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Former Glasgow Rangers forward Matty Yates believes the Ibrox outfit made a mistake in letting him depart the club.

The Lowdown: Yates leaves Gers

In February 2020, Yates left the Gers to join Hibernian’s reserves, but he failed to make a single appearance for the club (Transfermarkt).

Since then, he has moved to Stranraer, where he has finally started to make his first steps in the game.

The Latest: Yates thinks Gers made a mistake

Speaking to The Athletic, Yates believes he should not have been let go by Rangers. He said:

“If you don’t back yourself what’s the point? If you don’t think you’re good enough you may find something else. I know I’m good enough. Rangers didn’t think I was but I think I should have stayed. I’ve just got to keep battering away at Stranraer and hope it takes me somewhere.

“Kevin Nisbet (of Hibernian) went down the divisions and now look at him. He and Lawrence Shankland (Dundee United) are the main ones I’d look up to but I’m just looking to get back into full-time football. My main aim is to get down to England. If I could get a full-time club here and then win a move, that’s the aim.

“I can score a decent number of goals for any team. I’ve been like that since I was a wee guy, it’s just in me. If I keep doing well then hopefully later down the line I can go back to Rangers one day.”

The Verdict: Ready to prove Rangers wrong

The move to Stranraer has kickstarted the forward’s career. So far, he has managed six goals in 21 matches, a good return for a youngster, and he already has one strike in three games this term with Stranraer already having participated in a trio of League Cup matches.

Having just turned 19 years old, he has plenty of years ahead of him to reach all of his goals, including returning to Rangers.  Only he and he alone can make sure he backs up his claims.

In other news, Rangers fans are far from happy with this man’s exit.

Manchester United defender Brandon Williams is reportedly set to join Premier League newcomers Norwich City on loan this summer.

What’s the story?

According to well-known journalist Zach Lowy, the versatile 20-year-old will depart Old Trafford over the coming days in search of regular first-team game time.

He tweeted: “Brandon Williams is set to join Norwich City on loan after Southampton refused to pay Manchester United’s £2m loan fee demands, per Sunday Mirror. Will be interesting to see if this has any implications for Diogo Dalot’s future at Manchester United.”

He’s not good enough

Williams broke into United’s senior setup during the 2019/20 season, making 36 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils.

However, he failed to build on his initial success last term, with the improved form of Luke Shaw, the arrival of Alex Telles and the consistency of Aaron Wan-Bissaka forcing him down the pecking order.

After just five starts in all competitions in 2020/21, Williams now appears to be closing in on a temporary move away from his boyhood club, and it could be the best solution for all parties.

In truth, the £9m-rated youngster hasn’t shown enough quality during his limited time on the pitch to warrant a place in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s starting XI.

As per fbref.com, Williams won 1.22 tackles per 90 in his 14 outings last term, while United’s first-choice full-back’s Shaw and Wan-Bissaka completed 1.53 and 1.57, respectively.

Shaw and Wan-Bissaka also made more blocks, recording 2.04 and 3.24 compared to Williams’ tally of 1.95. And they excelled in an attacking sense as well.

While Shaw recorded a successful dribble percentage of 64.8% and Wan-Bissaka 65.5%, Williams lagged behind with a tally of 44.4%, highlighting his struggles in the final third of the pitch.

At 20, the Englishman has plenty of time to grow and develop and perhaps become a crucial player for United in years to come, but at this moment in time, his career would certainly benefit from some time away from the Old Trafford spotlight as right now, he simply isn’t up to the challenge.

Under Daniel Farke at Norwich, Williams will be able to hone his skills without the added pressure of playing for the 20-time English champions and he will have a chance to return to Manchester as a much-improved player in 12 months’ time, but quite frankly, we aren’t holding out much hope for him at this point.

Solskjaer is right to let him go on loan and in truth, a sale would have been fully justified too. Axing him from the squad, at least for this season, is absolutely the correct call.

And, in other news…Sky Sports drop encouraging Man Utd update that’ll leave fans buzzing 

If you thought Celtic were in trouble then think again. The Hoops lost their first league match of the new campaign last weekend but bounced back in devastating fashion by securing a whopping 6-0 win at Parkhead on Sunday afternoon.

The Bhoys were at their free-flowing best with Ange Postecoglou’s side playing their opponents off the park with some of the best football we’ve seen at Paradise since the reign of Brendan Rodgers.

There was no Odsonne Edouard and there was no James Forrest either but that didn’t seem to matter as Japan international Kyogo Furuhashi put in a ruthless performance against Dundee.

Celtic’s new star man helped himself to a brilliant hat-trick, nearly shunting Edouard out the door before he’s even agreed to leave.

There were significant concerns about the Bhoys’ side without their bullish Frenchman but Furuhashi has shown in the space of one afternoon why they might be better off without him.

He ran rampant this afternoon but he couldn’t have done it without the rejuvenated Ryan Christie.

At the beginning of the summer, it looked as though the Scot was heading for the exit door. His contract is due to expire in January but under Postecoglou, he looks a man reborn.

He was devastating against Midtjylland a few weeks ago and after scoring an excellent header versus Jablonec in midweek, showed he’s all of a sudden a crucial component to this team.

In the words of The Athletic’s Kieran Devlin, he was “astounding” this weekend and it was clear to see why.

He was given a match rating of 10/10 by SofaScore, delivering a simply sublime performance that was deserving of a new contract in Glasgow.

Christie was miles off the pace last term, scoring 13 fewer goals than he’d managed in 2019/20 and for that reason, he was hounded by supporters.

However, they were singing his name at full-time on Sunday after he delivered a creative masterclass.

The 26-year-old put in one of his best displays in a long time, providing no fewer than eight key passes, three of which led to a goal.

He nutmegged a Dundee defender in embarrassing fashion for Furuhashi’s second strike, darting down the left before putting the ball on a plate for the striker.

His assist for the forward’s third and final goal was even more eye-catching. Christie picked the ball up in the middle of the park and then played an inch-perfect reverse pass in behind the backline that was tucked away deliciously by Kyogo.

This was the Christie of old, a player who can dominate Premiership defences for fun. He completed 100% of his dribbles and also won six of his nine ground duels.

Speaking on ACSOM at full-time, Paul John Dykes helped to explain why he’s back to his best: “What he’s doing now, he’s got the work rate and there seems to be far more discipline to his play and his game,” he said.

“On that performance, that Ryan Christie, if we can get him playing consistently, he would be tough to replace,” Dykes concluded.

With those words in mind, Celtic would be foolish to let the £12k-per-week earner depart. Remarkably, their best piece of business this summer could be tying the Scot down to a new deal.

AND in other news, Bye-bye Edouard: Celtic can boost title hopes by signing “wonderful” 19-goal beast…

Aston Villa learned their opponents for the second round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening, which had a number of supporters talking on social media.

Villa will make the trip to Holker Park to take on Barrow AFC, with Dean Smith’s side the final ball out of the north side of the draw.

Round Two ties will be played during the week commencing Monday, 23 August, and you’d expect Villa’s meeting with Mark Cooper’s men could be one for TV selection.

Villa have enjoyed some success in the competition in recent years, making the final during the 2019/20 campaign where they lost to Manchester City at Wembley.

The club have won the League Cup on five occasions over the years, and their quest for a sixth will begin at a stadium that has a capacity of just over 5,000.

Villa fans react

This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply to the tie with the League Two side, with one labelling it as ‘class’.

“As if”Credit: @coombes24″Gets no bigger than this”Credit: @rybbow”Barrow… brilliant”Credit: @DTTbeard”Out of all the teams available, we draw the team with 5,000 capacity and 1,000 seats. Class.”Credit: @HarryBatters”Love it”Credit: @Jtavfc2000″Class”Credit: @avfck1eran

In other news: £10m offer made: Villa first club to make bid for versatile international at the top of his game.  

Leeds United are still interested in making a move for Sampdoria defender Omar Colley this summer [Club Doria 46 via Leeds Live].

The Lowdown: Leeds United seek further success in 2021/22

With the start of the Premier League campaign ever closer for the Whites, Marcelo Bielsa will undoubtedly leave no stone unturned in his quest to bring more success to Elland Road this campaign.

Perfecting the implementation of his high-octane style of football with his existing squad of players will be of paramount importance, however carefully thought-out additions to his already impressive roster will also come into consideration when needed.

Could he be set to bring in a towering new defender after recent reports?

The Latest: Leeds United monitoring Colley; West Ham United also keen

Leeds United have apparently been monitoring the Gambia international for a number of weeks [Club Doria 46 via Leeds Live].

West Ham United are also believed to be keen on his signature, with the prospect of European football providing another attractive option for the 6 foot 3 colossus.

Advantageously, a sum of around £12.6 million could well be enough to lure Colley away from his Serie A employers.

The Verdict: Colley would be an astute signing for Leeds United

Looking to add competition in defence, 28-year-old Colley would provide experience and aggression to the Whites rear-guard.

In 2020/21, he managed to register two goals from 29 appearances in the Italian top-flight [Transfermarkt].

He also possesses a calm head in possession which would suit Bielsa’s preference to build from the back. Across the campaign, he recorded an impressive passing accuracy of 81.1% [WhoScored].

Colley was once praised by Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri for a two goal-saving blocks against the Old Lady, one of which denying a goal for Cristiano Ronaldo. The 54-year-old stated the following: “Ronaldo is the best player in the world. Audero did brilliantly to push his shot onto the bar, as did [Omar] Colley to save his header.” [FOROYAA].

Leeds United should look to strike an agreement for the powerful centre-back and get him bedded in quickly with the new season just around the corner.

In other news, a Leeds United ace has been tipped to return to his best form in 2021/22.

Speaking to Football Insider, BBC Radio 5 Live pundit Alan Hutton has been left in awe of a Tottenham Hotspur U-turn involving young defender Japhet Tanganga.

The Lowdown: Tanganga U-turn after dazzling City show…

Tottenham faced off against Premier League champions Man City on the opening Premier League weekend and Nuno Espirito Santo’s men pulled off a brilliant 1-0 win.

Tanganga in particular impressed in one-on-one displays against the likes of Raheem Sterling and Jack Grealish on that side, drawing praise from Nuno who labelled him ‘huge’.

This prompted a major U-turn from Nuno and Tottenham who are now set to keep the 22-year-old in north London for 2021/2022, coming after they were originally ‘set’ to loan him out (Football Insider).

The Latest: Hutton left in awe of U-turn…

Reacting to this news and Tanganga’s performance against the Sky Blues, former Spurs defender Hutton has been left in awe of the ‘unbelievable’ U-turn and ‘unbelievable’ display against City.

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“He has probably saved them a lot more than a couple of million,” he said to Football Insider.

“It wasn’t long ago that we were talking about him going out on loan. This is unbelievable and just shows you how football can change within a week.

“I’ve always thought he was a brilliant one-on-one defender, that’s his main strength.

“When he comes up against Sterling and Grealish, two of the best players in the league, he has more than held his own. He was unbelievable.”

The Verdict: So long Tomiyasu?

Spurs are reportedly continuing the chase for Bologna defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, despite the fact he is almost a carbon copy of Tanganga in terms of his versatility as a right-back and centre-half.

Both are exactly the same age as well, potentially leaving some to wonder why Tottenham need to sign the Japan international after all with Tanganga’s reemergence.

One of the main arguments you could make is against the Englishman’s injury record considering it isn’t exactly spotless from last season (Transfermarkt) – but there is reason to believe that Spurs may not need to bring in Tomiyasu.

Perhaps managing director Fabio Paratici would be better spent reinvesting that money in bolstering Tottenham’s attacking areas?

In other news: Offer incoming: Levy now readying Spurs bid to sign ‘amazing’ player who Nuno personally wants, find out more here.

Former Sheffield Wednesday star Mark Crossley insists that Sheffield Wednesday have to aim for automatic promotion this season.

The club dropped into League One after a dismal season in the Championship after finishing rock-bottom of the table.

Of course, Darren Moore’s side were deducted points at the beginning of the campaign and they were subsequently fighting against the odds to stay in the division.

Since their relegation to League One, they have gone unbeaten, drawing 0-0 with Charlton Athletic and beating both Doncaster Rovers and Fleetwood Town.

Only two clubs have taken maximum points so far in the season – Portsmouth and Burton Albion – and Crossley believes that the squad has the talent to finish in the automatic promotion slots, and believes that will be the aim for the season.

Indeed, he thinks that the club need to bounce back from such a terrible season last term.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Crossley said: “They’ve got to be thinking that they’re going to get automatic promotion after an absolute nightmare season last season where they had points deducted, never got going, never even put up a show to stay in the Championship.”

Before the transfer window got underway, it was revealed that Everton’s biggest priority in the market would be signing new wingers.

Well, Rafa Benitez has achieved his goal in that department, bringing Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend to Goodison Park.

What’s the word?

The Toffees are still looking to bring in a few more wingers before the window slams shut next Tuesday.

Everton are confident of agreeing on a swap deal with Porto involving James Rodriguez and Luis Diaz but he’s not the only offensive player who could join.

That’s because certain reports claim that they’re interested in signing Manchester United forward Dan James.

One newspaper suggests that the Red Devils will let him leave after they sensationally re-signed Cristiano Ronaldo a few days ago.

It’s believed that the Welshman could be loaned or sold if their valuation is met.

James is remarkably valued at €50m (£42.8m) by Football Observatory.

Walcott 2.0

If Everton seal the signature of James this summer then he could become the club’s new Theo Walcott.

Like the veteran forward, James is also a winger and has the tendency to blow hot and cold in offensive areas.

Yet, it’s their speed that’s the most comparable. The Welshman is one of the quickest players in the Premier League and has been clocked at a scintillating pace of 36.8km/h (22.9mph) in the past.

Described as “explosive” by his teammate Andreas Pereira, James was also one of the quickest players at Euro 2020, accelerating to a top speed of 33.5 km/h.

On that alone, the Wales international is an incredibly difficult player to deal with.

However, like Walcott at Everton, he doesn’t exactly offer much by the way of goals and assists. When the ex-Arsenal man was in Merseyside, he only scored 11 in 85 appearances.

Of course, James’ game time at Man United has been limited, but he found the net on just five occasions last term and registered two assists.

That being said, Everton could be his route to discovering more consistency.

Benitez has already made Gray look a better player since he’s returned to the Premier League, scoring in consecutive matches for the Toffees.

If Everton can secure him at cut-price or on loan then it would be shrewd business. Though, judging his goal record, they cannot afford to overpay.

AND in other news, Forget Gray: £22.5m-rated Everton dud who won 100% duels stole the show vs Brighton…

New Leeds United man Daniel James has revealed that Liam Cooper was texting him ahead of his move from Manchester United.

The Lowdown: Deadline day move

Leeds once again acted on deadline day to bring in a winger, almost 12 months on from landing Raphinha from Rennes for £17m.

The Whites paid Manchester United £25m for the 23-year-old, over two years on from a failed loan deal for the Wales international.

James completed his medical and finalised an Elland Road switch on Tuesday afternoon and made an interesting comment speaking to Leeds’ official media team regarding his new teammates.

The Latest: James’ comments

James admitted shortly after his move went through that he’s had ‘great’ chats with his new teammates, before picking out Wales teammate Tyler Roberts and club captain Liam Cooper.

“I know Liam text me quite a few times as well and I play with Tyler at Wales so it’s a great group of lads and I just can’t wait to play in front of these fans.”

It appears as if Cooper may well have been on James’ case to make sure there wasn’t a repeat of his deal from Swansea City falling through.

The Verdict: Shrewd move?

Marcelo Bielsa is clearly a huge fan of James, with the Leeds boss having a file on his computer dedicated to the winger back in 2019.

James has been on the club’s radar ever since his January move collapsed in 2019, so it’ll be interesting to see what plans Bielsa has for the club’s latest signing.

Raphinha, James and Jack Harrison are the three senior wide options after Helder Costa left for Valencia, so Bielsa may decide to use one of Raphinha or Harrison in a central role to accommodate James.

Either way, it looks like the skipper has had a hand in securing one of Bielsa’s long-term targets.

Former Glasgow Rangers midfielder Ciaran Dickson has been pictured holding a rival club’s shirt ahead of a shock potential transfer.

The Lowdown: Dickson departs Ibrox

The youngster left Ibrox earlier this summer after making just a single first team appearance for the 55-time Scottish champions (Transfermarkt).

It looked like he could be on the move to Burnley in the Premier League earlier in the summer, but it seems there has been a late development.

The Latest: Dickson holds Celtic shirt

Glasgow Live have shared a story involving the future of the 19-year-old.

They have included a photo of Dickson at Celtic Park holding a shirt of Rangers’ fierce rivals (with his name and number on the back) in an apparent signing image ahead of a potential move across the city.

The Verdict: Shocking move

This is a shocking move – it is no secret that there is a strong divide between Rangers and Celtic in Glasgow, and it is not often that a player makes the switch across the city. Liam Burt is another who has done it in more recent years but it is a rare occurrence.

It is surprising in the first place that Dickson departed Rangers – he was called “terrific” by Steven Gerrard after he was given his debut last November (via Rangers News) – but he clearly wanted to seek pastures new. It looks like he has not travelled far to find them.

In other news, this man is said to be considering his future at Ibrox.