craig cathcart glenn murray
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Former Brighton striker #GlennMurray felt it was the right time to retire #BHAFC

June 1, 2021
Former Brighton striker Glenn Murray felt it was the right time to hang up his boots. Read more: Former Brighton striker Glenn Murray announces his retirement But Murray was content with the decision to end his playing career. He said: “I feel as though the time is right and I wanted to retire at a good level. “I’ve had a lot of good years in the game, but this seems the right time to call it a day. “I am getting off the football merry-go-round, the structure of being told what to do for 20 years. "I am looking forward to making some of my own decisions I suppose!" But Murray now looks to set to do more media work rather than go into coaching. He said: “I have got a lot of options, there are a lot of things going on in the background. "The media work is something I want to pursue and I am looking forward to starting a new chapter of my life. “Give me six months, a year and I might miss it so much that I want to give back to the club in some capacity as a coach. "But at the moment that isn’t the route I am going down.”
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #OriolRomeu says being injured is the worst thing as a football player #SaintsFC

May 31, 2021
FIT-AGAIN Oriol Romeu was pleased to put his injury setback behind him before the end of the Premier League season – but admitted it was tough to watch Saints struggle in his absence. The Spanish midfielder had been sidelined since February with a fractured ankle, sustained in a 3-0 defeat to Leeds United at Elland Road. He had originally been ruled out for the season by boss Ralph Hasenhuttl, but was able to make a return after coming off the bench for 30 minutes in last week’s season finale at West Ham. Despite replacing Kyle Walker-Peters on the hour mark at London Stadium, Romeu was powerless to prevent Saints slipping to a 3-0 reverse and having to succumb to a 15th-placed Premier League finish. Asked about his return, the former Chelsea man told the Daily Echo: “I’m happy to be back yes and being able to play a few minutes is a nice thing. “But I was not that happy with the result and the way it went. “We have conceded many goals, we conceded many chances and we haven’t pushed them, probably. A bit disappointed in that way. “But it’s a good message to make sure we first of all relax in the summer, have a few weeks to live and have a good rest – but also to start thinking ‘what can we do better next season?’.” Since Romeu sustained his ankle problem, Saints lost nine of their 14 league contests to finish the campaign – picking up 13 points from a possible 42. Quizzed on what it was like to watch his team-mates struggle, the 29-year-old said: “Being injured is the worst thing as a football player. Once you are not playing it’s the worst thing you can have. “When you see the team not enjoying it, it’s even worse but it’s part of the game as well. “You need to get through that recovery and make sure you come back in the best way you can.” He added: “Now the following six weeks are going to be crucial for us to start the pre-season in a good way and the season afterwards.”
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #RalphHasenhuttl admits changes required in Southampton’s defending #SAINTSFC

May 29, 2021
RALPH Hasenhuttl accepts Saints' rebuilding for next season will have to start from the back. After the Premier League campaign came to an end on Sunday, many fans were left with a sense of what might have been. Having opened the season with successive league defeats, Hasenhuttl’s well-drilled side found form and briefly topped the table in November. However, as injuries began to bite which stretched the depth of the squad, Saints lost their way, despite making it to the FA Cup semi-finals, where they were beaten by Leicester. Hasenhuttl knows the club face a key summer recruitment to bring in genuine quality to help them breakthrough into the top 10 again, rather than just continue to tread water. “Overall in such a long season like the Premier League is with 38 games, you see that some teams win games although they don’t play perfect, they don’t have a good game, but still win it,” the Austrian said. “When we want to win games, we have to have a perfect game, a very good game, everybody on the highest level. “It is not happening all the time in 38 games that we are playing on the highest level and this is the reason why we end up then in a position like we are at the moment. “Last season (2019-20) we had ups and downs and then the lockdown break helped us massively because we could recover and organise again, then go back and have a fantastic nine games to finish in 11th position. “A long season is going to end and where you end up, this is what you deserved for the performances you put in.” Hasenhuttl added: “Something I really think we have to change, it is very obvious, is the amount of goals we conceded. “Also (what must change) is the part of (where we are losing games) 9-0 (against Manchester United) – goals are definitely affecting the stats. “They are simply too high if you want to end up higher in the table. “This is a way of defending and a way of playing football that we have to change for the future. “We have shown in possession some good developments definitely. “We have also good name of our pressing style, but the way we defend in and around our box is far away from a top Premier League club. “If you don’t change this in the future we will always struggle when we want to speak about the top 10 position – you will always end up like we are this season and this is not what we want for the future.” While Hasenhuttl accepts Saints may have a financial disadvantage when trying to punch above their weight, it is not a challenge he is about to give up on. “We know that with the limits we have as a club, that it is the normal position we should be in from the amount we are investing from the wages we pay for players, the way we go with the young players,” Hasenhuttl said. “It is a tough league, we know this, but we are still dreaming about more. “It’s okay when you dream and it’s okay when we have some targets that say are a little bit higher than what we have achieved in last two years.”
Jurgen Klopp Liverpool
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #JurgenKlopp gives first reaction after #IbrahimaKonate deal is confirmed #LFC

May 29, 2021
Klopp on Konate signing Jurgen Klopp is confident Ibrahima Konate has the quality to improve Liverpool and challange for a place in his side's starting line-up. The Reds boss told Liverpoolfc.com: “I’m really pleased we’ve been able to add a player of Ibrahima’s quality to our squad and he is someone I’ve admired for a long time, ever since I first became aware of his potential when he was at Sochaux.“After the problems we had with injuries in the centre-half position last season, there’s no doubt it was clear it was an area of the team we needed to strengthen – but I first have to say that the job Nat, Rhys and Ozan did was incredible. Unbelievable really.“In Ibrahima we are signing a player who will add to the quality we already have here. His physical attributes are very impressive; he is quick, he is very strong and he is dominant in the air.“He comes to us after playing more than 90 times for Leipzig in the Bundesliga and European football. I’m sure that number would have been more but for some injury, but even so that means he already has experience of what it takes to compete in two outstandingly difficult competitions.“He also played for a team in the Champions League in high-pressure matches, who have a similar football vision to ourselves.“I am confident we are signing a player who can play for us right away, but he is a boy of 22 years of age who has room to improve because of his massive potential. I know that’s something he is eager to work on with us to become an even better player.“For me, that’s really exciting because I have seen how good he is already and I’m looking forward to working with him when he joins up with us in pre-season.”Klopp was in full recognition of Liverpool's achievement at full-time yesterday. (Image: (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images))
Sean Dyche Burnley
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories – #RobbieBrady admits regret on career with Burnley #BurnleyFC

May 28, 2021
BURNLEY have confirmed Robbie Brady is leaving the club at the end of his contract. The winger – the Clarets' record signing when he arrived from Norwich in January 2017 – departs having made 87 appearances for the club. The 29-year-old has however seen his time at the club blighted by injury, a serious knee issue derailing his progress after helping Burnley qualify for Europe back in 2018. Despite his frustrations, Brady has nothing but kind words for all those he is leaving behind at Turf Moor. “I would have loved if things had gone better at times, because I always backed myself to do well and help the lads out wherever I can," he said. "It was difficult in that respect but it's been brilliant and a big learning curve for me. “I just want to thank the lads and thank everyone for giving me this opportunity. I learned a hell of a lot over the last few years and a lot about myself. “I also want to thank the fans for making me feel so welcome. It's such a family club and they get right behind the lads as we've seen over the last few seasons. “It's been a phenomenal time and I'm so happy to say that I feel I have played a part in Burnley's history, which I'll always look back fondly on. “I have had a lot of good times - and a few bad times personally - but these things happen and I wish the lads all the best. I'm sure they're going to kick on again like we have done over the last number of years. I'm sad to go but it's a part of my career I look back on fondly, along with the people I've met.”
Che Adams
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories – #SirKennyDalglish admires #CheAdams and feels hopeful about his #Scotland national team contribution #SaintsFC

May 28, 2021
SIR Kenny Dalglish believes the cheers of a grateful nation can inspire Che Adams to be a Euro 2020 star for Scotland. The former England Under-20s youngster has switched allegiances to hand Steve Clarke’s squad a major boost ahead of this summer’s tournament. Scotland have lacked a natural goal-getter in recent years but they now have a player of genuine threat up top following Adams’ decision to nail his colours to the Dark Blues’ mast. As Scotland’s joint-record goalscorer, Dalglish knows what it takes to impress the Tartan Army. And he reckons 24-year-old Saints striker Adams – who struck nine times in the Premier League last season, as well as scoring his maiden international goal on his third cap against the Faroe Islands – has the tools required to help Scotland build a path to the latter stages. “I think it’s important to get someone who can score goals,” said the country’s most capped player. “Getting Che Adams into the squad is a brilliant bonus for us. “The boy worked his socks off in the games he had. “He’ll enjoy it even better when the crowds get back in and get right behind him. “It’s a difficult position to fill, striker. There aren’t too many about. Not too many are born in Scotland and you can’t manufacture one. “We’re grateful for him coming in and I’m sure he’ll be an asset.” The former Liverpool icon joked he would like to see ex-Anfield skipper Steven Gerrard offer up more than just Jon McLaughlin and Nathan Patterson from his title-winning Rangers squad to the national cause. But Dalglish is delighted to see Clarke’s side packed with Premier League experience, with the likes of captain Andy Robertson of Liverpool, Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay and Aston Villa’s John McGinn certs to play key roles as Scotland look to escape a group stage for the first time at a major tournament. “The stronger the depth of the squad, the better chance you have of being successful,” said Dalglish, who won 102 caps. “The players now, there are four or five who are first choices in the Premier League. It’s a while since we’ve had that and that’s good going forward. “Steven Gerrard could do with signing another couple of Scottish players to get them in the Rangers team – that might improve their performances as well. “Steven’s got a few English and foreign players in there which doesn’t help us and they’re the best team in Scotland by far at the moment. “But in saying that, Celtic still have a couple of boys playing for Scotland. “They’re playing at a higher level, I think, although this year has been difficult for them. It all looks pretty promising but we’ve got a really, really difficult section. Just to be there, as long as we can compete, I’m sure we’ll get satisfaction. “Stevie Clarke has done a fantastic job. The squad that he’s getting to pick from is getting stronger and deeper the longer we go on. “There are more boys playing at the top level in the Premier League in England than what there was before when he came in. “I think we’re heading positively in the right direction.” Scotland have the honour of hosting both the Czech Republic and Croatia at Hampden in between a trip to Wembley to face England. But with three of the four teams in Group D potentially qualifying for the second round, Scotland will fancy their chances. But Dalglish cautioned: “It’s a great opportunity until you mention who we’ve got to play. Croatia beat England in the semi-final at the last World Cup and then you’ve got England who aren’t too shabby either. “If you can get past those then you’ve got a chance. “What do you think the other sides will be saying about Scotland? They’ll be going ‘Och, we’re alright, this will be a doddle, we’ll beat them.’ “You don’t think England will be saying ‘We’ll beat them?’ I’ve not seen or heard an England player say, ‘That’s a hard game for us’. “I don’t think they’ll underestimate us, but they’ll still be confident of beating us. Just let’s hope that confidence turns into complacency and gives us a better chance.”
Sean Dyche Burnley
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Burnley provides #NickPope injury update after Euro 2020 blow #BURNLEYFC

May 27, 2021
Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope has undergone surgery on the knee injury that ended his hopes of being involved in England’s Euro 2020 squad. Pope was omitted from the 33-man squad named by Gareth Southgate on Tuesday which will be cut down to 26 by June 1 for this summer’s tournament. The 29-year-old, who has won seven caps for his country, would have been named in that squad, having started all three March qualifiers, only for an injury to end any hopes of being involved. Jordan Pickford and Dean Henderson were joined in the squad by Sam Johnstone (West Bromwich Albion) and Aaron Ramsdale (Sheffield United), with one set to miss out on the final squad. Pope had been hoping to feature against Sheffield United in last Sunday's season finale but felt further discomfort in his left knee, so he had what Burnley termed a "successful" operation to address a cartilage issue. Boss Sean Dyche told the club website: "We're expecting the recovery to go well at this early stage, but we'll wait and see as he recovers. "He's had a really, really good season once again. He continues to develop into a top, top keeper. "He's incredibly unfortunate to have this happen at this time but once again he's shown what a top keeper he is during the season and I'm sure will do again going into next season once he recovers." Pope kept 11 clean sheets over the course of the campaign, with only three ‘keepers managing more as Burnley finished the season in 17th spot.
Ben White Leeds
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #BenWhite remembers journey from Saints rejection to provisional England squad #BHAFC

May 27, 2021
POOLE-born talent Ben White has been named in England's provisional squad for this summer's European Championship. The 23-year-old grew up in the south, attending Queen Elizabeth's School in Wimborne, while also playing football for county side Poole and East Dorset. His path to the top was far from straightforward, released by Saints as a teenager and coming through lower league loan spells, before helping Leeds United clinch promotion from the Championship last season and now establishing himself as a key centre-back for Brighton & Hove Albion. White has been named in Gareth Southgate's inflated 33-man selection, which will be whittled down to 26 next week ahead of the delayed Euro 2020 getting underway on June 11. Discussing his earliest memories of football, White told YouTube channel GAFFER: "In the garden with my mum. I’d be playing out there and she’d be hanging the washing up or something like that and I’d tell her to get in goal and boot the ball at her! She’d stay out there for hours with me." Asked when he first started playing as part of a team, White added: "I joined a little local side on a Sunday, played that for a season or so. I was playing midfield. "Then I had a trial at Southampton at the end of that season." Asked who was in Saints' academy at the same time as him, White continued: "I think (Alex Oxlade) Chamberlain, Prowsey (James Ward-Prowse), (Jack) Stephens, who are all playing in the Premier League now. They’re not really my age, they were three years older than me, but they were the ones that I was watching. "After training they would be playing on the Saturday and I’d watch all their games." White failed to make the grade at Saints, let go as a teenager. But he quickly found a new home, joining Brighton's academy in 2014. He spent time out on loan at Newport County and Peterborough United, before his successful season with Leeds. Discussing his release from Saints, White said: "It was hard. I didn’t get anything at 16. You’re just booted out and that’s it really. "You’re done and you’ve got to find your own way back. Luckily I managed to do that and get my trial at Brighton." White is one of six centre-backs in the provisional England squad. He is competing with the likes of John Stones, Harry Maguire, Tyrone Mings, Conor Coady and Ben Godfrey for a place in the final 26-man group.
James Ward Prowse
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #RalphHasenhuttl and #GarethSouthgate heaps praise on #JamesWardProwse as he wins Saints Player of the Season award #SAINTSFC

May 27, 2021
SUPER skipper James Ward-Prowse has been named the Daily Echo Saints Player of the Season for the 2020-21 campaign. The midfielder sealed top spot in the online vote from Echo readers, with 46 per cent in total. He was ahead of Stuart Armstrong (32 per cent) with Kyle Walker-Peters (nine per cent) rounding off the top three. Ward-Prowse was ever-present for Saints in the top flight this season, becoming the only midfielder in the Premier League to feature for the entirety of two campaigns. Of Saints’ players this term, Ward-Prowse made more passes and had more touches of the ball than anyone else. Only Walker-Peters made more tackles than the England midfielder. Across the 38 games, Ward-Prowse scored eight times and provided seven assists. In winning the award, he follows in the footsteps of recent winners, Oriol Romeu, Alex McCarthy and Nathan Redmond. Mick Channon was the first recipient of the prize in 1974. The award seals an impressive double for the 26-year-old, who also last week scooped the club’s supporters’ player of the season accolade. Ward-Prowse was on Tuesday named in Gareth Southgate’s provisional 33-man England squad ahead of this summer’s European Championships. Speaking about the midfielder while announcing the squad, Three Lions manager Southgate said: “I've worked with James since my very first game in the under-21s and it has been amazing to see his life progress, really. "He is a father, he gets married soon and it is lovely to watch players go through that journey in their life. "To see him go from being a young player under Mauricio (Pochettino) to a great captain under Ralph (Hasenhuttl), it's fantastic." He added: "He is a fantastic professional. That is why he has been able to hammer those games out. "There is always an element of luck in having an injury-free run like that but you always know with James that he will do everything he can to get himself in the best condition that he can be in, to recover in the best possible way and to eat the right things.” Ward Prowse has made 322 senior appearances for Saints, having come through the club’s youth academy, joining at the age of eight. Speaking about the talismanic midfielder, Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl said: “It’s not surprising for me, a player who played every minute this season is unbelievable. “His physicality and his performances are outstanding. That’s our captain on the pitch and he is on the way that he is a very important player for this club for the long term, I think.”