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Aston Villa confirmed on Friday afternoon that midfielder Arjan Raikhy has joined Stockport County on a season-long loan, and a number of Villa fans have been having their say on the temporary move on social media.

Villa have loaned out a number of their Under-23’s to lower league sides this summer, with Louie Barry’s move to  League One side Ipswich Town perhaps the most high-profile youth departure in recent months.

Raikhy has become the eighth Villa youngster this summer to be loaned out with a view to gaining first team experience, following the likes of Louie Barry, Brad Young and Sebastian Revan.

The 18-year-old, described as a ‘technically gifted midfielder’ on the club’s website, made his senior Villa debut against Liverpool in the FA Cup last season and started every game for Villa in their first Youth Cup triumph since 2002.

Villa fans react

Villa announced Raikhy’s loan move on their official Twitter page. Here is what these Villa supporters had to say in reply, with one describing the midfielder as a ‘great talent’.

“Another one of the stellar Youth Cup team and FA Cup heroes goes out on loan. Arjan sometimes goes under the radar, but he’s a real player. Great move for him and @StockportCounty. Add him to that list!”Credit: @AVFCLOAN”Disappointing move for such a great player. 18, turning 19, he surely could have played at least in the EFL?”Credit: @DOUGLASLUlZ”Great talent, good luck”Credit: @themezza”He’s a baller him, great player”Credit: @craigta64695079″gonna be unreal”Credit: @catrinavfc”Going to smash it at that level”Credit: @GW_94

In other news: Source shares reason for ‘unsung hero’ leaving Villa Park. 

Cricinfo’s preview of the tri-series final between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in Mirpur

The Preview by Kanishkaa Balachandran15-Jan-2009Match factsJanuary 16, 2008
Start time 9.00am (03.00 GMT)
Bangladesh’s stunning win has added a nice twist to the series © AFP
Big PictureThe tri-series got just what it needed – Bangladesh in the final. With all due respect to Zimbabwe, the team with the more commanding head-to-head record between them in recent times was expected from the very beginning to meet Sri Lanka in the final. The winter was threatening to succumb to another season of discontentment for local fans before Shakib Al Hasan’s hair-raising assault against the Sri Lankans on Wednesday gave his team the chance to fight another day. Sri Lanka were jolted in a fog-curtailed match and that result will force them to approach tomorrow’s final with a slightly different mindset.Their batting was a let-down, save for Sanath Jayasuriya’s half-century on Tuesday. Both Upul Tharanga and Kumar Sangakkara made ducks while the captain Mahela Jayawardene – despite scoring 28 – is yet to shrug off his dip in form in ODIs. His recent performances reflect those of the top order which has lacked consistency in their recent games.Jayawardene, however, felt there was no need to panic. “As I had said before, considering the challenges I think they did a good job. We had one bad game after a long time. This can happen in cricket. We just need to pull our socks up. We have quality players and I am sure that they will be up and ready for the big match.”Sri Lanka are still favourites to take the title but the opposition is high on confidence. That the match was reduced to 31 overs actually worked to Bangladesh’s advantage as they have shown more potential in the past in the shorter versions. Though they faced lesser overs of spin than normal, they refused to allow themselves be dominated by Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis. The question is whether they can repeat their heroics in a full 50-over game, if the weather permits.”We realise that tomorrow we have a genuine chance if we do the processes right and stick to the game plan,” Mohammad Ashraful, the Bangladesh captain, said on the eve of the game. “All of us want this year to be a big year for Bangladesh cricket.”Form guide (last five completed ODIs, most recent first)Sri Lanka LWWWW
Bangladesh WLLLLWatch out forShakib Al Hasan: He gave Sri Lanka nerve-tingling moments with his 96 in the Mirpur Test and made yet another score in the nineties at the same venue, this time for a winning cause. His audacious strokes against the spinners, often exposing his stumps to free his arms either side of the wicket, powered his team home within the cut-off for the bonus point and his confidence was exemplary. The loss of three early wickets for virtually nothing didn’t alter his game plan, which was to attack. His recent showings as an allrounder have been the biggest talking point for Bangladesh cricket and will have to repeat the performance in the crunch match.Rubel Hossain: Rubel kept his debut a pleasant surprise for his mother and his raw pace didn’t just cause a flutter in his household. After getting tonked by Jayasuriya for three fours in his first over, he came back well to pick up four wickets. His bouncers thwarted Sri Lanka’s attempt at pushing the scoring in the end. He was asked by the umpire Billy Doctrove to put a lid on the short stuff but he seemed least bothered by the warning. For a change in this series, Mashrafe Mortaza had some solid support.Team changesBangladesh will want to stick to the winning combination from Wednesday. They have named Nazmul Hossain in the twelve and he could replace Mahbubul Alam, who’s yet to control his economy rate after a poor debut.Bangladesh: (probable) 1 Tamim Iqbal, 2Junaid Siddique, 3 Mohammad Ashraful (capt), 4 Raqibul Hassan, 5 Shakib Al Hasan, 6 Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 7 Naeem Islam, 8 Mahmudullah, 9 Masrafe Mortaza, 10 Mahbubul Alam/Nazmul Hossain, 11 Rubel Hossain.Sri Lanka didn’t name their twelve on the eve of the match. Jayawardene admitted that the previous game was a rare bad day at work, which implies they could play the same team and hope for the best.Sri Lanka (probable) 1 Sanath Jayasuriya, 2 Upul Tharanga, 3 Kumar Sangakkara (wk), 4 Mahela Jayawardene (capt), 5 Jehan Mubarak, 6 Chamara Kapugedera, 7 Angelo Mathews 8 Thilan Thushara, 9 Nuwan Kulasekara, 10 Muttiah Muralitharan, 11 Ajantha Mendis.Stats and TriviaThis is Bangladesh’s first appearance in a tournament final at home. They bagged their first and only one-day title during the Associates Tri-Series in the West Indies shortly before the 2007 World Cup.Shakib has scored three fifties in his last four games, taking his average to 70.33.Sangakkara needs another 37 runs to cross the 7000-run mark.Bangladesh have never won back-to-back matches against a top side.Quotes”We have to show improvement in all areas and especially in the top order. So far we have not managed a start. We need to make sure that if one of the top three gets set then he should bat as long as possible. A good start makes the job easier for the next batsmen coming in.”

“It’s not something unusual. People realise that we have been beaten by a team that played better cricket than us on the day. Credit should go to them. Some of the Bangladesh players had great games, [Mashrafe] Mortaza in bowling and Shakib Al Hasan in batting and we made a lot of mistakes and when you come across performances like Mortaza and Shakib’s on such a day you are bound to lose. It was a bad day at office.”
Jayawardene when asked about the reaction in Sri Lanka after the defeat.

Dean Windass is confident that West Ham will sign Jesse Lingard before the transfer window closes later this month.

Lingard has been linked with a return to the London Stadium following his memorable loan spell during the second half of last season, with The Athletic claiming last month that he would cost £30m.

However, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has previously said that Lingard is part of his plans for the current season despite the array of attacking players at his disposal.

Lingard featured heavily in pre-season, but a positive COVID-19 test saw him miss out on being involved in United’s opening-day victory over Leeds.

He was back in the frame at Southampton on Sunday – and made his first Premier League appearance for the Red Devils since the final day of the 2019-2020 campaign.

But Lingard played only the final five minutes, which suggests he’s some way down the pecking order, with both Edinson Cavani and Marcus Rashford to come back into the fold.

West Ham first-team coach Stuart Pearce recently told talkSPORT that West Ham are still interested in signing him, and Windass exclusively told FFC that he will return to east London:

“I think West Ham will do that. I just can’t see him being at Manchester United with Sancho coming in now, and you’ve still got Martial and Dan James.”

Aston Villa confirmed on Saturday afternoon that striker Wesley Moraes has re-joined Club Brugge on a season-long loan.

And, as to be expected, a number of Villa supporters have been giving their thoughts to the news on social media.

Wesley signed for Villa from the Belgian club back in 2019 in what was a club-record deal at the time.

However, things haven’t gone to plan for the Brazilian, who has missed a whopping 57 games through injury.

He’s made just 26 appearances for Villa, scoring six times and will now be given the chance to get regular football under his belt with Club Brugge.

Dean Smith admitted the 24-year-old does have a long-term future at Villa Park but he’ll spend the current campaign in the Jupiler Pro League.

Villa fans react

Villa shared the news regarding Wesley on Saturday on their official Twitter page, hours before their 1-1 draw with Brentford.

This is what some Villa fans had to say in reply, with one believing a deal is probably for ‘the best’.

“thank god”

Credit: @marathesayu

“surely we’d get another in?”

Credit: @sevravfc

“Probably for the best for all parties at the moment.”

Credit: @FabledSage

“Another mistake.”

Credit: @Villanous_

“No great loss.”

Credit: @MrP7478

“Hope he smashes it out there. Guy deserves a shot at consistent minutes and some decent goalscoring form. Come back stronger, Wes”

Credit: @rad_nauseam

In other news: ‘The deal we’ve been waiting for’, ‘Exactly what we need’ – Many Villa fans buzz as news emerges. 

Western Australia’s hopes of regaining their place in the postponed Champions League were shattered as Queensland sealed their spot in the finals

Cricinfo staff15-Jan-2009
Daniel Christian was unstoppable as he tamed the Tigers and kept South Australia in the race for the finals © Getty Images
Western Australia’s hopes of regaining their place in the postponed Champions League were shattered as Queensland sealed their spot in the finals with a convincing 62-run victory at the WACA. The Warriors were part of the original tournament, which offered $6 million in prizemoney, but when the terrorist attacks in Mumbai occurred the event was rescheduled and Western Australia and Victoria were told they had to requalify.Victoria are through to the last three and have their chance to seal top spot when they play New South Wales in Sydney on Saturday. Queensland, who are second on the table with six points, will host the preliminary final on Wednesday after Nathan Rimmington’s three early wickets meant Western Australia needed a miracle in reply to their 3 for 189.A thrilling partnership of 94 in 8.5 overs between Lee Carseldine and Nathan Reardon set up Queensland’s impressive total. Reardon launched five sixes in his unbeaten 51 off 32 balls while Carseldine smashed 74 off 45. Craig Simmons started with 26 but Rimmington (3 for 14) and Chris Simpson (3 for 27) shut them down for 127.Daniel Christian’s heroics with bat and ball ensured South Australia stayed in with a chance of progressing to the preliminary final with a 52-run win over Tasmania in Launceston. Christian belted six sixes in his 24-ball 54 and then backed up with 4 for 23 and a run out as the Redbacks joined the queue of teams, including the Tigers, the Warriors and the Blues, on four points. However, South Australia have the advantage in head-to-head contests and net run-rate, and will finish third if New South Wales lose on Saturday.Christian’s contribution was essential after the Redbacks reached 4 for 106 in the 14th over. Callum Ferguson had fallen for 44 to bring Christian to the wicket and he thrashed the Tasmanians as South Australia stormed to 6 for 176.Chris Duval had started well for the home side by taking two early wickets, but not much went right for them after that. Jason Krejza led the chase with 31 not out, but by the time he was in the Tigers were struggling at 5 for 63 on the way to being all out for 124.

According to Football Insider, Glasgow Rangers winger Brandon Barker has been told he can leave Ibrox before the end of the transfer window.

The Lowdown: Not long left

There are just a matter of hours left before the transfer window slams shut.

With John Lundstram (rangers.co.uk), Fashion Sakala and Juninho Bacuna all making the move to the 55-time Scottish champions, there may not be many more new arrivals, but outgoings still look likely.

The Latest: Barker told he can leave

As per this latest report, Barker has been told he can leave the club today, with sources at Ibrox informing Football Insider.

His contract is set to expire at the end of the season (Transfermarkt), so he may have played his last game for the club even if the move is only a loan.

The Verdict: Makes sense

This is a move that makes sense for all involved. Barker has made just 26 appearances for Rangers in all competitions since making the move to Ibrox, joining Oxford United on loan last season after he couldn’t nail down a spot in Steven Gerrard’s starting XI.

However, he is a player that still has potential. He was called “one of the best” by Andy Halliday in regards to his performances in training at Rangers (via This is Futbol), while three goals and four assists in 19 League One appearances at Oxford displayed his ability – he had five strikes in total, mustering up 12 goals throughout his senior career. Surely there will be a suitor for him between now and the deadline.

In other news, this former Ger could make a shock transfer.

Though they struggled to put up a formidable total after opting to bat, Sri Lanka bowled efficiently and dismissed Bangladesh inside 50 overs for well short of the target set

Cricinfo staff09-Feb-2009
ScorecardSri Lanka wrapped up a comfortable win over hosts Bangladesh in Bogra. Though they struggled to put up a formidable total after opting to bat, Sri Lanka bowled efficiently and dismissed Bangladesh inside 50 overs for well short of the target set.Chamari Kumarihami (31) helped give Sri Lanka a 62-run stand with Dedunu Silva (30), but Bangladesh rallied to take the eight wickets for just 54 runs. Sri Lanka were in deep trouble after 39 overs, but Eshani Kaushalya slammed an unbeaten 60 from 43 balls to get the score past 200. The tail provided support too, with Dilani Manodara (20) and Sripali Weerakkody (18 not out) hitting quick runs.Bangladesh were set an achievable target but didn’t get off to a good start. Shathira Jakir was the first to go for a laborious 7 from 49 balls, and the next pair of Ayesha Akhter (33 from 90) and Panna Ghosh (20 from 52) struggled to find any sort of momentum. Sri Lanka’s bowlers thus took control of proceedings and, from 68 for 1 in the 31st over, pulled Bangladesh to 95 for 7 at the end of the 41st over. Kumarahini was the pick of the Sri Lankan bowlers with 3 for 26 from her ten overs, and Bangladesh were bowled out for 135 in 47.5 overs.Kaushalya was Player of the Match.

Cricinfo reports on the tenth and final day’s play in the Timeless Test between South Africa and England at Durban in March 1939

Cricinfo staff06-Mar-2009England 316 and 654 for 5 (Edrich 219, Hammond 140, Gibb 120, Paynter 75, Hutton 55) drew with South Africa 530 and 481
Scorecard
Preparing the pitch at the start of the tenth and final day © Cricinfo
After ten days and some 46 hours of cricket, the Timeless Test ended in the one result that few would have thought possible – a draw. The sad thing was that when rain came as the players headed off for tea, the match was at its most tantalising with England, who finished within 42 runs of victory with five wickets in hand, firmly in the driving seat.It was clear from the start this would have to be the final day if the tour party were to be bale to undertake the 1000-mile train journey to Cape Town in time to catch their boat home on March 17. There was the added worry that rain was forecast, making the 200 runs still needed by England a difficult proposition.South Africa, whose fielding throughout has been excellent, kept England in check in the first hour when only 39 runs were scored. Norman Gordon, who had bowled without luck, was particularly effective at limiting runs with a leg-stump line, and it was only in the second half of the session that Wally Hammond and Eddie Paynter were able to up the tempo. They took every run on offer without taking risks, and Hammond farmed the strike to good effect. The South Africans visibly wilted and heads dropped.Alan Melville persevered with his pace attack for much of the day, as much to eat into the time available as anything.England’s target had fallen under 100 when Paynter was well caught low down by the wicketkeeper off Gordon – his first wicket of the match – but by now the weather was closing in. Hammond kept attacking in between two brief interruptions for rain, until, chasing quick runs, he danced down the pitch to try to loft Eric Dalton back over his head and was stumped. His innings has lasted almost six hours and yet contained only seven fours. His attitude appeared to be that if he stayed, England would win. The runs would come as a consequence, and he was outstanding at placing the ball for the single.
The scoreboard at the end of the Timeless Test © Cricinfo
Les Ames was equally cavalier as the clouds darkened, Bryan Valentine should have been stumped off his first ball when he too was beaten by Dalton, and as the players headed off for tea, the heavens opened. The rain eased off after the interval but as the players trooped back down the pavilion steps, it started pouring again. This time there was little chance of a resumption.The captains consulted and, for a time, it seemed as if the MCC management and South African board were considering extending the game to the Wednesday lunchtime, what would have been the 11th day. There was even talk that the squad could go on and leave the two not-out batsmen and the four yet to bat behind to play on, or even that a plane could be chartered to replace the train.But England had to be on the train leaving Durban at 8.05pm in order to catch the Athlone Castle and so the game had to be abandoned as a draw.Stats and Trivia
At ten days, this was the longest first-class match in historyA record 5,463 deliveries were bowled in the matchWally Hammond hit his 21st Test hundred, equalling the record of Don BradmanNo previous Test had ever produced as many as 16 fifties by both teamsEach side in the Test scored over 900 runs – South Africa 1,011, England 970This was the biggest aggregate of runs in any first-class match, 1,981In The News
The Slovak government declares independence from Czechoslovakia as German troops move in to occupy towns bordering PolandThe Viceroy of India causes outrage by telling the princes they “need to modernise and remove popular grievances” Franco’s Nationalist forces prepare for an all-out attack on remaining Republican forces in Madrid.

The Birmingham Mail’s Ashley Preece has shed some more light on Aston Villa’s recent “coup” following transfer deadline day.

What’s the story?

Dean Smith’s side recently confirmed that they had appointed Aaron Danks as assistant head coach alongside Craig Shakespeare, with the 38-year-old having come in from his position at Anderlecht.

Preece has now said: “It was achievable knowing Mark Harrison, Villa’s academy manager, worked with Danks for several years at West Brom. Danks has an impressive CV knowing he was at the FA for five years and helped the U20s win the World Cup in 2017.

“At Anderlecht, he linked up with Kompany and Bellamy and I’m told he was by far the most-vocal of the three during their training sessions. He worked a lot on attacking and set-pieces so, on the face of it, the appointment could be a bit of a coup as well. Plus, he’s local to Solihull.”

Exciting appointment for Villa

Following John Terry’s abrupt departure from Villa Park earlier this summer, Smith desperately needed to find someone to replace him, and in Danks they appear to have a perfect fit.

While the 38-year-old doesn’t quite come with the same global reputation that Terry did, or the ex-Chelsea captain’s defensive nous, he is someone who has had plenty of experience shaping and coaching a team’s attack, having done that as the lead offensive specialist coach while working with the FA.

The Express and Star’s Matt Maher added a bit more to his appointment, revealing: “Smith had been keen to appoint a younger coach with a background in data and analytics. Danks’ expertise as an attacking coach was also seen as a key attribute.”

Now that Smith’s backroom setup is all compete, Smith can get back to delegating responsibilities like he usually would rather than the kind of quick fix that he no doubt would have gone for following Terry’s exit.

It’s an exciting appointment for Villa and one which should have fans buzzing too.

Meanwhile, Preece has also confirmed this major Aston Villa boost…

Aston Villa and Spurs transfer target Mikkel Damsgaard is now in talks with Serie A giants Inter.

What’s the story?

Reports over the course of the summer transfer window suggested that Dean Smith’s side were one of a number of clubs, both domestically and from abroad, who were interested in signing the Denmark international.

A deal however failed to materialise, and the winger ended up staying at Sampdoria.

Now, Italian publication Calciomercato claim that Inter have held talks with Sampdoria over signing Damsgaard, and have received a positive response in their negotiation attempts.

Imagine him and Bailey

The £18m-rated winger was hailed as “phenomenal” by Denmark teammate, Kasper Schmeichel, for his performances during EURO 2020 over the summer – Damsgaard of course was the man who struck that superb free-kick in the semi-finals against England at Wembley Stadium.

As per Whoscored, Damsgaard averaged an impressive 1.8 shots, 1.2 key passes and 1.8 dribbles per game during the competition – all evidence of someone who’s direct, forward-thinking but also has the creativity to pick out his teammates and set them up.

Despite landing Leon Bailey from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, a move for Damsgaard may be the icing on the cake for Villa, especially when you consider how the two could actually work together on the pitch.

Like Bailey, Damsgaard has got an abundance of pace, and according to Norwegian football expert, Martin Mikkelsen, he is “dynamic and can go both ways.”

And, former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell added to his list of lengthy admirers, saying “he looks very sharp on the ball and has an eye for goal too.”

With Damsgaard right-footed, and Bailey left, Villa could have two inside forwards operating at the same time and cutting in for devastating effect.

Having the duo wreak havoc on either side could cause real nightmares for Premier League sides coming up against them, and give Smith a terrifying tandem to work with at Villa Park.

Meanwhile, fresh details have emerged on this Aston Villa swoop…