England MD optimistic that fast bowler will be ready to play ‘one or two’ Tests against India

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Dec-2024

Rob Key has conceded that Jofra Archer’s decision to play in the IPL next year will put him “a couple of months behind” schedule in his attempted Test comeback. However, the league’s new rules left the ECB’s management feeling unable to deny him the opportunity to earn two seasons’ wages.Archer has not played a Test since February 2021 due to back and elbow issues, but has been injury-free in 2024. His chances of a comeback increased this week when he signed an extension to his central contract, which now runs beyond the 2025-26 Ashes, while Ben Stokes said that Archer remains “very interested” in returning to Test cricket.Key, England’s managing director, had initially planned for him to play for Sussex in the County Championship in April and May to build up his workload ahead of England’s Test series against India in June and July. But under new regulations, missing the IPL’s mega-auction would have rendered Archer ineligible for the subsequent mini-auction as well, at significant financial cost.Archer’s name was on the initial longlist of names circulated to IPL franchises before the auction but he did not feature on the shortlist, with the ECB making the case that they were still managing his injuries. But after clarification from the BCCI, he was added back to the shortlist and was bought for INR 12.5 crore (£1.18m) by Rajasthan Royals, following a bidding war with Mumbai Indians.”Jofra is always brilliant to deal with,” Key said, in an interview on Wisden Cricket Weekly’s Patreon channel. “We were like, ‘The best thing might be to miss the IPL this year and get yourself ready, and we’ll start building your loads up… if you can get through a bit of Championship cricket, and then you can start the Test summer. He was happy with that.Related

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“But we had to look and see what India were going to do with [the IPL’s rules]. We thought that we could make the case that he’s still in part of a managed workload period. The problem with that was he was then bowling with two slips and a gully and bowling 90mph in the T20s in the West Indies, so it’s hard to make the case that he’s injured when he’s bowling like that.”They [the BCCI] came back after a bit of back-and-forth and said, ‘Well no, he won’t be allowed to go into this year, next year from then on. So then you start thinking that could be about $4 million that he loses out on there, and I don’t then feel… then it’s on him, really. You say, ‘Jof, what do you want to do? This is your career, your life. You’ll still be able to play Test cricket.'”We believe there’s a lot of water to go under the bridge for that, but we still think he’ll be alright. We’ll just be a couple of months behind… So then Jofra decided that he felt the best thing for him was to go into the IPL [auction], which we had no issue with, and then do that loading throughout the IPL and get himself ready for the Test series that way.”Key still believes Archer could be “one of the best bowlers” England have ever had and that he could play a role against India – though cautioned that he will not be an automatic selection. “The plan is that he’ll be ready to play,” he said. “He was only ever going to play one or two Tests this summer, probably – at a push, three.”He’s also got to get in the team now. I think he could be one of the best bowlers we’ve had, but he’s got to find form. He’s got to be able to show that he can sustain it through a whole four-day game. It’s not a case that he’s fit, so he just comes into play. We’ve got some very good bowlers around now… I don’t see any reason why he can’t [return to Tests].”Key admitted that his decision-making as managing director has been informed in part by his concern that franchises will offer England players year-round deals which are so lucrative that they opt out of their central contracts. “You don’t know what other governing bodies are going to do,” he said. “We’re very much in a new world.”I don’t think we want to be in a place where centrally-contracted England players walk away from English cricket… Let’s say a franchise signs someone for $2 million to play all year round: we won’t see them for England. These franchise owners, they won’t say, ‘Oh, that’s fine, we’ll pay them $2 million and you go and bowl them 20 overs a day in a Test match.'”

Matthew Waite stars with bat and ball as opponents’ survival hopes dwindle

ECB Reporters Network28-Sep-2024Lancashire’s relegation from Division One of the Vitality County Championship was confirmed on the third day of their final match of the 2024 campaign against Worcestershire at Visit Worcestershire New Road.After bowling out the home side for 180, Lancashire were themselves then dismissed for 177 in 55.1 overs.Their fate was sealed as relegation rivals Nottinghamshire and Warwickshire picked up sufficient points from their meeting at Trent Bridge to both guarantee their own safety.Lancashire’s fall from grace has been rapid after finishing runners-up in 2022, when they came so close to winning the title, and then fourth 12 months ago.The make-up of their side has altered from two years ago with players leaving, call-ups to franchise cricket and injuries.The Red Rose county have suffered four innings defeats in a season for the first time in their history, including three in succession.It was their fourth relegation from the top flight since last winning the title in 2011 – in 2012, 2014, 2018 and now 2024.Worcestershire had already guaranteed their own safety with a game to spare and now have their sights on trying to secure a top six finish.They resumed on 119 for 7 and Matthew Waite completed an excellent half-century off just 37 balls with four sixes and two fours.He was given staunch support by Logan van Beek during a free-flowing partnership of 84 from 15 overs.Waite (60) eventually fell to Anderson Phillip when he went for a pull through midwicket but gloved the ball to Keaton Jennings at second slip.Joe Leach, in his final match before retiring, received a standing ovation from supporters on his way to the wicket but made only two before he was bowled off the inside edge to give Phillip his fifth wicket.Van Beek and Jack Home added 26 useful runs for the final wicket before the former on 48 from 70 balls chopped on to George BaldersonPhillip finished with figures of 13-2-65-5 and Tom Bailey 15-5-22-3.Lancashire were left 35 minutes batting before lunch and they suffered an early setback.Skipper Jennings drove at a widish delivery from Waite and the ball flew to Rob Jones who held onto a head high chance at second slip.Josh Bohannon had an escape in the same over before he had scored when Waite failed to hold onto a sharp one-handed return catch away to his rightBut there was another breakthrough when Harry Singh pushed forward to Leach and was caught behind.The wickets continued to tumble after lunch when Bohannon attempted to work Leach to leg and was lbw.It became 30 for 4 when Rocky Flintoff attempted a straight drive and was also leg before.Keeper Matty Hurst and George Bell tried to repair the damage and added 43.But Hurst gave his wicket away when he tamely clipped Waite to Home at mid wicket.Home came into the attack and accounted for Luke Wells (38) who lost his middle stump working to leg.Waite picked up a third scalp when George Bell missed a straight ball and was lbw.Ethan Brookes added to Lancashire’s woes in his first over after tea as Bailey became another lbw victim to a delivery which cut back.Determined resistance came from Phillip and Balderson who added 56 for the ninth wicket.But the innings was wrapped up with Balderson (38) caught low down by Waite at mid-on off Brookes and then Phillip (30) was collected at cover by Brookes off van Beek.Bad light halted play at 5.10pm after one over of Worcestershire’s second innings.

Temba Bavuma has been ruled out of the first Test in Bangladesh after scans revealed a muscle strain in his left triceps. Aiden Markram will lead South Africa for the first Test, in Dhaka from October 21. With Nandre Burger earlier ruled out of the series because of a lumbar stress reaction, Dewald Brevis and Lungi Ngidi have been added to the squad.A CSA statement said that Bavuma will “travel with the squad to Dhaka on Tuesday and continue his recovery under the supervision of the Proteas medical team in preparation for the second Test”, which will start in Chattogram on October 29.On October 6, Bavuma was ruled out of the third and final ODI against Ireland with what was understood to be an elbow injury. He had retired hurt during the second ODI, on October 4, and didn’t field in that match. Rassie van der Dussen led South Africa in Bavuma’s absence, with Markram rested for that series.Brevis, CSA said, has been called up “as cover” for Bavuma. He hasn’t played a Test match yet – he has only played two T20Is so far – but has played 12 first-class matches, most recently for South Africa A against Sri Lanka A in Benoni, where he scored 49 and 74 in a five-wicket loss.Ngidi, who played all three ODIs against Ireland in Abu Dhabi, picking up two-fors in the first two matches, now completes the fast-bowling department which also has Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson and Wiaan Mulder, the allrounder.

South Africa Test squad for Bangladesh tour

Temba Bavuma (capt), David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram (capt for first Test), Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Dane Paterson, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Kyle Verreynne (wk)

While it wasn’t a disaster, it’s hard to deny that last season was a disappointment for Arsenal.

Instead of finally getting over the line and winning the Premier League at the third time of asking, Mikel Arteta’s side had to make do with another second-place finish.

However, it wasn’t all doom and gloom, as the North Londoners made it to the Champions League semi-finals for just the third time in their history, and when fit, Bukayo Saka was once again one of the best players in the country.

Appearances

37

Starts

30

Minutes

2619′

Goals

12

Assists

14

Goal Involvements per Match

0.70

Minutes per Goal Involvement

100.73

Even though he missed almost four months of action, the Hale Ender managed to amass a sensational tally of 12 goals and 14 assists in 37 games.

Yet, to reach yet another level next year, the 23-year-old may need some more assistance, which is why fans should be excited about reports linking Arsenal to a world-class winger who’d be a dream teammate for Saka.

Arsenal's winger search

With the need for attacking reinforcements undeniable, it’s not been much of a surprise to see that, alongside the strikers, Arsenal have been linked with a host of dangerous wingers this summer.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

One of the names that has been heavily linked with the Gunners has been Chelsea ace Noni Madueke.

The Englishman was good enough for the Blues last season, racking up a tally of 16 goal involvements in 41 games, but with a price tag of up to £50m, it’s easy to understand why some fans would be hesitant.

Moreover, it’s hard to see the former PSV Eindhoven ace being a dream winger addition for Saka, which isn’t the case when it comes to Rodrygo.

According to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal remain very interested in the Real Madrid star.

The report has revealed that even though fellow Premier League sides Liverpool and Chelsea are also keen on the Brazilian international, the Gunners are in ‘a favourable position’ to secure his services, and have expressed a willingness to meet the financial demands of Los Blancos to make it happen.

According to stories from earlier this summer, the fee needed to bring the winger to North London is likely to be around £78m.

That’s certainly a lot of money to spend on one player, but Rodrygo would be worth it, and Saka’s dream winger signing.

Why Rodrygo would be a dream signing for Saka

As things stand, Saka is the only world-class attacker at Arsenal, and the fact that he was the club’s most productive player despite missing over three months of action last season only reinforces this point.

So, the first reason Rodrygo would be the Hale Ender’s dream winger signing is that the Brazilian’s output would help alleviate some of the immense pressure on him.

For example, since the start of the 23/24 campaign, the “world-class superstar,” as dubbed by Luka Modrić, has scored 32 goals and provided 20 assists in 106 appearances, totalling 7229 minutes.

That works out to a goal involvement every 2.03 games, or every 139.01 minutes, which is impressive enough in isolation, but is made all the more so when you take into account the fact he was played out of his preferred left-wing position for most of that period.

Moreover, the former Santos gem has shown himself to be capable of scoring massive goals in season-defining games – think back to the game against Manchester City – and so he’d be able to help the Gunners’ number seven realise his ambitions of winning major honours.

However, it’s not all down to what he can do on the pitch alongside the Ealing-born monster.

The second reason he’d be a dream addition for the 23-year-old is that, thanks to his versatility, he’d be able to fill in on the right when needed and, in turn, allow the Englishman to rest when needed.

This could help the talismanic international avoid fatigue-related injuries and prolong his career at the highest level.

Ultimately, from his output and big game experience to the ability to play off the right when needed, Rodrygo would be the dream winger signing for Saka.

Therefore, while it won’t be cheap, Arsenal should do everything possible to bring him to the Emirates this summer.

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da realbet： Looking to add to their Ibrox arrivals after confirming Max Aarons, the 49ers and Glasgow Rangers are reportedly ready to win the race to sign a player who has been dubbed the ‘Brazilian Paul Pogba’.

Aarons "delighted" to join Rangers

da poker： Getting to work straight away after completing their takeover of the club and hiring Russell Martin, the 49ers have already secured both Aarons and young Scotland talent Lyall Cameron. Aarons particularly stands out as an impressive coup on loan from Bournemouth given the experience that he built up in the Premier League.

After arriving at Ibrox, the defender told the club’s website: “I am delighted to be here, as you can see it’s a huge club and you realise that when you walk through the doors, I can’t wait to get going.

“I’ve got a lot of experience now in different leagues and I have played a lot of games. I think I can bring that experience, I can bring a new energy, and I think Rangers fans can be excited – I am really looking forward to it.”

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Martin, equally delighted, then said: “Max is a player who I have always kept a keen eye on since he was emerging through the youth ranks while I was coming to the end of my time at Norwich as a player.

“He is a wonderfully talented player who is hungry to develop, improve and help deliver success for his side. We are pleased to bring him on board for this season, and I believe he will be a fantastic addition to the squad.”

The Scottish giants will be hoping that Aarons’ arrival is the first of many amid links to the likes of Conor Coady and an impressive midfielder who has reportedly been handpicked by the 49ers.

49ers now ready to battle for Metinho

According to The Scottish Sun, the 49ers are now ready to win the race to sign Metinho ahead of Champions League side Basel this summer. The American owners reportedly handpicked the Troyes midfielder as someone they wanted to invest in before arriving at Ibrox and now have the perfect opportunity to do so.

Earning high praise from scout Kai Watson, who described the midfielder as a “strong passer of the ball”, Metinho has also been dubbed the ‘Brazilian Paul Pogba” in the past – highlighting the talent that Rangers could be signing.

Fending off interest from Basel won’t be easy, however, after the 22-year-old spent last season on loan in Switzerland, but the 49ers will be hoping that their newest project will be enough to build a strong case. After Aarons, Metinho would certainly only continue a promising start to Rangers’ summer window.

Looking to make quite the statement, Birmingham City have now reportedly made their first contact in an attempt to hijack Burnley’s move to sign a Dutch talent this summer.

Wagner ready to match Championship's best

After securing promotion back to the Championship in record-breaking fashion last season, Birmingham have their sights set on more than just surviving next season.

They’re keen to avoid the relegation battle altogether and perhaps even cause a great shock in the race for a playoff spot. That ambition isn’t without financial power, either.

The Blues famously splashed out as much as £20m to sign Jay Stansfield from Fulham last season in an unprecedented move in League One. Now, a year later, owner Tom Wagner has ensured fans that they will be doing everything to match the Championship’s very best.

The American recently told reporters: “Our goal is to generate as much revenue as (clubs with) parachute payments do but without having received parachute payments, so ultimately we want to be in a position where we don’t care how many parachute clubs there are because we’re generating the same level or more than they are.

“We look at ourselves and our own opportunity and not pay too much attention to others. If we do things right on our end it will work out just fine.”

Birmingham certainly don’t lack ambition these days and recent transfer rumours have reflected that. The Blues have been linked with Demarai Gray, who would be returning to the club for the first time since leaving as a young star, and could yet pull off a shock loan move to sign Louie Barry from Midlands rivals Aston Villa.

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They’re not the only names on their radar, either. Reports are now suggesting that those at St. Andrew’s have already made their first move in an attempt to hijack one of Burnley’s summer targets.

Birmingham express interest in Hansen

As reported by Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph, Birmingham have now expressed interest in signing Sontje Hansen from NEC Nijmegen this summer.

The Dutch winger has been the subject of interest from Burnley in recent weeks and the Clarets even reportedly saw a loan offer with an obligation to buy worth £3.5m knocked back by Nijmegen.

Allowing the Blues to move in, it remains to be seen whether they decide to lodge a more suitable offer to sign Hansen in the coming months and send a damming statement to clubs in Burnley’s position.

Since being described as “prolific” by scout Jacek Kulig at the start of his career, Hansen hasn’t quite hit the heights expected, but after scoring seven goals in all competitions last season, it’s clear that he’s still capable of providing a much-needed outlet. Dropping down from the Eredivisie to the Championship would certainly do him no harm in pursuit of his best form, either.

تحدث الإعلامي أحمد شوبير، عن أداء النادي الأهلي خلال الفترة الماضية، مشيدًا بالمدير الفني الجديد ييس توروب، وبالتطور الذي يظهر على الفريق رغم التغييرات الكثيرة في التشكيل الأساسي.

وقال شوبير في تصريحات إذاعية صباح اليوم الأحد: “كنت قد ذكرت في حلقة الخميس الماضي أن النادي الأهلي سيُجري تغييرات عديدة في تشكيلته، وحددت بعض الأسماء التي قد تغيب عن اللقاء، وقد أشرت أيضًا إلى وجود عدد كبير من الغيابات عن الفريق”.

وتابع: “بعض الجماهير ظنت أنني أتحدث عن إصابات، بينما اعتقد آخرون أن الغيابات لأسباب أخرى، لكن من الواضح أن المدير الفني يمتلك أسلوبًا ونهجًا محددًا يجب على الجميع أن يدركه جيدًا، وقد ظهر ذلك بوضوح بعد تصريحاته عقب المباراة”.

وأضاف: “المدير الفني ييس توروب، رغم أنه قاد الفريق في ثلاث مباريات فقط، وليست مباريات قوية جدًا، إلا أنه حقق الفوز في جميعها، وهناك حالة من الرضا لدى الجماهير تجاهه، فقد فاز في مباراة الدوري، وكذلك في مباراتي الذهاب والإياب في دوري أبطال إفريقيا، وبنفس النتيجة (1-0)”.

وأوضح: “كنت قد ذكرت أيضًا أهمية أن يمنح الأهلي اهتمامًا أكبر بتلك المواجهة، ومن سوء حظي أنني لم أكن في مصر وقت المباراة الأولى، فشاهدت ملخصها لاحقًا، وشعرت أن الفريق يقدم كرة جيدة ولكنها تفتقر إلى الفاعلية الهجومية، الفريق حاول اللعب على الأرض، لكنه لم يكن يمتلك الخطورة الكافية، حتى أن الهدف الذي دخل مرماه جاء بصعوبة، وكان نتيجة خطأ من اللاعبين أنفسهم تقريبًا”.

وتابع: “المدرب أجرى بعض التغييرات التي كانت غريبة بالنسبة لي؛ فقد دفع بتريزيجيه بدلًا من بن رمضان، وهو تغيير لم يكن متوقعًا، كما أشرك محمد هاني بدلًا من عبد القادر، ودفع بعمر كمال في مركز هجومي ثم أعاده إلى الخلف، وبعدها أخرج عمر كمال ودفع بياسر إبراهيم، ليزيد من عدد المدافعين خوفًا من الكرات العرضية التي بدأت تُشكل خطورة على دفاع الأهلي”.

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وأضاف: “مصطفى شوبير تعامل ببراعة مع الكرات العرضية، وأنقذ تسديدة قوية في الوقت بدل الضائع، كانت مباراة مهمة له من أجل استعادة الثقة، وكان بحاجة إلى تحقيق مباراة بشباك نظيفة، خاصة في إفريقيا، حيث يمتلك رقمًا قياسيًا بالحفاظ على نظافة شباكه في تسع مباريات متتالية”.

وشدد: “الغريب أن الإعلام الخاص بالنادي الأهلي لم يمنح هذا الإنجاز الاهتمام الكافي، وهو أمر عجيب بالفعل، لكن الأمر الأهم بالنسبة لمصطفى لا يفرق معه، المهم هو الأداء داخل الملعب، وأنا أرى أنه كان يحتاج إلى هذه المباراة لاستعادة ثقته بنفسه”.

واختتم: “أُعجبت كثيرًا برد المدير الفني عندما وُجه إليه سؤال حول إمكانية إجراء مداورة بين محمد الشناوي ومصطفى شوبير، حيث قال: (لم يطرح عليّ أحد هذا السؤال من قبل، لكن لديّ هذه الميزة وسأستفيد منها وقتما أشاء، من دون أن أحدد متى، أحب أن أمنح الثقة لجميع اللاعبين، وقد كنت شجاعًا بالأمس عندما بدأت بهذه التشكيلة المتنوعة)”.

For Hurricanes, who were without usual captain Nathan Ellis, Nikhil Chaudhary was the top scorer, while Chris Jordan led a clinical bowling performance

AAP01-Jan-2025Hobart Hurricanes overcame the late withdrawal of captain Nathan Ellis to hand Sydney Sixers their first BBL loss of the season.Ellis pulled out from Wednesday afternoon’s game at Ninja Stadium with illness, but his bowling team-mates stood up against the table-topping Sixers.Hurricanes posted 161 for 6 and bowled out Sydney for 111 in 19.3 overs to jump to fourth on the ladder with a third win in a row. Chris Jordan picked up 3 for 22, including the big wickets of James Vince early and noted finisher Jordan Silk in the middle overs. He was assisted by fellow import Waqar Salamkheil, who took 2 for 22 with his left-arm wristspin and bowled Kurtis Patterson with one that turned the other way.Allrounder Nikhil Chaudhary was impressive, top-scoring with 42 from 31 deliveries and picking up 1 for 15 with the ball.Sixers, who stay in first place on the ladder, had won four from four prior to the match, while Hurricanes are on the rise after being flogged by Melbourne Renegades in their opening game.Earlier, evergreen Sixers quick Jackson Bird took career-best T20 figures of 4 for 16 on familiar turf in Hobart after his side won the toss and elected to bowl.Jackson Bird returned 4 for 16 but there wasn’t a lot of heroics from the other Sixers bowlers•Getty Images

Bird, the 38-year-old who played for Tasmania for more than a decade, removed big-hitters Matthew Wade, Shai Hope, Ben McDermott and Tim David.Opener Mitchell Owen got Hurricanes off to a brisk start with 33 from 17 balls but couldn’t go on.Returning from a calf injury, Wade was scratchy in a 16-ball 15 and became Bird’s first victim off a nifty caught and bowled. Bird then had West Indian Hope caught behind two balls later as Hurricanes lost three wickets within ten runs.McDermott (34 from 25) came to life in the power surge, hitting 20 off one Hayden Kerr over, but he was undone by Bird, who also returned late to get rid of David via a top edge.Sixers’ chase had a bright spark early when English opener Vince launched a Billy Stanlake delivery over the hill. But they wobbled to 28 for 3 inside the first five overs and couldn’t stem the flow of wickets.Hurricanes spinner Peter Hatzoglou, who replaced Ellis and played his first game of the season, finished with 1 for 15.

Lasith Malinga’s sensational spell saw records tumble

Bharath Seervi06-Sep-20192 – Number of times Lasith Malinga has picked up four wickets in four balls in international cricket, the only bowler to do so. He got Colin Munro, Hamish Rutherford, Colin de Grandhomme and Ross Taylor off successive balls in the third T20I in Pallekelle. Before this, he had achieved it in the 2007 World Cup against South Africa, with the wickets of Shaun Pollock, Andrew Hall, Jacques Kallis and Makhaya Ntini. Rashid Khan is the only other bowler to have taken four wickets in four balls, having done it earlier this year against Ireland in a T20I in Dehradun.ESPNcricinfo Ltd5 – Number of hat-tricks for Malinga in international cricket – three in ODIs and two in T20Is. No other bowler has taken five hat-tricks in international cricket. Wasim Akram had four hat-tricks, two in Tests and ODIs each. Apart from Malinga and Akram, no one else has picked more than two hat-tricks.1 – Malinga became the first to take 100 wickets in men’s T20Is. He had gone past Shahid Afridi’s 98 wickets earlier in this series to become the leading wicket-taker in T20Is.100 – Number of hat-tricks across all three international formats. Malinga’s was the 100th hat-trick. There have been 44 hat-tricks in Tests, 48 in ODIs, and eight in T20Is, by 84 bowlers. England and Australia bowlers have the most – 18 each. Sri Lanka are next with 13, five of them by Malinga.5 for 6 – Malinga’s figures from four overs in the third T20I. Only two bowlers have conceded fewer runs in five-wicket hauls in T20Is – Rangana Herath and Rashid, both taking 5 for 3. This was Malinga’s second five-wicket haul in T20Is, the joint-most. Overall in T20s, it was his fifth five-for, the most by any bowler.

Former Manchester United defender Brandon Williams has been given a lifeline after featuring for Hull City against Sunderland in a pre-season friendly following struggles with mental health.

• Williams features for Hull in pre-season
• Manager keen to hand second chance to ex-Man Utd man
• Follows battle with mental health and driving ban

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Williams left United last summer following the expiry of his contract but was unable to find a new club, having been handed a suspended prison sentence for dangerous driving in 2023. But Hull have taken a chance on the defender, featuring him in their recent pre-season win over Sunderland.

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• (C)Getty Images
  

  WHAT WAS SAID?

  Hull head coach Sergej Jakirovic has opened up on the arrangement, saying: ""I like to help people because everyone deserves a second chance in life," he told Hull Live. "I spoke with him very honestly, and I explained to him what I expect from him.

  "We will be very careful, very, very slow. We have time, so we will try to help him. I think the quality is there because he was on a high level at Man United, so his quality is there. We need him to bring good fitness, and then we will make a decision.

  "For me, his mentality is good. From our conversations, he's a very normal guy. He just asked me yesterday (Monday), 'can I play?' and then I asked him, 'do you feel comfortable to play some minutes?' His desire is there, and so is the hard work.

  "On Saturday [when they played Stockport County at Edgeley Park], we left him here in Hull to carry on training, and so far, everything has gone according to the plan."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Williams has also recently opened up about his struggles with mental health, admitting he could never be openly honest about his feelings during his time at United due to fears over what would happen as a result. Hull have made a major show of support to the young defender by taking him on, where he will hope he can return to the top level.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR WILLIAMS?

  Hull are taking the situation with Williams one step at a time, and it remains to be seen whether he will be signed permanently ahead of the Championship campaign beginning in a few weeks' time.