Real Madrid and Barcelona's desire to 'damage' the Premier League lay behind their plans to create the Super League, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge says.
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Rummenigge unworried by Super League revival
Says Spanish giants aimed to damage Premier League
EU court verdict due on Thursday
WHAT HAPPENED?
With the failed breakaway back in the news as clubs eagerly await a verdict from the European Court of Justice this week, the former Bayern Munich CEO has waved off any concerns about a potential revival of a plan which spectacularly fell apart within days of its announcement in April 2021.
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WHAT KARL-HEINZ RUMMENIGGE SAID
Rummenigge was adamant that the concept had no future, telling : "It's not going to go anywhere. English, German and French teams will never take part. Then Real Madrid and Barcelona can play the tournament by themselves"
"Serie A would become Serie B and the Bundesliga the second division. And do you know why all this? To damage the Premier League which earns more simply because it is better. Especially the Spanish clubs – they wanted to damage it [the Premier League] so they invented this tournament."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The launch of the Super League caused a wave of protests from fans, clubs plus sporting and government institutions when it was given its rather bizarre launch on a Sunday night in April 2021.
The public backlash caused the six Premier League teams to immediately announce their resignations from the project with Atletico Madrid and both Milan clubs following suit. With the concept seemingly dead, it has been left to Barcelona and Real Madrid to keep the possibility of a breakaway European competition going against all the odds.
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WHAT NEXT FOR THE SUPER LEAGUE?
Thursday could prove to be a landmark day, not only for the faint hopes of the Super League but for the future of football in general as the European Court of Justice is due to rule on whether UEFA and FIFA's governance over all competitions contravenes EU anti-monopoly laws.
To ensure that Everton enjoys a more comfortable season, whereby they’re further distanced from relegation, Sean Dyche will need to add more attacking impetus to his side.
Last term, the Merseyside outfit netted just a miserable 35 goals in the Premier, which was the second-lowest in the division. They only scored two or more times in a single game on six occasions to underline their lack of forward threat.
Due to their current predicament, they don’t have time to allow players for periods of adaptation – they need proven top-flight players to hit the ground running.
One man who has recently suffered relegation from the Premier League but will be on the lookout for an instant return is Wilfried Gnonto, who has been linked with a move to Goodison Park.
What’s the latest on Wilfried Gnonto to Everton?
According to Sport Italia, Gnonto is 'very close' to completing a move to Everton, with the fee for the Italian understood to be around €22m (£19m).
The report also states that Aston Villa are interested in the 19-year-old, but are yet to Leeds’ valuation.
In a previous article, Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor said Everton had been showing “interest” and named Gnonto in a group alongside Jack Harrison and Crysencio Summerville who were being courted by the Toffees, saying:
“I think these are the players that probably need to be moved on. They're probably not going to be there next season and once they go, there'll be a clearer sort of transfer budget. So I think departures should be the priority at this moment in time [for Leeds]."
This signing would finally see Everton begin to reinvest the £45m they accrued from the controversial sale of Anthony Gordon with Gnonto being an extremely shrewd acquisition.
Would Wilfried Gnonto be a good signing for Everton?
The former Inter Milan academy graduate joined Leeds last summer and in what was an extremely difficult season for the Yorkshire Giant, he emerged with a commendable reputation.
In just 14 top-flight starts, the winger recorded six goal involvements. The reluctance of Javi Gracia to give the winger regular minutes, only awarding him with three starts in 11 games, was a particularly baffling situation.
Back in January, after Leeds suffered a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa, Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville was full of praise for the £20k-per-week dynamo, saying:
“I've seen a special young talent. He was absolutely exceptional. Honestly, sometimes you see potential and talent and you are excited but I watched him so closely, and his understanding of where to be, his choice of pass, his choice of when to run with it, his awareness if his teammates, really, really good.”
A player of this direct and effervescent profile could be the man to reignite the stuttering career of Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Last campaign, the Englishman was restricted to just 17 domestic appearances due to persistent injury problems but has previously indicated that he has the devastating potential the lead the Everton line.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin Everton
During the 2020/21 campaign, the frontman bagged 16 goals and formed a solid attacking partnership with Richarlison, who found the net on ten occasions.
This type of prolific link-up is what the Toffees have desperately lacked and Gnonto would be an ideal candidate to get Calvert-Lewin firing again.
West Ham United have “enquired” about a deal to sign Chelsea forward Callum Hudson-Odoi this summer, according to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs.
Is Callum Hudson-Odoi leaving Chelsea?
The Blues academy graduate was sent out on a season-long loan to Bayer Leverkusen last term in the hope of finding him some regular game time, but having only started seven games out of 34 in the Bundesliga, the left-sided winger had an underwhelming spell on the road.
With the Premier League starlet’s contract at his parent club expiring at the end of the next campaign, Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly set to hold crunch talks with the 22-year-old this week regarding his future in SW6, and should he depart, he seemingly won’t be short of potential suitors.
Back in August 2022, 90min credited the Irons with an interest in signing England’s former international before he made the temporary move to Germany, and despite a deal failing to materialise at the time, David Moyes is looking to take a second bite of the cherry.
Are West Ham signing Hudson-Odoi?
Writing in his column for CaughtOffside, Jacobs name-checked West Ham as potential suitors for Hudson-Odoi but admitted that the Chelsea attacker is yet to make a full decision as to where his next destination will be. He said:
“As has been reported, a move to Saudi Arabia is certainly an option for Callum Hudson-Odoi this summer. But nothing has been decided just yet. Hudson-Odoi is assessing his future and may prefer to stay in Europe. Despite a relatively underwhelming loan at Bayer Leverkusen last season, there is no shortage of interest in the 22-year-old.
“Keep an eye on Brentford and Fulham. Crystal Palace and West Ham have also enquired. Newcastle are a historic suitor, but not currently considering a move. There is also some initial interest from Atalanta.”
Bayer Leverkusen forward Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Should Moyes take a chance on Hudson-Odoi?
West Ham will know that Hudson-Odoi wasn’t handed as many minutes as he would have hoped at Bayer Leverkusen hence why he only recorded one goal and assist during his time there, but he still has the potential to pose a threat in the final third.
Last season, the Adidas-sponsored gem, who pockets £120k-per-week, ranked in the 87th percentile for progressive carries so loves to take on his marker and push his team up the pitch, but he also recorded 3.86 shot-creating actions per league game which was the third-highest total throughout Xabi Alonso’s squad, via FBRef.
Chelsea’s “monster of a talent”, as dubbed by journalist Nizaar Kinsella, would further add excellent versatility to the manager’s ranks with his ability to operate all across the frontline and even three roles in the midfield, so with the game time that he’d receive in E20, it’s well worth bringing him to the London Stadium.
An update has emerged on Burnley and their efforts to improve their defensive options in the summer transfer window…
What's the latest on Cody Drameh to Burnley?
Journalist Sacha Tavolieri has claimed that the Clarets are in talks with Leeds United over a deal to sign right-back Cody Drameh ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
Vincent Kompany is eyeing a swoop to bring the defender, who is interested in joining the newly-promoted side, to Turf Moor and is still trying to snap him up after having an offer turned down.
The reporter revealed:
"#BurnleyFC pushing for Cody #Drameh ! A first offer has been refused by #LeedsUnited who's waiting for an improved offer from the newly promoted. Discussions continue to find an agreement. Player keen on the move."
How would Cody Drameh fit in at Burnley?
He is a right-back by trade and his form on loan at playoff winners Luton Town in the Championship in the season just gone suggests that the talented enforcer could be an excellent partner for Manuel Benson down the right flank.
In 2022/23, Drameh averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.09 across 16 appearances for the Hatters in the second half of the campaign and made 4.2 tackles and interceptions per game for his side.
Over the last 365 days, the English dynamo ranks in the top 3% or higher of players in his position in the Men's 'Next Eight Competitions' for tackles and blocks made respectively per 90. This shows that the terrific youngster excels at making defensive interventions to cut out opposition attacks when they threaten his goal.
Burnley forward Manuel Benson.
Benson, on the other hand, is a winger who does not make a huge defensive contribution to his team.
Amongst his positional peers in the Men's 'Next Eight Competitions' over the last 365 days, the Belgian forward is in the bottom 17% or lower for tackles, blocks, clearances, aerial battles won, and interceptions per 90.
He does, however, rank in the top 3% for progressive carries and non-penalty goals per 90 and ended the Championship season with 11 goals in 33 appearances for the Clarets, meaning he represents an ideal outlet for the aforementioned target.
Therefore, the £4.4k-per-week Leeds ace, who was once hailed as a "Duracell bunny" by former boss Steve Morison, could be the perfect right-back to play behind Benson as his outstanding defensive qualities could allow the winger to focus on what he does best in the final third.
The current Burnley magician would be able to focus on making a big impact at the top end of the pitch to win the team vital points in the Premier League and Drameh could cover for him on the defensive end with his ability to make consistent interventions.
Eden Hazard rejected offers to join clubs in MLS and Saudi Arabia before deciding to retire from football, it has been claimed.
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Hazard announced retirement from football
Was offered deals in MLS and Saudi Pro League
Belgian not persuaded by proposals
WHAT HAPPENED?
The Belgian attacker had been linked with moves to the United States and Middle East after leaving Real Madrid in the summer window.
However, according to , the 32-year-old was not persuaded by the proposals from both MLS and the Saudi Pro League as they pursued him over the past four months.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Hazard announced on Tuesday that his playing days are over, saying that it was the "right time" to stop.
"After 16 years and more than 700 matches played, I have decided to end my career as a professional footballer," he said. "I was able to realise my dream, I have played and had fun on many pitches around the world."
DID YOU KNOW?
Hazard made over 620 appearances as he represented Lille, Chelsea and Real Madrid and won two Premier League, La Liga and Europa League titles as well as the Champions League, Club World Cup and Ligue 1 crowns over his glittering career.
He also made 126 appearances for Belgium and helped them to a third-place finish in the 2018 World Cup.
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WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Hazard has not announced if he will become a coach now that his career has ended, instead saying: "Now is the time to enjoy my loved ones and have new experiences. See you off the field soon my friends."
England trio James, Hemp and Maya Le Tissier headline the six selections for PFA Women's Young Footballer of the Year
The PFA Awards have been a highlight of the footballing calendar for 50 years, and the organisation have now revealed the shortlist for the 2023 Women's Young Player of the Year, with six brilliant players fighting it out for the award.
The 2021/22 winner, Lauren Hemp, looks to retain her title for the second-year running while three new nominees enter the fray along with two returnees in Chelsea star Lauren James and Manchester United ace Maya Le Tissier. Newcomers Katie Robinson from Brighton, Liverpool's Missy Bo Kearns and Aston Villa's Laura Blindkilde round out the top six.
Find out more about the six-woman shortlist below…
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Lauren James | Club: Chelsea | Nationality: England
The Chelsea star was nominated for the award for the second year running after her 2022/23 campaign. Across 38 appearances for the Blues in all competitions, she scored eight goals and added five assists en route to a WSL title and an FA Cup final win.
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Lauren Hemp | Club: Manchester City | Nationality: England
Hemp, a four-time winner of the award, comes back as a nominee once again as she looks to retain her title. Her campaign for Manchester City this season saw her net 10 goals and 11 assists across all competitions.
Maya Le Tissier | Club: Manchester United | Nationality: England
Le Tissier's 2022/23 campaign saw Manchester United fall just short of both a WSL title and an FA Cup as the Red Devils lost out to Chelsea in the league and the final. A key presence in the Red Devils' backline following her move from Brighton, Le Tissier helped the club to their best-ever finish in the league, ensuring they'll be playing Champions League football for the first time this season.
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Missy Bo Kearns | Club: Liverpool | Nationality: England
Kearns scored five goals and added two assists across 28 appearances for the Reds last season, helping them to a seventh place finish in the WSL. Kearns netted four goals in the WSL and one in the League Cup.
Arsenal could reignite their interest in a familiar figure, according to recent reports…
Arsenal transfer news – Raphinha back on the Gunners' radar
Spanish outlet SPORT have claimed that sporting director Edu Gaspar has regulary been in contact with FC Barcelona over a potential move for Raphinha, having missed out on him prior to his switch to the Nou Camp.
It's thought that the Brazil winger, who made a name for himself at Leeds United, is growing open to the idea of leaving the LaLiga giants this summer transfer window but is yet to decide what club he wishes to join, with Premier League rivals Chelsea and Newcastle United also presenting offers to his agent, Deco.
Barcelona are set to demand a fee in the region of €70m and €80m, meaning he could cost the Gunners in excess of £70m.
Could Raphinha become Mikel Arteta's own Riyad Mahrez?
It seems as if Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has held a long-term admiration for Raphinha, having already impressed in the English top-flight with Leeds, though it would certainly be an interesting move for the club to make, given Bukayo Saka's immense form on the right flank this term.
That said, with the Gunners back in the Champions League next season, a swoop for the 26-year-old dynamo shouldn't be ignored, particularly as he could give the Spaniard a familar presence and one that could elevate the club onto the next level.
In the past, Raphinha has been likened to Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez, a terrific talent that Arteta worked with closely during his time as assistant manager to Pep Guardiola. The Algerian winger even noted how 'sad' it was to see him leave to takeover from Unai Emery back in 2019.
"He’s scored some very, very important goals. The way he drifts and comes in on the inside it reminds me of Riyad Mahrez," said Robbie Keane, who was appointed as Sam Allardyce's first-team coach at Elland Road earlier this week, on Sky Sports (via LeedsLive).
Also having lauded the tricky maestro as a "revelation" with "a real ability", there is no denying that Raphinha is an electric talent and it's not as if things haven't worked out in Spain because he has provided seven goals and six assists in LaLiga this season, despite averaging just 58 minutes per appearance.
FBref liken his statistical profile to that of Saka, as well as another City star in Phil Foden, so he should have no problems in adapting to Arteta's system and ideology.
assistant
Indeed, when compared to his positional peers across Europe's 'top five' divisions, the Barca gem ranks inside the top 7% for non-penalty expected goals and expected assists per 90, the top 8% for total shots per 90 and the top 9% for passes attempted per 90, via FBref, making him a creative yet dynamic threat in the final third.
It is perhaps why his former Whites teammate Dan James once hailed him as a "magician" who "can do absolutely anything on the pitch."
These are all attributes that are associated with Mahrez too, an immense wizard who is often capable of cutting in and doing the unthinkable from the right flank and in recent outings, he has emerged as the difference-maker for City as they look set to pip the Gunners to the title.
Across the last three games, the 32-year-old has provided four assists, including two in their 2-1 win over Leeds over the weekend.
In Raphinha, Arteta could be getting his own version of the player he once coached; someone able to turn a game on its head and one that could well get Arsenal a little closer to thwarting City's powerful dominance in English football.
As such, Edu must pay up to land the Brazil sensation this summer.
Ben Stokes hopes to return to bowling in the third ODI of the series against Pakistan having recovered from injury
George Dobell28-Aug-2016Ben Stokes hopes to return to bowling in the third ODI of the series against Pakistan having recovered from injury.Stokes has played in the first two matches as a specialist batsman – a decision he admits was something of a surprise given the form of Jonny Bairstow – but has bowled at full pace in training in recent days and feels he will be able to play a full-part with the ball at Trent Bridge on Tuesday.He has endured an injury ravaged summer. Having had to pull out of the Sri Lanka series with a knee injury that required surgery, he limped out of his comeback game in international cricket, the second Test at Old Trafford against Pakistan, after sustaining a calf injury.”The plan from the start was to be fit and ready to bowl by the third ODI,” Stokes said. “By the way things are going it is looking likely I will be an option for Eoin Morgan in Nottingham if needed.”I have done all the prep to get myself fit and put my hand up and say I am ready to bowl. I bowled for about 15 minutes flat out and all the build-up stuff I needed to do has been done.”The selection of Stokes ahead of various other batting options is intriguing. He is, after all, averaging an underwhelming 22.48 after 41 ODIs.But the England management talk highly of the energy and edge he gives the side – an edge they felt was badly missed when the Test team were defeated by Pakistan at The Oval recently – and see him as a key player at both the Champions Trophy in 2017 and the World Cup of 2019. For that reason, they are keen to provide further opportunities for him to learn his trade as an ODI batsman reasoning that his potential justifies a prolonged apprenticeship.While Stokes admits his selection as a specialist batsman was a surprise, he also found it a boost to his confidence. And even though he confesses he finds 50 overs in the field without bowling “boring,” he accepts that the extra time to work on his batting has probably been no bad thing.”I was a bit surprised I got the nod ahead of Jonny,” Stokes said. “Since South Africa he has shown amazing form. But at the same time it’s nice to get that confidence from your captain and coach saying we want you to play as a specialist batsman.”Not bowling makes the fielding innings seem a lot longer. It’s so boring. If you bowl 10 overs, it kind of takes 20 overs out of the game for you.”But knowing I wasn’t going to bowl in these first two games, I worked longer on my batting in the build-up days. It’s normally quite hard to get everything into training that I want, so it’s been quite nice to solely concentrate on the batting in these first two games. But I will be going into the next training session trying to put my hand up and say I am fit to bowl.”Given England’s winter schedule – with Test and limited-overs series looming against Bangladesh and India – it bodes well that Stokes feels that his batting against spin, in particular, has progressed. He struggled in the three Test series in the UAE last year – he averaged just 14.66 and was dismissed by spin in four of his six innings, although two of them was with a badly damaged shoulder – but greater trust in his defence has given him the confidence to believe he doesn’t have to attack the spinners as a default position.”I think sometimes I have been drawn into trying to be too aggressive too early,” Stokes said. “So something that I have learnt is that I can give myself time. I don’t need to be going out and reverse sweeping and sweeping for four and six. I can just try to rotate the strike. Singles are just as valuable as boundaries if you are rotating the strike and not letting the bowlers settle.”I have also worked hard on my defensive game. After the UAE tour where I struggled against the spin, I knew it was something I needed to work on.”
Chelsea chiefs are monitoring Brentford striker Ivan Toney ahead of a potential move to Stamford Bridge, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
What's the latest on Toney to Chelsea?
The Blues currently have Frank Lampard in charge but regardless of whoever is set to take over in the summer, attacking reinforcements will be needed given the uncertainty surrounding the futures of both Romelu Lukaku and Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang.
The Bees forward won’t be out of contract at the Community Stadium until 2025, but being Thomas Frank’s overall and offensive best-performing player this season with a match rating of 7.27, has been identified as a possible target by the Premier League giants.
The Mirror reported last August that the SW6 outfit had joined the race alongside Manchester United and Everton to sign the 27-year-old, and having since made his debut for England at the Euro 2024 qualifiers he has re-emerged onto the radar of Todd Boehly and his team.
According to Jones in his column for GiveMeSport, Toney has “caught the eye” of Chelsea’s recruiters and they believe that he would be a “good fit” with the other attacking options currently available to them. The Blues have been “crying out” for a natural centre-forward who has a “confidence in his own ability”, but Brentford won’t let him leave without a fight.
With Ollie Watkins previously bringing in £33m when he left the Bees to join Aston Villa, it’s believed that the striker is “easily” valued at £50m as a result of him eclipsing “anything he had achieved”, so the owner will need to dig deep should he want to secure his services.
Brentford striker Ivan Toney.
Should Chelsea sign Toney?
Toney certainly might not be as high-profile as some of the other big names like Juventus' Dusan Vlahovic, who Chelsea have been linked with, but we feel they should empty their pockets to move him across the capital this summer.
The Three Lions international has clocked up an outstanding 87 goal contributions (66 goals and 21 assists) in 120 Brentford appearances and he is currently the third-highest scorer in the top-flight this season just behind Harry Kane and Erling Haaland.
The Northampton-born talent has also recorded 81 shots since the start of the term which is higher than any of his fellow teammates, and this collective form and effort has seen him dubbed a "monster" by Bees reporter Billy Grant, so this deal really is a no-brainer to complete should the opportunity present itself at the end of the season.
Disappointing levels of spectator “graduation” from T20 to international cricket are a major reason for CA’s decision to significantly cut prices for Test and limited-overs matches ahead of the next summer
Daniel Brettig27-Apr-2016
Ever since the BBL was ushered into existence at the Australian Cricket Conference in 2010, CA has maintained that the tournament was designed to bring new fans to the game who would ultimately take on a love for Tests and ODIs•Cricket Australia/Getty Images
A growing number of people sated by the Twenty20 entree have compelled Cricket Australia to go back to work on the main course. Disappointing levels of spectator “graduation” from T20 to international cricket were a major reason for CA’s decision to significantly cut prices for Test and limited-overs matches ahead of the next summer.A review of ticket pricing and availability was undertaken by CA’s commercial department after a series of disappointing international crowds at various points of the past two summers, a trend in direct contrast to the burgeoning attendances for the Big Bash League.Cricket Australia’s tickets review
Extensive consultation process internally
Comprehensive review of ticket prices from other sporting and major entertainment events
Market research involving surveying a representative sample of people across Australia to assess propensity to attend cricket at different price points
Referred to learnings from other cricket events, including the 2015 World Cup and BBL
Ever since the BBL was ushered into existence at the Australian Cricket Conference in 2010, CA and its chief executive James Sutherland have maintained that the tournament was designed to bring new fans to the game who would ultimately take on a love for Tests and ODIs.However, a call to cut prices significantly – each state will offer general admission tickets at a mere $30 for adults while also scaling back the cost of higher grade reserve seats – has been made out of concern that the BBL’s growth has not caused the sort of “trickle-up” effect CA had hoped for.This is largely because while BBL tickets have been kept affordable – general admission tickets around $20 for adults – despite their popularity, international pricing has reflected an era before the emergence of the T20 competition. This has resulted in vast swathes of empty seats at matches where spectators could be hard pressed to find anything for under $50. Sutherland said the BBL’s success had helped encourage a rethink.”Clearly the reason why we’re breaking records in terms of aggregate attendance is off the back of BBL growth in attendance,” Sutherland said when announcing the price changes. “More people attended the BBL last year than attended the World Cup. Over a million people came through the gates to attend BBL cricket.”International cricket is still really strongly supported. And part of our strategy has been for us to bring new people to the game, through BBL cricket and at the same time graduate their interest into international cricket. And part of our pricing review and our research has been with that in mind, to continue to graduate that interest … into the premium form, being international cricket.”I think we’ve learned a lot from the BBL and I think we’ve taken some of the best parts of that and incorporated that into the review. But it’s also a lot about positioning and ensuring that international cricket is the premium format and we continue to bring the best possible teams into the country to play the game, play international cricket over those three formats.”Since selling the BBL to free-to-air television where it has been a major success for Network Ten, CA has faced a balancing act between its two broadcasters. Nine has been synonymous with the game in Australia for nearly 40 years, and the need to build a more compelling international television spectacle has also played a part – it is felt that empty grounds discourage viewers from tuning in.”Certainly our focus is to get as many people into our grounds as possible – we make no bones about the fact that our desired state is full grounds,” Sutherland said. “We face challenges from time to time, certainly with Test cricket to get people into grounds when people have work commitments and kids are still at school but there’s lots of different ways in which we are trying to change that.”Obviously day-night Test cricket is one of the things but also this pricing strategy is taking a lot of those things into account as well. The backdrop for television is always something that looks better. From our perspective the whole thing is greater fan engagement.”Another factor in the pricing changes is the unknown about how much more the BBL can continue to grow. Recent downturns in T20 competitions in England and India’s IPL have suggested that the more youthful Australian tournament cannot be expected to keep building at its current rate.”We don’t see ourselves as a competitor with IPL. We’ve been very, very focussed with BBL as something which is tailored to the Australian market,” Sutherland said. “Coming off the trajectory we’ve had, it’s going to be always challenging to maintain that growth. To some extent it will be cyclical.”But at the same time we lift our sights high in terms of our aspirations with BBL and see no reason why we can’t continue. We’ll continue to develop our event presentation to ensure those who pay good money to come and watch the cricket are entertained, not just when the cricket is being played but in other aspects of what’s offered at venues.”