Tom Lockyer
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Tom Lockyer left ‘speechless’ after being made Hatters captain by Rob Edwards #LUTONTOWNFC

August 12, 2023
Luton defender Tom Lockyer said he was left ‘speechless’ after being made club captain by manager Rob Edwards. Previous captain Sonny Bradley left in the summer, meaning 28-year-old Lockyer will become the first Hatters player to step foot onto a pitch in a Premier League game when Luton take on Brighton in tomorrow’s season-opener at the Lamex Stadium. “It’s surreal,” said the central defender. “I’m a little bit speechless and how to describe how it feels, but it’s incredible – a massive honour not just for me but my family as well. It’s not something I take lightly. I’m speechless.Tom Lockyer“Saturday will be a special occasion. As I’ve said, it’s a massive honour to lead such a good club, which has felt like home since I stepped through the door, to walk out the lads in the Premier League with the armband on. It’s really special.“It’s a great squad and good that we don’t have to manage any massive egos. Everyone is pretty grounded, we’re all normal fellas. We all get on really well but it won’t just be me driving the standards or keeping people in line. That comes from everyone. Everyone’s got their own high standards, and whatever those were last year, this year they need to be higher.”Explaining why he chose Lockyer, Edwards said: “He was the natural choice. His performances for us since we arrived have been incredibly high and incredibly consistent. He demands high standards and has the respect and trust of us all.“We’re delighted to have him as captain, it’s something he thoroughly deserves.”
Vincent Kompany
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Burnley boss Kompany on Man City game, Ramsey and Berge #BURNLEYFC

August 12, 2023
The deal for the 20-year-old from Aston Villa is expected to be completed imminently and Kompany is excited by his potential, having seen him during loan spells last season at Norwich and Middlesbrough. “The latest I’ve heard is that we’re close,” said the Clarets boss. “He’s not our player yet but I hope he will be soon. “Those who have followed the Championship and know a bit about the up-and-coming talents in English football (know his potential). He will be an England international for me, it’s just a matter of time.” Ramsey would make it 11 summer signings for Kompany as he prepares for his first campaign as a Premier League manager. Norway midfielder Sander Berge was the latest to arrive on Wednesday after moving from fellow newly-promoted side Sheffield United. “Sander Berge is a player with Premier League experience, which is important for us,” said Kompany. “We don’t have a lot at the moment. “He’s a player with size, technically good, able to receive the ball either in the first phase or in between the lines a little bit higher up. And a player who we hope we can bring to his full potential.” Burnley fans will have to wait longer to see if last season’s loan stars Ian Maatsen and Nathan Tella will be returning to Turf Moor, with Kompany saying: “I have to respect that the decision is not ours even if they’re very good players that we like.” He will not be pursuing a deal, though, for former Everton winger Andros Townsend, who has been training with the club following his release by the Toffees. “He’s been brilliant, he’s been fit, working hard, but, in terms of what we already had in the building and the players we also wanted to bring in, it didn’t make sense for us to complete,” added Kompany. “My advice to any manager that’s still looking for a winger is to approach him.” The fixture computer threw up an immediate reunion for Kompany with his old team Manchester City, who will make the short trip to Turf Moor on Friday. If there is a good time to play the three-time defending champions, this could potentially be it given Burnley were in pre-season before City completed their treble by winning the Champions League. “I’m sure after winning the treble he’s all right starting the season slightly behind,” said Kompany with a smile. “It’s probably the best challenge you could ever ask for. I want the team to embrace this game and hopefully the fans can do the same.” Kompany remains close to many people at City, including Pep Guardiola, and he said: “There’s been an awkward month where there was just congratulations flying back and forth between a lot of people. “They are people that I’ve worked with and lived with for many years in my life. The contact will always be there. “Now for a minute we have to put everything behind us and just go toe to toe, and we’ll try and do the best we can.”
Roberto De Zerbi
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Roberto De Zerbi assess Albion’s summer signings so far #BHAFC

August 12, 2023
But he is pleased with the signings made so far. The Seagulls head coach spoke for the first time since his club agreed a British record £111 million fee with Liverpool for Moises Caicedo. De Zerbi said: “James Milner is still a top player. READ MORE: ROBERTO DE ZERBI REACTS TO MOISES CAICEDO'S LIKELY MOVE TO LIVERPOOL “(Mahmoud) Dahoud last year did not play so many games but he is a top, top, top player. “Maybe he needs much time to come inside in idea and condition but he is a top player for us, for our level. “Joao Pedro is a potential crack. (Simon) Adingra is one attacker, one winger more and he will be very important for us because we will play more or less 60 games and we need a stronger squad. “Igor is a good player. Like Dahoud he needs much time because his position is crucial for us. “The centre-back can touch 100 balls per game. “But we have not finished yet the transfer market. “I think we are building a very, very good team”
David Moyes
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Praises reciprocated between AFC Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola and West Ham United manager David Moyes #WHUFC #AFCB

August 12, 2023
The Hammers visit Vitality Stadium tomorrow afternoon (3pm) as the first competitive opponents Iraola will face as Cherries boss. It is not the first time Iraola has crossed paths with the Scot, having played against Moyes on one occasion whilst playing for Athletic Club in La Liga. Moyes managed Athletic’s fierce rivals Real Sociedad for a year, all three Basque derbies ending in ties. Speaking about the man in the opposing dugout this weekend, Iraola stated: “David (Moyes) is a very, very good coach. “He has been really successful. “Past season, they won a European championship. “He also coached in Spain, so I knew him before. “But overall they are a really solid team. “They have quite a lot of options. "They can go more direct, they have very good wingers, they are really good in set pieces. “I think we have to be really focused not to make mistakes because they are the kind of team that if you make one mistake, they score the first goal and then it's very difficult to play against their result.” Praise was reciprocated by Moyes in his own pre-match press conference. The West Ham boss shared: "Bournemouth have always done well and they have a new approach this season under Andoni Iraola. "I think it's always a hard game at Bournemouth, but we had a good win there last year and we hope we can get another one tomorrow." "I made the transition to Spain and it's not easy going to manage in La Liga, just as it won't be easy for him coming to the Premier League, but he must have done something for Bournemouth to appoint him and I'm sure he has the characteristics to adapt. "Andoni is from the Basque Country, where there are really good people, and I'm sure he is one of them."  
Andoni Iraola
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- AFC Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola on new signing Max Aarons #AFCB

August 12, 2023
Signed on Thursday for an initial £7million from Norwich City, Aarons has only had one training session with his new teammates. Cherries start their Premier League campaign with the visit of West Ham to Vitality Stadium tomorrow afternoon (3pm). The absence of Adam Smith and Ryan Fredericks means head coach Iraola has a headache at right-back, with Aarons the only fit senior player who is a natural at the position. Aarons did not feature in any of Norwich City’s pre-season friendlies this summer after it was made abundantly clear that he was looking to move to pastures anew. The 23-year-old had entered the final 12 months of his deal at Carrow Road, and after 213 appearances for the Canaries, had felt he had accomplished all he could with Norwich. Whilst Aarons was absent for Norwich’s pre-season fixtures, he did compete for England’s under-21s this summer, helping the Young Lions lift the under-21 European Championships. The injured Smith missed the final pre-season of the season, with winger Jaidon Anthony deployed in his stead. Iraola mentioned that Anthony was again in his thoughts at right-back, but that he could also turn to Chris Mepham if he needed a more defensively-sound alternative. Primarily a centre-back, Mepham has previously played as a full-back under former Cherries managers. James Hill is another centre-back that has moonlighted as a right-back, both for loan club Hearts last year and for Cherries this pre-season. Asked if Aarons was available to start against West Ham, Iraola told the Daily Echo: “Yes, I think it's an option. “It's an option. “We can start also with Jaidon (Anthony). “We can go with Chris (Mepham) if we want to go more defensive. “We have two, three options that we could use. “But first I would like to see how they train today and take the final decision.” The deal for Aarons could potential rise to £13million. The England under-21 international is viewed both as a prospect for the feature, but experienced, having already played 70 times in the Premier League. Discussing his defensive recruit, Iraola shared: “I think for his age, he has already a good bunch of Premier League games. “I think he has been playing in this level. “He has international experience. “He has been playing this summer with national teams. “And I think he will help us straight away, even if he's young. “He's not as young as some of the signings we made. “He has the experience and he will help us for sure.”
Rob Edwards
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Rob Edwards happy with pre season but counts the injuries #LUTONTOWNFC

August 7, 2023
Luton boss Rob Edwards is hopeful that the injuries picked up by Jordan Clark and Dan Potts during yesterday’s pre-season double-header out in Germany aren’t too serious ahead of this weekend’s Premier League opener at Brighton & Hove Albion.Midfielder Clark, who scored Town’s goal in their Championship play-off final victory over Coventry City back in May, was stretched off in the Hatters’ first game against their Bundesliga opponents, which saw them beaten 2-1.Meanwhile, Potts then only lasted 26 minutes of the second match, Luton running out 3-1 winners thanks to Luke Berry’s double, as giving an update on the pair after the match, Edwards said: “It was a really good exercise, we've been able to get everyone minutes.Dan Potts picked up an injury against Vfl Bochum on Saturday - pic: David Rogers/Getty Images“Hopefully Pottsy and Clicker are not too bad, initial examinations show hopefully they’ll be okay fairly quickly, but we’ll be able to assess them in more detail when we get back home.“I felt like the first game we probably looked a little bit tired, the majority of those lads played the majority of the minutes against Wolves.“It’s been a quick turnaround from that game and I thought we lacked a little bit of intensity."It was a good moment as we finished the first half well, started the second half well and then looked a little bit more jaded.“We need to push some of them to get through the minutes there, so some positives there."Second game I thought we had a bit more life and I was really pleased with one or two.“I was really pleased with younger players, they’ve come out here and acquitted themselves really well."So overall, a really good worthwhile practice, bits to keep working on as always, but sets us up nicely going into the final week of preparations.”
Roberto De Zerbi
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Roberto De Zerbi shares objectives for Brighton’s 2023-24 season after club exits and new joinees #BHAFC

August 7, 2023
The Seagulls closed pre-season with a 1-1 draw at home to Rayo Vallecano at the Amex. Joao Pedro converted a penalty and Danny Welbeck twice hit the woodwork for a home side who conceded a gift opening goal to the Spanish visitors. Lewis Dunk enjoyed his first appearance of pre-season and both James Milner and Igor got welcome outings for their new club in the later stages. Head coach Roberto De Zerbi said: “We are starting I think the most important season in our career, until now. “We have to be happy, to be proud, because we have the possibility to play in the Europa League and to fight another year in the Premier League. “I think we can become stronger than last year. We lost Mac Allister and Levi Colwill but we brought new players. “All of these are very good players. Different for (Mo) Dahoud and Milner because they are not so young. “But Joao Pedro, (Simon) Adingra, Igor, have big potential and we have to find the balance between the players who played last year with me and the new players.”
Rob Edwards
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Rob Edwards hails ‘incredible’ support from Luton’s board in the transfer window as he targets a ‘few more’ signings ##LUTONTOWNFC

August 5, 2023
Hatters boss Rob Edwards has hailed the ‘incredible' support received from CEO Gary Sweet and the rest of Luton’s board in his efforts to bolster Town’s squad for the upcoming Premier League season.With the club going into a summer transfer window like no other, having their coffers boosted by around £100m after winning the Championship play-off final at Wembley, the Hatters haven’t been able to pump it all into signing players, shelling out over £10m on ground improvements to make sure Kenilworth Road can host top flight games this term.Town are also ring-fencing a large chunk of it to finance their new ground at Power Court, leaving Luton with much less than the other promoted teams, and the rest of their rivals, to spend on new additions.Town legend Mick Harford, the Hatters' chief recruitment officer, plus chairman David Wilkinson and CEO Gary Sweet watch on as Luton drew with Wolves on Wednesday night - pic: Eddie Keogh/Getty ImagesDespite that, owners 2020 are still making a real fist of it, as ahead of the window, the club had spent £1m just twice in their previous 138-year history, when signing Croatian goalkeeper Simon Sluga in 2019 and striker Carlton Morris last summer.However, the Hatters have now done that up to four times in the space of a month, with Mads Andersen, Tahith Chong, Ryan Giles and Thomas Kaminski all believed to have cost seven figures.It might even be five, the fee not revealed for Marvelous Nakamba when joining from Aston Villa as well, as when asked about the backing he had received in his hunt for new players, Edwards said: “Gary and the board have been incredible, but I think there’s a clear strategy as well."You can see that with our recruitment, we’re bringing in good people, good players, players that we feel first of all can thrive at this level now and try and keep kicking us on and keep kicking us forward."Some of them, Marv, has got Premier League experience, but we feel that they’ve performed so well in the Championship that they’re able to make that step up.”After revealing that Luke Freeman, Admiral Muskwe, Dion Pereira and Glen Rea are likely to leave the club during the current window to free up spaces in Town’s squad, Edwards reiterated his desire to carry on adding to the six new faces he has already secured.He added: “There’s a 25-man squad that you can announce."We haven’t got to fill that, I want a nice tight group to work with and a group that feel all involved and have got a chance to get those minutes."But we need competition throughout the squad in every position, so there’s a couple of areas that I still want to try and do a little bit more work in."I won't say anything yet, but we’re working hard behind the scenes to try and do that, like everyone is."You’ll hear that up and down the country at the moment, but there will be a few more.”
Levi Colwill
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Levi Colwill says farewell to Albion after Chelsea’s loan deal ends #CHELSEAFC #BHAFC

August 2, 2023
Albion wanted Colwill as their priority target in defence after an exceptional season on loan from Chelsea. Colwill became pivotal at left centre back as Albion secured Europa League for the first time ever. There were question marks over whether the England under 21 international would stay at Chelsea this season, with Albion guaranteeing him game time and European football if he were to return. Colwill after the 3-0 win against Arsenal (Image: PA) But Colwill, 20, has now agreed a new six-year contract with Mauricio Pochettino’s side and looks set to be one of their starting defenders. He was one of Albion's priority targets this summer but Pochettino insisted he would get the game time he wanted at Chelsea. Colwill posted on his Instagram this evening a message to Brighton. He said: “To Brighton and Hove Albion. “I am proud to have played a small part in the clubs success last season. “You gave me an opportunity to play in the Premier League when no one else did. I thank Graham Potter for first bringing me to the club and to all the employees at the stadium and training ground for making it a great place to perform and develop “To the fans, you’ve always had my back. Since I got into the side, your continuous support made me feel comfortable to play the way I wanted to play and not fear about making mistakes. “You gave me a platform to shine and show my ability in the best league of the world. I will never forget that you supported me. “Lastly Roberto De Zerbi, you challenged me every day. You made me think and see football in a different way. I cannot thank you enough. “Thank you again. LC.” Despite only making 17 Premier League appearances, Colwill became one of the first names on the team sheet in the second half of the season. Chelsea turned down a £30 million bid for Colwill from Albion and it was reported that De Zerbi’s side were set to bid £40 million for him. Albion signed Brazilian defender Igor Julio from Serie A side Fiorentina last Wednesday as an alternative option. The 25-year-old Brazilian signed on a four-year contract for an undisclosed fee which is believed to be in the region of £14 million.
Moises Caicedo
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Moises Caicedo thanks fans on the awards night of Brighton before impending transfer #BHAFC

August 2, 2023
The midfielder was named Player Of The Year at the club’s belated 2022-23 prize night. He was also voted Players’ Player Of The Year by his colleagues. The Ecuador international, who is wanted by Chelsea, used his improving English in two acceptance speeches at the Amex. He told fans: “I am so happy. I am very proud of myself. “Thank you to my team-mates and all the fans for their amazing support. “It was fantastic this season. I am so happy to reach the Europa League with Brighton, who were the team who opened the doors in the Premier League. It was so good. “Why not give my best for this amazing club?” Asked whether he had a message for supporters, he replied: “Thank you all the fans for your amazing support. “It was amazing last season. Without your support, it would be impossible. I am grateful to you.” He added: “I do this for my family because they are my inspiration. My mum and dad always were there for me in good and bad moments. “I am going to give my mum this present (the award). “She is here in Brighton. I am going to arrive in my flat and say, ‘Mum, this is for you.” Caicedo was rapturously cheered and appauded by supporters, although many will also be aware his double emulates the feat of Marc Cucurella - who went on to join Chelsea within weeks.
Andoni Iraola
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- AFC Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola on goalkeepers Andrei Radu and Neto #AFCB

August 2, 2023
Goalie Radu became the latest addition at Vitality Stadium this summer, joining Cherries on an initial loan from Italian giants Inter Milan. Cherries reportedly hold an option to convert the temporary move to a permanent one in the summer for £7million. The arrival of Radu has allowed Mark Travers to join Stoke City on loan for the season, the highly-rated goalkeeper being given the opportunity of more consistent gametime in order to aid his development. With Iraola’s penchant for knockout competitions and Radu’s notable record of saving penalties, the idea of the goalkeeper being brought in as a shootout specialist for cup campaigns has arisen. However, rather than having Radu serve merely as a back-up to established first choice Neto, Iraola believes the Romanian is more than capable of making the position his own. Asked if Radu had been brought in to serve as a “cup goalkeeper”, Iraola told the Daily Echo: “I think goalkeeping situation, okay, it’s kind of a different position, but we will make the decision for day one. “Then after we will make the decision for day two. “We cannot plan so far ahead because things happen in trainings, performance matters. “I think there was a need on the club because especially I think Mark and the club wanted the situation to be like this. And I think it's good for everyone. “So I think Andrei can help us straight away because he has performed in a high level. He's ready to compete for the position. “And we'll take the decisions day by day, game by game.” Cherries supporters got their first look at Radu last weekend, the goalkeeper coming off the bench to feature in the second half of the 3-1 defeat to Atalanta. FC Lorient visit Dorset as guests for Cherries’ final pre-season friendly, on Saturday, August 5.
Jaidon Anthony
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- AFC Bournemouth’s Jaidon Anthony hoping to become more ‘complete’ player #AFCB

August 2, 2023
Winger Anthony signed a five-year deal back in February to confirm his long-term future lies with Cherries, the former Arsenal youngster now entering his second season in the Premier League. Much has changed since Anthony got his first taste of top-flight football against his former club last August, with the man who handed him his Premier League debut, Scott Parker, long gone. Parker’s replacement Gary O’Neil has also moved on, with Basque boss Andoni Iraola in charge at Cherries. With the Spaniard liking his teams to press high and use the full width of the pitch, it appears the change in management could be a good fit for Anthony. When this was put to the wideman, Anthony told the Daily Echo: “Different playing style, different ideas and I'm enjoying it. “It's been a tough pre-season getting to know the way he wants us to play and to be honest we're still learning as we go, but I think we're all enjoying it and combining into what he wants us to do. “I probably played a lot of my minutes last year as a wing-back and doing a lot of defensive work. “Obviously this year we’ve got a different formation and there's a lot of running in behind, but yes, there's a lot of work to be done on my game especially.” Finding himself at Cherries after being released by Arsenal, it has not been a straight forward path to the top for Anthony, who was playing his football on loan in the sixth tier as recently as 2020. “I'm working out every day to improve not just what I'm not so good at,” continued the 23-year-old. “But what I'm very good at as well, to try and become more of a complete player.” Asked if he has any particular goals for the campaign ahead, Anthony remained coy, sharing: “Nothing too specific, but obviously just want to do as well as I can and try and help wherever I can. “There's obviously personal targets I want to try and hit, but my main goal is to help the team in whatever capacity I’m needed.” With every outfielder encouraged to get forward when the opportunity arises, players often have to deputise in unfamiliar positions to help Cherries keep their shape. After playing as a quasi-wing back for much of last season, Anthony is more than willing to help out at the back if needs must. He restarted: “As a team we want to help each other out where we can and if I'm not attacking then I'm going to try and do my best for the team wherever they need me. “If I have to cover, then that's what I'll do. But my job is to try and attack and create chances and that's what I'm trying to do for the team.”
Andoni Iraola
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Andoni Iraola wants AFC Bournemouth to sign more midfielders #AFCB

July 31, 2023
The departure of Jefferson Lerma on a free transfer to Crystal Palace, combined with the sale of Ben Pearson to Stoke City this transfer window has seen Cherries’ numbers in the middle of the park dwindle. Gavin Kilkenny has returned to the first team following a loan spell at Charlton, but the youngster does not seem central to the Basque boss’ plans, whilst Joe Rothwell is still not fully fit after an injury at the end of last term. With Philip Billing injured for the visit of Atalanta, Iraola resorted to playing Ryan Christie beside Lewis Cook as his midfield pairing, the Scot usually deployed behind the striker or on the wing. Iraola also explained there was further experimentation with David Brooks, the Welsh international operating as the number 10 behind Dominic Solanke. Iraola told the Daily Echo: “Right now, especially with Philip being out today and Joe (Rothwell) also being in this recuperation process, we lacked players inside. “But we tried Ryan as a number eight. We tried also Brooksie playing inside. Probably they are not their better positions, but right now I think they can help us there in some moments. And is the time to make this provocation. Expanding further, Iraola told BBC Radio Solent: “I think Ryan I prefer him as a number ten. “I think he's more suited for this position or even from the side coming inside. “But right now with the players we have, he can help us. “He played some minutes also against Maccabi there and I think he's tactically smart, so he can be valuable anywhere.” Asked what type of midfielder he would like to see signed, the former Athletic Club man continued: “I think we need probably more than one player there. “I think we need different styles, different types of player that can help us in these three positions we use in the midfield. “But right now we have to wait at the end, the club is trying to sign the players. “Like all the teams, but we have to wait for the right situation. “We all think that it's better to wait a little bit more, even if you don't train (with the new players), but at the end you make the right decision with the correct player, the player that suits your style and think is going to be better for the club.” Cherries host FC Lorient next weekend, before starting their Premier League campaign with the visit of West Ham on Saturday, August 12.