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West Brom fans have been growing continually frustrated with their managerial situation and now the supporters’ club chairman John Homer has had his say on matters surrounding the club.

Homer spoke about the club’s youth academy, declaring that the players needed to step up and that whoever became the next manager had to take advantage of some of the promising youngsters coming through.

It became a hot topic of debate on Twitter with fans sharing a variety of opinions on the comments. One fan asked whether there was any other option because of a lack of spending, whilst another had concerns that they’d bring players through only for them then to leave.

Rekeem Harper was also debated with two supporters anxious over the 19-year-old’s contract situation.

The feeling in the air at the Hawthorns has been one of exasperation that the club appeared to have no plan in place once Darren Moore was sacked. Talks have since been held with Slavisa Jokanovic but nothing materialised.

Was Darren Moore’s sacking unfair? The Pl>ymaker FC squad name which Championship bosses should have gone instead in the video below…

Current caretaker manager James Shan spent four years as the U23s coach with the club so if anyone was to prioritise youth it would be him. Whether he gets given the job on a permanent basis is another matter though.

Here’s how Baggies fans have been discussing Homer’s remarks.

كشف مصدر بالاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم، عن الطلب التي توجه به الجبلاية إلى الاتحاد الإفريقي “كاف” بشأن مباراة الزمالك والرجاء في دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

وما زال موقف مباراة الزمالك والرجاء غامضًا بسبب ظهور حالات إيجابية لفيروس كورونا في الفريق المغربي بالإضافة إلى قرار السلطات المغربية بمنع سفر البعثة إلى القاهرة وفرض حجر صحي على الفريق. طالع التفاصيل.

وقال المصدر في تصريحات خاصة لـ”بطولات”: “اتحاد الكرة كان بصدد الإعلان عن موعد مباريات الجولة الأخيرة بالدوري، ولكنه أجل الإعلان لحين وضوح الموقف النهائي لموعد مباراة الزمالك والرجاء”.

طالع أيضًا.. مرتضى منصور يعلن موافقته على تأجيل مباراة الزمالك والرجاء في دوري أبطال إفريقيا

وتابع: “اتحاد الكرة طالب من خلال اتصالات هاتفية مسؤولي الكاف اليوم بسرعة الإعلان عن موقف مباراة الزمالك والرجاء سواء بإقامتها في موعدها أو تأجيلها، من أجل تحديد مواعيد الجولة الأخيرة بالدوري”.

جدير بالذكر أن الزمالك كان سيواجه الرجاء يوم السبت المقبل في إياب دور نصف نهائي دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

Sunderland sit third in the League One table, level on points with second-placed Barnsley, with two games in hand, and looking certain to achieve automatic promotion at the first attempt.

But level-headed manager, Jack Ross, is not getting carried away, and does not want his players to lose focus either.

The young manager described tonight’s game against Burton as the “most important” of the season, knowing that failure to win games will render those matches in hand meaningless, and knows that already having the points bagged, means their rivals are always in a strong position.

He told the club’s official website: “When we looked at the other teams with points on the board, for me they are in a better position.

“Irrespective of the number of games you have to earn points and those teams had done that.

“What we have done now is get ourselves in a good position and we have this advantage now in terms of having games to play.

“But it is only an advantage if we go and win. Tuesday evening is big for us. It becomes our most important game of the season.

“It sounds cliched, but it is the truth. Wednesday was our biggest game of the season, then it was Saturday, then it was Tuesday.

“That has got to be our mindset until we get to the stage where we have achieved what we want and we have games to spare.”

He knows that playing catch-up adds its own pressure to games, but his approach this season has been first class, and even when they were drawing games they know they should have won, the manager never panicked.

He has instilled belief and confidence into the players, and it is clear that every member of the squad will give everything they have for their manager, and the red and white jersey.

It is why he added: “I think they are excited about these final four weeks of the season. I don’t sense any nervousness; it is more an anticipation of the games and relishing the challenge that they have.”

Ross has been a breath of fresh air at the Stadium Of Light, after a number of questionable managerial appointments in the past.

It remains to be seen if he can perform a similar job at Sunderland in a higher division, but it is surely only a matter of weeks until fans get the opportunity to find out.

And who knows, back to back promotions could be a very real possibility.

What do you think of the job Jack Ross has done at your club, Sunderland fans? Is he the right man to take your club forward in the Championship next season? Let us know your thoughts…

Leeds fans would love a bit more South American flair to their team next season, and Boca Juniors midfielder Nahitan Nandez would be just the man to control the tempo of Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

The 23-year-old has turned heads this season, particularly after his stunning through ball led to an assist in the Copa Libertadores final against River Plate. If Leeds get promoted, Tuttomercatoweb are reporting he could be one of the first players on the club’s wish list.

Indeed, the success of Uruguayan teammate Lucas Torreira at Arsenal after his move in the summer has increased confidence that talent from South America can move straight to England and adapt quickly. While it hasn’t always been an easy transition, it seems that is becoming less of a problem in today’s world.

Leeds would certainly need him to do that if they’re in the Premier League next season.

He won’t come cheap though, and rated at £11.25m on Transfermarkt he’d be Leeds most expensive signing in 18 years. It’d be worth the money if the Whites did go up though, because he’d be sure to control the tempo of possession and dictate the press to win the ball back quickly.

It would be a major statement of a signing if he did come to Elland Road, and that’s just what the club need to announce themselves back into England’s top flight. It’d send the message that Leeds intend to invest in players to stay up and play the same, attacking football while doing it.

Kalvin Phillips has been doing a solid job in that position this season, but Nandez would simply be an upgrade, and one that would force competition in the position and deepen the squad depth, which they’ll need for a long, gruelling season back in the Premier League.

Leeds could only dream of making this signing if they’re promoted this season, so they’d better return after the international break stronger than they left for it.

Leeds fans, who do you think your club should sign in the summer? Join the discussion by commenting below.

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It’s hard to remember another international break that provided as much positivity as the one just gone, with England dispensing of Czech Republic and Montenegro in domineering fashion by scoring five times in both of the Euro 2020 Qualifiers.

The performances alone have given the Fixture In Focus team plenty to sink their teeth into, the only disappointing distraction being the matter of racist chanting from Montenegro fans directed towards England’s Raheem Sterling, Calum Hudson-Odoi and Danny Rose.

But after dissecting the highs and lows of England’s impressive start to qualifying, host James Jones and #FIFpod regulars Christy Malyan and Chris McMullan turn their attentions to this week’s Fixture in Focus – Liverpool vs Tottenham.

This clash rarely disappoints, partaken by two sides who insist upon exciting and energetic brands of attacking football, and Sunday’s encounter has all the makings of another classic with Champions League qualification and the Premier League title both on the line.

This week’s agenda includes a warning for Declan Rice, questioning why football’s governing bodies aren’t doing more to prevent racism, looking at why Liverpool may be looking to offload Naby Keita and debating whether the stadium move will be a boost or a blow for Tottenham.

If you love what we do and don’t want to miss another episode, don’t forget to subscribe on your preferred podcast platform by clicking here.

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BBC pundit Mark Lawrenson has ripped into Arsenal in his latest set of Premier League predictions, and while he has tipped the Gunners to see off Newcastle United at the Emirates on Monday night he has been far less impressed with their form on the road.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the former Liverpool player believes that Unai Emery’s men will take all three points against the visiting Magpies, but he took the opportunity to also speak about the north London outfit’s sketchy away performances and results.

While only Manchester City and Liverpool – the latter only by goal difference – have better records on their travels in the top flight this term, Arsenal find themselves as the 10th-best team when they aren’t on their own patch.

Their displays away clearly haven’t gone unnoticed by Lawrenson, who told the BBC: “It is a worry the Gunners are so different on their travels, though. What that basically says is that everything is good at home when they have loads of the ball and that is the strength of the team when they are going forward – like they should be on Monday.

“But, when they are away, and under the cosh more, they can’t seem to cope with that. They don’t seem to be able to pick up points on a regular basis, and their results in Europe have been disappointing too.

“Unai Emery has made plenty of changes after replacing Arsene Wenger as manager but in that regard, it is still ‘same old, same old Arsenal’.”

Have Premier League grounds become “lifeless tourist attractions”? Decide for yourself by watching the video below…

Emery won’t want to see this

The Spaniard has clearly made plenty of changes since replacing the experienced Frenchman at the helm last summer, but one thing that hasn’t drastically improved is club’s away form.

The 47-year-old will be well aware of that and will know that a big improvement is needed next term, but he still won’t be happy to see his reign compared to Wenger’s in a negative sense nearly a year after the managerial change was made.

Whatever the case, Arsenal need to find a winning formula on the road if they want success in the Premier League and in Europe in the future.

If their shambolic defensive record hasn’t already pointed out enough, Manchester United are in desperate need of defensive reinforcements in the summer. However, if reports from the Daily Mail late last month were to be believed, Ed Woodward isn’t really keen on spending big on a defender as compared to a midfielder or forward.

Indeed, the Manchester United schemer has reportedly given a limited budget when it comes to signing defenders. Unlike Liverpool, who got their money’s worth in Virgil Van Dijk, Woodward is seemingly unwilling to spend big on centre-backs.

However, now that United are thought to be targeting (as per La Gazzetta dello Sport reporter Nicolo Schira on Twitter) Kostas Manolas, perhaps the club could pick up a great option fairly cheaply.

The AS Roma defender’s allegedly available for only €36 million – roughly equating to £31.4m – which is relatively low when you think about. A resolute stopper, the Greek can also be a prized asset to reinforce United’s frail defence line, as he’s strong, determined and isn’t shy of playing rough.

If the Red Devils need a defensive general, Manolas definitely fits the bill.

The 27-year-old is at the height of his powers and has held his own in a problematic season for Roma. He’s helped them keep 5 clean-sheets in 27 appearances while averaging 4.1 clearances, 2 interceptions and 1.3 tackles per game (stats via WhoScored). Out in the Italian capital, Manolas is assertive, dominant and knows exactly when to put in challenges to win battles against strikers.

Alongside Victor Lindelof, he could save Man Utd millions. Yes, the likes of Raphael Varane and Kalidou Coulibaly would be nice, but Manolas is by no means just a cheap option. Someone to do the dirty work alongside the classy Lindelof, the duo could finally give United a solid platform on which to build through to midfield.

As Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs a powerful figure to add muscle to his defence, Manolas can work really well. Available for cheap, the 27-year-old can work wonders with Victor Lindelof and help bring more reliability to the Red Devil’s defence next season.

United fans, would you be pleased with Manolas’ potential arrival? Join the discussion by commenting below…

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Lille president Gerard Lopez has revealed that Nicolas Pepe looks likely to leave the French club in this summer’s transfer window.

The 23-year-old is enjoying a fine season, managing 20 goals and 14 assists in 35 appearances for his Ligue 1 side in all competitions. There will likely be widespread interest in the attacker this summer.

The Liverpool fans have been on social media commenting on the Ivory Coast international.

And a number have called on the club to bring 6 ft Pepe to Anfield ahead of the 2019-2020 campaign.

The Reds would surely face competition from a number of clubs if they decided to make a bid, especially when considering that Pepe has had an outrageously good season for Lille.

The other key question is where Pepe would fit in at Anfield, facing competition for a role in the front three from Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.

But Liverpool fans are certainly keen on a summer swoop – a selection of the Twitter reaction from Reds supporters can be seen below:

He has lots of options, doesn’t he? Graeme Shinnie’s Aberdeen contract expires in the summer and his performances have seemingly caught the eye of many onlookers across not just Scotland, but England too and specifically the second tier of football.

Shinnie has been a mainstay in the Dons’ side in which he is club captain, having really established himself there over what is approaching four years since his arrival.

The competition for the 27-year-old’s signature is truly on. FootballInsider have reported that Derby County leads the chase for Shinnie. The report also suggests that Sheffield United and Bristol City have made offers for his services but that their approaches have been leapfrogged by Derby.

With that being said, let’s take a look at what environment he would suit better. One of the clubs who have been interested, as displayed by the report, Sheffield United, as opposed to the side who allegedly lead the race for Shinnie…

Derby County

Shinnie is primarily a left-back and for that role, Frank Lampard’s side could do with a little for quality to push on next season.

Ashley Cole offers a solid level of experience, but, at 38, he cannot be relied upon truly. Scott Malone is another option there as the Rams well know, but Shinnie’s versatility and technical prowess would really suit this side where he could get guaranteed game time. He would offer quality in both the attacking and defensive phase, as well as the ability to play in midfield, too.

Grade: B+

Sheffield United

It seems unlikely, but there is still the small, outside chance that Chris Wilder’s side could make another offer for Shinnie.

In terms of where he would play in their system, the left-wing-back role is already occupied by Enda Stevens who performs it ever so well. Shinnie could also fill in in the middle of the park, but with the natural talent there too, he would struggle for regular opportunities in the starting 11.

With United possibly on their way up too, that would only limit the game time for Shinnie if he was to move, so the potential deal is not the best for either party.

Grade: D

TT VERDICT

Shinnie has the talent to hold his own in England and it is a testament to his mentality that he seemingly wants to go and prove himself in another country and division. If he does move to England, Derby is definitely the best option for game time and how Lampard’s style of play suits him, so the two could work well together.

Arsene Wenger only left Arsenal a little under a year ago, but it feels like a lifetime since the Frenchman was at the helm. So much has changed at the Emirates since his departure, with Unai Emery coming in and really turning a corner. 

On the field, Arsenal are back in contention for a top-four finish, and that speaks volumes about how far the Gunners have come, but a recent report from the Independent gives perhaps the best idea of the progression that Arsenal are currently enjoying.

According to the Independent, Samuel Umtiti, of Barcelona, and David Alaba, of Bayern Munich, are the two main names on Arsenal’s summer transfer list, with up to five signings apparently wanted by Unai Emery.

Whilst Arsenal signed big players under Arsene Wenger, they were few and far between, and they largely only came as a result of a major sale or, alternatively, they took up the vast majority of the resources at any given time. For example, Mesut Ozil was the only player signed for over £1 million during the 2013/14 season (as per Transfer Markt).

Arsenal rarely looked towards some of Europe’s best, but now that’s changing. Both Alaba and Umtiti, in particular, are amongst the best in the world in their respective positions. As a result, Arsenal will be looking at spending big if they want to land them; yet that doesn’t appear to be putting them off.

That’s clearly indicative of a change in approach from the Gunners, and it highlights how much growth they’ve had under Unai Emery.

A team that was happy to settle for the top-six or top-four wouldn’t be willing to spend big to land such huge names. However, the Gunners clearly are looking higher than before, and if they’re to get back in the title scene in England, they recognise the need for spending.

The growth is remarkable, and when you consider how quickly it has come, you can only wonder how much more is going to come.

Arsenal fans – would you like the club to sign both Alaba and Umtiti? Let us know below!