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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

A step back, but not a huge one.

Whilst the defeat at Wigan could be seen as some as just a bump in the road, one former Nottingham Forest player believes that it should act as a lesson for Forest boss Sabri Lamouchi to learn from.

What’s he said?

Speaking with Nottingham Live, the former Forest man said that Sabri Lamouchi’s men needed to be more aggressive right from the outset in the future, to make sure that results like this don’t happen again:

“We have to make sure we’re on the front foot in the first place. From the first whistle. Get at teams straight away. That’s got to be something we improve on in these next two home games. Two games at the City Ground this week is a good chance to get back on track and quickly forget about the weekend.

“But no games are easy – if Sabri Lamouchi, the manager, didn’t know that already, he will do now. Hull and Reading are more than capable of catching us out. We’ve got to start well, look to get the first goal and get the crowd behind us.”

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Best foot forward

As we have discussed previously on FFC, Nottingham Forest are at great risk of missing out at the end of the season if they don’t start killing games off.

With the exception of their 3-0 result against Birmingham City, every single one of their games so far this season have been decided by one-goal margins. Clearly, on that evidence, they need to start scoring more goals. That may all change if they’re able to alter their mentality.

Nottingham Forest need to start showing their dominance in games. Whilst they may be doing relatively well in the table right now, they could be doing so much better and putting more pressure on the rest of the league.

Their undefeated streak was impressive but they must ensure they bounce back.

The defeat at Wigan should serve as a wakeup call to Lamouchi that he needs to start being able to adapt to various situations, and that his style of play won’t be able to see Forest through the whole of the season.

After all, teams will probably start to work them out sooner or later.

View this post on InstagramStill gutted over yesterday but we go again ?⚫️⚔️A post shared by John Lundstram (@johnlunny7) on Sep 29, 2019 at 4:39am PDT

John Egan and John Lundstram both expressed how gutted they were with Saturday’s result, but they didn’t dwell on it as they said next week is now the target.

That’s exactly the type of mindset players need to have to be successful at this level, and the fact that Egan and Lundstrum both think like that bodes well for the Blades’ survival chances.

Loads of Sunderland fans have been giving their verdicts on who should replace Jack Ross, and there are two names cropping up more than any others.

Well, there you have it. After what seemed like an eternity of drab draws and disappointing displays, Sunderland have sacked the former St. Mirren boss.

Ross lost the fans some time ago if truth be told, and it felt like the clock had been ticking since the playoff final defeat back in May.

The club announced the decision on their official site on Tuesday afternoon, much to the delight of fans, and the attention has of course now turned to who should come in.

The club currently sit 6th in League One with 19 points, a whopping eight off the top but only four off second place and automatic promotion.

With a squad boasting some proven third-tier stars like Will Grigg, one would think they will become one of the favourites for promotion if the right man is brought in.

With that in mind, it is quite surprising to see some of the names in the mix, though the popular picks seem to be Daniel Stendel and Roy Keane.

Either way, you can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…

Barcelona have now officially released their new third kit for the upcoming 2019/20 La Liga season.

And this one is quite special, as well.

According to the Catalans, the new third kit pays tribute to the city of Barcelona itself and it does so through a remarkable design which, is a throwback to one of the shirts that Barcelona wore in the 1996/97 campaign.

Watch Spanish Football Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

That season, the Blaugrana actually recorded massive results with victories in the Copa del Rey and the European Cup Winners’ Cup, hoisting two big trophies at the end of the season.

But even with such great history behind it, it seems that many of the fans don’t really care about that as the kit is simply not beautiful to them.

As a matter of fact, it’s quite the contrary – they seem to think it’s horrible and some would even go as far as to say that they will never buy it.

You can see some of their replies in the comments down below:

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more… 

One of the major negatives of Leeds at home has been their inability to simply get over the line.

Against Brentford it took them until the final ten minutes for Eddie Nketiah to eventually score in a 1-0 win while versus Swansea they failed to convert 21 chances and eventually lost.

Previously on FFC we’ve highlighted the positions Mateusz Klich operates in next to the second attacking midfielder.

When he played next to Adam Forshaw in the defeat to the Swans they essentially operated in the same spaces but that was improved with the introduction of Jamie Shackleton as they were more spread out.

What was so impressive about their partnership and indeed their link up with Kalvin Phillips in midfield was their work rate and dynamism.

On the chalkboard

On Thursday afternoon Marcelo Bielsa ruled out the possibility of Forshaw returning to the side to take on Derby.

Considering his lack of goal threat this may not be the worst thing at home. After all, they need someone more dynamic at Elland Road and Shackleton can produce exactly that.

However, it was the all round statistics of the new-look trio that were so impressive against Barnsley as each and every one of them found a way to contribute both going forward and defensively.

It’s traits that Bielsa must use to his advantage as they return to Elland Road in what could be a fierce contest against Derby after the spy gate incident.

Against the Reds last weekend, the trio completed a colossal ten key passes and also ten tackles between them.

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Shackleton equalled the number of tackles Phillips made with four while the pair of them also tied for chance creation at three apiece, according to WhoScored.

Klich, meanwhile, managed four key passes in what was a lively display from all three players.

It had a balanced look to it, one which has arguably been rare in the middle of the park for Leeds this season.

Forshaw has kept things ticking over at a pass completion rate of over 90% but he hasn’t made more than three challenges in one game. Nor has the former Middlesbrough man played more than two key passes.

In that regard, the aforementioned trio all trump him and consequently need to be used more regularly.

Against a Derby side who are sitting in 19th and are struggling, this will give Bielsa another chance to fine-tune his side without Forshaw.

Neil Lennon’s third full season in charge of Hibernian saw the wheels come off in a manner akin to the famous old Jose Mourinho adage. Indeed, while the former Celtic boss is largely regarded as Hibs’ best manager in years, the season hasn’t ever really got going and his current suspension at Easter Road leaves the club in a mess.

Despite their status as one of Scotland’s biggest clubs, Hibs don’t tend to do continuity all too well. No consecutive top-four finishes in over ten years now are largely covered up (at least in an emotional sense) by the famous 2016 Scottish Cup win and it’s vitally important Leann Dempster gets this appointment right.

Lennon’s arrival at Easter Road came after Alan Stubbs who, despite delivering the one trophy so dearly craved by everyone in Leith, ultimately failed in his primary task – taking the club back into the Scottish Premiership. Prior to the Liverpudlian, the likes of Terry Butcher and Pat Fenlon endured shocking tenures in charge, so Lennon is currently the exception to the recent ruling of Hibs bosses.

Frustratingly for Dempster, there aren’t all too many stand out candidates right now. In fact, when Lee Clark is the man seemingly most open to the job, it’s probably not the best time to be searching for a new manager.

Still, an emotional move for Gordon Strachan has been touted (as per the Daily Mail via the Scottish Sun) and, while the former Scotland boss would certainly be a big name, we’re going to analyse to pros and cons.

Pro 1 – Status

Lennon’s appointment back in 2016 certainly brought a certain level of interest back to a club previously petering out. A huge name in Scottish football and a relative coup considering Hibs’ second-tier standing at the time, the same strategy could be applied to Strachan now.

One of the most successful Scottish managers of the modern era and a man who only left the national job recently, Strachan’s arrival would lift everyone at Easter Road.

Con 1 – Short-termism

At 61, Strachan would surely only be a short-term option. He’s unlikely to stay for years and build something and the idea of him coming to steady the ship may be a good one for the next few months or so, but where does that leave Hibs in the summer?

If he doesn’t get the new manager bounce, it could be a miserable end to his managerial career.

Pro 2 – Convincing the players

There does seem to be an element of discontent behind the scenes at Hibernian. The reports suggesting Florian Kamberi was a huge reason in the disagreement that led to Lennon’s suspension certainly speak to the potential narrative that the dressing room had been lost.

Hibs have a huge amount of attacking quality on offer and, as already proven this season, can beat anyone on their day.

What better way to convince the players that club do have ambition and raise the excitement levels than making a big name appointment?

Con 2 – Financial hit & thinking inside the box

Despite the emotional pull of finally bringing Strachan to the club he supported as boy, any potential deal may not make a huge amount of sense to those behind the scenes. Chariman Rod Petrie isn’t one to play fast and loose with his cash and, presumably, the ex-Celtic boss wouldn’t come cheap.

Kilmarnock have shown thinking outside the box when it comes to getting a new boss in can have major success, so perhaps some more strategical thinking behind the scenes is a better option.

The Verdict

Ignore the emotion and think outside the box. Gordon Strachan would be a big name but big names don’t always work and Hibs’ previous appointments along a similar line haven’t gone well at all, such as John Hughes and Mixu Paatelainen.

Granted, the former coach of the Tartan Army is probably a level above those names but why spend relatively big on a short-term deal? The likes of Gary Holt or Tommy Wright surely make more sense and that’s without even considering some of the more left-field appointments that have made the Scottish Premiership so much more interesting of late.

As long as it’s not Lee Clark. Anyone but Lee Clark.

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Speaking to West Yorkshire Daily on the BBC (6pm, 04/09), Angus Kinnear spoke highly of Andrea Radrizzani, hailing him and his financial commitment for why Leeds were able to hold onto key men this summer.

What’s he said?

Leeds’ summer was a topsy-turvy state of affairs as they saw 31 players depart the club and six men arrive through the doors on loan.

Some of those fell on transfer deadline day as Illan Meslier and Eddie Nketiah were welcomed following the departures of Bailey Peacock-Farrell and Kemar Roofe in their respective positions.

Roofe was a high profile name to exit Elland Road but perhaps the biggest loss of them all was Pontus Jansson who was named in the PFA Team of the Year last season.

However, it could have been much worse for Leeds after Kinnear revealed they swatted away interest for Kalvin Phillips and other players. The Whites’ Managing Director suggests they have Radrizzani to thank for that. He told the BBC:

“Not going up means your players are sought after by other clubs, we had Kalvin and that was very publicised. There were a number of other players that we received offers for from both the Premier League and the Championship.

“It’s a testament to Andrea’s financial commitment that the belief of the team as a unit and in Marcelo that they refused those offers, wanted to stay. We were able to refuse them and maintain the integrity of the squad.”

Top dogs pull through

This is yet again more fine evidence of the nous top officials at Leeds have.

Radrizzani joined the club in 2017 and has since been able to transform the club alongside Marcelo Bielsa as they achieved a playoff spot last term, previously languishing in mid-table.

It’s been quite the turnaround for the Whites who feel like a team that can once again compete for a place in the Premier League, sitting third in the Championship at present.

That’s largely thanks to the wealthy businessman whose financial commitment, as Kinnear notes, has played a huge part in Leeds sustaining a better future.

Watch Leeds United Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Victor Orta’s role in transfers this summer was well documented as he had a pivotal part in landing Nketiah on loan but quite possibly without Radrizzani it wouldn’t have been possible.

Letting go of Jansson and Roofe wasn’t an ideal scenario but holding onto other key men really is a testament to the project they’re building at Elland Road.

Phillips attracted interest from three Premier League outfits in the summer whilst Mateusz Klich was linked with Burnley.

If you consider Kinnear’s words, they might have been long gone if Radrizzani wasn’t at the helm.

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Speaking to club media, as shared by The Peterborough Telegraph, Director of Football Barry Fry of Peterborough United has shared an update on Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of defender Benjamin Mensah.

The Lowdown: Spurs make enquiry…

First breaking the news, Sky Sports (13 Jan, 12:46) claimed that Spurs had made an enquiry to sign the 19-year-old amid manager Antonio Conte’s hunt for a right-wing back.

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Alasdair Gold says that the search for a player in that position is among the Italian’s and transfer chief Fabio Paratici top priorities for January with Mensah now attracting interest.

It is believed that the young ace would go straight into Tottenham’s Under-23s set up as the club seemingly look at RWB options for the future also, with Mensah capable of slotting in there as well as in a traditional back four.

The Latest: Fry confirms talks with Spurs…

As per club chief Fry, Spurs do indeed hold an interest and have ‘suggested one or two things’, with the Peterborough chief revealing he has in fact ‘talked to Tottenham’.

“I have talked to Tottenham and they have suggested one or two things to me,” he explained.

“Which I told the manager and the chairman about but they were adamant it was a no. Tottenham are still monitoring the situation.”

The Verdict: Interesting development…

It’s not everyday club officials come out to confirm transfer rumours, so this comes as an interesting development.

In terms of Mensah, he could be a brilliant option for the future with Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson already raving over the teenager after he signed his first professional contract.

The former Manchester United player called his youngster ‘aggressive’ and ‘excellent’ in one-vs-one situations with the English-born Ghanian ace seemingly one to watch out for.

If Tottenham can get him over the line and reach an agreement with The Posh, it’ll be fascinating to see his development at N17.

In other news: ‘This will excite Tottenham fans…’ – Sky Sports drop major live TV transfer claim, find out more here.

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans have been left pleading for the signing of Fulham forward Fabio Carvalho after an update from reliable in-the-know insider ExWHUemployee.

Hammers boss David Moyes is thought to be keen on the 19-year-old Championship starlet alongside a host of other Premier League clubs, with Southampton, Tottenham and Liverpool also said to be watching on (TEAMtalk).

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Fulham hold fears that he has already agreed to move away from Craven Cottage, with the talented teenager still yet to pen a contract extension in west London (TEAMtalk).

As things stand, the winger can leave as a free agent in the summer, and Ex believes that West Ham could well be in contention.

According to the insider, via his West Ham Way website, Carvalho is personally seen by Moyes as an alternative to long-time target Jesse Lingard, whose apparent recent comments about his future caused some consternation among the east London fan base.

While a move is more likely in the summer when the 19-year-old is a free agent, ExWHUemployee refuses to rule out the possibility of a late January swoop, believing that the story ‘could change’.

West Ham fans plead for Carvalho…

Taking to Twitter, many West Ham fans have pleaded with the club to sign the talented teenager after this insider claim, and it’s not hard to see why.

Dubbed a ‘very exciting’ player by one-time Premier League Golden Boot winner Kevin Phillips, Carvalho’s eight goals and two assists in 17 Championship appearances for Fulham highlight his sky-high potential. For a cheaper fee or on a Bosman in the summer, this potential move is certainly enough to excite the Irons faithful.

Check out some of the best reactions from West Ham fans to this news below:

“Would definitely favour a move for Carvalho”

Credit: @whufcopinions

“Thinking he’s gonna be free and available in the summer 🥱🥱 get Carvalho in now. Kid’s a baller”

Credit: @JoshHarris44

“PLEASE”

Credit: @mako_zzv

“This should be one of our main targets this window alongside a CB and ST”

Credit: @NathWHU

“This over Lingard would be a better deal”

Credit: @j1mrphy

“Absolute baller so I’d be buzzing if we signed him but probably don’t need him unless we can get rid of Yarmo”

Credit: @oliverrrwhu

In other news: ExWHUemployee also says West Ham are set for talks as they chase agreement for ‘quality’ 25 y/o, find out more here.

According to reports by Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie (via GIVEMESPORT), Atlético Madrid right-back Kieran Trippier remains eager to join Newcastle United, despite reports of the Magpies facing obstacles in their pursuit.

The Lowdown

Trippier arrived at Atlético Madrid in 2019 following a £20m move from Tottenham Hotspur. Since his arrival in Spain, the 31-year-old has been an integral part of Diego Simeone’s side, having made 85 appearances for Los Rojiblancos.

This season, Simeone has utilised the England international more prominently as a right midfielder, compared to his traditional right-back role.

However, with his contract set to expire in the summer of 2023, Trippier is keen to secure himself one final big-money contract.

The Latest

Football Insider have previously reported that talks had stalled due to the player’s wage demands, with the 31-year-old seeking a three-and-a-half year deal worth £22m.

However, according to reports by Downie (via GIVEMESPORT), Trippier remains seriously interested at the prospect of securing a Premier League switch to Newcastle, with the player believing that this could be final chance to secure one last lucrative contract.

This comes as Downie feels that the full-back is hoping to seal a move back to England following his two-and-a-half year stint for the Spanish champions.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: “From what I’m hearing, I think the player would be keen to come. I think he’s ready for a move back to England and probably realises he’s got one big contract left in his career, so Newcastle would tick those boxes for him.”

The Verdict

With Newcastle sitting 19th in the Premier League table, it is evident that Eddie Howe needs to strengthen his leaky backline, as his team have picked up just four points in six matches with the former Bournemouth manager in charge this season.

With this in mind, Trippier could prove to be the perfect addition to the Magpies’ squad. England manager Gareth Southgate has said that, ever since arriving in Spain, the 31-year-old has become a ‘defensive animal’ who is ‘trusted by one of the best and most successful coaches in the world’ in Simeone.

Having made 107 appearances in the Premier League already, Trippier could provide the much-needed experience that Newcastle’s backline so desperately needs as they seek to retain their top-flight status.

In other news: 36-cap attacker who Alan Shearer called ‘superb’ is now open to joining Newcastle