Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #RalphHasenhuttl says It is not a coincidence that the English players that go to Germany, immediately have a good impact’ #SAINTSFC

July 7, 2021
SAINTS boss Ralph Hasenhuttl insists it is “not a coincidence” to see young English talent thriving in Germany – but said mentality was also key to a player’s progress. The Austrian coach managed in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig before joining up with Saints and giving a number of players first-team opportunities in England. England’s national team have two players in their Euro 2020 squad that have made a name for themselves in Germany. Having originally come through the ranks at Watford and Manchester City, Jadon Sancho’s form for Borussia Dortmund and England has earned him a big-money move to Manchester United this summer. Teenager Jude Bellingham has also impressed overseas, having joined Dortmund from Birmingham City. Both players could play in England’s Euro 2020 semi-final against Denmark at Wembley tomorrow (8pm). Asked whether he felt it could be beneficial for young English players to develop their game abroad, Hasenhuttl said: “The most important thing for a young player is to play. It is tough to make the step to a Premier League team over here. “For Southampton maybe it is a little bit easier because we have a lot of examples of those who made the step-through at this club. “But at other clubs, it is not so easy. “It is not so easy when they are spending £400m during a transfer window, then it is difficult for the young lads to step in. “If then you do not have a chance to get in and you have an opportunity to go somewhere else and other countries and show up. “If you have the quality, you can go and show it and then you can also come back. I think the target is always the Premier League because it is the best league in the world, everyone wants to play here.” He added: “It is not a coincidence that the English players that go to Germany, immediately have a good impact. “There are good players in Germany also in the youth, absolutely. We have fantastic players there, especially at Leipzig where we had some very good young players. “The most important thing is the mentality. When you like to work harder than all the other do and when you like to work harder than everybody else then you have a bigger chance. That is much bigger than talent for me.”
Romain Perraud
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories- WhatsApp chat with #IbrahimDiallo helped convince #RomainPerraud to join Saints #SAINTSFC

July 6, 2021
NEW recruit Romain Perraud revealed conversations with fellow Frenchman Ibrahima Diallo helped convince him to make the move to Saints this summer. Left-back Perraud completed his move to Saints last week, penning a four-year contract after arriving for an undisclosed fee from Ligue 1 side Stade Brest. Saints' Premier League rivals West Ham, Newcastle and Leeds were all reportedly interested in signing the 23-year-old, who played 36 times in the French top flight last season. However, a familiar face among the Saints squad helped swing the deal. Perraud and Diallo were teammates at Brest during the 2019-20 campaign, before the latter made the move to Saints himself in October of last year. “Yes, before my signature I sent many messages on WhatsApp with Ibra Diallo,” Perraud told the Saints website. “He (Diallo) spoke with me about the club, the environment of the club and he told me good news. "Ibra is a very good person, so I can have confidence in him." Diallo featured 26 times in his debut season for Saints. But it was not only conversations with Diallo which saw Perraud plump for Saints. “For me, it’s the best league in the world, the Premier League. I’m very excited to try to challenge myself in this championship," he said. “When I was young, I would watch the games on the TV." He added: "The discussion with the manager was very important. I spoke with Ralph Hasenhuttl many times. "He spoke with me about tactics and the way to play. It was very good for me and I think there are similarities in his play and also mine." And Perraud was pleased to get the deal completed ahead of pre-season, which begins for Saints this week ahead of the 2021-22 campaign getting underway at Everton on August 14. "It's very important for me to meet the players before the season, because during the preparation you can integrate into the group," he said. "It's good for me and I want to start quickly, to meet the manager, players and medical staff." Asked how much he knew about Saints' history, Perraud added: "From the past I know many players, like Kevin Keegan and Peter Shilton, and I know this club has won one FA Cup in 1976. "I know this club. There were many good players here, like Gareth Bale and Theo Walcott, who is here now. "I'm excited to begin."
Theo Walcott
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #TheoWalcott believes confidence will help England ‘get far’ at Euro 2020 #SAINTSFC

July 4, 2021
SAINTS star Theo Walcott believes England will “get far” at Euro 2020, as they face a crunch quarter-final tie with Ukraine in Rome tonight (8pm). Gareth Southgate’s men are yet to concede a goal at the tournament, having played their three group games and last-16 encounter against Germany at Wembley. And Walcott, who played 47 times for the Three Lions, insists the confidence gained by England will help them progress to the business end of the tournament. The Saints forward told talkSPORT: “Everyone’s been saying how England are slow burners, but I’m just pleased that in tournament football, I don’t care how you play as long as you get results. “Slowly but surely, England have started to play at a level where England can go even further. “What I like is the confidence flowing through the whole team. You look at Kalvin Phillips, he was in the Championship the year before and seeing how he’s developed into one of the first names on the team sheet. “Everyone questioning Gareth at times, he’s the manager and knows what he’s doing and he’s showing that now. “Everyone’s smiling and so happy. It’s all positive energy. That’s why I feel like we are going to get far.”
Amex Stadium Brighton
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Brighton striker #RyanLongman is likely to go out on loan again after signing new deal #BHAFC

July 4, 2021
The 20-year-old striker, who has been with Albion since the age of 12, impressed on his first loan away from the club at League One side AFC Wimbledon. In his first season of regular senior football, Longman made 52 appearances in all competitions for the Dons, scoring nine goals and getting five assists in all comeptitions. That helped Wimbledon to avoid relegation from League One. He also played a key role in helping them to reach the Quarter-Finals of the Papa John's Trophy before being knocked out by fellow League One side Oxford United. After signing his new deal, Albion's technical director Dan Ashworth admits Longman is likely to head out on loan again to continue his development. He said: "Ryan really proved himself in men's football last season with Wimbledon, impressing David Weir and his team and has earned this new contract. "Ryan is keen to continue to learn and wants to build on what that experience has given him. "We are currently reviewing his situation, and that is likely to involve another season on loan, but we are confident he has another good year ahead of him."
Gary Dicker John Carew
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #GaryDicker rejoins Brighton to help under-23s #BHAFC

July 3, 2021
The 34-year-old will work as boss Andrew Crofts’ on-field general. It is an on-the-job mentoring-type role Crofts himself has filled in recent seasons. Crofts was part of the Albion team which dominated League One in 2010-11 and went on to establish themselves in the Championship at the Amex. He was playng in the Scottish top flight with Kilmarnock until the end of last season. But he has always kept a base just outside Brighton. He said: "I'm absolutely delighted to have been given this opportunity, which I think is perfect for me. I was honoured to be asked. BRIGHTON SIGN JEREMY SARMIENTO FROM BENFICA "I believe I can be a good influence with the young players on the pitch by passing on my experience and being an important part of the team while learning more about coaching from the great coaches there are at the club. "The club has made unbelievable progress, with so many great young players coming through, and I'm looking forward to helping that continue."
Jeremy Sarmiento
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Brighton sign #JeremySarmiento from Benfica #BHAFC

July 3, 2021
Albion have signed former England under-17 international Jeremy Sarmiento from Benfica. He arrives on a two-year deal on undisclosed terms, subject to international clearance. The 19-year-old attacking player will join up with Andrew Crofts’ under-23s. Sarmiento came through the ranks with Charlton Athletic before signing for Benfica in 2018. Crofts said: “We are delighted that we are able to bring a player like Jeremy in, who we’ve watched extensively during his time with both Charlton and Benfica. “The pathway we have in place was a big factor in Jeremy choosing us ahead of many suitors, which is of huge credit to the academy and first-team staff. “We look forward to welcoming Jeremy and seeing him in action with the under-23s in the near future.”
David De Gea Manchester United
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #UnaiSimon reveals message from #DavidDeGea and Brighton’s #RobertSanchez as Spain win #BHAFC

July 3, 2021
Spain penalty hero Unai Simon has revealed the encouragement he received from Robert Sanchez before helping his side into the semis. Simon saved two spot kicks as his side went through against Switzerland in the Euro 2020 quarter-finals. He revealed back-up keepers Sanchez and David De Gea spoke to him ahead of the shoot out. Simon said: “From experience I know it is worse being in the stands than on the pitch. “Both David and Robert wished me a lot of luck and gave me a lot of encouragement. “We knew what we had to do with the penalties. “They told me to be calm. What happens, happens. ALBION SIGN JEREMY SARMIENTO FROM BENFICA “We played a very good game for 120 minutes.” Spain how head to England for their semi-final against Italy at Wembley on Tuesday.
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #RalphHasenhuttl says We have tracked #RomainPerraud for a long time #SAINTSFC

July 3, 2021
BOSS Ralph Hasenhuttl revealed how Saints had been tracking the progress of left-back Romain Perraud “for a long time” and added: “He fits our profile for this position very well.” The St Mary’s side had been on the hunt for a full-back, with Ryan Bertrand exiting the club following the expiration of his contract this summer. But in the signing of Perraud from Stade Brest, for a fee which could reportedly rise to £12million, the Austrian boss admits he is delighted to get his man. He told the club website: “This is an important first signing for us. “Clearly, left-back is an area in which we were looking to strengthen and we have tracked Romain for a long time because he fits our profile for this position very well. “He is a high energy, robust guy with good aggression who will bring lots of energy to our play. He has good quality with his delivery from wide and is very competitive with his defending.” Perraud passed his medical and completed the move with Saints set to return for pre-season training on Monday. And Hasenhuttl is eager to see his new recruit hit the ground running. He added: “Completing the transfer before the start of pre-season allows him to start training with us immediately, learning our way of playing and tactical behaviours. “I think Romain will fit in well with us and we can help him develop his game further and maximise his potential.”
Romain Perraud
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Saints sign French full-back #RomainPerraud on four-year deal #SAINTSFC

July 3, 2021
SAINTS have completed the signing of French full-back Romain Perraud from Ligue 1 outfit Stade Brest. The 23-year-old has arrived at St Mary’s for an undisclosed fee, signing a four-year contract on the south coast. The likes of Newcastle, West Ham and Leeds had all been reportedly tracking the highly-rated defender but boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has got his wish of adding a left-back to his ranks this summer. The Toulouse-born star told the club website: “I’m very happy to be a Saint and I can’t wait to start this adventure. “I think it’s the best club for me. The manager explained to me the project of the club and for me that’s very important. “He spoke with me about tactics, of the way to play, and there are similarities in his play to mine. The feeling was very good, so now I’m here and I’m very happy.” Perraud was a key figure for Brest last season, playing 36 times and starting on 35 occasions. An attack-minded full-back, he scored three goals and registered seven assists to help his former side finish 17th in the French top flight. Saints also dealt with Brest last year in securing the services of midfielder Ibrahima Diallo for £12million back in October. Perraud, who also spent a season on loan at Ligue 2 side Paris FC, came through the youth ranks at Nice and went on to play four times for the club at senior level. A France youth international, he joined Brest in 2019 before now sealing a move to play Premier League football at Saints. Defender Perraud comes in following the departure of Ryan Bertrand, whose contract at St Mary’s officially expired this week. The new recruit is set to join up with Saints’ squad as they begin their pre-season back at Staplewood on Monday.
Sean Dyche Burnley
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Burnley striker #JoelMumbongo joins Accrington Stanley on season-long loan #BURNLEYFC

July 2, 2021
Burnley prospect Joel Mumbongo has signed for Accrington Stanley on a season-long loan deal. Mumbongo has already clocked up seven appearances for the Clarets first-team but will now step-up his development with a year at the Wham Stadium. The 22-year-old netted eight times in 13 Premier League 2 Division Two fixtures last season and John Coleman is delighted to land the striker who has been a long-term target. He said: "He has really impressed me every time I have watched him. He will add strength to the attacking areas. "He is quick, physically strong, and he is a no-nonsense centre forward, the type I like." Gothenburg-born Mumbongo began his career with Swedish sides BK Hacken and Utsiktens BK, before moving to Italy to join Hellas Verona in the summer of 2018. He signed for Burnley a year later, with the 22-year-old then making his first team debut for the Clarets in January 2021 against Milton Keynes Dons. He said of the move: “I am happy to be here, I feel like this is the right place at the right time for me. “It’s a good move for me, to be able to play games and show people what I can do. “I am a powerful striker, quick in behind and a threat. Scoring goals is my job and I want to make an impact."
Mohamed Elyounoussi
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Saints winger #MohamedElyounoussi pens emotional goodbye to loan club Celtic #SAINTSFC

July 2, 2021
SAINTS winger Mohamed Elyounoussi sent his thanks to loan club Celtic and added: “I wish everyone all the best in the future.” The Norwegian international took to Instagram on Wednesday to thank the Glasgow giants following the expiration of his loan stay at Celtic Park. Across two seasons, Elyounoussi played 67 games and scored 24 goals. He also won the Scottish title in 2020. A post from the 26-year-old’s official Instagram page read: “I would like to thank everyone at @celticfc for the two seasons I was there. “Thanks to all the coaching & background staff, the players and everyone who is working at this historic club. I have shared dressing room with a fantastic group of players and made friends for life. “It has been a pleasure and honour to wear the iconic green and white shirt. I’ll take all the good memories with me both domestically and in Europe. “Lastly, I want to thank the amazing fans that has been supporting and cheering me since the day I arrived. “You have made every game both at the incredible Celtic Park and away games joyful. We missed you last season and I hope for the boys that you are back next season. “I wish everyone all the best in the future.” Elyounoussi joined Saints from Basel in June 2018 for a reported £16million, signing a five-year deal at St Mary’s. He has played 19 games in total for Saints, eight of those appearances coming under manager Ralph Hasenhuttl.
Danny ings Southampton
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories #DannyIngs reveals the most underrated player he has played with #SAINTSFC

July 2, 2021
SAINTS striker Danny Ings revealed James Milner as the most underrated players he has played with throughout his career. The pair were team-mates at Liverpool before Ings joined up with Saints, initially on loan, in the summer of 2018. Milner has made 564 appearances in the Premier League throughout his illustrious career, as well as playing 61 times for England. He has also won three top-flight titles, an FA Cup and the Champions League. Asked at the Saints Foundation's All In This Together online event, who the most underrated player he had played with was, Ings replied: “I'd probably have to say James Milner. “There's always that banter, the boring Milner and stuff, but he's a great guy. “He's got unbelievable ability and he just works so hard. “I think until you're actually on the training pitch with him and spending every day with him, I think it's hard to actually realise how good a football player he actually is. “Still doing it at his age now, running further than everybody else in his team. I think he's probably the most underrated player because he's got so much ability.”