Tottenham Hotspur’s Europa League triumph at the end of the 2024/25 campaign has brought added expectations, after finally ending their 17-year wait for a piece of silverware.

Ange Postecoglou’s triumph in Bilbao ended a generational wait for a trophy, but he was sacked after such victory, handing the responsibility to Thomas Frank in the process.

The Dane was handed a huge sum of money to try and build on the triumph, with the hierarchy backing the new manager after taking the reins ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Over £100m was spent on new additions, which has led to the Lilywhites already making an impact in the Premier League – as seen by their fifth-placed standing after the third international break.

Mohammed Kudus has already hit the ground running, registering one goal and one assist in the league, but the same can’t be said for one of their big-money summer additions.

How Simons compares to other PL midfielders in 2025/26

During the summer transfer window, Spurs forked out a total of £52m for the signature of attacking midfielder Xavi Simons, with the youngster joining the club from RB Leipzig.

The move ended their summer-long pursuit of a new attacking midfielder, with numerous options being targeted before completing a deal for the Dutch international.

Premier League options such as Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze were both considered, but various factors saw the Lilywhites miss out on both of the player’s signatures.

As a result, Simons was the man chosen to fill the void, with such a move generating huge excitement within the fanbase – undoubtedly aided by the sizable transfer fee.

However, a couple of months on from his big-money transfer to North London, the 22-year-old has ultimately failed to deliver, as seen by his tally of just two assists in his first 14 outings.

His underlying stats further showcase his lack of quality, with the youngster being massively outperformed by numerous players also in a single position in England’s top-flight.

He’s only created an average of 1.01 chances per 90, with such a tally ranking him in the bottom 25% of all other midfielders in the league, with right-back Pedro Porro creating more chances in the same time period.

Simons has also been dispossessed an average of 2.1 times per 90, subsequently placing him in the bottom 18% of all players in the division for the same category.

He will certainly need time to settle into life in England after his big-money transfer, but there’s little denying that he’s been a huge disappointment in recent months.

As a result, he could find himself struggling to nail down a starting role in the near future, especially if one player continues his phenomenal development at the club.

The Spurs star who could end Simons’ Spurs career

Over the years, the Spurs faithful have been blessed with countless talents who have operated in the attacking midfield role – subsequently handing the fanbase moments to last a lifetime.

James Maddison was the latest player in the role before his ACL injury, with the Englishman achieving some phenomenal levels during his spell in the first team in North London.

He’s racked up 16 goals and 19 assists in his 75 appearances for the Lilywhites, with his tally of 12 goals in 2024/25 the highest he’s managed after his £40m switch.

Dele was another Englishman who filled such a role in the years prior, with the former first-team star managing to win the PFA Young Player of the Year award on two separate occasions.

However, whilst he failed to match the expectations over a sustained period, Frank could be about to rely on Luca Williams-Barnett during his spell in North London.

The 17-year-old has generated huge excitement over the last couple of months, with the youngster making huge waves within various age categories in the academy.

He’s been starring way above his age group over the last few seasons, with the youngster featuring in the U18s side for the vast majority of the previous campaign.

He ended the year with a staggering 23 goals and nine assists in his 24 outings for the Lilywhites, resulting in a jump up once again – now becoming a key member of the U21 side.

At just 17, he’s arguably made himself one of the age group’s biggest stars, with his numbers from the ongoing season further reflecting his star quality despite his tender age.

Luca Williams-Barnett

10

Rio Kyerematen

5

Reiss-Alexander Russell-Denny

4

Tynan Thompson

4

Yusuf Akhamrich

4

Oliver Irow

3

Dane Scarlett

2

Dante Cassanova

2

Williams-Barnett has made just eight appearances, but it hasn’t stopped him from catching the eye, as seen by his remarkable tally of seven goals and five assists.

Back in September, he registered three goals and an assist in the 6-3 victory over Leicester City – with such a display undoubtedly his best in the 2025/26 campaign to date.

As a result of his performances, the youngster was named in the England U17 World Cup squad, with the midfielder already scoring twice during the ongoing competition.

Williams-Barnett has also made his senior debut during Frank’s tenure, as he was brought on in the 87th minute of the Carabao Cup victory over League One Doncaster Rovers back in September.

His performances across various teams in 2025/26 has led to huge praise being directed his way, with analyst Ben Mattinson labelling him as “one of England’s best talents”.

At just 17, the club will certainly have to manage the expectations placed upon him, but it’s undeniable that the Lilywhites have a phenomenal young prospect on their hands.

It’s unclear what his route to first-team success would be, but the hierarchy need to prepare a plan to allow him to match the potential he currently possesses at present.

As for Simons, he will need to rapidly buck his ideas up after his big-money transfer, with his spell in North London certainly being one to forget in recent months.

His future at the club could be in huge jeopardy in the years ahead, especially if Williams-Barnett is able to continue on his current development path in the youth ranks.

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1 ByAngus Sinclair Nov 17, 2025

Spirited batting closes gap to eighth place with one round of matches to come

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay18-Sep-2025Durham 450 for 6 (Gay 161, Rhodes , Bedingham 58) drew with Worcestershire 591 for 9 dec (Roderick 151, Brookes 100, D’Oliveira 84, Taylor 66*, Edavalath 61)Centuries from Emilio Gay and Will Rhodes helped Durham pick up five crucial batting bonus points as they drew their Rothesay County Championship clash with already relegated Worcestershire.In the morning the Pears picked up a couple of Durham scalps to halt their quest for batting bonus points, but Gay and David Bedingham (58) combined for a partnership worth 122 to help Durham’s cause.Gay then reached three figures, while Rhodes scored his maiden first-class hundred for Durham to get them to 450 for six, securing the maximum number of batting points available ahead of a potential relegation decider against Yorkshire next week.Worcestershire declared overnight on 591 for nine, leaving Durham with the task of getting batting bonus points to boost their chances of staying in Division One.Opener Alex Lees carved a Tom Taylor delivery through the covers to the boundary, but Taylor got Lees next ball as he was caught behind for eight.The Pears were testing Durham in the early stages, but Gay relieved the pressure as he produced a great straight drive off Taylor which went for four.Durham’s pursuit stalled as Ben McKinney then departed for 16 at the hands of Matthew Waite as he edged one to Ben Gibbon at slip.That brought David Bedingham to the crease and the batter managed to find the boundary with ease in the early stages of his innings.Pears skipper Brett D’Oliveira came into the attack, but on his follow through he went over on his right ankle, which prompted concerns from the dressing room given they have the Metro Bank One Day Cup final on Saturday.Gay continued to tick along nicely and got his fifty from 71 balls, while taking his side to 100 before lunch.Bedingham continued to attack the bowlers after the lunch interval as he clipped one on the onside for four and he played another excellent shot, this time carving a Taylor delivery through the covers for four.Gay was almost heading back to the pavilion on 72, as he edged an Allison delivery but Gibbon couldn’t cling on to it with an outstretched hand.Bedingham then brought up his second fifty of the season from 79 balls and smashed a six off the bowling of Waite next ball. However, he went for one hit too many as Waite got him for 58 after he didn’t get enough on a pull shot, which Allison caught on the boundary.Gay continued to motor, now alongside Will Rhodes, and he picked up his fourth century of the season from 127 balls.The opener continued to play fluently after reaching the milestone, picking up three boundaries in a Brookes over, and Durham reached their first batting point in the 53rd over.Gay passed the milestone of 150 for the third time this campaign after tea and Rhodes, who has struggled for First Class runs this season, played nicely and found the boundary with a tidy glance off the legs from a Gibbon ball.Rhodes then reached fifty for the first time in Durham whites from 72 deliveries and he picked up another boundary straight after. Gay then went for an excellent 161, his highest Durham score, as he chopped a Gibbon delivery onto his leg stump.Rhodes continued Durham’s swashbuckling approach as he heaved a Dan Lategan to the boundary, but Ollie Robinson fell soon after for four as he was bowled by the part-time off spin of Jake Libby.Rhodes continued his charge as he smashed Lategan for a six down the ground and then reached three figures for the first time this season, coming from 121 balls.Graham Clark produced a quick 29 to speed things up, but Libby got his second of the day as he got the Durham man caught and bowled.Rhodes then got his 150 and guided his side to 450, the magic number for five batting points, and the two sides shook hands just after 5pm.

أعلن النادي الأهلي عدم نفاد تذاكر مباراة الفريق الأول لكرة القدم أمام شبيبة القبائل، والتي ستجمع الفريقين ضمن منافسات دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

ويلتقى الأهلي مع شبيبة القبائل الجزائري، مساء غد السبت، في إطار الجولة الأولى من مواجهات دور المجموعات للبطولة الإفريقية.

طالع.. محمد الشناوي: مجموعة الأهلي متوازنة.. وهدفنا الفوز على شبيبة القبائل

ووجه الأهلي رسالة إلى جماهيره لحضور اللقاء، وذلك في بيان رسمي جاء نصه: “ينتظر النادي الحضور المكثف لجماهيره في مباراة الغد أمام شبيبة القبائل الجزائري، في أولى جولات دور المجموعات لدوري الأبطال”. 

وتابع: “وحصل الأهلي على موافقة الجهات الأمنية للحضور الجماهيري بالسعة الكاملة؛ لإتاحة الفرصة لأكبر عدد من الجماهير؛ لمساندة الفريق في هذه المباراة التي تحظى باهتمام كبير، لاسيما أن تذاكر المباراة لم تنفد بعد”.

وينافس الأهلي في المجموعة الثالثة من بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا، مع أندية شبيبة القبائل والجيش الملكي المغربي ويانج أفريكانز التنزاني.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Atlético de Madrid está no mercado em busca de volantes para reforçar o elenco. André, do Fluminense, seria uma das principais opções do time de Diego Simeoni, é o que afirma o jornal “AS”, da Espanha. O Tricolor, no momento, ainda não recebeu propostas oficiais pelo volante campeão da Libertadores.

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Apesar do Fluminense negar a informação, o jornalista Ben Jacobs sinalizou que o Fulham fez uma proposta de € 30 milhões, mais € 5 milhões em bônus, para contratar André. O Atlético de Madrid está ciente que esse é o valor para tirar o jogador do Tricolor nesta janela de transferências.

➡️ Tudo sobre o Tricolor agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Fluminense

O clube colchonero considera a negociação complicada pela pedida do clube carioca. Porém, o clube tem uma boa relação com os empresários do atleta, o que pode ser um incentivo para seguir procurando meios de contratar André. Um cenário diferente seria tentar um empréstimo com obrigação de compra na próxima janela. Com isso, o Atleti teria que pagar mais dinheiro para ter o jogador. Se a proposta for um empréstimo com obrigação de compra, os valores podem chegar a rondar os € 45 ou 50 milhões, diz o jornal.

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O atleta de 22 anos é uma das maiores joias do elenco comandado por Fernando Diniz. Além de já ter sido alvo de clubes da Europa na janela de transferências do meio de 2023, o André se valorizou com as convocações para a Seleção Brasileira.

Tudo sobre

Atlético de MadridFluminense

Serie A giants Inter Milan are reportedly exploring the possibility of signing Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in the January transfer window. The Argentina shot-stopper continues to be linked with a big-money move away from Villa Park after missing out on a deadline-day switch to fellow Premier League side Manchester United in the summer.

Report claims Inter are eyeing Martinez amid doubts over Sommer

In a new report from Italian heavyweights Inter are interested in landing Martinez when the transfer window re-opens in just over a month’s time. The report claims Villa are prepared to cash in on the 33-year-old, should a suitable offer arrive at the start of next year.

The report states Cristian Chivu’s Inter have doubts over current No. 1 goalkeeper Yann Sommer and are therefore weighing up their options ahead of the January transfer window. The Nerazzurri are currently top of Serie A on 24 points, leading the way ahead of second-placed Roma thanks to a better goal difference.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportUnited opted to sign Belgium 'keeper Lammens instead of Martinez

While it remains to be seen whether Martinez will leave in January, the rumours continue to swirl following his failed transfer to Ruben Amorim’s United in the summer. The former Arsenal goalkeeper was reportedly sitting by the phone as he waited to hear whether Villa and United had agreed a transfer on deadline day, only for the Red Devils to sign youngster Senne Lammens instead.

Lammens has been a revelation since moving to Old Trafford from Belgian side Royal Antwerp. The 23-year-old made his Premier League debut against high-flying Sunderland on 4 October, keeping a clean sheet as Amorim’s men recorded a 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Mason Mount and Benjamin Sesko.

Former Club Brugge stopper Lammens has remained between the sticks for United’s following four league games – the 2-1 and 4-2 victories over Liverpool and Brighton respectively, as well as the 2-2 draws with Nottingham Forest and Tottenham.

Lammens also made his debut for the Belgium senior team in their thumping 7-0 victory over minnows Liechtenstein in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday. Rudi Garcia’s side subsequently booked their place at next summer’s tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States after topping Group J ahead of second-placed Wales.

Young shot-stopper receives praise from former United boss Sir Alex

Such has been Lammens’ impressive form that he has been praised by legendary former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Speaking to earlier this month, the Scot said: "There are signs, the manager has had some good signs. Particularly the goalkeeper has been outstanding, he’s only played three or four games and he’s looking really good. 

“Of course, Mbeumo and Cunha, the new players from Wolves and Brentford, they’ve added to it. I hope the manager gets a bit of success because at United you need to have success – the signs are getting better.

“I think back-to-back wins is something teams like United should always expect. But having gone through a cycle where the improvement has to come by waiting and being patient, they’ll enjoy it now.”

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Getty Images SportArgentina ace Martinez told he missed out on 'chance of a lifetime'

Meanwhile, former Manchester City and Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given believes Martinez missed out on “the chance of a lifetime” after United opted to sign Lammens ahead of him.

In an interview with Given said: “It felt very close in the window just gone past, with him not playing. I think Villa played in a live game on deadline day, and he wasn’t in the squad. Everyone thought he was off, maybe to Manchester United, but that didn't happen. Then he came back as number one again to Villa. 

“He’s playing again, he’s their top man. I don’t know if the ship has sailed for a move next summer. Manchester United? Probably, not that Senne Lammens has arrived and done really well. Maybe it was a chance in a lifetime for Emi, and it’s been missed now.”

Martinez is expected to start as Villa return to Premier League action against Leeds United on Sunday. He could then lock horns with both Amorim's United and Lammens when the two sides face off in the league on Sunday, 21 December at Villa Park.

Elsewhere, United and Lammens will look to continue their fine form when they entertain Everton in the league on Monday evening, while Martinez’s reported suitors Inter face rivals Milan in the derby on Sunday night.

Sunderland have been in dreamland this season, with the addition of Granit Xhaka’s top level experience a huge factor in their success, and Regis Le Bris has hinted at another major signing.

The Black Cats are set to return to action from the international break in the hope of picking up where they left off against Arsenal two weeks ago. They shocked the Premier League leaders by coming from behind to rescue a late draw at the Stadium of Light. Now, with a trip to face Fulham up next, Le Bris has admitted that he expects a “tough challenge” in West London.

Victory could take Sunderland to as high as second and just four points off leaders Arsenal if a number of other results go their way. It would represent the remarkable run that they’ve been on, which has already almost guaranteed safety and potentially allowed them to focus on other ambitions.

Much of their success has come courtesy of an excellent summer transfer window. The arrival of former Arsenal man Xhaka has proven to be particularly successful, with the midfielder ending some unfinished business in the Premier League.

It’s been such a success that the Black Cats may look to repeat their genius in 2026 by signing another former Arsenal man in Matteo Guendouzi. Le Bris recently had his say on a potential deal for the Frenchman.

Le Bris shares Matteo Guendouzi to Sunderland update

Speaking to reporters in his pre-match press conference before his side’s meeting with Fulham, Le Bris refused to rule out signing Guendouzi and even shared that he’s still in contact with the midfielder.

This follows reports from Italy that Sunderland have joined the race to sign the Lazio midfielder, who is valued at around €30m (£26m).

It seems as though it would certainly be a welcomed reunion for Le Bris, who worked with Guendouzi at Lorient in the early stages of both of their careers. Now, with the Frenchman far more experienced these days – he has 14 senior caps to his name – the Sunderland boss could reap the rewards.

Sunderland make decision on selling Granit Xhaka as Juventus eye January move

One of Regis Le Bris’ key players is now being targeted by a Champions League club.

By
Dominic Lund

Nov 18, 2025

Described as a “great professional” by former Germany defender Arne Friedrich in the past, Guendouzi could yet have the chance to follow Xhaka’s path and end some unfinished business in the Premier League, courtesy of Sunderland next year.

Sunderland make contact with Real Madrid over signing in-demand £17m+ ace

Spinner takes six wickets as Somerset come close to leaving visitors in deep relegation trouble

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay18-Sep-2025

Hampshire 172 (Leach 7-69) and 201 for 8 (Sundar 46, Gubbins 37, Vaughan 6-96) drew with Somerset 454 for 8 dec (Aldridge 180, Abell 118, Overton 50*) Nick Gubbins led a determined rearguard action as Hampshire eased their relegation fears with a battling draw on the final day of the Rothesay County Championship Division One match with Somerset at the Cooper Associates Ground, Taunton.The experienced left-hander faced 203 balls to score 37 and shared a crucial fourth-wicket stand with skipper Ben Brown that occupied 40 overs after their side had begun the day on 35 for one, needing a further 247 runs to avoid an innings defeat.Washington Sundar top-scored with 46 as Hampshire fought their way to 201 for eight by the close, despite the best efforts of Somerset off-spinner Archie Vaughan, who finished with a career-best six for 96 from 50 overs, and Jack Leach, whose two for 40 from 49.5 overs, including 33 maidens, gave him match figures of nine for 109.Somerset took 16 points from the game to consolidate third place in the First Division table, while the eight points for the draw plus two bowling points meant Hampshire stayed out of the bottom two going into the final round of fixturesThe visitors had added only two to their overnight score when Vaughan struck the first blow for Somerset, Fletcha Middleton getting an inside edge to be caught at leg slip by Kasey Aldridge.It was soon clear that Hampshire were going to rely on application, concentration and skilful defence to avoid defeat. Toby Albert had faced 52 balls to score ten when pinned lbw on the back foot by Vaughan with the total on 57.At times, Somerset had as many as seven fielders crowded around the bat for Vaughan and third day hero Jack Leach, but Gubbins and Brown displayed solid resistance to take the score to 82 for three off 57 overs at lunch.The pattern continued in the afternoon session, Brown surviving a tough stumping chance to James Rew off Vaughan when on 16. It was a rare moment of anxiety as the fourth-wicket partnership continued to frustrate all Somerset’s efforts to force another breakthrough.The second new ball made the difference. After Craig Overton had taken it from the Marcus Trescothick Pavilion End, bowling in tandem with Leach, skipper Lewis Gregory soon recalled Vaughan to his attack with almost immediate effect.The sixth over with the new ball saw Gubbins push forward defensively as he had done successfully on numerous occasions, only to edge in the direction of Aldridge, fielding in a kneeling position at a close-in gully. Out went a right hand to take the ball fractionally before it pitched and the reflex catch reignited Somerset’s victory hopes.Gubbins had battled away for three hours and three quarter hours, barely risking an attacking shot in an innings perfectly suiting his team’s situation and the stand of 67 with Brown had proved hugely frustrating to Somerset.But there was still time before tea for Leach to strike Brown on the back pad and earn an lbw verdict after the Hampshire captain had faced 128 deliveries. At 129 for five, Hampshire were back in a position of peril.The final session saw Sundar bat with authority, counter-attacking when possible and striking 9 fours before being bowled through the gate by a ball from Vaughan that went on with the arm from around the wicket.Felix Organ then added studiously to the Hampshire resistance, facing 82 balls for his four runs before falling to another brilliant close-in catch, this time from substitute fielder Josh Thomas off Leach, with less than half an hour left to play.The tension grew when James Fuller, who had played solidly to reach 20, was bowled between his legs by Vaughan to become the bowler’s sixth victim. But Keith Barker and Kyle Abbott saw out the final 15 minutes to seal a potentially huge day in their side’s season.

Alan Shearer has revealed he is happiness for Elliot Anderson after the midfielder's departure from Newcastle for Nottingham Forest sparked a rapid rise to becoming an England regular. With Manchester United now linked with a big-money move, Anderson has gone from Tyneside home-grown hope to one of the Premier League's most in-demand talents.

• Anderson's meteoric rise post his Newcastle departure

  Anderson left Newcastle United in the summer of 2024 as the Magpies were forced to make sales to stay within PSR limits, despite the academy graduate being admired for his potential. He joined Nottingham Forest in search of consistent minutes, stepping into a key creative role and rapidly elevating his performances in the Premier League. That form has led to him becoming a regular in Thomas Tuchel's England squad and attracting serious interest from Manchester United, who need midfield reinforcements.

  Due to his home-grown status, Anderson was a more valuable sale from a PSR perspective, consideed 'pure profit' in the accounts. At Forest, he immediately became a key midfielder under Nuno Espirito Santo with the responsibility to carry the team’s attacking play. His growth has been so striking that he is now widely viewed as one of the most complete players outside the traditional title challengers.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Shearer 'delighted' for the England international…

  Shearer praised Anderson, admitting that the transfer — though shaped by Newcastle’s financial restrictions — was crucial for his development. He told podcast: "It was the best thing. Although it was tough for Newcastle and it wouldn't have happened if it wasn’t for PSR."

  Shearer highlighted that Anderson would never have received the same trust and responsibility at Newcastle. He continued: "But it was the best thing that happened to him, to get out and play. He wasn't going to get in Newcastle's midfield. You've got to give him credit. He wouldn't be far away now [from getting in Newcastle's midfield], I agree with that."

  The Newcastle legend finished by acknowledging the scale of Anderson's growth. "He wouldn't have been able to do what he has done and is doing at Newcastle. Good for him. I'm delighted for him. He's gone from being a bit-part player at Newcastle to being one of the main guys at Forest and one of England's."

• Anderson likely to be a starter at the 2026 World Cup

  Anderson has long been seen as one of the brightest academy talents Newcastle had produced in years, earning the nickname the 'Whitley Bay Figo' during his youth days. His ability to operate as either a No.8 or a No.10 made him valuable, but that same versatility also left him without a fixed role in a squad packed with expensive signings. Nottingham Forest gave him the tactical clarity and first-team trust he needed to reach his full potential.

  At Forest, Anderson quickly became one of the Premier League's standout transitional midfielders thanks to his ball-carrying, creativity and pressing intensity. His numbers surged, with double-digit goal contributions putting him firmly in the England conversation. By 2025, he had not only won his first caps but established himself as a regular starter under Tuchel.

  Heading into the Three Lions' final World Cup qualifier, Tuchel also announced that Anderson is currently his main choice to partner Declan Rice in the midfield for the 2026 World Cup. The German said: "Elliot and Declan are at the moment ahead in midfield. They are a very good pair and complement each other very well. They are performing at the highest level for club and country. Biggest complement to both of them. We took Declan out [of the last match] after 65 minutes to have the chance to play again, Elliot played 90 minutes and it is his first season to play international games as well as for Nottingham Forest, he is a key player there too."

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Man Utd linked with move for Anderson

  Manchester United are tipped to pursue a move in 2026 as they plan a rebuild in midfield with Casemiro ageing and Bruno Fernandes playing in a deeper role. Forest will fight to keep their star man but are realistic that interest from the league's biggest sides will eventually force a major decision. The competition for his signature is already shaping up to be fierce.

  England, meanwhile, continue to benefit from Anderson's upward curve as he cements his place heading toward the 2026 World Cup in North America. Tuchel sees him as a long-term midfield option alongside Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice, giving the Three Lions a formidable core for years to come.

Derbyshire 389 for 2 (Madsen 147*, Reece 123*, Donald 55) vs Kent Wayne Madsen and Luis Reece both made centuries as Derbyshire piled on the runs in their Rothesay County Championship match with Kent at Canterbury, reaching 389 for 2 at the end of day one.Opener Reece batted all day and was unbeaten on 123 while Madsen was 147 not out, having passed 1,000 runs for the summer. By stumps their partnership was 231, a Derbyshire record for the third wicket against Kent.Reece’s fellow opener Aneurin Donald chipped in with 55 as the home bowlers struggled to make any impact.It says something about the way Kent’s season has gone that the loudest applause of the day came midway through the afternoon session, when it was announced the coffee machine in the Lime Tree cafe had been fixed.Third-placed Derbyshire chose to bat against a side guaranteed to finish bottom of Division Two and the morning session went to form, with the visitors reaching 108 for 1 at lunch.The sole victim was Donald, who was bowled leg-stump by Michael Cohen, shortly after he’d driven him through the covers to bring up his 50.When play resumed Reece tickled a Grant Stewart delivery down the leg side for four to reach his half-century and although Matt Parkinson had Harry Came stumped by Harry Finch for 35 at the start of the next over, Madsen joined Reece and reached four figures for the first-class season, the eighth time he’s reached that milestone.Kent were docked six points for a slow over rate in their last game with Leicestershire but despite, or perhaps because of this, there was widespread incredulity when the tea interval was taken on time, for the first time it what seemed like an eon, with the visitors on 238 for 2.Madsen took a single off Cohen to reach 50 and then dumped Jaydn Denly over cow corner for six.Reece scampered a single off Parkinson to reach his century, before he played a dreadful shot to the very next delivery, skying Parkinson straight to Ben Dawkins, who somehow dropped him.Madsen took two from a Stewart no ball to get to three figures, then overtook his partner before hitting a six off Corey Flintoff that broke Derbyshire’s record stand for the third wicket, the 202 put on by Chris Adams and Dean Jones at this venue in 1997.Madsen nearly perished in the final over when he hit Parkinson to long on, but Stewart couldn’t pick the flight of the ball and the chance went begging.