Late £30m transfer at Spurs could see them sign Maddison’s next Vardy

Tottenham Hotspur certainly wasn't a happy place when Ange Postecoglou walked in the door over the summer, the club reeling off the back of a season that saw both Antonio Conte and Cristian Stellini shown the door, as the Lilywhites meekly slipped to a lowly eighth-place finish – with supporters venting their anger at owner, Daniel Levy.

To make life even tougher for the former Celtic boss, he was also forced to deal with the departure of the club's record goalscorer, Harry Kane, with the 30-year-old hoping to secure some long-awaited silverware by sealing a move to Bundesliga powerhouse, Bayern Munich.

While many might have expected Spurs to wilt without their talisman, they have in fact looked revitalised this season under the new Postecoglou regime, with it perhaps Kane who is looking back enviously amid possible frustrations in Germany – Thomas Tuchel's side currently way off the pace in the title race.

In the Englishman's absence, the north Londoners have been led superbly by skipper, Heung-min Son, the South Korean sensation netting 12 goals already this season in the Premier League, while even Richarlison has begun to get in on the act – scoring six goals in his last six top-flight outings.

Despite the Brazilian's heroics, however, there may still be a desire at N17 to acquire a more natural successor to Kane through the middle, even after securing Timo Werner on an initial loan move earlier this month.

If Spurs are to strike a late move for a centre-forward they should well look to someone who has previously thrived under Postecoglou's management…

Postecoglou could reunite with a familiar face at N17

Reports last summer suggested that the new Tottenham boss was keen to bring Kyogo Furuhashi with him from Parkhead, with The Sun claiming that the London side were eyeing a £30m move for the Japan international.

The same publication also outlined back in November that Postecoglou had sent club scouts to watch the 29-year-old in action in Glasgow, perhaps raising the possibility that a move could be on the agenda before the window closes.

Kyogo Furuhashi

Making the leap from the Scottish Premiership to England's top flight would certainly not be straightforward, yet the ex-Vissel Kobe man's likeness to one of James Maddison's former colleagues – Jamie Vardy – should ensure that he is also able to terrorise Premier League defences.

How Kyogo compares to Vardy

Maddison – who joined Spurs from Leicester City on a £40m deal over the summer – struck up what he described as a "good relationship" with Vardy during their time at the King Power Stadium, hailing his experienced compatriot as a "world-class striker".

That 'good relationship' saw Maddison regularly provide the goods for his teammate from a playmaking berth, teeing up the one-time Fleetwood Town man for 11 goals during their spell together, while also being the recipient of six assists himself from the Premier League winner.

Tottenham's number ten was particularly complimentary of the veteran marksman's "unbelievable" movement – something that Erling Haaland has taken inspiration from – with Vardy able to torment a defence by getting into the right place at the time.

That is a trait that Kyogo also shares, as Postecoglou himself admitted back in March that the Celtic man's movement is the "best" that he has "ever seen", with pundit John Collins describing him as a "midfielder's dream" as he "doesn't stand still".

Collins also lauded Kyogo for the way he "hounds defences", while ex-Rangers captain Barry Ferguson has described him as an "absolute pest" due to his relentless work ethic and pressing ability, praise that has also been dished out to Vardy – former Foxes coach Craig Shakespeare lauding him "a pest on the shoulder of defenders".

Ange could land Son's next Kane in Spurs swoop for prolific £30m star

The Lilywhites are reportedly interested in a deal to sign the impressive forward.

By
Dan Emery

Jan 22, 2024

Such similarities between the pair have also been noted by pundit Frank McAvennie, who suggested that Kyogo is "like a younger, faster Jamie Vardy", with regard to the version of the Englishman that current Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers had at Leicester.

Not only a player then that Maddison could thrive working alongside, but the £30m man also has the benefit of his familiarity with Postecoglou, leading from the front so impressively over the last few years for the Old Firm side.

Kyogo's record under Postecoglou at Celtic

The 21-cap Japan international was in fact the Greek-Aussie's first signing following his surprise appointment at Celtic Park back in 2021, the diminutive striker joining for a fee of just £4.6m after spending all of his career prior to that in his homeland.

That capture proved a real masterstroke for the former Yokohama F.Marinos coach, with Kyogo scoring 54 goals and contributing ten assists in just 83 games under his management over the next two seasons, scoring at a rate of one goal every 99 minutes across all competitions.

Kyogo's 2022/23 Scottish Premiership season by numbers

36 games

27 goals

1 assist

1 big chance created

0.3 key passes per game

4.0 possession lost per game

7.11 average match rating

Stats via Sofascore

The prolific talent was particularly impressive last season as the Premiership giants swept all before them domestically, netting 34 times in 50 games across all fronts, including 27 goals in 36 league outings.

Such form led to him signing a new deal in Glasgow over the summer despite interest from Spurs, although it would be no surprise if Postecoglou goes back in for the 5 foot 7 ace before the current window closes, amid the need to fill that Kane-sized void.

Yes, Richarlison has begun to his stride in Lilywhite, yet with Kyogo having proven how seamlessly he can fit into the 58-year-old's set-up, it remains a no-brainer to at least give him the chance to prove himself in the Premier League before too long.

Having seen the impact that Vardy – who has 136 top-flight goals to his name to date – made in the competition, signing a possible clone in the form of the Celtic man would represent dream business for Maddison, Postecoglou and Spurs as a whole.

Ed Aarons claims Fulham have "opened talks" to sign new £35m star for Silva

Whilst Fulham are yet to complete their first move of the January transfer window, they still have a number of hours to welcome some crucial reinforcements for Marco Silva. With that said, reports suggest that the Cottagers are going all or nothing in the final stages.

Fulham transfer news

Still looking to cement their place in the Premier League's mid-table, Fulham could still add that extra bit of quality that they currently lack at times, sitting 12th and just seven points clear of the relegation zone.

It could be argued that they still haven't replaced Aleksandar Mitrovic, who left for Al-Hilal in the summer transfer window. Summer arrival Raul Jimenez has only shown glimpses of what he's capable of and there's still questions over his out-and-out goalscoring ability, having found the back of the net just five times in the Premier League so far this season.

Solving that problem could yet be Armando Broja, who will now reportedly be allowed to leave Chelsea on loan in what is a late u-turn from those at Stamford Bridge. If Fulham do sign a striker, however, they will need a creator to match. And that could yet come in the form of a Ligue 1 star. According to Ed Aarons, Fulham have opened talks to sign Rayan Cherki from Lyon, who value their midfielder at £35m.

With Lyon reportedly set to sign West Ham United's Said Benrahma, they could certainly do with raising funds and there may be no better way to do so than by selling Cherki to Fulham before the deadline arrives. According to Jack Rosser of The Sun though, the Cottagers have seen their proposal of a loan with an option to buy knocked back by Lyon, leaving a deal unlikely unless they can stump up a more immediate fee.

"Unbelievable" Cherki would be instant upgrade on Pereira

Since Mitrovic's departure, Fulham have lacked star power, and that's something that Cherki can provide in abundance. Still only 20-years-old, the attacking midfielder has been unfortunate enough to be part of a struggling Lyon side in Ligue 1 this season but could rediscover his best form with a move to Craven Cottage under Silva. Cherki's stats certainly show that he'd be an upgrade on Andreas Pereira.

Domestic League 2023/24

Rayan Cherki

Andreas Pereira

Progressive Carries

59

36

Progressive Passes

85

67

Take-ons Completed

43

13

Goals

0

1

Assists

3

4

Based on the numbers, Cherki's output is only likely to increase in a better-performing side, which may well turn out to be Fulham. It's no surprise that former France international Frank Leboeuf previously had nothing but good things to say about the midfielder when speaking to ESPN.

Leboeuf said: "Skill-wise, one of the best players already on earth. He’s unbelievable for a 19-year-old. The guy can do everything. But he’s young and still has to improve. He needs to learn when he has to get rid of the ball, it’s always half a second too early or half a second too late. It’s that rhythm that he needs to learn."

Jemimah Rodrigues to beef up Indian presence at KSL

India’s Jemimah Rodrigues has been signed up by Yorkshire Diamonds for the fourth edition of the Kia Super League.Rodrigues, the up-and-coming 18-year-old batting allrounder, is a fearless stroke-player and has been consistent both at home and away in her short career so far. Having made her international debut only in February 2018, in South Africa, she averages 30.40 and has a strike rate of 123.57 in her 25-T20I career. In her most recent outing on foreign soil, Rodrigues impressed against the moving ball in testing New Zealand conditions in an ODI series, notching up a career-best 81 not out in Napier to help set up India’s 2-1 series win.Her ability against some of the world’s most established bowlers was on show more recently at the Women’s T20 Challenge in Jaipur, where she was named the Player of the Tournament after scoring 123 runs in three games at an average of 61.50.ALSO READ: Jemimah Rodrigues – ready for lift-offESPNcricinfo understands that Rodrigues will leave for the UK towards the end of July and will be available for the whole tournament.Although Loughborough Lightning, too, had expressed an interest in signing Rodrigues up, Diamonds got in touch with the player’s management team in early May and inked the deal.”More than anything, it’s the experience of playing in an overseas league that will count for a teenager like Jemimah,” her mother Lavita Rodrigues said. “Her progress since her India debut last year has been steady, with god’s grace, and we want this experience to help her be an even better player.”India opener Smriti Mandhana had set the tournament alight last year with a chart-topping 421 runs in her debut season, playing for Western Storm while Harmanpreet Kaur, the Indian T20I captain, who debuted along with Mandhana last year, had an up-and-down run with Lancashire Thunder. Official news on their future in the league is awaited.The upcoming edition of the six-team KSL begins on August 6. Defending champions Surrey Stars will take on Diamonds, while Storm, finalists last season, and Thunder will host Loughborough Lightning and Southern Vipers respectively.Bangladesh, meanwhile, will be represented by allrounder Jahanara Alam and top-order batsman Fargana Hoque in the Women’s Global Development Squad (WGDS), an ICC-ECB initiative now in its second year. Alam, who stood out with her incisive swing bowling and fielding at the Women’s T20 Challenge, was also part of the inaugural WGDS that lost to Loughborough Lighting in last year’s double-header.

Ben Duckett, Dawid Malan, James Vince called up in wake of Alex Hales' axing

Duckett, Malan in squad for ODI against Ireland and T20 against Pakistan, Vince included for five one-dayers against Pakistan

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Apr-2019Ben Duckett and Dawid Malan will join England’s ODI squad for Friday’s match against Ireland and a T20 clash with Pakistan on Sunday, while James Vince will enter the squad for the upcoming five-game one-day series with Pakistan.Their inclusions come in the wake of Alex Hales’ axing and an untimely injury to opening batsman Jason Roy.Hales was withdrawn from all England squads ahead of the international season following his 21-day ban for using recreational drugs.Malan was part of England’s touring party to the Caribbean at the start of this year, although he did not play, and he made an unbeaten 160 in Middlesex’s County Championship season opener. Duckett played the last of his three ODIs in 2016. He top scored with 86 as Nottinghamshire reached 433 for 7 in a Royal London Cup match against Leicestershire last week.Vince, who was originally selected for the Ireland ODI and the T20I against Pakistan, was added to England’s squad for the ODIs against Pakistan after scoring a career-best 190 for Hampshire in their Royal London Cup victory over Gloucestershire last week.While none of the three have been included in England’s preliminary 15-man squad for the World Cup, the upcoming matches against Ireland and Pakistan represent an opportunity for all players involved to press their case for selection before the squad is finalised on May 23.Roy suffered a hamstring injury during England’s tour of West Indies in February and, shortly into his comeback with Surrey, was troubled by back spasms. He will continue to receive treatment before meeting up with the England squad ahead of the first ODI agianst Pakistan at the the Kia Oval on May 8.Fast bowler Mark Wood also withdrew from the squad for the ODI against Ireland and T20I against Pakistan. He will play two Royal London Cup matches for Durham before joining the England squad in London next week for the Pakistan ODI series.England 13-man squad for Ireland ODI and Pakistan T20I: Eoin Morgan, Jofra Archer, Tom Curran, Joe Denly, Ben Duckett, Ben Foakes, Chris Jordan, Dawid Malan, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, James Vince, David Willey.England 17-man squad for Pakistan ODI series: Eoin Morgan, Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Tom Curran, Joe Denly, Chris Jordan, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, James Vince, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.

West Indies changes give Pollard World Cup hope

The new set-up at CWI means that players previously frozen out of selection could be given a chance to return

Vishal Dikshit10-Apr-2019Kieron Pollard last played an ODI in October 2016 but may still have hopes of making it to the West Indies World Cup squad because of a new set-up running Cricket West Indies (CWI). After smashing his highest IPL score – 83 off 31 balls – to help Mumbai Indians edge Kings XI Punjab in a last-ball finish in Mumbai on Wednesday night, Pollard was asked if he thought he would be picked in the World Cup squad that will be announced later this month, and he indirectly said anything could be possible.”Every time I get the opportunity to play, I want to do my best,” Pollard said. “There has been a lot of turmoil in West Indies cricket over the last couple of years. We have seen in the last couple of weeks there’s a change. Pollard was one of the guys blacklisted. The most I can do every time I step on the cricket field is try to put runs on the board. There’s people there who have the job to select and whatever and let’s see how that goes. As I said, I’m 31 years, Chris Gayle is still playing, he’s 39, and he’s whacking it all around.”Pollard was referring to Dave Cameron’s controversial reign as the CWI president coming to an end last month when Ricky Skerritt, a former West Indies team manager, beat Cameron by an 8-4 margin in the board elections. Cameron had several fallouts with senior West Indies players, especially Darren Sammy who led them to two World T20 titles.ALSO READ: Smart Stats – Kieron Pollard easily outshines KL RahulWhen asked if West Indies could be one of the stronger sides at the World Cup, given the form of some of the West Indies players in the IPL, Pollard said: “Yeah, of course you can say that. But again, as I said that’s why there’s people…we have a new chairman of selectors, there’s a new president of the cricket board, and as I said you take it as it comes. Last year, you might not have been asking me that question. Yes, I scored runs tonight so all sorts of questions will come but for me it’s just about enjoying cricket and doing my best with my god-given talent.”We know what we can do and I think Chris batted superbly. A fellow West Indian is [Andre] Russell…he’s smacking the ball and it’s great to see the way he’s hitting the ball and [Sunil] Narine. These guys are having a good tournament and again, when your mind is free, you just go out and enjoy cricket. You don’t think about much because there are a lot of opinions, there are a lot of things, but it’s people as close to you and what they think matters.”Pollard had recently returned to the T20I squad for West Indies when in October it emerged that the door was opening for some senior players to feature in the World Cup. CWI officials had stated that availability for domestic tournaments was a requirement to be picked for West Indies squads, and they advanced the domestic 50-over competition (Super50 Cup) from February 2019 to October 2018 to avoid a clash with any T20 leagues. CWI had said if the players featured in the Super50 and performed, they could be picked for the World Cup.Pollard represented his domestic side Trinidad & Tobago in all seven games but with unimpressive figures – 69 runs from seven innings to average under 10, and took three wickets in the 50 balls he bowled in the tournament.However, Pollard then went on to score 284 runs in the PSL in 13 innings at a strike rate of 173.17, and take five wickets, for Peshawar Zalmi. In the IPL, he has so far scored 179 runs in six innings, with two unbeaten knocks, to average 44.75, and is striking at 194.56.

Krunal three-for, Rohit blitz help India pull level

It wasn’t quite an edge-of-the-seat thriller, but a stream of India fans – upwards of 12,000 – who made Eden Park seem more like Eden Gardens went home happy as India levelled the T20I series in style, along the way recording their first T20I win in New Zealand.In what was a largely straightforward chase of New Zealand’s 158 for 8, made possible only because of a 77-run stand between Colin de Grandhomme and Ross Taylor, Rohit Sharma became the highest run-getter in T20Is during the course of his 29-ball 50. Then Rishabh Pant demonstrated brute force and a calm head in MS Dhoni’s company as India won by seven wickets with seven balls to spare.

What did the Indian bowlers do differently in the second ODI?

Colin de Grandhomme: “It looked like they executed their plans really well and used the wind and the boundaries to their advantage. They bowled into the wind and away from our hitting lines.”

The redemption
That India now have a chance of completing their long summer in the southern hemisphere without a series loss was largely due to fine bowling efforts by Krunal Pandya and Khaleel Ahmed. Their eight overs in Wellington cost a combined 85 in exchange for two late scalps. On Friday in Auckland, the pair did more than just a bit to trigger a reversal; their combined figures reading five wickets for 55 runs in eight overs. This proved to be the difference as New Zealand posted 14 less than the T20I average of 172 at the oddly shaped Eden Park with short straight boundaries.With the new ball, Khaleel extracted zip off the pitch to deny Tim Seifert any room at the start, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar cashed in. Khaleel bowled four successive dot balls to the wicketkeeper-batsman in the second over, leaving him frustrated. And in the third over, Bhuvneshwar had him nick one to MS Dhoni off a wild slog.Then, brought in to bowl the final over, Khaleel varied his lengths and pace to concede just five to deny New Zealand a final flourish.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

The other bowling star – the other Pandya – quickly left an imprint on the game with a double-strike in the sixth over. After having the dangerous Colin Munro smash one straight to cover, he had a controversial lbw call go his way when Daryl Mitchell appeared to have got a thin inside edge on to the pad. New Zealand’s problems compounded further when Kane Williamson missed a straight ball to be trapped plumb in front to leave them 50 for 4 after eight overs.De Grandhomme makes a splash
If he was on a mission to dispel notions of being a bad player of spin, de Grandhomme didn’t do too badly. Among the things he did right was reading Yuzvendra Chahal’s googlies and then pummeling him for a sequence of 6,4,6 in the 11th over.The straight hit to clear the short boundary was his best stroke, but the real sign of him being in top gear shone through as he lofted Chahal inside-out to clear deep extra cover.Seeing the batsman ready to tee off, Chahal tried to bowl wide, only to see de Grandhomme hold his shape and time one off the middle of the bat. Krunal wasn’t spared either; his figures of 3 for 28 could have been much better if not for the back-to-back sixes carted by de Grandhomme in the 12th over. He eventually fell after getting to a 27-ball 50, but gave Taylor a platform to set himself up for the final surge.The master and the apprentice finish the job
Supposedly auditioning for a World Cup middle-order berth by batting in the top order in T20Is, Pant didn’t do his credentials any harm. Of course it’s a far easier proposition having to walk in after the openers have made 79 in 9.2 overs. Pant’s timing wasn’t sublime and there were two mishits that could have gone to hand another day. But the ferocity of his shot-making wasn’t to be missed.Then, with Vijay Shankar gone and MS Dhoni walking in to a run-a-ball situation with a little over six overs to play, Pant traded big swipes for deft touches to milk runs and see India home.

أول تعليق من محمود علاء على انضمامه إلى السويحلي الليبي

تحدث محمود علاء، المنضم حديثًا إلى صفوف السويحلي، ولاعب الزمالك السابق، عن انضمامه إلى صفوف النادي الليبي.

ونشرت الصفحة الرسمية لنادي السويحيلي، عبر موقع التواصل الاجتماعي فيس بوك، مقطع فيديو لـ محمود علاء، موجهًا رسالة للجماهير.

طالع..نقل إلى المستشفى.. طبيب الزمالك يكشف تفاصيل إصابة لاعب الفريق أمام بلدية المحلة

وقال محمود علاء: “سعيد بالانضمام والتواجد في نادي السويحلي الليبي، فريق كبير”.

وأكمل: “أشكر مجلس إدارة النادي والجهاز الفني بالفريق على الدعم الكامل، وأكون عند حسن الظن وثقتهم، وبدعم الجمهور نستطيع تقديم موسم جيد يليق بالنادي وجماهيره”.

وانضم محمود علاء، إلى صفوف السويحلب، في صفقة انتقال حر لمدة موسم، بعد فسخ تعاقده مع نادي الزمالك، قبل نهاية الموسم.

Ten Hag knows him: Man Utd eyeing move for £34m “monster” at Old Trafford

Manchester United are considering a move to bring an exciting right-back to the Premier League, according to a report that has emerged.

Man Utd's current right-backs

The Red Devils have Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot in that particular position as it stands, but there’s a chance that the former could be set to leave at some stage next year for at least one of two main reasons. The Old Trafford defender has missed the last five top-flight outings with a hamstring injury, showing he’s prone to spending time on the sidelines, and with his deal set to expire at the end of the season, Erik ten Hag could decide to cash in over the next few months so he doesn’t lose him for free next summer (Man Utd contracts).

Should he depart, Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries appears to have been highlighted as a potential replacement, but it’s not the first time that he’s been linked with a switch to the club having been a name that was mentioned as a target over the summer. The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell previously confirmed that the Netherlands international was being considered by Man Utd chiefs who initially viewed him as an upgrade to Wan-Bissaka, and if the following update is to be believed, the 27-year-old could be the subject of a second approach in January.

Man Utd interested in Denzel Dumfries

According to Calciomercato.it (via Sport Witness), Man Utd are keen on Denzel Dumfries. Inter Milan should “pay attention” to Ten Hag who knows his target “very well” from during his time in the Eredivisie, but he is set to face stiff competition for his signature from both Liverpool and Chelsea.

Dumfries has a current market value of €40m (£34m), but should he end up signing a new contract at the San Siro Stadium, it’s stated that his price tag could end up being even higher.

Inter Milan defenderDenzel Dumfries.

Denzel Dumfries' style of play

Whilst Dumfries is naturally a full-back, he’s much stronger in the offensive aspect of his game having posted five contributions, three assists and two goals, in nine appearances so far this season in the Serie A (Transfermarkt – Dumfries statistics).

The Rotterdam-born talent also currently ranks in the 99th percentile for attacking touches in the opposition’s penalty area, which shows his ability to burst down the flank and dribble past his marker to create chances for himself and his fellow teammates in the final third (FBRef – Dumfries statistics).

Furthermore, Ten Hag’s target knows what it takes to compete and be successful at a high level having secured five trophies since the start of his career, so he could bring a much-needed winning mentality to the current squad who are already in M16.

Finally, Dumfries, who has been dubbed a “monster” by journalist Alan Rzepa, has the versatility to operate everywhere across the backline and even in two roles in the midfield, so overall, he could be a fantastic player for the manager to have at his disposal should he decide to pursue a deal in January.

'It's like a superhero putting on their cape' – USWNT star Jaedyn Shaw speaks out on record-breaking start to national career

USWNT forward Jaedyn Shaw spoke highly of wearing the USWNT shirt after a strong start to her national career.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Has enjoyed strong start to national career Scored in each of her first five startsCompared USWNT appearances to "a superhero wearing their cape"WHAT HAPPENED?

Shaw has starred for the USWNT since her call-up to the side, scoring in each of her five starts and bagging a crucial goal in the SheBelieves Cup semi-final. Her performances seem to have earned her a spot on the USWNT's Olympic roster in June.

AdvertisementWHAT JAEDYN SHAW SAID

In a conversation with Morning Footy, Shaw spoke highly of suiting up for the four-time World Cup champions: "I knew that I really wanted to be on this team, and that I was going to do whatever I could off the field, on the field to get to this point. Once I just put the jersey on, it's almost like a superhero putting on their cape. It's a different feeling."

GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Despite being just 19, Shaw has forced her way into the conversation for a starring role when new head coach Emma Hayes takes the helm prior to the Olympics. She started both of the US's SheBelieves Cup contests earlier this week, fitting into a midfield alongside the likes of Lindsey Horan, Emily Sonnett and Sam Coffey.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

DID YOU KNOW?

Shaw burst onto the scene in October 2023, and her stock has only risen since then. She was named the tournament MVP at the CONCACAF W Gold Cup, scoring four goals as the US claimed the title of the inaugural tournament.

Advantage Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney? Wrexham's League Two promotion rivals Mansfield see Accrington Stanley match postponed at the last minute

Wrexham may have been handed a timely advantage in the League Two promotion race, with Mansfield being stung by a late match postponement.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Stags frustrated by waterlogged pitchRed Dragons face Doncaster on TuesdayThrilling battle for top-three finishesWHAT HAPPENED?

The Stags were due to play host to Accrington Stanley on Easter Monday, with that game due to kick off at 3pm local time. Best laid plans were, however, torn up when – just an hour-and-a-half before the game was set to get underway – the match officials deemed the playing surface at Field Mill to be unplayable.

AdvertisementWHAT MANSFIELD SAID

The frustrated home side said in a statement: “Mansfield Town expresses its disappointment in announcing that today’s Sky Bet League Two encounter at home to Accrington Stanley has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. The match referee deemed the pitch unplayable following a routine inspection of the playing surface.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

That call could end up working in Wrexham’s favour, as they will not be in action again until taking in a trip to Doncaster on Tuesday. Phil Parkinson’s side will head into that game knowing that top spot may be within reach. They are just one point adrift of leaders Stockport as things stand – who will face AFC Wimbledon on Monday – while only sitting behind Mansfield on goal difference.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

Getty/GOALWHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are hoping to line up another promotion party at SToK Racecourse, with there just six more games for the Red Dragons to take in this season. Their every move continues to be caught on camera by the ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ documentary series.

Game
Register
Service
Bonus