2 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on Wyoming vs Nevada prediction, pick, college basketball odds
It’s time to continue our College Basketball odds series with a Wyoming-Nevada prediction and pick. Find out how to watch Wyoming-Nevada. The Mountain West college basketball schedule for Tuesday night includes this game, which won’t get any headlines but offers an intriguing betting-based plot point. Wyoming is struggling under first-year head coach Sundance Wicks. Wyoming […]
2 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on ‘Not retired’ Didi Gregorius makes honest admission about desire to continue career
When Didi Gregorius was at his MLB peak he produced back-to-back 4.5+ WAR seasons with the New York Yankees in 2017 and 2018. Known for his reliable glove at shortstop and decent pop at the plate, Gregorius seemed like a lock for a long career. However, just four years after producing a 4.9 WAR campaign […]
2 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on Barry Ferguson’s five biggest tests as Rangers manager – and 10 days to earn shot at the Ibrox job full time
BARRY FERGUSON famously took his big chance at Rangers.
He impressed Dick Advocaat almost instantly and became THE player the Dutchman built his team around.
PA:Empics SportBarry Ferguson has been named Rangers interim boss[/caption]
PA:Press AssociationThe former captain returns to Ibrox alongside a trio of ex-team-mates[/caption]
ReutersThey replace Philippe Clement who was sacked on Sunday[/caption]
So much so, he eventually named him captain.
Now, it’s another chance – one that the interim Rangers boss will believe he can take again.
Handed the huge opportunity after Philippe Clement‘s dismissal, Ferguson has landed his dream job as boss of Rangers.
And he’ll eventually hope to be named permanent boss this time around, all being well.
It’s only a temporary measure alongside Allan McGregor, Billy Dodds and Neil McCann for now – but can the ‘Four Lads’ in the dugout stake a solid claim for the job full-time?
They MUST arrest a slump first and foremost and looking ahead to the schedule to come – there are some MASSIVE matches on the horizon
Sunsport takes a look at five games that could prove pivotal in the homecoming heroes’ hopes of retaining the job full-time – including three MASSIVE matches in the space of 10 days.
Fenerbahce vs Rangers
Thursday, March 6
The European campaign was Philippe Clement‘s one saving grace practically keeping him in a job – and it could be the first step to the new man earning his stripes.
But my, it will be tough.
In Barry Ferguson‘s last three games as manager he faced Stevie Crawford, Martin Rennie and Jim McInally. In his next three he’s up against Derek McInnes, Michael Wimmer then Jose Mourinho.
He’s come up against the ‘Special One’ only once previously and was on the end of a 4-0 away defeat when Blackburn went to Chelsea in 2004.
Rangers vs Fenerbahce
Thursday, March 13
European nights at Ibrox have become special occasions and runs deep into the competitions have been frequent.
If Ferguson CAN see off Fenerbahce – that’s going to be a HUGE plus-point in his favour.
Not to mention in Gers’ bank balance.
The teams have only met in one two-legged clash prior to this season – and Ferguson missed it through injury.
Neil McCann played the home leg though, but Rangers went out in Istanbul.
Celtic vs Rangers
Sunday, March 16
This is probably where it matters most.
Few will understand that old adage ‘Second in Glasgow is nowhere’ than Ferguson.
European success couldn’t keep Philippe Clement in his job and it didn’t do much for Giovanni van Bronckhorst either.
Neither could gain the upper hand on Celtic and ultimately both bit the bullet.
Travelling to the other side of the city to win – most likely with around 2,500 Rangers fans rooting him on – would make a HUGE impression.
And as a player he scored three Old Firm goals – winning 14 of 20 and drawing seven.
Deliver another and he’ll be crowned a hero all over again – regardless who is the next full-time gaffer.
Rangers haven’t won at Celtic Park since the Covid lockdown in 2020-21GettyNews Group Newspapers LtdBarry Ferguson has scored against Celtic three times as a player – can he record a win as boss?[/caption]
Aberdeen vs Rangers
Saturday, April 12
Ferguson’s record against the Dons is a lot healthier – 22 wins from 32 as a player, and only THREE defeats.
The last game before the split against a team there or thereabouts will be another marker for the makeshift management team, and could effectively be a play-off for second-place.
The Dons put on some show the last time Gers were in town – the first time Clement came under serious job pressure.
And a repeat of the result would probably be curtains for the interim team’s long-term ambitions.
Rangers vs Celtic
Date TBC
The final Old Firm match of the season will come after the split – but the date’s yet to be decided.
Whenever it is, a win at Parkhead is a guaranteed stamp of approval for any Gers boss.
He’s the last boss to win there – and another, with away fans back in too – would be a HUGE feather in the cap.
Away fans will be back in at Ibrox for this one too – ramping up the atmosphere.
And the rest…
Of course, he’ll also have to take care of the other games in the William Hill Premiership too.
Big occasions are on thing but failing to take care of the bread and butter of the league is a major blot on the copybook of a prospective manager.
With a minimum of 13 games to go before the end of the season and with the Ibrox support at a low ebb, restoring some pride, some positivity AND results will be on the interim remit too.
2 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on Energy bills to rise for millions of households this spring as price cap hiked to £X,XX
ENERGY bills will rise for millions of households this spring.
TheenergyregulatorOfgemhas confirmed the new price cap, which comes into effect on April 1, 2025.
PAEnergy bills will rise for millions of households this Spring[/caption]
The average dual fuel bill for those not on a fixed deal will rise from its current rate of £1,738 a year to £1,849.
It marks the third consecutive quarter that bills have risen for around 28million households on standard variable tariffs (SVTs).
The rise is because of an increase in gas prices across Europe, caused by a slump in the amount of gas that is held in storage across the continent.
While the price cap is likely to go up, in practice, most people will pay less to their energy suppliers in the spring and summer months.
That is because households typically use less energy then, but the rate they are paying per unit will still rise.
It comes after forecasting group Cornwall Insights said last week it expects the typical annual household energy bill to rise by about £85 to £1,823.
Despite the rise, average bills remain considerably lower than during the peak of the energy crisis, which was fuelled by Russia‘s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The war caused a spike in an already turbulent wholesale energy market, driving up costs for suppliers and customers.
Before the energy price shock, a standard annual bill was £1,084.
The next price cap for July 1 until September 30 will be announced in May.
It’s adjusted every three months to reflect rises and falls in wholesale costs.
If you’re on a fixed tariff there will be no change to your bill, as you’ve locked in the price for a set period.
It’s worth remembering that the cap reflects the typical dual fuel bill, and it’s the unit price that is capped.
That means bills can be higher or lower depending on usage.
Ofgem is also currently considering the future of price protection, including the suitability of the price cap and a potential permanent ban on acquisition-only energy tariffs, or (BAT).
The BAT, was introduced in April 2022 to eliminate the often risky short-term discounted tariffs designed to entice customers to switch suppliers.
It comes after millions of pensioners are also still recovering from a winter with less support after the new Government decided to scrap winter fuel payments for those who do not receive pension credit or other benefits.
Meanwhile, the Household Support Fund will end on March 31.
The grants, which are handed out by local councils, gives hard-pressed families cash and vouchers to help with food and electricity costs.
Inflation also unexpectedly climbed to its highest level recorded in 10 months in January, reaching 3%.
Inflation is a measure of how the price of goods and services is rising or falling, which can affect people’s household finances.
How to get help with your energy bills
If you are worried about paying your energy bills this winter it is worth being aware of a number of support measures which are available.
For starters, the government has begun rolling out its Cold Weather Payment, which gives people £25 for every seven day period of cold weather.
Many gas and energy suppliers offer grants and schemes for customers who are struggling.
For example, British Gas has a fund open to pre-payment meter and credit customers who have found themselves in debt worth up to £1,700.
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2 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on UNLV vs San Jose State prediction, pick, college basketball odds
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