Archive August 30, 2025

Alexander Isak was not visible. Evidently. However, Newcastle United’s well-known absentee did not avoid Elland Road’s wrath.

During Saturday’s goalless draw against Leeds United, supporters chanted, “We don’t care about Isak.” He says, “All we care about is NUFC, not me”

What a contrast to Nick Woltemade’s reception, which was record signing.

Fans gathered outside the stadium to watch the new arrival and were mobbed as he made his way into the stadium before the game, indicating that Liverpool will need to use the striker, particularly if Isak becomes available, before the window closes on Monday evening.

After all, Newcastle only managed a few shots on target at Elland Road, and they have only managed two goals in their first three Premier League games, securing two points out of a possible nine.

How Newcastle could have used Woltemade on Saturday, but the forward’s £69m move from Stuttgart was delayed, so he watched from the directors’ box.

Woltemade will naturally require a “period of adjustment,” but Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe has backed his abilities to “translate” to the Premier League.

He stated on BBC Radio 5 Live, “I like his different dimensions to his game. He has “absolutely good technical skills and really good creative ideas around the box,” he says. “Of course, he has a big presence, he’s a big man.

What can Newcastle expect, then?

Woltemade once said he “likes to be an entertainer.” The German’s birthday being celebrated by club legend Kevin Keegan is fitting, then.

Woltemade is not just a battering ram, despite having the appearance of a target man who is 6’6in tall. In fact, quite the opposite.

Due to his dribbling prowess, Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer gave this towering striker the nickname Woltemessi.

Few people are as adept at demonstrating that skill set as Antonio di Salvo, who helped Germany defeat Germany in the under-21 Euros final last month with the help of Woltemade’s six goals.

Despite his size, Nick is technically competent, both as a striker and a number 10, he claimed. He has worked hard to increase his presence on the pitch and in the penalty area over the past two years, and most importantly, he has significantly improved his finishing.

He poses a constant threat to your goals because of his extreme versatility and versatility. His inventiveness makes him incredibly unpredictable for opponents throughout the game, resulting in unanticipated moments throughout the course of play.

However, both talent and determination have been at the heart of this story.

For instance, Woltemade was exempt from Stuttgart’s Champions League squad last year because of rules governing players who were club-trained, but the striker privately declared that his “time would come.”

Woltemade’s inclusion in Newcastle’s upcoming game against Barcelona at St James’ Park next month is a significant improvement for a player who was on loan at German third division side SV Elversberg two and a half years ago.

After coaching Woltemade with Werder Bremen’s under-19s, Marco Grote was “convinced for years that he can be a special player.”

Woltemade did, however, become a household name in his native country last season.

Woltemade scored 17 goals in 33 games, including the German Cup final, as the center-forward won the first major trophy of his career, working closely with Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeness on the training pitch and in the video analysis room.

Woltemade then ignited the under-21 competition last month, winning the trophy for Germany in the final, only to lose to England with a score of 3-2.

Before Newcastle scored a club-record $65 million plus $4 million in add-ons this week, Bayern Munich felt motivated enough to make several unsuccessful bids.

After seeing targets Hugo Ekitike, Benjamin Sesko, and Joao Pedro relocate elsewhere this summer, Newcastle had to act given the situation with Isak and the limited amount of time left.

Ironically, Isak’s arrival three years ago has some similarities.

Isak joined Newcastle in the final days of the transfer window without much time to settle, making him also Newcastle’s most expensive signing of all time.

The Swede, however, had long been regarded as one of the continent’s top prospects and, crucially, had international playing experience.

Woltemade, on the other hand, has never played outside of Germany, so his potential debut against Wolves next month will have only been benefited from a few training sessions with his new team-mates.

However, he has potential to continue to prosper in the right hands.

Grote said, “He understands the game.” He “handles the team and the coaches.” He has ambitions, wants to improve, and wants to learn more. He enjoys playing. He has a talent, but he put in a lot of effort to advance.

Woltemade’s departure from his country for the first time is undoubtedly a significant step in more ways than one.

Woltemade’s former employers describe him as a “family man,” and his parents took him on a tour of St James’ Park on Friday and watched his new team’s action at Elland Road the following day. He even made a nod to his mother’s birthdate, which is 27.

The checks Newcastle conducted on Woltemade made those family values clear, and Howe valued his new signing’s character more than his ability to find the back of the net.

After all, Howe is wary of dissipating from a tight-knit dressing room, but Woltemade fits right in, according to Di Salvo.

The manager of the Germany Under-21s said, “Nick was very popular in our team because of his very good, reflected, humorous, and down-to-earth character. He frequently struck me as a magnet, a person who could unite opposing viewpoints.

He was “the glue that kept the team together,” he said in a statement. “He did it naturally.” I have always valued him as a significant contact when working with coaches.

Kazakhstan vs. Wales World Cup qualifier

Date: Thursday, September 4th, 2019 Kickoff: 15:00 BST

Even though Aaron Ramsey was left out of his most recent squad, Wales manager Craig Bellamy insists that despite this, the captain should have a statue built in his honor when he eventually retires.

Ramsey, 34, was missing from the squad for Canada’s friendly against Kazakhstan on Tuesday and the following Thursday’s World Cup qualifier in Kazakhstan.

Bellamy explained that Ramsey only made one substitute appearance since March, and that the midfielder’s lack of match fitness was to blame.

He made his debut for new club Pumas UNAM earlier this month, playing his first game for the Mexican side since Cardiff City’s injury-prone hamstring injury last year.

Bellamy still believes the former Arsenal player will have a place in Ramsey’s future plans despite the fact that he has previously stated that he wants to play in the 2026 World Cup.

He has been out for a while, but he still has football in his legs. I don’t know if Bellamy had any more ideas after this move. “We’ll see. He is accessible. You can’t help but stare at him. It is impossible.

We always try our best to retire people. It is not our duty to have an opinion on their rights. I don’t think it’s true.

“Leave it to them,” Leave it to them when they have earned it. And he replies, “Where’s your statue? ” when he says no. Then, we will handle it for you.

Bellamy has played with Ramsey for Wales and Cardiff before coaching him, and she has always been glowing about him.

After being appointed as his head coach in July 2024, he valued Ramsey’s ability to inspire both his players on the field and his physical qualities. He remained the former Juventus midfielder as his Wales captain.

Bellamy has also refuted the theory that Ramsey’s chances of extending his international career may be diminished by playing in Mexico.

He will be included if he plays football and is physically fit to play the way we want to play. If he isn’t, Bellamy said, “he knows it’s not an opportunity.”

However, if he is in good health,… The only game I actually had him in was the Turkey game [Bellamy’s first match]. And I don’t stop looking. He was incredible.

Because we have top runners, I played him like a false nine and some of the balls he was able to play for our runners.

I can’t find that anywhere else. Give me another Aaron Ramsey. Purchase one for me! Not there. He is still present. He hasn’t left.

Bellamy hopes Ramsey can provide insight into the playing conditions Wales might encounter if they are selected because the next World Cup will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Move to Pumas, and I spoke with him before he decided to do it. I’ve known him for a long time, and our relationship spans many years. And I really was excited for him, Bellamy said.

“It’s important for anyone to just be happy, not just footballers,” I worry. Keep playing if you’re not ready to retire. Play as long as you want while not having that lingering thought.

And his entire family enjoyed themselves. What a great experience and they were happy to move with him. Wouldn’t you enjoy a year in Mexico?

The altitude is present. What will his arrival be like? What will it mean to “live high” and “train low”?

Betfred Super League

Catalans (4) 4

Try Romano.

Wigan (16) 40

In Perpignan, Wigan Warriors defeated Dragons and Catalans to earn a highly-deserved Super League victory, keeping their pursuit of the League Leaders’ Shield in motion.

After the break, Wigan held on for good thanks to a first-half Liam Marshall double, with Jai Field also participating in the action. However, Arthur Romano kept the hosts in the lead by reducing the deficit to 12 points.

Field’s second and Zach Eckersley’s were both set up by Bevan French, who also had Marshall score for his hat-trick as Wigan won in style.

With a maximum of 42 points available after their final three games, leaders Hull KR could take the title next week if the results are positive, but the visitors’ victory keeps them in with a slim chance of winning.

Sam Tomkins, who brought forward his second retirement, was among the players who Catalans announced in the lead-up to Saturday’s game.

As Junior Nsemba replaced Adam Keighran in the starting lineup, while Romano was called in for the Catalans as Fouad Yaha was unable to start, Wigan were forced to make a change just before kick-off.

Marshall scored a pair of quick-fire tries in Les Dracs’ opening 25 minutes to increase his Super League tally to 151. He proved to be a challenge for Catalans.

However, it was Field who delivered the winning run in the opening half thanks to Eckersley’s swift offload in the build-up.

After Wigan failed to deal with Ugo Tison’s high kick, the Catalans responded impressively, which gave Romano a chance to cross just before the break.

Field’s second try was superior to Field’s first.

The talismanic French kicked off in a sluggish field, who was able to touch down effortlessly.

When Tyler Dupree hit Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet with a high arm, which left the Catalans full-back with a bloody nose, Wigan were reduced to 12 players shortly after.

Shortly before Wigan were back to a full compliment, Aispuro-Bichet almost put on an incredible run to increase Catalans’ total, but Field made a try-saving tackle to deny him.

Romano almost ran into Romano at the corner for his second try of the evening, but Wigan’s cavalry, Sam Walters and Liam Farrell, who were Catalans, came to save him.

Matt Peet, the coach of Wigan:

“We won earlier in the year by a greater score than tonight, and we lost lads with broken bones.” And it was the same tonight as it was yesterday because there is a lot to contend with. It’s always physical.

The game tonight was exactly what we needed because it’s a proud club with proud fans and members of proud people.

“We seem to be building; we’ve recently faced good teams who have been playing really well, but our performances have been improving.”

Coach for Catalans, Joel Tomkins:

I believed we had a good start because we had some real intent in the beginning. We made it difficult for them to defend because there was a significant change in our attitude tonight.

To lose your six, seven, and thirteen is challenging because we lost Theo Fages, Luke Keary, and Oliver Partington on Thursday.

When you play against one of the best teams and have half of your salary cap sat on the sidelines, you need your full squad to play.

“I thought the scoreline slipped a little toward the end, and I was very disappointed with the final two tries, but overall I’m proud of our team.”

Satae, Seguier, Dezaria, and Balmforth swaps.

Wigan: Field, Eckersley, Nsemba, Wardle, Marshall, Marshall, French, Smith, Hill, O’Neill, Byrne, Walters, Farrell, Ellis, and others.

McDermott, Mago, Leeming, and Dupree are the exchanges.

The Kia Oval, The Hundred Men’s Competition Eliminator, and

Northern Superchargers 119-5 (75 balls): Lawrence 44* (31), Willey 2-22

Trent Rockets 12-0 (5 balls)

No avail – Rockets advance to the final because they won the group stage victory.

After the men’s Eliminator against Northern Superchargers was postponed due to heavy rain, Trent Rockets advanced to the Hundred final.

The Rockets advance to Lord’s after placing second overall in the group stage ahead of the Superchargers.

Superchargers posted 119-5 in 75 balls that were interrupted by rain twice after a delayed start.

Balls started to go out after the second, and the Rockets twice attempted to start their chase, but only five legal deliveries were made before one more pouring downpour, which ended at 21:52 BST, caused the abandonment.

The Oval’s forecast for Saturday was bleak, with the weather expected for the evening, but regulations prevented moving the men’s and women’s elimination games earlier to have a better chance of winning both matches.

Additionally, the match cannot be pre-emptively shortened before it even begins.

Therefore, it was impossible to play the minimum of 25 balls per side required to make a match, despite every effort made.

The Rockets will regret losing to the already-eliminated Manchester Originals in their previous group game while a late finish allows them to make a quick turn in the direction of the final match against defending champions Oval Invincibles on Sunday.

Finals Day is approaching!

Southern Brave and Lord’s are already in control of the women’s final, which will take place on April 15 at 14:15 BST.

Then, starting at 18:00 BST, Oval Invincibles will be hoping to capture their third consecutive men’s title. They will face Trent Rockets.

Both BBC Two and BBC iPlayer will allow you to watch both games live.