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Former Manchester United man Keith Gillespie understand why the club are considering handing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a major new contract, telling The Transfer Tavern that the club desperately needs continuity.

The club appointed the Norwegian in December of 2018 on an interim basis but he was given the job on a permanent basis the following March.

Since then, he has not managed to win a trophy, repeatedly falling short, as the club reached three semi-finals last season.

They were beaten by Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final, Manchester City in the EFL Cup semi-final, and Sevilla in the Europa League final four.

United are currently second in the Premier League, and remain in the Europa League, where they will play Granada in the quarter-finals, but The Daily Mirror reports that he is set to sign a new deal worth £30m whether the club lift a trophy this season or not, which would surely have to be seen as a surprise.

And Gillespie thinks that United are simply searching for some continuity, having run through several managers following Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure.

He told TT: “I suppose they want that continuity.

“When you have somebody like Alex Ferguson, who’s manager for 26 or 27 years, and then within a few years you’ve had Moyes, Van Gaal, Mourinho, and then Solskjaer, there is no continuity there.

“Maybe they want that, I think it’s highly important.”

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Marlon Harewood, who made 511 appearances during his career, believes the loss of Aaron Cresswell to injury will be the one West Ham feel the most, with Claret & Hugh suggesting he will once again miss out against Chelsea.

Cresswell limped off during the Hammers’ 3-2 win against Leicester City earlier this month and for the third game in a row, West Ham were 3-0 up before conceding two goals to set up a nail-biting finish.

The £50,000 per week defender has operated as a full back, wing back and centre back this season but it’s his set pieces that West Ham may miss the most, as they have scored the most goals in the Premier League from dead-ball situations (15) this season.

Speaking on why West Ham will miss Cresswell more than any other player and how he has become so integral under David Moyes, Harewood told FFC:

“I think his distribution and how he’s been playing this year has been absolutely fantastic, and I think if we’re talking about players that’ll be a big miss for West Ham he will be one because he works hard, his deliveries are golden and he’s been a fantastic player this year.

“He’s proved himself to be a great asset and obviously he will be one big loss for West Ham and that’s no disrespect to whoever is going to fill in for him.”

This season has been a standout one for Cresswell having racked up seven assists as West Ham have found a secret weapon in scoring from set-pieces.

The former Ipswich Town missed the visit to Newcastle United last weekend, and remains a doubt for the clash against fellow top four challengers Chelsea on Saturday.

Glasgow Rangers supporters group Club 1872 have demanded the sacking of BBC pundit Michael Stewart after his comments regarding the Glen Kamara racism row.

Club 1872 demand Stewart sacking

The Finland international claimed to have been racially abused by Slavia Prague’s Ondrej Kudela during the Gers’ Europa League clash on Thursday.

Speaking on Sportsound in the aftermath, Stewart suggested that Kamara may have misheard Kudela and asked for caution in judging the situation (Daily Record). This has enraged Club 1872, who believe that Stewart is brushing the allegations under the carpet. They released a statement which read, in part:

“Unfortunately we also find ourselves in the position of having to address the behaviour of Michael Stewart in relation to this latest incident of racism directed at a Rangers player. In February 2020, Mr Stewart did his best to use his platform on BBC Scotland to cast doubt on the racist abuse suffered by Alfredo Morelos at Celtic Park, despite someone being charged over the incident. Fast forward one year and he is again refusing to take the personal experience of a black player who has been racially abused at face value.

“We believe Glen Kamara 100%, his account is clear, his and his teammates’ reaction at the time was authentic and it was immediately apparent to anyone with any common sense that something serious had occurred. For racism to be dealt with in football, our default position should be to believe the accounts of those who experience it and seek the corroboration and evidence to allow the authorities to take strong action. For Michael Stewart to take the opposite approach, twice, is a disgrace.

“We are fully aware of Michael Stewart’s desperate quest for attention and we are loath to give him the attention he craves, but this is too serious a matter to allow to pass without comment. BBC Scotland told us last year, following Mr Stewart’s rant at that time, that he had been reminded of his responsibilities. Clearly, that ‘reminder’ has fallen on deaf ears. BBC Scotland’s continuing tolerance of him is further evidence of the institutional decline of the Scottish outpost of the BBC. This latest outburst should be his last and we will watch with interest to see if BBC Scotland now take the action they should have taken over a year ago.”

Strong stance

Stewart’s comments were particularly out of touch. While caution and due process is needed in such a situation, he basically suggested that Kamara may well have got it wrong – given how the scene unfolded at Ibrox, it is hard to believe the Finland international would be making it up. This is not the first time Stewart has had negative things to say about the Gers, either – it is actually something of a regular occurrence.

This is another sad example of racism rearing its ugly head – the last thing we need is for such claims to be dismissed so quickly. As Rio Ferdinand also suggested in the aftermath, Stewart could do well to educate himself on the subject.

In other news, many Rangers fans love this club statement.

Sheffield Wednesday embark on a new era this evening as Darren Moore takes charge of his first game since being appointed as new Owls boss this week.

It’s a crucial match too as they welcome local and relegation rivals Rotherham United to Hillsborough Stadium for a cliched ‘six-pointer.’

A victory would see Wednesday leapfrog the Millers into the final relegation spot, though they’d still be several points away from safety, so Moore needs to get it spot on immediately.

On the Chalkboard

After suffering four consecutive defeats, the latest of which being an almighty collapse against Luton, something has got to change.

Owls interim Neil Thompson reverted back to a 3-5-2 but failed to bring Adam Reach back into the equation at left wing-back, a decision that proved costly as the 28-year-old can be one of their most influential players, on his day.

Indeed, the long-serving utility man has contributed towards five goals in 25 starts (three goals, two assists), which is only bettered by three other players, so he really ought to start.

Reach’s best performances have come on the left side of defence, with average ratings of 7.31 at left-back and 6.59 at left wing-back, as per WhoScored.

He is also amongst the Owls’ most creative players, having averaged 0.8 key passes per 90 minutes, only bettered by two other regular starters, as well as 0.7 accurate crosses per 90, which is only bettered than the same two players – Barry Bannan and fellow wing man, Kadeem Harris.

Interestingly, both of whom started, but Reach didn’t.

Wednesday journalist George Smith emphasised the £2.88m-rated dynamo’s importance to The Athletic, he said: “On his day, Reach can be one of the most influential players in the Championship,” before adding: “He is a very important player for Wednesday.”

Whilst sacked Owls boss Tony Pulis dubbed him a “top player.”

Given the weight of tonight’s result, a player as key as Reach simply has to start.

Moore must kickstart his reign with a win, and his chances will be boosted by deploying the versatile £20k-per-week gem out on that left flank.

AND in other news, Moore appointment could be game-changing for Sheffield Wednesday’s £26k-p/w “match-winner”…

Liverpool will be desperate to avoid yet another home defeat as they face relegation-threatened Fulham at Anfield on Sunday.

The Reds have lost their last five league games on home soil following the 1-0 reverse to Chelsea last time out – a dramatic drop-off from Jurgen Klopp’s champions after a 68-match unbeaten home streak in the Premier League.

It could then be time for the German to refresh his starting XI. So, how will the Liverpool team look this weekend?

There could be as many as three changes to the side which fell to defeat against the Blues.

One of those will not occur in goal, though, where Alisson will continue between the sticks.

The first alteration could be at centre-back. January arrival Ozan Kabak has been labelled as doubtful so may potentially be replaced by fellow winter signing Ben Davies.

Meanwhile, another alteration could also be in prospect in midfield. Thiago Alcantara’s struggles at Anfield continued against Chelsea with a late substitution. It could be time to take the £43.2m-rated Spaniard out of the firing line in place of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, with the ex-Barcelona man posting a WhoScored match rating of less than 7.0 in each of his last six league games.

Otherwise, Georginio Wijnaldum and Curtis Jones should continue in the centre of the park.

Liverpool’s attack may also have a slightly different complexion to it.

Despite Mohamed Salah being substituted against Chelsea, he should continue up top, whilst Roberto Firmino is likely to partner him.

Sadio Mane then should be the one to drop out. The Senegalese has not scored in his last five league matches so dropping him to the bench could be justified, especially with the previously prolific Diogo Jota making his return to action as a substitute on Thursday after his three-month injury layoff.

AND in more news, the Reds have been linked with a move Houssem Aouar – a move that makes perfect sense considering the rumours surrounding Wijnaldum’s future.

Charlton Athletic are on the verge of making a massive mistake over out-of-contract midfielder Jake Forster-Caskey.

The Addicks are starting a new era at The Valley after long-serving midfielder-turned-manager Lee Bowyer swapped south east London for another old home in Birmingham City.

In has come Nigel Adkins, with the side sitting ninth in League One, firmly in the hunt for a playoff spot come to the end of the season. But his job will be made harder if Charlton chief Steve Gallen doesn’t start planning for the future.

And the best place to start would be tying down their most influential player…

On the Chalkboard

The 26-year-old dynamo has now been at the club for five years but is arguably enjoying his best season in an Addicks shirt.

Indeed, Forster-Caskey current ranks as Charlton’s second-best player as per WhoScored ratings, grading at 7.18. Only Preston loanee Jayden Stockley is managing better (7.18).

In 26 league appearances, the £6k-per-week gem has delivered five goals and two assists, which puts him as their third-highest goalscorer, too.

Forster-Caskey offers an industrious box-to-box presence and that’ll be something Adkins will want to keep hold of, if he’s to persist with a 4-4-2 formation. You need someone that can contribute up and down the pitch.

As per WhoScored, the midfielder is averaging two tackles and 1.5 interceptions per game, showing an ability to not only read the game defensively but actually put that intelligence into action, as well as managing to average 1.4 shots and 1.3 key passes per game on top of his direct goal contributions.

Just before his departure, Bowyer emphasised how crucial he is to the team.

“We’ve missed him,” said the 44-year-old to LondonNewsOnline. “Jake will [drive his teammates on]. If you do see your teammate running and fighting and pressing then it has a natural reaction. You have to go with him because if not you stand out like a sore thumb. He does have that impact. He’s been here since day one when I was here. He does have that aura in the dressing room. He has that respect.”

Whilst ex-Addicks boss Karl Robinson has previously lauded him as “unbelievable.”

Letting his contract run down until the end of the season is a dangerous game to play, given his influence on the squad. Gallen is running the risk of seeing one of Adkins’ star players leave for nothing.

That would be catastrophic.

The Charlton director of football must tie the 26-year-old down as soon as possible.

AND in other news, Nigel Adkins could unearth his next Adam Lallana in “improving” 20 y/o gem

Leeds United have been somewhat reliant on Patrick Bamford this season to score the goals upfront. Alex McLeish believes the club need to help the forward out by signing another striker.

What McLeish had to say

McLeish was asked whether Leeds need to sign a new striker, to which he told Football Insider: “Yeah, of course, of course they do, absolutely. Look at Callum Wilson at Newcastle, okay, he’s played up with Andy Carroll and started together the other day there but Andy’s kind of in the last couple of years of his career, I would think, and definitely Bamford is also relied on too much.

“When he doesn’t score, everybody’s almost like: ‘Well Bamford must have been rubbish,’ but there’s a lot of pressure on the guy to keep scoring every single week, it’s the hardest job in the game is scoring goals.”

Should Leeds bolster their attack?

Bamford has been in great form for Leeds so far in the Premier League. The player has proved many doubters wrong, scoring ten goals in 18 appearances (WhoScored). The Englishman has also managed 3.6 shots per game.

Former Premier League star Rob Lee was recently full of praise, saying: “Patrick Bamford has done brilliant, I think he’s done a fantastic job. He’s their focal point, he plays every game.”

The goals he has in England’s top flight puts him in the top seven goal scorers in the division and without them, the Yorkshire-based club would only have scored 20 times this season (SofaScore). To score a third of the teams goals in the Premier League is a great feat and it is understandable to see why McLeish says there is a lot of pressure on his shoulders. After Bamford, there are a few players who are joint second-top goal scorers at the club, but they have only scored three, so adding another prolific striker makes a lot of sense.

In other Leeds news, the club have managed to tie down an exciting prospect. Have a read here!

Many Glasgow Rangers fans are reacting to the latest comments from Steven Gerrard as he revealed that Ryan Jack has still not returned to fitness.

Gerrard was speaking in his press conference earlier today, previewing the League Cup game against St.Mirren. He said: ‘Still no Ryan Jack, he is moving along but not ready. Everyone else is available except Katic.’

This has annoyed a lot of the fan base, with one supporter even saying Jack is the ‘new Rossiter’. Jordan Rossiter was known for being injury prone at Ibrox and missed 94 games due to injury with the Gers (Transfermarkt).

It will be frustrating for all associated with the club, as Jack has started 12 games this season in the Scottish Premiership, but has not featured due to injury since November (Transfermarkt).

While there is no questioning the Scotland international’s talent, this is an issue Gerrard might look to sort out as the player has missed 48 games since May 2018 with various issues. With the Gers progressing well in all competitions, squad depth is massively important, and it looks like they can’t rely on Jack.

Here is what Rangers fans had to say following the news on Ryan Jack:

In other news, Rangers fans are delighted with their latest Europa League draw.

Wolves have started the New Year just as they ended 2020 – inconsistently.

That being said, it hasn’t been without its entertainment. Nuno Santo’s men drew an enthralling encounter 3-3 with Brighton in their first game of 2021 before a scintillating goal from Adama Traore sealed their pathway into round four of the FA Cup.

Attention returns to the Premier League this evening as they welcome an Everton side without the free-scoring Dominic Calvert-Lewin to Molineux.

The Old Gold are still without a number of players through injury so will have to patch a few areas of their squad together.

Nuno is missing Raul Jimenez still, while Willy Boly, Jonny, Marcal and Daniel Podence are all absent through injury. So, who could start for Wolves on Tuesday night?

Well, we’re tipping Nuno to make as many as three changes to the side that defeated Palace in the Cup.

The first change to note is in goal where John Ruddy is dropped to the bench again. Consequently, normal Premier League stopper Rui Patricio is back between the posts.

Another change is in midfield. The £90k-per-week Leander Dendoncker drops to the bench after only just returning from injury. It might be too soon for the Belgian enforcer to play two games in such a short space of time so the talented youngster Vitinha takes his place in the middle of the park.

The final replacement from the manager is in attack. Fabio Silva once again failed to score in the FA Cup and thus, Patrick Cutrone leads the line.

He was recalled from his loan spell with Fiorentina last week but had to settle for a place among the substitutes when they took on the Eagles. He is free to play now, though, and should start at Molineux this evening if Nuno has any sense.

AND in other news, Wolves can find their next Boly with swoop for £1.5m “weapon”, he’s a “great talker”…

According to Radio Solent’s Sports Editor Adam Blackmore, Southampton have ended their deadline day transfer hunt for Arsenal’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

What’s the story?

Recent reports have suggested the 23-year-old was seriously being considered by Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side, with the Gunners open to letting him leave on loan.

But now, Blackmore has claimed that the Saints have ended their interest in the Premier League ace, “after becoming increasingly frustrated in negotiations with his reps”.

The journalist added however that Southampton will continue to pursue other targets.

Hasenhuttl will be fuming

Given the injury crisis that Southampton are in at the moment, both in central midfield and in the full-back areas, Maitland-Niles’ addition on deadline would have been a real coup for Hasenhuttl.

The Arsenal man is as versatile as they come, and would have offered the Saints boss a real stop-gap for a number of positions. The fact Maitland-Niles now won’t be coming to St Mary’s seemingly, will come as a bitter blow.

The 23-year-old would have covered a lot of bases for Hasenhuttl and ensured Martin Semmens wouldn’t have to pursue multiple deals on deadline day to try and address the number of glaring holes and issues in the Southampton squad at the moment.

It now puts massive pressure on Semmens’ shoulders to try and figure out a last-minute solution that can help ease Hasenhuttl’s concerns. At the moment, the Saints boss would be forgiven for being incredibly frustrated and angry at how things have developed.

From looking like they were going to complete a move – Football.London’s Arsenal correspondent Chris Wheatley even suggested late morning today that Southampton were “growing in confidence” over his signing – to now pulling out, it’s been a rollercoaster for Hasenhuttl. And one that won’t be leaving him happy whatsoever.

Meanwhile, David Ornstein has revealed Southampton are in for this Championship star…