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Just like Rohit did it all those years ago, Samson is reviving his career after being promoted to open

Ashish Pant09-Nov-2024A primarily middle-order batter who was expected to be the next big thing in Indian cricket but failed to latch on to the chances before a move to the top of the order changed his fortunes.Rohit Sharma of 2013, meet Sanju Samson of 2024.It was before the first game of the 2013 Champions Trophy when Rohit was asked to open the innings. He had opened the batting a few times before in T20Is and ODIs, but it was that push in 2013 that gave his middling career a second wind and he became India’s permanent opener across formats. So critical was that move to the top that Rohit in a press conference in 2018 even told the media to forget whatever had happened in his career before 2013 and ask only about after 2013.Although the format is different, Samson could well be saying the same about 2024.Related

SA look to break spin stranglehold while India worry about depth

Sanju Samson century, spinners hand India big win in T20I series opener

Samson, in the 30 T20I innings since his debut nine years back, has batted in every position in the top seven at least once. While he’s not done himself any favours with his inconsistency, not having a set batting number in the XI hasn’t helped either.That changed ahead of the T20I series against Bangladesh in early October. With Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill rested, Samson was promoted to open the batting in the series. More importantly, it was a chance to revive his India career just like Rohit did all those years back.Though not an entirely new position for Samson, it had been a while since he opened in a T20 game. He began the Bangladesh series with two lukewarm performances before flicking a switch and walloping a 47-ball 111 in the final T20I in Hyderabad. On Friday, he showed signs of making the position his own by becoming the first Indian batter – and fourth overall – to smash successive T20I centuries, with a 50-ball 107 in the opening T20I against South Africa in Durban.It was a classic Samson innings, the kind he has shown glimpses of in the IPL – start sedately, gauge the nature of the surface, get a few boundaries in before running the opposition ragged. He went at a strike rate of 100 in his first six balls. Then came a Keshav Maharaj over, the third of the innings, and he went four and six to give his innings the impetus before giving Marco Jansen the same treatment. By the time the powerplay ended, Samson had raced to 35 off 20 with three fours and three sixes, but it was what he did after the powerplay that stood out.Sanju Samson used the crease well against spinners•AFP/Getty ImagesIntent has been an over-used term in the Indian T20I dictionary of late. Samson made sure to walk the talk, picking up 72 runs off just 30 balls in the middle overs (seven to 16). While his first fifty took 27 balls, his next set took just 20 as he brought up a century off 47 balls, the fastest for an India batter against South Africa.The highlight of Samson’s knock was the use of his crease against spinners. He went right back at times, converting the good-length balls into short as he peppered the on side, and whenever he saw the ball flighted, he ran down the track, reached the pitch and went downtown in the V.The pull (coincidence much?) was Samson’s most productive shot of the day as he collected 43 runs through the deep-midwicket region alone. In all, Samson smashed the spinners for 58 runs off 27 balls, while the fast bowlers went for 49 off 23. By the time he fell, India were well on course for a 200-plus total.Few players have divided opinions like Samson has over the years. When in flow, he makes batting look ridiculously simple, like he did on Friday. He hit ten sixes during his knock, but there wasn’t a shot played in anger. But his career has had more misses than hits. He made his India debut in 2015 but did not get another game for five years. In between, he scored decent runs for Kerala and in the IPL for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) and Rajasthan Royals and was even handed the Royals captaincy in 2021, but the India appearances remained few and far between. Even when they did come, Samson failed to create much impact, which he admits led to plenty of self-doubt.”In my career, I have had more failures than success,” Samson said after the game. “When you go through those failures, you start doubting yourself. People obviously say things, social media definitely plays its role, and then you also start thinking about it.”‘Sanju, are you not made for international level? You are doing well in the IPL, why is it not happening in international [cricket]?’ But after so many years of experience, I know my abilities. If I spend some time in the middle, I know I have the shot-making abilities against spin and pace. And I know I can contribute to the team’s success and help them win a match.”I kept telling myself, ‘No, it’s not like that. This is also a reality. There are lots of downs happening, but the upside is also really good.'”Samson also heaped praise on captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir, particularly the way they communicated with him after his back-to-back ducks against Sri Lanka in July.”Communication during the time of failure is also very important,” Samson said. “A player can get lost during his negative phase.”During that time [after the ducks against Sri Lanka], I received a lot of phone calls from Gautam and Surya, telling me what to work on. They said, ‘Your game against spin is looking dicey, so gather the spinners in Kerala and practise on the rough wickets.'”If the captain of the Indian team is calling and telling you how to practise after two ducks, then you know that the captain is confident about you and he wants you to do well. All those small things play a huge role. I am very grateful for the trust shown in me. I think I have been able to give it back to my team management.”Samson has potentially three more chances in this series, and if he can continue his form, the selectors might have a fresh headache when picking a full-strength T20I squad. Gill and Jaiswal are the incumbents, while Abhishek Sharma is also around, but if Samson manages to resurrect his India career as an opener, in a way it will be poetic that he does it in the spot vacated by Rohit.

It’s not unreasonable to suggest that Ruben Amorim’s first full season at Manchester United has, so far, been characterised by ebb and flow.

But after a patchy start, the Red Devils have lost just one of their past seven Premier League matches, with Sunday’s turnaround victory at Crystal Palace a testament to the squad’s rekindled spirit.

However, there’s a sense that United lack the requisite depth to mount a real challenge at the top of the table, and that is something INEOS must look to rectify in January.

After clearing out so much attacking deadwood this summer, Jason Wilcox and co are now turning toward a new wide forward.

Man Utd searching for new forwards

If all goes to plan, Manchester United will be competing in Europe again next season. And if all goes to plan, United will need more options in the final third.

On the right, United are pretty well stocked with Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo, but there’s something of a lack of depth on the alternate flank.

That’s why news is emerging of INEOS’s interest in Newcastle United winger Harvey Barnes, who could be available this winter.

Barnes, 27, is being reported by Spanish reports to be the focus of a £53m bid from Man United, though the Old Trafford side have been matched by Chelsea in their pursuit.

The left-sided winger’s sharpness in front of goal is seen as a defining factor behind United’s interest, with Mbeumo the club’s only forward to have scored more than two goals in the Premier League this year.

Why Man Utd want Harvey Barnes

Barnes hasn’t always been a regular starter at St. James’ Park, but he’s invariably threatening in the final third and has an athletic and pacy style of play.

He would add width and danger, perhaps tailor-made for Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation, supported by Patrick Dorgu or a potential addition there.

Barnes wouldn’t be the most expansive attacking option at the Theatre of Dreams, but he could form a neat partnership with Mbeumo on the other wing.

The £70m summer recruit from Brentford has emerged as a talismanic force for Amorim, having scored five times in the Premier League this season, including four goals from his past six outings.

Barnes’ own clinical ability would make for a perfect match, especially with the likes of Bruno Fernandes or the resurgent Mason Mount making play from the middle.

25/26 – NUFC

13

3 + 0

24/25 – NUFC

33

9 + 5

23/24 – NUFC

21

5 + 3

22/23 – LCFC

34

13 + 1

21/22 – LCFC

32

6 + 10

Barnes’ slow start to the current campaign was in line with the general laboriousness at Newcastle, and he has now posted three goals from as many games, bagging four goals from five in the Champions League too.

Though the Englishman, who has been mooted for a conversion to the Scottish national set-up, lacks the dynamism of someone like Matheus Cunha, he has that rare and intangible instinct in front of goal, hailed, in fact, for his “unbelievable” finishing by Jurgen Klopp.

The mounting interest from different spheres is a representation of Barnes’ quality. He is now polished and at ease with his role on the field, and he would likely jump at the chance to help drive this revival at Man United.

A veteran in the Premier League with more to give, Barnes would create the balance needed – and deepen the options at Amorim’s disposal – to not only reclaim a spot in the Champions League but compete, consistently, for silverware too.

Mbeumo is establishing himself as one of United’s finest and most promising signings in recent memory, but the output in the final third is somewhat skewed.

Barnes would help fix that, having been a consistent goalscoring outlet on Tyneside since joining from relegated Leicester City in 2023.

So clinical is Barnes in the final third that he ranks among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for non-penalty goals scored per 90, as per FBref.

Barnes is a proven Premier League goalscorer. You get what you paid for with him, and that’s a good thing. This would add variation and nuance to Amorim’s outfit, and he would be the perfect contrasting wideman to pair with Mbeumo as this team push for more success.

Shades of Pogba: INEOS have signed star who can end Mainoo’s Man Utd stay

Manchester United have landed a star who could reach the next level under Ruben Amorim.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 29, 2025

سجل نادي كهرباء الإسماعيلية، هدفين الثاني والثالث في مرمي نادي الزمالك، خلال المباراة المقامة بينهما، الآن، ضمن منافسات كأس الرابطة المصرية، لتصبح النتيجة 3-3 في مواجهة مثيرة بين الفريقين.

ويتواجه فريقا الزمالك وكهرباء الإسماعيلية، ضمن مواجهات الجولة الأولى من مباريات دور المجموعات من بطولة كأس الرابطة المصرية، على ملعب استاد المقاولون العرب.

وأحرز محمد السيد شيكا هدف كهرباء الإسماعيلية الثاني أمام الزمالك في الدقيقة 72 من عمر اللقاء، برأسية من داخل منطقة الجزاء. هدف كهرباء الإسماعيلية الثاني أمام الزمالك

طالع.. فيديو | الزمالك يتقدم بالهدفين الثاني والثالث.. وكهرباء الإسماعيلية يقلص الفارق

كما أضاف هدف كهرباء الإسماعيلية الثالث والتعادل أمام الزمالك، اللاعب نفسه محمد السيد شيكا، في الدقيقة 78. هدف كهرباء الإسماعيلية الثالث أمام الزمالك

وكان الزمالك تقدم بثلاثة أهداف عن طريق عمرو ناصر وأحمد شريف وآدم كايد، بينما جاء سجل هدف كهرباء الإسماعيلية الأول عن طريق اللاعب محمد السيد شيكا أيضًا.

فريق الزمالك يقع في المجموعة الثالثة من بطولة كأس الرابطة المصرية والتي تضم المصري وحرس الحدود وزد والاتحاد السكندري وسموحة وكهرباء الإسماعيلية.

For the first time in a long time, there is a lot to be excited about for West Ham United fans.

After a dreadful start to the season, which saw them become one of the early favourites to go down, Nuno Espírito Santo has got them back on track.

The East Londoners picked up just their second Premier League win of the season against Newcastle United, and then got their third on Saturday, against Burnley.

On top of the uptick in form, fans have finally got to see Freddie Potts from the start, and he has been sensational in the middle of the park, although his brilliant form could signal the beginning of the end for another West Ham star.

What makes Potts so special

West Ham have a proud history of producing top-quality players from their academy, such as Declan Rice, Frank Lampard and Joe Cole, and there is every chance that Potts could be another.

Now, that is certainly a lot to say about someone who has only just made his second competitive start for the club, but as his last performance made very clear, he is a special midfield talent.

For example, against both Newcastle and Burnley, the Barking-born put in quintessential all-action midfield performances.

One moment, he was fulfilling his defensive duties perfectly, and then the next, he was helping to initiate an attack, either through his exceptional range of passing or by carrying the ball through the centre of the park.

With his recent performances, it’s easy to see why respected analyst Ben Mattinson described the academy gem as someone who is “so smooth on the half-turn and composed under pressure.”

In addition to raw ability and mentality, the West Ham supporter also has considerable experience.

For example, he spent last season on loan with Portsmouth in the Championship, where he made 38 appearances, and the season before that in League One with Wycombe Wanderers, where he made 43 appearances nd was named the Player of the Season.

Season

23/24

24/25

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Wycombe

Portsmouth

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43

38

Goals

2

1

Assists

3

4

In all, it looks like Potts is going to become one of West Ham’s most important players this season, but in doing so, he could force one of the club’s signings of the decade to move on.

The West Ham player who could be replaced by Potts

There are a few West Ham players who could see their places in the team threatened by the emergence of Potts this season, such as Andrew Irving and Guido Rodriguez.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

However, while they might succeed elsewhere, it would be fair to say both of them have been disappointments in East London, which is not the case for Tomáš Souček.

The Czech international might not be anywhere near his best anymore, but when you take into account the totality of his achievements in Claret and Blue, it would be hard not to describe him as one of the club’s best signings this decade.

He initially joined the Hammers from Salvia Praha just over five years ago, and since then has made 254 appearances, in which he’s scored 44 goals and provided 13 assists.

More importantly, though, he was a crucial part of the side that won the Conference League in 2023, making nine appearances in the competition that season, totalling 507 appearances.

There can be no denying the fact that the 30-year-old has given everything during his time at the club and will undoubtedly go down as an icon for it.

However, with his contract expiring in a year and a half, and Potts emerging as a potential game-changer in the middle of the park, the Brod-born titan’s time in East London might be coming to an end.

Ultimately, Souček has been an incredible signing for West Ham, but Potts may eventually be one of the reasons his time with the club comes to an end.

West Ham star with "KDB-type quality" looks like Nuno's new Gibbs-White

The incredible talent could play a massive role in helping Nuno keep West Ham United in the Premier League this season.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 11, 2025

أشاد ميجيل سانشيز، مدرب نادي جيرونا، بقدرات ريال مدريد الإسباني، موضحًا أن الميرنجي هو أفضل فريق في إسبانيا خلال هذا الموسم.

جيرونا سوف يستضيف ريال مدريد مساء يوم غد الأحد على ملعب مونتيليفي، وذلك ضمن منافسات الجولة الرابعة عشر من الدوري الإسباني للدرجة الأولى.

ويعاني جيرونا الأمرين خلال هذا الموسم، حيث يحتل رجال سانشيز المركز الـ18 في ترتيب الدوري الإسباني برصيد 11 نقطة ويعتبر الفريق مهددًا بالهبوط.

ويرى سانشيز خلال المؤتمر الصحفي الخاص بالمباراة والذي نقلته صحيفة موندو ديبورتيفو، أن جيرونا يجب أن يلعب بأفضل مستوى له إذا أراد الخروج بنتيجة إيجابية ضد ريال مدريد.

وقال سانشيز: “علينا أن نلعب بكامل طاقتنا، سيكون الأمر صعبًا للغاية، لكن في مونتيليفي مع جماهيرنا، علينا أن نبذل جهدًا إضافيًا لإنهاء هجماتنا لأننا بحاجة إلى النقاط، إن ريال مدريد أفضل فريق في الدوري الإسباني لأنهم يتصدرون الدوري، لكنني أحتاج إلى أجواء رائعة وروح قتالية حقيقية”.

أقرأ أيضًا .. ألونسو: حزنت من عدم تسجيل فينيسيوس.. وسعيد من أجل هذا اللاعب

وأضاف: “يتمتع ريال مدريد بالعديد من نقاط القوة ولاعبوه من الطراز العالمي، لديهم أفضل هداف وأفضل حارس مرمى وهذا يعني أن يكونوا دائمًا في قمة مستواهم ويلعبون مباراة رائعة دفاعيًا، ولأن أتلتيكو مدريد فقط تمكن من تسديد المزيد من الأهداف ضدهم”.

وعن مدرب ريال مدريد، تشابي ألونسو، أوضح ميجيل: ”أعتقد أن تشابي ألونسو يضع جيرونا في اعتباره، وأعلم أنهم يقدرون كل خصم، إنهم يدركون أننا نلعب بشكل جيد بالكرة وسيأخذون ذلك في الاعتبار”.

وأردف: “متصدر الدوري قادم وهذا ما أركز عليه، إنهم الفريق الوحيد في العالم الذي يمر بلحظات صعبة وهو في صدارة الدوري الإسباني”.

وتابع سانشيز: “إنهم قادمون من تعادلين لكنهم خسروا مباراتين فقط هذا الموسم، وهم خارج أرضهم أمام أتلتيكو وليفربول لذلك يبدو أنهم عادة ما يفوزون”.

واختتم سانشيز: “أعتقد أن هذه المباراة تأتي في وقتٍ مناسب، ولكن أعتقد أننا قد نخسر حتى لو لعبنا جيدًا وسنظل في منطقة الهبوط، الأمر كله يعتمد على عدم تقديم ريال مدريد أفضل ما لديه لكن هذا ليس من شأننا”.

Already, Nuno Espirito Santo feels as if he is deep in must-win territory occupying the West Ham United hot seat.

The Hammers’ fortunes have not turned around since ditching Graham Potter, with the East Londoners yet to pick up a win since the former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss took over the reins.

As ex-Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara put it after the dismal 2-0 defeat at the hands of Brentford, they’re “sleepwalking” towards relegation, with a concerning seven defeats picked up from nine Premier League clashes this season, three of which have come under the new management.

Nuno will be scratching his head as to what could spur his dire side into improving, as they face off against Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon, with the 51-year-old now potentially weighing up the prospect of getting rid of Lucas Paqueta up top as one major alteration.

Paqueta's decline at West Ham under Nuno Santo

When Potter was still holding onto the West Ham post precariously, at least Paqueta was shining bright in spurts.

Indeed, a penalty kick put away coolly by the enigmatic Brazilian at the City Ground in late August handed Potter a much-needed 3-0 win, while Paqueta also raised a rare smile among the London Stadium masses the match before, as he hammered home a delightful effort amid a 5-1 drubbing to Chelsea.

Unfortunately for Nuno, though, West Ham’s usual star man has become awfully quiet under the new tenure to date, with a worrying zero goals or assists collected from four games under the ex-Nottingham Forest manager’s guidance.

He did win a lively 12 duels against Leeds United last time out, but Nuno will want far more from Paqueta in an attacking sense. He registered just one shot at Lucas Perri’s goal during the 2-1 loss in West Yorkshire.

With reports also now stating that Paqueta wants to leave West Ham behind in January for pastures new, it could be time for Nuno to look at what other limited options he has to lead the line, having even praised reserve striker Callum Marshall for his “energy”, while lamenting Niclas Fullkrug being sidelined.

The out-of-sorts number 10 isn’t the only senior Hammers figure who will be worrying about his short-term future in the starting XI, though.

West Ham's other big change

Despite spending £124m in the summer on new recruits, West Ham are now starting Andy Irving week in, week out, who was never getting a look in under previous regimes.

The Scotsman is very clearly out of his depth in the bright lights of the Premier League, with just one paltry duel won against Leeds not exactly making him a feared opponent to come up against on the night.

But, alongside him for the clash at Elland Road, Tomas Soucek also looked noticeably weak.

Obviously, Soucek is still regarded as a modern-day hero at the London Stadium for his past exploits from the centre of the park, with the Czech enforcer now up to a mighty 42 goals for the Hammers, having made a colossal 252 appearances.

However, putting sentiment to one side, it’s also clear that the 30-year-old is declining in front of everyone’s eyes at the moment, with his lacklustre performances across October not too dissimilar to that of Irving’s no-shows, which have garnered the 25-year-old a lot of stick.

The once energetic “machine” – as he was previously labelled by ex-West Ham teammate Darren Randolph – has now left the building, with just nine of his 19 duels being successfully won against Brentford and Leeds.

On top of that, Soucek also only managed to fire a limp two shots at either goal, despite previously being seen as a saviour in the attacking areas when West Ham were in spots of bother.

For his sake, the West Ham midfield department needs a refresh and soon, with youthful faces such as Mateus Fernandes and Freddie Potts potentially being given the nod over the 30-year-old shortly, as Irving also ponders whether he will be axed, too.

It will be very intriguing to see what side takes to the field against the Magpies, with a selection surprise here and there perhaps catching Newcastle out, as Nuno still hunts down his first victory at West Ham.

Nuno must unleash "exceptional" West Ham star who can finally revive Paqueta

The incredible West Ham ace could form as close a relationship with Paqueta as Guimaraes.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Nov 1, 2025

Bennett and Raza added 61 off 44, while Evans’ three-for meant Sri Lanka were bowled out for 95

Madushka Balasuriya20-Nov-2025Sri Lanka’s batting imploded in the face of a disciplined Zimbabwe attack, as they fell to a 67-run defeat in the second match of the men’s T20I tri-series in Rawalpindi. They were bowled out for 95, chasing a target of 163. For Zimbabwe, it was the perfect response to their opening game defeat to Pakistan.The wickets were spread among each of the six bowlers used by Zimbabwe. Richard Ngarava was excellent picking up figures of 2 for 15, but he was outdone by the ever-reliable Brad Evans, who ended with match best figures of 3 for 9.For Sri Lanka, only Dasun Shanaka, the stand-in skipper, produced an innings of any promise, during a backs-to-the-wall 34 off 25. The only other player to reach double digits was Bhanuka Rajapaksa, who struck a pained 11 off 18 playing his first T20I since January.Zimbabwe, who had been put in at the toss, had a much better time with the bat, led by Brian Bennett (49) and Sikandar Raza (47). It wasn’t a perfect innings as they limped to the finish, but it proved to be more than enough in the end. Wanindu Hasaranga picked up innings-best figures off 3 for 32, while debutant Eshan Malinga also impressed with 2 for 27.Bennett and Raza set the toneBennett, as he has been doing increasingly of late, gave Zimbabwe a fast start inside the powerplay as he and Tadiwanashe Marumani put on a 26-run opening stand in a little over three overs. Sri Lanka though struck back, through Maheesh Theekshana and Malinga, to share the opening period with Zimbabwe on 46 for 2 after six oversSikandar Raza added 61 off 44 balls with Brian Bennett•Pakistan Cricket BoardHowever, Raza pushed himself up the order, likely in response to how their innings had fallen apart against Pakistan two nights ago, and together with Bennett set about putting up a 61-run partnership off just 44 deliveries.While Bennett fell for 49 for a second game running, the pair had ensured a solid platform as Zimbabwe’s 100 came up inside the 14th over. Raza continued on unbothered, on his way to 32-ball 47, inclusive for three fours and two sixes. With Raza at the crease, 180 was on the cards, and it would take a fantastic running catch in the deep from Shanaka to end his innings.With Bennett and Raza both back in the dugout, Zimbabwe’s innings closed out with a relative whimper; they struck 22 runs in the final three overs to sneak past the 160-mark. Malinga added to his impressive debut with a double-wicket penultimate over, while Dushmantha Chameera also gave away just 12 runs bowling two of the final three overs.Sri Lanka’s house of (batting) horrorsChasing 163, after the powerplay Sri Lanka had found themselves on 25 for 2, their lowest powerplay total in 14 T20Is in 2025. Zimbabwe’s combination of tight lines and lengths, and solid plans, had short-wired the thinking of the Sri Lankan batters.Pathum Nissanka had chipped one to midwicket in the opening over and Kusal Perera skied one to short fine leg in the next, but what followed was truly calamitous.Dasun Shanaka walks back after being dismissed•Associated PressThe returning Rajapaksa and Kusal Mendis ate up 26 deliveries in their 19-run stand, and such was the pressure being built by the likes of Ngarava, Tinotenda Maposa and Evans during this period, that the Lankan batters were starved of boundary deliveries and forced to take ever more risky singles.It was one such ill-fated run that brought an end to the partnership, as Rajapaksa struck one straight to cover before setting off on a non-existent single. By the time he looked up to realise his partner still at the other end, Rajapaksa was already halfway down. Not even a wayward throw to the wicketkeeper could save Kusal Mendis, who had made a belated dash for safety.An over later, Rajapaksa was at the non-striker’s end turning down a fairly straightforward single and nearly had Shanaka run out – a wicket spared only by a truly horrendous throw to the keeper.It wasn’t long before Rajapaksa himself was dismissed, clean bowled looking to hit out. It meant Sri Lanka had lost their top four inside the opening 10 overs – it was five midway through the 11th when Raza snuck one past Kamindu Mendis. Only Shanaka showed some defiance, but when he edged one behind from Ryan Burl, Sri Lanka’s faint hopes went with him. The rest of the batting dragged the game to the death, before Evans cleaned up the innings off the final delivery.

Veteran pitcher Steven Matz has agreed to a two-year contract with the Rays, according to multiple reports.

Matz, 34, will be pitching in his 12th MLB season in 2026. Last year, he started the season with the Cardinals but was traded to the Red Sox in a mid-season deal. In all, he made 53 appearances and owned a 3.05 ERA with 59 strikeouts in 76 2/3 innings.

The veteran righthander started his career in 2015 with the Mets. He was a starting pitcher for the first decade of his career, but converted to a reliever last season. In all, he’s made 172 starts and pitched in 246 games. His stint in Tampa Bay will be his third time playing for a team in the AL East. In addition to the Red Sox and the Rays, Matz previously pitched for the Blue Jays in 2021.

Matz was excellent down the stretch of last season in Boston. In 21 games for the Red Sox, he had a 2.08 ERA and walked just two batters. The Rays will certainly be hoping he can replicate that level of play as a late-innings option for the team.

Southampton have been urged to appoint a 52-year-old manager instead of giving interim boss Tonda Eckert the job on a full-time basis.

Southampton on course to appoint Eckert on a permanent basis

The Saints are preparing for a return to Championship action this weekend and look set to be under the leadership of caretaker manager Eckert once again.

The 32-year-old has won both of his matches as interim boss so far, defeating QPR and Sheffield Wednesday to take Southampton away from any relegation trouble.

A trip to Charlton Athletic is next on the agenda for Eckert, and recent reports have suggested that he is set to be given the Southampton job on a permanent basis.

Following the sacking of Will Still at the beginning of the month, a plethora of available and in work managers have been linked with the job. However, Sport Republic are yet to appoint a permanent successor.

Eckert appears to be in pole position after his start to life at St Mary’s with the first team, and he has impressed Finn Azaz, who said:

“Since his first meeting, I was really impressed. It hasn’t been drastic changes. He’s been able to watch from outside and tweak a few things. He has been able to instil his message and new energy and his drive and a new voice. As I say, it hasn’t been drastic changes.

“We are playing in the same shape almost. We went out there with similar personnel, [there were] just a few tweaks. I would like to thank him. He’s been top level.”

However, Southampton and Sport Republic have been urged to consider another rumoured target.

Southampton urged to move for Brendan Rodgers

Talking to Football League World, Southampton pundit Martin Sanders urged the Saints to appoint Brendan Rodgers.

Now out of work after leaving Celtic, Rodgers was linked with the St Mary’s vacancy at the beginning of November, although it doesn’t seem as if Sport Republic have made a move for the Northern Irishman who they admire.

Sanders said that Rodgers “ticks every box” and a move would “show real ambition”.

Rodgers has previous Championship experience with Swansea City, winning the playoffs with the south Wales side in 2011, and almost 15 years later, a return to the second tier could be what a number of Southampton fans would welcome.

Southampton can end Eckert experiment by hiring "insanely talented" manager

In an apparent attempt to remake their bullpen midseason, the New York Mets have reportedly added a pitcher with an All-Star pedigree.

The Mets are acquiring relief pitcher Ryan Helsley from the St. Louis Cardinals, according to a Wednesday evening report from Jeff Passan of ESPN. They will reportedly send pitcher Frank Elissalt, pitcher Nate Dohm and infielder Jesus Baez to Missouri in return.

Helsley, 31, has spent his entire seven-year career with the Cardinals. He has 105 saves with the club, ranking sixth in the history of the franchise.

In 2024, he led MLB with 49 saves in a National League-best 62 games finished. In 2025, he has a 3.00 ERA, a 3-1 record, 21 saves and 41 strikeouts in 36 innings. His acquisition comes hours after New York traded for San Francisco Giants pitcher Tyler Rogers.

The Mets, after a protracted slump, have been playing much better of late. They are 7-3 in their last 10 games, though they remain an eyelash (.001 in winning percentage) back of the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East race.