All posts by h716a5.icu

Fulham have made their first bid for Ajax defender Calvin Bassey, according to reports. The former Rangers starlet has also attracted interest from Brighton & Hove Albion, and is under contract in Amsterdam until 2027.

What's the latest on Fulham signing Calvin Bassey?

Swapping Rangers for Ajax last summer in a deal worth a reported £19.6m, Bassey could be on the move just a year later. Fulham have made a first bid of £15m for the 23-year-old, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic, with Ajax yet to respond.

Given that they paid just under £20m for his signature last summer, unless the Dutch side are willing to take a loss on their initial investment, then it seems unlikely that they'd accept the Cottagers' opening bid.

Bassey made 25 appearances in the Eredivisie last season, as Ajax finished third in a campaign to forget, and their first since losing Erik ten Hag to Manchester United last summer.

Fulham, meanwhile, enjoyed a season to remember, finishing in the Premier League's top half, and spending the majority of the campaign chasing the European places.

Marco Silva will hope to welcome further additions this summer – perhaps including Bassey – as he looks to guide his side to even better things come August.

Should Fulham sign Calvin Bassey?

There's a reason why Ajax paid close to £20m for Bassey just last summer, and the quality that warranted such a move doesn't disappear in the space of 12 months despite their whole squad having a down year.

The stats show that the former Rangers man would instantly make an impact in Silva's backline. With the way the manager likes his side to play, asking them to build from the back, Bassey would slot straight in.

According to FBref, the Nigerian made 5.62 progressive passes per 90 – more than both Tim Ream and Issa Diop – perhaps allowing Fulham to unlock teams even better than last season.

Meanwhile, Bassey also lost fewer challenges, and won more tackles per 90 than the current Fulham centre-backs. The more that the Ajax man is looked at, the more it seems like the Cottagers simply have to seal a deal this summer.

Full of praise for Bassey, Don Hutchinson told the BBC after Rangers' Europa League heartbreak against Eintracht Frankfurt: "There were so many good performances. Bassey was a giant, a superstar, incredible performance."

It came as no surprise that Ajax made their move for the defender shortly after his display which, in truth, deserved a piece of silverware, rather than heartbreak.

It would be a sign of intent if Fulham managed to secure the arrival of Bassey this summer then, and with a long transfer window ahead still, anything could yet happen. Silva will simply be hoping to have a squad ready and able to push the Premier League's top six all the way again.

In their second season back in England's top flight, Fulham could push on even further, especially if Bassey makes the move to the London club in the coming month.

Celtic will look to 'reinvest' the fee they have received for departed winger Jota and could use it to secure several summer arrivals, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Celtic and Rodgers?

As per Sky Sports, Jota has completed his transfer from Celtic to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad in a deal worth in the region of £25 million, where he will now work under fellow countryman Nuno Espirito Santo.

Benfica retain a 30% release clause for Jota that was inserted into his initial agreement when he joined the Hoops permanently last year, which will net them a total of around £7.5 million.

Football Scotland detail that the Portuguese winger stands to make £200k-a-week in the Middle East while will also team up with the likes of football icon Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante.

In his time at Parkhead, Jota was a key player for Celtic and racked up some impressive numbers, registering 28 goals and 26 assists in 83 appearances, as per Transfermarkt.

The 24-year-old won five trophies in his Celtic spell in the form of two Scottish Premiership titles, two Scottish League Cups and one Scottish Cup.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones has backed Celtic to reinvest the money gained from the Jota sale and reckons that it could be spread across several additions.

Jones told FFC: "It's obviously a blow to lose him, he was one of the best players they had. They will be reinvesting a significant amount of money that they earned from the deal. I'd be interested to see if it all goes on one player, though I don't think it will. I think that they might spread the cost of that a little bit to make sure that the squad is fully ready to defend what they achieved last season. We'll have to wait to see exactly how many signings they make, but they certainly need to sort of reinvest that money."

Have Celtic identified a Jota replacement?

Brendan Rodgers has already entered the market to sign two players this summer in Odin Thiago Holm and Marco Tilio, with the latter being a winger, which could signal that Celtic have already made strides to replace Jota at Parkhead.

Nevertheless, there will be clamour for a direct like-for-like replacement to succeed Jota; however, it is unclear yet what path Celtic will go down as they eye reinforcements on the flank.

Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph has issued an update regarding the Hoops' interest in Gangwon ace Hyun-jun Yang, who is another winger in the frame to join the Scottish champions, stating on Twitter: "Celtic are stepping up their efforts to sign Gangwon FC winger Hyun-jun Yang. The Hoops made an approach for the 21yo last month, but the K League side are reluctant to sell during their season. It’s understood Yang has now told club chiefs that he wants to move to Celtic."

Returning to the scene of his former glories, Celtic boss Rodgers is believed to have a budget of around £30 million to strengthen his side for both Scottish and European endeavours, according to The Scottish Sun, indicating that the 50-year-old will have plenty of money to play with between now and the close of play in the window.

Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq will play their final Test at Windsor Park with the series on the line against West Indies

The Preview by Danyal Rasool09-May-2017Match factsRoseau, May 10-14, 2017
Start time 1000 local (1400 GMT)2:11

Will treat it as a normal game – Misbah

Big pictureConventional wisdom, and much of the second Test, suggested that Pakistan would have wrapped up the series by this stage, and the mood around Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan’s retirements would have reached peak crescendo. However, Pakistan crumbled in a tame surrender in Bridgetown on the fifth day, and West Indies levelled the series. As such, it is a different narrative that grips Dominica: can Pakistan finally win a Test series in the Caribbean?West Indies are basking in the glow of one of their sweetest wins in the recent past, coming back repeatedly to overpower, and ultimately blow away, a team many expected to be too strong for them. Shannon Gabriel ripped through Pakistan on the final day. Several West Indies batsmen also made contributions under pressure, and they have now won two of their last three Tests against Pakistan.However, no one knows which West Indies side will turn up at Windsor Park. Pakistan will be well aware of that if they’ve finally recovered from the sucker-punch of what happened on the final day at the Kensington Oval. Mickey Arthur’s side, however, largely dominated the second Test, and were just a cracked pitch and frayed nerves away from taking an unassailable lead.Form guideWest Indies WLWLL (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Pakistan LWLLLIn the spotlightAfter more than three years out of the Test side, Devendra Bishoo cannot complain about not being granted an extended run. What will concern West Indies is that the legspinner hasn’t evolved much. Being sidelined in favour of Sunil Narine and Shane Shillingford wouldn’t have helped, but a bowler of Bishoo’s calibre should not look for justifications; he should look for wickets. With only five wickets at an average of 48.20 this series, Bishoo will be hungry to make amends.Take a guess? With Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq walking out for a Test for the last time in their careers, that subplot is likely to be seared across the history of this Test for decades. With the spotlight on their contributions, class, and legacy, and the opposition possibly preparing guards of honour when they come out to bat, players with a flair for showmanship might find themselves distracted. Misbah and Younis aren’t such players, but all eyes will be on them nonetheless.The end of an era: Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan will sign out from Tests at the end of the series•AFPTeam newsWest Indies’ squad is unchanged from the side that guided them to the euphoria of the win in Bridgetown, and are unlikely to change that combination.West Indies (possible): 1 Kieran Powell, 2 Kraigg Brathwaite, 3 Shimron Hetmyer, 4 Shai Hope (wk), 5 Roston Chase, 6 Vishaul Singh, 7 Shane Dowrich, 8 Jason Holder (capt), 9 Devendra Bishoo, 10 Alzarri Joseph, 11 Shannon GabrielPakistan made the brave call of giving Shadab Khan a debut in the second Test. With one wicket for 145 across two innings, the Shadab’s debut wasn’t as electric as his maiden outings in the limited-overs formats. Misbah might prefer to go back to his tried and tested formula, of three seamers and Yasir Shah.Pakistan (possible): 1 Azhar Ali, 2 Ahmed Shehzad, 3 Babar Azam, 4 Younis Khan, 5 Misbah-ul-Haq (capt), 6 Asad Shafiq, 7 Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), 8 Mohammad Abbas, 9 Mohammad Amir, 10 Wahab Riaz, 11 Yasir ShahPitch and conditionsWindsor Park is a young Test venue, having hosted only four games since its inauguration in 2009. Spinners have been fairly prolific in those contests.Rain is expected to play spoilsport, with showers forecast on four of the five days. However, weather patterns can be fleeting in the Caribbean.Stats and trivia Shivnarine Chanderpaul took the last of just nine Test wickets in his career in the first Test played at Windsor Park, Dominica, in 2011. The victim was VVS Laxman, stumped by Carlton Baugh Shane Shillingford has been the most prolific bowler in this venue’s short history, taking two ten-fors in as many matches at this ground.

ESPNcricinfo’s wrap of the second day of the Sheffield Shield final between Victoria and South Australia in Alice Springs

Brydon Coverdale27-Mar-2017
ScorecardChadd Sayers finished with 7 for 84•Getty ImagesChadd Sayers claimed seven wickets and South Australia gloveman Alex Carey equalled the all-time record for most dismissals in a Sheffield Shield season, but Victoria remained in control on the second day of the final in Alice Springs. The Bushrangers piled on 487 and snared an early wicket in the Redbacks’ reply, leaving South Australia on 1 for 19 at stumps.Given that a draw would be sufficient for Victoria to secure the title, a hefty task remains ahead for South Australia, who lost opener John Dalton in their first over when he was bowled by James Pattinson. Callum Ferguson was on 12 at the close of play and Jake Weatherald was on 5, but South Australia were still looking at a daunting 468-run deficit.The morning had started with Victoria on 3 for 322, but Sayers pegged them back with three important wickets. Rob Quiney edged behind for 48 and was well taken by Carey diving across in front of first slip; Cameron White drove a Sayers outswinger to cover and was caught for 17; and Daniel Christian edged another Sayers outswinger behind to Carey for 4.However, Pattinson and Victoria wicketkeeper Seb Gotch then combined for a patient 139-run seventh-wicket partnership that proved a significant frustration for the Redbacks, who had been hoping for a quick finish to the innings. Pattinson was fortunate to survive on 18 when a glance off his pads was stopped by the diving Carey, who was unable to throw down the stumps with Pattinson well short.Pattinson went on to register his highest first-class score, eventually falling for 80 when he too was caught by Carey off Sayers. Chris Tremain, who had scored his maiden first-class century when Victoria last played at Alice Springs earlier this month, failed to score and was well taken by Carey, diving to his right one-handed, again off Sayers.Gotch was trapped lbw to Joe Mennie for 52 – his first half-century in first-class cricket – and the innings was wrapped up when Carey and Sayers again combined to dismiss Jon Holland for a duck. Sayers finished with 7 for 84, which took his tally to 61 wickets this Shield campaign. Already it is the third-highest wicket tally for any bowler in a Shield season, and he could yet add more.The final wicket lifted Carey into even rarer air. It was his 58th dismissal for the Shield summer – the equal highest tally for any wicketkeeper in a Shield season, alongside Wade Seccombe’s 58 from 2000-01 and Chris Hartley’s 58 from 2011-12. A single dismissal in the second innings will make Carey the all-time record-holder, though it will take something remarkable for it to be in a winning cause.

Newcastle United are reportedly interested in Leicester City gem Harvey Barnes, as Eddie Howe bids to bolster his attack this summer.

It’s due to be a busy transfer window for the Magpies, who have powerful financial backing and a new-found pull due to qualifying for the Champions League for the first time since the 2002/03 campaign.

The signing of Sandro Tonali from AC Milan fired Newcastle’s transfer dealings off to an impressive start, and the North East side could keep up the momentum by securing the signature of Barnes.

What’s the latest on Harvey Barnes to Newcastle?

As reported yesterday by the Daily Mail, Newcastle are ‘back on the trail’ of the Leicester winger, who has seen his future become a topic of interest for a number of Premier League clubs.

The report states that West Ham, Aston Villa and Tottenham have ‘enquired’ over the 25-year-old’s availability, with an exit from the King Power almost certain following the Foxes’ relegation.

The report speculates a £35m price tag has been put on the forward, making him an affordable option for the Magpies.

What could Harvey Barnes offer to Newcastle?

Despite enjoying an impressive season in the final third, netting 69 goals in 38 Premier League games, Howe is reportedly looking to add firepower to his attack this summer.

After scoring 13 goals in 34 appearances, Barnes stood out as a key player in Leicester’s underwhelming side, sparking rumours that he will depart with the aim to remain in the Premier League.

It’s clear to see why clubs are circling the Englishman, who was a constant threat for the Foxes on the flank, excelling as one of the league’s most dangerous wide men.

Signing players from abroad can be a risk, with there being some anxiety about whether the individual can adapt to the physicality and demands of the English top tier.

The bonus with signing Barnes is the fact that he is a ready-made Premier League proven talent, hailed as “unbelievable” by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

Newcastle, like every club, have had to be patient with some talent as they adapt to the league, one being Miguel Almiron who has taken some time to show glimpses of his full potential after trading the MLS for the Premier League in 2019.

Last campaign, the Paraguayan finally signalled that he was at home on Tyneside, scoring 11 goals in the league in his best individual campaign since his arrival.

The 29-year-old managed to net just nine goals in his first three and a half years in the Premier League, repaying the patience of those around him last term.

Introducing Barnes could be productive for the former Atlanta winger, who could set the tone for the level wide players should be operating at, in the bid to inspire Almiron to remain consistent through competition.

Despite scoring 11 goals, the winger scored just two between January and the end of the season, showing his problems with consistency.

Deployable on either side, Almiron could form some healthy competition with the Leicester sensation, installing a raised level of performance in the attack.

The two are very similar in their ability, with Barnes displaying the edge in front of goal, averaging 0.43 non-penalty goals per 90 to the Newcastle star’s 0.40, via FBref.

Howe could introduce fuel to the fire of his attack by signing Barnes, who in any regard would be an upgrade to the side, adding significant depth and power to the Magpies’ front line.

Nottingham Forest could use the offer of "big wages" to tempt Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi to leave West London and join Steve Cooper's project in the East Midlands next season, transfer insider Dean Jones has told GIVEMESPORT.

Nottingham Forest transfer news – What's the latest on Callum Hudson-Odoi?

It was a real rollercoaster of a season for Forest fans last year, from looking like certain relegations candidates at points to securing their Premier League survival with a game to spare thanks to an outstanding win over title-chasing Arsenal.

Prior to the season getting underway, the club went on a massive spending spree, bringing in 19 new players over the summer, and it looks like Cooper and Co are dipping back into the market again this year to add some more quality to the team, particularly on the wings.

The player said to have caught the attention of the Reds is Chelsea's once-promising wideman, Hudson-Odoi.

According to the Guardian, they are one of several clubs with 'registered interest' in the Cobham graduate, alongside Marco Silva's high-flying Fulham and Champions League semi-finalists AC Milan.

However, it's The Garibaldis who are currently ahead in the race to secure his signature, with FootballTransfers making the East Midlands club favourites to get the £20m deal done.

What has Dean Jones said about Callum Hudson-Odoi and Nottingham Forest?

Jones explains that despite the interest from other sides around Forest, it's unlikely that any would be able, or willing, to match the kind of wages that the two-time European champions could offer.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the journalist said: "I don't think Forest are the only club in for him. Fulham have been linked, but Forest obviously have shown before that they'll be willing to pay big wages, and Callum Hudson-Odoi is on a pretty decent wage right now at Chelsea that other clubs might not be able to match. So it depends how far Forest are going to push the boat out. Certainly, they'd do very well to get him."

Would Callum Hudson-Odoi be a good signing for Nottingham Forrest?

It's been a tough few years for the player Frank Lampard once described as "special". He first burst onto the scene in the 2018/19 season, with his exciting attacking style grabbing the attention of German giants Bayern Munich, so much so that they offered Chelsea £30m for the youngster's signature.

Hudson-Odoi turned down the offer, instead signing a new £120,000-a-week contract at Stamford Bridge, but since then, injuries and poor form have completely curtailed his development.

In a bid to get back to his best and get his career back on track, he was sent out on loan to Bayer Leverkusen last season, but after starting just seven games in the Bundesliga and failing to score a single goal across 611 minutes in all competitions, the move can be described as nothing short of a disaster.

However, in looking under the hood at his underlying numbers, there still looks to be some promise.

According to FBref, who compare players in a similar position across Europe's top five leagues, he sits in the top 10% of wingers for pass completion, the top 13% for progressive carries, the top 16% for progressive passes, and the top 24% for successful take-ons, all per 90.

The fact that he is still just 22 years old, able to play on either wing and still got enough time to fulfil even some of the enormous potential he was once thought to possess, Hudson-Odoi seems like a youngster well worth gambling on from the perspective of Nottingham Forest.

Hawk-Eye has explained the mechanics behind the David Warner lbw dismissal in the second innings of the Bengaluru Test, which to the naked eye seemed a dubious “umpire’s call” on the point of impact

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Mar-2017Hawk-Eye has explained the mechanics behind the David Warner lbw dismissal in the second innings of the Bengaluru Test, which to the naked eye seemed a dubious “umpire’s call” on the point of impact.Here is ESPNcricinfo’s commentary of the call:

9.1 83.0 kph, lbw first ball. Long long chat, and they decide to review. Warner doesn’t look convinced, but he has reviewed it. Warner has picked a ball too full to sweep and is beaten. The question is, has he got an edge or has it straightened enough? This is pitched outside off, the ball has straightened, and I don’t see any part of ball in line. However, the machine is showing “umpire’s call”. I don’t know how. I must be wrong, but I will need an explanation from somebody here. Don’t see any part of ball in line. They show umpire’s call. Both on impact and the stumps. On many more replays, perhaps one mm of the ball hit him in line. Oof 42/2

Australia ended up losing that review, and that quite possibly cost them later on; they would likely have challenged a Shaun Marsh lbw call if they had both their reviews in hand, and, as replays showed, Marsh would have been allowed to bat on.Australia’s official Twitter handle tweeted an image of the Hawk-Eye projection of the Warner dismissal.

Thoughts? #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/8IShFKKzh9

— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) March 7, 2017

In that image, to the naked eye, there seems daylight between the point of impact and the line of the stumps. The ESPNcricinfo commentary said in relation to the image:

Make your own minds if this was “umpire’s call”. My naked eye sees nothing, but I also know once you agree to use a machine you have to agree with it.

The machine has now explained how it returned an umpire’s call. ESPNcricinfo has seen a Hawk-Eye video that removes the batsman from the image, and zooms in on the point of the impact from the top, as they do in tennis. That shows 2mm of the ball in line with the stumps.”Although it may have appeared on first glance that the impact was slightly outside the line of off stump, in fact there was actually 2mm of the ball inside the outside edge of off stump, thus making the impact ‘umpire’s call’, resulting in the original decision of out remaining,” Hawk-Eye said.It was unfortunate for Warner and Australia that they were done in by such a minute margin, but it was not inaccurate.

Leeds United will need to swiftly appoint their new manager after being relegated to the Championship this year, but rumours of interest in Lee Bowyer should be diverted.

What's the latest on Lee Bowyer to Leeds?

Speaking to the Daily Mail [25 June, page 95] – report via MOT Leeds News – BBC pundit and former Whites defender Matt Kilgallon has revealed that Bowyer is on the club's list as they target a new manager.

He said: "The Leeds United fans need a lift and Farke would provide that. He’s got a proven track record of winning promotion from the Championship. I’ve also heard Scott Parker and Patrick Vieira mentioned, plus a cheeky little shout for Lee Bowyer.

"The fans would love someone like Bowyer, but it’s looking like it could be Farke. I’ve been speaking to Grant Hanley, my old Blackburn team-mate who played under Farke at Norwich. Grant said he’s an excellent manager and a top bloke too, so Farke would be a good shout."

The former Birmginham City boss was dismissed from his duties almost exactly one year ago and has been out of work ever since, and with Daniel Farke the frontrunner, the German is surely the man for the job.

Should Leeds appoint Lee Bowyer?

Although Bowyer has Championship experience with Birmingham and scored 51 goals across 256 matches for Leeds during his playing career as a centre-midfielder, it could be argued that Farke's success in leading Norwich City to the big time on two occasions minnows the argument in favour of Bowyer.

The 46-year-old boasted a points-per-match total of 1.14 across his 59 matches at the Blues' helm, and has had his tactics, which predominantly involve a 3-4-1-2 formation, called into question at times. That will certainly not be music to the ears of Leeds supporters after a discordant and detrimental campaign.

Farke, in comparison, has won 71 of his 138 games in England's second tier at a rate of 1.82 PPM, and with a pleasing set-up reliant on high-pressure and swift transitions, he could be the man for the job.

And considering the weight of the seasonal task at Elland Road, Bowyer's appointment be somewhat rash, or even over-sentimental.

Waiting in the wings is a tired and tested second-tier specialist in Farke, who has even been hailed as a "world-class" coach by compatriot and Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

Former Canaries striker Chris Sutton was left waxing lyrical by the club in 2019 with Farke leading from the dugout, as he said: “I have been shocked in a pleasant way with Norwich City this season, I think their brand of football has been absolutely incredible, I really, really do.

“They have got up playing a brilliant, exciting, attacking brand of football with good players and what they’ve gone back to is the days when i was there and they were developing from within."

It's a no-brainer; the 49ers must act in the best interest of the prestigious outfit and make an appointment to ensure the return to the top flight is instantaneous.

Kevin Pietersen has rejoined Surrey for this year’s NatWest T20 Blast, after withdrawing from the Caribbean Premier League.

George Dobell07-Mar-20171:14

WATCH – Kevin Pietersen in action at the PSL

Kevin Pietersen has rejoined Surrey for this year’s NatWest T20 Blast, after withdrawing from the Caribbean Premier League.Pietersen was expected to appear for St Lucia Stars (formerly Zouks) in this year’s CPL, which runs from August 1 to September 9. But, as revealed by ESPNcricinfo, Pietersen has chosen instead to make a return to English cricket, with this year’s Blast set to be played in a block from July 7, with Finals Day on September 2.Kevin Pietersen’s excitement at returning to Surrey was rather dampened when ESPNcricinfo broke his news before him. Sorry KP!•TwitterWhile Pietersen is not a huge fan of England’s domestic T20 competition – he felt that playing just once a week rendered it difficult to find form or rhythm – the competition’s return to something approaching a window in 2017 may have eased his concerns.Pietersen opted out of any involvement in the 2016 season, following final confirmation that his England ambitions were over, but his relationship with Surrey has remained very good, and the club never made any secret of their desire to re-sign him as and when he became available.”I’m absolutely over the moon to be joining Surrey again. I’ve missed playing here at home and it’s going to be a special feeling walking out at the Kia Oval again,” Pietersen said.”We’ve got some seriously talented guys in our team and I’m very confident we can achieve something really special this season.”I’ve had some great times at this club and ground over the years; it’s a special place with top people, and I’m looking forward to once again being part of it.”Surrey director of cricket, Alec Stewart, said: “Re-signing KP is a massive boost to the club and the NatWest T20 Blast competition.”To have a player of his undoubted calibre available to us will add strength and experience to our squad and I’m sure all our fans will enjoy seeing him back playing in England again.”His work ethic and appetite for success are infectious and our squad have always enjoyed having him around the dressing room and performing out in the middle.”Pietersen appeared in the 2014 and 2015 editions of the CPL but pulled out of last year’s competition in order to take some time off. He has spent recent months playing in South Africa’s T20 Challenge, the BBL in Australia and the Pakistan Super League. The draft for the 2017 CPL is due to take place in Barbados on Friday.

Lancashire have turned to one of their own to try and bring success to the county with the announcement of Glen Chapple as head coach

Andrew McGlashan17-Jan-2017Lancashire have turned to one of their own to try and bring success to the county. Glen Chapple, who has been involved with the club for more than 25 years, has been named as head coach to replace Ashley Giles.Chapple, who worked as a first-team coach under Giles, will be assisted by Mark Chilton, the former Lancashire opening batsman who had a 14-year career, after he was promoted to assistant head coach having worked with the second team over the previous three seasons.Both were named in an interim capacity in December when Giles returned to take the director of sport role at Edgbaston and it came as little surprise that they were confirmed in the positions.There are few who have worn the Red Rose with such distinction as Chapple – who took 985 first-class wickets and 320 in the one-day game during a career that began in 1992 – and though that does not automatically mean a successful coaching career is assured, Lancashire have appointed someone with a intimate knowledge of the club and the demands it brings.”I would have been ready to take this job whenever,” Chapple said. “I’m still reasonably young in coaching terms but I have I feel I have a lot of experience.”Between the pair of us we’ve worked with a lot of international coaches and also have a lot of experience of this club and how it operates, the members and supporters and what they want us to achieve. We are aware of all that.”Chapple called the current Lancashire squad “exciting” but acknowledged that top of his to-do list over the next few weeks, as well as preparing the players for the pre-season tour of Dubai, is recruiting some experience to help competitiveness in all formats. In 2016 they narrowly avoided relegation in the County Championship and failed to get out of the group stages in the T20 Blast and Royal London Cup.In recent times the runs from Ashwell Prince and Alviro Petersen have been lost, while the club are unlikely to see much of Jos Buttler in the first half of the season due to IPL and England commitments. Haseeb Hameed will be available while England are in white-ball mode, but from July will likely be away with the Test side.News of a signing is expected in the coming weeks and that could indicate heading down the Kolpak route, although both Chapple and Chilton stressed the importance of continuing to nurture local talent.”We do need to make additions to the squad, we need to make sure we can compete in all forms,” Chapple said. “This particular squad at the moment is exciting, it has a lot of young players. Some who were blooded last year and took their opportunity well. So it’s certainly exciting times. But we are a young squad and we have to understand that it will develop.”We want to build a team who are aggressive, ambitious – I think the squad needs some experience to go with it, we’ve lost a lot of players in recent years through retirement, injury and players not coming back. We have some areas we need to develop, but to work with the young players we have here is exciting.”Over the coming months we’ll be looking to balance the squad. When you get into the season there are challenges that come, but we want to go into the season with a chance in all three competitions. You are looking to help a team develop, but it’s results driven as well. To say you can win three is a bold statement, but we aren’t focusing on one over the other.”Chapple said he will draw on his experiences with Giles and Peter Moores – he made specific reference to his time as captain under Moores, during which Lancashire won their first County Championship title in 77 years – but said it was important the new coaching structure went about things their own way.”I had a particularly good time with Peter Moores because I was captain and it was six years long. But at the same time you go into a job and do it your way, we’ve been around the game for 25 years now so aren’t just looking at other coaches. We’ll work on things that we think are important, you have to do things your way otherwise it won’t look right.”As a final piece of housekeeping, it was worth noting that Chapple has never officially announced his retirement as a player. He last appeared in 2015 but remained registered. Is that, now, officially it? “Let’s just let that slip into the background and not mention it, possibly,” he said.