship this season, with Norwich City, Leeds United and West Brom all in contention alongside the Blades.

Chris Wilder’s side face a hectic run in and will know that any slip-ups will almost certainly be punished ruthlessly by their rivals. 

Who would make a combined Sheffield XI? Ingood Nick makes his picks in the video below…

With the prize of Premier League football on the line, the pressure is very much on at Bramall Lane. On top of that, as the gruelling second tier campaign draws to a close, fatigue can set in amongst squads at the worst possible time.

Former Blackpool boss and EFL on Quest pundit Ian Holloway has given his take on whether the threat of exhaustion ought to be worrying Wilder’s side.

What he said

In an exclusive interview with Football League World, Holloway said “I don’t think anything is going to wear them out. They fell away last season but they have improved again…I think they have made some great strides forward and so maybe this could be their season.”

Retaining freshness

Holloway clearly believes that the Blades have enough fuel left in the tank to keep them going for the rest of the season.

However, it would only take one or two key men to start struggling for the whole side to suffer as a consequence. The likes of club-captain and top scorer Billy Sharp, and fellow forward David McGoldrick, are particularly in danger of burning out as they’re both over 30.

It is vital, then, that Wilder rotates his ranks smartly for the rest of the season to retain freshness. 

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Manchester United fans have attributed Paul Pogba’s poor performances to his mind being elsewhere amidst rumours Real Madrid want to sign him.

The World Cup winner was highlighted as one of the worst players on the pitch as United lost 2-1 to Wolves on Tuesday night for the second time in the space of a month.

Pogba has been flirting with the idea of signing for Real Madrid, admitting in a press conference whilst on international duty that it would be a “dream” to play for them, fuelling rumours that he was on his way to the Bernabeu.

Rumours were so rife that Solskjaer had to address them in one of his press conferences, claiming the midfielder is happy at Old Trafford.

Many United fans on Twitter aren’t buying it though and after the Frenchman put in a poor shift against Wolves, they began to point the finger towards these rumours.

Here’s what United fans have been saying on Twitter.

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The father of Antonio Valencia has claimed that West Ham are one of the candidates to sign the Manchester United captain at the end of the 2018-19 campaign.

What’s the word, then?

Speaking to El Universo, via the Daily Mail, Luis Valencia said that West Ham were in the race alongside Arsenal, Inter Milan and a club from the Chinese Super League.

The 33-year-old has been with United since 2009, making 338 appearances for the Red Devils in all competitions.

Valencia has made just five Premier League appearances this term, however, and has only turned out once for the club in 2019.

Despite still being club captain, the Ecuadoran will move on this summer.

West Ham are said in the hunt for the midfielder-turned-defender, but the Hammers should swerve a move for the experienced ace despite his impressive credentials.

Why should West Ham drop their interest?

It seems likely that Pablo Zabaleta will be leaving West Ham this summer when his contract expires.

The Argentine has been a good servant to the London club, but was part of a team that conceded three times against Huddersfield Town on Saturday afternoon.

Ryan Fredericks has had some decent moments in recent weeks, but neither he nor Zabaleta have really convinced in that area of the field.

As a result, the interest in Valencia is not all that surprising; after all, this is a player with an incredible amount of Premier League experience.

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The 5ft 11in ace will be 34 before the new campaign begins, though, and he has hardly kicked a ball over the last few months.

West Ham need to improve their defence in this summer’s transfer window, but Valencia would not be an upgrade on either Zabaleta or Fredericks and therefore the club should be looking elsewhere.

كشف حسام البدري المدير الفني لمنتخب مصر عن موعد معسكر الفراعنة المقبل استعدادًا لمواجهتي توجو في التصفيات المؤهلة لنهائيات أمم إفريقيا، وموقفه من ضم رمضان صبحي لاعب بيراميدز.

ويستعد منتخب مصر لمواجهة توجو في السابع عشر من نوفمبر المقبل، في ثالث جولات التصفيات المؤهلة لنهائيات أمم إفريقيا الكاميرون 2021.

وقال البدري في تصريحات صحفية اليوم السبت: “منتخب مصر سيُقيم معسكرًا مفتوحًا من أول نوفمبر المقبل؛ استعدادًا لمباراتىي توجو”.

وتابع: “معسكر المنتخب سيضم لاعبي أي ناد لن يكون لهم ارتباطات في هذه الفترة”.

وواصل: “طالبت وزير الرياضة وعمرو الجنايني بالتواصل مع الأندية من أجل مساعدة المنتخب ودعمه الفترة المقبلة باللاعبين”.

وأردف: “إعلان القائمة المحلية للمنتخب قد يكون بعد يوم 6 نوفمبر المقبل، إذا تأهل الأهلي والزمالك لنهائي دوري أبطال إفريقيا”.

وعن موقف رمضان صبحي، أوضح: “قد يتواجد في معسكر نوفمبر معي، إذا رأيت أنني في احتياج له”.

جدير بالذكر ان منتخب مصر وتوجو يتواجدان في المجموعة السابعة والتي تضم معهما جزر القمر وكينيا.

The general consensus must see Paul Pogba as an ideal, natural leader.

Be it his inspired work in motivating the France players in the FIFA World Cup final, the vocal outlook in games or cheerful demeanour, he’s often pinpointed as the one to lead Manchester United forward by fans. A bulking, ridiculously talented driving force in central areas, he looks captain material.

On paper.

Indeed, his performances as United captain suggest otherwise. Now looking at the way Pogba’s influencing the Red Devils and having a stunning season personally, in which he’s scored 14 goals and assisted 10 in all competitions (stats via WhoScored), anybody would want to put the captain’s armband around him.

As did Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the FA Cup quarter-finals against Wolves.  However, this backfired on him as United were unceremoniously knocked out in rather a whimper. Pogba might be the club’s star man in attack and a popular figure at the back, but he still hasn’t adapted to the pressures of being the side’s captain.

Whenever he’s been captain this season, the French maestro’s underperformed. Yes, he scored the Red Devils first goal, a penalty, in his first game as captain. But even then, Pogba was unconvincing, as he ended up being in the later matches as well. He ends up taking too much pressure on himself, making silly mistakes, getting frustrated and putting his team-mates under pressure.

Pogba might be many things, but he’s still not United captain-worthy. He shouldn’t be burdened with this added pressure either. If Ole Gunnar Solskjaer learnt anything from the Wolves game,  it’s for him to let French midfielder be pressure-free and see him weave his magic for the Red Devils.

There’s no doubt Pogba is a wonderful player. Nemanja Vidic, Roy Keane or Bryan Robson, he is not.

United fans, who do you want to receive the captain’s armband right now? Join the discussion by commenting below.