Leicester City rumours 3

30 Jul 2020 10:21:06
Hi question for the Editors, I wondered if you could give us a run through of our clubs potential ins and outs like I’ve seen ed002 do for other clubs. They’re so detailed and interesting but the Leicester page doesn’t get much interaction hoping we can change that. Help out if yous can :)

{Ed002's Note - Sure, it might be a little out of date, but departures and players being looked at is something like this:

I expect the need is for: a LB/LWB if Chilwell leaves, a CB to cover for Wes Morgan and Jonny Evans who entering their final year, a DM only if Wilfred Ndidi were to leave – as Nampalys Mendy does not need replacing, and an AM if James Maddison were to leave which seems very unlikely. A RW is needed and S is wanted with a very good Wigan youngster being considered.

Outgoing:
Ben Chillwell (LB) Manchester City are keen - price will be an issue
Christian Fuchs (LB) will stay another year as cover
Ryan Bennett (CB) out of contract
Wesley Morgan (CB) 48 years old now and needs replacing last year of his contract
Jonny Evans (CB) Leicester need to sort out the CB positions to move forward - will likely stay
Wilfred Ndidi (DM) Leicester want to keep him but are aware a very good offer could come from a number of sides

Players looked at:

Kelechi Chibueze (G) Chelsea do not want to let him go but Leicester pushed hard for the kiddie - but he will stay for now.
Ugurcan Cakir (G) Trabzonspor accept that they will lose Cakir in the summer and will look for €30M or so for him. Mr Mourinho is a fan and Spurs are keen on the player as Hugo Lloris is getting no younger. Bordeaux have been scouting Cakir as the form of Benoit Costil is seen as erratic this season - and although well stocked with goalkeepers, the form of Benjamin Lecomte has resulted in Monaco taking a look - but apparently deciding against a move for him. Leicester are aware that Kasper Schmeichel cannot go on forever and have looked at Cakir. Real Madrid are not planning on adding a goalkeeper this summer but do have him as an option to their preferred target if they change their minds. Previous interest of Reims (who opted for the well thought of Predrag Rajkovic instead) has gone. Lille have looked at the player in the past and could start looking again if Mike Maignan were to leave. Schalke were expected to make an offer for Cakir last summer as Ralf Fahrmann and Alexander Nubel were having a pretty torrid season. In the end they replaced Fahrmann (who will return in the summer) with Markus Schubert (which they may well regret). Again, they could look again as Nubel is heading to Bayern Munich in the summer to replace Manuel Neuer. As a wildcard, Genoa have shown previous interest in Cakir but sold Ionut Radu to Inter in the summer, who then loaned him back. That has not worked out well and in January they took Mattia Perin on loan from Juventus - leaving them still needing a goalkeeper in the summer - but they will need to avoid relegation first. Cakir has always stressed to his agent that he wants guarantees of being first choice if he moves. I think the pandemic will end any thought about a GK change this summer.

Sam McCallum (LB) wanted by Leicester in January but opted for Norwich - could return if BC were to leave.
Kieran Tierney (LB) BR knows the player well and a jump start at Leicester may be good for his career. Arsenal want to keep him.
Charlie Taylor (LB) has been watched. I would discount him.
Max Clark (LB) Home Grown and could be the smart choice.
Kostas Tsimikas (LB) another option for Leicester if Chilwell were to depart. Yuto Nagatomo is due to be replaced in the summer so Galatasaray have looked. Third pick for Napoli as a Faouzi Ghoulam. Work Permit would likely be a problem. in England. Fenerbahce are short a LB and have Hasan Ali Kaldirim out of contract in the summer. Locomotiv Moscow have Maciej Rybus heading for the door this summer and have seemingly given up hope on Mikhail Lysov and have been in contact with Olympiacos over a deal for the summer. Sheffield United and Nice have looked and declared an interest.
Ryan Bertrand (LWB) potential Ben Chilwell replacement - but Southampton are looking to hold on to him with a new contract.
Nicolas Tagliafico (LWB) potential Ben Chilwell replacement - but will likely not be attracted to the club with interest from elsewhere.

Robin Koch (CB) There is plenty of interest in RK from the Premier League as he is seen as a solid and reliable player who is easy to integrate as a replacement for aging and departing players. Leicester have a depleted and aging central defence with Morgan and Evans heading toward the end of their careers at the highest level. They have an option on Ryan Bennett but ideally want to add Kock to play alongside Soyuncu. Spurs have issues in central defence with the two senior players needing replacing so adding at least one CB to what is now a pretty poor bunch makes sense. They will see RK as a good solution. Napoli are prepared to let Kalidou Koulibaly leave at the right price and see RK as one potential replacement. Leeds are looking to RK as an option if they cannot persuade Ben White to sign a permanent deal. West Ham interest looks like it will only come to the fore if Issa Diop leaves, and that seems unlikely unless West Ham are relegated - when a whole new paradigm kicks in. Benfica want to keep hold of Ruben Dias but will cash in at the right price – which is when they will look to RK as a replacement. Freiberg want to extend his contract. Don't rule him out.
Kristoffer Ajer (CB) Milan see Ajar as a cheaper option to their primary target but funds may not stretch as they look to sell players and buy lower priced alternatives. With other options falling by the wayside, Ajar is of interest to Leicester. Top of the list for Atletico Madrid - but only if they lose a CB - which they are trying to avoid. Previous interest of Spurs, Newcastle and Ajax has moved on. Unlikely.
Jannik Vestergaard (CB) Leicester have asked after a price for Vestergaard and Southampton are after recruiting a reasonably priced centre back. They had set their heart on a younger player of which much is expected but have been knocked back in an approach - and options become thinner on the ground in January when clubs do not have replacements lined up. This would add credence to the suggestion that they are considering Vestergaard as Southampton are willing to let him go. One to keep an eye on.
James Tarkowski (CB) Crystal Palace and Leicester both have a declared interest in JT but see the asking prices as well beyond expectation. Unlikely.
Joe Rodon (CB) Bournemouth and Leicester City have both watched Joe Rodon on a regular basis this season but neither has made an approach. Doubt anything will happen with LC.
Wesley Fofana (CB) RB Leipzig have another who seen as a Dayot Upamecano replacement but have Fofana on their list as an alternative. Leicester City have enquired about Fofana with Saint-Étienne. Milan has Fofana somewhere down their lengthy list of CB options but a move their is unlikely right now - but cost may be a driver. Lyon and Monaco provide more attractive solutions - but LC are keen.

William Carvalho (DM) makes no sense for LC to me. Way down the list for Inter, Rennes have a declared interest and Wolves have him being pushed at them by an advisor.
Kalvin Phillips (CM) there is a great deal of interest in him from PL sides but chances would be thin at Leicester I would think - but keep an eye on him.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (CM) is wanted by Spurs and Leicester and has been proposed to Everton as a well priced midfield solution. Spurs would offer Kyle Walker-Peters as part of the deal but Southampton are in urgent need of cash. Their asking price is upwards of £25M and is unrealistic. I would forget him.
Ozan Tufan (CM) Southampton, Everton, Augsburg, Crystal Palace, Freiberg, Cologne and Leicester have apparently enquired after his availability. Fitting him in might be an issue.
Roberto Alvarado (AM) Crystal Palace and Leicester City know that Ajax are already in talks with his club but interest from Spain could prove more attractive for the Mexican - although limitations on imported players are likely keeping the Spanish clubs at bay. The door is also open for Portuguese interest. Difficult to see but sustained interest from LC.

Bertrand Traore (RW/F) Newcastle, Bournemouth, Real Betis, West Ham and Leicester have enquired after his availability - Lyon want €40M (but will accept half for a player who wants out) and want to hold on to him - and there is the complexity of Chelsea having an option of a buy back clause but that can be fixed. Would be a hard sell to the player who wants to try his luck in Italy but there may not be a cash buyer available – which opens up a return to England. Scratch him in repect of LC but a player BR knows well and likes.
Hakan Calhanoglu (LW) Agent says he wants a return to Germany but the new Milan coach wants him kept. Scratch him.
Ismail Jakobs (LW) vey left sided where more flexibility is needed. Scratch him.
Said Benrahma (LW) seems unlikely as he will very likely move elsewhere is leaving.
Adam Lallana (AM/LM) Spurs interest likely left with MP but Leicester were keen but he opted for Brighton.
Philippe Coutinho (AM/LW) after missing out on Bruno Fernandes and Hakim Ziyech Spurs have enquired after Coutinho and been told that a loan fee would €30M for a season with an option to buy at €50M at the end of the season with any loaning club paying half his wages. I would expect any interested side to look for a significant reduction on that. The player is being offered around PL sides. Barcelona will have to keep him if no takers are found although with money owed to Liverpool still there may be room for them to negotiate. Leicester might offer a solution to get him off the books - but there would be a need for some negotiation. I am not aware of Everton showing an interest nor how they would be able to fund such a move unless there was some creativity in a deal.
Jonathan David (AM/S/W) Gent youngster who has attracted plenty of scouts to watch him this season including those representing Wolves, Bayern Munich, Aston Villa, Southampton, Spurs, Liverpool, Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund, Lyon, RBS, Lille, Everton, RBL, Arsenal, Leicester and Lazio. Lyon are looking for a replacement for Moussa Dembele and RBL who are looking for a replacement for Timo Werner have both spoken with Genk who are open to the Canadian leaving at the right price. At the start of the season Napoli and Brighton attended matches to watch Roman Yaremchuk but were apparently were also impressed by the performance and versatility of David. The player has said he would be open to a move to Germany or England but Germany is the preferred destination and a decent offer from Bayern Munich would be welcomed, but an offer from Bayer Leverkusen if Havertz leaves is more likely. Both MIlan sides, Dortmund and Bayern Munich will push and Real Betis will push and offer guarantees that others won't. Ajax may just put an attractive cash offer on the table. I think a move to Leicester unlikely and think the good solution will be Lille.

Hee-Chan Hwang (S) Wolves had shown an interest but were priced out of a move with RBS inviting offers over €40M. An enquiry was made by Leicester. Will complete his move to RBL.
Alassane Plea (F) player has no interest.
Sardar Azmoun (S) was subject to a very public dispute between Rubin Kazan and Rostov which ended in favour of Rostov in 2016. Stoke had agreed a transfer with Rubin Kazan prior to the CAS proceedings but were aware that it would be difficult to make a case for a work permit. Everton had also looked at the player in the past but, like Stoke, knew the Work Permit situation would be a problem. Whilst playing for RK in 2014 it was suggested that Brendan Rodgers was keen on the player, but I cannot confirm that. Rubin Kazan received a little over €2M in compensation at the ruling of CAS and have no recourse for appeal - eventually signing him on a "free transfer". Marseille watched the player at the start of last season, but he opted for a move to Zenit - and they remain concerned that his best form comes in International sides who are lowly ranked. Antalyaspor, Villareal, Wolves, Liverpool, Leverkusen and Konyaspor all attended matches to watch Azmoun during his last season with Rostov (2018) but the player made clear he did not want to move at that time. Atletico, who won't have had the WP issues dropped some interest they had in the player. There has also been interest from Celtic and Lazio. He had a better time with Zenit last year and Napoli, when CA was coach, took note. Everton could see Azmoun as a viable Kean replacement but need to make sure a WP could be obtained. I think a move to England is unlikely, but possible. Looked at again by Leicester but nothing will happen.
Odsonne Edouard (S) a cheaper option than most. Don’t see it.
Vedat Muriqi (S) expect a battle over him in the summer - seems unlikely
Joe Gelhardt (F) Wigan kiddie who has attracted a lot of attention from Premier League sides who had trials with Liverpool and Everton when very young. Spurs and Chelsea have both spoken with Wigan about the player, but both came away thinking he should stay where he is for a year or two to develop - and Chelsea have a much-preferred option. Manchester United have sent an ex-player to look at him and I understand Liverpool, West Brom and Everton have also been scouting him. Leeds and Leicester have approached Wigan. Another one to perhaps keen an eye on.}

Leicester City News 15 Jul 2020
Tactics - Part 1 - 4-4-2





I thought I would start off this first episode in a new series on tactics discussing the formation that the legendary tactical genius Mike Bassett used, the 4-4-2. It has become associated with inflexible British-style longball football, but it does not have to be used that way. It can be a very flexible system in the right hands. Managers as diverse as Arrigo Sacchi, Arsene Wenger, Eddie Howe and Sean Dyche have relied upon a variant of it at times in their career.



Sean Dyche, for example, uses a very simple and basic variant of 4-4-2. In fact it is very close to the British longball style of football that has given the formation a bad name in the past. His team sits deep and defends with two banks of four and looks to hits the target men with an early ball, hopefully something they can control and then lay off to midfielders arriving in support, but often it is just aerial balls for them to contest and hope to pick up bits and pieces.



Dyche wants his wide men to hit the byline and cross the ball to create chances and works especially hard on setpiece situations to create goalscoring opportunities. It does have weaknesses, not just in being lacking aesthetically. It can get overrun in midfield, which means he accepts that the opposition will have most of the possession.



However, what do you do if you do not want to accept that your midfield will be overrun and want to be the team who controls possession as much as possible? You could try the variation employed by Arsene Wenger in his early days at Arsenal, which was very much a 4-4-2 when on the ball but off it, then it was different, almost a 4-3-3.



The left winger, usually Marc Overmars in my recollection, would hold his position further forward, to provide an out ball. One striker would withdraw deep to find space between the opponent's defence and midfield, while the other would stay on the shoulder of the last defender to stop them pushing up too high. The key to the system was the way the other three midfielders worked.



It was utilised to take advantage of Ray Parlour's workrate and ability to get wide and deliver when Arsenal had possession. When they lost it Parlour would move more central, moving inside to create a central three with Vieira and himself either side of Petit. With both Vieira and Parlour having good mobility and work ethic, they were able to cover the full-backs and avoid being outnumbered in midfield.



It was heavily reliant on Parlour's workrate, his willingness to track back and get forward, like a modern day full-back. It was mainly because he had Parlour available to him that Wenger chose to play this way. Without him it would not have been as effective. With the emergence of the modern-day flying wing-back, there would be no need for him to cover the wide areas on the ball, as the full-back would provide the width.



An early variation of the system was to withdraw one forward when your team lost the ball, which was the way Liverpool operated when Bob Paisley first took charge, amongst a number of systems. For all people think that in those days British teams used to be inflexible 4-4-2 only, Paisley would use a mix of formations in order to attain his success, from 4-4-2 to what is seen as a modern-day formation, the 4-3-3, and everything in between.



The arrival of Kenny Dalglish allowed the team to swap easily between 4-4-2, 4-4-1-1 and 4-5-1, as Dalglish could easily drop off and play the deep-lying striker role or even into midfield if it was being overrun. While pretty much everyone else was playing a big man/little man duo up front in England, Liverpool changed it.



There was no quick launch forwards for the big man to knock down to his partner. It was played through the midfield and to Dalglish to create something for a penalty box predator. Due to its success, deep-lying forwards soon became very much in vogue. It worked well going forward, the predator would make forward runs, they would force the defence to drop off and that would leave space between the midfield and defence for the deep lying forward to operate in.



It is understandable why it is still used even today. As you can see from those few examples above, the 4-4-2 can be very flexible and adaptable. The set up provides good width and balance, as well as being probably the most suitable formation for a deep-lying defend at all costs team. The two banks of four create a very solid and compact protection for the goalkeeper, it is easy for players to understand and extremely difficult to break down.



Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid are the prime example of a deep-lying defensive system utilising the 4-4-2 to great effect. They keep their defence within the width of the penalty box as much as possible, giving up the wide areas of the pitch in order to protect the centre. They are comfortable in their ability to deal with anything which gets played into the box and so they are happy to allow opponents time and space on the wings to deliver crosses.



If they are really struggling, then one or even both forwards can drop deeper to help out, but that then leaves the team lacking an out ball, so they try not to do that. The problem with that system is that it is more about not losing, rather than winning. It is easier to play not to lose, but, in this era of 3 points for a win, it often leads to 2 points being dropped. That makes it difficult to win leagues and lends itself to cups and midtable football, rather than league winners.



The main reason it has gone out of fashion in the modern era is because of the emphasis on possession, with a 4-3-3/4-5-1 being able to outnumber a 4-4-2 centrally, it is much more suited to keeping hold of the ball. While a 4-4-2 can be tweaked to counter it, if your intent is to keep possession, it is much easier to just start with the extra man in there as a basic set up. It can still be a very useful formation and it is likely that it will never truly vanish due to the balance it provides across the pitch when defending.

Leicester City News 12 Jul 2020
Quick Liverpool Review: Since Lockdown



12 Jul 2020 08:48:39

Morning eds1

Any chance of review of the games from when we started back. Not to detailed just a summary of good points and bad. Players good and bad.?

Thanks mate. Longthing76





Versus Everton:



Both sides looked really rusty and just like they had not played for a while. Which neither had. Neither team were anywhere near their best and a nil nil draw was probably about as much as they deserved. Hard to criticise anyone on either team as it was just the first game back. It was just really about getting it out of the way with picking up too many injuries or losing. It was a step closer to the title after 4 months of painful waiting.





Versus Crystal Palace



The disappointing performance against Everton needed a response and the team gave one with an emphatic demolition of the Londoners. Once Liverpool took the lead, the Eagles rolled over and never looked like they had any fight in them at all. Losing Zaha early on probably didn't help them, though he very rarely shows anything much against the Reds anyway, so it is difficult to know how much of an effect his loss had. The way Liverpool played, it is doubtful he would have done any more than left them more open to attack.





Versus Manchester City



After a promising start the difference in importance of the fixture to the two teams showed. Liverpool had the title wrapped up and little to play for, just pride. City have been embarrassed by the way Liverpool have strode away from them in the title race and needed to prove a point. I am not sure they proved anything, but it did give the media some reason to return to their salivation over how Pep is the greatest of all time and his success is not at all related to having been handed the best teams in their leagues and then lots of money to throw at it. City did get a deserved win, they were the better team on the day, but it meant about as much as a League Cup match does these days.





Versus Aston Villa



This showed that, despite the City game in real terms meaning nothing, the defeat hurt the players and they reacted in the right way. It was very much the archetypal Liverpool performance from this season, a gradual turning up of the pressure as the game went on until the opposition get ground down into defeat. It is very reminiscent of the 1980s. Liverpool would wear the other team out over the game, opening up gaps as defenders and midfielders tire and lose concentration. This was despite Villa fighting for their lives, they were just outclassed.





Versus Brighton & Hove Albion



This was a game that was won in the first ten minutes, as Liverpool capitalised on a sleepy, error-strewn start from Brighton to take a 2-0 lead. After that it was a case of just continuing on from the previous game, but then Brighton started to take advantage of space down the Liverpool left and exposing the inexperience of Williams playing out of position at left-back. Getting a goal back just before half-time could have presented Liverpool with a real problem for the second half but some astute substitutions at half-time turned the game back Liverpool's way and control of the midfield was re-established.





Versus Burnley



A disappointing draw to lose the 100% home record, all the more disappointing as the team's Achilles' heel reared its ugly head as Liverpool were extremely wasteful in front of goal. Too many misses or shots placed easily within the Burnley keeper's reach, when the game should really have been out of sight. You have to give the Clarets their due though, they keep going and give their all for their manager with a never say die attitude. Yes they are extremely physical, but they lack the financial means to buy the kind of quality other teams around them have, so they get stuck in to even the playing field. They, and Sheffield United for that matter, are showing that a good team is much more important than good individuals.#





The Good:



Alisson Becker - the defence have faith in him and he can often spend 80min just spectating only to have to pull out a stop from nowhere. That is never easy. He is the bedrock that the defence is built on.



Virgil van Dijk - he is the leader at the back, even when not at his imperious best, he is still talking, cajoling and instructing his teammates through the game. When he is at his best he makes top class strikers look like non-league amateurs who are completely out of their depth.



Andrew Robertson - he offers far more than just balance down the left, though that is very important. His drive and willingness to go head to head with anyone and to show no care for reputations is a key factor in Liverpool's recent successes.



Fabinho - since the restart he has rediscovered his form and has looked Liverpool's best player overall. Some of his passes are Xabi Alonso/Jan Molby-like and he has scored a scorcher too. At just 26, he should have four or five peak years to come.



Jordan Henderson - after their careers have finished, there are certain players that become remembered by fans of their team as 'captain fantastic', I think Henderson has earnt the right to be one of them now. It is not just what he provides as a player himself, but the way he drives everyone around him on to be better and to keep on going. He has, by hard work and no little talent, turned his reputation around after being the subject of ridicule early on. A few more goals would not go amiss though!



Curtis Jones - a bit early to judge him just yet, but he has been extremely impressive when he has had chances and it looks like he will have a big part to play in Liverpool's future.



Sadio Mane - Mane is just immense. It is not just his brilliant movement and his exceptional skill on the ball but also his workrate and the protection he provides to the defence that makes Mane the best in the world in his position right now.



Mohamed Salah - the Egyptian King provides so much for the team, as well as an immense amount of goals. He creates chances for others, either with passes or by dragging two or three players over to shut him down constantly. It is difficult to understand why he draws so much criticism from a section of the Liverpool support. Liverpool are incredibly lucky to have him and Mane, two world class forwards, in one team.



Georginio Wijnaldum - rarely draws the plaudits but has been a reliable performer since joining. He has come back from the lockdown seemingly refreshed and full of running.



Jurgen Klopp - before the lockdown he led the club to an enormous lead. Throughout the lockdown he said all the right things and now that football is back he got the title won early. Liverpool has always been a club where the manager is held in higher regard than most and Klopp has put himself in the top echelon of the great managers the club has had. He understands the ethos of the club and has fully bought into it. He is arguably the best manager in the world right now.





The Bad:



Injuries - every club has struggled with niggles since the restart as players struggle to regain fitness, so it is not just Liverpool but it is frustrating to see teams having to put out makeshift sides.



Inconsistency - again this is a general problem throughout the Premier League as the games come thick and fast after such a long lay-off, teams are struggling to get into any kind of form. Injuries and the lack of fitness after the break has made it difficult for anyone to put out a consistent team selection, which is then reflected in performances. Liverpool have the added problem of having nothing to play for, adding motivational issues on top of it all.



Cutting Edge - Liverpool are creating huge amounts of chances, and have been all season, but there has been a real lack of clinical finishing. During the normal season it nearly cost the Reds against Leicester. Since the restart it has cost badly against Man City, when a number of early chances went begging before City got off the mark, and now Burnley have taken advantage to pick up a point when Liverpool should have been out of sight.





The Ugly:



Idiot Fans - we all wanted to celebrate the league title, but just why did they have to embarrass the club and fellow fans with the way they went about it on the night? There have been victory parades in a number of places around the world that have shown it can be celebrated responsibly and without causing any problems, so why let the club down in Liverpool city centre itself? They let us all down with their actions.



Firmino's Hair - it hasn't worked Bobby! I love the enthusiasm but the red curls are just not the right red. Still, it could be worse, he could have ended up looking like Djibril Cisse reincarnated like Origi.



Firmino's Finishing - I absolutely love Firmino as a player, he is absolutely central to the way Liverpool play and a big part of the creativity that means the team get so many chances. He must have run over a black cat on the way to Anfield every single game, as he has not been able to score and has had absolutely no luck to help him with that.



Tissue Paper Trio - all three have contributed when on the pitch, but Lovren, Matip and Shaqiri are injured far too much. Klopp is unable to trust any of them because the moment they get a run of games they are out injured once more. Or, in Shaq's case, the moment he gets near a grass pitch he pulls a hamstring.



Lallana Leaving - it is such a shame the way the season has worked out and meant Lallana is leaving in such a way. He played a, albeit minor supporting, but still a role in the title win, in particular with his goal against Man Utd. It would have been nice if he had been able to get a proper sending off with a final game as a champion.





And The Mildly Disappointing:



Naby Keita - he has finally managed to stay fit for a run of games but each time he plays you are left with what could have been, rather than what he did do. The first ten minutes against Brighton, when he worked hard as anyone and pressed Liverpool into a lead should have been ten minutes that launched his Liverpool career at last. Instead he has gone back to showing flashes of his fantastic talent, mixed in between long periods of anonymity on the pitch. He certainly never hides from getting on the ball, but he does hide from the work needed to win it back for periods of the game. Far too often his efforts are lacklustre and weak and he is easily brushed aside when he makes a challenge, yet there are moments when he shows power. It is so frustrating to see the ability that he possesses but he is not making anything like the most of it. He has had the chance to make himself first choice and just failed to even come close to looking like he could be a go to starter in the big games ahead of the likes of Henderson, Wijnaldum and Milner.

Leicester City News 27 Jun 2020
Liverpool v Crystal Palace A Liverpool Perspective





Was that possibly Liverpool's best performance of the season? It is hard to pick fault with anything that happened from a Reds' perspective or to find anything to say about the game itself. Certainly it is going to be a real struggle to find anything to criticise! It was overwhelming dominance from start to finish, so no surprise Palace were unable to even get a kick inside the LFC box. They never threatened at all.



It was not like Palace just rolled over and let Liverpool win either, they defended hard, it was just that every time they got the ball they were quickly swarmed and lost it before they could get anywhere. That was the famous 'gegenpress', keeping the opponent compressed into their own half and allowing them no chance to even get a breather by holding onto possession.



A deep-lying defensive system like Palace employ is simply unable to cope with a high press attack which works well. It can handle the high press when it is not at its best. This season no one has managed to find a system which could handle Liverpool when they play well, most have been put to the sword even when the Reds are not playing well, so it is no shame for Hodgson's men to lose.







Crystal Palace



Roy Hodgson - he would not have enjoyed his return to Anfield, despite Klopp's nice words before kick-off explaining how he had been told to study footage of Hodgson's time with Switzerland to learn about the game when he was doing his coaching badges. I can only imagine how much face rubbing went on in this match as Roy must have been in absolute despair at seeing his team dismantled so easily. He had no answer but at least he will have some footage to study to learn about how to play the game with a bit of attacking flair.





Hennessey - absolutely no chance with the goals and really did nothing particularly wrong. It was a night to forget for the Welshman, though he has no real blame attached to him, it was clear the defence were not as confident and organised with him behind them, rather than first choice keeper Guaita.





Ward - given an absolute roasting by Mane last night and got little to no protection from Townsend, who had his own hands full with Robertson. Ward was outclassed, even though the system played protects full-backs from exposure.





Cahill - lacks any understanding with Sakho, but also looked his age and really struggled with the movement around him. If ever a night is going to give you thoughts of retirement, that was it.





Sakho - the French centre back has not played since New Year's Day, when he went off injured at half-time, but he looked like a player that had not played for years. His big weakness is his tendency to get carried away and over play, that was on full show time and time again. Added to that, his positioning was all over the place, his touch was off and he looked off the pace of the game. A really poor performance.





van Aanholt - always struggled defensively, but last night was a bad night for him. Despite his pace he still got caught out by Salah's runs, particularly on the Egyptian's goal.





McCarthy - moaned to the ref well, but that seemed about all he had to offer to the Palace cause.





Kouyate - played a large part in keeping the score down to just 4 as he cut out a fair number of balls through and tackled back really well. Did nothing on the ball, but off the ball he was without doubt Palace's best player on the night.





McArthur - worked hard but failed to have any effect on the game at all.





Townsend - utterly anonymous. Failed to help out Ward at all and got torn apart by Robertson constantly.





Zaha - an injury picked up in the warm up ended his game before it really could get started. When he went off so did Palace's hopes of picking up something from the game.





Ayew - had a torrid night with almost no service and struggled to impact on the game at all.





Meyer - the German was the chosen replacement for Zaha on 15 minutes but he failed miserably to get involved. He has looked nothing like the player he was supposed to be before signing for Palace. It had been thought of as a coup at the time, now it looks like a huge mistake.





Milivojevic - replaced Kouyate in the 66th minute as Hodgson looked to bolt the stable door. Struggled to get into the game at all.





Reidewald - came on at the same time as Milivojevic but in place of McArthur. Offered even less than the Scot had done.





Keutcha - the youngster was brought on in the 84th minute and chased around but could not get hold of the ball.







Liverpool



Klopp - a masterclass in management from Jurgen. He is truly cementing his place in the pantheon of Liverpool legends this season. Everytime it seems like the team is in trouble and performances are dipping, Jurgen steps in and motivates the players into producing something special. This was reminiscent of the extraodinary battering that was handed out to Leicester after the team came back from Qatar and were supposedly too jetlagged to cope with a Foxes team that were flying high at the time. This was a huge dismantling of a Palace team that had been in excellent form and a fantastic performances.





Alisson - the person who most suffered from having no crowd there as there was no one for him to chat to once he had finished his sudoku and realised cross-stitch is impossible while wearing the gloves. It did give him a lot of time to google celebration memes to send to Ederson today...





Alexander-Arnold - he was brilliant this season and once more he showed that he is more than just hype and overexcitement because he is 'the Scouser in the team'. Trent is the real deal and has a fantastic delivery. What a free kick! Once more Trent delivered when it matters and you cannot ask any more of a young player than that.





Gomez - Gomez has grown as a player this season, before the lockdown he was outperforming even the imperious van Dijk, which takes a lot of doing. In this match he was once again outstanding and really looks to be the perfect partner for van Dijk. His recovery pace frees up Alexander-Arnold to take more chances in attack and his defensive ability makes the risk pay off.





van Dijk - the kind of game he was born for. On days like that van Dijk is utterly dominant, he seems to grow and frighten opposing forwards into submission before the game even kicks off. Then they try and play in areas away from him, only to find Gomez gives them nothing either. It kills their game dead, as they just lose hope of getting anything from it. Added to that, van Dijk offers so much on the ball that he is more than just shutting the opposition out, he is creating chances too.





Robertson - Liverpool really missed his drive and workrate (and left foot) against Everton. It is not just the balance he gives the side, it is his determination and his willingness to take on anyone head on without care for reputation. Against Palace he was excellent, dominating the flank and taking the game to them.





Fabinho - probably his best game in a Liverpool shirt, he was sensational and his goal was the cherry on top of the icing on the cake. He completely shut down the Palace team and kept their midfield out of the game.





Henderson - he was here, there and everywhere leading from the front like a true captain should. This season has cemented his legacy as one of the better captains Liverpool have had, despite how difficult a start he has had. I doubt anyone has ever had such a difficult task as Henderson did to inherit the armband from one of the club's own in Gerrard, who was beloved by the fans. With so much crap from the media aimed in his direction, he has shown his mettle by just taking it all in his stride (even if he can't run properly hey Fergie?) and leading the team to trophy after trophy. If only he could get the goals his play deserves!





Wijnaldum - had an excellent game, helping to maintain dominance of the ball and breaking into the box, but he really should have scored at least once. Though that would probably have been harsh on Palace to concede 5, as that becomes embarrassing then and they did not deserve to be embarrassed. Gini was much more involved in driving the play forward and had a very good game. Then shifted to left-back for the final few minutes and did a good job there for the team.





Salah - it is hard to believe that there are people who feel we should be looking to sell him and that he does not offer enough to the team. Salah is so important to the way Liverpool play, most of the time he is double-covered creating space elsewhere for the team and when that double-cover is not available he usually scores. And what an excellent goal he scored, but it was bettered by his first-time pass with his wrong foot for Mane's goal. It is just a shame he messed up a chance to play Minamino in, probably caught in two minds about whether to shoot or pass and ended up doing neither.





Mane - growing in stature as a player each season to such an extent that it is difficult to argue against him being the best in his position in world football. Once more he caused havoc and was excellent. Palace simply could not handle him.





Firmino - showed some lovely footwork and worked hard to ensure the team won back possession high. He really does need to get a goal at Anfield this season though. Everything else he does is world class, but his finishing is just not there at the moment. The rest of his game makes up for it.





Oxlade-Chamberlain - came on in the 64th minute for Henderson and gave a fresh impetus to the play with his movement. Everytime he plays in central midfield he impresses more and more. Against Palace he just kept the pressure on and never let them have any respite at all.





Williams - replaced Alexander-Arnold in the 74th minute and there was no noticeable drop in performance having him there rather than Trent. In just about any other team in the league he would probably be first choice with his quality and lovely quick feet.





Minamino - came on along with Williams but to replace Firmino and slotted in up front in place of the Brazilian. Looked much more comfortable in the centre and offered a lot more than against Everton, but is still clearly not at the same level as Firmino, though he has similar luck in front of goal!





Elliott - was brought on in the 84th minute in place of Robertson, as Klopp reshuffled. Elliott played on the left, something I had not see him do before and he never got a chance to really get into the game and have an effect.





Keita - arrived at the same time as Elliott, but took Mane's place. Like Elliott, he had little time to get properly involved.

Leicester City News 25 Jun 2020
Top 10 Strikers







10. Erling Haaland - Borussia Dortmund



The youngster has had a meteoric rise which is showing no signs of stopping any time soon. He has all the attributes needed to reach number 1 in time, if he can continue to improve his game. With his physique and speed, Haaland has the potential to play in any league in the world.







9. Karim Benzema - Real Madrid



It is very easy to dismiss Benzema and overlook him. His demeanour is often sullen, he gets involved in issues he should avoid and is one of those characters who are very easy to dislike. However, as a forward he is exceptional, more as a creative force than a top class finisher. That is his downfall, Benzema simply does not score enough goals, but he creates so many chances for his team-mates that it more than makes up for that.







8. Raul Jimenez - Wolverhampton Wanderers



The margins were incredibly tight between the next few players, outside the top 3. However I am choosing Jimenez in eighth, just. His weakness is simply that he does not score enough goals, though his scoring record is certainly not a bad one, just like Benzema, and has been much better this season. Also like Benzema, his work as a conduit for the team's play is exceptional. Though he is more of a target man, he still possesses genuine creative ability.







7. Timo Werner - Red Bull Leipzig



Pace, movement, workrate, skill, Werner has it all. Whether he will be as good in the Premier League as he has been in the Bundesliga is a different matter. On the face of it though he looks like an excellent buy for Chelsea and should be a real difference maker for them next season, when it finally gets under way.







6. Lautaro Martinez - Inter Milan



This lad would be much higher up the list but he has not stood out for long enough to rise higher. It is little surprise that Barcelona are desperate to sign this lad, he stands out as one of the best young talents in world football. You would have to expect him to hit a bump in the road at some point soon and how he deals with it will decide whether he continues to rise or not.







4= Roberto Firmino - Liverpool



Another of those strikers that does not score enough goals, but do so much more for the team in a creative sense that it makes up for the lack of goals. Added to that Firmino also works so hard off the ball defensively it makes him the first line of defence too. Some of his touches and skills are sublime, the no look passes and goals are not his only qualities, he can effortlessly take the ball under control and past a player in one movement. It is done so well that it goes unnoticed most of the time now.





4= Harry Kane - Tottenham Hotspur



Until Salah provided him with genuine competition for the golden boot each season, he was improving massively and looking certain to make it to number 1. Kane's last couple of seasons did see some slight regression as he shot too much and obsessed over trying to score rather than doing what was best for the team. However this season had shown signs of him getting back to what he does best, as his creativity is a big part of his skillset. Now it is just the glass ankles that see him miss large periods of time every season that are a worry.







3. Kylian Mbappe - Paris Saint-Germain



The incredible speed and skill Mbappe possesses often overshadow just how good he is overall. It is so easy to forget that he is not just incredibly quick, but also a top class young player, though he needs to move to a more competitive league to really push for the top spot. With so many easy games a season, it is difficult to truly assess how good he is.







2. Robert Lewandowski - Bayern Munich



Possibly the complete striker, good in the air, great movement and his finishing is sublime. It is an incredibly close call to whether he is first or second. In fact I have swapped them a few times but the Pole has just been edged out. Just.







1. Sergio Aguero - Manchester City



Kun has always been a great striker, but working with Guardiola has added workrate and pressing to his game and it has turned him into something special. Incredible acceleration aids him in finding space to shoot, plus he has a lovely low centre of gravity which enables him to twist and turn at pace and the strength to keep his balance under pressure. Aguero has genuine power in his shot with either foot but his key asset is his intelligent runs.

21 Jun 2020 01:41:14
Hi ed,

I was just curious about Leicester's thoughts on Iheanacho? Would Hwang Hee Chan be the preferred replacement if he leaves?

Cheers.

{Ed002's Note - He doesn't give a good enough return of goals and the club would be open to selling him - but I am not aware of any interest.}

21 Jun 2020 15:48:34
Cheers ed - is there a preferred option regarding striker targets?

Cheers.

{Ed002's Note - If he does not agree a new contract and Arsenal don't lose Lacazette or Aubameyangadingdong, then Odsonne Edouard of Celtic. Don't discount Joe Gelhardt.}

23 Jun 2020 17:41:37
Cheers ed.

20 Jun 2020 15:46:23
Hi eds,

There isn't much action the Leicester page so thought I'd shoot my shot here: any insight into their plans for this summer regarding potential ins and outs?

Cheers.

{Ed002's Note - I expect the need is for: a LB/LWB is Chilwell leaves, a CB to cover for Wes Morgan and Jonny Evans who entering their final year but that may not be a priority, a DM only if Wilfred Ndidi were to leave – as Nampalys Mendy does not need replacing, and an AM if James Maddison were to leave. A RW is needed and S is wanted with a very good Wigan youngster being considered.

Kelechi Chibueze (G) Chelsea do not want to let him go but Leicester will push hard for the kiddie.
Ugurcan Cakir (G) Trabzonspor accept that they will lose Cakir in the summer and will look for €30M or so for him. Mr Mourinho is a fan and Spurs are keen on the player as Hugo Lloris is getting no younger. Bordeaux have been scouting Cakir as the form of Benoit Costil is seen as erratic this season - and although well stocked with goalkeepers, the form of Benjamin Lecomte has resulted in Monaco taking a look - but apparently deciding against a move for him. Leicester are aware that Kasper Schmeichel cannot go on forever and have looked at Cakir. Real Madrid are not planning on adding a goalkeeper this summer but do have him as an option to their preferred target if they change their minds. Previous interest of Reims (who opted for the well thought of Predrag Rajkovic instead) has gone. Lille have looked at the player in the past and could start looking again if Mike Maignan were to leave. Schalke were expected to make an offer for Cakir last summer as Ralf Fahrmann and Alexander Nubel were having a pretty torrid season. In the end they replaced Fahrmann (who will return in the summer) with Markus Schubert (which they may well regret). Again, they could look again as Nubel is heading to Bayern Munich in the summer to replace Manuel Neuer. As a wildcard, Genoa have shown previous interest in Cakir but sold Ionut Radu to Inter in the summer, who then loaned him back. That has not worked out well and in January they took Mattia Perin on loan from Juventus - leaving them still needing a goalkeeper in the summer - but they will need to avoid relegation first. Cakir has always stressed to his agent that he wants guarantees of being first choice if he moves.

Sam McCallum (LB)
Kieran Tierney (LB) BR knows the player well and a jump start at Leicester may be good for his career.
Charlie Taylor (LB) has been watched.
Max Clark (LB)
Kostas Tsimikas (LB) another option for Leicester if Chilwell were to depart. Yuto Nagatomo is due to be replaced in the summer so Galatasaray have looked. Third pick for Napoli as a Faouzi Ghoulam replacement. Fenerbahce are short a LB and have Hasan Ali Kaldirim out of contract in the summer. Locomotiv Moscow have Maciej Rybus heading for the door this summer and have seemingly given up hope on Mikhail Lysov and have been in contact with Olympiacos over a deal for the summer. Sheffield United and Nice have looked and declared an interest.
Ryan Bertrand (LWB) potential Ben Chilwell replacement - but Leicester are looking to hold on to him.
Nicolas Tagliafico (LWB) potential Ben Chilwell replacement - but Leicester are looking to hold on to him.

Robin Koch (CB) There is plenty of interest in RK from the Premier League as he is seen as a solid and reliable player who is easy to integrate as a replacement for aging and departing players. Leicester have a depleted and aging central defence with Morgan and Evans heading toward the end of their careers at the highest level. They have an option on Ryan Bennett but ideally want to add Kock to play alongside Soyuncu. Spurs have issues in central defence with the two senior players needing replacing so adding at least one CB to what is now a pretty poor bunch makes sense. They will see RK as a good solution. Napoli are prepared to let Kalidou Koulibaly leave at the right price and see RK as one potential replacement. Leeds are looking to RK as an option if they cannot persuade Ben White to sign a permanent deal. West Ham interest looks like it will only come to the fore if Issa Diop leaves, and that seems unlikely unless West Ham are relegated - when a whole new paradigm kicks in. Benfica want to keep hold of Ruben Dias but will cash in at the right price – which is when they will look to RK as a replacement. Freiberg want to extend his contract.
Kristoffer Ajer (CB) Milan see Ajar as a cheaper option to their primary target but funds may not stretch as they look to sell players and buy lower priced alternatives. With other options falling by the wayside, Ajar is of interest to Leicester. Top of the list for Atletico Madrid - but only if they lose a CB - which they are trying to avoid. Previous interest of Spurs, Newcastle and Ajax has moved on.
Jannik Vestergaard (CB) I am not aware of any approach for Vestergaard but I can say that Southampton are after recruiting a reasonably priced centre back. They had set their heart on a younger player of which much is expected but have been knocked back in an approach - and options become thinner on the ground in January when clubs do not have replacements lined up. This would add credence to the suggestion that they are considering Vestergaard as Southampton are willing to let him go.
James Tarkowski (CB) Crystal Palace and Leicester both have a declared interest in JT but see the asking prices as well beyond expectation.
Joe Rodon (CB) Bournemouth and Leicester City have both watched Joe Rodon on a regular basis this season but neither has made an approach. I am not aware of any approach from Manchester United.
Wesley Fofana (CB) RB Leipzig have another who seen as a Dayot Upamecano replacement but have Fofana on their list as an alternative. Leicester City have enquired about Fofana with Saint-Étienne. Milan has Fofana somewhere down their lengthy list of CB options but a move their is unlikely.

Kieran Tierney (LB) BR knows the player well and a jump start at Leicester may be good for his career.
Sam McCallum (LB)
Charlie Taylor (LB) has been watched.
Max Clark (LB)
Kostas Tsimikas (LB) another option for Leicester if Chilwell were to depart. Yuto Nagatomo is due to be replaced in the summer so Galatasaray have looked. Third pick for Napoli as a Faouzi Ghoulam replacement. Fenerbahce are short a LB and have Hasan Ali Kaldirim out of contract in the summer. Locomotiv Moscow have Maciej Rybus heading for the door this summer and have seemingly given up hope on Mikhail Lysov and have been in contact with Olympiacos over a deal for the summer. Sheffield United and Nice have looked and declared an interest.
William Carvalho (DM) I very much doubt it.
Kalvin Phillips (CM) there is a great deal of interest in him from PL sides but chances would be thin at Leicester.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (CM) is wanted by Spurs and Leicester and has been proposed to Everton as a well-priced midfield solution. Spurs would offer Kyle Walker-Peters as part of the deal but Southampton are in urgent need of cash. Fitting him in might be an issue.
Ozan Tufan (CM) Southampton, Everton, Augsburg, Crystal Palace, Freiberg, Cologne and Leicester have apparently enquired after his availability. Fitting him in might be an issue.
Roberto Alvarado (AM) Crystal Palace and Leicester City know that Ajax are already in talks with his club but interest from Spain could prove more attractive for the Mexican - although limitations on imported players are likely keeping the Spanish clubs at bay. The door is also open for Portuguese interest.

Bertrand Traore (RW/F) Newcastle, Bournemouth, Real Betis, West Ham and Leicester have enquired after his availability - Lyon want €40M (but will accept half for a player who wants out) and want to hold on to him - and there is the complexity of Chelsea having an option of a buy back clause but that can be fixed. Would be a hard sell to the player who wants to try his luck in Italy but there may not be a cash buyer available – which opens up a return to England.
Hakan Calhanoglu (LW) Agent says he wants a return to Germany but the new Milan coach wants him kept. Scratch him.
Ismail Jakobs (LW) vey left sided where more flexibility is needed.
Said Benrahma (LW) seems unlikely.
Adam Lallana (AM/LM) Spurs interest likely left with MP but Leicester are keen.
Philippe Coutinho (AM/LW) after missing out on Bruno Fernandes and Hakim Ziyech Spurs have enquired after Coutinho and been told that a loan fee would €30M for a season with an option to buy at €50M at the end of the season with any loaning club paying half his wages. I would expect any interested side to look for a significant reduction on that. The player is being offered around PL sides. Barcelona will have to keep him if no takers are found although with money owed to Liverpool still there may be room for them to negotiate. Leicester might offer a solution to get him off the books - but there would be a need for some negotiation. I am not aware of Everton showing an interest nor how they would be able to fund such a move unless there was some creativity in a deal.
Jonathan David (AM/S/W) Gent youngster who has attracted plenty of scouts to watch him this season including those representing Wolves, Bayern Munich, Aston Villa, Southampton, Spurs, Liverpool, Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund, Lyon, RBS, Lille, Everton, RBL, Arsenal, Leicester and Lazio. Lyon are looking for a replacement for Moussa Dembele and RBL who are looking for a replacement for Timo Werner have both spoken with Genk who are open to the Canadian leaving at the right price. At the start of the season Napoli and Brighton attended matches to watch Roman Yaremchuk but were apparently were also impressed by the performance and versatility of David. The player has said he would be open to a move to Germany or England but Germany is the preferred destination and a decent offer from Bayern Munich would be welcomed, but an offer from Bayer Leverkusen if Havertz leaves is more likely. Both MIlan sides, Dortmund and Bayern Munich will push and Real Betis will push and offer guarantees that others won't. Ajax may just put an attractive cash offer on the table. I think a move to Leicester unlikely.

Hee-Chan Hwang (S) Wolves have shown an interest but could be priced out of a move with RBS inviting offers over €40M. I am not aware of any approach by Everton but an enquiry has been made by Leicester. The player might be seen as a replacement for Kean - so we will wait to see if an approach is made.
Alassane Plea (F)
Sardar Azmoun (S) was subject to a very public dispute between Rubin Kazan and Rostov which ended in favour of Rostov in 2016. Stoke had agreed a transfer with Rubin Kazan prior to the CAS proceedings but were aware that it would be difficult to make a case for a work permit. Everton had also looked at the player in the past but, like Stoke, knew the Work Permit situation would be a problem. Whilst playing for RK in 2014 it was suggested that Brendan Rodgers was keen on the player, but I cannot confirm that. Rubin Kazan received a little over €2M in compensation at the ruling of CAS and have no recourse for appeal - eventually signing him on a "free transfer". Marseille watched the player at the start of last season, but he opted for a move to Zenit - and they remain concerned that his best form comes in International sides who are lowly ranked. Antalyaspor, Villareal, Wolves, Liverpool, Leverkusen and Konyaspor all attended matches to watch Azmoun during his last season with Rostov (2018) but the player made clear he did not want to move at that time. Atletico, who won't have had the WP issues dropped some interest they had in the player. There has also been interest from Celtic and Lazio. He had a better time with Zenit last year and Napoli, when CA was coach, took note. Everton could see Azmoun as a viable Kean replacement but need to make sure a WP could be obtained. I think a move to England is unlikely, but possible. Looked at again by Leicester.
Odsonne Edouard (S) a cheaper option than most. Don’t see it.
Vedat Muriqi (S) expect a battle over him in the summer
Joe Gelhardt (F) Wigan kiddie who has attracted a lot of attention from Premier League sides who had trials with Liverpool and Everton when very young. Spurs and Chelsea have both spoken with Wigan about the player, but both came away thinking he should stay where he is for a year or two to develop - and Chelsea have a much-preferred option. Manchester United have sent an ex-player to look at him and I understand Liverpool, West Brom and Everton have also been scouting him. Leicester have approached Wigan. Another one to perhaps keen an eye on.}

20 Jun 2020 18:29:18
Ed, I honestly don't think anyone could thank you enough or question your knowledge and work. Absolutely insane. Thank you so much.

{Ed002's Note - You are welcome.}

Leicester City News 18 Jun 2020
Gordon Banks 'Banks of England'





To read the player profile on Gordon Banks click here.



To read the manager profile on Gordon Banks click here.



Gordon was born on the 30th December 1937 in Abbeydale, Sheffield, the youngest of four brothers to a steelworker dad. They lived in the working-class area of Tinsley until moving to the village of Catcliffe, where his dad set up a betting shop, which was illegal in those days. That led to the loss of his disabled brother, who was mugged for the shop's daily takings and died of his injuries a few weeks later.



At school Banks became a goalkeeper due to playing 5-a-sides. The kids would all take it in turns, and he found he enjoyed it, so Gordon ended up being the keeper on a more and more regular basis. He went on to represent Sheffield Schoolboys but he was never a good pupil, Banks himself admits he never liked school and he left aged 15 to become a bagger for the local coal merchant. Banks would be in a lorry waiting as trains came into the sidings full of coal. They would get into the wagon, shovel coal into bags on the wagon and then stack the bags on the lorry. Then they would deliver the sacks to houses in the area.



Gordon was still just 15 when his brother David got him a job on a building site as an apprentice bricklayer. There he would carry hods, mix cement and dig ditches. On a Saturday morning he would do overtime then run home, wash and get changed before catching the bus or tram into town to watch whichever of the two Sheffield teams was playing at home that day. One Saturday Banks missed the bus and so he instead went to watch local team Millspaugh play on the 'rec'.



He was leaning on the fence when their coach spotted him in the crowd and asked Gordon if he would play as their keeper had not turned up for the game. The coach had seen him play for Sheffield Schoolboys and recognised him, no doubt with a huge sigh of relief. Banks rushed home to get his boots and played well enough to be asked to play for them regularly. Yorkshire League side Rawmarch Welfare spotted him playing and snapped him up but after two games, in which Rawmarch lost 12-2 and 3-1, they dropped him and he returned to Millspaugh.



Chesterfield scouted him and offered him a six game trial with their youth team in March 1953, which he accepted. After his trial he signed a £3 a week part-time deal with Chesterfield and would continue to work on the building sites, training on a Tuesday and Thursday night. National Service intervened and he spent a year posted in Germany with the Royal Signals, winning the Rhine Cup with his regimental team and winning the heart of his wife Ursula while there too.



Returning to England he was part of the Chesterfield youth team that made it through to the 1956 FA Youth Cup final, where they lost 4-3 on aggregate to the Busby Babes. Chesterfield's reserves were placed into the Central League due to the influence of a powerful club director, but they found themselves out of their depth, even with Banks in goal. They finished last with just 3 wins and Banks conceded 122 goals!



Despite Gordon's lack of success in the reserves, in November 1958 he was given his first team debut against Colchester United at Saltergate. The score finished 2-2 but Banks held on to his place for the rest of the season, missing just 2 matches and all were due to injury. With no specialist goalkeeping coaches in English football at the time, Gordon Banks had to teach himself how to keep the ball out of the net. With just 26 total appearances under his belt, Leicester City manager Matt Gillies had seen enough to pay £7,000 for his services in July 1959 and he was given a salary increase to £15 per week.



The Foxes had five other goalkeepers competing for the number 1 shirt already, including Scottish international Johnny Anderson. Dave MacLaren had the shirt, but Banks began the 1959-60 season as the reserves keeper, ahead of Anderson. After just four games in the reserves, MacLaren picked up an injury and Banks made his first team debut for Leicester on 9th September at Filbert Street against Blackpool in a 1-1 draw. He also played 3 days later in a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle at St James' Park but then MacLaren returned to fitness and Banks returned to the reserves.



Over the course of the next five matches the first team conceded 14 and so Banks was recalled to the first team. His return did not pay immediate dividends, Leicester still leaked goals, including 6 at Goodison Park, but Banks worked hard on his weaknesses in training. This was before specialist goalkeeping coaches and so Banks would create his own practice session to work on things, such as coming for crosses. He did well enough that both Anderson and MacLaren were allowed to move on at the end of the season, leaving Banks as undisputed number 1.



The following season was much better for Leicester, as they came 6th in the league and reached an FA Cup final, with Banks conceding just 5 goals in their 9 games en route to Wembley. The semi-final went to two replays against Sheffield United, with Banks keeping a clean sheet in all three games to see the Foxes into the final. There they met a Tottenham team that beat them 2-0 and then Spurs clinched the double with the league title. That meant Leicester were in European competition, as Spurs were in the European Cup, and had a run in the European Cup Winners' Cup to look forward to for the 1961-62 season.



Banks had impressed enough to put himself into the England reckoning now, which caused a few problems for the goalkeeper when an England v Portugal game clashed with Leicester's game against Atletico Madrid. He resolved the dilemma over which to choose by not choosing between them. Banks instead left London as soon as the England game had finished (he was not in the team) and raced up to Leicester to arrive 30 minutes before kick off. It was not enough to see Leicester through as the game finished 1-1 and they went on to lose the return leg 2-0 despite Banks's penalty save. The run in Europe seemingly affected their league form as they finished the season just 14th in Division One.



Banks opened the 1962-63 season with a broken nose in a 2-1 defeat at Craven Cottage on opening day, but it was not a taster for how the season would go. Leicester were chasing the double and were sat top of the Division 1 table in April and were in the FA Cup semi-finals, where they would face Liverpool. In the semi at Hillsborough, Liverpool bombarded his goal, with the game finishing 34 shots to 1 in their favour, but Banks still managed to keep a clean sheet and see the Foxes into the final with a 1-0 win. After his retirement Banks referred to it as his finest performance at club level.



At international level Alf Ramsey started looking to the 1966 World Cup and dropped Ron Springett for him on 6th April 1963 against Scotland at Wembley. England lost 2-1 but Banks held on to his place. The end of the season did not go so well though as Banks broke a finger at the Hawthorns in a 2-1 defeat by West Brom and missed the last 3 league games as Leicester slumped without him, losing them all and dropping to 4th. Banks did return to play in the FA Cup final, but the entire team played poorly in a 3-1 defeat to Manchester United.



The next season saw Leicester in inconsistent form in the league, finishing just 11th, but they reached another cup final, this time the League Cup variant. In those days it was a home and away affair and Stoke were the opponents. The first leg at an extremely muddy Victoria Ground was a 1-1 draw after Banks spilt a Bill Asprey shot, which Keith Bebbington slotting home the loose ball. Back at Filbert Street, Leicester won 3-2 to lift the cup 4-3 on aggregate.



By the end of the season Banks had firmly established himself as England's number 1 and played two of the 3 matches during the summer's "Little World Cup" in Brazil. At this time Leicester paid full internationals, such as Banks and Frank McLintock, £40 a week and that saw McLintock request a transfer due to his low pay. Rival clubs were paying their fringe players that much and they eventually, in December, upped Banks' wage to £60 a week. It was not the best season for Banks personally as Blackpool keeper Tony Waiters managed to push in, picking up 5 caps, but he lost his place back to Banks after conceding five goals against Brazil. Waiters' chance came about after Banks was one of a party of England players who went on an unsanctioned night out before a friendly in Lisbon. The players all returned to their hotel rooms to find their passports waiting for them on their pillows!



In the league the Foxes struggled, finishing 18th, but managed to reach the League Cup final again, this time losing to Chelsea. After the season, England's summer tour saw Banks and the defence build an understanding and conceded just 2 goals in 4 games. Returning to club duty, he broke his wrist in pre-season, which saw him miss the first 9 games of the season, however Leicester's form improved and they managed to reach 7th before Banks headed off on England duty once more.



England played 7 friendlies in the build up to the 1966 World Cup, included in that was a 4-3 win over Scotland in the British Home Championship in front of over 130,000 at Hampden Park and they headed into the tournament in fine form. The tournament began with Banks pretty much a spectator in the first game against Uruguay as they were so defensive. Against Mexico he again had an easy day before another win, and a third clean sheet in row saw England through to the last 8 without conceding a single goal. Argentina were next up, though it lacked the rivalry of future games, and another clean sheet helped England into the semi-finals.



The teams were lining up in the tunnel before the match when trainer Harold Shepherdson realised he had forgotten to buy Banks' chewing gum. As Banks explains: "I didn't use gloves in those days, only when it was wet. Woollen ones like the ones you may buy to wear in winter now with your overcoat. But I learned from Bert Trautmann to get a couple of pieces of chewing gum and start chewing. He told me to wait until just before the icing on the gum cracked and then spit on my hands and smooth it over. Then when the opposition came over the halfway line you just had to lick your palms and they would immediately get sticky and help you hold the ball when it came." In a panic Shepherdson ran to a nearby newsagents to buy some chewing gum and just made it back in time for kick off.



Perhaps that contributed as Banks conceded his first goal in 721 minutes of regular play, but England managed to beat Portugal, with the great Eusebio up front at his peak, 2-1. As some of you might have heard, England went on to beat West Germany in the final to become World Champions for the first (and so far only) time. The German players were all given £10,000 each and a VW car for reaching the final, England gave its players £1,000 each and a raincoat.



Banks returned to the Foxes fresh from a World Cup win only to find himself dropped towards the end of the season, being told by manager Matt Gillies that "we think your best days are behind you, and you should move on". Leicester team mate Richie Norman told him that Gillies had been pressured into it by the board after Peter Shilton, who replaced Banks in the team, had threatened to leave if he was not playing. Shockingly Leicester transfer listed Gordon Banks with a price of £50,000.



As soon as Liverpool manager Bill Shankly got the news that Banks was available he jumped in his car and drove straight to Leicester. He met Leicester's directors and agreed a fee, then he spoke to Banks and agreed personal terms before racing back to Liverpool to speak to the LFC board. The Liverpool board refused point blank to sanction paying that much for a keeper. West Ham manager Ron Greenwood was the next to show interest but he had already agreed a deal with Kilmarnock for the signing of Bobby Ferguson for £65,000 and would not go back on his word. So it was left to Stoke City to step in and pay the £50,000 to buy him in April 1967.



Just one year after becoming a World Cup winner Gordon Banks was being forced to make a move from Leicester and the England goalkeeper asked for the standard 'loyalty' payment from the Foxes. Gillies told him: "We've decided not to pay you a penny. There's to be no compensation payment and that's final." Shocked, as this was a time when players were not being given huge money and could not just afford to go and buy a new house every time they moved club, Banks refused to move to Stoke. In the end Stoke's manager Tony Waddington told Banks that he had manage to negotiate a £2,000 payment from Leicester for him. It was not until years later that Banks found out Stoke had paid him the money.



At the Potters he replaced John Farmer as number 1 and played the last four games of the 1966/67 season, making his home debut in a 3-1 win over previous club Leicester. Though he has never publicly stated it, I am sure he would have taken a great deal of satisfaction from that result! Banks continued to hold down his place as England's first choice man between the sticks, representing them in Euro 68 in the days when there were just 4 teams in the tournament - Italy (hosts), Soviet Union, Yugoslavia and England. Despite the safe hands of Banks, England lost their first game 1-0 to Yugoslavia before beating the Soviets in a third place play off.



He still had time to head off to the USA for the summer and play for Cleveland Stokers of the United Soccer Association on loan. Banks found the time to play seven of the Ohio club's 12 matches of the season before a return to England. Despite Leicester selling him as over the hill, Banks was playing more games than ever and continued to hold down the number 1 jersey for an England team that was believed to be even better than the one that won the World Cup a few years' previously. They headed off to the heat and altitude of Mexico '70 as one of the big favourites.



The England team went over to South America early to acclimatise but Banks struggled with the heat and the altitude, as did many others. Despite that, England opened the tournament with a 1-0 win over Romania to set up a clash with the other favourites Brazil in the second game of the group stage. The game most felt should have been the final, between the two best games in the tournament came along the day after Gordon had been honoured with an OBE. In this game he produced the one moment he will always be known for and one that made the OBE seem like it undervalued his contribution.



In Pele's words: "Banks appeared in my sight like a kind of blue phantom. He came from nowhere, and he did something I didn't feel was possible. He pushed my header, somehow, up and over. And I couldn't believe what I saw. Even now when I watch it, I can't believe it. I can't believe how he moved so far, so fast." As the ball flew off Pele's head, he even shouted "Gol!" Pele was that sure he had placed his header so far from the keeper that no one is going to save it. As the ball headed to his right, Gordon Banks flew across and somehow miraculously managed to tip it over the bar, scooping it right up.



"They won't remember me for winning the World Cup, it'll be for that save. That's how big a thing it is. People just want to talk about that save." - Banks



At the time Banks ended up in the back of the net and only Pele's reaction told him that he had managed to save it. "I thought that was a goal," an incredulous Pele told him. "You and me both," replied Gordon. Then Booby Moore arrived to ruffle his hair and told him: "You're getting old, Banksy, you used to hold onto them." Despite that incredible save (and that tackle by Moore) Brazil still beat England 1-0 but they then beat Czechoslovakia to reach the quarter finals, where they would once again face West Germany.



Before this game it was not an award he picked up but a stomach bug of some kind, which went from merely an upset stomach to turn into violent stomach cramps and aching limbs. Banks spent the day before sweating, shivering and vomiting. On the day of the game he did feel better and managed to pass a fitness test before suffering a relapse, which led to him being replaced by Peter Bonetti. Gordon was sat in the team hotel watching the game, which was shown with a significant time delay. The time delay was such that England were winning 2-0 on his TV screen when Bobby Moore came back from the game to tell him that England lost 3-2 after extra time. The loss of Banks was key, as Bonetti struggled and that, along with the so-called 'Bogota Bracelet' incident led to the spread of conspiracy theories that England had been 'nobbled' to stop them winning it again.



While in the region Banks had picked himself up some of the new, oversized goalkeeping gloves with a dimpled rubber surface, which South American keepers favoured. Most Brits mistrusted foreign goalkeepers, but Gordon Banks was someone who was looking to learn from everyone. He returned to England and Stoke began to start being competitive for honours, reaching the semi-final of the FA Cup in the 1970-71 season. They lost to Arsenal after a replay.



There was a controversial moment during the season, something that many forget involved him. In May 1971 Banks was playing in goal for England against Northern Ireland at Windsor Park with the score 0-0. The ball was in Banks' hands and he balanced it on one hand as he prepared to kick down field when George Best nipped in and headed the ball out of his hand and put it into the empty net. Banks protests quickly saw the referee disallow the goal, but it has stayed in people's memories as a moment of Best magic.



The following season Stoke won the only major honour in their history, as Banks led them to pick up a League Cup. They also once again reached the FA Cup semi-final to face Arsenal once more. It went to a replay again and Banks later admitted he felt cheated of a chance to play in an FA Cup final after the Gooners won 2-1 thanks to a hotly disputed penalty and a goal that TV replays showed was clearly offside. His performances were so integral to Stoke's success that he won the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year award. He was the first keeper to win it since Bert Trautmann in 1956.



It was a quiet summer for Banks as England had failed to qualify for the European Championships that summer due to a 3-1 loss to West Germany in qualifying. He was still undisputed number 1 for England and Stoke City on 22nd October 1972 when he was driving home after a physio session on an injured shoulder. Banks admitted he was driving too fast and not being careful enough, deciding to overtake on a sharp bend and hit an oncoming van. His car ended up in a ditch. He was rushed to North Staffordshire Hospital for emergency treatment where he received 200 stitches on his face and another 100 micro-stitches inside the socket of his right eye. Unfortunately the treatment was unable to save the sight in his right eye.



The following summer he officially retired from professional football with 73 England caps, 35 of them clean sheets, and just 9 losses in an England shirt. Banks' final performance was fitting as he was part of an England team that beat the 'Auld Enemy' Scotland 1-0 at Hampden Park. He had been chosen as FIFA Goalkeeper of the Year six time, 5 years in a row, the final year being as recently as 1971. Gordon chose to retire as he was afraid that losing an eye would completely destroy his depth perception and ability to compete at the top level.



Retirement never suited him at all and he made one appearance for a semi-professional side, Scarborough FC, in the Anglo-Italian Tournament as a guest. Alan A'Court also guested in a 0-0 draw against Monza. Banks was convinced to join the North American Soccer League as a named superstar in April 1977 with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. They won the league with the best defensive record in 1977, conceding just 29 in 26 games, but he never really enjoyed the showmanship of the league saying: "I felt like a circus act... Roll up, roll up, to see the greatest one-eyed goalkeeper in the world."



It was very different from what he was used to in the no-nonsense world of the English league, for instance there was one occasion when Banks found himself being driven to the pitch in a hearse. Then he helped to carry a coffin to the centre circle whereupon the team's manager jumped out, dressed as Dracula, as the PA system announced to the fans that, "Lauderdale Strikers are coming back from the dead!" They had lost just two games in a row before this one.



His performances were enough to win him the NASL Goalkeeper of the Year award, which was unsurprising according to the team's back up keeper, Van Taylor: "He had such a high work ethic. He was the first to training, last to leave. He worked hard. There was a time in the pre-season where we would run on the beach from one pier to the other and he would be at the front of that pack every time. He took pride in his professionalism. He was so impeccable on angles and positioning. Where maybe I was flopping and making it look like good saves, he would just collect balls. He made things look so easy. When training was over he would say: 'Let's just keep a bag of balls'. I learned how to deliver a pretty good cross!"



During the season St Patrick's Athletic manager Barry Bridges was without a goalkeeper for the Dublin derby with Shamrock Rovers. Bridges made an approach to sign Gordon for just that one game and was waiting to hear back from the legendary keeper. Bridges told the groundsman, Harry Boland, that he was expecting a phone call then took the players out to training. Bridges and the players are out on the pitch training, Harry is down in the dressing room making tea for the players to drink after training when he heard the phone ring upstairs. Rushing upstairs, Harry reaches the phone just in time for it to stop ringing. Back down the stairs, grumbling under his breath, Harry makes it as far as the dressing room before the phone begins to ring once more. Once more he makes his way all the way up the stairs to get to the phone before it stops ringing. By this point he is convinced it is lads in the Black Lion pub, who often used to play this prank on him, so the third time it rings he is ready and waiting by the phone and picks it up. A voice on the other end says: "I'm Gordon Banks, I'm looking to speak to Barry Bridges", only to receive a tirade of expletives before the phone is slammed down on him. Bridges returns from training and asks, "any phone calls?" "Well there was one," replies Boland, "but it was the lads up in the Black Lion messing saying it was Gordon Banks on the phone."



Luckily Barry Bridges was able to rescue the deal and it saw the stadium packed long before kick-off with a large crowd of small boys and small girls chanting, "Gordon Banks, Gordon Banks". However it was not until about 5 minutes from the end that he was seriously tested when a volley from Eamon Dunphy headed for the top right-hand corner of the net. Banks flew across to pull off a stunning save and earn himself a rapturous ovation after the game as St Pat's ran out 1-0 winners. Even at 40 with just one working eye, Banks still had it.



In December he joined Port Vale as a coach under Dennis Butler, coaching was clearly something he was keen to make a future in according to Van Taylor: "I was cleaning out my attic the other day and I found some old Delta Air Lines napkins - when we were on the flight, Gordon and I would do Xs and Os, tactics, and he had signed it. We would just talk about the game, as players would, and get a napkin. As it turned out I ended up having a coaching career for 30 years. When I saw that I thought, 'there was one of my first coaching mentors.' It was kind of neat."



Banks continued to play for the Strikers, combining it with the coaching role at Vale, managing 11 appearances in the NASL over the course of 1978. Vale were not doing too well under Butler and he was replaced by Alan Bloor, who then demoted Banks to coach the reserves in October. The great man, without a doubt England's greatest ever goalkeeper, resigned soon after as he felt the players were not listening to him or taking notice of his advice. He then applied for jobs as manager of Lincoln City and Rotherham United, but both turned Banks down.



Eventually non-league part-timers Telford United game him a chance for the 1979-80 season. There Banks did everything, from appearances at supermarkets to hand out tickets to coaching the team. They finished 13th that season, not as good as was hoped for but he started the following season with optimism. In November he took time off to undergo surgery, leaving Jackie Mudie in temporary charge while he recovered. Telford lost to a lower league team in the FA Trophy while he was away and Banks was promptly sacked on his return and offered a job as a raffle ticket seller instead. Banks accepted it, thinking it would mean the club had to pay up what he was owed, but he was mistaken and ended up having to settle for 50% and said of his treatment: "It broke my heart.... I did not want to stay in the game."



The game had changed a lot during his lifetime: "In my early days, a goal against us was shrugged off. Nobody liked conceding a goal, but once the ball had gone into the net it was accepted as 'one of those things' and everybody in the team would concentrate on trying to get the goal back. But once the maximum wage had been lifted and win bonuses became all-important, it was suddenly considered a crime to concede a goal."



Despite that, Banks did stay within the game to a degree, as he was appointed to the three-man Pools panel. After Stanley Matthews death in 2000, Stoke appointed him as their president. He also finally got his testimonial game from Leicester, belatedly, in 1995 after he lost a lot of money in a Leicester-based hospitality company. Banks never earnt the wealth his talents deserved and ended up selling his World Cup winner's medal and his international cap from the final for around £150,000 in total so that he could help his three children buy their first houses.



Recognition of his achievements came late as the IFFHS chose him as number 2 goalkeeper of the 20th Century behind Lev Yashin. He was an inaugural inductee to the English Football Hall of Fame in 2002, Keele University awarded him an honorary doctorate and a statue of him holding up the Jules Rimet Trophy was unveiled outside Stoke's Britannia Stadium by Pele, who described Banks as a "goalkeeper with magic" as he did so. All of that he got to see before he passed away in his sleep on 12th February 2019 as, without question, the best English goalkeeper of all time.





Suggested by c_matthews94



For the previous Legend of the Game article on Jimmy Johnstone click HERE

Leicester City News 30 May 2020
By The Numbers - Part 1: Liverpool





4 FA Youth Cup wins, the first coming in 1996 with a team featuring Michael Owen and Jamie Carragher. The last in 2019 on penalties over Manchester City.





1892 The year of the club's birth, after Everton had a dispute with Anfield landlord John Houlding and went off to play across Stanley Park. Houlding set up Liverpool to play at the now empty Anfield.





41 The club's oldest ever player was Ted Doig, who was 41 years and 165 days old when facing Newcastle United in 1908.





41 It was also the number of goals Roger Hunt scored in the 1961-62 season.





18 He was known as 'Supersub' for a reason. David Fairclough notched up 18 goals for Liverpool as a substitute.





38 At the age of 38 years and 55 days the great Billy Liddell became the oldest player to score for Liverpool. Liddell was so important in his time that the club were nicknamed Liddellpool while he played for them.





35 The club's first transfer record was the £35 paid for Scottish left back William "Billy" Dunlop from Paisley Abercorn.





1959 A crucial year in the history of the Reds as Bill Shankly was appointed to replace Phil Taylor as manager. Shankly had previously been turned down for the role as he had wanted too much control for the Liverpool board's liking. It was an appointment that changed history.





114 Liverpool's most capped player is Steven Gerrard with his 114 England caps.





16 The youngest ever players was Jerome Sinclair who was just 16 years and 6 days old when he faced West Bromwich Albion in 2012.





17 Gordon Hodgson managed to notch up 17 hat-tricks while playing for LFC.





42 Taking penalties was just about the only time Jan Molby seemed to move out from the centre circle and he scored 42 of those during his Liverpool career.





1 Lancashire League titles before joining the Football League.





6 European Cups, the most of any British team.





18 Reserve Division One Championships. At one time the reserves actually meant more than just a way to get first team players fit.





1964 The arrival of the all-red kit appeared in November of this year. Shanks felt it made the team look more intimidating.





15 Charity/Community Shields, though 5 of them were shared with their opponent on the day.





5 In the 1961-62 season Roger Hunt scored this many hat-tricks for the Reds.





417 Phil Neal managed to set a record for most consecutive appearances between October 1976 and September 1983.





20 Mr Consistency Phil Neal also managed to win 20 trophies in his time with Liverpool.





346 The most first team goals is a record held by Ian Rush. 39 of them in the FA Cup and 48 in the League Cup are also club records.





75,000,000 The club's record transfer fee which was spent on Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk.





1974 The end of an era as Bill Shankly handed over the reins as Liverpool manager to Bob Paisley.





245 Roger Hunt has more league goals than any other Liverpool player.





1 FIFA Club World Cup, taking until 2019 to lift it, despite taking part a number of times as defending European champions in the past.





21 The club's longest serving player was Elisha Scott, the goalkeeper serving the club for 21 years and 52 days between 1913 and 1934.





4 The number of different managers who won the European Cup with Liverpool. Bob Paisley, three times, Joe Fagan, Rafael Benitez and Jurgen Klopp.





1901 The year of Liverpool's first league title.





18 Or should that be 19? The number of league titles won by Liverpool.





7 FA Cups have ended up going up to Merseyside.





41 Steven Gerrard was the man to look to in Europe, as his club record total of 41 European goals shows.





17 Liverpool's youngest ever goalscorer was Ben Woodburn aged 17 years and 45 days when he scored the second goal in a win over Leeds United in 2016.





1977 The year of Liverpool's first European Cup win.





78 Ian Rush's 78 League Cup appearances are a club record.





8 League Cups, 4 of them in a row in the early 1980s.





3 UEFA Cups under three different managers, Bill Shankly, Bob Paisley and Gerard Houllier.





1977 It was a big year for Anfield as the King arrived to take his place on the throne. Kenny Dalglish cost what now seems the paltry fee of £440,000 from Celtic and went on to become a legend on and off the pitch for the Reds. Initially he was wanted as Kevin Keegan's partner, but Keegan's desire to move on saw the Scot end up replacing him on the pitch and in the hearts of Liverpool fans.





857 Ian Callaghan holds the record for the most first team appearances with 857 in total. He also holds records for most league appearances, with 640, and most FA Cup appearances with 79.





2015 October of this year saw Liverpool take a huge step forward as Brendan Rodgers was sacked on the 4th and Jurgen Klopp brought in to replace him on the 8th.





4 UEFA Super Cup wins, 3 after European Cups and 1 after a UEFA Cup victory.





150 With the increase in European games, Jamie Carragher was able to create a new record for appearances in Europe.





4 Division Two titles. The Reds were not always a top flight team and won the second tier of the English Leagues 4 times.





20 Jurgen Klopp is Liverpool's twentieth manager in their history.

08 Feb 2020 09:19:22
Leicester have offered from Swansea midfielder Tom Carroll a short term deal until the end of the season.

08 Jul 2019 20:35:04
Leicester are set to sign former Derby defender Efe Ambrose on a one year deal.

06 Jan 2020 15:30:35
Don't think we shop at Aldi anymore lol.

05 Jul 2019 11:01:31
Leicester are close to signing former West Brom midfielder Gareth Barry on a one year deal.

25 Jun 2019 21:16:42
Portsmouth have made enquiries for Leicester’s matty James, possibly on loan. They’ve also made an approach to free agent victor anichebe. They are also exploring the possibility of loaning Bournemouth midfielder butcher.

25 Jun 2019 20:33:51
Swedish side IFK Göteborg are set to sign former Aston Villa full back Ritchie De Laet on a two year deal.

15 Jun 2019 19:37:36
Hi Ed002,
Possible to get a summary of potential ins and outs at Leicester this summer?
Thanks.

{Ed002's Note - There is not really enough interest to make it worthwhile - if there are specific questions I will try to answer them.}

15 Jun 2019 20:49:07
Ok thanks Ed002. They've been linked to James Justin was wondering if there was truth in this? Also if there was interest in any attacking players specifically winger/ strikers.

Regarding outgoings are they looking to move on Kelechi and Ghezzal who haven't really impressed.

{Ed002's Note - LC are one of the sides keen on James Justin but there has been no agreement at this time. There is a whole bunch of strikers they have looked at including the likes of Che Adams and Jean-Kevin Augustin as well as a few wingers like Hakan Calhanoglu and Andros Townsend. I don't know of interest in Kelechi Iheanacho or Rachid Ghezzal.}

16 Jun 2019 00:07:08
Teriffic Ed002 appreciate this. Have a great weekend and rest well.

15 Jun 2019 14:08:44
Leicester are set to sign Bakary Sako on a free transfer ffrom Crystal Palace.

15 Jun 2019 13:57:08
Manchester City have surprisingly offered Japan striker Shinji Okazaki a one year deal after his release from Leicester.

15 Jun 2019 13:56:11
Porto are set to sign Danny Simpson on a one year deal after his release from Leicester.

04 Jun 2019 19:15:16
Hi ed

Last night there where a flurry of reports saying MU have approached Leicester for James Maddison, I have already asked you this question before to which you replied it was spurs showing interest. My question is has anything changed to your knowledge

Thanks.

{Ed002's Note - Sure there are clubs who are keen but I don’t see LC open to selling without a vast offer.}

05 May 2019 15:19:17
Hi Ed, was just wondering if any clubs are looking at Ndidi. Cheers.

{Ed002's Note - Not as far as I know.}

06 May 2019 19:03:57
Cheers Ed.