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West Ham have considered appointing a three-at-the-back coach to replace David Moyes as Tim Steidten's stance on keeping the 60-year-old becomes clear.

Fans protest Moyes as West Ham pressure mounts

During their 2-0 defeat away to Nottingham Forest last weekend, supporters were seen hoisting "Moyes out" banners aloft as West Ham remain winless since the turn of the year.

"Exceptional" manager wants to replace David Moyes at West Ham

It was another defeat on the weekend.

ByCharlie Smith Feb 19, 2024

Moyes' contract expires at the end of this season, and if things keep slumping on this downward trajectory, the tactician could potentially find himself out of a job even before then.

There have also been complaints over his pragmatic style of play from certain sections of the fan base, but after their defeat to Forest, Moyes publicly came out to defend his position and remind supporters of their Conference League triumph in Prague last year.

14th

22/23

6th

21/22

7th

20/21

16th

19/20

“I don’t think we can ever please everybody, but I think it would be hard to say there have been many better times at West Ham," said Moyes.

“I think they’ll (the fans) honestly have to say that it’s as good a time as there’s been at the club regarding winning a trophy (Conference League) and league positions. Maybe they’ll be managers who excite them more, possibly. But the one who’s sitting here wins more.”

In any case, Moyes' brand of football has even drawn criticism from pundits, like ex-Irons defender Rio Ferdinand – who suggested the manager's future could certainly be brought into question.

“If the manager, David Moyes, doesn’t play the brand of football that West Ham are used to seeing over the years then, yeah, that is something to be talked about," said Ferdinand to talkSPORT.

“He’s brought a European trophy to the table. How many managers over the last 30/40 years have brought a trophy like that to the table? But they’ve all played a brand of football that maybe West Ham fans like to see.”

In terms of the rumoured candidates to succeed Moyes, a potentially more exciting coach could be former Roma boss Paulo Fonseca. Indeed, Fonseca has been linked with a move to West Ham recently and is known for his attack-minded philosophy (Eric Devin).

West Ham consider Fonseca as Steidten stance on Moyes clear

As per The Guardian and journalist Jacob Steinberg, West Ham have indeed considered Fonseca to replace Moyes, with technical director Tim Steidten expected to be in favour of parting company.

Other reports suggest Steidten and Moyes don't exactly have the most harmonious relationship, and it is believed that West Ham are under pressure to convince their club chief to remain amid growing concerns that he's becoming unhappy in east London.

Fonseca, who deploys the 3-4-2-1 formation, has been praised for his "perfect" dressing room management. The Portuguese also boasts nine trophies across spells in Ukraine and his homeland.

"He is perfect in the dressing room and perfect in his relationship with the players, which is something really needed at Tottenham at the moment," said Fabrizio Romano on Fonseca in 2021 during his links to Spurs (via talkSPORT).

“He likes to play a 3-4-2-1 formation and likes to play with quality and fast players behind the striker."

It was another dreadful day at the office for Chelsea on Sunday, as they threw away a 1-0 lead to lose 4-2 to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League.

The embarrassing result was made all the worse due to the fact that it was at Stamford Bridge, and it came just four days after the team fell to a 4-1 defeat away to Liverpool.

There were a number of players who put in some genuinely shocking displays against the Midlands outfit.

However, there were two who managed to stand out from the crowd for all the wrong reasons and must be dropped by Mauricio Pochettino for the FA Cup game against Aston Villa.

Moises Cacido's game vs Wolves in numbers

The Blues' £115m summer signing, Moises Caicedo, was easily one of the worst performers on the pitch, and that's taking into account the assist he provided for Cole Palmer's goal.

So poor was the Ecuadorian international's performance that he was given a 3/10 by the Standard's Nizaar Kinsella, who claimed the midfielder was 'caught in possession multiple times, including for Cunha's equaliser.'

A good indication of how the 22-year-old's afternoon went was the fact that he was unceremoniously hooked just 63 minutes into the clash, primarily for his sloppy play and inability to keep hold of the ball.

In his 63 minutes of action, he lost possession eight times (once every 7.87 minutes), failed to complete his only dribble, lost four out of five ground duels, and was at fault for Cunha's goal.

In all, the former Brighton & Hove Albion man had a dreadful game, although one of the few Chelsea players to come out of Sunday looking just as bad is Raheem Sterling.

Moises Cacido's game in numbers

Minutes

63

Touches

62

Dribbles Attempted (Succeeded)

1 (0)

Ground Duels (Won)

5 (1)

Fouls

2

Possession Lost

8

Error Leading to a Shot

1

All Stats via Sofascore

Raheem Sterling's game vs Wolves in numbers

Sterling managed to stay on the pitch nine minutes longer than his young teammate, but that extra time did very little to help his case. If anything, the longer he was on the pitch, the harder it was to deflect from his poor performance.

That said, Kinsella obviously thought his display was marginally better than Caicedo's, as he gave the former Manchester City ace a 4/10, with his main criticism being he 'missed an important chance to equalise.'

However, his performance had more problems than a missed chance, as players don't get booed off the pitch for that.

In his 72 minutes of football, the Englishman only managed to register an expected assists figure of 0.05, played one inaccurate cross, took two shots off target, won two of his six ground duels, lost possession eight times, committed two fouls, and only succeeded with one dribble.

Raheem Sterling's game in numbers

Minutes

72

Touches

32

Expected Assists

0.05

Dribbles Attempted (Succeeded)

2 (2)

Crosses (Successful)

1 (0)

Ground Duels (Won)

5 (1)

Shots off Target

2

Big Chances Missed

1

Fouls

2

Possession Lost

8

All Stats via Sofascore

Ultimately, fans know just how good both players can be, so their frustration is understandable, and with the FA Cup game against Villa being so crucial for their season, Pochettino would be wise to take them out of the team – and out of the firing line – at least for now.

West Brom are advancing in talks to sign an experienced Championship player hailed for being "everywhere on the pitch", according to a new transfer update.

West Brom transfer news

The Baggies have the chance to make some key signings during the January transfer window, and manager Carlos Corberan has even hinted that new faces will arrive in attack, saying:

"Without any type of doubt we're going to need a winger, because we have lost, let's say, the two first XI wingers we've been using in the games – they were Phillips and Jeremy. We have a gap in this position. After, when you cover the gap, you can evaluate the different possibilities, to see if it's better to add another winger, or to add a player who can give you more than one position."

Fenerbahce striker Umut Nayir is one player who has been linked with a move to West Brom this month, but Cardiff City are providing competition for his services. Meanwhile, Wales and Bournemouth ace Kieffer Moore has also emerged as an option for the Baggies, as he looks for more regular playing time away from the Cherries.

West Brom in talks with Andreas Weimann

According to a fresh update from The Bristol Post, West Brom are now in "advanced talks" with Bristol City captain Andreas Weimann over a January move to the Hawthorns.

"Bristol City forward Andi Weimann is in advanced transfer talks with Championship rivals West Brom, Bristol Live understands, with the Austrian international in the final six months of his contract at Ashton Gate.

"It's unclear whether it's a loan or long-term permanent switch but he's unlikely to be offered a new deal this summer, either way, it will end Weimann's five-and-a-half year stay in the West Country. The 32-year-old is club captain but has struggled for game time all season, mainly due to injury, but also the change in management."

Weimann could be a strong option for West Brom to bring in before the end of the month, with the 32-year-old a player who now has a wealth of experience at this level. The former Aston Villa man has now made an eye-catching 326 appearances in the Championship, scoring 65 goals and also chipping in with 38 assists in that time. Not only that, but he has also tasted plenty of action in the Premier League in the past, appearing 113 times overall.

Former Bristol City manager Nigel Pearson has lauded Weimann for being "everywhere on the pitch", such is his versatility and ability to cover ground, and he would add a combination of firepower and work ethic to West Brom's squad.

West Brom could sign dream Moore alternative who scored 17 goals last season

West Brom could distance themselves from the Kieffer Moore transfer race by signing this striker instead.

ByKelan Sarson Jan 11, 2024

At 32 years of age, the 21-time capped Austria international admittedly isn't getting any younger, but he could be an excellent short-term addition at the Hawthorns for a few years, doing his bit to get Corberan's side back into the Premier League.

Tottenham and chairman Daniel Levy by extension are indeed keen to sign a club's 21-year-old star, as per recent reports, with a move described as in the "early" stages.

Spurs making early January moves

In what has been the most eventful January transfer window at Spurs in recent memory, the club have officially confirmed two major signings already for manager Ange Postecoglou.

Related All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024

With the January transfer window coming towards its conclusion, FFC has all the info for tracking your club’s winter transfer activity.

Posts ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024

Timo Werner joined from RB Leipzig on a six-month loan earlier this week, and Tottenham swiftly followed up the German's arrival by putting pen to paper on a deal for defender Radu Dragusin.

In the space of a week, Spurs impressively moved to strengthen Postecogolou's attack and defence, with centre-back Dragusin in particular coming as a much-needed new addition.

The Lilywhites have been forced to deploy both Emerson Royal and Ben Davies as makeshift centre-halves in recent months, with first-choice stars Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero often unavailable through injury or suspension.

According to reports, Postecoglou is now keen to sign a new midfield number eight for Spurs, and one who can alternate with playmaker James Maddison when required.

This has resulted in many links to Chelsea star Conor Gallagher, who has enjoyed a brilliant season under Mauricio Pochettino. The west Londoners could be forced to sell Gallagher in January to fund their own transfer activity, as per rumours last month, so this transfer may well be one to watch.

Elsewhere, new targets are occasionally emerging, including Napoli defender Leo Ostigard despite the club's signing of Dragusin. Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney has also been linked with a move to Spurs, and journalist Dean Jones has provided an update on the situation.

Spurs move for Hackney at "early" stage

Speaking to GiveMeSport, the reporter backed Tottenham's interest in the 21-year-old as genuine. However, a possible Spurs move for Hackney is said to be at the "early" stages.

"Hayden Hackney is the talk of the town after his goal against Chelsea, and it might not be too long before he is testing himself against teams of that quality every week," said Jones.

"Spurs are the side being talked about as the favourites to sign him, but that is not quite the case because Middlesbrough refuse to consider anyone as likely to sign him at this moment in time.

"It is true that Spurs have interest, but this is a very early stage of that process, so there is scope for plenty of other teams to challenge for his signature."

Hackney has starred for Boro this season, making 16 Championship appearances, so it's little wonder Levy and the Spurs recruitment team are keeping a watchful eye. Indeed, their manager and ex-Tottenham midfielder Michael Carrick described him as Boro's "shining light".

غادر مدافع منتخب مصر أحمد حجازي، معسكر الفراعنة، منذ قليل، قبل مواجهة بوتسوانا في التصفيات الإفريقية المؤهلة إلى كأس أمم إفريقيا القادمة بالمغرب.

منتخب مصر يستعد لمواجهة بوتسوانا، يوم الثلاثاء المقبل، في إطار منافسات الجولة الثانية من مباريات المجموعة الثالثة لـ تصفيات كأس أمم إفريقيا 2025.

طالع | استبعاد مصطفى محمد وعمر مرموش من معسكر منتخب مصر

وكان منتخب مصر حقق الفوز على الرأس الأخضر، بثلاثة أهداف دون رد، في مباراة الجولة الأولى لـ تصفيات كأس أمم إفريقيا، التي أقيمت أمس الجمعة.

وعلم “بطولات”، أن حسام حسن المدير الفني لمنتخب مصر، طلب من اللاعبين الذين لم يشاركوا في مباراة الرأس الأخضر، الانتظام في مران ظهر اليوم، ولكن لم ينتظم أحمد حجازي في تلك التدريبات، دون أن يبدي أي مبررات.

وأشار المصدر إلى أن أحمد حجازي قرر مغادرة المعسكر لظروف خاصة به وتفهم الجهاز الفني ذلك.

وأكد أحمد حجازي، للجهاز الفني لـ منتخب مصر، أنه غير جاهز نفسيًا للاستمرار في المعسكر وتفهم الجهاز الفني الأمر.

يذكر أن أحمد حجازي لم يكن ضمن اختيارات حسام حسن في التشكيل الأساسي لمنتخب مصر في مباراة الرأس الأخضر، مما أدى إلي غضب اللاعب. رد فعل احمد حجازي لحظة خروجه من الملعب بعد نهاية مباراة مصر والرأس الاخضر

Qalandars crashed to PSL’s second-lowest total batting first. From there on, the final result was never in doubt

The Report by Danyal Rasool17-Feb-20192:08

Saqlain: ‘Hasan Ali has got his mojo back’

How the game played out
Hasan Ali ripped through Lahore Qalandars’ much-vaunted top order, while fellow quick Wahab Riaz tore through the tail to dismiss the PSL’s most beleaguered franchise for 78, setting up a straightforward win for Peshawar Zalmi. The total was the second lowest in the PSL’s history. Lahore were also responsible for the lowest score – 59 – with that too coming against Peshawar in 2017.In response, Umar Amin eased any nerves Peshawar might have had after Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf removed the openers in the first two overs. Timing the ball sweetly, six fours in the space of two overs all but killed off the Lahore fightback, and for the few runs that remained, both sides were merely going through the motions. Just to please the crowd, Kieron Pollard finished the game with a monstrous six.Turning point
The game’s never truly done while AB de Villiers is at the crease, so what did Hasan Ali do? He knocked back de Villiers’ stumps, of course. Having already taken two wickets in his second over, he pulled his line back as de Villiers charged him, comprehensively beating the inside edge. Not content with three wickets, he removed Brendan Taylor two balls later in almost identical fashion Lahore were 39 for four.PSL

Star of the day
You’ll hear much about Hasan Ali and Wahab, and deservedly so, but just for aesthetics sake, why not give Amin a mention. He made his Test debut in the same match as Azhar Ali, but their fortunes have diverged significantly since. Never really celebrated as a T20 gem, he played an innings that had the effectiveness of modern T20 hitters and the elegance to get MCC members. Rarely swiping against the line or hitting the ball in the air, he scythed through Lahore’s field with consistent results, bringing up his half-century in 34 balls and scoring 61 of Peshawar’s 81. The overwhelming majority came in boundaries, the innings comprising 10 fours and a six. The cake had already been baked, but the icing Umer applied was a marvel in itself.The big miss
The entire Lahore side?Less harshly, though, let’s go for some sibling rivalry on this one. Kamran Akmal and Umar Akmal seem to compete with each other for the biggest honours when the PSL comes around. So after his brother had smashed a scintillating 28-ball 44 to help Quetta to victory, Kamran was expected to make short work of the low total Peshawar had to chase.Instead, he found himself worked over by a bowler less than half his age. Shaheen Afridi bowled two wides down legside searching for the yorker. The third ball clattered into Kamran’s pads but was clearly missing leg. He got it perfectly right fourth time, though, the yorker comprehensively beating the opener. It smashed into his pads – it would have been lbw anyway – before going on to take the off stump and send Kamran back for a duck.Where the teams stand
With Peshawar’s win, all six teams are up and running in the PSL. They have one win in two, while Lahore, like Islamabad, have one in three.

Manchester City are always active in the transfer market and are now reportedly confident of pulling off a triple swoop at the Etihad Stadium.

Man City continue title charge…

As per expectation, City are once again in the mix to win the Premier League title, having taken 30 points from their opening 14 fixtures in the division. Pep Guardiola's side have been over the course many times under his stewardship and rarely get flustered during mid-season even when they drop points, prioritising the season run-in as a key time to generate momentum and play their best football.

The Citizens have laid claim to the top prize in English football three times in a row and will be keen to ensure they keep pace at the summit to secure a record-breaking fourth league success, which has never been done in the history of English football.

Nevertheless, Guardiola and his side have copped criticism for the level of goals they have conceded this term in comparison to previous years. In his post-match press conference after the Sky Blues drew 3-3 with Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, the Catalan boss was defiant that their approach won't change as the campaign goes on, saying:

"After many years I know the players, they know me. I remember the first few games when everything was new. We don’t play with this consistency in the approach and defensive behaviour."

Man City now join race for “very dangerous” Liverpool target in January

Liverpool have also been linked.

ByHenry Jackson Dec 3, 2023

"Opponents have two or three shots on target and it is goal, goal, goal. That is difficult. We have to be clear and insist. Anyway, we are not going to change. I don’t know how far we will go this season, but I am not going to change the approach. That’s for sure."

Looking ahead to January, the Citizens are now believed to be confident of bringing in three new arrivals to the Etihad Stadium as they seemingly look to the future.

Man City eye exciting triple swoop…

90min shared an exciting update, claiming Manchester City are confident they can sign River Plate trio Claudio Echeverri, Agustin Ruberto and Ian Subiabre, owing to their excellent relationship with the South American giants following the deal to take Julian Alvarez to the North West in 2022.

Echeverri, Ruberto and Subiabre statistics

Claudio Echeverri (Transfermarkt)

Agustin Ruberto (Transfermarkt)

Ian Subiabre (Transfermarkt)

Senior appearances – 4

Senior appearances: N/A

Senior appearances: N/A

Goals and assists – 1 assist

Goals and assists: N/A

Goals and assists: N/A

Argentina Under-17 record (captain) – 17 caps, 10 goals

Argentina Under-17 record – 23 caps, 13 goals

Argentina Under-17 record – 15 caps, 2 goals

The report states that Echeverri and Ruberto turn 18 later this year and will be eligible to move abroad in January. One other advantage of the Citizens' pursuit of the pair is that they would be open to allowing them to return to South America on loan after buying both players.

Chelsea also hold a strong interest in the trio who have impressed at the recent U17 World Cup and are willing to match any offers for their services, while a clutch of clubs from England and further afield have held talks regarding at least one of the prodigies, including Brighton & Hove Albion, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona and Real Madrid.

On the lookout for stars of the future, City could land three more exciting talents sooner rather than later to add to their star-studded squad, making this one to watch.

Nic Maddinson marked his first Sheffield Shield match for Victoria with a fine unbeaten century to help the home side into a strong position against Western Australia at the MCG.Maddinson lost his contract with New South Wales at the end of last season and moved to Victoria for fresh opportunities. He played in the JLT Cup but had to bide his time in Premier and Futures League cricket before getting an opportunity at Shield level in the absence of Test players Marcus Harris, Aaron Finch and Peter Handscomb.Maddinson’s ninth first-class century came off 155 balls and he combined in a 112-run third-wicket partnership with Glenn Maxwell.ALSO READ: Queensland go from 1 for 42 to 8 for 86 against TasmaniaMaddinson did get a life on 92 that bizarrely ended Maxwell’s innings on 57. Matt Kelly dropped a return catch but the ricochet bounced onto the stumps at the non-striker’s end where Maxwell was run-out, unluckily short of safe ground.Cameron White picked up the slack as he and Maddinson put on an unbeaten 134-run stand to take Victoria comfortably through to stumps. White moved easily to 65 not out feasting on a pretty inexperienced attack. Maddinson showed immense maturity to bat through the day, facing 282 balls for 21 fours and two sixes.ALSO READ: Carey, Cooper fifties floor New South WalesEarlier, newly-minted Victorian skipper Travis Dean fell for 16 but did play a part in an important 62-run opening stand after winning the toss. Young batting prodigy Will Pucovski missed out on his return from mental-health issues, chasing a wide one to be dismissed for 1.The Warriors’ attack strangely didn’t feature Ashton Agar, who was on Australia’s last Test tour as the back-up spinner. He’s played just four games of cricket since early September but the team opted to rest him ahead of the Big Bash League, which begins in late December.

It has been a turbulent week for Everton as the club were docked ten points for breaching Financial Fair Play rules which is the heaviest punishment in Premier League history, following Portsmouth's nine points deduction in March 2010.

The Toffees sentence came after the club had been found guilty of recording losses greater than the £105m over three years permitted by the Profit and Sustainability Rules, leading to an outcry from Leicester City, Leeds United and Burnley who have all threatened to sue in a £300m lawsuit.

The ruling from an independent commission has left Sean Dyche's side second from bottom in the table now. With an appeal to take place and further litigation to battle against lawsuits, the Merseyside club could commence a fire sale in January, causing the manager to lose his best players.

One star in particular could be on his way out of Goodison Park this January.

Everton star could leave Merseyside

According to the Daily Express, via TEAMtalk, Manchester United are looking to take advantage of Everton's FFP misery by taking Amadou Onana to Old Trafford this winter, just eighteen months after the midfielder joined the club.

The report claims that Erik ten Hag is hoping the Belgium international – who is valued at £50m – can add balance to United's midfield this term, particularly with Casemiro and Christian Eriksen set to be sidelined for the remainder of the year.

Onana was a key player for Everton last season in the club's fight to stay in the Premier League, having signed in the summer of 2022 for £33m under Frank Lampard and featured 33 times in the top flight in his debut campaign.

The Belgian has played a vital role once more under Dyche this term and teammate Arnaut Danjuma has even described the 22-year-old as playing "like an octopus" due to his ability to always reclaim the ball when tackling. Meanwhile, Hamburg's sporting director Jonas Boldt claimed that the 6 foot 4 midfielder has the "perfect" qualities needed to reach the top level.

Amadou Onana's stats this season

Onana is not the type of midfielder to get eight to ten goals a season. In fact, the former Lille star has scored just nine goals in 124 appearances in his professional career. However, the Everton general is incredibly versatile and can play in a handful of different positions, having had experience as a centre-back, a defensive midfielder, a number '10' and even one game up top, according to Transfermarkt.

Furthermore, Transfermarkt have ranked Onana as the tenth most expensive number '6' in the world and Everton's most valuable player, while his market value has increased by £17.5m since moving to Goodison Park eighteen months ago. It's safe to say despite his lofty valuation, this is someone the Toffees cannot afford to lose.

The former Hoffenheim starlet has been impressing statistically when compared to all holding midfield players across Europe's top-five leagues, ranking in the top 5% for aerial duels per 90, the top 20% for expected assisted goals per 90 and the top 1% for passes blocked per 90. Additionally, Onana's data is most comparable to AS Roma's Bryan Cristante, as per FBref's player comparison model.

Onana has been Everton's most influential midfielder this season and comparing his stats to the rest of the midfielders Dyche has available proves why it is imperative that the club keep hold of him beyond January.

Progressive Passes

5

3.03

3.47

2.87

Passes To Final 1/3

3.82

2.57

3.3

2

Pass Completion %

84.1

72.8

86.3

80.1

Expected Assists

0.09

0.16

0.05

0.07

Progressive Carries

0.88

1.19

2

2.26

Switches

0.69

0.37

0.13

0

Tackles Won

1.57

1.47

1.87

1.13

Final 1/3 Tackles

0.59

0.37

0.67

0.26

Stats via FBref

While Onana may not be as impactful in the final third as some of Everton's other midfielders, he is the key for Dyche's side to progress up the pitch but to also regain possession once the ball is lost.

Indeed, losing the Belgian to Manchester United could have greater ramifications than any points deduction. They are still well in the fight to stay up but losing their best player could condemn any hopes.

Somerset have announced the signing of seamer Jack Brooks on a three-year contract from Yorkshire

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Aug-2018

Jack Brooks appeals•Getty Images

Somerset have announced the signing of seamer Jack Brooks on a three-year contract from Yorkshire. The 34-year-old will move to Taunton at the end of the season.Brooks’ impending departure, first reported by ESPNcricinfo, is a blow to Yorkshire, who face a rebuilding job over the winter. England quick Liam Plunkett has already signed for Surrey – with Mathew Pillans moving in the opposite direction – while opener Alex Lees was granted a switch to Durham.Although Brooks has never quite done enough to win England selection, he is a vastly experienced bowler at county level. A later-starter with Northamptonshire, he soon became a distinctive figure on the circuit, with his long hair, trademark headband and impassioned celebrations. He moved to Yorkshire in 2012, helping the club to win back-to-back Championships in 2014 and 2015. He has also played for England Lions.”I’m extremely excited to be joining Somerset at a time when they are building a special team capable of challenging for trophies,” Brooks said, “I truly believe this Somerset team can create something special.”When I met Andy Hurry, Jason Kerr, Tom Abell and Andrew Cornish I was impressed straightaway with their vision for the team and club. Their togetherness and desire reminded me a lot of Yorkshire when I joined them.”I look forward to continuing my cricketing journey and to the fresh challenges that await. My mum and her family are from Bath and I’ll be nearer to my family in Oxfordshire, so it feels a little bit like I’m coming home. Somerset have a fantastic reputation as a strong family club which I look forward to being a part of.”Although in his mid-30s, Brooks has fine record in red-ball cricket, in particular, taking 291 wickets at 26.56 in six years at Headingley. He claimed 68 wickets to help Yorkshire to their first Championship title since 2001, and was their leading wicket-taker for three seasons in a row between 2014 and 2016.However, while Yorkshire now find themselves battling at the wrong end of the Division One table, Somerset, in their pursuit of a first-ever Championship, have emerged as Surrey’s closest challengers. They also secured a spot in Vitality Blast Finals Day with victory over the holders, Nottinghamshire, on Monday.As well as being closer to home, the prospect of being involved in all three formats was perhaps a factor in Brooks moving to Taunton – he only played in 12 List A and 23 T20 fixtures for Yorkshire.Somerset’s director of cricket, Andy Hurry, said: “We are delighted that we have secured a player of Jack’s proven quality, experience and character to add to one of the most exciting bowling attacks in the country. It’s a great reflection of our ambition, and the progress that the club has made, that a player of his quality sees his ambitions of winning silverware with Somerset CCC.”Alongside his experience of winning silverware, which will add to our ability to achieve our aspirations of winning trophies, he is incredibly competitive, driven and will be a great fit in the changing room. I have no doubt he will become a big favourite with the Somerset membership”.