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Garth le Roux, the former South Africa fast bowler, has been sentenced to four years in jail for tax fraud

Cricinfo staff05-Dec-2008Garth le Roux, the former South Africa fast bowler, has been sentenced to four years in jail for tax fraud. His accountant, Deon van Heerden, has also been sentenced for the same term.The sentence was handed down in Cape Town’s Wynberg Regional Court on Friday morning.”A message that people with big cheque books can buy their way out of prison is wrong,” said Magistrate Jackie Redelinghuys.Le Roux’s and Van Heerden’s bail was extended pending their appeal.Both men had been convicted of tax fraud in August – le Roux on three tax fraud counts, and van Heerden on seven. The charged involved more than R1.9m, well above the R500,000 threshold for a minimum 15-year sentence.The charges stemmed from issues relating to the tax of commissions that le Roux earned as an agent selling property at an upmarket gold estate near George, in South Africa’s Western Cape province.

Leicester City have had a successful transfer window so far, bringing in several astute acquisitions, but now they must focus their attention on offloading their fringe players.

What’s the story?

The likes of Dennis Praet and Ayoze Perez have been linked with moves away from the King Power Stadium throughout the summer to no avail, yet one man is still reportedly attracting strong interest from a potential suitor.

According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle United remain keen on securing Hamza Choudhury on a loan deal before the August 31 deadline and are pushing to get the deal over the line.

Choudhury was first identified as a target by the Magpies in January, and manager Steve Bruce is determined to finally secure his transfer target over the coming weeks.

He’s not good enough

After making his first-team debut for the Midlands outfit back in 2017, the £6.3m-rated youngster was tipped to have a very successful career by many impressed onlookers.

The former England Under-21 international has gone on to make 72 appearances for his boyhood club in the subsequent four years, although he’s never made more than ten Premier League starts in a single campaign.

He was criticised by former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder and TalkSPORT pundit Jamie O’Hara for a heavy challenge in the Young Lions’ European Under-21 Championships opener with France in 2019.

“It’s a silly tackle in his own box. It’s a red anywhere on the pitch. They’re going to struggle now to fill that role while he’s banned,” O’Hara said, and his progress has been stunted ever since.

The likes of Wilfried Ndidi and Youri Tielemans have kept Choudhury on the bench for large spells over the last couple of campaigns, limiting him to just 22 outings in all competitions throughout 2020/21, and the arrival of Boubakary Soumare is expected to force him further down the pecking order.

With Brendan Rodgers’ charges achieving consecutive fifth-place finishes and a maiden FA Cup crown under the Northern Irish tactician’s tutelage, it’s easy to understand why the Leicester manager has been so reluctant to give Choudhury more game time.

A hugely disappointing 6.19 WhoScored rating last term showcases he’s not currently good enough to force his way into the starting XI at the King Power Stadium, meaning a temporary move away could be the best solution for all parties.

And, in other news, Leicester handed a blow in pursuit of “magical” £18m-rated gem, Rodgers will be gutted…

There might be doubts over a number of spots in the Australian set-up, but the coach Tim Nielsen is not one of them

Cricinfo staff23-Dec-2008
Tim Nielsen and Ricky Ponting have had a tough time since the India tour © Getty Images
There might be doubts over a number of spots in the Australian set-up, but the coach Tim Nielsen is not one of them after having his contract extended by two years. Nielsen replaced John Buchanan last year and was originally signed until the end of the 2009 Ashes.Matthew Hayden and Brett Lee have been out of form since the India series and there has been no sign of a long-term spinner emerging, but Cricket Australia is looking for stability and Nielsen will be in charge until the 2011 World Cup. Since Nielsen, 40, has been in charge he has overseen eight Test wins, four draws and four losses. However, in the past year that has included the loss of the CB Series, a 2-0 defeat in India and the record-breaking result for South Africa in Perth on Sunday.”We continue to be impressed by the way he goes about his job,” James Sutherland, Cricket Australia’s chief executive, said. “We’re obviously delighted that Tim’s going to be with us for this extended period and we know that players and administrators have great confidence in his ability.”Nielsen has admitted he has a tough three years ahead, what with Australia in transition after the retirement of some legends and a few ageing players. “There will be change. We’ve seen that over the last 12 months or so,” Nielsen said. “Everyone keeps reminding us that [Justin] Langer, [Shane] Warne, [Glenn] McGrath, [Damien] Martyn, [Adam] Gilchrist and [Brad] Hogg have moved on. We haven’t lost every Test we’ve played. We’ve been competitive more often than not. We’ve seen some young kids come into the group.”When I accepted the job last year, one of the things which drew me to the role was working with the young kids and trying to help them to come through and have an impact. We’ve seen the Mitchell Johnsons of the world do that over the last 12 months. It doesn’t happen overnight.”Apart from Michael Clarke, all of Australia’s Test batsmen are 33 or older with Hayden struggling at 37, while the fast bowlers Lee and Stuart Clark are 32 and 33 respectively.”A lot of the older guys have still got relatively young bodies and it’s a different game to the 1980s and 1990s when I played,” Nielsen said. “Being in the 30s now, with the support you get around the team these days you can play until you’re 37 or 38 so I expect some of them will play two, three or four more years yet.”

Sky Sports journalist Michael Bridge would have liked to have seen Cristian Romero and Toby Alderweireld play together for Tottenham.

Alderweireld departed the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer after six years with Spurs.

The 32-year-old made 236 appearances during his time in north London, scoring nine goals and assisting a further five, before joining Qatari side Al-Duhail for a fee reported to be £13m this summer [The Guardian].

Cristian Romero joined Spurs from Atalanta this summer on a loan with the option to buy for £42.5m [Alasdair Gold]. The defender was named Best Defender in Serie A last season after making 42 appearances for Atalanta, scoring three goals and providing five assists, and he helped the club to a third-place finish Serie A.

But Bridge wanted to see Alderweireld and Romero play together in Spurs shirts, feeling the latter could have done with the former’s experience.

He told Football FanCast: “Romero, top-class centre-half, but he might need a bit of experience in the Premier League and if he’s got Toby with him, that’s what I wanted to see but I suppose it was a pretty good fee and good wage for Toby.”

Spurs got their Premier League campaign off to a brilliant start and kept a clean sheet, beating Manchester City 1-0 last weekend.

A number of Liverpool supporters are delighted after James Pearce claimed that Andy Robertson will sign a new Reds deal in the near future.

Jurgen Klopp’s men have got their season off to a perfect start, winning their opening two Premier League games and not conceding a goal.

Liverpool have done it without the influential Robertson, too, with the Scot still recovering from an ankle injury picked up at the end of pre-season.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359326”]

Kostas Tsimikas has performed admirably in the absence of the Scot, filling in impressively at left-back and proving that there is depth in that area.

Robertson remains the undisputed first-choice in that position, though, and Liverpool will be keen to tie him down to a new contract, having done so with several other key players in recent weeks.

According to The Athletic journalist Pearce on The Red Agenda podcast [via LFC Transfer Room on Twitter], the defender’s new deal should be sorted imminently.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/the-latest-liverpool-transfer-news-10/” title=”The latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Liverpool fans react to Robertson news

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to show their happiness at Pearce’s prediction about Robertson’s Anfield future.

“Get in la”

Credit: @SharafJuhayr

“Let’s gooo. Best LB in the world staying with us!”

Credit: @LFCLover_1

“Sign him up for life!!!!”

Credit: @Garth_82

“What a day”

Credit: @DiogoJotaFC20

“Dear Robbo”

Credit: @englishjen2

“We also seem to keep doing this, which isn’t as sexy but does protect the current squad”

Credit: @TomGFootball

In other news, some Liverpool fans have reacted negatively to a fresh transfer rumour. Read more here.

Mohammad Ashraful, the Bangladesh captain, said the team were relieved after levelling the series 1-1 in Mirpur

Cricinfo staff21-Jan-2009
A win keeps Bangladesh’s hopes alive in the three-match series © PA Photos
Mohammad Ashraful, the Bangladesh captain, said the team were relieved after levelling the series 1-1 in Mirpur. Facing the prospect of a series loss against a team ranked below them, Bangladesh battled hard for a six-wicket victory on Wednesday, and the captain believes they will definitely win the three-match contest if they play at their best in the decider on January 23.”It was an important match for us and I am just feeling good,” Ashraful said. “It could have been more convincing but we won the match and are now looking forward to the last game.”Ashraful was happy with the performance of the bowlers, but expressed concern over the team’s inability to bowl out Zimbabwe. After 18.3 overs, the tourists were in trouble at 47 for 6, but managed to survive 50 overs and post 160 on the board, a competitive total given the low-scoring affairs that have taken place in the past week in Mirpur.”After reducing Zimbabwe to 47 for 6, we tried hard to break the seventh-wicket [stand] between [Sean] Williams and [Prosper] Utseya, who adopted a defensive strategy,” Ashraful said. “Even though they had a 96-run stand, it was a slow partnership. We did not give runs freely.”Naeem [Islam] bowled well so did Shakib [Al Hasan] during that partnership. We could not pick wickets because they did not play any lofty shots. They just stuck to the basics and took singles or doubles.”Bangladesh’s decision to have a think-tank has also helped, Ashraful said. “We do have a group of five, which sits and analyses games and performances and also plans for the future. I think it was a positive step we have taken and I am sure it will yield positive results in the future.”One decision Bangladesh got right on the day was at the toss, where they chose to field. Ashraful admitted he had erred in batting first in the series opener, which Zimbabwe won by two wickets after Bangladesh were dismissed for 124. “I think that my decision to bat first in the first match was a wrong one and we also batted badly in that match,” he said. “We all looked at the wicket first and then decided that if we win the toss we would field first. The wicket was also better than Monday and I think even if we batted first on this wicket it wouldn’t have been a problem. Our batters and fielders were also good today.”Ashraful managed only 5 in a chase guided by Mehrab Hossain jnr and Raqibul Hasan, taking his tally to 71 in six ODIs this year. He was caught at short cover while swinging at a wide delivery off left-arm spinner Ray Price. “Yes, it was a bad shot, but it could have been better had I hit on top or below of the ball.”I will try to play better in the next match and put on some runs on the board. I am not thinking of the captaincy as I am getting support from all and I am trying my best.”

Legspinner Rawl Lewis will stay on as captain of the Windward Islands team after resolving differences between him and team manager Lockhart Sebastien

Cricinfo staff30-Jan-2009Legspinner Rawl Lewis will continue as captain of the Windward Islands team after an emergency meeting organised by the region’s cricket board managed to resolve differences between him and team manager Lockhart Sebastien. Lewis had announced his resignation on January 26 after Windward’s 166-run loss to Trinidad and Tobago in the regional four-day competition.However, at an emergency meeting of the Windward Islands Cricket Board , Lewis was asked to reconsider his decision, the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) reported. Sources told CMC that Lewis’ decision was not only prompted by the team’s string of defeats but also by the strained relationship with Sebastien, which worsened after the defeat in Trinidad.At the meeting it was decided that Sebastien should avoid making public statements that were not in the players’ best interests. The meeting, which was attended by board president Emmanuel Nanthan and chief executive Lennox Grant, took place after the separate discussions with the management team and the players.Windward Islands’ play Combined Campuses and Colleges in Barbados in thefourth round of the regional competition, which starts on January 30.

Jack Clarke looks set to remain at Tottenham Hotspur this summer after changing his mind on moving away from the London giants on a temporary basis, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Clarke has found first-team chances hard to come by at Spurs

Despite being regarded as a prodigious young talent within Enfield circles, Clarke has rarely gained an opportunity to stake any sort of claim for a first-team opportunity at the Lilywhites since signing from Leeds United in 2019 [BBC].

Sandwiched between loan spells at former club Leeds, Queens Park Rangers and Stoke City, the 20-year-old has made just four appearances for Spurs in all competitions [Transfermarkt].

The Latest: Clarke has turned his back on a Spurs exit this summer

As relayed by a source close to Tottenham Hotspur at Football Insider, Clarke has turned down the opportunity to move away from N17 this summer, despite holding talks with three clubs over a loan switch.

He will now continue with Spurs’ under-23 set up, whilst playing opportunities at senior level could present themselves in cup competitions such as the Carabao Cup and Europa Conference League.

The Verdict: Clarke U-turn may help with squad depth at Spurs

Lacking depth on the right flank, this news may come actually prove to be a positive turn of events as Tottenham look to fight for silverware on numerous fronts.

Capable of linking attacking passages of play effectively, the York native recorded a passing accuracy of 84.2% for the Lilywhites in 2020/21 [WhoScored].

He is known for his capability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations, whilst was labelled as ‘excellent’ by Leeds United icon Noel Whelan in an interview in 2018 [BBC Radio Leeds via HITC].

Moving forward, Spurs could so a lot worse than to integrate Clarke further into the first team squad, giving him a platform to succeed at the elite level.

In other news, Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer strategy on deadline day has become clearer. Find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur had two bids rejected by Wolverhampton Wanderers for Adama Traore this summer but could return for a third attempt in 2022, report the Birmingham Mail.

The Lowdown: Paratici’s failed attempts

Traore, 25, was on Fabio Paratici’s watchlist for most of the summer transfer window and two offers were rejected by Wolves. A £5million loan proposal with an option to buy next summer was turned down before a £30million deadline day offer was also rejected.

The Spain international has only two years on his remaining contract at the club and has ambitions to return to European football after reaching the quarter-final of the Europa League with the Wanderers two seasons ago.

It’s reported that Wolves weren’t willing to listen to any offers below £50million and now have their star man for at least the next four months.

The Latest: Traore still have the option to extend

Per the latest story by the Birmingham Mail, Wolves plan to revisit Traore’s contract situation, but know he ‘could quite easily leave in one of the next two transfer windows’, opening the door for Paratici and Spurs.

The report also claims that Fosun, Wolves’ Chinese owners, won’t risk losing Traore on a free, meaning Spurs could attempt a third bid to purchase the former Barcelona man in one of the next two transfer windows.

‘If Traore continues in this rich vein of form between now and January and doesn’t sign a new deal, Wolves will contemplate cashing in once more,’ the repot claims.

The Verdict: Perfect for Nuno

Its clear that Nuno liked what he saw from Traore whilst they worked together at Wolves, with the now Spurs boss hailing the speedster as ‘very special’.

He has also been praised for his early-season performances by former Spurs striker Darren Bent. Speaking to talkSPORT (via The Spurs Web), Bent said: “His performances have been really good. He’s looked unstoppable.”

If Spurs’ good start continues, they will be hard to turn down if they come calling again, and given the winger’s hot start to the season together with his previous experience under Nuno, it certainly feels like the perfect move for both player and club.

Brydon Coverdale presents the Plays of the day from the third day of the first Test between South Africa and Australia

Brydon Coverdale at the Wanderers28-Feb-2009
Is this a question? Is this an answer? © Getty Images
Referring to what?
There was widespread confusion at the Wanderers when Ricky Ponting made a quick decision to refer Steve Bucknor’s not-out call for an appeal for a leg-side catch off JP Duminy. The players and umpires stood around waiting for a decision but the TV coverage didn’t cut to the replays. After a couple of minutes, the players started making their way back to their positions to resume the over while Ponting and Bucknor had an animated chat. There was uncertainty over whetherPonting had withdrawn the referral but it turned out the relevant TV camera had broken down and the third umpire couldn’t see any footage. When the replays were finally found after play resumed there was no evidence that Duminy had hit the ball.Peer support
Not a single decision has been overturned as a result of the referral system in this Test. Billy Bowden gave Bucknor a pat on the back when his decision to send Neil McKenzie on his way lbw was backed up by Asad Rauf on referral. Then came a couple of occasions when Bowden’s line-ball calls were upheld. Mark Boucher was adjudged caught-behind and was clearly convinced he hadn’t hit it, although Rauf couldn’t see any hard evidence to disagree with Bowden. Then Andrew McDonald was certain he had AB de Villiers lbw. Bowden said noand though it could easily have been given out, again there was no firm proof for Rauf to overturn the call.Take my advice …
McKenzie’s lbw looked out to most observers and it was a surprise when he asked for a referral. Perhaps the fact that Bucknor took so long to adjudicate placed some doubt in McKenzie’s mind. His partner at the time, de Villiers, wasn’t in any such doubt. “He asked me and I said it looked out,” de Villiers said. “He said we’ll take a chance and it’s worth taking a chance, it could be outside the line it could have run down [leg side] but it looked pretty plumb from where I wasstanding and that’s what I told him but he was adamant he should use the referral.”The one that got away
Ironically, the one decision that would have been overturned came at a time when South Africa declined to use their referral. Morne Morkel bounced Phillip Hughes and there was a big appeal as he tried to fend the ball down and it sailed through to Boucher. Graeme Smithdidn’t ask for a referral and it was a shame for South Africa – the replays showed there was some glove and Hughes would have been out for 21.A fillip for Phillip
After his ugly duck in the first innings of his debut, Hughes was again desperate to get off the mark in the second innings. However, he took a more cautious approach. A clip off the legs for a single in the first over could have been the moment he was waiting for, except that Bucknor called it a leg-bye. But in the next over a cracking four through cover off Makhaya Ntini gave South African fans their first look at Hughes’ skill.Decisions, decisions
Ponting doesn’t like to enforce the follow-on – he has done it only twice in his time as Test captain – and despite taking a first-innings advantage of 246 and despite the potential for rain in the next couple of days, he again declined to send South Africa in a second time. It meant he faced the tough call of how long to bat to allow his bowlers time to dismiss South Africa a second time, which in turn made it even stranger that he accepted the umpires’ offer to go off for bad lightwith an hour and a half of play still remaining.Tackling a hard Steyn
As a crocodile and several Australian batsmen have discovered in the past few months, Steyn is not a man you want to antagonise. Peter Siddle clearly hasn’t learnt that lesson. While Steyn tried to help South Africa push past the follow-on mark, Siddle peppered him with a barrage of bouncers. It was brave but also the kind of tactic that will come back to haunt Australia’s No. 10. Siddle wasn’t worried. “It’s part of Test cricket isn’t it?” he said. “Everyone is going to cop it one day. It’s going to happen to me. There’s plenty more times I’m going to get bounced out there so I don’t think I have to worry about just him.”