Left-hand batter Bob Cowper played 27 Tests in the 1960s before leaving the game for a career in stockbroking and merchant banking
ESPNcricinfo staff11-May-2025
In his 27 Tests, Bob Cowper scored 2061 runs at an average of 53.78 with five centuries•Central Press/Getty Images
Bob Cowper, who played 27 Tests for Australia in the 1960s, has died at the age of 84.Left-hand batter Cowper played most of his first-class cricket for Victoria, turning out in 147 games overall between 1959-60 and 1969-70, scoring 10,595 runs at an average of 53.78 with 26 centuries. In his 27 Tests, Cowper scored 2061 runs at an average of 2061 with five centuries, one of them a much celebrated 307 against England at the MCG in 1966. Also a part-time offspinner, Cowper finished with 183 first-class wickets, 36 of them in Tests.”Cowper was an enormously talented left-hand batter renowned for his elegant stroke play, his patience at the crease and his ability to amass big totals,” Cricket Australia (CA) said in a statement mourning Cowper’s death.He left the game at just 28 to pursue a career in stockbroking and merchant banking, “too intelligent and ambitious to linger long in a game offering such modest financial rewards,” Gideon Haigh noted in ESPNcricinfo. “Bob Cowper renounced Test cricket at 28, though not before he had built an impressive portfolio of achievement as a left-hand batsman and finger-spinner. His 12-hour 307 against England at Melbourne in February 1966 was the highest Test innings and the only triple-century on Australian soil until Matthew Hayden’s 380 in 2003-04.”His fertile cricket imagination and sense of injustice at the lot of the average Australian cricketer left a strong impression on Ian Chappell, in time a militant campaigner for the rights of his comrades.”Cowper later served as an ICC match referee.”We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Bob Cowper who was a hugely respected figure in Australian cricket,” Mike Baird, CA chair, said in a statement. “Bob was a wonderful batter who will always be remembered for his famous triple century at the MCG, as well as his strong influence in the Australian and Victorian teams of the 1960s.”He was also a significant contributor to cricket in other roles including as an ICC match referee and his wisdom was always keenly sought.”On behalf of Cricket Australia, our deepest condolences to Bob’s family, friends and former teammates at this very sad time.”
He had been with Sydney Thunder since joining as a 16-year-old rookie and top-scored for them in last season’s final
ESPNcricinfo staff29-Apr-2025
Jason Sangha was a central figure in South Australia’s Sheffield Shield title•Getty Images
Jason Sangha, who was one of the stars of South Australia’s Sheffield Shield triumph, has made a full domestic move to the state after signing a two-year deal with Adelaide Strikers.Sangha had been with Sydney Thunder since joining as a 16-year-old rookie and last season returned from an injury lay-off to top-score with 67 off 42 balls in the final against Hobart Hurricanes.Related
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But his contract was up at the end of the campaign and he has moved to Strikers following a prolific Sheffield Shield season where he made 704 runs at 78.22 including the title-clinching 126 not out against Queensland.”The fans here have been incredibly welcoming, and I am eager to give my best on the field in the upcoming BBL season,” Sangha said. “My time with South Australian cricket has already been filled with some unforgettable moments, and I am excited to create many more while wearing blue.”The support from the community has been amazing, and I can’t wait to give back by helping the team achieve success. I am looking forward to building on our achievements and making a significant impact with the white ball.”Overall for Thunder, Sangha made 836 runs at 32.15 with a strike-rate of 121.15. He was named captain for BBL12, the 2022-23 season, but suffered a fractured collarbone three games into the campaign.”Jason’s talent and dedication on the field are well-known, and his impressive track record speaks volumes about his potential,” Strikers’ talent manager Shaun Williams said. “Not only has he demonstrated remarkable skill, but his leadership qualities and work ethic are also exceptional.”We believe that Jason will bring a new energy to our team, inspiring his team-mates and contributing to our overall success. We are excited to see him integrate into our squad and look forward to the positive impact he will undoubtedly have both on and off the field. His all-round abilities, combined with his leadership skills, promises exciting times ahead for South Australian cricket.”Such was the red-ball form Sangha showed in the latter stages of last season that he has a chance of featuring for Australia A who are due to play series against Sri Lanka and India during the winter.Strikers now have 10 names locked in for the 2025-26 BBL. They are one of only two clubs, along with Sydney Sixers, who do not currently have a pre-signed overseas player with each side allowed to secure one name ahead of the draft which will take place on June 19.Current Adelaide Strikers squad Cameron Boyce, Jordan Buckingham, Alex Carey, Thomas Kelly, Harry Nielsen, Lloyd Pope, Alex Ross, Jason Sangha, Matt Short, Henry Thornton
O Botafogo alcançou um feito histórico no dia seguinte ao lançamento da sua nova linha de uniformes. Nesta sexta-feira (28), o clube informou que em 24 horas foram vendidas cerca de 15 mil camisas do Glorioso da marca Reebok.
+ Copo Stanley a partir de R$120,00. Bebida gelada nos 90′ de jogo do Líder!
Nesta sexta, o quiosque da Botafogo Store abriu às 10h no Estádio Nilton Santos, com entrada pelo setor Oeste Inferior. Desde então, torcedores do Glorioso foram ao local para adquirirem as novidades. A loja ficará aberta até as 21h.
MARCA HISTÓRICA ????????
A torcida alvinegra está ON FIRE! Cerca de 1️⃣5️⃣ mil camisas da nova coleção Reebok 2023 foram vendidas em 24 horas. #ÉOGloriosoMané
⚠️ ATENÇÃO: grade completa até o tamanho 6G também já está disponível no site.
???? Acesse https://t.co/mVClc93Vy3 e garanta… pic.twitter.com/W6KwovGDp6
— Botafogo F.R. (@Botafogo) July 28, 2023
Neste sábado (29), as vendas prosseguirão. Os quiosques dos setores Camarote / VIP serão abertos para o atendimento exclusivo a sócios Camisa 7. O setor Oeste Inferior será disponível para o público em geral.
Além disso, os torcedores podem adquirir os uniformes no site da Botafogo Store.
+ Veja quais são as perspectivas do Botafogo para a nova linha de uniformes do clube
Nesta sexta-feira (28), os jogadores realizaram atividade no CT Lonier com as novas camisas de treino.
Em entrevista no dia do lançamento do novo uniforme, o CEO da SAF, Thairo Arruda, traçou uma meta para os novos uniformes:
– A gente tem sim uma projeção de vendas. A gente espera atingir 150 mil camisas vendidas em um ano – disse.
افتتح منتخب مصر لكرة اليد للناشئين، تحت 17 عاما، بطولة العالم المقامة في المغرب، بالفوز على البرازيل بنتيجة 35-26، في أول نسخة من هذه المسابقة.
والتقى منتخب مصر لكرة اليد للناشئين نظيره البرازيلي في افتتاح مشواره ببطولة العالم المقامة في المغرب، محققًا انتصارًا غاليًا على راقصي السامبا.
وانطلقت بطولة العالم لكرة اليد للرجال تحت 17 عامًا، اليوم 24 أكتوبر وتستمر حتى 1 نوفمبر 2025، في المغرب، وتضم 12 منتخبا مقسمة على 3 مجموعات.
طالع | مواعيد مباريات منتخب اليد تحت 17 عامًا في بطولة العالم
وتعد هذه البطولة الأولى من نوعها على مستوى هذه الفئة العمرية، تحت إشراف الاتحاد الدولي لكرة اليد (IHF)، الذي يسعى من خلالها إلى اكتشاف المواهب الشابة وتعزيز تنافسية اللعبة عالميًا.
ويشارك منتخب مصر لكرة اليد مواليد 2008 في البطولة، في مجموعة تضم إلى جانبه منتخبات البرازيل وأمريكا والمغرب، صاحب الأرض والجمهور. موعد مباراة مصر وأمريكا في كأس العالم لناشئي اليد
ويلتقي منتخب مصر في المباراة المقبلة أمام نظيره الأمريكي، يوم الأحد 26 أكتوبر، في تمام الساعة 8:50 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة والسعودية.
Everton will not be winning the League Cup this season after they were knocked out of the competition by fellow Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday night.
David Moyes made a host of changes to his starting XI to provide some of the fringe players within the squad with an opportunity to shine against a top-flight side.
Unfortunately, for the Scottish head coach, those players did not step up to show that they deserve more minutes in actual Premier League matches moving forward.
Summer signing Thierno Barry started up front and was substituted at half-time after the team failed to create a single ‘big chance’ for him to find the back of the net, per Sofascore.
The French centre-forward, who is yet to score his first goal for the Toffees, was far from the only player who failed to take his chance to shine against Wolves.
As well as Barry, Tyler Dibling was another one of the summer signings who came into the starting line-up and did not do enough to keep his place in the team.
Why Tyler Dibling should be dropped
The Toffees splashed out a significant fee of £40m to sign the 19-year-old attacking midfielder from relegated Southampton during the summer transfer window, but it was unlikely that he was going to make an instant impact at the Hill Dickinson.
Dibling scored two goals and did not register a single assist in 30 appearances in the Premier League with the Saints during the 2024/25 campaign, per Sofascore, which shows that Everton were signing him for his potential, rather than any proven quality.
The teenage whiz also scored two goals in two matches in the FA Cup for Southampton last season, but he was unable to step up in the League Cup for the Blues on Tuesday.
Dibling was selected to start on the right flank, coming in for Iliman Ndiaye, and did not offer enough at the top end of the pitch to suggest that he should keep his place for the clash with West Ham United on Monday.
The left-footed forward ended his time on the pitch without a shot on target or a chance created to show for his efforts, as his team lost without scoring a goal, per Sofascore, which shows that he did not have any meaningful impact in the final third.
Vs Wolves
Tyler Dibling
Minutes
58
Pass accuracy
86%
Key passes
0
Dribbles completed
2/6
Crosses completed
1/1
Duels won
4/14
Tackles + interceptions
3
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Dibling did work hard to put himself about defensively, competing in 14 duels, and tried to make things happen by taking on opposition defenders with the ball.
Unfortunately, he was ineffective with the ball at his feet, as evidenced by the opposition winning the ball off him in four of his six attempted dribbles. That led to him being subbed off for Ndiaye just before the hour mark, and is why he should be dropped from the XI for the game against the Hammers.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Dibling, however, was not the least impressive performer on the pitch for the Toffees on the night, as Tim Iroegbunam showed why he should never start against top-flight opposition.
Why Tim Iroegbunam should never start for Everton
Since signing from Aston Villa in the summer of 2024, the English central midfielder has started in just one win against a Premier League side for Everton.
That includes one appearance in the cup and eight starts in the Premier League for the Toffees in that time, which shows that he has had plenty of chances to help his side to more wins.
Whilst Iroegbunam was not the sole reason why Everton failed to win most of those nine matches, it is a worrying pattern that is underpinned by some dismal performances from the former Villans academy graduate.
Tim Iroegbunam’s starts against Premier League opposition
Opposition
Result
Wolves (A)
2-0 loss
Aston Villa (H)
0-0 draw
Brighton (H)
2-0 win
Leeds (A)
1-0 loss
Arsenal (H)
1-1 draw
Aston Villa (A)
3-2 loss
Bournemouth (H)
3-2 loss
Brighton (A)
4-0 loss
Tottenham Hotspur (H)
3-0 loss
Via Transfermarkt
As you can see in the table above, the Toffees have won one and lost six of his nine starts against top-flight opponents since his move to the club last year, conceding a whopping 19 goals in those matches.
It is a dismal run of results for the 22-year-old midfielder and does not suggest that he is ready to control the engine room for Moyes, which was backed up by his performance against Wolves on Tuesday night.
The Athletic’s Paddy Boyland criticised Iroegbunam’s “sloppy” play in possession that gifted the ball back to Wolves on multiple occasions, leading to attacks for the home side.
He gave the ball away ten times, per Sofascore, throughout the 90 minutes, more than Dibling’s eight, despite not attempting a single cross or long pass, which meant that his short passing was far too sloppy for a central midfielder.
The Liverpool Echo handed him a player rating of 5/10 for his performance, noting that he failed to impose himself on the game, and even that may have been a tad generous as the midfielder failed to impress on or off the ball in the middle of the park.
Despite playing as a holding midfielder, Iroegbunam made fewer defensive contributions than Dibling. The winger made two clearances, one block, two tackles, and one interception, whilst the midfielder matched that bar the block. This shows that he was slightly less effective out of possession than a forward player.
On the ball, as aforementioned, he was sloppy and did not help to control the middle of the park for the Toffees, which contributed to the home side’s comfortable win on the night.
Worse than Tarkowski: 5/10 Everton man "was a difficult watch" vs Wolves
Everton were dumped out of the Carabao Cup after a 2-0 defeat by Wolves at Molineux.
ByAngus Sinclair Sep 24, 2025
Therefore, Iroegbunam showed why he should never start for the Toffees unless injuries force Moyes into selecting him, because the club’s results when he started have been abysmal and his performance on Tuesday night was not far from abysmal.
يواصل برشلونة عمله ويكثف محادثاته للانتهاء من تجديد عقد مدافعه إريك جارسيا، بعد نجاحه في تمديد عقد لاعب خط الوسط الهولندي فرينكي دي يونج.
ووفقاً لصحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية، فإن برشلونة يرى في تجديد عقد إريك جارسيا أمراً مهماً، وبمجرد الانتهاء من هذه المفاوضات سيبدأ البلوجرانا محادثات تمديد عقد فيران توريس.
وينتهي عقد فيران توريس مع برشلونة في 30 يونيو 2027 ويعد من أكثر الأمور التي يهتم بها النادي خلال الفترة المقبلة، ورغم بقاء ليفاندوفسكي وكريستينسن لكن النادي غير مستعد لتقديم عروض لهما في الوقت الحالي.
اقرأ أيضًا.. لابورتا يعلن موعد تكريم ليونيل ميسي في برشلونة
ويرغب توريس في مواصلة عمله مع برشلونة والبقاء ضمن صفوفه، كما يرى النادي أنه أحد العناصر المهمة وقد قام بتحسين أدائه في المواسم الأخيرة وأصبح يساهم في تسجيل الأهداف.
ويضع برشلونة عدداً من المهاجمين المرشحين للتنافس على مركز المهاجم في الفريق بنهاية الموسم الحالي، وهما دوسان فلاهوفيتش وإيونج وأسلاني.
Tottenham Hotspur could now emerge as serious contenders for the signature of an “unstoppable” £100m star following the departure of long-serving chairman Daniel Levy.
Levy's Tottenham era comes to an abrupt end
Levy’s 25-year tenure as Tottenham chairman came to an abrupt end earlier this week, with the 63-year-old choosing to step down, although there have been suggestions the decision came from above.
The businessman has been subjected to widespread criticism during his time as chairman, having overseen just two major honours in 25 years, while also making some very questionable managerial appointments.
Tottenham now planning aggressive talks to sign "intense" Man Utd target
They’re not giving up.
ByTom Cunningham Sep 6, 2025
Peter Charrington has since been named as the new non-executive chairman, and said: “This is a new era of leadership for the club, on and off the pitch.
I do recognise there has been a lot of change in recent months as we put in place new foundations for the future. We are now fully focused on stability and empowering our talented people across the Club, led by Vinai and his executive team.”
With Levy gone, there will be hope that Spurs can now finally achieve their potential as a club, but in order to make that dream a reality, new additions will be needed to the squad, and there has now been a new update on their pursuit of Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Tottenham could now re-emerge as serious contenders for Rogers’ signature following Levy’s departure, with the Aston Villa star still greatly admired by the north Londoners.
England'sEberechiEzecelebrates scoring their third goal with England's Morgan Rogers
With Levy gone, the Lilywhites may now choose to be more ambitious in the transfer market, which means they could compete for Rogers’ signature, although a deal will be on the expensive side, with it previously being reported Villa are looking to receive £100m.
"Unstoppable" Rogers would be statement signing for Spurs
It would be a real statement of intent if Tottenham were able to win the race for the Villa star’s signature, given that he is also in Chelsea’s sights, while the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal have previously been named as potential suitors.
It is no surprise the 23-year-old is attracting so much interest, given the level of some of his performances for Aston Villa, regularly providing goals and assists right the way through the 2024-25 campaign.
Competition
Appearances
Goal contributions
Premier League
37
19
Champions League
12
7
FA Cup
5
4
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher also singled out the Englishman for high praise last season, describing him as “unstoppable” after impressing in a 3-2 victory over Everton in September.
With Levy gone, it is exciting news that Tottenham are set to be a little more ambitious in the transfer market, and Rogers is exactly the type of signing who could turn them into real contenders for major trophies.
Everton have plenty of work to do in the transfer window and could now swoop for an experienced defender who enjoys a pre-existing relationship with David Moyes, according to a report.
Everton confirm exits to pave way for incomings
Making their gratitude known, Everton have confirmed six senior players have left the club upon the expiry of their contracts – Abdoulaye Doucoure, Ashley Young, Joao Virginia, Asmir Begovic, Mason Holgate and Neal Maupay.
Releasing a short statement on their departures, the club noted: “Everyone at Everton thanks the departing players for their commitment and service and wishes them all the best for the future.”
Everton's DominicCalvert-Lewincelebrates scoring their first goal
Dominic Calvert Lewin’s future at Everton remains uncertain as the Toffees continue to liaise on new deals for the England striker and Michael Keane.
Expert Keith Wyness has claimed that the former’s offer of a new contract is bonus-related, which has led to a feeling of dissatisfaction and could spell the end to his spell on Merseyside.
Should he leave, Everton have identified Galatasaray’s Baris Alper Yilmaz as a potential replacement to strengthen their forward line. Youssef Chermiti and Beto remain as striking options after Armando Broja’s loan deal concluded.
Everton now ready to open talks in complex deal to sign £15.6m-a-year star
The Toffees mean business.
1 ByTom Cunningham Jun 11, 2025
Defensively, Kyle Walker-Peters is a free transfer target for the Toffees following his exploits in the Premier League with Southampton last term, illustrating that a wealth of financial muscle isn’t necessary to attract quality reinforcements.
The Friedkin Group definitely have money to spend at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, but there is an acknowledgement that they will need to be careful to adhere to PSR requirements.
Inexpensive deals in some areas may be a necessity in the infancy of their reign, so it won’t come as a surprise to hear that another free agent is being lined up to bolster Moyes’ backline.
Everton line up move for Vladimir Coufal
According to Football Insider, Everton are eyeing a free transfer move for Vladimir Coufal after his successful spell at West Ham United came to an end.
Fulham, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Leeds United, Burnley and Sunderland are also keen on the Czechia international, who Moyes is keen to reunite with following his five years at the London Stadium.
Vladimir Coufal’s Premier League season in numbers (Fotmob)
Duels won
66
Tackles won
15
Aerial duels won
23
Recoveries
39
Cross accuracy
32.1%
In what turned out to be a disappointing season for the Hammers, Coufal made 25 appearances across all competitions and still has more to give in the English top-flight at 32 years of age.
Jake O’Brien has filled in on the right side of defence amid Everton’s transition to a back three at times under Moyes, though it would make sense to recruit a reliable operator amid veteran right-back Young’s departure.
Competition is high for his signature. Still, Coufal and Moyes have already enjoyed success together, so there is no reason to suspect that the Scot couldn’t get the best out of the Ostrava-born man at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Liverpool are basking in the glory of becoming Premier League champions and have now lined up a World Cup winner who could help their cause heading into next season.
Liverpool ready to strike in the summer window
Arne Slot and his group have reveled in the opportunity to celebrate their top-flight title triumph and finally got their hands on the trophy on Sunday afternoon after playing out a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace at Anfield.
Despite the joyous scenes among supporters in the stadium on Sunday and at their parade on Monday, attention at the club will already have turned to what will happen next at Anfield as Liverpool look to become England’s dominant force for years to come.
Arne Slot celebrates Liverpool's Premier League triumph
The Dutchman shares that sentiment and is in for the long haul on Merseyside, as he said last week: “I could see myself working here for a long time because it’s a great club to work for and I’m really happy over here.”
Backing from FSG will likely play a huge part in his positive morale, which will be helped enormously by news that Bayer Leverkusen duo Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong are likely to sign for Liverpool this summer.
Developments of late indicate the finer details are what remain to be signed off on regarding both deals, and they won’t be the only arrivals at Anfield over the next few months to freshen up a squad that could be altered significantly.
Forget Gravenberch: Slot's 6/10 Liverpool star showed why he must be axed
Liverpool drew against Crystal Palace before lifting the Premier League trophy at Anfield.
ByAngus Sinclair May 25, 2025
Carrying a ruthless streak is paramount to guarantee a consistent flow of success. Tough decisions need to be taken, though you get the impression that Slot isn’t one for letting sentiment get the better of him, with Milos Kerkez expected to come in to replace Andy Robertson at left-back.
Stocking up in defence, the former Feyenoord boss is now keen on bringing another steely operator to Anfield in light of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure.
Liverpool in the mix to sign Atletico Madrid's Nahuel Molina
According to CaughtOffside, Liverpool are willing to sign Atletico Madrid right-back Nahuel Molina, who could be available for between £25.1 million to £29.3 million this summer if Diego Simeone decides to cash in on the Argentina international.
Newcastle United, Inter Milan, Roma and Juventus are also in the race for the 27-year-old, who also thrived in Serie A at Udinese.
Nahuel Molina’s season for Atletico Madrid in numbers – La Liga
Total minutes played
1581
Big chances created
3
Duels won per match
2.6
Balls recovered per match
2.2
Praised by Lionel Messi for his role in Argentina’s win over the Netherlands at the 2022 World Cup, Molina has registered a goal and three assists in 44 appearances across all competitions this season.
With Conor Bradley already on the books at Anfield and Frimpong set to join him, it would be a surprise if Liverpool were to bring in a third right-back once the window opens.
However, depth is needed to juggle multiple competitions, so it may be a case of covering all bases for Slot in his pursuit of further silverware, and perhaps Frimpong’s ability to play further up makes room for another natural full-back.
Celtic appear set to conclude yet another very successful season in style.
On Wednesday night, despite the fact Brendan Rodgers made wholesale changes, the Hoops won 5-1 at Pittodrie, thanks to goals from Maik Nawrocki, Yang Hyun-jun, Luke McCowan, young striker Johnny Kenny and then Adam Idah.
Idah’s goal was his 20th of the campaign across all competitions and, given that Nicolas Kühn and Daizen Maeda had already reached this milestone, this is the first time since 1969/70 Celtic have had a trio of players register 20+ goals.
The Hoops will be presented with a record-equalling 55th Premiership trophy on Saturday, before seeking to complete a sixth treble in just nine seasons when they meet Aberdeen again in the Scottish Cup Final at Hampden a week later.
However, Rodgers is never satisfied, so he is targeting a new winger, in a deal reminiscent of, arguably, the best player he’s ever had across his two stints as Celtic manager.
Scott Sinclair's Celtic career in numbers
When Scott Sinclair arrived at Celtic from Aston Villa for a reported fee of £3m in the summer of 2016, his career was at a bit of a crossroads, looking to rediscover his best form, joining to link up with Rodgers, who’d previously been his manager at Swansea.
Well, few could’ve forecast how good the Englishman would prove to be, scoring 25 goals during his first season in Glasgow, named Celtic Player of the Year, both the Players’ and Supporters’ awards, PFA Players’ Player of the Year as well as SFWA Footballer of the Year, a clean-sweep of all the individual accolades.
In total, Sinclair scored 62 times in 167 appearances for Celtic, averaging a goal every 185 minutes, and he remains the highest-scoring player at the club under Rodgers across both his tenures as boss.
Highest-scoring Celtic players under Brendan Rodgers
Players
Appearances
Goals
Scott Sinclair
148
60
Moussa Dembélé
94
51
James Forrest
207
45
Daizen Maeda
85
43
Callum McGregor
246
37
Leigh Griffiths
87
37
Kyōgo Furuhashi
82
31
Adam Idah
70
29
Odsonne Édouard
68
27
All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt
As the table outlines, Sinclair is still clear by quite some distance at the top of this ranking although, if Maeda continues to score at this season’s rate next time round, who knows, he could overtake the Englishman by Christmas.
Fast-forward to the present day, with Jota sidelined for up to nine months, Celtic are in the market for a new wide attacker this summer, so they could go into the market to land a replacement
Celtic could sign their new Sinclair
According to a report by Stephen McGowan of the Herald, Celtic are ‘monitoring’ winger Tyrhys Dolan, who is expected to leave EFL Championship club Blackburn Rovers following the expiration of his contract, thereby becoming available for a ‘minimal compensation fee’.
Blackburn manager Valérien Ismaël was desperate to keep the 23-year-old at Ewood Park, labelling him an “important player”, adding that “he’s at a really good age… but [has] a lot of experience already”, however, Rovers were unable to convince Dolan to sign a new contract.
Elliott Jackson of the Lancashire Telegraph believes Dolan is “absolutely terrific”, while writer Kai Watson describes him as “quick” and a “direct… goal threat”, assertions that are supported by the table below.
Tyrhys Dolan EFL Championship statistics 2024/25
Statistics
Dolan
Championship rank
Minutes
3,175
86th
Goals
7
42nd
Assists
6
18th
Shots
50
61st
Shots on target %
44%
20th
Shot-creating actions
99
41st
Goal-creating actions
17
7th
Attempted take-ons
152
7th
Progressive carries
94
27th
Carries into the final third
72
15th
All statistics courtesy of FBref.com
As the table outlines, Dolan’s primary strength is his dribbling, with only six players registering more attempted take-ons, despite the fact he only featured in 77% of Blackburn’s total minutes.
Tyrhys Dolan in action for Blackburn Rovers.
Just like Sinclair, Dolan has shown plenty of promise at Championship level.
Before joining Celtic, Sinclair’s most productive campaign came during Swansea’s promotion season under Rodgers of 2010/11, scoring 27 times across all competitions, including a hat-trick in the play-off final victory over Reading at Wembley.
The duo share many of the same attributes: explosive pace, high-quality dribbling skills and an eye for goal.
Thus, if Celtic are able to get this deal over the line, especially considering Dolan is set to become a free agent on 1 July, they’d get their hands on a fantastic new wide attacker.
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